UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running, and you must submit it if disembarking in the UK!
The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure. (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need if you are airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)
This application costs £10 and is done online. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.
CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”. However, you might end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website. You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you are finding out the correct information.
ETIAS UPDATE
It’s no surprise that there is yet another update on the ETIAS travel authorization. From www.travel-europe.europa.eu, we have learned that the ETIAS is currently not in operation and will not start in the first half of 2025. The European Union will inform everyone about the start of the ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
One less thing to have to think about – at least for now!
Brilliant Caribbean in February!
Little did I know when we originally planned our Explora Journeys trip to the Caribbean that we would be leaving Atlanta in unseasonably cold weather with snow flurries! We went from sweaters and jackets and 21-degrees to sundresses and 80 degree weather - it was absolutely glorious!!
As you know, most of our business is Viking Cruises, but we have so enjoyed branching out a bit sharing our feedback on Silversea and Explora Journeys. They each have different specialties, and that’s why we don’t book a cruise for you unless we have personally been on the ships and can make recommendations based on our personal experience.
Boarding Explora, and Meredith is so excited!
Special Teatime with Meredith
Many of you have been to the Caribbean multiple times, so, here's my defense, encouraging you to consider going yet again (and on Explora Journeys.) Here are some reasons why:
Explora has multiple 8-day Caribbean options, (as well as longer ones, too), which is the perfect way to leave your cold climate for a warmer one. While Viking does an 11-day itinerary to the Caribbean, it is often sold out. So this is a wonderful way to give you that extra boost out of the mid-winter doldrums.
Revisiting a destination gives you the opportunity to explore new things. Onboard excursions are great as they have curated wonderful experiences and can take you to both beautiful and interesting places. However, Doug and I are usually “walk around the town” people, and like getting a feel for the local culture so we can see as much as possible. We like to venture out a bit further on our own as well, and here are some ways we did that on this trip:
St. Thomas: Someone in our group had been to Trunk Bay, and said the snorkeling there was especially good. So, on our stop in St. Thomas, we took a taxi to a ferry to a taxi again, arriving in the Virgin Islands National Park. We enjoyed a lovely day of great scenery both above and below the water.
Trunk Bay, St. Johns Bay
Sunrise from our balcony
Anguilla had the most amazing beaches and beautiful water! However, when we got off the tender, I realized I should have either come prepared to swim or should have done a little more research on what was there. We walked around the small town and paused for a bit on a side street talking with a couple of our friends about what to do next.
A taxi driver came up to us and asked if we had any questions, and we said “What’s there to see here with the time we have in port?” He said, “Ohhhhhh, this island is bee-you-tee-ful! You must see it! Come with me and I will take you on a ride and tell you all about it.” The price was $25pp for 90 minute tour, so we all agreed it was a great idea.
Aslan was our guide, and seeing the island through his eyes was a delightful way to spend the afternoon. He took us through some gated-community resorts on private beaches, which were stunning. Since he grew up there, he was a wealth of knowledge about the economy, history and politics. Colonized by the English in 1650, there are only about 15,500 people live on the island, and their primary means of income is tourism. It’s a very quiet island, but would be perfect for a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our friend is an author and has another book he’s writing. He said he could see himself finishing his book there. It is just that idyllic.
Aslan also knew the best spots to get photos, so I’m sharing some here:
Beautiful beaches of Anguilla
Anguilla viewpoint of our Explora ship
We did the same thing in St. Martin, and landed in Marigot, on the French side of the island. We had been there before in Philipsburg which is the Dutch side (and St. Maarten is how they spell it there.) Since we had Mom (who is almost 91!) with us on this trip, we knew she couldn’t walk very far. So again, we walked up to the taxi station and found someone who could do a 90-minute tour of the island. “Bobo” had been a paramedic for 13 years but was now running his own tourism business. He took us to the highest lookout point for a photo opportunity, then to some secluded beaches that were popular with locals. We learned that most of the islanders left after the 2017 Hurricane Erma, but he stayed to help with all the cleanup. He said it was disheartening to have so many locals leave the work to those that stayed behind, only to come back again after the work was over.
Though they have a lot of schools and several colleges, he said that most young people are leaving the island upon graduation from school, either going to bigger islands or to France. Though they have natural resources on the island, the work is too hard, and they don’t have people to work the land or mine the natural salt that is so abundant, so they also rely mostly on tourism. You could see the love for his island as well as his concern for its future.
There’s always more to explore than you have time for, so even if you are going back to someplace you’ve already been, seeing a different area from the eyes of a local is enlightening in so many ways.
Juliette, Barb & Glenn enjoying a delicious dinner at Sakura
Doug, Carol, Mom & Meredith from the mountain view of Marigot
Friends old and new for tea time
Antony, the Residence Manager, taking Mom out for an evening virgin margarita
Being onboard Explora is a destination in itself. You really don’t ever need to leave the ship to fully enjoy a relaxing time away from home. This time we had a wonderful group traveling together - new friendships were made, old friendships celebrated, lots of great food enjoyed, all in the perfect environment of a small-suite ship.
We’re looking at another group trip for next year, and hope you will consider joining us for any or all of the reasons above!
Farewell dinner at Marble & Co.
March Specials Are Just Coming Out, So Will Be Sent in a Separate Email Next Week
Tip: If you have a Viking cruise booked that hasn’t departed yet, you are eligible for deeper discounts on your next booking. Plus, if you leave in 35 days or less, the Bon Voyage Offer provides even more benefits!
Remember there are discounts that may be available for your sailing, as we have the inside scoop on all things Viking. Contact us at 770-421-9627 or Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com before booking your next trip!
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
Imagine Going There Travel, 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064, USA
