Coastal cruises up and down the U.S. eastern seabord are becoming very popular.
Last week, we shared with you U.S. coastal cruises in New England, and now we’d like to share with you the wide variety of itineraries that are available farther south.
Because of the Jones Act, the well-known ocean cruise brands cannot sail from American port to American port. They must have an international port in their itineraries.
This is why you will typically see eastern coastal cruises hop over to Bermuda to get an international port in the itinerary.
However, American-owned cruise brands can offer eastern seaboard cruises that sail from American port to American port.
If you click on the map above, this is an example of American Cruise Lines’ 15-day East Coast Inland Passage Cruise.
The itinerary starts in Baltimore, MD, and ends in Amelia Island, FL. However, the exciting part is that you will have the opportunity to visit many eastern seaboard cities, like Charleston, SC, that you will never get to see on the large cruise ship brands.
Furthermore, because you are sailing in U.S. coastal waters, you will enjoy less sailing and more time visiting ports. I like that. 🙂
Six U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Coastal Cruises
Take a peek at these six different mid-Atlantic and southeast coastal cruises from our friends at American Cruise Lines:
All of these itineraries look fabulous to me. If I had to choose one, I’d pick the 15-day East Coast Inland Passage Cruise.
Sailing the Inland Passage is certain to be as smooth as a river cruise. Plus, there are several cities on that itinerary that are on my bucket list. With Charleston being one at the top of my list.
How to Book a Cruise with American Cruise Lines
Of course, you can book this cruise directly with the cruise line.
However, the price is the same booking with us as it is booking direct.
With that being the case, why not take advantage of our relationship with American Cruise Lines and let us do all the work.
Like we say, “We do the work. You have the fun!”
Free Perk When You Book With Us
Furthermore, as a perk for booking with us, we will throw in $100 that you can use towards an optional shore excursion.
Here is a fun example of one you might choose:
Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Experience:
After a hearty breakfast, meet your skipper for the day at the gangway of the ship before making your way to the Lady Jane. Relax while the refreshing scent of saltwater fills the air as you sail to your captain’s favorite shrimping grounds. As the retired shrimping vessel makes its way through the scenic Marshes of Glynn, south of St. Simons Sound, be sure to be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and pelicans. Once you arrive at your captain’s favorite spot, you will have the opportunity to pull in your very own catch!
For more information or to book an American Cruise Line 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
Is flying safe with a COVID-19 pandemic still troubling the world?
This is an important question.
Carol and I have not been on an airplane since the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
We have no empirical science behind our decision. It simply seemed better safe than sorry.
Further, our decision seemed the right thing to do when we began to see certain airlines filling all available seats. Packed in a plane during a COVID-19 pandemic? No thanks!
U.S. Government Study: Onboard Air Is Safer Than Air in Homes or Operating Rooms
And then, on October 16, 2020, a government study conducted for the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the air on commercial airplanes is safer than the air circulating in homes or hospital operating rooms.
According to a Delta Airlines press release on this matter: “The study attributed high air exchange rates, HEPA-filters and downward ventilation systems with a 99.7% reduction in the risk of coronavirus transmission through air onboard after testing two aircraft fleet types used for commercial flights, even when all seats are filled.”
Further, the report went on to say, “The 767 and 777 both removed particulate 15 times faster than a home and five to six times faster than recommended design specifications for modern hospital operating or patient isolation rooms,”
But I Always Got Sick After Flying Before the COVID-19 Pandemic
But wait a minute, I (David) always get a fairly severe respiratory illness after every long-distance flight? Could it be that it was touching surfaces that created my constant illnesses? And not the air?
Perhaps, the answer to my particular dilemma is to be certain that the surfaces around me are sanitized. Further, perhaps I need to be more aware of communal surfaces and sanitize my hands more frequently.
Well, I don’t feel compelled to jump on an airplane tomorrow. However, I will chew on this new information. And who knows, perhaps flying is safe during a COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, perhaps you will find us in Key West this winter. It’s long been on my bucket list.
What do YOU think? Share your comments below.
For more information on booking a fun U.S. hotel, 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
Four Seasons Hualalai: Best Rates & Guaranteed Upgrade
The Hawaiian Islands are finally opening to U.S. travelers from the mainland. To celebrate, we are exclusively bringing you the best rates and a guaranteed upgrade at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Carol and I stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai back in 2011 and absolutely loved it. Here is our review, CLICK HERE.
Exclusive Complimentary VIP Perks
Roaming Boomers Travel Services is a by-invitation-only “Preferred Partner” with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Therefore, we have exclusive offers and perks to share with you when you book any Four Seasons property in the world.
Here are the complimentary VIP perks we have available just for you:
Guaranteed best available rates
Guaranteed upgrade at the time of booking for new reservations for travel from January 4 to December 17, 2021. Offer is based on the availability of the upgrade category at the time of booking. Upgrade does not apply to Ocean-View Deluxe and Oceanfront Rooms, Oceanfront Superior Suites, and Specialty Suites.
Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant
Food and beverage credit of USD100
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites
How to Make a Booking
To enjoy our guaranteed best rates and complimentary VIP perks at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, simply let us know your desired dates and give us a call or email.
And don’t forget, we have our Preferred Partner VIP perks available at all of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world.
For booking information or to enjoy our Preferred Partner Perks at any Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts property, 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
On Wednesday, October 21st, 2020, our host agency Cadence, is hosting a Tauck Virtual Consumer Webinar.
The live Zoom webinar starts at 4:00 PM PST where our Tauck representative will discuss three different Tauck experiences for travel in 2021:
The Romantic Rhine
Cape Cod, The Islands, and Newport
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Parks
If you’re not familiar with Tauck, here is a wonderful video narrated by Ken Burns, which describes Tauck’s 95-year history: The Tauck Story.
Tauck is one of our go-to tour companies. They provide our clients with luxury small group journeys, river cruises, small ship cruises, and family journeys. Further, Tauck has developed exciting exclusive journeys with BBC Earth and filmmaker Ken Burns.
How to Join the Tauck Webinar
As I mentioned above, the live webinar is being hosted by our host agency, Cadence. Therefore, you will not find Roaming Boomers Travel Services mentioned on any of the invitation information.
Therefore, when you get to the registration page, please list Roaming Boomers Travel, where it asks, “which Cadence travel advisor are you working with?”
A Special Perk
Further, if you book any Tauck journey within 30-days of the webinar, we will add a complimentary one-night pre-night stay to your booking. 🙂
To register for this informative Tauck webinar, click the invite below:
For more information or to book a fun Tauck journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235. Alternatively, use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you. 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
Hawaii opens the door to U.S. travelers. However, there are important guidelines and COVID-19 testing requirements that must be followed.
From the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, Hawaii’s governor shut the state’s tourism down with a required 14-day quarantine. In the early days, travelers were unwilling to fly the distance to Hawaii. Further, they were also unwilling to quarantine for 14-days once they got there.
Consequently, this has put a tremendous strain on Hawaii’s burgeoning tourism industry.
However, beginning today, October 15, 2020, a pre-travel testing option will allow travelers an alternative to Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine.
Hawaii’s Safe Travels Online Program
Here are the steps for entering Hawaii with no 14-day quarantine:
Book your flight.
All adults 18 & over must register for the Safe Travels online program. All children traveling with an adult should be included in this form.
No earlier than 72-hours before your flight departure time, you must take an FDA-authorized Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified CLIA lab. As of 10/13/2020, the State of Hawaii will only accept tests from these authorized sources: AFC Urgent Care, Bartell Drugs, Carbon Health, CityHealth Urgent Care, Color, CVS Health, Discovery Health MD, Kaiser Permanente, Quest Diagnostics, Vault Health, and Walgreens. Minors five years and older must take the pre-travel test. Minors four years and younger do NOT need to take the test. Travelers are responsible for the cost of the test.
24-hours prior to boarding your flight, log into your Safe Travels account and fill in the travel health questionnaire. At the end of the questionnaire, you will receive a QR code to present at the airport in Hawaii.
Travel to Hawaii.
Upon arrival in Hawaii, you will be subject to a secondary temperature screening.
If you pass that test and have a negative COVID-19 test, then quarantine is not required. Anything else will require immediate quarantine and isolation.
Lastly, remember to pack your mask in your carry-on luggage. Masks are required in Hawaii.
To help you better understand, click this link for a helpful checklist from the folks at Hawaii Tourism. And here is a link from the Hawaii State Department of Health with important information.
While all of this is burdensome, it does give U.S. travelers a wonderful way to enjoy the beach during the winter months.
Furthermore, now that testing is more widespread, we’re finding that it is now possible to obtain COVID-19 test results within the required 72-hours.
How to Book Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii
If you have decided to make the flight to Hawaii, we would invite you to book your hotel or resort using our convenient online booking tools:
Virtuoso Booking Engine: here you can book 5-star hotels and resorts in Hawaii online and receive our renowned Virtuoso complimentary VIP perks.
Classic Vacations Booking Engine: here you can book 4 & 5-star hotels and resorts, airline tickets, tours, and vacation rentals online 24/7
Preferred Partner Programs: we have preferred partner status with the world’s finest hotels and resorts. What this means to you are often greater perks and benefits. Hotels include Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Fairmont, Marriott luxury hotel brands, Hyatt luxury hotel brands, and more. For these benefits, give drop us a call or email.
For more information or to book a fun Hawaii getaway, 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.
Destination Links
Carol and I have been to Hawaii numerous times. To explore our articles and adventures, CLICK HERE.
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