Today we talk about recent changes France has made for U.S. visitors, new restrictions in Maui, and Royal Caribbean's claim to the largest Cruise ship in the world.
France has recently updated it’s travel restrictions for U.S. visitors adding the United States to it’s list of nations considered to be dangerous, in terms of COVID. Unlike Sweden and the Netherlands, which have banned non-essential travel from the U.S., France’s restricts require unvaccinated visitors to quarantine for 5 days. Unvaccinated visitors are still allowed to move about the country freely once they enter. This is similar to restrictions recently implemented in Italy. We are expecting to see more restrictions across Europe in the coming months, especially after the European Union took the U.S. off its Safe Travel list in late August.
Maui recently implemented new restrictions across the county. Designed to curb the spread of COVID, especially the Delta varian, these new restrictions target dining and gathering.
Under the new restrictions, to eat inside in a restaurant you will need to show proof of vaccination, or a recent negative covid test. Outdoor dining is currently excluded from this requirement. Children under 12 are also excluded from having to show a test or proof of vaccination.
Additionally gatherings are limited to no more then 5 people indoors, and 10 people outdoors. Restaurant capacity will be limited to 50%. Outdoor festivals and events are already canceling their fall programs, we are also expecting longer the usual wait times for restaurant dining. These new rules last 30 days, running for September 15 to October 15, after which they we will be reevaluated.
And finally, in early 2022 Royal Caribbean will launch the worlds largest Cruise ship. The ‘Wonder of the Sea’ will launch in March out of Fort Lauderdale with sailings throughout the Caribbean. In May it will reposition to Europe for western mediteranian sailings through September.
Carrying over 5.700 passengers and 2,300 crew, this is Royal Caribbeans fifth Oasis Class ship. But unlike it’s sister ships, the Wonder of the Sea was redesigned with new Neighborhoods and experiences sure to please.