Anthem of the seas is headed back to Cape Liberty now due to a storm

[foxgoodrich]

I am very disappointed how RCCL is handling the Norovirus on the Anthem. First off, don't the cruisers have a right to know how bad the Norovirus outbreak is? What about cruisers with compromised immune systems or other health issues that need to be more cautious about coming down with an illness? Don't we have rights to the cdc records?

 

The inconsistency is all over the ship. Promenade Cafe you have to be handed Tea bags, sugar, etc. Handrails are being cleaned hourly. In the casino the slots are being wiped after each passenger. They have closed some entrances, to keep all using sanitation. Bumper cars are closed to prevent spread of the virus

 

The restaurants are being sanitized via a fog spray each night.

 

 

Not sure I can trust RCCL anymore.

 

I think you can relax a little bit. You already know that there are cases of Noro on the ship and you know that precautions are being taken. People who have compromised immune systems know how to be cautious in any environment where there are lots of other people, so they will take appropriate measures to protect themselves as well. This is simply a fact of life for anyone who must take an immunosuppressing drug. We also know that 80% of Noro outbreaks occur between Nov and April every year, so I imagine this fact impacts the times when people with fragile medical conditions or immuneosuppressing prescriptions cruise and fly on airplanes.

 

I'm not sure why you think CDC "records" would be helpful to the passengers. The only records are the reports of cases made by ships to the CDC and the procedures being followed to contain the outbreak. Ships participate in something called the VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program) and you've already noticed that VSP procedures are being followed on Anthem.

 

Cruise ships are required to log and report to VSP the number of passengers and crew members that say they have symptoms of GI illness. Ships are also required to keep a list of all passengers and crew members that have requested antidiarrheal medication. These statistics help determine the effectiveness of the sanitizing measures taken to control the spread of the virus. Anthem has obviously followed the regs and reported the number of cases on a daily basis since the first one occurred on your cruise. The crew, by your report, is following the VSP procedures.

 

I wish that schools were subject to something like the VSP requirements of cruise ships!:eek: My granddaughter's school closed for 2 days last year in Feb because such a high percentage of children and teachers had Noro. They've already had an outbreak this year, but it only affected about 5% of the school so they didn't close. I wish they followed the same kind of sanitizing procedures in schools that they do on ships.

Judy

Edited February 28, 2016 by foxgoodrich

[LMaxwell]

Not Chintzy at all - If it were me I wouldn't care how I got my credit as long as I got it

 

If it could be used onboard OR refunded to my original form of payment that's A-OK with me.

 

If it only could be used onboard, that is in no way acceptable to me.

 

It looks like this would probably fall under refundable though.

[lazeyey]

We are on this ship also it has been great so far and the food has been very good. The size of the lobster tails in the grande were very large and no limit.

Yes disappointing cruise cut short due to the storm and yes want to be safe , that being said couldn't we extend the cruise a few days to be sure storm passes, suppose it doesn't? Talking about a forecast for Wednesday and we all know how the weather can change.

The person who posted a level for Niro virus, where did you hear that?

They are cleaning like I never saw on any cruise I've been on.

Again disappointed but oh god please get us home safe!

 

I heard it on the speaker yesterday late morning when mostly everyone was in Martinique. I asked someone at seaplex who told me what the level was all about. Apparently they haven't one in 5 years! The noro virus started our small (a handful of people) and now it's apparently REALLY bad and way more people have it. They're washing the walls constantly on our deck.

[CRUISEFAN0001]

I'm having difficulty understand "inconsistency" when every item you mention sounds like increased preventative measures.

I'm with you on this...it sounds like a list of prudent preventative measures, not the misleading point of that previous poster.

[cruisenfever]

That is what I saw on the letter posted in regards to the two days being refunded; it stated if not used goes back to original form of payment.

 

But in another paragraph on the letter regarding canceled excursions for missed ports it just says refunded as OBC and no mention of if not used going back to original form of payment.

 

I don't know if it becomes refundable or non-refundable OBC. In this case it is the cruise line who canceled, not the guest, so I believe it SHOULD be refundable, but I am not sure.

If the shore excursion was booked from home it was paid for by credit card. Since it is now being canceled by RCI, a credit will appear on the SeaPass account in the form of a refundable OBC.

 

If the shore excursion was booked on board, a refund will be made back to the SeaPass card and that will cancel out the original charge and there will be no OBC.

Edited February 28, 2016 by cruisenfever

[Ocean Boy]

Yes I know - I live here in Jersey - and we are cruising north! UGH!

 

 

I am north of you. Why would anyone want to sail in this dierction on a cruise ship at this time of the year?:confused::confused::eek:

[Thetrail]

Thank you so much for posting. Another poster had said food being served was rotting and spoiled. I was very upset to hear something like this and could not believe they were serving spoiled food. My final payment is due Tues and was considering going out of NY instead and not on this ship with all these issues.. I know it is always iffy and take chances any time you cruise and I dont let too much bother me but cold, rotting food being served is unacceptable. Good to hear you had no issues with food.

If you REALLY believe that post I have some swampland in Florida to sell you.....:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[celebrity]

Interesting article speculating about Anthem's returning early yet again to Cape Liberty.

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/02/articles/rough-weather-1/anthem-of-the-seas-afraid-of-the-weather-or-more-bad-publicity/

 

He never has anything positive to say about any cruise line.

If they continued with the planned itinerary, he would have jumped all over it, accusing Royal of being reckless. The ship didn't cause Noro, passengers carried it onboard.

I feel awful that the cruise is being cut short.

For those on board, stay well and I hope your next cruise is drama free.

[SportsFanatic]

You know final payment to RCI is not till 75 days out (and also the cancellation deadline) - according to your sig you will be at 101 days on Tuesday.

Wow. went back and looked at my due date again for final payment and noticed there are different dates.. . One cabin says 3/1 and the other says 4/12.. Checking with TA now.. That will be good to know I have little more time to make decision- Thanks for that, I would have made payment and not realized..

[bren61]

We were on the January 25th sailing, we also lost a day and had a complete itinerary change from Western to Eastern due to storm Jonas. They only gave us a $200 OBC (which didn't cover our days loss) and offered no discount on a future cruise. Why is it that 2 sailings after us got a full refund + 50 % and the other is getting 1 day refund plus 50% off their next cruise. RCL needs to keep their compensation policy the same for all cruises. To anyone on our cruise, I would encourage everyone to contact RCL to see if they are going to issue us a 50% refund also, I feel we are also entitled to the same compensation as the others.

 

I previously posted this Quote, and after reading the letter you all received on the current sailing, I sure hope anyone on the January 25th sailing will be calling Miami to see that we also get our 50% future cruise credit.

[cruisekmc]

Hey everyone. Sorry for the awful spelling mistakes and not making sense.

 

 

 

I forgot to also mention that this ship is FREEZING everywhere. I just asked a nurse about this and she confirmed that it is colder on the ship because that can help control the norovirus outbreak.

 

 

 

Worst Royal Cruise yet. I only had my stateroom cleaned 3 times in 7 days. Nice.

 

 

We are on Anthem right now as well. It's my second time on RCL, but have sailed on 18 cruises. It's a beautiful ship, service has been wonderful and our food has been terrific as well. Things happen when you travel, you have to learn to roll with it. They are doing their best with the Norovirus. We were on another cruise that this happened with.

 

Abe the Cruise Director explained what was going on during the show last night (the show was so funny!) and I think that was all that the people needed. We will be compensated. The Captain came on with Abe and explained how the storm is brewing in the Mid-West and if we kept on schedule we would be hitting it in Cape Hatterras. After what happened previously, they do not have a choice. The passengers on this ship are a much older crowd. I think the best decision was made by all. Sorry if this is repeating what others have said...I didn't go through and read each comment.

 

My Stateroom has been cleaned twice a day since we arrived on the ship.

Edited February 28, 2016 by cruisekmc

[reallyitsmema]

I am north of you. Why would anyone want to sail in this dierction on a cruise ship at this time of the year?:confused::confused::eek:

 

That cruise is a 3 day cruise to nowhere that is stopping in Halifax for an hour to make it legal. Passengers can't disembark. Will be interesting to see how that one goes since the storm that is bringing Anthem in early is going to be up our way Friday and Saturday based on the current long range forecast. Those usually head up towards Halifax or head out to sea, time will tell.

[cruisekmc]

If you REALLY believe that post I have some swampland in Florida to sell you.....:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

Food is wonderful, fresh and many healthy items are available. Book it! We have gone out of NY for the last 10 years in February and this is the first time we encountered a problem with weather. The worst seas that we sailed in was in the Caribbean.

[ksg]

I previously posted this Quote, and after reading the letter you all received on the current sailing, I sure hope anyone on the January 25th sailing will be calling Miami to see that we also get our 50% future cruise credit.

 

Agree, we got shafted.

[Trail46]

On the ship now. Food has been great, staff friendly and attentive for the most part. Suite concierge announced we're at OP 3, highest level of protective measures for the virus. Think compensation is adequate, just disappointed because I REALLY wanted to go to Barbados and St. Kitts. Weather right now beautiful - hot and sunny. Most people seem to me to be OK with what Royal has offered IMHO. Staff is cleaning like mad. Are some inconsistencies in preventive measures. For instance, Johnny Rockets still handing out pagers that they call when the food is ready. Don't see them sanitizing each phone, but perhaps they are. Also, can still serve yourself in Windjammer, but we were told that they don't have enough staff (due to illness) to have them serve us. To repeat, it's been a great cruise, just really miss those islands - especially when we in Long Island are slated for 5-8 inches of snow on Friday!

[sharonlacey]

We will be going on Anthem the 27th of March and I am sooooooooooo ready, lol. Sure it will be wonderful, staff, food, etc....

 

I have been on Isogenix for a while and plan on eating bread, as Oprah says" I Love Bread", lol.

 

So glad to hear from the Happy Cruisers and hope all enjoy the rest of the cruise.

 

Sharon;)

[cruisekmc]

It''s clear now that they are being disembarked two days early because of noro. If it was weather that they wanted to get ahead of they'd let people stay on. Royal should just be upfront and say we're rushing to beat the weather, and noro's really bad on here so when we get back, get off.

 

 

 

Can anyone onboard say if Royal is helping with change fees for travel arrangements or putting anyone up in local hotels?

 

 

 

Side note: Does anyone else think it's a bit chintzy that they are refunding excursions for skipped ports as an account credit and not back to the original form of payment? Doesn't that put people in a "use it or lose it" case or did I misread the letter?

 

 

I think both issues are being handled. It's what needs to be done. Are you on the ship right now? I am. We are disappointed, but that is what should be done. We'll get over it and book another cruise! [emoji2]

[champagne123]

We will be going on Anthem the 27th of March and I am sooooooooooo ready, lol. Sure it will be wonderful, staff, food, etc....

 

I have been on Isogenix for a while and plan on eating bread, as Oprah says" I Love Bread", lol.

 

So glad to hear from the Happy Cruisers and hope all enjoy the rest of the cruise.

 

Sharon;)

 

I wouldn't be bragging about Oprah's bread....the stocks crashed for Weight Watchers on Friday. :eek:

 

Have a great time on the Anthem and I hope you report back.:):):)

[loveg]

They're doing what they think is best for the welfare and safety of all on board.

 

I had one concern about the construction of the Allure and the Oasis. They appear to be open in the back. If they go through high seas and rough weather, would the interior incur water damage?

 

My husband and I was on the Oasis during Sandy. No issues!

[Chrislynn55]

 

You could say the same thing about cruises out of FL during an active hurricane season.

 

And about cruises leaving from Tampa during "fog" season.

[sharonlacey]

Champagne, just thought it was funny that Oprah keeps saying she loves bread when we can all see that she loves bread by her size, lol.;)

[CRUISEFAN0001]

This time around receiving just as much national negative publicity as the first episode...

 

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Storm-Battered-Cruise-Ship-Turns-Around-Mid-Trip-To-Avoid-Second-Storm-in-the-Atlantic-370423791.html

 

http://abc7ny.com/news/anthem-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-damaged-in-storm-turns-around-again/1222542/

 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/cruise-ship-that-was-damaged-in-storm-turns-around-again/ar-BBq75Ve?li=BBnbcA1

[Biker19]

This time around receiving just as much national negative publicity as the first episode...

 

Trolling the other thread is not enough?:rolleyes:

[CRUISEFAN0001]

Trolling the other thread is not enough?:rolleyes:

Those news stories are just unfolding over the past 24 hours...

 

Good grief...stalking not enough? :rolleyes:

Edited February 28, 2016 by CRUISEFAN0001

[aclendenin]

Hello

 

I'm the one that posted the food issue. I'm glad someone has had a good experience! Those stories are few and far between. I think I'm done speculating why it's been so bad but the scale of the sickness hast to be a part of it.

 

Interesting enough I also had a good lobster experience. They were cooked perfectly and warm ;-). I was so shocked I asked my server about it. The reason is lobster is cooked real time and it's popular. The servers line up and 'fight' for their share to serve. So yes you'll like that 👍🏼

 

As I said in my post I'm really not a complainer. I don't expect fine dining and I'm usually always happy with just ok. Of course I'm sure there are many good experiences onboard, unfortunately mine and many others have not been good.

 

I was told there is some food warming system that is malfunctioning (won't maintain proper temp)

 

Couple of other thoughts. I FEEL SO BAD FOR THE CREW. Now I love my NY and NJ friends but good god, no one can bitch complain scream and be down right rude better than you all. The problems on the ship are real. RCL needs to fix it but the poor crew busting their butts to make it all work inspite of some on serious systemic issues aren't to blame.

 

Reference the noro virus. It's bad onboard. I think the trust problem stems from there's so many people. And the captain initially didn't communicate the scale of the problem. It's just been trickling out....similar to the legs of the pooping people on deck 4 and now 14. Insert poop humor here 🙊🙈🙉

 

 

Thank you so much for posting. Another poster had said food being served was rotting and spoiled. I was very upset to hear something like this and could not believe they were serving spoiled food. My final payment is due Tues and was considering going out of NY instead and not on this ship with all these issues.. I know it is always iffy and take chances any time you cruise and I dont let too much bother me but cold, rotting food being served is unacceptable. Good to hear you had no issues with food.