After a year when we all seemed to have our life stuck in “pause,” all of a sudden, the travel world is opening up. From when this article was started a week ago to now, 4 US-based cruise lines have announced or begun summer cruises, including a river cruise line which embarked its first passengers! So how do you go from full stop to traveling again? Use these top 10 tips to make your return to travel as easy as possible.
1. If you plan to travel onboard a ship, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination.
This is a requirement for all the announced summer cruises and could be the standard procedure moving forward. Do you have children under 18 traveling? Check the requirements for vaccination for children—they may not be permitted onboard the first sailings until a child’s vaccine is approved. In addition to a vaccine, plan that you might be asked to take a PCR COVID test prior to departure from the US, as well as an antigen test at the beginning and end of your voyage.
2. Consider how you will you get there.
Look at the pre-cruise transportation options before you decide on a cruise. It may be no more expensive to sail from Greece than from St. Maarten, for example. And perhaps the ferry from West Palm Beach to Bimini is a nicer alternative than flying. While the cruise lines have made sure there is sufficient transportation options for the new itineraries, be sure that the cost fits into your budget, as well. Our Online Vacation Center advisors can help with this!
3. Know the requirements.
Make sure to check the entry requirements for your embarkation country with that country’s official website. Online Vacation Center is happy to assist you in determining the proper site, but it is always your responsibility to confirm you are fully eligible. Learn more here.
4. Go early.
With the extra steps now a part of travel, it is more important than ever to add an extra night or two pre-cruise in your destination. You’ve been waiting over a year for this—make the most of it! Board the cruise with those travel frustrations behind you—you deserve it.
5. Book 2022 travel now!
It may seem early, but in addition to planning for this summer and fall, you need to make travel arrangements for next year, as well. With all the Future Cruise Credits issued, and the renewed desire to travel and experience the world, we are already seeing limited availability. Ships may sail at reduced capacity into 2022 under safety protocols, further limiting supply. Don’t wait!
6. Understand that new screening and safety measures have been put in place.
You may hear of positive COVID cases, especially once the US-based lines start sailing. That doesn’t mean that cruises are unsafe but that the procedures for identifying and isolating infected passengers is working! Expect even a single case to be reported, but remember, the key is that the vaccines don’t prevent the illness—they make it far less serious. Infections may occur, but there are measures in place to identify, isolate and contact trace to limit the spread. Did you know that during the pause in cruising, the major lines have upgraded their air quality systems onboard? HEPA filters, more exchange with fresh outside air, some even having no air transfer between cabins! There has been so much behind the scenes to make your vacation safer than ever. Check out this article from our partners at Cruise Critic that lists just some of the changes made—you’ll be amazed at all the steps!
7. Know when to apply any credits you’re holding.
Do you have Future Cruise Credits with the cruise lines and/or Future Travel Credits with Online Vacation Center? Great! Make sure you discuss with your Personal Vacation Manager the best time to apply them. It isn’t always best to apply immediately. You may later book a higher-cost trip would be a better use of the funds; or you might need to cancel, which would mean waiting for the Certificates to be re-issued before they could be applied elsewhere. Generally, applying at or just before final payment is your best option. Here are some more tips for using your FCC.
8. Make sure your passport is valid.
Is your passport coming due for renewal in 2021 or 2022? Renew it now! Once summer hits, the passport agencies will be swamped. Remember, since all the summer cruise departures require entry into a foreign country by air (or similar non-cruise method), you are likely to need your passport to be valid at least 6 months after your expected return date.
9. Become familiar with your medical insurance and travel insurance or protection policies.
Make sure that you have coverage, should there be any need for quarantine abroad (think nights in a hotel and changed airplane tickets). If you’re not sure, call the insurance carrier directly. They are best equipped to answer all your questions. Learn more about the travel insurance we offer.
10. Get out there!
It’s time. The very best cure for all the feelings of isolation, frustration and fear so many of us have experienced is to have something planned you can look forward to! Call us today at 800-709-9507 and let us give you a dose of Vitamin T for Travel!
