twangster

Plus it's fun to watch the Port of Miami webcams with greater interest now!
https://youtu.be/xuoy96nMcUk
https://youtu.be/d11qKztvBAM

Plus it's fun to watch the Port of Miami webcams with greater interest now!
https://youtu.be/xuoy96nMcUk
https://youtu.be/d11qKztvBAM

To state the land border is closed isn't accurate.  
The border is open for commerce.  In theory at least the border is closed to all leisure travel, even by air.  Practically, some Canadians are vacationing by air and getting around the intent of the current regulations.  Those darn canucks breaking the rules.
The intent at current is to allow business to continue which is why the land border isn't closed (to business) and while some Canadians may flaunt the rules to fly for vacation under the guise of business that isn't supposed to be allowed today.  Four months from now is a very different story.  Only time will tell.
It never makes sense to predict the future but if you have this ability please share the results of the U.S. election now.  ? 

One can hope.  

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.            
 

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.

One can hope.  

Canadians are out in the cold until such a time that the border opens for leisure travel. ? 
Insurance may be an issue until Canada and insurers embrace the concept.  
However looking at the latest CDC order, I don't see citizenship mentioned. 

If cruises can operate with minimum impact just think how we could scale that experience to open America.  Or we could just open America and not give a hoot.  

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.

To state the land border is closed isn't accurate.  
The border is open for commerce.  In theory at least the border is closed to all leisure travel, even by air.  Practically, some Canadians are vacationing by air and getting around the intent of the current regulations.  Those darn canucks breaking the rules.
The intent at current is to allow business to continue which is why the land border isn't closed (to business) and while some Canadians may flaunt the rules to fly for vacation under the guise of business that isn't supposed to be allowed today.  Four months from now is a very different story.  Only time will tell.
It never makes sense to predict the future but if you have this ability please share the results of the U.S. election now.  ? 

To state the land border is closed isn't accurate.  
The border is open for commerce.  In theory at least the border is closed to all leisure travel, even by air.  Practically, some Canadians are vacationing by air and getting around the intent of the current regulations.  Those darn canucks breaking the rules.
The intent at current is to allow business to continue which is why the land border isn't closed (to business) and while some Canadians may flaunt the rules to fly for vacation under the guise of business that isn't supposed to be allowed today.  Four months from now is a very different story.  Only time will tell.
It never makes sense to predict the future but if you have this ability please share the results of the U.S. election now.  ? 

One can hope.  

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

One can hope.  

You're one step closer to your Galapagos sailing in January! ?

Me too!  (Can I "borrow" your street address for my C&A account?  ? )

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.            
 

If the U.S. in general would adopt half of the mitigation protocols proposed by cruise ships it would go a long way to getting the situation under control.  
The cruise industry has an opportunity to show America how to open and operate successfully despite a pandemic.  
Besides, the biggest elephant in the room may have left the building in a few months.  

Not sure anyone outside of Royal really knows.  However I find it encouraging that Royal has long talked about crew only test cruises or using FL employees as test cruise participants.  It's almost like the CDC read their playbook and incorporated that into the CSO. 

Me too!  (Can I "borrow" your street address for my C&A account?  ? )

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.

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.

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.

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.