Is now the time to take a cruise?

 I am booked on an RCL cruise for late November and have been questioning myself if this is the time to cruise?

Here's why not and why maybe:

1. Both the CDC and Canadian government are still saying not to cruise - but then I went to the Netherlands when Canadian government was saying we shouldn't travel ... but they just lifted the international travel advisory saying be cautious. But still no to cruising.

2.  I am fully vaccinated and this is a requirement of the cruise line - so this is a positive

3. You have to get a PCR test coming and going from Canada to the US and cruise line. This is expensive - mine for same day will cost $159 Canadian to go and the cruiseline says they charge $99 USD on board.   - A negative for sure

4. The cruise line has right to change the itinerary at any time. They just changed two ports on my cruise (actually for the better for me) but you have no control on where they go and the timing.   Another negative unless you don't care about the ports.

5. You lose the flexibility on board - for dining times, show times etc.  Usually you can book these 60 days ahead of the cruise but now its a month away and no ability to do this online on their site.  If this rigidity bothers you - don't book.

6. If you want fresh air - you need a balcony - which I have so its going to cost you more.

7. You have no choice financially - like me they would not extend the future cruise credit beyond 2021. So I don't want to lose my money - therefore I am going. 

8. You don't want to wear a face mask - sorry but you will inside.  - neutral for me

9. You don't want to be subject to testing on board at the Cruise lines discretion. They warned me on the app that I will be subject to testing at their discretion.

8. You really want to be at sea and caution be damned - sort of my feeling right now.  Except I am taking precautions - Using the RCL transfers, will be wearing N95 mask, being flexible about the various controls.  Most of all I am prepared (vaccines, PCR tests, pre boarding review of RCLs webite, downloaded their app and bought the internet package so I am not stranded at sea without a communication vehicle.

Hope this helps

Marcia