crisgold52

That would be a great if they would allow multiple FCCs to be used on a cruise and the FCCs didn't have the time restrictions.  Frequent cruisers have their cruise cards all filled up for the redemption period for the FCCs already.  I'd love to be able to gamble on some last minute bookings (that I'm in the position to take if they are a go) and then use any 125% FCC to apply towards already booked cruises I have for 2021 and 2022.  But I couldn't fit any more cruises into my schedule at this point and if you can't apply more than one FCC to a cruise it won't help.
It's a great deal for the casual cruiser that knows they will cruise again in the future but doesn't have one booked.  It sucks for other cruisers because they may not be able to reschedule a cruise in time due to a variety of reasons.  
I do understand Royal's inflexibility in the final payment date as they really need the cash on their balance sheet, but it would be another way they could give a nod to taking care of their customers to push back the final payment dates.  But they are already giving concessions with the Cruise With Confidence and Lift & Shift programs, so at least they are giving something.
I have little empathy for those who chose non-refundable deposits and are upset that their money is locked up.  The terms for non-refundable deposits is pretty clear and they are even being generous to not take the $100 penalty with the CWC program.  

if you ask me. they shouldnt even accept new booking until the pandemic is under control but that is just me and i understand that buisiness wise that would be fatal for them .

So how did it get out of china? 

I fully agree however as a committed European I think we need to stop closing borders.
There is frankly no evidence to suggest that me travelling from one location to another helps spread the virus.
The virus is everywhere and people travelling will not make any significant difference.
 

Ignore the numbers, I am just pointing out that the virus in under control in Singapore (they can trace and isolate every single case), where in the US it is not.
 
Anyways, back on topic. I'm interested to see the Singapore experience, as our government has pretty much said we will be banned entering America and Europe until at least 2022. So a trip to Singapore might be on the cards.

I disagree with your conclusion, the total number of daily new cases in the US has remained relatively constant since peeks in late July early August timeframe.
Comparing USA numbers and Singapore numbers really isn't a great idea regardless due to the sheer differences in land mass, and overall population

Below is the latest G7 plus Singapore data below (numbers normalized for population) ... only Japan and Singapore stand out as being in control.  Here is the good news.:
The safety protocols that the cruise ships are using (Med and Asia) and proposing in North America are well beyond almost any other country's.  I would feel more safe on a cruise ship than in my local grocery store.
 

https://uk.mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSL1N2GZ1IZ
 
Even though there is a deadly virus spreading across the world forcing countries to lockdown some people buy shares in a cruise company and then when stock value falls they feel they have the right to sue for not realising, understanding or being given the correct information about how bad this virus is going to be.
Absolute bloody joke !!!!!!
 
 

I agree, it makes sense to keep the land border closed until after the holidays. There has already been a softening of the restrictions to allow the movement of family members. I really don’t see being able to drive across the border until January, at the very earliest.
As for the 14-day quarantine, I think that we’ll have that kept in place well into next year, at least until the summer. As long as we keep, “relaxing” then seeing exponential spread, we’ll be stuck with it. 
 
Keeping schools open is a priority, as well as not flooding our health care system... heading into flu season just complicates matters even more.

I’m so very tired of the covidiots.
 
Despite restrictions and being in a “red zone”, there was a party at my neighbours’ last night that didn’t start until the wee hours of the morning, after by-law officers went “off the clock”. Carloads of mask-less young guys showed up at 2am, to start their Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend-end party. ?

Might not be skyrocketing in relative terms but it's still completely out of control and only going to worsen as it goes into winter.
US Daily cases - 50,000+
Singapore Daily cases - 2
It's not hard to see why they have chosen Singapore as the testing ground.

So lets say:
- DEC - A month of test cruises in Singapore starting Dec 1st on Quantum
- JAN - If successful in Singapore, the same test in the US on one ship at the start of next year
- FEB - If successful in US, some short sailings to nowhere or private islands for a few months using multiple ships
- APR - Return to normal 'IF' ports are open.
I reckon we're looking at April at least before some kind of a return to normal.

I'm also hoping that it changes. The regulations now really only apply to Singapore cruises, since they're all that is approved so far (fingers crossed for others). I know mask wearing is more normal (before 2020) in most Asian areas than it is in the US. Thinking that may have something to do with the sweeping mask mandates.

Yeah something tells me the discussion around the typical Singapore dinner table isn't "You mean we have to wear a mask on the cruise?".

“Skyrocketing”??  Public data just does not support this statement. 

I think 3 months ago I would have been a very excited lets go attitude towards cruising. But as numbers are now skyrocketing I dont feel like it's a good idea RIGHT NOW. That being said I still can't wait to go but present situation is kind of grim looking.

What is the advantage of using a TA?  Isn't easier to go directly thru the, in this case RC?
Thanks
Paul

I'll wear a mask where ever they tell me if I can get on a ship. 
 
I already wear one 8-12 hours a day (other than lunch break) at work.  Wearing one on the sun deck can't be any worse than wearing one while breaking down pallets of 75-100 lb boxes.

"Water activities do not require face masks while riding, but need to be worn while waiting in line." 
As a staunch mask advocate and a water slide lover, WHERE am I going to put it once I get up there? Adding ziplocs to my packing list now so I can stuff it in one for the ride down I guess. haha 

Hopefully someone from Singapore will post in December to verify how this is implemented. 

But why would their stance lighten in the area with substantially more covid cases?

Why would that change for cruises from the US? That's literally where they are needed the most 

Disappointed that masks are required on the pool deck. Hopefully that’ll change for US cruises to the Caribbean. I don’t mind wearing one walking around, elevators etc. but sitting in the sun on the pool deck is pretty much a deal breaker. 
 
Face Masks
Face masks are required in all areas of the pool deck unless you’re in the water, where you should continue to observe physical distancing

Location no longer matters when dealing with a TA since most no longer operate out of a physical location.  They will respond to phone calls, emails, texts, etc, whatever is the most comfortable way for you to communicate.  I'm sure others will chime in with their specific MEI TA recommendations, but you will find that any of the ones that you would be assigned to from the Get A Free Quote sidebar on the main page of the blog should be very well versed in Royal Caribbean cruising.  You aren't married to a specific TA.  If you don't happen to jive with one for any reason, you can always choose to go with a different one.

I will drive 100% of the time.  I booked a refundable first class airline ticket this year that I was suppose to be able to cancel or change for any reason... 
My wife lost her job because of this Covid crap and she decided to travel with me.  So I canceled the ticket for a refund because we decided to drive and make a vacation out of the trip.  BAM, airline won't refund my money.  They gave me a credit to rebook a flight between now and December 2021 but it has to be in my name!  Screw the airlines, Ill never give them another penny of my money.  
I also like having the freedom to do whatever I want on a road trip vs being herded into a tube like cattle for a few hours.

Ill leave it until this ridiculousness is over