pmck

14 hours ago, Biker19 said:

I think just about every country failed that metric.

sadly, our US holds that dubious honor!!!  Almost 2 million cases today!!

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Not sure what would one call "better" handled, but apparently, Stockholm may reach herd immunity before the start of the summer. It also depends on what you call being hit hard and at what cost.

Better handled would be any where that started precautions prior to 3 months after knowing of the virus.. and "being hit hard and at what cost" would obviously mean loss of life, period!

22 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Sweden?

Sweden (almost 19K cases) is better than NJ (223K cases) for sure.. I just think that the places that haven't been hit that hard yet, may still get hit hard.  Unless of course, their Governments handled it better than ours in the US (which I'm sure most did)!!

Of course NJ is the most densely populated state (per capita), so there's that!!

On ‎4‎/‎26‎/‎2020 at 5:15 AM, korpo024 said:

I am so sad, tomorrow we would've been going onboard the Navigator of the Seas. Our whole vacation to the US is cancelled ofcourse. We would've been going to friends in Texas, and after that to Miami, where we would have stayed a few days before going to the Bahama's. This was our first RCL cruise. Normally we sail with MSC, because we're from Europe, and we most sail in Europe. 

These are unfortunate times. But this is all a luxury problem. There are people dying everywhere. We are still healthy and we have solid jobs...I hope I will be back at this RCL forum someday, when I book another cruise with RCL. But for now I'll be visiting the MSC boards, because the next two cruises are with MSC in Europe.

awe, I hope that you will come back and sail RC, it is a wonderful cruise line. We have also sailed on Princess (5X) and loved it as well, I think Royal may be our cruise line, when we feel like it's safe to do that again. Meanwhile, we were supposed to sail out of Puerto Rico in 2 weeks and I have just gone on to request a refund, vs the future cruise credit.  We probably will sail again in the future, but maybe not next year. Stay safe

On ‎4‎/‎26‎/‎2020 at 11:08 AM, NO_Member_Name said:

We're in Northern Palm Beach County and everything is fine here. I still don't know anyone who's gotten sick, and only one person who had an elderly relative pass away. Of course tons of places are closed and restaurants are takeout only. And the beaches and public parks are too. But, it seems increasingly overbearing and mindless. My sense is they're about two weeks past when they should have started opening things back up, at least around here.

 

I've been working from home since this all started. That's working out fine and I'm doing better than I would have expected. Management has seen an up-tick in productivity, so they're warming to the idea.

 

Personally I believe they should open most or all retail stores now. 90% of the ones I regularly went into never closed. And, the ones I went into occasionally rarely had many people in them. We've sharply cut back our trips to stores and probably will for a while. We just buy for a couple of weeks, instead of a day or two.

 

Beaches and parks are another sore point. The beaches are empty, but the sidewalks along the road next to the beach are crowded. There are more people on the neighborhood sidewalks and roads too. Luckily there's a private park near me that never closed, and I always have gone at times when few if any people are around.

 

Hopefully they'll just open up the bulk of things they should in the next week. Then they can spend their time figuring out what to do about the remaining 5%. 

If you could live our reality here in NJ (and neighboring NY) you wouldn't be so quick to want things re-opened.  I have 3 friends that have been down and out for 2+ weeks with this vicious virus and know of lots of people (both young and old) that have died from it. Sure, we are bored silly, Today begins my 7th week of working from home, along with my husband and daughter. But, the upside is, we are all well and we will eventually get back to a new "normal".  Our beaches are closed, parks are closed,  all "non-essential" businesses are closed.  The economy is struggling and unemployment is at an all time high.  No one wants this, but what is the alternative?  If we rush back, with no social distancing and new guidelines, surely the second wave will be back and it will be worse than the first.  Our governor has set up a plan, but it will be mid to end of May before we see anything even start to change. Hopefully more and different testing and research will evolve in the next days and weeks. Every day we wake up and hope that today will be the "miracle cure" day. Today we worry about lowering the risk to an acceptable level.

16 hours ago, Chadr135 said:

We have had our late-August 2020 cruise booked for quite some time and have been hoping that things would get better. But, I don't see any kind of big changes, specifically in regards to widespread testing, happening anytime soon. I'll leave politics out of this as the admin. asked and leave it there.  I just don't see us able to go on a cruise a few months from now in a way that is "safe" and fun.

 

This is my DREAM cruise, a great itinerary and an aft-facing corner balcony (bucket list), so I'm pretty bummed.  😔

I feel your pain.  We were supposed to cruse out of Puerto Rico 5/10/20 and I am beyond disappointed, but not surprised.

I don't see us going again until MAYBE next year, but God only knows how this is going to turn out.  When this all started, we thought that in a few months, we'd have a handle on it.  No one knew just how vicious this virus was at that point. Now we are wondering if we'll even get to go to the beach this summer!!

45 minutes ago, travelgirl528 said:

 

I totally agree.  We paid close to $1,700 for our family to fly to Fort Lauderdale (due to Spring Break).  We did receive a credit, but it must be used by March 2021.  With a son with respiratory issues I am treating it as a sunk cost.  The credit will go unused.  And likely the same story with our cruise credit. 

Maybe with your circumstances (having a son that cannot travel because of his particular health issues and this respiratory disease), they would make special dispensation for you.  I would definitely give it a try.  I have emailed Frontier tried the same for my cost.  I don't feel like we should incur any additional costs for this, since it's out of our control. Good luck to you and your family!

28 minutes ago, Cruisin_n_Boozin said:

 

Even more so because $25pp is about the full price of a frontier flight anyway.

I wish!!  We paid over 500 for 3 flights to Puerto Rico. That included bags and seats.

16 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Doesnt march 2nd - date of original post seem like a very long time ago?  I wish our only concern these days was comprehensive screening before boarding a ship. I was on a cruise a 3 week cruise in january when my Dh read online about this virus.  Truly a shame we didnt shutdown sooner than march.  But we cannot change history.

Now, I would like to go fast forward in time for when things are back to "normal".    

One thing I hope we see in the future is for people who are sick to stay home!!

I always get annoyed seeing someone at a store that looks like death -- coughing sneezing and  touching everything in sight.  Or those same people sitting in airport saying I have to fly even though I am sick.   Hopefully that will stop but probably not knowing humans.

 

Boy, you are so right. This past month has seemed like an eternity and sadly, there's a long way to go.  I am starting my 5th week of "working from home" today. Our cruise was cancelled of course.  We are having a little bit of trouble with Frontier Airlines, which I'm surprised about.  They let us cancel without a cancel fee, but are charging us a "rebooking fee" of $25 p/p. I think that stinks, since we have no choice. I would rather take the refund, but they aren't giving us that option.. Anyway, I guess that's not a big deal, considering everything that's going on in the world.  You are right.  I wish that our "President" (I use that term lightly) and the powers that be would have taken this whole thing more seriously when it first started. Maybe we would have a better grasp on it by now.  Things here in NJ are at a peak I think and hopefully will be heading down soon (like NY).  My brother and his family are in PA (I'm originally from Scranton). He works as a butcher for "Gerrity's" market and has been working 6 to 7 10 hour days because of the "panic shoppers".  I worry about him, just like we all worry about our families. I hope that our beaches (5 mins from home) are open this summer, but I worry that Florida is ruining that for us now.  Our Governor will see how the crowds seem to be gathering there since re-opening and will fear a re-surge here if that happens.  I will miss our cruise vacations and honestly don't know how soon we will feel comfortable cruising again. I think it will be at least next year.  In the meantime, we are staying home and trying to stay safe and well.  I wish the same for you and your family.

3 hours ago, gb52877 said:

I agree with you 100%.  They should have closed the state before spring breakers came down.  Our numbers would be way lower.  By the way I am not cranky.  I have plenty to do and I am blessed to be in Florida where our weather is beautiful. We can go outside for beautiful walks.  I just do not think people should say things like the numbers are actually higher in other states. They do not know that.  I may have said it in a cranky way but I am really not. HAHA!

I didn't mean you specifically. I know I'M cranky..haha.. I want to run away sometimes.. We are in NJ, which is hopefully on a plateau now and starting to go downward.  In the middle of my 4th week at home (working) with my husband and daughter.  The weather here is pretty good, maybe 4 out of 7 days (typical for NJ),so we go out for walks every day after "work".  Keep hanging in there, stay well and stay home...

On ‎4‎/‎13‎/‎2020 at 9:17 PM, emeraldcity said:

So sorry to hear about your cousin. It's more than just headlines when it hits someone you know.

 

15 hours ago, gb52877 said:

I did not say our state has low numbers. Florida has very high numbers. Our county has low numbers.  You have no idea whats going on in other states that is just your opinion.  Frankly I depend on our authorities to tell me what is going on not someone on cruise critic. I am sorry to hear about people not having things on shelves and about all the passings of family members.  We are taking this very seriously where I live.  I was just stating what is going on in my world as the title of the board asked.

Everyone is cranky after being stuck at home this long. I have an observation to make about Florida.. IMO the Governor should have closed down that state BEFORE spring breakers came, celebrated as kids do on the beach, and more than likely spread the virus to their home states.  We watched the scenes on the beaches in Miami and other spots in Florida and couldn't believe it was going on.  Maybe that would have kept the numbers lower in your state!!

Things here in NJ are scary to say the least.  Our 5/10 cruise was cancelled, which was no surprise here.  We are close to NYC and trailing a day or two behind them in numbers and "flattening of the curve".  I have been working from home for going on 3 full weeks now, along with my husband. Our daughter, who works in NYC, has been working from home for 5 weeks now.

We are home and trying to stay here as much as possible. We work and then go for walks when the weather permits, at the end of each day.  Trying to order groceries online for pickup or delivery is becoming harder and harder.  I had to go to the store, donning a mask on Tuesday, but got enough to last us a few weeks. A few friends of ours have had or currently have this awful virus.  Thankfully, they are on the road to recovery now, but it's been a long road for them. Every ache or pain convinces us that we must have "it" too, so we are grateful to remain well so far.

I know that life as we know it will never be the same again. I look forward to the beach and spending time with family and hugging my kids again soon.

Stay home and stay well everyone!!

11 hours ago, bonsai3s said:

Can you kindly share the reason why your husband doesn't like sailing out of Bayonne?

(Curious because we'll be cruising out of Bayonne (maybe), for the first time, at the end of the year.) Thanks.

Mainly because he likes to leave from a warmer climate right from the get-go!  Also, the waters of the North Atlantic can be a little rougher, but the captains usually know how to navigate that.  I have many friends that have sailed out of Bayonne and they love it.  My very first cruise was to Bermuda many years ago and I don't remember an issues either.

8 hours ago, mets123 said:

 

yes, it is pretty.. have sailed under those bridges many times, going on Seastreak to Yankee games (when they used to do that).  My husband likes to start vacation in a warmer climate, although I am working on him to reconsider.  It would be a lot easier to drive to the port than to fly and have to stay at hotels! My very first cruise many years ago, was to Bermuda from NYC.  I remember that it was awesome.

13 hours ago, suesnake2002 said:

Nov is a nice time to cruise. Hurricane season is over. It is also a cheaper time of year. You could always leave from Baltimore. And to make sure it's warm water hit western or southern routes. 

We have done November once, maybe we will check it out for later this year..

Just got the email last night that our 5/10/20 Southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan has been cancelled. Can't say that I'm surprised, but we still are so sad! Things are pretty surreal and scary here in NJ.  Our state with the most people per square foot, has been hit hard.  We are second to NY at this time in cases.  We have been working from home this week, while our daughter that works in NYC just started her 3rd week working from home.  Now, we try to reschedule this cruise to a better date.  We have only ever cruised in the spring, with the exception of June once and November once. Trying to avoid hurricane season is always in the back of our minds.  Any suggestions on good times, good ports?  We have done Eastern and Western and Southern Caribbean out of Florida, Galveston and Puerto Rico.  I have done Bermuda out of NYC, but my husband doesn't want to sail from NY or Bayonne.  Also, wondering how long this pandemic will be around.  Stay home and stay safe everyone!!

13 hours ago, MalteseMama2 said:

Yes, Blacksburg is a great place to live. We love it! Hopefully you will get on Freedom when everything calms down. 

yes we ALL need something to look forward to. Right now, I think it's the end of this virus..then we'll go from there. Stay well!!

On ‎3‎/‎11‎/‎2020 at 2:31 PM, MalteseMama2 said:

I’m on right now. Can’t post pictures until we get home but I have to say many things have changed and she looks great! New, open suite lounge in deck 14. WJ looks like a completely different place, brighter colors, and about 12 hand washing stations on the way in.  El Loco Fresh is delicious. New carpet pretty much through out. 

two thing that I like about your post... 1. we are booked on the 5/10/20 cruise out of San Juan and I know that won't be happening, so I'm happy that you got to experience the "new ship" anyway.  2. I see you're from Blacksburg VA. Both of our kids graduated ('15 and '16) from Virginia Tech.. Loved Blacksburg and miss it so much!!

1 minute ago, davekathy said:

125% of the cruise fare. Port charges and taxes are refunded back to your CC or method of payment. 

thanks!  I'm so sad that this is happening now. As I'm sure we all are!

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

Wait to see if RC cancels your cruise. You should be offered the 125% FCC or 100% refund. Both are good for cruises until 31 December 2021. If that happens book the same cruise for May or whatever month you prefer for 2021. 

thanks. I may be stupid, but how does the 125% work? Is it 125% of the amount we paid? For example, if we paid $2000, would the credit be for $2500?  I was thinking same cruise next year as well. Because only God knows when this will be over.

3 hours ago, davekathy said:

Yum, yummy...🌮🍻

3 hours ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

 

The food at El Loco Fresh is all Mexican. There are nachos, quesadillas, burritos, tacos etc. There are all kinds of toppings to build your own feast. Everything I tried was excellent!

this is making me sad because I'm sure that the way things stand now, our 5/10/20 cruise isn't going to happen.

We've been sailing in May for the past few  years and are trying to figure out other options, if we decide to do the FCC.  Hurricane season always scares us away from the summer months.

4 hours ago, tomberly said:

My parents are on the Freedom of the sea that docked in Miami this morning.  Any update on disembark time? Wondering if they will have to quarantine at home? Looking for an update from anyone on the ship with current information.  Thank you

did this ship sail out of PR? I thought that I read that a ship that was supposed to dock there was refused and sent to Miami.

Is this true?

On ‎3‎/‎15‎/‎2020 at 8:55 AM, Lionesss said:

I read so much on the internet and all of the sharing on this site which has kept me informed.

 

But one thing truly amazed me.

 

I am (was ) a mall walker every morning got to get in my 15,000 steps from 7:30 to 9am.

I am stopping and dusted off the inside exercise bike.

 

But my point is I cannot tell you how many people were drinking out of public water fountains with this scare.

Come on people.

To begin with the mall should have shut off the water to these devices.

 

BUT

People should have common sense not to use them.

 

I put bottled water in my pocket and drink as needed.

 

Stay Healthy.

people lose all common sense in panic situations, as evidenced by the empty grocery shelves. If everyone just shopped as normal and didn't "hoard" everything, there'd be plenty to go around.

6 hours ago, Russ Lomas said:

It was supposed to be 9 hours til my next cruise, sadly it is now 366 days since RCCL just cancelled today's cruise on us.

 

awe you must be so disappointed, but they say everything happens for a reason.. Maybe this is best for now.  I do feel for you though.  We are scheduled to leave PR on FOS on 5/10 and fear that it won't happen too!

On ‎3‎/‎6‎/‎2020 at 11:48 PM, nah31 said:

From the vidoe I saw a couple weeks ago, the slides replaced the mini golf, and there is a new mini golf somewhere else.

We sailed on freedom last april and are booked for this April. 

are you still planning on going if RC doesn't cancel?  We are booked on the Freedom for 5/10 and really want to go, but this COVID19 is daunting!

On ‎2‎/‎15‎/‎2020 at 12:12 PM, tanderine said:

29 days until Freedom out of San Juan. WooHoo!

Do you think RC will follow Princess and Viking and cancel trips?  Ours in on the Freedom in 58 days.  I'm worried now that it's going to get much worse before it gets better...