matadams4u

Lots of good advice here.

1. Currency depends on where the ship is or is going but charging to your account is probably the simplest although I do use USD when it is available..

2.  Even if you gamble a little you can get some decent offers on future cruises.

3.  I have not been very lucky but have stayed within my budget.  Video poker has a higher denom for maximum play - the equivalent of playing 50 cent machines in Vegas.  
4.  The casino is a bit stingy on drinks but now that beverage packages are pretty standard not really an issue.

51 minutes ago, nocl said:

Against asymptomatic infection Pfizer was about 90% according to some studies, lower against some variants. In the mid to upper 70's against b.1.351. 95% against symptomatic infection in the original trial.

 

A lot depends upon the strain if it was analyzed.

I was a bit encouraged by an article on CNBC indicating the Pfizer vaccine is showing 90% efficacy against The Delta variant.  However, the Delta variant appears to be hitting children harder than other variants and transmission through younger is higher so causing some concern with unvaccinated.  If the US has a spike similar to Britain the CDC might tighten restrictions on unvaccinated.  The Delta variant is currently at 6% of infections in the US and the affect on areas with low vaccination rates is worth watching.  Given the high percentage of people with Pfizer or Moderna it is unlikely hospitalizations will be of concern in areas with high vaccination rates.

1 hour ago, Scotmay said:

Can someone tell me what the latest is with sailing out of Florida and DeSantis ruling of not requiring proof of vaccines before embarking on a cruise. I have lost track of what is required now!

There was a hearing today and the judge said he would issue a ruling soon and the parties also continued arbitration.  I’m not certain what to make of what was discussed during the hearing.  I suspect the judge is keeping his cards to the vest but not certain how Florida can claim jurisdiction over the CDC or federal authority regarding international maritime.

1 hour ago, CI66774 said:

People have gotten sick and died from COVID after being fully vaccinated.

This is a true statement but the supporting data tends to lag the headline data.

There are a number of variables.  
 

1. countries using vaccines with lower efficacy rates are sometimes seeing some issues.

2.  Demographics and co-morbidities play a role.  I hate to say it because the same argument was distorted early in the pandemic but there is some truth to looking at the underlying data because some of the headline numbers have been distorted.  For example, the numbers cited a few posts up are true and there is emerging concern in Britain on the Delta variant but it would be interesting to see the demographic variance amongst groups.  Hamblin of the Atlantic has expressed the same concern about some of the recent headlines on breakthrough cases.

3.  This continues to be an evolving disease and more variants are bound to follow.  Frankly, the data out of Britain on Delta variant has me concerned and I continue to wear a mask in crowded areas.

2 hours ago, chef Brian said:

Hey here's a thought, although you have been Vaccinated...you still can get Covid!!!!  the day you get vaccinated you are at full 94% but say you were vaccinated in January you now are not 94% protected anymore, they are saying the vaccine might last 6-8 mos without a booster. so how much protection do you have if you didn't get the booster?? 5 months later... did they fly on a plane? did the stay in a hotel? did the eat in a restaurant? it did say they went on a excursion, were all the people they been around on all these places vaccinated? the answer is NO! so, believe it or not Vaccinated people can get covid, and some do. far as checking if the Vaccine card are real? there is No National Database only state records, my card was handwritten by a nurse that was probably a 100, and even hard to read, I asked if I needed another card they told me i would be fine. finally the people who tested positive didn't show any signs of illness, so could of been fake positive.  bottom line if you are scared and don't want to chance of someone, even a vaccinated person testing positive stay home!!

the cruiseline did all they could tested 72 hours ahead, asked for everyone to be vaccinated and tested again near the end of the cruise. that is all the can do. the chance of someone using a fake covid card go up the more they force people to have one to travel, i am fully vaccinated and that was my choice and the last time i checked this is America and people are free to make their own choice to get vaccine or not. it's not up to me or you to tell them how to live there life. if the cruise lines choose to only allow vaccinated people on board then the non vaccinated will have to choose to vacation elsewhere.

There is a lot to digest since cruises such as this one are being watched carefully to determine how safe it is to cruise.  There seems to be a LOT of press on this cruise.

Yes you can still get COVID if you are vaccinated.  The Delta variant might also be a concern.  When it comes to travel some countries are highly vaccinated but are having issues with the low efficacy of the vaccines used.

The Delta variant might be a ticking time bomb for the unvaccinated.  
 

If we choose to travel we will all be potential research cases in the event of a COVID breakout.  If someone chooses to travel unvaccinated with forged vaccination documents they might find themselves navigating a foreign legal system.  People make choices like this all the time.

My next cruise is a river cruise in September in Peru.  I am a bit nervous about what is going on in Peru but hope the safety precautions of the group and tour operator work out.  Any international travel has its risks right now but I just assess the risk and take appropriate precautions.  I’m also glad I have Pfizer.

I thought the medallion was a little clunky when I first used it.  I’m kind of looking forward to using it on the transatlantic nectar March to order drinks and play the game of whether the waiter can find me.

35 minutes ago, kearney said:

Looks like things are going on behind the scenes on the passport ban issue...https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2021/05/30/florida-governor-ron-desantis-cruise-line-exemption-vaccine-passport-ban/?utm_campaign=forbes&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Valerie&sh=5d919f2a5ed5

It would be nice if all parties lowered the temperature on the issue and just discretely allowed things to move forward with proof of vaccination.  I’m sure people in Alaska might feel the same way about vaccine passports but also recognize economic reality and it was amazing how the Alaska delegation shepherded through legislation to suspend the PVSA.  They did it by being discrete and not raising any controversy.  Let’s see if there is a diplomatic way out of the situation in Florida.

On 5/27/2021 at 6:16 AM, Jeremiah1212 said:

An interesting take that I thought was a bit far fetched initially, but maybe not so much?

 

The law says documentation cannot be ''required'. So don't require it. If the passenger wants to volunteer it, that's their choice. I'll happily show them my card. But if you can't produce a vaccination record at check-in, you're set aside until they verify they have space in that 5% window to allow you on. If that 5% is full? Deny boarding due to the CDC guidance and/or the ticket contract that basically says they can deny you boarding whenever they want.

I belong to a club that is also open to the public with a dress code.  There is an exception for big names but otherwise it is at the discretion of the hostess.  When someone walks up to the counter dressed inappropriately the hostess just says the club is booked or calls up to the club to confirm “there are no opening”.  
 

The irony of Florida’s law - you can be denied entry to a club for not being dressed appropriately but not denied entry for being a threat to public health.

Life is a lot easier for me when I dress appropriately and work to be nice to staff and for some reason a table is always available.  I am also vaccinated and hope that allows me to be welcomed back to travel.

I certainly hope Princess sticks to a vaccination policy but things are very complex and evolving.

My next scheduled Princess cruise is from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona next March.  I’m pretty certain the vaccination protocol will be driven by what can get you into the EU.

My next trip is a river cruise in Peru in September.  Things don’t look good in Peru right now.  Even vaccinated I probably will need to be masked and social distanced if the trip doesn’t get cancelled.

The data coming out on Pfizer is looking pretty good with minimal risk.  Also the vaccines are holding up well against variants. I decided to stop wearing a mask at work (pretty open and good social distancing) but continue to wear a mask shopping and at casinos.  I stopped wearing a mask in lightly attended movie theaters.

So the data is showing good promise for the vaccinated but the new CDC protocols have actually increased the risk by about 69% for the unvaccinated.  As for the unvaccinated that have had COVID it is not clear how well the antibodies hold up to the variants.
 

With time more studies will come out.  However, the US is just one country and 4% of the world’s population so how much we can travel depends a lot on what is going on throughout the rest of the world and things are changing daily.  Making risk assessments will be somewhat complex for a while but I feel more comfortable knowing I am vaccinated and the people around me are vaccinated.

15 minutes ago, nini said:

I hope not. It will cost a fortune! We have our VAX card.

I had to have covid insurance for Costa Rica for two weeks.  I waived the trip cancellation coverage and the price was about $55. The Princess policy probably covers covid.

13 minutes ago, generichandle said:

If you are correct, then unfortunately, there WILL be cheaters. Just like there are those who snatch masks from people's faces and berate them as 'liberal fools who believe whatever the liberal press tells them'. Sure enough. 

 

My sister nearly died of COVID, and yet this happened, and happens a lot here. I know who is doing it, and so does everyone else. I will avoid the politics as much as possible. But, if they accept paper evidence, there WILL be those who will, with great contempt, cheat. 

I’ve become less concerned about the cheaters with the additional studies and data on the efficacy of the vaccine.  According to the Washington Post this week - those that are unvaccinated have a 69% increased risk for COVID with the new CDC guidelines and vaccinated have minimal increased risk.  Additionally the vaccines are holding up very well against the variants but those that have been previously infected and unvaccinated are more likely to get infected again - although not as severely as unvaccinated with no prior illness.

I am sorry for the passing of your sister.  I too have seen too much loss due to people having differing opinions on the right protocols and continuing to suffer as long haulers.

The cruise ship guidelines give me some comfort and the research is backs up there is minimal risk to vaccinated although there is some risk.  It will be interesting to see what happens when a cheater gets through, becomes infected and then possibly encounters unexpected legal and financial responsibility for their actions.  

6 minutes ago, generichandle said:

BTW, I would not expect cruise lines to demand 'Virus Passport', the paper product, anyway. They will get your proof straight from the database made when you where vaccinated. You DO remember you were added to the database? 

 

And that could have a fun result. Mr or Mrs Smarty, who has fake 'passport' will not be in the database. Hopefully banned thereafter. 

Royal Caribbean just put out their requirements.  Paper cdc card required for US passengers and electronic only acceptable for countries that issue only electronic.    

1 hour ago, gmjc2 said:

The Transatlantics run both ways so leaving from US would still be an issue with the current Florida rule even if Europe has another idea!

Planes run both ways too.  In my experience I have not been able to board a plane without presenting the documentation required by a country for entry.  It will be interesting to see if people try to board airplanes without the proper documentation because of an interpretation of a state law.

On 5/19/2021 at 6:03 AM, gmjc2 said:

The problem with not using Florida ports is that the Transatlantics would be very difficult and the Caribbean cruise would be more expensive.

As for the gov-he wants the workers to have their cruise and port jobs back but then he gives in to pressure to prevent vaccine passports! He is very conflicted and causing many problems.

 

As for the Floridians not wanting vaccine passports that is not strictly true. Many of us do want them. It is the powerful businesses that do not want them.

Not certain the order would apply to transatlantics.  If the EU or Britain required proof of vaccination for clearance to travel then you would need foreign governmental sanction to board the ship.  Basically if you don’t meet the requirements for a visa or whatever you want to call it then you don’t get to travel.

1 hour ago, CruiseMrB said:

"5. There should be one agreement between the cruise ship operator and all relevant U.S. port and local health authorities per port. If it is expected that more than one cruise ship operator will be operating ships out of the U.S. port, then the relevant U.S. port and local health authorities should enter into separate agreements with each cruise ship operator. CDC does not seek to limit the number of separate agreements that U.S. port and local health authorities may enter into with cruise ship operators but defers to these authorities.

6. Deliberations should be conducted jointly between the cruise ship operator and all relevant U.S. port and local health authorities."

 

This means that every port can have different requirements and agreements. That could get messy. Without getting into specific politics, it it quite reasonable to assume that a Florida port (let's say Port Canaveral near me) and a port in the Northeast (let's say Cape Liberty in Bayonne NJ) might have vastly different views on what is acceptable. 

This seems to sum up the complexity of thing in the US versus countries that can do things through a central authority.  In some areas you see inter-agency and inter-state working groups that work out standardized agreements - for example the Colorado River Compact (which is an agreement amongst 10 or 11 states and Mexico).  The CDC has limited authority and each of the states have their own view of what is safe and reasonable.  If all of the port states work together on a framework that considered their international partners things would move pretty quickly if everyone played well together.  From a game theory perspective playing well with others gets things moving pretty quickly but is easier said than done.  If there isn’t a working group amongst states and agencies then it will take some time to get things moving in the US.

Looks like vaccine and test requirements for passengers and crew are part of the directive.  I’m good with that.  

On 3/17/2021 at 8:30 AM, pompeii said:

This is exactly what we have to do.  If we just click on the email without being signed in first, it doesn't work.  And if I just sign in to the website without using the link in the email, it doesn't work that way either.  But if I go to the website and sign in first, then go to the email and click the link, it opens a new tab with me already signed in and that will allow me to search for cruises with the casino rate.  

 

Interestingly, the email link I had been using just stopped working this morning.  It was supposed to expire on March 2, but it was still working and applying the discount up until today.  

Another twist for me has been that when I call my PVA to book a cruise the rate comes up significantly less than the rate showing on the website.  I usually travel solo and the rate for a transatlantic with all of the perks was $700 less than what was showing as the casino rate on the website.  Nowadays if I like the rate on the website I know I will really like the rate when I call my PVA.

Things are starting to look hopeful - here are the variables as I see them -

1.  Vaccinations - the studies are looking good and countries with the highest vaccination rates are seeing good results.  Iceland might open it’s doors to those that are vaccinated and it looks like others might follow.  I wouldn’t be surprised if more countries update travel restrictions soon to allow vaccinated visitors.

2.  Masks and social distancing - areas that have loosened these protocols are seeing increases in infections. So a negative.  I definitely wouldn’t visit anywhere that has loosened these protocols or go on a tour that did not enforce these protocols.

3.  Variants - although some vaccines are holding up well there is still too little data.  Combined with #2 this becomes a bigger problem.  Fortunately, the Pfizer vaccine seems to be holding up pretty good based on studies out of Israel.

4. Testing in and out.  This might drop out in favor of vaccinations.

5.  COVID diagnosis.  This isn’t looking good as a way to avoid getting a vaccine since the variants seem to cause reinfection.

There will be more data in the coming months once Britain and others allow cruising.  I’m hopeful my transatlantic cruise next March will be a go.  In the meantime I have a land trip to Costa Rica in 3 weeks - fully vaccinated, pre and post testing, small group of 12 and mask and social distancing protocols.  It will be interesting to see how things change between April and September when I do an Amazon River cruise in Peru.  Europe seems to take one step forward and two steps backward.  
 

As for cruising from the US?  Personally, I think the cruise industry might have tried to step on the wrong toes and could have been a little more thoughtful and diplomatic in their approach.  My sense is cruises could start again in the fall if protocols were based on successes elsewhere but could take until next March if they don’t take a more measured approach.

My guess is a few things will occur -

1.  Each country will set its own schedule for opening up cruising with how comfortable they are with vaccinations and infection rates.

2.  Most countries will start with allowing their own citizens/residents to cruise.

3.  The protocols that emerge will be required vaccination, pre test and possibly post test.

4. on board protocols will be masks and social distancing and possibly capacity limits.

5.  There might be some interesting new routes because of different countries opening up at different times with different requirements.

6.  One health department doesn’t get to pick the rules since multiple countries are typically involved in a cruise - and due to the PVSA the US does not have the same advantage as Australia or Singapore to set a market rule.

7. some countries will be considered lower risk by fall for cruising (the late vaccination start for the EU did not help) and some countries may not be considered safe or may not open ports until mid to late 2022.

Cruise starts will definitely be Drake Passage choppy...my personal bet is my transatlantic next March will go forward with the protocols mentioned above.  I’m vaccinated now but even the two land tours I have booked for Costa Rica in April and Peru in September have some pretty strict travel protocols.

A positive sign is there are now a number of cruises I am tracking.  Since I can only travel during certain months and in the middle of the month I fill up my bingo card and hope one of the numbers gets called.  I hope to be vaccinated by April but it will be land tours until something hits my price point for a cruise.  My best guess is something will pop up between September and May of next year - I’m hoping for a couple solid hits.

23 minutes ago, bajathree said:

Cruise lines can ask whatever they want right now.....BUT one thing to remember...NOTHING is sailing;) and that's probably not changing anytime soon.

As long as ships aren’t sailing we are dealing with hypotheticals - my best forecast is people will see the light at the end of the tunnel by February when tier 1 and 2 groups have been vaccinated.  There should be some cruise choices by summer depending on individual country travel restrictions.  There might be some under the radar deals for last minute cruises to targeted groups - gamblers and travel industry and possible last minute deals if capacity restrictions are lifted.  
 

My first post vaccination trip will be a land tour in April and I’m hopeful a couple cruises will open up (for me that means price, location, and timing) will open up in late summer or early fall.

It is reasonable to expect safety protocols and safety requirements to be ever changing and modified throughout the year but every country has an incentive to rebuild confidence in their tourism.  We’ve seen a shift this week in Nevada to focusing on how many vaccinations are occurring and how quickly everyone can get vaccinated - if we can provide some confidence in safety hopefully things will start to move.  People clearly vote with their feet and if they don’t feel safe they don’t visit or spend.  

I have a pretty long bucket list and still working so limited as to when I can travel.  Within the last week I have been adding cruises to my watch list - hopeful I will be vaccinated within the next four months.  My bucket list is pretty expansive but my biggest problem is avoiding maxing out on PTO and few safe travel options.  
 

At least my bingo card is full of options and when a good value, at the right time, and with the right safety precautions pops up I can hop on it.  It looks like I will now be able to travel more regularly so getting my travel infrastructure in place - travel rewards cc, global pass and annual travel insurance.

I am just getting prepared so I can execute on good value travel - my guess is that will start up for more options late spring and early summer and in full swing by September.  My best guess for cruising options is September.  I have a 14 day land tour slated for Costa Rica in April and hope to be vaccinated by then.  
 

I had my heart set on my first Celebrity cruise for September - the price is double normal so I am hoping the price comes down by June since the dates for 2022 don’t work for me.

I am hopeful everyone will find themselves breathing easier month by month as it becomes clearer when we can travel safely and options open up.

It is an interesting time and it will be interesting to see when pricing reverts to normal -

1. there is uncertainty about when things will start.

2.  It is unclear what conditions will be in place about vaccine requirements

3. there are a lot of credits out there

4.  Number of available cabins could be dependent on continuously revised health guidelines that vary by country

5.  There could be restrictions on which nationalities can travel where

This list is just to illustrate some of the possible pricing uncertainty variables - and if I could solve for those variables I’d be chief revenue officer somewhere.  My guess would be to watch what happens to the price 60 to 75 days before the sailing.

I would like to take a cruise in September - I was lurking earlier this year on the roll call in the off chance it did not cancel.  The price for the cruise has been steady for a number of years but is about double normal right now.  My guess is it will either hit my bingo card in May or June or something is structurally keeping the price higher than normal.  It is not unusual to have weird pricing going on in disrupted markets but things are usually mean reverting.

Hopefully a vaccine will be available and people will feel safe to travel.  I can’t travel because my company has an international travel ban and we need to keep the employee population safe.

For many people cruising is just one part of their entertainment portfolio.  Also for many we are just accumulating PTO and trying to put our travel savings to good use with not a lot of choices - there is only so much deferred home maintenance.

For me the gym is considered to risky, but my membership is not that expensive and they will be there after this.  My Regal Cinema pass isn’t good without an open theatre - I certainly hope the movies I’ve missed will be on a flight or cruise when the time comes.  The season tickets to the performing arts center keep getting donated back -  ok I miss seeing Hamilton for the second time and was looking forward to the season but it feels good to help out.  Besides I have great seats.  My four year membership for excess tickets to shows might not be good for some time but just one set of tickets over the next four years will pay for my membership.  My ticket request for my AHL team season ticket has not been processed so I’m thinking hockey might be out for the foreseeable future.  My planned safaris to Malaysia and Uganda are pretty much off for the moment.  All I’m left with is membership in the Foundation Room with the House of Blues with no shows to be seen, but dinner once or twice a month with friends and a little entertainment.  So although I don’t get as much out of my membership at least there is something and I am supporting the local community.

My point is - we all lead very fortunate lives to be able to cruise and see the world.  I have been really trying to support local businesses and still make progress on my personal goals.  For most of us our entertainment support system is pretty diversified plus family and friends.  Right now things are pretty disrupted and I have not felt upset with leaving funds with my normal suppliers (including Princess).  My hope is they will come back stronger and always remember the vote of confidence during hard times.  
 

It is certainly good for people to rethink there options during times like this.  It is good to stretch and ponder new experiences.  That type of creative thinking gets us through the difficult times.  As for Princess - yes I will be back.

I think they are processing refunds in order of sail date.  My sail date was May 13th and my refund was processed the last week in July.  At that rate a July 1 sail date should be processed around September 15th.  Hope this helps.