​Believe it or not road races can be combined with a vacation. Who knew? I am a former runner, my knees say no but sometimes I will get a mile or two in. But if I was to consider a marathon or even a half marathon, I would want it to be a destination race. One that I could combine a race with a vacation. So I picked out five races around the country you can get not only your bucket list race but your vacation too. 

Last week Holland America Line announced a new fare option called Have It All. With this rate, you will get drinks, wifi and more included in the rate on cruises 6 nights or longer with the exception of the World Voyage. 

American Cruise Lines sails the rivers and coastlines of the United States. From the coast of Maine to the Mississippi River and all the way to Alaska, you will experience the culture, history and natural wonders of the US. All while getting the intimate small ship experience. 

Thursday brought some great news out of Florida. The state of Florida filed a lawsuit against the CDC demanding they immediately lift the Conditional Sailing Order issued last October. This order has prevented the cruise industry from restarting here in the US. 

Royal Caribbean announced they will move up the June 2022 return the west coast to November 2021. Royal has been absent from the west coast for about a decade. 

Well, yesterday was a busy day for cruise line news. Cancellations and redeployment announcements and maybe some news from the CDC. 

Yesterday, Norwegian Cruise Holding Group sent a plan for a July 4, 2021 restart to the CDC. The plan lays out how the cruise lines will manage safety from prior to the cruise through debarkation. NCLH consist of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceana and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. And as with a growing number of cruise lines, vaccines will be required, at least a first. 

Recently Greece announced they will begin allowing international visitors, including Americans into Greece beginning the middle of May 2021. Because of that, Celebrity has announced 7 night cruises in the Greek Isles and Israel. 

Exciting news in the cruise world today as both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announced new summer itineraries starting in June and sailing through August. Are we seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?

On March 17, 2021, the Dominican Republic announced new travel requirements for entry and its great news. They are aligning with the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan.

Great news for Royal Caribbean fans on the west coast, they will return in Summer of 2022 with Navigator of the Seas.  She will sail three to seven night itineraries from the port of Los Angeles. 

Luxury line Crystal Cruises announced they will be sailing the Crystal Serenity in the  Bahamas. She will sail 16 Seven Night Roundtrip cruises from Nassau. This will be one of the first chances for those in North America to cruise since the shutdown due to COVID. 

This week Hawaiian Airlines will start non stop flights from Orlando, FL. Service will be available two days a week with MCO to HNL Tuesdays and Saturdays and returns Thursday and Sunday. 

Yesterday Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises all made announcements extending their pause in global operations. 

Due to Canada’s decision the 2021 Alaska Season for cruising is in limbo for now, but that does not mean the Alaska Season is a bust. Both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises who are experts in Alaska have created a variety of land packages providing you with the opportunity to see the magnificent interior or Alaska.