Health Archives - Sophisticated Travel

Croatia is the first EU country to open to US tourists

New health requirements Croatia has become the first member of the European Union (EU) to open its borders to US citizens. Visitors will be required to bring documentation of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival, proof they have a hotel reservation or accommodations and complete a travel registration document prior to arriving. The travel registration form requires visitors to declare their reason for the trip and provide proof they have hotel or other accommodations. Visa not required for US citizens Despite being a member of the EU, Croatia is not part of the visa-free Schengen ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:10-07:00July 15th, 2020|

Royal Caribbean & Norwegian form joint group to develop coronavirus plan

Celebrity Edge New task-force created Two cruise industry powerhouses announced the formation of a new joint effort to develop a response to coronavirus. Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara & Silversea) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (Norwegian, Oceania & Regent Seven Seas Cruises) announced the blue-ribbon task force will be headed by Mike Leavitt, former Utah governor, and Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Other panel members are globally recognized experts from public health, biosecurity, infectious disease, hospitality and maritime operations. The group is charged with developing procedures to prevent the ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:11-07:00July 9th, 2020|

My 20 steps cruise lines should take when they re-open

I love cruising and have enjoyed it for over 25 years. I’ve walked through the awe inspiring ancient ruins of Pompeii. I’ve seen buildings and art I read about as a child in school. I’ve walked down paths that have been traveled for thousands of years. I’ve seen amazing landscapes, forests and gardens. I’ve come close to wild monkeys in a Buddhist temple and sloths slowly moving in Costa Rica. I’ve learned about the history and struggles of ancient civilizations. I’ve met friendly and helpful locals who helped me navigate streets in Venice, Zurich and Soul. And I’ve met ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:15-07:00May 13th, 2020|

Cruise bookings up over 2019 as everyone wants out of quarantine

Across the board, we are seeing cruise bookings for 2021 up 9% - 15% over 2019 levels as people are anxious to escape home and live life again. Cruise lines are offering early booking savings on most cruises which further entices the home weary. Swiss bank UBS analysts reported on March 31 an increase of 9% in year over year bookings while a more recent report from Cruise Compete showed a whopping 40% increase in 2021 bookings for Asian & Alaskan cruises. Cruise Planners has seen a 15% increase with European sailings leading the way. As we've talked with ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:17-07:00April 16th, 2020|

Coronavirus – my perspective

Not surprisingly, I’ve been getting calls over the past few weeks about the coronavirus. It is an issue of concern that we should all take seriously, but not panic over. I am not a doctor and not giving medical advice. After reading many articles by health experts, the cruise line industry, and public health experts, here is my take on coronavirus: How Does the Coronavirus Affect My Cruise Plans 1) THE SITUATION IS CHANGING ALMOST DAILY This is a new virus and health professionals are still learning about how it spreads, who is most at risk, what treatments are ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:20-07:00March 7th, 2020|