It's the Adventure of Your Life: Pole to Pole!

Have you ever dreamed about going on a journey from pole to pole? This 93-day Grand Expedition on Hurtigruten would be unlike any other voyage you've ever been on, taking you on an immersive journey from north to south, visiting the most iconic destinations along the way, and experiencing the amazing diversity of cultures and wildlife of the Americas and Antarctica. Departs August 8, 2022, from Vancouver. Rooms are selling quickly and space is limited. Let's get it on your calendar. Book Now while you still can.

Learn more about it: https://tinyurl.com/PoletoPole2022

Also available, a 66-day Grand Expedition on September 2, 2022, with an overnight in Edmonton, Canada before departing from Cambridge Bay.

As a certified Hurtigruten agent, I'd be happy to help you secure passage on either of these ultimate adventures!

Golf Packages!

 Ready to hit the links this summer or fall, we've got some GREAT Golf packages available, from 3-7 nights or longer.

> Scotland, Palm Springs, Hilton Head, Orlando, Scottsdale, and more. https://tinyurl.com/GolfVacations

Emerald & Scenic Return to the rivers of Europe This Summer!

Hello Europe...we've missed you! River cruising resumes next month...how about some great discoveries on the Douro this summer? Both Emerald Cruises and Scenic Cruises are returning to the rivers of Europe in July. Contact me to explore availability with either of these sister lines.

BIG NEWS! The CDC has Revised Mask Requirements for Cruises for Vaccinated Passengers

In its latest COVID-19 operations manual update, the CDC gave cruise operators much more leeway regarding fully vaccinated travelers and near normalcy for ships with at least 95% of crew and passengers fully vaccinated.

The measures go a long way toward restoring the traditional cruise experience — and even allow self-serve buffets in specific circumstances. Click the image below to read more in the story from FoxNews.com

ALASKA AT LAST! 2021 Cruises Are NOW POSSIBLE!

Thanks to the work by the US Congress to modify the long-held Passenger Services Vessel Act, there WILL BE an Alaska Cruise Season THIS YEAR! Shortened yes, but cruise ships will be sailing the Inside Passage once again!

There are now five cruise lines sailing Alaska this season. Contact us and book quickly if you want to see Alaska this year.

Here's a list of all your options.

Royal Caribbean & Celebrity

• Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas will sail 7-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle visiting Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier starting July 19th.
• Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas will sail 7-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle visiting Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau and Skagway starting August 13.
• Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit will sail 7-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Juneau and Skagway starting July 23.

Guests age 16 and older must have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation and have proof of vaccination. Guests under the age of 16 are only required to provide proof of a negative PCR test in order to sail. However, as of August 1, 2021, all guests ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated, and guests under 12 are only required to provide proof of a negative PCR test in order to sail. All crew will be vaccinated.

Norwegian, Holland America & Princess

• Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Bliss will sail 7-day cruises roundtrip from Seattle visiting Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Glacier Bay National Park or Holkham Bay Glacier Fjord starting August 7, 2021.
• Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam will sail 7-day Alaska itineraries roundtrip from Seattle visiting Stephens Passage, Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan, starting Saturday, July 24.
• Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess will sail 7-day Alaska itineraries roundtrip from Seattle visiting Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan, starting Sunday, July 25. On sale now!

Sailings on Norwegian, Holland America, and Princess are available exclusively for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation and have proof of vaccination. All crew will be vaccinated.

ITINERARY SUGGESTION: Finland's Northern Lights

Looking for something different and exciting? How about joining in an adventure in February 2022 for the elusive Northern Lights and discover fascinating Finland with a small group of explorers?

Each year, during the winter months, travelers journey to Finland and venture out into the dark to see the magical but elusive northern lights. This natural phenomenon is the product of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere, yielding spectacular results. Streaks of colorful light that change from white to pink to purple, and most commonly, to green, dazzle and move the open sky like it’s nature’s own dance party. It is known that the best time to witness the northern lights in Finland is from late September to mid-April when the nights are the longest. Well worth the pursuit, this is a truly remarkable light show that’s not to be missed.

These small group tours give travelers access to the world in a truly authentic way. On these active, immersive journeys, travelers connect with the cultures of the world on a deeper, more meaningful level in ways that are hard to replicate. The group size is kept small, allowing these journeys to be the most active, engaging, and rewarding experience possible.  With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today's cultural explorers dream of.

 

• Introduce yourself to majestic Lappish reindeer and meet Santa Claus himself.
• Lead your very own dog sled team.
• Spend the night in a glass igloo amid the Lappish wilderness.

Learn more and register here.

MORE NEWS FROM EUROPE! Italy Reopens

 

The good news just keeps coming as more and more of the world is re-opening! Starting right now, Italy will be welcoming vaccinated travelers back. From the historic architecture of Rome to the vineyards of Tuscany, Italy is waiting for you.

#travelagain #takethetrip #makememories #useatravelagent  

MORE Big News About Europe!

More European River Cruises are Returning to Service in 2021 

AmaWaterways today announced its plans to return to the rivers of Europe resuming sailings onboard select ships beginning July 3, 2021, in Portugal.

Specific sailing dates are as follows:

o July 3rd, AmaDouro will commence sailings through Portugal

o July 21st, AmaMagna will commence sailings on the Danube River
o July 22nd, AmaKristina will commence sailings in France on the Rhône River
o July 22nd, AmaLyra will commence sailings in France on the Seine River
o July 27th, AmaVida will commence sailings in Portugal and Spain
o July 29th, AmaDolce will commence sailings through Bordeaux, France

o July 29th, AmaSiena will commence sailings on the Rhine River

BIG NEWS!! Alaska Cruises Will Resume in 2021 with an Abbreviated Season

The good news about travel resuming continues! 

Yesterday the US House of Representatives approved a bill that the US Senate had already approved regarding a revision to the long-standing PSVA which will effectively allow for an abbreviated Alaska cruise season to happen in 2021!  This is huge news for the people of Alaska who are very dependent on travel and tourism and were affected greatly in 2020 with the complete shutdown of the industry.  The PSVA controls the movement of foreign-flagged ships within US ports and a big hurdle for the Alaska cruise market is the fact that ships must dock in Canadian ports per the PSVA, but very early this year the Canadian government banned any ships from their ports until at least February 2022. This bill from the US Congress will effectively modify the PSVA making the stop in Canada, not a requirement, so there can be roundtrip sailings from Seattle up into Alaska!  Following the passage in the House, three of the Carnival Corporation brands - Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line - announced that they will be resuming sailing this summer, beginning in early July for 10 departures each.  Each line will have one ship sailing these itineraries, and all guests must be fully vaccinated.  

This is great news for the industry!!

BIG NEWS ABOUT EUROPE! River Cruises resuming THIS JULY

 This summer, Europe’s rivers will be open for exploration again!

Viking has announced a return to sailing in Europe THIS JULY. You can reserve a voyage along the waterways of Europe and marvel at iconic cities and legendary landmarks in comfort onboard their iconic longships. These highly anticipated summer departures to Germany, France, Portugal, and beyond will sell fast, so call us today to reserve your stateroom.

FEATURED VOYAGES include:

• Portugal’s River of Gold: 10 DAYS | Lisbon to Porto
• Rhine Getaway: 8 DAYS | Amsterdam to Basel
• Paris & the Heart of Normandy: 8 DAYS | Paris to Paris
• Lyon & Provence: 8 DAYS | Avignon to Lyon
• France’s Finest: 15 DAYS | Paris to Avignon

Respond with your interest here, and I'll help you find the availability and get you booked:

BIG NEWS! Europe to Reopen This Summer!

More great news comes today from the European Union as 27 member nations have endorsed the plan to allow foreign nationals who have been vaccinated in once again!  This is wonderful to see and will allow Americans to once again travel to Europe. 

#travelagain 

Las Vegas Plans Return to Pre-Pandemic Guidelines Effective June 1st

Las Vegas lifts social distancing requirements June 1, 2021

From our friends at the Las Vegas Convention & Vistors Authority... 

The Clark County COVID-19 mitigation plan will expire June 1, allowing for the return of pre-pandemic guidelines that lift restrictions involving capacity limits, large gatherings, and more.

 

The new CDC guidance on masks recommends that those who are not vaccinated continue wearing masks and following social distancing and other precautions until fully vaccinated. The guidance allows fully vaccinated people to stop wearing face coverings in crowds and in many indoor locations

 

Additionally, masks still must be worn in hospitals and healthcare facilities and on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations. More guidance about masks is on the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/

  

New Items in the Adventure Store

NEW TO THE SHOP this week is the beginning of our THE SHIRT ON YOUR BACK COLLECTION, with adventure apparel for men, women, & children. We've partnered with a great print-on-demand supplier with some great quality items, many of which can be further customized as you shop. We invite you to check the initial line and be sure to check back as new designs and apparel items will be added soon.

Cruise Lines With Vaccination Requirements

 

For all those who are waiting anxiously to be able to resume cruising, here's the most current info on the assorted cruise lines and any vaccination requirements they have put into place. The list included is fairly extensive, though not all cruise lines have made their plans & requirements known yet. My team and I continually monitor the available information so that our guests have what they need to be prepared for their vacations.

YOU CAN TAKE OFF YOUR MASK!

BIG NEWS!!!

FINALLY! The CDC has just announced that IF YOU ARE VACCINATED you can TAKE OFF YOUR MASK, both INSIDE and OUTSIDE. No more social distancing, for any size crowd! Oh, Happy Day! They have finally caught up with the science!

Hawaii Says You Deserve a Vacation

 

 

The islands are open and would love to get to know you this year. If you've been considering a getaway, the six different islands of Hawaii that you can visit each have their own unique personality and would make for a fantastic getaway.  Reach out and let's have a conversation about it. I'd be honored to help you find your Aloha. 

The Galapagos Islands Are Back!

This summer you can discover one of the world's most awe-inspiring places as The Galapagos Islands is opening up for visitors once again. Starting July 4, 2021, Celebrity's newest all-suite expedition ship, Celebrity Flora will be returning to the islands for discovery, following by Celebrity Xpedition starting on July 24, and then Celebrity Xploration on September 18. These amazing ships are already small ships with a small capacity, so the assorted health and safety protocols are easily implemented. Fabulous voyages of discovery lie ahead...will you be part of them? Reach out and let's get you booked. clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Golf With a View

  

How about some golf and incredible views this summer along with complimentary golf, greens fees, and transfers? There are some terrific inclusions available at Sandals in both The Bahamas and St Lucia. Check it out, and then let's chat to get you booked! https://tinyurl.com/GolfwithaView

BIG NEWS for Land Lovers & Cruise Lovers Alike!

EUROPE IS SET TO REOPEN!  
CRUISING FROM US PORTS LOOKS LIKELY THIS SUMMER! 

This week has brought some wonderful news for the travel industry and economies the world over, to be sure.  In this pair of exciting articles, we find that Europe is set to reopen to vaccinated Americans this summer, AND the CDC has now said that cruising could most likely resume from US ports this July.  Both of these are wonderful and long overdue announcements!  Stay tuned for more as the news gets shared. I'm so excited to see travel ramping up as more and more countries begin to reopen or announce their pending reopenings. And it's been exciting to watch the cruise lines find ways to resume cruising worldwide, but even better to see that the US is finally coming around to allowing it from our ports as well. 

OPA! Greece is Now Reopen!

MORE EXCITING NEWS!  Greece has reopened!

Here are the basics:
-Starting April 19, Greece began allowing entries for residents of the US & several other countries.
-Travelers must present a negative PCR test for entry OR show proof of vaccination (must be 14+ days since the last dose of a vaccine from the approved list).
-Due to the successful control of the first wave in 2020, Greece reopened tourism last summer so our partners are well-prepared to provide a safe, healthy experience for guests!
-As of May 3, restaurants in Greece will open for outdoor seating.
-There are more details to know other than what we listed above, and this is subject to change. It is important to review all entry requirements at https://travel.gov.gr prior to travel.

If Greece is on your list or you'd really like to make a visit this summer, please reach out. I'd love to help you. 317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com | www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations