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Update: July, 2020
Dear Travelers,
We hope that this message finds you well. Uncertain and challenging times are upon us, but this is a temporary reality and we shall soon come above it all.
In July, we complete four months into the pandemic; sufficient time for us to become accustomed to the "new norm". Our country has boded well in adhering to safety guidelines, an adherence that must be sustained until a defence against the virus is developed.
We, Team Clarkson have been working from our homes and continue to be fully operational. The industry reports that 57% of those booked to travel in the April to December 2020 timeframe have moved their bookings to 2021 and 2022. To the end of May, supporting your re-bookings and liaising with suppliers for refunds have virtually been 100% of our work. At a recent meeting with Travel Leaders Group with which we affiliate ourselves, we understood the industry was experiencing an average of 2,000 cancellations daily. The multiplier effect in processing such high volumes has backed up the system, causing extended delays in receiving refunds.
Even as early as May, you, our clients and travelers in general expressed interest in 2021 and 2022 travel on the assumption and hope that the pandemic would be behind us by then. In response to this interest we organized weekly webinars presented by the suppliers themselves and invite you to attend. We include a schedule below and encourage you to join us for those that interest you. You can pre-register for several.
The movement of the lion's share of 2020 bookings along with reduced capacity on carriers due to social distancing, have resulted in limited availability for 2021. If you have itchy feet and would like to get going, we suggest you enquire now. Suppliers have adjusted their policies to reduce, even eliminate in some cases, the risk of loss of deposits paid should you decide to cancel.
Here is a look at our events. It also appears on our Events Page.
Our group travel has been and remains part of our core business. We are pleased that radio hosts Jean Stilwell and Mark Wigmore of The New Classical 96.3FM and Eva D and Norm Edwards of AM740 will continue to accompany several of these groups. Here is our lineup for 2021:
- April 26: Tulip Time - river cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam
- May 07: Morocco land tour
- June 11: Waterways of Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg with Mark Wigmore
- June 24: Atlantic Saga ocean adventure with Adventure Canada from Aberdeen Scotland to Reykjavik
- August 19: Essence of Burgundy and Provence river cruise tour (new itinerary) with Eva D
- August 24: Flavours of Portugal river cruise tour from Madrid to Lisbon (SOLD OUT)
- October 13: Paris and Normandy river cruise tour with Norm Edwards
- October 29: Sound of Music on the Danube river cruise tour with Jean Stilwell
- November 05: Stars of South Africa water and park safari and more from Cape Town to Johanessburg (SOLD OUT)
- November 06: Splendors of Egypt and the Nile river cruise tour from Cairo to Cairo
- February 21, 2022: Secrets of Egypt and the Nile river cruise tour from Cairo to Cairo
No one can predict the future, but when the time is right and you are ready to explore our wonderful world again, we will be here. We have all experienced the joy and excitement that travel brings.
Thank You for the overwhelming support and kind words we have received from you in this period, we wish you and your loved ones a healthy and cheerful summer with the colours of fall awaiting around the corner!!!
Best regards,
Zaneta and Joe Rochemont with our Clarkson Team
We offer the best luxury cruises, small groups, and tailor-made trips!
No matter where in the world you want to go, we can help get you there. Our experienced agents will take the time to answer your questions and listen to your ideas, before making expert recommendations that fit your budget. We believe extraordinary vacations begin with careful planning, that's why we are devoted to ensuring our clients always have the best possible experience—both before they leave and while they're away.
Hosted Voyages (to be updated)
Take a look at these Hosted Voyage Collection highlights. Give us a call and we'll suggest other hosted voyages that will match your interests.