By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Fourth night free at Fairmont Mayakoba
Immerse yourself in a magnificent natural setting surrounded by crystal clear waterways and discover the unparalleled. Located in the Riviera Maya, Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the most majestic places in Mexico, well known by the beauty of its beaches and the diversity in its ecosystem.
The combination of luxury and culture makes this AAA, 5-diamond resort the best option for vacations. The state-of-the-art culinary team is ready to delight your senses, complementing the breathtaking views. Escape to the tropical paradise of the Riviera Maya, and enjoy every consecutive fourth night free.
International News
CDC moves large European country to its highest level of COVID-19 travel risk
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added just one new location to its list of “very high” risk travel destinations this week.
On October 25, architecturally rich Ukraine, the second-largest nation in Europe in land area, was moved up from Level 3 or “high” risk for COVID-19, to Level 4, the agency’s highest risk category.
It’s the second week in a row that the CDC has moved only one new nation to the Level 4 ranks. Last week, it was the modern city-state of Singapore.
Popular international vacation spots remained lodged at this highest level of alert, evidence of COVID-19’s continuing grip. The current list of Level 4 destinations includes:
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Botswana
• Croatia
• Greece
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Maldives
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
In the case of the United Kingdom, it’s been lodged at Level 4 since July 19. Greece has been there since August 2. Thailand has been there since August 9.
In total, there were 77 destinations worldwide still at Level 4 on October 25.
The CDC also added cruise ships, including river vessels, to its Level 3 warning this week and advised that only fully vaccinated people cruise. The CDC said COVID-19 “spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships, and the chance of getting [it] on cruise ships is high.”
Many major cruises lines are accepting only fully vaccinated teens and adults anyway.
Cruise News
CDC extends conditional sailing order into January 2022
Cruise lines will be required to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol for COVID-19 on ships through January 15, 2022.
The CDC extended the order, which was released nearly one year ago. As of October 25, the order applies to foreign-flagged commercial passenger vessels with the capacity to carry 250 people operating or planning to operate for overnight stays for passengers or crew in U.S. waters.
Cruise Lines International Association, the leading trade organization in the industry, said that the changes show that the Biden administration and the CDC recognize the industry’s successful resumption of operations.
In January, the health agency plans to transition to a voluntary program in which participation will be at the discretion of cruise lines.
Aviation News
Alitalia successor ITA Airways launches
Italy’s new national airline, ITA Airways, flew its inaugural flights October 22 and unveiled its brand and logo, recycling the red, white, and green of its Alitalia origins as it tries to chart a new future while competing with low-cost airlines.
ITA, or Italy Air Transport, officially launched after bankrupt flag carrier Alitalia landed its final flights October 21, ending a 74-year business history that a series of financial crises had marred in recent years.
Virgin Atlantic’s return of transatlantic routes
Virgin Atlantic resumed transatlantic flights to Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York on November 8, coinciding with the reopening of U.S. borders to fully vaccinated UK travelers. The carrier confirmed that its flights from London Heathrow to Orlando and Las Vegas restarted November 8, with flights from Manchester to Orlando and New York resuming on the same day.
Deal of the Week
Let’s take a real vacation
If you’re vaccinated and tired of being stuck at home—it’s time for a REAL vacation.
Set sail on a floating resort with 24-hour room service, casino, entertainment, and no cooking (or cleaning!) at prices you (and your wallet) will love. Princess Cruises is currently sailing vaccinated cruises at less than full occupancy. They require negative test results prior to embarkation and masks indoors.
And Princess Plus offers an all-inclusive experience with drinks, Wi-Fi, and more included. Because a real vacation is effortless, affordable, and connects you with this beautiful world.
Best Value. All Destinations. All Staterooms.
+ Premier Beverage Package with service charge: Enjoy everything from cocktails, beer, and wine to specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water.
+ Unlimited Wi-Fi: With the best internet package, you can video chat and text with family back home, stream your favorite shows, and check email.
+ Full crew incentive paid to our crew on your behalf: Don’t worry—we make sure the crew who takes care of you is taken care of too.
Sample Cruise:
7-Day Eastern Caribbean with St. Kitts
December 12, 2021, aboard the Caribbean Princess
Roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. 3 Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Princess Cays, Bahamas | St. Thomas, Virgin Islands | St. Kitts | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Interior from US$828, Guests 3 and 4: US$579. Pricing is per person, double occupancy; Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses additional: US$155
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities and budget. Please contact Newell for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765, Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Leaders Network, CNN Travel, USA Today, The Buzz, Princess Cruises
