When the  Diamond Princess  captured the attention of the world in February of 2020 with a floating epidemic of a new virus, later called COVID-19, the cruise industry almost went bankrupt.  3711 on board, 712 infected and 14 deaths.   19% were infected, and the mortality rate was 2%. The  current world condition  is that 7.7% have been infected, with a mortality rate of 1%.  Of course, there are so many asymptomatic cases that the 7.7% could well be as high as 15% or more.  Everyone on the Diamond Princess was tested, so the 19% infection rate was probably accurate. Following that incident, into March of 2020, the Grand Princess and Ruby Princess also were hit with outbreaks, resulting in a total of 1564 cases and 21 deaths.   For a one year period from March 15, 2020 to March 15 2021 3519 passengers and crew got infected and 73 died. In 2020 and 2021 cruise lines lost a collective  $63 billion . Passengers and crew are still getting infected in 2022, but only a very deaths are occurr

This could well be my most important posting of my life.  Nothing to do with saving Humanity and Planet Earth, but the ramifications could be life-changing for some.  I'm not organizing anything, but we've invited our friends to join us, and they might also be able to take advantage of our bargaining with cruise lines.  Then, there are the 2 million plus of you out there in 221 countries who have read this blog, and might want to tag along. To bring you up to date: My cabin mate ( I'll come up with a more appropriate term later ) and I are considering tossing in a cruise or two on our upcoming Grand Around the World Adventure ( GAWA2--and I should come up with a better acronym) On a January cruise from Honolulu to Dubai, or somewhere in between by mid-March so that we can begin the air part of the journey to Dubai, then parts further west to Honolulu.  Of course, those living elsewhere can start where you are and link with us. European river cruise from probably Basel, Swit