TRIP-O-PHO-BI-A - WHAT?

What the heck is Tripophobia?

This past week I participated, virtually of course, in one of the travel industry's big events - CruiseWorld. The term "tripophobia" was coined by one of the speakers, defined as "fear of not having a trip planned." Does that resonate with you?

There was quite a bit covered during the conference - and despite our ongoing struggles with flattening the COVID curve, the past couple of weeks have had some news that is encouraging for the travel industry - first, the CDC lifted its No-Sail Order for ships cruising in US waters, effective November 1st, and second, Pfizer announced promising results in its vaccine trials.

For me, improved accuracy and availability of rapid screening tests is a critical element to a return to travel as it was - but I'm very hopeful, given the rapidly improving test sensitivity and production.

As cruising is gradually reintroduced, there will be several changes to the experience, for example:

• Buffets, if available, will no longer be self-service. Guests will indicate to a server what they want and it will be plated for them.
• Shore excursions may have fewer choices and guests will be limited to offerings from the cruise line, to ensure guest and crew safety through rigorous vetting.
• The number of passengers sailing is likely to be limited to a certain percentage of a ship's capacity - to ensure space for social distancing.
• For ships with large theatres and production shows, reservations will likely be required and seating capacity will be reduced. On the flip side there may be additional performances scheduled.
• Muster Drills will be completed from the passenger's cabin (rather than all passengers reporting to their muster station before sail away)
• For cruises visiting US ports, the length of the voyage will be 7 days or fewer.
• Expect to see shorter cruises - perhaps from US Southern ports to a cruise line's private island and back.
• There will be more medical personnel onboard going forward
• The ships themselves are being retrofitted with advanced air filtration systems and HEPA filters to minimize the risk of the ventilation system spreading germs and viruses

Cruise industry executives predicted a few trends, specifically:

• Increased demand for cruises on smaller ships with fewer passengers
• Interest in destinations that are more nature-focused
• Booking well into the future, e.g. 2022-2023
• A shift from the notion of having a bucket "checklist" to having a Life List with destinations and experiences that may have more personal meaning to the traveler

On this last point one of my colleagues used the phrase "Putting Hope on the Calendar" which gets back to "Tripophobia" - studies show that one of the happiest parts of the travel experience is when travel is booked, as well as the anticipation of that travel. I've got hope on my calendar - and when you are ready to schedule your hope, I'll be here to help.

Virtual Cruise Event - Thursday, November 19 - Gems of Southeast Europe

I had the pleasure of traveling on the Danube River in June of 2019. It was a beautiful cruise on the AmaMagna - the largest river cruise ship sailing. We started pre-cruise in Prague and I fell in love with this beautiful, historic city - and during a food walking tour, with it's flavor! After embarking in Passau, we visited quaint towns and bustling cities in Germany, Austria and Slovakia before arriving at our final port of Budapest, Hungary. The photo above is my friend Vanessa and me as we sailed under Budapest's Chain Bridge - legend has it that if you are hugging a friend and making a wish while sailing under the bridge, your wish will come true! Among AmaMagna's unique offerings is a Concierge Golf Program - with which guests are able to golf at several of Europe's top courses. If you're interested in learning more about a Danube River Cruise or a European Golf Experience, I hope you will join me Thursday, November 19th at 7:30 Eastern, 4:30 Pacific for a Virtual Cruise Event with AmaWaterways highlighting the golf program as well as their Danube cruise through Southeast Europe. There's no charge to participate, but registration is required - click HERE to reserve your spot.