SandyW

On 4/3/2021 at 6:25 PM, princevaliantus said:

Can this be another sign of more cancellations coming? Signals coming from NCL's website, if history repeats itself, as it has been doing for the past year, well ... you know the rest of the story.

Watched Governor Ron DeSantis with Dept. of Transportation Secretary and the Florida Attorney General with reps from RCCL, NCL, MSC, Disney and Carnival and it was mentioned that the no sail order is in effect until the end of October 2021.  Here is my proof:  https://www.portcanaveral.com/About/Recent-News/Governor-Ron-DeSantis-Highlights-Florida's-Vital-C      It was stated in the video that the CDC is in over-reach, and I said this on this blog months ago and got slammed for saying it, but here we are still not cruising because of the CDC.

On 3/23/2021 at 8:00 AM, steverk said:

Since we're talking about a foreign flagged vessel, possibly owned by a foreign subsidiary and sailing out of foreign ports, I'm not sure US law applies to these sailings.

It is a grey area, but I referenced the site so to make people aware in case they worked for a US employer, while the ships are mandating the shot as of 3/26/2021 - but they may not mandate it later, it is unknown.

On 3/12/2021 at 2:16 PM, Neesa said:

Being in my 50's we are not Covid Shot eligible age in Florida right now. We are not fans nor do we usually partake in vaccines. Weighing this with lots of research, I believe I would only get the shot if RCCL mandates to sail. If I am running around trying to get covid testing and results in a very slim window, then must wear a mask the entire sailing I am leaning towards not getting vaccinated. We have been freedom living, going to school, out to eat etc (all very mindfully) daughter in school successfully since August. 

I am trying to get out of my own bubble and listen to some other points of view regarding covid behaviors coupled with other sailing families, no politics just pure thoughts regarding what you guys have been mulling over the first chance you get to sail.. Thanks so much!

From:  Adventure of the Seas | Cruise Ships | Royal Caribbean Cruises -- it states (at the time of this post) that vaccines are mandatory.  It doesn't say anything about mask wearing, but last I saw they were making it mandatory.  I said this months ago that I expect them to pull their ships out of US ports and put them in other ports due to the over-reach of the CDC.  By the way, it is unlawful for an employer to mandate a vaccine while the vaccine is under an EUA.  https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/23/federal-law-prohibits-employers-and-others-from-requiring-vaccination-with-a-covid-19-vaccine-distributed-under-an-eua/    I personally will not sail where there unlawful and unhealthy mandates.

4 hours ago, DunkelBierJay said:

I'd like for Royal to consider a policy for those who have had it and don't see a need for a vaccine.

Please let us know how that turns out.  I am not sure how legally they can mandate something that is currently given under Emergency Use Authorization.  By the way, Federal law prohibits employers and others from requiring vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine distributed under an EUA.  REF:  https://statnews.com/2021/02/23/federal-law-prohibits-employers-and-others-from-requiring-vaccination-with-a-covid-19-vaccine-distributed-under-an-eua/    I am really liking the "and others" part of it.  I anticipate all cruise lines will put out of US ports in order to circumvent the CDC and their rules and they will adapt their own under the flag of the country whose laws they follow and abide by. 

On 2/13/2021 at 8:59 PM, TXcruzer said:

So the CDC won’t allow a cruise ship to load passengers, but they will allow boat “shuttles”?? Come on now 

It's an idea.  Just like the idea that I had of all the cruise lines pulling out of US ports and going to other ports.  Example:  Grandeur now going to use Barbados.

On 2/8/2021 at 8:10 AM, twangster said:

While the CDC isn't a very well run organization they are quick to protect their silo of power.  Any attempt to circumvent their intention will not go unnoticed.  They'll find a way to curtail any significant effort aimed to to bypass them for US citizens.  The current testing requirement for international air travel is nearly enough to accomplish that but if they really wanted to they could make it even more difficult or unappealing for most Americans to visit Mexico.  In fact if they determine that Mexico represents a risk to the US for current travelers they could take a number of steps tomorrow to make such trips unappealing.

Plus the extra cost of flights and hotels alone will force many to decline.  Barbados will face the same hurdle.  The cost of flights for my December sailing is looking to exceed the cost of the cruise.  If that doesn't change I'll be quick to exercise my refundable deposit.  I'd rather take two cruises from Florida once it reopens over one cruise and an expensive flight.   Will a family of four be willing to add several thousand to the cruise cost for airfare?

Have boat shuttles from US ports to the Bahamas and then board the cruise there.  Most of the lines have their own islands anyhow.  This is my personal idea.  That way people do not have to fly out of the country.  And it would be just a short trip over anyhow.  Coming back though would be the challenge.  The CDC IMO is doing everything they can to destroy the cruise industry, of which they know nothing about, obviously.

On 12/15/2020 at 7:01 PM, KWofPerth said:

It could be a very LONG time before you cruise again, if ever.

Yes, and I am not risking my health over tyrannical rules just to cruise.

I know, and that is why I will not be sailing until all these unlawful rules are removed.

On 12/16/2020 at 3:24 PM, loki007 said:

The vaccination is the only thing that will stop the masking, social distancing, cancelled cruises, closed restaurants, closed everything. Its totally safe and I plan to get mine Friday when my hospital receives its shipment. Until 70% of the population is vaccinated your life will never return to normal. 

Good luck with that.  I have done the research and I will not be getting it.

I know enough about this top to decline on wearing a mask, or getting a vax or getting traced while on board.  Cruising is the most social vacation there is.  With these mandates in place, I will not cruise until all 3 mentioned are removed.

On 11/24/2020 at 8:27 PM, CruisinForABruisin said:

You from Florida? Based on everything I know about Florida and how they've treated the pandemic, this screams Floridian, with a 1% chance of South Dakota. Hope you didn't send this from a smart phone 

Yes from Florida.  I guess it depends on the news feed that you watch and where you get the information on how the cases are, etc.  And no, not sending from stupid cell phone.  LOL

Yes, but only if they did not require me to be tracked and traced everywhere I went on the ship.  If they did not require any mask mandates.  If they did not require a virus test (which is proven to be false - positive).  If they did not require a vaccine.

Kind of like pre-mid-March 2020 when we were allowed to roam free on the ship with just our sea pass card, no mask, no testing, no vaccine.

The good ole' days.

9 hours ago, RBRSKI said:

Do you think Royal will make the announcement cruises suspended until 1/31/2021  before or after Thanksgiving?

I believe I have tried to stay positive with when cruises will resume but obviously what they are doing within the company doesn’t mean anything to the US government.  They need PLAN “B”

Watch the Press Release page because in the past when they announce extension of cruise with confidence, it almost follows with cancellation of cruises and date.

On 10/29/2020 at 2:34 PM, RBRSKI said:

I honestly can't remember if this topic ever came up but I am bored! 

Why couldn't Royal begin a cruise from a Caribbean port that could support the operations necessary to turn around a ship?  I understand that many things go into this process (food, fuel, embarkation and dis-embarkation), I say figure something out on a temporary basis to get these ship sailing with passengers .   It's obvious the CDC is being unreasonable.  

 

I anticipate cruise lines boycotting US ports because of the CDC impossible guidelines.

On 11/11/2020 at 10:33 PM, twangster said:

It's one thing for the CDC to ban ships sailing longer itineraries due to public health concerns.  It's another matter altogether for the CDC to become involved with how cruise lines market cruises.

Someone needs to challenge this in court.  It's a government overreach and potentially violates freedom of speech.  "If you talk about cruises longer than 7 days we are going to shut you down".  

#DefundTheCDC.  

 

I said this a while ago about the CDC and was silenced for doing so.  I am glad someone else said it.  I've delved through the 40 pages of new guidelines that they are requiring and I do not know how the cruise industry will ever sail out of US waters again.  I would not be surprised if they just started sailing out of non-US ports altogether.

6 hours ago, twangster said:

This link doesn't say Canadians are free to enter the U.S.  

Canadians have no special exemption to enter the U.S.  

Granted CBP may not be enforcing the current policy as rigidly as Canada is, but make no mistake, travel from Canada to the U.S, for tourism is not currently allowed by policy.  

https://ca.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/

The following categories do not fall within the definition of “essential travel:”

• Individuals traveling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events in the United States.

Are then all the snowbirds stuck in Canada for the winter?

On 8/5/2020 at 1:07 PM, princevaliantus said:

CORRECTION: This cancellation was NOT ordered by CDC. The CDC's order is until and including September 30, 2020. RCCL decided to extend it in order to give them more time to evaluate and correct certain mistakes that their competitor(s) and we are seeing on cruises sailing in Europe, such as the latest Cruise Startup that was just paused on Hurtigen due to COVID outbreak. Let's given them time and slack. This way, RCCL will learn from others mistake and we will be well prepared and healthy and enjoy cruising for years to come.

Perhaps Royal extended it because they know there will be another no sail order forthcoming.  This link shows who is being naughty and who is being nice according to who is reporting it:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/crew-disembarkations-commercial-travel.html

Funny but not funny.  When I called this morning to get a refund for my October 4th on Harmony, I too spoke to a Mary.  

I'm in customer service, so I know to play it super cool to these people.  What is going on is not their fault at all.  

My Mary was patient, kind and very professional.  She processed my refund with no issues at all.

I made sure to let her know that I hoped everyone she speaks to today is very kind to her.  I meant that!

I had an October 4th sailing on Harmony.

This is the 2nd cancellation.

Ordered by the CDC.  100% over-reach.  It's not about health or safety.  It is about control.

I opted for full refund.  I don't care about 25%.

I refuse to book another cruise until I see people boarding a ship with my own eyes.

At Diamond level, and it is going to take forever to get to Diamond +. 

I sincerely hope that other people take a stand and stop booking.  Maybe the cruise lines without holding money will then take a stand against the tyrants controlling them.  

On 8/2/2020 at 9:23 AM, RBRSKI said:

Good Morning,

So here is a crazy thought, my buddy who also loves to cruise were talking and mentioned this idea!  NCL and RCG (Royal Caribbean Group) has been partnering on many things lately.  

What are everybody's thoughts on a possible merger?

 

If they do, I will require them to combine my points.

I will be Pinnacle overnight.

49 minutes ago, CruisinForABruisin said:

WhY iS the CdC dEsCrImiNaTiNg AgAiNsT cRuISeS?!?! 

One word:  CONTROL

And from that article is this:  Sailings canceled due to government order or regulations must be refunded within 180 days following a passenger request.

6 months?  Really?  I don't think so.  It should be processed immediately and the credit be given on the original card issued within no less than 4-5 business days.

The cruise lines want your money when they want it, but sit on your money when you want it back.  If they were made to pay interest on your money held longer than 4-5 business days, I bet you would get it back on time.

On 7/28/2020 at 1:18 PM, Jjohnb said:

I don't mean to start any rumors although I guess I am.  The Majesty has been docked at the Port of Portsmouth, UK for a few days now, at first I thought it was just a normal service call but now I'm starting to wonder if they may be offloading equipment, artwork and other valuables such as they did with Sovereign and Monarch prior to sending them to Aliaga to be scrapped.  Has anyone heard anything?

As an aside, the Carnival Fantasy has arrived in Aliaga to be scrapped and the Carnival Inspiration is a couple days out from arriving as well.

They can scrap all the Carnival ones.  But that is my personal opinion.  

Where one goes, the others will follow suit.  RCCL will follow, for sure.

Especially after they are working with NCL on the protocols.

On 7/24/2020 at 9:00 AM, SandyW said:

What has interrupted bar service at 3:30 in the afternoon on the first day of sailing for over 30 years?  Mustering.  Now there is going to be a new format.

 

https://presscenter.rclcorporate.com/press-release/106/royal-caribbean-group-reinvents-cruise-industryrsquos-safety-drill/

This should hopefully allow those who like having a constant cocktail or adult beverage in their hand on the first day some relief.

But beware, you still need to remain coherent during the process as you either gather the rules on the app from your phone or in the stateroom TV and then you will still need to report to a crew member at your muster station (location found on the back of your stateroom door) prior to the ship leaving the port.

Hopefully this will satisfy at least one aspect of the requirements set forth and regulated by the CDC.

At this rate, we might be back to sailing in (?), who knows.

How about instead of doing this on the ship, make it part of the online check-in process.  Multiple screens with a short multi-choice quiz at the end that they have to pass before they can get their boarding documents.  

Include on the print-out of the boarding document MUSTER - DONE

For those w/o computer the usual punishment at the terminal check-in counter.  Longer check-in time.  Give them a document that has to be signed which then will go on the ship.