Coronavirus / COVID-19 Information as of March 5, 2020

The many news reports about Coronavirus (COVID-19) may have you confused and possibly concerned about travel. You, like many of our other clients, may have some questions.

As your professional travel advisors, we’d like to give you a look behind the scenes of what we are working on for our clients, and answer some of your questions:

• Over the years, we have dealt with many situations that impacted travel.
• Our priority is always the same: to help keep our clients safe. We are closely following the advice from trusted sources such as the CDC, the US State Department and the World Health Organization.
• As this situation is so fluid, we are seeing changes almost daily.
• Through the Virtuoso network, we are in constant contact with cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, airlines and other partners, and review the most current and relevant information.
• We are reviewing travel schedules, itineraries, travel insurance coverage, and alternatives for our clients.
• We have reached out to all clients scheduled to travel to affected areas in Asia and Italy before May 31, 2020 and communicate and explain their options.
• While current travel advisories only suggest restrictions for China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy, our advisors are actively monitoring their clients’ upcoming departures to other destinations and reaching out with recommendations where appropriate.
• We are also working closely with our travel partners to advocate for flexibility, so our clients don’t need to rush into decisions when considering changes or cancellations.

In addition, we’d like to answer some of the questions clients have asked:

Should we still travel?

In most cases, and to most destinations, a resounding yes.

But the decision to go or not is always a personal one. Your age, health concerns, comfort levels, destination and travel style all play a role. As your travel advisors, we will do all we can to provide you with the information you, your family and travel companions need to make an informed decision.

While we are professional travel advisors, we are not medical professionals. If you are worried about the potential impact of travel – due to the Coronavirus or other reasons – on your health or medical situation, we recommend that you discuss your concerns with your physician.

In addition, we suggest you review the following websites for up-to-date, trusted information:

CDC Coronavirus/COVID-19 Latest Updates

World Health Organization Coronavirus/COVID-19 Outbreak

US Department of State Coronavirus Information

What are cruise lines doing to keep cruise travel safe?

All ocean cruise lines that are members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have implemented enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19, limit who can board their ships, and more.

CLIA Statement on COVID-19

Cruise Ship Travel Tips from the US Department of State

In addition, cruise lines have changed or cancelled itineraries to impacted ports in Asia, and many have changed their cancellation deadlines or refund policies in order to give booked clients more time to decide whether their cruise is right for them. We are reviewing options with our clients, to help them make the right decision.

Will my travel insurance cover cancellation expenses?

Most US travel insurance companies will not cover cancellations due to “fear of travel”. If you purchased “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance (typically at an additional expense), your policy might pay a portion of cancellation expenses.

Please read your insurance policy carefully, or contact your travel insurance company to discuss specific situations, if you are considering canceling your trip due to the Coronavirus.

Travel Guard Coronavirus Advisory

What is the difference between the flu and Coronavirus?

Johns Hopkins Medicine Comparison between Flu and Coronavirus

How many Coronavirus cases are currently reported? And how many have recovered?

As of March 5, 2020: 98,088 cases reported worldwide, with over 54,142 recovered.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

What else can I do to stay safe while I travel?

Most of our clients are eager to continue exploring the world. Here are some things we recommend:

• The CDC recommends basic hygiene precautions such as: avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; stay home when you are sick; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; disinfect frequently touched objects and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• When you board a plane, wipe your arm rests, tray table, entertainment controls, seatback pocket, seat belt buckle, air vent, window shades, and other areas that may not have been cleaned thoroughly between flights with a disinfectant wipe.
• Getting into a hotel or cruise room? Wipe light switches, remote controls, work surfaces and other often “touched” areas with a disinfectant wipe.
• US citizens should consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important travel and safety updates.
• Bring two weeks of additional prescription medication along with your regular prescription when traveling.
• Have your cell phone provider set up your mobile phone for use internationally.

As always, the team at Q is thankful for your loyalty and support, and we are happy to help you navigate the beautiful and unpredictable world of travel.

With warm regards,

Rob Clabbers
President
Q Cruise + Travel