rjrpar

1 hour ago, sugcarol said:

This seems to be getting worse with travel than I thought it would. We are 4 adults Fully vaccinated and now we have to pay an additional 1000.00 for testing. It is obvious the CDC does not want US citizens traveling at all.

Probably true but in this case you are blaming the wrong country 

8 hours ago, vandals04 said:

We went to Great Adventure last week and it felt like what I imagine florida and Texas to be right now.  Unfortunately, until they get their own citizens under control I doubt they will open up to cruises.

If I were you, I’d worry a lot more about NJ than Florida. Look at the Covid death rates of those 2 states.  

14 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

The statement about the level at which ships become profitable is probably based on normal operations with all ships taking a share of central operations overhead.  So there is no way these limited cruises can be profitable in the normal sense.  OTOH these ships have operating costs whether they cruise or not – subtract those 'sunk costs' and the numbers above might be cover the marginal costs.  And more importantly, these sailings keep the brand alive – that is 'priceless.'

Agree, I’m sure they cover variable costs of these cruises.  

2 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

My brother works for the PANYNJ. He works at Port Newark in logistics and marshaling.  He told me they were going over reopening of non public ship terminals for both NY & NJ.  Someone asked about the NYC & Port Liberty cruise ship terminals.  They were told they will remain shuttered until 2nd quarter 2022.  All sailings of passenger vessels have been cancelled until then at minimum.   They expect this to be a press release by 5/1.

I doubt anyone knows for sure when the NJ cruise port will open.  Many things are said in meetings, often personal opinions. 

18 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Yes, even without taxes being considered, the annual operating cost of a US flag ship is 3 times that of a comparable foreign flag ship.  Yes, a much as I have a quixotic wish that cruise ships homeported in the US would be US flag, that will never happen, unless there is a major catastrophe on one of the ships, as it would completely crush the US cruise industry.  Think of fares 3 times what they are now, even with the same capacity.

Your last sentence is way off.  Higher fares, sure, but not 3 times, not even 2 times.  

1 hour ago, pinnacleking2021 said:

im really getting fed up with royal cancelling month by month..why string us along???? not good business practice...

Don’t blame RCCL, blame the uncertainty caused by the pandemic (and the CDC)

We are scheduled in 9/21 on the Freedom for Bermuda, from NJ

5 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

Just priced a week on Celebrity, sailing July 10th...AI, drinks, internet, DSC etc...$3540.

 

I agree, I need a cruise too....problem is getting to St Marteen or the DR.  😞

Just vacationed in the DR.  No problems, cheap airfares - nonstop from Newark. No required incoming Covid tests. 

4 hours ago, Goldconnection said:

Just a little information I found. Not sure this is something to be proud of. I am sure the family of those who died would agree. “Compared to other states, Florida has the third-highest count of confirmed cases and the fourth-highest count of deaths.” 

Florida is the 3rd largest state by population.  Your statement is misleading, look at the rate/100000 people and you see how well Florida is doing. Plus their economy is open. 

3 hours ago, Joehult said:

Could also mean they’re running out of cash to operate. 

I doubt that very much

13 hours ago, fairweather said:

If you want to visit any place other than a private island, it's going to be hard not to have proof of a vaccine to get off. You can't get a visa already in a lot of countries around the world without proof of vaccination for a variety of diseases. Covid isn't going to be any different.

 

The CDC is working off rapidly changing medical data. New variants are developing fast and the vaccines still have not been proven to protect against them. It would be professionally irresponsible to give into the frustrations of commercial enterprises and tourists. Remember, the US has been the most infectious nation with more cases and deaths per capita.

 

This is a global crisis not an American problem. We all sail when it's safe and protocols have been tested and established from these first early cruises. It will take twice as long to get this right if the CDC is rushed into opening the floodgates without knowing it's OK to do so.

 

No matter how fast the CDC allows cruises to leave from American home ports, get ready to wear masks, socially distance and abide by the rules of the countries you visit. This thing won't go away until every poor country has vaccinated the majority of their citizens and the world reaches herd immunity.

 

We are moving a lot faster than any scientist ever thought was possible when this thing first took off. Count your blessings and go ahead and book a future cruise. It might be postponed to a later date but there isn't a penalty for having to cancel either. We are getting closer every day.

 

Patience is a virtue. Be thankful that you aren't one of the Long Haulers who may never be able to travel again.

Your second paragraph is wrong.  The US does not have the highest death rate, not even close.

35 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Now you're just making garbage up. Hawaii looks pretty good to me. Even Alaska.

Check the death rates in NY and NJ.  

1 hour ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

No they did not mention cruises but it looks like they are easing restrictions for travel in general so I am hopeful that they will update cruising soon.

 

Because of the potential introduction and spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, differences in disease burden and vaccines, and vaccine coverage around the world, CDC is providing the following guidance related to international travel:

• Fully vaccinated people can travel internationally without getting a COVID-19 test before travel unless it is required by the international destination.
• Fully vaccinated people do not need to self-quarantine after returning to the United States, unless required by a state or local jurisdiction.
• Fully vaccinated people must still have a negative COVID-19 test result before they board a flight to the United States and get a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after returning from international travel.
• Fully vaccinated people should continue to take COVID-19 precautions while traveling internationally.

Flew to the Dominican Republic on March 5 and returned on March 29.   Exact same rules as stated above. Just because the cdc tells us these are new rules,  doesn’t mean they are,  Remember, they are politicians that stretch the truth

2 hours ago, jetsfan58 said:

I won't be so quick to say "Normal". What will that look like if ever again? None of us know? I see a different picture of Florida where the Governor is against everything that makes safe sense. How is he adamant about getting back to Cruising (seems to be more interested in Florida revenue) but not adamant about wearing mask and the Vaccine Passport (less about citizen safety)? Is there certain proof that "Northerners" are causing the surge? Might be that people from "Everywhere Including Florida" are not following the rules as designated. Time and Actions will Tell If We Get Back to Cruising Soon.    

Why don’t you look at the results instead of blindly believing that isolation is the answer.  The deadliest states are the ones with the most government control

Great post!  Thanks

If you look at the data by state, you will see that every state is doing about the same. We are about 13 months into a pandemic and already a vaccine has been developed and distributed to about 15% of the total population. Easy to criticize but I think that the progress has been very remarkable.  The US has vaccinated about 60m people, 3-4 the rate of other major countries. 

Scheduled for Bermuda in September but have no confidence in Gov. Murphy  letting the port reopen for cruising.  Hope I’m wrong

On 1/25/2021 at 6:27 AM, pe4all said:

We are tired of not being able to travel without the fear of covid infection.  We will get the vaccine when offered so we can open up our lives again doing what we love.   If needing a proof of vaccine/antibodies certificate is what they require, that is what we will do.  No certificate, no boarding.  We are in a new situation, and may need a new set of "rules" to get life back the way it was before.  

Good post!

Casa deCampo in the Dominican Republic 

Can anyone tell me if balconies on deck 7 of the Harmony OTS are obstructed? 

Thanks in advance

We have used Calabaza 3 times and love them.  Never been on SM so I can't compare

Going on this cruise in May '19.  Would appreciate hotel recommendations in Paris for a 3 night pre cruise stay - location is key.  Also, what hotel does Avalon use for their extensions?

Thanks in advance.

We cruise every winter to the Caribbean and my observation of people dressed formally is lower than some of the previous comments. Very few people dress formally, under 5%. About one third wear suits and nice dresses, another third with sport coats and dresses/nice slacks, and the rest in casual attire. Just remember, almost anything is acceptable

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Again, the simple solution that RCL will never implement, nor enforce. A sign that reads:

The MDR is a formal dress dining area.

We would be pleased to offer you dinner at the Windjammer should you wish to dine in a more "relaxed" setting.

What is wrong with you?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

2 at least.

You need to see at least Hermitage, Peterhof, Catherine's palace and have a city tour.

I wouldn’t bother for just 1 day, you’d miss too much.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums