Noro on Riviera again

[LHT28]

We have wipes as well that we ordered on line and we plan to wipe the cabin down when we arrive and also keep some on hand in a baggie for around the ship as needed. On that note, what exactly will people be wiping down with their special wipes when they get on board? Sincere question.

You should check out CBC Marketplace episode about dirty hotels

it is an eye opener for sure :eek:

[HeatherInFlorida]

are you still in Code Red??

 

Based on what I know I would say yes though no one uses that word. I have described conditions ... No condiments, no place settings in Waves or Terrace, wash down of tables labeled with time we can use it washdown of cabin surfaces, public restrooms doors open, etc.

 

Seems to me there are people who have decided Oceania is the bad guy, don't care, etc. I'm not feeling or believing that. Makes no sense. They don't want this anymore than passengers do .... If anything it matters more to Oceania because we have choices.

 

It's ridiculous. I'm going to post the truth here. Not spinning it either way. But I won't play this stupid blame game. No one wants Riviera to be called a sick ship least of all Oceania.

[LHT28]

Based on what I know I would say yes though no one uses that word. I have described conditions ... No condiments, no place settings in Waves or Terrace, wash down of tables labeled with time we can use it washdown of cabin surfaces, public restrooms doors open, etc.

 

Seems to me there are people who have decided Oceania is the bad guy, don't care, etc. I'm not feeling or believing that. Makes no sense. They don't want this anymore than passengers do .... If anything it matters more to Oceania because we have choices.

 

It's ridiculous. I'm going to post the truth here. Not spinning it either way. But I won't play this stupid blame game. No one wants Riviera to be called a sick ship least of all Oceania.

thanks for the updates

sounds like they are trying to keep everyone healthy

 

have good cruise

lyn

[Jancruz]

Actually, folks, Smarter Travel has been advocating doing these things for quite a while whenever you are traveling -- in the hotel room, on the plane (or train or even a car, I guess). So it's really no different. Perhaps more prevalent ...

 

(We just received those peroxide wipes today ourselves even though we aren't traveling until June.)

 

But when they report fecal matter on remote controls and light switches ... :(

 

So I've started wiping down the obvious surfaces wherever we are even though we in general have never had problems. (Even at home!)

 

Mura

 

 

Be sure to use the wipes on the TV remote control..I read that is the dirtiest thing in a room..I always use a wipe on it wherever I go..

Jancruz1

[kazu]

Did the serving staff have noro??

when I had it I could barely get out of bed

 

I would think those doing the trivia & bingo had more interaction with the passengers so will come down with anything going around

 

CDC reported symptomatic crew working - so it's not just me.

 

As well as lapses.

 

 

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/InspectionQueryTool/InspectionDetailReport.aspx?ColI=MTg3ODAxOTg%3d-XwyRKC%2fTqa8%3d

[cruiselvr1]

Right now on the Riviera all the doors to all the public washrooms are open all the time.

If restrooms are designed properly, their isn't a need for a door. The one time I had to use a public restroom on the Regent Mariner, I had to use a paper towel to open the door.

[Iamthesea]

Do the doors open and close automatically? Hate to tell you but not everyone washes their hands after using the restroom. If they then use their hands to open the restroom door there is the potential to spread the virus.

 

Based on what I know I would say yes though no one uses that word. I have described conditions ... No condiments, no place settings in Waves or Terrace, wash down of tables labeled with time we can use it washdown of cabin surfaces, public restrooms doors open, etc.

 

Seems to me there are people who have decided Oceania is the bad guy, don't care, etc. I'm not feeling or believing that. Makes no sense. They don't want this anymore than passengers do .... If anything it matters more to Oceania because we have choices.

 

It's ridiculous. I'm going to post the truth here. Not spinning it either way. But I won't play this stupid blame game. No one wants Riviera to be called a sick ship least of all Oceania.

 

Sounds just like our 2/12 cruise except that maybe the staff/crew got a rest and/or Oceania brought in some outside cleaners to do the jobs that the crew should not have had to do to begin with. I assume that service is back to normal Oceania standards?

 

You are correct that no one person is to blame. Oceania is now doing what it can to get the situation under control. I do hope it works. ;)

 

The public bathrooms are mentioned a few times here...a place that I tried to avoid altogether on cruiseships. It's just not the exit doors that one need to worry about. If a passenger goes into a bathroom stall, they must first flush using a finger and then open the stall latch to get out. If that passenger failed to wash their hands afterward, they could be picking up the germs of a sick passenger that was in that stall, prior.

 

With passengers running in and out of those restrooms, have there been cleaning procedures between patrons? I used the public restroom on our embarkation day, before we could get into our stateroom, and again on our last night when we were dining in Polo. Neither time did I see an attendant in the washrooms. In fact, the washroom outside of Polo's was not very clean. On our particular cruiseline of choice, there seem to always be washroom attendants cleaning up as passengers come and go.

 

I am planning to write up and post photos of our 2/12 - 2/20 (shortened) cruise later this afternoon. Can't decide if I should post here, on the 25% thread, or start a new thread. :rolleyes: This thread has become a discussion of all things from blame to talking about many different cruises and what happened on those cruise versus the 2/12 cruise. :eek: Getting confusing. :confused:

[GeezerCouple]

I just received my tub of Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide wipes from Amazon. What is the best way to pack a few dozen of them? Wrap in foil? A few packets in zip-locks? Foil and zip Locks? I don't want them to dry out yet the whole container of 155 would be overkill. (I guess the word overkill would really be good!)

 

We got the bleach version (per CDC website for noro agents) and got one tub AND also a box of individually wrapped wipes.

 

We toss a bunch in our regular luggage, and then keep several in outside pockets of carryons.

And I keep a couple in my purse at all times now.

 

We had already purchased the tub when we found the boxes of individually wrapped wipes.

 

Also, we were concerned enough about the holiday cruise (all went well, thank goodness) that we tossed the tub in our carryon.

TSA website indicated they were allowed, and there was no problem passing through airport Security with them.

[GeezerCouple]

Actually, folks, Smarter Travel has been advocating doing these things for quite a while whenever you are traveling -- in the hotel room, on the plane (or train or even a car, I guess). So it's really no different. Perhaps more prevalent ...

 

(We just received those peroxide wipes today ourselves even though we aren't traveling until June.)

 

But when they report fecal matter on remote controls and light switches ... :(

 

So I've started wiping down the obvious surfaces wherever we are even though we in general have never had problems. (Even at home!)

 

Mura

 

Agree with this!

We've been wiping everything from remotes to light switches when traveling, for quite some time.

 

However, until the noro outbreaks on Riviera, we were not using the wipes that were helpful for noro :(

(We were using Purell type, which is alcohol-based.)

We've changed to the bleach version now, for that reason.

 

Anything on the CDC list should be good, but not all of those products came in "wipes" (tub or individually wrapped), so there were only a few to choose from for traveling convenience by individuals.

[GeezerCouple]

Be sure to use the wipes on the TV remote control..I read that is the dirtiest thing in a room..I always use a wipe on it wherever I go..

Jancruz1

 

It's tricky to get into all those crevices.

(Uh, I'm talking about the remotes! :eek:)

 

We are going to start bringing baggies, and plop the remote into one.

That will allow easy use of all the buttons/toggles.

 

Has anyone tried this, and if so, do remotes work well when in a baggie?

[CruiserPK]

Sounds just like our 2/12 cruise except that maybe the staff/crew got a rest and/or Oceania brought in some outside cleaners to do the jobs that the crew should not have had to do to begin with. I assume that service is back to normal Oceania standards?

 

You are correct that no one person is to blame. Oceania is now doing what it can to get the situation under control. I do hope it works. ;)

 

The public bathrooms are mentioned a few times here...a place that I tried to avoid altogether on cruiseships. It's just not the exit doors that one need to worry about. If a passenger goes into a bathroom stall, they must first flush using a finger and then open the stall latch to get out. If that passenger failed to wash their hands afterward, they could be picking up the germs of a sick passenger that was in that stall, prior.

 

With passengers running in and out of those restrooms, have there been cleaning procedures between patrons? I used the public restroom on our embarkation day, before we could get into our stateroom, and again on our last night when we were dining in Polo. Neither time did I see an attendant in the washrooms. In fact, the washroom outside of Polo's was not very clean. On our particular cruiseline of choice, there seem to always be washroom attendants cleaning up as passengers come and go.

 

I am planning to write up and post photos of our 2/12 - 2/20 (shortened) cruise later this afternoon. Can't decide if I should post here, on the 25% thread, or start a new thread. :rolleyes: This thread has become a discussion of all things from blame to talking about many different cruises and what happened on those cruise versus the 2/12 cruise. :eek: Getting confusing. :confused:

 

Except for embarkation day, I never used a public restroom on our 2/12 cruise. That seemed to be a logical place to avoid given our situation. Having a washroom attendant would have been a great solution, not just keeping the outside door open. I also avoided all elevators and never touched a handrail while walking up and down stairs. Now I know that is not possible for all guests, but it worked well for my husband and me. I certainly hope the current voyage goes without an incident.

[Iamthesea]

It's tricky to get into all those crevices.

(Uh, I'm talking about the remotes! :eek:)

 

We are going to start bringing baggies, and plop the remote into one.

That will allow easy use of all the buttons/toggles.

 

Has anyone tried this, and if so, do remotes work well when in a baggie?

 

Great idea, and I think it would work well. :) The first thing that my DH does when we enter a hotel or stateroom is to reach for the remote and turn the TV on. I get so irritated that he doesn't wait until I have cleaned the room with Clorox wipes.

 

Except for embarkation day, I never used a public restroom on our 2/12 cruise. That seemed to be a logical place to avoid given our situation. Having a washroom attendant would have been a great solution, not just keeping the outside door open. I also avoided all elevators and never touched a handrail while walking up and down stairs. Now I know that is not possible for all guests, but it worked well for my husband and me. I certainly hope the current voyage goes without an incident.

 

That's what we do. Never hand rails, and we mostly used the stairs. When we did need to go up more than 6 or so floors, DH used his elbow to push the buttons. On that last evening, we were too far away for me to go down to our stateroom to use the ladies room between ordering and the appetizer, so I broke my rule and went across the hall. I too was shocked about no attendant being there. Celebrity has bathroom attendants in the evening, at the very least!

 

About my review, it will probably be tomorrow before I get it published. I have appointments and errands today, not to mention laundry. :eek:

Edited February 24, 2016 by Iamthesea

[hiccups]

We got the bleach version (per CDC website for noro agents) and got one tub AND also a box of individually wrapped wipes.

 

We toss a bunch in our regular luggage, and then keep several in outside pockets of carryons.

And I keep a couple in my purse at all times now.

 

We had already purchased the tub when we found the boxes of individually wrapped wipes.

 

 

Would you have a link to the individually wrapped wipes?

[GeezerCouple]

Would you have a link to the individually wrapped wipes?

 

Here you go:

 

https://www.healthykin.com/p-3889-pdi-sani-cloth-bleach-germicidal-disposable-wipes.aspx?gclid=CLrB8N7PkMsCFZJlfgodawQPMg

 

If this link works, there should be a tiny drop down menu off to the right, and towards the bottom, there will be a link to boxes of the individually packaged wipes.

 

Hmmm... I just noticed that there is a smaller sized wipe than what we have. The larger is great for large surfaces (or airplane trays!).

But I think we'll get a box of the smaller ones to carry around in general.

The supplier we found last December didn't have all of these choices.

 

Good luck.

 

I do wish that Oceania had been more proactive, or even more reactive (given the lack of 'response' noted on the CDC site...)

 

However, it CAN happen anywhere.

It happened to me a year ago in Italy, on a land-based trip, and I ended up in hospital there, getting tons of IV fluids. We'll never know for sure where I got it.

(And we do not know for sure that it was noro - although it was vicious enough! - vs. some other nasty GI bug.)

We were very surprised that DH didn't catch it from me, although that does suggest that with proper precautions, it doesn't "need" to spread.

 

On Riviera 2 months ago, I tried leaning against handrails with the outside of my wrist/arm, rather than "holding" the handrail. But that doesn't work very well, unfortunately.

 

Importantly, the alcohol based "disinfectants" are *not* active against noro.

And these bleach wipes are NOT meant to be used on the skin.

So it's scrubbing with soap and hot water. And trying to avoid public toilets whenever possible, as others have mentioned.

[floatplan]

When you look at CDC web site and see that 125 passengers were sick and only 3 crew it makes no sense. Someone is not telling the truth, O or the ships senior staff. This can not be. Someone should look at this and heads should roll for breaking the law and not reporting as they should. Putting all of us at risk. It is like the CDC is covering up or they are stupid.

 

Per Wikipedia on Norovirus after sickness there is 6 to 24 months immunity. Since there has been Noro on the ship since November seems possible much of the crew is immune.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus

 

"After infection, immunity to norovirus is usually incomplete and temporary,[7] with one publication drawing the conclusion that protective immunity to the same strain of norovirus lasts for six months, but that all such immunity is gone after two years.[8]"

 

It also notes

"Many norovirus outbreaks have been traced to food that was handled by one infected person.[10] Koopmans M, Duizer E (2004). "Foodborne viruses: an emerging problem". Int. J. Food Microbiol. 90 (1): 23–41. "

[GeezerCouple]

Per Wikipedia on Norovirus after sickness there is 6 to 24 months immunity. Since there has been Noro on the ship since November seems possible much of the crew is immune.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus

 

"After infection, immunity to norovirus is usually incomplete and temporary,[7] with one publication drawing the conclusion that protective immunity to the same strain of norovirus lasts for six months, but that all such immunity is gone after two years.[8]"

 

It also notes

"Many norovirus outbreaks have been traced to food that was handled by one infected person.[10] Koopmans M, Duizer E (2004). "Foodborne viruses: an emerging problem". Int. J. Food Microbiol. 90 (1): 23–41. "

 

This is very interesting.

 

Is there any chance at all that those previously/recently infected (thinking crew especially here, as they remain on the ship more than passengers do) could still be infectious (shedding the virus, especially if repeatedly exposed) but just not be showing symptoms?

 

If so, that could be a real public health nightmare... (similar to what seems to be happening....???)

[HeatherInFlorida]

It is common knowledge that people are using way too many sanitizers, too many anti-bacterial wipes, etc. does nothing for a virus anyway. And it kills our ability to fight with our natural immune system. Not talking about onboard Ruviera right now when in Code Red, but generally speaking. Cleanliness is the most important thing we can do wherever we go.

[iamkingofall]

It is common knowledge that people are using way too many sanitizers, too many anti-bacterial wipes, etc. does nothing for a virus anyway. And it kills our ability to fight with our natural immune system. Not talking about onboard Ruviera right now when in Code Red, but generally speaking. Cleanliness is the most important thing we can do wherever we go.

 

Thanks for your time .It is sounding like a cleaning job more than a vacation . Good luck to you and hope your enjoying your cruise . :D

[hiccups]

Here you go:

 

https://www.healthykin.com/p-3889-pdi-sani-cloth-bleach-germicidal-disposable-wipes.aspx?gclid=CLrB8N7PkMsCFZJlfgodawQPMg

 

If this link works, there should be a tiny drop down menu off to the right, and towards the bottom, there will be a link to boxes of the individually packaged wipes.

 

Hmmm... I just noticed that there is a smaller sized wipe than what we have. The larger is great for large surfaces (or airplane trays!).

But I think we'll get a box of the smaller ones to carry around in general.

The supplier we found last December didn't have all of these choices.

 

Good luck.

 

 

Great, thank you! I guess I will also throw in a couple pairs of disposable gloves to avoid any skin irritation from using them.

 

We're on Riviera on 3/13. Perhaps keeping in mind all the past difficulties will break me of my terrible nail-biting habit for at least that week :D

Edited February 24, 2016 by hiccups

[muth cruiser]

I am planning to write up and post photos of our 2/12 - 2/20 (shortened) cruise later this afternoon. Can't decide if I should post here, on the 25% thread, or start a new thread. :rolleyes: This thread has become a discussion of all things from blame to talking about many different cruises and what happened on those cruise versus the 2/12 cruise. :eek: Getting confusing. :confused:

 

 

 

Glad to hear you are posting pictures. I wish I would have taken some pictures of the dripping walls and staff spraying in the casino, where guest were sitting, in mask, protective clothing, and rubber gloves and boots.

 

I would like to see the pictures on a new thread.

[TravelerThom]

Do the doors open and close automatically? Hate to tell you but not everyone washes their hands after using the restroom. If they then use their hands to open the restroom door there is the potential to spread the virus...

Oceania's newer ships (Marina 2011 and Riviera 2012) are the only ships I have seen launched in the last 10 years that do NOT have handicap door openers on entry/exit doors of public restrooms (there may well be others, but I haven't been on them). I generally use the door openers, not because I have mobility issues, but because I can hit them with a hip or elbow and open the door with no need to use my hands. This does not solve all the issues (eg water faucets, stall doors, etc) but does allow me to exit without touching the door or having to find an "exit tissue" after thoroughly washing my hands.

 

By providing no handicap door opener Oceania sends me two messages:

1) Oceania does not want those pesky mobility challenged people (and we are all headed that way).

2) Oceania does not make personal sanitation easy.

[CruiserPK]

I am planning to write up and post photos of our 2/12 - 2/20 (shortened) cruise later this afternoon. Can't decide if I should post here, on the 25% thread, or start a new thread. :rolleyes: This thread has become a discussion of all things from blame to talking about many different cruises and what happened on those cruise versus the 2/12 cruise. :eek: Getting confusing. :confused:

 

 

 

Glad to hear you are posting pictures. I wish I would have taken some pictures of the dripping walls and staff spraying in the casino, where guest were sitting, in mask, protective clothing, and rubber gloves and boots.

 

I would like to see the pictures on a new thread.

 

I took tons of photos of the cleaning crew and some in my cabin of all the wet surfaces. Unless you were there, it is hard to comprehend how this impacted your vacation. Looking forward to reading your review and seeing your photos.

[Iamthesea]

I'll start a new thread as soon as I can get some time and energy to think straight. LOL

 

CruiserPK - Perhaps you can also post. I did not get any of the staff spraying in mask, protective clothing, rubber gloves and boots. Wish I had. I did take some audio of all the noise outside our stateroom door (we were across the hall from 3 service entrances.) Every time we left or entered our stateroom, there was someone either dressed in a hazard suit or several crew carrying buckets of solution in and out of the service areas. Very noisy! That, along with the fogging in the middle of the night, caused us to lose sleep. :(

[Pet Nit Noy]

... I did not get any of the staff spraying in mask, protective clothing, rubber gloves and boots. ... Every time we left or entered our stateroom, there was someone either dressed in a hazard suit or several crew carrying buckets of solution in and out of the service areas. ... That, along with the fogging in the middle of the night, caused us to lose sleep.

 

Has there been any communication from Oceania about the chemicals being used as part of the disinfectant process? I assume that any chemical that is strong enough to require hazmat gear is probably a trigger for health problems for someone with a compromised respiratory system. Asthma or COPD would probably be the two most obvious and most common respiratory problems. With all the focus on the gastro-intestinal issues, the respiratory issues seem overlooked.

 

If I had respiratory issues, I'd sure want to know the name of the active ingredient in the spray and liquid wipe before getting on the ship. The instant I learned that information, I'd be placing a phone call to my pulmonologist.

 

Does anyone know if Oceania is providing that information if asked directly?

Edited February 24, 2016 by Pet Nit Noy

[Travelcat2]

Another thread? Passengers on the WC are already making fun of how many threads there are and are starting to ignore them (and, of course, they have Norovirus on the ship).

 

May respectfully ask what good it will do to post pictures? Will this serve only to get more people worried and upset. Truly hope that any pictures that are posted are on this thread (although I actually wish they would not be posted at all.) What more could possibly be said that hasn't been said in 582 posts (counting the three main "noro" threads). It would be great if we could go forward and take one day at a time and stop looking backwards.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Travelcat2