We get a review of Princess Cruises' Sky Princess. This was a 14-night cruise that consisted of a back-to-back seven-night to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, stopping at all the popular islands. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is getting closer to having all crew members vaccinated
• Carnival Cruise Line delays a few dry docks and pushes the inaugural sailing of Mardi Gras
• One cruise ship goes from one cruise line to another 
• The cancellations already start for the 2021 Alaska cruise season 
• Celebrity pulls a ship from Europe and repositions it to the Caribbean for summer 2021

Listener Question: Are the perks really worth it? It seems like it's actually cheaper buying the perks a la carte instead of all-inclusive pricing. 

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Over the past few weeks, we've spent quite a bit of time talking about the health and safety protocols that are going to be put in place when sailing resumes. But one thing we haven't really discussed is what the port situation will be like and how it will impact cruising. Joining me to dive into this a little deeper is staff writer Richard Simms.

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Royal Caribbean sells a cruise brand
• Norwegian Cruise Line extends its cancellations
• Two former Carnival Cruise Line ships are getting scrapped
• COVID test requirement are coming for all people entering the United States
• A bucket list cruise for 2023 

Listener Question: I currently have a Disney Cruise scheduled for Aug 28th and only have paid the deposit. Do you think I should pay the balance or wait till closer to the due date in April?

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

An Alaskan cruise on the Alaska Marine Highway System this past fall. How much is this like a real cruise ship? We find out. 

Sherry Laskin has cruise news: 

• Two more cruise lines have announced cancellations
• Popular cruise director trades sea for land 
• The ruling on banning large cruise ships could be overturned 
• European brands adds new ship during shutdown 
• Carnival earnings report shows big loss 

Listener Q:

When cruising finally does resume (whenever that might be), do you anticipate that proof of completion of COVID-19 vaccine will be required before boarding?  Also, do you anticipate cruise lines requiring rapid COVID tests and temperature checks as part of the embarkation process?

--

Thoughts or questions? doug@cruiseradio.net 

Cruise news with Doug Parker and Sherry Laskin. Happy New Year! Date: January 2, 2021