With warmer weather returning to the Tri-Cities so too are dreams of taking a cruise to Alaska or even southern Europe.
As the federal government clarifies rules for travel and eliminates the need for a COVID-19 test to return to Canada starting April 1, many people are yearning for the joys of a more care-free travel.
And Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises are currently the most popular choices for many, says Barbara Young, a 28-year veteran of the travel industry.
Many cruise lines are avoiding Russian ports since the invasion of Ukraine, she acknowledged, a development that started on Feb. 24, 2022, and was reported by the USA Today.
But cruising to Alaska is becoming a popular option since the federal government opened Canadian ports to the cruise industry.
Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra announced recently that Canada has developed a comprehensive public health plan for cruise ships that will require both crew and passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Starting in April, the 2022 season will run through October.
According to Travel Pulse, Holland America Line is planning a full season of Alaska sailings in 2022, now that the Canadian government has published procedures for the safe resumption of cruises to Canadian ports.
Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, has published its COVID-19 protocols for guests travelling to Alaska, including those embarking from Canada.
Young agreed that visiting Alaska might be more comfortable for customers wishing to stay closer to home, while enhanced protocols are in place to ensure the safety of guests.
Crew and guests all have to be vaccinated, and they have to take a COVID-19 test before getting on board a cruise.
"Most of our clients are already vaccinated," said the Port Coquitlam travel agent, noting while children under 12 may be permitted onboard without showing proof of vaccination, some cruise lines may require children five and up to be vaccinated.
Passengers must also take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before boarding a cruise ship or take an antigen test within one day of the scheduled departure.
Young said it's been tricky navigating the changing COVID-19 protocols.
"It’s a matter of checking with every single booking and making sure we have checked and double-checked," she said.
While she couldn't say how many client trips she is currently organizing, Young said she prefers to deal with customers in person; however, appointments have to be made in advance.
Meanwhile, planning for future trips comes with its own challenges.
Prices vary strongly, making it a priority to find the best deal for her client.
"What we're finding now is the rates are really inconsistent: Some are really high, some are lower than normal. It's all over the map."
The travel industry is being overwhelmed with demand from people worried about their current trips and those who want to plan a future trip.
"I've been on hold for as long as six hours," said Young who has five phones going at all times in the hopes of reaching a cruise company.
Young, who has owned Cruise Holidays of Port Coquitlam on Ottawa Street since 2009. said it's been a challenging two years as the cruise industry came to a virtual halt during COVID-19.
Her current job is making sure clients who purchased cruises prior to the pandemic are able to go on their planned cruises, while also working with new customers who are planning cruises for 2023 and 2024.
"It should be winding down. But instead its winding up. I assume it’s because of changing regulations and people really want to go."
The Tri-City News' sister paper, Vancouver is Awesome, has published a thorough guide to cruising, including ways to stay safe while on board.
- with files from Elana Shepert, Vancouver Is Awesome
