Are you a Cruiseship fan ?

[Tmarkwald]

If you are going to comment on here for the sole intent of bashing cruiseships or cruise fans, just pass on by

So, pardon my ignorance.

Vaccinated people can socialize indoors with no distancing or masks.....

Vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors......

yet, somehow a cruise ship with 100% vaccinated crew and passengers is dangerous??....

[Stu from NYC]

Once we can get back on a ship and not have to wear a mask we are back to cruising.

Do not understand why it has not started yet for those of us vaccinated with a crew that was also vaccinated.

[billethkid]

The government is not in support of discriminating between vax or no vax....hence the stalemate.

Maybe they could offer vax and non vax cruises!
:throwtomatoes:

When the cruise lines start pulling their ships from US ports, the politicians will wake up!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Floating Petri dishes even before Covid , people overeating and drinking , massive ships over crowding small tourist areas and damaging world heritage sites and polluting the waters in places like Venice . WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE ???

[Tmarkwald]

Once we can get back on a ship and not have to wear a mask we are back to cruising.

Do not understand why it has not started yet for those of us vaccinated with a crew that was also vaccinated.

I know - I posted this, then saw the latest CDC guidelines, which is a step in the right direction!

1. 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.

2. CDC will review and respond to applications from cruise lines for simulated voyages within 5 days, a review previously expected to take 60 days.

3. CDC will update its testing and quarantine requirements for passengers and crew on sailings with paying passengers to align with the CDC's guidance for fully vaccinated people. So, for example, instead of taking a PCR lab test ahead of boarding vaccinated passengers can take a rapid antigen test upon embarkation.

4. CDC has clarified that cruise ship operators may enter into a "multi-port agreement" rather than a single port agreement as long as all port and local authorities sign the agreement. '

CDC to cruise industry: U.S. cruises could potentially restart in July (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2021/04/28/cdc-cruises-could-restart-july/4883450001/)

[Tmarkwald]

The government is not in support of discriminating between vax or no vax....hence the stalemate.

Maybe they could offer vax and non vax cruises!
:throwtomatoes:

When the cruise lines start pulling their ships from US ports, the politicians will wake up!

yeah, we are seeing that. Looks good that they are softening their stance!

[Madelaine Amee]

We are cruising this winter. However, we are somewhat different from a lot of people who cruise. We do not use the pools, we do not lay out in the pool area and we do not dine early. We use the cruise ship as our own personal floating hotel. We spend a lot of time on our balcony, we are very early risers and use the deck for walking and sitting out in the fresh air. We eat in the dining rooms at a later time than most and we have no problem wearing masks when we find ourselves in a crowded area.

We will be careful and will probably not leave the ship at the various ports .... been there, done that!!!!

We like our own company and we like being on the water, so cruising is a great way for us to spend some time together.

[Ecuadog]

Yes, we are cruiseship fans. Azamara is our current favorite.

[New Englander]

I have been on nine cruises and maybe in a year or so will go on my tenth. If the staff and all the guests are vaccinated, what's so dangerous? I don't think it's much different than what we go through in everyday life.

We should not close this thread because someone dislikes cruising.

[Tmarkwald]

We should not close this thread because someone dislikes cruising.

I agree - and the excitement will start to grow as we return to cruising, hopefully in the next few months!

[Bill14564]

I will be vaccinated so I don't care and don't want to know about anyone else on the cruise. My only fear is that someone will get the sniffles and there will be an overreaction.

If the CDC has an interest in fighting vaccination hesitancy then they need to get more realistic with their guidelines. Saying the vaccines are 95% effective but also saying that to be safe the vaccinated must still wear masks indoors is contradictory and not helpful.

[dtennent]

We are hard core cruisers (30+ cruises all over the world and on different size ships) and have booked to go again in the coming year. I am a strong advocate that everyone who boards the ship be vaccinated unless there is a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated. In that case, the person should be tested every couple of days since they probably will be going ashore. Of course, if they have a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated, they probably should avoid cruising altogether.

[Tmarkwald]

We are hard core cruisers (30+ cruises all over the world and on different size ships) and have booked to go again in the coming year. I am a strong advocate that everyone who boards the ship be vaccinated unless there is a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated. In that case, the person should be tested every couple of days since they probably will be going ashore. Of course, if they have a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated, they probably should avoid cruising altogether.

I agree entirely. What may make the difference is when ports require vaccination. I doubt if they will separate cruises into vaccine-reuire and vaccine-optional. Too much work. Better to err on the side of health and caution and just require everyone to be vaccinated.

Its a bit amusing when people make comments on social media and never cruising again if they have to get a vaccine, or that they are going to boycott a particular cruise line. They are taking an international health crisis as a personal attack on their freedoms.

[Velvet]

Wait a minute... the thread is asking are you a cruise ship fan? Although I belong to a yacht club, the answer is, on pain of death, No! Crowds, confinement and sea sickness are my nightmare. Experienced all of these before .

And, by the way, if you want advertisement from me, I have to be paid. (I am an ex ESL teacher.)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I will be vaccinated so I don't care and don't want to know about anyone else on the cruise. My only fear is that someone will get the sniffles and there will be an overreaction.

If the CDC has an interest in fighting vaccination hesitancy then they need to get more realistic with their guidelines. Saying the vaccines are 95% effective but also saying that to be safe the vaccinated must still wear masks indoors is contradictory and not helpful.

Well it's a good thing that the CDC hasn't said that vaccinated people "must" wear masks indoors, isn't it?

They recommend it, for reasons that have been explained in a few other threads that you've already been an active participant in.

Stop spreading rhetoric. No one is denying you your rights, no one is being contradictory, and the CDC is being helpful with their RECOMMENDATIONS (which are something other than mandates - you can look that up for yourself).

As for me, I really love the concept of cruising, and I loved our first cruise. I also liked hanging out at the bar on our last cruise. But I'm not a fan of a few thousand people all stuck on the same boat with no escape for days at a time. I've told my spouse that I'd like for our next cruise to be a river cruise, on a small boat that accommodates only a few hundred people.

[Bill14564]

Well it's a good thing that the CDC hasn't said that vaccinated people "must" wear masks indoors, isn't it?

They recommend it, for reasons that have been explained in a few other threads that you've already been an active participant in.

Stop spreading rhetoric. No one is denying you your rights, no one is being contradictory, and the CDC is being helpful with their RECOMMENDATIONS (which are something other than mandates - you can look that up for yourself).

As for me, I really love the concept of cruising, and I loved our first cruise. I also liked hanging out at the bar on our last cruise. But I'm not a fan of a few thousand people all stuck on the same boat with no escape for days at a time. I've told my spouse that I'd like for our next cruise to be a river cruise, on a small boat that accommodates only a few hundred people.

As you wish.

[JoMar]

The cruise lines make the rules, not the CDC. The international ports make the rules, not the CDC. The CDC make rules for US ports which is why some cruise lines were threatening to originate cruises from non-US ports. So far, cruise lines seem to be holding firm to sailing with only 100% vaccinated folks on board. I suspect that will change when the cruise lines are willing to accept more risk and liability.

[Stu from NYC]

The cruise lines make the rules, not the CDC. The international ports make the rules, not the CDC. The CDC make rules for US ports which is why some cruise lines were threatening to originate cruises from non-US ports. So far, cruise lines seem to be holding firm to sailing with only 100% vaccinated folks on board. I suspect that will change when the cruise lines are willing to accept more risk and liability.

The problem is if they accept more risk and liability by allowing non vaccinated folks on board is the risk of the end of cruising.

All they need is one major outbreak and they are done.

[2newyorkers]

The CDC is now saying cruising will be allowed out of US ports in mid July if 98% of the crew and 95% of the passengers are vaccinated.

[Gulfcoast]

We went on a cruise and had a blast right before the cruise lines were shut down due to Covid. I hope to go on another cruise as long as there are not mask mandates, social distancing and other restrictions. The vaccine is available to those who want it. For those who prefer to take their chances that is their call. I don't think the cruise lines should be put in the position of demanding mandatory Covid vaccinations. Some people can't take the vaccine and some people (kids) aren't even being offered the vaccine.

[JoMar]

The CDC is now saying cruising will be allowed out of US ports in mid July if 98% of the crew and 95% of the passengers are vaccinated.

If the cruise lines agree, so far they are at 100%. They will need proof of vaccination and will be interesting to know what they will accept.

[Tmarkwald]

The vaccine is available to those who want it. For those who prefer to take their chances that is their call. I don't think the cruise lines should be put in the position of demanding mandatory Covid vaccinations. Some people can't take the vaccine and some people (kids) aren't even being offered the vaccine.

For liability reasons, mandatory is the only smart way to do it. The vaccination age is expected to drop to 12 shortly as well.

As far as younger kids, the CEO of Royal stated a couple days ago "obviously we carry a lot of kids 11 and under, but relatively speaking, as a percentage of our total guest counts, it's quite a small number. So we're not overly concerned with that."

Royal Caribbean talks about CDC letter and what it means for kids | Royal Caribbean Blog (https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/04/29/royal-caribbean-talks-about-cdc-letter-and-what-it-means-kids)

That means it is less likely to get in an elevator and finding all the buttons pushed....

[Gulfcoast]

For liability reasons, mandatory is the only smart way to do it. The vaccination age is expected to drop to 12 shortly as well.

As far as younger kids, the CEO of Royal stated a couple days ago "obviously we carry a lot of kids 11 and under, but relatively speaking, as a percentage of our total guest counts, it's quite a small number. So we're not overly concerned with that."

Royal Caribbean talks about CDC letter and what it means for kids | Royal Caribbean Blog (https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/04/29/royal-caribbean-talks-about-cdc-letter-and-what-it-means-kids)

That means it is less likely to get in an elevator and finding all the buttons pushed....

I think that they might be underestimating how unpopular a vaccination mandate for cruises combined with the inability of families to bring their children along is going to wind up being.

I suppose they are free to adopt any rules that they want to. We'll see how long those rules last.

[Tmarkwald]

I think that they might be underestimating how unpopular a vaccination mandate for cruises combined with the inability of families to bring their children along is going to wind up being.

I suppose they are free to adopt any rules that they want to. We'll see how long those rules last.

They want cruising to restart as badly as anyone. And the ships are booked up at a higher level than they've ever been at. Many of them are already red-flagged, which means they've reached capacity.

As far as adopting rules - that's a CDC / CLIA thing. Whatever one cruise line does, they'll all do. Patience is the key. My assumption is the faster everyone gets vaccinated, the faster the rules will be lifted.

[Chi-Town]

Went by Port Canaveral recently; it was like a ghost town. Vaccination mandate is fine by me, as I am looking forward to a megaship cruise.

[xcaligirl]

We are hard core cruisers (30+ cruises all over the world and on different size ships) and have booked to go again in the coming year. I am a strong advocate that everyone who boards the ship be vaccinated unless there is a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated. In that case, the person should be tested every couple of days since they probably will be going ashore. Of course, if they have a valid medical reason not to be vaccinated, they probably should avoid cruising altogether.
We are the same, cruised 35+ times, still love it even though it's changed a lot. Agree that is someone is not vaccinated for health reasons, they probably are not making the best choice to cruise. We were on a ship that specifically stated for no young children (under 18) but a couple thought it was cute to bring their 8 year old. Also stated that if someone had a health issue, they should think of a different cruise line. Ended up having a major fire onboard and needed to do abandon ship about 3 hours after the fire started. It was very difficult with a child whining and crying and trying to get a gentleman off the ship with oxygen. I've been on ships with a lot of children onboard and I've been on ships with the majority being much older. I see the hazards on both ships, just 'in case' an emergency happens. Wishing everyone smooth sailing, stay safe even beyond COVID!

[kkingston57]

Do not want to get into politics, but Mr/Gov DeSantis wants Florida to have a law where in companies can not make it a requirement that their customers are vaccinated to use that business. For a small business this might make sense, but for the cruise industry it is crazy.

My opinion is that cruising will get back up to speed if their are rules that all passengers and crew are vaccinated. I am ready to go now.

F

[2newyorkers]

DeSantis has banned businesses from setting vaccine requirements. Many cruise lines are requiring vaccinations (95% of passengers must be vaccinated per CDC). Will DeSantis's order hamper the cruise lines from sailing out of Florida? Hopefully the order will be modified.

[Stu from NYC]

DeSantis has banned businesses from setting vaccine requirements. Many cruise lines are requiring vaccinations (95% of passengers must be vaccinated per CDC). Will DeSantis's order hamper the cruise lines from sailing out of Florida? Hopefully the order will be modified.

Interesting. Since the cruise lines are not US corporations wondering whether they can insist on vaccinations and hoping they can.

[Tmarkwald]

So far the following countries require Covid Vaccination PROOF before entering:

Since many cruises go through Bahamas, you think the cruiselines won't have to comply?

Anguilla
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Croatia
Cyprus
Ecuador
Estonia
Republic of Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Iceland
Israel
Montenegro
Nepal
Seychelles
Tahiti

So, do you think the AIRLINES are going to stop flying there from Florida because of the Governors order? At least some of these have direct flights from multiple Florida airports.

These Countries Are Open to Travelers With COVID Vaccines (https://www.afar.com/magazine/travelers-with-covid-vaccines-can-visit-these-countries)

[shut the front door]

Floating Petri dishes even before Covid , people overeating and drinking , massive ships over crowding small tourist areas and damaging world heritage sites and polluting the waters in places like Venice . WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE ???

Did you miss the first line of the OP?
"If you are going to comment on here for the sole intent of bashing cruiseships or cruise fans, just pass on by".
Just couldn't help yourself. :ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[Tmarkwald]

There are pictures posted from Michael Bayley (Royal Caribbean) of the crews being vaccinated as we speak at Miami and Port Canaveral in preparation for a early to mid-July restart.

Explorer of the Seas crews were vaccinated on May 1st, and Celebrity Equinox and Liberty of the Seas were started yesterday.


All good news!

[brfree1411@aol.com]

Does, crew, port personnel & all passengers have vaccination proof? If yes, there is still at least a 5% chance of getting virus. Although, my husband & I have loved cruising many times, it is not worth taking the chance. I will wait.

[Tmarkwald]

Does, crew, port personnel & all passengers have vaccination proof? If yes, there is still at least a 5% chance of getting virus. Although, my husband & I have loved cruising many times, it is not worth taking the chance. I will wait.

Know the facts .... you are saying 1 in every 20 people WILL GET COVID.. I have no idea where you got those stats from....

According to the CDC----the COVID infection rate among those fully vaccinated is 0.008%. Actually, the CDC reports 5,814 breakthrough cases out of 85 million vaccinated, which by math is 0.00694%

"Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,814 breakthrough cases out of more than 85 million people fully vaccinated in the U.S. Public health experts said those numbers show how well the vaccine protects you"

Translation: Only 1 in 13,000 people who were fully vaccinated got COVID, and probably fewer than that could "pass it on" which means even on a Mega-Ship like oasis class, it is ONE person in every TWO fully booked cruises. And they probably won't even know they had it!

[MDLNB]

"Are you a Cruiseship fan ?"
Nope, I am not a fan. Can't see the allure of it when you can get everything here EXCEPT the great rocking to sleep you get when at sea. Of course, you can still purchase a water bed somewhere, I believe.
I figure that if I want a taste of traveling overseas again, I can visit Epcot at Disney World.

[Stu from NYC]

"Are you a Cruiseship fan ?"
Nope, I am not a fan. Can't see the allure of it when you can get everything here EXCEPT the great rocking to sleep you get when at sea. Of course, you can still purchase a water bed somewhere, I believe.
I figure that if I want a taste of traveling overseas again, I can visit Epcot at Disney World.

Guess you didnt read the OP's comments on the beginning of the thread.

[coffeebean]

Know the facts .... you are saying 1 in every 20 people WILL GET COVID.. I have no idea where you got those stats from....

According to the CDC----the COVID infection rate among those fully vaccinated is 0.008%. Actually, the CDC reports 5,814 breakthrough cases out of 85 million vaccinated, which by math is 0.00694%

"Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,814 breakthrough cases out of more than 85 million people fully vaccinated in the U.S. Public health experts said those numbers show how well the vaccine protects you"

Translation: Only 1 in 13,000 people who were fully vaccinated got COVID, and probably fewer than that could "pass it on" which means even on a Mega-Ship like oasis class, it is ONE person in every TWO fully booked cruises. And they probably won't even know they had it!

I'm quoting this post just to see how the green text shows up against the green quote box back round. Here goes........

EDIT: ......not too bad. I can still read it!

[Garywt]

We love to cruise but it has been awhile. We had to cancel this past February and have Alaska booked for Sept 2022. One of the big draws of The Villages is to be able to do more cruising. Once we get our life in order and can spend more time in Florida we will take advantage.

[Tmarkwald]

I'm quoting this post just to see how the green text shows up against the green quote box back round. Here goes........

EDIT: ......not too bad. I can still read it!

HA HA HA HA - I never even thought of that. Talk about thinking outside 'the box' ...

[Tmarkwald]

In Miami, today, Freedom of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas operational crews are being vaccinated. Within the week, all of the mid sized fleet from Royal Caribbean will be fully vaccinated in anticipation of a earl/mid July cruise restart!

[coffeebean]

HA HA HA HA - I never even thought of that. Talk about thinking outside 'the box' ...

Glad I gave you a chuckle.

[MrFlorida]

Yes, we are cruise ship fans.

[Tmarkwald]

Yes, we are cruise ship fans.

Awesome, an answer without drama!

[bilcon]

We love traveling, and after 20 years of land tours and Island resorts, we starting cruising and now have been on 35 cruises. We can't wait to start again. We like Viking Ocean Ships, Celebrity, Regent, Sea Dream Yacht Club, and Oceania. When our children were young we went on RCCL, but now we want quiet. It you are going someplace for the first time and really want an in-depth experience, don't go by ship.

"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong."

[unialimon]

I don't, tried it didn't like it, but they are good for Florida economy so I hope the return soon.