rizello

If most countries aren’t requiring testing to enter their country and US is not requiring testing to return, what is the need for any testing at all?

With the news to drop the testing to re-enter US, we might see a loosening of regular testing

I see no reason to do any more testing at all. Most of the countries have eliminated all restrictions and now the US has removed the re-entry restrictions. Not sure the reason to continue any testing.

Just saw this: https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/10/politics/us-to-end-pre-departure-testing-requirement/index.html Very exciting!

We booked the swan room so have been wondering if we would miss having a veranda. I was always curious how rafting would impact having a veranda.

according to the CDC and state department, it is considered the US, so hopefully Viking would also consider it the US and not require re-entry test.

I will also chime in that I have thoroughly enjoyed living vicariously through the daily blogs. I will probably never have the opportunity for a world cruise, but seeing your posts each day allowed me to experience it through your eyes. Thank you!

Frankly, I’m past worrying about whether someone is going to infect me. I am triple jabbed. I don’t worry about it when I go to work, or to Home Depot, or to a friend’s house. I can’t expect that we all go around testing ourselves every day if we don’t have any symptoms. I have just figured that it it is time to move into some semblance of normal. And I have been a very careful person for over two years now and tested whenever I had any symptoms or was in close contact and worn my mask when required. I am just ready to accept that I might get it at some point and that anyone vaxxed is protected from severe consequences. I do care about giving it to others but I guess not enough to test myself every day to make sure I’m not contagious.

I'm all for being as safe as I can be. And I am all for eliminating daily testing. I think the two are not incompatible. I don't test myself daily at home, but I do test myself if I think I have any symptoms. I go through life at home being exposed to people and not expecting them to prove to me they aren't contagious, just to go to the grocery store, or to work, or anywhere else.. Seems like it makes sense to have the same policy when traveling. Testing those with symptoms makes sense. Testing everyone all the time seems excessive.

Thanks for responses! Looking at Viking. Verandas on longships seem nice but we figure we aren’t in rooms much. On Viking you are quarantined off ship.

Hello: I'm getting ready for my first river cruise and trying to decide which cabin type to choose. I figure there are lots of threads on this topic already, so if there is somewhere I should look, please direct me. I'm also guessing that it doesn't matter the brand of the ship, as the room types are pretty consistent across lines. Should I save $ and book a swan level room? Or splurge a bit to book a veranda? People tell me you aren't in your room much so it doesn't matter. Some threads mention that there is more engine noise in swan level rooms, but that verandas aren't always helpful if you are docked next to another ship most of the time. If I booked a veranda would I be disappointed as most of the time we are docked next to another ship? Or is it worth the extra to have some space to spread out and have more light? Appreciate any insights. Thanks