How Cruising Could Change After Covid-19

How cruising will change Post-Covid-19 (Cruise Hacks):

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I think cruising will change a bit. Some changes will be temporary, and others will be long-term.

In general, cruise lines will have to abide by new regulations in the city and country of the departure terminal as well as possibly different regulations in each port of call. 

Cruise lines will want to reduce their risk exposure from a future pandemic.  They will also want to make changes that give the perception to customers that it is safe to cruise again.

I have read several online articles, blog posts, and social media posts (including some directly from cruise lines).  Here is my best guess about what changes may occur as a result of this Covid-19 pandemic:

1.      There will be few or no self-serve buffet restaurant options and drink stations for a long time.

2.       Hand sanitizers will be everywhere (which they already sort-of were) and more frequent cleaning and sanitation of the ship's high touch areas.  Staff will likely be at the entrance to restaurants and lounges to ensure that every passenger uses hand sanitizer before entering.

3.       Due to ongoing physical distancing efforts, cruise ship might have to put the seating in the restaurants, theatres, tender boats, and tour buses further apart, which will reduce the capacity.  Some cruise lines have announced that they plan to cut the maximum capacity of entertainment and attraction venues in half for the foreseeable future. 

4.       You will probably have to get there early to board the ship because it will take longer with the physical distancing and other precautions.

5.       I am not sure how pools and hot tubs will be impacted, but perhaps they will only be allowed for people who can prove that they have received the immunization shot once it is available. They might even get rid of the small shared hot tubs because people sit so close together. 

6.       This leads to my next speculation, that cruise lines may actually screen passengers before selling a ticket to each passenger and once again before boarding. They may decide not to sell tickets to passengers over a certain age unless they have a letter stating they are healthy and fit to cruise.  They may also refuse to sell tickets to passengers with specific pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illness, so as not to potentially overload their medical capabilities. Before allowing you to board, they will likely ask you some risk-assessment questions, look for symptoms of an illness such as a cough, and take every passenger's temperature to see if they have a fever. Once they are available, you may be required to take a rapid-Covid-10 testing kit to prove you are not infected with this most recent virus. 

7.      The shipboard medical services will improve.  This means more doctors and nurses will be on board each ship and more medical equipment such as ventilators will be onboard. Ship medical facilities will get larger, meaning that bigger ship infirmaries will have more capacity for sick passengers or even to help quarantine sick passengers.

8.       Cancellation and re-booking policies will be permanently relaxed.  Some cruise lines have already provided no-risk cancellation policies that allow you to cancel your booking, up to a few days before the cruise departure for credit towards future cruises, on cruises until the end of 2020. 

9.       For all the reasons above, cruise lines will probably put less passengers on the cruises.

10.     There may be less cruise ships and cruise itineraries to choose from. I imagine that, until the cruise demand increases to normal levels, some ships will stay docked. Some older ships may be retired. Also, cruise lines may avoid some of the areas that were highly impacted by Covid-19 such as China and Italy or they may have to temporarily avoid some ports of call that are slower to lift the travel restrictions.  

All of these might not have a negative impact on your future cruising, but it will probably cause prices to go up overall after an initial drop in prices to clear out imminent inventory once the travel restrictions are lifted.

Happy Travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
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Retirestyle Cruise Tips (Cruise Hacks)

Retirestyle Cruise Tips (Cruise Hacks):

We love the cruising experience. Hopefully, these tips will help you get the most out of a cruise, avoid inconveniences, and save money.

1. Promotions. Once you have a few itineraries or even a preferred departure port identified, start watching the prices online. Subscribe to some cruising newsletters to be notified of new promotions and sales. Recently, we have noticed that the cruise lines offer similar promotions at the same time to be competitive. However, sometimes a promotion will be so good that you change your mind about the cruise ship or itinerary.  
2. Last-minute deals. If you can, book a last-minute cruise (usually departing in less than 2 weeks), where you can save 50% or more from the regular price and get extra promotions like free upgrades and onboard credit. 
3. Cruise lines. Every cruise line has its competitive advantages. We have cruised on Norwegian twice because our first cruise to Alaska was so fantastic, but otherwise we have cruised on different cruise lines every time and always had a great experience. For example, Carnival was more of a party ship with a younger crowd. We have also cruised on Royal Caribbean, Imperial, Costa, and Princess. Thus, our advice would be to mix it up and try new cruise lines when you can. You don’t know what you are missing.
4. Cruise line loyalty programs. The only caveat to point 3 above is that the cruise lines reward you for being a repeat customer. They will give you early boarding and late disembarking (or "debarking" as they call it).  They often give you free room category upgrades and sometimes provide additional perks like one free meal at the a la carte restaurants that usually cost extra. They also might give you a free bottle of wine or some flowers or chocolates in your room when you arrive. For me, the experience of trying a new cruise line as well as the possible cost savings by choosing the cheapest cruise ship out of my desired departure port more than offsets these small perks offered by the loyalty programs. 
5. Boarding. Try to board the ship as early as possible, which means arriving prior to the earliest boarding time available. It does not necessarily give you access to your luggage early, but you can start exploring the ship, enjoying the cruise departure festivities, and even have a meal at the restaurant or by the pool before the majority of the other people board the cruise. Because you don't have access to your suitcases until several hours after you board, be sure to bring a carry-on bag for the cruise embarkation. It can contain pretty much the same as the one from your flight. At a minimum, it should have your phones, chargers, camera, trip itinerary, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of other things if you have small kids. Of course also be sure you have your cruise confirmation or ticket, credit card, ID, and passports in your purse or wallet. 

Other tips (especially for first-time cruisers):

1. If you have kids, you should bring walkie-talkies because cellular signal for your cell phone is either not available or extremely expensive and it is the best way to reach your significant other or older teenage kids when you get separated. 
2. Power bars are a necessity with all of the modern electronics and limited outlets. These may be prohibited on some cruise ships, so research in advance. A multi-port USB adapter may be a decent work-around. 
3. Don’t buy duty-free alcohol on the ship. Bring a few bottles with you when you board and then buy more in the ports of call.  These can be consumed on the ship and bring a duty-free bottle back each as a souvenir.  
4. Don’t try to do it all on your first cruise. Don’t exhaust yourself. Don’t book a long excursion in every port – instead pick one or two ports to wander around and go back to the ship for lunch or an early dinner. 
5. Don’t over-eat, over-drink, or party until the early hours every night as it will decrease your enjoyment and memories of the trip. 
6. In general, we do not think that the unlimited beverage packages are worth the money unless you drink a lot. You can pay to get unlimited pop or unlimited beer, wine and cocktails. We might have one alcoholic drink per day and we get free water and juice with our meals on most cruise ships. 
7. Most ships have ample free dining options, both buffet and a la carte. I don't think it is a good use of money to pay for the special dining options, but if you want to try it, you should make your reservations as far in advance as possible as they have limited seating. 
8. At sail-away time, you should try to have a seat near the pool if possible. There is usually a big party while the ship pulls away from the port and you can usually take a few opportunities to go over to the window and sun-tanning deck to get a good view of the port while the ship sails away. 
9. When you look at the cruise website or brochure, you will see lots of activities and amenities. Keep in mind that not all of them are free. For instance, the Costa Serena had a race car simulator and movie theatre, but both cost extra, which was a bit of a let down. We bit the bullet and let our kids try the car simulator, but didn't splurge on a movie. Spa services are also very expensive. 
10. Take more excursions, even though they are expensive, because it is the best way to experience the most of the unique culture and attractions of these countries that you travelled so far to get to.  Doing it yourself might save money, but could waste time and might make you miss one thing you will wish you saw or did. However, you should research and choose your excursions carefully because over the length of the cruise, they can easily cost more than the cruise itself.
11. Add on several fun days near the port after you get off the ship but before you fly back home. This helps you transition back to normal "non-cruise" life and helps reduce the sad feeling that some people have at the end of a fantastic cruise. 

Happy Travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
Kevin's Instagram
Kevin's LinkedIn
Kevin's Facebook
Kevin's Pinterest
Kevin's YouTube (You should check out my YouTube Channel for related travel videos)

If you are still reading, then perhaps you want to watch the video from our YouTube channel about our recent Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Epic from Miami that had ports of call in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, George Town, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico...

Poem About Relaxing Life At The Cottage "Lake Life"

Lake Life

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where people are fake

I love unwinding

On the long, relaxed drive

I need this escape

To help me survive

I love my neighbours

I love bonfires

Away from road rage

And screeching tires

I love ghost stories

I love making s'mores

Not thinking ‘bout problems,

Working, or chores

___

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where everyone takes

I love having a cold one

While sitting on my deck

Breathing the fresh air

Is totally worth the trek

I love my lake house

I love peace and calm

I love spending time

With Kids, Dad, and Mom

I love playing board games

I love holding my pet

And watching old movies

On videocassette

___

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where I leave my heartache

I love going swimming

I love to suntan

I love to play frisbee

On the beach in the sand

I love a picnic

During a long hike

I love getting around

Mostly using my bike

I love camping

And sleeping in a tent

The lake is my bathtub

and forest my apartment

___

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where I don’t get a break

I love the sunsets

And playing guitars

Hearing crickets and waves

While gazing at stars

I love to go sailing

On lake Winnipeg

My motorboat’s waiting

You won’t have to beg

I love when a fish

Is on the end of my line

I love playing cards

While enjoying some wine

___

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where my sanity is at stake

I love cuddling up

With some tea and a book

I love fresh pickerel

For my wife to cook

  

I am the grill-master

I love barbeque

Steaks and drumsticks

With a nice cold brew

I love long morning walks

With a family of deer

My playlist is birdcalls

The wildlife is here

___

I love my cottage

I love the lake

Far from the city

Where I am semi-awake

I love Arnes Market

And cruising Gimli

Shopping and eating

And leaving happy

I love the boardwalk

I love the arcade

Fun times with kiddies

While getting some shade

I love the trees

And nice scenery

I love lake life

It’s the life for me

Kevin Strong

2019

Happy Travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
Kevin's Instagram
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Kevin's Facebook
Kevin's Pinterest
Kevin's YouTube (You should check out my YouTube Channel for related travel videos)

Images In Orbs In Pictures: Is it Paranormal or Pareidolia?

Images Inside Orbs in Photographs: Is it Paranormal or Pareidolia?  What do you see in this picture?

I am not a huge believer in paranormal and supernatural things.

I am not one of those people that travels to a city to go on haunted tours or to see its famous haunted locations.

But, I have had my share of weird, unexplainable experiences.

I think I have seen an unidentified flying object (UFO) on 3 occasions: 
1. from my bedroom window (probably a light reflection in the window), 
2. driving home with my kids from soccer (probably a satellite), and 
3. out of an airplane window while approaching the Denver airport (probably just an unusually shaped airplane). 

I have no explanation for the strangest, creepiest thing that ever happened to me. I was working on my computer in the basement around 10 years ago. I was the only one home. Suddenly, something dropped into my lap from high above. I jumped a bit and my hair stood on end. I looked down and saw an AOL software disk which I have never seen before and which probably had been sent as a junk mail advertisement at least 10 years before that. 

This post has very little to do with travel other than the fact that this picture was taken at night just before the fireworks in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  

We pointed the camera towards the coloured spotlights used to illuminate the Horseshoe falls at night, which a spectacular sight to see.

Of course, there was mist everywhere from the waterfalls, which naturally would create orbs.

However, we have had orbs in many other pictures where there should not have been dust or mist in the air.

Has anyone reading this also noticed strange orbs in their pictures? 

Do you think it is paranormal?  Or just a technical glitch of some sort?

I am posting this photograph and sharing it with you because it has always freaked me out.

Look closely at the small orb with the arrow pointing at it (blown up in the lower image) and tell me what you see.

I see the nativity scene with Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus in a manger.

I know that our brains naturally look at objects to fill in the gaps to make shapes and patterns (called “Pareidolia” or "Apophenia"), but what do you think?

I welcome all of your comments.

Happy Travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
Kevin's Instagram
Kevin's LinkedIn
Kevin's Facebook
Kevin's Pinterest
Kevin's YouTube (You should check out my YouTube Channel for related travel videos)

Top 20 Records Held By Las Vegas That You Probably Didn’t Know (Vegas Hacks)

Top 20 World Records and American Records held by Las Vegas you probably didn’t know - must-see Landmarks and Attractions in Las Vegas (VEGAS HACKS & Travel Tips):

There are many more world and North American records held by Las Vegas, but I think these are the most impressive. If you like trivia, you will love this.

All of the pictures are in a section at the bottom of the post. You will find good photo ops at these locations (or just take a quick selfie). 

     1.       World’s biggest glass sculpture at Bellagio (created by Dale Chihuly & measuring 30 ft by 66 ft).

2.       World’s biggest chocolate fountain (27 feet high) at Bellagio.

3.       World’s largest chandelier (costing $30 million) at the Chandelier lobby bar of Cosmopolitan.

4.       World’s largest Keno board at the D Casino on Fremont Street.

5.       World’s largest LED video screen at Viva Vision on Fremont Street (5 football fields long).

6.       World’s biggest mechanical neon sign is Vegas Vic on Fremont Street.

7.       World’s largest slot machine replica is SlotZilla on Fremont Street.

8.       World’s biggest gold nugget called “Hand of Faith” (weighing 62 pounds) at Golden Nugget on Fremont Street.

9.       World’s highest observation wheel (Ferris wheel) is the High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ Promenade (550 feet tall and takes 30 minutes to go around).

10.   World’s brightest light beam shoots out of the top of Luxor (which can be seen from space).

11.   World’s biggest atrium at Luxor (29 million cubic feet) – like a hollowed-out pyramid.

12.   World’s largest “gentlemen’s club” (strip joint) & night club is Sapphire Las Vegas.

13.   World’s longest decelerator sky jump (a combination of rappelling and a reverse bungee jump) at Stratosphere.

14.   World’s highest thrill rides on top of the Stratosphere (including a terrifying tower drop).

15.   World’s biggest gift shop across from Stratosphere.

16.   World’s largest hotel is the Venetian/Palazzo Megacenter.

17.   World’s most convention and meeting space in one city.

18.   North America’s most expensive building & resort ever built (Wynn Las Vegas cost close to $3 billion and will soon be surpassed by the new Resorts World Las Vegas which cost $4.3 billion).

19.   17 of the 20 biggest hotels in the United States are in Las Vegas.

20.   More hotel rooms than any other city in the USA (approximately 160,000 rooms).

BONUS: You can also see the world's largest replicas of several world-famous attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. 

Happy Travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
Kevin's Instagram
Kevin's LinkedIn
Kevin's Facebook
Kevin's Pinterest
Kevin's YouTube (You should check out my YouTube Channel for related travel videos)