For the first time in two years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer advise travelers against sailing aboard cruise ships.  

The change came last week as the CDC updated its website regarding cruise travel and removed all references to its 4-tier risk assessment system. Typically, the CDC uses these warning levels to inform travelers about the rate of COVID-19 transmission in certain countries and the cruise industry overall. 

Although the agency keeps its system advising travel to countries worldwide, the “CDC is removing the COVID-19 Cruise Ship Travel Health Notice,” CDC spokesperson Dave Daigle told USA Today. “Travelers will make their risk assessment when choosing to travel on a cruise ship, much like they do in all other travel settings.” 

According to Daigle, the decision to remove the notice was based on the current state of the pandemic and the decrease of COVID-19 cases stemming from cruise travel over “the past several weeks.” 

This decision also comes just over two weeks after the CDC lowered its risk assessment level of cruise travel from “Level 3,” signifying a high risk of transmission, to “Level 2,” a moderate risk. 

Despite the CDC no longer actively advising against cruise travel, the health agency’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships remains, outlining the health and safety protocols that cruise lines should take. As a part of the program, which is optional for cruise lines to join, travelers can check for the color code of the specific ship they plan to sail on. 

According to the CDC website, the “color-coding system gives travelers the information they can use to make informed decisions before choosing to travel. Color status designations show the number of COVID-19 cases reported for each ship in the program, whether an investigation is needed, additional public health measures a ship is taking, and whether a ship has opted out of the program.” 

The CDC recommends that travelers are “up to date” with their COVID-19 vaccines before sailing aboard a cruise ship. Those at a greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Such as immunocompromised travelers, the CDC advises “[talking] to your healthcare provider about what they may need additional precautions before, during, and after travel.”  

The health agency recommends that travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, should get tested “as close to [the] time of [the] cruise departure as possible,” as well as three to five days after the cruise. 

Whether your goal is to pack light for convenience or to avoid airlines’ ever-increasing luggage fees, there is an art to traveling with only a carry-on suitcase. Here are some tips for the next time you plan to hop on a plane without checking a bag.

Choose the right carry-on luggage.

Though most airlines follow the same standard for size restrictions for a carry-on, be sure to look up the specific guidelines of the carrier you’ll be flying with. Some only allow for smaller suitcases than the norm, while some are stricter in enforcing their rules than others.

Pack multi-purpose items.

That colorful pair of pants that only matches one shirt? Those shoes you can only wear under one specific circumstance? Leave them at home. The key to packing light is to focus on bringing items that can be easily mixed and matched with one another. Bring about one week’s worth of clothing and if you’re traveling for longer, then expect to do laundry at your destination.

Don’t fold your clothes. Roll them.

Choosing the proper clothing is vital in packing light, but so is the method of placing them in your carry-on luggage. Instead of folding your clothes like you might do at home, tuck in all edges of the garment (like sleeves, for example) and roll them into a tight cylinder. This method saves space, but it also prevents hard-to-get rid-of wrinkles.

Bring the essential toiletries.

While it might tempt you to bring all your favorite hair and body products, full-size bottles of liquids, creams, and gels are not allowed in your carry-on. Instead, purchase TSA-approved 100 ml bottles and fill them with your indispensable products. If you’re lucky, Your products may already be sold in a travel size. Remember that you can only bring the number of bottles that can fit in a large Ziplock bag (though many airports are not strict about this rule), so only bring what you need. The rest—like toothpaste, shower gel, and lotion can indeed be found in your accommodations or at a local drugstore in your destination.

Make use of your item.

While some airlines may charge fees even for a carry-on suitcase, passengers are still allowed a free personal item. These bags—usually a backpack, purse, or weekender—should fit under the seat in front of you, and though they’re typically small, don’t be afraid to pack them with any additional items that don’t fit in your carry-on. It’s also best to keep electronics, important documents, and you should also keep identification in your article for safekeeping.

Countries worldwide are reopening their doors to tourists, some after nearly two years of isolation. The latest nations doing away with some of their COVID-related restrictions are a string of Asian destinations that travelers have been eagerly awaiting to explore. 

Here’s what you need to know if you plan on visiting some of the most popular destinations in the region. 

CAMBODIA 

As of last week, Cambodia no longer requires international visitors to take a CVOID-19 test before arrival. However, with a 92% vaccination rate, the country prioritizes vaccinated travelers as it eases restrictions. Currently, unvaccinated people can still visit Cambodia but must undergo a two-week quarantine period. Those who are fully vaccinated can skip this mandatory quarantine. 

SOUTH KOREA 

South Korea is easing several COVID-19 restrictions for travelers, but many remain in place. Foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arriving in South Korea. If over 180 days have passed since their initial vaccination, international travelers will also have to show proof of a booster shot. Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travelers can register with South Korea’s Q-Code website, which will generate a QR code allowing them to enter the country without a seven-day quarantine. Those arriving via plane must present a negative PCR test taken only 48 hours before departure.  

VIETNAM 

Nearly all restrictions in Vietnam have been lifted. Now, both Vietnamese nationals and foreign visitors can enter the country without quarantine. Travelers are still required to show a valid negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and must monitor their health during the first ten days of their stay. If they develop any symptoms, they notify local health officials right away. 

Holland America Line has been sailing through Alaska for decades, and now, the cruise line is sharing its love of the destination by giving away ten free trips to The Last Frontier State. 

The company’s “Love Letters to Alaska” sweepstakes asks travelers to explain why they love the state for a chance to win a weeklong cruise in one of Holland America Line’s luxury suites. To enter the giveaway, travelers must explain why they want to travel to Alaska and what they love about the state. Each entry must be 250 words or fewer, and the contest ends at 11:50 p.m. PT on March 15. 

The quality of the writing will judge entries and the sincerity and originality of the submission. 

The grand prize will be a 7-day Alaskan cruise for two people living in the Neptune Suite. Worth about $3,200, the Neptune suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a private verandah, a large sitting area, and upscale amenities. They will choose nine other winners to receive a weeklong cruise for two inside Holland America’s Vista or Signature suites, worth $2,600. 

Winners must sail in 2022 and have plenty of departure dates from which to choose. Holland America offers cruises in Alaska from April through early October. Most of this year’s dozen sailings travel round trip from Seattle or Vancouver. Passengers can also start or end their journey in Whittier, Alaska.  

Whether you win one of these ten trips or decide to book a cruise with Holland America, it’s important to note the company currently requires all guests to be fully vaccinated. And show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within two days of sailing. They need face masks in all public indoor areas. 

For more information and enter the “Love Letters to Alaska” sweepstakes, click here.