News roundup

Every once in a while we like to take a break from the daily grind to look at what's happening in travel news.  So here we go:

Norwegian Encore, photo courtesy of ncl.com

Vaccinations on cruises

Norwegian Cruise line implemented a policy to only allow vaccinated passengers aboard their cruise ships.  However, Florida passed a law which penalizes businesses with requiring proof of vaccinations (vaccine passport).  A federal judge issued an injunction siding with Norwegian thus allowing them to require vaccinations of all guests without penalty.  At least for now. Here's one news account.

Norwegian 's newest ship set sail from Seattle to Alaska August 2021.  NCL is also sailing the Greek Isles and the Caribbean out of Miami in August.  These are the first cruises in more than 500 days.

Hotels are reopening

Resort hotels have been hard hit by the pandemic. So any news of reopening is welcome.  There's news that Tierra Hotels is reopening in Chile in September and October 2021.  Locations include Patagonia and Island of Chiloe.

And there's of two new hotels in Dominican Republic.   The Azul Beach Resort Punta Cana will open in November.  This hotel is only 15 minutes from Punta Cana airport and includes beachfront swim up suites as well as family accommodations.  The Azul Beach resort will share facilities with Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana including entertainment, food and bars.  

The Azul Beach Resort Cap Cana will open this winter and is located on Uvero Alto Beach Dominican Republic. Amenities reportedly include a Gourmet Village with 7 restaurant and six bars.  There's a separate adults only section but the resort also offers plenty of options for families.

We personally favor some other islands but there's a place for every taste and budget.

Hurtigruten MS Fridtjof Nensen, courtesy of hurtigruten.com

New cruises

Hurtigruten is now launching cruises to Africa for it's 2022 and 2023 season. The itinerary includes West Coast of Africa as well as Cape Verda, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.  The cruise will feature hiking, natural park and cultural walking tours as well as local naturalist lead adventures.  Hurtigruten expedition cruises also is just starting service to the Galapagos Islands as well as the Canary Islands.   Hurtigruten's expansion is quite notable and we've had several recent bookings for their Antarctic cruises.

You can learn more about Antarctic cruises offered by Hurtigruten here.

CDC warning list

And always, the situation with the coronavirus is dynamic.  Last week, the CDC has issued warnings against travel to Israel, France, Thailand, Iceland and others due to the rising Delta variant.  The State Department has now issue  a level 4 "do not travel" advisory to these countries.  Note the list changes all the time and you're advised to check on the CDC travel website frequently.  Make sure you're aware of your cancelation penalties and insurance coverage.