Ride-The-Waves
-
Posts
2,092 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Ride-The-Waves
-
-
Essentially the same for a "Grand France" two-week river cruise we had booked for June 2020. Uniworld and our travel agent pushed it to May 2021 at which time we will be in our late 70s. Under current CLIA guidance we may not be permitted to cruise at that age. Working now with both Uniworld and the TA to cancel. Uniworld is being cooperative and in fact supportive. My TA has become very challenging to even contact. We have about $19K invested, fully paid since final payment came and went during the early outbreak of COVID-19 in the US. Even with a 20 percent penalty getting the money back is more important that waiting to see what will happen in 2021. Note that American Airlines was very cooperative and refunded the whole airfare back to the credit card. Concern, of course, is that river cruising (all cruising) will restart in 2021 at a reduced level and cruise lines may not afford refunds or cancel them within a financial restructuring.
-
Vaccine? COVID-19 is mutating according to the virologists. Just as there is a different strain every season, flu between the northern and southern hemispheres differs. Betting on the vaccine that covers all is overly optimistic. Then there are those who don't believe in vaccines and refuse. How do you certify that everyone is vaccinated properly for the specific strain of virus?
-
1
-
-
Buffets? Do away with MDRs first. They are over crowded, noisy, packed with wait staff. These places are truly support the infestations of all sorts of diseases.
-
1
-
2
-
-
2 hours ago, Daniel A said:
In order to ask my question, I think it will help with an example. I originally booked a cruise under the ‘Three For Free’ promotion so I got the free room upgrade, reduced deposit and free gratuities. Later on, I was able to add the Best Sale Ever add ons and got a great deal on the Premium Beverage Package and Unlimited Wi-Fi on top of my Three For Free benefits.
My question is: If Princess cancels a cruise and you get future credits, do you get to carry over your original booking promotion perks or do you start from scratch again? (I suspect the answer will end up being that you start from scratch again but I’m hopeful that somebody out there was able to carry over their BSE perks to their original booking perks.)
LOL!
-
9 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:
The doctor's note only says he/she found you to be healthy on the date you were examined. Which could be a month before you attempt to board a ship. The whole thing is unworkable.
Negative! Obtaining a health certificate from a doctor offers the knowledge that you are healthy enough to cruise since you have no underlying conditions which could cause hurt to yourself or others. Should wheelchair bound people cruise since they cannot easily get to a lifeboat? Should someone with cancer cruise? Should anyone with an infectious disease cruise? Etc.
Hurtigruten expedition ships, and I expect other expedition lines, require a doctors certificate which is sent to the ship's doctor who has the final say on whether you are healthy enough to spend 2 weeks away from ashore medical facilities. All cruise ship medical facilities are very limited in what they can provide in care.
From what I have seen of some fellow passengers, especially on long trans-oceantics , many of them should not be on the ship for their own health and the safety of others.
-
3 hours ago, TeeRick said:
In the US the effort is being funded by the federal government directly or through grant support, and by private and public companies. And by the generosity of private foundations like Gates. All hands on deck. Please do some research on the value and support of the Gates Foundation to worldwide health causes and in particular, vaccines.
Well aware and great proponent of what the Gates Foundation accomplishes and the issues it tackles.
However, even Gates cannot come close to the leverage and funding available from governments - all of the together. This is an issue for all humanity and,'as you stated, "all hands on deck."
-
1
-
-
16 hours ago, UnorigionalName said:
I think this is a nice article summarizing the current thoughts and trends of a vaccine:
Hopefully the Gates foundation throwing billions at it will help speed up the manufacturing process. They plan on paying for factories for the 7 most promising vaccines, in the hope that at least just one or two of them will pan out, thus shortening the time to market.
This should be funded by governments and not a foundation. Government are the resources and the power to lead this type of research. Its a global crisis and all government would be contributing on behalf of their people.
-
I'm so disappointed at the previous comments from biologists and virologists.
The bully pulpit has stated that the "fix" is hydroxychloroquine. Simple! Easy.
-
1
-
-
All Main Dining Rooms (MDR) need to be eliminated. Not only are they packed too close for comfortable dining and conversation, but they are hot beds of virus (corona and noro) transmission. The actual food is better in the buffets and they offer healthier choices.
-
1
-
-
18 minutes ago, NavyCruiser said:
July.
Any later than that, the whole world's economy will collapse....
Yep. Not just a Great Recession redux, this will be a full-blown Depression. The business world, to include local businesses like restaurants and hair salons, will look and operate much differently than they did pre-COVID19.
-
6 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:
I'm curious to know why so many believe that cruising will resume once a vaccine against COVID-19 has been developed. We've had a flu vaccine for years, and they come up with a new one every year. People still get the flu. And die from it. Why would this be different? What I think would be more important would be an antibody test to determine if one has antibodies to COVID-19.
Two thoughts:
- Not everyone gets the flu vaccine. Many don't believe in vaccinations. They are likely some of our fellow cruisers.
- The flu is a different strain between northern and southern hemispheres. Learned that the hard way - caught the flu in Australia while vaccinated for the northern version.
-
In Carnival Corporation's own words from their latest SEC financial filings:
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 on some of our ships, and the resulting illness and loss of life in certain instances, we have been the subject of negative publicity which could have a long term impact on the appeal of our brands, which would diminish demand for vacations on our vessels. We cannot predict how long the negative impact of recent media attention on our brands will last, or the level of investment that will be required to address the concerns of potential travelers through marketing and pricing actions.
We have received, and expect to continue to receive, lawsuits from passengers aboard the Grand Princess voyage in February 2020. We may receive additional lawsuits stemming from COVID-19. We cannot predict the quantum or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our financial results, but any such impact may be material. We also remain subject to extensive, complex, and closely monitored obligations under the court-ordered environmental compliance plan supervised by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as a result of the previously disclosed settlement agreement relating to the violation of probation conditions for a plea agreement entered into by Princess Cruises and the U.S. Department of Justice in 2016. We remain fully committed to satisfying those obligations. However, COVID-19 presents enormous challenges for the Company, which could result in material adverse impacts.
We have insurance coverage for certain liabilities, costs and expenses related to COVID-19 through our participation in Protection and Indemnity (“P&I”) clubs, including coverage for direct and incremental costs including, but not limited to, certain quarantine expenses and for certain liabilities to passengers and crew. P&I clubs are mutual indemnity associations owned by members. There is a $10 million deductible per occurrence (meaning per outbreak on a particular ship). We cannot assure you that we will receive insurance proceeds that will compensate us fully for our liabilities, costs and expenses under these policies. We have no insurance coverage for loss of revenues or earnings from our ships or other operations.
We have a total of 16 cruise ships scheduled to be delivered through 2025, including four during the remainder of fiscal 2020. We believe the effects of COVID-19 on the shipyards where our ships are under construction will result in a delay in ship deliveries, which we cannot predict and may be prolonged.
We cannot predict when any of our ships will begin to sail again and ports will reopen to our ships. Moreover, even once travel advisories and restrictions are lifted, demand for cruises may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if and when each brand will return to pre-outbreak demand or fare pricing. In particular, our bookings may be negatively impacted by the adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate, including higher unemployment rates, declines in income levels and loss of personal wealth resulting from the impact of COVID-19. In addition, we cannot predict the impact COVID-19 will have on our partners, such as travel agencies, suppliers and other vendors. We may be adversely impacted as a result of the adverse impact our partners suffer.
We have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our cruising operations, and as a consequence, our ability to be predictive regarding the impact of such a cessation on our brands and future prospects is uncertain. In particular, we cannot predict the impact on our financial performance and our cash flows required for cash refunds of deposits as a result of the pause in our global fleet cruise operations, which may be prolonged, and the public’s concern regarding the health and safety of travel, especially by cruise ship, and related decreases in demand for travel and cruising. Moreover, our ability to attract and retain guests and crew depends, in part, upon the perception and reputation of our company and our brands and the public’s concerns regarding the health and safety of travel generally, as well as regarding the cruising industry and our ships specifically. As a result, we expect a net loss on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted basis for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2020, and our ability to forecast our cash inflows and additional capital needs is hampered.
As a result of all of the foregoing, we may be required to raise additional capital and our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, our prospects and our credit ratings. As a result of COVID-19, in March 2020, Moody's and S&P Global downgraded our long-term issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings. In addition, our long-term ratings were placed on review for further downgrade by both rating agencies. Our short-term commercial paper credit ratings were also placed on review for downgrade. If our credit ratings were to be further downgraded, or general market conditions were to ascribe higher risk to our rating levels, our industry, or us, our access to capital and the cost of any debt financing will be further negatively impacted. In addition, the terms of future debt agreements could include more restrictive covenants, or require incremental collateral, which may further restrict our business operations or be unavailable due to our covenant restrictions then in effect. There is no guarantee that debt financings will be available in the future to fund our obligations, or that they will be available on terms consistent with our expectations. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 on the financial markets is expected to adversely impact our ability to raise funds through equity financings.
-
1
-
-
15 hours ago, Host Anne said:
There are many, many ways today to "be informed." The mainstream media isn't the way I chose to stay informed.
Here is one for you. Direct from the cruise company. This is Carnival Corporation. RCCL has filed similar. Very sobering.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 on some of our ships, and the resulting illness and loss of life in certain instances, we have been the subject of negative publicity which could have a long term impact on the appeal of our brands, which would diminish demand for vacations on our vessels. We cannot predict how long the negative impact of recent media attention on our brands will last, or the level of investment that will be required to address the concerns of potential travelers through marketing and pricing actions.
We have received, and expect to continue to receive, lawsuits from passengers aboard the Grand Princess voyage in February 2020. We may receive additional lawsuits stemming from COVID-19. We cannot predict the quantum or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our financial results, but any such impact may be material. We also remain subject to extensive, complex, and closely monitored obligations under the court-ordered environmental compliance plan supervised by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as a result of the previously disclosed settlement agreement relating to the violation of probation conditions for a plea agreement entered into by Princess Cruises and the U.S. Department of Justice in 2016. We remain fully committed to satisfying those obligations. However, COVID-19 presents enormous challenges for the Company, which could result in material adverse impacts.
We have insurance coverage for certain liabilities, costs and expenses related to COVID-19 through our participation in Protection and Indemnity (“P&I”) clubs, including coverage for direct and incremental costs including, but not limited to, certain quarantine expenses and for certain liabilities to passengers and crew. P&I clubs are mutual indemnity associations owned by members. There is a $10 million deductible per occurrence (meaning per outbreak on a particular ship). We cannot assure you that we will receive insurance proceeds that will compensate us fully for our liabilities, costs and expenses under these policies. We have no insurance coverage for loss of revenues or earnings from our ships or other operations.
We have a total of 16 cruise ships scheduled to be delivered through 2025, including four during the remainder of fiscal 2020. We believe the effects of COVID-19 on the shipyards where our ships are under construction will result in a delay in ship deliveries, which we cannot predict and may be prolonged.
We cannot predict when any of our ships will begin to sail again and ports will reopen to our ships. Moreover, even once travel advisories and restrictions are lifted, demand for cruises may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if and when each brand will return to pre-outbreak demand or fare pricing. In particular, our bookings may be negatively impacted by the adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate, including higher unemployment rates, declines in income levels and loss of personal wealth resulting from the impact of COVID-19. In addition, we cannot predict the impact COVID-19 will have on our partners, such as travel agencies, suppliers and other vendors. We may be adversely impacted as a result of the adverse impact our partners suffer.
We have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our cruising operations, and as a consequence, our ability to be predictive regarding the impact of such a cessation on our brands and future prospects is uncertain. In particular, we cannot predict the impact on our financial performance and our cash flows required for cash refunds of deposits as a result of the pause in our global fleet cruise operations, which may be prolonged, and the public’s concern regarding the health and safety of travel, especially by cruise ship, and related decreases in demand for travel and cruising. Moreover, our ability to attract and retain guests and crew depends, in part, upon the perception and reputation of our company and our brands and the public’s concerns regarding the health and safety of travel generally, as well as regarding the cruising industry and our ships specifically. As a result, we expect a net loss on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted basis for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2020, and our ability to forecast our cash inflows and additional capital needs is hampered.
As a result of all of the foregoing, we may be required to raise additional capital and our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, our prospects and our credit ratings. As a result of COVID-19, in March 2020, Moody's and S&P Global downgraded our long-term issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings. In addition, our long-term ratings were placed on review for further downgrade by both rating agencies. Our short-term commercial paper credit ratings were also placed on review for downgrade. If our credit ratings were to be further downgraded, or general market conditions were to ascribe higher risk to our rating levels, our industry, or us, our access to capital and the cost of any debt financing will be further negatively impacted. In addition, the terms of future debt agreements could include more restrictive covenants, or require incremental collateral, which may further restrict our business operations or be unavailable due to our covenant restrictions then in effect. There is no guarantee that debt financings will be available in the future to fund our obligations, or that they will be available on terms consistent with our expectations. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 on the financial markets is expected to adversely impact our ability to raise funds through equity financings.
-
1
-
-
3 hours ago, TeeRick said:
I am one of those people that also find the Mainstream media news and the sensationalized local news to be less than optimal and I do not routinely get my key COVID-19 information from them. Many are all about ratings and about political opinions. And casting blame. I don't personally need that. But I do feel well informed as I follow other sources, particularly from the CDC and from research sites of universities and state and county health sites. So what is wrong with that? Do I really need to watch a local police raid on the garage of somebody hoarding 1000 cases of toilet paper? For me- no.
Try BBC for what is really happening around the world.
-
2
-
-
This quote from a NYT discussion with medical folks is prescient. Its going to be a relatively long time before any form of cruising returns. Best optimistic scenario for a vaccine is Spring 2021 and that doesn't include the time to produce and deliver 7.7 billion doses nor does it take into account the "anti-vaxers."
"Even when the number of new cases starts to fall, travel barriers and bans in many places may persist until a vaccine or treatment is found."
This is the new reality.
-
2
-
-
Just now, Host Anne said:
Following the news is everyone's first mistake.....I promised myself I will not say anything negative at this point in time....but there have been SO many inaccurate reports in the media that I am truly not watching/reading any of them at this point.
Especially from the Washington Times... Try the NY Times or Washington Post for better accuracy and reality.
-
3
-
1
-
1
-
-
On 4/3/2020 at 1:18 PM, cluso said:
The thread that I started last night about not cruising for 1+ years disappeared early this morning. Wondering if this thread will get deleted, too. People need to have situational awareness (SA) of the Big Picture. Until a vaccine is developed and deployed worldwide, everyone needs to slow down. Covid-19 could rise again in the Fall or next Spring. It is still an unknown. Yes, the world's economy will take a big hit with the cruise lines out of business for awhile. However, cruising should not be high on the list as we get back to normal. Just my opinion, no need to ask for references. Stay safe.
The CC monitors have been removing anything critical of cruising and projected timelines for returning to cruising that don't meet their very optimistic - and wrong headed - projections. Its sad that we have to endure this type of censorship.
The most optimistic estimates are that the virus expansion will peak mid-May in the US. Most optimistic. And "peak" is the top of the Bell curve, not the end. Cruise lines have to refurbish/clean and restart ships, retrain crews, and find passengers. Most optimistic projection from the medical community is that a prophylaxis might be ready by Spring 2021. Will cruise lines require the vaccine? Lot of anti-vaxers out there. Likely the smaller ships will be ready first - easier to staff, clean and fill. Mega-ships? Could be long gone. Countries/ports will have their own requirements which may or may not be the same as cruise lines. All these and more issues will need to be resolved before any "new normal" cruising can begin.
-
3
-
-
8 minutes ago, waterbug123 said:
If Delta cancels your flight, you are eligible for a refund; that hasn't changed. If you cancel your flight, you get a credit.
Doug Parker at American Airlines is probably pounding the walls with his fists right now and crying like a baby, "Dammit Delta, why'd you have to go and do the right thing; now our pax will be out for blood if we don't do the same." Parker absolutely hates doing anything that benefits the passengers.
Really? We just received a full refund for canceled MIA-CDG-MIA flights for a two-week France river cruise this June. AA at first wanted $900 each in fees, but when the refund came through to our cc earlier this week it was for the full amount. And they did in in two weeks. Well Done American Airlines.
-
Several airlines are already reducing/changing frequent flyer "benefits." This will likely continue and expand to other industries, especially cruise lines, as corporations review options for reducing costs. Much easier to accomplish than reduce crew.
-
4 hours ago, ptrpanpens said:
Curious if anyone has received a cash refund for refundable air arrangements purchased through choice air on a cruise you canceled? If so, when was your cruise scheduled and what date did you cancel?
thanks
Not for air purchased through Choice Air, but for air purchased diretly from American Airlines for travel to/fm Europe in June. They provided a full refund - no cancellation fee - within two weeks!. Well Done AA!
-
On 4/1/2020 at 4:51 PM, Cruise Raider said:
You are all aware that there are many of your neighbors, working in medical centers / hospitals, grocery stores, Costco, office buildings, pharmacies, uber drivers, passengers on public transportation, airport personnel, Amazon employees, mail carriers, restaurants, etc that are positive and are all around us for these essential services right now ... aren't you? If they are symptomatic and then test positive, they are also told to just go home and self isolate without any monitoring to make sure they are adhering to these restrictions.
Why would anybody even think to deny these people a place to disembark? Nobody wants more of this disease in their backyard, so I get it ... but, what now? Just leave them out there? BTW, the only ones that I think screwed up are any passengers that boarded knowing they were feeling ill. Otherwise, I don't think it is helpful to place blame.
There were about 800 passengers on Crown Princess who refused to be tested prior to disembarkation. They went to the four winds. Ten percent of those who did get tested were 10 positive. So 80-odd passengers went home and infected family, friends and people in their towns/cities. Disgusting behavior.
-
With shipyards closed and money in short supply (few new bookings) its likely many ship renovations will be at least delayed if not cancelled. Cruise companies also have to determine how they will restart once this is over. I would expect the first out will NOT be the big ships, rather those now "mid-sized" offerings of around 2,000 passengers. Additionally, all ships will need some type of reconditioning before they will be ready to accept guests. More time, money and crew involvement before restarting.
-
Good discussion. This will NOT be over by Fall. Projections in the US are that it could peak mid-May. Even that is optimistic with the resurgence being seen in Asia.
Cruise line corporations are going to have to make some very difficult choices. Not just on restarting operations within whatever new guidelines and regulations are required, but which ships, which countries/ports, and which crews. RCCL especially which is mega ships. Profitability will need to be considered. One of RCCL's decisions will be to compare Azamara and its 20-plus year old ships vs newer more efficient ships of Celebrity and RCI. From my perspective, it should be easier to get the "R-class" ships back to sea. The Oasis class not so much. New expensive ships like Edge will be a challenge since it is already overpriced in a crowded market of similar offerings. These factors and so many more are being wrestled with by RCCL (and Carnival (Princess/HAL/Carnival) and others. It would be sad to see Azamara go, but it is the smallest line within RCCL and likely easiest to close...
-
1
-
-
9 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:
This link references changes made by the Port Director in San Diego after this. I saw their order as well but looking for the direct link to that to provide for you
The links do nothing to confirm the allegation that Celebrity was willfully hiding a COVID-19 patient. Nothing!
Where did Eclipse obtain the test kits? How was it tested at sea before arrival?
Greater concern are the 800 passengers off Grand Princess who stated that would NOT subject themselves to testing and left the ship. Those who were tested had a ten percent infection rate. So 80 people went to the 4-winds to infect those en route home, family and friends once home. Very selfish and very disconcerting that any "cruiser" would act in such a despicable way.
Suspension or Cancellation
in River Cruising
Posted
...and hope they are still in business or at least have a decent selection of cruises to select from. I expect schedules to be limited as companies restart operations, countries/cities leery of cruises, and interest in cruising to be significantly less than kit was pre-virus crisis.