When will it end??

From a science point of view, (the vaccine manufacturers have stated that the vaccine absolutely will not stop transmission), I really can't see why the vaccine will make much difference to cruising. But, I don't really think any of these recommendations have anything to do with science - they are simply to make people feel safe - so I guess from that point of view, they might help.

Still a guessing game. As in all things, time will tell.

If the vaccines are successfully and widely deployed - guessing Q4 2021. And maybe no masks by 2022.

Right now, there is hope:

1.) There are several vaccines who either have or are awaiting FDA approval. Some of them are due out to healthcare workers (such as myself) by the end of the month.

2.) There are test cruises being done now to see if the safety protocols work.

It may not be much, but at least it's something!

Yeh, they all seem to have NO idea when they will actually sail, or even from where. They can postulate a target date, then a few weeks, mebbe a month later it all changes.

I think I have seen Carnival has canceled through the end Feb as well.. It is a little sad, I sure hope the cruise lines can meet the requirements soon. We all could use a break..today..next week...next year.. and so on..

Nope! Their customer service isn't top notch. To find any information, I need to call them as they don't send any email information. They do have periodic updates on their webpage, but not always timely. They also are not flexible regarding price changes due to sales; you pay the price you booked under period. But we are hoping.

Heard anything from them?

Holding onto hope for our April 2021 Riverboat cruise on the Columbia and Snake.