Charleston Port Closes Ahead of Hurricane Ian Arrival

You can now add Charleston, South Carolina to the list of port closures ahead of Hurricane Ian. 

The only cruise ship currently sailing from the port is Carnival Sunshine. As of last night, Carnival is telling guests not to head to the port until they hear from them. The Charleston area is prone to flooding. 

Norfolk and Baltimore sailings could also be impacted. 

Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm early yesterday morning before regaining strength as a Hurricane last night. 

At the time of broadcast, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Charleston ports are closed. Miami and Port Everglades are open. 

Barbados Drops All COVID-19 Travel Protocols

Effective last week, the Caribbean country of Barbados has dropped all of its COVID-19 related travel protocols.

Testing will no longer be required for anyone entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status. In addition, masks will be optional in nearly every place across the island with the exception of places like hospitals, nursing homes, and on public transportation.

Barbados is a popular destination on southern Caribbean cruise itineraries, with lines including MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity calling there.

STORY: Barbados Drops All COVID-19 Travel Protocols

Holland America Introduces Health Protocols Tool

Holland America has introduced a new tool that makes it easy to see the health requirements for your specific sailing. The Health Protocols Tool is a webpage where you can input your voyage and it will tell you exactly what requirements including vaccination and testing are.

All voyages through the end of the year are loaded into the tool, with 2023 sailings to be added soon.

You can check it out here: book2.hollandamerica.com/protocols

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