International Travel
The fully vaccinated can travel within the USA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on April 2 to say fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or going into quarantine afterward.
According to the CDC, nearly 100 million people in the U.S.—or about 30 percent of the population—have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine.
Unvaccinated people are still advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The new guidance also states:
- For international travel, vaccinated people do not need to get a COVID-19 test before leaving the U.S., though some destinations may require it.
- Vaccinated people should still get a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the U.S. and be tested three to five days after returning. They do not need to quarantine.
The agency noted the potential introduction of virus variants and differences in vaccine coverage around the world for the cautious guidance on overseas travel.
Cruise News
Cruise lines win approval to restart
Add Seabourn to the list promising a summer restart. The Seattle-based luxury line says it has received a green light to resume operations in the Greek Islands in July from the government of Greece.
Seabourn said it planned a series of Greek Islands sailings out of Piraeus, Greece, (the port for Athens) starting on July 3 that would mark its return to cruising after a 16-month hiatus.
It will resume sailing with just one of its five vessels, the 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation. The ship will sail a series of seven-night Greek Islands trips out of Piraeus that alternate between two itineraries. The two seven-night sailings can be combined to create a 14-night cruise.
The voyages are open for bookings, and the trips will be open to passengers from any country.
Greece is quickly becoming a main hub for what appears to be a rapidly evolving comeback of cruising.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans to resume cruising in July with a single ship sailing to the Greek Islands out of Piraeus. The line plans to add two more vessels back to service in the Caribbean in August.
Celebrity Cruises announced it would resume Greek Islands cruises out of Piraeus in June, and Royal Caribbean said it would launch Greek Islands sailings out of Cyprus in July. Greek Islands cruise specialist Celestyal Cruises also has announced plans to restart operations with sailings starting in May.
In related news, river and cruise operator Viking announced plans for a handful of “welcome back voyages” out of Bermuda and Reykjavik, Iceland, starting in June. There will be four sailings out of Bermuda, all focused entirely on Bermuda. There will be six sailings out of Reykjavik that only include calls in Iceland.
Viking plans to restart cruise operations in May with a handful of sailings out of the U.K.
Aviation News
Delta offers more service to Iceland
Iceland is the first European destinations easily accessible to North American travelers since the pandemic began. It recently exempted fully vaccinated travelers from the ban on non-essential travel and other restrictions like testing and quarantine requirements.
Delta Air Lines will offer new daily nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) beginning May 20. The airline also will resume daily service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on May 1 and daily service from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) on May 27.
Delta has permanently eliminated change fees for travel originating from North America to anywhere in the world (excluding Basic Economy fares).
Deal of the Week
Dreaming of paradise? Hotel deals for the Riviera Maya
Enjoy 35 percent off your stay at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. This resort is right along the coast of the Mexican Caribbean and offers guests the chance to get some sun in luxury at a private, gated complex.
For US$595, you and one guest will get three nights in a King Lagoon suite, with a furnished terrace with views of the natural mangrove jungles and golf course. Or, for US$695, you and that same guest could spend three nights in a Beach Area King, overlooking the lagoon with just a short walk to the pool and beach.
The price is per room, not per person. Extend your stay with extra nights starting at US$199. Guests can dine and drink at the other Mayakoba resorts, like the Rosewood and Banyan Tree—and charge everything back to your room
Regardless of the room you choose, your package is guaranteed to include daily breakfast for two and on-site COVID testing through May.
Lounge on the white sand beaches, enjoy a dip in the expansive pool, and explore the natural surroundings with a nature-trail bike ride and free lagoon boat tour. And after a day in the sun, make sure to kick back at one of the resort’s four on-site restaurants.
This deal is redeemable through October 19. But, if you’re unable to find dates that work for you or a last-minute emergency pops up, this deal is 100 percent refundable. So, buy now and think later.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys, and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s 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; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Weekly, Insider Travel Report, The Points Guy, Fodor’s Travel