Ahoy!

Welcome to the latest edition of my Vacation Views from the Crow’s Nest. This week in my Horizon Scan I look at new travel entry requirements for the European Union, share a Traveller Tip for a transatlantic crossing, and tell you about an incredible offer on select Virgin Voyages, in Sailings on Sale. So, let’s cast off and get started! 

NEW EU Visas - Now Truly Everywhere you want to be  

I am not sure the famous credit card company was foreshadowing this in their ad slogan – everywhere you want to be – but the European Union (EU) is getting ready to implement the  European Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. And while not quite a full visa, the new entry rules will require all travellers (business and leisure) from 60 countries including Canada and the United States, to obtain the ETIAS travel authorization prior to arrival or risk being denied entry. The new ETIAS will be tied to your passport expiry date and/or valid for up to three years (whichever comes first). 

Consumer watch: A number of online companies are popping up offering ETIAS application filing and I strongly advise you to not use this option. Why? Because you can do it directly through the EU website (once it is launched) for the actual cost of 7 EUR (to be confirmed) with no additional processing fees. But most importantly, because you will know that your personal information is safe. The EU has strict data privacy laws with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and governs how your personal data is processed and transferred.

At present, if you have a European trip planned there is nothing to do as the application process has not opened up yet. I will continue to monitor this development and let you know as soon as the ETIAS comes into force.  

Expect the Unexpected

A Transatlantic Crossing – POSH

This week’s pro-tip comes from Mike M. When booking a cabin for a transatlantic crossing think like a Brit and remember P.O.S.H. - Port Outbound Starboard Home. On a westbound crossing (Southampton to NYC) you will get more sun through the day including sunset views from your stateroom, and the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline upon arrival in NYC if your cabin is on the port side of the ship (left). Conversely, travelling eastbound (NYC to Southampton) I will look to find you a cabin on the starboard (right) side of the voyage so you can enjoy the same but in reverse! 

P.S. Amanda and I have our passage booked in a port stateroom for our upcoming crossing on the Queen Mary 2 to enjoy Cunard’s Film Festival at Sea in collaboration with the BFI London Film Festival.

Sail Savings and other Vacation Values

Here are three exceptional sail savings I want to inform you of with additional offers that are unique and cannot be found online.

1. Norwegian Cruise Lines – The Freestyle Sale is on until August 27 only. This sales offers their best year-round price offering with a lot of extras including reduced deposits, drink packages, pre-paid gratuities, free Wi-Fi, kids free, on board credits and Expedia Extras only available through me!

2. Cunard Cruise Lines – has a special offer on now through September 4. Available on all four Queens in their fleet, these savings are in addition to the incredible offers being extended in their Big Balcony Event and can include reduced deposit (12%), flexible booking windows and even more on board credits.  For refined elegance and affordable luxury there is no better cruise line – especially at these prices!

3. Virgin Voyages – This may be the best deal yet. On a series of Virgin Voyages sailing now through the end of January I am able to offer an incredible rate of $150 USD per person per night, (approx. $200 CAD) for a Sea Terrace cabin (balcony)! How good is this price?  I priced out one vacation – a five night January departure from Miami to the Caribbean in a Sea Terrace cabin is currently on sale on the Virgin Voyages website for $2,683.20 CAD. By contacting me I can offer this exact same voyage and cabin for $1,500 USD or $2,004 CAD – that is an additional 25% off! Space is limited so contact me if you are interested!

That concludes this edition of my Vacation Views from Crow’s Nest. The next edition will be sent on September 8.  Please reach out to allow me to provide a quote for your next dream vacation and feel free to share this with colleagues and friends!