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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/24/2021 in all areas

  1. JeffB

    It's Coming ........

    Started this new thread topic spurred on by the news of Azamara canceling cruises through June, 2021. If I'm not mistaken, Azamara ports predominantly in locations other than the US (they list Miami as a port of call). I'm not taking much from this news because of that as I think the tendency is going to incorrectly associate Azamara COVID decision making with RCG. I think Azamara will work closely with RCL wrt health protocols but not undertaking test and restarting revenue sailings from US ports with Azamara not sailing from any of them. Having gotten that out of the way, back to the thread title: IT'S COMING. I started to title the thread It's Happening but that wording suggests things are underway or will happen imminently. Instead, I think ..... The CDC will green light test sailings from US ports by mid-May at the latest. Given a green light to start test sailing, all the majors will slowly restart revenue sailings during the first week in June in combination with additional test sailings. Each ship is required to do these to obtain technical certification from the CDC before each ship is allowed to embark passengers. Initial itineraries will launch from a select number of ports in FL and TX - that's because (1) These states are politically more liberal wrt mitigation measures and lifting them. (2) Governor Desantis in FL has already said his state is ready to welcome back the cruise lines to ports in Fort-Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando. The first region to have cruise ships sail within it will be the Caribbean Basin. Three and four day cruises to no where or just as likely to private islands will predominate until the cruise lines work out details with countries that have cruise ports within the Caribbean basin to include Mexico. When that is achieved we'll begin seeing 7d and ultimately longer itineraries but still in the Caribbean. Australian, Asian and European itineraries with US citizens on board are less certain in my mind and that is because of the perception by health authorities there that US travelers are higher risk for disease spread than EU or Asian citizens. As for Australia and New Zealand, I doubt cruising will resume from there anytime soon. The UK could be an exception. Land based tours and river cruises in the EU and Asia will happen before mega cruise ships carrying US passengers return to the major foreign ports - maybe smaller ships carrying under 1000 passengers by June/July 2021. September is a more likely time frame for the aforementioned regions, not including Australia and New Zealand, for large ship cruising to resume there. What do I base this on? To be clear, other than my medical background and the amount of time I spend researching and reading COVID related medical literature, I have no special insight. I have a re-opening bias and have since February of 2020. I was stupendously wrong about the length and social, economic impact of SARS-2 but I attribute some of the damage done to certainly politics and just as importantly to overreacting to the virus when it hit the US. US public health authorities used the proverbial sledge instead of scalpel. Rather than scientific facts driving public health policy, fear and a "do something" mentality prevailed and a lot of "something" at the local level was flat-out wrong and unnecessary. . There's room for debate here and I acknowledge that but barring unnecessary overreacting and politics, IMO, the US could have avoided a lot of COVID deaths, got kids back in school and avoided the shuttering - social and economic - that did take place. You have to be hiding under a rock to not have heard that the introduction of vaccines to what should be the primo target population - over 65 - has dramatically lowered all three standard measures of COVID disease burden - death, hospitalizations AND, surprisingly, new infection absolute numbers and rates of infection (R0). If one is strictly following the emerging scientific data, vaccinated people should be granted increased mobility and be subject to less stringent mitigation measures. In a mixed group of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, sensible, layered mitigation measures (limited access - to include negative RAPID testing for entry, capacity control, distancing and masking) will keep everyone safe by reducing risk, not to zero - as it can't be - but good enough...... the later being particularly applicable to the cruise industry. I'm 50/50 on a vaccine mandate to cruise (or travel for that matter) for a lot of different reasons. But you can bet someone at RCL has asked how many bookings do we have for over 65s and what is the estimate of how many of those have been vaccinated? Can we cruise and make money with just that population? Given my optimistic bias take all of this FWIW. I'm also, admittedly, reading between the lines of recent cruise talk from cruise line executives to knowledgeable cruisers. For example, the Biden administration and it's two main public health spokes persons (Fauci and Walenski -CDC) are purposely articulating easy to reach COVID goals for political purposes. You have to believe these people have a much clearer understanding of a likely return to some level of post-COVID normalcy than they are letting on and will spring it on the electorate pronouncing a job well done, exceeding all the goals and beyond expectations by the present administration and President Joe Biden. Or, take for example, Fain ..... "we should be getting technical guidance from the CDC any day now" or, this ...... at least in the case of RCL, shoring up the company financial ship to, IMO, secure a viable approach - insuring the cash is at hand to return ships from warm storage and assemble/train crews, all on short notice. It's coming. Check back with me in 60d to see how wrong or right I might have been with this post.
    9 points
  2. This is my takeaway. The two sides are talking, even if it doesn't result in policy change. I think many, myself included, assumed CDC was "missing in action" and the cruise lines were submitting requests and proposals with no feedback. It's encouraging that the CDC is not only talking, but engaged.
    7 points
  3. Last night was my first without any pain meds, and my second sleeping in my own bed instead of our recliner. Woke up at 5 AM, but given I got 9-1/2 hours of sleep the night before and have a ton of extra sleep I'm not particularly bothered by it. Feels good to be off those meds and have a fully clear head again. And the tape fell off this morning, so I got my first good look at the whole site. It looks to my eye like it's healing well, so I'm hopeful that I'm beating my surgeon's odds and powered up enough "Wolverine factor" to make this work. I get the sutures out this coming Tuesday, so that'll be the acid test. Oh, and I'm sitting at my computer while I type this. Last couple of mornings I've been managing about 1-1/2 to 2 hours of combined sitting and standing, including making omelettes for my younger daughter and myself yesterday morning. Gradually adding more "normal" sitting time to the day; I definitely overdid it a bit yesterday with all the paperwork I had to fill out for the Japan trip, but Advil and elevation settled it down again.
    7 points
  4. The frozen tundra of Texas has thawed out, and work has resumed. The plumbers showed up around 3:00 yesterday afternoon to finish digging the trenches for the pipes manually. They also brought some of the equipment out. The project manager stopped by this morning and said the plumbing should be finished today. We have rain in the forecast this week, so he's not sure if the electrician will make it out before next week. DH's grill should be on the way. He received daily updates from the company about shipping delays due to the weather, but he hasn't heard a thing since it warmed up. He's going to follow up with them today. I'm going to lose my spot in the garage soon. Stonework should start by the end of next week, and our patio furniture will be taking my car's place for a bit. We may leave it there until after plaster to keep it clean. I'm excited that things have started moving again!
    6 points
  5. 5 points
  6. Big Tule

    Corny Jokes

    Meanwhile, inside the box, Schrödinger’s cat plans its revenge.
    5 points
  7. Man, pretty disappointed to see this level of anti masking and anti vaxing. Wouldve expected it on carnival, but thought RCL was better. Hopefully Celebrity is better, or perhaps cruising just attracts a type...
    5 points
  8. I was thinking more along the lines of: Hi, so we understand you run some kind of a business called "cruising" ... we don't really know anything about that, could you take some time and explain what it is and how works ... apparently we are in complete control of your business and we are generally opposed to anything that happens outside of a laboratory in tightly controlled conditions so this is very scary to us already.
    5 points
  9. Short sailings for Summer 2022 - April 2023 are out now.
    4 points
  10. If only there were personal vessels that could easily transport you between cities on a high speed corridor that would cost you a reasonable rental rate.....
    4 points
  11. Short Caribbean deployments are starting to load on the website! Liberty heads to Fort Lauderdale on October 30, 2022 for 4-5 night cruises Grandeur arrives in Galveston for 4-5 night cruises starting May 4, 2022 through November 2, 2022 This most certainly means a different ship is coming to Galveston in late 2022 for 7 night sailings!
    4 points
  12. Let's all chip in and buy everyone at the CDC some of these shirts... https://shop.cruisehabit.com/products/its-not-a-boat-cruise-ship-style-mens-t-shirt?variant=16248888983654
    4 points
  13. cruisellama

    Corny Jokes

    A pink cruise ship crashed into a purple cruise ship. You could say the passengers were marooned
    4 points
  14. Ok, this alone would creep me the frack out.
    4 points
  15. HeWhoWaits

    Cruise Bahama

    Guess that depends on your perspective. As a Florida resident, you probably don't think of that period as hot or humid. As someone who previously lived just south of Lake Michigan - it qualifies.
    3 points
  16. Actual footage of @Lovetocruise2002 as she responds to these Star Class posts that she can't sail on
    3 points
  17. Actually, Oasis is the only O class ship that HAS been amplified.
    3 points
  18. Where you looking over my shoulder again?? I booked this on the train ride into work this morning!! ?
    3 points
  19. Today that is correct but no one is saying cruising in the US should resume 9am tomorrow morning in the US. One day soon the US will also have low enough rates like Singapore does today to allow cruising. We can begin to prepare for that and that begins with the CDC issuing technical details for the cruise lines so they can begin to prepare, train and acquire any equipment required. Once the cruise lines know what they must do it will take months for them to get ready.
    3 points
  20. but none of that applies to a private business As private business I could require you to do hand springs to enter my establishment as long I did not discriminate on race; age; sex(or lack there of); or religion
    3 points
  21. I was near the forward elevator bank on Adventure. Almost right across the hall from it. The view from my cabin door: Noise never bothered me. There is always the chance of a boisterous group talking loudly going down the hall but that occurs down the entire length of the hall where ever that group is at that moment. One time on a Carnival ship there were elevator doors directly across the opening (where you see stairs in the picture above) and in that case I did hear people as they stood waiting for an elevator. On every Royal ship I have sailed that is not how they design their elevator lobbies so it has never been an issue. I love being close to this entrance to the elevator lobby because it's easy in and out.
    3 points
  22. I have updated my original post (here) to reflect the currently known deployments for Galveston.
    2 points
  23. JeffB

    It's Coming ........

    ....... an additional comment as my initial post took an over 65 view of matters. It's important to understand that EVERYONE benefits from a vaccination priority system that vaccinates the 65 and up US population. The cohort from 65 and up has produced 77% of COVID related serious illness and deaths. That's not to say that there haven't been under 65s who have suffered. There have been, and not just a few. But to simultaneously reduce SARS-2 disease burden and control the virus (R0 < 1 on a regional or by state basis or, % positivity < 5% by county) requires initially vaccinating the over 65 population when supplies are limited like they are now. With regard to "best bang for the buck" this is the right strategy and it is paying off handsomely in reduced hospitalizations and deaths - big time. Related to vaccination priorities is the news in the last two days that a large increase in doses from Pfizer and Moderna can be expected in the next 2 weeks. We're talking a plus up in the multi-millions of additional shots. Next, J&J got approval from the FDA today - as promised as the go/no go date by the FDA - for emergency use of their one shot vaccine. Those won't get to arms until late March. Side note: ignore the MSM's reports that the J&J vaccine isn't as "strong" as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines ..... bull hockey. It will work just as well and just as dramatically as the two mRNA vaccines and are much easier to transport, store and administer. Moreover, it is impossible to compare vaccine efficacy product to product because testing protocols and reporting requirements were different for each of them. Bottom line, if you are offered a vaccine, no matter which one, take it. If you are onboard the anti-vax ship to start, I can almost guarantee you, like Israeli public health officials are messaging to their citizens, "you'll be left behind." You're going to continue to be mostly homebound as far as travel goes if there is wide introduction of "vaccine passports." Over the next 2 months the availability of the vaccine for under 65s is going to expand exponentially. Don't not take it because you might think you really don't need it or have concerns about safety or side effects. First, the benefits far outweigh the risk (except for a few exceptions due to allergies) and second, yes, you do need it if we are going to reach herd immunity and all of us are able to return to a post-COVID normalcy that includes cruising.
    2 points
  24. Matt

    Cruise Bahama

    Hot and humid with chance of rain in the afternoon
    2 points
  25. I'd pick Freedom first just because she's been amplified and Liberty hasn't.
    2 points
  26. I blame the miss on lack of cruising. ?
    2 points
  27. In the meantime - I am booking a suite on Grandeur in fall 2020 to get those 4X points! Can't wait to book the inaugural of whatever Oasis class is coming - was so bummed to have to cancel our Allure sailing for this fall ? However, I will happily take the replacement 7 night on Liberty if we would JUST START SAILING AGAIN ALREADY!!!
    2 points
  28. steverk

    All Things Galveston

    A different O class would be OK too. In fact, Allure is the only one that hasn't gone through an amplification.
    2 points
  29. steverk

    All Things Galveston

    I've heard through my travel agent that it is going to be Allure of the Seas. I'm waiting with bated breath for the official announcement, which I expect next week. I can't wait to get on the repositioning cruise and triumphantly ride Allure in to Galveston!
    2 points
  30. And Adventure is headed your way as well! ?
    2 points
  31. I'm seriously eyeing a Jan 13 2023 Anthem 11-night sailing for a deposit. Can't do it just yet, gotta wait until at least next billing cycle in a couple of weeks. But I may snag that and do a JS so we get CK dinner on all 11 nights. Plus, the last night of that sailing would be my birthday. Nice advance gift to myself. ?
    2 points
  32. Not just Royal. Carnival / Princess does the same. For European sailings, their documentation says passengers 18+ are of legal age. Both of my girls will be 18+ by the time we do our Mediterranean sailing on the Love Boat line. And our booking includes the drink package in the price. And the kids' cabin is 2 decks above ours, because we agreed they're adults and can make their own decisions. But my God are my wife and I going to be hoping we don't get a call from ship security one night because they ended up overindulging at the pool bar.
    2 points
  33. Yes its fantastic that no positives and cruising go full steam ahead in Singapore but you cant say because of testing on embarking. Its not like they have had to turn people away.no covid in the community. Shows everything works and can happen but only in locations where there is some sort ofvirus control
    2 points
  34. I don't know. Desantis might try if it makes him look good. He's been doing his own things in regards to dealing with Covid. We never really fully closed or locked down and have been pretty much open since the beginning. Never had a state mask mandate and cities/counties with ordinances that do, can enforce them but not penalize anyone who refuses to wear one. Schools in our area are fully open with an option for parents to do in home learning.
    2 points
  35. Oh I did not know this was possible. Thanks. I will see if Eli can do anything about that. I will be going to chops for 2 dinners as my dad absolutely loves seafood (I’m looking at you seafood tower ?) I can spread out the filets. But I’m an absolute carnivore, so filet twice in one day may not actually be out of the question. Lol
    2 points
  36. Thanks! Not the answer I was hoping for, but what I was expecting! ?
    2 points
  37. That was allowed on Anthem, but again not sure if they will do it on Quantum. I suppose it would be up to the CK manager. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
    2 points
  38. Not sure if that is good thing or not lol I was actually thinking that @LogicallyLazycould do CK filet for lunch in Day 1 and Chops for dinner another night. That would allow for comparison and not have two filets in one day.
    2 points
  39. My comment isn't about cruising in general so much as what states are doing in response to the CDC refusing to budge on guidelines. It is a quagmire for private businesses right now, even though there haven't been any big lawsuits yet.
    2 points
  40. No doubt it's only a matter of time before they point out that had I done my homework I could have booked Grandeur out of Barbados instead!
    2 points
  41. I think it is encouraging that the CDC did request details about its use in Singapore. First it demonstrates there is two way communication. That's huge. It also indicates that the CDC is aware that 35,000 passengers have sailed on a Royal ship using this technology without a single positive case. That is perhaps even more important - that the CDC is aware of and considering that other countries have restarted cruising without incident. However the CDC could also be interested in the technology purely out of interest so they might see if the technology has other applications beyond cruising.
    2 points
  42. DJsMrs

    Star Class Royal Genie

    We had a boatload (see what I did there) of OBC that we didn't use on our cruise - we had to go to (gasp) guest services, although I suppose we could have gone to the concierge in the suite lounge, and got a form that we filled out to tip our Genie. I'm betting you could do the same with your onboard account.
    2 points
  43. I always agree that same day flights are a bad idea. However, when I called Air2Sea, it seems like the only decent flights available were same day. If I do in fact go (I have it booked), then I probably won't feel like I have much choice. I'll book it through Air2Sea and hope for the best. Royal guarantees you'll make your cruise, so at least it would fall on them to figure something out.
    2 points
  44. rjac

    Corny Jokes

    Let's see who understands tis one.?
    2 points
  45. In my experience if the price of the Royal excursion includes alcohol while on the excursion they implement their standard ship policy. My guess is they don't want hyper overreacting parents outraged at them for getting their kid drunk and falling down. Meanwhile if the same kids walk into a bar on the same island and gets drunk that's okay. I know it seems a double standard but you can thank all the social justice warriors for attacking the cruise line. If you pull out your wallet and buy them drinks, or they purchase their own drinks that's another matter. Royal didn't participate in the transaction that put alcohol into them so that tends to be okay. It's not like the local tour guide is going to run into the frame and stop the bartender from accepting your money. Excursions on sailing catamarans sometimes include beer or wine. On these excursions I am confident the tour operators were told not to allow under ship age drinking but it's possible the local tour operators may not enforce that with the same zeal that Royal does on the ship. YMMV.
    2 points
  46. I getting really tired of seeing an adorable husky pup giving us so much pessimism! ? LOL!
    2 points
  47. Not really much to report. There is some kind of "tape" that was covering the incision site, and that's now started to come off on its own. Underneath, I can see what looks like a nicely healing incision. That's as descriptive as I'll get, to spare those with more sensitive constitutions. ? And we checked our daughter's bank account balance, to see how much see had actually saved up from work for the trip to Japan. She was thrilled to find out that even though she hasn't worked since February of last year, she was so aggressive with her savings during the time she was working that she has almost enough to pay for the whole thing! She had originally been saving up for a used car that she wanted to buy when she turned 18; but between learning about this program, and realizing that if she does move to Japan there would be no way to keep any car she bought, she decided when she applied that it was better to use the money for this. My wife and I will be paying the balance on the tuition along with her airfare, but she's done a great job of learning about saving, budgeting, and putting off some of those "instant gratification" purchases to be able to hit a longer-term goal. Oh, and we found out that 10% of the trip cost is being covered by the program operator through a merit grant thanks to her grades. Kudos, kiddo!
    2 points
  48. Such a database would violate so many pieces of the HIPAA regulations.
    2 points
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