MrsKC08

20 hours ago, Jimbo said:

You live in Florida, so why not just head to the beach there and forget about cruising for awhile.

As someone who grew up in central Florida...I can tell you a "trip to the beach" isn't all that, especially when it comes to cruising. I'm not a beach goer, but I'll jump on a cruise this weekend if I could...even if I didn't even step foot off the ship.

I'm one of those that is not going to be a negative Nancy, and I'm not all about doom and gloom. MSC is showing that they are capable of cruising for 7 days, and I think that is a HUGE step...even though it is a Europe cruise. There are plenty of people that are ready to cruise, and there are already some islands that are starting to reopen for travel. They need the economic uptick just as much as we need it here in the states. I'm currently booked for a cruise on another line out of Canaveral the end of February and I'm keeping my hopes alive...and we will see what October/November holds.

Yeah, this is strictly for budgeting purposes, not necessarily what will actually happen.

36 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Scientific American says the opposite!  

 

"However, data on excess deaths in the United States over the past several months suggest that COVID-19 deaths are probably being undercounted rather than overcounted."

I've had this argument with many people over the past several months. HERE is my issue with the numbers the CDC pushes out. Right from their own website, they cannot give EXACT flu numbers...but instead give a 'range', which by the way...happens to be a fairly large range. So, if they cannot even give accurate to the number flu numbers, which they have been tracking for decades, how on earth can you believe a straight flat out number for Covid?? It is impossible! I personally have had two friends with loved ones die during this mess that are still fighting to get the death certificates fixed because they listed Covid ... when one never got tested and the other was tested and negative. There is a lot of mis information and calculations being put out there. Not to mention, if you get tested positive, and then go back to get tested again...that is counted as 2 cases, not one! I could go on and on.

On 8/3/2020 at 11:05 AM, moda cruise said:

If vaccines become mandatory to cruise  This will be another blow for cruise lines  A lot of people do not trust vaccines 

I don't think anyone has to worry about the vaccine becoming mandatory. But I can assure you that there will be a ton that will choose other vacations over getting this vaccine. I'm in that group. There is no chance in the world I would EVER take this vaccine, and I am not an anti-vaxer at all. The problem with this vaccine is that it is being "rushed" and not properly tested. Not to mention that the mortality rate for this virus doesn't warrant the need to take the vaccine.

On 8/3/2020 at 11:10 AM, TheMastodon said:

 

I don't want to be around those people anyways.  

Um, ok. Not sure what is so wrong about someone who refuses to take a vaccine that has not been properly tested and that is being rushed. I cannot imagine why someone would rush to get this vaccine without knowing the long term effects. But...that doesn't make me want to not be around that person.

On 8/3/2020 at 2:44 PM, flyguyjake said:

It's truly unbelievable that any government would push to reopen their economies too rapidly without first containing this virus. Nearly every country has experienced a surge when reopening. I get that businesses need money but at what cost? Cruise ships cannot afford anymore negative publicity. Airlines are parking planes in long term storage. They anticipate normal air travel will not return until 2024. Cruise lines need to start planning much more long term. These stupid 30-60 day delays aren't helping anyone. And taking reservations for ships destined for the scrap yard is very a deceptive practice IMHO. I do not think cruise lines should be playing games like this with their most loyal customers.

I'm a numbers gal, and a realist. I do my own research and don't follow the crap the media wants to feed you. The numbers do not warrant the shut down. The numbers do not warrant the fear mongering. And while I'm on the topic of numbers, it has been proven over and over again that the numbers have been inaccurate in many MANY states. As for the delays, the fact is they need to just open up. If people feel UNSAFE, then by all means, stay home or choose another vacation. I don't see anyone playing any games. These cruiselines are at the mercy of the CDC unfortunately, and they are trying to do everything in their power to reopen. This is such a fluid situation and things can change daily. You can bet there are plenty of folks that would get on a cruise ship this weekend, even if it went out in the ocean and floated around. Sure beats sitting around watching the ridiculousness of what is happening around most of our country right now.

On 8/3/2020 at 3:00 PM, Milwaukee Eight said:

And what cost if some opening is not permitted?  How do you contain this Virus?

 

We wear our masks and practice social distancing. 
 

M8

There is no way to "contain" the virus. People seem to think it will just go away...

On 8/3/2020 at 3:48 PM, lovescats5 said:

• What would you expect.  You make people stay home, thus increasing domestic abuse, and all the other things that drive people nuts.  Then you open a little of stores or cruise lines or whatever and now everyone is upset because there is an increase.  I am one of those people everyone dislikes.  I do not believe in masks, I think we need to let life get back to whatever normal will be.  If you do not want to take a chance on sailing, stay home.  I am in the high risk group because of age but am so tired of hearing and listening to people complain about not wanting to live until a vaccine is developed.  I had a niece die from the flu, and she got a flu vaccine.  There is no vaccine that will keep everyone safe.  Check the numbers on the swine flu and the regular flu.  Less than 1% of people have died from Covid.  Do I want people to die, no, but I am tired of having someone tell me how to live my life and what I should do.  Go ahead, give me your negative comments, tell me I am wrong in what I believe.  Won't change my mind like I won't change your mind.  I want to cruise, if you are afraid of cruising stay home in your house and let life pass you by.  My opinion only, which I am entitled to.

No negatively here. I feel everyone is entitled to their opinions. After all, those that don't agree with you have their own opinion, why not be able to have your own. I too feel quite the same as you do.

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

I read a story about a fmaily in Florida that went to get tested, filled out all the paperwork, got tired of waiting hours to get tested and went home.  Four days later they got their positive test results.  They NEVER GOT TESTED.  Who knows if that is true or not, just sayin

This same thing happened to friends we know here in Tennessee. They both went to get tested and waited an hour and half to get the test and decided to leave and try another testing facility. They drove by the other testing facility and the line was too long so they were going to go back in two days when it was open again. Got a call the following day from the first place saying their tests were positive...they never took that test! Again, we personally know these people.

55 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

I agree the numbers are way too high but in order to bring them down, we have to get to the source of the problem.  It's not a blame game but rather an essential quest to know the specifics of what is causing the spike in order to mitigate it.  It looks like this virus is going to be with us for a while and we need to learn to live with it while not catching it until a vaccine, herd immunity or effective treatment is achieved.  In order for that to happen, we all have to do our part to social distance, wear masks in public and practice hygiene -- that's all we can do for now unfortunately. 

 

While the older population for the most part adheres to the rules, the younger generation does not -- that is just fact.  Until Florida (especially South Florida) gets better at controlling its Millennial population (Gen Yers and Gen Zers) and Gen Xers, cruising out of MIA (PortMiami) is just not going to happen, period.

I agree with the first part of your statement...this virus will be with us for a while and a vaccine isn't always the answer, especially one that is being rushed in the manner this is happening. Herd immunity and building up your immune system is a positive answer for sure. Masks, that's something I don't agree on...and we can agree to disagree on that. BUT, anywhere I've been in the past several months, it's the older folks that are not wearing masks unless forced to do so, but yet the millennials that are wearing the masks like they are a new accessory. Even my 90 year old in-laws do not wear masks, and one of which has a pacemaker (his 3rd).

On 7/9/2020 at 4:20 PM, xDisconnections said:

Well, most of the cruise directors are working at a Margaritaville Resort in Texas through September so there’s that...

 

(and this was when they were still resuming in August)

The cruise director Matt Mitcham is not there...and a few others I follow on social media are not there. When you say most, how many are you talking about?

On the shareholders call on Friday, they mentioned the break even point was at less than 1/2 capacity, or there abouts. I'd have to go back and read the transcript. 

15 hours ago, Germancruiser said:

Only one technical stopp in Oslo ( 3 hours) . No excursions allowed. I am fine with that- since I love sea days anyway. I look really forward to it- the ship is sailing at 60% capacity. So enough room for social distancing.

I already did part of the online check- in. Printed the mandatory health questionare- which really is nothing more then the one we all know and we all fill out before every cruise since years.

Also there are time slots for check in- which will be given just before the departure!

I am sure will do a review- maybe in " Live from one of the first cruises after Lock Down- Style!

Oh I cannot wait for that!

16 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

You should have gotten a confirmation? 

Agree. Anytime I have booked myself online, even with a courtesy hold...I get an immediate confirmation email sent to me.

2 hours ago, darknightsdespiser said:

Just had an email saying our cruise on Grand next year has changed to Regal - horrible ship with no prom deck; and how do we keep the cabin we chose? Absolutely furious.

Sorry for your switch. We are one's that actually book our cruises based on the ship itself, more than the actual ports. BUT, with that being said, we loved the Regal.

Maybe I'm optimistic or maybe I just refuse to be all "doom and gloom", but I feel that cruising will get back to what we know. There are certain things they can enforce and change with protocols, like no self serve buffet or ice cream, etc...but people are natural born social beings. We need the interaction with fellow humans. God intended us to be that way, he didn't leave Adam alone did he? I mean, people are going to naturally socialize and talk with other people...if they choose to. You may not have large tables in the dining room...but there will be a table close by that you can still chat with a fellow cruiser. We actually prefer to have a table for two because 1)you never know what kind of table mates you might end up with that could either dominate the entire table conversation, come in drunk, or be just flat out awkward; 2) we personally like to talk about what we plan on doing the rest of the evening, or what we enjoyed about our day just to each other.

One thing that I am actually looking forward to, at least at the beginning of cruising, is a less crowded ship since they will not be able to sail at full capacity for a while. 

18 minutes ago, ECCruise said:

There is not a protester on this planet that would be found in Kid Rock's.  😨

Haha. You'd be surprised.

16 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

You are there in person while I'm reading news reports and getting second hand info from my daughter, so I'll defer to you.  All I can say is this picture of Kid Rock's made it's way around Social Media:

 

This was supposedly June 12, before they were cited.  They may be staying within the capacity of all 3 floors, but it looks like people are all staying on the first floor with no distancing.  My daughter took a look in the window last Friday night and said it was very much like this.  The other bars that my daughter said were closed are Wildhorse and Losers.  Admittedly, neither is directly on lower Broadway.

And that picture could have been taken at ANY TIME. I was right down the street at Crossroads listening to some friends of ours play that same day, ironically enough. There was not hardly any people out that day because of the threats of riots/looting for that weekend. There was constant police presence all over the streets. I'll admit, I didn't go INTO Kid Rocks that day, but I walked by it several times and it never looked like this from the outside.

Edit to add: Losers has actually been closed for a while (it's on 3rd Ave S). It's a very small bar and to be at max capacity isn't really worth them opening because the number allowed would be so low. It's really no great loss for that bar because it isn't worth much. LOL

Wildhorse is more of a venue, than a bar. It often isn't open unless they have something going on in there.

12 hours ago, notladjr said:

Thank you for the great review. Like you we mostly cruise Royal Caribbean although we have enjoyed HAL, Celebrity, and have a 2021 cruise booked on the new Carnival Mardi Gras. We have one prior experience cruising with NCL. It was 12 years ago and while nothing terrible happened on the cruise (Hawaii to CA) it just didn't click with us and we have never cruised with them again - until now. Having read some good things about their newer / bigger ships (other than Epic which is an epic failure in design) and tempted by all of the free at seas offers I just booked us a 14 night transatlantic crossing on Getaway for April 2022 to replace the land trip to England we were supposed to do this August 2020 for our 40th wedding anniversary. We also are supposed to be on Harmony of the Seas before the Getaway cruise as we are booked on Harmony for Dec 6, 2020 but I will be surprised if that really happens. We also are from the Nashville area, we live in Murfreesboro! Glad that you enjoyed your cruise on Getaway as after  I booked I then checked Cruise Critic passenger reviews and was shocked how bad they are. Of particular concern is seeing many complaints about waiting for hours to get off the ship at ports of call. Depending on the price I may have to splurge for that priorty access you had. We normally also book inside cabins because we like that you can sleep late or take a nap during the day in total darkness AND the cost savings is usually enormous. Our Getaway cruise is for our 40th so I am splurging for a mini suite. Hopefully going back to an inside cabin afterwards won't be too traumatic! LOL

Aww, thanks for the nice comment. We also have the Mardi Gras booked for next year, early (February)...hoping there isn't more of a delay on the delivery, but so far it seems ok. I check often with our TA and Carnival boards. We love Harmony and have actually been eyeing a sailing on her the week after Thanksgiving this year (our favorite week to cruise). Of course, we've also looked at another NCL cruise out of Nola that week too... I'm definitely ready to get on board a ship soon but at this point, who knows when that will actually occur.

I think you will love the Getaway. We went in with an open mind, because of all the somewhat negative reviews we saw...but it was easily in our top 5 cruises. The food blew RCCL out of the water for sure. I would probably do the priority access again, especially with any port that has a tender.

8 minutes ago, beerman2 said:

 

They have been warned and compliance IS taking place. So as I said 50% capacity is better than 0.

Totally agree with everything. As for us, we are at 75% capacity...and that's definitely heading in the right direction. We were happy to see live music come back. 

6 minutes ago, beerman2 said:

If businesses would conform to guidelines there wouldn't be a problem.

Frankly, it is COMPLETELY up to a business whether they want to abide by a "recommendation" or not. It is their business after all. Many businesses are starting to stand up for themselves, and are entitled to. It is their business after all. People have to realize a mayor has no power, and is simply a figurehead. There is no law pertaining to the "guidelines"...that's why you will start seeing a lot more lawsuits popping up with business owners.

 

Now bars/liquor licenses are being shut down/suspended. Why , because some businesses did it their way. 

Just like with Kid Rocks, and others...lawsuits are soon to follow because of these things happening. No one has a right to tell you how to run your business. A county requiring a 34% tax increase has a lot of nerve to do so, IMHO.

 

Seems like a simple choice to make money following the guidelines, or now be shut down with 0 income. 

They were making 0 money when they were forced to shut down. 

 

It does ultimately fall back on ownership/management.

I guess it's a business owners right as well. Again, no one is forcing anyone to do anything they don't want to do. If someone isn't comfortable being in a restaurant or bar, they by all means don't have to. Pretty simple to me. So much judging going around these days. 

1 minute ago, time4u2go said:

You said "there has been no problem with this at all".  Clearly there has been, as evidenced by the articles.  I'm really not sure why you don't understand this.  Are you saying that the articles are fictional?

As mentioned above, Kid Rocks was NOT past their allowed capacity (That's why there is a lawsuit actually). Many who got citations were bogus citations, as I also mentioned above. I can walk down Broadway right now and find bars open and have bouncers at the door counting those coming and going (so that they aren't past capacity). They also have bar stools spread out. 

Are news articles always completely accurate? Are online reports always telling the FULL story? I don't understand why you have such a problem understanding what I'm saying. I could get political and tell you that the Mayor here has it in for some owners of establishments here...that has been proven. But I won't get into that jazz because it's not important for anyone who doesn't live, work, or have business in this county. 🙂 

Just now, time4u2go said:

Haha, you said "I live in a town FULL of bars  and there has been no problem with this at all."

 

Clearly you are mistaken.

Not mistaken at all. 😉

2 hours ago, time4u2go said:

It's not just the one bar you mentioned.  Several others were also shut down for the same reason:

https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2020/06/18/kid-rocks-other-bars-suspended-violating-health-rules/3213575001/

 

Edit: I see that the article you linked also mentions the other bars that were shut down.

haha. This article is from mid June. Bars are open. 

2 hours ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Well, the fact that the Odyssey is delayed all the way until April 2021, do you think this indicates that cruising may not start until April 2021? 

This has no baring as to when the cruiselines when sail. The delay (as mentioned by RCCL themselves) is because of the shipyards being closed, suppliers not being open and available to ship items, and reduced workers now that the shipyards are starting to open again. Ships are still being built (I watch them often on webcams). Carnivals new ship, Mardi Gras was delayed back before Covid, but still on target to deliver in November (this of course can change). 

2 hours ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

I wouldn't go quite that far.  My daughter and her boyfriend were in Nashville last weekend.  They said many of the smaller bars on Broadway weren't open (combination of Covid-19 and the recent protests).  Some of the bigger places did a good job of managing social distancing like you said (e.g. Dierks Bentley's).  Others seemed to have no control at all, (e.g. Kid Rock's).  They avoided Kid Rock's like the plague (pun intended).  Kid Rock's had their beer license pulled for 5 days a couple of weeks ago but apparently is back to doing what they were doing before they temporarily lost their license.  

not sure what "bars" your daughter and her boyfriend went to, but I actually work downtown and have friends who own/work/play on Broadway. Almost every bar was open unless it was closed due to personal ownership preference (mostly because they cannot staff the bar right now). As far as Kid Rock's is concerned, we have not heard the end of that saga. There is a pending lawsuit, which chances are good Kid Rocks will win. It is a MASSIVE bar (3 levels) and I can assure you that they were not at maximum "allowed" capacity for the entire venue. And they were counting so they knew how many were in there and had a line outside for those waiting to get in. Many of those here that were recently given citations were for stupid reasons actually. For example, a bar that we frequent (we are there every weekend) had a citation for having pool sticks out!!! LOL 

15 hours ago, time4u2go said:

Because with restaurants they can space the tables apart.  Spacing people apart in a bar is practically impossible.

Absolutely NOT impossible. It's called taking away bar stools and enforcing the distancing (which is pretty easy to do). I live in a town FULL of bars  and there has been no problem with this at all. We are actually in phase 3 now, which allows people to sit at bars. I've even seen some bars put pub tables up to the bar and space them out. You're sitting at a pub table, but it is right to the bar. It still doesn't justify the need to close bars at all for me. And again...if people are too concerned or scared about the lack of social distancing at a bar, they simply don't have to go. No one is forcing them there.

Sounds like something I'd call them about. 

On 6/26/2020 at 5:14 PM, lovescats5 said:

I agree with drrich2.  The government says we will all get covid at some point.  I see family members in stores and some wear masks and some don't.  Some have plastic gloves on and some don't.  And they all go home in the same vehicle.  Don't get the thinking on that.  If you want to stay safe I guess you stay home.  Now in NV the governor has declared that if you go out you better have your mask on and yet he does not wear one.  How do you wear a mask in a restaurant?  I am in the 70+ age range and yet I am willing to take responsibility for my actions.  If I go out and get sick and die then that is on me but at least I am living my life and not sitting at home.  I know, I could get other people sick if I have it, but if we are all going to be exposed eventually does it really make a difference if we are exposed in the store or on a ship. I hope cruises start in Jan 2021 at the latest.  If not then we are all going to see the end of some fun vacations.

I agree with everything you said! I'm in Nashville (live outside of the county, but work in Nashville and spend a lot of time at places in the county. This past weekend we recently had a mandate passed that "requires masks", however there is a TON of exceptions to the rule, including no requirement in Federal and Government buildings which amazes me, since it was government officials that unanimously passed this! LOL. They also stated that they are not able to enforce it or police it, that it would be impossible. No surprise there. It's also up to individual business owners as to whether they will require it or not, and most are not, from my experience.

On 6/26/2020 at 5:45 PM, Merion_Mom said:

 

Restaurants shouldn't be open yet.  They are already showing that they are the source of new outbreaks.  That takes care of your "problem" with wearing a mask in a restaurant.

This statement amazes me. There is not proof from ANYTHING that I've read that indicates that they are a source of outbreaks. We've been eating out frequently, and going to our favorite bars here in Nashville and surrounding areas ever since they started opening up for dine in. (Take out just isn't the same, and I'd rather cook than get takeout, unless it's pizza). Restaurants are definitely taking extra precautions with cleanliness, social distancing, etc. Even now at phase 3 (75% capacity), things are smooth here regarding restaurants. I know of 3 restaurants that have had to shut down since they reopened(for a brief time (5 days max) because of someone who came into contact with the virus either themselves or from a room mate/friend they were in contact with. I don't call that a widespread outbreak!

On 6/26/2020 at 8:55 PM, John&LaLa said:

 

Whatever, but why post a link that many people can't open.🤔

 

It's a waste of time and counterproductive.

 

Oh, and here's my cute saying. 😁

Best post in this thread!

On 6/27/2020 at 8:08 AM, PhillyFan33579 said:

Now that bars have been closed once again in Florida, we should see a significant decrease in COVID numbers here. 😎

I don't understand the reasoning with this at all! Not sure how they can eliminate bars, and not a restaurant. How do they even have any identifier that states the increase in numbers is because of those who went to a bar? Maybe someone can better explain this for me, cause I've tried to find some sort of justification for this, and just can't. But I doubt that anyone can make me understand it.

To the OP, I truly think cruising will restart by October/November time frame. I truly believe that. Of course, no one really knows, and to think someone here or anywhere could have that forsight is just crazy. We are all just speculating of course...but as mentioned by a few others here, there is only so much isolation and quarantine enforcing that people will take. Many business owners have started to stand up and open their businesses. Many people are looking for vacations and things to do with their families. Just look at the numbers of people flocking to places like Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg because they are basically open! Disney theme parks are set to reopen in a couple weeks, so people will be flocking there too. From the posts I see here and other avenues, there are about 3 people wanting to get on a cruise today to every 1 person who says it's too soon. I think that cruiselines are trying to do everything they can to appease the CDC to loosen the no sail order so that they can get out to sea again, even if it is just to the Bahamas and private islands...or even some cruises to "nowhere", which quite honestly I would jump on this weekend if I could!

There is such a thing as free will, which we all have. No one is forcing anyone to cruise (just like the drink package discussions 😉 ) You can either choose to cruise when the ships start sailing again...or you wait it out. There's no question that cruising as we knew it will be different. There's no doubt about it that they will not be sailing at full capacity for a while, and things like self service buffets, ice cream, etc will be gone...but are those really a no go for anyone? Possibly.

I know that if masks are required, I will be holding off on cruising until that is lifted. I know that if a vaccine is required, we will most likely say good-bye to cruising. But we all have our thoughts and feelings on this and no one should be shamed to feel one way or the other.

I hope so. We are booked for Feb 2021.