SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[Sadie Lady]

2 hours ago, chrism23 said:

We are sailing on the Silver Cloud August 15 out of Reyjavik.  In the material sent by SS regarding pre- cruise testing they say the test results must be verified.  Does anyone know what they mean by this.  We have home test kits and have no idea how to get the results verified.  Thanks

We are also on this cruise.  For home tests to be verified, you have to do a tele test, with the testing and results verified virtually by a health professional. If you are on the roll call for this cruise, someone posted more specific info there. We are testing at home at Walgreens, since it is well within the 72 hour window. We are only staying one night pre cruise, which made that possible. See you on the cruise! Sue & Lee

[highplanesdrifters]

On 8/2/2022 at 3:04 PM, RetiredandTravel said:

 

 

The Venture looks like a really cool ship, enjoy your trip.  Please send updates.

Thanks. We have made it to Oslo with our bags. Posting on the Seabourn boards if you care to follow. 

[TLCOhio]

23 hours ago, Sadie Lady said:

We are also on this cruise.  For home tests to be verified, you have to do a tele test, with the testing and results verified virtually by a health professional. If you are on the roll call for this cruise, someone posted more specific info there. We are testing at home at Walgreens, since it is well within the 72 hour window. We are only staying one night pre cruise, which made that possible. See you on the cruise! Sue & Lee

 

Appreciate these testing details and follow-up from our Ohio neighbors, Sue and Lee, in Cincinnati.  Very helpful!!

 

For highplanesdrifters, glad you have made it safely to Oslo.  Will try to check in on the Seabourn CC website to learn more as to how this adventure progresses.  Keep posting and sharing.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 255,116 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[TLCOhio]

Looking for a major, potentially-positive story that could reflect that the travel/tourism economy is roaring back to some form of 2019 "normal"?  See below!!  A good sign and predictor for the cruise industry?

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Las Vegas Casinos Boom Despite Fears of a U.S. Bust" with this sub-headline: "MGM Resorts, Caesars say travelers are flocking to the Strip.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Despite inflation at a four-decade high, and jitters over a looming recession, people are flocking to the entertainment and gambling oasis. Executives with Caesars and MGM Resorts this week reported record-high performances for their Las Vegas properties in the latest quarter.  Older consumers are returning to the Strip, shaking off pandemic concerns. International travelers began coming back in recent weeks and the convention calendar looking ahead is getting busier, executives said.  A rush of pent-up travel demand that brought Las Vegas back over the past year is continuing."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/las-vegas-casinos-boom-despite-fears-of-a-u-s-bust-11659618000?mod=hp_lead_pos12

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 238,118 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

As cruise lines seek to get back to "normal", all is not happening easily and smoothly.  Also for the "luxury" segment in which Silversea competes, there is growing competition, including with Crystal trying to have a re-birth and MSC starting its new, high-end Explore brand.  

 

But what about the Ritz-Carlton brand that has not previously done cruising, but has a well-known name?   

 

From a below-linked trade publication yesterday, they had this headline: “Ritz-Carlton Reschedules Inaugural Cruise Again” with these highlights: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection today announced that it will reschedule its inaugural voyage due to ongoing global supply chain challenges and the unprecedented delay in receiving certain compulsory materials necessary for the final stage of finishing, according to a statement. The Evrima, the first yacht from Ritz-Carlton, will now set sail on October 15, 2022 from Barcelona. The cruise brand originally intended to enter service in 2019.”

 

Not sure as a potential customer, that I would trust Ritz-Carlton for any cruises until they are actually up and operating, plus having had  many months of proven performance.  Am I too doubtful and lacking confidence?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27992-ritz-carlton-reschedules-inaugural-cruise-again.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 97,171 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Gourmet Gal]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

As cruise lines seek to get back to "normal", all is not happening easily and smoothly.  Also for the "luxury" segment in which Silversea competes, there is growing competition, including with Crystal trying to have a re-birth and MSC starting its new, high-end Explore brand.  

 

But what about the Ritz-Carlton brand that has not previously done cruising, but has a well-known name?   

 

From a below-linked trade publication yesterday, they had this headline: “Ritz-Carlton Reschedules Inaugural Cruise Again” with these highlights: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection today announced that it will reschedule its inaugural voyage due to ongoing global supply chain challenges and the unprecedented delay in receiving certain compulsory materials necessary for the final stage of finishing, according to a statement. The Evrima, the first yacht from Ritz-Carlton, will now set sail on October 15, 2022 from Barcelona. The cruise brand originally intended to enter service in 2019.”

 

Not sure as a potential customer, that I would trust Ritz-Carlton for any cruises until they are actually up and operating, plus having had  many months of proven performance.  Am I too doubtful and lacking confidence?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27992-ritz-carlton-reschedules-inaugural-cruise-again.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 97,171 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Agree completely.  I’ll believe it when I see it!  I was booked on a B2B cruise with them and so glad I cancelled early.   I want to see a track record and hear some passenger feedback before reconsidering.

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Gourmet Gal said:

Agree completely.  I’ll believe it when I see it!  I was booked on a B2B cruise with them and so glad I cancelled early.   I want to see a track record and hear some passenger feedback before reconsidering.

 

YES, even in good and normal times, we would expect some track-record and pattern of positive customer feedback.  But these days with serious supply chain challenges and staffing shortage, we want a reasonable level of proven performance.  Great comments and follow-up from Gourmet Gal.  

 

From the New York Times two days ago, they had this headline: “Transportation Dept. Proposes New Rule to Ease Air Travel Chaos for Passengers"  with this sub-headline: "If a new federal policy goes into effect, Americans will have more recourse when airlines cancel or significantly delay flights.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Amid an infuriating summer for air travel, the Department of Transportation is proposing changes that guide flight refunds, providing more recourse for passengers when airlines cancel flights or significantly alter a flight’s schedule, route or seat categories.  The rule, which the agency will decide on after a 90-day public comment period closes, would also require U.S. carriers that received pandemic aid to issue a full refund if a passenger chooses not to travel because of certain coronavirus-related factors, such as a country shutting down to nonessential travel.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/business/transportation-dept-airline-rule.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 70,209 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

From former USA Today travel guru Gene Sloan and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Waiting for Evrima: First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise vessel delayed for an eighth time” with these highlights: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is turning into the cruise line version of the title character of the famous Samuel Beckett play 'Waiting for Godot.' It’s something that is always coming, but never arrives.  The new cruising arm of luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton on Friday said it had pushed back the unveiling of its much-awaited first vessel, the 298-passenger Evrima, for an eighth time.”

 

Their first ship was originally scheduled to start sailing in February of 2020.  The usual excuses, some legitimate during this Covid period, were outlined.  But, this is starting look silly and reflect huge mis-management.  Their first mistake was having a shipyard start construction when this company had never done such cruises ships.  Especially at this aiming for luxury level.  This "Yacht Collection" has the Ritz-Carlton name, but is NOT directly connected and managed by the parent Marriott Corporation.  How could a legitimate travel agent put a client into a booking for an unproven cruise company under these conditions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/waiting-for-evrima-first-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-cruise-vessel-delayed-for-an-eighth-time/ar-AA10nuK1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,050 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[rkacruiser]

6 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Not sure as a potential customer, that I would trust Ritz-Carlton for any cruises until they are actually up and operating, plus having had  many months of proven performance.  Am I too doubtful and lacking confidence?

 

You are not being too doubtful.  It's rather like the concept of Titanic II eventually sailing the seas.

 

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

This "Yacht Collection" has the Ritz-Carlton name, but is NOT directly connected and managed by the parent Marriott Corporation.

 

I am a bit surprised that Marriott would permit the Ritz-Carlton brand to be associated with such a start-up.  There must have been some interesting discussions about this in the Executive Suites and the Board meetings before it happened.  

[TLCOhio]

On 8/6/2022 at 4:44 PM, rkacruiser said:

I am a bit surprised that Marriott would permit the Ritz-Carlton brand to be associated with such a start-up.  There must have been some interesting discussions about this in the Executive Suites and the Board meetings before it happened.  

 

YES, agree with this great comments and follow-up about the question as to how long Marriott will allow its very good name of Ritz-Carlton to be associated with this first-time and challenged use by a luxury "cruise line want-to-be".  Lots of serious questions for the cruise businesses as they face the next two years as people and nations go through and recover from an economic down-turn.    

 

From USA Today and  MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “When are cruise lines still requiring COVID testing? Here's what passengers should know.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group will require testing for vaccinated guests only on trips lasting six nights or more beginning Aug. 8. Unvaccinated guests will need to test for all sailings. Passengers will need to test within three days of embarkation.  Cruise lines still set criteria for the tests they accept. Carnival, for instance, requires a 'lab-administered or supervised self-administered' PCR or antigen test, per its website, and MSC has similar requirements.  On Royal Caribbean International, masks are optional for passengers who are vaccinated.”

 

This is only a short, short summary of a few highlights.  Things are getting a little "simpler", maybe, but it can be hard to absorb and understand as different cruise lines have varied rules and variations for testing, masking, etc.  Then, the country from which your port of departure can affect the requirements, right?  And do all of the rules for Royal Caribbean match what Silversea will require?  All clear?

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/when-are-cruise-lines-still-requiring-covid-testing-heres-what-passengers-should-know/ar-AA10jTn1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 46,174 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From Yahoo News and a Norwegian cruises press release this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Revisions to Vaccination and Testing Protocols” with these highlights: “Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda.”

 

This is kind of clear, but the "specific local regulations" reference can sometimes get confusing. Maybe?   Here was another detail to their rules that did raise a little question: "Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of 'fully vaccinated' based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination"   Do you need international law and medical degrees to fully and quickly understand some of these specific requirements?

 

Full story at:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-110000306.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 32,475 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[Randyk47]

2 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

From Yahoo News and a Norwegian cruises press release this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Revisions to Vaccination and Testing Protocols” with these highlights: “Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda.”

 

This is kind of clear, but the "specific local regulations" reference can sometimes get confusing. Maybe?   Here was another detail to their rules that did raise a little question: "Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of 'fully vaccinated' based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination"   Do you need international law and medical degrees to fully and quickly understand some of these specific requirements?

 

Full story at:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-110000306.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 32,475 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

At least for me it’s hard to stay on top of the latest Covid travel guidance.  I just finished updating our passenger information in MySilversea for our upcoming cruise and had to add verification, actually a copy of our CDC Covid vaccination cards, to prove that we were fully vaccinated.  In the US that means you have taken all the basic shots and boosters you are eligible for.  In our case we got the Pfizer vaccine so we’ve gotten the two basic shots and two boosters.  I suspect that if a third booster comes out this fall they’ll add that as a requirement.  I’ve read that at least Pfizer and Moderna are working on another round Covid boosters targeting the variants and expect to release those in mid September.    

[rkacruiser]

On 8/8/2022 at 1:06 PM, Randyk47 said:

At least for me it’s hard to stay on top of the latest Covid travel guidance

 

100% agree.  "Who's on First?  Etc. routine of Abbott and Costello."  

[TLCOhio]

On 8/8/2022 at 1:06 PM, Randyk47 said:

 I suspect that if a third booster comes out this fall they’ll add that as a requirement.  I’ve read that at least Pfizer and Moderna are working on another round Covid boosters targeting the variants and expect to release those in mid September.    

 

Yes, am there along with Randy in wondering when we will know more about that needed third booster.  Good follow-up.  It's been a long time since we had our second booster.  BUT, there seems to be delays  and indecision for figuring out that third booster.    

 

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Travel Woes in Europe Won’t End This Summer"  with this sub-headline: "Region’s biggest airports have extended daily limits on passengers and flights amid continuing staff shortages.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Airlines are preparing for this summer’s travel disruption in Europe to continue into fall, with some of the region’s biggest airports extending caps on passenger numbers as they struggle to keep up with the rapid recovery in air travel.  Major hubs including London Heathrow, Frankfurt Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol have all recently said that capacity restrictions will last until at least October as they battle to recruit more staff.”

 

Getting to a cruise, especially internationally, is still not easy, simple and sure!!  Right??  in the article, they detailed the challenges with a passenger seeking to reach Greece.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-woes-in-europe-wont-end-this-summer-11660305602?mod=hp_lead_pos12

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 31,470 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[Randyk47]

4 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Yes, am there along with Randy in wondering when we will know more about that needed third booster.  Good follow-up.  It's been a long time since we had our second booster.  BUT, there seems to be delays  and indecision for figuring out that third booster.    

 

As it was the government cut typical corners to get the vaccines in place at the beginning of the pandemic.  I am not sure they might not return to the more typical trial routine with the third booster.    There certainly doesn’t seem to be the same sense of urgency and public panic we had in the spring of 2020.  Bottom line is that even if Pfizer and Moderna say they have a variant specific booster in mid September that doesn’t mean the CDC will approve them for immediate use.   Maybe, maybe not.  We got our 2nd boosters in late July so if they follow the previously recommended four month waiting period we wouldn’t be eligible until December.  That would work out nicely for our booked mid January Silver Dawn cruise.   

[worldtraveller99]

Our 4th jab (2nd booster) will only be available to those over 50 and probably around October 2022. So cruise lines cannot ask for it, or they will lose half their customers (from the UK at least). 

[Randyk47]

35 minutes ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Our 4th jab (2nd booster) will only be available to those over 50 and probably around October 2022. So cruise lines cannot ask for it, or they will lose half their customers (from the UK at least). 

Here in the US the standard is whatever CDC says is “fully vaccinated”  depending on which vaccine regiment an individual is on.  We started with Pfizer so stuck with that vaccine so we’ve gotten the two basic shots and two boosters.  As I recall in Silversea’s MySilversea they have you register whatever vaccine you’ve taken and they have a list of countries and what each country considers “fully vaccinated” since there are different standards.  Supposedly you are certifying you are in compliance with your country’s requirements.  Of course Silversea also requires you upload a copy of your vaccination card so technically it’s not just self certification.   I would think or hope all cruise lines take a similar approach.   

Edited August 13, 2022 by Randyk47

[cruiseej]

12 hours ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Our 4th jab (2nd booster) will only be available to those over 50 and probably around October 2022. So cruise lines cannot ask for it, or they will lose half their customers (from the UK at least).

12 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

Our 4th jab (2nd booster) will only be available to those over 50 and probably around October 2022. So cruise lines cannot ask for it, or they will lose half their customers (from the UK at least). 

 

"Fully vaccinated" refers to the one or two shots of the vaccine you receive. The other terminology is "up to date", which refers to having either the original vaccine or a booster within a certain number of months, as well as to what it required/allowed in your home country.  So should a cruise line requires passengers to be "up to date", that will mean something different accordion to the age and country of the individual. 

[TLCOhio]

19 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

Here in the US the standard is whatever CDC says is “fully vaccinated”  depending on which vaccine regiment an individual is on.  We started with Pfizer so stuck with that vaccine so we’ve gotten the two basic shots and two boosters.  As I recall in Silversea’s MySilversea they have you register whatever vaccine you’ve taken and they have a list of countries and what each country considers “fully vaccinated” since there are different standards.  Supposedly you are certifying you are in compliance with your country’s requirements.  Of course Silversea also requires you upload a copy of your vaccination card so technically it’s not just self certification.   I would think or hope all cruise lines take a similar approach.   

 

Appreciate these very good comments and follow-ups from Randy, our Philadelphia suburban neighbor and worldtraveller99.  All of our shots and boosters have been from Moderna.  My second booster was received May 1, 2022.  Kind of current and effective, maybe, hopefully??  Getting ready to leave later this month for Canada and their Maritime Provinces.  Need to navigate the ArriveCAN website and their QR Code process.  Will I need good luck in doing that 72 hours prior?  

 

From former USA Today travel expert Gene Sloan and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Line drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for most sailings — here’s where you’ll still need one” with these highlights: “Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.  But like the latter lines, it’ll still make you show proof of one for some sailings.  The world’s second-largest cruise line late Friday said that effective Sept. 6 it no longer would require passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for all voyages except those departing from Australia and cruises that are 16 nights in length or longer.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/traveltips/carnival-cruise-line-drops-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-most-sailings-here-s-where-you-ll-still-need-one/ar-AA10D0SY

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 21,133 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From a key trade publication this morning, they had this headline: “Tauck Partners with Silversea to Offer New York-to-Quebec Itinerary in 2023” with these highlights: “Tauck is launching small ship ocean cruises from New York City to Quebec City aboard Silversea’s Silver shadow beginning in the fall of next year.  Three sailings from Manhattan to Quebec City will depart on the new 13-day "Shores of Eastern Canada and New England" itinerary, along with sailings from Quebec City to Manhattan. All departures are scheduled for September and October 2023.  The first day of the new Tauck itinerary includes a guided tour of Manhattan and an overnight stay at the Times Square New York Marriott Marquis.”

 

First time I have heard of such a partnership with Tauck and Silversea.  Has this been done previously?  

 

Later next week, we are doing a land tour through Tauck of the Canada Maritime Provinces starting in Halifax and including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, etc.  This will be our first time traveling with Tauck.  We have heard great things about Tauck, their service/quality levels, unique special events/tours, etc.  Right or wrong?

 

Is this a new effort/partnership involving Tauck and Silversea.  Where does it lead for the future?  Sounds like a good "marriage" that connects both firms being viewed as higher-level and focused on customer service "above and beyond" the normal.   Added insights or background??

 

Full story at:

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28011-tauck-partners-with-silversea-to-offer-new-york-to-quebec-itinerary-in-2023.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals and details from our first in these scenic areas!  Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Travel Insurance Is Hugely Popular This Year. So Are Claims" with this sub-headline: "Some insurers raised premiums after including pandemic coverage, but travel snarls could lead many to take a loss on policies.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Travel insurance is becoming more popular than ever as people get moving again. That isn’t necessarily a good thing for the companies providing coverage.  Global insurers say they are selling more policies and at higher prices as travel rebounds from the pandemic, with take-up among young people particularly strong. Some insurers have expanded coverage to include epidemics and pandemics that were previously excluded, offering protection against flight cancellations, lost baggage and medical assistance overseas.”

 

Here is an interesting angle from this detailed reporting: "Cover-More Group Ltd., a unit of Zurich Insurance Group, said a lack of flight availability is doubling claims costs to bring its customers home. Broadly, it estimates the cost of expanding coverage to include Covid-19 now makes up 30% to 40% of overall risk costs associated with travel insurance."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-insurance-is-hugely-popular-this-year-so-are-claims-11660474800?mod=hp_lista_pos3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

[Lois R]

15 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Travel Insurance Is Hugely Popular This Year. So Are Claims" with this sub-headline: "Some insurers raised premiums after including pandemic coverage, but travel snarls could lead many to take a loss on policies.”

 

Here are a few of their story highlights: “Travel insurance is becoming more popular than ever as people get moving again. That isn’t necessarily a good thing for the companies providing coverage.  Global insurers say they are selling more policies and at higher prices as travel rebounds from the pandemic, with take-up among young people particularly strong. Some insurers have expanded coverage to include epidemics and pandemics that were previously excluded, offering protection against flight cancellations, lost baggage and medical assistance overseas.”

 

Here is an interesting angle from this detailed reporting: "Cover-More Group Ltd., a unit of Zurich Insurance Group, said a lack of flight availability is doubling claims costs to bring its customers home. Broadly, it estimates the cost of expanding coverage to include Covid-19 now makes up 30% to 40% of overall risk costs associated with travel insurance."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-insurance-is-hugely-popular-this-year-so-are-claims-11660474800?mod=hp_lista_pos3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

Hi Terry, good morning......well, you may recall my injury on my recent cruise......I did buy travel insurance and filed a claim after I got home and have already been reimbursed for the money I paid out👍First time in 20+ years of cruising buying insurance paid off!

[Gourmet Gal]

Tauck has partnered with Ponant in other parts of the world.  You have the advantage of the excellent excursion capabilities of Tauck.  The only problem I see with this New England itinerary is having to stay at a Marriott when there are so many truly great hotels in NYC.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Gourmet Gal

[rkacruiser]

5 hours ago, Lois R said:

First time in 20+ years of cruising buying insurance paid off!

 

You have been fortunate.  I have had a few claims over the years (once when the insurance was liable for 50% of the cost of the cruise).  Only once, my most recent one, was there any difficulty in filing a claim and getting reimbursed.  

 

6 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Sounds like a good "marriage" that connects both firms being viewed as higher-level and focused on customer service "above and beyond" the normal.   Added insights

 

I think it is a good collaboration. 

 

6 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

The first day of the new Tauck itinerary includes a guided tour of Manhattan and an overnight stay at the Times Square New York Marriott Marquis.”

 

Would I want a guided tour of Manhatten?  Yes, I think I would like that because it's been a long time since I have visited New York.  I have stayed at the New York Marriott Marquis.  As Gourmet Gal posted, there are other hotels Tauck could have chosen.  But, the price for that overnight stay might considerably increase.  There is nothing wrong with the Marriott Marquis in my opinion.  (Try to get a corner room that overlooks Times Square and the neighboring side street.)  

[Lois R]

If you want to see a show, That Marriott is in a perfect location.