Should we or shouldn’t we?

[Ipeeinthepools]

6 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

Are you sure about your statement?  The report that I read said that the Omicron case was a case identified from the previous cruise. (Was determined after the cruise).

I do not believe that any of the 44+ cases on the cruise being discussed were identified as the Omicron variant.  Of course they may find out later.  
 

Always possible the report that I read was incorrect.  

 

It's possible that all reports haven't been completely accurate.  You're correct Royal hasn't acknowledged the most recent report is omicron but from USAToday: "It is not immediately clear why the cases were unrelated."

[nocl]

2 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

Apparently the 17 passengers were 10 percent of the people on this flight.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/20/israel-omicron-travel-ban-canada-america/

Thanks. 

[lovemydentist]

On 12/19/2021 at 10:55 AM, JFontaine said:

I think a massive outbreak on a seven day cruise where almost everyone is vaccinated and tested prior to boarding is small.   It hasn't happened yet. 

 

I understand that if a passenger tests positive during the cruise, Celebrity will fly the passenger home on a private plane at their expense.   The passenger is not dumped on an island (like Crystal does).

 

Wear a mask indoors, regardless of whether it is a requirement.  And avoid indoor  crowded places if you can. 

 

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure this is Royal Caribbean’s policy concerning the private plane and that Celebrity will pay your expenses if you need to be quarantined before testing negative and then will pay your expenses for air travel to your home destination.  

[Lastdance]

19 hours ago, Dwight1 said:

Quoted on my Celebrity Air invoice for cancellation and confirmed today with customer service it does apply,

That's interesting, as I was just told that fee does not apply if my air is refundable.  Hmm...so you are saying that if you cancel after the 90 days it applies, but not before the 90 days?  Am I missing something here?  Sorry to ask so many questions, but wanting clarification, as meaning makes all the difference in context.

Edited December 20, 2021 by Lastdance

[Lastdance]

So, Omicron "could" produce a super spreader onboard; however, cases would be mostly mild, yet many confined to their cabins?  I am wondering what that might look like in real numbers, but obviously, we all process information in different ways.  for now, I guess a wait and see approach...

Edited December 20, 2021 by Lastdance

[gordylad]

If you are asking the question you must have doubts so the answer is no. There is always another time. I see you are from Florida and the cruise must be a Caribbean. Personally if we lived in Florida with all that sunshine we would be happy to stay at home.

 

Good luck whatever you decide.

Edited December 20, 2021 by gordylad

[mkam2821]

I work in an environment where I am exposed to many people masked and unmasked on a daily basis (I wear a mask indoors in public at all times and am triple vaccinated). I test every few weeks just to be safe. We have a cruise booked for January 4th. As long as my husband and I are healthy we're going.    After being home for 2 years and homeschooling grandchildren for a good part of the time.  We have excursions booked they're cancellable if necessary. I need my Calgon take me away time. We need to get away even if it means just enjoying ourselves on the ship and we are fortunate that we are within a short driving distance of the port.

[5waldos]

We don't sail until early April and are facing the same issues. Our TA is going to contact Celebrity and also Crystal about our transAtlantic connecting to a river cruise to see if it is possible to put it off for a year without losing vast amounts of money. If things have settled down in the spring we can always go someplace nice. And it would certainly cut the amount of worrying. 

[Covepointcruiser]

Even though the Omicron variant is mild in vaccinated and boosted passengers, I certainly don’t want folks spreading the virus around the ship so being confined to your cabin if you test positive is essential.   I don’t want the hassle of testing positive and being confined to my cabin. 

[Ipeeinthepools]

12 minutes ago, Dwight1 said:

If you cancel before final payment no problem but after the cancellation fee applies. I was told if you cancel snd call Celebrity Air first you may be able to get waived. I decided tonite to make final payment snd wait until February for my 2/21 cruise to see if I want to cruise. If I cancel I’ll get the FCC for my 2/18/23 cruise and just accept the $400 cancellation charge.

 

I think you mean 2/22 cruise ...

[Guppy99]

2 hours ago, mkam2821 said:

I I need my Calgon take me away time. 

This made me smile. My cousin was a graphic artist and she designed the Calgon box. Takes me back 🙂

[cruzer0007]

On 12/19/2021 at 9:19 AM, stevenr597 said:

...
I, as a physician, do understand that there is no right or wrong.  But what are one’s feelings in respect to this.  

Would one put off cruising for the next several months. 

I have complete respect for the wide range of opinions we are seeing here, and I agree with several others who have said this is very much an individual personal decision to make, each for their own circumstances and level of comfort.  Nothing wrong with that. I will offer that we just returned from a  7 day sail on the Apex (4th to 11th) and had a fabulous time, but a key part of all this for us is how many passengers are on a ship.  The cruise companies are keeping that very close to the vest, personally I would take much more comfort in knowing that the ship was going to be constrained to 60% .. 70% whatever they chose, but please let us know.  I personally would not want to sail on a ship with maybe 75% or higher capacity given all the factors we know.  With ~ 60% capacity, it is easy to have separation at the dining options, the main theatre and other close contact environments.  If the ships are more dense, I would have less comfort about the risks.  One other very positive thing we learned on our last trip, was the level of cleaning and the protocols generally.  By random luck we had dinner close to a single passenger one evening, and in casual conversation we learned that they were a contractor specifically on board in support of COVID testing (for the crew mainly).  The person was a specialist in this field, many years of experience, and had an advanced degree in the field. They mentioned multiple times how impressed they were with the protocols, and the attention to cleanliness all over the ship, in all aspects of the experience.  That gave us a good deal of additional peace of mind.  Anyhow, best of luck in your search for the right path.  Personally, I view it like several others have said, in that with all this testing and cleaning, a cruise ship might be one of the safest ways to experience travel away from home.  I hope the cruise industry becomes more transparent (in advance of bookings) about how many guests (in round numbers) are budgeted per cruise.  Lots of recent posts about an impending increase in density, I hope that gets deferred.  Its tough, they need to generate revenue, but I hope we see less than full ships (intentionally constrained guest counts) for a while longer

Edited December 21, 2021 by cruzer0007

[TeeRick]

14 hours ago, 5waldos said:

We don't sail until early April and are facing the same issues. Our TA is going to contact Celebrity and also Crystal about our transAtlantic connecting to a river cruise to see if it is possible to put it off for a year without losing vast amounts of money. If things have settled down in the spring we can always go someplace nice. And it would certainly cut the amount of worrying. 

I think I would be worried more about the River Cruise that could possibly be cancelled or the countries that it visits might be very restricted to you and your activities.  

[Spif Barwunkel]

The OP said "I, as a physician, do understand that there is no right or wrong.  But what are one’s feelings in respect to this."

 

Actually, in this particular case there is a right and wrong. You are not soliciting comments on cabin selection, specialty restaurants etc. You are asking for advice regarding something much more critical and important. Hundreds of threads and posts over the last two years are similar.

 

It is wrong to base your decision on the thoughts and comments of others. They don't really matter when it comes to your health and well-being and comfort level. That, of course, includes this post. Should you choose to make up your mind totally devoid of what others have to say, that is the right way to go.

[deliver42]

On a river cruise you are going to different countries that have different requirements for Covid, and you are stuck in the boat if they can even get there. In the Caribbean on a cruise, the ship can change itineraries or skip a stop, but there are more things to do on the ship. Obviously the choice is yours, but I, for one, wouldn't go on a river cruise at this time.

[kirtihk]

On 12/19/2021 at 10:19 AM, stevenr597 said:

Please don’t flame me for bringing up this question….but

My wife and I are scheduled to sail on Celebrity in early January.  When we first booked several months ago, we were told that, in respect to the virus, that, “everything should be over by the end of the year.”

As we all know that is certainly not the case.  

In fact over the last week, we seem to be moving steadily backward.  The cruise lines are now drastically increasing restrictions, not only with vaccines (which we agree), but making it mandatory that unless you are eating or outdoors you absolutely have to wear a mask.  

We are also seeing countries beginning to close down. 

One of our worries is that the islands will only permit individuals to go ashore only with organized tour groups.

We are seriously considering cancelling our cruise, and hopefully getting a credit.

I am in my early 70’s.  I am a physician who has worked from day 1 since the Pandemic.  Many of my patient have become ill, and some have died. 

I am fairy well read up and educated in respect to Covid. We are fully vaccinated, in fact I received my 3rd Pfizer vaccine several months ago.  

But we are in fear of either becoming ill on board, being ill and stranded on one of the islands, and in an even wors case, having a epidemic on the ship.  

I, as a physician, do understand that there is no right or wrong.  But what are one’s feelings in respect to this.  

Would one put off cruising for the next several months. 

We actually just booked another cruise for February while on the board of Celebrity Edge a week ago.  Every month is precious and counts in our life.  To postpone life indefinitely is not an option.

[esther e]

I haven't read all the posts, so I may be repeating some; if so, I apologize.  However, the number of passengers on RCCL who were positive sounds alarming unless you think of the number the ship holds.  Apples and oranges.  Also, I don't wear a mask and am exposed to everything when I go in Publix.

 

We are not guaranteed "tomorrow" and I refuse to live in a bubble.  Admittingly I don't go in crowds or malls and Amazon has become my best friend, but I want to enjoy every minute I have left.  Having said this, if I knew someone was positive, I would avoid them at all costs.  

[kirtihk]

16 minutes ago, esther e said:

I haven't read all the posts, so I may be repeating some; if so, I apologize.  However, the number of passengers on RCCL who were positive sounds alarming unless you think of the number the ship holds.  Apples and oranges.  Also, I don't wear a mask and am exposed to everything when I go in Publix.

 

We are not guaranteed "tomorrow" and I refuse to live in a bubble.  Admittingly I don't go in crowds or malls and Amazon has become my best friend, but I want to enjoy every minute I have left.  Having said this, if I knew someone was positive, I would avoid them at all costs.  

It' one of a few bright energetic opinions!  Thank you for supporting life.

 

I was in Florida 4 times within last few months and agree with you on all counts.  If not my family I would escape a NY punishing doctrine in a heart beep (not just in last couple years).

Edited December 21, 2021 by kirtihk

[as3369]

Everyone is free to make an informed decision and take the best course of action for them.  We are sailing next month on the Edge with a group of 15.  Some of our guests are considering canceling the trip based on port or mask restrictions.

 

My husband and I are comfortable about the ship's health protocols and plan to go unless Celebrity cancels.  

[nocl]

56 minutes ago, esther e said:

I haven't read all the posts, so I may be repeating some; if so, I apologize.  However, the number of passengers on RCCL who were positive sounds alarming unless you think of the number the ship holds.  Apples and oranges.  Also, I don't wear a mask and am exposed to everything when I go in Publix.

 

We are not guaranteed "tomorrow" and I refuse to live in a bubble.  Admittingly I don't go in crowds or malls and Amazon has become my best friend, but I want to enjoy every minute I have left.  Having said this, if I knew someone was positive, I would avoid them at all costs.  

I live my life quite well have purchased a new house and moved during the pandemic.  Have been on several international trips and cruises.  I live my life pretty much the same as prior to Covid.

 

The only difference is I mask when I should (anytime indoors in a public setting, or even outdoors in crowds or indoors in close proximity with anyone outside of my immediate family) not just as some people have indicated when they have to.

 

You, with your refusal to mask, seem to be living your life with more restrictions.

[bEwAbG]

Lots of "let's live life!" opinions but the reality is that these decisions may be removed from individuals in the coming days and weeks.  Several theater shows (in NY as well as across the country) have shut down, several sporting events have shut down, all sorts of group settings have shut down, etc. in an effort to control the spread.  That certainly colors what I'm willing to gamble on, especially if there are nonrefundable or extra costs involved.  There are still some unknowns about this variant and everyone is closely looking at what's happening in South Africa where it was first detected to see what we're in store for.  If I had a cruise booked for the next few weeks, I'd be nervous that it was going to be cancelled or significantly curtailed versus the experience others have had in the recent past.

[Ipeeinthepools]

2 minutes ago, bEwAbG said:

Lots of "let's live life!" opinions but the reality is that these decisions may be removed from individuals in the coming days and weeks.  Several theater shows (in NY as well as across the country) have shut down, several sporting events have shut down, all sorts of group settings have shut down, etc. in an effort to control the spread.  That certainly colors what I'm willing to gamble on, especially if there are nonrefundable or extra costs involved.  There are still some unknowns about this variant and everyone is closely looking at what's happening in South Africa where it was first detected to see what we're in store for.  If I had a cruise booked for the next few weeks, I'd be nervous that it was going to be cancelled or significantly curtailed versus the experience others have had in the recent past.

 

Probably true.

[nocl]

1 minute ago, bEwAbG said:

Lots of "let's live life!" opinions but the reality is that these decisions may be removed from individuals in the coming days and weeks.  Several theater shows (in NY as well as across the country) have shut down, several sporting events have shut down, all sorts of group settings have shut down, etc. in an effort to control the spread.  That certainly colors what I'm willing to gamble on, especially if there are nonrefundable or extra costs involved.  There are still some unknowns about this variant and everyone is closely looking at what's happening in South Africa where it was first detected to see what we're in store for.  If I had a cruise booked for the next few weeks, I'd be nervous that it was going to be cancelled or significantly curtailed versus the experience others have had in the recent past.

Certainly one should not commit funds to anything that is either not refundable or where they can get at least a future credit.  One should also at least plan for a hiccup of some kind to show up, either from restrictions being increased or some activity being canceled.  Prior to Covid I tended to plan travel a year in advance, now I tend to book everything within 30 days just to lower the surprise factor.

[Ipeeinthepools]

1 hour ago, esther e said:

I haven't read all the posts, so I may be repeating some; if so, I apologize.  However, the number of passengers on RCCL who were positive sounds alarming unless you think of the number the ship holds.  Apples and oranges.  Also, I don't wear a mask and am exposed to everything when I go in Publix. 

 

Probably not dependent on the number of people on-board.  If one person on board is infected and then infect their close contacts it doesn't matter if there is another 1000 or 10000 people on-board.

[esther e]

10 minutes ago, nocl said:

I live my life quite well have purchased a new house and moved during the pandemic.  Have been on several international trips and cruises.  I live my life pretty much the same as prior to Covid.

 

The only difference is I mask when I should (anytime indoors in a public setting, or even outdoors in crowds or indoors in close proximity with anyone outside of my immediate family) not just as some people have indicated when they have to.

 

You, with your refusal to mask, seem to be living your life with more restrictions.

Big difference between "refusal" and choosing not to.  If it were mandatory, of course I'd wear one.  Since my state doesn't require them, I chose not to.