We’ve been hearing from clients that they simply can’t wait until they can get back out on the ocean and sail the seven seas. We’ve been sending quotes out right and left, and have been making bookings fast and furious, but for those sailings that have actually booked, most of them are either sailing out of foreign ports, or they’re later in the year and into 2022. Why’s that? Because, as of now, the CDC hasn’t authorized any but the smallest cruise vessels to sail out of US ports.

While we understand why some travelers might be hesitant to get aboard a cruise ship, we also think that a lot of those fears are rooted in a couple of high-profile incidents that were widely publicized at the start of the pandemic. What we’ve learned is that cruise lines have stepped up their sanitation and hygiene protocols, without exception. They’re all requiring travelers to be fully-vaccinated — no exceptions. And there’s good evidence to support that their safety protocols are effective. A limited resumption of cruising in Europe last summer saw more than 400,000 travelers sailing on cruise ships, and of those, there were only 50 COVID cases onboard. And, when you consider that every cruise vessel has medical facilities, with doctors and other medical staff onboard, it’s clear that now that we know what the virus is, how it’s transmitted, and how it can be contained—those safety measures are working.

But still—it’s not possible to sail from most US ports right now, because the CDC hasn’t given the go-ahead. So, if you’re vaccinated, and you’re eager to cruise this summer, where can you go? Well, here are our suggestions for things we can book you on, right now!

Iceland

Iceland is allowing fully-vaccinated travelers from the US to enter right now, so what better way to visit than aboard a luxury expedition cruise? Our preferred travel partner, Crystal Cruises, has just launched the Crystal Endeavor — a state-of-the-art expedition ship that’s rated to travel in polar waters, but which also has the Michelin-level cuisine, butler service and top-notch amenities that we’ve all come to expect from the world’s must luxurious cruise line.

Their itinerary circumnavigates Iceland, and even sails above the Arctic Circle — something you’d never be able to do on a land tour. There’s a two-story solarium on board, so that you can see the spectacular scenery —and get a full view of it—from the water. And those excursions—whether you’re going ashore at a port of call that the big ships could never visit, or exploring the shoreline and ice floes in a zodiac boat—are included, along with wi-fi, gratuities, beverages (including beer, wine and spirits), and so much more. Sure, we might be able to get you some additional amenities, but really, so much is included, already!

Viking is also deploying an ocean ship to Iceland. Since Viking itineraries are usually sold out years in advance, if you’re not the type who plans ahead, this might be your best opportunity to experience their ocean cruises on a short time frame!

The Caribbean and Bermuda

You might not be able to sail from Florida, but you can still take a cruise vacation. Many of our preferred cruise partners have decided to move their ships to off-shore home ports, accessible from just a short flight from the Continental United States.

Crystal Cruises has 10-day Caribbean sailings on their ocean ships, that depart from Antigua this summer, but they’ve also got some week-long Bahamas sailings that sail round-trip from either Nassau or Bimini, where you can visit smaller ports-of-call in the Bahamas that you’d normally not get to experience. So, if you’re looking for that beach where you can swim with the pigs — these are the sailings for you!

Royal Caribbean is the line that has something for everyone, and they’ve moved their ships to the Bahamas, as well, but they’ve also got departures out of Bermuda that are set to sail this summer. They might make a stop in Mexico and some Caribbean destinations, but they won’t be touching the US. And if you’re looking for a luxury sailing out of Bermuda, Viking is your best option.

Norwegian Cruise Lines will be operating cruises that sail out of Montego Bay, Jamaica on the Norwegian Joy, and the Norwegian Gem will sail Caribbean itineraries out of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

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Celebrity is also moving into the Caribbean with sailings that don’t stop in domestic ports. As early as June of 2021, you can board one of their ships in St. Maarten, for a “new luxury” cruise vacation. Celebrity has recently make a bid to re-brand themselves as a more modern luxury line — with drinks, gratuities, and wi-fi always included. And with their modern style, and reasonable pricing, there’s a lot of value in these sailings.

And, if you’re looking for a luxury yacht sailing in the Caribbean, look no farther than our partner, Windstar. They start sailing out of St. Maarten as early as June 19.

Alaska

Sailing to Alaska this summer is complicated, not only by the CDC restrictions on large ships, but also by virtue of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which requires passenger ships with foreign flags to make at least one stop at a foreign port on any itinerary.

However! We partner with some small-ship cruise lines that are skipping the Canadian ports, and only operating with US-flagged vessels. The added benefit is that you can experience the incredible scenery, wildlife and culture of Alaska in a way that’s completely authentic. If you want to go to Alaska this year — you should call us.

Greece

Greece is opening to US travelers next month, just in time for the peak summer cruise season in the Mediterranean!

Celebrity’s newest ship, the Celebrity Apex, has had to delay its inaugural cruise, but at long last, it’ll be making its debut with Round-Trip sailings out of Athens (Piraeus) starting on June 19. Vaccines will be required for adults, and children under 18 must produce proof of a negative COVID test. This is the second Celebrity ship with a “magic carpet” — a platform that is cantilevered off of the side of the ship which can be raised and lowered to different decks. Depending on where it’s positioned, it can be used for launching tenders or as a restaurant or cocktail lounge. We sailed on the Celebrity Edge just before the pandemic started, and that ship also has a “magic carpet.” It was a great ship, and it seems to us that the Apex will be perfect for sailing the Greek Isles.

But Celebrity’s not alone. Norwegian, Windstar and Seabourn will also sail from Athens this summer, and Royal Caribbean has sailings from Cyprus.

Tahiti

And, how about a sailing aboard a luxury yacht in Tahiti? The Wind Spirit starts sailing agiain in Tahiti starting in July, and if you’ve always wanted a cruise that was anything but cookie-cutter, you should really reach out to us about this one. This luxury sailing yacht is spectacular, and the high-touch service and casual ambiance is pretty much unique among all of our cruise partners.