The actual restart date will be....(according to us)...Poll!

[Ila Sikorski]

I feel like were getting close or at least close to getting some information about when they will start up again. I voted January. I think sometime in the next month we'll start hearing about what protocols will be in place. What's going to be interesting is how they are going to handle guests that don't want to sail because of the protocols. Will they let them cancel with a full refund?

Currently DCL has the Cruise Flexibility Program where you can change sailings up to 15 days before your booked cruise. So while not a full refund, you're at least given the option to push out the date to a time period where protocols/restrictions are less.

 

[brentm77]

I voted January.

Tides are changing if you are following this crises closely. I literally track the data, news, and experts daily as part of my job. The shift started in Europe about a month ago, and is now starting in the U.S. Life as we know it will slowly resume over the next couple of months in all but a few hard-core cities or states. This will happen with or without a vaccine. Even the mainstream media is showing signs of shifting the perspective on this crisis. Much of society will follow. But I will say no more, lest I be guilty of getting off-topic.

In short, society will move forward in the next couple of months and cruising will resume. I would have voted earlier than January, but I think DCL will be very slow to get the cruising engine fully engaged again. It will be a rush to even be ready in January, and it will need to start soon, so September and some of November will be critical. I will know whether I am right or wrong by Thanksgiving.

 

[princessmommyx3]

I voted January.

Tides are changing if you are following this crises closely. I literally track the data, news, and experts daily as part of my job. The shift started in Europe about a month ago, and is now starting in the U.S. Life as we know it will slowly resume over the next couple of months in all but a few hard-core cities or states. This will happen with or without a vaccine. Even the mainstream media is showing signs of shifting the perspective on this crisis. Much of society will follow. But I will say no more, lest I be guilty of getting off-topic.

In short, society will move forward in the next couple of months and cruising will resume. I would have voted earlier than January, but I think DCL will be very slow to get the cruising engine fully engaged again. It will be a rush to even be ready in January, and it will need to start soon, so September and some of November will be critical. I will know whether I am right or wrong by Thanksgiving.

I have suspected for a while now exactly what you just summarized. But, for a lay person like myself, it is nice to hear it echoed from someone who is closely following the situation.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I think it’s a rough call and I wasn’t really sure what to put, but voted for January 2021. I really hope it will be sometime early in the new year. If we wait for the risk to be near zero, then we might as well forget the industry all together.

 

[princessmommyx3]

I think it’s a rough call and I wasn’t really sure what to put, but voted for January 2021. I really hope it will be sometime early in the new year. If we wait for the risk to be near zero, then we might as well forget the industry all together.

This! The risk of catching a communicable disease onboard a cruise ship has never been zero, so I don’t understand it when people imply that cruising shouldn’t resume until the chances of catching Covid onboard are zero.

 

[DCLMP]

Currently DCL has the Cruise Flexibility Program where you can change sailings up to 15 days before your booked cruise. So while not a full refund, you're at least given the option to push out the date to a time period where protocols/restrictions are less.

I did not know this. What dates does this go through?

 

[DCLMP]

I voted January.

Tides are changing if you are following this crises closely. I literally track the data, news, and experts daily as part of my job. The shift started in Europe about a month ago, and is now starting in the U.S. Life as we know it will slowly resume over the next couple of months in all but a few hard-core cities or states. This will happen with or without a vaccine. Even the mainstream media is showing signs of shifting the perspective on this crisis. Much of society will follow. But I will say no more, lest I be guilty of getting off-topic.

In short, society will move forward in the next couple of months and cruising will resume. I would have voted earlier than January, but I think DCL will be very slow to get the cruising engine fully engaged again. It will be a rush to even be ready in January, and it will need to start soon, so September and some of November will be critical. I will know whether I am right or wrong by Thanksgiving.

It’s sept 8 and so far the cdc hasn’t extended the ban. I feel like that’s a good sign. I also feel like it might start up in December with one ship.

 

[Ila Sikorski]

I did not know this. What dates does this go through?

Any sailings book by October 31st 2020 for any sailings through May 2021!

 

[DCLMP]

Any sailings book by October 31st 2020 for any sailings through May 2021!

Nice. I can’t imagine any reason I’d back out. If DCl goes I go. If they test for Covid before boarding. I wonder what happens if you test positive and are denied boarding. A full refund I hope. If that don’t offer a full refund I thinks that’s going to be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

 

[brentm77]

Nice. I can’t imagine any reason I’d back out. If DCl goes I go. If they test for Covid before boarding. I wonder what happens if you test positive and are denied boarding. A full refund I hope. If that don’t offer a full refund I thinks that’s going to be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

That policy will be key. Most consumers won't cruise if they think they could easily be denied boarding and forfeit the cruise cost. Assuming cruise insurance would still cover COVID, some could go that route, but there is a level of uncertainty and wasted time and effort if a person must make a claim. You just never know if a claim will be denied and you have to fight to get back thousands of dollars. On the other hand, DCL could bake the insurance into the cruise cost if necessary, and have it automatically processed by the mere fact that you showed up and were denied boarding due to a positive test result. Even if it was just a cruise credit, that would work for most. Keep it simple - if you show up and can't board due to a positive test, you get the credit. On the other hand, that policy might encourage sick people to show up at port - so you would probably want the option of not showing up if you have proof you tested positive within 14 days of the sale date.

But I am think of those people that have no idea they will even test positive. This is particularly important because of the now-known issue with PCR testing showing positive results for even trace amounts of dead virus. It is one thing to take the gamble that you won't happen to get sick just as you are about to board, it is another to wonder if you could be denied boarding because you unknowingly had the virus long ago and didn't even know it.

 

[DCLMP]

That policy will be key. Most consumers won't cruise if they think they could easily be denied boarding and forfeit the cruise cost. Assuming cruise insurance would still cover COVID, some could go that route, but there is a level of uncertainty and wasted time and effort if a person must make a claim. You just never know if a claim will be denied and you have to fight to get back thousands of dollars. On the other hand, DCL could bake the insurance into the cruise cost if necessary, and have it automatically processed by the mere fact that you showed up and were denied boarding due to a positive test result. Even if it was just a cruise credit, that would work for most. Keep it simple - if you show up and can't board due to a positive test, you get the credit. On the other hand, that policy might encourage sick people to show up at port - so you would probably want the option of not showing up if you have proof you tested positive within 14 days of the sale date.

But I am think of those people that have no idea they will even test positive. This is particularly important because of the now-known issue with PCR testing showing positive results for even trace amounts of dead virus. It is one thing to take the gamble that you won't happen to get sick just as you are about to board, it is another to wonder if you could be denied boarding because you unknowingly had the virus long ago and didn't even know it.

You bring up a lot of good points. There is also the cost of flights, hotels etc. Cruise sales are apparently strong, but that could change when all the restrictions and protocols are released.

 

[tvguy]

I voted January.

Tides are changing if you are following this crises closely. I literally track the data, news, and experts daily as part of my job. The shift started in Europe about a month ago, and is now starting in the U.S. Life as we know it will slowly resume over the next couple of months in all but a few hard-core cities or states. This will happen with or without a vaccine. Even the mainstream media is showing signs of shifting the perspective on this crisis. Much of society will follow. But I will say no more, lest I be guilty of getting off-topic.

In short, society will move forward in the next couple of months and cruising will resume. I would have voted earlier than January, but I think DCL will be very slow to get the cruising engine fully engaged again. It will be a rush to even be ready in January, and it will need to start soon, so September and some of November will be critical. I will know whether I am right or wrong by Thanksgiving.

I literally track and report that data too. August was the worst month of the pandemic. Took us 6 months to climb to that level. If we decline at the same level we climbed, it will be February before cruise lines can start talking about resuming service. And look at all the essential businesses that have had their employees work remotely that in the past few weeks have decided to shelve even talking about letting workers back in until the first quarter of 2021. I can't see a non-essential business like cruising moving that soon.,

 

[T & R]

I can't see a non-essential business like cruising moving that soon.

My concern is not if their essential enough to restart but for their survival they must restart. Carnival has amassed billions in additional debt during this singled out selective industry shutdown. They are now at 15 billion in debt. They must not only earn to climb out of that but they must earn just to service that debt. If they don’t re-start soon then it’s not looking good. Every business is essential to somebody.

 

[tvguy]

My concern is not if their essential enough to restart but for their survival they must restart. Carnival has amassed billions in additional debt during this singled out selective industry shutdown. They are now at 15 billion in debt. They must not only earn to climb out of that but they must earn just to service that debt. If they don’t re-start soon then it’s not looking good. Every business is essential to somebody.

I don't know, look at the huge slumps the U.S. Auto Industry that they automakers have all recovered from. Last year Ford's debt was $155 billion

 

[Bishoparc]

As much as I want them to cruise, I just can't see it starting before January. I can tell you, I'll be on one just as soon as possible. DCL is my happy place!

 

[T & R]

I don't know, look at the huge slumps the U.S. Auto Industry that they automakers have all recovered from. Last year Ford's debt was $155 billion

Yeah, cool. Lucky for Ford there was no CDC Ford ban.

 

[Snowwhyt]

This! The risk of catching a communicable disease onboard a cruise ship has never been zero, so I don’t understand it when people imply that cruising shouldn’t resume until the chances of catching Covid onboard are zero.

I don’t want you to think princessmommyx3 I’m picking on you. You brought up a good point, as to what is the expectation? I think all cruise lines will have changes to make, and may need some time (maybe delaying our restart) to put them in place. Changes will be physical and procedural, several we have heard about, others will surprise us when we get back out there. We all want a better experience than the Diamond Princess.

(Prior worst case scenario numbers to consider for DCL’s Future return)
The COVID‐19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship (2666 passengers, 1045 crew; total 3711) resulted in 712 infected (about 20% of ship's population) and resulted in 13 deaths (1.8%). Quarantine measures on the Diamond Princess, were inadequate to control a COVID‐19 outbreak.

Standard Neurovirus containment practices were not quite enough against Covid. Previous measures will need change to avoid those numbers since 13 deaths can’t happen for any DCL sailing of course. I’m not going to speculate what would be an acceptable number, and just say lower infection numbers will help achieve a lower less published death total. The number in my heart is 0 per year, the number in my head is the same as the flu.

But I know 2 ships are in for, what’s the word I’m looking for, Remodling? (Probably not the word.) I really hope they are able to address some nice safe upgrades for the ships quickly. I still think a few 2 story MDR’s would create some space and cut down the overall headcount. So maybe we can still have those two ships out in November and the others in January?

 

[T & R]

Quarantine measures on the Diamond Princess, were inadequate to control a COVID‐19 outbreak.

This is standard false information used to justify the current cruise ban. There was zero attempt on the Diamond Princess to control an outbreak. Their response was reactive weeks later and not proactive prior to boarding. On the Diamond Princess infected and symptomatic (coughing) passengers from China boarded and were spreading on day 1. There were no measures taken to control what happened on the Diamond Princess until bodies started dropping. The passengers and crew were not informed of an issue until day 14 of the cruise. There were no measures taken until it was all over. Using Diamond Princess as an example when discussing DCL, knowing what we know now, is like comparing apples to Volkswagens.

 

[Snowwhyt]

... There was zero attempt on the Diamond Princess to control an outbreak. Their response was reactive weeks later and not proactive prior to boarding. On the Diamond Princess infected and symptomatic (coughing) passengers from China boarded and were spreading on day 1.

Although coughing does not always signify a contagion and you can’t assume somebody’s Health. I’m pretty sure that there’s been a coughing person on every single ship out there just for smokers alone. I find it interesting that people can start a cruise at any of several different ports so that’s why it’s hard to get a start date for that Diamond princess cruise. So outside of boarding, I’ve listed below some of the facts given for the diamond princess.

On 3 February, 2020, an outbreak of COVID-19 on cruise ship Diamond Princess was reported with 10 initial cases, following an index case (1st person diagnosis of Covid from ship) on board around 21-25th January. By 4th February, public health measures such as removal and isolation of ill passengers and quarantine of non-ill passengers were implemented. By 20th February, 619 of 3700 passengers and crew (17%) were tested positive.

So now I assume we would go through temperature testing, questions about foreign countries we visited within the past 14 days, cough symptoms, Covid symptoms..., And as many have discussed, possible Covid testing, and social distancing in the boarding areas. All helpful changes to get us back on the ships again. A new sign in procedure for DCL that will space out our arrival time and crowding within the terminal.
I kind a hope I’m not on that for sailing!

The diamond princess did attempt to mitigate the problem of Covid 19, but let’s be honest, it kicked their butt, they zigged when they should’ve zagged. We appreciate Disneys commitment to cleanliness and safety standards. Diamond princess didn’t do a great job, but they did do something, not knowing what they were facing I don’t see any reason to blame them. They were in over their head. And DCL didn't come in smelling like a rose as they floated into port either. And obviously we are all learned over the past six months what will and won’t work. We can see already at the beaches and a Sturgis event, that crowds easily pass the virus. Everything you do with cruising is in a crowd Unless you’re in your cabin. You try to make sure you’re cruising with healthy people, but a cab driver on the way to the port can confect a healthy family of four, so constant testing or at least temperature checks could be helpful at each group event (Theater, pool, meals,…)
The diamond princess did things trying to make the customers happy. But that just wasn’t enough to keep the virus from spreading.

Anyway the point of my comment was how much might need to be done to the ship in order to help with social distancing and that might move back the start date for a few of the DCL ships that might not start the same week. I’m still with November for the Wonder but I’ll starting to sail in January.

 

[T & R]

Although coughing does not always signify a contagion and you can’t assume somebody’s Health. I’m pretty sure that there’s been a coughing person on every single ship out there just for smokers alone. I find it interesting that people can start a cruise at any of several different ports so that’s why it’s hard to get a start date for that Diamond princess cruise. So outside of boarding, I’ve listed below some of the facts given for the diamond princess.

On 3 February, 2020, an outbreak of COVID-19 on cruise ship Diamond Princess was reported with 10 initial cases, following an index case (1st person diagnosis of Covid from ship) on board around 21-25th January. By 4th February, public health measures such as removal and isolation of ill passengers and quarantine of non-ill passengers were implemented. By 20th February, 619 of 3700 passengers and crew (17%) were tested positive.

We're not assuming someone's health regarding the cough. They actually know who the 80 yr old coughing passenger is who boarded on Jan 20th with active symptomatic Covid and he had contracted Covid while in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China on 10 January, then returned to Hong Kong and flew to Tokyo on 17 January to board the ship. He developed a cough on 19 January, but he went onboard the Diamond Princess anyways on Jan 20th because like I said in my previous post they had no outbreak controls until bodies started dropping including this guy who had to be carried off the ship for medical emergency on Jan 25th. On Feb 1st the Diamond Princess' operating company was informed they had a Covid outbreak by the Hong Kong health dept but still the Diamond Princess implemented no outbreak controls. 2 days later on Feb 3rd (two weeks of active spreading Covid with no protocols or controls in place) the ship finally notified those onboard there may be an outbreak. There was no zigging instead of zagging as you put it, the Diamond Princess did nothing. Over the next few days after Feb 3rd, (2+ weeks of active spreading Covid) the cruise ship had shows and dance parties as usual and also continued to open public facilities that attract large crowds, including fitness clubs, theatres, casinos, bars and buffet-style restaurants which is why the Covid cases onboard continued to grow even though they were aware of an outbreak.

The Diamond Princess will continue to be the scare tactic used to justify endless cruise ban renewals but knowing what we know now, repeating their errors just isn't possible. Today we have rapid testing, reduced capacity, masks, pandemic protocols, shorter cruises and even people's general awareness of the virus. The Diamond Princess was not the norm and keep in mind many cruise lines including DCL had cruises going for 2 more months after the Diamond Princess embarked with no other cases this bad. To me, I do not understand why the Diamond Princess was not worse. 2+ weeks of actively spreading Covid onboard until notified and then more weeks onboard after that and still 4 out of 5 people never caught Covid. By the way Covid's ease of spread has been described by doctors and the media, I would have thought the positive rate onboard would have been much higher but the numbers are solid since this is one of the most heavily tested control groups in the history of this virus.

The purpose of shutdowns is to slow the spread not stop it. Slowing the spread was meant to give healthcare a chance to get ready, catch up, produce more ventilators, etc. That has been done now and our medical field is totally capable now of dealing with Covid patients. The cruise industry has done their part, taken one for the team, been the sole industry to endure endless shut downs and has slowed the spread. With all the above in mind it's time to release the cruise ships. The current ban is set to expire in a little over 7 weeks. Hopefully the industry can start getting trained back up and be ready to sail in time for Jan 2021.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_on_Diamond_Princess