Ship Ban in Amsterdam?
Could groups in Amsterdam prohibit cruise ships from entering the city center come true — it depends on what publication you read.
A coalition of green and centrist parties voted for the ban on ships over the negative impact on the city’s environment and air quality.
Amsterdam told us cruise ships are not banned from the port. In fact., they are in the process of investing millions into shoreside power facilities for ships.
Cruisers are 1 percent of the 21 million visitors to Amsterdam annually.
Currently, large cruise ships dock near the historic areas at Cruise Port Amsterdam.
Passport Processing: Hurry Up and Wait
And waiting is the name of the game.
There has been no improvement in passport processing times, and the U.S. Department of State says delays are expected to remain consistent throughout 2023.
As of July, Americans have 10 to 13 weeks for routine passport service, seven to nine weeks for expedited service, and an additional two weeks for processing and mailing.
A State Department official has stated that efforts are underway to revert to pre-pandemic processing times by the end of 2023, including increased hiring and training, authorized overtime, and investments in automation and other technologies.
Applicants for new and renewal passports should factor in these processing times when planning cruises or travel abroad.
Big Nude Boat Readies for 2025
And it’s that time of year again.
The 2025 Big Nude Boat cruise has been announced.
On February 25, Norwegian Pearl will depart from Miami on an 11-day voyage to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia.
Organized by Bare Necessities, this naturist cruise aims to uphold the American Association of Nude Recreation values, as clarified by a company executive.
The $1,200 sailing enforces a “No Photo Zone” policy onboard.
If you’d like to cast off your clothes and set sail, bookings open next month.