Okay, I first have to state that I've done my research and have determined for myself that the Coronavirus is no more of a threat to me than the flu. No, I don't want to get either, but I'm not putting off all my plans and stocking up for the zombie apocalypse, either.

So it is with this in mind that I leave tomorrow for an event I attend every year in Florida, followed by a week-long cruise around the Caribbean. Yes, I know the reports of virus-stricken cruise passengers, but they are all primarily west coast reports, and being a veteran cruiser, I know the steps the cruise lines take to keep things sanitary.

When I purchased my trip three months ago, the coronavirus hadn't yet reared its ugly head. I've been watching the news and checking my emails to see if there are any changes from the cruise line or the airlines, and only this week did I get two pieces of news I took in stride. The first was that I could defer my cruise if I chose, or if I wanted to sail as scheduled, I would be getting a $150 onboard credit. Hey, I'll take free money. The second piece of news was the notice that certain people would not be allowed to sale, and that boarding processes would be beefed up in health screening. No surprise there.

But the upside I'm referring to in the subject line of this post is that twice I got calls (sent to my voicemail) from the cruise line offering me a cabin upgrade. Well, this trip I booked an interior cabin, as it was cheapest, and I don't really care to have all the fancy amenities, like a balcony, but I was curious, since I've never been called about upgrades before. I'm guessing the cruise line is trying to keep too many people from backing out. So I returned the call.

The short end of the story is that I am now booked into a suite with a 40-foot balcony with an unobstructed view, a king-size bed, a seating area, and a nice location on the ship. No, it wasn't free, but it was about 80%-85% off the regular upgrade price. And since I'd already paid for everything else, this was an easy decision to make.

So, there are upsides to the widespread gloom-and-doom scare tactics being floated around. What's yours?

Oodles and oodles of thread about the same topic always make for exciting times.

Oil just hit a three year low, so pump prices are on the decline. Borrowing money is getting cheaper. Just a couple of things off the top of my head.

Need ur e mail address fuphan for the group buy please.

quote:

Originally posted by Sigmanic:
Oil just hit a three year low, so pump prices are on the decline. Borrowing money is getting cheaper. Just a couple of things off the top of my head.

Yup. Just locked in a new, lower interest rate (3.125%) on a mortgage refinance. I'll save over $300 a month.

Gas seems to be cheaper.

Don't have any debt, but I still have to drive to work.

I'm about 2.5 weeks into a 30 day escrow on a new house.

Broker called me last week and reduced my already low rate by another 1/8th.

Gas prices low.

At least a half dozen people I know have asked me for advice on emergency preparedness. This is good, because I live in earthquake country and I want my friends to be prepared.

Lol.

I'm at a loss, the local Costco(s) are out of water and toilet paper but lots of rice and spam.

People are stupid about what they really need.

Good on you!
Enjoy your trip, If I ever took another cruise it would be with that kind of upgrade. The only cruise I ever took was impossible to pick up the soap in the shower they were that small. A 40' Balcony,I'd sleep outside, naked, just to freak out my neighbors and keep them in their quarters!

quote:

The short end of the story is that I am now booked into a suite with a 40-foot balcony with an unobstructed view, a king-size bed, a seating area, and a nice location on the ship. No, it wasn't free, but it was about 80%-85% off the regular upgrade price. And since I'd already paid for everything else, this was an easy decision to make.

Well in the event you do get quarantined upon your return you sure will be glad you did not keep the interior cabin that is for sure.

I have done 1 cruise and it was an interior cabin. A couple days stuck in there would drive me mad, can’t imagine 14!

Are you a senior citizen planning to go on a cruise? Heck I’m trying to stay alive to take delivery of my Kubota Zero turn I just ordered.

quote:

it was about 80%-85% off the regular upgrade price.

Heck, yeah! You'll be hooked on the extra real estate from here on out.

Maybe I should buy that minivan soon instead of this summer like we had planned with interest rates dropping?

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:

So it is with this in mind that I leave tomorrow for an event I attend every year in Florida, followed by a week-long cruise around the Caribbean. Yes, I know the reports of virus-stricken cruise passengers, but they are all primarily west coast reports, and being a veteran cruiser, I know the steps the cruise lines take to keep things sanitary.

THIS isn't entirely true. A friend of mine was a salesman for a company that produced all copper drawer handles, door handles and things of that nature. Copper is antimicrobial. Several of the cruise lines got quotes to do the entire ships, that are in build, and it would've cost a little bit more than their standard hardware...….but none of them bit and cited cost differences...….

quote:

So, there are upsides to the widespread gloom-and-doom scare tactics being floated around. What's yours?

We are leaving in Mid May for a three month trip to Alaska in our truck camper. The cost of diesel fuel is going to be a major expense and with the cost of crude oil dropping our cost will be significantly less than what we originally planned for!

quote:

So, there are upsides to the widespread gloom-and-doom scare tactics being floated around. What's yours?

Discovered the existence of instant microwaveable single-serve Rice-a-Roni! Yum!


Image contents provided by Rice-a-Roni.com.....SIGforum not responsible for promotional content....<<Broccoli?!?!?!>>

I got a great deal on tickets for my cruise.

Outside of the gas prices, I don't really see much of an upside anywhere. Things are going crazy.

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
... being a veteran cruiser, I know the steps the cruise lines take to keep things sanitary...

Explain the regular reports of Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, then.

I'm not blaming them. There's only so much they can do. Put several thousand people in close proximity to one another for days at a time and it's nearly inevitable. One infected individual can spread an infection faster than any crew, no matter how conscientious, can possibly prevent. Particularly with something like SARS-CoV-2, which seems to be above-average persistent on certain surfaces.

quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
So, there are upsides to the widespread gloom-and-doom scare tactics being floated around. What's yours?

I see no upsides to a disease that is having very real negative effects on the world economy and is killing people. Neither of which results from it being over-dramatized in the "news" media

Happy for you that you've been able to profit from it, though.

Oh, wait, found an upside:

quote:

Originally posted by ffips:
Oodles and oodles of thread about the same topic always make for exciting times.

My kids' school has moved away from School Shooting Drills and onto Corona Virus prevention / preparation.

Yippie, now my kids no longer ask me if they are going to get shot at school, but instead ask me if they are going to die from Corona Virus.