Cruise ships returning to Alaska; Spain to allow vaccinated Americans

President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law legislation that opens a door for resumed cruise ship travel to Alaska. The measure will allow large cruise ships to sail directly from Washington state to Alaska without stopping in Canada. Cruise lines still must meet guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to guard against COVID-19. Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans to resume U.S. operations beginning Aug. 7, with voyages from Seattle to Alaska ports planned through mid-October. Cruise lines such as Holland America Line also have announced sailing plans.

Associated Press

Europe has been opening slowly, testing the patience of Mediterranean countries that rely heavily on tourism, including Greece, Spain and Turkey. That is changing now, as European Union ambassadors have agreed to allow in visitors who are fully vaccinated or are from a list of countries whose citizens are deemed to be safe. E.U. countries still have to approve the changes, and it's not clear when they would take effect. Spain announced it will allow visitors from the United States on June 7. Tourists are already beginning to show up in Greece. Croatia has also reopened — one of the few spots in Europe that's easy for Americans to visit. Delta and United Airlines have direct flights from New York to Dubrovnik this summer.

Associated Press

Traveling to Belize eased recently as the government updated protocols. The Central American country no longer requires visitors to download and complete a Travel Health App form before arrival. Visitors are still required to provide proof of COVID‑19 vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test result obtained within 96 hours of travel. Travelers can also provide proof of a negative rapid test taken within 48 hours of travel. International travelers are required to book "gold standard" hotel accommodations.

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