8 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

So Bahamas choice to allow in vaccinated people without a PCR test "improves their chances immensely", but the US will never do that because it runs counterproductive to obtaining herd immunity?

You are half correct. IF U.S. reaches herd immunity, that is the earliest they would consider waiving entry requirement AND that is if the CDC and/or whoever is making poor decisions in D.C. regarding cruising out of U.S. Ports opens their eyes.

46 minutes ago, KathyC said:

To be honest, it makes sense that they are not approved until the ship arrives.  There is still a lot of time before the first sailing, and this is the time to do those things.  I'm sure once the officials can get on board and see the protocols in person, all will be handled.  

Isn't this the guy that's always trying to stir things up?  Creating drama where there isn't any yet? 

The ship is already in Israel. Only sharing info.

Odyssey of the Seas Arrives in Israel – Israel’s Minstry of Health Still Has Not Approved Royal Caribbean’s Health Protocols

No issues here.

9 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

SO, the Bahamas have reached herd immunity?  

 

Per the date of April 8, 2021 of this article, https://ewnews.com/goalpost-bahamas-aiming-to-vaccinate-80-percent-of-population-to-achieve-herd-immunity-against-covid, they haven't achieved it as yet but it is their goal to do so. Bahamas's stance in letting vaccinated individuals into their country will improve those chances immensely.

6 hours ago, JasonOasis said:

Please go back and re-read my entire post. I realize this is a Royal Caribbean blog site devoted entirely to the cruise industry but the entire travel industry is inextricably linked.  If the nations airlines can convince the government to at the very least drop the negative test requirement for fully vaccinated individuals, by default that helps out the cruise industry.  As it stands now with the current CDC requirement cruise lines would have to test all passengers (vaccinated or not) upon arrival at all U.S. ports because there are no domestic cruises in this country.  The CDC requires all international arriving passengers to test negative to re-enter the U.S. If the nations airlines can get the White House and CDC to drop this requirement for fully vaccinated individuals that is another piece of the puzzle cruise lines would need to restart cruising from U.S. ports. If cruise lines were to require all passengers 16 and older be fully vaccinated to cruise at least through the end of this year that would be a major step because it would eliminate the need to test passengers before disembarkation.  Right now today international passengers over a certain age including Americans who test positive abroad can not return home.   What happens if there is no change in US policy requiring a negative test, and a passenger on a cruise ship tests positive for COVID before disembarkation at a US port.  Since the US government considers cruising international travel a positive test on the last day creates a conundrum for cruise lines and what to do with that passenger because the law currently states passengers over a certain age can not re-enter the US if they test positive.  (Quick side bar this is another reason I strongly believe cruise line will require all adults over 16 be fully vaccinated whenever cruising resumes.) However if the nations airlines are successful in getting the CDC and the White House to agree to amend entry requirements and drop the negative test requirement for fully vaccinated individuals that is another link in the chain to restarting cruising in this country.   If cruise lines require all passengers over 16 be fully vaccinated prior to embarkation then they've already cover the disembarkation.  If you need to be fully vaccinated to board then you've already met the (proposed by the airlines) re-entry requirement before you ever set foot on the ship guaranteeing your re-entry at the end of your cruise at a US port.

 

You may choose to believe it is impossible but I work in the aviation industry and I've seen first hand how the nations airlines have used testing to jumpstart domestic and Caribbean tourism, to reopen borders and ease restrictions.  Hawaii is a prime example and are the Bahamas and Aruba but I'll focus on Hawaii.   Hawaii's mandatory 14 day quarantine complete decimated demand last year at a time when airlines thought Hawaii would be a bright spot.  The airlines came together to work with the Governor of Hawaii and came up with plan to use testing as a means to allow arriving passengers to skip quarantine all together if their test result were negative. Today Hawaii is open and passenger can skip the 14 day quarantine if they test negative prior to departing the mainland.   Now the airlines working once again with the Government of Hawaii to get them to drop their negative test requirement for fully vaccinated individuals.  With fake vaccination cards on the rise the industry and Hawaii are trying to figure out how to verify passengers have been vaccinated.  However Hawaii has signaled it is open to the idea of dropping its negative test requirement for individuals who are fully vaccinated.    One of the reasons Royal Caribbean is able to start cruising out of the Bahamas is because the Bahamas allow international passengers who test present a negative test to enter and avoid quarantine.  Who do you think push for this change behind the scenes last year, it was airlines desperate to get borders reopen and ease quarantine restrictions so the could make money off Americans looking to travel.  Now May 1st the Bahamas will a drop testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers, which is the net logical step and a win for Royal Caribbean passengers setting sail out of Nassau in June.

 

So I'm not putting the cart before the horse, unfortunately as much as I don't want to say this the airline industry is the horse and the cruise industry is the cart. If airlines are able to push through this change in entry requirements here in the US  and get the government to drop the negative test requirement for  fully vaccinated individuals by July it 100% will help out the cruise industry because the cruise industry could then go to the CDC and say we will require 100% vaccination prior to embarkation which means 100% of our adult passengers would be fully vaccinated and meet all re-entry requirements at the end of the cruise. 

Blah, blah, blah. Thanks for the lip service but the U.S. will not change it's policy by July because as YOU have even stated that "the US probably won't reach herd immunity until late fall or even winter 2022", which is more than six (6) months away, inasmuch, why would the U.S. relax their policy if they haven't allowed cruises to sail from ANY U.S. ports up to this point needless to say the hopes of a 4th of July opening? Lets just agree to disagree. This Is a moot debate given the facts stated.

16 minutes ago, Qeyton Dude said:

Has anyone else had their ability to use the planner blocked for a cruise in July '21 ? 
We are on Oasis July 9th, and we can no longer get into the planner

I got in and accessed July 3rd cruise.

1 hour ago, JasonOasis said:

I think by July the US will change its policy and instead of requiring a negative test they will require all individuals be fully vaccinated.

This July? 2021? 71 days away?  I disagree 100%.  How can you make this statement when cruises are not even sailing out of a U.S. port at this point?  You are putting the horse before the carriage buddy.

15 minutes ago, princevaliantus said:

Not everyone will be vaccinated. Moreover, vaccinated individuals can still be infected, known as a "Breakthrough" and/or become carriers who infect/spread others.

Correct, but in order for U.S. to waive the re-entry testing in lieu of vaccinations is when herd level occurs, 80%-90% vaccination and/or recovery exposure and that would be the earliest the U.S. would consider waiving.

10 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

No, because people are vaccinated.

Not everyone will be vaccinated. Moreover, vaccinated individuals can still be infected, known as a "Breakthrough" and/or become carriers who infect/spread others.

12 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I know what herd immunity is.

 

I don't know how a vaccinated person leaving the country then re-entering a few days later is related to herd immunity.

You stated that "At some point the USA has to waive the re-entry testing in lieu of vaccinations, too." I responded that "Only when herd level occurs and that would be the earliest." To break it further down, the U.S. will most likely waive the re-entry requirement when herd community is achieved which the chances of spreading and/or bringing it back into the U.S. from any destination, would be much less if yet, unlikely. Get it now??

17 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I don't see how herd immunity would play a role since the person is already vaccinated.

Questions: What is herd immunity?

Answer: Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune. Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination, but it can also occur through natural infection.

17 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

At some point the USA has to waive the re-entry testing in lieu of vaccinations, too.

Only when herd level occurs and that would be the earliest.

18 minutes ago, twangster said:

That was before Adventure and Bahamas cruises were announced.  

U.S. still requires all citizens to have a negative covid test before re-entering.

43 minutes ago, wannabecruiseexpert said:

I wonder if a test will still be required by Royal.

38 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

This doesn't affect the CDC requirements for sailing since this pertains to cruises out of the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean's online check-in requires a negative covid test before arriving to the cruise terminal. See: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/02/17/royal-caribbeans-online-check-requires-negative-covid-test-arriving-the-cruise-terminal

IN ADDITION:

5 hours ago, Craig 01020 said:

How are you getting to Cyprus?

45 minutes ago, Craig 01020 said:

That's all good, but see my original question please.

From JFK, with one connection to either Paphos (PFO) or Larnaca (LCA).

12 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

Cyprus is part of the EU.

 

Currently American citizens are not permitted entry to the EU.

Incorrect information regarding entry.... American citizens ARE allowed entry into Cyprus...see below:

Entry and Exit Requirements 

REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS: 

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? YES 
  • Complete information and requirements to travel to the Republic of Cyprus can be found here.  NOTE: In order to board a flight, all incoming travelers must provide information to the Republic of Cyprus and obtain a “Flight Pass” at: https://www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy.  Request for humanitarian or emergency exemptions can be made via the website or via the call center for Flight Pass inquiries: +357-22-285-757. 
  • As of April 19, the United States is classified as a “Red” category country.  Tourists may travel from the United States to the Republic of Cyprus without mandatory self-isolation provided they have uploaded proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Cyprus, complete another test upon arrival at their own expense (30 euros), and have an approved Cyprus Flight Pass.  Children under the age of 12 do not require testing.  The list of current countries in each category is found here. 
  • U.S. Citizens who are Legal Residents of the Republic of Cyprus or who also hold a EU passport may enter the ROC even when traveling from “Grey” category countries provided they show proof of their status and approved Cyprus Flight Pass.  
  • The UN Buffer Zone crossings from “TRNC” are, at present, effectively closed to anyone who does not hold a Cypriot or EU passport or who is not legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus.   

• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and points of entry? YES 
  • Approved tourist travelers to ROC from the United States (over the age of 12) must complete a PCR test upon entry (30 euros).   
  • Approved special-permission travelers to ROC who cannot obtain a PCR test within 72 hours prior to boarding will be tested upon arrival at their own expense (30 euro). (All passengers are also subject to possible random COVID testing upon entry.)   
  • Travelers who test positive at the airport will be in mandatory quarantine at a designated facility.  Those testing negative must self-isolate at their residence and complete a negative PCR test prior to release following Ministry of Health protocol. Isolated individuals should only leave their house for emergency after contacting a doctor or dialing 1420.  If other passengers on your flight subsequently test positive on arrival to Cyprus, you may be subject to further mandatory quarantine/self-isolation measures.  
  • For questions about immigration/overstay status in Cyprus, email: [email protected]. 

12 minutes ago, Jill said:

No it’s a scare tactic in my opinion. They had one small spike in cases 3 days ago (129), last 2 days zero cases. Sounds like a testing dump. Their numbers go from high to zero multiple times. 

Scare tactic?? Come on. Child's play.

That is inaccurate. The CDC is only making a recommendation to either not travel to the Bahamas and/or make sure if you are going to travel to the Bahamas that you are fully vaccinated. CDC is just doing their job. They are aware that they have no jurisdiction in a foreign country.

DeSanitis is just blowing hot air since he cannot block vaccine requirments for cruises on Federal proprties.

51 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I'm still owed about $200 in port fees/taxes from my March cruise. So far I've gotten $15.20 back

 What I'm starting to hear and read is that royal caribbean is having a cashflow problem.  I didnt know royal caribbean really had issues paying back refunds.  Oh my.

1 hour ago, Duane Fulton said:

After many months they have started to repay for a cruise they canceled. Apparently we'll receive either $38.28 a month or $76.56 a month. Not sure what it'll be till we get it. Will probably be another year - don't know for sure  Duane Fulton

Are you saying that Royal Caribbeans is going to pay you back on a monthly payback plan? 

21 minutes ago, RBRSKI said:

So sticking to topic, these Politicians are putting a strong hold on the cruise lines but Air Shows will be in full force this summer.  And I don't know how many people have gone to a air show but you are packed like sardines on the beach.  

Beaches, etc. where they are held at will probably have capacity control.

6 minutes ago, Oliver said:

Do a Google search before you dismiss it. It just hasn’t been totally proven yet.

No need to google as it's not a reliable sour unless stated so from reputable scientists and reputable doctors, such as Dr. Fauci, would have said so months ago and would have push it.

19 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I'll say one thing. Two weeks before anyone's cruise I'd be hitting up the vitamin D and zinc, just in case.

Vitamin D and zinc doesn't work against COVID. If it did, we would not be in the mess we are in now.