Norovirus Outbreak Hits Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

[Ourusualbeach]

Hmmm, I never thought of that and I don't know the answer. Anyone out there know?

 

Excellent point by the way.

 

Just saw it posted on CC news. It is a FCC for 50% of what they paid.

[styles27]

If you see a fellow passenger at the buffet or at the main dining room wearing these, that would be me so please don't be shocked.

 

I carry a box of these on all the previous cruises and never had a problem.

 

 

Gloves are fine as long as you change them each time you touch an item that could be contaminated...oh and you don't rub your eyes, nose or mouth while wearing them.

 

Like hand sanitizers...rubber gloves give people a false sense of security.

 

 

Here's an example....I just spent last Monday at the children's hospital ER with my daughter and my 3 month old grandchild.

 

He saw a doctor from the Infectious Disease team who walked into our room, washed her hands, put on a pair of gloves (all good so far) than proceeded to pull the stool out from under the counter so she could sit on while examining the baby.

 

I stopped her and told her she needed to remove those gloves and put on a new pair.

 

She wasn't too pleased that I pointed that out in front of another doctor and 2 RN's.

 

 

Can you imagine an Infectious Disease specialist doing something like that?

 

 

BTW....the baby is fine...he had chicken pox. (grandma was right) ;)

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Not one Person at the captains talk feels that RCI is giving us fair compensation. We now have free wif so that's why I can post. Out of a 10 day cruise ,with illness and loss of two ports, we probably had 3 actual cruise days that we could enjoy. One person said to the captain that people should refuse t o get off until Thursday am and mentioned the mutiny word. I told him that's not a very wise word to use on the ship

 

50% is not right - it should be 100% future cruise.

[texast518]

Why wouldn't some people be able to drive in the dark?

 

I AM 73 AND HAVE A FORM OF NIGHT BLINDNESS, DISEASE & CATARACTS! tHIS IS COMMON TO ALOT OF PEOPLE, !

Edited January 27, 2014 by texast518

[Ourusualbeach]

50% is not right - it should be 100% future cruise.

 

Definitely agreed especially with it being shortened, port missed etc. Most people even using the FCC for 50% will still have airfare, pre cruise hotel and other expenses. By the time that is all added up they are probably only saving 25% of their total vacation cost.

[have scooter, will cruise]

Just saw it posted on CC news. It is a FCC for 50% of what they paid.

 

It really should be in addition to a 100% refund on the cruise. The OBC will cover tips and a little bit more...even those that remained healthy are losing 2 days, Labadee plus other ports, entertainment, etc.

I am really surprised if that is the final settlement.

[wolfganghowell]

One person said to the captain that people should refuse t o get off until Thursday am and mentioned the mutiny word. I told him that's not a very wise word to use on the ship

 

Yeah, that guy could be banned from RCI for that kind of threat.

 

So sorry for all onboard. I hope those that are sick get well soon and that the healthy stay that way and find some way to enjoy themselves onboard.

[Ourusualbeach]

I AM 73 AND HAVE A FORM OF NIGHT BLINDNESS, DISEASE & CATARACTS! tHIS IS COMMON TO ALOT OF PEOPLE, KIND OF A stupid QUESTION!

 

It was a question that was asked very politely and unless you were affected by any of these ailments you might not think of that right away.

[KCcruisin07]

I hope everyone does ok on their return trips home. Some people may not be able to travel immediately. I hope that RCCL sets up a large group of staff to help everyone to get home. I think that would be as important as a discount, although there should be some form of compensation for the cruise being interrupted and/or getting sick.

 

Also I thought there was an outbreak of noro last week on another cruise ship in the Caribbean, so I checked. It was Majesty of the Seas, and 66 passengers got sick. I know a passenger can bring it aboard, but it sounds like RCCL needs to review/tighten their procedures for prevention.

[PORT ROYAL]

Yeah, that guy could be banned from RCI for that kind of threat.

 

So sorry for all onboard. I hope those that are sick get well soon and that the healthy stay that way and find some way to enjoy themselves onboard.

 

Not to worry

Facial recognition has already been used, and I have the feeling the mutiny person is already blacklisted by the RCL group

[CruiseeCrazee]

Does anyone have any idea how long the disembarkation process is likely to be for an infected ship like this? I'm trying to figure out what time a 4pm docking means my (not sick, at least yet) husband will be likely to be off the ship. I assume it's going to be a more involved process than the usual...

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Definitely agreed especially with it being shortened, port missed etc. Most people even using the FCC for 50% will still have airfare, pre cruise hotel and other expenses. By the time that is all added up they are probably only saving 25% of their total vacation cost.

 

Ken, I agree - I just think that it started so early in the cruise, I'd be willing to bet that not many (if any at all) got the cruise experience they were paying for and/or expected. I think the right thing to do given the environment on the ship would just be to give everyone their money back. I think that would go a long way for the passengers, and they'd get most of their money back in future bookings. Lots of time and money spent planning, getting to and from the ship, etc. Very disappointing for those involved.

Edited January 27, 2014 by LuckiStac13*Majesty*

[Ourusualbeach]

Ken, I agree - I just think that it started so early in the cruise, I'd be willing to bet that not many (if any at all) got the cruise experience they were paying for and/or expected. I think the right thing to do given the environment on the ship would just be to give everyone their money back. I think that would go a lot way for the passengers, and they'd get most of their money back in future bookings. Lots of time and money spent planning, getting to and from the ship, etc.

 

Absolutely. I'm sure that even the lucky people that did not get sick still did not have a great time with worrying if they would be the next to get it. Not that you can make this a positive experience but giving passengers a FCC for 100% would certainly be a step in the right direction.

[antsnanny]

My husband and I are looking forward to reading your diary of events. I'm glad you are over the illness. It's wonderful that your wife beat the odds.....good for her!!!!!!! I hope you are able to board the ship on the 31st to complete your vacation:)

 

 

I hope that the OP can log onto the internet on the Explorer. As I remember the connections were so slow and that was without them giving the internet for free. Hopefully things have changed.

[Mapleleafforever]

I AM 73 AND HAVE A FORM OF NIGHT BLINDNESS, DISEASE & CATARACTS! tHIS IS COMMON TO ALOT OF PEOPLE, !

 

I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offence. I am now educated about this. I was more leaning towards people driving unsafe cars without headlights.

[texast518]

It was a question that was asked very politely and unless you were affected by any of these ailments you might not think of that right away.

 

I WOULD NOT HAVE RESPONDED IF I DID NOT SUFFER FROM THIS! Not my definition of stupid on my part, I did not intend to be RUDE, made a valid statement. Got off of the Caribbean Princess 2 weeks ago because disembark was 3 PM, drove 2 hours, got a room 169 miles from home because cannot drive @ night

Edited January 27, 2014 by texast518

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

Absolutely. I'm sure that even the lucky people that did not get sick still did not have a great time with worrying if they would be the next to get it. Not that you can make this a positive experience but giving passengers a FCC for 100% would certainly be a step in the right direction.

 

Agreed. I'm not hard to please and try to look at both sides, but I would not be pleased with 50%. At all.

[reallyitsmema]

Does anyone have any idea how long the disembarkation process is likely to be for an infected ship like this? I'm trying to figure out what time a 4pm docking means my (not sick, at least yet) husband will be likely to be off the ship. I assume it's going to be a more involved process than the usual...

Way to early to tell. The ship could get in earlier or later. I think you will have to wait until tomorrow to get a better idea.

[reallyitsmema]

50% is not right - it should be 100% future cruise.

When Crown Princess had to cancel a cruise and return to port in 2012, they got a full refund for the current cruise, a 50% FCC towards another cruise, their on board accounts were paid and they paid change fees or hotel costs for those trying to get home. Granted, that cruise sailed late because of noro on prior cruise (they left around midnight) and never actually made a port so the circumstances are very different.

 

I do agree though that RCL needs to up their compensation for Explorer.

[Ourusualbeach]

I WOULD NOT HAVE RESPONDED IF I DID NOT SUFFER FROM THIS! Not my definition of stupid on my part, I did not intend to be RUDE, made a valid statement. Got off of the Caribbean Princess 2 weeks ago because disembark was 3 PM, drove 2 hours, got a room 169 miles from home because cannot drive @ night

 

But the "SHOUTING" and calling it a "stupid" question did make it rude. The actual reasons you gave are quite valid as are many other reasons.

[BeagleOne]

But the "SHOUTING" and calling it a "stupid" question did make it rude. The actual reasons you gave are quite valid as are many other reasons.

 

If you look back at texast518's first post, he or she edited it to remove the "stupid question" part. And perhaps texast518 types mostly in all caps because that's easier for him or her to see?

[texast518]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offence. I am now educated about this. I was more leaning towards people driving unsafe cars without headlights.

 

THANKS! NO harm-no foul! I did remove the stupid comment.

Edited January 27, 2014 by texast518

[Ourusualbeach]

THANKS! NO harm-no foul! I did remove the stupid comment.

 

I was only referring to the comment as you had originally posted. Did not see that you had edited. As you said no harm no foul.

[NewPennCruiser]

Ken, I agree - I just think that it started so early in the cruise, I'd be willing to bet that not many (if any at all) got the cruise experience they were paying for and/or expected. I think the right thing to do given the environment on the ship would just be to give everyone their money back. I think that would go a long way for the passengers, and they'd get most of their money back in future bookings. Lots of time and money spent planning, getting to and from the ship, etc. Very disappointing for those involved.

 

From past experience in a similar situation, I can say I agree totally with what you're saying. We were on the Crown Princess "Noro cuise to nowhere" in 2012 when the CDC stopped the ship and sent it back just 3 days into the cruise. While we didn't get sick, you were constantly wondering what to do or where to go. On day one it was obvious we shouldn't have sailed because the red bags and employees in hazmat suits were already running around. You asked yourself so many questions, where should I eat, is going to the gym a risk? are the people that should be staying in their rooms listening and staying in their rooms? Many crew were sick so shows were cancelled and activities were curtailed for the 2 days back to Fort Lauderdale. We were almost to Curacao when they announced the cruise was ending and the CDC was sending us back so we never stopped anywhere.

 

We made the best of it and were thankful we never did get sick but it was to be the first leg of a 14 day B2B so we kept wondering what else might happen before this is over?! Princess put us up and took good care of us. But wow, it was probably one of the strangest vacations we ever took. They totally stripped the ship, replaced all the food and sanitized everything 3 times. We left the next week on schedule and everything was fine.

 

One thing everyone needs to think about is that RCCL is going through a logistical nightmare right now. Will everyone be happy with the compensation offered? Probably not. But this doesn't happen everyday and I'm sure they are doing what they can to help people. I just hope that they have curtailed the virus best they can and nobody else gets sick. Like our cruise, it's just crazy to think that when the ship gets back, they will just be letting the sick people off to go to hotels, get on planes, etc. What a mess!

 

For those of you caught up in this craziness, I wish you well!!!! Dave

[Crusin6]

It would appear to me that this cruise in essence has been canceled. All on board should get full refunds and forget about an FCC. They need rooms paid for until their flights etc. basically all out of pocket expenses need to be covered.

 

You are failing to realize that there are no hotel rooms to be found at a reasonable price in NYC or nj right now. Remember the Super Bowl is in town and people come in early to enjoy the sites as well as all the pre op folks for the game set up

Edited January 27, 2014 by Crusin6