Mexico News
Now Premiering in Costa Mujeres: Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun
Vacationers are invited to the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun. Set on the breathtaking shores of Costa Mujeres, this is the ideal destination for blockbuster getaways. Guests can look forward to Hollywood-themed entertainment, A-lister amenities and celeb-worthy accommodations so they can Vacation Like a Star™!
Travelers looking to get the most out of their getaway can upgrade their stay with a STAR Class™ room category with enhanced amenities and services like exclusive access to the Green Room lounge and STAR Class™ pool and bar.
Escape to the tropics with the Grand Debut Offer. When you book your getaway by Feb. 28 for travel between now and May 26, you can enjoy rates starting at US$152 per person, US$500 in resort credits, and up to two kids stay free.
International News
Mardi Gras House Floats
For Mardi Gras 2021 instead of floats following parade routes, the city’s artistic verve has turned its attention to dozens of homes and businesses across the city, transforming them into Bourbon Street–worthy thematic “house floats,” made by artists and everyday citizens.
The mood-lifting response to the cancellation of the traditional events also helps support artists who would typically have year-round work preparing the gaudy, celebratory floats for their time in the spotlight. The show, as they say, must go on–safely!
Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Is Going Virtual
Dublin has canceled its St. Patrick’s Day parade for the second year in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But this year organizers are planning a six-day virtual celebration and inviting the world to join.
Ireland’s 2021 St. Patrick’s Festival will run Mar. 12-17 on a dedicated TV channel and website. The lineup will include performances by musicians, artists, and of course, marching bands. Dublin’s parade is the largest in Ireland and typically draws crowds above 500,000.
News of the parade’s cancellation comes as the Irish government is considering extending local lockdowns for another six weeks, according to a report from the Irish Independent.
Belfast also has canceled its St. Patrick’s Day parade for the second year in a row. Northern Ireland remains on lockdown through at least Mar. 5.
Rio de Janeiro’s Famed Carnival Canceled for 2021
As COVID-19 continues to ravage through Brazil, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro officially canceled Carnival, looking ahead to 2022, when the event can be celebrated with “all the intensity we deserve.”
Officials announced last September that the annual February event would be pushed back to July 2021, delaying the celebration for the first time in a century. But recently, Rio’s mayor made an even more historic announcement: Carnival would be canceled for 2021.
The South American nation is currently in the midst of a harrowing second wave of the pandemic and has had the third highest number of confirmed cases, behind the U.S. and India, and the second highest death rate after the U.S.
Cruise News
Celebrity to Return to Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles
Celebrity Cruises is set to resume sailings in 2021 and the brand is already looking to 2022 for a triumphant return to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. New seven- and eight-night itineraries onboard Celebrity Millennium will be the first from the line after eight years away from the region.
A total of 12 sailings are scheduled from late Sept. through mid-Dec. 2022. The pair of Mexican Riviera routes will feature a combination of Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Deal of the Week
Complimentary Land Tours and Onboard Credit
For a limited time, when you reserve a select AMA Waterways European river journey, you’ll receive a complimentary two, three, or four night land package. The complimentary pre- and post-river cruise land packages are valued at up to US$2,800. The special offer is now extended to Feb. 28.
Sail through the heart of Europe’s most fascinating destinations and you’ll be treated to exquisite locally-sourced cuisine, a variety of included excursions such as guided hikes and bike rides, a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and much more.
Extend your journey to fascinating cities alongside an intimate group of fellow cruisers, accompanied by your Cruise Manager. Your complimentary pre- or post-river cruise land package:
- Stays at four and five-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- City tours led by knowledgeable local guides
- The services of one of our extraordinary Cruise Managers throughout your journey–unique in the industry
- Convenient transfers to and from the ship
Sample itineraries‒more than 350 sailings available. Select dates Aug. 2021-Dec. 2022.
Taste of Bordeaux
Complimentary four-night San Sebastian/Bilbao Land Package
Plus, enjoy US$400 onboard credit per person on select Aug. and Sept. 2021 dates.
Impressions of the Seine and Paris
Complimentary three-night St. Malo/Paris Land Package
Plus, enjoy US$400 onboard credit per person on select Aug.-Nov. 2021 dates.
Essence of Burgundy and Provence
Complimentary three-night Barcelona Land Package
Plus, enjoy US$400 onboard credit per person on select Aug. 2021 dates.
Paris and Normandy
Complimentary two-night Paris Land Package
Plus, enjoy US$400 onboard credit per person on select Aug. and Sept. 2021 dates.
The offer is applicable to new bookings made by Feb. 28.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit your interests, physical abilities and budget. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Planet Hollywood, Atlas Obscura, Travel+Leisure, TravelAge West, Travel Leaders Network