Princess Cruises Announces Exciting Alaska Itineraries for 2024 Season Celebrating 55 Years of Sailing
Princess Cruises is set to celebrate its 55th Anniversary sailing to Alaska in 2024, with an exciting lineup of itineraries for the season. The cruise line is offering 158 departures on 14 unique itineraries on seven ships, departing from four ports including San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage, Alaska.
John Padgett, the President of Princess Cruises, says that the company is dedicated to delivering unforgettable vacations, and is the most recommended cruise line by travel advisors. The 2024 season in Alaska is no exception, offering guests a chance to make inspiring memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights of the season include 86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, three ships sailing the "Voyage of Glaciers" itinerary, two ships departing from Seattle for seven-day "Inside Passage" cruises, and the Crown Princess departing from San Francisco for 11-day "Inside Passage" cruises, offering guests a chance to sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The Ruby Princess will also depart from Vancouver on seven-day "Inside Passage" cruises, with many departures sailing through Glacier Bay National Park.
For guests looking to explore more of Alaska, Princess Cruises is offering a variety of cruise Tours, combining a seven-day "Voyage of the Glaciers" cruise with an extended stay at Princess Wilderness Lodge, with the chance to experience the "Direct-to-Wilderness" rail service. The 17-night Ultimate Princess Connoisseur cruise tour is also being offered in 2024, featuring two nights at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges.
Princess Cruises is ready to help guests make their Alaska vacation unforgettable in 2024. With an exciting lineup of itineraries, activities, and experiences, guests are sure to have a memorable time on their trip to this must-see destination.
House of Representatives Passes Bill to End Vaccine Requirement for International Visitors to the U.S.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would put an end to the vaccine requirement for international visitors to the U.S. The bill, H.R. 185, would immediately end the CDC's mandate for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all international visitors entering the U.S. by air. The vaccine requirement, which was put into place in April 2022, has been criticized by the U.S. Travel Association and others as an "outdated policy."
"The need for this requirement has long since passed, and we appreciate the bipartisan action by the U.S. House to end this outdated policy," said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Association's executive vice president of public affairs and policy, in a statement. The U.S. is the only country that still requires proof of vaccination for international travelers, putting valuable visitor spending at risk.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), who introduced the bill, called the CDC's mandate "unscientific." H.R. 185 also prevents the CDC from implementing a mandate of its own in the future.
However, the Biden Administration has not yet indicated that it is ready to eliminate the controversial vaccine requirement. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the administration emphasized its continued opposition to any action by Congress to reverse the vaccination rules. The current "policy has allowed loved ones across the globe to reunite while reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the burdens it places on the health care system in the United States," the administration said.
Despite the administration's stance, the U.S. Travel Association has applauded the House vote on H.R. 185. The White House has previously announced plans to end the country's COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, which would include ending the vaccine requirement for air visitors.
Peru Issues Travel Update Amid Ongoing Civil Unrest
Peru, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking scenery, is facing a challenging time as Civil Unrest continues to spread across the country. The U.S. State Department has classified the situation as a Level 3 risk, urging travelers to reconsider their travel plans to Peru. Despite the ongoing Protests, the country is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists.
The Peruvian government has established a Tourist Protection Network in collaboration with the Tourism Directorate of the National Police of Peru to assist travelers. Safe tourist corridors have also been set up from the airports to the historic centers of major cities like Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, and Tacna. Tourists can download the Tourist Police Peru app for added security and access to emergency numbers.
Lima's airport remains open, though access is restricted to ticketed passengers with scheduled flights. Meanwhile, the Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa has resumed its daytime operations. On the other hand, the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca, Puno remains closed. Tourist attractions in the north and east of the country are open, but those in southern or southeastern Peru may face limitations. Machu Picchu, one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations, is temporarily closed until further notice.
Tour operators in Peru are mostly operating under normal conditions, with some restrictions in southern and southeastern regions. Railway operations in these areas have also been suspended. However, cruises along the Amazon River continue to operate normally.
While Peru is facing a difficult time, the government is taking steps to ensure the safety of tourists. If you are considering traveling to Peru, it is important to stay informed and follow the guidance of the U.S. State Department and local authorities.