The European Union has released guidelines for cruises entering one of its 27 member states this September – so how might this effect the working lives of crew as well as passengers.
First of all it’s important to remember that these are useful guidelines and not enforceable legislation. And this is for Europe not the US, which means that it might become a bench mark for worldwide cruising but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is yet to produce its own regulations or recommendations.
For crew members everywhere, as well as musicians from my own previous ship, The Grand Princess, this is important to consider if you’re invited to take up future contracts. The practicalities of a shared buffet or canteen, swimming pools, wearing of masks, constant testing and length of time spent on sea days, will all be effected. At least we should all be able to request our own private cabins.
If you prefer a visual presentation and explanation, as I do, then you might want to check out Tips for Travellers on YouTub
https://youtu.be/yJ372hgC-_E (Tips for Travellers YouTube link)
Cruisecritic lays out a further explanation in this online news piece
https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/5434/
Princess Cruises will be up and running by September
Princess Cruises are advertising cruises for Australia, New Zealand and Mexico starting this September 2020. There’s a full list of the expected cruises, including Carnival which owns Princess, here at this link. https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/cruise-lines-suspend-sailings-coronavirus-cruise-bookings/
From the perspective of an English musician that deserves a wry smile. Our government fed the UK media the idea that chances were our quick acting scientists could have a vaccine ready by September. Of course they won’t – but it was a useful tool for maintaining public optimism at the time and they will eventually.
Plans are in place to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to 30 million people by September if trials are successful, Business Secretary Alok Sharma has said.
Sky News report from the 18th May
Instead we will be adapting our working practices to fit the Covid world and somehow still earn money while passengers get to enjoy their travel. It’s not the best situation but in the 21st century there’s enough motivating sports psychology and self-help gurus to remind us to be fiercely determined to make things happen whatever the circumstances.
The New York Times cornavirus tracker provides more realistic and reliable updates on the progress of an international search for a vaccine ready for use. Happening in 2021 but no time sooner. Personally I’d rather know.
Researchers around the world are developing more than 145 vaccines against the coronavirus, and 21 vaccines are in human trials. Vaccines typically require years of research and testing before reaching the clinic, but scientists are racing to produce a safe and effective vaccine by next year.
New York Times July 6th 2020
For the New York Times coronavirus tracker go to https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/science/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker.html
Next year though is good news. Being able to make a living as a musician a real possibility which exists with the chance of new opportunities in sight. Going on a cruise and travelling a real possibility too.
Good
Myself and my former room mate on board the Princess, sax player Trevor Lund, recorded a song in our cabin before disembarking called “Broken In” which we’re sharing online from today. Check out our Instagrams and Facebook Pages to find it. More info will follow in the next blog.
In the meantime feel free to visit my website for songs and videos
https://mikekneafseyguitar.com/
The Music Workers Diary 