Specifics vary by cruise line. If you’re not vaccinated and have been waiting to get on the water again, call your Cruise Travel Advisor at Q.  We’ll gladly help you plan your return or first foray into cruising.

You may also find our Ten Tips for Travel Right Now handy!

The post Vaccination Not Required For Cruises appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

At Q, we travel to gain first-hand knowledge of hotels, cruise lines, expedition companies, ships, and destinations. That allows us to fine tune our clients’ experiences and help set their expectations – even more important now cruise and land travel have resumed. After all, right now, things are simply different.

During the pandemic, the Q team traveled on dozens of ocean and river cruises, international and domestic land trips, short and long-haul flights.  What did we learn?  Ten updated travel tips, for travel now:

1)  Pack a healthy dose of flexibility and patience

Life changed over the past two years, and it continues to do so. COVID protocols have relaxed at home and in many places abroad.  But that doesn’t apply everywhere: some locations and travel providers still apply stricter rules than you’re used to.  Changes can pop up at any time too. You must review the rules before starting any trip!

We are also seeing significantly more flight schedule changes than usual. Many airlines reduced workforce and fleet size during the pandemic. The renewed demand for travel means that many airlines and airports are struggling. Airlines tell us that it is not unusual for an air reservation (especially with connections) to undergo more than three schedule changes between the time a flight is booked and the actual trip!

Cruise itineraries may change too. Destinations may be dropped, (sometimes at the very last minute) and onboard or on land experiences (restaurant opening hours, mask requirements) adjusted.  Travelers who want to know exactly what their travel experience will be like, and those who get anxious when things change, might consider staying home right now.

2)  Plan ahead, budget more

Don’t procrastinate: the best hotels, tour guides, transfer companies and experiences sell out months in advance due to that renewed demand for travel. In fact, some of our local partners in Europe won’t handle any new requests through the fall, because they cannot guarantee the level of service they know our Virtuoso clients expect.

Demand also increases fares for flights and hotel rooms. Reduced capacity and the quest for personal space means that (especially) business class flights can be double or triple the cost in former years. That room you paid $400 a night for in 2019 may very well cost $1,000 this year, especially in always popular destinations like Italy, France, Hawaii, etc.

Want to maximize your travel budget? If you’re open to alternative destinations, give the advisors at Q a call. Or let us start planning your 2023 vacation now, so we can help you get the vacation you want before it is sold out.

3)  Vaccination Cards and boosters

Destinations, tour operators and cruise lines may restrict access to those who are fully vaccinated.  You may have to show your official COVID certificate, upload it on an airline or immigration website so it can be reviewed digitally, or create a QR code.

Some locations will require you to be “boosted” too, with less than 270 days between your last shot and the last day of your upcoming vacation. Some countries don’t recognize the paper US CDC COVID vaccination card, and you may still have to show a negative COVID test before you can enter.

4)  Lie low before you go

The incubation time of the virus means that the week before your vacation is not the time for a busy social schedule. Reduce your risk of getting infected a few days before you travel. Avoid crowded places (churches, restaurants, movie theatres, sports arenas, bars, family get-togethers etc.)  And while it is tempting to explore restaurants in the embarkation port of your cruise or tour, eat outdoors or in your own “bubble”.  Wouldn’t it be a shame to test positive just before your vacation starts?

5)  Tests and masks

The US and many other countries no longer require masks on flights, but some international airlines and countries do. They may require you to wear a specific type: (K)N95 or FFP2, or at least a surgical mask. Some are hard to get, so plan ahead and always carry enough, just in case you tear a strap. Verify guidelines on your airline’s website at least a few days before departure.

Many cruise lines have relaxed mask requirements too. Still, most will recommend that you consider wearing a mask in busy areas (the theatre, at muster drills, etc.).  Also, on shore excursions, local guidelines will be followed, so be prepared to be masked on buses, in indoor venues and other public areas.

A negative COVID test is no longer required to enter the United States either. But other countries, cruise lines, tour operators and destinations might require proof of a negative COVID test before your vacation can truly begin. Test requirements can be confusing. Rapid antigen or PCR test, in-person or proctored at-home test, number of hours before flight arrival or departure?

Give yourself enough time to understand all test requirements. If needed, schedule your appointments well ahead of time. Be guided by your airline, cruise line, hotel or vacation operator in addition to official government sources of the countries you’ll visit.

6)  Test “at home” before you depart

We all hope it doesn’t happen, but should you test positive for COVID, it is better to find out at home before you leave, rather than on arrival in your destination or on your ship. That way, you can alter your plans, hopefully save some money, and “quarantine” at home. Like many of our clients, we will do an at home test shortly before departing on a trip for that extra level of confidence.

7)  Print everything – and charge your phone

Airline employees, immigration officers, hotel check-in staff and even restaurant hosts may still ask you for COVID vaccination proof, test results, completed passenger locator forms, affidavits or whatever your destination may require. QR codes only work if your phone is charged. Good-old fashioned paper, sorted in the way you’ll need to present it, and maybe with key information highlighted, may make the process easier.

8)  Bring extra medications and more

When you travel, it’s always possible that your original plans may be waylaid, and not just because of COVID. Flight delays or cancellations, weather disruptions…  Bring sufficient critical medications to cover you in case your trip is longer than planned – asthma inhalers, blood pressure tablets or whatever you may need.  And during COVID, when there is a chance that you may be quarantined, taking another two weeks of supplies is wise.

Oh, and we don’t need to remind you to keep these items in your carry-on bags, rather than in checked luggage, right?

9)  Buy insurance – and understand what it covers

Always consider purchasing travel insurance when planning a vacation. (Credit card, home or health insurance only go so far!) In a pandemic, you have even more reasons to do so. Travel insurance doesn’t cover your worries to get ill. But you may be covered if a physician tells you that you cannot travel for medical reasons, for example, in case you are diagnosed with COVID. Your insurance may also help offset certain costs for extra accommodation or travel expenses. (Don’t assume your cruise line or hotel will.) Check with your insurance provider for specifics.

10)  Be nice

All of this is new to everyone, and things change rapidly. While that can be frustrating to you, many of the people you encounter have to deal with these changes too – often with fewer colleagues and less information than ideal. Be nice and courteous. It will improve the day of the people you encounter, and yours.

Bonus:  All of it is totally worth it!

Yes, travel is more uncertain and a bit more work. Things aren’t quite like they were. But once you’re on the road after months or years at home, enjoying the sights, sounds and flavors of travel again can be magnificent!

Just call your favorite Q travel advisor to help you on your way.

The post 10 Tips for Travel Right Now appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

While many of our clients have used their future cruise credits to rebook their 2022, 2023 or even 2024 vacations, not everyone has taken that step.

Your future cruise credit may expire

Well, now is the time to step up and check the expiry date of your future cruise credits.  Many are set to expire in the next few months and some cruise lines have already told us that they will NOT extend the validity period.

So please check the expiry date of your future cruise credits. You would have received an email or other communication from the cruise line, or you can view the value of your FCC in your past guest account.  If you booked your original reservation with Q, we will be able to find out what the value of your future cruise credit is, and when it expires.

Q can help, even if you are a new client

Contact your ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ advisor if you’d like to maximize the value of your credits – even if you didn’t book your original trip with Q.  We can typically assist with the redemption of your FCC, and of course you’d be eligible for our applicable Virtuoso benefits and special fares in that case.

The post Use it or lose it: Future Cruise Credits appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

It’s a common question: since nobody is traveling, will prices be higher or lower post-pandemic?  There must be some great deals out there, right?

Well, not necessarily.

If you’re fully vaccinated, the recently announced summer 2021 cruises that are homeported “just outside” the USA (departing from the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Caribbean islands) or in countries like Greece, Cyprus, Iceland or Israel may be a great option.

But if you’re looking to travel nearby or last minute (see our recent blog post), you may find availability already limited, which means prices are trending up.

Increased demand, reduced supply in travel

For late 2021 and all of 2022, we’re seeing the “perfect storm” of increased demand and reduced supply in many travel categories:  (Here are ten trends we’re seeing for travel in 2022).

• Travelers had to cancel their plans for 2020 and much of 2021. Demand for up to 3 years is being “squeezed” into the latter part of 2021 and all of 2022.
• On the supply side, during the pandemic, airlines parked or decommissioned part of their fleet. For example, British Airways retired all its 747s. Carriers also furloughed or let go of tens of thousands of staff members, which means they can’t gear up very quickly.
• In the cruise industry, lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess sold or retired some of their ships and thus reduced capacity.
• The pandemic delayed the construction of new ships and hotel properties that were scheduled to come online in 2020 or 2021.
• Capacity at ships and hotels may be more limited to allow for social distancing.
• Many travelers received future cruise credits when 2020 or 2021 travel plans were “paused”, and rebooked when their initial travel plans were disrupted. That reduces availability for future dates.

Should I book my 2022 vacation now or wait?

Don’t procrastinate. Especially if you’re looking for a more unique experience, it pays to start planning now.  Rare travel experiences that are even more limited in availability than usual include:

• One-off cruise itineraries or destinations
• Small ship cruises
• Boutique hotels
• Safari lodges
• Top suites on ships or in hotels
• Connecting rooms for families
• Private villas or apartments
• River cruises
• Private yacht charters
• Premium airline seats
• Travel during festive season and other popular travel dates

If you’re very flexible, and don’t really care too much about the room you’re in or the itinerary you’re on, and you like to “wing it”, yes, you could wait a bit.  But why would you?

Should I wait to see if better promotions will come out for 2022?

No. In many cases, 2022 cruise and airfares are already higher than pre-pandemic fares. We are seeing fewer upgrade and other promotions for next year. Assuming demand remains as robust as it currently is, that will remain the case.

Our recommendation is that, if you have your mind set on a specific trip, we start planning now.  (Just call your Q Travel Advisor.)  That way you have your vacation to look forward to, at a rate you’re comfortable with. And if fares do drop, we’ll adjust it if travel partners allow.

Will I get my money back if I cancel my vacation?

If you book now, you’ll may benefit from flexible “book with confidence policies” offered by many travel providers (cruise lines, tour operators, etc.)  For example, certain cruise lines will allow you to cancel as little as 30 days before a scheduled departure, and instead of keeping your money as a penalty, they will apply your payments towards a future vacation. Those policies will become stricter again as travel rebounds.

Further questions?

Call your ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ Travel Advisor.

The post People Ask: will travel prices be higher or lower after the pandemic? appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

It started in mid-February: we’d receive phone calls that went pretty much like this.  “Hi, how are you?  We just got our second shot and now we want to get out of here.  Where can we go?” After almost a year of being “stuck” at home, many of our clients are now vaccinated and ready to start traveling again.

Those who received their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine tend to be first in line to plan their next adventure. And many other clients – who due to age or availability may not have access to the vaccine yet – are reaching out to plan their imminent escape from their “Working From Home” monotony.

With infection rates dropping while vaccination rates rise, that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting brighter.

What to expect when traveling now?

You probably know that it takes about two weeks after you’re fully vaccinated for the maximum protection afforded by today’s COVID vaccines to kick in.  (At Q, we are travel professionals, not medical experts. Please ask your physician whether it is safe for you to travel.)

And while you may be safer from COVID, please don’t think that COVID measures no longer apply to you. Responsible travelers will continue to follow local guidelines for social distancing, wear their masks, and protect fellow travelers who may not have been vaccinated yet, as well as themselves.

Also, flexibility is a must. As infection rates and local circumstances change, so will entry restrictions or testing requirements. While most travel providers offer more flexibility than usual in terms of cancellations or changes, you also need to mentally prepare yourself that your trip may not happen, or may not go exactly as initially planned.

So what are some of the travel trends and popular destinations we’re seeing? In today’s issue, we’ll talk about the last-minute, short haul trips and destinations our clients ask about right now:

South Florida Resorts

With many borders closed and snow buffeting Chicago and other locations in the USA, clients pine for some sun. That has resulted in (many last-minute) reservations for beach resorts in South Florida, such as oft-awarded (perfect for families or couples, but also for social distancing with only five rooms and suites per floor) and the (with its ultra-exclusive 25-room boutique hotel-within-a-hotel, Flagler Club, if you want even more privacy). Want something more contemporary? features colorful Jonathan Adler interiors and one of the best spas in the USA.

Bahamas and Caribbean

Many countries are still off-limits to US travelers. But some all-time favorites like Mexico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and Anguilla, are welcoming us. Those who are comfortable crossing the border need to be aware that a PCR test before departure is required in most cases, and also when returning to the USA. Many of our hotel partners will facilitate these tests onsite, and in some cases even pay for them. For example the include the best food I’ve ever tasted at an all-inclusive resort, as well as your COVID-test before you fly back to the USA!

Worried about testing positive and getting stuck in quarantine before returning home? Well, should that happen at the gorgeous , you can quarantine up to 14 nights courtesy of the Baha Mar resort, with a $150 per day allowance for meals. Alternatively, you can be flown back to the USA on a private plane.

We’ve also seen interest in Puerto Rico peak: as a United States territory, no PCR test or immigration procedures are required when returning to the US mainland. Our clients also like the idea of combining history (San Juan is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas); adventure and nature (the El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service) with .

American River Cruises

While ocean cruises from the US are still paused, is about to restart its river cruises on the Mississippi and other American waterways.

Important to know: American Queen Steamboat is one of the first cruise lines to require that all guests and crew are fully vaccinated against COVID from July 2021 onwards, which brings an extra level of comfort to clients.

Also important: there has been a huge run on these American sailings, so availability on some departures is very limited.

American Experiences: Road Trips and Southern Charm

While we’ve seen a distinct drop in travel to big American cities like New York or Chicago, smaller Southern cities like or are hugely popular right now.  Not surprising, considering they offer culture, history and fantastic (outdoor!) culinary experiences and great hotels.

Some clients say they prefer to drive rather than fly, so road trips have been appealing too, for example on parts of Route 66, or along Highway 1 in California, or the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville and the Blue Mountains.  And with our partners at Relais & Chateaux, we have been able to set up “Route du Bonheur” road trips along fantastic, typically small lodgings with spectacular restaurants.

Culinary enthusiasts have also been flocking to the amazing (and almost always sold out) .

American Experiences: Ranches and National Parks

The quest for space also means that National Parks and dude ranches in America’s “Wild West” are sought after. Ranches range from historic to spectacularly luxurious, and from Ted Turner’s private ranch to an entire Western village for your group’s private use.

The Islands of Hawai’i

Quarantine restrictions initially made Hawaii a bit less accessible, but now the state’s Pre-Travel Testing Program allows individuals to proceed without quarantine.  So if Pacific breezes and gorgeous scenery are on your wish list, talk to us. Here are some to whet your whistle.

Brand-new: “Sunshine and Serenity Cruise” in the Bahamas

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is moving Crystal Serenity from Europe to the Bahamas.  While cruises from the USA are not yet authorized, starting in July, Crystal will offer weekly cruises from Nassau or Bimini exploring some of the lesser known island gems of the Bahamas. Ideal for those who are fully vaccinated (a new requirement on Crystal), Crystal Serenity offers a reasonably priced luxury cruise “fix” alternative to staying at home.

Our next post will be about travel further afield – both in time and distance.

It is exciting that more places are slowly opening up to welcome visitors. We realize that not everyone is ready for travel yet. Of course it is a personal decision. We just want you to know that, when you feel that the time is right for you, the team at Q will be here to help.

The post People Ask: I’ve been vaccinated. Where can I go?  (Last minute/short haul edition) appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

Vacation travel is, by definition, personal.

And so is deciding whether or when you’re ready to go. While some of us aren’t ready to think about travel at all, others can’t wait and want something to look forward to. (see the ).

We’d like to share the most recent developments we see in travel right now:

Travel Restrictions

Europe slowly reopens its borders for Europeans and residents of countries with similar or better coronavirus infection rates. That includes Canada, but for now, not the United States. The EU will update its recommendations every two weeks, and each EU country makes its own final determination who will be let in, and who has to wait longer. Restrictions or self-quarantine requirements may impact imminent travel to and from certain destinations – including Chicago. And the US still requires a 14-day self-quarantine for US citizens and permanent residents returning from EU countries. One thing is certain: travel right now requires flexibility, as changing rules may change where you can go.

Airlines

Airlines are (re)scheduling flights – early this year, airlines cut their schedules as much as 100%. Many now are rebuilding their operating schedules, and are gradually increasing flights. What you can expect: compared to last year, fewer flight frequencies or nonstop itinerary options. If you have flights booked, anticipate schedule changes. Social distancing at airports, and on some airlines, in flight. Flight attendants and passengers are asked (or required) to wear masks. Airlines report that they use high efficiency HEPA filters and refresh the entire volume of air every two or three minutes to keep the air onboard clean. And service onboard and in lounges will be (even more) limited, to reduce potential exposure between staff and passengers.  Airlines are also more flexible, providing you with travel credits when you change your plans.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts reopen with new cleaning protocols. Hotel chains announce partnerships with professional cleaning organizations and health authorities. Rooms are “deep cleaned” between stays, with limited service during your stay, receptionists are shielded by plastic screens, and guests made aware of social distancing requirements.  Expect masks indoors; maximum two per elevator ride; limited capacity in (indoor) restaurants and menus called up on your phone by QR code. Mid-range hotels offer a grab-and-go bag for breakfast. And waitstaff at luxury properties will serve a la carte or from buffets. But importantly, the views, the comfortable hotel beds and the enjoyment of being away from home are still there!

Cruise Lines

Cruise lines established partnerships with health professionals and organizations, to re-start their sailings when the time is right. The European Union released guidelines for cruising’s return.  . Comprised of globally recognized specialists in medical practice and research, public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations, the panel will advise on a science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that ensures the well-being of guests and crew as well as the communities they visit.

Ocean and river cruises have restarted: small ship cruise lines like Ponant, SeaDream Yacht Club and Hurtigruten are operating limited initial ocean cruises in Europe. River cruise companies have also gently started to operate some sailings. While these cruises are only sold locally to Europeans, they will help the cruise lines to fine tune their future operations.

(that quotes Rob Clabbers of Q) talks about again.

Private Experiences

Private jets, villas, yachts.  Another trend we’re seeing: clients who want to travel with their own family or friends only, to limit their contact with “others”.  Think private jets (also a major time saver), villa rentals in the USA or the Caribbean, and renting a private yacht for 2 to 12, with or without crew, in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Belize, or even in the Mediterranean, Tahiti or Thailand.

However eager you are to travel (or not, and that’s fine too), know that when you are ready, the team at Q will be ready to help you too.

The post Slowly, travel is restarting. Here is what to expect: appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

Unusual. Difficult. Tough. Fluid. Unprecedented. All words you’re probably tired of hearing when used to describe the current COVID-19 situation. Challenging is another one that applies to many industries. Unfortunately, especially to the travel industry.

Roughly 1 in 10 people working on our planet is employed in travel. Think of hotel employees, restaurant workers, pilots and flight attendants. But also tour guides, check-in agents at cruise and airports, museum and tour guides.  And of course, travel advisors like the team at Q.

Like many clients, we can’t wait to explore the world again. And a question that we are asked often is “When can we travel again?”

Nobody has a precise answer. But we have kept a close eye on current developments over the past few months. We get first-hand “facts-on-the-ground” from our favorite hotels, tourism boards and onsite travel partners around the world. We talk with senior executives at cruise lines. We actively work with Virtuoso. We also share insights with other agency executives during meetings with Travel + Leisure magazine’s Travel Advisory Board.

So over the next few days, we would like to share what we are seeing in various sectors of the travel industry. Today we start with cruise travel.

Cruise Travel and COVID19 – What happened so far?

In mid-March, all major cruise lines started their “voluntary pause”: cruise ships returned to the first logical port as soon as logistically and legally possible, and had their passengers disembark.

Getting guests home

We helped guests return from an interrupted world cruise in Australia. Other disappointed clients were told with just a day or two notice that their long-planned vacation could not take place. And as captains were trying to get their passengers home, some countries closed their ports despite prior arrangements, forcing passengers on some ships to stay onboard much beyond their original return dates. Other lines chartered widebody aircraft and private jets to fly their guests home.

Returning cruise ship crew

But as ships are not in service, the crew need to get home too. Right now, cruise lines are working hard to return tens of thousands of crew members to their home countries. That is a very difficult task, due to border closures, government restrictions and limited air schedules. Current CDC restrictions, for example, prohibit crew members to use “public” commercial transportation in or from the USA. So cruise lines have chartered planes, coaches and other transportation to get crew home. Where border restrictions or logistics made chartering aircraft unfeasible, cruise lines use their own ships to sail across the oceans to get their crew home. Even then, countries may prohibit entry for crew members, or require quarantine before they let in their own citizens.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas “paused” in Fort Lauderdale

At Q, we have guided hundreds of clients through cancelling or rebooking flights, land vacations, hotels, cruises and more. Our frequent cruise clients can’t wait until the next time they can set sail. So, when cruise travel starts again, what can you expect?

Cruise Travel and COVID19 – What can you expect?

By now, most lines extended their pause, as more countries closed borders and airlines canceled flights, so right now, you cannot go on a cruise.

The cruise industry is now creating and implementing new operational standards suitable for a post-Coronavirus world in collaboration with the CDC, WHO and other government organizations. Coronavirus, Norovirus or other diseases don’t start on a ship. They are brought on a ship by passengers or crew members.

Strict health and hygiene standards are not new to cruise lines. Unlike other places where thousands of people congregate (sports arenas, theme parks, theaters), the cruise industry, like hospitals and care facilities, is already under strict review and reporting requirements by government organizations. Past cruise travelers will remember the many hand sanitizers around a ship, the health questionnaire before boarding or even the friendly nod or fist bump rather than a handshake at a Captain’s welcome party!

When can cruise travel restart?

For cruise travel to start again, three things have to happen:

1. Cruise lines and health authorities must design and implement procedures and protocols to ensure a healthy return to service.
2. Borders need to reopen
3. Airlines need to offer sufficient airlift to get passengers and crew to and from the ships

Currently, these moving targets mean that each line or corporation has set a different start date. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and others for example have just announced their intention to start sailing again after July 31. Others, like Princess and Seabourn, are not expecting to resume their cruises until October or November. Based on the progress made, these dates might shift again.

How will cruise travel change?

While the guidelines of the CDC and cruise industry haven’t been published yet, when ships start sailing again, here is what we expect you might see on ocean and/or river cruises:

(This will vary by cruise line and ship size, and constant adjustments will be made as the situation warrants)

• Not all cruise lines and ships will resume sailing at the same time. Cruise lines will use experiences gained on the first few sailings. They’ll then use them to ramp up service elsewhere.
• Not all cruises will start everywhere all at the same time. Cruises in Europe or Asia might start before cruises from the USA.
• River cruises might start before ocean cruises.
• US domestic cruises on the Mississippi River, Great Lakes or Columbia River might start before cruises that cross borders.
• Stricter pre-boarding screening: detailed questionnaires, no-touch temperature screening, with denied boarding for those who appear to be ill
• Physical distancing at embarkation and throughout the ship. Fewer, more spacious lines, separation of waiting passengers, stricter boarding groups, crowd control to avoid mixing of embarking and disembarking passengers or crew
• Technology (like Princess Medallion Class) to speed up embarkation, no-touch check-in, no touch payment throughout the ship
• Reduced non-essential visits to a ship (no day guests, reduced ship inspections)
• No self-service buffets or ice-cream machines. Crew members might serve you instead.
• Like restaurants on land, more separation between tables. You’ll find more tables for 2 or 4, but no communal tables for people who don’t know each other.
• Some lines may reintroduce or expand separate seatings (early or late dining). This will allow ships to accommodate guests with sufficient space in restaurants.
• Where feasible, more outdoor dining or alternative dining spaces to accommodate physical distancing.
• Additional cleaning and disinfection protocols for public areas and accommodation.
• Physical distancing between crew and passengers. For example, room attendants may not be allowed to clean a room while the guest is inside. Crew may also be separated, whether by plastic screens between purser’s desk and passengers or personal protection equipment.
• Adjustments to air-conditioning and ventilation systems to allow more fresh, rather than recirculated, air
• Ocean cruise ships always offer medical facilities, doctors and nursing staff. Their services, training and facilities will be enhanced to deal with COVID-19.
• Reduce often touched areas or items. Alternatively, disinfect them frequently. Where feasible, implement automatic doors.  Distribute newspapers and magazines via passengers’ own phones or tablets rather than in print. Instead of reusable menus that would require disinfection, you may get a disposable menu. Casino chips and slot machine handles; elevator buttons, etc. will be disinfected too.
• Adjusted entertainment schedules and “pop-up” events to reduce crowds in theatres or waiting areas
• Cruise lines will require excursion operators and transfer companies to disinfect vehicles. They will also limit guests per bus and separate passengers.
• More tour operators will suggest small group or private tours.
• Be prepared to wear masks, gloves, just like in your local supermarket.

The world is changing, and so is cruising. And while everything is still fluid (yes, we hate that word too!), we look forward to the day when we can cruise again.

The post When can we cruise again? Travel and COVID-19 appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

Kevin has been an integral part of the ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ team for over 12 years. He has infused his passion and expertise for cruise travel into carefully curated cruise vacations for thousands of clients over the years.

Kevin is an active participant in the Virtuoso Voyages cruise community and also one of the top advisors for cruise lines like Cunard Line.

The post Kevin Grubb earns Virtuoso Cruise Icon distinction: top 1% of Virtuoso Cruise Advisors appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

Want to learn more about barge cruises?  Wondering what the difference is between a “regular” river cruise and a barge cruise? Intrigued whether this is the right type of vacation for you? Want to find the perfect way to charter a river barge for a small friends and family group? Find out during our barge river cruise event!

Join the Q Team to learn more about barge cruises on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 during our Barge Cruise & Croissant event presentation in Chicago at the ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ office at 980 N. Michigan Avenue, suite 1235 from 10:30-11:30am.  You’ll have the opportunity to find out how a river barge cruise is a great way to explore the French or Dutch country side, as well as some other locations in Europe. Ask our guest presenter as well as the cruise experts at ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ all about barge cruises.

Simply call Ben at Q now to RSVP, then join us on April 18 to enjoy a coffee and croissant, learn more about this perfect way to explore off-the-beaten-path places in Europe and benefit from special barge cruise offers that are only available to attendees, and meet the cruise and travel experts of ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

What you should know:

• Barge Cruise Presentation
• Coffee and Croissant refreshments
• Wednesday, April 18, 2018 from 10:30-11:30am
• Location: ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝, 980 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1235, Chicago, IL (corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, across from the Drake Hotel)
• Attendance is complimentary
• RSVP required by Friday, April 13, 2018.  Please call Ben Leuciuc at Q at (312) 266 7447, ext. 802 or via email to let us know you’d like to attend.  Space is limited.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The post Barge Cruise & Croissant event, April 18, 10:30-11:30am appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

Interested in river cruises?  Intrigued whether this is the right type of vacation for you?   Now is your chance to find out!

Join the Q Team to learn more about river cruise travel on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 during our Avalon Waterways River Cruise presentation in Chicago at the ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ office at 980 N. Michigan Avenue.  You’ll have the opportunity to find out why river cruising is a great way to explore the world, and to ask our guest presenter, Sharon Pendergast from Avalon Waterways, as well as the river cruise experts at ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝ all about river cruises.

During a casual evening presentation, experience what awaits you on Avalon Waterways. Whether you wish to sail through Europe down the legendary Danube or wind through Southeast Asia down the Irrawady River or the mighty Mekong, you’ll see that Avalon Waterways changes the way you see the world.

You’ll hear about the unique Active Discovery Cruises offered only by Avalon Waterways, why river cruising is wonderful for solo travelers, the “Avalon Fresh” healthy dining options developed together by Avalon with two of Europe’s rising culinary stars and much more.

Simply call Ben at Q now to RSVP, then join us on February 6 to enjoy some light refreshments, benefit from special river cruise offers that are only available to attendees and meet the cruise and travel experts of ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.

What you should know:

• Avalon Waterways River Cruise Presentation
• Guest presentation by Sharon Pendergast from Avalon Waterways
• Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 6:00 – 7:30pm
• Presentation starts at 6:30pm
• Location: ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝, 980 N. Michigan Avenue, 6h floor Conference Room, Chicago, IL (corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, across from the Drake Hotel)
• Attendance is complimentary
• RSVP required by January 31, 2018.  Please call Ben Leuciuc at Q at (312) 266 7447, ext. 802 or via email to let us know you’d like to attend.  Space is limited.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The post Avalon Waterways River Cruise Presentation in Chicago – February 6, 2018 appeared first on ĐÓ°É´«Ă˝.