USCcruisecrazy

9 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

 

When I hear/see the term "public transportation", I think of municipal/regional transit created and operated by government for which fares are paid - with everyone paying the same fare (by age, etc, for child and senior discounts).  Like buses and subways.

 

I don't immediately think of commercial operations by companies with stock and shareholders like airlines and such.  Obviously commercial transportation companies are being looped into the orders and I am wondering if this is the confusion. 

 

 

That said, I looked at the CDC link above and found this:

 

The Order applies to all public transportation conveyances traveling into the United States (i.e., arriving from a foreign country) or within the United States (including within states or territories or traveling between states or territories). This includes school buses. The Order also applies to all conveyances leaving the United States until they arrive at a foreign destination.

 

It seems to me one could interpret this and apply as follows:  A Princess ship departs from PE, FL with a first stop in the Bahamas at Princess Cay.  Mask required at terminal, boarding, and until the Bahamas as the ship has now arrived at a foreign destination.  And then, no mask mandate until the last day when the ship is travelling into the USA from a foreign country.  If this interpretation is a valid one, it doesn't seem to matter much as Princess has their mask mandate for the entire voyage.  Perhaps it is this language that made a different policy on Celebrity.  I have no idea - this is the first time I am reading about specific application or not.  I imagine it is worded this way as the CDC cannot dictate what happens outside the USA sphere of control.  Anyway, not advocating one way or the other - just some interesting language I had not seen referenced here.

 

 

 

 

You definitely bring up some interesting points.  I would agree that once the boat docks at a foreign port (or even anchored off that land...like Princess Cay) you can easily see the mandate no longer being effective.  It would then be a choice of the Cruise Line or the nation you are visiting.  I just hope when we are scheduled to sail in January of 2023 that this is all history.  If masks are required anywhere on the ships by then, I'm pretty sure we will spend the cash at an all-inclusive that doesn't require them.  After 3 shots and still catching COVID (yes, 3 shots and wearing a mask where required) we have no desire to continue such useless endeavors. 

5 minutes ago, caribill said:

 

But it does mean if they were testing to be able to go on a cruise, a positive test would mean no cruise for them or people they might have exposed.

The problem is my Daughter and SIL both tested negative...then tested again 3 days later and tested positive.  Never showed symptoms but tested upon request of visitors coming.  So, people could test negative, board the ship and be positive a few days later.  And if they had no symptoms then who would know until they potentially spread it across the ship.    

With the Omicron variant running rampant, I don't see how anyone could expect to cruise and not have positive cases pop up.  And once on the ship, the numbers really shouldn't make a difference because there's nothing you can do about after the fact.  I agree that if a port is changed/cancelled then the passengers need to know why...i.e. the port/country decided the rate of infection was too high for their comfort.

On another note, for those paying attention, cases in SC have gone up 20 fold (from 400-500 to 10000 to 12000) a day.  However the death rate has plummeted.  Last reported day was nearly 12000 new cases and 3 reported deaths.  My wife, daughter, son-in-law, wife's best friend, and mother in law all tested positive with no symptoms.  they took the test because someone worried about the virus was coming for the holidays.  They tested to make her feel better, but it backfired because they were all positive...again with no symptoms.  I assume I and the others present caught it from them at some point but not a single person had symptoms.  Point is...this variant has a lower death rate than the Influenza A so hopefully we start treating it like every other annual virus (flu or cold) and get on with life!! 

On 12/29/2021 at 6:09 AM, MissP22 said:

Considering that 15 drinks per day is a LOT of drinking for most people and that on port days most people will be off the ship, it makes the profit even higher for Princess. 

We'll be doing our best to get the most out of the package. 🤪

When we did the math considering the daily gratuities are included, the Wi-Fi is included and a small on board credit, it only takes a few drinks a day to break even.  So, yeah, the cruise line makes more if you drink less than the 15 maximum.  However, in my pocket, I take less out by using the package.  I'm okay with them profiting...that's why they are in business. 🙂  

Never did the Drink Package either, but the Princess Plus deal seemed too good not to take it.  So, with the drink package in hand I recommend mixing it up and trying different things during the day.  Like maybe a sea day that consists of:  Bloody Mary with breakfast, ice cold beer for lunch, a nice fruity drink like Mai Tai around the pool, a martini pre-dinner, a glass of wine or two at dinner, and night cap that fits under the bourbon or scotch umbrella.  Seems like a perfect way to enjoy a long day of vacay!!

Nice write-up...appreciate the time and effort.  We are scheduled for a 10 day Southern Caribbean next January (2023)...check that one out.  Nice itinerary and a ship we haven't sailed on yet.

2 minutes ago, Jadn13 said:

If you are on an extended cruise you don’t want to test positive mid voyage 

(testing occurs every 7 days) or test positive at all if it can be avoided. 

I understand that, but you're missing the point.  If social distancing and masks, especially with Omicron being more transmittable, works then we wouldn't be in the situation we are now.  You get vaccinated and then live life.  If you show symptoms...get tested.  But don't fool yourself that sitting 6 feet away is somehow safer than 4 feet away...science would say otherwise based on how this variant spreads.

Don't understand the concern for Social Distancing if everyone has been vaccinated.  Social Distancing and mask wearing were designed to prevent the spread of the virus pre-vaccine.  Obviously, neither work well against the spread although the vaccine will save your life and prevent in most cases severe illness.   

Awesome pictures!  Looked more like 5% capacity with the limited number of people in the photos. Crazy!

Not sure what type of fencing your son does (Epee, Sabre , or Foil), but whatever weapon he may use, the handle should be detachable.  Since that is the most important piece of equipment for "feel" check with the clubs he will visit and determine if they have blades available.  If so, I would recommend bringing his handle and other equipment.  I don't see where any of it should be turned away.  Just a thought.

9 hours ago, MadMouser said:

I'm usually kilted for formal nights, but decided to have some fun on the Christmas cruise we're about to do. This is what I'll be wearing. And if they don't like it, there's room service and the buffet. Because my wife's dress is equally off the wall and it made her happy for me to join in the fun instead of putting her on guard duty fending off the ladies who try for a quick grope.

 

https://www.opposuits.com/christmas-suit-santaboss.html

That's an awesome suit!!  I have a buddy that has one for every occasion. Personally, around Christmas on a cruise ship I enjoy wearing a Christmas tie about every night...formal or casual.  And I never care what people wear...I wear what I want because I like looking good and I think your attire at dinner says a lot about a person!

8 hours ago, sfaaa said:

My suggestion is to get an interior cabin and use the saving to book a full 7-day Alaska cruise. No point going to Alaska without seeing the glacier at least once. The icefield is constantly shrinking and may no longer be around one day due to ongoing global warming threat.

Current projections for the Ice Fields to disappear are somewhere around 2200 so they likely have time.

58 minutes ago, 555 said:

It's about time Princess caught up to the other cruise lines as far as relaxing their formal dress code. Except for Cunard most of them have done away with their stringent suit & tie on formal evenings which can hasn't hurt them one bit. 

People can still dress up if the want to but most choose to just go dressy casual. 

Bit of an overstatement.  Princess has not required a suit and tie on formal nights to get into the MDR for as long as we have been cruising with them.  They only ask that you dress above casual.  Personally, I don't care what people wear as long as it's not vulgar or not in good taste.  In the meantime, our group always likes to deck out in our Tuxedos and formal dresses.  Perhaps we will be the last of the dying breed, which is fine.

If it fits your budget, I recommend doing it.  Truth is, all the cruises are just a taste.  I lived in Alaska for 4 years and what we got from a cruise was just the tip of the iceberg...no pun intended.  🙂  See how you like it...get an idea of what you can experience...and then save up for a combo land & sea trip.  That will truly give you a better taste of Alaska.

8 minutes ago, cltnccruisers said:

What ship were you on?  I've always felt that makes a difference.  We love the Solstice class on Celebrity but not the Millenium class.  On Princess we didn't care for Sky but liked Sapphire and hope Caribbean will work out with our family cruise in March.

The cruise I mention above was on the Crown Princess.  But we had a similar group (50/50 in group of 12 that were 60's or 30's) on the Regal Princess.  It was also a great cruise.  Yeah, we did one on the Sky as well and it was our least favorite but mainly because of the western Caribbean...not our fave.  Ship was brand new (first 7 day out of FLL) and was okay, but no Crooners was a downer.

Have never been on Celebrity, but the last Princess cruise we took our children and their spouses and friends and spouses (10 total...all between 33-40 years old) joined us.  They all had an awesome time and I think they never felt out of place because of their age.  We are in our early 60's, but we all had a great time together.  I think it's a matter of what you do and the attitude you bring along.

18 minutes ago, chamima said:

 

 

My fear is that the same people who think masks don't work are the same ones who think vaccines don't work and might have falsified vaccine cards.

 

My fear is how many people think the vaccines work but they should still wear a mask...or think the masks work but still need a vaccine.  Personally, I prefer the science and go with the vaccine and no mask...precisely why I won't cruise with a mask mandate...but glad there are some that do...it keeps the lines in business...until then, I'll travel and vacation in mask free zones.

On 12/4/2021 at 9:43 AM, voljeep said:

2 years ago today ( 12/4/19 ) - we boarded the SKY for a little 3 day cruise ... 

 

at one time it was going to be the inaugural USA cruise, but an additional 3 day cruise was added late for 12/1/19, which unfortunately didn't work for us ...

 

hope everyone has a great cruise, as we look forward to our little cruise on the REGAL at the end of January... 

We were on the 7 day Western Caribbean right after your 3 day run.  Seems like a life time ago.

Love to order the fettucine alfredo every night for the table as a little appetizer between our appetizers and our main course! 

1 hour ago, moodyb1 said:

We've been to Dominica twice. It's been awhile, but the last time we were there it was very different than the other Caribbean island - not very built up, not very touristy, very natural. Each time we took a Princess tour. The first time was the River Tubing experience. We had a blast. The second time we took Heritage Tour Of Bois Cotlette Estate. It was very interesting. I think you would miss out not going ashore on this beautiful island.

 

Arlene

Heading to Dominica in Jan 2023 on a 10 Day Southern...interested in giving that River Tubing a try.  Thanks for sharing!!

Our PVP has been very attentive and quick to respond to any questions we've had.  She is definitely easy to work with.  Guess a lot of this is just hit and miss...get lucky and land a good one or get unlucky and get a dud!! 

I would like to have an answer on deliveries to FLL, but luckily my best friend owns Formal Wear of Myrtle Beach.  He would surely rent or sell you one and has awesome tuxedos...much better than that wanna be Men's Warehouse...their tuxedos are less than good.

1 hour ago, mom says said:

I'm not totally disagreeing with you, although I might argue about the Debbie Downer label. There's a difference between caution and total pessimism. And the OP referred to hoping for a dramatic reduction, not a slow winding down, which I certainly hope will continue. As for Ontario mandates, the Premier's record on COVID management speaks for itself, and his eye is firmly on what will get him elected next year.

 

And let's not forget, the large proportion of cruises out of US ports. I'm not holding my breath that there will be a dramatic drop in cases in the states with such poor vaccination rates. Hence the need for isolation cabins on cruise ships. I'm sure the percentage of cabins set aside for this will be decreased over time; but I doubt it will be this winter. 

Actually, cases in the US have dropped drastically already.  We just did a week at Walt Disney World...packed as ever...you'd never know covid was an issue at all, except wearing of masks on transportation and inside the buildings.  Numbers in FL though are now some of the lowest in the country and where I'm from, SC, our numbers have dwindled to around 300 positives a day from 3800 a day in the last 6 weeks and less than 4% positivity.  Great reasons to be optimistic!!

Interested in following along!  Hope you have an awesome voyage!!

I followed a gentleman on this site a few years back that did a live blog of his World Cruise.  It seemed incredible.  Definitely on my bucket list...just need to find that $72,000 for my beautiful bride and I to secure a balcony.  Good luck...enjoy!!