Oliver

What is really concerning is that it says that they want to shut the ships down if an outbreak occurs onboard. If a outbreak of norovirus occurs the ships currently decide to end the voyage based on the number of cases. So going forward if one or two people test positive for COVID on a ship of 3500 people, are they going to end the cruise? This is where I think it will be necessary for the cruise lines to mandate the vaccine for the first year or two in order to make it feasible to sail again. I know that is controversial for me to say but I don’t think it works any other way. Adults will have to be vaccinated and kids under 16 will require a negative test for awhile.

Reminds me of the “I’m just a Bill” video by Schoolhouse Rock. Anybody remember that? LOL Oh I hope and pray that I will! But today I am still just a bill!

Completely agree. I don’t think this bill is going anywhere unfortunately. I’m also not a big fan of what the CDC is doing but rather than creating a bill to override them, the Senators should be working to get some Democratic Senators and other Republicans to put pressure on them to end the no sail order. I think it’s already somewhat working. Originally they said the no sail order would stay until November and then they sail it might be possible to sail in July.

I find it hard to believe that the Icon ships will not be further delayed due to the cruise shutdown. I’m not saying they won’t be built eventually but I would think Royal may need to sail at capacity for a year before feeling like everything is back to normal.

Actually Canada is in a totally different situation then us. They are way behind in vaccinating there citizens. So I’m not sure what you find comical.

I’m generally not a big fan of the Gov of Florida but in this case, I think he’s right and support his taking on the CDC.

I don’t know if you have to actually bring your vaccination card along with you or if a copy or photo is sufficient. I would imagine a copy or photo should be ok.

Yes I know that. I’m just saying it’s possible. If the Governor of Florida wants the cruise industry business and money then he needs to compromise just like the CDC.

I don’t know but Royal is already requiring vaccination on some cruises. They must have some idea.

I wish that the CDC would compromise with the cruise industry by requiring vaccination for everyone 16 and up, and require a negative test prior to boarding for children under 16. I know some people who don’t want to get the vaccine wouldn’t be happy but at least this could be a temporary solution. Not saying the industry should require vaccination permanently. I’ll bet most cruise lines would be ok with that just to get sailing and get revenue again. There might be some people who think “Well Royal Caribbean is requiring vaccination right now, I’ll never sail with them again! It’s my right to choose! “ But they are already requiring vaccination on some cruises. I don’t think that would be the vast majority of people.

I filled out the form yesterday but unfortunately all I got back from all three of my representatives in Texas were form emails thanking me for my concerns. Two of them thought I was commenting about small business during the pandemic. And one thought I was commenting about vaccine availability. I guess I should complain since I sent them a form letter myself, but I’m thinking I may half to call directly so they understand my point.

I know they didn’t ask for bailout money. And I don’t blame them for taking tax advantages when they can. But I was bringing it up to respond to Twangsters comments and I think in that context it was a valid point

And I would also support bailout money for the cruise companies if they actually based their companies in the US instead of hiding overseas to avoid taxes.

I have always been on this board defending the CDC during the pandemic saying they have a responsibility to protect people and let the virus go crazy. I have also been of the opinion that airline travel is completely different the cruise travel and cannot be compared because cruising is a recreational only activity while the country airline industry is vital to our overall economy and survival. But there is no reason why the CDC should not open things up now. With the vaccine available, millions of Americans are being vaccinated now. I never would have compared COVID to the flu at the beginning of this, but that’s basically what this virus will become probably in a year. Look at the Spanish Flu of 1918 to compare. People will decide to take the shot or not just like the flu vaccine every year. And COVID will probably have to be a yearly shot with different strains. Europe still bears watching because they haven’t been able to vaccinate as many people which is why you are seeing places like Italy has to shut down again. But Cruise Lines should require vaccination for the first year or two. Just my opinion.

I can’t wait to finally have an Oasis class ship in Galveston.

I have been fully vaccinated as of Feb 13 and have no problem wearing a mask if it means cruising again

Wouldn't it be more useful to focus on vaccinating? Especially in nursing homes. I thought they are supposed to be the first ones to be targeted for the vaccine now that we have it.

I still thing summer is a possibility depending on the vaccine rollout. I don’t think Royal will be sailing in March but I don’t see them canceling thru May just yet.

I’m not so sure Twangster. I know you are very respected on the cruise boards, and mean no disrespect, but how can a bank continue to issue credit to a company that is losing millions of dollars a month and may still not be operating cruises in May? Of course the news of the vaccine coming is positive so I do believe things will go back to normal eventually, just not sure when.

Royal Caribbean originally insisted that construction of the new terminal will start by April of 2021 but if cruises haven’t started up by then will they have the capital to start construction? They have already postponed cruises thru March. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the construction date delayed again, even though we will all be obviously very disappointed.

Cruising is never going to happen without proof of vaccination.

I don’t think you are going to see serologic tests happening. The CDC has already said everyone needs to be vaccinated whether you have had COVID or not, and whether you have antibodies or not. Whether or not this decision has been made because they truly aren’t sure if someone can get COVID twice or because the logistics of antibody testing everyone, I’m not sure.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is behind the others. I read that initial results should be released sometime In December but probably won’t be approved until Jan at the earliest or possibly Feb. Having said that, the one major advantage the Johnson and Johnson vaccine might have is that it will probably only require one injection and won’t require the extreme cold the other vaccines require and is expected to be much cheaper. If it was up to me (and of course it isn’t) I would use the Johnson and Johnson vaccine for less developed countries where freezing might be an issue or where governments who aren’t as rich as the US or Canada have to pay for the vaccine. Assuming it gets approved of course. But of course that’s just a thought, there still might be other factors I’m not aware of. I myself don’t love getting injected by needles more than I have to but, whatever is best for the entire world. But of course the more vaccines, the better.

I’m not surprised either. And everyone on the boards debating whether or not to cruise before a vaccine comes out, don’t need to worry cause by the time cruise lines start up again I’ll be most people will be able to get the vaccine, which Is what I always figured would happen. You can stop blaming the CDC.

I attended a webinar today from Celebrity that was meant for travel agents but it let anyone join in. Couple of points I’ll share. 1) Pricing for this new “ALL-IN” starts on November 17. They specifically said don’t try to price compare before then when new prices get rolled out on their website. They said existing reservations will continue with the old promotions unless they want to convert to the new ALL-IN. 2) It was obvious from the presentation that they want travel agents to market them as a “luxury” brand which most us agree they aren’t. One of their slides had them positioned next to Crystal, Silversea, and Regent, and above Princess and Holland America. Heaven help us if they price their cruises like that. 3) They specifically said in the webinar that the OBC could be used for anything and not just shore excursions even though their marketing will continue to focus on using that OBC for shore excursions.