Yes I received the email at 1:31pm ET saying we could purchase the Mermaidens by May 7 before they go on sale to the public May 8. However, no prices were listed.
Everyone seems to say that the Caribbean sold way better than Australia, so perhaps VV will use this opportunity to reroute to the Caribbean. They need to make $$$ as evidenced by their significant price increases.
I am very curious as well as I am scheduled to be on the fall Barcelona - Athens leg, which was an amazing price when it launched. I am wondering if they will send Resilient to the Caribbean instead...
Makes sense...as impacted individuals would be unlikely to select a standalone 5-night cruise, other than those who are doing the entire journey from Sydney to Athens.
If I were VV, I would cancel Singapore to Dubai and Dubai to Athens. That would give them 28 days to sail around Africa without guests to make it from Singapore to Athens, which I believe would be enough time.
I am on the May 9 voyage out of Athens, so selfishly I would not like to be canceled, but whatever VV decides to do to keep everyone safe, I hope they make a decision soon so that everyone can make alternate plans as needed!
I just returned from Valiant's NYE sailing. I was also on Valiant 9 months ago. The crowd this time was a lot different - many cruisers from Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I heard a couple go on and on about how much they miss Royal Caribbean and how much better it is. I met another couple who told me they were only there because they got a free casino offer.
On the first day (4 hours into the sailing), the men's bathroom by the Galley was covered in vomit. I also saw a woman vomiting on the pier in St. Croix. I saw multiple people walking through the galley without shoes and/or a shirt. I also saw people smoking all throughout the pool deck. Not to mention people were vaping everywhere.
I still had an enjoyable time, but the overall vibe was a lot different this time around. I am sincerely hoping this was due to it being a NYE sailing. I will avoid NYE sailings in the future!