Holiday cruises still a go

Yes, the kids can still see Santa from the the warmth of a Lake Coeur d'Alene cruise ship.

Coeur d'Alene Resort President Bill Reagan said the company's holiday cruises, which began Thanksgiving preview cruises Friday night, have the green light even in Gov. Brad Little's modified Stage 2.

Journey to the North Pole, which attracts thousands of holiday revelers every year, is operating on a permit that's good through Nov. 22.   

"We had submitted a plan with Panhandle Health and they approved it," Reagan said Friday afternoon. 

He said The Hagadone Corp. will work with Panhandle Health District and the governor on a more permanent arrangement.   

Even before Friday, the holiday cruises had implemented a number of changes, including to keep guests and workers safe:   

• Reduced capacities   

• Temperature checks prior to boarding   

• Required masks for guests and team workers. Complimentary masks available for guests   

• Groups of six or fewer (larger groups can be on the same boat but they'll be divided into groups of six or fewer)