In the World News
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Jan. 12 said
all international airline passengers headed to the U.S., including returning U.S. citizens, will need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding their flights in an effort to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19. The new federal policy is going into effect on January 26, 2021.
AIC Hotel Group
All-inclusive AIC Hotel Group, which includes Hard Rock Hotels, UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya, and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are offering U.S. residents free return-home antigen testing and complimentary medical assistance. Existing and new reservations of three nights or more booked by February 28, 2021, for travel between January 26 and December 31, 2021, will receive two complimentary antigen tests per room. Additional tests can be purchased for $50.
Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
AMResorts
AMResorts® has launched CleanComplete+, a comprehensive program offering complimentary on-site COVID-19 testing for U.S. guests, among other health-focused initiatives, for minimum three night reservations required. This includes a COVID-19 viral antigen testing on-property at no cost to guests traveling to the U.S., as accepted per CDC U.S. travel regulations beginning on January 26, 2021. Testing will be facilitated by the concierge at each resort and guests are asked to schedule tests upon arrival. Results will be delivered same day, in a format consistent with CDC requirements. A minimum 3-nights is required to qualify.
For the following destinations, testing protocols have been adjusted based on in-country resources and protocols. In every instance, guest testing will be facilitated by the resort concierge.
Curacao properties will provide the viral antigen test at no cost to guests at an off-site testing location.
Saint Martin and Costa Rica do not currently offer the COVID-19 viral antigen test in destination. As a result, the resort will help facilitate the CDC required testing at an off-site location with an additional cost to the guest.
If a guest receives a positive test while on property that prevents departure, the cost of quarantine at the property will be covered for up to 14 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest plus one travel companion sharing the same room. This program is valid for travel through March 31, 2021.
AMResorts will be expanding two more properties in Mexico, Secrets® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort and Dreams® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort are one cohesive property that will be located in the exclusive area of Nayarit near Punta de Mita situated on the golden sand beaches of the Banderas Bay. They are slated to open June 1, 2021.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
All Karisma Hotels & Resorts in the Riviera Maya region of MX, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica will offer a complimentary, on-site covid-19 antigen test for guests who are traveling to the U.S, as per CDC guidelines. The first antigen test will be available free of charge at the hotels for guests departing as of January 26 in response to new CDC requirements that all air passengers entering the United States produce a negative antigen test. If a guest's test results are positive, Karisma will provide quarantine accommodations until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result for a period not to exceed 14 nights. These amenities are available for guests traveling through March 31, 2021. Policies are subject to be reviewed and changed according covid-19 protocol updates.
Palace Resorts
Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts are pleased to expand our Purely Palace and Purely Le Blanc programs. Now all our resorts throughout Mexico & Jamaica will offer easy, onsite COVID-19 antigen (rapid) testing. Tests will be conducted on property at no cost to guests (for up to two guests per room) traveling to the United States. Results will be received within 30 minutes, and documentation will be ready for guests to present at the airport for their journey back home. Guests can contact the concierge to schedule their departure test as soon as they check in. For guests traveling to countries requiring PCR testing instead, our concierge teams will help facilitate testing onsite through a third party. Additional fees will apply. Additional rapid tests will be available at a minimal cost of $19 per guest.
Sandals Resorts
Complimentary testing will be conducted through March 31st for guests, right in the comfort of their resort. Tests will be conducted by approved and practiced medical professionals with maximum convenience and minimal distraction to their overall vacation experience. Once at the resort, their team will assist them without difficulty to make the arrangements required to schedule the guest's onsite COVID-19 test at the resort. This will be done at least 72 hours prior to their departure and their test results will be available within 24-48 hour.
Iberostar Resorts
Effective January 26th, guests will now be able to take the COVID-19 antigen test on-site before returning to the U.S. at no additional cost at Iberostar hotels in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Brazil. For those guests interested in taking the PCR test, these will also be available in all of their properties at an additional cost.
Cruise News
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line made the announcement, "Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and team members. We are carefully preparing for a return to service following the guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As we continue to refine our protocols and await further technical guidance from the CDC, we are cancelling all sailings departing through March 2021."
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
RCCL has also announced an extension to their suspension, "to allow for additional time to prepare for our return to service, we're unfortunately extending our suspension of sailings for the majority of our fleet through the end of April 2021 (excluding Quantum of the Seas), along with our February 16th - February 28th, 2021 Spectrum of the Seas sailings." They hope to resume global sailings by May 1, 2021.
Grandeur of the Seas® will begin sailing from the newest Royal Caribbean® home port, beautiful Bridgetown, Barbados.
Grandeur of the Seas
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises will be suspending sailings through April 30th, 2021 including the May 1st, 2021 transatlantic cruise on Celebrity Apex. As well, May through October 2021 Europe and transatlantic cruises on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Constellation will also be suspended.
Theme Park News
Rapid-result testing for COVID-19 is being offered inside the main terminal at Orlando International Airport. AdventHealth is conducting the testing, which is located inside the main terminal’s atrium across from the security checkpoint. The antigen test produces results in about 15 minutes. The testing is open to anyone, and appointments are available, but not required. Testing is being offered Thursdays through Mondays only from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost for the test is $65 and must be paid on-site.
Walt Disney World
Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is closed for refurbishment through April 1, 2021.
At the Contemporary Resort, resort rooms in the main tower will be closed for refurbishment beginning April 1st through September 2021. Guests with reservations will be asked to modify their reservation.
Disneyland Resort
Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of their California theme parks, the decision has been made to discontinue the Disneyland Resort Annual Passport Program. Refunds will be issued for eligible Passport holders.
It has been announced that Disneyland will be the first vaccination super site in Orange County. It will be one of five large scale vaccination sites within Orange County,
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris has reported that due to the prevailing conditions in Europe, they will not reopen on Feb. 13 as initially planned. If conditions permit, we will reopen Disneyland Paris on April 2, 2021 and will welcome reservations from that date forward.
Universal Orlando Resort
Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval will be featured February 6 to March 28, 2021. Although the event may look a little different in an effort to maintain safety protocols, guests will still be able to let the good times roll. Experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Sample the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and other regions including, of course, New Orleans. Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads and more throughout the theme park.
Explore the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. Join in the Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt, for an additional cost. Enjoy street entertainment, roving musicians, beads and more throughout the theme park.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has extended their temporary suspension of operations. Guests with reservations at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort between February 9th 2021 and May 18th, 2021 are being asked to modify their reservations.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Mardi Gras is January 16 - February 16. Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style live music and New Orleans-inspired entertainment. Catch some festival beads from strolling performers throughout the day, and get caught up in the fun as you dance through spacious walkways. Feast like kings and queens on classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay. Tempt your taste buds with a signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya and gumbo, or specialty sweets like iconic beignets. Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering. Food and beverages are not included with park tickets. Events are happening every weekend plus select dates. Park Reservations are required. No additional ticket required.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival will be running February 20 - April 25. Taste buds will bloom this spring with a delicious menu of dishes and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park’s thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests will also enjoy a taste of local musical talent throughout the open-air festival to accompany their sweet and savory samples. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Park Reservations are required. No additional ticket required.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Seven Seas Festival will be February 5 through May 9, 2021. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, sip and sample your way around the world to try exotic flavors and local craft beers, and check out the live performances. Park reservations are required. Food and beverages available at an additional cost.