It’s Deb and I just got home from Antarctica on the Hurtigruten MS Roald Amundsen!
Michael & I finished or thought we were finishing an Antarctic cruise on March 16th only to find that Chile would not let us disembark. Our ship had only 380 passengers and we were Coronavirus free but apparently a ship illegally disembarked in the middle of the night, causing Chile to shut down the port. We anchored about a mile off the coast for 2 days while Hurtigruten worked tirelessly to find a solution. They were able to get fuel and supplies and at mid day on the 18th, we started heading for Stanley in the Falkland Islands. We didn’t know from day to day when we’d actually get home. We were well taken care of and are deeply appreciative of all that Hurtigruten did to get us home safely.
The seas were very rough, literally and figuratively. I’m chalking it up to research…I’ve always felt that I needed to experience all of the things my clients might experience and although I hope this never happens to you, I’ll absolutely be able to empathize with you if it does! Wishing you smooth sailing through this trying time.
Many of you have been asking about your upcoming travel plans. We want to assist you with your questions, but first, a few words about more important matters.
We find ourselves in interesting times, where much of the normal functioning of our daily lives seems out of order. However, there are also a great many certainties. While we are all engaged in our various pursuits to earn a living and raise our families, we are also neighbors and friends. We want to say we are here for you.
Things will at some point return to normal, we will get on with the routine we sometimes complain about but for which we are now a little nostalgic. Until then, know beyond being your “travel agents,” we are neighbors, friends and family. As we move through the next few weeks, be strong and maintain your conviction in those things that have always sustained you, whether that be your faith, your family, your pets, or your own sense of integrity. We will all get through this together.
Stay informed, but give yourself a break from the 24 hour news cycle. Here are a couple of good resources for information:
Coronavirus Information Center CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
World Health Organization Q&A
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Now, about those scheduled and paid travel plans. Travel suppliers have all been modifying their cancellation policies to assist passengers, waiving fees and penalties for changes. If you have plans about which you have questions, feel free to call or email us.
A few of you have also inquired about future travel plans. Please reach out at any time to discuss and we will provide you with any information you need. As the travel industry regains momentum, there will no doubt be many great opportunities; we can discuss as you feel ready. We will be here for you – we love traveling and helping others travel well. We plan to be here for your travel needs for the long run!
If there is anything we can do for you over the coming weeks, or if you just want to check in and talk, know we are here for you. We all want to practice a sound “physical distancing” but that does not mean social disconnection. Stay informed and stay safe. If you need anything, we are a phone call away.
Hang in there, Be strong. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, have faith, and wash your hands!
Yours in travel,
Deb & Debi