Change due to Zika virus

[Ashnate14]

Wife and I met with our obstetrician this afternoon and she said the cruise would pose no risk to the baby as long as we took common sense precautions. She recommended we wear insect repellent with DEET and avoid heavily vegetated areas. Therefore, we will not be canceling our cruise.

 

We also met with our OB today, she was not all too concerned with us traveling on a cruise right now. Considering pretty much 6/7 days are spent on board in the midle of the ocean. We cancelled our excursions that involved in Jungle type areas and will just be visiting the ports and beaches at 2 of our ports the other one we plan on staying on board. With only 16 hours of possible exposure time and wearing bug spray, we feel our risk is very minimal. Some may not agree, but it is our decision.

Edited February 3, 2016 by Ashnate14

[navybankerteacher]

unless you go into areas such as the rain forest in Puerto Rico, you won't see mosquitoes...

 

 

This is an extraordinarily broad assurance - I believe "absurd" is a more appropriate adjective.

[ithaca gal]

Our niece is thinking of starting a family this year so she checked with her doctor. Her doctor told her that there is so much still unknown about the virus that she recommended that the cruise be cancelled just to be on the safe side. She did say that it might be safe but with consequences that are so severe, why chance it?

[Karysa]

I'm still interested in the compensation offered by the cruise lines and insurance companies. Are they offering the same compensation to both "pregnant" couples or only the mother?

[subter]

I was looking at travel advisories in the Caribbean and came across a warning for chikungunya virus which is spread by mosquitoes.

 

I've cruised a couple dozen times and HAVE been bitten by mosquitoes but cannot remember the islands where this occurred.

 

Many on this thread are recommending DEET. I personally would never put a drop of that on my body and would advise against it if pregnant. Please research it. If pregnant, I'd also research what is embedded in the fabric of bug repellent clothing.

 

I buy bug repellents that have ingredients of naturally derived oils. I might strengthen it a little by adding a little tea tree oil, lemon oil, etc., depending on the ingredient list. You just have to be careful not to get it close to the eyes.

 

I have done the research on DEET. It's a common myth that it's dangerous. It's been used by the army since the 1940's and NUMEROUS studies have been done over the last 75 years. None have shown any negative affects from using DEET. I'd be happy to read any links you have to valid scientific studies that state otherwise.

[Clarea]

I have done the research on DEET. It's a common myth that it's dangerous. It's been used by the army since the 1940's and NUMEROUS studies have been done over the last 75 years. None have shown any negative affects from using DEET. I'd be happy to read any links you have to valid scientific studies that state otherwise.

I thought I read somewhere about an interaction between DEET and sunscreen.

[subter]

I thought I read somewhere about an interaction between DEET and sunscreen.

 

There is further study that needs to be done in that area. Combining the two can increase the absorption rate of DEET.

 

I was referring to the safety of using DEET alone.

[Clarea]

There is further study that needs to be done in that area. Combining the two can increase the absorption rate of DEET.

 

I was referring to the safety of using DEET alone.

Understood.

 

However, interaction with sunscreen may be especially relevant to folks who are on Caribbean cruises.

[subter]

Understood.

 

However, interaction with sunscreen may be especially relevant to folks who are on Caribbean cruises.

 

You have a good point. If I were a pregnant woman deciding to go, I guess I'd rather put DEET on and sit in the shade rather than combine the two. I've bought non-DEET alternatives in the past and found them mostly ineffective. Haven't tried the Avon reference in the above post. I know people swore by the old version and Avon stopped selling it. Looks like they have a new version now. It better work at $18 a 4oz bottle.

[ZandZ]

went to cancun when i was pregnant with my second kid. kid and i were ok. husband contracted swine flu. which turned into pneumonia. which caused him to lose his lung function and essentially become an invalid with chronic pain due to the subsequent surgery and without an immune system. sure wish there was a warning, i would have canceled my trip. unfortunately the warning came months later. he had to be one of the first cases...

 

reading all this.. i am trying very hard not to judge. but i would never take the risk.

[SuiteTraveler]

Florida has now declared a State of Emergency due to Zika:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-governor-declares-emergency-due-to-zika/ar-BBp5rl4?li=BBnb7Kz

[heidikay]

I am in your same situation. We are cruising for our first time in March on the Carnival Dream. Ports well be visiting our Honduras, Belize and Cozumel. IF we decide to get off the ship I will be wearing long sleaves and pants and DEET repellant. It's been a difficult decision for us to make but with research I'm feeling better about being on a cruise ship rather then backpacking through the jungle. This is all only if my DR is ok with us going!

 

I was in Belize in December and most of us did get bit be mosquitos. We went to a Mayan ruin in the morning. And the bites really itched and we did use bug spray with DEET. I would for sure avoid nature areas.

[heidikay]

Just an update-

 

I have cancelled my cruise per my doctors suggestion. With so little known about the virus and it spreading further and further, I just didn't feel comfortable going. My doctor said if I chose to go I would have to cover my arms and legs and wear bug spray. In all honesty, I go to the Caribbean to lay in the sun in my bathing suit and wear shorts and tank tops. I also go to have a carefree time. I can wear long pants and long sleeves in the cold Chicago weather anytime. I couldn't justify being worried about getting bit and maybe contracting this virus. My husband and I have gone and are going through too much to have a healthy baby- trip wasn't worth it.

 

That being said, my TA is working with Royal to determine reimbursement. I have spoken to two people there and both have told me I will be fully reimbursed by them provided I submit a doctors note stating he doesn't want me to travel due to the Zika threat. United airlines has offered me a full credit on our airfare with the change fees waived, but I may try to file a claim for that with my trip insurance. Worst case scenario is I have my airfare fully refunded in credit form.

 

I think the intense media coverage of this story may be a little overblown, but it is putting pressure on travel companies to work with their customers. I have been very happy with Royals response to my situation

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I think you made the right decision. The trip is not worth the health of your baby. I totally agree. I was just in Belize in late December and I was bit more than once after using DEET. And others were bit as well. I was at a Mayan ruin so I was in a grassy nature area.

[rosiemylove]

Just an update-

 

I have cancelled my cruise per my doctors suggestion. With so little known about the virus and it spreading further and further, I just didn't feel comfortable going. My doctor said if I chose to go I would have to cover my arms and legs and wear bug spray. In all honesty, I go to the Caribbean to lay in the sun in my bathing suit and wear shorts and tank tops. I also go to have a carefree time. I can wear long pants and long sleeves in the cold Chicago weather anytime. I couldn't justify being worried about getting bit and maybe contracting this virus. My husband and I have gone and are going through too much to have a healthy baby- trip wasn't worth it.

 

That being said, my TA is working with Royal to determine reimbursement. I have spoken to two people there and both have told me I will be fully reimbursed by them provided I submit a doctors note stating he doesn't want me to travel due to the Zika threat. United airlines has offered me a full credit on our airfare with the change fees waived, but I may try to file a claim for that with my trip insurance. Worst case scenario is I have my airfare fully refunded in credit form.

 

I think the intense media coverage of this story may be a little overblown, but it is putting pressure on travel companies to work with their customers. I have been very happy with Royals response to my situation

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Please let us know what becomes of your claim. If it works for you, it will work for others who are in this same situation trying to get a refund from the travel insurance. Thank you so much.

[sail7seas]

I just heard a report on local ABC news station there is a reported case in Brazil of the virus being passed in a blood transfusion. Yesterday I heard of it being passed from a husband to wife sexually. He had been in Caribbean and apparently was bitten.

 

We are going to be hearing way to many horrid stories about this virus.,,,,, sadly.

[Reader0108598]

I live in Canada and have cancelled my cruise on Oasis of the Seas for first week of March due to the travel advisory of the Zika virus. I recently found out I am pregnant and after reading about many babies being born with microcephaly due to the mother contracting the Zika virus, there is just no doubt in my mind I can't take that risk with my unborn baby. I had to cancel tickets for myself, my two kids and mother and was penalized 50% of the cruise cost. I am so disturbed by this! Royal Caribbean would not budge on their cancellation policy. My credit card insurance denied me because they say the government has only issued a "level 2" warning ( they will never up it to level 3, they will wait for a vaccine to make more $!) even though I told them I had a doctor's note advising me not to go! I contemplated staying on the boat at ports but as some of you have pointed out, bugs can find a way in no matter what! I have also read that they not only prevalent at night/dusk they are just as much out and and about during the day.

 

Congrats on the Baby :) You made the right choice, you can always cruise another time, but you would not beable to change your baby's health later.

 

Best wishes~

Reader

Edited February 5, 2016 by Reader0108598

[Reader0108598]

Just an update-

 

I have cancelled my cruise per my doctors suggestion. With so little known about the virus and it spreading further and further, I just didn't feel comfortable going. My doctor said if I chose to go I would have to cover my arms and legs and wear bug spray. In all honesty, I go to the Caribbean to lay in the sun in my bathing suit and wear shorts and tank tops. I also go to have a carefree time. I can wear long pants and long sleeves in the cold Chicago weather anytime. I couldn't justify being worried about getting bit and maybe contracting this virus. My husband and I have gone and are going through too much to have a healthy baby- trip wasn't worth it.

 

That being said, my TA is working with Royal to determine reimbursement. I have spoken to two people there and both have told me I will be fully reimbursed by them provided I submit a doctors note stating he doesn't want me to travel due to the Zika threat. United airlines has offered me a full credit on our airfare with the change fees waived, but I may try to file a claim for that with my trip insurance. Worst case scenario is I have my airfare fully refunded in credit form.

 

I think the intense media coverage of this story may be a little overblown, but it is putting pressure on travel companies to work with their customers. I have been very happy with Royals response to my situation

 

LuvtheWater117

 

Congrats best whishes for a healthy happy baby!!

Also I see many cruises in you future :)

 

Reader

Edited February 5, 2016 by Reader0108598

[jaime062789]

I'm pregnant I have gotten 3 different suggestions about going on a cruise from obgyn specialists all say to go ahead, first off the cases about the small heads in pregnant women were only in Brazil, the cdc is still researching there have been no medical study proving this, second for anyone trying to scare you the CDC has also stated that everyone infected were not using the proper precautions no bug repellent etc I'm leaving today for Mexico and have bought everything the cdc recommends, also deet is safe for pregnancy so u can use that, I hope u have a fun time and take the necessary steps to keep urself protected, when on cruise ship just make sure u r still wearing repellant and buy those bracelets they work too....

Edited February 6, 2016 by jaime062789

[cruisegal3]

Women who are or who may get pregnant.

 

On the news this morning they said that Brazil has seen nearly 4000 cases since October--1000x more than they typically see. Realize for most of us this is a none issue, you may not even show symptoms, or realize you have it. So to have that many diagnosed is HUGE.

 

1% of the children born there right now have are affected by it. (this via bbc.com)

 

They said it probably will spread to southern gulf states but they expect it to be less of an issue due to our improved sanitation in the states.

 

I AM trying to scare any pregnant woman from cruising the Caribbean or South America at this time; the risks are NOT worth it. If you aren't pregnant, use good birth control!

 

For the rest of us it is a non-issue.

 

 

The Zika virus and Guillain-barre syndrome are linked. The latter causes paralysis, nerve damage, possibly death. Especially dangerous for people over 50. I would suggest googling it and learning that Zika is certainly not dangerous for pregnant women only.

[zoncom]

Why take a chance? Years ago I was on a ski lift in Colorado where cable broke. Due to injury I no longer drive. I have a disabled child. Odds on these? Millions to one? Things happen. Remember cruise lines can be sued if found at fault. Get a lawyer if necessary for your refunds.

[sail7seas]

I'm pregnant I have gotten 3 different suggestions about going on a cruise from obgyn specialists all say to go ahead, first off the cases about the small heads in pregnant women were only in Brazil, the cdc is still researching there have been no medical study proving this, second for anyone trying to scare you the CDC has also stated that everyone infected were not using the proper precautions no bug repellent etc I'm leaving today for Mexico and have bought everything the cdc recommends, also deet is safe for pregnancy so u can use that, I hope u have a fun time and take the necessary steps to keep urself protected, when on cruise ship just make sure u r still wearing repellant and buy those bracelets they work too....

 

No one can decide that for you.

How much is a week on a cruise ship worth to you vs. a baby with severe birth defects?

 

A lifetime of regret?

Or maybe a week's vacation with no problem and no mosquito bites. How big a risk taker are you?

 

[sfaaa]

If anyone pregnant is desperate to get a fix on her cruise addiction, Alaska cruse season is only 2 months away and starts in April. No Zika mosquito there.

[sail7seas]

None there now but I've heard it said mosquitos are the state bird of Alaska. :eek: :D

No one knows where the Zika will show up this summer.

Edited February 6, 2016 by sail7seas

[CowPrincess]

If anyone pregnant is desperate to get a fix on her cruise addiction, Alaska cruse season is only 2 months away and starts in April. No Zika mosquito there.

 

None there now but I've heard it said mosquitos are the state bird of Alaska. :eek: :D

No one knows where the Zika will show up this summer.

 

Zika is transmitted by a species of mosquito that does not live in Alaska. From here, the Govt of Alaska Dept of Public Health.

 

http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Documents/Zika%20Virus%20Disease%20FAQ.pdf

 

The Aedes species of mosquitoes that transmit Zika do not live in Alaska.

[sfaaa]

Pretty sure Zita carry mosquitoes can't survive the frigid Alaska winter. That said, Alaska can be quite warm during the summer months which may present some degree of risk. Too early to predict I guess.