farmersfight

1 hour ago, CaptainHazelwood said:

I get my second Pfizer in two weeks and will just be glad to be done with it. 😎  Just about every pharmacy in my area is giving shots now and it's about as painless as going to the store to pick up some groceries.

Same here except mine is Moderna. No more painful than a flu shot. The covid vaccine shot may very well become the "new flu shot" where we get it every year to protect against the various covid strains (variants).

54 minutes ago, seaman11 said:

You know what else they can do?  Kiss my grits. 

4 hours ago, seaman11 said:

 

It was the wind that did it. Just like the wind that knocked Joe Biden down (3X) while trying to ascend the stairs of Air Force 1.

9 minutes ago, HBCcruiser said:

With NCL repositioning two more ships, it appears they might be getting ready to announce cruises from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico or somewhere else, similar to what RCCL has done. My opinion only. Interesting that they left the two ships, we are hoping to sail on, alone (so far). Both are sailing from Miami. 🤔

 

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24628-norwegian-frees-up-two-more-cruise-ships-for-redeployment.html?fbclid=IwAR15D4dfKf7nMao9hoyKZSnfOBNE-Y3-FiN5tYuvEI3HpOA5vUVUethegxY

5 hours ago, JandC_Cruising said:

Thanks for pointing that out....and don't call me Shirley 🤣

2 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Now THIS would be FANTASTIC! "CLIA calls on the CDC to lift U.S. cruise ban to allow for July restart."  

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/5985/

I agree 100%. I think Kelly Craighead, CLIA's President & CEO was spot on describing what is happening on the ground (actually, on the water) with cruises successfully resuming in other parts of the world with a minute # of covid cases (lower than on land). Add vaccines to the mix (as Kelly Craighead said, "a game-changer") and there is no reason why the CDC cannot rescind it's CSO and allow crusing to resume out of U.S. ports in July.

Thanks for posting by the way.

On 3/22/2021 at 9:59 AM, HuliHuli said:

There is no crisis at our cruise ports where so many are unemployed, it's just a challenge we have under control.

It's o.k., those cruise port employees can make wind turbine blades and solar panels.

8 hours ago, seaman11 said:

I was "stuck" on a ship for 13 days during hurricane harvey, it wasnt as bad as it seemed, actually i quite enjoyed the extended cruise. 

Why am I not surprised? You salty dog...

7 hours ago, seaman11 said:

I have FCC with Carnival i kept.  So i was hoping for a start in mexico or somewhere close,  i wont get credit but i was the one that mentioned a possible restart from another country easy to fly to from  the US, to circumvent the CDC.  many months ago. I also mentioned they can stop at their private islands, when ppl asked where would they sail to. 

8 minutes ago, seaman11 said:

im waiting to see what Carnival and ncl do first.  but im sure ill be on one. god willing.  

That's a good strategy. It is encouraging that RCL has added another ship to restart out of Bermuda. RCL may not be done yet.

If the cruise industry is "monkey see, monkey do", Carnival and/or NCL may be right behind RCL.

Good luck, after all, you've got to live up to your CC screen name!

22 hours ago, DaCruiseBug said:

 

Like shutting down that pipeline? LOL

Dang it, you stole my line!😉. It's o.k. though, those laid off pipeline workers can make wind turbine blades and solar panels. Just ask John Kerry.

2 hours ago, seaman11 said:

i dont know where or when to rebook , but im thinking out of another country will be the way this summer., CDC is dragging their feet and dont want any backlash if covid comes up on any ship. 

Seaman11, I would think you'd be all over these cruise restarts from Nassau, St. Maarten & now Bermuda. I bet you've got RCL & Celebrity on speed dial..

14 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

You are more "tuned" into dimensions for the cabins than I am.  I have based my opinion of what I see in their deck plan as well as what I think I can see from photos of the outside of the ship.  

Yeah, it may be "moot" anyway. The Pearl Mist may just be too pricey and as I mentioned in a previous post, she qualifies to be banned from Canadian ports this summer (2021) due to her passenger capacity (over 100 pax). I expect to see an announcement from Pearl Seas cruises,  cancelling the 2021 Great Lakes cruises because they involve Canadian ports.

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

@farmersfight I think we are on same page in many aspects.... could be Michigan thinking 🙂

 

While I don't disagree with Kaleb about their understanding of access to the studio lounge, I suspect that enforcement is extremely inconsistent (as is the case with many things on cruise ships). I would bet my farm that as a solo sailing in a balcony, guest service would still code my card if I asked politely. If that didn't work, knocking on the solo lounge door always works (not to mention it is sometimes propped open). Since we are on the same wavelength, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that unless you are enjoying conversation with other solos you will find another quiet place for coffee as I suspect we both have a similar love of the sea.

 

I agree with you 100% about the virtual solo cabins. When they came out I did think to myself that I might try another studio cabin just for the virtual experience (if pricing is right). Smart move on NCL's part fo'sure.

 

I've had all three solo cabins you mention on Anthem. To be honest, my favorite was the middle. The largest  balcony gave a tunnel feel to the cabin and it was so large the cabin had zero sunlight. The smallest is just a regular balcony (which was fine), but the middle was just right!! I have only been on deck 7 so keep an eye out if a  balcony opens on 7 to try to avoid the glare that comes from the lifeboat tops. However, the location is terrific and you have an exceptional view of the sea from your shower (you'll see what I mean when you get there) haha.

 

 

 

Yes! It's the Michigan thinking. (Go Blue btw in the men's NCAA basketball tournament). I think you told me before but I forgot, what part of the mitten state are you in?

So, enforcement on a cruise ship inconsistent. Must be like how they consistently enforce the prohibition against saving deck chairs like the "chair hogs" do. I see what you're saying. If I'm ever on an NCL BA or BA+ class ship, in a balcony, I would do the same thing.

You are spot on, I definitely have a love of the sea (& ships). "Seas the moment". I'll probably give the studio lounge a fair chance for early morning coffee and perhaps hit the bar in the main public spaces for my 1st Bloody Mary of the morning. Then, I'll need more coffee, lol.

Thanks for sharing your experience about the Anthem OTS studio balconies. I'm glad you said the middle balcony was "just right" (the Goldilocks principle) and the smallest was a regular balcony and it was just fine. I have booked a middle balcony and the smallest balcony. But, both are on deck 6 (I don't think the ones on deck 7 were available). I'm more worried about any partially obstructed view from the tops of the lifeboats on deck 6 (than the glare from the lifeboat tops), especially the aft most (smallest balcony) studio balcony cabin. The next Quantum-class ship "on my radar" (pardon the electronic navigation pun), the Ovation OTS, I will be trying to book as soon as they open up o I can hopefully snag one of those studio balcony cabins on deck 7 (hopefully, with the "Goldilocks" balcony).

Exceptional view of the sea from your shower? You mean all the fishies will be able to see me naked?

48 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

How expensive Pearl Mist is definitely not solo friendly.  I look at the deck plan and see how small the cabin and the veranda is for those solo cabins.  Hard to justify spending that kind of money even for a somewhat unique itinerary.  

If you can look past the exorbitant cost, I actually thought the Pearl Mist was "solo friendly". The single cabins are advertised to be over 200 sq ft, which is pretty roomy (imho). I think a standard balcony cabin on a typical cruise ships is around 185 sq ft. I also thought she was "solo friendly" because of the # (12) of single cabins on that smaller cruise ship (as I mentioned, RCL's full-sized Quantum-class ships also have 12 studio balcony cabins).

But alas, I think that the Pearl Mist will be to rich ($$) for my blood. Cue my misty eyes. I still find it curious, the ship calls here in little old Muskegon, Michigan. As I mention, not much here for tourists.

8 hours ago, hallux said:

On my first trip in 2019 the solo host was actually a repeat from the previous sailing.  He enjoyed doing it so much he ASKED to do it again and he was EXCELLENT! 

 

As my second sailing was in a balcony and I was on the ship with others (I was single cruiser but not a "solo" per se) I didn't have as much interaction with the solo host as a solo cruiser.  The minimal interaction with her as the solo host was positive, but not as positive as on the first trip.  As a general entertainment crew member she was absolutely EXCELLENT, to the point that one of the other members of my party handed her an additional cash tip...

Great example of when someone has the job (solo host) that wants the job and likes/loves the job. Thanks for sharing. As I mentioned, NCL should screen for employees that truly want the job as solo host. When you get an employee like that, the resulting service for the solos is like you said; EXCELLENT.

I'm sure like anywhere else, you'll have your "bad apples" but from what you said above, it sounds like overall, NCL has some excellent employees that provide excellent customer service.

8 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

Yes, since the US government had given loan guarantees to Hawaiian American Cruises for the POA and a sister ship, they were anxious to unload it.  The deal, which required an act of Congress, waived the US built clause of the PVSA for the POA, and also for one current NCL ship (Norwegian Sky/Pride of Aloha) and one new build (Pride of Hawaii/Norwegian Jade) to have the US built clause waived.  Since the Sky and Jade have been reflagged, they have permanently lost their waiver.

 

It was a "100 year" storm, but remember, with almost no liquids onboard, she was riding very high, and her stability was very low.  The yard went into reorganization, and a few years later, Genting Group, who had owned a majority of NCL bought the majority of Lloyd Werft.

 

Electrical problems, corrosion issues.  Lots of equipment had to be renewed.  Once the ship was pumped afloat again, the only contractors allowed onboard at first were the Wartsila engine techs, who dried out the engines, put a special preservative oil in them and fired them right up.  The engines have been overhauled several times since then, so the running gear is maintained, but they are still waiting for long term corrosion problems to pop up.

 

Norwegian Sky has had similar issues, after her original yard (Bremer Vulkan) went belly up (she was built for Costa originally), and she sat for 10 months through a cold German winter until NCL bought her and finished her in, of all places, Lloyd Werft.  

Man, you're like a living, breathing human maritime encyclopedia. Appreciate you sharing your in-depth knowledge & experience about the PoA (and all other maritime matters on these CC boards, for that matter).

I guess the demand for inter-island Hawaii cruises was not high enough for NCL America to justify keeping the Sky & Jade under U.S. flag? Kind of surprises me, I thought there would be enough demand to keep 3 U.S. flag cruise ships in Hawaii.

Thanks again for your informative replies.

9 hours ago, pe4all said:

We had a fantastic cruise on POA - so much so we are thinking of booking her again when cruising opens up.  We had 2 balcony cabins (as we are balcony snobs on all ships)  and do not regret one penny of what we spent, or will spend in the future.    Especially now - with covid around- we will use our balcony more than ever to stay away from crowds.  jmho

Thanks for sharing. Bodes well for my booked cruise on PoA in late October (if she sails, fingers crossed 🤞). I'm a "balcony snob" also, even as a solo cruiser. I made a rare exception to book an inside cabin on PoA since I figured the ship acts more like a "floating, moving hotel" that takes you from island to island during the night. I asked myself, what am I going to be able to see at night from a balcony? I know the ship does an afternoon cruising along the scenic Napali coast but this wasn't enough to sway me to spend the extra $ on a balcony cabin (remember, I am a solo cruiser so I get to pay double for a regular balcony cabin - 100% solo supplement).

From you're experience in a balcony cabin on PoA, was it worth it and did you use the balcony enough to justify the cost? Did the ship mainly get underway in the evening/at night? If yes, did that affect what you could see from your balcony?

Thanks in advance...

12 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Your plan is tempting and I am appreciative of your offer.  I am not yet ready to leave my "bubble" for such an excursion.  

 

I got a chuckle viewing the two photos of the differences in the Lake Express and the Badger.  I remember the view of the Badger where the vehicles and passengers enter.  Then, for the passengers:  a long, metal staircase up from the "garage area" to the passenger decks.  

No problem, I fully understand. The offer remains on the table. With regard to the Pearl Mist, it dawned on me that the Canadian ban on cruise ships (that was extended through Feb 2022) could affect her scheduled June 24, 2021 sailing. Sure enough, the ban applies to cruise ships that carry over 100 passengers. The Pearl Mist carries 210 passengers, so that ban applies to her as well. Expect an announcement from Pearl Seas Cruises cancelling that June 24, 2021 cruise any day now. So, the May 29, 2022 cruise I was looking at is still "in play". But man, $11,400 for one of those single staterooms on the 11-night cruise (fm Toronto to Milwaukee). "Gulp" (swallow hard). And that's with the $1,000 off discount. I'll keep it "on my radar" (apologize for the electronic navigation pun).

Yeah, you're right. The passengers have to climb a long metal staircase from the vehicle deck to get to the passenger decks. That's "old school" baby and part of the Badger's "charm" and the Badger "experience".

An interesting fun fact; on the Badger, the crew drives your vehicle on and off the vessel (lots of room on the spacious vehicle deck), while on the Lake Express, you drive your own vehicle on and off the vessel (much tighter spaces on a smaller vehicle deck). You would think it would be the other way around. Also, the Lake Express starts her season before the Badger (May 1st) and ends her season after the Badger (Oct 25th). Again, you would think it would be the other way around; the Badger is a much larger vessel and would handle rough "seas" that may be more prevalent on Lake Michigan in early May and in late October. In fact, during these times when the lake is rough, the Lake Express will have to really "check down" her speed and will end up arriving late at her berth.

I'm still waiting on Lake Express to get their computer problem fixed so I can book her for that trip I described in my previous post. The Badger is available to book, no problem, but I want to make sure I have the Lake Express booked first.

11 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

Well, that's not really correct.  The hull, and all equipment inside the hull, up to the promenade deck, was built in the US, and while much of the equipment is European manufacture, it was the same as was originally intended for the ship.  Most US flag ships have machinery built overseas.  The hull was temporarily decked over to bring the ship to Germany, and the superstructure and hotel outfitting was done there.  But, and here's a great big but.  While at a wet berth in Bremerhaven, with the ship "dry" (no fuel, water, ballast), a storm came along, the wind caused the ship to list at the dock, and a temporary "access" (large hole) in the side of the ship was submerged, and the ship sank at the dock.  She was on the bottom for about 2-3 months while the insurers argued over blame, and as a result, most of the wiring and electricals below the third deck up (crew, not pax deck) had to be renewed.  She has had problems ever since.  And, the sinking and repair costs drove the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven into bankruptcy as well.

Great, the only U.S. flag large passenger ship that I'm booked on and you're telling me it's cursed? 😉. Thanks for the in-depth knowledge of the history of the PoA's construction. I was aware that the original owner of the ship went bankrupt while she was under construction in a U.S. yard. Then, NCL bought the unfinished ship and had her towed over to Germany. I'm sure NCL was granted some sort of waiver to allow her to be completed in a foreign shipyard and still remain eligible for U.S. registry?

Fascinating story about her sinking at the wet berth. That must've been one heck of a storm with winds strong enough to cause a ship's hull of that size to list at the dock. Wow. Incredible that this incident forced Lloyd Werft shipyard into bankruptcy. Again, wow.

When you said she's had problems ever since, I'm assuming electrical problems? As long as they keep those blenders running to make my DoD's (Pina Coladas), I'm good.

Thanks again for the great info regarding the PoA.

12 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Interesting! Thanks for that info. Perhaps things have changed, or perhaps they differ by ship? I ended up chatting with a lady who happened to be in a balcony cabin, but she had her key card coded for entry into the studio lounge so she did have full access. I thought that if I were to sail solo on ncl again this is the route I'd go.

 

I understand wanting to try the studio cabins. I was in the same place. After trying, I was one and done for a few reasons. Mostly because I really enjoy a balcony (even pre-covid) and found that the extra large solo balconies (with chaise lounge chairs) on the Anthem class are perfect for me when I want to sail solo. Unlike many who want the studio lounge for social gathering, I tend to meet people everywhere, and chances are if I'm sailing solo it's to decompress so laying on my balcony with a great book is often my preference. 

 

Also, the studio lounge is interior. It never feels right to me to spend time totally inside with no windows (even on land). I feel a bit caged. The lounge did offer excellent coffee, but the snacks were less than desirable and I don't expect there will be self serve snacks or coffee after covid.

 

But, I totally understand wanting to try the concept for oneself. With this particular OP, I'm hesitant to recommend because she needs the fridge and the space is going to be extremely tight. If she can get the inside for cheaper and then get her cruise card coded to enter the studio lounge I think her experience would be much more pleasant. Best of both worlds so-to-speak.

Hi. I think @kelibprovided our answer wrt the studio lounge (must be booked in a studio cabin). Thanks for sharing your experience & thoughts about staying in a studio cabin. It's funny, we're on the same wavelength, lol. My motto is "gotta have me a balcony, even as a solo". With that said, I decided to keep an open mind and give the NCL studio cabin and studio lounge a try (on their BA & BA+ class ships). I'm booked on the Encore, so I think having that virtual "window" in the studio cabin will help with that "closed in" feeling. Smart move by NCL imo. I'm not expecting too much from the studio lounge (not a full blown lounge/bar), but I think I'll like to have a quiet place to go with good coffee in the morning. The studio lounges on the newer BA & BA+ class ships actually look really nice inside (from the photos I've seen). If they staff up a bar (5-7 pm) in the studio lounge, I'll consider that a bonus but not something expected. I do like the idea of NCL providing a staffer (host) for the solos but kind of disappointed to read what @kelibsaid about NCL rotating these hosts. Yeah, it should be a staffer that wants the job (I'm sure the solo customer service is much better).

Back to balconies for us solos. Like you, I love balconies for the reason(s) you stated. I would just add that besides a book, I would have an "adult beverage of choice" out there on my balcony. As I mentioned, we're on the same wavelength. I have purposefully booked RCL's Quantum-class ships (Anthem OTS & Odyssey OTS) for those studio balcony cabins. I picked up on when you said "extra large" solo balconies because I did note that from the deck plans, the 2 most forward studio cabins had larger balconies than the 3rd in the row (on port & stbd sides). The 1st studio cabin forward had the largest balcony. On my 2 Quantum-class ships booked, I think I have a middle studio, so the balcony is a little larger. On my other booking, I have the studio cabin with the smallest (regular size) balcony of the 3. Oh well, I just feel fortunate to have booked these studio balcony cabins because I know they are sought after and hard to find available. Another point about these studio balcony cabins; they are located on deck 6 & deck 7. It appears that it would be more desirable to be higher up on deck 7 because of the tops of the lifeboats? On deck 6 (especially the aft most studio cabins) there may be a partially obstructed view (looking down) by the tops of the lifeboats? Did you encounter this when you were in one of these studio balcony cabins?

It is interesting, I give NCL credit for marketing to us solo cruisers with their studio cabins and studio lounges but RCL is actually very "solo friendly" as well with the studio balcony cabins on their Quantum-class (and Quantum Ultra class) ships. Not only that, RCL has been running their "60% off the 2nd guest" sale which effectively lowers the solo supplement to 40% for us solos. I have booked multiple regular balcony cabins (Oasis-class ships) with this sale. On top of that, RCL's sister company Celebrity, is "solo friendly" as well. Their Edge-class ships have those Single Infinite Veranda staterooms. The Celebrity Edge has 16 and the new Apex will increase that to 24 (indicating that Celebrity is increasing it's marketing to solos). To compare, RCL's Quantum-class ships have 12 studio balcony cabins. Btw, I'll be trying one of Celebrity's Single Infinite Veranda staterooms, as I am booked in one on the Apex.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience with NCL's studio cabins and studio lounge. I'm keeping an open mind. And, thank you also @kelibfor sharing your experience.

20 hours ago, dumbth said:

Please adhere to the conventional wisdom that this is the one cruise on the planet where a balcony is entirely needless. You will always get one on the wrong side for the sole few minutes it actually moves past scenery during daylight anyway.

I knew it! I've never sailed on PoA before but I thought this would exactly be the case. So, I booked an inside stateroom and saved $$ (patting myself on the back...).

20 hours ago, dumbth said:

By the way, it is really a quality-made Pride of Germany due to bankruptcy of the intended US shipyard and diversion to Euroland.

I'm good with that. The Germans build quality ships (as do the Fins & Italians). At least NCL was able to get her flagged U.S. so that we (the U.S.) can say we have at least one full-sized U.S. flagged cruise ship.

10 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

If you do book this and are able to sail, I would be interested in a very thorough trip report as to your experiences and opinions.  

I would be more than happy to provide you with a thorough trip report, with pictures and perhaps even videos (today's cell phone technology is wonderful, isn't it?).

I looked at those two cruises I mentioned above (that look like they are both available to book) and I've had second thoughts. Instead of the June 24, 2021 cruise, I may wait a year for the May 29, 2022 cruise. I disembark from a TA on the Allure OTS in early May and would be back in time for the May 29, 2022 cruise. 3 reasons to wait for the May 29, 2022 cruise; 1. I would get the extra $200 discount (cruise discounted $1,000 vice $800) 2.  It would give more time for the vaccine(s) roll outs and cruising to return to "normalcy". 3. It would give me additional time to bank more $$ in savings (so I am in a better position financially when it is time to make final payments).

Even if I do wait for the May 29, 2022 cruise, I will still provide you with the aforementioned thorough trip report (with pictures & videos). By that time, maybe you could join me and we'll make it a "mini-Rat Pack cruise". I see from Google maps that in Centerville, Ohio, you are about in the middle of Cincinnati and Columbus. Like me, to embark the Pearl Mist in Toronto, you'd have a very short flight. Then, how about this, after disembarking in Milwaukee, you take the Lake Express with me to Muskegon, Michigan and you rent a car (one way rental) and drive back to your home in Centerville, OH. From the map, it doesn't look like it would be a bad drive at all and wouldn't take that long.

On a separate note, I'm in the process of planning a trip to Milwaukee around Memorial Day this year (2021). I already have my hotel(s) booked. My Detroit Tigers are scheduled to play the Brewers in Milwaukee on Memorial Day, May 31st (day game) and also the following night on June 1st. It will be a short 2 game series. I plan on getting tickets and attending both games. After the Milwaukee stay, I plan on driving up (I'll be bringing my truck over on the Lake Express) the Wisconsin coast to Manitowoc (where the SS Badger docks). I plan on spending a couple of nights at a hotel in Manitowoc (I want to go to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum) and then embark the SS Badger (with my truck) for the return crossing back to Michigan (Ludington). Then, it's a short drive (40 min) drive south down to Muskegon. I call this trip "The Circuit".

Interested in accompanying me? It wouldn't be a bad drive from where you live in Centerville, OH up to Muskegon, MI (and the return drive back). You could bring your vehicle on the Lake Express and SS Badger, but there really wouldn't be a need as you could ride in my truck with me (and this would save you a few $$ on transporting your vehicle on both ferries).

By coming up to Michigan and doing "The Circuit" with me, you would; 1. get to experience not 1 but 2 Great Lakes auto-ferries (one a modern high-speed ferry, the Lake Express and the other, an actual designated National Historic Landmark  (NHL) - the SS Badger, the only coal-fired steam ship still sailing). 2. get to attend not 1 but 2 MLB games (Tigers vs Brewers) in Milwaukee and 3. get to sample what Milwaukee is known for - beer (I'm sure we could easily do a brewery tour or two).

If you're interested, let me know. The Brewers single game tickets go on sale I think March 24th or 25th, but they are only for games up to May 2nd. I called the Brewers ticket office and asked when they are going to put their single game tickets up for sale for the Memorial Day series (vs Tigers) and they told me to check back in early April. I want to jump on these tickets early in case they are limiting capacity.

I think you'd have fun on this trip, especially if you're a ship (and baseball and beer) connoisseur like me 😉.

Modern Great Lakes auto ferry;

Not so modern Great Lakes auto ferry;

8 hours ago, jskinsd said:

Like you said just your opinion.  Are you booked on one of those Crystal, RCL or Celebrity cruises?  Are those the places you really want to go?  I want to go to ALASKA.  I will wait and go where I want to go.  And optimism and hope only go so far.

I'm just glad I do not have a FCC and have to HOPE to use it.✌️

Thanks (I'm glad I'm entitled to an opinion). No, not booked on the Crystal, RCL or Celebrity cruises. I would have no problem cruising around and doing port calls in the Bahamas and would especially have no problem doing 2 days at RCL's private island, CocoCay. Good for you, you wait and go where you want to go. And pessimism and despair can go farther than you'd like (if you let them). I don't have any FCC either, so I don't have to HOPE to use it. ✌️

18 minutes ago, jskinsd said:

Sounds like a threat.  And really what can the cruise lines do.  Sail anyway.  You all are not cruising for a while.  And even when it happens it will be under limitations. 

By no means a threat, just my opinion. "Sail anyway" <- exactly what a few of the cruise lines (Crystal, RCL & Celebrity) are doing by home porting their ships in Nassau & St. Maarten, out of the CDC's jurisdiction. I optimistically disagree with your last 2 sentences. The aforementioned cruises will be in summer of 2021 (albeit at reduced capacity and with vaccinations required of all crew & all passengers 18 & over). With all crew & passengers (18+) vaccinated, it will be interesting to see if masks will still be required (hope not).