Royal Caribbean Suspends Cruising

At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are always our top priorities. After the decision was made on March 13th to voluntarily suspend our sailings departing from US ports, we've now made the decision to also suspend operations for the remainder of our sailings worldwide, effective at midnight, March 15th. If you are currently onboard a cruise, there's no need to worry. We will complete our current sailing and debark as planned. Our goal is to resume operations on April 11th, 2020.

As a result of this change, we're providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by December 31, 2021

• This amount will be based on your total cruise fare paid. And, we're giving you a little extra, knowing that this is such a unique circumstance.

• We will automatically issue you your Future Cruise Credit by Monday, April 13th, 2020 via email. So, there's nothing for you to do!

• Please know, if you pre-purchased any amenities and packages – like internet, beverage, dining, or RoyalUp Upgrade, those will be automatically refunded.

Or, if you prefer the lower value in a full refund, we're happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You have until December 31, 2021 to request a refund.

• Please contact us to start the refund process, if you're willing to give up the higher value of your 125% Future Cruise Credit.

• We'll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits.

• To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, please click here and we will get the process started for you.

• You can expect to receive your refund 30 days after you submit your request.

And, if you purchased air or hotel…

• via Royal Caribbean, these will also be automatically refunded to you.

• on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

We know, this too shall pass, and we are optimistic that very soon you'll be excited about planning your next cruise vacation. As always, the most important thing to us will always be the safety of our guests and crew. In the meantime, we'll continue to monitor the global situation. We wish you good health and truly appreciate your continued loyalty.


CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) HEALTH PROTOCOLS

We are closely monitoring global developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are being proactive when it comes to protecting the health of our guests, crew, and the communities where we sail.

To comply with guidance from CDC, WHO, public health authorities around the world, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we are enhancing our rigorous global boarding and screening measures to protect our guests and crew. These measures are intentionally conservative and apply to anyone boarding our ships, guests and crew alike. We apologize for the inconvenience created by these precautionary measures.

These temporary safety precautions will remain in place for a projected period of 30 days and will continued to be reviewed daily. Updates will be posted daily on this website.

Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet will adopt the following health screening protocols:

Mandatory temperature screenings using digital, non-touch scanners are being conducted with guests, crewmembers, and visitors on embarkation day prior to boarding any vessel. If temperature registers about 100.4°F (38°C), the person and his/her travel companions will be referred to a secondary health screening.

Guests who are denied boarding due to screening results will receive compensation.

COVID-19 presents the most serious health risks to older individuals, the immunocompromised, and those with serious, underlying medical conditions. Therefore,

a.  Effective Monday, March 16, boarding will be denied to any person age 70 or older, unless the guest provides written verification from a qualified treating physician that certifies the person has no severe, chronic medical condition and is fit to travel.

b. Effective Friday, March 13, boarding will be denied to any person with a severe, chronic medical condition, including those specified by the CDC. Guests of all ages will be screened prior to boarding, regarding underlying health issues that may prevent them from sailing, i.e.  chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer.

Regardless of nationality, boarding will be denied to:

a.  Any person who has traveled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Europe (See list of restricted European countries below), Iran, or South Korea 15 days prior to embarkation.

b. Any person who has come in contact with anyone with 15-day prior travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Europe (See list of restricted European countries below), Iran, or South Korea. The CDC characterizes contact with an individual as coming within six feet (2M) of a person.

c. Any person who within 15 days prior to embarkation, has had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.

d. For Caribbean Itineraries Only: The above parameters will also include Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, along with travel or contact occurring 21 days prior to embarkation.

Secondary, enhanced health screenings will be performed on:

a. Any person who reports feeling unwell or displays flu-like symptoms.

b. Any person who has traveled from, to or through Japan or Thailand in the 15 days prior to embarkation.

c. Any person who is uncertain about contact with individuals who have traveled in the 15 days prior to embarkation from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Europe (See list of restricted European countries below), Iran, South Korea, Japan, or Thailand.

d. For Caribbean Itineraries Only: Secondary health screening parameters will include the country of Thailand for travel or contact occurring 21 days prior to embarkation.

In some cases, guests presenting certain symptoms in the specialized health screenings may be denied boarding.

All guests who are denied boarding due to these restrictions will receive compensation.

Additional restrictions may be imposed based on local circumstances. For example, certain countries may deny visas or prohibit entry based on travel history or nationality.

We have rigorous medical protocols in place to help guests and crew members who feel unwell while sailing. Our protocols include professional medical treatment; isolation of unwell individuals from the general ship population; and intensified ship cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization procedures.

We are assessing developments constantly and will update these measures as needed.

Guests with questions may contact the customer care departments of our individual cruise lines or their travel professionals.



CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON CHINESE PASSPORT HOLDERS
AS OF 02/10/2020*

Many countries are refusing entry to persons who have traveled from, to or through mainland China in the past 14 days, and often require Chinese guests to submit to additional health screenings and document review.

• BAHAMAS: No entry for anyone with prior 20-day mainland China travel, regardless of nationality.

• INDIA: No arrival visas for China passports.

• INDONESIA: No entry permitted to China passport holders.

• JAPAN: No entry permitted for China passports issued in Hubei and Zhejiang provinces.

• MALAYSIA: No entry permitted for China passports issued in Hubei, Zhejiang or Jiangsu provinces.

• SINGAPORE: No entry permitted for China passport holders. Ship will be denied entry.

• SRI LANKA: No arrival visas for China passport holders.

• VIETNAM: No entry permitted for China passport Holders. Ship will be denied entry.

*Please note, these restrictions are subject to change and all may not be listed.

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Vivid Sydney 2020 Cancelled

The NSW Government today announced the cancellation of Vivid Sydney 2020 following recommendations by the Federal Government and health authorities to limit non-essential organised gatherings to less than 500 people to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Destination NSW said that while the cancellation of the event is disappointing and another major setback for the tourism industry, it is the right thing to do to control the spread of infection and keep people safe.

“Vivid Sydney is a bright star of Sydney’s event calendar so the decision to cancel was not taken lightly. As the event owner, we must follow the advice of health officials to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and everyone involved with Vivid Sydney,” a Destination NSW spokesperson said.

“We have taken the decision early in consideration of those planning to travel to Sydney for the festival, our commercial partners, artists, and volunteers so as to minimise the disruption and impact on them.

“We are currently working through the full implications of the cancellation and will provide further information and advice as soon as it’s available.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time for the tourism industry and this is yet another body blow, but NSW will bounce back and Vivid Sydney will shine brighter than ever in 2021.”

Vivid Sydney, the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere, was scheduled to run from 22 May - 13 June 2020. The cancellation means that all elements of ‘Vivid Sydney - Lights, Music and Ideas’ will not proceed in 2020.

Vivid Sydney debuted in 2009 and is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. In 2019 a record 2.4 million people attended Vivid Sydney, generating $172 million for the NSW economy.

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CLIA statement on COVID-19

CLIA and its cruise line members are responding to evolving circumstances swiftly and in consultation with governments and health authorities internationally in relation to COVID-19. As always, the health and safety of passengers and crew is the highest priority.

As the Australian Government has announced, all international arrivals by cruise ships to Australian ports will be suspended for 30 days, with provisions for vessels currently in operation.

As many cruise lines had previously announced voluntary suspensions of their operations, the industry is already well advanced in returning ships to port. CLIA has been working closely with the government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and has been consulting with state and national health departments over the extensive measures enacted by the cruise industry globally.

Cruise lines are now focused on a safe and smooth return for affected ships at sea, and on arrangements for the disembarkation of passengers.

While we acknowledge these suspensions will cause inconvenience and disappointment to many, cruise lines are working around the clock to maintain a focus on the health and safety of passengers and crew.

This is an unprecedented situation and we are conscious not only of the impact upon on guests but also on the destinations that cruise lines visit and the many businesses that depend upon cruise tourism. Despite challenging times, we are confident our industry has the resilience to overcome this situation in the longer term.

Intrepid Suspends International Tours until 30 April 2020

Intrepid Group is suspending Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures tours globally* from Monday 16 March until Thursday . 

Customers booked to travel on an Intrepid Travel or Peregrine Adventures tour during this time will receive a credit valued at 110%, which will be valid for two years. 

Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventure tours that are currently operating will continue until 3 April 2020. Any customers that opt to leave their tour early will receive a credit for the remainder of their itinerary. 

The only *exception is to Intrepid’s Australia tours, which at this stage, will go ahead as planned.

CEO James Thornton says that the decision to suspend Intrepid Group’s global operations comes as a result of the increasing number of national and international travel restrictions that have been announced by governments in the past 48 hours. 

“The rapid spread of Coronavirus and subsequent travel shutdowns has created a situation which is unlike anything that Intrepid has seen in our 31 years in business. We have now made the difficult decision to pause our global operations until the end of April,” says Thornton.

“The health and wellbeing of our customers, our people, and the local communities that we visit is our priority. As a responsible travel company, we look forward to resuming trips when we can once again operate trips that benefit both our travellers and the people they visit along the way.”

For more information, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19 or https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/covid19

16-Day Egypt and Jordan Tour for Solo Travellers only

Solo Travel experts and award-winning tour company, Two’s a Crowd, has just released final seats for their 16-day Egypt and Jordan Discovery group tour, departing 1 April 2020. The escorted tour is for solo travellers only, and forget sharing rooms, every traveller has their own!

Designed specifically for solo travellers and led by a Two’s a Crowd tour host, explore Egypt and Jordan in the safety of a group of 15 like-minded people. Enjoy personalised attention, space and even free time to explore.

Over 16 days this amazing tour will visit Egypt and Jordan’s much-loved towns and cities including Egypt’s capital – Cairo; Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city and gateway to Africa; Luxor, famous for its ancient monuments and Tombs; Jordan’s capital, Amman; the beach resort of Aqaba; Wadi Rum and its stunning desert scenery; and the fabled city of Petra.

From the Valley of the Kings to digging for obscure treasure in ancient marketplaces, this tour is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Visit Egypt’s classic icons, the Sphinx and King Tut’s tomb. Discover the fascinating story behind the Valley of the Kings and its unusual burial tradition. Spend three nights cruising down the Nile River and falling under its spell. Encounter Nubian communities and relax on the riverboat’s sun deck.

Discover Wadi Rum, a geologically intriguing town built into a vast boulder with sweeping desert and echoing formations and experience the turquoise haven and healing powers of one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water –the Dead Sea.

Journey through the desert to a luxury camp and spend the night under a staggeringly beautiful starry sky. Travel to Abu Simbel’s monumental temples by plane and marvel at the sheer scale of these stunning structures. Enjoy a home cooked meal with a local Egyptian family and discover the hidden and hand-hewn facades of Petra and the ancient Roman ruins at Jerash.

Accommodation includes 11 nights in a range of 3.5 to 4-star hotels, one night in a luxury desert tent, three nights in a cabin onboard ‘Dolphin Nile cruise’ and one night in a cabin onboard the Luxor to Cairo Sleeper Train. Every guest has their own room, tent and cabin.

The 16-day Egypt and Jordan Discovery tour is $7,597 per person and includes a Two’s a Crowd tour host from Australia, English speaking local leader in Egypt and Jordan, all accommodation in own room/cabin/tent, all meals included as per itinerary, some meals, all transport, all tour activities and tour entrance/admission fees, group arrival and departure transfers, tips and gratuities and Comprehensive Travel Insurance provided by CHI Travel Insurance (Underwritten by Allianz).

For further information and for bookings visit: https://twosacrowd.com.au/

Coronavirus: ITB Berlin Cancelled, IPW 'All systems go'

While the shockwaves of the coronavirus scare are now being felt as far away as Italy and Germany, we learn this week that organisers have decided to cancel the huge ITB travel trade fair, throwing into disarray the plans of 160,000 visitors and 10,000 exhibitors.

US Travel's massive annual IPW, on the other hand, is planning to go ahead and Malcolm Smith, General Manager IPW, has written to all delegates and exhibitors to reassure them.

Malcolm Smith, General Manager, IPW
"all systems go"

"While IPW is several months away, we're presently on track to host an outstanding event in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30-June 3. It's "all systems go" and planning for all scenarios is well underway. Registration is strong from both domestic and international attendees.

"U.S. public health and security officials, as recently as yesterday, have been clear in stating that the threat of COVID-19 in the United States remains low. We will continue to follow the guidance offered by these leading health authorities and be guided by the most up to date information available. Any alternative decisions will be informed by expert advice. We aim to react properly to this current situation, but not to overreact.

"Our concern is for all who are affected by this health challenge, and we are hopeful for a swift resolution that keeps travelers to and within America safe and secure."

SO Melbourne to grow Accor luxury presence in Australia

Today, Accor announces the continued expansion of its luxury portfolio in Australia, with the debut of the vibrant and playful SO/Hotels & Resorts luxury brand in Melbourne, Australia. Slated to open in 2023, SO/Melbourne is set to be a bold, fashionable and luxurious designer hotel, located in a prime CBD position overlooking Flagstaff Gardens.

Positioned on the corner of William and Franklin Streets, the hotel is within close reach of Melbourne's key commercial, retail and leisure attractions. The first SO/ branded hotel for Australia and second in the region following SO/Auckland, will boast 288 avant-garde guestrooms and suites, some with outdoor terraces, combined with exceptional signature services, social events and opulent experiences. The hotel will form part of a mixed-use development including 20,000sqm of office and co-working space.

Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Accor, says “The demand for quality luxury hotels is at an all-time high, so the timing is right to introduce Australia to the audacious and fashionable SO/ Hotel brand.

“SO/Melbourne will bring a bold and playful energy to Melbourne, blending the brand's vibrant luxury services with the heart and soul of the destination. This flagship hotel will be the place to be seen to socialise, appealing to chic travellers and Melbourne's savvy early adopters who are renowned for having their finger on the pulse.

“Guests today are looking for travel experiences that excite the senses and they want to stay in places where they feel connected to the heart of their destination. We look forward to opening this exciting flagship hotel in 2023,” concluded McGrath.

Daring and exuberant design is at the heart of the SO brand, and like all other SO/ properties around the world, SO/ Melbourne will be brought to life by a celebrated fashion designer who will lend their artistic vision to the property.

SO/Melbourne is being developed by MIT Group Holdings Pty Ltd, the property arm of private tertiary educational institute, Melbourne Institute of Technology. The project is part of a multimillion-dollar mixed-use urban regeneration project across two towers and a podium comprising a luxury lifestyle hotel, commercial workspace and a high-end ground floor retail space. An existing heritage building will be retained and incorporated into the lower level design to reflect the diverse history of the site.

The Elenberg Fraser architect-designed hotel is positioned in the upper levels between level 11 and level 34 with a tapering form to capitalise on views to Flagstaff Gardens and the Queen Victoria Market. The hotel, with interiors by P49, will feature a signature club lounge & private meeting room, specialty restaurant/bar & sky deck, all-day dining & outdoor terrace, lobby lounge/café, and a ballroom. Next generation Grade-A office space and co-working areas will feature from level 1 to level 10. Consultants involved in the development include project managers Sinclair Brook and hotel advisor Savills.

Wellness facilities will include a SO/SPA and SO/FIT wellness and fitness centre as well as a swimming pool. Sky gardens and lush landscapes will adorn the walls and interiors of the hotel, bringing a breath of fresh air into Melbourne and shaping the next chapter in architectural history for the city.

With fashionable properties located in the most dynamic destinations worldwide, SO/ Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in Accor's luxury portfolio. In addition to the upcoming opening of SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado in Havana, Cuba (2020) and SO/ Los Cabos Hotel & Residences (2021) in Mexico, the brand will soon unveil hotels in desirable locations worldwide including Kuala Lumpur (2020), Samui (2020) and Jakarta (2021). These additions will expand an eclectic SO/ portfolio which already includes two stunning properties in Thailand, SO/ Bangkok & SO/ Hua Hin, as well as SO/ Mauritius, SO/ Singapore and recently opened properties including SO/ Berlin Das Stue, SO/ Vienna, SO/ St. Petersburg and SO/ Auckland.

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