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

[JAMESCC]

I am worried RCCL will get fed up with Bayonne because they have to be so cautions now and not sail from here anymore. Any possibility of that happening?

[Ocean Boy]

Ditto! I live in Fort Lauderdale - if I wanted to sit in the sun, I would walk outside. I very rarely can do a cruise over 3-4 days and this was my only opportunity to check out a Quantum class. I don't care if I'm wearing a snowsuit to do it. Plus, travel can also be an adventure.

 

I guess it is the same reasoning as to why I don't go to the Caribbean to go to the beach when I can do that down the street. That is why I dislike the Labadee forced beach days.

[Ocean Boy]

I am worried RCCL will get fed up with Bayonne because they have to be so cautions now and not sail from here anymore. Any possibility of that happening?

 

As long as they keep making money on the sailings from NJ they won't be leaving any time soon.

Edited February 28, 2016 by Ocean Boy

[JAMESCC]

As long as they keep making money on the sailings from NJ they won't be leaving any time soon.

 

But if they keep having to turn around, cancel sailings and give refunds then they aren't going to be making money.

[chengkp75]

No. That is the problem of the lack of accurate communication.

Senior management does not discuss the number.

According to staff, we are at highest level of sanitation due to

the number of cases.

We are hearing and seeing the illness around the ship.

 

Just be honest about the severity of the outbreak.

 

Their highest level of sanitation would be instituted somewhere between the 2% and 3% levels, as the trend in the number of cases is more important than the raw numbers. So between 2-3% is about 110-190 people, all told, not necessarily at the same time. So people who were sick at the start of the cruise, but are now over it, still add to the reportable number of cases.

 

So, take a random 100 people on the ship and group them in a lounge. 2-3% of them being ill is 2-3 people. Is this epidemic levels? How many have any number of other contagious diseases?

[oldguysandgalls]

Maybe a name change is in order, how about just "Ahum"?

:D :rolleyes:

[BND]

Their highest level of sanitation would be instituted somewhere between the 2% and 3% levels, as the trend in the number of cases is more important than the raw numbers. So between 2-3% is about 110-190 people, all told, not necessarily at the same time. So people who were sick at the start of the cruise, but are now over it, still add to the reportable number of cases.

 

So, take a random 100 people on the ship and group them in a lounge. 2-3% of them being ill is 2-3 people. Is this epidemic levels? How many have any number of other contagious diseases?

 

Exactly. Right now, my mother is getting over a gastrointestinal virus she's had for 3 days and my dad just came down with it last night. They are both 78 yrs old. They caught it living their everyday life in the town they live in. They know of several other people they don't even know, who also have it. There is also a major cold and the flu currently going around. It's just what happens.

 

Heck, I've said this before, but everyone who goes to work, I guarantee at your place of employment, there are at least 2-3% of the population sick at one time on any given day, and I mean really sick, not just taking a sick day off.

 

How quickly people forget, there are "outbreaks" this time of year on one or two ships. It's more related to time of year than anything else and it happens on ships sailing out of all ports, not just the NE.

Edited February 28, 2016 by BND

[BonTexasNY]

A question for the experts, some people are saying that passengers should be allowed to stay on the ship in Bayonne and use it as a floating hotel. Would that even be possible? Bayonne is the start/end of the cruise, not a port of call. I'm thinking there are likely different port regulations but I could be wrong.

 

If passengers were able to stay on board in Bayonne would the casino and shops remain open? What about serving alcohol? Just curious.

 

I lived in NY my hometown for many, many years. Approx. 15 years ago, we took a cruise out of NY, not out of NJ, to Canada in August. We received a great rate and drove 30 minutes to the port, no flying! Spotty weather, very windy/cold up in Canada and I missed the balmy Caribbean sunshine. If I still lived in NY, northern cruises would not be an option no matter the rate or convenience. Just me. I know others love those Northern cruises.

 

Hopefully, the norovirus can be contained and eliminated. Seems like most on the Anthem are making the best of the situation. Continued smooth sails and a safe return to all of you.

Edited February 28, 2016 by BonTexasNY

[DaniDanielle]

Maybe people who are sick should admit it or at least people should stop touching things things they should not touch. The people are bringing the virus onboard, RCCL is not creating it..

[champagne123]

Their highest level of sanitation would be instituted somewhere between the 2% and 3% levels, as the trend in the number of cases is more important than the raw numbers. So between 2-3% is about 110-190 people, all told, not necessarily at the same time. So people who were sick at the start of the cruise, but are now over it, still add to the reportable number of cases.

 

So, take a random 100 people on the ship and group them in a lounge. 2-3% of them being ill is 2-3 people. Is this epidemic levels? How many have any number of other contagious diseases?

 

Thank you for clarifying. I knew that was bologna. Why can't people just tell the plain truth instead of exaggerating???? Plus staff members telling her??? Absurd. I am positive they have very strict instruction's for handling these situation's. Why would they tell a stranger and risk losing their job? Again...absurd.

Edited February 28, 2016 by champagne123
dddddd

[cruisenfever]

If passengers were able to stay on board in Bayonne would the casino and shops remain open? What about serving alcohol? Just curious.

 

I lived in NY my hometown for many, many years. Approx. 15 years ago, we took a cruise out of NY, not out of NJ, to Canada in August. We received a great rate and drove 30 minutes to the port, no flying! Spotty weather, very windy/cold up in Canada and I missed the balmy Caribbean sunshine. If I still lived in NY, northern cruises would not be an option no matter the rate or convenience. Just me. I know others love those Northern cruises.

 

Hopefully, the norovirus can be contained and eliminated. Seems like most on the Anthem are making the best of the situation. Continued smooth sails and a safe return to all of you.

If the ship were to port in Bayonne for 2 nights, the shops and casino would be handled like any other port........closed.

[CRUISEFAN0001]

Nothing better to do?.....:rolleyes:

Than reading the Internet news today....not really... :rolleyes:

 

I'm also starting to read about the toll it's taking on the crew. I empathize with their predicament.

 

They have to keep smiling and do their jobs in some pretty tough situations - we always admire their service.

Edited February 28, 2016 by CRUISEFAN0001

[ETski]

Ok first let me say enjoy the remainder of the cruise. Make the best of it and don't let this ruin your vacation. Now I do have a question. Exactly what day did the captain think this storm would reach Hatteras? Wondering as we are leaving on the Grandeur out of Baltimore on March 2. Need to be prepared for a rough ride or possible delayed departure!!!!!!

[Guest maddycat]

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.

 

Thanks for posting your positive experience with the food and service. Sorry that your cruise is being cut short but it seem to be the correct decision under the circumstances. Stay healthy.

[foxgoodrich]

No. That is the problem of the lack of accurate communication.

Senior management does not discuss the number.

According to staff, we are at highest level of sanitation due to

the number of cases.

We are hearing and seeing the illness around the ship.

 

Just be honest about the severity of the outbreak.

 

I'm confused!:confused::confused: There are others aboard your cruise who have posted that they've heard announcements with updates of the number of cases. (That's also been my experience on the 3 Noro cruises we've been on. We heard update announcements once or twice each day.) Nevertheless, if you've missed the announcements, you could go to Guest Services and ask. I'm sure they can give you the update since the number of cases are called in daily under the VSP protocols. The lowest level of VSP begins with ONE case of Noro. The highest level of VSP begins at 1% or 2% I believe, so that would be about 60-120 cases, right?

Judy

[foxgoodrich]

If passengers were able to stay on board in Bayonne would the casino and shops remain open? What about serving alcohol? Just curious.

 

I lived in NY my hometown for many, many years. Approx. 15 years ago, we took a cruise out of NY, not out of NJ, to Canada in August. We received a great rate and drove 30 minutes to the port, no flying! Spotty weather, very windy/cold up in Canada and I missed the balmy Caribbean sunshine. If I still lived in NY, northern cruises would not be an option no matter the rate or convenience. Just me. I know others love those Northern cruises.

 

Hopefully, the norovirus can be contained and eliminated. Seems like most on the Anthem are making the best of the situation. Continued smooth sails and a safe return to all of you.

 

Casino and shops would not be open while in a US port, but bars could be open.

Judy

[reallyitsmema]

I'm confused!:confused::confused: There are others aboard your cruise who have posted that they've heard announcements with updates of the number of cases. (That's also been my experience on the 3 Noro cruises we've been on. We heard update announcements once or twice each day.) Nevertheless, if you've missed the announcements, you could go to Guest Services and ask. I'm sure they can give you the update since the number of cases are called in daily under the VSP protocols. The lowest level of VSP begins with ONE case of Noro. The highest level of VSP begins at 1% or 2% I believe, so that would be about 60-120 cases, right?

Judy

 

Here is a link to the CDC criteria for reporting:

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm

 

Cruise ship outbreak updates are posted when they meet the following criteria:

 

Fall within the purview of VSP (see about VSP),

Are sailing on voyages from 3-21 days,

Are carrying 100 or more passengers,

Are cruise ships in which 3% or more of passengers or crew reported symptoms of diarrheal disease to the ships medical staff during the voyage, and

Are gastrointestinal illness outbreaks of public health significance.

[SparklyNails]

There has been no definitive number of noro cases announced on board - simply that ' a number' of guests have attended the medical centre. Precautions seem excessive, staff being aggressive with the hand sanitiser when you have used it 30 seconds previously - most surfaces seem sticky or wet to the touch most of the time. If it was a handful of cases would it be so in your face? I don't know!!!

[chengkp75]

I'm confused!:confused::confused: There are others aboard your cruise who have posted that they've heard announcements with updates of the number of cases. (That's also been my experience on the 3 Noro cruises we've been on. We heard update announcements once or twice each day.) Nevertheless, if you've missed the announcements, you could go to Guest Services and ask. I'm sure they can give you the update since the number of cases are called in daily under the VSP protocols. The lowest level of VSP begins with ONE case of Noro. The highest level of VSP begins at 1% or 2% I believe, so that would be about 60-120 cases, right?

Judy

 

The VSP is in effect every day for the cruise ships that call at US ports. It is a way of life, and affects nearly every aspect of cruise ship design, construction, and operation. It goes way beyond GI reporting and mediation procedures. In fact, Acute Gastro-Intestinal illness is only one of 12 sections of the VSP, and the VSP does not actually list or mandate mediation procedures, these are developed by the individual cruise lines, and are submitted to the USPH/CDC with the initial special report and all subsequent updates, with varying procedures as the outbreak progresses. The USPH/CDC can at any time request that the company perform additional measures if USPH does not feel the outbreak is being controlled.

[GolfMom321]

I am on that sailing, and quite frankly, I wouldn't be disappointed if it was canceled and we received a refund.

 

I would! Really looking forward to it. Of course, if it was a safety issue, then I'd want to cancel as well. I've been on ships with Noro before, and am not worried. And the cold weather won't bother me--plenty to do inside. Looking at the forecast maps, the storm looks to hit NJ with a glancing blow and then go out to sea, nowhere near Halifax. Of course, that's all speculation! Crossing my fingers...

 

Icebergs as in the Titanic! :D

 

In early April 2012 we did a TA from NYC to Southampton with a port stop in Halifax. Leaving that port the ship had to divert south to avoid icebergs and packed ice flows. This was just before the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

 

 

Now if I looked out from my balcony and saw that, I think I might be a teeny bit freaked out! :eek:

[emdia43]

I am worried RCCL will get fed up with Bayonne because they have to be so cautions now and not sail from here anymore. Any possibility of that happening?

 

I can't see that happening.

They might as well say they will avoid the Caribbean during hurricane season in future .... When you book a cruise you should be prepared for everything to change at Mother Nature's whim.

[chengkp75]

Here is a link to the CDC criteria for reporting:

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm

 

Actually what you are quoting is the requirement for an "outbreak update" to be posted on their website.

 

Unless I want to link to the entire VSP, here are a few quotes from it regarding reporting:

 

4.2.1.1.1 24-hour Report (01)

The master, medical staff, or other designated staff of a vessel destined for a U.S. port from a foreign port must submit at least one standardized AGE report based on the number of reportable cases in the AGE log to VSP no less than 24 hours—but not more than 36 hours—before the vessel’s expected arrival at the U.S. port.

 

4.2.2.1.1 2% and 3% Illness Report (01)

The master or designated corporate representative of a vessel with an international itinerary destined for a U.S. port must submit a special report at any time during a cruise, including between two U.S. ports, when the cumulative percentage of reportable cases entered in the AGE surveillance log reaches 2% among passengers or 2% among crew and the vessel is within 15 days of expected arrival at a U.S. port.

A telephone notification to VSP must accompany the special 2% report.

A second special report must be submitted when the cumulative percentage of reportable cases entered in the AGE surveillance log reaches 3% among passengers or 3% among crew and the vessel is within 15 days of expected arrival at a U.S. port.

 

4.2.2.1.2 Daily Updates (01)

Daily updates of illness status must be submitted as requested by VSP after the initial submission of a special report. Daily updates may be submitted electronically, by telephone, fax, e-mail, or as requested by VSP.

[reallyitsmema]

Actually what you are quoting is the requirement for an "outbreak update" to be posted on their website.

 

.

 

I posted the following quote directly from the CDC website. Did not say it was anything different.

 

Cruise ship outbreak updates are posted when they meet the following criteria:

 

I only provided a link to information, nothing more.

[foxgoodrich]

Here is a link to the CDC criteria for reporting:

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm

 

 

I think this link has a bit more info.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/investigationoverview.htm

 

Judy

[reallyitsmema]

I think this link has a bit more info.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/investigationoverview.htm

 

Judy

 

I give up. I only posted a link to the CDC for people to read any information they wanted to, nothing more, nothing less.