Boston Babe

Unfortunately we are also on the verge of cancelling our Anthem cruise scheduled for January 20th.  We run a small business and have been struggling with keeping our teams healthy the past six weeks.   Right now it feels like a losing battle.  
We booked this cruise over 2 years ago only to have it cancelled last year and now with the flu-rona outbreaks. excursion cancellations, and possible port changes, it just feels like it's not the right time.  The physical and mental well being of our employees needs to be the priority right now.
Frustrated.............
 

I totally understand why they are closing out these cruises...to cap capacity.  But I sure wish they would keep them in the line-up and just show them "sold out" rather than pulling them off the website.  It causes so much confusion and angst....which is all completely preventable by just leaving them visible.

I had not heard about any NCL cancelled cruises….but if true, there goes the nonsense about COVID coming onto cruise ships with the unvaxxed children ! 

AMEN !

This week has been a good reminder for everyone that is going on a cruise until further notice to expect the unexpected.
We were lucky that most of the summer and fall was largely uninterrupted, but those of us who went on cruises back in June and July anticipated more changes regularly.
So if you have a cruise booked at all going forward, until Covid is akin to Zika now (in terms of a non-issue), assume something like this could happen on your sailing. 

HI Rae!  LOL, I am here!!  I keep popping in and out, work has been crazy busy toward year end!  I hope you and Dan are doing well.  I'm doing pretty good.  Happy that I'm still working if that makes sense!  I need to check out where you're heading next!!

Awesome!  

Looks like we will finally meet Brian!!!

I am on The Equinox January 26, 2019 and again on Equinox April 27, 2019!!! Wanted the Edge, but the category I wanted had obstructed view so I wasn't going to spend all that money for an obstructed view, hoping to get on her in August in she's still in the USA.  Eventually I will! Would love to see Celebrity Blog!!  

That's the first competent decision they've made since 2019

You could dig a tunnel under border before August. If you really love cruising, grab a shovel. 

Another thing I prefer about Celebrity's protocols is that they specifically call out antigen only for testing.  

I am of the opposite mindset.  Since covid, I don't care if they skimmed on the FC offerings.  We have booked FC on all upcoming trips for the time being so that we don't have to sit with a 3rd person.

I think the cruise gods were against me because I started looking at it lol. It was still available mid morning. ?

I believe someone else referred to the NY Times article today, yet you have to wear a mask on a Private Island?  The absurdity of all of this is beginning to wane on all of us. 
There is not a single documented Covid infection anywhere in the world from casual outdoor interactions, such as walking past someone on a street or eating at a nearby table.

I believe someone else referred to the NY Times article today, yet you have to wear a mask on a Private Island?  The absurdity of all of this is beginning to wane on all of us. 
There is not a single documented Covid infection anywhere in the world from casual outdoor interactions, such as walking past someone on a street or eating at a nearby table.

I believe someone else referred to the NY Times article today, yet you have to wear a mask on a Private Island?  The absurdity of all of this is beginning to wane on all of us. 
There is not a single documented Covid infection anywhere in the world from casual outdoor interactions, such as walking past someone on a street or eating at a nearby table.

The other problem with the CDC approach to delay cruising is bad timing.
Right now we have large numbers of people fully vaccinated combined with folks who have had the virus.  
Six months from now the efficacy will not be what it is right now.  We don't know exactly what it will be but we do know it won't be what it is right now for either vaccinated or previously infected.
There is no guarantee the folks who vaccinated will accept boosters in 6 to 8 months.  Many are deciding to forego second shots so it seems logical many will forego boosters.
Right now is the best time to take advantage of the data trend.  Right now is the safest time to sail.  
The CDC isn't following science, they are ignoring it.

I think the CDC loses all credibility when they publish such things.  
When I see a crazy person rambling away to no one on a street corner saying nonsensical things I ignore them without a second thought.  That is where the CDC has placed itself.   Crazy people best to be ignored.  

Imagine a world where people could assess their own level of risk and be able to chose activities accordingly. 

I can't post a reaction as @Matt has scolded me from yesterday! Has anyone been scolded for 2 days straight? I'm feeling like I need a time out! LOL

I have to say, none of this sounds like something "gee, I can't wait to go on a cruise this summer". The staff at the ports, the crew, etc will be subject to (again, speculating) a lot of supervision, making sure everything is going according to "CDC" etc. I also have to chime in about the vaccinations.  They DO NOT prevent you from getting the virus, just "lessen the symptoms", so there's a very real possibility a vaccinated person can get it. I pray that I can someday go again on a cruise.  I currently have 8 booked since losing my husband and have had 4 cancelled. My idea of cruising as I'm sure it's everyone's is what we experienced prior to Covid and I hope it can end up being that. Just not sure it's this year.  

As a fully vaccinated individual I understand your position but disagree they should be required everywhere.
There are valid reasons not to vaccinate.  No need to get into them here, they exist.
We need a common sense approach that allows both vaccinated and unvaccinated to participate that allows for individuals to arrive at their own conclusion without placing undue protocols on those at lower risk.
Unvaccinated should consider their risk level as they make choices but don't make all of society have to endure protocols for the choices of unvaccinated.  

Just checking in.
Day 2 after my brush with death by visiting a bar.  So far no symptoms but we all know that means nothing.  
The CDC has me convinced I may have contracted the common bar variant.  No symptoms, no infection, no spread but a sudden urge to run free without a mask. 
Fearing an outbreak of the bar variant that would result in large numbers maskless with no risk to anyone except the CDC budget the CDC has created a bar task force to determine how to subtly kill the bar industry.  CDC technical instructions expected in 200 days for phase 1 & 2 bar guidance.