If you want to cruise - get the vaccine. Period. Cruises will NOT be "back to normal" without required vaccination proof and pre-boarding rapid testing. Period. The majority of frequent cruisers will not accept less than a 100% vaccinated ship - employees and guests - and a 100% Covid-free ship at time of sailing. Common sense wins again! I have been saying this for over a year! Does anyone really want to sail on a ship with up to 8000 total people on board, often from over 50 countries with each country at varying stages of fighting Covid, and with new variants sure to continue to develop?

So, Is it Safe to Cruise?

In a word, still- NO! At least, not now! And, its the same politics (and the LACK of common sense) hurting our country that is hurting the cruise industry, delaying its full return. Unfortunately, right now, in Florida, we are saddled with an ultra-politiciced non-sensical Government and the worst Governor ever, who, because of his politics, and his desire to secure favor with his "base" - a small minority of people who are anti-mask, anti-vax, anti- anything that they perceive to be infringing on personal liberties - has made business so difficult for the cruise lines by not allowing them to require proof of vaccination if they sail from Florida. That's the Great State of Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, who, if allowed to impose his will, his ego, and his politicized "logic", will destroy Florida's cruise industry - and the tens of thousands of jobs, and billions in revenue it brings to the state - will go elsewhere. And, from a travel advisor's perspective - what about liability? Does any travel service really want to sell a product that they know could kill you? I certainly don't. I will not book myself, or any client, on any such "unsafe" ship. Until Covid is 100% defeated worldwide (it WILL be years, not months) the cruise industry MUST insist on proof of vaccination AND a negative pre-boarding test, to ensure its future.

But wait, there is an effective vaccine for Covid-19, so TAKE IT! Get the shot! It's safe, it's effective, and if you don't, you WILL, eventually, get Covid, and, unfortunately, many will die. That's right, you have a choice to make. Vaccinate or get Covid - a WORSE form of Covid than the original - and, possibly, get very sick, and DIE! It's common sense - DON'T BE STUPID! I, personally, have seen too many that have died from Covid that didn't have to. People that were otherwise living their best lives, and they're gone.

I certainly do not say all this lightly! I have made the majority of my income over the past 25 years selling cruises. Additional measures must be taken to avoid future onboard outbreaks, should a Covid-25 or Covid-48, 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!

Since writing the above, NCL has boldly taken the first REAL step to getting the cruise industry back to normal.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES IS THE ONLY MAJOR CRUISE LINE CURRENTLY REQUIRING PROOF OF VACCINATION. EVERY CRUISE LINE, EVERY CRUISE SHIP SHOULD FOLLOW THEIR LEAD. NCL IS THE ONLY CRUISE LINE I CAN RECOMMEND TO MY CLIENTS AT THIS TIME!

The following is Norwegian Cruise Lines' "Sail Safe" Program, and should be the industry-wide standard & model! It's just so simple - IF everyone is vaccinated, each cruise WILL be back to "normal", the cruise industry will be back to "normal, and, I suspect, and predict, that, if the entire cruise industry does adopt a zero tolerance mandate for the unvaccinated, that the industry will see a huge uptick in first time cruisers - and many more smart travelers, because I see many more people opting for a cruise vacation - where they KNOW everyone IS vaccinated and Covid-free, over a land based game of virus Russian Roulette, where they know that at least 40% are NOT vaccinated (yes, that's today, 7/30/21, and that number will go down, but never to zero).

SAIL SAFE

You want to cruise. We want to keep you safe. With Norwegian, our leading Health & Safety Program allows you and your loved ones to cruise with the ultimate freedom and confidence. All guests and crew are required to be 100% fully vaccinated so you can safely do what you've always wanted to do on a cruise - EVERYTHING. Let's get back to living life to the fullest, together. Sail Safe. Feel Free.

Benefits of 100% Vaccination Requirements*
Cruise Mask-free**
Breathe freely and witness smiles everywhere you go!

No Social Distancing Required
Get up close and personal with confidence, everyone on board is vaccinated.

All Restaurants & Experiences Are Fully Open
Dine in any of our restaurants mask-free, including our self-service buffet. Plus enjoy all entertainment options.

No Restrictions on Shore Excursions
Feel Free to take the shore excursion you've been dreaming of or explore on your own!

No Capacity Restrictions
Appreciate the full Norwegian experience - all venues and experiences are entirely open.

Surround Yourself in Safety
Peace of mind knowing all guests and crew on board are fully vaccinated.

*As government regulations evolve, our health and safety protocols will evolve as needed to ensure compliance. This may mean different protocols from ship to ship based on local requirements.
**On Europe sailings only, currently local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard. Refer to FAQs section for complete details.