SargassoPirate

On 8/5/2022 at 4:26 PM, Cpamomma said:

I am more concerned about touching serving utensils in the  buffets on ships.  We were on a Celebrity ship earlier this year where masked and gloved servers were serving the food in the buffet.  We were on a Princess ship last week.  It was serve yourself.  This does concern me.

Don't worry about touching common use surfaces, just carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer as use it after you sit down and before you touch anything that will be going in your mouth.

All you have to do is break the change of cross-contamination.

Have yet to catch cruise cough or noro on any cruise.

Some of my background is in public health and even pre-pandemic there were certain practices that She Who Must Be Obeyed and I followed.  Without sounding like a lecture or dissertation, here are a few things that have kept us safe and healthy while traveling worldwide and 50-some cruises.

1.  We take every vaccine available for travel and keep our shot cards up to date.

2.  On airplanes we whip out a couple of sanitizing wipes and wipe down every hard surface we are likely to touch, and pre-covid this used to get some sidelong glances from other passengers.

3.  When we enter a new hotel room, out come a couple of more wipes and we wipes down every hard surface we are likely to touch - including the remote - the most germ laden device in the room.

4.  We never, ever eat food from street vendors.

5.  If we do end up eating in an establishment that may be questionable, we only eat hot food and stay away from salads.

6.  In any food establishment, we are always on the lookout for staff wearing plastic gloves.  If you see them, watch and see how many surfaces those gloves touch other than food.  Plastic gloves only serve to keep the wearer's hands clean. They are not magic sanitizing gloves.

7.  When cruising, after we are seated in the MDR or buffet, we sanitize our hands.  Think about it.  Sure, you maybe sanitized your hands on the way in, or did "washy washy" if handwashing sinks are available at the entrance, but between there and the table how many things did you touch?  Serving ladles or tongs? The underside of the chair as you were seated?  The menu?  The condiment containers?  Think about that before you pick up and butter a roll to pop into your mouth

I'm sure I left something out, but these practices have kept us safe and illness/disease free while traveling domestically, internationally, and even the local BBQ joint.

Safe and healthful travels.

5 hours ago, islandwoman said:

Which World Cruises include laundry or have passenger laundromats on board?

Which include wine (at least with lunch and dinner) or at least don't price gauge for drinks?

Which charge little or no corkage fees to bring your own wine onboard?

Which include some excursions in the cruise fare?

Are there any that still require a ship's excursion to go ashore at port calls?

Island, take a look at the Princess WCs.  Guest laundromats on board.  With the Princess Plus fare you get the Plus drink package, one specialty dining, free wifi, and pre-paid gratuities.  Over the course of a 111 day cruise that adds up.  Princess has a nice mix of sea days and port days, and the ship's size is a good fit for the way I like to cruise.

Just sayin'

1 hour ago, HicksRA said:

That’s a fact. It has kept me exclusive to Royal (foolishly or not). I know I would have bounced all over the other lines if not for those stinkin points…. 🤔

I just looked at my cruise history list and I would've been pinochle by now but for cruising with other lines, such as Cunard, Viking, HAL, and Celebrity.  But then I would've missed out on some wonderful experiences on those other lines.  I was more than happy to get to 340 points and the single supplement reduction to150%.  I disconnect when I cruise, so the wifi is not a big deal.

BTW, do you get a free deck of cards when you reach pinochle?

3 minutes ago, RaelynM said:

Our TA is calling RCI tomorrow to confirm we would be guaranteed as part of the 10%.  If they cannot guarantee we would be part of the 10% allowed to cruise on the trip we booked, we will cancel the trip.  Not putting any money down until they can give us a guarantee.  Took almost 2.5 years to get a deposit back from the trip that was canceled in January 2020.

 

"Royal Caribbean is the second line to change its policy, following Virgin Voyages announcement last week that it would allow up to 10% of passengers on any given sailing to be unvaccinated for Covid-19."

 

Good for you.  I started cruising again with the restart and have three more cruises booked right now.  I haven't given a second thought to the vaccination status of those around me on planes, trains, buses, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants, movies, concerts, or the grocery store.

It's your responsibility to protect yourself and do whatever makes you feel comfortable. If that means wearing a mask, you should wear it everywhere to and from your cruise. And it should be an N95.

Have a great cruise.

Saw this article on the Cruise Industry News website and though it worth sharing as a history lesson:

CDC Cruise Ship Timeline: From No Sail to the End of COVID-19 Program - Cruise Industry News

15 hours ago, MissP22 said:

You must travel with fairly large bags.

My suitcase is 19 inches wide & I haven't had any problems boarding in the US port scanners.

Of course they'll tell you that they won't fit but I've found out years ago it's all bull. 

I was pulled out of line in Fort L one time because the short, port cop tried to tell me my pullman bag wouldn't fit through the scanner.  I asked if they had changed scanners because it fit through on a cruise just a couple of months prior.  He really copped an attitude then, and I asked to see a supervisor.

The supervisor responded and escorted me back through security and I placed my bag on the scanner.  After I was through the security I looked back and the supervisor was having a discussion with the cop.  I waited and as the supervisor came by I engaged him in conversation and asked what the problem was so that I could avoid problems in the future.

He said they try to discourage people from carrying larger bags through themselves since people will get to the conveyor and can't lift their bags themselves. 

I can only imagine.

4 hours ago, Janet&Carl said:

 

 

MSC is my favourite line - best pizza at sea - don't do burgers and fries very well but if you like seafood you will love MSC.

I've heard, but never confirmed, that MSC will match your status with other cruise lines.  I wonder if that would apply to a WC and what the perks would be?

On 7/6/2022 at 8:22 AM, zoepipes said:

 

Your dog won't recognize you when you get home 

Do what the chair hogs and line jumpers do, claim her as an "emotional support" animal.  (Actually being snarky and sarcastic) 

6 hours ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

@SargassoPirateYou need to add some Bailey's Irish Cream to your frozen mocha-yum.

I've never tried that, but with the Princess Plus package why not?  Thanks for a great tip.

As for the Horizon Court coffee made from syrup, well, I'd rather not.

7 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

 

The premium coffee stand is on Deck 5 (Patisserie) or also in the Buffet (Lido Forward).

 

ETA:  When we were on Island, they still had the physical coffee cards and you would use the New Grounds Package.  No doubt, they still do that with the virtual coffee package.

Thanks, steelers.  I enjoy the frozen mochas in the International Cafe for a nice mid-afternoon treat. 

9 hours ago, Rungee said:

We are sailing in October and are just one day short of having enough sailing days to reach the crown and anchor diamond level.   Does anyone know of a way to earn a day prior to our trip, while still at home, or can you only earn days by sailing?   I believe some of the other cruise lines offer ways to earn credit while at home, but wasn’t sure about Royal…

Put the pencil to it.  Figure out the dollar value of your Diamond benefits for the next cruise and compare that to the cost of an additional short cruise to break the threshold. It may not be worth it. 

19 hours ago, Mich3554 said:

I lost nearly 40 lbs before leaving on our 54 day B2B last winter.  I was positive that I was going to regain a decent sized chunk of it.   I regained…..2 lbs.  I was ok with that.

 

Unlike Andy, I found I was able to portion control better in WC than The Restaurant.  There were times where I only wanted a few bites of something, not a whole serving.  I realized it when WC went from self serve to passengers being served during a brief outbreak of Norovirus.    It was hard to explain that I just wanted to try a few bites, about 1/4 of what I was served.

 

Sea days, I was also in the gym.

 

I did a bit more damage on our recent river cruise.  I was drinking much more wine and most meals were plated.  Also, I imagine checking out ALL the apple strudels at each stop didn’t help much.

Had to laugh at your apple strudel study.  She Who Must Be Obeyed and I did that on a river cruise several years ago.  Can't remember the results of the taste test - but at the end of the cruise we found some apple pie in Amsterdam that beat them all.  (Winkle)

We also tried lots of Key lime pie in Key West on an extended stay there and I do remember the winner because we return to that venue every time we are in Key West for more pie. (Louie's Backyard on Waddell Ave.)

When we revisit Louie's, it's just for the pie and coffee and we walk there so as to help balance it out.

16 hours ago, Another_Critic said:

They are referring to Royal Promenade (Voyager, Freedom, Oasis classes).  Quantum class has Royal Esplanade.  Vision and Radiance class has Centrum.

Oh.  I wonder why they didn't say Royal Promenade?  To me, the promenade is the outside promenade. Last time I was on the Grandeur it was still a real wood surface.

On 8/2/2022 at 3:11 PM, We_like_to_cruise said:

Sadly, on the IP there is no Alfredo's (or International Cafe).  We have not yet tried pizza at Slice which is by the pool,

With no international cafe, where can one get a frozen coffee drink and a snack?

On my first few cruises, most of them 7-15 nights, I overindulged and came home feeling bloated. The MDR waiters were no help with their dessert menu and "come on, you're on vacation".  Now, after 50-some cruises, my regular exercise and low-carb regimen has worked, and my trousers still fit at the end of the cruise.

For you experienced world cruisers, what's been your experience?  Any personal secrets to keep from returning home like the Pillsbury dough boy or do you just pack a set of stretchy clothes for the second half?

56 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Everyone is mad if I post my honest feelings. The crew is hard working and I liked the WJ especially and feel they were more innovative on different themed nights than liberty. I prefer my pizza emerging hot from the oven. The diamond club has a awesome aft view. I think I just prefer a bigger ship to walk around.

 

It was a nice ship and if you are just wanting a cruise to sit and watch the ocean it's nice. Just felt small to me. Fewer things for sale in the shops. No promenade but a nice view of the ocean for several decks. I watched the ocean a lot from deck 6 near the coffee shop. Coffee shop to me would benefit from 2 pts of access like liberty. One for coffee and one for food. Long line by mid morning.

 

Food seemed better seasoned and was tasty. I'd do it again if prices go that low again, but I have liberty etc coming up and doubt I will before it leaves again. See my signature. I did 4 legs on grandeur and was ready to get off. 

 

I think I missed the promenade area perhaps .. but nothing to put my finger on.

What happened to the promenade on the Grandeur?

She Who Must Be Obeyed does not care to cruise as much as I do, so I cruise solo.  I love it.  I can do what I want, when I want without a committee decision required.  Before the cruise, I load up my Kindle app with books and spend a lot of time reading in shady spots on the promenade.  

One can be alone, but not lonely and sometimes all it takes is a raised glass and a greeting to spark a conversation.  I like to grab a cup of coffee and watch the sun come up and often find the same folks out early and it's easy jusy to start with a good morning greeting.

I would hate to miss a travel opportunity because I was hesitant to go solo.  Life is too short for that.

4 minutes ago, rudeney said:

 

I think most statisticians will tell you that the "test positivity rate" is a completely invalid metric due to its unscientific sampling methods (i.e. relying on individual health perceptions as to who chooses to test).  It does make for good "breaking news" headlines, though.

Do you mean the media will sensationalize something?  Oh, my.  I'm shocked.

34 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Studies found that these shields had no impact and some found it actually made things worse

Locally our positivity rate is around 15%, but there is nobody in the ICU for covid and hasn't been for weeks and weeks - with the exception of a "peak" of two cases during the omicron surge.  Covid is everywhere and is here to stay.  Local, state, and national authorities are slowly coming to that realization.  Anyone waiting for zero cases is going to have a long wait.

21 hours ago, BND said:

More than likely it dates back two years and has to do with fear of potentially exposing others to the virus.  

As does a lot of the continuing angst about covid.  I am noticing some of the plexiglass sheets are starting to come down and the grocery store checkers have stopped wiping down the credit card transaction screen between customers.  

I still see a lot of plastic gloves in use and those creep me out in food service environments.  Sit and watch how many surfaces those gloves touch - cross contamination - and the only thing those gloves do is keep the wearer's hands clean.  When I ask the restaurant managers why their employees are wearing gloves, the often reply is "for sanitation".  

Some of this covid protection theater is going to take a long time to fall by the wayside.

3 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

The flu season 2021-2022 that just ended shows 5,000-14,000 deaths.

 

Covid in 2021 shows 386,000 deaths and that’s just the US. So, it’s not the same. But, you are correct in 2022 it has gone lower in deaths for covid. These are CDC figures.

 

The reason, they state the flu deaths were much lower, is because a lot of folks were masking.  We would mask if we had the flu and isolate until we were no longer contagious. Probably wouldn’t want to go anywhere anyway.  I certainly would not to pass it on to anyone.

 

I pray it will continue to get lower for deaths with both the flu and covid. And that another more deadly variant does not surface.

 

But, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that.

 

 

 

CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 9 million – 41 million illnesses, 140,000 – 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 – 52,000 deaths annually  between 2010 and 2020.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

50 minutes ago, whitecap said:

Here is what I don't understand about the entire COVID issue:  If you believe that the vaccine and boosters along with a mask, help to protect yourself, that is what you should do; If you believe that the vaccines, boosters and masks also help protect others from you, why wouldn't you do what helps others?  Now, that said, if you are vaccinated, boosted and masked, and come upon a non-masked person, well, that is their choice and hopefully they won't get the virus or spread it.  

As far as testing prior to embarkation, if testing stops one person, if testing alerts a person to them having the virus, then testing has just worked and just maybe, helped prevent someone else from getting it, so why not test?

I have said right from the beginning of this virus, I am so very disappointed in those who are tasked with the responsibility to protect the American population, for not putting their collective butts in a conference room or laboratory and finding a solution to this issue.  We have become so obsessed with so many side issues, that common sense, urgency and protecting one another has fallen to the bottom of the list.

Please do what you feel is right for yourself but keep in mind that we can also help each other at the same time.

What are your thoughts on the seasonal flu?  It kills 30-50 thousand Americans every year.  Do you plan to wear a mask to protect others then?

Just curious about people's perceptions now that covid is mutating into a less deadly form and will continue to do so.  

Just imagine if Amazon was this wonky.  Bezos would be riding the kiddie rocket ride at the local carnival.

46 minutes ago, Mackenzie1 said:

Thank you for your review. We’re on the Island Princess for the November Mediterranean/Transatlantic cruise, and I’m glad to know that everyone is masking up. We took a cruise on the Sky Princess last October when masks were required, and we had no problems. It’s in Princess’ best interest to keep the masking protocol in place to help prevent any covid outbreaks that can spread throughout the ship.    
 

 

Looks to me like masks are optional.  It's up to each person to determine their level of comfort regarding masks.  I'm vaxxed and double boosted and wear a mask when required, but not when it's optional.  

"Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of our sailings, though you may be required in select venues or certain situations depended on COVID levels. Guests will be notified of any mask guidance and this will be clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.

We recommend guests choose a good quality mask and wash or replace their mask daily. Masks should have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask."