On the edge....... looking for input.... :-)

Do you think I could approach Cunard Lines, AIRB&B and schools
affected with a request -NOT to cancel - but to postpone the entire
trip for one year ????

Of course - you can always approach any vendor and ask anything you'd like. They would not be surprised at all, everyone knows the situation.

Personally, I would put everything off for a year. We have just cancelled our 4 1/2 week European vacation. I love cruising but that was part of what we cancelled. I just don’t feel good about cruising right now. Hopefully in a year they will have a vaccine, or at least have a better understanding of the situation. I think most vendors would be happy to see that you are just postponing and not out and out cancelling.

I am 60, and if it were me I would definitely try to postpone until 2021 if that doesn't work, cancel, even if I were to lose every cent.

I happened to just read this about cruising: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/03/14/cruises-floating-paradise-coronavirus-lie

It sounds like a beautiful trip, thoughtfully planned! I am sorry that the outbreak is putting it in doubt.

Whether you try to travel this year, or ask to postpone, consider deleting the cruise, unless you are comfortable with the very real risk of ending up in quarantine on a military base (confusion, long waits, crowded buses, cold sandwiches for food, carrying your own luggage up the stairs, no room service, etc.). https://m.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Grand-Princess-cruise-Travis-AFB-coronavirus-15129775.php

Also, if you will be relying on travel insurance for supplemental (or worse yet, primary) coverage for medical care and medical evacuation, scrutinize the policy very carefully. The epidemic (and now pandemic) designation could mean that you would not be covered for medical care or medical evacuation if you yourself became infected. I discovered this exclusion, to my horror, in the Generali (formerly CSA Travel Protection) plan I've traveled under for years.

It sounds like a beautiful trip, thoughtfully planned. I am so sorry that the outbreak is putting it in doubt.

Whether you try to travel this spring or ask to postpone, consider deleting the cruise. There is a current San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate article about the "nightmare" conditions faced by cruise ship passengers who were placed in quarantine last week: confusion, long waits, crowded buses, cold sandwiches for food, having to carry their own luggage up multiple flights of stairs, no room service, etc.

Also, if you will be relying on travel insurance for secondary (or worse yet, primary) coverage for medical care and medical evacuation, scrutinize the policy carefully. The "epidemic" (and now "pandemic") designation might mean that medical care and medical evacuation would not be covered if you yourself became infected. I was shocked to discover such an exclusion in the Generali (formerly CSA Travel Protection) policy I've used for years.

Do not go this year. Most museums and attractions are closed. You may only add to these countries stressed medical systems. Not the right time to travel to Europe.

This is what Karen posted about her return voyage later on this spring.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/many-companies-offering-cancellation-flexibility

Many of the decisions will likely get made for you. Cruises are ending operations for the time being, and flight restrictions and lockdowns may well extend into your travel time.

Most entities will likely give you refunds, certainly if THEY cancel on you they will. Most will also allow you to rebook future travel plans, some perhaps allowing you to credit this year's fees for next year. But be warned that so many travel businesses are overwhelmed with cancellations and rebookings, that it can be hard to get through. You might wait a week or two and try then.

Thank you all for the timely advice.
Remarkable experience.
Cunard Lines (QM2 Eastbound last week in April). Because I was not canceling but postponing for a year - they gave me a significant upgrade.

Thank all of you for your timely response !!

Remarkable experience. Cunard (QM2 Eastbound end of April 2020) When advised I did not want to cancel - but postpone the voyage for a year - gave me a significant cabin upgrade !!!

I was able to contact my AIRB&B hosts in England and Italy- and met a warm and understanding reception.
What grace (unmerited favor). How welcome the unexpected.
Now we will see how AIRB&B handles it

I have rescheduled my classes for next year - actually - I will be better prepared for them :-)

Again - thank everyone for wise words.

Much appreciated.

Calvin