MEcruzr

Check the dates on YOUR FCC. Yours may not be the same. 

38 minutes ago, Langley Cruisers said:

For me, I don't think I could even enjoy the day's excursion with this in the back of my mind. Stress can be a silent beast... creeps up on you... there is absolutely no way I would book this tour, even with the so-called promise. I mean, it's all fun and games until the bus gets caught in traffic, someone is late returning to the bus and that makes everyone late, the bus breaks down... you get the idea. 😉

If it was Jamaica I'd agree with you! I'd take the chance in southern Spain, though. 

15 hours ago, peanut head said:

It's the Apex TA in May 2021.  The ship departs at 4pm from Malaga.  Next port is Alicante arriving at 7am.

 

I was hoping by May that ship sponsored tours would not be a requirement.  The excursion is to Alhambra and Granada. 

IF you go... IF you can book private shore excursions... IF you wouldn't be with someone who would freak out over missing the ship, then yes, I'd do it. I'd check availability of car rentals from Malaga to Alicante for the day you'll be there and the next day. That would be my back up plan. It's a 4.5 to 5 hour drive. I'd also have a hotel in mind for both Malaga AND Alicante and decide in the moment where we'd stay that night. My preference would be to get to Alicante ASAP. I'd also pack a essentials in my day pack for "just in case". Bring your passports, driver's license, extra cash/credit cards, medications, phone numbers for car rental/hotels, a phone/charger that works in Spain, etc. Go on the excursion planning to miss the ship... and be pleasantly surprised when you don't. 🙂 

So glad you enjoyed your tour and hope you also enjoyed Maine! 

Two thoughts.... first, Celebrity can't give you what they don't have. Second, I would work with a trusted travel agent on this. Get someone who will have your back and can talk "behind the scenes" about a reasonable solution and can negotiate for you. I'd look at booking "something" on the cruise you want and ask to be placed at the top of the waitlist for the cabin category you want. I'd also insist on the same pricing as you had in May if one should become available. And understand that you may not actually get the cabin you want in the end (cancel before final if you have to). The situation stinks, for sure... and never should have happened. Your unfortunate experience is a lesson for ALL of us... thanks for sharing.

We cancelled our May 2nd cruise in mid March. Got the partial refund, taxes, port fees refunded late April. Got the FCC last week. I contacted our TA and asked if she had heard anything. She called X and requested to speak to a supervisor who assured her we would get our FCC "within 24 hours". We did.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane... I keep hoping they bring it back. And Bistro On 5...

I'm thinking they will only use exterior cabins (with balconies) and that it will be based on cabin #... meaning they will not book side by side cabins. If "your" cabin isn't one they plan to use, you'll be out. Social distancing by way of cabin location.

Of course, we're all just guessing.

I don't miss the flights home, unpacking, laundry and putting away of things I won't use until the next cruise. I don't miss afternoon sea days.  

5 hours ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

I thought it was just the opposite.  I thought that by mid-July RCI would have repatriated all of their crew and they were down to minimum staffing levels.  About 40 per ship.

The CDC approved one crew member to disembark Edge in the US yesterday. It's still happening.

According to ABC news on 6/14 there were still 40,000 cruise ship crew worldwide still not repatriated.

8 hours ago, tallyho8 said:

I am hoping that cruising starts back before October. If cruise lines can't cruise before May of next year, they will all be bankrupt by then.

In order for ANY ship to sail on October 5th (or later) the provisions would have to be ordered today... 88 days is the minimum, according to a regular CCritic member. Knowing the current situation, does anyone believe that X is ordering anything right now, for any of their ships? That they are ready to announce a restart? That they have started hiring/training again? That protocols are in place and things like port terminal air filtration systems will be completed by October? 

Last I read, too, the crew have not all been repatriated yet. What's the current situation there, does anyone know?

When I travel with my friend we have  no issue with sharing a cabin (twin beds) and a bathroom. She takes WAY more time getting ready than I do. So she uses the cabin bathroom and I use the spa bathroom. It's large, everything is provided, the showers are private and we are both easily ready at the same time. I even have time for a quick dip in the pool or a sauna before showering if I start when she does. I offer this info as an alternative solution to the second bathroom. 

Not likely to happen. They want people in cabins... because those people spend money. An empty cabin generates no extra $$. Plus, when cruising resumes it's very likely going to happen with reduced capacity. I doubt they will allow an empty cabin to be "counted" toward the passenger total. 

A possible work around would be to book the inside cabin in their husbands' names... who would then be "no shows" at embarkation. The wives could request extra key cards to their husbands' cabin once onboard. They'd have to pretend their spouses were supposed to be catching up with the ship at the first stop... then say no, they aren't coming after all. Not honest, but you did ask how it could be done.

2 hours ago, Fouremco said:

I've used a variety of disposable and non-disposable masks over the past few months and found quite a difference in their level of comfort. I'd highly advise finding one that best suits you before the cruise rather than hoping that Costa's will provide the necessary comfort. 

I also wouldn't rely on any cruise company supplying my mask. If they run out and you don't have one... what then? Using their disposable masks would be a back up plan if lost mine from home. It's a non issue for me, though. I can't imagine wearing a mask for hours at a time while trying to have FUN. It's bad enough just going grocery shopping.

7 hours ago, WNcruiser said:

https://www.costacruises.co.uk/cruising-soon-again/safety-above-all.html

 

It specifically says masks and gloves "are available upon request". I don't see where it says they must be worn. 

 

In the new FAQ document is says this...

"As we have seen in our 'new' daily life on land, it will be necessary to wear a facemask in all circumstances where it is not possible to guarantee the appropriate social distancing. It will not, however, be required in outdoor areas, on sun loungers, in the swimming pool and during the meal and bar service, once seated at the table; instead, it will be mandatory to wear a mask at the terminal and during the boarding process and in all other public areas of the ship." 

Bring your own mask or get one from Costa... "We recommend, for the convenience of each guest, acquiring the necessary personal protective equipment prior to departure; however, Costa will make every effort to provide disposable masks and gloves upon request during your stay."

21 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

I think you can count on being required to wear masks inside except when seated to eat or drink or you are in your cabin.  If you look at the FAQ put out by Costa it seemed that's what it was mandating.

I read that, too... masks and health checks required at embarkation (which you will receive an "appointment" for) and onboard masks are required when inside (public areas) unless seated for eating/drinks. Outside, like at the pool, you can take it off. No buffet, all meals and snacks served in restaurants only. Also, they will only seat you with people you are traveling with and you can't change your dining assignment. No dance parties/disco nights. Casino will be open, tables will be limited in players and no one will be able to stand and watch the players. Fewer machines will be operational. Shows will have limited seating for distancing. This is what Costa has put out. There's more... that's all I can recall right now. I read enough to know that cruising like this won't be something I'll sign up for at this point. I'm not that desperate to cruise. Yet.

2 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

I would like to assume that the poster assumed under normal times, seeing that this was originally a thread from last year. Let's hope Maine is better off next year.

Absolutely! I just didn't want anyone to read it with a current date and think hey, let's go do that. The islands are trying very hard to keep their aging populations safe. Day trippers are a real threat to them.

Also, the ferry has reduced passenger limits and trips per day meaning there is a very real chance that people who LIVE on the islands will not be allowed to board the ferry to go home. My cousin's grandchildren and their other grandmother were turned away because the ferry they needed to take home had reached capacity. The next boat to our island was the following day. Weekenders and day trippers (tourists) are causing much concern this summer.

On 6/7/2020 at 11:56 AM, happywhencruising said:

OP may have sailed last year but thought I would post to help others.I have lived most of my life in Portland.I would recommend taking a Casco Bay Ferry ride to Peaks Island. Ferry terminal is next door to cruise ship terminal. Ferry ticket is less than $8 per adult, half price for children & seniors. You will pass 3 lighthouses on your 15 minute boat ride. You can explore island on foot, by rented bike or golf cart rental. There is a wonderful historic golf cart tour for about $18 pp. Peaks is a quaint village/artist colony with a fishing and military history. Pebble beaches and beautiful scenery. Several good restaurants. We usually have lunch at the Inn at Peaks. You can also grab a takeout picnic and walk up to the military museum which has a wonderful veranda with a million dollar view of the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean.  

As of right now, though, CBL is NOT selling "tour" tickets. You can't just take a ride on the ferry. It's considered public transportation and under the emergency order nonessential riders can't purchase tickets. Check the CBL website for the current status to avoid disappointment at the terminal. Non ticketed people are not allowed in the waiting room at this time, even.

My TA said she would probably receive the email with our FCC and would forward it to us. 

I had a thought... IF a ship, like Apex, does sail with passengers in October... AND at a reduced passenger load (30-50% are the numbers I've seen thrown about in discussions) then I wonder how they will choose who gets to go, and who gets the "boot"? Are the October cruises booked above this rate now? Provisions for any cruise will need to be ordered within the  next two weeks if sailing is to happen in October!

Unless they have already placed provisioning orders nothing will cruise before the first week of September. 

On 5/27/2020 at 8:52 AM, CruizinKittie40 said:

Any updates on this or still July 1?

Cruises to Bar Harbor have been cancelled through August... with the new announcement by Canada that they will be closed to cruise ships until Oct 31 I think it's safe to say that ships won't be headed to New England, either, in Sept and October. 

https://www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/922/2020-Cruise-Ship-Schedule?bidId=

14 hours ago, maggie.1008 said:

After Covid19 I am not sure how many tables there will be. The two tops are already so close together. I don`t see how the Blu dining room can fit in tables larger that 4. 

Since they plan to reduce overall passenger count to 30-50% capacity that will also reduce diners eating at any one time. I imagine they might require reservations at all venues, including the main dining room, Blu and Luminae in order to accommodate everyone. Someone asked on another thread how they might decide who got to cruise and who would be "bumped" on a cruise with more passengers currently booked than they plan to sail with... maybe they will take into account the size/seating of the restaurants. If ships aren't sailing at full capacity they can remove tables to give more space between them. 

I'm curious... are they distinguishing between "open port" and "open to cruise ships"? Our ports in Maine are open, but NOT to any passenger ships with more than 50 passengers, excluding ferry service. There's a huge difference between a port being open or closed... and whether or not they will accept cruise ships. 

If they're going to sail in August they'd know it by now... someone on CC said it takes 88 days to provision a cruise ship (from placing the orders to delivery on embarkation day). 88 days from today is August 17th. My guess is no, X will not resume cruising in August.