Randyk47

No doubt getting potential employees vaccinated is going to be a daunting challenge. Of course when you’re burning millions dollars a month you have a big incentive to try to solve that problem quickly. I would imagine cruise lines are working very hard to obtain vaccines as soon as they can without raising some huge international stink. I am still very pessimistic that we are going to see a significant return of cruising until late 2021 if even that early. We have yet to hear from countries in terms of their future plans for travel restrictions. If we return to the old days where you literally did no international travel without proof of vaccinations then we have a long haul to normal or new normal.

ranles

We are scheduled out at the end of Oct. 2021. SAN to the UAE Abu Dhabi flying. Then cruise to South Africa over 20 days. Several issues of concern:
1. Talk of current admin. banning some domestic flights.
2. Testing to get back into USA.
3. Americans flying into Abu Dhabi (no hotel, just flight and trip to ship...although the timing could be messy)
4. Testing necessary while in flight

That gets us to and on the ship. and perhaps home.
5. Port issues everywhere...testing, restrictions, etc. Ship docking. Passengers allowed off. Servicing and restocking of ship.

That's getting around.
6. Exposure to covid in countries that have not gotten "herd immunity" or even any immunity
7. Exposure to new variants of the disease in these 3rd world countries
8. Close quarters when using the lifeboats to get into port (tendering)

That's is some off ship exposure
9. Close dining, buffets, shows, etc. on ship exposure

Finely, all the normal risks of senior international travel.

So we worry about getting there, getting around, being safe, getting home...all while trying to have fun on $45,000, at risk (you never get it all back!). Payment/insurance time is coming in a couple months.

We really want to get back to Africa. Going to Madagascar is a key port, as is Cape Town.

freecia

Is there a difference between exposure to new variants in a developing nation vs a developed nation? Or is it simply a new variant while traveling? Or introducing a local variant to a new area? CAL.20C (aka 20C/S:452R;/B1429) is one of the new variants which was first noted circulating in S. CA https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-pers...ied-california

I see key ports/bucket list ports as especially tricky with cruises since they don't guarantee they'll be able to visit the port in non-COVID times. Weather is the most common disrupter and occasionally mechanical issues. I would personally be disappointed to pay so much to miss a bucket list destination when it can also be visited more reliably with less pre-planning for similar money via flight. Perhaps Madagascar needs a bit more advance planning and/or non-refundable deposits.

Yes, I know cruises are a different travel style and feel than a flight & lodge but I guess I'd be asking myself if I really wanted to visit the specific ports or want to be on the ship. The ship might be more leisurely or comfortable way to get there but it usually isn't the only way when you have a decent budget. Sometimes several ports on the itinerary appeal and being able to get to at least half of them would be acceptable.

BamaVol

It looks like Costa will try to sail from Italy in March. I didn’t see any details, just a headline. I have no idea how this is possible.

Randyk47

I can’t find it right this minute but as I recall these were “bubble” cruises that were limited to Italians only. Even then it was Italians from selected areas within Italy. I can’t remember the length or itineraries but it was seven days or less.

mahasamatman

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cru...-in-march.html

747FC

I don't think you are making a good case for cruising in this environment.

BamaVol

I’m not convinced they have all the details ironed out. I wish them good luck. I think they will need it.

radonc1

We can require immunizations for everyone prior to boarding .....and

We can require testing (PCR or otherwise) prior to boarding and while on board as well (every day, 2 days ??)....and

We can do the social distancing and mask wearing while on board and in public spaces............and

We can have a fully equipped infirmary with physicians on board .......and yet

Until we know how foreign ports and countries are going to treat our cruise if and when someone tests positive (and doesn't necessarily even get sick ), cruises will remain a travel medium at great risk for having a vacation ruined by the appearance of Covid-19 on board. .