November 24, 2020 - ,According to CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association - the cruise industry association which represents most cruise lines) member cruise lines suspension of cruises sailing from US ports has been extended until at least December 31, 2020. Cruise ships can continue to be cleaned, and areas onboard can be re-designed for increased social distancing and newly discovered "best practices" for avoiding viral transmission. Outside of the USA, cruises will resume sailing based on the local laws and guidance provided by government health authorities.

So, Is it Safe to Cruise YET?

In a word - NO! At least, not now!

So......WHEN?

With the current rise in cases, and despite the announcement of at least 3 vaccines being 90%+ effective and nearing the approval and expedited distribution, it will be at least until the 2nd quarter of 2021 that I would even consider cruising. The cruise industry can, hopefully, effectively re-assure its passengers by that time, that, with safety protocols in place and tested for several months, and with passengers adhering to strict testing, social distancing and masking policies, cruising will be safer!

I have sailed on more than 120 cruises on over 90 ships, and have toured another 60 or so ships. After sailing (or even a tour) I have often pointed out to the cruise lines' management certain problem areas / policies that I have encountered onboard that may compromise health and/or safety for cruise passengers. In conjunction, I have made suggestions on how to improve and/or minimize/eliminate the negative consequences that these discovered issues may have. Unfortunately, because changes always come with increased costs, most of my suggestions have fallen on deaf ears. Maybe they will take heed now?

But, until one or more of these vaccines is proven effective, approved, and is part of the requirement of boarding any cruise ship, I, and my family, will NOT be cruising! And, for those who have any kind of underlying health issue like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, COPD, etc. and/or are over 65 years old, I would HEARTILY suggest refraining from cruising as well! Even if you are not in the high risk group, I would still wait!

I certainly do not say this lightly! I have made the majority of my income over the past 25 years selling cruises, but, unlike some people in the industry (and, unfortunately, the US Government) I cannot, in good faith, suggest cruising at this time! I trust facts and science implicitly, and to do otherwise is putting lives at risk. Unless certain changes are made to ensure safety now (and even after a Covid-19 vaccine is found), I will reserve judgement on a ship by ship basis, as the cruise lines' announce and reveal what, if any, additional measures they have taken to avoid future onboard outbreaks, should a Covid-21 or Covid-25, or Covid-?? happen. Just as scientists had been warning that this Coronavirus pandemic was a matter of when, not if, that is the same guidance given for the next one - it is not "if", it is "when" will it occur. Cruise lines must be ready the next time!

Some of the changes I feel need to be made to ensure passenger safety will be discussed with cruise lines' management. I hope I can bring you better cruise news in the weeks to come!