Cruise News
Celebrity Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line will be the first cruise line to receive approval from the CDC to set sail with passengers from the US. Celebrity Edge will depart from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on June 26th. Guests will embark on a 7-night Caribbean sailing. The ship will also have the first American, female Captain, Captain Kate McCue.
Royal Caribbean International, which is the owner of Celebrity Cruise Line, will be able to skip test sailings. They will follow the mandate that 95 percent of passengers and 95 percent of crew members need to be vaccinated. Celebrity is requiring that 100 percent of eligible passengers over 16 years old and 100 percent of the crew be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to embarkation. In August, the requirements will be expanded to include 12 year old passengers and older.
Celebrity will stop selling tickets to unvaccinated passengers once the 5 percent capacity for unvaccinated guests has been met.
Celebrity Edge, photo credit: Celebrity Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Corporation received U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) acceptance of its Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral. These are all key homeports for Carnival Cruise Line and the first three homeports that Carnival is focusing on for its return to guest operations this summer.
Carnival has already announced that Carnival Horizon (sailing from Miami) and Carnival Vista and Breeze (sailing from Galveston) will be the first ships to carry guests as the line plans its July return to service. Port Canaveral is a restart priority, and Carnival expects to announce plans for operations in the near future.
As Carnival Cruise Line is awaiting clarifications from the CDC for sailings this summer, they are extending the final payment deadline for guests on July and August sailings of Carnival Breeze, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon until June 14th. Guests may cancel without penalty by June 14 and receive a full refund.
Carnival has revised Carnival Spirit’s dry dock schedule and, as a result, they are cancelling sailings from Brisbane between September 19 and November 21, 2021. Guests on the cancelled sailings may elect their enhance value offer (Future Cruise Credit/On Board Credit) or a full refund, and they can make their selection online.
Carnival's Alaska cruises are available only for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. This will be confirmed at check-in and guests who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to sail and no refund will be provided. Guests should review the Have Fun. Be Safe.™ guidelines for the cruises.
Guests who are not vaccinated, including children who are not yet eligible for a vaccine, will not be permitted to sail.
If guests determine that, given these guidelines, the time is not right for them to sail Carnival is extending their ability to rebook or request a full refund until Thursday, June 3, 2021 or by their final payment date, whichever date comes later. After that date, the regular fare rules will apply.
For upcoming Alaska 2021 sailings, Carnival is cancelling their stop in Victoria, British Columbia due to being unable to call on Canadian ports, and they are extending the time in Ketchikan by two hours.
Carnival Freedom, photo credit: Carnival Corporation
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian has made the decision to further extend suspensions for eight of their ships. The following sailings are suspended through the listed dates:
Pride of America - October 31, 2021
Norwegian Escape - November 2, 2021
Norwegian Joy - October 9, 2021
Norwegian Pearl - December 7, 2021
Norwegian Jewel - January 9, 2022
Norwegian Spirit - January 28, 2022
Norwegian Sun - January 18, 2022
A single cruise aboard Norwegian Bliss by October 24, 2021
Guests who had an active reservation on a suspended cruise will automatically receive a refund of the cruise fare in the original form of payment corresponding to the amount paid before June 1 for cruises suspended until April 6, before June 22 for cruises suspended until April 28 and before July 21 for cruises suspended until May 26.
Norwegian Escape, photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
As of May 28, 2021, a temporary final payment extension was added to Disney Cruise Line sailings through November 30, 2021. They are also temporarily relaxing their cruise cancellation fee schedule for sailings through November 30, 2021.
These temporary changes are in addition to the Cruise Date Flexibility Option that already allows guests the flexibility to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to departure for any cruise booked by June 30, 2021, for scheduled sailings on or before November 30, 2021.
Seabourn
Seabourn will be sailing this summer. Beginning on July 3, 2021, Seabourn Ovation will be departing from Athens, Greece, and Seabourn Odyssey will be sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados on July 18, 2021.
In preparation for sailing, Seabourn is updating their protocols for Covid-19:
Mandatory enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings, and completion of required documentation – including health questionnaires, Passage Contract, and COVID-19 Risk Acceptance – to be completed no later than 24 hours prior to sailing. Guests who do not complete the required documentation will not be permitted to board.
Anyone with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or who are identified at-risk, will have additional medical screening before allowing them to board.
Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) when necessary
Contact tracing is planned for every cruise
Physical distancing will be maintained throughout check-in and embarkation, and will be required in terminals, on board ships, on private islands, and during shore excursions.
Entertainment programs and restaurants will be designed to enhance physical distancing.
When physical distancing can’t be maintained, or when mandated by public health authorities, masks will be required on board, at private islands, and during shore excursions. Masks must be worn in terminals, during embarkation and disembarkation.
They will follow the health protocols for every port they visit. There may be a reduction in the capacity of excursions and tour vehicles. Only shore excursions that comply with their prescribed protocols will be permitted, with strict adherence required of all guests and denial of re-boarding for any guests who do not comply.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is preparing to begin sailing soon with Europe reopening for travel. Starting in France with the July 20, 2021, Tapestry II will depart with the “Paris to Normandy” cruise. This confirmation is pending the official announcement of the France border opening to U.S. travelers, and they will keep all guests scheduled on this cruise informed of that status. For all other cruises and destinations, Avalon Waterways has continued suspension of operations through July 31, 2021 for guests from the United States.
Theme Park News
Disneyland Resort
Beginning June 15, 2021, the Disneyland Resort will once again be able to welcome travelers from outside the state of California back to their theme parks. Out-of-state visitors may now begin booking their return to the parks. Until June 15, all guests visiting the Disneyland Resort must be California residents visiting in groups no larger than 3 households.
The State of California strongly recommends that all guests be fully vaccinated or obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the theme parks. In addition, all guests will be required to wear an approved face covering throughout their visit at the Disneyland Resort.
As a reminder, to enter a theme park, all guests (ages 3 and older) need to have both a ticket and theme park reservation for the same park on the same date.
There is also an additional update on the theme park reservation system. Beginning today, the booking window for theme park reservations has expanded out to 120 days, allowing guests even more time to plan their return to the resort. Guests can check the theme park reservation calendar for availability.
Jungle Cruise will reopen July 16, 2021 at Disneyland park, with an updated experience that welcomes new characters from around the world plus even more of the humor, wildlife and skipper heart that makes this classic attraction a favorite. At Magic Kingdom Park, Guests can continue to enjoy the Jungle Cruise while updates are being made, and all changes will be completed this summer.
True to his reputation as the best merchant in the jungle, Trader Sam has found a way to convert the new Lost & Found location into something more profitable for the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd. The Jungle Cruise appears to be going the route of all the best rides – ending with a gift shop!
As previously shared, the Jungle Cruise enhancements include several new scenes along the river, all interconnected. Unexpected scenarios along the way will give the jungle and the animals the last laugh!
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has updated their guidelines for guests to visit the parks:
In accordance with CDC guidelines, face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests, indoors or outdoors. While we do not require proof of vaccination, we do expect those who are not fully vaccinated to wear face coverings while indoors. We encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties, and we remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood has updated their guidelines in light of the ability for out-of-state guests to visit the parks:
In accordance with government guidelines, to visit you must either be a California resident or an out-of-state visitor who is fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after final dose was administered) for COVID-19 with a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO (proof of COVID-19 vaccination and photo ID will be required for park entry by out-of-state visitors.) Unfortunately, at this time, we can only welcome out-of-state visitors age 12 and over as children under age 12 are not eligible for vaccination. Party size for all visitors is limited to a maximum of three households.
Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit, including guests who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego has also updated their safety guidelines to visit the park:
Per state restrictions, attendance is generally limited to California in-state visitors. Fully vaccinated persons from out-of-state can visit the park if they show proof of a fully completed COVID-19 vaccine. To adhere to capacity guidelines, and for the health and safety of our animals, employees and guests, reservations and proper face coverings are required to enter the park. Starting June 15, SeaWorld San Diego may return to usual operations with no COVID-19 restrictions. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that people attending certain public occasions be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative COVID-19 test beforehand, or wear a face covering.
In the World News
It was previously announced that the deadline for the REAL-ID was this October but the date has been extended. The delay is due to Covid-19 causing the temporary closure of
the departments of motor vehicles and registries of motor vehicles in many states.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has mandated that U.S. travelers be REAL ID-compliant by May 3, 2023 to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID
compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another TSA-acceptable form of
identification, for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities.
Florida
Marriot International is opening a new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center near Walt Disney World on July 22, 2021. The hotel will offer upscale accommodations and suites. Guests can enjoy the heated pool with a splash pad near the outdoor Food Cabana, the Flying Flamingo, that offers delicious appetizers and lighter pool side fare. There will also be a state-of-the-art Sports Court which features a mini soccer field with turf, batting cages and a basketball court.
photo credit: Marriot International
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is no longer requiring vaccinated, domestic visitors to be tested for Covid-19 prior to entry. All vaccinated travelers will need to upload official Vaccination Card, as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal.
Non-vaccinated, domestic travelers will still need to provide evidence of either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
If the traveler arrives without a test, they must upload either a PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken on the Island, within 48 hours of arrival, or they will receive a $300 fine.
If the uploaded result is negative, the quarantine is lifted. If the result is positive, the person must isolate and follow the local isolation protocol at his/her own expense.
There will be an option for those who are not vaccinated and arriving to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), to receive a Johnson and Johnson vaccine in Terminal B.
For any questions regarding the airport entry process, travelers should contact the Health Department at 939-592-5115 or infoviajeros@salud.pr.gov.
Public beaches and natural reserves are open and following social distancing guidelines. Fully vaccinated travelers will not be required to wear a mask on beaches and parks.
Ireland
Ireland's Prime Minister, Michael Martin, has announced a plan to begin the reopening process of traveling to Ireland from the US. As of July 19, 2021, Ireland will adopt the European Union's Covid-19 certificate. This will enable the opportunity for US citizens to travel to Ireland. Residents who have had a negative Covid-19 test, have been vaccinated, or have recovered from Covid-19 may move freely about the country.
Travelers from outside the European Bloc may visit with valid proof of vaccination as long as they are not coming from high risk countries. Anyone traveling from outside the EU who isn't vaccinated must have a negative Covid-19 test, and they will be required to quarantine until they receive the results from a second test after their arrival.
Any unvaccinated children between 7 and 18 years old must have a negative Covid-19 test before coming to Ireland regardless of which country they came from.
Spain
Spain will be welcoming fully vaccinated travelers from the US as of June 7, 2021. Visitors will not need to quarantine after arrival. Proof of vaccination must be shown in the form of a vaccination card or certificate of vaccination.
If families are traveling with unvaccinated minors from the same household, then they will be permitted entry. Children aged 6 to 17 years old must have a negative Covid-19 test at least 72 hours prior to arrival and have proof of the result with them. Children under 6 do not need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result.
Travelers are required to fill out an online health questionnaire prior to departure.
Mexico
AMResorts® announced an opening update for Breathless® Cancun Soul Resort & Spa.
Construction to this new AMResorts® branded property is running ahead of schedule, and the resort is delighted to announce that they will open its doors December 7, 2021, two weeks earlier than the previously communicated opening date of December 21, 2021.
Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. Clad in sleek décor with neutral accents and located along the Cancun strip in the Hotel Zone, this beachfront resort will be the soul of Cancun featuring 429 suites, including the xhale club and the Breathless brand signature Unlimited-Luxury® vacation concept.
Hotel Zone Cancun