In Travel News for March, 2023 we talk about JetBlues updated airfare credit policy, AmaWaterways new Columbia cruises, and Regent Seven Seas new World Cruise.
JetBlue Announces New Policy Change for Airfare Credits: Passengers Have 12 Months to Use Credits
JetBlue Airways has announced a new policy change that impacts passengers who have airfare credits with the airline. According to the new policy, passengers will now have 12 months from the original ticketing date to use their airfare credits, rather than the previous policy which allowed 12 months from when the credit was issued to rebook. This means that passengers who have credits will now have less time to utilize them on canceled or modified flights.
JetBlue's new policy means that passengers will need to use their airfare credits within a year of the original ticketing date, or risk losing them. The airline has updated its website to reflect the changes and has also stated that credits cannot be extended once they have expired.
Customers who purchase non-refundable fares and need to cancel their travel will continue to have their funds held in a Travel Bank account for future use on JetBlue. For customers who purchase travel on or after March 8, 2023, these Travel Bank funds will be valid for one year from the original ticketing date. Customers can use these funds to book any available JetBlue flight for sale, as long as the travel is booked prior to the Travel Bank expiration.
JetBlue has also confirmed on Twitter that customers do not need to complete travel by the expiration date, but they do need to apply the credits towards a future JetBlue reservation before they expire. The airline is also reminding customers that the expiration date is visible when they access their account.
JetBlue's new policy change means that passengers who have airfare credits will now have 12 months from the original ticketing date to use them. While this change provides less time for passengers to utilize their credits, JetBlue's Travel Bank account will continue to hold funds for customers who need to cancel their travel. It is important for customers to keep track of their expiration date and to apply their credits towards a future JetBlue reservation before they expire.
AmaWaterways Launches Two New Colombia Itineraries for 2024
AmaWaterways has announced the launch of two new itineraries for their new ships in Colombia, sailing on the Magdalena River. These seven-night cruises, known as Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia, will be available on the AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia. The AmaMagdalena will launch on March 30, 2024, while the AmaMelodia will set sail on June 19, 2024.
The itineraries will feature a range of exciting activities and attractions, such as celebrating Carnival in Barranquilla, Columbia with exclusive live musical performances for Cruise guests, historical walking Tours in towns like Mompox, Columbia; and birdwatching tours. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the village of Palenque, Columbia the first "free town" for former African slaves in the Americas. Additionally, tours of Medellin, Columbia; Cartagena, Columbia; and Panama City, Panama will be available.
For guests looking to extend their stay in Colombia, pre- and post-cruise land tour packages will be available. Pre-cruise journeys will include visits to Medellin, Columbia and Cartagena, Columbia where guests can enjoy local cuisine, explore innovative neighborhoods like Comuna 13, and experience the coffee scene on a coffee tour. On the other hand, post-cruise journeys will take guests to Panama City, Panama, where they can explore the Amador Causeway, historic buildings of Panama La Vieja, and the Panama Canal. Guests will also have the chance to visit the tropical rainforest of Chagres National Park and learn about the indigenous Embera people.
Reservations are now open, and fares start at $3,599 per person based on double occupancy. Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and culture of Colombia on these exciting new itineraries with AmaWaterways.
Embark on a Lifetime Adventure with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Longest Sailing Yet
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has recently announced its longest sailing yet, called The Sense of Adventure, which will take passengers on a 154-night cruise adventure across six continents. Departing from Miami, Florida on January 10, 2026, the Seven Seas Mariner ship will travel for 39,722 nautical miles, stopping at 77 ports of call, and offering passengers 41 new passport stamps.
The Sense of Adventure is designed for luxury travelers who seek longer durations and far-flung destinations. Andrea DeMarco, the president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said, “Our World Cruise guests will enjoy unmatched personalized service, impeccable hospitality, the sumptuous comfort of our all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, and an extensive list of inclusions that provide every luxury.”
Passengers will have the chance to explore new-to-the-company ports, such as Lifou Island and Maré in the South Pacific's New Caledonia archipelago and Sumba Island, Indonesia. The Cruise also includes more than 400 free shore excursions to help passengers fully immerse in each destination, as well as 16 overnight stays in sought-after destinations such as Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Darwin in Australia, and Walvis Bay in Namibia.
On board, passengers can expect top-notch perks, including unlimited valet laundry, all-inclusive dining at seven venues, a casino, and a theater hosting live performances. For practical purposes, the ship also offers onboard medical services, and guests can take advantage of its comprehensive visa package, so they don’t have to worry about destination-specific paperwork. The luxurious all-suite accommodations will make passengers feel right at home.
The fares for this unforgettable journey begin at $94,999 per guest, offering the perfect opportunity for luxury travelers who seek adventure and indulgence. Reservations for The Sense of Adventure will open on March 22, 2023.