gardenbunny

Great information from both!  Thanks.  I found the premium tours.  I feel sure we will want to book the Vicksburg Battle field.  I did not see much else that would appeal to us.  But I will download the included excursions.   I have been looking at the HOHO Natchez but found a guide on-line to the walking tours which I think we will do.

Thanks so much for sharing your cruise experience.  We are doing our very first of any kind of river cruising July 31 on American Countess for 9 days Memphis to NOLA.  Very excited.  While all our oversea cruising trips are postponed for another year, we decided to start on our America bucket list items!  

Did AQSC have any issues with regard to the crack in the bridge at Memphis?

Really looking forward to Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez and NOLA. 70 years old, born and raised in Atlanta and have never been to any of those cities!  My husband loves Civil War History and I love the old antebellum homes.  Can’t wait to go to Graceland either.  Lots of things to check off my bucket list all in 1 trip!!

So how do optional excursions work?  Similar to ocean cruise ships?  Are they listed on their website?  

Look forward to reading your final thoughts.

3 minutes ago, nini said:

 

OMG! You will LOVE the Grand Tetons! As you probably know, Yellowstone is a stone's throw away. I hope you will have lots of time for both. Gorgeous!

Absolutely.  We visited both for a week in September of 2006.  We loved it...so much so that I joined the Yellowstone Foundation and have donated monthly ever since.  So excited to be going back.  

I rebooked my 3 Enchanted Princess I had in 2020 in Med to September this year.  In February I had a feeling no cruise line would go this year, especially in Europe and called and cancelled,  Good move since I see it on this list!  I had option to move it to 2021 on Regal but I wanted the new ship since I had one of the new floor to ceiling ocean view rooms, plus port itinerary changed slightly.  They told me Enchanted would be in Carribean so I booked Dec 30 and was able to get the same cabin!  Still will be 50/50 chance it goes but hope springs eternal!

I also cancelled the Celebrity to Israel for October.  And with current situation, not sure when Israel will be safe regardless of Covid.  Praying for them.

We are doing a first time American Queen Steamboat from Memphis to New Orleans late July.  And now the river traffic is closed due to crack in the big bridge that crosses Mississippi.  Can’t catch a break!  Hope repairs can be done by then....

Doing a first time Dude Ranch in Grand Tetons late September...what could happen with that??

First rule for travellers is to be flexible - these past 15 months has really tested our resolve!!

I am ready to cruise again. And I am vaccinated!  But waiting for original itineraries and destinations I want. 
So decided to move everything once again. Forward to 2022. I have lost track what was meant for 2020, moved to 2021 and now moved to 2022!!  

I want to let things settle out once they get back operating.  Read the RCI article today about cruises in Caribbean starting- but if I have to fly to a Caribbean port and then fly back home - sorry..not worth it to me. I live in GA.   For my money it has to be flying to catch a cruise in Rome, Barcelona, Southampton- Caribbean is Ok for some but I prefer Europe and beyond. 
CDC in my opinion has not done a very good job helping to start back a billion $$ industry. 
 

I love cruising - been on 2 World Cruises.  I love that it is a great way to see a lot of the world in long cruises to all the different regions.  Usually do 4 per year.  I miss it more than I thought.  Moved a lot to August and September of 2021 thinking surely we can cruise again.  Regardless of what CDC required, I was teady to go.  

My August Alaska just got cancelled.  And when I asked the CSR about my 3 Enchanted trips in the Med in September from Rome the answer was not encouraging.  I was mostly going for the new ship and a few ports I had never been to. She said “we will probably know soon”. Not sure what that means but I am thinking May/June time frame. 2022 they will be putting Enchanted to Canada New England.  Regal will be doing Med with no Corsica or Malta (ports I wanted) but adding Istanbul and Kusadasi.   Discovery will be Alaska 2022.

I will probably cancel and start over for 2022.  

My BIG question....can cruise lines afford another year of no revenue?  I am really concerned for their futures.  Airlines got some Fed help but cruise lines cannot. Airlines are flying again and should have a better year than 2020 and probably looking ahead for 2022.  Air flights are flown in hours with hundreds on board.   Cruises are for days with thousands.  

Looking into some USA trips - like the 5 Mighty national parks in Utah. Have a booked since 2019 Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada that we moved from 2020 to 2021.  Now it is harder to get into Canada than Hawaii!  Probably cancel that, too.

Feeling a bit down.....

On 1/16/2020 at 7:04 PM, compozer said:

Todd McBain is one of the best captain's we have sailed with.  He gives outstanding daily bridge reports and always added something interesting about the area.   And you can understand what he is saying.   He was very approachable and friendly.   

We had Capt McBain on what would be our last cruise in 2020 on Coral Princess to Antarctica. (We got home Feb 6 just as the virus was making the headlines).   IMO he made that cruise even more special due to his unique style. I cannot say enough surperlatives about him.  I agree with another poster that he should train all captains.  He was so approachable,  always around the ship, gave THE BEST updates/reports at any time there was something he thought we should know.  He took us into areas in Antarctica that Princess or any large cruise ship had been.  He told us in his overview lecture that he liked to explore and if opportunities arose he was going to go check it out!  And he did!  I hope to have the opportunity to have him again as Captain.

We are booked 3 7-day B2B on Enchanted RT Rome Sept 4-25.  Then a 12 night with Celebrity Sept 28 to Oct 10 RT Rome Israel/Med.

I am certainly hopeful these will happen.  I do not think cruise industry can continue to survive if they cannot resume operations by then.

We did this trip in late August 2019. To me the trip to Greenland was all about the unspoiled beauty of the nature and landscapes and simplicity of living.  We  did the hikes that Princess offered in all 3 ports (26 miles total of all 3). Each was different and beautiful....a photographers delight.

We heard people comment about nothing to do in the ports but how many prople go to Greenland for shopping??  Country is 2/3 ice and uninhabiltable...

We had done Iceland in July which was also a treat.  Reykjavik was more developed than I thought - great city.  But trips out to the parks and scenery were spectacular.  And Blue Lagoon was well worth the time

This could be a clue as to which ships Princess will use once they get approval to start sailing again.  Then add more ships as demand increases and virus is finally under control.

I am very curious which ones will start up....hope someone on the boards has insider info 😉

LOL. Just got the charges on my Princess Visa card today!!!    But I knew it was going to happen.  This way I get 125%!    It was only $2400 final pay so no big deal.  I have no cruises planned until Alaska in mid August, then 2 in September.  Should be back to somewhat normal by then 🤞🏻

We were on the last of 3 itineraries  on the Coral Princess for the 2020 season from Buenos Aires that offered the 4 days scenic cruising in Antarctica Peninsular.  We disembarked in Santiago Feb 6th.  And if our cruising days had to end (or pause indefinietly) then we went out with one of the BEST cruises we have had ... and that includes 2 world cruises in 2017 and 2019.  

Cruise 1 and 2 had some difficulties due to weather, which can change on a dime in that part of the world, and affected their itinerary.  Third time was perfect and Capt McBain was able to take us to places that the larger cruise ships had never been in Antarctica - including inside the caldera at Deception Island!  

We are active seniors and this trip kept us busy.  The lecture series RE: Antarctica  history, nature, indiginous peoples, etc on the ship were some of the best ever and presenters were first class.  They were back to back from 9 to noon and even several in the afternoon.  The commentary during scenic cruising was excellent and could be heard from your stateroom TV or on decks.  We turned up TV in balcony cabin and could hear it all while coming in and out to warm up.  And on certain days we entered areas in the early morning hours (5 am).  It was hard to fit in meals because you didn’t want to miss anything.  Incredible continent. Icebergs, whales, penguins...on my

You stayed so busy there really was not much time for ship board activities if you enjoy that.

And age demographiccs on a cruise like this where the majority are seeing this area for first time - in my opinion - doesn’t matter - the commonality is the beauty and being awestruck that you have been blessed to visit a place that only 1% of the world’s population has the privilege to behold and experience.  I did not need to step foot on it - my 4 days of scenic cruising will last me a lifetime.

And totally agree with Carabill - we started pre cruise with a guided Cosmos 9 day Rio to BA with 2 days at Iguasu Falls (both sides with air from Rio to Iguasu and then on to BA) - WOW - amazing!  It cost us $4K but worth every penny.  And we had 4 days in BA - what a fantastic city and very diverse and European.

To sum it up in one word - GO 😁

As soon as we can all safely cruise again 

Just paid final today on Dec 29 Panama Canal (new locks) and Costa Rica on Crown.  10-day.    🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 it still is a go!!  Even if we stay on the ship I am ready 😁😷😁

On Sept 30 my TA was able to rebook my original May 8 21 day RT Barcelona  Med cruise to 3 individual 7 day segments Sept 4-25 of the new Rome itineraries.  2  segments will be repeat of same ports but that is OK for me to be able to see more!

I moved it to Sept for 2 reasons....surely cruising will be up and going by September and secondly I had already booked last year a Celebrity  12 day cruise leaving Sept 28 RT Rome for Israel and Med.  

So it was sort of a win win with only needing to do 1 trip to Rome.  And Princess was able to keep my original OV Cabin S103.

On 9/24/2020 at 5:54 PM, Ombud said:

Were you able to book May 8th TA?

No. I was thinking that might be my new trip being the same dates.  Nope....Because this morning I got the cruise cancelled Princess email on one I had booked RT Barcelona.

So,  will wait til Oct 2 and try to book the September dates.

I am OK with the ports, I was most excited that I had the new floor to ceiling Ocean View room!!!  Hope I can still get it.

3 hours ago, FlorenceItaly said:

I am still confused as to how this May TA is taking place since they are leaving the ship in Europe.  The ship is being received on September 30 and will stay in Europe.  What am I missing or am I not understanding something?

I agree with you.  Earlier in that virtual thing they hold with Jan once a month she said it would be delivered Sept 30 and stay in Trieste.  They still had to bring ship to FLL for the planned TA in April.  Obviously they just moved the dates and changed the ports for the entire season.

I have that May 8-29 RT Barcelona date.  But I do not like the new itinerary ports on the TA to Rome.  I want to change to Sept 4-18 then 18-25.  Like that combination better.  Hope I can get my same cabin.  I will have my TA call on Oct 2!  Hope that date is for passengers already booked only so they don’t sell out too quickly with everyone make changes.  

Big mess!

1 hour ago, Ombud said:

No FCC as the deposit is to be refunded instead. OBC of 100 - 400. Check your Princess Personalizer.  Princess put mine in already. 2nd TA canceled this month

Garden bunny: it will be canceled  (I think according to: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=732869

Thanks. I found the new itineraries someone posted.  My May 8 is now the TA from FLL to Rome and then the 7 day ports after to May 22.  They have taken out the Mykinos and Athens and Santorini.  Bummer because I was looking forward to going back - last there in 2005.

I do not like itinerary for my dates.  I want to switch to Sept 4-18 N136A and then Sept 18-25 N138.  I am hoping to still board Celebrity Reflection on Sept 28 in Rome to Israel.

We got email today also.  But to do the 21 day RT Barcelona May 8-29 we had to book 2 separate voyages.  The 14 day Barcelona to Athens and the 7 day Athens back to Barcelona.  

We got the notice for the 7 day now being RT Rome with new itinerary to be announced no later than Oct 2.  

Will I get another email about the 14 day??

I am so confused on how they will change route when all the voyages are all Sold Out on Enchanted.

Will they consider my total 21 days as one cruise or will I have to end in Athens after 14 days????

I hate waiting to know until Oct 2.

I have determined that my word of the year 2020 is IF!  I seem to start every sentence with it no matter the subject. 😂

I have always been a bottom line kind of person...tell me what I need to deal with and I’ll take it from there!

A friend told me she was at an event recently that guests were given wrist bands - red, green, yellow. They all naturally wore masks.

Red - I am scared of getting the virus so do not approach me.

Yellow - I am sort of OK with talking one on one at a safe distance

Green - I am fine and want to get on with my life so you can talk to me!

As I see it, those are basically our 3 choices until vaccinations are common place.

On the positive side, if they determine the elderly should get vaccinated in the first wave along with medical workers, we could all start cruising sooner!! 😊

I mentioned this early on in a post that providers were going to have to offer some sort of coverage in order to start traveling again. Read this article today on Flipboard.  
 

https://flip.it/uobuG8

Love the shades of blue colors theme!  Hope Princess will have sort of announcement after Sept 30 that will feature real photos vs design boards.  

Cannot wait to board May 2021.  Been a while since I have been on first year of a new Princess ship.  I think my last was Royal in 2012.

 I have one of the new floor to ceiling ocean view cabins directly on the front of the ship 😊

15 hours ago, ksheehan16 said:

Flu vaccines are available yet, just in the US, millions contact the flu every year and tens of thousands die every year from the flu and not just those who did not get the vaccine. 

I read an article over the weekend that two-thirds in US will not get COVID vaccine if available in early 2021 which could have an affect the “herd immunity”.  Mostly cited felt it was rushed and may not be safe.  Which made me look to get recent percentage of people who get the flu shot every year (remember it is not a vaccine).  Surprised that in 2019 only 47% got  the flu shot.

 I personally feel the vaccine will be safe - all these 7 or more major named companies working on it have too much at stake to risk hiding unsafe results.  I believe H1N1 was produced quickly. (?)

  I think so much of vaccine and new drug development has always been slow due to red tape and countless reams of government paperwork that wait on someones desk in an understaffed department.  (ie, think of right to try...it might be approved in a couple years but by that time you might be dead)

This vaccine due to the nature of its importance for the entire world (not just US) has been given every resource available at no matter what the cost and a green light for moving along at “warp speed”.  I don’t recall any new life saving medication in the last few decades to be given that amount of attention.

Although the media does not give much positive news on the Covid vaccine development I did just read that even Dr Fauci said it should be available by first of year (if not sooner).

I have signed up on all the volunteer sites for testing the shot but have not been called yet.  I am 70 and in good health with no underlying conditions and will take the vaccine with no hesitation.  I really want to take my May 2021 Enchanted Princess in Mediterranean and Celebrity to Israel in late September!

I am old enough to remember standing in line at our neighborhood school for the mass vaccination program for the polio vaccine with the sugar cube!  

We had just booked this cruise on Star for Alaska August 2021 on 8/25!!  Got notice this morning.  

We were replacing our Cunard because they had cancelled the Elizabeth.  I was just looking at Grand deck plans .. Princess said it was refurbished March 2019.  

However with all the “musical ships” redeployment currently being shuffled, I would not be surprised to see it change again before they start saling again!!  

Must be a logistic nightmare for determining ships, crew, ports, provisions....

14 minutes ago, jondfk said:

Now that you've had a positive test you won't be flying home.  You'll be looking for a location near the pier to ride out your quarantine, all at your own cost.  Princess will wash their hands of you immediately upon a positive test.  Doesn't sound like a scenario I'd like to roll the dice on.  Perhaps if I was driving to the pier I'd feel different.

 

A rapid test could be useful for crew and dockside staff.  Test the shoreside personnel every single day.  Test the crew something like every 5th day.  But again, the challenge becomes what do you do when you find an inevitable positive?

That is a good point.  Perhaps until this virus is under control (such as how the seasonal flu currently is) trip insurance may have to temporarily find a way to make exceptions and allow coverage for such situations when you have a positive test and cannot get home.  The current CDC guidelines state you can be around people after 10 days from date of positive test.

If you were to get very ill with seasonal flu and had to stop your trip they cover it.  Contagion with seasonal flu is still high and not everyone gets vaccinated.

There are so many “what ifs” with this virus.