Allen2

On our farther-out bookings (April-May 2021) we have also noted that cruise planner offerings have been minimized, and in some cases almost eliminated.

Think a large part of the answer depends on prior health conditions and age. Also, ship capacity and plans for social distancing!

Hope those thoughts about 2021 for New Zealand (and Australia) not opening are proven to be a bad estimate. We missed three B2B2B cruises from Sydney which included stops in New Zealand, starting early in April, 2020, and ending in Vancouver in May. Being hopeful, we have booked roughly the same three in 2021. Questions to ask: the Australian Visa (which we could not use) will expire. Will the government extend? Should we buy airfare (or use frequent flyer miles) at the 331 day mark? Any opinions?

We have done crossings in all directions, both the Atlantic and Pacific. Our experience, with rare exceptions, is that you can count on some rough sea days. That being said, Matt's comments about enjoying the ship are "spot on". Also, usually the entertainment is top notch, oftentimes with headliners returning for another performance, often a matinee.

We live outside Jacksonville, and it is spooky seeing cruise ships sitting or cruising in circles just outside the jetties. There are apparently four Norwegian ships in "idle dock" at JAXPORT, and Carnival has had one (sometimes two) ships anchored or moving within sight of land. All are occupied crew only. Seeing the Carnival Ecstasy nearby, off shore, sure increases cruising desires, especially because today we should be on the Radiance, docked and touring (steam train ride) in Picton, New Zealand.

Oh, my goodness. Terribly interesting, and perhaps a little scary?

Lost three B2Bs starting in Sydney on April 7 and ending in Vancouver 39 days later (would be at sea en route to New Zealand today, after visiting five ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu). Re-booked same route next year, roughly same time frame. Just hope it goes! Two ship prices higher, one lower than this year. Flying to Australia on frequent flyer miles, hopefully!

Holiday cruises are special. One suggestion: have the ship's photographers take family photos on different nights and different settings. The memories are GREAT.

Could not stop laughing!!

Added thought: for most folks, one would need to fly to Puerto Rico, with the close quarters and contact issues with airplanes.

Along same vein, also would consider your age and tolerance for children.

Pretty awesome!

Feel differently than most: we, in the past, cruised the Caribbean during hurricane season. Over several cruises, we experienced ports skipped, hours shortened in ports, arrival delays upon returning, plus a ship that followed bad advice and turned into a hurricane. Decks closed, all glassware in gift shops broken, people thrown from beds during the night. Obviously the last was an exception, but we no longer cruise the Caribbean during hurricane season - there are too many other choices, including rivers, the Great Lakes, Europe.

Important question! We cancelled earlier this week, but would have been much better off with this current offer. How will Royal treat us?

Point is safety for crew and passenger - even the over-70 being singled out. Question becomes: will this become permanent after (hopefully there is an after) the corona virus has been tamed? We had three b2b which now are cancelled, and we now see more and more ports denying entry.

If no other tour, take the train ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. Narrow gauge, 18 miles by rail, 12 by bus. Narrated, complimentary drinks, a cappella choir. You are feel to move among cars and the two-level observation cars, and it is a great trip for both adults and kids.

Just checked: benefits somewhat lowered in the past several months: now : $250 for 14 or over, $100 6-13 nights, and still $50 for five or less. Attached from website: rclinvestor.com/faqs/shareholder-benefit/

Yolo - Appears that it does not matter where held. My stock is held in an IRA account.

Yes, 3/5 (today). Yes, for the most part combinable, but I've not been able to ascertain cause of occasional turndown. Note: $250 OBC for 14 or more days sail, $200 for 10-13, $100 for seven nights, and $50 for five nights or less. Also note, Carnival has similar program (which includes Cunard and other brands.).

Attached is the Shareholder Request to use, along with pertinent mail, FAX, and e-mail addresses. In the past have had issues with FAX and/or scan, so always follow up by mail. Must have proof of current ownership of 100 shares. Cannot send too early, or they bounce back (normally send at the 30-day mark). Sent in info for three cruises Friday, via FAX, 2/28 and received credit Thursday, 4/5. Note: apparently some fares do not qualify.

Watched Mr. Fain's talk for travel agents yesterday, all designed to reassure. Yet a "competitor" is offering very real options: Viking cruises is offering 100% credit on future cruises within 24 months on (almost) any cancellation. That is very reassuring, and maybe Royal should be considering the same, even though it might be hit to earnings.

Going to Vanautu on Radiance in a month. Curious: what ports (if any) in New Zealand replaced stops on island?

Total recommendation: Briggs and Stratton luggage. Expensive, but total guarantee. I traveled for business for many years, and have sent luggage back four times for free (except outbound shipping) repair. Ownership of first set goes back twenty+ years, with multiple weekly airline flights. Wheels, expandable, durable. No regrets! Once in a great while a sale price is offered.

Sailed Rhapsody in December - very good experience EXCEPT a poor dining room server. We could not be moved, so we suffered, but had a lot of attention and help from the head waiter for the area. Port parking can be an issue, so suggest one of the nearby off-site lots that shuttle in both directions. Suggest Parkway Parking - pay in advance.

Other thoughts about booking the SE Asia cruise: (1 )Unrest in Hong Kong (2) Serious riots one year ago in Sri Lanka. Went a year ago, and would be seriously reluctant to book ahead at this point in time, even without the Corona Virus