First cruise afer pause (River Boat)

As I opined elsewhere..not only is it a "conspicuous consumption industry"...but as long as the situation you described exists, no one in foggy bottom is going to stick their necks out and go one inch out of their way to help the cruise industry. This nightmare will end...sometime...and then, over the long haul, they'll continue to come out waaaaay ahead.

For years the major cruise lines have been playing the game with the Jones' Act forever by flagging ships outside the US. This is done for tax and labor law purposes. Ships are subject to the laws of those taxing/maritime authorities in which they're flagged. NCL has one ship flagged in the US, Spirit of America. Its based in Hawaii and sailed between the islands without the need to visit a foreign port during an itinerary. There needs to be an overhaul of the legislation. Some of these rules originate from the 1800's! Consequently, at the time these lines might be safe to restart on US only itineraries, they can't because they don't want the higher costs associated with a US flagged ships. They'd be subject to minimum wage laws etc. It will be interesting to see if this ever evolves. Been going on for 100 years.

That’s true. We will see what happens!

I think as its an American line and low numbers they're able to start before the others. There are also some small lines that will be able to cruise Alaska (closed loop within the state). Under 250 passengers.

That is not cynicism YANKEE that thar be something called the wisdom of age and experience. I think we are all starting to experience what used to be know as going a bit shack wacky and need to got out and onto a ship ... like yesterday man.

My wife and I (both over 70) fully intend to take the next one we booked for 11/29. Why? Because, quite frankly, we...just...don't...care...willing to put up with the "inconveniences" real or imagined, and I agree, we're old enough to make our own decisions thankyou, and accept "a certain degree" of risk....yada yada...Already cancelled one, and still have 4 more booked...having said that, it's clear that ANYONE even vaguely involved in the cruising world, passenger or employee, will be paying ALOT of attention to commentaries and reviews when they start sailing again. And having said THAT, it would be the height of stupidity to get on board IF the thing starts breaking out again. YOU sit in the box (even with a balcony) for 2 wks. It would be unlikely the CDC would allow sailings to continue anyway IMHO.

One more thing...I'm as cynical as they come when it comes to bureaucrats, politicians and an assortment of other types (including the news media) when it comes to making public statements. More than most even...They all have their agendas. BUT...100,000+ dead and rising?...approx. 1,000 health care workers dead directly from the thing....at least 32,000 dead in nursing homes and long-term care facilities? A so-called "second wave" becoming a reality? (figures from CMMS...y'know, your friendly MEDICARE people)…."overblown"??? really???

I do agree.

I was very concerned about covid 19 a few months ago. I am not a young person but I feel healthy enough to be done with my concern and think this was overblown from the beginning. I know there will be a lot of people that don't agree with me and I accept that. My wife and I are ready to cruise now. If this doesn't happen soon we will do an all inclusive somewhere. It is time to get away and back to normal.

Yes, from my perspective! Maybe that's why no one is blogging. It has been a "wish" of ours to go on a Riverboat cruise. The cost has stopped us from doing so. However, we looked into the cost of party for our 50th anniversary and a riverboat cruise. We chose to do an American Cruise Line sailing following the Lewis & Clark trip on the Columbia & Snake rivers. This is scheduled for April. But I want to know what's happening now. As I said, I am impatient.

A.P. Isn't this type of cruising expensive?