Travel Warning!!!

[Bruin Steve]

Okay...So, I'm checking out shore excursions for a Los Angeles to Vancouver cruise I'm taking in May...and, I actually read these things...So, I note the new warning language that it looks like Celebrity has added to every tour description...I'm looking at a shorex on Catalina Island and come across the language:

 

"This tour takes place in a foreign country where laws, regulations and business practices may vary from your home country. This could include significant differences in transportation mode and quality, infrastructure, regulations, and driving practices. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the associated risks and travel warning at travel.state.gov..."

 

Wow!  I guess Catalina Island has seceded from the United States!  For those who don't know, last time I checked, Catalina was in California...a mere 26 miles from Los Angeles.  They definitely speak English.  They vote in US elections.  They pay taxes to the IRS and the State of California. You don't need a passport.  At least every other time I've visited.  I guess I'll have to familiarize myself with their new regulations, customs and driving practices and read up on the new "significant differences"...Anyone know where I can find a copy of an English translation of the Catalina Island Laws and Codes?

 

Too funny...

[mom says]

I think I know where you are coming from, but I also think there may be something you haven't considered. Celebrity guests come from all over the world, not just the US. Even on a Pacific Coastal cruise, odds are that there will be more than a few cruisers who will, in fact, find themselves in a foreign country, with different regulations, practices, and especially, personal safety concerns. 

Edited December 21, 2023 by mom says

[PTC DAWG]

22 minutes ago, mom says said:

I think I know where you are coming from, but I also think there may be something you haven't considered. Celebrity guests come from all over the world, not just the US. Even on a Pacific Coastal cruise, odds are that there will be more than a few cruisers who will, in fact, find themselves in a foreign country, with different regulations, practices, and especially, personal safety concerns. 

Exactly

[MagPie60]

See to us Canadians the USA actually IS a foreign country. And we have very different laws on some things...like guns. 

[cruisestitch]

43 minutes ago, mom says said:

I think I know where you are coming from, but I also think there may be something you haven't considered. Celebrity guests come from all over the world, not just the US. Even on a Pacific Coastal cruise, odds are that there will be more than a few cruisers who will, in fact, find themselves in a foreign country, with different regulations, practices, and especially, personal safety concerns. 

But the warning is clearly aimed at US citizens, as evidenced by the website they referred to.

[mom says]

23 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

But the warning is clearly aimed at US citizens, as evidenced by the website they referred to.

So, it's imperative that US citizens be warned about a visit in any other country, but non Americans have no need to receive any caution about visits in the US? Are you serious?

[hcat]

i think the irony is that it was Catalina Island, great port for a day tour. But can't hurt to be reminded...

[Bruin Steve]

1 hour ago, mom says said:

...and especially, personal safety concerns. 

Have you ever been to Catalina Island?  You're probably safer than in your back yard.Okay, maybe you aren't paying attention and get hit by a golf cart...maybe you have a beer at lunch with your fish and chips and you trip on the sidewalk and sprain an ankle.

 

Google "Crime in Avalon" and you get this response:

 

"Is there a crime on Catalina Island?

Crime is so rare as to be nearly non-existent and Santa Catalina's unique geology protects it from most of Mother Nature's more violent outbursts. Nowhere, however, is completely devoid of danger and a bit of preparation can help make sure that you and your family survive any emergency."

[mom says]

But didn't you say this was a general caution posted on every excursion, and not just the one to Catlina? And while I did mention personal safety, which is an important factor in many US port cities as well as in other countries , the posted caution mentioned the need for awareness of other factors as well. 

 

As a general reminder for excursions in any port by any cruiser, regardless of citizenship, the only thing I see to quibble  over is the direction to the US State site, rather than to cruisers' own federal travel advisory site. 

[cruisestitch]

I believe you put your finger on it. It is directing US citizens to contact the US government when visiting foreign ports, but Catalina is not one.  Once again, no one at Celebrity IT proofread the copy

[jamin jul]

There is a Catalina Island , Dominican Republic.   

[cruisestitch]

That would be one bizarre Los Angeles to Vancouver cruise

[Oceansaway17]

everything comes with warning these days.

Why every ride at Universal has a long list of warnings.  The legal minds at work I guess.

[ldubs]

12 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

Okay...So, I'm checking out shore excursions for a Los Angeles to Vancouver cruise I'm taking in May...and, I actually read these things...So, I note the new warning language that it looks like Celebrity has added to every tour description...I'm looking at a shorex on Catalina Island and come across the language:

 

"This tour takes place in a foreign country where laws, regulations and business practices may vary from your home country. This could include significant differences in transportation mode and quality, infrastructure, regulations, and driving practices. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the associated risks and travel warning at travel.state.gov..."

 

Wow!  I guess Catalina Island has seceded from the United States!  For those who don't know, last time I checked, Catalina was in California...a mere 26 miles from Los Angeles.  They definitely speak English.  They vote in US elections.  They pay taxes to the IRS and the State of California. You don't need a passport.  At least every other time I've visited.  I guess I'll have to familiarize myself with their new regulations, customs and driving practices and read up on the new "significant differences"...Anyone know where I can find a copy of an English translation of the Catalina Island Laws and Codes?

 

Too funny...

 

They were not referring to Catalina Island.  They were referring to California.  😀

[ldubs]

9 hours ago, mom says said:

So, it's imperative that US citizens be warned about a visit in any other country, but non Americans have no need to receive any caution about visits in the US? Are you serious?

 

The Department of State international travel advisories would be of little use to citizens of another country visiting the United States.  So yeah, serious.  

Edited December 22, 2023 by ldubs

[the penguins]

13 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

Okay...So, I'm checking out shore excursions for a Los Angeles to Vancouver cruise I'm taking in May...and, I actually read these things...So, I note the new warning language that it looks like Celebrity has added to every tour description...I'm looking at a shorex on Catalina Island and come across the language:

 

"This tour takes place in a foreign country where laws, regulations and business practices may vary from your home country. This could include significant differences in transportation mode and quality, infrastructure, regulations, and driving practices. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the associated risks and travel warning at travel.state.gov..."

 

Wow!  I guess Catalina Island has seceded from the United States!  For those who don't know, last time I checked, Catalina was in California...a mere 26 miles from Los Angeles.  They definitely speak English.  They vote in US elections.  They pay taxes to the IRS and the State of California. You don't need a passport.  At least every other time I've visited.  I guess I'll have to familiarize myself with their new regulations, customs and driving practices and read up on the new "significant differences"...Anyone know where I can find a copy of an English translation of the Catalina Island Laws and Codes?

 

Too funny...

100% accurate, at least it is for us.

[Oceangoer2]

16 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

But the warning is clearly aimed at US citizens, as evidenced by the website they referred to.

but....but....but....you know it's safe, I know it's safe....is it really that important to keep stressing this 'glitch'?  Would be impossible to personalize each port and it's inherent possible safety issue(s).  They just tried to generalize.  OP found the humour in the 'warning'  and some 'oh so smart' posters picked up on it (maybe) to keep their posting count moving upward?

Edited December 22, 2023 by Oceangoer2

[Homosassa]

20 hours ago, mom says said:

I think I know where you are coming from, but I also think there may be something you haven't considered. Celebrity guests come from all over the world, not just the US. Even on a Pacific Coastal cruise, odds are that there will be more than a few cruisers who will, in fact, find themselves in a foreign country, with different regulations, practices, and especially, personal safety concerns. 

Even for US citizens, there are those who have never set foot outside their home of Nowhereville, State of Ignorance, who may be shocked and angry that things are not just like home.

[paulh84]

20 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

But the warning is clearly aimed at US citizens, as evidenced by the website they referred to.

 

But if you read the actual piece in full........

 

Important details and advisements

• Guests must be able to negotiate the steps to enter and exit the tour transportation.
• This tour takes place in a foreign country where laws, regulations and business practices may vary from your home country. This could include significant differences in transportation mode and quality, infrastructure, regulations, and driving practices. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the associated risks and travel warning at travel.state.gov, gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office, or your country equivalent travel advisory system, and consider when selecting or participating in any tour.

[ldubs]

10 hours ago, the penguins said:

100% accurate, at least it is for us.

 

Except for the link provided will be of zero value because it is intended for Americans traveling overseas.  

[ldubs]

5 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

but....but....but....you know it's safe, I know it's safe....is it really that important to keep stressing this 'glitch'?  Would be impossible to personalize each port and it's inherent possible safety issue(s).  They just tried to generalize.  OP found the humour in the 'warning'  and some 'oh so smart' posters picked up on it (maybe) to keep their posting count moving upward?

 

Yes, it is a humorous mistake pointed out by the OP.  No need to pick it apart (said with much repentance 😀).  

[the penguins]

13 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

Except for the link provided will be of zero value because it is intended for Americans traveling overseas.  

See Post 20 - the full text included links for different nationalities - seems the OP was selective in their editing. 

[ldubs]

1 minute ago, the penguins said:

See Post 20 - the full text included links for different nationalities - seems the OP was selective in their editing. 

 

I completely missed that.  That which changes everything it would seem.  Thanks and sorry I didn't read more thoroughly.