Is it Over Yet? Can we travel?

I vote YES!

Of course, the pandemic is waning, but it’s not over. Travel has kicked back into high gear in many places around the world and restrictions in many locations are ‘relaxing’ a bit.

We just returned from a group ocean cruise on Sky Princess. We cruised the Eastern Caribbean for a week in February. There were some pandemic hoops to jump through. Vaccinations needed, COVID testing before boarding ship, mask wearing onboard, in airports and on aircraft. We even had to wear masks in some of the ports while outside.

Our port stop of San Juan, Puerto Rico was replaced with Nassau, Bahamas because of the pandemic. The government of P.R. decided we needed to COVID test prior to arrival, which wasn’t possible. Long story short…things happen and there’s not much you can do about it.

If you decide to travel now, you may have some hoops to jump through. Things may get pushed around, delayed, replaced or new requirements can pop up. But, in the end, travel is open and it’s worth it. It really is worth it. Get out there…you deserve it.

Pete Larson, CTC

Jolly Mon Vacations

http://www.JollyMonVacations.com

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Pandemic Travel

There are still lots of restrictions when it comes to travel, due to the ongoing pandemic. Some have chosen to travel despite the restrictions currently in place.

Mexico is still a viable option for US citizens, but you will require a COVID-19 test in order to return home.

Some locations have stopped accepting visitors, so keep abreast of changes.

I highly recommend using a professional agent for your travel, especially in a critical time like this. They will be well versed in rules and changes and much more.

http://www.jollymonvacations.com

Hurricanes

With hurricane Dorian wreaking havoc across the Bahamas and USA it’s a great time to own travel insurance .

Altered itineraries, resort closures, and flight cancelations abound in bad weather situations. Travel insurance can help alleviate the worry and aid in your financial recovery when things go awry.

Jolly Mon Vacations and River Cruise Guru strongly recommend and sell travel insurance policies.

Contact: pete@jollymonvacations.com for more info.

Happy and safe travels everyone!

Merry Christmas

Just back from another trip to Jamaica. With Christmas just around the corner, I’m feeling very thankful.

No matter where your travels bring you this holiday season, I wish you safe and joyous ones! Merry Christmas from our family to your family.

Merry Christmas!

Hurricanes & Travel

Late season hurricanes are very active this year.  Do you have a flight, resort vacation or cruise scheduled soon? Recent flight changes, airport or resort closures and devastated ports or islands may affect your vacation. 

Keep abreast of the current situation with all things on your itinerary. I highly recommend travel insurance and the use of a travel professional when booking your trip. This way you have protection and someone to assist you when you need it most.

Mother Nature can spoil your plan at any time. Being prepared is necessary and good peace of mind.

Pete Larson,  CTC, LS, DS

Certified Travel Counselor 

http://www.JollyMonVacations.com

218.779.3050

NEWS: Pete Larson Earns Adventurist Certification from UnCruise Adventures

For Immediate Release

Peter Larson at River Cruise Guru Earns Adventurist Certification From

UnCruise Adventures

Grand Forks, ND, May 2017 – Pete Larson, owner of River Cruise Guru and Jolly Mon Vacations completed a specialized training program and is now certified as an Adventurist with UnCruise Adventures. The line offers adventure cruises aboard boutique yachts and small ships in Southeast Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Costa Rica, Panamá, and Galápagos Islands.

To join the Adventurist Club, travel agents participate in a series of online tutorials and pass an online exam. The Adventurist program details the nuances of UnCruise Adventures’ inclusive small ship adventure and river cruises along with destination information.

“We commend travel agents who take the time to complete the certification program,” said Tim Jacox, president and COO at UnCruise Adventures. “By becoming a specialist, agents have the expertise to paint a clear picture of our small-group adventures for their clients.”

UnCruise Adventures offers an alternative to traditional cruising by taking travelers into areas that are not accessible to larger ships and on activities that focus on the wilderness, wildlife and culture in each destination. Seven adventure vessels offer opportunities for outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, skiff explorations, stand-up paddle-boarding and whale watching. One replica coastal steamer offers river cruising with an eye on history and included shoreside tours to points of historical interest.

 Pete Larson is a Certified Travel Counselor & River Cruise Specialist

www.JollyMonVacations.com                   www.RiverCruiseGuru.com 

Email:  pete@jollymonvacations.com or pete@rivercruiseguru.com

Phone:  218.779.3050

UnCruise Adventures in Alaska

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About UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures’ yachts and small ships carry 22-88 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Costa Rica, Panamá and the Galápagos Islands.  Un-Cruise Adventures, under the parent company of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Inc., is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited.

http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

AmaWaterways building Europe’s largest river cruise ship

The AmaMagna, will be the same length, height and draft as the line’s other vessels, but at 22 meters it will be twice as wide, allowing for larger cabins — most about 300 square feet — with a capacity for 194 passengers (40 more than Crystal Mozart).

Its width also means it will be the only ship docked in ports that allow two-deep berthing.

The new ship will feature ocean-style cabins, multiple dining venues (including outdoor dining), an elevator that goes all the way to the top of the ship, a heated top-deck pool and hot tub with bar, expanded entertainment and spa offerings and a water sports platform with zodiacs, canoes and other recreational equipment.

 

The ship will be green, using propulsion that’s a hybrid of diesel and electric engines. In total, there will be 10 small engines, with just four used for propulsion. If more power is needed, electric ones will be used.

Construction began on March 6 at Vahali’s headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia. When the hull is completed, the vessel will be finished at the company’s facility in Holland. Because its size will prohibit it from being towed directly to Holland by tugboat, it will instead be taken by freighter via the Black Sea.

Pete Larson, CTC, LS, DS

Certified River Cruise Specialist

http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

pete@rivercruiseguru.com

218.779.3050

Brought to you by RIVER CRUISE GURU http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

Emerald Waterways new “Deposit Protection Plan”

Emerald Waterways currently has non-refundable and non-transferrable deposits. (same as most other river cruise lines)

To allow some flexibility for our guests, they are now offering a Deposit Protection Plan.

What is this NEW Deposit Protection Plan?

The Deposit Protection Plan (DPP) is a form of coverage offered by Emerald Waterways that protects the deposit amount paid on an Emerald Waterways cruise.

To participate in this program, the cost is $125/pp USD and must be paid with the deposit on the Deposit Due Date.

The Deposit Protection Plan is non-refundable and non-transferrable and cannot be added past the Deposit Due Date. The DPP also only covers Cruise or Tour deposit, it DOES NOT cover Air deposits.

How it works:

When guests choose to cancel or change their cruise departure date for any reason prior to the final payment due date as per the terms and  conditions, the value of the Deposit Protection Plan paid will be charged as a fee.

Additionally, any third-party supplier fees incurred by us (i.e components provided by third parties such as, but not limited to, hotels) will be subtracted from the deposit amount and we will credit the remainder towards an alternative cruise. This must be booked within 24 months of the cancellation.

If guests do not book within the 24-month period advised, the deposit amount held on file will be forfeited.

The DPP does not, nor does it intend to, replace travel insurance. Emerald Waterways highly recommends all guests purchase travel insurance prior to leaving for their vacation.

If a guest declines the DPP at the time of booking, this will be noted on their reservation and will not be allowed to be added after the Deposit Due Date.

Cancellations:

If guests who have purchased the DPP cancel after final payment due date, the Deposit Protection Plan is no longer valid. Their standard cancellation policy will apply to cancellations made after final payment due date. The cancellation fees will be advised by the Cancellations Team after cancellation in writing is received.

Guests who cancel prior to the final payment due date but have NOT taken out the Deposit Protection Plan than the deposit remains non-refundable and non-transferrable.

For more information, contact your Emerald Waterways Specialist, Pete Larson.

Pete Larson, CTC, DS, LS

River Cruise Specialist

http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

pete@rivercruiseguru.com

1-218-779-3050

Brought to you by RIVER CRUISE GURU http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

Emerald Waterways New River Ships

The fifth in the Emerald Waterways’ Star Ship fleet, the 186-guest Emerald Destiny includes the line’s indoor balcony in most cabins, complete with decked area and an open-air system as well as a swimming pool and cinema on the ship’s aft. It is one of three Emerald Star Ships to be launched this year, bringing the total fleet to seven. Emerald Liberté, which will sail the Saône and Rhône rivers in France, will launch in April. The Liberté can host 138 guests and offers all the same amenities as the Destiny, including the swimming pool and cinema. Emerald Radiance, which carries only 112 passengers, will traverse Portugal’s Douro River and will launch in May.

Here is Pete “River Cruise Guru” onboard Emerald Star on the Danube River

Contact Pete today for free assistance with your river cruise!

• Pete Larson, CTC, LS, DS
• Certified River Cruise Specialist
• http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com
• Email:  pete@rivercruiseguru.com
• Call:  1-218-779-3050

Brought to you by RIVER CRUISE GURU http://www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

 

New Margaritaville All-Inclusive Resorts

Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Margaritaville have announced a partnership to develop a collection of all-inclusive Margaritaville resorts.

The new Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma will be Margaritaville’s entry into the all-inclusive resort market.

The collection will comprise new-build beachfront resorts in tropical destinations, including the Caribbean and Mexico, that will combine Karisma’s award-winning all-inclusive service and experiences with some of the signature elements of the global brand inspired by iconic singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. (my Hero!)

While it’s unclear where the first resort is slated to break ground, it will happen later this year with a opening planned for 2018.

“Our partnership with Margaritaville allows us to introduce a collection of new casual luxury resorts set in stunning tropical destinations,” said the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Karisma’s exclusive representative, Premier Worldwide Marketing, Mandy Chomat in a statement. “Karisma’s expertise in delivering elevated all-inclusive concepts around the world makes this partnership a perfect fit.”

In her own statement, Margaritaville’s chief marketing officer Tamara Baldanza-Dekker called the partnership “a match made in paradise.”

Karisma currently owns and operates more than two dozen properties throughout Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe and aims to have 30 up and running around the world by 2020.

Source:  Travel Pulse

Pete Larson, CTC, DS, LS

Certified Travel Counselor & River Cruise Specialist

Jolly Mon Vacations  …destination anywhere.

www.JollyMonVacations.com

www.RiverCruiseGuru.com

Phone or text:  218-779-3050

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