CHARLOTTE – My personal opinion is that it’s safer to be in a closed environment with vaccinated people on a ship than being closed up with unknown strangers in some other environment, BUT, I must be fair. The CDC agency has now eliminated its pandemic-related Cruise Travel Health Notices for cruise passengers and has also eliminated all risk warnings.

To Quote quote;

“The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily among people in close quarters on board ships. If the virus is spreading on board a cruise ship, passengers and crew are at risk for infection, even if they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines”. As of today, all Major Cruise Lines have quarantine areas on board to treat positive Covid 19 patients. Additionally, all cruise lines have plans in place for orderly testing, reporting, and caring for patients who become ill on board, Covid-related or not. These are my opinions and others may disagree.

Now let’s move on to the players at sea and what they bring to the table for passengers. We will discuss the different Cruise Lines, what they advertise as“different” from others, what the price ranges or categories they fall under, where they sail, and any major factor that makes them special. Somewhatalphabetical seems to be a fair way to do this, but you will see where my personal Opinion falls in. That is why up to 80% of passengers now use a travel consultant. Guiding passengers through all the rules, regulations, cabin categories, and onboard activities can be overwhelming. Since a TravelConsultant NEVER costs you any extra money. Why not take advantage.

Phil and Barbara operate Leisure Travel Experts here in Mint Hill and are proud members of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce.