CDC issues next steps for cruising to resume in the U.S. plus info on simulated test cruises

https://cruiseradio.net/norwegian-cruise-line-exec-outraged-by-new-cdc-guidelines/?fbclid=IwAR3pzpyAArogx1rou6fYqxPdcifXyTlPpxfx-6dmorl_xbmr_hAZ-3FQXbg

In response to the above cruise radio piece, Jim Walker, with C.L. News had this to say: "There's no end to the constant bitching, whining, moaning & complaining of cruise executives and over-paid CEOs like Del Rio and his ilk in response to the hard work of the CDC and Director Dr. Walensky . . ."

He's got a point. Can't say I disagree, although FDR is certainly an enigma when it comes to his public diatribes on the CDC and his choice to go for complete vaccinations over and above the CDC guidelines. I for one hope FDR prevails with 100%, VACs, if so I bet then we get back to the normal days of yore cruising.

I won't participate either in full on cruises if masks are required all of the time. What I'm curious on is if the CDC can really mandate that when in International waters or not. If they can't, then it may be more enticing to go for some.

We live 35 miles from the cruise terminal. Called Carnival pvp and said we will gladly be "guinea pigs" for a trial cruise. Would be there in an hour, got vaccinated so we are ready.

I can't afford to go. I work with senior citizens in a nursing home, and I wouldn't want to risk infecting them not knowing if these protocols they have in place will work.

Having said that, I am scheduled to go in November.

Even if you have to pay for it, albeit probably at a reduced rate? If so, don't forget to pack a suitcase full of face masks. You're going to need them.

Call me for a test. I'll be out the door in 20 min.

Well, I just don't know about that "every ship in the fleet" thang.........I mentioned that old GREEN SHEET REPORT about the results of periodic inspections of every cruise ship in everybody's fleet that docks in the USA.....now its obviously waaay out of date, (long pre-covid) and I think I deleted it...BUT, what it proves is that any given ship is only as good as its Officers and crew want it to be...the variance in scores can be gigantic...the report made NCL BREAKAWAY (been on her a few times) for example look like some kind of cesspool, while others in NCL fleet appeared so sterile you could operate on the decks or in the galleys. Yes I suppose you can get a hard case inspection team...but even so...now having said THAT, how would it look if a ship got great marks and covid broke out? you know some holier than thou pooh bah is going to ask that inspection team "how did you score them so high? you KNOW they had to be doing SOMETHING wrong!!! its a floating petri dish!!!" end of a career or two there...

So knowing this, if SAM wants to "do it right", they're going to make every ship take a test cruise, with serious inspectors on board.....altho in my heart, I seriously doubt that'll happen...

Yeah, I'd go.... but we have been vaccinated.

I don't know though. I'm of the opinion that even these "relaxed" guidelines are still too much for the lines to handle.

Also, I'm interested to know what the costs are going to be, and more importantly, who's going to pay for them. Are the "volunteers" going to get a free ride on a week long cruise? I doubt it. I don't think the cruise lines are going to pop for the costs involved to fill a ship half way with people and then basically give them a free vacation. Maybe if it's just one or two sailings, but no way if they have to do it for every ship in their fleets. Is the govt (ie: us) going to foot the bill in the name of science? I highly doubt that too?

I think if it comes to test sailings, the lines will offer them for at or around break even prices, but not for free. But that's just IMHO

Having been vaccinated, I guess I wouldn't care...the Her Ladyship on the other hand, probably not...those underlying conditions can bite anyone in the a_s...the key here is what the cruise lines can do to avoid test cruises altogether....CB, you beat me to it!...had the equivalent article ready to C&P from USA TODAY......point is, do you believe the cruise lines (at least the biguns) even WANT to do test cruises?...if I was them, I don't think I would....but no matter....I'm actually beginning to believe we'll be sailing again, and relatively soon....

Sooooooo...what happens when theres a covid case or two or three on board a REAL cruise? you KNOW its going to happen...the media will have a field day for starts...If the ship has to turn around, or be quarantined, with 3-4k passengers......well...t-t-t-t-t-t-t-hat's all folks!!!!

If we lived closer to a port, no problem. That said, I wouldn't mind be a voluteer if it would get them sailing and we do have some use them or lose them air vouchers!! So yes, please.