Booking and going on a cruise today (2022) is quite different than prior to the era of Covid-19. This is, is an about-face from the way everyone felt about cruising in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. First time cruisers and experienced travelers alike receive invaluable coaching and advice when booking with Connection To Cruise Travel. The process alone of booking a cruise is more complicated than booking a hotel or airline ticket online. Choosing a ship, itinerary, cabin categories, new health protocols, etc. can be overwhelming.

“If we had to choose one place to take our family vacation between a cruise ship or a land based resort, for us, it’s a cruise. We’re convinced that the cruise lines we recommend, are doing everything in their power to make sure everyone enjoys their vacation, and be as safe as possible. Obviously, It’s in everyones best interest to make sure of that, and keep it that way!” George & Marlys Aballi - Owners of Connection To Cruise Travel

When you book a cruise online, you take on all the time & responsibility for doing the research, making decisions and figuring out what to do or who to contact in case of a problem. No one is going to alert you to a factor you forgot to consider or remind you to book excursions, alert you when your final payment is due , keep you up to date of the constant changes or coach you through the process of the days leading up to the anticipated day of embarking on your cruise. You may also miss out on extra perks and savings such as ship board credits, gifts or specialty dining.

10 good reasons why we believe it’s time to start cruising again:

1. Vaccination rates are far higher on cruise ships than on land. Cruise lines have instituted some very strict new COVID-19 rules requiring that every single person on the ship — both crew and passengers — provide proof before boarding of being fully vaccinated for Covid 19.
2. COVID-19 testing is more rigorous to board ships ships. Required testing means that you can be fairly certain that the majority of people with whom you come in contact on ships are negative for COVID-19.
3. Cruise lines now have 100% fresh filtered air, upgraded medical facilities, developed transport protocols to ensure the ship can return to port and debark all guests.
4. Cruise lines are offering flexibility to change or cancel your cruise when you need to. Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises are even offering to get you home should you or your traveling party test positive for COVID-19 during your cruise, and will take care of costs related to onboard medical care, and your travel home — even a private jet, if needed — are on them.
5. Mask-wearing protocols have been set in place. Recently announced, masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated children will be expected to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings. Masks are required for all children while attending youth programs. Every crew member wore a mask on recent cruises we have taken. Currently Masks are required in the terminal, and may be required at various destinations. When masks are being required, cruiselines are being fairly strict about it — more strict than what we’ve seen at indoor retail stores, bars, restaurants and other venues.
6. Dining areas are featuring spaced & sanitized seating. Buffets are open & food is being served by the crew. Hand sanitizers and wipe stations are located all around the ships for frequent use.
7. Public areas are cleaned frequently & constantly using alcohol based and certified disinfectants for use agains SARS Cov-2.
8. You’ll notice there are fewer guests onboard, letting you ease back into vacation mode. The ship’s venues are set up to easily allow for physical distancing throughout your time onboard. Theaters and activity venues will offer spaced seating and more showtimes
9. Traveling with unvaccinated kids? This requires that kids get additional testing at the terminal and prior to disembarking. You will want to take advantage of our experience and knowledge when you are cruising with children.
10. We provide and have check-lists to remind guests of required documentation for boarding the ship including health questioners, vaccination status, online check-in and uploading cruise line apps.

When ready to book your next cruise be sure to contact one of our experienced travel professions at Connection To Cruise Travel.