KWofPerth

Government extends ban on cruise ships for another two months - Cruise Passenger

I can confirm that cruising out of Singapore is a terrific experience. Travelling from Perth, it's just as easy for me to get to as Sydney. Be sure to spend a few nights pre or post-cruise in Singapore, there's plenty to check out.

I saw some very attractive deals from Carnival for their 2023/24 season. Then I Youtubed their ships (Splendour and Spirit). Vomit!

Bear in mind though, that this has required barring the unvaccinated from certain areas of the ship and only allowing RC sponsored excursions while in port. That's not sustainable in the long term.

Does MEI service the Australian market?

That was quite the journey through double-negative speak!

I'm the opposite. Never tried anything but an interior cabin (wait, does an interior with virtual balcony count?). It will be nice to try a balcony, someday.

Oops, I forgot about the under-5s

If literally everyone onboard is vaccinated AND tests negative prior to boarding, can the masks rule not be relaxed?

I'm coming at it from the POV that Royal is a family brand. With up to 2/3 of families not ready to vaccinate their kids yet, it might cause problems if they mandate it. Don't get me wrong, I'd be fine if they did. I'm just musing on how it might affect their business. Time will tell, but an intriguing phase coming up I think.

You are correct about this. A couple of surveys show a roughly even split between three outlooks - 1/3 of parents will vaccinate their kids immediately, 1/3 will 'wait and see', and the final 1/3 are entirely opposed. Good luck with this one, Royal! My guess is it will remain optional with restrictions to remain in place for unvaxxed kids. (Unless the CDC comes over the top and mandates it somehow).

Thought bubble: Carnival operates in Australia year round (I think?). With not all of Royal's ships in operation as yet, could they similarly run a winter season in 2022, just to get some revenue?? I haven't thought through any of the logistics. As I say, it's a thought bubble.

That's hilarious! Similar happened infront of me on Quantum, at the pool area on the first day. A guy had a cocktail in each hand and slipped on the deck, causing his shorts to fall down around his ankles, giving everyone quite the eyeful, LOL. He stayed on his feet but had a drink in each hand and couldn't quickly pull up his shorts. He stood there for a second or two just trying to figure out what to do, while everybody around laughed and clapped. Poor guy.

I watched Cruise with Ben & David's latest Youtube episode lastnight. They were on Anthem sailing out of the UK and were charged 29pounds for the NorthStar. So on Ovation, who knows?

It's the vaccines that will get us somewhere. Until that gets rolled out substantially, lockdowns will continue.

Gold Coast holiday?

https://www.escape.com.au/experiences/cruises/the-cruise-industry-desperately-needs-a-plan-in-place/news-story/5b14203e9138eca55cf11031dc215279?

Is the passport concept more of a QR code thing that you have on your personal device? ie. phone

I'd be surprised if there was good news at this stage. There's an election looming, don't forget.

Pfizer shots are now available to the 30-49yo cohort here in WA, with 20,000 bookings made (myself and the missus included) since the announcement yesterday arvo. I believe nationally that Pfizer is now available for anyone 40+. This would seem to be the start of what will hopefully be an upwards spike in the rollout.

How very on brand

On the plus side, this seems to have triggered the population out of their vaccination apathy. Vaxx rates in Victoria have more than doubled this week. Also the Commonwealth government is copping a hammering over the rollout, so surely this will get their bum into gear on that front.

Pfizer and Moderna won't have widespread availability until October, if not later (supply issues, or something). And since they are now the recommended vaccines for the under/50 population, the rollout is progressing at a glacial pace.

The vaccine rollout has been super slow. Only now has the Govt secured some Moderna shots. You had one job ScoMo!

Early to mid-April is around school holidays time. Whatever else you do, don't miss the sounds (fjords). Particularly Milford Sound. This will be a jaw-dropping highlight. Having done land-based travel around NZ, my recommendation to anyone that has the means, would be to see more of the country pre or post-cruise. A cruise visit doesn't do the place justice. So maybe a Sydney to Auckland one-way cruise for those that can afford it.