SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, brimary said:

Thanks Terry for the further information and updates from the States.The general trend is going backwards with reference to Cruiseline resumption forecasts and is totally understandable in the drastic circumstances faced worldwide.The industry is so complex because of its appealing nature to transport its clients in luxury around the World with only a flight at either end of the length of cruise taken. Our chosen preference has been 30/40 day cruises.

 

Kind comment and follow-up above from the wise and experienced brimary.  Excellent insight about the cruise industry being "SO COMPLEX"!!  That does make a key point as to the challenges in the re-opening for world-wide sailing.  If cruising was a "simpler" business model, things could be done more quickly when we are at that stage in beating down the Covid virus, having widespread vaccine use, etc.  

 

From CNBC cable news two days ago, they had this headline: “Johnson & Johnson plans to have 100 million vaccines for Americans by spring, board member says” with this key summary point: "During remarks at the White House on Thursday, the government’s top infectious disease doctor Anthony Fauci said that Johnson & Johnson would have enough data on its vaccine to begin analysis within a week or two."

 

Here are more of their reporting highlights: “Johnson & Johnson board member Dr. Mark McClellan told CNBC that 'if the clinical trial works out,' the company could significantly increase the nation’s Covid vaccine supply availability within the coming weeks.   'I do know that J&J is making a very large supply, going all out with its production, both here in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world, with the goal of having perhaps enough vaccines for 100 million Americans by spring, by this April or so,' said the former FDA Commissioner in a Thursday evening interview on 'The News with Shepard Smith.'   During remarks at the White House on Thursday, the government’s top infectious disease doctor Anthony Fauci said that Johnson & Johnson would have enough data on its vaccine to begin analysis within a week or two. McClellan told host Shepard Smith that the most important thing for the company’s vaccine is the large scale clinical trial that is under way now.   'It’s going to be challenging, but I think the supply will be there over the next couple of months to vaccinate even more than 100 million Americans,' said McClellan, a health policy expert with Duke University.”

 

Good news in my view!!  Getting two more vaccines approved in the next month or so would make a major, positive difference.  See, it is not all negative, bad news??!!  Reactions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/21/jj-plans-to-have-100-million-vaccines-for-americans-by-spring-board-member-says.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 47,709 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal with the past hour this morning, they had this headline: “Cruises and Covid-19: When U.S. Sailings Could Restart and What Safety Precautions Are Expected” with this sub-head: "Carnival, other operators are looking to resume trips next year, but health officials say cruises are high risk and require changes first."

 

Here some of their story highlights: “The operators are promising to resume sailing in the U.S. in 2021, but health officials want them to clear certain requirements first. Here is what you need to know:  When will cruise ships sail again in the U.S.?  Major cruise lines keep pushing back their restart dates as coronavirus cases continue rising in the U.S.  Royal Caribbean: It has suspended U.S. and most global sailings through April 30. Certain sailings have been pushed further into 2021. The timing for U.S. voyages ultimately depends on receiving a permit from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is requiring operators to conduct mock sailings and apply for a certificate at least 60 days before offering passenger cruises.  Is it safe to go on a cruise?   The CDC discourages cruise travel, including river cruises, around the world. In November, the agency raised its assessment of the risk of cruise travel to 'very high' as the U.S. and other parts of the world saw a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.  What will be different when cruises are permitted to and from the U.S.?  Shorter Trips: The CDC said initial itineraries can’t be longer than seven days.  Reduced Capacity: Executives have said early sailings will be at reduced capacity. The Singapore trip in December operated at less than half capacity, Royal Caribbean said. Expect socially distanced seating on pool decks and in restaurants.  Limited Itineraries: Cross-border regulations remain a challenge for cruise operators, whose ships were left stranded at sea throughout the pandemic because ports wouldn’t let passengers and crew disembark. Companies will make the most out of their private islands in the Caribbean, destinations that offer controlled settings.  Testing: Covid-19 testing, like in other travel settings, will also be a fixture. All passengers and crew members must be laboratory tested for the disease when arriving at and leaving the ship, the CDC said. Will I get a refund if a trip is canceled or cut short?  Yes. Major cruise lines are offering more flexible cancellation policies that let passengers get cash refunds or credits toward future trips. The latter option lets cruise companies save cash, as they aren’t generating revenue without sailings. What does the CDC recommend after travel on cruises?  Cruise passengers should get tested three to five days after their trip and stay home seven days after travel, even if they have tested negative for Covid-19, the CDC said. Those who don’t get tested should stay home for 10 days after travel, the agency added.”

 

Like or dislike these various rules and conditions?  Why?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruises-and-covid-19-when-u-s-sailings-could-restart-and-what-safety-precautions-are-expected-11607941801

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 37,173 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From the Miami Herald this afternoon in the heart of the cruise ship industry, they had this headline: “All travelers to U.S., no matter where they’re coming from, need negative COVID-19 test” with these highlights: “Starting Tuesday, all travelers to the U.S. will have to test negative for COVID-19 within three days before their flights, even if the country they are flying from has low testing capacity.  In a last minute switch to the rule first announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Jan. 12, airlines will not be allowed to apply for a waiver for countries where it is difficult or impossible for their passengers to get a negative COVID-19 test result within three days. The agency eliminated the provision that allowed for waivers over the weekend, leaving some Caribbean governments spinning to keep up with the changing rules and protect their economies.  The change to the rule comes after President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week that made masks mandatory on public transportation and tasked several federal agencies with reviewing how best to implement a quarantine requirement for international travelers upon their arrival to the U.S. On Monday, the Biden administration re-implemented an entry ban on nearly all non-U.S. travelers who have recently visited Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in Europe, and will add South Africa to that list on Saturday. 'To align with the new executive orders from President Biden and to further reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC is removing the option for airlines or other aircraft operators with flights from countries that lack testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2 to apply for two-week waivers from the order,' said CDC spokesperson Caitlin Shockey via email. 'With the US already in surge status, the testing requirement for all air passengers will help slow the spread of the virus as we work to vaccinate the American public.'  Since the CDC announced the testing rule, Caribbean governments and hoteliers have been meeting in hopes of responding to the increased demand for tests — and saving their pandemic-crushed tourism industry.”

 

Clearly, this announcement drives home the point that getting cruising back and running smoothly will require "fixing" the airline portion  of the overall travel connection "puzzle".  Getting from the UK to Florida cruise, as an example, has just become more complex and challenging.  Right or wrong??

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article248746245.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 31,385 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[worldtraveller99]

We have moved our Alaska cruise, Terry, to 2022. I sincerely trust that vaccination will halt the virus and things can go back to some sort of normality then. At the moment all travel is cancelled (including our Christmas market river cruise this November which has also moved to 2022). So for us 2021 is another flat year like 2020 - but if we can stay healthy that is a boost! Have just heard that a friend's father has died of COVID even though their whole family social distanced and isolated. Plus the entire travel, tourism, entertainment, retail, hospitality etc industries may never recover in our lifetime. And they are terrified here to reopen schools this January. Which is all a disaster. Unfortunately all I can suggest is that they keep vaccinating.

[TLCOhio]

On 1/25/2021 at 5:33 PM, worldtraveller99 said:

We have moved our Alaska cruise, Terry, to 2022. I sincerely trust that vaccination will halt the virus and things can go back to some sort of normality then. At the moment all travel is cancelled (including our Christmas market river cruise this November which has also moved to 2022). So for us 2021 is another flat year like 2020 - but if we can stay healthy that is a boost! Have just heard that a friend's father has died of COVID even though their whole family social distanced and isolated. Plus the entire travel, tourism, entertainment, retail, hospitality etc industries may never recover in our lifetime. And they are terrified here to reopen schools this January. Which is all a disaster. Unfortunately all I can suggest is that they keep vaccinating.

 

Good luck for your Alaska 2022 adventure hopes and plans.  Appreciate these additional above comments, details and follow-ups.  YES, the vaccine efforts are very important.

 

From the Reuters newswire late last night, they had this headline: “U.S. 'actively looking' at mandating COVID-19 testing for domestic air travel” with these highlights: “The Biden administration is 'actively looking' at expanding mandatory COVID-19 testing to travelers on U.S. domestic flights, a senior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official said on Tuesday.  On a call with reporters, Dr. Marty Cetron, director for the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at CDC, was asked about whether new domestic travel testing requirements might be employed. Cetron replied that there were 'conversations that are ongoing and looking at what the types and locations of testing might be... We're actively looking at it.'  Last week, President Joe Biden directed U.S. agencies to make recommendations to 'impose additional public health measures for domestic travel' and to consider new requirements for people crossing land borders.”

 

The CDC is not going to be quick and easy for re-opening!!??  Clearly as I predicted earlier on this thread, this new administration is going to be tough and demanding as to when and how air travel and cruising are opened back up and as movement back to "normal" are allowed.  Right or wrong with that crystal ball outlook??

 

Full story at:

https://news.trust.org/item/20210126222729-wmirw

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 30,361 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

Very good news, mostly, kind of, this morning!!.  

 

From the New York Times this morning, they had this breaking news headline: “Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Offers Strong Protection but Fuels Concern About Variants" with this sub-headline: "The vaccine’s efficacy rate dropped from 72 percent in the United States to just 57 percent in South Africa, where a highly contagious variant is driving most cases.” 

 

Here are some key story highlights: “Johnson & Johnson announced on Friday that its one-dose coronavirus vaccine provided strong protection against Covid-19, potentially offering the United States a third powerful tool in a desperate race against a worldwide rise in virus mutations.  But the  came with a significant cautionary note: The vaccine’s efficacy rate dropped from 72 percent in the United States to 57 percent in South Africa, where a highly contagious variant is driving most cases. Studies suggest that this variant also blunts the effectiveness of Covid vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax. The variant has spread to at least 31 countries, including the United States, where two cases were documented this week.  Johnson & Johnson said that it planned to apply for emergency authorization of the vaccine from the Food and Drug Administration as soon as next week, putting it on track to receive clearance later in February.  'This is the pandemic vaccine that can make a difference with a single dose,' said Dr. Paul Stoffels, the chief scientific officer of Johnson & Johnson.  White House officials have been counting on Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine to ease the shortfall. But the company may only have about seven million doses ready when the F.D.A. decides whether to authorize it, according to federal health officials familiar with its production, and about 30 million doses by early April.”

 

Reactions, questions and comments?

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/health/covid-vaccine-johnson-and-johnson-variants.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 19,339 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[worldtraveller99]

We may have to have more than one vaccination. Personally I do not mind that. The First Minister of Wales has just come on TV and said that now someone in Wales receives the vaccine every 5 seconds. So let me be that lady!  (Though she may be getting fed up with looking like a pin-cushion!)

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Washington Post and Bloomberg News this morning, they had this headline: “Why Vaccines Might Not Be Able to Eliminate Covid-19” with these highlights: “The road to eliminating Covid-19 is long and paved with uncertainty. Many countries are counting on vaccines to build sufficient immunity in their populations so that SARS-CoV-2 isn’t able to find susceptible people to infect, causing transmission of the coronavirus to slow and eventually stop. But even with the rollout of highly effective vaccines, immunization coverage may not reach that level -- the so-called herd immunity threshold -- anytime soon. For one thing, it’s not known what level of immunity is required and whether vaccines will be potent enough to achieve it. There’s also the threat of emerging coronavirus variants that may weaken the effectiveness of immunizations.  1. Can Covid-19 be eradicated?  No. So far, only one human disease -- smallpox -- has been officially eradicated; that is, reduced to zero cases and kept there long-term without continuous intervention measures. 2. What’s elimination?  It’s when efforts to suppress an outbreak have resulted in zero new cases of a disease or infection in a defined area over a sustained period.  3. Will vaccines eliminate Covid-19?  It’s hard to say. It’s not known what proportion of the population needs to have immunity to stop the coronavirus from circulating, or whether even the most potent vaccines will be able to prevent it from spreading. One study estimated that to stop transmission, 55% to 82% of the population would need to have immunity, which can be achieved either by recovering from an infection or through vaccination.  4. How effective will vaccines be?  There’s good evidence that the shots made by Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc. are very effective -- as much as 95% -- at preventing recipients from developing Covid-19 itself. However, data haven’t been released on their ability to prevent people from developing asymptomatic infections or transmitting the virus to others.”

 

Interesting background and insights!!  Much to learn and know for the future.

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/why-vaccines-might-not-be-able-to-eliminate-covid-19/2021/01/29/07fdbece-61f1-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html?amp;amp

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Completed 2019 summer with Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Musse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals and details from our first in these scenic areas!  Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[Lois R]

Good morning, Hi Terry, I have been watching the news this morning about the J&J Vaccine.

A few of the medical people (that I have seen) say if the other 2 vaccines were not available they  would take this one.

But the 95% efficacy of the Moderna/Phizer still gives them the edge. 

 

 

[rucrazy]

Good Morning..

An interesting read from a post by CNN on Travel Insurance and Covid in 2021..

Stay Safe!

Joseph

How much Covid-19 protection does travel insurance offer in 2021? (yahoo.com)

[rucrazy]

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

he 95% efficacy of the Moderna/Phizer still gives them the edge. 

Lois ... YES IT DOES!! so glad we got the Moderna

 

Joseph

Edited January 29, 2021 by rucrazy
spelling

[kimanjo]

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Good morning, Hi Terry, I have been watching the news this morning about the J&J Vaccine.

A few of the medical people (that I have seen) say if the other 2 vaccines were not available they  would take this one.

But the 95% efficacy of the Moderna/Phizer still gives them the edge. 

 

 

Anecdotally, people I know are shot averse.  People just dont like them.  People I know who don't get the flu shot every year are not anti-vaxxers, they just don't like shots.  I think more people will actually go for the J & J.  One and done.  Not to mention people having to take time off for potential side effects for does 2 ( and maybe booster dose 3).  We don't pay people to stay home if they test positive, nor for a day or two to recover from shot.  I just see the demand for J & J as much higher.

[Lois R]

18 minutes ago, kimanjo said:

Anecdotally, people I know are shot averse.  People just dont like them.  People I know who don't get the flu shot every year are not anti-vaxxers, they just don't like shots.  I think more people will actually go for the J & J.  One and done.  Not to mention people having to take time off for potential side effects for does 2 ( and maybe booster dose 3).  We don't pay people to stay home if they test positive, nor for a day or two to recover from shot.  I just see the demand for J & J as much higher.

Good morning, 🙂I don't "like shots" but have no problem getting a flu shot every year.   I plan

on getting whichever is available in this case.  And I have no clue when I will be getting one........

I am 62 and I do have some underlying conditions but up here in Duval County the shots are 

still for the "65 and older group"----from what I keep reading, it is ONLY for

those 65 and up.

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Good morning, Hi Terry, I have been watching the news this morning about the J&J Vaccine.  A few of the medical people (that I have seen) say if the other 2 vaccines were not available they  would take this one.  But the 95% efficacy of the Moderna/Phizer still gives them the edge. 

 

Appreciate these great additional thoughts, comments and follow-ups from Lois, Joseph and kimanjo.  On CBS-TV news this morning, their medical expert said to take whatever vaccine you can get first.  Excellent point, BUT, however, seeing the effectiveness factor of only 66% raises questions in my mind and with my RN wife.  Getting it done with just shot is a key factor on the other side.  Trade-offs??!!   One shot versus two?  Higher effectiveness rate versus lower?

 

Great point/sharing by kimanjo about people who do not like to be getting shots or "jabs"!!!!  Personally, I do not like seeing those needles, especially when they want to draw blood from my hard-to-find veins in a hospital room at 3 in the morning.   The alternatives, however, are not very good.  Give me the shots!! 

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “J&J Covid-19 Vaccine Was 66% Effective in Late-Stage Study"  with this sub-headline: "Based on the positive results, the company plans to seek authorization of the single-dose shot in the U.S. early next month.”

 

Here are some key story highlights: “Johnson & Johnson said its experimental Covid-19 vaccine was 66% effective at protecting people from moderate to severe disease in a large clinical trial, positive results that could pave the way for its deployment across the U.S. within weeks.  The J&J vaccine also appeared to be generally safe and well tolerated among the 44,325 adults aged 18 years and older in the late-stage trial, J&J said Friday, though some of the volunteers reported side effects like fever.  The company, one of the world’s biggest health-care companies, said it would ask American regulators in early February to authorize use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration could take action by the end of February.  If the shot gets a green light, J&J, which has been making shots to be ready should testing pan out, will be able to quickly ship millions of doses, federal officials have said. The company has said it expects to produce more than one billion doses in total this year.  Their addition could give a big lift to a mass vaccination campaign that has started slowly and faced limited supplies.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/j-j-covid-19-vaccine-was-66-effective-in-late-stage-study-11611925201?mod=hp_lead_pos1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 252,748 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[kimanjo]

12 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Good morning, 🙂I don't "like shots" but have no problem getting a flu shot every year.   I plan

on getting whichever is available in this case.  And I have no clue when I will be getting one........

I am 62 and I do have some underlying conditions but up here in Duval County the shots are 

still for the "65 and older group"----from what I keep reading, it is ONLY for

those 65 and up.

Yes, for those of us who are willing to take our required shots, flu, shingles etc, I'm not speaking to those of us who will.  Of my small circle of friends, at least 4 who do not get jabbed of any sort.  I don't think they are the exceptions.  That is about the % of what I read as those who say they will not get the vaccine, for whatever reason they give. If push comes to shove, I think those who are shot averse, I think the single shot J & J will be the thing that pushes them over the line to get any shot.

 

I am 58, with NO underlying conditions.  In my county of 800,000 +, there are 675,000 people ahead of me.  I am looking at May? June?  In the meantime, I do curbside pick-up, haven't been inside a store in 3 weeks, haven't been in a resturant inside or outside since last March.  I've made it this far, I can hold on. I feel very fortunate that I am in a position to stay home/stay safe(er), while my husband goes into work. Reducing our exposure. 

[Stumblefoot]

3 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Excellent point, BUT, however, seeing the effectiveness factor of only 66% raises questions in my mind and with my RN wife.  

66% is a global # that included not just severe cases, but moderate cases of Covid-19 as well.  In severe cases only, that efficacy jumps to 85%.  In addition, the J&J vaccine provided 100% protection against hospitalization and 100% against death.  This includes the South African strain.

 

I believe J&J has already begun a test of a two dose regimen at a 2-month interval.  And, I know they plan another test of a two dose regimen at a 3-month interval.  Why?  Because the J&J vaccine can be stored in refrigerators for 3-months with a temperature between 36° - 46° F.  Hopefully, these additional trials will produce higher efficacy levels just like Pfizer and Moderna found in their studies.

[TLCOhio]

4 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

66% is a global # that included not just severe cases, but moderate cases of Covid-19 as well.  In severe cases only, that efficacy jumps to 85%. I believe J&J has already begun a test of a two dose regimen at a 2-month interval.   Hopefully, these additional trials will produce higher efficacy levels just like Pfizer and Moderna found in their studies.

 

Great additional information/background above from Stumblefoot.  Very interesting and helpful follow-up.  

 

For Lois, yes, it good that you are younger at age 62.  BUT, understand your frustrations in needing to wait longer, especially given your recent medical challenges.  In Ohio, Monday, February 1, starts the "open period" for me and my wife to be able to sign up as we are in that 70-74 age range. Have talked with a number of older friends who have started getting their shots.  There is progress, but it is taking time and patience.     

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 241,212 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[TLCOhio]

Have a couple of potentially-interesting articles to share.  First, from the business-focused Bloomberg News this morning, they had this headline: “Boomers Are Going to Drive a Silver Surge" with this sub-headline: "Companies tend to neglect older generations, focusing instead on millennials and Gen Z. Such a strategy will be costly this year.”

 

Here are some key story highlights: “Companies long to partner with the Kardashians. But in 2021, the family member who businesses should really be keeping up with is 65-year-old momager Kris Jenner. The successful matriarch represents just the type of customer they’ll need to court in the wake of Covid-19.  Many companies have tended to neglect baby boomers, focusing instead on winning over millennials and Generation Z. The strategy could cost them dearly this year. Older generations are set to get vaccinated first. Once they’re inoculated and free to venture out again, they could drive a silver surge in spending — in some of the worst-hit corners of the economy.  Not only will this group have more freedom, but they will also have more money to spend. After all, they’re less likely to have suffered job losses from the pandemic, and having to stay home for nearly a year has only swelled their savings. Already this combination is proving lucrative as seniors rush to book holidays in anticipation of being able to travel again.  It bodes well for battered cruise lines, such as Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which are dependent on older customers.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-01-29/boomers-are-going-to-drive-a-post-covid-silver-surge-not-millennials-gen-z

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 232,162 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[TLCOhio]

8 minutes ago, chrism23 said:

Friends, this thread has been on fire this morning. The vaccines in turn are doing the same, becoming more or less effective, depending on the mutation they are being used against.   Since I am about 188,000 in line in Ct that might take awhile. I suggest we all totally chill.  Next week, there will be different discoveries, different issues, new problems or hopefully some good news.  Right now all I really see is chaos.  

 

Appreciate these above comments and follow-up from our New England friend.  Agree that things and posts here on this thread are good and busy.  BUT, I do see "light at the end of the tunnel".  Everything is not clear and perfect now, but progress has been made since November with the vaccines and what has happened in recent weeks.  Plus, what is ahead in the future months!!  It will take longer that what we desire and there will be many "UPS and DOWNS" during the process before being back to some form of "normal".   

 

From Travel & Leisure magazine, they had this headline: “What the COVID-19 Vaccine Could Mean for Future Travel” with these highlights: “After a year of canceled vacations and more time spent at home than ever before, jet setters are squirming in their seats, anxiously awaiting the moment when they can travel freely and safely. And while there's still no definite answer, there's no doubt that the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine brings with it a renewed sense of hope. 'Both the vaccines suggest they have 95% efficacy against severe disease, but that doesn't mean they have 95% efficacy against infection,' Dr. Thomas Kenyon, chief health officer at Project Hope and 21-year veteran of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told Travel + Leisure. 'I think we're going to have to see how the pandemic evolves. Certainly as incidents decline, your risk declines.'  As travelers bide their time by dreaming up elaborate post-vaccination trips and enjoying virtual visits, the travel industry, is slowly bouncing back. Katherine Estep, managing director of communications at Airlines for America, told T+L that before the pandemic, 'U.S. airlines were transporting a record 2.5 million passengers a day.' At its lowest in late April 2020, passenger volume was down 96%, while as of Jan. 15, 2021, A4A airlines (including United, Delta, and American) are down by approximately 58%, according to Estep.  Many medical experts believe the solution to this uncertainty is herd immunity, which occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to infection through vaccination or previous infection. Kenyon says, 'Based on past experiences with vaccines, once we reach higher levels of vaccinations — 70 to 80% — the virus can no longer find enough hosts to create an outbreak.' ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/travel-trends/covid-vaccine-travel-impact

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 89,482 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

From that previous article posted, below is their chart from the Federal Reserve to make the point for the wealth and buying power for those who are older.  Interesting data!!.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

[Randyk47]

How about this piece of news?   https://news.yahoo.com/source-canada-quarantine-travelers-hotels-153046943.html  Basically closes Canada until May.   Could spell a significant delay in the Alaska season.   Realize Silversea didn’t have a big presence in Alaska.

Edited January 29, 2021 by Randyk47

[tgh]

In their enthusiasm for personal protection from active Covid, folks forget that although vaccinated , they may still carry and spread the disease.

How many countries with limited vaccination programs , will welcome a ship or aeroplane load of happy  super spreaders?

This is a long game and we are just at the beginning.

 

 

[TLCOhio]

20 hours ago, tgh said:

In their enthusiasm for personal protection from active Covid, folks forget that although vaccinated , they may still carry and spread the disease.  How many countries with limited vaccination programs, will welcome a ship or aeroplane load of happy  super spreaders?

This is a long game and we are just at the beginning.

 

Excellent above comment from tgh regarding, very correctly, as to how this is definitely "A LONG GAME"!!  Point well taken.  Getting effective vaccines for the staff is vital.    

 

Also, good follow-ups from Randy and our West Hartford friends.  Canada is being tough and aggressive in its rules and this summer's travel season there is in serious question.  Sure glad in late July and early August 2019 that we were able to explore western Canada, Vancouver, Alaska, etc.  Great experience and fun!!

 

From Forbes magazine this morning, they had this headline on a column by their experienced travel expert: “Is It Safe To Travel Yet? Here's The Definitive Answer” with his key highlights: “It's a confusing time to be a traveler. Many airlines, hotels and travel advisors promise it's safe to book a vacation. But health officials are telling you to stay home.  So who's right?Both are. (Told you this was confusing.)  It's safe to book a vacation — new consumer-friendly refund rules mean you won't lose your entire trip if you cancel — but not necessarily to take one. Health officials are correct, too. You should stay home, particularly if you're in an at-risk group. The exception: If you've had both shots and waited the required 10 days to develop your antibodies, you can probably safely travel now.  But there's more to it than that.  Here are the facts:  1. Travelers are anxious about taking a trip, with many saying they'll skip a vaccination and a vacation in the near future. 2. Overall traveler sentiment for 2021 is so-so, at best.  3. People who travel are choosing safe, remote destinations.  4. Travel for everyone won't be safe until later this year.  Travelers are skittish about getting back out there, even though vaccines are becoming more available. Interestingly, a new Harris Poll survey finds that only about half of Americans plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it's available to them. About 1 in 5 (21%) do not plan to, and a quarter (25%) are unsure, according to the poll. The 65-plus group was the most travel-shy, with roughly 50% saying they were staying put. Respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 were most likely to travel (64 percent).”

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2021/01/30/is-it-safe-to-travel-yet-heres-the-definitive-answer/?sh=138c2e129bfc

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 67,933 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

From this below connected trade publication, CruiseHive, today, they had this headline: “Should We Forget About the 2021 Alaska Cruise Season?” with these highlights: “The Alaska Cruise season is becoming ever more unlikely now that Canada is tightening its travel regulations, COVID-19 vaccination requirements, and PCR testing regime. Without Canada, the Alaskan cruise season will be unlikely to take place.  On January 29, the Government of Canada announced new rules on international travel, in addition to the multi-layered approach on COVID-19 already in place.  The government and Canada’s airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021, while travelers from the U.S. are only allowed to enter Canada for essential travel, and with negative PCR tests taken 72 hours before entering the country.”

 

Here is more: "But why is Canada important for the Alaska season? Any passengers transported between U.S. ports must do so on vessels built in the U.S., owned by U.S. companies, sailing under the U.S. flag, and adhere to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.  This law, which is called the passenger services act, requires a foreign-flagged vessel to leave the U.S. at least once on a cruise that starts and ends in U.S. ports. Failure to comply would be costly."

 

This is the so-called (and in my view totally out-dated Jones Act) that means you cannot effectively do Alaska cruises without starting and/or stopping in Canada.  We might forget that Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, etc., are not U.S. based, nor able to follow the rules to meet the Jones Act without involving Canada.  Right?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cruisehive.com/should-we-forget-about-the-2021-alaska-cruise-season/46605

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 50,792 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[QueSeraSera]

May be an opportunity for a US based cruise line (or for Silversea to move from the Bahamas)

[cruiseej]

There are several small US-based cruise lines which do cruises in Alaska, like Explor Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. But no major cruise lines are going to re-incorporate in the US to be able to do 7 day cruises in Alaska.