Not cruising this winter? What are your plans?!

[chemmo]

25 minutes ago, govanguy said:

Blackpool for the Illuminations.

 

So hope that hotels, restaurants etc stay open until the New Year...a break from home for many and a lifeline for many businesses...

[Tapi]

We are headed to Puerto Rico for a week. We already went in July and had a wonderful, socially distanced time. We stayed at a secluded beachfront house where we had the beach pretty much all to ourselves the entire time. We are planning on doing the same for our upcoming trip. 
 

By the way, I work for an airline, and during the last few weeks I’ve been operating flights to Cancún. Every single flight has been operating to (Covid) capacity, both going and returning. And the Cancun airport looks like it did before the pandemic started. All gates occupied, all restaurants and businesses open, and the terminal packed with travelers. 

[WonderMan3]

We had a Princess Caribbean cruise for December that was cancelled but we would've wound up cancelling anyway if it was still scheduled and the virus situation was as it is now. We won't be flying anywhere anytime soon. We are tentatively considering doing a road trip to visit casinos in MA, RI and CT for a week or so in November. Since these places have become non-smoking for now and have lots of new safety procedures and require masks at all times we feel like we could social distance and be safe wearing masks and goggles. We won't be socializing with anyone. We won't eat in any restaurants and will just do take out while driving or take it back to our hotel room. We will bring sanitizer and cleaner to wipe down any machines we play and any hotel room when we first enter. This is all dependent on how the virus does in the New England area. If numbers go up again significantly then we won't go. We have really gone nowhere since February beyond the occasional trip to the store and one outside dining trip so I feel like we need to try and get out there and learn how to live safely within a COVID world since this could potentially go on until the end of next year or beyond and we can't stay in our house forever. If we do this trip and feel safe and it works out well then we might do another in the winter.

[loupana]

5 hours ago, mom says said:

We are considering an AI in Cuba for a couple of weeks in Feb. The one we have our eye on is adults only, and with a policy of reduced capacity.  Since we would likely fly business class, we consider the flight risk acceptable. It all depends on how the COVID situation looks in Cuba later in the year.

 

Yes, we are thinking of doing the same. But only if the 14 day quarantine once we return is lifted, we'll see how things unfold in the next few months.

[phoenix_dream]

We have back-up reservations in Florida and in Arizona. Whether we actually go depends on the state of those areas at the time. Other than flying, we feel just about as safe traveling as at home, choosing outside attractions like gardens, state parks, zoos, etc., eating outdoors, wearing masks as appropriate, etc.  We have a couple medical grade masks stored to use on an airplane.  Not risk free, but may be possible depending on the infection rates at the time.  I would guess Arizona more likely as Florida seems to be opening too much lately IMHO.

[downsmead]

We have a weekend planned on the Isle of Wight - the island that ships pass as they leave Southampton. We have travelled the world but never visited there. We also have a couple of days booked at a lovely hotel in Norfolk. Current regulations dictate that all bars / restaurants are closed by 10pm so no late nights 😂.

We also have a week in Mexico planned in a December - a package AI trip, but although looking forward to it immensely, have doubts that it will happen. Next booked (true) cruise is not until September 2021.

[sakigemcam]

12 minutes ago, downsmead said:

We have a weekend planned on the Isle of Wight - the island that ships pass as they leave Southampton. We have travelled the world but never visited there. We also have a couple of days booked at a lovely hotel in Norfolk. Current regulations dictate that all bars / restaurants are closed by 10pm so no late nights 😂.

We also have a week in Mexico planned in a December - a package AI trip, but although looking forward to it immensely, have doubts that it will happen. Next booked (true) cruise is not until September 2021.

 

Why do you think Mexico won't happen? Due to your own concerns or due to resort issues?

[Ontario Cruiser]

UNFORTUNATELY  We will stay home. I fear our cruising days are over. My husband is 94.and I am 83 we had to cancel the Infinity  crossing last April we  might have to cancel our Xmas plans with our children  which breaks my heart.

We could go to an AI but flying seems a little scary. So for now the big excitement is going to Aquafit. Hopefully it won't  be too cold here in Peterborough.  So stay safe everyone.

Ontario Cruiser

[downsmead]

It is not on the UK approved list at present. I am confident about the resort but unless Mexico is on the approved list, the package will be cancelled.

[hawkesbaynz]

Unfortunately we have flights to Brazil and return from Chile for our South American cruise in December. Doubt the cruise will happen ( have cancelled anyway) but British Airways refuse to allow us to Lift & shift. Hopefully they will if this debacle continues.
 

Brazil, Chile, USA and most of mainland America not on the UK approved  list😪

[PhillyTravelBug]

I will probably just do a little bit of skiing locally, and plan to save for a cruise for 2021 or 2022. Most importantly, I will be debt free next year...so I’m really focused on obtaining that. 

[Ozzmund]

Longboat Key near Sarasota. Owning a condo there is great, having a brother who owns one and let's you stay there is even better.

[Covepointcruiser]

With Florida opening way too soon, I would count on the virus super spreading very soon.    If you live in a low or no virus area it’s better to stay home this winter.   All Inclusives only makes sense if you love to drink and sit in the sun.   They also have water sports and that may be of interest to a few. Food has never been more than satisfactory.   Since the kids are not in school, you will see many teenagers and young adults who can attend classes virtually.   

[baldilocks]

We are staying home until our February 15th cruise (if it goes without too many requirements). It is a little boring, but we have a wooded 1.5 acre lot that makes it nice to sit outside. Plenty of deer passing through. We had 7 tonight on our property. They are nice to look at, but here in GA they do a lot of damage to plants....and vehicles. We also have hawks, squirrels, buzzards, rabbits, little lizards (the cats chase them), coyotes, and the neighbor's cows to keep us company. We even had a neighbor spot a black bear this summer. It is our little piece of heaven on earth. 

[Luckynana]

 

We will be spending our winter in our condo in Naples.

[alwaysonaship]

We have no plans, but fortunately we live in Arizona so we will not suffer through a long winter. We just don’t feel safe going anywhere or flying until there is a vaccine.

[miched]

I am looking forward to staying at home and enjoying blowing/shoveling snow. 
We have no earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wild fires, smog, or devastating  winds.  
 

I live in the boring state of Michigan.  Near the big D that was the murder captipal but we even lost that title. 🤷‍♂️  

 

During the winter we have all of the comforts of home, heat, large screen TV, Recteq grill, Jura Giga 5 coffee machine, access to all the bourbon we like and drink daily, comfortable  Ekornes stressless chairs, Reverie split king adjustable bed,  and am retired and can enjoy everything I work worked hard for.

 

Life is great even without cruising, and would rather visit our family and friends and enjoy their company.   It is a lot cheaper and safer.  

Will or do I miss cruising?   Lived for many year without it.   It is not an essential of life.  

 

Happy cruising to you that will 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅
 

Edited October 1, 2020 by miched

[miched]

4 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

With Florida opening way too soon, I would count on the virus super spreading very soon.    If you live in a low or no virus area it’s better to stay home this winter.   All Inclusives only makes sense if you love to drink and sit in the sun.   They also have water sports and that may be of interest to a few. Food has never been more than satisfactory.   Since the kids are not in school, you will see many teenagers and young adults who can attend classes virtually.   

Before our first cruise we did many AI.  They were OK but in reality served cheap liquors, beer and rather low quality food.  Like you wrote it mainly  consisted of laying around in the sun all day drinking.    Entertainment was very poor  and for the most part there wasn’t any.  Most meals were buffets.  I know things may have improved but the last AI we stayed at was Sandals 10 years ago.     Our TA raved about how great it was and everything was premium.  A lot of BS and over hype, beer was on tap and limited varieties of spirits.  Drinks were served in plastic cups,  no servers.  Very disappointing for the money we spent.   We could have stayed in a Sky Suite on X for less with all the perks, better food, room, service, drinks and etc,  at today’s prices and and still had money for other  things.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

[anniedave]

Great to see a positive thread. We were lucky enough to have a cruise ( our first cruise) in Jan this year and have another cruise booked for Feb 2022  so I'm hoping I can start planning soon 🤞

 We aren the UK and this year we were also due to have a 10 day holiday/ music  festival in Spain and 3 more weekend music festivals & a caravan holiday in the UK which were  all cancelled. Instead we had a lovely week in a self catering cottage in Derbyshire in the UK  and  whilst there enjoyed the countryside & socially distanced visits with family. We have enjoyed spending lots of time in our garden- we planted lots of flowers & have a squirrel family in a tree  , we have a lazy spa & my husband built a lovely waterfall for our pond. Also for the first time ever ( been together 23 yrs) we are going away for Christmas. Only for 4 days to a local seaside to a self catering  flat with a sea view but its something to look forward to. All our festival bookings have been carried over to next year so our hope for next year is that we will be able to enjoy those & plan our 2022 cruise 😁

[dcyonce]

Disappointedly, we canceled our January cruises yesterday. We decided that as long as we were "only allowed to leave the ship on cruise sponsored excursions", we were NOT giving Celebrity $55,000. Until we are permitted to tour on our own (visit friends, places WE want see) then we will not be cruising.

 

Celebrity was very nice about canceling. We received all of our deposits refunded to my AMEX. The Zenith Desk said they had a waitlist for our suites.

 

Instead of cruising, we will be spending January in Florida (Key West, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando). Maybe island hop for a couple weeks. Haven't decided yet.

 

[cantstopingcruising]

10 hours ago, miched said:

I am looking forward to staying at home and enjoying blowing/shoveling snow. 
We have no earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wild fires, smog, or devastating  winds.  
 

I live in the boring state of Michigan.  Near the big D that was the murder captipal but we even lost that title. 🤷‍♂️  

 

During the winter we have all of the comforts of home, heat, large screen TV, Recteq grill, Jura Giga 5 coffee machine, access to all the bourbon we like and drink daily, comfortable  Ekornes stressless chairs, Reverie split king adjustable bed,  and am retired and can enjoy everything I work worked hard for.

 

Life is great even without cruising, and would rather visit our family and friends and enjoy their company.   It is a lot cheaper and safer.  

Will or do I miss cruising?   Lived for many year without it.   It is not an essential of life.  

 

Happy cruising to you that will 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅
 

So...what are Recteq grill, Jura Giga 5 coffee machine and Ekornes stressless chair?

[Alushar]

We were very lucky that we had a full cruise in February the only issue being it started and ended in Dubai as Singapore closed.

 

We had an Ireland and Iceland cruise booked for September which we lift and shifted and used some of that holiday time for a stay in the New Forest in a lovely cottage not far from Southampton. In fact a trip along the coastal road we were able to see several P & O and Cunard ships moored up! 

 

We couldn't believe how good it felt to pack a case again after a tough 6 months.

 

We are due to spend a week in Wales beginning of November but many Welsh areas are going into local lockdown so that's under threat.

 

Strangely one of the safest places for us to go at moment is Italy and it seems like there are no crowds. They are under control at moment so we will keep monitoring this and may dive off to Venice or Rome if Wales is cancelled.

 

Our next cruise is Spain and France from Southampton with a BTB Norwegian Fjords on the Silhouette which is obviously under threat

[Pinboy]

10 hours ago, miched said:

Life is great even without cruising, and would rather visit our family and friends and enjoy their company.   It is a lot cheaper and safer.  

Will or do I miss cruising?   Lived for many year without it.   It is not an essential of life.  

 

I couldn't agree more although there are many folks that are '' depressed " over not being able to cruise at this time.

I get " depressed " when I look out the window in the morning and see 20 " of snow that wasn't there the night before.

 

 

 

[d9704011]

6 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

I get " depressed " when I look out the window in the morning and see 20 " of snow that wasn't there the night before.

I see an opportunity to improve my cardiovascular health.

[Fouremco]

1 hour ago, cantstopingcruising said:

So...what are Recteq grill, Jura Giga 5 coffee machine and Ekornes stressless chair?

BBQ, coffee maker, chair. Google for further details.