mredandchis

3 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

What nonsense.

 

Your logic isn't. If you don't use middle seats, you eliminate a third of the people but not a third of the risk. The spread of virus depends a number of factors including distancing. By not using middle seats, you increase the separation distance and decrease the risk. It has little to do with the number of people on the plane. A 777 carries more people than a 737, but either one could have higher risk depending on spacing. OR they could have the same.

 

So how many lemmings are there?

You must be right , an 18 inch seat is the same as 6 feet.

28 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

The CDC is certainly more qualified than any politician, and it's their JOB.

The CDC is just another bureaucracy and I also have zero faith in politicians. I watch action and thus far the CDC under the last and the current administration is an abomination.  

My first cruise on Carnival was the Victory out of NYC heading up to Newfoundland around 2007.  At the time I was a RC cruiser and had heard that Carnival was full of low lifes and/or rowdy drunks.  I had taken my brother in law on a short cruise out of Florida and he loved it and he got the bug.  Well he invited me on the Victory in NYC and I went.  I was surprised.  Food was good , people were good, and staff was good. And I didn't find any low lifes, 

It was several years before i booked my second cruise with Carnival but I got on the Carnival Dream and fell in love with the line.  It was the staff, and the other passengers ,and the ship itself that felt special to me.  Sometimes we still sail other lines for what ever reason at the moment but most of the time it is Carnival.  

I have it and use it exclusively.  I cruise mostly on Carnival and usually get a bar tab or ship credit.  It usually pays for all our drinks onboard but we are not huge drinkers.

2 hours ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

The CDC has to deal with the here-and-now, vs what we think/hope might happen.

 

I expect (hope?) the CDC will modify its stance in a few months, perhaps by start of June, saying something like "we still urge caution and common sense protective measures, but cruising can resume by 1 July [or 1 Sept, or whatever...], as long as pax over 16 years old and crew are fully vaccinated".

 

But I can see their point - if you looked at how Germany was doing in late-Feb, you might have been tempted to predict that with more vaccine production the virus was going to be beaten down.  Instead, their vaccine rollout has been underwhelming, and they fear another wave as frustrations boil over at the prospect of even tighter lockdowns.  Meanwhile, the UK, which was doing far worse than Germany in late-Feb, has succeeded in bringing down their numbers to "almost" background noise, and has now eased restrictions significantly - because they did have a solid vaccine supply and maybe their lockdown worked better.

 

So if the US can get numbers down to the UK rates, I would be disappointed if the CDC didn't support a return to cruising.

I think you are right in that we 'hope" things  improve.  The vaccine roll out has been underwhelming for sure but it is a huge job. 

The UK are doing a good job thus far but are not  by any means outta the woods.  I am very much in favor of opening up but the UK is just a little ahead of themselves.  Israel has made the most solid inroads to controlling this plague.  The virus is being forced back by herd immunity there.  It is becoming so much back round noise. The infection coefficent is .72 which is great and they are still attempting to get more people to take the jab.  The new cases , hospital cases and deaths are all still dropping.  Israel is probably one of the safest places on the planet in regards to Covid 19 and yet here is a CDC link on travel to Israel. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-israel.  So lets not get our hopes up that the CDC has our best interest at heart. 

i had moved a Nov B2B from last November to this November.

We always have passports , our children all have passports and the grandkids all but 1, who left it expire have passports.  They are a no problem thing to have.  

On 4/12/2021 at 9:05 AM, chengkp75 said:

Thanks, Captain Obvious.  What they are concerned with is someone stepping off a ship and starting a super spreader event, when that person could have been identified outside the US and not allowed back in, or transferred to a quarantine location.

How are they going to start a super spreader event?   in 2020 I can understand that fear totally, but I just cant see it when  summer comes.  

9 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

I was thinking you could provide a link to current info on the CDC website to support your assertion concerning island travel.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-bermuda

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-3/coronavirus-the-bahamas

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-saint-martin

it goes on and on, always the first thing on Google tp pop up.  

4 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

 

Not sure where you are getting that info, period.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html

 

Any time I am out digging for covid and vaccine figures.  Always get the CDC propaganda that every place is high to very high .  Even when the new cases are single digits.  

The message goes like 

"Because of the current situation in  XYZ even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to XYZ."

You could put any major city in the US into the XYZ and then it would have some semblance of truth. 

On 4/8/2021 at 10:42 PM, kona_wahine said:

I just hope the ports are opened up when cruising starts. Our march cruise will be to HMC, amber cove, and grand Turk. I figure that’s good as the 2 are private ports so hopefully no issue. I was just reading that most poorer countries probably won’t even be 20% vaccinated by the end of the year. 

I have been watching a number of Caribbean ports of call as far as vaccinations go and the supply isnt there.  They start doing jabs for a few days and then run out.  Many are waiting on the WHO and COFAX.  The Caymans seem to have a good supply and are ahead of the US as is Bermuda also.  St Maartin is getting some supply from the Netherlands and they want to get as many shots as possible before hurricane season but it isnt looking good day to day.  They may make it in 2 1/2 months.  Some of the islands I cant find reliable data on but one issue remains,  we dont have a lot of choices to sail too.  And CDC is against any travel to any island, period, end of statement.  The eight balls we have in the CDC have the power and we WILL obey.  

On 4/9/2021 at 5:31 PM, jetsfan58 said:

Keep encouraging family and friends to get it done. Congratulations.

I have 2 neighbors, both sides, originally saying they wouldn't get the jab.  Now that I did it and I told them it was like a flu shot both times they are coming over.  As for family, this isn't an optional activity. We have 2 completed and 4 with one shot and 3 more to go.  

28 minutes ago, asalligo said:

At some point we must get rid of masks or make them from something more environmentally friendly. They seem to be blowing around every parking lot now. 

masks will go away soon but not today. And I see those masks even on residential streets 

5 hours ago, firefly333 said:

If carnival is the most economical cruise line please explain why their prices right now are higher than some other lines. Have you compared prices lately?

 

As far as all this talk of allowing cruises with 50 with covid ...not a chance that carnival will sail with that high of a risk. That's why they arent moving toward sailing. Let's give it another month or two and see if any sign of herd immunity. We are quickly getting to where almost anyone who wants the vaccine can get it. After that the picture will be clearer.

 

Unless carnival decides to sail from other islands which they said no to, probably not until Nov.  Not unless we see big inroads to stopping covid. We are only a few months into vaccines. Lots of time ahead of us. Frankly I dont know if vaccines should be required in nov, though I'm good with it. Not with a passport, but I'm good with showing my card to board. 

First of May start to watch individual states dropping new cases , hospitalizations and deaths.  It will not be THE answer but will be the beginning of the covid slide.  Then if they can get enough extra people vaccinated it will keep sliding down.  Trouble is in my mind, will we ever have enough herd immunity to feel good as a collective people.  Israel has 9.2 million people, they are battling 2 variants.  Yesterday they had 363 new cases ,  351 serious cases , 16 deaths and  842 recoveries.  They havent been in this good a shape since June 2020.  And they continue to improve

Well at least it is something, I would love to hear the cruise lines response. 

I roll into tier levels and don't pay much attention.  Carnival has always offered me a great vacation.  I have loss no confidence in Carnival what so ever. Some day I will be surprised when I hit diamond and it doesnt really matter.  

 I doubt they will attract many new cruisers with all the hoopla going on as people are afraid in general.  But there is a lot of demand from the cruise nuts it will be ok until everything returns to normal.  I have 4 before the end of year,  and when CDC opens the door all will start up fine.  

4 hours ago, jetsfan58 said:

According to the latest news and media source reports, much of the Upper Midwest and the Northeast have had recent spikes? Those points still do not exclude the Southern States from the eventual spread. Could possibly be that the visitors to both "Texas and Florida" carried the Virus symptoms back from those States while visiting? I am not and/or do not attest to having any Medical training. However, I do have the ability to read, see and hear the Medical Experts and their ongoing commentary. They all agree that we should still be very cautious and not acquire a "False" sense of security because of the vaccine disbursements.    

 

I too visited a Government facility where I was asked and mandated to remove "both of my mask and yes I am wearing two as suggested" and replace them with their handed out version. I am truly glad that they are taking these types of safety measures. Maybe more States, businesses and establishments will follow this safety lead.  

Makes a person wonder , that the 'experts' feel that your "two masks" where not adequate for safety?  We have the same here also, they are passing out medical masks to get the vaccine.  I was wearing a N95 and they said I was good with it.  I keep thinking these masks are a band aid on a gaping wound.

2 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Debby downer from SNL as usual

 

Why always see the down side. Texas rates of death and hospitalizations are falling in spite of the open border. Despite predictions rates would rise. Good numbers continue. Anyone who wants the vaccine now can get it. Open to all over 16. 

 

Some cant stand good numbers, they always see gloom around the corner. 

Well not sure what she might have meant,  and your numbers in general isn't bad.  My grandbabies live near Ft Worth so been watching Texas and the vaccines don't seem to be flying off the shelf as is the rule so far in other states.  Just watching it unfold it seems like there may be a lot of vaccine hesitancy in the Lone Star State. It seems like the different Governors will include a new group when the demand drops.  YAll are at 13 plus percent of pop fully loaded and most other states are in the 15 percent area. Then you got others that have topped 20 percent like New Mexico.  It may be a struggle for the Gov to sell them to enough people to reach the herd immunity levels.  The last couple days have inched up slightly.

12 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said:

Not all people present were members of the group, e.g. the media who were there covering the event. 

That is nice, but then the media wasn't in the group and was standing or sitting back from the meeting, Hence 6 foot social distancing at a minumum? 

35 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

 

Today, there seems to be growing consensus that indeed, if vaccinated, the likelihood of passing on the virus to others (should one have a low grade infection despite the vaccine) is very, very low.

Very true, studies from Israel are bearing that out.  Also as with that cruise meeting mentioned earlier , if all persons in a group are vaccinated , the likelihood of any person in the group having the virus is also very very low.  That is a double whammy against covid.  

2 hours ago, AHS123 said:

Vaccinated people can pass the virus to others without themselves being sick. 

The video shows staffers wearing masks and there was press in the room. 

Are you sure about that?  Studies are showing that statement may be untrue. 

9 hours ago, crazy4themouse said:

 

I'm in Texas, and the vaccines are available to any adult now of any age, as of yesterday. Unfortunately, that's not because the governor's doing some bang-up job -- It's because so many tinfoil-hat-wearing Texans don't want the vaccine. Our great state is near the bottom of the pile in vaccinations, at only 13% with at least one dose and only 6.5% fully vaccinated. Supply is going to exceed demand in the very near future.

 

 

It is slower than some states at current levels it will be another 45 days before Texas feels any effect of the vaccines and  after Jul 4th before Texas hits herd immunity.  And that is depending on vaccinations continuing at present rate.  ( which isnt that quick)

1 hour ago, ontheweb said:

They read newspaper headlines, but not the story itself.

MSM which includes newsprint goes for shock and awe everytime.  They actually cause fear in people.  So many times they look over a study and take away what they want to print and although it may be A truth, it isn't always THE truth.    I read a story in some "news" paper about a person that is a nurse and had gotten both shots but has tested positive for covid19.  They even tested more than once to be sure.  I had questions in mind as I read it.  How long after the shots?  Was the person critically ill? Did they even have symptoms? And after 20 paragraphs of blah blah they never got close to answering any of what I felt was important.  The writer just wanted to convey that the vaccine failed.  

8 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

Will let you know if and when they ever arrive.  Our Govt just put Astra Zeneca vaccinations on hold due to the number of concerns raised by (insert your own description here) people due to a few individuals developing blood clots after receiving this vaccine.  In the NWT there were 6 reactions to COVID Vaccines and its major news. 6? Another case of Bad news is good news for the news stations and papers. The number of people shouting Lock it down are on par with the number of people shouting Open it up.  BlerkOne this is a world wide problem and we all need to win.  

They were scheduled for use 29 mar - 4 Apr according to canada.ca website, but I have read about the concerns for people under 55 and blood clots.   I think it is wise to do a risk assessment.  

Right now Canada and all the northern tier states seem to be having an upswing in cases.  Not sure what to make of that.  It appears to be regional in nature and the southern part of the US and Mexico are having a down swing of new cases.  Could be people in the north are more inside right now?  

A person from Toronto on cruise critic felt Canada may be in good shape by July 1 and I ran the numbers and he is spot on if all goes well.  It would answer a question Is one does enough to curb it until second doses are administered.  

I am routing for yall.  As was mentioned by BlerkOne this is a world wide problem and we all need to win together.  

8 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

Until the world reaches herd immunity, the virus will continue to spread and mutate. Supply becomes irrelevant if people aren't willing to take the shot(s). As with toilet paper, some greedy country(ies) have bought more than they can currently use. Some vaccine is spoiling and going to waste. Let whoever is willing to step up have it. Those who miss their chance, oh well. They can get back in line.

 

Cruise lines aren't limited to only purchasing from 2 or 3 companies. More than a dozen covid vaccines are available with many more under development.

 

 

President Trump had preordered vaccines from several manufacturers before thet trials had completed with the idea that they would be approved and the manufacturers could ramp up production early.  He did over order IMHO hedging his bet so we could roll out stronger.  Since then President Biden ordered an addition 100 million doses of J and J to vaccinate every American.  Even though there are polls saying 40 percent of America isn't willing to take the shot.  I don't trust polls but that was reported.   We do have 6 million plus doses of Astrazeneca's vaccine that has not yet been approved, (not sure they have asked yet for approval).  Biden has given 1.5 million doses to Canada who have already scheduled distribution and another 2.5 million to Mexico.  The first time I liked what Biden has done.   Herd immunity for the entire planet is currently impossible to predict as a number of countries are not reporting what they are planning as far as vaccines.