Is JUNE 2020 too soon?

[reeinaz]

On ‎4‎/‎20‎/‎2020 at 9:39 AM, ChinaShrek said:

 

I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to board a cruise ship unless they can prove they do not have Covid-19 or any other bad virus. I do not believe that cruise ships will be allowed to sail unless they can prove everyone is virus free at embarkation.  Let's see who is right with their predictions in two or three years.

I don't believe that testing virus free at embarkation will do much. I mean it is a comforting idea, but I haven't been able to locate information on how long it takes between becoming infected and testing positive. Isn't there generally a lag time? What if I got infected in the cruise terminal waiting to be tested? Would I test positive when it was my turn?

[reeinaz]

2 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:

There is no way there will ever be mandated vaccines for this virus.  There are too many people who will refuse.  

If cruise lines decide to cruise before a vaccine is available, it's possible that they could require proof of antibodies or a mandated test for the virus before boarding.  I would be fine with that.

 

 

When you travel to other places and need to be vaccinated against yellow fever or malaria etc, are those mandatory or simply advised/suggested?

[Smooth sailor77228]

Don't see cruising resuming anytime soon, definately not this summer, but, but, no pools, no parties, no crowds of people? I wouldn't even want to cruise. That's not my idea of fun and the rich can have it LOL. It would be a hoot to see Carnival and RC rebrand and attempt sell themselves as a Viking or Azamara. My broke self will instead be at the most "luxurious" all inclusive kid friendly resorts all over the world I can find LOL 🤣

Edited April 21, 2020 by Smooth sailor77228

[Tjcalley]

Are you saying this is the future of cruising or just cruising in the near future ? 

[PhillyFan33579]

55 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

So, people are discussing when cruising will start again (June, some say) and the changes (temporary minimal some say) and the price ( continue mass market some say).

This cannot happen (without a vaccine).  The only easy change is muster drill....it can be done on the tv in the cabin. 

Not an easy change since your suggestion violates maritime law.  I also don’t agree with your comment that cruising can’t resume without a vaccine. I would bet my last dollar cruising resumes before an effective vaccine is developed. 

[MsTabbyKats]

7 minutes ago, Tjcalley said:

Are you saying this is the future of cruising or just cruising in the near future ? 

It's just my opinion and far from fact.

"Near Future" is a relative term....I don't see cruising resuming in 2020....possibly in 2021. Maybe an overhaul to the system for 2022?

Just take "the lido"....they can't even control "the current chair hog" situation.  How could they control social distancing unless the chairs were set apart and anchored down?

 

[Elaine5715]

1 hour ago, MsTabbyKats said:

So, people are discussing when cruising will start again (June, some say) and the changes (temporary minimal some say) and the price ( continue mass market some say).

This cannot happen (without a vaccine).  The only easy change is muster drill....it can be done on the tv in the cabin.  But...just a few other things:

1. Elevators....in my building we have one person/one family rule...at a time.  Cannot be done on a cruise ship.

2. Theatre...reduce capacity to perhaps 1/3

3. Buffet...servers giving food and reduce seating space to 1/3

4. Dining Room....reduce tables in half

5. Casino....take out half the tables and half the slots

6. Cabins....more thorough cleaning....so need for more staff

7. Parties...nope

8. Pools...nope

9. Spas.....nope

 

So, yeah, cruising can be done...but only a fraction of the passengers which means double/triple the rates

 

Years ago....not really that many....cruising was considered a luxury.  And that's what I predict the near future of cruising will be.

 

I understand how people who don't live in densely populated areas think, "oh let's just give it a month or two" but it's gonna take way more time and patience.  If they allow cruising too soon, the problem could come back and come back even stronger.

 

Just my 2 cents...and trust me....I really need a cruise right now!

 

If anyone has any ideas how to "take care" of the issues I've listed...realistically...I'd love to know.

As Chief has mentioned repeated muster is about muscle memory, knowing where to go in case of emergency.  A vaccine may help ease minds but unless you are 100% vaxxed on every known communicable diseases, one more isn't going to make a difference.  Plus there will be people who refused to get one on princole and those unable to get one, should they be denied? 

If what you have listed is an issue, you will either need to cruise a line that allows you solitude or a private yacht.   

Edited April 21, 2020 by Elaine5715

[MsTabbyKats]

2 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Not an easy change since your suggestion violates maritime law.  I also don’t agree with your comment that cruising can’t resume without a vaccine. I would bet my last dollar cruising resumes before an effective vaccine is developed. 

I assume you mean muster drill would violate maritime law.  Putting people in large groups violates current medical guidance.  So...ok...no muster drill, no cruise.

I don't mean to be a DebbieDowner....but as I titled this thread..."let's be logical".  And if u can't cruise without a muster drill and they can't come up with a social distant muster drill...nobody is going anywhere.

[MsTabbyKats]

3 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

As Chief has mentioned repeated muster is about muscle memory, knowing where to go in case of emergency.  A vaccine may help ease minds but unless you are 100% vaxxed on every known communicable diseases, one more isn't going to make a difference.  Plus there will be people who refused to get one on princole and those unable to get one, should they be denied? 

If what you have listed is an issue, you will either need to cruise a line that allows you solitude or a private yacht.   

Again...the title of this thread is "let's be logical" and unless you can come up with ideas of how to handle the situations....yes....a private yacht!

For example....how would you handle "the buffet"?  Please post.

And...as I said...I understand how people in non-affected areas just "don't get it"....but a cruise ship is a very dense population.

[RogueMonk]

Well - I would rather die on a cruise than live on land. 🤐

[crewsweeper]

…..teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh responsible, practical....

Where I could be so dependable
Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical.....

--Supertramp

 

[MsTabbyKats]

3 minutes ago, RogueMonk said:

Well - I would rather die on a cruise than live on land. 🤐

Yeah...the Canadian winter wouldn't be my thing either.  Cruising is the only way I like to travel.  I go to the port (a few minutes away), get on the ship...and it's all there.  I'm not looking forward to needing to buy my own yacht, or canoe, or kayak...but I may have to. 🙂

 

[NavyCruiser]

Wow, I'm surprised June 27th is in the lead.

Lots of Optimists in here.... 😎

[d9704011]

1 hour ago, reeinaz said:

When you travel to other places and need to be vaccinated against yellow fever or malaria etc, are those mandatory or simply advised/suggested?

For the sake of discussion, Let’s say the vaccinations are mandatory.  The thing is, if the passenger decides he/she doesn’t want to get the shots then he/she can forgo the cruise and choose a different destination without the vaccine requirement.

[skridge]

On 4/18/2020 at 2:53 PM, slimknyzer said:

I found  great deal for a cruise out of Galveston late June, 2020.  It this too soon amid the Pandemic?  Will Carnival cruise by then?  What are your thoughts?

I think June 2022 might be to soon.

[MRVEGAS711]

YES....June 2020 is too soon to be on a cruise ship.

 

[Fredric22]

2 hours ago, reeinaz said:

I don't believe that testing virus free at embarkation will do much. I mean it is a comforting idea, but I haven't been able to locate information on how long it takes between becoming infected and testing positive. Isn't there generally a lag time? What if I got infected in the cruise terminal waiting to be tested? Would I test positive when it was my turn?

Rapid Covid-19 testing at embarkation in my opinion, is the only way forward for the immediate future.  All passengers would be screened at the terminal.  This is already being done in the UAE for passengers boarding Emerates flights to international destinations.  Crew would also be subject to a test once per week (perhaps in the ship's medical center and staggered so that not all crew have to get tested the same day).  To the point of the poster, this will not guarantee 100% that someone who tests negative becomes positive 5 days later.  But, you would significantly bring down the risk to a manageable amount.  By testing the crew on a rolling basis, you will be able to identify an outbreak quickly, and then isolate that crew member(s) before they spread to others.  By doing this, you can leave the on-board experience much as it is today.  You would still increase sanitation measures and do a full-service buffet.  But social distancing on a cruise ship just won't work.  If rules become so restrictive, the vacation becomes more like a trip to a hospital and that won't attract many people. 

 

I have also heard the idea that crew members would be given some inside cabins so that they wouldn't be sharing rooms.  I think that isn't a bad idea for the immediate future.  This accomplishes 2 things at once: lowering the occupancy of the ship as well as social distancing crew members. 

 

For those who think we won't have solutions until 2022, I do not understand your pessimism.  Our society will not accept that.  We will find ways to deal with this problem, and use our science and technology to get on with things.  The entire world is working on a medical solution and there have already been great progress in just under 3 months.  Imagine with the next  3 to 6 months will bring?  This is not 1918.. and even then the Spanish Flu lasted about a year with absolutely no treatments.   Now, do I think cruises are ready for the end of June?  Not really.  In my opinion, there is a lot of new practices that need to be put in place and that will take time and investment.  I think shooting for late summer or early Fall would be a better bet.  

[wesorbeth]

I work in Infectious Diseases and plan to cruise in October if they are running.  

[ninjacat123]

13 minutes ago, Fredric22 said:

Rapid Covid-19 testing at embarkation in my opinion, is the only way forward for the immediate future.  All passengers would be screened at the terminal.  This is already being done in the UAE for passengers boarding Emerates flights to international destinations.  Crew would also be subject to a test once per week (perhaps in the ship's medical center and staggered so that not all crew have to get tested the same day).  To the point of the poster, this will not guarantee 100% that someone who tests negative becomes positive 5 days later.  But, you would significantly bring down the risk to a manageable amount.  By testing the crew on a rolling basis, you will be able to identify an outbreak quickly, and then isolate that crew member(s) before they spread to others.  By doing this, you can leave the on-board experience much as it is today.  You would still increase sanitation measures and do a full-service buffet.  But social distancing on a cruise ship just won't work.  If rules become so restrictive, the vacation becomes more like a trip to a hospital and that won't attract many people. 

 

I have also heard the idea that crew members would be given some inside cabins so that they wouldn't be sharing rooms.  I think that isn't a bad idea for the immediate future.  This accomplishes 2 things at once: lowering the occupancy of the ship as well as social distancing crew members. 

 

For those who think we won't have solutions until 2022, I do not understand your pessimism.  Our society will not accept that.  We will find ways to deal with this problem, and use our science and technology to get on with things.  The entire world is working on a medical solution and there have already been great progress in just under 3 months.  Imagine with the next  3 to 6 months will bring?  This is not 1918.. and even then the Spanish Flu lasted about a year with absolutely no treatments.   Now, do I think cruises are ready for the end of June?  Not really.  In my opinion, there is a lot of new practices that need to be put in place and that will take time and investment.  I think shooting for late summer or early Fall would be a better bet.  

Are there vaccinations for SARS or MERS?  How do we protect against these corona viruses? They are potentially lethal and very transmittable. 

[ninjacat123]

1 hour ago, d9704011 said:

For the sake of discussion, Let’s say the vaccinations are mandatory.  The thing is, if the passenger decides he/she doesn’t want to get the shots then he/she can forgo the cruise and choose a different destination without the vaccine requirement.

Wouldn't vaccinations be needed at other vacation destinations as well? So if cruising can't be done, then neither can any other vacation that requires a hotel or restaurants.

[d9704011]

35 minutes ago, ninjacat123 said:

Wouldn't vaccinations be needed at other vacation destinations as well? So if cruising can't be done, then neither can any other vacation that requires a hotel or restaurants.

I’m not sure I understand what vaccinations you may have in mind.  The only point I was trying to make when I commented was that vaccinations such as Yellow Fever are pretty much dependent on the location the ship is going to while a blanket requirement for a vaccination to board the ship (i.e. for COVID-19) removes all potential options on cruising if you choose not to be vaccinated (or cannot be vaccinated for some reason).

[ninjacat123]

14 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

I’m not sure I understand what vaccinations you may have in mind.  The only point I was trying to make when I commented was that vaccinations such as Yellow Fever are pretty much dependent on the location the ship is going to while a blanket requirement for a vaccination to board the ship (i.e. for COVID-19) removes all potential options on cruising if you choose not to be vaccinated (or cannot be vaccinated for some reason).

I'm just wondering why cruising would be held at a different standard than other vacations. Yes you are right about itineraries (cruises or land-based) that include requirements like a Yellow Fever vaccination.  I was curious about others in this thread stating the need for vaccinations to be allowed to cruise when travelers would also be at risk at hotels and restaurants when on vacation. My comment was more about that issue.  Sorry if I wasn't being clear. 

[Fredric22]

1 hour ago, ninjacat123 said:

Are there vaccinations for SARS or MERS?  How do we protect against these corona viruses? They are potentially lethal and very transmittable. 

I'm not quite sure I understand your point.  SARS and MERS do not currently have any spread among humans (let's hope it stays that way).  Since COVID-19 is the one that is currently causing the issue, that would be the one that gets tested for.  Of course it would only last for a period of time until we have good treatments in place, a vaccine in place, or the virus somehow fizzles out on its own. 

[d9704011]

36 minutes ago, ninjacat123 said:

I'm just wondering why cruising would be held at a different standard than other vacations. Yes you are right about itineraries (cruises or land-based) that include requirements like a Yellow Fever vaccination.  I was curious about others in this thread stating the need for vaccinations to be allowed to cruise when travelers would also be at risk at hotels and restaurants when on vacation. My comment was more about that issue.  Sorry if I wasn't being clear. 

Ah, I see what you are getting at and agree with you 100%.  We cancelled land tours in Switzerland and Germany (June) and Italy (September) about one month ago.  To us, travel on aircraft and mixing it up with people from outside of Canada wouldn’t be prudent this year..... we’ll see how things go before making any decisions on 2021.  We will take a vaccine for the coronavirus if a reasonably reliable one is developed and recommended by our public health authorities bus will restrict our travel for the time being.... not just limited to cruising.

[glrounds]

5 hours ago, reeinaz said:

I don't believe that testing virus free at embarkation will do much. I mean it is a comforting idea, but I haven't been able to locate information on how long it takes between becoming infected and testing positive. Isn't there generally a lag time? What if I got infected in the cruise terminal waiting to be tested? Would I test positive when it was my turn?

 

You can be "virus free" and still be a carrier . . . there is no bench mark for who can spread the virus. Once EVERYBODY has gotten it and beat it we'll all have antibodies (natural vaccine) and this mess will be over, unless we develop a vaccine that does it for us.