markinct

New CDC ruling makes wearing a mask during the entire cruise mandatory.... Even if you're on deck with no one near you, it would appear. At what point do the restrictions and limitations outweigh the fun and relaxation of cruising? I'm starting to think that even if the major lines get cruises going in July, the cruises will probably be fairly dystopian. Maybe short runs to Coco Key or Labadee? What do you think? How drastic do the limitations have to be for you to decide to wait 6 - 12 more months?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... you can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.... ?

I think it's likely I'm using the wrong terminology, and I apologize for adding confusion. We're working with @michelle who has been wonderful since we started looking into an Alaska cruise 2 years ago. I guess instead of an actual L&S it was more like moving a reservation. Sadly, I reset my count down timer to the 2022 date... 515 days. Ugg.

We were booked for a May cruise, but we just did the lift and shift to June of 2022, and we'll be using the FCC from our cancelled June 2020 cruise.

I'm so sorry to read this. I do hope you'll be able to see him soon!

Selfish feelings aside, I really worry about the towns that get a good injection of cash from the cruise industry, and the excursion operators. How are they going to make it after 2 empty years?

It really looks like the entire 2021 cruise season for Alaska is in serious danger of getting totally wiped out. My wife and I were set to cruise in June of 2020... which turned into May of 21.... which looks like will flip to 2022. This Canadian TA on YouTube has an interesting take on the situation: I think Provincial and national gov officials in Canada have implied over the last couple of months that they don't see normal leisure travel until a vaccine is widely available to ordinary people. That may not happen for Canadian residents until September....

I am so sorry you have to go through this. I can't imagine the extra burden of cancer treatment during the pandemic. And yes, 'chemo brain' is real!! My wife has been in "remission" from NHL since 2002; it seems it does get better/easier to deal with over time. But it beats the alternative! I hope you have a swift and uneventful recovery!

Given the public statements of cruise line executives - that the vaccine is The Game Changer... and that I think it's reasonable to assume many of the popular ports of call will require it, it's almost a certainty that it will be required to board a cruise. That said, I think by the time the vaccines become available to the general public, there will be an established body of knowledge regarding each vaccine's common (and uncommon) side effects.

Better be careful - Matt is always one blog post or pod cast away from making the FOM a surcharge... ?

We were supposed to do an Alaska cruise in June of 2020. We've booked for May of 2021, but I'm tempted to book an additional cruise for November, an 8 night on Anthem over Thanksgiving.... Not sure if I can put up with the aggravation roller coaster of looking forward to a cruise and then having another one cancelled.

We've got a 7 day cruise from Vancouver in June. ... Or had. I don't know if Royal will be able to salvage anything unless the US waives the Jones act.

My wife and I are sailing on Radiance in June of 2020. So far we haven't been informed of any changes and our TA has confirmed the itinerary still shows Skagway., and the cruise planner still wants to sell me excursions in Skagway. I am curious as to why RC has made this change. I'd be open to the swap, but I certainly understand why other cruisers would want to keep Skagway.

That's awesome! I think we'll be over packing, that's for sure. I'd rather have too many suitcases than not enough options....

I find them helpful for a few of reasons: 1) They do help me organize stuff and keep them organized on board or in a hotel 2) They force me to think a little more about what I pack. Like a lot of people I think I'm a good packer and make good choices, but.... 3) I find the packing cubes for shoes help keep the shoes from getting messed up in the luggage - or messing up other things in the suitcase. 4) When I'm not travelling I try to use them to organize my stuff at home.... when I remember to do it. I bought some at ebags.com and like them. I've since seen them at Amazon and elsewhere. I don't know if that means you should get them...

@KJ1231 We're doing the same cruise in June of 2020, and we're on the east coast of US as well. Not to hi jack the thread, but what are your plans for getting to Vancouver? I'm considering Cathay Pacific from JFK. We're planning on getting to Vancouver with a couple of days of pre-cruise activity. I want to see that steam powered clock. We haven't even thought about post-cruise activity yet...

Anybody have wisdom to share on packing for an Alaska cruise? We're just under a year away, and I'm already dreading packing for 2 climates...

Good lord, I really hope this works out for you!

The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it.

Embrace the power of "AND".... join my wife and me on Radiance for a northbound cruise - June 12, 2020 - we'd love the company!

We're cruising on Radiance in 2020... I love the churrascaria experience and will definitely try it, assuming it's still an option in 486 days, 23 hours, and 44 minutes ?

Thanks for the pics! I recently booked an Alaska cruise, but I'm ready to think about sailing from FLL again - especially with a snow storm tomorrow....

Bingo. I believe it's that perceived need to get as low as possible for that "Starting at price". I wonder if MSC has partially figured this out with their "Experience" pricing?

@michelle, I can see this post saving a lot of first time /occasional travelers a LOT of heart ache and frustration. Thank you for taking the time to post it! @Matt this might be good grist for a full blog post or the podcast...

Well, I'm not on that sailing, but I truly wish I were! I hope you have an awesomely awesome trip! If you're going to get to Tampa a day or two in advance, head to Ybor City for some great restaurants and night life.