Test hold Antorcha comments May 2021

[SFO Peter]

 

I wrote down some notes for family from this interview, will paste here for those unable to listen: 

Q about 1st Voyage: Why Greece?
A: We need government support to start cruising, and the Greek government has been extremely supportive to figure out the protocols and procedures so that we have enough confidence to say “we’re going for sure”....
Greek government is ahead of other countries...talks about the Med and Northern Europe...vaccination rates have been slower but are catching up...
To those with their hearts set on Northern Europe, hang in there, should have more clarity in a few weeks. But if you want the certainty, if you really want to go no matter what, hurry up and book the Eurodam.

The first voyage will have lower occupancy, it will be booked about 50% capacity....

working with gov’ts
eventually 80% 

Vaccinations:
“intent” also to vax crew
Greek & Dutch gov’t helping (with vaccination of crew), they’re working towards that

gives greater flexibility for guests to walk around ports

will be clearly laid out in a couple weeks

PLAN FOR GREECE: vaccinations required for initial season

crew will be vaccinated (all)
working with plans with various govts

 

Shore Excursions 
desire & intent is not to have to book with HAL

port to port to confirm

desire & hope that it’s no different than other cruises

 

Q: What is acceptable proof of vaccination?
A: Whatever you get when you get vaccinated (i.e., whatever paper from health department, pharmacy, doctor, CDC card).

 

Question about PCR test:
HAL will require whatever the country requires
(if things change by August, they’ll go with it).

 

MASKS
his desire would be no
but has to take directions from countries and ports
at this moment some level of mask requirement 
*perhaps walking through ship

 

Onboard Experience 
social distancing
(all lines operating now have been hybrid...not all passengers are vaccinated right now)
*remember the initial HAL sailings are vaccinated
plan to operate initial sailings: every venue open and enjoyable

doesn’t want 2 meters between people

made it easy to cancel “book with confidence”

100% future cruise credit if you have a positive test....
(link: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/book-with-confidence.html )

the key is: the INITIAL voyages operate with 100% vaccination

Plus:
UV systems to clean air
additional filtration 
isolation cabins for positive cases and contacts
MUCH greater precautions than land-based

*usually between 80-100% capacity happens in the last few weeks
they will hold a cap to prevent overbooking

If they “choose to start” at a lower occupancy rate....

 

-CDC North American guidance came out this week (May).
Felt CDC restrictions honestly disappointing 
very restrictive in terms of mask-wearing and physical distancing.
Not sure what’s going to happen...Alaska season is short...may have to cancel Seattle.

What CDC issued was tough, doesn’t give a clear path...hopefully in a week or so, will get a better path.

 

Q: Exploring options for future (vaccination)
Why not have a blanket, across the board decision?

A: A Couple Issues with Blanket Requirement in Perpetuity:
1-children (large proportion of cruising population)
2- we’re the only industry in the world that would be required to vaccinate against covid (mentioned other industries without requirement)
-some can’t get vax
Longer-term issue...immediate: yes, required...
should cruising not be opened to everyone?

 

Will sail Caribbean this summer?
HAL is giving everything they have (right now) to getting started in Alaska. If that doesn’t work, may pivot to Caribbean.

 

Q: Booked on something else, when will we find out if it’s really sailing?
A: Intent is to operate everything, but have had to make adjustments, tried to be clear in communication.

When they get clear support from governments, they will say “yes, we’re going” or announce new sailings.

In the next few weeks, he expects more announcements as infection rates go down around the world. There are Governments willing....
Greece asked them to put in vaccination requirement...vaccines give more flexibility...

Hopeful it (i.e., the Eurodam sailings) is very close to what a regular cruise will look like, onboard and in port.

 

-Answered World Voyage questions 
may have to change some ports, much like when there are security situations there’s adaptation

 

-Talked about the new ms Rotterdam

 

-Italy is coming up for guidance, Spain, too. The Mediterranean is further along than Northern Europe. They expect more guidance on what they’re able to do, and not able to do....

 

from: https://m.facebook.com/HALCruises/videos/492026258519220/

[SFO Peter]

 

[SFO Peter]