Kelly’s Travel Rx

02/21/2025

Brazil: Carnival and Drugging-Dating Scam 2025
February 3, 2025

Event: As the 2025 Carnival season kicks off, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant while enjoying festivities throughout Brazil. We encourage everyone to consider the following steps for your own safety.

Actions to Take:

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone, especially at night.

Keep windows closed when inside a vehicle.

Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.

Avoid favelas at all times, even in the context of street parties/blocos.

Be alert to date drug scams. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. Do not accept drinks from strangers.

Do not leave drinks unattended.

Trust your instincts, prioritize safety, and travel in pairs or groups.

Stay informed. Monitor the media for the latest security developments.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Criminals are often armed. Your life is far more valuable than your personal possessions.

Report any criminal activity first to local police and then contact us at the numbers listed below if you need assistance.


Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Brasília
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
Brasília, DF – 70403-900
Phone: (61) 3312-7000
After-Hours Emergencies: (61) 3312-7400
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Recife
Rua Gonçalves Maia, 163. Bairro Boa Vista
Recife, PE – 50070-060
Phone: (81) 3416-3050
After-Hours Emergencies: (81) 99916-9470 or (81) 3416-3060
Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ – 20030-020
Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia
Phone: (21) 3823-2000
After-Hours Emergencies: (21) 3823-2029
Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General São Paulo
Rua Henri Dunant, 500. Chácara Santo Antonio
São Paulo, SP – 04709-110
Phone: (11) 3250-5000
After-Hours Emergencies: (11) 3250-5373
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre
Av. Assis Brasil, 1889. Passo d’Areia
Porto Alegre, RS – 91010-005
Phone: (51) 3345-6000
After-Hours Emergencies: (51) 93345-6000 (after hours)
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Fortaleza
Torre Santos Dumont, Avenida Santos Dumont, 2828, Suite 708
Aldeota 60150-162
Fortaleza, CE
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Manaus
Edifício Atrium, Rua Franco de Sá 310 – Sala 306
São Francisco, 69079-210
Manaus, AM.
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Salvador
Avenida Tancredo Neves, 1632, Suite 1401
Salvador Trade Center, Torre Sul
Caminho das Árvores
Salvador – BA, 41820-020, Brazil.
E-mail: [email protected]

State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Brazil Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

01/21/2024

09/10/2023

14 Cruise Ships Received Perfect CDC Scores in 2023
Allure of the Seas
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Sunshine
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Summit
Disney Fantasy
Disney Wonder
MSC Seascape
Norwegian Pearl
Oceania Riviera
Rotterdam
Silver Moon

Top 10 All-Time Carnival Cruise Directors
(As listed by Cruise Mummy website)
1. John Heald
2. Lee Mason
3. Chris “Donkey” Salazar
4. Jonathan “Cookie” Adams
5. Kyndall Fire
6. Chris Williams
7. Matt Mitcham
8. Reverend Dr. E
9. Butch Begovich
10. Jen Baxter

*Let us HELP YOU BOOK YOUR NEXT CRUISE!
Contact me direct or e-mail [email protected]

05/28/2023

TRAVEL ADVISORY - Jamaica

01/10/2023

CRUISE NEWS...In the Know

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES

Norwegian opened a new division called 'Experiences at Sea.' From January through March 2023, there will be 13 back-to-back immersive festival-at-sea cruises aboard the Norwegian Pearl.

These experiences will be bringing guests from an array of like-minded communities together to experience one-of-a-kind vacations alongside their favorite artists, athletes, actors, comedians and others within their lifestyle. From wrestling to nurses, comedic internet influencers, the LGTBQIA+ community and music genres such as Rock, Americana, Country, Pop, Electronic Dance and Blues, and so much more.

The 13 back-to-back cruises on NCL from Jan. 20, 2023 – Mar. 27, 2023 include:

Cruise Perfect (Jan. 20 –23) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas – The five dudes from Dude Perfect host an action-packed three-day cruise full of trick shots, challenges and fun for the whole family.

The Rock Boat XXII (Jan 23. – 28) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Nassau, Bahamas – Guests will enjoy a five-day cruise hosted by Sister Hazel and featuring over 30 acts from Need to Breathe, Neon Trees, American Authors, Lit and so much more.

On the Blue (Jan. 28 – Feb. 2) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico - Hosted by Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, guests will enjoy a five-day classic rock cruise featuring an array of musical performances.

Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea (Feb. 2 – 6) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – Chris Jericho hosts a four-day cruise featuring the perfect blend of rock and world class wrestling.

Nursecon at Sea (Feb. 6 – 10) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – The Ultimate Nursing Conference created by Nurse Blake will provide attendees the perfect balance of vacation, entertainment, fun with professional learning (including accredited CNE courses) and networking.

Cayamo 15 (Feb. 10 – 17) Miami to Philipsburg, St. Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands – Guests will celebrate the 15th anniversary of this Americana journey through song with over 40 artists, featuring Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird, Trampled by Turtles, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patty Griffin, Neko Case, Shovels & Rope and many more.

Sail Across the Sun (Feb. 17 – 21) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Guests will embark on a four-day cruise hosted by Train with performances from over 20 artists including Fitz and the Tantrums, G. Love & Special, plus comedy from Nick Swardson, wine tastings and more.

Outlaw Country Cruise 7 (Feb. 21 – 27) Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas to Cozumel, Mexico – Celebrating the seventh edition, guests will enjoy performances from over 40 artists including once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, featuring The Mavericks, John Anderson, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle & The Dukes and more.

The Friendship (Feb. 27- March 3) Miami to Nassau, Bahamas to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas - Hosted by All My Friends and Gary Richards, DESTRUCTO, the music festival returns for its third year hosting a soon-to-be-announced line-up of artists and schedule of events for electric dance music (EDM) afficionados.

The Beach Boys Cruise (March 3 – 8) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Costa Maya, Mexico – The Beach Boys are not only bringing their good vibrations, but also performances by The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Mark McGrath and so many more on this five-day cruise.

311 Caribbean Cruise 7 (March 8 – 13) Miami to Harvest Caye, Belize to Roatan, Honduras – 311 host 3/11 Day at Sea with featured performances by Arrested Development, G. Love & Special Sauce, Less Than Jake, and more, plus shows from comedians still to be announced.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VIII (March 13 – 17) Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – Joe Bonamassa hosts a celebration of blues with over 20 artists, featuring Little Feat, Dion, Bobby Rush, Robert Randolph Band and more.

Atlantis (March 17 – 27) Miami to Key West to Cozumel, Mexico to Harvest Caye, Belize to Colon, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia to Georgetown, Grand Cayman - Each Atlantis cruise offers a carefree experience for the gay community based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure and pure uninhibited fun.

Plus: The Broadway Cruise (March 31 – April 5) New York City to Bermuda on Norwegian Gem – Guests can immerse themselves in the world of Broadway with special performances from Tony-Award winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cu***ng and more, plus panels and activities from the best creators in the business.

To book, contact Kelly's Travel RX soon before cabins run out!

01/10/2023

CRUISE NEWS...In The Know

Norwegian Cruise Lines will require some passengers to take a Covid -19 test. This will apply to all people that visited China, Hong Kong, or Macau, within the last 10 days, prior to their cruise. From January 5th through January 31st, there will be additional measures taken. Contact your travel agent or Norwegian directly for further details.

01/10/2023

CRUISING NEWS...
Alert for Azamara Cruise Line.
Due to technology upgrades, they expect Wi-Fi connectivity to be affected on a portion of two Azamara voyages:
Azamara Journey – 1/15/23
Azamara Quest – 2/19/23

Only these voyages will be affected. Wi-Fi will be available in The Den.

For the inconvenience, every stateroom will receive a $300 Onboard Credit.

12/19/2022

If you have booked or planning to book a cruise on the below ships, the cruises will be canceled.

You will be able to reschedule and receive some compensation.

*Vista between Jan 7-Feb 10, 2024. Dry docked. Returning Feb 18, 2024.

*Sunrise between Feb 1-March 4, 2024.

*Miracle between Jan 21-Jan 30, 2024.

Carnival is canceling all itineraries during these dates.

12/11/2022

We have been word of mouth and are just starting to venture out to the public.
Please bear with us as we finish up our website and get this page up and running.
Thank you for your patience.

12/11/2022

Hurry, time is running out!