Ogilthorpe

2 hours ago, Jill said:

Seems like nothing more than a giant game of chess. 

I believe that gives them too much credit. A chess match would suggest logic, intelligence and, perhaps, a hint of sofistication. All this would be better characterized as a game of chicken. (I would have said "P****ng Contest" but I respect and appreciate that @Matt wants us to maintain a certain level of decorum in our posts)

53 minutes ago, FManke said:

 It's your right not to wear a mask and it's their right not to provide a service to you. 

Since approximately 1/3 of Americans are vaccinated, as this 2 tiered system of vaccination segregation evolves, will businesses want to risk turning away 2/3 of their potential customers? 

As it relates to cruises: approximately 30 million Americans cruised in 2019. A recent poll showed only 17% of those vaccinated in the US would be willing to cruise. Assuming that the 17% of the Approximately 1/3 who are vaccinated were all past cruisers, that would only be 20,000,000.  Would the Cruise industry be willing to reduce its customer pool significantly by adopting such rules?

One of the potential issues that I have not seen addressed is whether the vaccinated population and the Cruise taking demographic overlap enough to fill ships if they are permitted to sail. Overall statistics show about 30% of the US is vaccinated, and demand for the vaccine is plummeting. It may not be the case everywhere, but locally, vaccine sites are now walk-in for all, but there are virtually no takers. If that becomes a steady state, then the Cruise industry will only be able to accept reservations from a small percentage of the population if a vaccine requirement is in place.

I'm sure this will be analyzed and debated. An observation: when in Port, there are local laws that apply. The casino is closed, and sales tax is charged on drinks in some (if not all ) states for example. This could prove interesting.

20 minutes ago, Matt said:

If you're fully vaccinated, what's the difference if your plane/ship/train crosses the U.S. border? Suddenly it becomes less safe? 

At no point did the CDC claim to have used logic or reason when issuing their statement.

1 hour ago, jticarruthers said:

There would have to be a task force before they could get as far as interpreting

A task force to form a committee to commission a study to ....

The CDC has just announced that they will releasing guidelines for restricting the availability and use of towels on Cruise Ships.

18 hours ago, twangster said:

Wait.. no photos?  What kinda blog is this? 

I may have a solution: I believe I have found an artists rendition suitable for all audiences 

I received an email also tonight about this

1. The Gift

2. CATS

3. Windjammer

Casino Chips: at least one to bring home to add to the collection.

What do you get when you cross a Christmas tree with an iPad?

A Pineapple!

Two antennas got married - the wedding was lousy but the reception was outstanding.

I will treat cruises the same as other places or businesses that require masks: I will avoid them until this passes.

On an elevator on the Anthem we stopped to take on additional riders. We stood aside slightly as an individual entered pushing a traditional style baby carriage. As they came in next to me I looked in carriage to see not a baby but a dog. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Anyone else out there willing to join me in considering the term "new normal" to be profanity?

2 hours ago, mworkman said:

Not so fast!!

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/11/11/royal-caribbean-has-no-plans-ask-volunteers-test-cruises-are-not-employees

They did, however, get coverage on most media platforms based on the volunteer rumor. If that was intentional, it was BRILLIANT!

40 minutes ago, Matt said:

Once again, keep the political talk, conspiracy theories and Canadian bacon discussion out of these threads please.

4 hours ago, KWofPerth said:

 

IF that eventually happens, what likelihood that Royal (and other cruise lines) stipulate that you MUST be vaccinated prior to boarding? 

That is a very good question. If recent surveys are accurate, that could potentially turn away or alienate 47% of their customers. I believe they will continue to follow government policy rather than dictate their own.

I keep reference pricing recorded for other room levels to use as a reference in case my category sells out. If I see a notable drop in something close, I call and ask. I have found that they will adjust rooms in sold out categories based on their updated pricing. 

RCL stock up ~30% today so far on that news  

We start the day with a cocktail at lunch (or two ...) including specialty coffees at dessert. I didn't mention breakfast since it has been many years since we have been up for breakfast on a cruise!We take full advantage throughout the day with drinks at various venues and plenty of seltzer to go. More cocktails and wine at dinner and drinks at the clubs and the casino until the early morning, often with a nightcap at casino bar at closing. 

I have experienced the same flexibility when interacting with RCL for lift and shift. Neither Itinerary nor number of days seem to be a limitation. For recent move, I was offered a 9 day Southern Caribbean to replace an 8 day Bahamas and Cococay.