HBCcruiser

Ditto - Lots of issues.

We were booked on the October 2nd cruise. The reason it was cancelled is because this was the ship that ran aground in the Dominican Republic port. They needed to get it into dry dock and a spot opened up. Bummer, but things happen I suppose.

Neither do we! I had my booster - I got COVID!

I leave tomorrow on the Navigator and all of my bids still show Pending with the ability to Modify. Not sure that means anything but it would make sense if they are going to continue to bidding up until after boarding, right?

Me too!

From what people are saying Royal is changing it due to all of the passengers flooding guest services asking for upgrades. I have no idea if this is true, which is why I am asking you guys.

I saw this posted on another site regarding changes to when RoyalUp might be awarded. Can anyone here verify or speak to this? Interesting if true: "They are changing RoyalUp to go until Embarkation Day and you can bid up to 3 hours before the ship leaves port. Final notices aren't being sent out until AFTER the ship leaves port. If you go to Guest Services, they will give you a card telling you to place a bid for RoyalUp. It was rolled out on the Odyssey this sailing and is rolling out fleetwide now."

Cruise lines are supposed to let the CDC know by this Friday (Feb 18th) wether or not they are opting into this new "Program". @MattWill you please keep us posted regarding Royal's decision on this?

EXACTLY! I am not boosted and have no intention to do so at this time. Again, if these data are correct https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/states-ranked-by-booster-rates.html and only 42.5% of those that qualify to get Boosters have done so, won't they be loosing some customers?

This is the line that leaves the window open to more changes/restrictions and more possible expense to cruise lines: "CDC will update this information as needed and notify cruise ship operators of such updates."

The CDC has basically changed the definition of what cruise lines currently consider to be "vaccinated". Passengers will need to be "Up-to-Date" with their vaccines, which means Boosters+++ as the CDC determines. This is where the masking changes occur. Mask Use At this time, all persons, including port personnel, crew, and passengers are advised that CDC’s Mask Order remains in effect and requires the wearing of well-fitting masks on conveyances entering, traveling within, or leaving the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs. (see Maritime-specific Frequently Asked Questions). While the Order permits temporarily removing a mask for brief periods of time while eating or drinking, removal of the mask for extended meal service or beverage consumption would constitute a violation of this Order. Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise all passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a well-fitting mask if outdoors. CDC still recommends that people wear a mask if they are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and in crowded outdoor areas. Masks do not have to be worn while inside one’s own cabin. Travelers should not wear a mask when doing activities that may get the mask wet, like swimming at the beach or in recreational water facilities. A wet mask can make it difficult to breathe and may not work as well when wet. This means it is particularly important for bathers who are not fully vaccinated to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) when in the water with others who are not traveling companions or part of the same family.

From the text: 6] Up to date with COVID-19 vaccines means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.

I am not too sure about that. From text: Cruise lines choosing to opt into this program will be required to follow all recommendations and guidance as a condition of their participation in the program (i.e., they will not be able to pick and choose which recommendations they follow). Those opting in will continue to receive a color status for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters on CDC’s Cruise Ship Color Status webpage. For cruise ship operators opting into CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, CDC will continue to exercise enforcement discretion regarding the requirements of its January 29, 2021, Mask Order, applicable to operators of, and crew and passengers on board, cruise ships.

I saw those items too. Many will choose NOT to sail with those protocols in place. Again, it will be interesting to see what the lines decide to do. As of today only 42.5% of those eligible to receive boosters have received them. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/states-ranked-by-booster-rates.html

CDC came out with new opt-in regulations for cruise ships. It seems to me that opting in will be costly for cruise lines. Cruise lines that opt in MUST follow ALL of the guidelines. They cannot pick and choose. https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/management/technical-instructions-for-cruise-ships.html