Cruising in the time of COVID

The world is now a different place.

Liveaboard cruisers have a few advantages, at least in terms of lifestyle. We are quite accustomed to being confined in small spaces for extended periods of time; local stores running out of items we want or need is often the norm.  Our itineraries are always affected by outside forces beyond our control, and plans often have to be changed or scrapped. None of these things are pleasant, but dealing with them is part of cruising life--and now a part of life for everyone.

On the other hand, many voyagers are in uniquely difficult positions. Some flew to their countries of citizenship early in the pandemic, but their boats--their homes--are at risk, indefinitely unattended (or at best, minimally attended). Others remained on their vessels, stuck in foreign countries on expired visas but unable to leave since all ports are closed to visiting yachts. In spite of port closures, still others were evicted from countries when their visas expired.

We were extremely fortunate to already be in our home country when the coronavirus hit, and so far we have been no more radically affected than the land dwellers we know.  We still plan to depart for Sitka towards the end of May. We confirmed that Alaska will count our approximately three week passage as their required two week post-arrival quarantine, so we can disembark immediately (whew!). We also learned that even if the Canadian border is still closed by the time we get there, we will be allowed entry because we'll be heading to our home port--considered essential travel. So though we are not likely to get to visit some of the tremendous sights we had hoped to see, we are not having to give up entire trips like so many others have.

To avoid the potential nightmare of coming down with the virus while at sea, we plan to completely self-quarantine before leaving Hawai'i. That means we won't have any last minute fresh produce, but we feel that's a small price to pay for increased safety offshore. We are very grateful to be able to continue to make our way home.

This extraordinary event has wrought much more harm than good--but at least there has been some good. Perhaps in the long run, the good will prevail.