ErinD

I'm so ready!!!

I'm ready!!!!

Ok, I've been warned. Duly noted...now, let's go!!!

48 minutes ago, twangster said:

Welcome to the message boards!  and enjoy your cruise!

Thank you!

I'm so glad I found this board

10 minutes ago, twangster said:

If you don't have a problem with your money potentially being tied up in case it doesn't happen AND if you can live with the restrictions and mitigation requirements on board then the smart thing to do is book now before the rush that will occur once anything is confirmed.

In the past a Christmas cruise would have seen parades and Santa events.  Those probably won't happen.  In the past a NYE cruise would have seen a huge party on the promenade counting down to midnight.  That probably won't happen.  If you are willing to accept a very different holiday experience from past years on board and those changes won't ruin your cruise then you have the opportunity for a great vacation getaway.  

I am willing to deal with all the COVID restrictions, changes. I just want to get out there

20 minutes ago, JeffB said:

You may be interested to know that not a single employee of Walt Disney World has become infected since they reopened and that, to my knowledge, not a single case of C-19 has been tracked and traced to that venue. That's not saying someone didn't get it there but news like that hasn't made it the media who would jump on it if was true.

How do I know this? The NYT published what amounts to a mea-culpa for writing a piece shortly after the decision to re-open the parks in Orlando deriding it and claiming it would turn into a terrible hot-spot of C-109 spread. Well, not surprisingly, that didn't happen and,  credit where credit is due, the NYT apologized for spreading fear.

You can count on the same sort of thing happening if cruising restarts. The media will probably warn us of catastrophe and dire consequences but will more than likely end up with egg n their faces. 

You are correct on all accounts

13 minutes ago, JeffB said:

ErinD, here are some things to consider:

You've got more flexibility if you are within driving distance of your embarkation port.

Despite COVID risks there appears to be a lot of pent-up demand to cruise ASAP. If the lines are green-lighted to go on 11/01/20, cabins for December sailings are going to get snapped up.

If there is booking space in the cabin you want now, there's a good chance it will be gone within minutes of any announcement suggesting that ship is going to sail.

Given RCG's current policy on refunds, you have little to lose, more if you have to make air travel and embarkation hotel arrangements  - even then airlines are being pretty generous if you cancel. Hotels usually have free cancellation w/24h notice.

Ask yourself if you and those you're cruising with are completely comfortable with masking, distancing and the rigmarole that the Safe-To-Sail plan will impose on your cruise experience. Cruising in the early stages of a restart is not going to be anything like cruising pre-COVID.

Finally, if you are worrying right now about becoming infected on land or at sea and onboard the cruise you are thinking about booking, even with the layered mitigation measures being implemented, you're probably better off staying home.

Thank you, Jeff. Great response.

I agree with all of your points! Not worried at all about being infected

I've already traveled to Walt Disney World and St. Lucia...just ready to sail again.

Just trying to decide if New Years might have a better chance of sailing since it's a week later...decisions, decisions.

Thank you!

4 minutes ago, princevaliantus said:

Like many are contemplating, including myself, book a last minute cruise once we know for sure that it's happening.

My only thought is if they are going to limit capacity, will there be availability once we know for sure?

So many questions. I wish I had a crystal ball.

If you were a gambler such as myself, would you go for booking a Christmas cruise or wait for one over New Years for this year?

I know, I know, it's very likely neither will go...but, again, I'm a gambler