drsheryl

https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/will-coronavirus-become-a-pandemic-1.5476256

"1 in 5 will become seriously ill", and of those, 1 in 5 will not recover from it".

Yes, I am watching the news and I cancelled the cruise last week.  I still have my flights (non-refundable) to Rome and 3 nights in Rome non-refundable.  Let's see what happens, but all indications are for a full-blown pandemic.

Thank you, Know The Score, for your thoughtful response.

I called Norweigan Cruise Lines today and they have a full refund policy if you cancel more than 120 days before the cruise.  Well, I'm now 131 days out!! 

What was more than frustrating was the travel agent.  I am signed up with a continuing education group.  The travel agent handling the cruise for the university said to say to me "I wouldn't let you on the ship if I thought that it was dangerous".  When I retorted that the cruise lines are only letting people know that they are canceling due to the coronavirus a couple of days before sailing, she denied this.  I already have my airfare booked, so by cancelling now, I can plan a land  trip (I'm flying in and out of Rome).   My favourite was when she said to me, "If it's your time, it's your time".  So if I die on the ship, it was "my time"--according to her!  If the coronavirus goes away, I have no doubt that there will be lots of cabins available on the ship for me to rebook (and perhaps at a lower price).  (P.s. Know the Score, yes I am healthy and in good condition.  But being healthy doesn't stop your body from catching disease--of course you are right that the young and debilitated always suffer the greatest death rates--but being "healthy" is the line that anti-vaxers use.  They think that if you are healthy, you won't pick up a disease.  WRONG.

I assume that if YOU cancel, you will loose all your money.  I wouldn't think that any cancellation insurance will cover this virus--but maybe I'm wrong.  If THEY cancel, I assume that you will either get your money back, or a credit for another cruise.  I know that money isn't the issue, but.......

I'm debating cancelling my cruise.  So far, I have only paid a $500 deposit.  I have a solo cabin booked.  I don't want to be quarantined for 2 wks in a solo cabin.  The virus seems to be spreading even with the quarantine.  My flights are booked for Rome.  I can just do an Italy trip.  Thoughts?

I've taken Air Transat to Florida and they weighted everything, including your purse and carry-on, and charged an exorbitant extra fee.  I'm reticent to fly with them again.