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About Mister Cruise

MisterCruise.com is all about keeping cruising travelers informed about the cruise topics of the day, showcasing special offers and discounts from cruise lines and cruise agencies and answering any and all cruise travel related questions from the traveling public. Travel safety is of the utmost importance to us - as we know it is to YOU! Currently, the focus of the entire travel industry is on guaranteeing health safety while traveling. The "new normal" for global travel will be a prioritized focus on health and personal safety, as it should be!

I know that, for any type of travel, with any travel supplier, to any destination, knowledge promotes safety, and traveling safely truly makes one a Smart Traveler. With a lifetime of knowledge in the travel industry, and with a focus on traveling safely, I am here to share my knowledge with you, and, hopefully, that will provide the guidance you seek to help you make decisions that will keep you safer when traveling and we can assist you in booking the exact travel arrangements you want at the best possible price - helping YOU become a Smart Traveler! When booking your vacation, educational or business trip through Smart Traveler, your heanth and personal safety while traveling is the dominant factor driving our decisions, and we will always be there to help!

"Mister Cruise"
Peter Coloyan Sr.
President, Smart Traveler

Cruises, Covid-19 and Your Safety

With the recent announcement that over 120 countries have not yet administered any Covid vaccines, and the unknown efficacy of the existing vaccines on variants that have arisen from multiple countries worldwide, including Brazil, England and South Africa, the prospect of a "back to normal" cruise calendar is uncertain.

Canada has extended its no-cruise policy for one year, and despite a measure of success with mitigation efforts on Europe cruises since July of 2020, the industry is still facing an uncertain future. CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association - the cruise industry association which represents most cruise lines) member cruise lines, which had hoped to resume cruises sailing from US ports back on September 15, 2020, has annonced members' "best practices" for future cruises departing US ports, once allowed. Outside of the USA, some cruises resumed sailing months ago, based on the local laws and guidance provided by government health authorities.

(From CLIA) CLIA members have agreed to adopt multiple layers of protocols informed by the insights and guidance of leading experts in health and science, including but not limited to:

CLIA also noted that cruising has resumed on a gradual, phased-in basis in Europe, where CLIA members have sailed on a variety of modified itineraries from Germany, Italy, and Greece under strict protocols. These protocols have been developed by operators in collaboration with medical experts, scientists and health and government authorities, and have been informed by Guidance from the EU Healthy Gateways and European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Since the beginning of July 2020, there have been over 200 sailings in Europe (and parts of Asia) with enhanced measures in place and approval from authorities in those regions. The success of these initial sailings demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-layered approach and confirms that the new protocols are working as designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in a cruise setting.

So, is it Safe to Cruise?

In a word - NO! At least, not everywhere - yet! I have sailed on more than 120 cruises on over 90 ships, and have toured another 60 or so ships. After sailing (or even a cruise ship tour) I have often pointed out to the cruise lines' management certain problem areas / policies that I have encountered onboard that may compromise health and/or safety for cruise passengers. In conjunction, I have made suggestions on how to improve and/or minimize/eliminate the negative consequences that these discovered issues may have. Until there is verifiable proof of an individual cruise ship's new health and safety measures having been implemented, and those measures have been deemed acceptable and sufficient to ensure the safety of its passengers per CDC, WHO and SCA protocols and guidelines, I will not suggest cruising on that particular ship, and I will not cruise on that particular ship myself!

Since there are now multiple effective vaccines (3 as of 3/1/21) for Covid-19, I, and my family, will be looking forward to traveling, and specifically, cruising again, but only from, and to, ports with significant Covid vaccine acceptance and distribution, and only on ships strictly adhering to the above listed protocols! But, for those who have any kind of underlying health issue like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, COPD, etc. and/or are over 65 years old, I would HEARTILY suggest refraining from cruising at this time! If you are not in the high risk group, I would still wait until worldwide "control" of Covid is attained!

I certainly do not enjoy putting out these recommendations! But, because of the former US leadership, which failed to do anything to contain Covid, I cannot, in good faith, suggest that there is a normalcy to cruising from US ports at this time, or any time soon! We must trust facts and science implicitly, and to do otherwise is putting lives at risk. Until Covid-19 is under control worldwide (and, hopefully, eradicated), dealing with an annual vaccine for protection may be the "new normal" for the cruise industry, and life in general. I am happy to see the measures cruise lines have taken so far to handle safety for Covid-19, but, just as scientists had been warning that this Coronavirus pandemic was a matter of when, not if, that is the same guidance given for the next one - it is not "if", it is "when" will it occur. Cruise lines must be ready the next time!

Many of the changes I promoted last year to ensure passenger safety, and which I discussed with several cruise lines' management, have been adopted, and are included in these new protocols. For avid cruisers, the cruise news is getting better, but we're just not there - YET!


GREAT NEWS!!! Virgin Voyages will require 100% Covid-19 vaccinations for all passengers and crew!

Once again, Richard Branson leads the way in the travel industry, and the actions taken, and announcements made, by Virgin Voyages, to required Covid-19 vaccination by all passengers and crew, will, undoubtedly, lead to all cruise l,ines moving to 100% vaccinations for adult passengers! In our opinion, this is the ONLY way that the cruise industry can guarantee the safety of every passenger going forwad. We applaud Virgin for its foresight, and hope that every other cruise line, worldwide, quickly adopts this requirement. Based on TravelSurveys.com's "New Travel Normal - The Effects of Cpvid on Future Travel" survey, a 100% requirement of vaccination is the #1 factor that will bring back the avid cruiser, and their pent-up desire for travel.

Coronavirus Information - Last Updated 02/26/2021 - CLIA

COVID-19 Impacts to Travel Offerings

Several suppliers and destinations have temporarily suspended operations amid COVID-19 concerns.

Supplier Suspensions

The following suppliers have suspended cruise, tour, and/or package operations, with plans to resume operations on the dates listed below:

Destination Suspensions

  • Australia: Australia has barred all non-residents and non-Australians from entering the country.
  • Bahamas: A negative COVID-19 test and Travel Health Visa Application are required to enter the country.
  • Brazil: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Brazil. Brazil requires all air travelers to provide a Traveler’s Health Declaration and negative COVID-19 test. Land and sea borders are closed until further notice.
  • Canada: All non-essential travel to Canada is restricted. Air travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test for entry.
  • China: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for China. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Entering travelers must quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
  • Costa Rica: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Costa Rica. Air travelers must provide proof of medical insurance policy and complete an online Health Pass.
  • El Salvador: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for El Salvador. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Travelers who have been in the United Kingdom or South Africa within the last 30 days are not allowed entry.
  • European Union: United States citizens on non-essential travel are restricted from entering most European Union countries.
  • French Polynesia: Effective February 1, 2021, travel to French Polynesia is temporarily suspended for tourists from all origins until further notice.
  • India: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for India. All travelers entering India must quarantine upon arrival.
  • Indonesia: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Indonesia. Valid visas/residence permits and a negative COVID-19 test are required for entry.
  • Israel: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Israel. Non-citizens and non-residents are barred from entering the country.
  • Japan: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Japan. Non-essential travel to Japan is not permitted.
  • Malaysia: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Malaysia. U.S. citizens are not permitted to enter the country. All travelers to Malaysia are required to quarantine for 14 days and undergo COVID-19 testing.
  • Mauritius: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Mauritius. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.
  • Mexico: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Mexico. Nonessential travel across the Mexico-U.S. land border has been temporarily restricted.
  • New Zealand: Non-citizens and non-residents are barred from entering the country.
  • Panama: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Panama. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.
  • Peru: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Peru. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Many lockdown measures are in place throughout Peru.
  • Trinidad and Tobago: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago. Nationals and non-nationals are barred from entering the country.
  • Russia: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Russia. Foreign nationals are not permitted entry into Russia.
  • Saudi Arabia: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Saudi Arabia. Only travelers with residence permits and valid entry/exit visas are permitted to enter. The Saudi government is not issuing tourist and other category visas at this time.
  • Seychelles: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Seychelles. Cruise ships are not permitted entry into Seychelles waters until further notice. U.S. citizens are barred from entering the country. Travelers from approved countries must provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
  • Singapore: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Singapore. Short-term visitors are not allowed entry unless they have a valid approval letter. Permanent residents returning to Singapore will be issued a Stay-Home Notice.
  • South Africa: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for South Africa. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
  • Thailand: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Thailand. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
  • United Arab Emirates: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates. Travelers entering the United Arab Emirates must have a tourist visa and proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
  • United Kingdom: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the United Kingdom. Travelers to the United Kingdom must provide journey and contact details, and most visitors are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
  • Effective August 6, The United States Department of State has lifted its Global Level 4 Health Advisory, which advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. The Department is returning to its previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with Levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for more information. The Department continues to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.
  • Vietnam: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Vietnam. U.S. citizens and all foreigners are not permitted to enter the country.
  • Zimbabwe: Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Zimbabwe. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.

COVID-19 Information from Suppliers

In light of recent concerns in the travel industry regarding the Coronavirus, Passport Online has created a repository of the latest travel advisory updates from our suppliers for your convenience. We will continue to review and modify this list as we receive updates.

Abercrombie & Kent
 https://www.abercrombiekent.com/coronavirus-update
African Travel, Inc.

Coronavirus Travel Update for Africa
Well-Being is Our Top Priority – Travel with Confidence

AmaWaterways
 https://www.amawaterways.com/travel-updates
Aqua Expeditions
 https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/book-with-flexibility/
Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways Travel Update and Peace of Mind Policy
Avalon Assurance – Health and Safety

Avanti Destinations
 https://www.avantidestinations.com/Web_covid19_resource_center.jsp
Azamara

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Advisory
Azamara Cruise with Confidence Policy
Onboard Health Protocols

Carnival Cruise Line
 https://www.carnival.com/health-and-sailing-update
Celebrity Cruises

Voluntary Suspension of Cruising
Celebrity’s Cruise with Confidence Program

CIE Tours International
 https://www.cietours.com/global/travel-update
Club Med

Club Med Coronavirus Updates
Safe Together – Club Med Main Guidelines and Hygiene Measures

Collette Tours

Travel Alert – COVID-19 Update
Tour Status and Payment
Cancel for Any Reason – Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience – Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

Cosmos

Cosmos Travel Update and Peace of Mind Policy
On-Trip Assurance – Health and Safety

Costa Cruises

Updates on Cancellations and Fleet Activities
Travel Safely with Costa
Costsaver
Costsaver Coronavirus Travel Update
We Are Committed to Your Wellbeing – Travel Hygiene Measures

Crystal Cruises

Coronavirus Advisory Alerts
Crystal Confidence: Book with Peace of Mind

Cunard

COVID-19 Travel Health Advisories
Cunard Book with Confidence Policy

Delta Vacations

Travel Advisory Waiver Policy
Delta Vacations Travel Protection Plan

Disney Cruise Line
 https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/
Emerald Waterways
 https://www.emeraldwaterways.com/travel-advisory
G Adventures

G Adventures Coronavirus Travel FAQs
Travel with Confidence Safety Policy

Globus

Globus Travel Update and Peace of Mind Policy
On-Trip Assurance – Health and Safety

Hilton Hotels
 https://www.hilton.com/en/corporate/coronavirus/
Holland America Line

Coronavirus Travel Advisory
Holland America Line Cruise with Confidence Policy
Impacted Cruise Dates

Hurtigruten
 Covid-19: Updated information from Hurtigruten
Book Your Hurtigruten Cruise with Confidence
Safer Together – Health and Safety on Board

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations Travel Update
We Are Committed to Your Well-Being – Hygiene Standards and Protocols

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel Coronavirus Customer Information
COVID-19 Safe – Health and Safety Guidelines

Journese
 https://www.journese.com/alerts/
Kensington Tours

Travel Updates
Kensington Tours Book with Confidence Policy

Lindblad Expeditions
 https://www.expeditions.com/covid19-message/
Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold Travel Update
We Are Committed to Your Well-Being – Hygiene Standards and Protocols

Marriott Bonvoy
 https://marriott-re-2019ncovc.com/
Micato Safaris
 https://www.micato.com/why-safari-with-micato/covid-19-policy/
Monograms

Monograms Travel Update
On-Trip Assurance – Health and Safety

MSC Cruises

Itinerary Updates due to COVID-19
MSC’s Cruise Assurance Program

MT Sobek

MT Sobek Updates on COVID-19
Adventure Confidently – Travel Well with MT Sobek
Norwegian Cruise Line

Suspended Sailings Information
Norwegian’s Peace of Mind Policy
Health & Safety Program

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Coronavirus Statement
Oceania Cruises Travelers Assurance Program

Paul Gauguin
 https://www.pgcruises.com/travel-advisory
Pleasant Holidays
 https://www.pleasantholidays.com/Travel-Alerts#CoronavirusTravelAlert
Ponant
 https://us.ponant.com/blog/covid-19-biosecurity-measures/
Princess Cruises

Information on Impacted and Cancelled Cruises
Cruise with Confidence Policy
Your Health & Safety is Our Priority

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions Book with Confidence – Lifetime Rebook Guarantee
Explore with Peace of Mind – Health and Safety

Regent Seven Seas

Travel Health Advisory
Regent Reassurance Policy
New Enhanced Health & Safety Protocols

Rocky Mountaineer

COVID-19: Keeping You Updated
Rocky Mountaineer Temporary Rebooking and Cancellation Policy
Our Health & Safety Procedures

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Health and Travel Alerts
Royal Caribbean Cruise with Confidence Policy

Scenic
 https://www.scenicusa.com/coronavirus-update
Seabourn

Seabourn Travel Update
Traveling and Staying Healthy – Enhanced Procedures and Protocols

Silversea Cruises

Information on Itinerary Changes
Silversea’s “Cruise with Confidence” New Cancellation Policy

Swain Destinations
 https://www.swaindestinations.com/about/wttc-safetravels
Star Clippers
 https://www.starclippers.com/us-dom/travel-health-us.html
Tauck

Tauck Travel Policy Update
An Update for Guests Attending the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play

Trafalgar

Coronavirus Travel Update
Trafalgar Book with Confidence Now Policy
We Are Committed to Your Wellbeing – Enhanced Hygiene Protocols

Travel2
 https://travel2-us.com/presidents-desk-latest-on-covid-19/
Universal Orlando Resort

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/terms-of-service/operations-update
Universal Studios Hollywood
 https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/Safety-and-Travel-Update
Uniworld
 https://www.uniworld.com/en/already-booked/travel-information/
Viking Ocean Cruises

Changes Affecting Itineraries
Viking Ocean Cruises Risk-Free Guarantee Booking Policy

Viking River Cruises

Changes Affecting Itineraries
Viking River Cruises Risk-Free Guarantee Booking Policy

Virgin Voyages

An update on our upcoming sailings: Details for impacted sailings
Set Sail Safely

Windstar Cruises

Travel Health Advisory and Travel Assurance Booking Policy
Health & Safety – Our Commitment to You


Ask Mister Cruise - River Cruise Excursions in Europe

Q? - I prefer just walking off my cruise ship and exploring on my own to taking bus tours, I have been on several ocean cruises, and it has been a great money saver, but next year, I am doing a Europe river cruise, and I was curious as to how it would be there? Thank you, Jean Impellitier, Fort Lauderdale, FL

A! - Most river cruise excursions in Europe are walking tours since many attractions are very close to the river, which was, and is, the lifeline of any European city. Walking tours will require varying levels of fitness as defined by each river cruise line for their excursions, and in many historic European towns there are cobblstone streets. For those with mobility issues, slower paced tours are usually available.

Thank you, Jean, for your great question!

Mister Cruise - Peter E Coloyan, Sr.
(To ask your cruising question, please use the form below.)

BONUS INFO FOR ALL -
Mobility issues and river cruises: For river cruise excursions that involve bus travel, you will be required to store mobility aids beneath the bus in the luggage hold, and climb the steps onto the coach. In Europe, excursions are often included in the price of a river cruise, and, if included, you’ll be wasting money if you can’t join them due to an inability to climb the stairs of a coach..

One of the best things about a European river cruise, regardless of whether it's on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, or any other river, is the scenery continually passing by as seen from the ship. Historic castles, vineyards, and beautiful vistas often fill both banks of the river as your ship cruises by!

Accessible, or not?: There is a river cruise somewhere in the world for those with most any disability or mobility issue. Plus, new river cruise ships are launched every year, with more, and better, accessibility. So, don't think you can't go just because today there may not be exactly what you want where you want it. It may be coming next month, or next year! As river cruising grows in popularity, the options for accessible river cruising will expand - and we will help you every step of the way!

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