No masks or social distancing on cruises!!

[balcony bound]

Just now, cscurlock said:

I am saying that it should be the cruise lines who pay the cost because the guy in Colorado is not on the cruise and his tax dollars are being used.  It should not be the American taxpayer.  Why should he pay for someone else's failed vacation?  The cruise lines are making a profit on this so why does he have to pay for that?

I hear what you are saying.  I don't actually know who foot the bill for some of that, can't find the answer but I'm not assuming one way or the other.  But I don't think you could call what happened a failed vacation, it was a worldwide pandemic, yes, vacations were ruined but it was more of a health issue, not a vacation issue.  Going forward I do believe it's a different situation.

 

And lots of states/individuals don't benefit from federal dollars spent on a ton of things.  I wish I had some say in where my tax money goes and how it is spent, but I don't get to say who it benefits.

[BlerkOne]

30 minutes ago, cscurlock said:

 I think its not even close to what American companies pay.  

What percentage does Amazon pay? 

[firefly333]

And that's probably why the cdc is making the cruise lines have these medical agreements in ports. Galveston was finalized. Have you looked at the cso at all. Sounds like some wrong assumptions. 

 

Let's just get back to cruising. All these what ifs drive me nuts. 

[cscurlock]

2 minutes ago, balcony bound said:

I hear what you are saying.  I don't actually know who foot the bill for some of that, can't find the answer but I'm not assuming one way or the other.  But I don't think you could call what happened a failed vacation, it was a worldwide pandemic, yes, vacations were ruined but it was more of a health issue, not a vacation issue.  Going forward I do believe it's a different situation.

 

And lots of states/individuals don't benefit from federal dollars spent on a ton of things.  I wish I had some say in where my tax money goes and how it is spent, but I don't get to say who it benefits.

Yeah a little exaggeration on failed vacation I couldn't come up with a better word phase at the time but you understand what I am saying.  You are right about the federal dollars spent on stuff we don't necessarily agree with.  But the people we elect make those decisions and pass bills to do it.  That was not the case in 2020 for the cruise lines.  It was an emergency and a pandemic.  But we are past the point of not knowing.  We know now the consequences based on the last year.  

[TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail]

3 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:

It's ridiculous to make different requirements for cruise ships than land based hotels, amusement parks, pools, and restaurants since cruise ships have all of those and people aren't stuck sitting next to another person for hours on end.

The federal government laws and agencies are separate from and not always in coordination with state laws and agencies.  Why even compare ANYTHING other than airlines to cruising when it comes to why can’t we do this.  
 

Take it a step further.  The federal government can & will prosecute marijuana transportation on airplanes and other federally regulated modes of transportation.  Yet possession of marijuana is now legal in 13 states and medical use and/or decriminalization exists in another 17 states (so more than half of 50).  Note your home state is one of those 20 remaining states that criminalizes its use.  

[cscurlock]

4 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

What percentage does Amazon pay? 

Before or after their write offs lol.  0 dollars.   

[cscurlock]

9 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

And that's probably why the cdc is making the cruise lines have these medical agreements in ports. Galveston was finalized. Have you looked at the cso at all. Sounds like some wrong assumptions. 

 

Let's just get back to cruising. All these what ifs drive me nuts. 

Firefly have you booked any in the future for Carnival?

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

I think they are exempt from CDC cruise requirements. Aren't they less than 500 passengers?

Some of their ships are over 500, some under. And they have even more requirements being an American Flagged Ship.

[firefly333]

17 minutes ago, cscurlock said:

Firefly have you booked any in the future for Carnival?

No, and lost my best ever balcony deal for 873 total for a hump balcony last april. Schedule is as tight as I want it. Couldnt even do one more lift and shift on rcl. I book for whatever is the best deal and lately it's been rcl.

 

Carnival seems like it moving to so many casino deals and I only gamble in the stock market. I'm at 179 loyalty pts I think? Maybe more, 3 cruises to hit diamond. Tbh the perks on carnival arent worth it. Rcl gives solos 50% off at diamond plus plus. Aiming for that next. To lower my cost. Rcl also gives me free drinks as a perk. That's worth something. Wine with dinner.

 

I booked the one on carnival. Had a few cancelled on both lines ... just happens carnival back up next. Obviously wasnt planned ... just where covid took me. Come on vista, I hope its finally a go.

[cscurlock]

1 minute ago, firefly333 said:

No, and lost my best ever balcony deal for 873 total for a hump balcony last april. Schedule is as tight as I want it. Couldnt even do one more lift and shift on rcl. I book for whatever is the best deal and lately it's been rcl.

 

Carnival seems like it moving to so many casino deals and I only gamble in the stock market. I'm at 179 loyalty pts I think? Maybe more, 3 cruises to hit diamond. Tbh the perks on carnival arent worth it. Rcl gives solos 50% off at diamond plus plus. Aiming for that next. To lower my cost. Rcl also gives me free drinks as a perk. That's worth something. Wine with dinner.

 

I booked the one on carnival. Had a few cancelled on both lines ... just happens carnival back up next. Obviously wasnt planned ... just where covid took me. Come on vista, I hope its finally a go.

I think it will be. They only need 1 test cruise.  As long as that works out I think your good on the vista.  That sucks on that balcony $873 for a hump is a steal.  I usually cruise Celebrity usually in aqua and I have tried NCL.  I was looking at the Havana on carnival last year because I like the sectioned off pool and bar area.  But because of this crappy virus I'll have to wait till I can get a decent deal to try it.  That might take a while.

[firefly333]

13 minutes ago, cscurlock said:

I think it will be. They only need 1 test cruise.  As long as that works out I think your good on the vista.  That sucks on that balcony $873 for a hump is a steal.  I usually cruise Celebrity usually in aqua and I have tried NCL.  I was looking at the Havana on carnival last year because I like the sectioned off pool and bar area.  But because of this crappy virus I'll have to wait till I can get a decent deal to try it.  That might take a while.

Idk if I'd like aqua food. Oasis has more healthy food in the solarium but I'm off and on. I've done a few ncl and celebrity to hawaii. Right now I'm booking close to home, quantity over quality some might say. March is my turn to try a corner aft. I could have lifted the hump deal but then had to cancel the aft corner.  I cant be gone longer than 2 weeks, my elderly parents depend on me for shopping and stuff. Allure is my bucket list, broadway, very end balcony nearest the dive show, oasis I'm iffy, spring break prices are insane but it's a cc group. Got a double wide city park balcony to save money. Still outrageous imo. 

[cscurlock]

3 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Idk if I'd like aqua food. Oasis has more healthy food in the solarium but I'm off and on. I've done a few ncl and celebrity to hawaii. Right now I'm booking close to home, quantity over quality some might say. March is my turn to try a corner aft. I could have lifted the hump deal but then had to cancel the aft corner.  I cant be gone longer than 2 weeks, my elderly parents depend on me for shopping and stuff. Allure is my bucket list, broadway, very end balcony nearest the dive show, oasis I'm iffy, spring break prices are insane but it's a cc group. Got a double wide city park balcony to save money. Still outrageous imo. 

In same boat with parents.  Yeah spring break ooof.  Especially after a pandemic lol.  I spend money when I want something but if there is a outrageous deal to be had at a lower level cabin I will take it over the higher level cabin.  Money is always a core factor in the decision process but so are ports.  They say aqua food is healthy but to be honest I don't remember it being that healthy.  Not like the  solarium for sure.  I think the restaurant itself being more private and the service was very good.  Food tasted great.

[firefly333]

32 minutes ago, cscurlock said:

In same boat with parents.  Yeah spring break ooof.  Especially after a pandemic lol.  I spend money when I want something but if there is a outrageous deal to be had at a lower level cabin I will take it over the higher level cabin.  Money is always a core factor in the decision process but so are ports.  They say aqua food is healthy but to be honest I don't remember it being that healthy.  Not like the  solarium for sure.  I think the restaurant itself being more private and the service was very good.  Food tasted great.

Bella is a dog lol, john who started the thread to post his dog pics is the originator. Look for bellas thread in floataway lounge, though they mostly do rcl. Bellas cruise is about 1k more than allure which ends 6 days earlier. To me that's a jump. Will be my first city park balcony but the ta got me one of the balconys twice as deep. If you love dogs you might enjoy the group. I'm a dog lover. All the guys are probably going to do a surfing class and split the cost. Other guy things. Anyone who loves cars, tech, or dogs will fit in lol I'm not tech, I'm borderline fitting in. Only solo as well. But nice group from all over.

[cscurlock]

1 minute ago, firefly333 said:

Bella is a dog lol, john who started the thread to post his dog pics is the originator. Look for bellas thread in floataway lounge, though they mostly do rcl. Bellas cruise is about 1k more than allure which ends 6 days earlier. To me that's a jump. Will be my first city park balcony but the ta got me one of the balconys twice as deep. If you love dogs you might enjoy the group. I'm a dog lover. All the guys are probably going to do a surfing class and split the cost. Other guy things. Anyone who loves cars, tech, or dogs will fit in lol I'm not tech, I'm borderline fitting in. Only solo as well. But nice group from all over.

Hmm.  I'm tech with what I do at work and have dog springer spaniel,  jack russel mix and I love cars.  Sounds fun.

[firefly333]

5 minutes ago, cscurlock said:

Hmm.  I'm tech with what I do at work and have dog springer spaniel,  jack russel mix and I love cars.  Sounds fun.

I barely know what alexa is, john is always wiring up every outlet. His wifes birthday is that week, so has to be that week. Bob has expensive tech, I'm clueless when they talk tech. Come post your dog pics. One couple is flying over from England. Almost none of us have meet for real. One of the ladys is learning how to drive a shift mustang. A bunch of them are into the surfing on oasis, I would if I were younger. Oh they are into bbq too, these guys cook lol. Of course via tech controlled. And making limoncello. But they are nice. So I'm booked. We will see. March 2023 a long ways away.

[BlerkOne]

4 hours ago, not-enough-cruising said:

A mask would have nothing to do with the spread of gastroenteritis. It is not an airborne virus. 

Noro may not be airborne, but someone coughing, sneezing or hurling in your direction can cover you. Masks can help protect you as well as slow you down from touching your mouth or nose. Maybe a light bulb will go off.

 

It is sad that people need reminders to wash their hands but that is one upside to a pandemic. More people have at least a clue about personal hygiene. Staff serving on Lido will help reduce spread of  either disease. Social distancing, helps, too.

[ontheweb]

6 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

Noro may not be airborne, but someone coughing, sneezing or hurling in your direction can cover you. Masks can help protect you as well as slow you down from touching your mouth or nose. Maybe a light bulb will go off.

 

It is sad that people need reminders to wash their hands but that is one upside to a pandemic. More people have at least a clue about personal hygiene. Staff serving on Lido will help reduce spread of  either disease. Social distancing, helps, too.

I have no problem with staff serving on the buffets. We experienced this on the HAL Maasdam in 2018, and it was no problem.

 

But, I do see a problem with social distancing. Cruise ships are just not set up for that. Many of the fun activities are shared by a multitude of passengers. Maybe it would work on initial voyages if there is capacity control, but for the cruise lines to survive long term, 100% capacity has to become the norm again and the cruises have to be a fun experience.

[ShannonSC2]

On 5/29/2021 at 5:19 PM, jetsfan58 said:

Has Covid mysteriously disappeared? I don't think so when there are still people being hospitalized and unfortunately dying each day. This is still real folks so please wear your masks. 

 

Mask doesn't protect you.  I was the most careful person in my family wearing my mask everywhere I went, using hand sanitizer when getting in the car, changing my mask everyday and washing my hands when I got home.  I still got COVID while no one else in my household got it.  

[ajm]

22 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:

All lockdowns did was slow the process of a natural spread.  I'm not sure why people think lockdowns will stop a virus.

And buy some time to get a vaccination so not everyone has to get the virus.

 

[TNcruising02]

3 hours ago, ShannonSC2 said:

 

Mask doesn't protect you.  I was the most careful person in my family wearing my mask everywhere I went, using hand sanitizer when getting in the car, changing my mask everyday and washing my hands when I got home.  I still got COVID while no one else in my household got it.  

Exactly!  People were led to believe that masks made them safe, but many people got covid anyway.  The only sure way to avoid covid was to avoid people and now get vaccinated.  I think the biggest lie was that masks protected people.  I think all it did was give people a false sense of security.  

[TNcruising02]

2 hours ago, ajm said:

And buy some time to get a vaccination so not everyone has to get the virus.

 

Yes.  My extremely high risk relatives isolated until they could get the vaccine.  Covid could have and most likely would have killed them both and they knew it.  They did not go out and about with those flimsy masks or were under the false impression that other people wearing them would keep them safe.  

All high risk people should have been encouraged to isolate until a vaccine.  They should have had services to deliver groceries and medications so that they would be kept safe.

[BlerkOne]

8 minutes ago, TNcruising02 said:

Yes.  My extremely high risk relatives isolated until they could get the vaccine.  Covid could have and most likely would have killed them both and they knew it.  They did not go out and about with those flimsy masks or were under the false impression that other people wearing them would keep Poor people them safe.  

All high risk people should have been encouraged to isolate until a vaccine.  They should have had services to deliver groceries and medications so that they would be kept safe.

Poor people can't afford that luxury.

[BlerkOne]

11 minutes ago, TNcruising02 said:

Exactly!  People were led to believe that masks made them safe, but many people got covid anyway.  The only sure way to avoid covid was to avoid people and now get vaccinated.  I think the biggest lie was that masks protected people.  I think all it did was give people a false sense of security.  

Masks were recommended to protect others from the wearer. I certainly knew that over a year ago.

[BrotherCraig]

10 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Poor people can't afford that luxury.

  Average person doesn't have that luxury.  Most middle class income earners had to go to work everyday throughout the pandemic.    Heck, our Executives at the company and the Board reported to work, in-person, every day.  All millionaires.

[mafiadon]

On 5/29/2021 at 6:41 PM, jetsfan58 said:

There are also people alive because they continue to wear their masks. I was always taught that there are two sides to every story. You have to examine both sides (whether you convince the public or not) before making blind study assumptions.  

Do you really believe that a piece of cloth is going to save you from Covid LOL