12thman

To be fair the stimulus package ONLY cover US flagged ships, Royal has already mentioned it doesn't qualify for any monies from the stimulus package. That's why it took out a backup loan. Guess only NCL would qualify as their one ship has been flagged under the USA since 2005.

Here's some information why vessels are flagged in another country: Working for a cruise line which is registered under a flag other than the American can be complicated, especially when there is a need to address certain rights, such as workman's compensation, discrimination, abuse and/or harassment, as well as other work related issues and problems. In the entire cruise line industry there is only one cruise line company which has its ships registered under the American flag, all others are registered in foreign countries such as Panama which are more lenient with big corporations, but not to individual employees. The Cruise Lines International Association explains the reason behind the fact that 90% of the cruise liners register their ships under a foreign flags due to the “capabilities of the flag to deliver the services needed; representation and reputation of the flag in the international shipping community; the performance of the flag state, which dictates how a ship is prioritized by port states; the pool of seafarers able to meet the need of the flag; and the flag’s fees/charges and taxes.” Many cruise line companies deem that the regulations which follow registration under the U.S. flag are unattractive, therefore they lean towards a country which has regulations and laws which benefit the company and its operation. Some claim that the corporations which sail under a foreign flag do so simply to avoid the American safety and consumer protection regulations and laws. The Federal Maritime Commission also understands and acknowledges this fact by giving the following statement “it is important to know that the Commission has no authority over: passenger line vessel operations, safety issues, amenities onboard vessels or fare levels.” NCL'S Pride of America is the only current ship that is flagged in the USA, which means it can sail directly from one US port to another and not have to port in a foreign country. Suppose that's why it's the only ship that sails around Hawaii and not have to leave the islands. Wish Royal would do this, especially for the Alaska season it could stop at an extra port in Alaska instead of going to Canada.

If I'm reading the coast guards memo correctly NO foreign flagged ship will be allowed to MEDEVAC in the seventh district (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Puerto Rico). Looks like the Rotterdam and Zaandam could be stuck if the governor of Florida doesn't give them and exception.

@Lovetocruise2002 so I just posted the same question on RCL's IG. Those who wish to support Sabrina could ask the same question. Everytime RCL post on SM ask the question the more that know the more likely RCL will do the right thing.

That’s not fair at all! They don’t take into account that you have another 7 sailings with them? How does that effect your future business with them? Hope you get the 125% FCC in the end.

Just my two cents, taking into consideration that RCL borrowed a considerable sum, stock price is down over $100 per share. The suspension of cruise operations, still needing to pay employees at HQ and else where, they need to conserve capital to stay liquid. Won't be surprised if more amplification's are postponed or delayed. They equipment will most likely go into storage. Any improvements to their private islands will be delayed. Just my thoughts...

Well hopefully you aren't coming for a conference or something similar. There's a ban on gatherings larger than 250 people. Hopefully this does down soon. Don't see this kind of reaction when 92,000 people died in the U.S. alone between October last year and February of influenza virus.

Good news is traffic is down severely, no lines to get a table and most restaurants are having specials. Just bring your own hand sanitizer. The city has lost it's mind and people are hoarding hand sanitizer, wipes, toilet paper why I don't get it?

As previously mentioned the Port of Seattle is cancelling sailings April 1st and 5th (https://www.portseattle.org/news/port-cancels-first-two-sailings-seattle-cruise-season) Port of Seattle has now banned Seattle as a port of call, meaning if your ship was to stop in Seattle for 1 day it will not now. (Subject to change) Many restaurants in the Seattle area are closing or reducing operating hours, one of the best know restaurateurs Tom Douglas is closing ALL 21 Restaurants except dahlia bakery for 8 to 12 weeks. ( https://www.tomdouglas.com/restaurants) If you are going to a restaurant best to call and see if they are even still in business. Restaurants that have closed permanently: Local 360 (http://www.local360.org/) and Arriba Cantina (https://arribacantina.com/) I'll post updates as they become available, anyone else feel free to add. Knowledge is power.

According to the Port of Seattle, it's proposed to convert a container dock to a multi use cruise port. Opening around Q2 2023. (Don't hold your breath, they don't have a good track record of finishing projects on time here). https://www.portseattle.org/projects/new-cruise-terminal

Very true, especially if you are a Latitudes member. They've been bombarding my email with crazy offers. $1,000 obc deep additional discounts off already discounted rates. Keep checking RCL hoping for something similar. Did notice that Suites that were sold out last year are available now for this summer. If casual or people on the fence about cruising start canceling maybe RCL will offer better deals (one can dream).

News link says Male. Plus a student has it as well as a USPS worker. If it gets worse here how will Alaska handle ships coming from Seattle since a takes a while for symptoms to show? As far as I know there's no cases in Alaska.

Yes, the Governor has declared a state of emergency. Probably to release state aid and open the emergency operations center. The man who died had underlining health issues. The CDC is coming to the care facility to monitor the patients and caregivers. No one knows how the man who died contracted the virus. Personally as someone who lives here and visits the Kirkland area I'm concerned BUT not going to overreact. Just use common sense. There's been a run on N95 mask and hand sanitizer. My local pharmacy is out of all those items. If you are getting a mask the N95 is far better than the mask you see a hospital. The fire department uses N95 now.

So Washington state has the first death of Cornovirus. Also there's been a outbreak at living care facility. The Kirkland fire station which transported Cornovirus patient to Overlake hospital is now in quarantine. The entire fire station is in lock down. https://www.king5.com/mobile/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-death-washington-state/281-5a511b20-4a3f-4380-8d79-15d7a1456887

If your a Beatles fan there's the Edgewater Hotel. That's where the Beatles stayed. It's called the Beatles Suite. Located close to everything downtown Seattle. https://www.edgewaterhotel.com/Mobile/rock-n-roll-suites.aspx