twangster

I like the way you think! The 2020 Christmas holiday cruises might not be a bust after all, at least for Navigator.

RCI may remain somewhat mum on their plans and actual dates for things like test cruises. They'll want to make sure all boxes are checked and the CDC approves as it progresses. Like building a house the permits and inspections must occur in the right order before a certificate of occupancy is secured. Don't be surprised if Royal doesn't publish an exact plan for the journey they are about to undertake for everyone to dissect.

It sounds like the CDC actually listened to the comments submitted by the public While CDC bases its public health determinations on the best available science and not on public opinion, the willingness of the public to accept measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 onboard cruise ships is noteworthy. Accordingly, CDC carefully considered these comments in drafting this framework. It also sounds like the CDC actually did some due diligence and weighed other alternatives. They also account for some operators (cough cough Carnival) that have yet to submit a response on their plans or protocols. Another alternative considered was continuing to issue No Sail Orders as occurred between March 14 and September 30, 2020. However, this alternative was not found to be as optimal as the current framework. The benefits of this framework outweigh the costs of not allowing cruise ships to sail because it allows for flexibility where cruise ships have taken the necessary precautions to mitigate risk, while continuing to prohibit passenger operations onboard ships that have failed to implement such precautions. As such, the current framework represents a tailored approach that was determined to be preferable to the status quo No Sail Order. This framework allows for individual cruise lines to progress through phases at variable paces. This enables cruise lines successfully implementing public health measures to return to passenger operations more quickly while others by necessity may move more slowly. The framework not only encourages cruise lines that are more successful at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 but provides a realistic timeline that anticipates COVID-19 continuing to be present and affecting cruise ship travel. It's beginning to look like the Healthy Sail Panel put together between RCG and NCLH was the right thing to do and money well spent.

I pulled the PDF from the CDC URL above. The Executive Summary was copied DIRECTLY from the 40 page document published by the CDC on their website. These are their words, not mine. Please stop misleading people. From the CDC website: See the attached Order (print-only) pdf icon[PDF – 40 pages] for the full requirements.

Direct copy of the CSO Executive Summary. CDC-Conditional-Sail-Order_10_30_2020-p.pdf

Executive Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces this framework for a phased resumption of cruise ship passenger operations. Considering the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide and increased risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships, a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship passenger operations. CDC is establishing requirements to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect public health and safety. After expiration of CDC’s No Sail Order (NSO) on October 31, 2020, CDC will take a phased approach to resuming cruise ship passenger operations in U.S. waters. The initial phases will consist of testing and additional safeguards for crew members. CDC will ensure cruise ship operators have adequate health and safety protections for crew members while these cruise ship operators build the laboratory capacity needed to test future passengers. Subsequent phases will include simulated voyages to test cruise ship operators’ ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk, certification for ships that meet specific requirements, and a phased return to cruise ship passenger voyages in a manner that mitigates COVID-19 risk among passengers, crew members, and U.S. communities. These phases are subject to change based on public health considerations and cruise ship operators’ demonstrated ability to mitigate COVID- 19 risk. CDC will issue additional orders as needed that will be published in the Federal Register and technical instructions that will be subsequently posted on CDC’s website. This Order additionally announces requirements for the initial phases relating to crew testing. CDC considers adequate crew safeguards as demonstrated through laboratory testing for SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, an integral part of the initial phases prior to resuming passenger operations.

Framework for Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships October 30, 2020 Update On October 30, 2020, CDC issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. This Order is effective upon signature and will soon be published in the Federal Register. This Order shall remain in effect until the earliest of The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency, The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or November 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/index.html

http://i.email.silversea.com/wpm/1035/ContentUploads/Icons/SS_logo_white.png A MOMENTOUS OCCASION It is an honour and privilege to share news with you that, on Friday 30 October, Silversea Cruises took delivery of its newest flagship, Silver Moon. The milestone occasion was marked with an intimate celebration at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona. We are delighted to welcome Silver Moon to the Silversea fleet. The epitome of 21st-century luxury travel, she possesses a number of innovations that will build on the success of her sister ship, Silver Muse, such as our pioneering new S.A.L.T. culinary programme, which will enable guests to travel deeper through immersive culinary experiences—both on board and ashore. Every exquisite detail of Silver Moon is an expression of our successful collaboration with one of the world's premier shipbuilders. It is apt that Silver Moon was built in Italy, a cradle of luxury and a country celebrated for its rich culinary heritage. I look forward to welcoming you on board this beautiful vessel soon, so that together we may continue to experience the authentic beauty of the world. Best personal regards, Roberto Martinoli, President and Chief Executive Officer SHE’S OFFICIALLY PART OF THE FLEET As part of Silver Moon’s official delivery, officers from Silversea Cruises and Fincantieri completed a flag changing ceremony—a longstanding maritime tradition that symbolizes the ship’s joining of the fleet. Fincantieri and Italian flags were lowered, before flags of Silversea and the Bahamas were raised, as well as that of the Royal Caribbean Group. SILVERSEA TAKES DELIVERY During an intimate celebration held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, executives from Silversea Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Group, and Fincantieri expressed gratitude to all involved. Luigi Matarazzo—Fincantieri’s General Manager Merchant Ships Division—and Roberto Martinoli—Silversea’s President and CEO—addressed attendees, before Martinoli penned his signature to officially take delivery of the ship.

This isn't aimed at you @cruisellama as the person who posted the link to the article but for general consumption. The blog post above is a reader's digest version that doesn't address the details or intricacies that make modifying the Jones Act or the PVSA unthinkable. When you start down this path you quickly get into aspects of maritime law that involve not only domestic law but international treaties and conventions the likes of which would have massive implications to modify. He should really incorporate immigration law into that article. That is what makes cruise to nowhere impossible for foreign flagged vessels and that is what would prevent cruises to Alaska from happening even if by some stroke of a miracle the PVSA was modified which it won't be. The reason why the PVSA will never be modified for Alaska is due in part to the American companies operating US flagged passenger ships on these routes. The legal challenges would be swift and decisive. In addition the impacts of modifying the PVSA or granting a foreign flagged waiver are immense and impact so much more than just cruise ships. This is why lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are never willing to open Pandora's Jones/PVSA box. It is afterall the Passenger Vessel Services Act of which cruise ships are a small part of the fleet involved, a fleet that includes nearly all passenger vessels beyond personal use. The "archaic" laws he refers to support over 650,000 US jobs and over $100 billion annually. That's just the Jones Act fleet. The PVSA fleet has similar impact to the US economy making the paltry $53 billion claimed by CLIA as the cruise industry impact look less significant. The portion of that impact associated with Alaska is a fraction of that. The U.S. industries and organizations impacted have not been shy joining the fight to challenge changes to these laws. CLIA's official position is that no member has any interest to challenge or seek to modify the PVSA. They know better than to poke the bear. As a cruiser who has sometimes been impacted by the PVSA as I try to plan my cruise ship travel even I recognize the value and importance of these laws. Here in the U.S. we are better and safer in so many ways related to passenger vessels because of these 'archaic' laws so I'll gladly accept the few times the PVSA doesn't allow me to book a very specific cruise vacation itinerary.

Given that the Celebrity version of the program applies to new bookings only but not interior or oceanview and no solo cruisers I'd say it is a very targeted promotion to drive new bookings of higher margin cabins only. Very few promotions from any company during a pandemic are just to be nice. Hilton, Southwest, Delta, Hertz and more all have promotions relative to the loyalty programs. I think all of them are looking to capitalize on new business from loyalty members.

When working with Royal your agent should point out your cruise is almost certainly going to cancel and they would benefit from retaining your deposit for a 2022 cruise. However UK rules may introduce differences on what they can do.

No one was expecting this promo so it's anyone's guess. If 2021 turns into a flop for most cruises it's conceivable they could extend it into 2022. If 2021 is mostly successful I don't think they will. The purpose of this promo was to increase bookings which it appears it may be successful in doing. With that goal accomplished it's unclear if they'll be motivated to extend the promo. On the other hand at this time next year if they still desire more bookings they may offer it again. It all depends how this plays out. The virus isn't over and there is no vaccine even in some limited capacity so I'm not sure anyone can safely predict what 2021 looks like. Sister line Celebrity did not include existing bookings in their double points promo so Royal could offer something like that going into 2022.

Barbados is a home port for P&O (currently suspended) and Carnival used to offer some split itineraries that stopped here but also originated some cruises on the same vessel sort of like what Royal does in the Med. So it's conceivable and if the CDC doesn't get over itself it may come to that in due time.

I didn't even know large cruise ships visited Canada in the winter. Who knew?

Rules may be different for the UK since different consumer protection laws are in place. Here in America historically an FCC can be removed from a booking and then saved for later use or applied elsewhere. Unsure if that is an option your agent could explore. The pandemic has created some new rules so this may not work like it used to. The prospect of cruise ships sailing from Australia to New Zealand any time soon is unlikely in my opinion so ultimately I would guess your cruise will cancel but that is a personal opinion.

The CDC is jealous...

The pandemic is an evolving situation. No one really knows what June will look like on land or on a cruise. If it is at all possible Royal will sail to Alaska in 2021. Wildcards include the virus, Canada, the PVSA, the CDC and a slew of other factors. A refundable plan B is a solid plan not because I don't think that Alaska cruises will sail but because no one knows.

Here is an example of what you might find in a GS on Voyager class. Since a specific brand isn't published anywhere for these ships these can change at any time depending on negotiated contracts.

Oasis and Quantum class are the only ships with the official "Royal Suite Class" that feature L'Occitane products. Other ships have variable suite bathroom amenities. On some a JS will net the same "upgraded" amenities that D+ is supposed to receive which amounts to what appears to be the regular stuff in a small bottle. On some ships a GS or above will receive something better but I can't find the right photo at the moment. At any rate I couldn't imagine the girls I cruise would ever be satisfied to change hair care products for any length of cruise. They will always bring their own to minimize the opportunity for a disaster at sea.

I keep checking my 2021 and 2022 cruises and there have been no changes. One dropped ~$10. I don't book during peak times like spring break or summer holidays so maybe that's one difference.

I imagine that is designed to minimize interaction between crew for different ships. Another hotel may be used for a different ship, etc. You happened across the NAV crew bubble.

Yeah I wonder if there was some training involved or perhaps something related to this type of Miami crew event:

It depends. The 5 Glacier Float Plane was $234 last year but went on sale last year for $217. It's on sale right now for $224. The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter is back to prior year prices while it's on sale right now. The Mendenhall with dog sledding is still way up over last year while it's on sale and when it wasn't on sale last week it was way way higher compared to last year. Some increase over prior years can be attributed to inflation and excursions during a pandemic will cost operators more due to cleaning protocols and distancing requirements. To this end I get that expecting prior year excursion prices is not entirely fair. The Mt. Roberts tramway was always $35 direct or through the cruise line. No direct booking now but I'm wondering how to do this in a bubble. It's one thing to bubble ship guests on the ride up the tramway but once up top how do you keep everyone together? It's never been a guided or escorted excursion so how does that work? We are still mulling over what to do with this cruise. Since losing ISP and with the new protocols in place we are thinking hard about doing or not doing Alaska with the excursion bubble in place. Not being able to venture off and explore on those long days in port is a pretty significant in Alaska. Two excursions per port booked through Royal is a lot of money. I'm going solo on Quantum in May and I'll stay on the ship in some ports simply because I want to save money for June excursions on Quantum. That's going to be tough so I might just sit in my cabin and work from a cellular connection and take in Alaska from the North Star bar. Weird way to do Alaska but CV has caused a lot of weirdness in our lives.

Keep in mind stuff like this is happening in other places without any awareness or discovery by random cruiseaholic house hunters there to catch it. Just because we don't see it posted to social media doesn't mean they aren't getting stuff done in the effort to restart.

I think their "Aerobar" looks pretty cool.