Vicky Garcia Cruise Planners corporate announced on their LinkedIn page that Vicky Garcia has passed away. “It is with a sincere and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Cruise Planners’ beloved COO Vicky Garcia. Words cannot begin to express the loss we feel, and what she means …
Read More »Carnival Cruise Line Allows Unvaccinated to Sail Starting in September
Carnival cruise line has made a major announcement by allowing unvaccinated passengers to sail starting in September. The email to travel agents states, “MIAMI, Aug. 12, 2022 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced protocol updates that meet public health goals but recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19. With these changes, …
Read More »Carnival Cruise Line Drops COVID-19 Testing on Short Cruises
Carnival cruise line has finally announced that they are dropping Covid-19 testing on short cruises. According to a press release from Carnival to travel agents, “We are pleased to announce that we are adjusting certain protocols to reflect the lifting of CDC requirements for the U.S. cruise industry. We remain, as …
Read More »Palladium Hotel Group, Wyndham sign strategic alliance
Over the last 3 years, I’ve enjoyed visiting the Palladium Hotel Group resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Today, my friends at TravelPulse.com reported that the Palladium Hotel Group and Wyndham have formed a strategic alliance. “Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Palladium Hotel Group have entered into a …
Read More »CDC ends its COVID program for cruises.
Late on Monday, July 18th, 2022, news reports shared that the CDC has ended its COVID program for cruises. USAToday is reporting, “CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise …
Read More »6 amazing all-inclusive resorts
Over the last 3 years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to visit the all-inclusive resorts of the Palladium Hotel Group in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and in Jamaica. The number 1 question I’m frequently asked is, “what’s your favorite?” That’s like asking which one of your grandkids are your favorite, …
Read More »All-inclusive resort or cruise? Which is better for you?
As the title of my blog states, I’m TheCruiseGenius. I’ve sailed on Holland America Line over 150 days, Carnival over 75 days, and on several other cruise lines. If you’ve been following me any length of time, you know that over the last 3 years, I’ve experienced the all-inclusive resorts …
Read More »TRS Coral Review June 2022
I just returned from my 4th visit to TRS Coral and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres. I have to say my 7 day stay was absolutely perfect! Orlando Airport Instead of flying out of my local Jacksonville, Fl airport, I chose to drive 2 hours south to Orlando. You can’t fly …
Read More »The Cruise Genius on News4Jax
Reports of the Biden Administration ceasing the mandatory COVID testing prior to returning to the U.S. is welcomed news for everyone. I was a guest on News4Jax this am live from Cancun discussing this breaking news and how it will affect travelers. I’ve been having a great time here at …
Read More »US lifts COVID-19 test requirement for international travel
News reports are confirming that the U.S. is lifting the COVID-19 test requirement for international travel. “WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Biden administration is lifting its requirement that international air travelers to the U.S. take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights, easing one of the last …
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