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

[cool cruiser 14107]

interesting; I've never heard of that! thanks : )

 

[TLCOhio]

20 minutes ago, carefreecruise said:

It is an agreement between two or more countries that will allow cruising between them. Creating a "cruising bubble"

 

Agree and appreciate this follow-up to clarify on the background for the "cruising bubble". So, it's not a special sparkling drink??!!  

 

From this luxury travel newsletter four days ago, they had this headline: “Silversea Anticipates Tasman Cruise Bubble” with these highlights: “The potential broadening of the proposed trans-Tasman travel bubble has executives at Silversea biting at the bit.  Currently, the mooted bubble would allow Aussies and Kiwis to fly between Australia and New Zealand and avoid the government imposed 14-day quarantine period.  Silversea Cruises outgoing Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Adam Armstrong, threw his weight behind the venture while hinting that there are still some obstacles in positioning its scheduled fleet operations Down Under in late 2020.  'We have two ships coming to Australia and New Zealand towards the back end of this year: Silver Muse and Silver Explorer expedition ship, ideally sized to get into all the ports of call around Australia and New Zealand,' Armstrong said.  He forecast that a 'significant majority' of guests on those deployments would be locals, rather than the common mix of a predominantly international passenger list.  He said that the Australian market was 'a little bit back' behind the booking curve observed in Europe and the US markets, possibly as a result of a 'disproportionate amount of attention in mainstream media about cruising.'   This month Silversea named Qatar Airways’ Senior Manager Australasia, Adam Radwanski, as its incoming Managing Director for the Asia Pacific.”

 

Full story at:

https://latteluxurynews.com/2020/05/20/silversea-anticipates-tasman-cruise-bubble/

 

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 230,112 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[QueSeraSera]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

So, it's not a special sparkling drink??!!  

I enjoy the humor TLC, thanks.

 

Starting to despair about visiting Aus and NZ, at least for awhile.  2 years maybe?  This topic title includes "Needs?"  A need I think many of us have to visit anyplace is to feel welcome upon arrival.  Reading the Guardian article Jeff posted reveals very questionable actions by Carnival.  Will they spill over to SS?  

 

 

[TLCOhio]

On 5/25/2020 at 7:27 PM, QueSeraSera said:

I enjoy the humor TLC, thanks.   Starting to despair about visiting Aus and NZ, at least for awhile.  2 years maybe?  This topic title includes "Needs?"  A need I think many of us have to visit anyplace is to feel welcome upon arrival.  Reading the Guardian article Jeff posted reveals very questionable actions by Carnival.  Will they spill over to SS?  

 

Agree with the follow-up by our Virginia "neighbor" who has a "NEED" to travel and explore.  Being welcomed there is also important.  BUT, as my wife keeps reminding me, those desires for "safety" and near-zero health risks are very vital, TOO!!  We are very fortunate as our needs as not as high compared to how others are feeling.  We had earlier this year our four weeks in New Zealand and the South Pacific.  Plus, late last summer we super enjoyed doing a long, first-time adventure for exploring western Canada and Alaska by rail, air, car, ship, etc., etc.  Glad you like my type of humor.  You are encouraging me to post even more!! 

 

From a popular website connected below, they had this headline five days ago: “17 destinations that may not welcome ships when cruising resumes” with these highlights: “Cruise fans eager to get back to cruising have gotten some encouraging news in recent days.  But, even if some lines are able to resume operations in the next few months, they’ll have to contend with one significant issue: The growing number of ports balking at a quick return of cruise ships.  Just today, one of the world’s major destinations for cruise vessels, Australia, extended a recent ban on cruise ships by three more months, to mid-September.   Another cruise destination — albeit a relatively minor one, the Seychelles — already has said cruise ships won’t be allowed back until 2022.  All the destinations have cited worries about a flare-up of coronavirus cases if cruise vessels return. The tourism minister of the Cayman Islands said recently the destination would remain closed to cruise ships through at least September, and perhaps far longer.”  

 

The profile was written by Gene Sloan, a journalistic veteran covering cruising for more than 25 years, including for many years overseeing USA TODAY’s cruise reporting.  Here is more about the potentially affected countries: "Canada already has banned cruise ship arrivals through July 1, and officials increasingly are hinting the ban will be extended — at least in some regions. Officials in Maine seems iffy about any tourists coming back to the state in the coming months, not just cruisers. Argentina has implemented one of the world’s strictest travel bans since the coronavirus outbreak began, restricting all international commercial flights until at least Sept. 1. Argentina is having a tough time with the coronavirus, with new case counts trending sharply higher in recent weeks. The big hub for cruises in Argentina is the port of Buenos Aires, which is a gateway for South America cruises. In a typical year, it will draw ships operated by a broad range of lines including Princess, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Silversea and Regent. Argentina’s southern port of Ushuaia also is an important cruise hub. It draws small, expedition-style ships in the winter that sail to Antarctica."

 

Full story at:

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-ship-ports-reopening/

 

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 87,342 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the magazine titled "New York", their writer had this headline earlier this month: “I Have No Desire to Board a Floating Death Trap.” 

 

This writer is clearly not a "puff" journalist for the cruise industry.  But a few of her negative points and comments are worth considering as a part of the overall environment that the cruise industry and customers must consider as they figure out their "PATH FORWARD".  Here are some of her other comments and highlights: “The death drive, Freud theorized, operates alongside and in conflict with the pleasure principle. We are vexing creatures, and sometimes we do other things, like join the military or go on cruises even though they are like floating greenhouses for viruses. If you feel like indulging your death drive, you’re in luck: Carnival Cruise Line has announced tentative plans to reopen some routes on August 1, and many of you appear thrilled by the news.”   How is that for a fun, positive viewpoint??

 

But, here is more.  She cites the sad deaths connected with Holland America’s MS Zaandam when four people died, and points out her: "Fun fact: Cruise ships have morgues!"   Here is more, if you are look for reasons to avoid sailing and international travel, from this NYC writer: "Sometimes murder happens. A man killed his wife onboard the Emerald Princess in 2017. Another man pushed his girlfriend off a cruise ship balcony and killed her in 2018. Children have drowned in cruise ship pools; occasionally, so do adults. People go missing on cruise ships. Even if nothing violent happens to you, you are still on a cruise ship, surrounded by loads of strangers in questionable polo shirts. I have heard there are conga lines and Baked Alaska and, troublingly, weddings."

 

Doubt that the writer, Sarah Jones, will be featured in a Carnival "Fun Ship" TV commercial??!!  Of course, New York City, has had a few cases of murder and death during its past and recent history.  Go on a cruise or stay home??

 

Full story at:

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/05/cruise-bookings-spike-after-carnival-announces-reopening.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 66,345 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[tosteve1]

Maybe....https://7news.com.au/news/tourism/timetable-for-post-coronavirus-tourism-restart-released-and-first-flight-date-set-c-1062328?utm_campaign=share-icons&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&tid=1590585843394

[tosteve1]

5 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

From the magazine titled "New York", their writer had this headline earlier this month: “I Have No Desire to Board a Floating Death Trap.” 

 

This writer is clearly not a "puff" journalist for the cruise industry.  But a few of her negative points and comments are worth considering as a part of the overall environment that the cruise industry and customers must consider as they figure out their "PATH FORWARD".  Here are some of her other comments and highlights: “The death drive, Freud theorized, operates alongside and in conflict with the pleasure principle. We are vexing creatures, and sometimes we do other things, like join the military or go on cruises even though they are like floating greenhouses for viruses. If you feel like indulging your death drive, you’re in luck: Carnival Cruise Line has announced tentative plans to reopen some routes on August 1, and many of you appear thrilled by the news.”   How is that for a fun, positive viewpoint??

 

As soon as he quoted Freud he lost all credibility with me...

[TLCOhio]

On 5/27/2020 at 2:59 PM, tosteve1 said:

As soon as he quoted Freud he lost all credibility with me...

 

Understand from tosteve1 in North Carolina why this New York magazine writer lost her credibility quickly as she played out her anti cruising personal opinions.   

 

From the Business Section of the Miami Herald in the heart of the cruising industry Sunday/yesterday, they had this headline: “How should cruise companies protect passengers and crew from COVID-19? We asked doctors” with these highlights: “The world’s four largest cruise companies plan to hit the high seas later this summer. For Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, that means August 1. But none of the companies has announced how it will protect passengers and crew from COVID-19 before a vaccine becomes available, at least a year from now. To date, the infectious disease has been confirmed in more than 3,000 passengers and crew and at least 82 deaths across 63 cruise ships, according to a Miami Herald investigation.”

 

From two of the cruise lines, here is what their reporting detailed: "Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise company with nine brands and 104 ships, is still working on its procedures, said spokesperson Roger Frizzell.  'It is still early in the process and our brands have not yet finalized our future protocol for when the ships will return to cruising following our pause,' he said via email.  Royal Caribbean Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain told the Miami Herald last week that a panel of experts is working on new procedures for its four brands, which own 54 ships."

 

Here is some added background for this to-be-determined process and policies: "While the CDC will likely play a pivotal role, it’s not technically the final arbiter on onboard healthcare outside U.S. waters. Each ship’s 'flag' state — the country where it is registered — is in charge of setting and enforcing protocols. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise companies and the American College of Emergency Physicians held higher standards. They recommended each ship have at least one Intensive Care bed in its medical center, carry medicines commonly used in emergencies, and specified that ships doctors should have specific education and experience in emergency medicine, internal medicine or family practice, among other qualifications.  The Miami Herald asked five doctors — including three who treated COVID-19 patients on cruise ships — about onboard changes they would recommend in a pre-vaccine age. All said it would be impossible to eliminate the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, but enhanced protocols could limit the chances.  So what should be done? The CDC is expected to weigh in before cruising starts up again but hasn’t publicly done so yet. Most cruise lines have declined to give details of their plans, saying they are still under review."

 

This highly-detailed and comprehensive reporting also mentioned suggested options that might need to considered, including: 1) Flexible cancellation policies. 2) Packing extra medicine; 3) COVID-19 testing; 4) Temperature checks; 5) Capacity limits; 6) Staying close to land (within 500 nautical miles of land to be within 24 hours of helicopter range; 7) Thermal scanners;  9 ) On ship COVID-19 testing, masks for everyone; 10) No more buffets; 11) More medical staff, equipment: Cruise ships typically carry just one ventilator;  and 12) Evacuation agreements with ports.

 

Full story at: 

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article242945396.html

 

With today being June 1, it has been two and a half months since the cruising shut-down.  BUT, the list of questions and needs is long before CDC and other key medical/government experts can give the "green light" for cruising to resume.

 

Reactions?  Comments?  Added questions?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 49,473 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

[mrlevin]

NCLH has released their initial plan; go to Regent website to see their protocol.

 

Marc

[Observer]

20 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

NCLH has released their initial plan; go to Regent website to see their protocol.

 

Marc

 

Thanks for the tip.  The document is not readily found on the Regent site.  Here is the URL:

 

https://www.rssc.com/HealthSafetyProtocols

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, Observer said:

Thanks for the tip.  The document is not readily found on the Regent site.  Here is the URL:

https://www.rssc.com/HealthSafetyProtocols

 

Super appreciate this follow-up and link from Marc and Observer.  Very, very interesting and helpful!!  Some of the options outlined by Regent are fairly clear and understandable.  

 

A few items listed, however, such as this one: "EXTENSIVE PRE-EMBARKATION HEALTH SCREENING. All guests will undergo extensive pre-embarkation health screening." are a little vague and unclear.  What exactly would this above item actually mean and do?  Just a quick, no-touch temperature check?  Or, a more effective and nearly-instant COVID check for either not having it or possessing immunity?  When to be done?  A couple of weeks prior to the cruise?  And/or at the time of boarding their ship?

 

Personally for me and my wife (who is a Registered Nurse), we will want to know the specific details.  Clearly, it seems that Regent and NCLH are moving in the right direction. Earlier this year in mid February through early March, we sailed eighteen days with one of their lines, Oceania.  We were impressed that their staff and policies were on top of "things" as this virus was evolving and becoming a major issue.  It seems that NCLH is being smart and pro-active.  Much more, however, needs to be outlined and detailed by them and all of the major cruise lines, airline, ports, etc.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 47,602 views.

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

[kimanjo]

Just because you test negative, doesn't really mean much.. These fisherman all tested negative, then boarded their vessel.

 

https://komonews.com/news/coronavirus/american-seafood-trawler-on-lockdown-after-85-crew-members-test-positive-for-covid-19

 

 

[tosteve1]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Super appreciate this follow-up and link from Marc and Observer.  Very, very interesting and helpful!!  Some of the options outlined by Regent are fairly clear and understandable.  

 

A few items listed, however, such as this one: "EXTENSIVE PRE-EMBARKATION HEALTH SCREENING. All guests will undergo extensive pre-embarkation health screening." are a little vague and unclear.  What exactly would this above item actually mean and do?  Just a quick, no-touch temperature check?  Or, a more effective and nearly-instant COVID check for either not having it or possessing immunity?  When to be done?  A couple of weeks prior to the cruise?  And/or at the time of boarding their ship?

 

Personally for me and my wife (who is a Registered Nurse), we will want to know the specific details.  Clearly, it seems that Regent and NCLH are moving in the right direction. Earlier this year in mid February through early March, we sailed eighteen days with one of their lines, Oceania.  We were impressed that their staff and policies were on top of "things" as this virus was evolving and becoming a major issue.  It seems that NCLH is being smart and pro-active.  Much more, however, needs to be outlined and detailed by them and all of the major cruise lines, airline, ports, etc.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 47,602 views.

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

Very interesting but I agree still vague on the pre-embarkation process. A work in progress, I’m sure. It does sound like they are taking things very seriously, which is encouraging!

[tosteve1]

I notice Winter 2021-22 itineraries are now posted on the Silversea website. Didn’t see anything new about health screenings.

[TLCOhio]

On 6/5/2020 at 4:29 PM, tosteve1 said:

I notice Winter 2021-22 itineraries are now posted on the Silversea website. Didn’t see anything new about health screenings.

 

Yes, Silversea is posting more cruising options and information, but still very limited other specifics being placed on their website.  Also, noticed yesterday details about upcoming sailings in Europe for the Silver Shadow, etc.  Among the pictures, I noticed these two below that seems to reflect fairly significant "social distancing" for the dining tables in a couple of different area of this ship.  Agree with me as to how these visuals look?

 

If the dining tables are going to be much more farther apart, what will be their plan and sales goals as to how "FULL" will be the maximum capacity for those traveling on these Silversea ships later this year?  Will they aim for 50%, 60%, etc., of the suites being sold and occupied??  Or, less?  Or, more?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 47,279 views.    

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

 

 

From the Silversea website, below are a couple of their visuals for the Silver Shadow that seems to reflect the dining tables in these two areas being spaced out in a much wider/distant manner.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

[Daveywavey70]

Well they,unlike many line, certainly have the space. Most of the restaurants are usually only around 1/3 capacity with a large number of empty tables between diners. Removing those unused tables certainly gives an appearance of more space between tables. 

[TLCOhio]

20 hours ago, Daveywavey70 said:

Well they, unlike many line, certainly have the space. Most of the restaurants are usually only around 1/3 capacity with a large number of empty tables between diners. Removing those unused tables certainly gives an appearance of more space between tables. 

 

Agree that the Silversea ships have more "room" than most of the other, larger ships and lines.  BUT, based on less than a year ago being on the Muse in Alaska, the La Terrazza  dining area was very busy, especially at breakfast and lunch times.  Silversea would need to have their ships only 50-60% full in order to be able to space those tables out that much as shown in those pictures.  Much still to come and know as the cruise lines need to share much, much more as to how they seek to operate in the future.  Planned, realistic ship operating passenger capacity is a major question in my mind.    

 

From the Travel Weekly trade publication yesterday, they had this headline: “cruise industry will bring its sanitizing protocols to the fore” with this sub-head: "The idea of putting hand-sanitizer stations in public areas of places like hotels and airports may be new, but on cruise ships it's old hat."

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “Many of the protocols that public venues worldwide are now putting in place are ones that the cruise industry has long employed, after more than a decade of battling norovirus and keeping other viruses like SARS and MERS off its ships. But despite having strict cleaning protocols in place, cruise lines haven't previously brought these practices to the fore from a publicity perspective.”

 

Good points that certain of this "SANITIZING" process is not new on most cruise lines.  In fact, many cruise lines do a generally good job pushing those needed efforts.  But, to get to the cruise, requires, in most cases, flying on airlines.  Then, there are the various port stops where we are not always certain how high will be the standards being practiced by local tour operators, island dining places, etc.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/The-cruise-industry-will-bring-sanitizing-protocol-to-the-fore

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 35,333 views.

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

[Stumblefoot]

17 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

...the La Terrazza  dining area was very busy, especially at breakfast and lunch times.  Silversea would need to have their ships only 50-60% full in order to be able to space those tables out that much as shown in those pictures.  

While I agree that La Terrazza can get quite busy for breakfast and lunch, I believe there is a simpler solution whereby SS wouldn’t have to reduce guest capacity by 40% - 50%; speed up service in the main restaurant.  One reason LT is so busy, I believe, especially on port days, is because people don’t want to spend an hour or more dining at breakfast or lunch.  LT is fast and efficient.  So, by speeding up service the main restaurant, SS can easily spread guests out across the two venues.

[Observer]

19 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

  BUT, based on less than a year ago being on the Muse in Alaska, the La Terrazza  dining area was very busy, especially at breakfast and lunch times.  Silversea would need to have their ships only 50-60% full in order to be able to space those tables out that much as shown in those pictures.  

 

I do not believe this is necessarily the case.  

 

Please note:  Those were exterior shots and reflect pre-COVID practice.  For an image of pre-COVID outdoor seating on Spirit, see minute 19 on:

 

Yes, LaTerrazza can very busy at breakfast and lunch (especially on port days).  But other dining venues are closed then (e.g. Silver Note, Indochine,) and others are sparsely populated (Atlantide) at lunch.  Service could be offered there at breakfast/lunch, perhaps with special/limited/specialized menus.  And guests could be directed there.  

 

Please note that only a small number of the La Terrazza tables are set for dinner.  There would be lots of opportunities for social distancing there at dinner.  

 

I do not see why Silversea would "need" to reduce occupancy.

 

[Observer]

25 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

While I agree that La Terrazza can get quite busy for breakfast and lunch, I believe there is a simpler solution whereby SS wouldn’t have to reduce guest capacity by 40% - 50%; speed up service in the main restaurant.  One reason LT is so busy, I believe, especially on port days, is because people don’t want to spend an hour or more dining at breakfast or lunch.  LT is fast and efficient.  So, by speeding up service the main restaurant, SS can easily spread guests out across the two venues.

 

I well understand your point.  However, some guests relish the leisurely, white tablecloth breakfast and lunch in the Restaurant, with lots of menu choices.

 

I wonder if an acceptable compromise might be dividing the Restaurant into Express and Classic Service sections.  One side (port?) would have the regular lunch menu, with opportunities for customization, etc.  The other (starboard?) would have a limited Express menu (perhaps only continental breakfast, no specialty coffees, etc.) with an understanding that special requests/orders/customization would not be possible and that one would be out in 30 minutes or less. 

 

On Musified ships, Indochine would have the Express option, Atlantide the Classic.

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, Observer said:

Those were exterior shots and reflect pre-COVID practice.  For an image of pre-COVID outdoor seating on Spirit.  Yes, LaTerrazza can very busy at breakfast and lunch (especially on port days).  But other dining venues are closed then (e.g. Silver Note, Indochine,) and others are sparsely populated (Atlantide) at lunch.  Service could be offered there at breakfast/lunch, perhaps with special/limited/specialized menus.  And guests could be directed there.  Please note that only a small number of the La Terrazza tables are set for dinner.  There would be lots of opportunities for social distancing there at dinner.  I do not see why Silversea would "need" to reduce occupancy.

 

Appreciate posting that nice video from the Silver Spirit.  As I recall on that ship in June 2017 sailing from Lisbon to Rouen and last summer on the Silver Muse, the outdoor tables at La Terrazza were not positioned that widely apart.  Maybe on that Spirit sailing shown in the video, their capacity was not that high and they loosened up the positioning?  Yes, agree in the evenings, on many sailings, that few will be seated outdoors.  

 

Good ideas suggested as to how Silversea might be more creative as to what they do in their dining areas.  For those busy breakfasts and lunches, having a "limited Express menu" in the traditional dining areas could be helpful to those of us in somewhat of a hurry.  Glad that I am not in cruise ship management now trying to guess and figure out their future options, arrangements, making the finances balance out, etc.  

 

Did notice this afternoon from the Silversea website that most everything is moved back to having September as the current, maybe, starting point to resume cruising. Shown on their website: 

 

Silver Cloud will set sail on October 28, 2020
Silver Wind will welcome guests once more from November 11, 2020
Silver Shadow will commence service once again from September 13, 2020
Silver Spirit will set sail on September 3, 2020
Silver Muse: From September 10, 2020, Silver Muse will resume sailing
Silver Whisper: will commence service once again from September 8, 2020
Silver Explorer:  Guests will cruise on Silver Explorer again from October 20, 2020
Silver Moon: will set sail on October 2, 2020
Silver Origin: From August 22, 2020, Silver Origin will resume sailing

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 30,602 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the USA Today newspaper today, they had this headline: “Disney Cruise Line, Cunard Line cancel sailings well into the fall because of coronavirus” with these highlights: “Disney Cruise Line and British luxury cruise line Cunard have joined a myriad of other lines canceling additional future sailings and pushing back their restart dates. Disney Cruise Line, which extended its sailing suspension through July 27 last month, has added more cancellations to its list, including sailings scheduled as far ahead as October.  Cunard, which is a subsidiary of Carnival Corp., has three ships in its fleet. The cruise line has canceled all sailings due to depart up to and including Nov. 1 for its ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. For its third ship, Queen Elizabeth, departures up to and including Nov. 23, will be canceled.  'With many differing restrictions across countries, people’s ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance.  We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have on board our ships,' said Simon Palethorpe, president of Cunard.  The line will only return to service once Cunard has a 'comprehensive restart protocol' with approval and accreditation from authorities.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2020/06/10/disney-cruise-cunard-line-line-add-more-cancellations-into-fall/5332620002/

 

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 29,857 views.

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

[QueSeraSera]

On 6/9/2020 at 2:26 PM, Daveywavey70 said:

Most of the restaurants are usually only around 1/3 capacity with a large number of empty tables between diners.

 

6 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

La Terrazza can get quite busy for breakfast and lunch, I believe there is a simpler solution whereby SS wouldn’t have to reduce guest capacity by 40% - 50%; speed up service in the main restaurant.

 

 

5 hours ago, Observer said:

dividing the Restaurant into Express and Classic Service sections.

 

My experience on Muse and Shadow agree with these posts.  Pre-Covid, it was La T for convenience and company (and tables full of fruit, cheese, and other finer things in life in the AM);  restaurants for a quiet and more private customized meal.  With adjustments like those proposed above, distancing is hopefully achievable.  The trade-offs involved to implement these (reservations required more common would be my first guess) are easily accepted, at least by this fairly new but enthusiastic Silversea cruiser.

 

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 Glad that I am not in cruise ship management now trying to guess and figure out their future options, arrangements, making the finances balance out, etc.  

 

 

Hopefully they are monitoring these boards!  I do wish them success.

 

 

Edited June 10, 2020 by QueSeraSera
grammar

[Stumblefoot]

10 hours ago, Observer said:

...some guests relish the leisurely, white tablecloth breakfast and lunch in the Restaurant, with lots of menu choices.

You described us to a “T”.  
 

I love your suggestions too! 

[TLCOhio]

14 hours ago, QueSeraSera said:

Hopefully they are monitoring these boards!  I do wish them success.

 

Agree with the above comment and hope that Silversea and other cruise lines are carefully monitoring the questions and concerns raised by their experienced past cruising customers.  

 

As example for what cruise lines are considering, below is some information from an opinion survey I received yesterday.  It was from Crystal Cruises.  We did a 2008 sailing with them from Dover/UK to Stockholm, exploring the Baltics, Russia, etc.  Wonderful trip and experience!!  Listed below were two of their key survey areas where they wanted to know what we ranked as most important and highly-rated among these various options/priorities.  See the two major question areas below.  It gives an idea as to the key areas/solutions they are evaluating in order to do their successful "re-opening". I am sure (or hope) that Silversea and/or Royal Caribbean are doing such similar research, prep and planning. 

 

How important are the factors listed when considering taking your next cruise?
A vaccine for Covid-19 becomes widely available; 
A full cruise fare refund available a week prior to departure; 
Very attractive promotions and discounts; 
News that the Covid-19 virus is contained;

Instant Covid-19 testing for everyone; 
Upgraded air filtration system/s on ship/s; 
Detailed information on new health and safety protocols; 
Stay-at-home orders lifted in your state/country of residence; 
Onboard social distancing protocols

 

When considering a Crystal cruise, which of the following preventive measures do you think are most important?
Mandatory temperature screening, pre-boarding health declarations, and infrared fever screening system
Sanitizer dispensers available throughout each ship’s public areas
Timely housekeeping; stateroom/suite turnover
Tour coaches limited to half capacity & sanitized frequently
Isolated wards available in the Medical Center and staterooms converted to quarantine rooms if required
Increased sanitization and disinfection frequency and level of (e.g. Elevators: Every 2 hours; Public Areas & Facilities: 2 – 10 times daily)
Minimized crowd congestion; e.g. online (in-room?) check-in and ample spacing
All food & beverage served by crew members only (no self-service food stations)
Enhanced health and safety practices and standards among crew members (e.g. temperature checks)
Other:
 

Were there any major questions and/or considerations that had been missed with these various options and inquiry areas from their survey research?

 

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 18,365 views.  Connect at:

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