CDC says Cruises can start in July

[Sykes]

It's worth noting that nothing in the Florida law prohibits companies from refusing service to unvaccinated individuals (doing so would almost certainly be an unconstitutional infringement on the freedom of association)--it only prohibits businesses from requiring documentation that proves vaccination. A cruise line could still designate sailings for vaccinated individuals only and require people to sign something indicating that they're vaccinated. Some (probably small) number of people would lie, but I'm guessing that they're the same people that would be willing to carry around a counterfeit CDC vaccine card.

 

[tee11]

Can you elaborate on the lawsuit and law that was passed in Florida yesterday? I've been out of the loop and I haven't been on DISboards in a while. We have an October 2021 cruise booked (that had been moved from 2020, not PIFd yet), but I don't think our under age 12 kids will be vaccinated, so we would not be able (or willing) to go.... however, I don't know whether to pay in full or not.... We will lose our OBB credit/perks from October 2019 if we move or cancel this cruise, right?

I don't think this means anything really. There is still the lawsuit coming up and of course the law that was passed yesterday in Florida. I wouldn't be packing my bags yet.

 

[tidefan]

What you y'all think about the timeline? Looks like the crew of the Dream got their first vaccination shots yesterday (provided by the State). I'd say that indicates to me that they are planning on the 98% of crew part at least. Also, I wonder if the Dream was the first ship to be vaccinated just because they happened to be there, or if this is the first ship DCL plans to put back in service. That would make a lot of sense as it would only go to the Bahamas and they could always skip Nassau and just do Castaway if needed and still meet the PVSA. At this point, I'm fairly certain DCL could vaccinate any Bahamian citizen working on Castaway...

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/pt-canaveral-distributes-vaccine-to-ship-crew-members-and-workers

 

[BartmanLA]

What you y'all think about the timeline? Looks like the crew of the Dream got their first vaccination shots yesterday (provided by the State). I'd say that indicates to me that they are planning on the 98% of crew part at least. Also, I wonder if the Dream was the first ship to be vaccinated just because they happened to be there, or if this is the first ship DCL plans to put back in service. That would make a lot of sense as it would only go to the Bahamas and they could always skip Nassau and just do Castaway if needed and still meet the PVSA. At this point, I'm fairly certain DCL could vaccinate any Bahamian citizen working on Castaway...

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/pt-canaveral-distributes-vaccine-to-ship-crew-members-and-workers

Are you sure you didn't mean the Fantasy, as it's been docked in Port Miami for the past 2 days, the Dream has been offshore Port Canaveral for over a week. The Fantasy I'm assuming is moving to Miami in preparation for application for test cruises out of that port since the CDC's CSO requires each ship to qualify to operate out of EACH US Port with test cruises and testing etc. before they can qualify.

 

[bcwife76]

Are you sure you didn't mean the Fantasy, as it's been docked in Port Miami for the past 2 days, the Dream has been offshore Port Canaveral for over a week. The Fantasy I'm assuming is moving to Miami in preparation for application for test cruises out of that port since the CDC's CSO requires each ship to qualify to operate out of EACH US Port with test cruises and testing etc. before they can qualify.

The Dream was docked in Port Canaveral yesterday and is now at anchorage off the coast.

 

[tidefan]

Are you sure you didn't mean the Fantasy, as it's been docked in Port Miami for the past 2 days, the Dream has been offshore Port Canaveral for over a week. The Fantasy I'm assuming is moving to Miami in preparation for application for test cruises out of that port since the CDC's CSO requires each ship to qualify to operate out of EACH US Port with test cruises and testing etc. before they can qualify.

Nope. It was the Dream. Multiple news outlets were reporting on this yesterday. The linked Fox 35 report discusses it as well.

That said, it may be that the same thing can happen in Miami with the Fantasy as well...

 

[ArielRae]

I am wondering if the CDC will accept the Disney Magic sailings over in the UK as test sailings?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I am wondering if the CDC will accept the Disney Magic sailings over in the UK as test sailings?

No.

The CDC guidance on test sailings require that they be from the embarkation port to be used and that they replicate in all ways the actual sailing, including port stops and excursions.

In other words, a cruise from London does not qualify as a test cruise for a PC to CC closed loop cruise.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

That's my expectation. The last thing Disney needs is to have a ship with an outbreak on the news.

It’s the last thing any cruise line needs, tbh. I’m surprised (but also kinda not) that Carnival has said they have no plans to require the vaccine.

 

[tidefan]

It’s the last thing any cruise line needs, tbh. I’m surprised (but also kinda not) that Carnival has said they have no plans to require the vaccine.

I think that its a huge sign that DCL is vaccinating it's crew. It's the fastest way back. Yes, it may limit initial sailings with just vaccinated passengers, but you have to start somewhere.

 

[sullivan.kscott]

I think that its a huge sign that DCL is vaccinating it's crew. It's the fastest way back. Yes, it may limit initial sailings with just vaccinated passengers, but you have to start somewhere.

Yes. I don’t think (though I could be wrong) Disney will pull an NCL and say “too bad” to kids. I’m expecting something like the UK Magic sailings, and are using those to fine tune protocol.

 

[DCLMP]

Can you elaborate on the lawsuit and law that was passed in Florida yesterday? I've been out of the loop and I haven't been on DISboards in a while. We have an October 2021 cruise booked (that had been moved from 2020, not PIFd yet), but I don't think our under age 12 kids will be vaccinated, so we would not be able (or willing) to go.... however, I don't know whether to pay in full or not.... We will lose our OBB credit/perks from October 2019 if we move or cancel this cruise, right?

Basically business are prohibited from asking for vaccine status. It may get challenged who knows.

Hopefully the various cruiselines willl let theiir customers know soon. They really should so people can cancel if vaccines are required and they don’t want the vaccine or if vaccines aren’t required and they don’t want to cruise with unvaccinated people.

Im very glad I have no cruises planned this year. Good luck

 

[Sykes]

Basically business are prohibited from asking for vaccine status. It may get challenged who knows.

Assuming that the new law is constitutional (quite questionable), businesses would be free to ask about vaccine status or ban unvaccinated patrons--they're just not allowed to require documentation proving vaccine status (so it would be more difficult to enforce such a ban).

 

[BlueRibbon]

Great news that Port Canaveral has a vaccine clinic setup. I can see this being used exclusively for cruise line workers, with ships pulling in getting the shots and heading back out. The next logistical program is getting all the other crew back on the ship so they can come get vaccinated as well.

Guess the first indication will be when we hear our CM friends abroad rejoice when they get their long awaited callback.

 

[tidefan]

Looks like Galveston is also setting up a vaccination clinic for ship's crew starting on Monday...

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/05/01/us-ports-begin-vaccinating-cruise-ship-crew-members

You can look on cruisemapper and see that Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze are making a beeline for Galveston.

Also, Disney Wonder has left Progreso and looks to be heading to the East Coast of FL (not sure if PC or Miami)...

 

[bcwife76]

Looks like Galveston is also setting up a vaccination clinic for ship's crew starting on Monday...

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/05/01/us-ports-begin-vaccinating-cruise-ship-crew-members

You can look on cruisemapper and see that Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze are making a beeline for Galveston.

Also, Disney Wonder has left Progreso and looks to be heading to the East Coast of FL (not sure if PC or Miami)...

According to Vessel Finder, the Wonder is heading to Freeport, Bahamas, should be there by lunchtime tomorrow.....I wonder why? Crew pick up? Then head to PC for vaccinations?

 

[DCLMP]

Assuming that the new law is constitutional (quite questionable), businesses would be free to ask about vaccine status or ban unvaccinated patrons--they're just not allowed to require documentation proving vaccine status (so it would be more difficult to enforce such a ban).

Assuming it's constitutional to ban people based on vaccine status. Whatever the case may be let's hope cruise lines let us know what their policy is and offer refunds to those not wishing to sail. Not just in regards to vaccines, but masks, covid tests, and everything else.
Enjoy your cruise.

 

[Joe Brig]

Don't forget that the vaccines are not yet approved by the FDA. They have an "Emergency Use" status. If I were in a high risk group and had to travel to a covid hotspot I would consider taking the vaccine. That is not the case so I will wait for FDA approval. Also, there are federal laws that ban employers and others from requiring an unapproved vaccine.

 

[DCLMP]

Don't forget that the vaccines are not yet approved by the FDA. They have an "Emergency Use" status. If I were in a high risk group and had to travel to a covid hotspot I would consider taking the vaccine. That is not the case so I will wait for FDA approval. Also, there are federal laws that ban employers and others from requiring an unapproved vaccine.

I'm not a constitutional lawyer or any other kind of lawyer and I won't pretend to play one on the Disboards. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. It's just more drama to the ongoing Covid drama. It's also one more thing for the two sides to fight about.

 

[Sykes]

Assuming it's constitutional to ban people based on vaccine status.

it is, for private businesses at least. Decades ago the US Supreme Court has recognized a fundamental freedom of association that allows businesses to choose who they do business with as long as they don't discriminate against certain protected classes. As long as you're not discriminating on race, color, religion or creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship, then they're good to go. People who are hesitant to get vaccines (without other mitigating factors like legitimate religious objections) are not a protected class.