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Millions of people in the northeastern United States are without power and thousands of flights have been grounded in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Delays and cancellations are expected to continue throughout the day and possibly tomorrow. New York’s three major airports (which include JFK and LaGuardia) and other airports throughout the region, continue to be closed today affecting flight schedules all over North America, in Europe and even in Asia. Travel agents and travellers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. As Hurricane Sandy reached North American Shores last night it was downgraded slightly from Hurricane to a large tropical and potentially destructive storm with heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds.
The Ministry of Public Health in Cuba has reported an increase in the number of cases of illness with diarrhea in some areas of the country due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall. The province with the highest incidence is Granma, with most cases being reported from the municipality of Manzanillo.
An investigation revealed that some of these cases are cholera. The city of Manzanillo has taken measures to control the situation and reduce the number of cases.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People usually become infected from drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be life-threatening.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends practising safe food and water precautions while in Cuba.
Safe food and water practices:
Please, kindly be advised that the government of Mexico requires that all valid passports presented upon departure and arrival be
in good condition. Any passenger bearing a damaged passport, even if slightly, may be denied boarding the plane at the
departure gateway, or refused entry at the destination. Examples of damaged passport include, but are not limited to, rips, tears,
missing corners or water damage to either the cover or the inside pages.
The Carnival Splendor is currently docked in San Diego and a team is on board working to more fully assess damage to the vessel.
We recognize that many of our guests scheduled to sail on the Carnival Splendor are anxious to hear about the status of their upcoming sailing. At this time, the November 14 voyage has been cancelled. Those guests are receiving a full refund of their cruise fare and air transportation costs along with a 25 percent discount on a future cruise. Our technical teams are working round the clock to assess the damage and necessary repairs. We expect to have additional information early next week and will inform all guests accordingly.
Please continue to check back here for updates.
A NOTE FROM GERRY CAHILL, PRESIDENT & CEO:
"On November 11, the Carnival Splendor reached San Diego and all guests and crew were returned safely. We are extremely grateful and appreciative to them for their patience and positive spirit throughout the course of events. We would also like to extend our utmost gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, the Port of San Diego and those within the San Diego community, as well as the tug boat operators, bus drivers, hoteliers, our travel agent partners and many, many others who have aided and supported us throughout the past several days. Thank you to all."
Canadian citizens are now required to present a passport when entering Bermuda. Historically, Canadians were the only nationals permitted to enter Bermuda by presenting a long-form birth certificate with valid photo identification as proof of their citizenship in lieu of a valid passport. However, in order to standardize the process, as of May 1, the Bermuda Department of Immigration is requiring all Canadian air travellers to present a valid passport.
The Government of Cuba has announced that travellers will have to present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country as of May 1, 2010. Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.
Temporary residents will also have to hold valid health insurance policies.
Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance will be sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of the costs and will not pay the bill up-front, as required. It is therefore recommended that travellers purchase supplemental health insurance. Note that some private insurers also require the traveller to pay costs up-front and be reimbursed later. For more information on travel health insurance, please see Section 11 of this Travel Report. Travellers should note that Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.
All health insurance policies will be recognized except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba.
For additional details on this requirement, please consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.
European air traffic has returned to normal, with nearly all restrictions imposed during the volcanic ash cloud crisis now lifted, officials say.
The European air traffic agency, Eurocontrol, said it expected 29,000 flights on Friday. There were 27,284 on Thursday.
EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said "Europe's airspace is getting back to normal operating capacity".
Ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano triggered a shutdown of European airspace last week, paralysing many airports and stranding hundreds of thousands of tourists and business travellers.
Air traffic agency Eurocontrol said carriers operated roughly half of Europe’s scheduled flights Tuesday, a vast improvement after five days of no-fly rules across much of the continent. Eurocontrol said about 75 per cent of flights will operate on Wednesday -- 21,000 flights, compared with about 28,000 that would normally be scheduled.
A decision by aviation authorities to shrink the no-fly zone to areas closest to the volcano resulted in a surge of flights in France and Italy, for instance, but Heathrow and other major British terminals stayed closed for most of Tuesday for the sixth consecutive day.
Only one-fifth of scheduled flights over Europe took place last weekend, but with Britain getting clearance Tuesday night to reopen its skies, this weekend could see the restoration of a large majority of the aviation schedule. Still, with planes in tight supply, it could take weeks to clear the backlog of grounded travellers.
Statements released by British Airways, earlier today -
"We are very pleased that the aviation authorities have opened UK airspace to enable us to begin in earnest the task of bringing our stranded customers home," the airline said.
"We appreciate the consideration that the CAA and the Government have given to the evidence and data that we and other airlines have put forward in support of a safe approach to managing the potential risk posed by the volcanic activity in Iceland."
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: “Safety is always our over-riding priority. We have many years of experience of operating in areas of volcanic activity all around the world.
"We continue to work around the clock to see how many flights we can operate in the days ahead to help as many customers as possible reach their final destination."
Due to the recent volcanic activity emerging from Iceland, flights across Europe have been and are being delayed or cancelled due to this event.
Please check with your airline or travel agent if you are flying through Europe to see if you may be affected.
Do I need a Passport for Mexico?
AS OF MARCH 1, 2010 A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO MEXICO
The Mexican government has announced that effective March 1, 2010 Canadian citizens flying into Mexico will be required to travel with a valid Canadian passport.
New rules for carry-on baggage to the US
Flights to the U.S. - Jan 20, 2010
Effective January 20, 2010, Transport Canada has revised the carry-on limitation for flights from Canada to the United States (including Puerto Rico). Passengers will now be permitted one carry-on bag. Any further info, please refer to Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Mexico, due to an outbreak of human swine influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is tracking an outbreak of human swine influenza (flu) with deaths in Mexico. Since March 18, 2009, clusters of cases have been reported in multiple regions in Mexico. Most of the cases involve previously healthy young adults between 25 and 44 years old. Some health care workers have also been affected. Mexico is currently experiencing a late influenza season that began in early March 2009.
Canadians already in Mexico should monitor local news bulletins and follow the advice of local authorities. Travellers should also contact their airline, tour operator or travel agent to verify travel plans.
The PHAC recommends that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza. These include receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Canadians who have recently travelled to Mexico and who develop symptoms of influenza or severe respiratory illness, especially high fever are advised to seek medical attention immediately. For more information, please see the PHAC Travel Health Warning and information page on human swine influenza.
info from www.voyage.gc.ca
Travel Health Notice
The Public Health Agency of Canada is tracking clusters of human swine influenza (flu) with deaths in Mexico. Since March 18, 2009, clusters of cases have been reported in multiple regions in Mexico.
Most of the cases involved previously healthy young adults between 25 and 44 years old. Some health care workers have also been affected.
In addition, Mexico is currently experiencing a late influenza season that began in early March 2009.
To protect themselves from these risks, it is recommended that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza. These include receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.
Canadians who have recently travelled to Mexico and who develop symptoms of human swine flu, especially high fever, are advised to seek medical attention immediately.
* Swine influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a respiratory infection that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
* Sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred, however these are usually caused by direct exposure to pigs.
* Human to human transmission of swine influenza has been documented.
Symptoms
* Usually includes symptoms similar to seaonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills, cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation
* Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children
* In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.
1. Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza
2. Wash your hands
1. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
2. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It's a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
3.
Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
1. Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
4.
Monitor your health
1. If you develop symptoms of influenza or human swine influenza while you are travelling or when you return to Canada, you should see seek medical attention immediately
2. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have travelled to Mexico
more info.. www.voyage.gc.ca & www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
Swine Flu Info & Information Updates
Red Tag Vacations is bringing you the latest news,
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Police in Jamaica say a man is in custody and six CanJet Airlines crew members have been freed following an overnight hostage drama in Montego Bay.
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Police say there were no shots fired as the hijacking of CanJet Flight 918 came to an end, but no other details were immediately available.
The gunman, described as having "mental issues," managed to evade security and storm the Boeing 737, which had stopped over from Halifax and was preparing to depart for Cuba.
Passengers who were on board reportedly managed to secure their freedom in exchange for cash.
Daryl Vaz, Jamaica's information minister, says the gunman was believed to be a young Jamaican man in his 20s with "mental issues" and demanding to be taken to Cuba.
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who was scheduled to meet later today with Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper, was also involved in the negotiations.
source. ca.yahoo.com
OTTAWA — Canadians travelling in Guyana should exercise "a high degree of caution at all times" due to crime in the country, warns the Foreign Affairs Department.
Assaults, pickpocketing, purse snatching, break-ins, armed robberies, car thefts, and carjacking are common, particularly in Georgetown, says an online travel advisory issued by the department.
Violent attacks have also occurred on the road to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
"Returning Guyanese and foreigners are favourite targets for criminals," according to the advisory. "Canadians have been injured while being robbed at gunpoint. A number of random execution-style killings have been reported."
"Do not show signs of affluence," travellers are warned. "When approached by a police officer, always ask to see identification."
On the web: www.voyage.gc.ca
Red Tag Vacations is bringing you the latest news,
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of yellow fever in certain regions of Argentina. PHAC is recommending travellers get vaccinated against yellow fever and protect themselves from mosquito bites. For more information, see the Travel Health Advisory published by the PHAC.
On the web: www.voyage.gc.ca
As of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the U.S. by land or water, a U.S. law will require you to present:
Canadian citizens flying to or through the U.S. must present a valid Canadian passport.
more info on Canadian Passport Aplications
Red Tag Vacations is bringing you the latest news on Hurricane Felix,
Hurricane Felix Public Advisory
...FELIX WEAKENING RAPIDLY OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL
AMERICA...HEAVY RAINS STILL EXPECTED...
Red Tag Vacations is bringing you the latest news on Hurricane Henriette,
Hurricane Henriette Public Advisory
...HENRIETTE APPROACHING MAINLAND MEXICO...
Dozens of major wildfires continued to burn out of control across southern Greece Monday morning after the death toll from the deadly blazes rose to 60 over the weekend.
On Saturday, the government declared a countrywide state of emergency to help mobilize resources to fight the far-reaching blazes. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis also declared three days of mourning for the victims.
Civilians watch the fire in the village of Paleo Varvasena, about 18 kilometres south of ancient Olympia, on Sunday.Civilians watch the fire in the village of Paleo Varvasena, about 18 kilometres south of ancient Olympia, on Sunday.
(Petros Giannakouris/Associated Press)
More than a dozen villages in the western region of the peninsula have been evacuated in recent days.
"Fires are burning in more than half the country," said fire official Nikos Diamandis. "This is definitely an unprecedented disaster for Greece."
more info and complete story at www.cbc.ca
Red Tag Vacations is bringing you the latest news on Hurricane Dean,
Hurricane Dean Public Advisory
...DEAN WEAKENING OVER THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF MEXICO...
Cayman Islands were spared by Hurricane Deans wrath on Monday Morning, Hurricane Dean is moving toward Mexico's Yucatan as vacationers try to flee; Tourist wait to depart Cancun's Airport on Sunday and many spent the night as they wait to board a Plane to leave before Hurricane Deans arrival on Monday evening. National Hurrican Center
Bring Valid, Government-issued identification (ID) with you to the airport!
New Identity Screening Regulations require all passengers planning to travel on Canadian domestic flights, who appear to be 12 years of age or older, to present the following ID before boarding
OR
AND
All rules for flights to the United States and other international travel continue to apply.
The verification of passengers’ ID is already a practice followed by most major air carriers in Canada.
For implementation of the Passenger Protect Program, the Identity Screening Regulations require either:
The following are examples of valid government-issued ID that may be counted toward the requirements of the Identity Screening Regulations:
Until September 18, 2007, Canadian air passengers who appear to be between 12 and 17 years of age will be required to present only one piece of government-issued ID without photo.
Permitting travellers under 18 years of age to fly with only one piece of ID allows families to maintain their travel plans over the summer, as they become aware of the full requirements of the Passenger Protect Program that will be in place in September.
Passenger Protect www.PassengerProtect.gc.ca
Terminal 2 at Pearson International Airport is closing as of January 29 2007. All U.S./International bound and incoming flights will operate from Terminal 1. Travelers departing from Terminal 2 on/prior to January 29 with cars parked in the T2 parking garage are advised that; Vehicles can remain in the T2 parking garage until midnight February 5, 2007. On February 6, 2007 any remaining vehicles will be relocated to the T1 garage. In this case, for vehicle location passengers must follow the signs to the Customer Service lobby on Level 5 of the T1 parking garage. For more information, contact GTAA at (416) 776-5158 or visit gtaa.com.
REMINDER TO TRAVELLERS:
As of January 23, 2007 All Travellers entering The United States of America MUST present
a valid Passport when arriving by air.
Canadian Passport applications can be obtained at your local post office or Passport Office, Get your Passport Appilication Online.
REMINDER TO TRAVELLERS:
NEW SECURITY MEASURES FOR LIQUIDS, GELS AND AEROSOLS
through pre-board security screening:
* Liquids, gels or aerosols in containers 90 ml / 90 g (3 oz.) or less.
These containers MUST be placed in one (1) clear, closed and re-sealable plastic
bag no larger than 1 litre (1 quart).
ONE BAG PER PERSON.
through pre-board security screening:
* Unsealed, open or opaque plastic bags of any size with liquids, gels or aerosols in any size container.
* Over-stuffed, open, unsealed, clear plastic bag with liquids, gels or aerosols.
* Liquids, gels or aerosols in containers larger than 90 ml / 90 g (3oz.).
from restrictions:
Passengers must declare all such items to security screening authorities.
Additional screening could be required.
* Baby formula, baby food and milk for passengers travelling with children two (2) years of age and under.
* Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines.
www.tc.gc.ca, PDF version 1-888-294-2202
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
PASSENGERS MAY NOT HAVE LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY SIZE AT THE SCREENING CHECKPOINT OR IN THE CABIN OF THE AIRCRAFT
The Government of Canada advises all travellers to keep the new security measures in mind when preparing for their flight. In other words, liquids, gels or aerosols in containers of any size should be packed in checked baggage as they are not permitted to be brought onboard aircraft by passengers. This includes liquids, gels or aerosols in carry-on baggage.
As travellers can expect some delays, we recommend they arrive at the airport earlier than usual and exercise patience with screening and security officials. Travellers should also contact their air carrier for further information on their flight(s).
www.tc.gc.ca 1-888-294-2202
As of 03:00 hours E.D.T. on Saturday, August 19, 2006 the sale of liquids, gels and aerosols at duty free
stores at Canadian airports is being restored for passengers travelling on most international flights, with some
restrictions.
Travellers going to the United States (U.S.):
* For all flights departing Canada and bound for the United States (U.S.) from airports providing U.S. pre-clearance services (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal), the sale of liquids, gels or aerosols at duty free stores will continue to be permitted provided passengers transfer these items to their checked baggage before proceeding through the screening process.
* For all other flights departing Canada and bound for the U.S., liquids, gels or aerosols may be available for purchase at duty free stores and onboard aircraft depending on the airline. Passengers will only receive their goods upon termination of the flight and should enquire at their duty free store or with their airline to determine if this service is available.
Travellers going to the United Kingdom (U.K.):
* For all flights departing Canada and bound for the U.K., liquids, gels or aerosols may be available for purchase at duty free stores and onboard aircraft depending on the airline. Passengers will only receive their goods upon termination of the flight and should enquire at their duty free store or with their airline to determine if this service is available.
www.tc.gc.ca 1-888-294-2202
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
PASSENGERS MAY NOT HAVE LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY SIZE AT THE SCREENING CHECKPOINT OR IN THE
CABIN OF THE AIRCRAFT
On Thursday, August 10, 2006, Transport Canada announced increased security at all Canadian airports following a major counter-terrorism operation in the United Kingdom.
As a result of this situation, Transport Canada has implemented restrictions for carry-on baggage. Until further notice, no liquids, gels or creams will be allowed on board any aircraft, either on your person or in carry-on baggage. Liquids or gels in containers of any size include: all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. These items can be placed in checked baggage but will be at the guests’ own risk. Any of the above mentioned items will be confiscated at pre-board security screening. Guests may bring aboard baby formula or breast milk, if a baby or small child is travelling. Prescription medicine with a name that matches the guest’s ticket, insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines are allowed. At time of check-in, WestJet customer service agents will give guests the option to remove any restricted items from their carry-on baggage and place them in their checked baggage. These restrictions currently apply to all flights including transborder into the U.S., domestic and international. Due to possible delays at security screening, guests are advised to check in a minimum of two hours prior to departure.
All these restrictions are subject to change. For updated information on these or other Government of Canada
security requirements please visit; www.tc.gc.ca or
www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca or phone
1-888-294-2202.
