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

[TLCOhio]

High on our to-do cruising wish list is India.  But, sadly, the Covid news from there is bad and getting worse.   A part of the attraction with Silversea is that they normally offer unique and exotic ports such as in India.  

 

From CNBC cable news this morning, they had this headline: “India’s daily Covid-19 cases pass 400,000 for first time as second wave worsens” with these highlights: “India posted a record daily rise of 401,993 new coronavirus cases on Saturday as the country opened up its massive vaccination drive to all adults, although several states warned of acute shortages.  It was the first time India’s daily case count had topped 400,000 after 10 consecutive days over 300,000. Deaths from Covid-19 jumped by 3,523 over the past 24 hours, taking the total toll in India to 211,853, according to official data.  The world’s biggest producer of Covid-19 vaccines has a limited number of shots available, worsening a grim second wave of infections that has overwhelmed hospitals and morgues while families scramble for scarce medicines and oxygen.  Hundreds of people were seen queuing to be vaccinated across Ahmedabad, the main commercial city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, on Saturday.   The chief minister of the hard-hit state of Delhi on Friday implored people not to queue at vaccination centers, promising more vaccines would arrive 'tomorrow or the day after'. India’s eastern Odisha state said  on Friday it had received a consignment of 150,000 shots but would only allow a few people to get shots due to lockdown restrictions preventing movement.”

 

Here is more from this news story: "Some experts blame mass religious gatherings and political rallies for the severity of India’s second wave, which caught the government unprepared.  A forum of scientific advisers set up by Modi administration warned Indian officials in early March of a new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus taking hold in the country, five scientists who are part of the forum told Reuters."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/india-covid-daily-coronavirus-cases-pass-400000-for-first-time.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 51,233 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

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

As to the earlier comment from Stumblefoot about Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain's hair this past week, now you can judge for yourself.

And, here is how I’ve only ever seen him.

[silkismom]

I like the little sheep grazing in his hair.

[TLCOhio]

15 hours ago, silkismom said:

I like the little sheep grazing in his hair.

 

YES!!  Agree that those sheep do create a unique and different background distraction.  Below is that CNBC visual a little larger where you can better see the sheep ad clouds.  In this "Age of Zoom", you need to be more careful in thinking about your background, lighting, camera angles, etc., than when doing these types of hook-ups with just family members.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Next Generation of Covid-19 Vaccines Could Be Pill or Spray" with this sub-headline: "Drugmakers and government labs are developing doses easier to take and transport to tackle coronavirus variants and avert future pandemics.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “The next generation of Covid-19 vaccines in development could come as a pill or a nasal spray and be easier to store and transport than the current handful of shots that form the backbone of the world-wide vaccination effort.  These newer vaccines, from U.S. government labs and companies including Sanofi SA, Altimmune Inc. and Gritstone Oncology Inc., also have the potential to provide longer-lasting immune responses and be more potent against newer and multiple viral variants, possibly helping to head off future pandemics, the companies say.  Vaccines currently authorized for use in the U.S. from Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE, as well as Moderna Inc., must be transported and stored at low temperatures and require two doses administered weeks apart.  New vaccines could 'constitute some improvement' over those limitations and more easily accommodate vaccination efforts in rural areas, said Gregory Poland, professor and vaccine researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. 'You will see second-generation, third-generation vaccines,' he said.   There are 277 Covid-19 vaccines in development globally, of which 93 have entered human testing, according to the World Health Organization. Most of the vaccines in clinical testing are injected, but there are two oral formulations and seven nasal-spray formulations. If proven to safely protect people from Covid-19, the new vaccines could serve as boosters in the U.S., where a majority of the adult population is expected to be inoculated by summer with currently authorized vaccines.”

 

GOOD NEWS!!  To solve this challenge long-term and world-wide, especially for those of us who like the distant and exotic ports that Silversea offers, this kind of medical progress can be very meaningful.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/next-generation-of-covid-19-vaccines-could-be-pill-or-spray-11620034381?mod=hp_lead_pos7

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 48,265 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[TLCOhio]

From the USA Today Travel Section over this past weekend, they had this headline: “Port Canaveral becomes first US port to start vaccinating cruise ship crews” with these highlights: “Port Canaveral has become the first U.S. port to coordinate COVID-19 vaccine distribution to cruise ship crew members ahead of a possible return to cruising in July.  The vaccination of crew members will help accelerate a return to cruising.  Under the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, cruise ships can bypass the required simulated test voyages carrying volunteers and jump to sailings with paying passengers if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated.  The start of vaccination at Port Canaveral on Friday follows a public health advisory approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Surgeon General Scott Rivkees. That advisory expanded vaccine eligibility in Florida to include people who are in the state to provide  goods or services for the benefit of residents and visitors of Florida.”

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Port Canaveral was the world's second-busiest cruise port, behind Miami, for cruise passenger counts before the pandemic. Four cruise lines had ships based at Port Canaveral before the pandemic: Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Additionally, MSC Cruises had planned to start cruises out of Port Canaveral last fall.  It also is possible that cruise ships not typically at Port Canaveral will be docking there so crew members can get vaccinated aboard the ships."

 

This is another significant, positive development that points to how cruise ship staffs sailing out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale will be able to obtain their vaccine protection, etc.  It is easier now to see a clearer, forward-looking route for the weeks and months ahead.  Right?  Or, am I missing something? 

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2021/05/01/cruise-covid-vaccinations-port-canaveral/4905928001/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 47,894 views.    

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

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, very interesting information.......I don't think you are missing anything. The sooner the crew gets their shots, the better for all of us.

[Randyk47]

My only concern is how are they going to get the crews to the ships from countries like Philippines, Indonesia, India, etc.    Obviously the numbers are in favor of the smaller ships and lines like Silversea with their smaller crews but still.   Total industry needs something like 600,000+ crew and staff.   

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

My only concern is how are they going to get the crews to the ships from countries like Philippines, Indonesia, India, etc.    Obviously the numbers are in favor of the smaller ships and lines like Silversea with their smaller crews but still.   Total industry needs something like 600,000+ crew and staff.   

 

Appreciate these follow-ups from Lois and Randy.  Yes, there are serious challenges to get ALL of the crew back to the ships.  BUT, the key word is "gradual"!!  It will take many months for the slow process for opening back cruise sailings. That type of "timing" allows more time to get the "gang" back together.  It will not be quick or easy, but I have confidence that they get it done over a five to seven month period.   Doing it all in just a few weeks or a month would be impossible.  Lots of questions and interesting issues. 

 

From long-time, former USA Today travel expert Gene Sloan and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Why kids might be banned from cruise ships when cruising restarts” with these highlights: “You may have heard that the odds are growing for a summer restart of big-ship cruising out of U.S. ports. But if that’s got you thinking about booking a summer cruise with your kids or grandkids, you might want to hold off a bit.  It seems increasingly likely that at least some children will not be allowed on the initial sailings that cruise lines operate out of such U.S. ports as PortMiami and Port Canaveral.  For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s new cruise newsletter.  That’s because cruise lines are under pressure to restart operations out of U.S. ports with a mandate that almost all passengers show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine — something that children under the age of 16 can’t get for now (though that age could drop to 12 this week).”

 

Here is more from his reporting: "On a conference call last week with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean Group executives said they needed to study the CDC’s proposal more closely. But they seemed open to the idea of requiring most passengers on initial sailings out of U.S. ports to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Some of the company’s brands, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, already are requiring adults on some itineraries in Europe and the Caribbean to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/why-kids-might-be-banned-from-cruise-ships-when-cruising-restarts/ar-BB1gkbLk?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 38,377 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the MIAMI HERALD in the heart of the cruise industry this afternoon, they had this breaking news headline: “CDC issues instructions for test cruises with volunteer passengers, and the real thing” with these story highlights: “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued instructions to cruise companies Wednesday for conducting test cruises — a key precursor to restarting revenue cruises from the U.S.  If a cruise ship does not meet a previously established percentage of vaccinated passengers and crew, it will have to conduct at least one test voyage before restarting cruises from the U.S. Test voyages must carry at least 10% of the total passenger capacity permitted by the ports it will visit, made up by volunteer passengers 18 years old or older who agree to be tested for COVID-19 and have their test results recorded after the cruise.  Volunteers who aren’t vaccinated must attest that they are not at high risk of severe COVID-19. Cruise companies will have to end a test cruise if 1.5% COVID-19 cases is detected in passengers or 1% of COVID-19 cases is detected in crew. The CDC hasn’t determined the threshold for ending revenue cruises yet.  Scheduled revenue cruises will be allowed to visit other countries, a contrast to 'cruises to nowhere' expected to be offered in the United Kingdom this summer. Cruise companies must prohibit passengers from exploring destinations on their own and ensure shore excursion companies require masks and social distancing.”

 

Good news?  Or not?

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/article251187759.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 31,648 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[TLCOhio]

Will cruise lines become more inclusive, including for ship excursions?

 

From former USA Today travel writer and expert Gene Sloan and MSN News today, they had this headline: “Why you’re seeing more all-inclusive fares for Holland America cruises” with these highlights: “If you’ve priced a Holland America cruise in recent weeks, the line has added new fares to its reservation system that bundle together lots of 'extras' like drinks and WiFi access. The new 'Have It All' fares include things that Holland America customers have found bundled into fares in the past as part of short-term promotions. But the twist here is that this is no short-term promotion. It’s a permanent change.  Gus Antorcha, the new president of Holland America, says these are here to stay.  Antorcha said the new fare structure was designed after extensive consultation with members of Holland America’s loyalty program.  He said the Have It All fares include: Unlimited drinks, onboard WiFi, dining in an onboard specialty restaurant and at least one and sometimes several free shore excursions.  'Shore excursions [included in the fare] by far was the most desired feature, which intuitively makes sense to me,' Antorcha said, noting that the line’s tour program long has been a top allure for bookers.  Holland America is following rival Celebrity Cruises in moving to a more all-inclusive fare structure. Celebrity late last year unveiled a new Always Included rate structure that included unlimited drinks, WiFi and gratuities in all fares."  

 

Here is more: "Holland America still will offer base fares that don’t include all the extras. The Have It All fares are an alternative choice that are priced higher than the base fares but significantly less than it would cost to buy all of the things in the bundle individually.  The added inclusions in the new Have It All Fares would cost about $99 per person, per day for a passenger to buy individually on a typical seven-night cruise. But the extra cost that passengers pay by choosing a Have It All fare is only about half that much, the line says.”

 

Part of this trend might be related to Covid as these policies can be used to limit the outside, off-ship contacts with people who have not been carefully screened, etc.  Reactions and comments?? 

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tips/why-youre-seeing-more-all-inclusive-fares-for-holland-america-cruises/ar-BB1gnZrf?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

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 30,559 views.

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

Edited May 5, 2021 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section this morning that will be published in their Sunday edition, they had this headline: “The Dream: International Travel. The Reality: Chaos and Confusion." with this sub-headline: "The world beckons, especially for those who have been vaccinated, but would-be travelers face a difficult moment when travel possibilities are at odds with the facts of a still reeling world.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “In recent days, a steady stream of promising news has painted a rosy picture of the return of international leisure travel.  More than 105 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated. Greece, Iceland and Croatia, among a growing list of countries, are now open to American tourists. Airlines are resuming overseas flights. And perhaps the biggest development of all: Come summer, fully vaccinated Americans will once again be welcome across Europe.  But the optimism may be premature. At the moment, the broader reality is more chaotic, and more sobering."

 

Here is more from their analysis: "A set of swirling crosscurrents — including a surge in global coronavirus cases, lagging vaccine rollouts in tourist hot spots and the lack of a reliable system to verify vaccinations — may be setting the stage for a slow and tortured return to high-volume international travel.   Reopening areas to vaccinated tourists is a calculated risk, said Dr. Sarah Fortune, the chair of the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 'My doomsday scenario,' she said, 'is a mixing of vaccinated and unvaccinated populations in a setting where there is high viral load and high viral transmission.'  At the same time, countries dependent on tourism revenue are pressing to admit more visitors. Most Caribbean countries are open to Americans, pending negative coronavirus tests.  For now, it’s hard to know whether the travel industry is in the throes of a temporary transition or staring at the long-term complexities of a clash involving wishful thinking, the hard truths of a relentless pandemic and the possibility of responsible tourism.  Would-be international travelers, particularly vaccinated Americans, are entering an increasingly chaotic moment when dreams of travel — fueled by more than a year of confinement — are at odds with the facts of a largely shuttered and still reeling outside world.”

 

Is this viewpoint . . . and these cautions . . . too pessimistic?  Or, just being realistic and honest?

 

Here is more of the details outlined in this article: "Globally, more new coronavirus cases were reported in recent weeks than at any point since the onset of the pandemic. The numbers are being driven by an uncontrolled outbreak in India, but they also account for troubling trends among European destinations popular with Americans, from France and Germany to Italy and Spain, some of which are now undergoing extended lockdowns and curfews.  In Germany, for example, a new round of lockdowns, aimed at combating a third wave of infections, is expected to last until June."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/05/travel/covid-vaccinated-travel-reality.html

 

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 19,718 views.  Connect at:

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

 

[TLCOhio]

On 5/3/2021 at 2:59 PM, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, very interesting information.......I don't think you are missing anything. The sooner the crew gets their shots, the better for all of us.

 

Appreciate Lois' great comments and follow-up.  Given your upcoming Silversea cruise in Greece this summer, the below article might be of interest.  Do you feel any sense of "risk" with this upcoming "adventure" to Europe and Greece?

 

From the New York Times Travel Section today to be published this weekend, they had this headline: “‘We Cannot Wait Until June’: Greece’s Reopening Gamble" with this sub-headline: "In easing its restrictions, the country, largely dependent on tourist dollars, has jumped ahead of a broader European Union plan to welcome visitors from outside the bloc.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “Greece has reopened to many overseas visitors,jumping ahead of most of its European neighbors in restarting tourism, even as the country’s hospitals remain full and more than three-quarters of Greeks are still unvaccinated.  It’s a big bet, but given the importance of tourism to the Greek economy — the sector accounts for one quarter of the country’s work force and more than 20 percent of gross domestic product — the country’s leaders are eager to roll out the welcome mat.  And although the U.S. State Department recently added Greece to its long list of countries with the designation 'Level 4: Do Not Travel,' Greek officials maintain that — with social distancing measures and testing protocols, alongside the warming weather — tourism in the country will be safe, for visitors and residents alike.  In easing its border restrictions, Greece has jumped ahead of a broader European Union reopening. Among European Union members, Croatia and Cyprus have also already opened to vaccinated and Covid-negative tourists. President Emmanuel Macron of France announced last week that, if the country’s epidemiological situation allows, the country will open on June 9 to all non-European Union visitors, provided that they carry a “health passport,” details of which have yet to be announced. Outside the European Union, but still within Europe, Iceland, Montenegro and Serbia have already taken steps to ease their border restrictions, including for American visitors.  According to the current rules, visitors arriving from the United States, the European Union, Britain, South Korea, Australia and a handful of other countries are now allowed quarantine-free entry into Greece, on the condition that travelers provide proof of Covid vaccination or a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before their arrival. Arriving visitors may also be subject to random, obligatory rapid tests at the airport; anyone with a positive result will be required to quarantine at a Greek hotel along with their traveling companions for at least 10 days, at the expense of the Greek government.”

 

Here is more from their highly-detailed story: "Greece has been in various stages of lockdown since November, with residents subject to a curfew and limits on movement within the country. Shops, schools and cultural institutions have been forced to close, while restaurants and bars have been limited to takeaway service only.  The restrictions gutted the lively cafe culture in Athens, where the past winter was even quieter than usual, said Georgia Nakou, a political and economic analyst for the media outlet MacroPolis. But compliance with the rules has slackened as the weather has warmed, and many Greeks have begun congregating in large numbers in the squares of central Athens. Everyone, it seems, is ready for a break."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/travel/greece-travel-covid-usa.html

 

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/

[taxatty]

The Miami Herald (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article251212754.html?) reports this evening ("DeSantis ban on vaccine proof may send one company’s cruise ships out of Florida") that NCL CEO Frank Del Rio threatened during today's NCL earnings call that it will take its ships elsewhere if under a newly enacted Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis won’t allow NCL to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for its passengers and crew. Del Rio confirmed that if NCL can’t operate in the state of Florida for whatever reason, there are of course other states from which it could (and does) sail, and that NCL could operate from the Caribbean for ships that otherwise would’ve gone to Florida. 

 

Del Rio also indicated that given the 90 days needed to get a ship operational, he believed that U.S. cruises in July won't be possible for the company’s brands.

 

It will be interesting to see if other cruise line execs make similar statements in the coming days, especially Miami-based RCI. 

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by taxatty

[jimdee3636]

1 hour ago, taxatty said:

The Miami Herald (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article251212754.html?) reports this evening ("DeSantis ban on vaccine proof may send one company’s cruise ships out of Florida") that NCL CEO Frank Del Rio threatened during today's NCL earnings call that it will take its ships elsewhere if under a newly enacted Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis won’t allow NCL to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for its passengers and crew. Del Rio confirmed that if NCL can’t operate in the state of Florida for whatever reason, there are of course other states from which it could (and does) sail, and that NCL could operate from the Caribbean for ships that otherwise would’ve gone to Florida. 

 

Del Rio also indicated that given the 90 days needed to get a ship operational, he believed that U.S. cruises in July won't be possible for the company’s brands.

 

It will be interesting to see if other cruise line execs make similar statements in the coming days, especially Miami-based RCI. 

 

I've agreed with quite a few of De Santis's policies over the past few months, but not this one. I think it was the infamous Lt. Calley who said in the Vietnam war that "we had to destroy the village in order to save it." De Santis seems to think that destroying the cruise industry---or at least one of its main players---is the way to save it. I personally think that NCL's insistence on proof of vaccination is the only sensible and workable way to restore the wider public's confidence in cruising. 

[Lois R]

42 minutes ago, jimdee3636 said:

I've agreed with quite a few of De Santis's policies over the past few months, but not this one. I think it was the infamous Lt. Calley who said in the Vietnam war that "we had to destroy the village in order to save it." De Santis seems to think that destroying the cruise industry---or at least one of its main players---is the way to save it. I personally think that NCL's insistence on proof of vaccination is the only sensible and workable way to restore the wider public's confidence in cruising. 

I live here....I haven't agreed with him on anything.  It is "all about him"😠.  Common sense would say knowing everyone on board has had a vaccination is good thing!!

[cece50]

3 hours ago, Lois R said:

I live here....I haven't agreed with him on anything.  It is "all about him"😠.  Common sense would say knowing everyone on board has had a vaccination is good thing!!

I live here also.....I have agreed with almost everything our Gov has implemented during these challenging times. The most important being putting seniors (the most vulnerable) first.  He was successful in getting the vaccine out into the population at an astonishing rate. That’s not putting himself first.  Taking political leanings out of the equation, we must look at the results & our quality of life here in Florida.  We have been living fairly freely for many many months, our schools totally open with no issues, while children in other states fall behind academically, socially and psychologically.   I have to remind myself that the vaccine was a no brainer for me and my husband, but I do pause when considering my young adult and young school age grandchildren who are not at such risk and much is not known about the future implications of this vaccine (which does not actually have FDA approval).  I think our Government needs to step back from mandates as such.  

Meanwhile, back in the cruise industry that is grasping at every straw to survive, vaccines are their only hope, I have every faith that our governor will revisit and give the industry an exemption based on its’ unique situation especially for the large ships.  He is a smart man and knows the cruise industry in Florida is counting on him to play the game that has been thrust upon him. People will then have to decide if vaccinating their children is worth that particular vacation. Based on today’s news from the CDC, I can’t imagine anyone would take a cruise out of a US port anytime soon.  The protocols seem more like a prison than a fun cruise.  The CDC is the real problem for the cruise industry. 

I still believe that vaccine mandates are a violation of our constitution.  People should always have the right to decide

& live with their decision.  As long as one feels the need to be vaccinated, they should rest easy that they are safe.  Otherwise, what’s the point! 

Edited May 7, 2021 by cece50

[worldtraveller99]

It is difficult, because there are 2 types of ship. The smaller, possibly more expensive ones, with very few children - where it would be easy for everyone to be fully vaccinated - and the larger family ones - where I think it would be impossible. And do those ships in fact subsidise ours?

 

We have just received the (online only) Tauck river cruises brochure for 2022 - our forthcoming Tauck Christmas Market cruise is in November 2022. They have a whole page asking for a PCR test within 5 days before reaching them (about $120 each at the moment in the UK) and also for masks to be worn almost all the time. I guess you have to carry a drink around with you (not difficult) and if challenged sip from it! No mention of a vaccine. Personally I would rather everyone were fully vaccinated (as we will be) and leave off the masks!

[cece50]

14 minutes ago, worldtraveller99 said:

It is difficult, because there are 2 types of ship. The smaller, possibly more expensive ones, with very few children - where it would be easy for everyone to be fully vaccinated - and the larger family ones - where I think it would be impossible. And do those ships in fact subsidise ours?

 

We have just received the (online only) Tauck river cruises brochure for 2022 - our forthcoming Tauck Christmas Market cruise is in November 2022. They have a whole page asking for a PCR test within 5 days before reaching them (about $120 each at the moment in the UK) and also for masks to be worn almost all the time. I guess you have to carry a drink around with you (not difficult) and if challenged sip from it! No mention of a vaccine. Personally I would rather everyone were fully vaccinated (as we will be) and leave off the masks!

I agree.  These large ships here in Florida are a concern.  They are a great vacation for working families and grandparents alike.  I hope our governor, who I admire, will support vaccines just so these ships can start sailing, but I don’t think it’s going to work with children at this time.  I would not want to be a Disney Cruise executive right now.   Our governor is on the record against mandates, as am I, but let’s see how fully vaccinated cruises go and then work from there.  The CDC on the other hand is bizarre . I wrote our governor this evening to say that if he supports vaccines, the CDC protocols will look pretty ridiculous on a fully vaccinated cruise.  

Edited May 7, 2021 by cece50

[Lois R]

7 hours ago, cece50 said:

I live here also.....I have agreed with almost everything our Gov has implemented during these challenging times. The most important being putting seniors (the most vulnerable) first.  He was successful in getting the vaccine out into the population at an astonishing rate. That’s not putting himself first.  Taking political leanings out of the equation, we must look at the results & our quality of life here in Florida.  We have been living fairly freely for many many months, our schools totally open with no issues, while children in other states fall behind academically, socially and psychologically.   I have to remind myself that the vaccine was a no brainer for me and my husband, but I do pause when considering my young adult and young school age grandchildren who are not at such risk and much is not known about the future implications of this vaccine (which does not actually have FDA approval).  I think our Government needs to step back from mandates as such.  

Meanwhile, back in the cruise industry that is grasping at every straw to survive, vaccines are their only hope, I have every faith that our governor will revisit and give the industry an exemption based on its’ unique situation especially for the large ships.  He is a smart man and knows the cruise industry in Florida is counting on him to play the game that has been thrust upon him. People will then have to decide if vaccinating their children is worth that particular vacation. Based on today’s news from the CDC, I can’t imagine anyone would take a cruise out of a US port anytime soon.  The protocols seem more like a prison than a fun cruise.  The CDC is the real problem for the cruise industry. 

I still believe that vaccine mandates are a violation of our constitution.  People should always have the right to decide

& live with their decision.  As long as one feels the need to be vaccinated, they should rest easy that they are safe.  Otherwise, what’s the point! 

Since your reply was in response to mine......I will only say, we will just have to agree to disagree.

 

[cece50]

4 hours ago, Lois R said:

Since your reply was in response to mine......I will only say, we will just have to agree to disagree.

 

Certainly, Lois.  That’s what makes America great.  Agree to disagree with respect.  Hopefully, we will always have that right.  Enjoy your cruise, looking forward to your feedback. 

[QueSeraSera]

10 hours ago, Lois R said:

we will just have to agree to disagree.

 

6 hours ago, cece50 said:

Agree to disagree with respect.

 

Could you both please run for congress?

[Lois R]

No, no, no, no.........well, I can only speak for myself.  I would end up doing something crazy...like telling all of them to stop the fighting and get to work. 

 

Seriously, I could NEVER be part of it.......I am a news junkie here at home but that is where it is....home. 

[cece50]

2 hours ago, QueSeraSera said:

 

 

Could you both please run for congress?

 

Thanks for that vote (wink wink) of confidence, but I’m with Lois. Not for me.  However, my husband was approached shorty after his “first” retirement at age 50 to run for the Congressional Seat in our district in NJ where we lived at the time.  He is a retired businessman and knew that his main job as Rep would be to raise money for the next election, not to accomplish any real problem solving.  His business did give him the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in DC. Personally, I think he would have made an awesome Senator, but was recruited back to work, which is his real passion.  Even today, in this retirement he is busier than ever.  Giving back.  His passion is grandkids & baseball & college football, and mine is grandkids & travel. Brought up in wonderful working class families in Pennsylvania, the first generation of our families to go to college, we vote, we respect all opinions (mostly while gritting our teeth).  It’s the best we can do besides praying that the craziness can stop for our grandchildren’s sake.  I am a firm believer that travel opens our minds & hearts as we traveled extensively for business. We were relatively new to cruising when the world turned upside down and we really miss it. 

Edited May 8, 2021 by cece50

[Lois R]

We agree on that part.........we ALL miss cruising.  I have been cruising for almost 20 years now....on a regular basis.......the past 18 months have been a real PITA (for all of us).