Cruise and Travel News Feb 22, 2022
Updated: Mar 3, 2022
Highlights this week include much anticipated relaxation of travel rules for US domestic & international travelers, new women-only escorted tours, escorted tours by train and river cruise on sale this week only, and the newest ships & itineraries to hit luxury cruising right now!
COVID restrictions relaxed
Every day into 2022 looks more and more promising for an amazing return to travel, with plenty of amazing destinations around the world looking far more likely to feature on your own itinerary this year or next.
Nations across the globe are significantly reducing the barriers or even altogether ending their COVID-related travel restrictions – at least for fully vaccinated travelers, for now.
Australia
Australia is perhaps most notable given how long their initial international travel restrictions were in effect, but also their strict enforcement – even Australian citizens had a difficult time navigating their way across borders.
According to Australia’s Home Affairs page on COVID travel restrictions, from Monday, February 21st, 2022 “…all visa holders who are fully vaccinated for international travel purposes can travel to Australia without a travel exemption.”
England
Earlier this month England saw removal of pre-departure testing for vaccinated travelers, while the government is currently looking to rapidly remove all further headaches contrary to a normal way of life including mask mandates, testing, and even isolation on a positive COVID test result.
You’ll still need to fill out a locator form in the 48 hours prior to departure, but it sounds like even this requirement may not last much longer as locals in England themselves won't have access to free testing.
From this week, even contracting COVID won’t require isolation or quarantine, but will become a personal health choice. The government asking you to stay home and be considerate of others, much like if you had the flu.
The whole of the UK has seen amazing success with vaccinations and relatively low intensity of public health issues during the last few months. Surely Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can only be a few steps behind.
Canada
From February 28th, fully vaccinated travelers visiting Canada will still need a pre-departure test, however the molecular test is being dropped in favor of a quicker and more cost-effective antigen test.
A welcome change and ideal if you’re looking for something closer to home, maybe to enjoy a once in a lifetime cruise by rail through the Rocky Mountains (keep reading).
These are certainly welcome changes, likely the earliest among many we’ll see as we approach spring and warmer weather across the northern hemisphere.
It is still in the best interest of all travelers to engage with a professional or do some serious investigation toward the requirements which will affect you on your next trip. Travel insurance remains a critical component of any trip.
Women-only travel
Ladies, have you been searching for an exciting yet comfortable way to explore this big, beautiful world with an intimate group of your peers?
Or gentlemen, maybe there’s a special gal in your life who’s been once bitten by the travel bug and only needs a fun, safe opportunity to join in and experience something refreshing and exciting this year?
Industry leading escorted tour company, Trafalgar Tours, has curated a small collection of 14 amazing itineraries for women only.
Enjoy classic destinations across Great Britain and Europe, along with a trio of itineraries featuring Jordan or Egypt, all curated to balance the right amount of free time while inclusive transfers, certain meals & experiences allow a few lucky ladies chance explore these amazing places in a unique fashion.
Sales of the week
Almost a cruise by train through the breath-taking Rocky Mountains, the longest running such tour company, Rocky Mountaineer, has a limited time savings of $825 per couple on select itineraries this spring & summer.
Featuring domestic itineraries across the Western States and, now that it’s just that little bit easier to visit Canada, quick hops across the border for an amazing week of hosted, inclusive and relaxing tours by train.
Classic, upscale river cruising also sees an amazing sale from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. A pair of sales actually, with a flash sale for last-minute departures (details here) and a separate offer with savings up to $5,000 per couple (view here) on luxury all-inclusive European river cruises sailing the Danube, visiting iconic destinations such as the Netherlands & Germany, and beyond.
For our full list of available sales, visit the Latest Offers & Promotions page at this link here.
First available booking dates, the ultimate in luxury cruise
Be the first to sail on board the Celebrity Ascent
Exclusively from Celebrity Cruises, their newest Edge Class ship, the Celebrity Ascent joins the fleet next year and itineraries are only just coming online for your chance to be among the first to sail!
The fourth Edge Series vessel, you could be among the first cruisers to ever set sail on December 3rd, 2023 as a 7-night sailing of the Eastern Caribbean from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) in Florida.
Staterooms start at $1,399 per person based on double occupancy for an interior cabin,
port fees, taxes & expenses at $137.75pp for that first available sailing but won’t last long!
*Rates correct at the time of writing, subject to availability and supplier terms.
Regent Seven Seas Grand Voyages for 2022-2024 now available
Sojourn-seekers will be thrilled to know that one of the most luxurious brands at sea has opened its 2022-2024 Grand Voyages selection of sailings.
As Regent puts it - extraordinary voyages ranging from 59-78 nights across Asia, South America, and Europe on board the Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and the all-new Seven Seas Splendor.
Regent is already among the most inclusive cruise lines and with a list of hundreds of free shore excursions to choose from offers plenty of unrivalled options for enthusiasts looking to really get back to cruising in 2022 and beyond!