SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

From this travel news website, two days ago, they had this headline: “Hong Kong Sees Major Rebound with 18 Cruise Lines” with these highlights: “Hong Kong is making a comeback with 166 cruise ship calls expected this year across 18 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas.”

 

Good to see a cruse return to Hong Kong and China opening back up.  Super enjoyed our time in 2018 in Hong Kong before going on to exploring Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, sailing up the Mekong River, doing Cambodia and more stops all over Vietnam.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.cruisehive.com/hong-kong-sees-major-rebound-with-18-cruise-lines/108403

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,893 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From Forbes Magazine yesterday, they had this headline: “Inside The Challenges Of The Post-Covid Travel Industry’s Soaring Demand” with these highlights: “Demand for travel is high and rates are even higher. Happy (but stressed) travel advisors and suppliers are delighted to see you swarming back, often in record numbers. The only challenge is meeting your expectations, something that has never been more difficult. Fifty-seven percent of you say, 'Creating a travel experience that best fits my expectations is more important than price.' Making sure you have a bon voyage these days takes more time and creativity, even if it’s often hidden behind those smiles. Welcome to the post-Covid travel industry.”

 

Here are more detailed specifics from this report: "According to Virtuoso, a network of travel agencies that cater to HNWs and UHWNs and sell around $30 billion in luxury travel annually, its members have seen a 69% jump in sales versus 2019 numbers. Hotel and cruise segments are up 173% and 122%, respectively. Despite wavering forecasts about the economy and world disorder, future sales, compared to 2019, the previous high-water mark, are tracking 107% higher."  As background HNW means "High Net Worth" individuals.  

 

This story also details challenges in lining up local tour guides, staffing hotels and dining spots, supply chain issues, etc.  Clearly, demand and prices are up, but places, especially in Europe, are crowded and all is not perfectly normal.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2023/08/18/inside-the-challenges-of-the-post-covid-travel-industrys-soaring-demand/?sh=67981a293fd0

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 244,893 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From Yahoo News and This Week publication, they had this headline: “Is it time to mask up again?” with these highlights: “Are mask mandates making a comeback? A 'growing number of experts' say it's time to pull those leftover N95 masks out of the junk drawer to protect against a rising tide of Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, CNN reported. 'If you're trying to be careful, it's time to whip out the mask again,' said Dr. Robert Wachter of the University of San Francisco. The big question, the news network asked, is this: 'Are Americans in the mood for masks?' ”

 

Here is more from their reporting "Deadline reported that Lionsgate, the movie studio, has brought back masking requirements for many of the employees at its flagship office in Santa Monica, California. The Press Democrat, up the coast in Santa Rosa, reported that Kaiser Permanente, the country's 'largest primary care provider' has begun mandating masks for staff, patients and visitors at its facilities there. Similarly, Morris Brown College in Atlanta said this week it would require masks at 'all classes and functions.'   Even with the recent rise in cases, the "number of people severely ill from Covid is much lower than a year ago," Dr. Leana S. Wen wrote in The Washington Post."

 

As we head into the fall flu season, it is totally unclear as to what and when for the next version of the Covid vaccine.  Plus, there does seem to be a rise up with Covid case reporting.  How will this affect cruise lines later this year and into 2024??

 

Full story at:

https://news.yahoo.com/time-mask-again-174330998.html?src=rss&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHmjHeMFDDtGtse5aPVGXx5Yb1yeS4aSrOSs5vZ1v3AYuPnq_sMSlRA6eKoqEKJ6guv2zeZJJ858P_QSKTNIxCWze45X7Z5S8gZ9H1dbIoLBVaK0nNWgQ-4IAFRMYhr7rFLwVcpE8aVglM-ePAehKimq4Gh0s0gNxOSpXwEHxkw3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From the Los Angeles Times this morning, they had this headline: “With coronavirus on the upswing in California, new vaccine coming sooner than expected” with these highlights: “With coronavirus cases increasingly on the upswing across California and the nation, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to come out even earlier than expected.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said this year’s updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to come out by the middle of next month.  The earlier-than-expected arrival became apparent after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scheduled a Sept. 12 meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a likely indication that the vaccine would become available shortly afterward.”

 

Here is more background: "The latest version of the vaccine is designed against the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, unofficially known as Kraken. Unlike last year’s formulation, a bivalent vaccine that was designed against both the ancestral coronavirus strain and the BA.5/BA.4 Omicron subvariants that were circulating at the time, the upcoming vaccine will be monovalent, specifically designed against XBB.1.5."

 

Yes, we are very interested in the details and timing for this next vaccine.  We depart in early February 2024 to fly to India and join up with the Silver Moon for an 18-day sailing to Singapore.  Clearly, Covid is not quite all done and completely over.  Still hanging around??

 

This thread is now over 220,000 views.  Appreciate those who have dropped in, posted comments, insights and questions, etc.  Keep it coming!!!  It seems that all of these issues and interests are not totally over and done as of right now.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-26/with-coronavirus-on-the-upswing-in-california-new-vaccine-coming-earlier-than-expected

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 106,254 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[TLCOhio]

From the Miami Herald and Yahoo News this morning, they had this headline: “People are falling ill with COVID again. What to know about boosters, testing and masks” with these highlights: “COVID-19 is going around again, and hospitalizations are on the rise, though its much lower then this time last year.  And while no one seems to wear masks or worries about social distancing anymore, a new COVID-19 vaccine booster is slated to roll out this fall to better protect people against new circulating strains.   COVID-19 hospitalizations in the country have ticked up again, with 12,613 new admissions the week ending Aug. 12, an increase of 21.6% from the prior week, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The CDC is using COVID hospitalization admissions to determine whether a county is considered to have a low, medium or high COVID risk level.”

 

Here is more from this detailed story: "Keep in mind that since the federal COVID emergency ended in May, insurers are no longer required to cover COVID-19 testing, including at-home test kits and PCR testing.  Those who are considered to be high risk for severe disease, such as seniors and those who are immunocompromised, might want to consider wearing a mask if they live or are traveling to an area that has begun to see more COVID circulating. It depends on your risk factor and current situation."

 

Full story at:

https://news.yahoo.com/people-falling-ill-covid-again-090000085.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 72,562 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[Stumblefoot]

15 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Unlike last year’s formulation, a bivalent vaccine that was designed against both the ancestral coronavirus strain and the BA.5/BA.4 Omicron subvariants that were circulating at the time, the upcoming vaccine will be monovalent, specifically designed against XBB.1.5."

For now, the vaccine will be well behind the mutating virus.  BA.2.86 is the newest variation that has health officials the most concerned at the moment it seems as it has even more additional mutations to the spike proteins compared with previously detected Omicron variants.  The big question at this point is whether those variations will be more effective at evading our existing immunity to the virus, either through vaccination or previous infection.  Only time will tell.

[TLCOhio]

On 8/26/2023 at 1:47 PM, Stumblefoot said:

For now, the vaccine will be well behind the mutating virus.  BA.2.86 is the newest variation that has health officials the most concerned at the moment it seems as it has even more additional mutations to the spike proteins compared with previously detected Omicron variants.  The big question at this point is whether those variations will be more effective at evading our existing immunity to the virus, either through vaccination or previous infection.  Only time will tell.

 

Appreciate this great follow-up and helpful details from Stumblefoot.  Yes, many technical and medical factors to consider as things move forward.  Agree 100% on the savvy summary point of "Only time will tell"!!

 

From the Miami Herald in the heart of cruise country, they had this headline: “‘Florida fatigue’ slows South Florida tourism this year, after pandemic breakout” with these highlights: “The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area is leading big cities nationwide with a 9% jump in consumer prices during the 12 months that ended in April. That inflation level is more than twice the national average, according to the Consumer Price Index of 4%. Miami’s steep prices should concern area tourism officials. After three strong pandemic years when business flourished for South Florida’s critical tourism industry because this area was one of few destinations in the world that essentially kept beaches and other visitor attractions open, travelers have many other places to go in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean for vacations this year.”

 

Here is more: "Miami and Fort Lauderdale tourism marketing leaders got the proof recently in the form of an array of visitor measures for the first half of 2023. The erosion of tourism business was apparent, particularly at hotels."

 

How do the cruise lines ramp up and move forward when these factor play into people considering starting or ending cruises in the Miami/FLL area?

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article278232248.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 57,939 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[taxatty]

9 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

How do the cruise lines ramp up and move forward when these factor play into people considering starting or ending cruises in the Miami/FLL area?

 

 

 

We do many cruises out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as we live relatively close to both ports. Most people we speak with on the ships only seem to have flown in for the cruise, many only a day early at most, and then are catching flights out the afternoon of disembarkation day. Florida just happens to be where they get on and off the ship. My guess is that Disney, Universal, South Beach and the other major Florida attractions probably are seeing more of a downturn in traffic than cruise ships.

Edited August 28, 2023 by taxatty

[TLCOhio]

On 8/28/2023 at 6:36 PM, taxatty said:

We do many cruises out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as we live relatively close to both ports. Most people we speak with on the ships only seem to have flown in for the cruise, many only a day early at most, and then are catching flights out the afternoon of disembarkation day. Florida just happens to be where they get on and off the ship. My guess is that Disney, Universal, South Beach and the other major Florida attractions probably are seeing more of a downturn in traffic than cruise ships.

 

Great, added summary points from our friend in Miami.  Agree that for those doing cruise ships, any type of downturn will be less impacted compared to the major Orlando, South Beach, etc., locations.  

 

From a financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Line shares decision on bringing back covid rules" with this sub-headline:  "There have been a lot of questions about new rules (and old ones coming back) that brand ambassador John Heald addressed.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Covid numbers have been increasing, and rumors have popped up on social media that Carnival plans to bring back some of its Covid-era rules.  Heald made it very clear that Carnival encourages its passengers to be careful, but exactly what choices they make are up to them and not the cruise line.”  Also: "Testing is not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests," he added. "However, we encourage all guests five years and older to take a pre-cruise covid-19 test within three days of their cruise."

 

Is that all clear?  My guess is that these various Covid questions and concerns will continue to bounce around as we move into the fall and winter travel seasons.  BUT, doubt that the cruise lines or governments want to return to the mandates on masks, testing, etc.  Right or wrong? 

 

Full story at:

https://www.thestreet.com/travel/carnival-cruise-line-makes-big-statement-on-return-of-covid-rules

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,740 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal three days ago, they had this headline: “Cities to Cruise Ships: You’re Bringing Too Many Tourists Here" with this sub-headline:  "Ports in the U.S. and Europe are starting to set limits on visitors and ships to reduce crowding,”

 

While Silversea does not have the big, BIG cruise ships, these issues and questions are serious ones for all cruise lines.  Will cruise passengers be as excited to sail, again and as much, when, like in Venice, where you must dock so far away from the "action"?

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by staff writer Allison Pohle: “Cruise passengers can be an area’s top economic driver, and it's top source of aggravation.  They descend in the morning and leave in the evening, filling shops, downtown city streets and local tax coffers. Some places complain all cruise visitors do is take pictures and reserve their biggest spending for onboard the ship.  In U.S. port cities including Juneau, Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine, local governments are focusing on how to manage these travelers and the enormous ships they travel on.  Residents in such cities as Amsterdam and Barcelona are protesting the effects of cruise pollution and proposing bans on big ships. The debate is also happening in places including Hawaii and Venice, where residents complain about an overreliance on tourism.”

 

This highly-detailed story features much about Alaska, Maine and Europe situations from the local viewpoints and future questions.  Here is more from this report: "Cruise itineraries are set years in advance through coordination with local governments and ports. That means travelers aren’t likely to see drastic changes to trips they have already booked this fall and next year."

 

The industry is trying to focus on with destination cities about "sustainable tourism" for whatever that that term might exactly mean and be viewed.  That's a whole different topic and debate!!  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/cruise-tourism-limits-port-cities-556b133d?mod=lifestyle_lead_pos4

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 52,318 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[TLCOhio]

Just when we thought (and hoped) that Covid was gone, forgotten and in the "rear-view mirror", things seem to be shifting.  Right or wrong??  

 

From CNBC and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Covid hospitalizations spike with new variant as school returns, U.S. readies vaccines” with these highlights: “New hospitalizations have jumped about 16% in the U.S. over the past week continuing an upward trend that began in late July, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The U.S. is rolling out updated booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax later this month for a fall vaccination campaign.  Dr. Deborah Birx said the vaccines should have been released weeks ago to combat the predictable summer wave.  The U.S. should already be developing new shots for January to target the emerging BA.2.86 variant, Birx said.”

 

Is this new vaccine to be approved next week been fully, properly tested on humans?  Has it been properly designed to fight off the latest versions of Covid?  Do masks need to come back and be mandated?  On cruise ships?  How much do the past vaccines, booster and/or having been infected earlier give us solid protection during the coming months against new variations?  Have we let our guard down and ignored the summer wave of infections?  

 

Are these the right, best questions?  What else do we, cruise lines leaders, etc., need to be asking and knowing now?

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/covid-hospitalizations-spike-with-new-variant-as-school-returns-us-readies-vaccines/ar-AA1gltPO#image=1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 51,092 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times yesterday, they had this headline: “Don’t Get Your Next Covid Booster Quite Yet" with this sub-headline:  "A new formulation is coming, and there are two main reasons to wait for it.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “An uptick in Covid-19 cases and the new school year have many people wondering when they should get their next booster. The short answer, according to experts: not quite yet — you’ll be a lot better off if you wait another few weeks.   In June, an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the next Covid vaccine formulation target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant.  'For most people right now, it seems to me waiting makes more sense,' said Dr. Paul Sax, the clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  There are two main reasons to hold out for the updated vaccine. First, it will be a better match for the variants that are currently circulating.  The second reason to wait for the new vaccine is that it will increase the odds that your defenses against the virus will be strongest when cases are expected to peak, historically between December and February. ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-booster-fall.html?searchResultPosition=2

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 33,774 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

Where all can Silversea and other cruise lines sail and explore for the future?

 

From the Wall Street Journal this weekend, they had this headline: “Overrun by Tourists, Venice Plans Entry Fee for Day Trippers" with this sub-headline:  "The Italian city and other popular destinations are taking measures to cope with a crush of visitors.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights by Jennifer Calfas: “Venice, the Italian city built on more than 100 islands, draws millions of visitors each year with its picture-perfect canals, impressive architecture and priceless artworks. Soon, some of those travelers will have to pay an entry fee as the city looks to combat something else it is known for: overtourism.  City officials are pushing forward a plan to charge day trippers 5 euros, or about $5.40, on designated days in 2024.”

 

Here's more: "The Venice day-tripper fee will start on busier days in the spring and summer, according to the city. The fee will only apply to people over the age of 14 visiting Venice on day trips. It won’t apply to tourists staying overnight and residents of the city and region, among other exceptions.  The city council is expected to vote on the policy’s final approval next week and set a calendar for designated days over the next few weeks."

 

And in other locations?  This story detailed: "Officials in Athens this week started enforcing new visitor caps at the Acropolis, a policy Greece’s minister of culture says will also spread out the number of sightseers during the day and prevent bottlenecks at the entry to the ancient archaeological site. Amsterdam launched a campaign telling tourists who want to party in the Dutch capital to “stay away.” The French government unveiled a new strategy to combat overtourism and is encouraging visitors to travel to less popular parts of the country. And cities in Alaska and Maine are limiting the number of cruise-ship passengers allowed each day."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/overrun-by-tourists-venice-plans-entry-fee-for-day-trippers-3997e63a?mod=travel_news_article_pos1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,324 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[worldtraveller99]

Hopefully there will be new cruises concentrating on one country - is it true that a cruise has to dock in at least 2 countries? I would like to just see New Zealand and not waste 2 sea days travelling to Australia too.

[highplanesdrifters]

Will be in Venice AND Athens in early November. Fingers crossed that the crowds have died down.

[Mr Luxury]

2 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Will be in Venice AND Athens in early November. Fingers crossed that the crowds have died down.

Take an overcoat

[Stumblefoot]

2 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Take an overcoat

And perhaps galoshes?

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Take an overcoat

This is what come to mind when one says overcoat. 😁

 

The appropriate outerwear will be packed. Perhaps not as stylish. 

 

[Daveywavey70]

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

This is what come to mind when one says overcoat. 😁

 

The appropriate outerwear will be packed. Perhaps not as stylish. 

 

The left one reminds me of my nains best Astrakhan burial coat.

Edited September 10, 2023 by Daveywavey70

[TLCOhio]

On 9/10/2023 at 5:32 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

This is what come to mind when one says overcoat. 😁

 

The appropriate outerwear will be packed. Perhaps not as stylish. 

 

Appreciate these great follow-ups and fun, historic visuals.  No top-hats for me, especially when doing cruises. 

 

From The Nation magazine over the weekend,, they had this headline: “These Activists Have One Simple Goal: Abolish the Cruise Industry" with this sub-headline:  "A group of environmental activists in France is gaining traction with a bold argument: Cruises shouldn’t exist.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “A June 2023 study from the prominent Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment found that the 75 cruise ships that visited Marseille last year emitted more nitrogen oxide than a third of the city’s entire fleet of 369,000 registered passenger vehicles—and nearly twice as many sulfur oxides, another group of toxic gases.”

 

From this fairly liberal media source, they quoted one of the anti-cruise activists in France:  ' “Cruises don’t serve any purpose,” she said as the morning sun filtered through her kitchen windows. “The container ships and the ferries benefit everyone, but the cruises are benefiting the shipowners and then the people who save up to afford a cruise. It’s entertainment, and it’s entertainment that’s filled with completely ridiculous things, like an ice-skating rink on a ship. I mean, how can we authorize that?” '

 

She is OK with ferries and container ships in and around Marseille, but wants to stop all cruise ships. Agree or disagree with her logic and desired objective?  Another French activists was quoted through this one-side reporting: ' “For me, the goal is honestly to stop cruise ships around the world,” said Lucie, an air pollution researcher who declined to provide her last name.'

 

For cruise ship CEO's, this is another "challenge" facing them as they seek to return long-term to "normal" and fill up ships in the future.  This article gives a sampling for the tactics and philosophy of those who are strongly against cruising.  Reactions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/cruise-ships-marseille-stop-croisieres/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,040 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[worldtraveller99]

I am sure that at some stage they will ban flying to go on holiday too. Or of course the fossil fuels will run out, so no transport is possible of any kind. But no, I think to try and specifically ban cruising is cruel - when ships are hopefully moving to less polluting fuels.

[Daveywavey70]

4 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

France

 

[TLCOhio]

On 9/18/2023 at 12:55 PM, worldtraveller99 said:

I am sure that at some stage they will ban flying to go on holiday too. Or of course the fossil fuels will run out, so no transport is possible of any kind. But no, I think to try and specifically ban cruising is cruel - when ships are hopefully moving to less polluting fuels.

 

Yes, sadly, there are crazy people who want to ban jet airplanes, cruises and automobiles. Maybe limit what foods we can eat, or not??   Let's go back to the "horse and buggy" era?  But, don't horses pollute, too?  Kind of smelly what those horses do?   Ready to return to the "Good Old Days"?? 

 

From the Washington Post Sydney and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Americans trying to get new covid vaccine hit insurance snags, face bills” with these highlights: “Federal officials promised the new covid shot would be free and covered by insurance, but some Americans have encountered a different reality this week as they tried to get vaccinated, only to be denied coverage or charged up to $200.   They have faced myriad complications, from pharmacies being out of network, to the vaccine not showing up on lists of approved medical expenses, to needing prior authorization. Some Americans paid out of pocket to avoid waiting. Others say they weren’t even given that option.”

 

Here is more background from this story: "The hiccups reflect a new reality for covid vaccines as they go from being treated as a public good to a commercial product. Now that the federal government is no longer buying and distributing all the shots, Americans must endure the usual headaches of dealing with insurance companies and a for-profit health care system."

 

As we prepare for our upcoming February 2024 Silver Moon Mumbai to Singapore cruise, we are trying to figure out when to get our Covid booster to maximize our protection during those travels, plus figuring out about getting a RSV shot, etc.  It's complicated??

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/americans-trying-to-get-new-covid-vaccine-hit-insurance-snags-face-bills/ar-AA1h61zI#image=1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,832 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[worldtraveller99]

There is still something to say for the UK NHS. Everyone here over 65 (plus vulnerable people) are still getting the COVID vaccine (updated I hope) every autumn for free. Mine is next week!x

[dawntrdr]

For the record, the SS covid policy (the one where you could cancel a cruise at the last minute and get a full refund or FCC if you had acquired a case of covid before sailing) has expired effective with cruises starting tomorrow October 1, 2023.  SS sent out an email reminding people of its optional travel insurance in the past week.  It does not specifically mention covid, but it contains the reminder:

 

"As a reminder, any and all cancellations on voyages departing on or after 1 October 2023, are subject to our cancellation policy."

 

The buttons to access the Covid policy and healthy sailing practices is now missing from the website.