…You guessed it! (Right?) – the Return of Cruising!
Ahoy!
I must say, it’s been nice to see so many frequent headlines about travel reopening, along with one long-awaited experience: cruising. After well over a year, cruise lines are finally getting the green light to launch from US ports and many others overseas are announcing additional sailings as countries open borders.
I recently made the first cruise booking of the season for a client and his family. In two-weeks time, they’ll be aboard Celebrity Cruises’ new ship, Flora, as it ventures back out into the waters of the Galapagos islands. Having been several times myself (though not by ship), I know they’re going to have an incredible time exploring this unique destination and am so excited to help them prepare for it. Time to check off those bucket list trips!
Celebrity was, in fact, the first cruise line to get CDC approval to sail out of US ports, having implemented rigorous health systems and running simulated voyages in accordance with the CDC’s requirements. As of this summer, many cruise lines are requiring that passengers have their Covid vaccination in order to sail and you can expect to have similar social guidelines on board as you do on land (though those are ultimately up to the cruise company). It’s likely that we’ll continue to see this change and evolve as time goes on.
For now, in celebration of this historic return to sailing, many cruise lines are offering promotions for new bookings made through June 30th. If you’ve been thinking of heading out to sea, now would be a great time to get it on the books! Since there is high demand for cruise cabins (both from new customers and those who are re-booking from cancelled voyages), it’s recommended that you start planning early to better ensure your choice of sailings and cabins. Regardless, my affiliation with Virtuoso and their preferred rates and amenities, will always be of added value to you whenever you’re keen to get out on the water.
Below are a few of my favorite cruise lines, though I admit, it’s hard to choose! There are many great companies and itineraries out there and something to fit every style and type of traveler. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore some options and we’ll find that “just right” fit.
You can also browse the Cruise Catalog to search promotions, specific sailing dates or ports, cruise lines, and more.
In the words of Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean):
“Now, bring me that horizon…” 🙂
Julia
AmaWaterways (River Cruising): A family-owned company celebrating 18 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 25 ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône (2021), Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Asia’s Mekong and Africa’s Chobe and Nile Rivers (2021).
Hurtigruten (Expedition Cruising): Exploring since 1893, Hurtigruten operates premium exploration voyages to Norway, Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen, Europe, Africa, South/Central America and Arctic Canada. Our itineraries to these unique destinations focus on the stunning diversity of its wilderness, inhabitants, flora, and fauna. Hurtigruten’s unique heritage, combined with highly skilled crews and a diverse fleet of nimble, intimately-scaled expedition ships, enable us to offer guests unforgettable experiences in some of the most exciting corners of the world.
