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The Informed Traveler - November 2020

Let US Show You the WORLD!

November 2020

The end of the year is in sight! That is a lot to be thankful for, right? We know 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone; but we will get through these last few weeks and the holidays. 2021 will be a new chapter; it will be better than this crazy year!

As you read this, we are in Cancun, Mexico for a few days. We wanted to come check out a couple of resorts and see their protocols being used to keep guests and staff safe. We will tour Unico 20°N 87°W Hotel in the Riviera Maya area and Hyatt Ziva Cancun in the Hotel Zone – live on Facebook! You will be able to see firsthand what it’s like staying at these all-inclusive resorts. You can also ask us questions during our tours. Stay tuned for more information on the tour times.

Did you catch our Where2Next virtual event on Alaska? The link for it is included elsewhere in this newsletter. If Alaska is on your bucket list, join us on our next cruise tour group in September 2021.

Or, if a river cruise vacation is in your future plans, join the Where2Next virtual event on river cruising. More information and the pre-registration link are also included in this newsletter.

BREAKING NEWS: The CDC recently issued an updated conditional sailing order that will allow cruise ships to resume sailing in the US! Cruise lines can start restaffing their ships to do test sailings; thus showing the ship's ability to mitigate the spread of the virus. Once ships have passed this recertification phase, cruise lines can start a phased approach to start sailing again. We are getting so close to being able to take a cruise vacation again! Stay safe!

Destination of the Month

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; it contains about 5% of the world’s species. The lush wild natural environment can be experienced all throughout the country and is easily accessible to the curious visitor. Costa Rica is a safe paradise. Unlike other countries, Costa Rica enjoys a very stable political climate and economic development, providing visitors with a tranquil setting for their stay. It is one of the few countries in the world with no army. The country and its people have a peaceful disposition, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Costa Rica offers dreamlike landscapes, kind people willing to share their culture and a safe country to experience natural wonders.

Captain Johnny!

Experienced cruisers know the whole cruise experience can be directly impacted (either good or bad) by the staff and crew. We have learned over the years that this all starts from the top - from the Master of the ship. The Captain has a direct impact on the attitude of the entire crew.

Anyone who has ever cruised on a Royal Caribbean ship with Captain Johnny Faevelen at the helm, undoubtedly had a great experience. He is one of the most popular and loved captains in the entire fleet. You may have even seen him riding around the ship on his Harley Davidson that he keeps with him on the bridge.

Captain Johnny is no stranger to commanding the world's largest cruise ship. He commanded Allure of the Seas for six years and when that ship was surpassed in size by Harmony of the Seas, he took over that ship.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to command the world's largest cruise ship? We think you will enjoy this great video put together by Captain Johnny. We sure did!

What’s New in Las Vegas This Year?

Las Vegas is constantly evolving with new and engaging experiences,  even during the pandemic. While things have changed this year with the COVID-19 crisis, Las Vegas has been in recovery mode for the past four months with travelers returning in increasing numbers. From new resorts to great cuisine to new attractions, Las Vegas is still developing new experiences for visitors. Here’s a rundown of the newest places to stay, dine, get around, or get entertained.

Cruise Planners Where2Next Update

If you missed our October Where2Next event, Alaska: Discover the Last Frontier, you can view the complete event by clicking on the button below. This one holds a special place in our heart, as Alaska is our absolute favorite destination!

For anyone who has never been on a river curise, you won't want to miss our November event, River Cruising: Once Upon a River. We did our first river cruise in 2018 and absolutely loved it! To be honest, we did not have high expectations as we were so accustomed to ocean cruises. Boy, were we wrong! It is a completely different experience than an ocean cruise. Join Cruise Planners on November 10 for Where2Next - River Cruising! Pre-registration is required.

Tell Us About You!

We receive daily communications from cruise lines and tour operators with some unbelievable offers. We don't want to overload your inbox with random offers that you may or may not care about.

That's why we've developed a new survey that will help us target our offers to the types of travel that interest you. 

The survey will only take a couple of minutes to complete. You never know what kind of promotion may be out there waiting for someone just like you!

Stay Connected!