mommamia1012

We eat out all the time and the restaurants we eat at the servers always clears our dishes between courses. This is not unusual practice. Cruise ship or not. We always wash our hands when possible and carry our own Purell as well as use the ships. Do you wash your hands after touching the menu, your chair, salt and pepper shakers every time? Do you wipe your utensils off before eating with them ever time? Possibly your server or another person handling your food or table settings may be sick. No matter how hard we try it's easily to be distracted or just forget.

I know it's not unusual practice, but I guess I just never noticed it that blatantly before... I know that there are all kinds of stuff on the items you listed above and you can't ever be rid of being in contact with them. But it's still gross.

Really nothing new. At most restaurants Waiters bring and take away. But do any of them ever wash their hands, that's the question. Years ago on Royal it was one waiter to a table, 1 asst would work two tables. That was when they served a 5 course meal that took 2 hrs. Now lots of cross contamination. But if you ever knew how many people touched your food from the Fields to table you'd probably never eat...

haha ya you're probably right about that. I guess sometimes, ignorance IS bliss!

I'd like to tell you all about something I witnessed on our cruise in November that might shed some light on the recent virus.

We were on the Adventure of the Seas. When we ate in the main dining room we usually had the same wait staff and the bussing station was behind our table, so we couldn't see what was going on behind there. But one of the times we couldn't have our usual table and sat at a different table. While we were there I noticed just how the dining system works and was totally disgusted.

I realized that the same people that take away the dirty dishes between all of the courses are the SAME people that are serving our food. I witnessed them taking people's dirty silverware and putting them in the bins with all the other dirty items. Touching all of the silverware and glasses and plates, then bringing our next courses to us.... touching our plates with the SAME hands that they just handled all of the dirty items.. I just about died!!! That was the last night of our cruise that I witnessed this.

This was our first cruise in 30 years and most likely will be our last.. When I returned I filled out the survey I got in my email and made sure to tell them what I saw. I also called Royal Caribbean and spoke to someone personally and told them about it.

I don't care how many times the guests wash their hands, if the staff is doing what they are doing, THEY are the ones responsible for spreading the germs.

I would recommend anyone taking a cruise in the near future to keep an eye out for this practice and then report it. I'm sure if an inspector saw this they would be shut down.

For all who are cruising soon, have a wonderful trip and stay well!

Did they say why they had to cancel? Wondering if they have power problems, or if they are just filled up with the aid workers.

Hi Bob,

Before they canceled us, I spoke with people directly from the hotel front desk and they told me that the hotel was on generators and the staff was minimal. Even the manager was in the kitchen cooking. But every time I spoke with someone there, they assured me that our reservations were fine. Then 2 days after the last time I spoke with someone, I got an email. Here is a quote from it:

Unfortunately, our beautiful Island was directly affected by Hurricane Maria last month. Because of this situation, there are some things that are not running as normal. Limited Service are available as the hotel is working with limited personnel resources. As we continue to work towards recovery, the hotel is not accepting arrivals or new reservations at this time. Regretfully, we are unable to honor your existing reservation.

When I spoke to a girl at the front desk, she said that the hotel is full of relief workers and actual residents of Puerto Rico whose homes were damaged. She also said the hotel is on generators and the conditions are still difficult there. I think that since they can't properly serve their guests, they are canceling people out.

Following too, we are onboard Dec 9

 

 

 

mommamia: We will also be at the San Juan Marriott Miramar, but in Dec. Would be great if you could provide an update on conditions while you are there or when you return.

Hi. I just wanted to let you know that the courtyard Marriott miramar cancelled our reservation. We are just flying in on the 11th, the day of the cruise. I hope by your cruise they have things more under control.

All the best to you!

Thank you so much for your post, as we have reservations at the Marriott Courtyard Miramar on Nov. 23 and 24th. It looks like they gave you just over 2 weeks warning of the cancellation, which really isn't that much time to find another hotel. I'm hoping that since we'll be there for Thanksgiving, that perhaps a lot of the U.S. emergency staff will be vacating the hotels to be home for the holiday. Guess I'll hang on for another couple of weeks to see what happens.

Yes, only 2 weeks warning.. I am not even trying to find another hotel cause I have no doubt they are all taking the same route and canceling reservations. We just changed our flight to the day of the cruise, Nov 11, and will pray that nothing gets delayed.

As for hoping the emergency staff will go home for the holiday, I really can't imagine that happening. I would think they are not going to stop working until the island has power. The situation is just too dire to take time off. Also, the hotels are also filled with residents who lost homes and are living in the hotels. Personally, I think you should reconsider waiting a couple more weeks. I'd hate to see you scrambling at the last minute. Especially during the holidays when the flights are soooo busy to begin with.

Keep us posted.

Thank you so much for your post, as we have reservations at the Marriott Courtyard Miramar on Nov. 23 and 24th. It looks like they gave you just over 2 weeks warning of the cancellation, which really isn't that much time to find another hotel. I'm hoping that since we'll be there for Thanksgiving, that perhaps a lot of the U.S. emergency staff will be vacating the hotels to be home for the holiday. Guess I'll hang on for another couple of weeks to see what happens.

Yes, only 2 weeks warning.. I am not even trying to find another hotel cause I have no doubt they are all taking the same route and canceling reservations. We just changed our flight to the day of the cruise, Nov 11, and will pray that nothing gets delayed.

As for hoping the emergency staff will go home for the holiday, I really can't imagine that happening. I would think they are not going to stop working until the island has power. The situation is just too dire to take time off. Also, the hotels are also filled with residents who lost homes and are living in the hotels. Personally, I think you should reconsider waiting a couple more weeks. I'd hate to see you scrambling at the last minute. Especially during the holidays when the flights are soooo busy to begin with.

Keep us posted.

Well, here is my update regarding our reservation at the Courtyard Marriott Miramar.. I just got an email stating our reservations for November 10th have been canceled. We had 2 rooms are are 5 people in our group. This is part of the email:

"Unfortunately, our beautiful Island was directly affected by Hurricane Maria last month. Because of this situation, there are some things that are not running as normal. Limited Service are available as the hotel is working with limited personnel resources. As we continue to work towards recovery, the hotel is not accepting arrivals or new reservations at this time. Regretfully, we are unable to honor your existing reservation. "

Funny thing is that I spoke to the girl at the front desk at the hotel on Saturday and she told me they were honoring our reservation. We had a lengthy conversation about the hotel conditions and also what was going on on the island. She gave me no indication that in just a few days, they would cancel us. So aware of this and be proactive. If you wait, you may not be able to change your flights. I don't feel confident that ANY hotel is a safe bet at this point. I think they are all going to follow suit and cancel people out.

Needless to say, I had to scramble to change our flights from Friday to Saturday the 11th. We are flying on AA and they still had seats available. They didn't charge to change the flight but there was an extra charge of $70+ per person because they only had the extra leg room seats available.

Now I will start to pray for good weather and no delays with our flight as we get into SJ at 3:00pm and don't have tons of time for anything to go wrong. My nerves are frazzled...

Well, here is my update regarding our reservation at the Courtyard Marriott Miramar.. I just got an email stating our reservations for November 10th have been canceled. We had 2 rooms are are 5 people in our group. This is part of the email:

"Unfortunately, our beautiful Island was directly affected by Hurricane Maria last month. Because of this situation, there are some things that are not running as normal. Limited Service are available as the hotel is working with limited personnel resources. As we continue to work towards recovery, the hotel is not accepting arrivals or new reservations at this time. Regretfully, we are unable to honor your existing reservation. "

Funny thing is that I spoke to the girl at the front desk at the hotel on Saturday and she told me they were honoring our reservation. We had a lengthy conversation about the hotel conditions and also what was going on on the island. She gave me no indication that in just a few days, they would cancel us. So aware of this and be proactive. If you wait, you may not be able to change your flights. I don't feel confident that ANY hotel is a safe bet at this point. I think they are all going to follow suit and cancel people out.

Needless to say, I had to scramble to change our flights from Friday to Saturday the 11th. We are flying on AA and they still had seats available. They didn't charge to change the flight but there was an extra charge of $70+ per person because they only had the extra leg room seats available.

Now I will start to pray for good weather and no delays with our flight as we get into SJ at 3:00pm and don't have tons of time for anything to go wrong. My nerves are frazzled...

Yes, it's a Marriott hotel. I have a backup reservation at the Comfort Inn. If they cancel on us I'll try to book something on airbnb.

Did they give you a reason for canceling?

Yes, it's a Marriott hotel. I have a backup reservation at the Comfort Inn. If they cancel on us I'll try to book something on airbnb.

Did they give you a reason for canceling?

AC Hotel just sent us an email canceling our reservation for 10/27.

Is this a Marriott hotel, I'm not sure what AC is.. sorry? Did they give you a reason for the cancellation? What are your plans going forward? I'm sorry you have to go through this so close to your upcoming trip. I"m so afraid we will face this same situation in Nov.

AC Hotel just sent us an email canceling our reservation for 10/27.

Is this a Marriott hotel, I'm not sure what AC is.. sorry? Did they give you a reason for the cancellation? What are your plans going forward? I'm sorry you have to go through this so close to your upcoming trip. I"m so afraid we will face this same situation in Nov.

Thanks for your update on your cruise. We are on the Adventure leaving on Nov 11 and staying in SJ the night before. I really appreciate your post, it does help to hear what's going on over there.

Following too, we are onboard Dec 9

 

 

 

mommamia: We will also be at the San Juan Marriott Miramar, but in Dec. Would be great if you could provide an update on conditions while you are there or when you return.

I will be happy to give you an update. If I can post from there, I certainly will. I'm planning on calling there again soon to check on things.

Following. So far we are booked at the Courtyard Marriott Miramar and I spoke with someone a week or so ago and they are running on generators. I am very nervous about this whole hotel situation. sigh.....

Following. So far we are booked at the Courtyard Marriott Miramar and I spoke with someone a week or so ago and they are running on generators. I am very nervous about this whole hotel situation. sigh.....

Good to hear!

Looking forward to more of your updates. Have a wonderful trip!

Made it to the Comfort Inn in Condado! They are running on generators but we have AC in the room! Airport is very crowded...the lights are on but AC is not. Also, the arrival/departure boards don’t work in the terminal, in case you are meeting someone.

 

Cell and WiFi Service is spotty. Cold bottled water was readily available at the gift shop near gate C8. Some shops and concessions in the airport are opened, but many closed. Taxis were readily available . We tipped our driver very well and he agreed to come back to the hotel to take us to the ship in the morning. Safe travels to everyone!

 

 

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Glad to hear you made it there ok. Looking forward to any updates you can rely during your trip.. Have fun!!!

Your itinerary was our original itinerary. They were going to change St. Thomas to St. Croix, but after Marie they changed it to Antigua. After the cruise I have a later flight at 4:30P.M I plan on spending the day at the San Juan Marriott. They offer Day Passes where you can lounge by the pool and on the beach and they even include lunch credit. I did check with them and they are operational today.

Hi, I'm going on a cruise on Nov 11 and also staying in San Juan the night before the cruise. I am curious as to the conditions in SJ and we are also staying at the San Juan Marriott Miramar. Is that the hotel you are staying at? There are 2 Marriotts in SJ. I spoke to someone at the hotel yesterday and they are still on generators and lock their doors at 6pm for safety. This is the first time I am using this site so I hope I am doing this correctly. Thanks for any info you can give me.