Luxury water vacations for 2021 are hot, hot, hot.
Further, to see what’s hot, look no farther than our Virtuoso On the Water travel catalog for 2021.
This month’s 28-page catalog is packed full of exclusive offers.
Whether you desire a beach-front resort, an ocean or river cruise, a water-oriented tour, or perhaps a water-based destination, we’ve got it all.
What’s Inside: On the Water
Our favorite warm-weather destinations
Fashionable pieces to add to your suitcase
A Southern-California coastal retreat with your 3rd-night free
Two exclusive offers in the Maldives
A custom private-driver vacation in England
Luxury barge cruises in France
Two-category upgrades from Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Save up to $3,000 on U.S. river cruises from our friends at the American Queen Steamboat Company.
Free airfare from Oceania Cruises
Our Virtuoso Voyages VIP Perks on Seabourn
Exclusive offers from AmaWaterways
And much more!
How to Book One of These Exciting Special Offers
Kick your feet up on the couch, explore 28-pages of exciting offers, and then give us a call to make the booking.
After being cooped up by COVID for over a year, you deserve a luxurious water getaway. 🙂
For more information or to book one of these water getaways, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
How to purchase travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
When the coronavirus pandemic started last spring, I had no idea that we would be talking about these things nearly a year later.
In fact, my first article on the subject in February of 2020 broke the unfortunate news that pandemic was not a covered item on most travel insurance policies.
Today, however, many travel insurance policies have provisions that will cover a potential loss for COVID-19.
Further, yesterday, Allianz Travel Insurance amended its policies with a COVID-19 coverage alert. Let’s take a peek at their announcement…
SPECIAL Travel Insurance ACCOMMODATIONS FOR COVID-19
Claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel are generally not covered, and coverage can vary by state. However, until further notice, although not covered under most plans, we are currently accommodating claims for:
Under Emergency Medical Care Benefit: Emergency medical care for a customer who becomes ill with COVID-19 while on their trip.
Under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption Benefits: Trip cancellation and trip interruption if a customer becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during their trip.
Customers who become ill with COVID-19 while on their trip will not be subject to the Trip Interruption benefit’s five-day maximum limit for additional accommodation and transportation expenses (however, the maximum daily limit for such expenses and the maximum Trip Interruption benefit limit still apply).
Please note, we will accept proof of a positive COVID-19 test or a physician’s diagnosis as proof that you are ill with COVID-19.
These accommodations are strictly applicable to COVID-19 and are only available for customers whose plan includes the applicable benefit. All other terms, conditions, and exclusions of the plan apply as normal. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sub-limits, day limits, and daily maximums. Please read your plan for details.
Other Important Travel Insurance Considerations
This is good news as the travel insurance industry has begun to respond to travelers’ concerns in a COVID-19 world.
However, there are a few other crucial considerations:
Travel Supplier Default – if you are concerned that your cruise line or travel provider might go out of business, then having supplier default coverage would be necessary. This coverage provides a cash refund to you if your travel supplier goes out of business. Generally speaking, to obtain this coverage, two things must happen:
You must purchase the policy within 14-days of your first deposit.
And, the supplier must be on the travel insurance company’s “covered list”. These lists are usually published at least monthly and available on the insurer’s website.
Travel Supplier “Risk-Free” Bookings – before the coronavirus mess, travelers would purchase travel insurance primarily to insure their ability to go on the trip. If you broke your leg and your doctor says that you cannot travel, you could file a claim for non-refundable trip costs and get a cash refund. Today, in the era of COVID-19, nearly every cruise line and travel supplier offers some version of a “risk-free” booking. If you find yourself worried about completing your travel plans, then a risk-free booking will allow you to revise your booking to a later date. And sometimes, if the travel supplier cancels the journey, a cash refund is available. Therefore, some would reason, you don’t need the expensive cancelation insurance. And while this might be true, it’s worth a conversation with your travel advisor.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance – if you don’t feel that you need the expense of a full travel insurance policy with a cancelation clause, we highly recommend that you at least purchase a medical-only travel insurance policy. These policies are inexpensive and far better than any “free” travel insurance that might come with a credit card. The differences are quite profound and, again, worthy of a conversation with your trusted travel advisor.
Required Travel Insurance – As the world begins to open to travel in the coming months, we fully expect that many countries and travel brands will begin requiring travel insurance. We’ll talk about this more in the coming months but plan on this new requirement coming soon.
Essential: Get Good Advice
One of the complimentary services we provide our clients is a travel insurance quote the day after their deposit is made.
We shop the best travel insurance providers in the marketplace and then compare it with the travel insurance available through the travel brand.
From there, as we have an excellent understanding of the industry, we’ll help you sort through what is best for your needs. Further, once we’ve helped you make that decision, we’ll get the travel insurance in place on your behalf.
This is just one of the many expert services we provide for our clients.
For more information about our services, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
AmaWaterways is offering complimentary river cruise land packages on select sailings booking by February 28, 2021.
For a limited time, when you reserve select European river journeys, you’ll receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or 4-night land package!
Sail through the heart of Europe’s most fascinating destinations aboard inviting ships that offer the luxury of space and breathtaking river views.
You’ll be treated to exquisite locally-sourced cuisine with unlimited premium wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner. Further, a variety of included excursions such as guided hikes and bike rides, a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and much more.
Further, extend your journey in fascinating cities alongside an intimate group of fellow cruisers and accompanied by your wonderful Cruise Manager.
Carol with AmaWaterways Cruise Manager Dejan Stancic
What’s Included in Your Complimentary Pre- or Post-River Cruise Land Package:
Stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
Daily breakfast at the hotel
City tours led by knowledgeable local guides
Convenient transfers to/from the ship
The services of an AmaWaterways Cruise Manager throughout your journey – unique in the industry
To learn more about this exciting free land-package program, please CLICK HERE.
How to Book an AmaWaterways River Cruise
Roaming Boomers Travel Services has become one of the top booking travel advisors for river cruises in the U.S.
Complimentary VIP Perks!
Because of this, and our affiliation with Virtuoso, we have additional perks to add to every single AmaWaterways booking.
You get the same price booking with us versus booking direct. You’ll get our expert advice. And, you’ll enjoy our valuable extra perks.
Therefore, why not call us today? We do the work. You have the fun!
For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
In travel news, I wanted to share my experience home COVID-19 testing with the new Abbott Labs BinaxNow test.
As I mentioned in this article a few weeks ago, travel’s comeback is likely to be messy.
And one of the messes to be solved is rapid COVID-19 testing.
Our local drugstore has proven to be an efficient means to a COVID-19 test within three days. However, I thought I might try Abbott Lab’s new home test.
This test promises accurate testing at home with a result in 15-minutes. And then, the result is sent to the NAVICA app on your phone.
To obtain the home test, you must purchase six of the tests fromeMed at the cost of $25 each.
I might add that the COVID-19 test from our local pharmacy is free of charge.
This test might be a handy tool for international travelers that need a COVID test to get back into the country. Or simply for convenience’s sake by being able to administer the test from home.
To administer the home test, download the NAVICA app to your smartphone and dial into eMed on a computer with the camera and microphone enabled.
Once connected, an eMed proctor guides you through the testing process and will stay with you until the test results are available.
And then, if all works as it should, a certificate with a scannable bar code will download into your NAVICA app.
Mr. Bill. Remember him from 70s-era SNL?
Oh No, Mr. Bill
Being able to obtain a COVID test from home is impressive.
However, I didn’t receive the results in my NAVICA app for four days!
That defeats the purpose of this “rapid” test. Right?
I called eMed to register my concern. As expected, I was connected with a nice lady from a different country. She couldn’t help me with my concerns and promised a call back from the right person.
We’ll see how that goes.
I suspect that they were swarmed with new testing requests and have a few bugs to work out in the system.
I will withhold judgment until I try the test again.
Update:our second test worked perfectly and we had the negative certificate immediately after the test was completed.
Share Your COVID-19 Home Testing Experience
How about you?
Do you have any experiences to share with home COVID testing? If so, please share your experience in the comments section below. Thanks!
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
“New Albany IN, Feb. 2, 2021 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), part of the Hornblower® Group, have announced a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all guests that will go into effect for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021. Additionally, the vaccination requirement will apply to shipboard crew members and non-shipboard employees across all seven vessels in the AQSC and VCL fleets. Established by the operators, this latest protective measure expands upon the enhanced health and safety measures announced in 2020, which includes, but is not limited to, pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of all guests and crew and mask mandate in all public areas where social distancing is not possible. Additionally, AQSC and VCL are continuing to work with leading health advisors, including a partnership with VIKAND Medical Solutions, and under the discretion of the CDC on evolving guidelines to protect guests, crew and the communities the boats visit.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew members and partners continues to remain our top priority. Vaccination requirement for both our guests and crew is the most prudent next step to ensure that we are providing the safest cruising experience possible,” shares John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Our new vaccination requirement, coupled with comprehensive health and safety protocols and risk-free booking policy, will give our loyal guests another added level of assurance to join us as we return to sailing.”
The mandatory vaccination requirement will be in effect for all itineraries beginning July 1, 2021, and thereafter. Based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that Phase 1c of the vaccination allocation includes essential workers engaged in transportation, vaccinations should be readily be available and able to be administered to crew members before the July 1 target date, All existing health and safety protocols will continue to remain in place following July 1 and until the CDC recommends otherwise. Guests who are unable to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to their scheduled trip, or who have no intention of receiving the vaccine, should contact the reservations department.”
COVID-19 Vaccination Questions & Answers
Why have you issued mandatory vaccines for guests and overnighting employees?
The health and safety of our guests, crew members, and partners is our priority. While we are confident in the measures we have taken for itineraries operating from April through June, the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will further ensure the wellbeing of the individuals who overnight on our vessels. Additionally, protecting the communities we visit on each itinerary is also a priority as the vaccine requirement will help provide an additional safety measure that we are mandating to safeguard these communities.
Will guests and crew members need to have received both doses of the vaccine prior to boarding?
Yes. If the vaccine that guests and/or crew members are administered requires two doses, they will need to have received both doses before embarking.
How will you know if guests and crew members have been vaccinated?
While boarding, all guests will be required to present verified documentation of vaccination. Crew members will also be required to present vaccination documentation, either at the time of hiring or boarding a vessel.
When will the requirement take place?
The mandatory vaccination requirement will begin on all itineraries starting July 1, 2021, and onward.
The timing for the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility varies from state to state. Will guests have access to vaccinations before they cruise?
The majority of our guests represent the 65+ population, who are eligible now or will soon be eligible to receive the vaccination. If a guest is not able to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to their scheduled trip, we will rebook them for a future sailing at no charge.
Will remaining health and safety protocols remain after the July 1, 2021 vaccination mandate?
Yes. Protocols will remain in place until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends otherwise. These protocols include, but are not limited to:
100% testing of guests and crew prior to boarding
Pre-boarding health questionnaire
Temperature scanning
Reduced ship capacity
Mask requirement in all public spaces where social distancing is not possible
Public spaces undergo continuous anti-microbial disinfection with medical-grade EPA-approved solutions and anti-viral electrostatic fogging
Re-invented food & beverage concept to replace self-service buffets
Quarantine rooms
UVC light added to HVAC
Crew training on all health and safety preventive measures
Shore protocols (driver/hotel/concierge)
On-board licensed nurse
Reporting (FDA/CDC/local ports)
COVID-19 insurance
Does the vaccination requirement apply to anyone boarding the vessels?
No. The current requirement applies only to those remaining overnight on the vessel. Although those that may be boarding the vessels and not staying overnight will undergo our mandated health and safety protocols. In addition, all drivers for shoreside excursions will also be vaccinated.
How can you be sure that every crew member will be vaccinated before July 1?
Per the CDC recommendations, Phase 1c vaccination rollout includes maritime transportation workers. We have no reason to believe that they will not have access to both doses of the vaccine by that time.
With vaccine mandate in place July 1, why sail prior? Isn’t this an added risk?
The health and safety of our guests, crew members and partners is our top priority. While we are confident in the measures we have taken for itineraries operating from April through June, the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will further ensure the wellbeing of the individuals who overnight on our vessels.
To date, we have received strong interest for our April through June itineraries from guests who are confident in our current measures. Additionally, a good number of these guests will have had access to the vaccine prior. This, combined with our belief that crew will be vaccinated per the CDC recommendation Phase 1c vaccination rollout includes maritime transportation workers, further ensures our confidence to cruise safely.
What is the oversight of the boat by the CDC, FDA, Coast Guard and etc.?
We are working with the CDC, FDA, and Coast Guard to ensure ongoing communication and compliance in order to safely resume operations.
American Queen Steamboat: U.S. River Cruises
You also know that in addition to these new health and safety protocols that our friends at the American Queen Steamboat Company have a very exciting promotion running right now.
You can save up to $3,000 per stateroom on selected sailings.
For more information or to book a fun U.S river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
The Roaming Boomers
How to Book One of These Exciting Special Offers
Travel Insurance: COVID-19 Coverage
Other Important Travel Insurance Considerations
AmaWaterways: Complimentary Land Packages
Travel News: Home COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Vaccination Required: American Queen
Here is a copy of the press release from the 
COVID-19 Vaccination Questions & Answers
