Ultra-luxury operator Tauck has announced that as of 07SEP, it will require all guests 12 and over to present proof of full vaccination before the beginning of their trip. The new rule applies to all of its tours and cruises worldwide.
The new change comes as entry requirements worldwide have been changing rapidly.
“We’re seeing a steady increase in restaurants, museums and attractions requiring proof of vaccination,” said Jeremy Palmer, Tauck’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations, “to the point where unvaccinated travelers won’t be able to fully participate in their Tauck journeys. It’s become clear that a universal vaccination requirement is the best way to ensure our guests enjoy all of the incredible experiences we build into our tours and cruises.”
Palmer anticipated that the company’s customers, 97 per cent of whom are already vaccinated, would appreciate the simplicity of the new policy. Tauck has hosted thousands of guests on over 80 worldwide itineraries over the past few months.
Tauck had originally paused operations in MAR 2020, and began hosting guests in JAN and FEB 2021 on several departures of its “Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter” itinerary. In the months since, Tauck has resumed operating its tours and cruises in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Latin America and more.
Guests who are impacted by the policy change may take advantage of Tauck’s 2021 Flexible Booking Policy, which waives all change penalties when their booking is transferred to another Tauck trip operating in 2021 or 2022. Information on Tauck’s policies is available on their Travel Updates page on the company’s website.
Addressing the EU's Recent Announcement
At the same time, Tauck addressed the EU’s removal of the U.S. from its “Safe Travel” list.
While the EU suggested that its member nations prohibit non-essential visits by American travelers, Tauck noted in an email to its travel advisor partners that the EU’s action was a recommendation - and that each EU member is free to set its own policies.
Palmer noted that travellers should be prepared and also be flexible. “Being prepared can be as simple as keeping proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test result handy,” said Palmer.
Tauck guests are, “never alone," he said. "We have knowledge and resources far beyond the scope of an independent traveler, and we stand ready to support and assist in a hundred different ways should any need arise.”
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