The World As It (still) Is... Update

Hello again!

I hope everyone is safe and healthy... 

It was time for an update

Will We Travel Again (and when!)
This remains a resounding YES!!!  and no one knows.  We certainly will travel again.  Everyday I can feel the pent up pressure of people just waiting for the go-ahead to travel again.  Cruise addicts, who didn't even realize they were addicted.  2021 is booking up at just about the normal speed.  That is amazing considering what has happened in 2020 so far.

When... I hate to say "I don't know"  You all look to me for answers... unfortunately this one is much bigger than anything I can control.  I can give you some ideas... There are cruises running in Europe, mostly with success.  There are also river cruises running in Europe.  Of course, right now we can't go to Europe, but that will change.  The travel restrictions to Europe are automatically reviewed every 2 weeks.  Once our numbers meet their expectations, the ban will be gone.  Canada and Mexico are similar.  There is definitely travel to a lot of all-inclusives.  If you want to go lay on a beach with an umbrella drink next week, I can make that happen.

What has it been line for us? (updated)
We have served every client quickly and easily (for them).  And that is the real goal.  Most clients have been handled with a short phone call, or an email.  There have been a lot of nightmare stories of 5-10 hours of on-hold time... not with us.  Our clients have gotten quick and easy service.

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Will we be in business??
YES... 100% we are not going anywhere.  We may be the last one standing, but we will survive.  Financially, remember that we process payments, but we don't hold your money... Never, ever (it's actually illegal in many places).  Many travel agencies still do it.. you pay them and they pay the vendor.... we don't work that way.  We can't run off with your money, because we never have it.  We are required to process payments through the vendor's payment systems on your behalf... but those transactions are directly with the vendors.  Again, we never have your money.  (but it doesn't matter, we will be here!!!!)

Will the Vendors be in business??
In the last few months that has gotten a little more hazy.  I would say that most vendors will survive.  I know for a fact that the major cruise lines (Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean) and their associated cruise lines will be fine.  Most tour companies and river cruise companies are looking to be OK.  There are a few exceptions.  A couple of smaller, specialty cruise lines, and a few specialty suppliers that I have used do seem to be in various levels of trouble.  When I know about these things, I steer my business away from them until they stabilize.  Of all the vendors we use... I can only think of about 5 of them that seem to be having the kind of difficulty that may lead to them closing.  As of today, I have no clients currently booked with any of them!

So once again... I say, when you are ready, and when the world is ready... We will be here for you!