NCL Bliss, Sun Nov 24 NYC delayed boarding till 2pm

[mking8288]

Heads up, robo call/message this morning that ship - Bliss to Florida & Bahamas is delayed for turnaround this Sunday, advised cruisers on robo calls that check-in from 2 to 4 pm, sailing at 5pm 😲

 

Specialty dining previously lost, unable to rebook yet, system errors ... typical. 

 

Anyone onboard with news ?? Ship's live webcam offline or out of satellite range ? 🤦

Edited November 21, 2019 by mking8288

[luckyinpa]

maybe the extra cleaning another source reports is needed is true. better to clean and sterilize while you can!

[tutuwahineLV]

maybe USCG inspection...or deep cleaning.  Relax....it's only a delay not a cancel. 

[www3traveler]

Given that a passenger coming off The Sun the other day was arrested by the FBI, I would guess a Coast Guard or Customs and Border Protection inspection.

[Greek Boss]

It is probably a Coast Guard inspection. A friend of mine was just on the Escape out of New York the other week and they received emails saying because of an inspection they shouldn't arrive to the port until after 1:00. Needless to say they arrived and boarded around 11 (they were staying in the Haven).

[Formula280SS]

On the Bliss enjoying the 21 day LA (Mexican Riveria, Panama Canal and Caribbean) to NY.

 

There is wide ranged speculation on some health issues on the ship that have ranged from a lower gastro intestinal issue at the first leg of the cruise (and some mention of other speculative illnesses).  The Captain updates daily on the status of everything and has steadfastly maintained that such issues are under control and the measures in place are cautionary and for preventative purposes.

 

Since prior to the last port stop, evidence of increased procedures has increased every day.  What started as more diligent "washy-washy" has evolved into (1) extreme cleaning of all public surfaces (walls, doors, hallways, etc.) (2) maximum chair and table washing, repetitively all day (3) no self serve at food venues (your dishes are handed to you with your napkin and utensils), including specialty venues and the Haven where staff is segregated into "no cross contamination" roles (the table is set fresh by one, plates, glasses etc. by another), no salt, pepper or sauces/spices: A1, etc. are available on the table; rather by request and served in paper packets or in stainless steel for the sauces, a waiter takes the food order and the food is delivered by the runner, the waiter nor the runner 'buses the tables; finally, the entire table is removed by segregated staff with gloves (4) washing hands with soap and water and purell is required (5) the paper menus are removed each time used,  the leather is wiped, and a new paper menu is placed (6) your table is then cleaned top to bottom and all of the chair that is not fabric.

 

So, it's hard to tell what's up and there are stories from one end of the spectrum to the other.  I'll leave it to all to make their own assessment.

 

Finally, after over 2-weeks of flat seas, we're heading on a B-line to NY and, well, the Atlantic is just a bit different.  Most upper forward sundecks closed, the seas are NE to SW so there there are two directional moving elements winds and seas, and seasickness has now become an issue for some (appears to be a small %); ear patches and wrist balls have appeared, the 'just-in-case bags are out everywhere and (as usual) some people wait too long to get a bag and there have been issues and the response 'clean up crew is out.

 

The weather is not forecast to get better.

 

So, I don't have any answers, just offerings of what we've seen and heard first-hand.

 

I will say that if 'nothing serious has developed, this crew has been implementing their code rated protocol in exceptional performance.

 

Hope this helps.

 

I will update daily if there is additional qualitative direct information from the Captain.

Edited November 21, 2019 by Formula280SS

[FLAHAM]

The cleaning protocol is routine when Norovirus reaches a certain affected number.  I have been on 2 NCL cruises when they were implemented.  In both cases, the vast majority of passengers were entirely unaffected and activities continued as before.

[Love my butler]

Good rule of thumb.  If the captain is telling you one thing, the truth is probably the opposite.  Poor communication and misinformation are NCL's strong suits.

[mking8288]

3 hours ago, Formula280SS said:

On the Bliss enjoying the 21 day LA (Mexican Riveria, Panama Canal and Caribbean) to NY.

 

 

Thanks for sharing the live on-location details ... NCL can't do much about rough seas and weather, aside from charting ship's heading to navigate around.  

 

Very familiar with that given description ... we experienced the same on the Escape this January, mid-way thru our 14 days West Caribbean sailing out of NY - with progressive escalation of measures taken.  An official written  announcement was distributed to all staterooms - midway thru our cruise - and updates from the bridge at the daily 10 a.m. briefings to reassure all guests ... 

 

We got back to NY earlier but nobody allowed off early - until the ship was cleared, disembarkation was running behind schedule with extra cleaning.  Boarding or embarkation for the subsequent sailing was pushed back and delayed.  No happy campers.  Things happened.

 

Some, if not all, of the ship's onboard infection control measures remained largely in place for the subsequent sailing ... highly vigilant.  

[onetimearoundtheworld]

Being on the cruise as well I wonder if that has been observed on other affected cruises as well that NCL has been pushing back the time to the “no self service at all” escalation level until after breakfast of the last port of call to ease operations. As with three sea days now the crowds are easier to stretch over the opening times of dining venues than before port arrival times and excursion starting times. 
 

I never got the rationale behind how it can help to take away the ketchup and napkins on the tables but still have everyone use the same things and push the same buttons for juice and coffee. 
 

Service and mood have already been difficult so far and I expect not getting any better the next days with the extra stress on crew and guests. 
 

Has been a long time since staff member avtively approached me to vent about other guests and the on board management lol 

 

[hallux]

17 hours ago, tutuwahineLV said:

maybe USCG inspection

 

15 hours ago, Greek Boss said:

It is probably a Coast Guard inspection

I was on the cruise before this 21-day Panama Canal transit.  Unless they're stepping up the frequency of the inspections - this is unlikely as we had delayed boarding due to this very reason (though it's very odd that there was NO forum traffic related to that delayed boarding, it wasn't communicated in advance).

 

Now, others have indicated there seem to have been some health issues so that would explain it...

[dexddd]

Thanks MKing and 280 for the PSA as probably not everyone will get notice from NCL or a post on their page.

 

MKing, will be looking for your live interviews of disembarking paxs on Sunday, for our convenience, of course.

[mking8288]

5 hours ago, dexddd said:

Thanks MKing and 280 for the PSA as probably not everyone will get notice from NCL or a post on their page.  MKing, will be looking for your live interviews of disembarking paxs on Sunday, for our convenience, of course.

 

Ha ha ha, LMAO ... I am not going to be there for the mayhem.   Our CAS friends will be boarding this Sunday ... they got a free upgrade within OV to one of those oversized family OV with extra beddings (6 to a cabin).  But, we failed to try to be stowaway ... something about lifeboat capacity to add 2 of us, no can't do.  Sold out sailing - we're going to steal a last minute cheap booking, even Insides will do, not to do the bumper cars.   Anyway, they will stay in touch help with "intel" next week.  There is a good Roll Call going (hello, Charlie ... if you read this) and I'm 98% positive that they are going to live for us, for fun, kicks & convenience.  

 

They kind of panic with the robocall / message about the delay ... calm & ready for what's ahead.  Ship's live webcam online & working, blue skies, fair weather clouds & calm seas, deep blue ocean ahead ... looking like smooth sailing today.  

 

BTW, I believe it's going to be USPH inspection with the suspected viro ... USCG will do the safety, CBP with the usual.  

[Formula280SS]

On 11/22/2019 at 6:51 AM, dexddd said:

Thanks MKing and 280 for the PSA as probably not everyone will get notice from NCL or a post on their page.

 

MKing, will be looking for your live interviews of disembarking paxs on Sunday, for our convenience, of course.

 

Well, a final update.

 

The waters got calmer as of mid-afternoon yesterday (Friday) so the seas were less of an issue for the sea sickness factor.  It also got a bit colder, but we were still able to sun quite a bit of the day.

 

The cleaning continues to be rigorous.  Staff comments about 1. keeping "it" under control and from spreading and 2. "inspection" when the ship gets to NY.

 

Were up late one night and had to wait to walk down our hall.  They were air spraying and fogging the ceilings, walls and rugs.  Apparently they've been doing this in the early AM for days.  The hallway and room stewards began also wearing masks and ours indicated that 1. the potency of the disinfectant is increase under Code 2 (no idea what that is) and that, when used on the rugs, they can't use the vacuum cleaners until it air dries as the vacuum heat and suction 'vaporize the disinfectant chemicals and cause respiratory issues for them (and passengers).

 

Finally, WE'RE ARRIVING EARLY; 2:30 - 3:00 AM per the Captain moments ago.  One would venture that they will be able to use the extra time to perform whatever procedures need to be done (or as directed upon NY inspection) prior to the next cruise.

 

INSIDE ACTIVITIES and SEATING (Observation Lounge, Atrium, etc.) at a PREMIUM with the weather getting much colder heading the last couple hundred miles towards NY.  Very little suntanning; guess the sweatshirts an jackets kind of block out the sun.

 

Next cruisers' GLTY and have a good time.

 

This was a really great 21 day itinerary with great weather most of the way.

Edited November 23, 2019 by Formula280SS

[dexddd]

32 minutes ago, Formula280SS said:

 

Well, a final update.

 

The waters got calmer as of mid-afternoon yesterday (Friday) so the seas were less of an issue for the sea sickness factor.  It also got a bit colder, but we were still able to sun quite a bit of the day.

 

The cleaning continues to be rigorous.  Staff comments about 1. keeping "it" under control and from spreading and 2. "inspection" when the ship gets to NY.

 

Were up late one night and had to wait to walk down our hall.  They were air spraying and fogging the ceilings, walls and rugs.  Apparently they've been doing this in the early AM for days.  The hallway and room stewards began also wearing masks and ours indicated that 1. the potency of the disinfectant is increase under Code 2 (no idea what that is) and that, when used on the rugs, they can't use the vacuum cleaners until it air dries as the vacuum heat and suction 'vaporize the disinfectant chemicals and cause respiratory issues for them (and passengers).

 

Finally, WE'RE ARRIVING EARLY; 2:30 - 3:00 AM per the Captain moments ago.  One would venture that they will be able to use the extra time to perform whatever procedures need to be done (or as directed upon NY inspection) prior to the next cruise.

 

INSIDE ACTIVITIES and SEATING (Observation Lounge, Atrium, etc.) at a PREMIUM with the weather getting much colder heading the last couple hundred miles towards NY.  Very little suntanning; guess the sweatshirts an jackets kind of block out the sun.

 

Next cruisers' GLTY and have a good time.

 

This was a really great 21 day itinerary with great weather most of the way.

Thanks 280 for the detailed info.

 

Maybe you can do some live interviews tomorrow of passengers since MKing is unable to leave the command center tomorrow.  I'm sure he'll be tired having to stay up late watching your early arrival.  😀

[mking8288]

7 hours ago, dexddd said:

Thanks 280 for the detailed info.  Maybe you can do some live interviews tomorrow of passengers since MKing is unable to leave the command center tomorrow.  I'm sure he'll be tired having to stay up late watching your early arrival.  😀

Ditto, thank you to Formula280SS for the live onboard update.   Did you see any crew members suited up in Level C PPE working in team ... b/c we saw them down our corridor, apparently doing decontam in one of the sealed/roped off stateroom, as we headed out to dinner.  

 

I think, mission accomplished.  The "horror" stories will come out, one way or another, if someone hasn't call the press.  Ship in-bound on AIS off Atlantic City, NJ - should be early as forecasted.  

 

PSA - it is still early in the flu season, remember to consult with one's PCP and get a flu shot if indicated.  

 

 

 

Edited November 24, 2019 by mking8288

[Formula280SS]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Ditto, thank you to Formula280SS for the live onboard update.   Did you see any crew members suited up in Level C PPE working in team ... b/c we saw them down our corridor, apparently doing decontam in one of the sealed/roped off stateroom, as we headed out to dinner.  

 

I think, mission accomplished.  The "horror" stories will come out, one way or another, if someone hasn't call the press.  Ship in-bound on AIS off Atlantic City, NJ - should be early as forecasted.  

 

PSA - it is still early in the flu season, remember to consult with one's PCP and get a flu shot if indicated.  

 

 

 

 

Well, we made it back under the bridge around 3AM (I dressed and went to the Haven lounge with others), pass that Statue and nicely docked at the pier.  After 20/21 warm and sunny days, the weather disembarking stunk.  Wasn't any better after short flight from EWR to BOS (roller coaster 30 minute flight right in the storm the whole way).  Even colder and more rainy here. 🙄

 

In BOS until Friday when we head to MIA to catch B2B on MSC's new Meraviglia Yacht Club.

 

TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS:

 

At both the NY pier and BOS Logain airport, the ride-share (Uber and Lyft) are being really squeezed (trying to force a back flow to the cab$ licensed by cities).😲  Poor locations at each and difficult for those who can't handle their own luggage.

 

Alternately, with experience at the NY pier, we used NCL affiliate for direct SUV pick up right at the curbside of the exit from the pier terminal.  It was about $20 more that Uber, but avoiding crossing the streets in the rain and cold, well worth it.

 

Good luck for those heading out today.  The crew is excited to meet passengers from NY and NJ (they have had some "training").  So, be gentle.  😉

 

 

[dexddd]

Have a great time on Meraviglia.  We'll be in Mera YC in March.

[Formula280SS]

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

Have a great time on Meraviglia.  We'll be in Mera YC in March.

 

Nice.

 

Another comment; there were just over 100 minor children on this cruise (ship wide), only a couple in the Haven.  We were told by the Concierge that there would be 1,200 on the upcoming cruise, including 75 in the Haven.

 

Holiday cruise.

[hallux]

1 hour ago, Formula280SS said:

just over 100 minor children on this cruise (ship wide)

Not much of a surprise on a 21-day cruise...

[mking8288]

@Formula280SS  - great summary to wrap this up, much appreciated.  Spoke to our friends around 12:30 pm as they're checked in, relaxed & just a matter of waiting to board, knowing what happened, do help ease the anxiety vs. not knowing a thing or two. 

 

As far as ground transportation, it is what it is with all FHV (car services, Uber & Lyft, even private vehicle pickup) and not much different than all 3 airports locally, LGA being the worst with long term expansion & reconstruction.  Those frail folks and/or with accessible needs, and lots of luggage/traveling with children ... never find it easy to navigate.  On the other hand, one of our young nephew just took the subway to/from their Escape cruise last week - both ways with a rollerboard & backpack each.  

 

Just spoke to our friends, they got to the pier earlier than requested (2 p.m.) and got checked-in after going thru security, managed to board the ship & did the mandatory safety drill ... (absolutely packed wall-to-wall with children & teens)  As expected, crew dishing out utensils, plates & not allowing pax to touch food items at the buffet or even the buttons for water, coffee/tea or other "self-service" tasks in the buffet.  Got 1 out of 2 checked bags delivered, still busy finished loading 20 minutes ago.  Now, ship has backed out & steaming down the Hudson River. 

 

@dexddd - just read the Norwegian Joy - after a 16 days itinerary (originated from Florida) disembarked in San Pedro (LAX) port today also had issues with norovirus.  Paramedics apparently triaging & screening passengers for symptoms ... hundreds of them, sounding pretty hysterical, apparently getting global coverage.  

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/hundreds-people-rushed-norwegian-joy-20951768

 

[mamashamiller]

On 11/24/2019 at 11:39 AM, Formula280SS said:

 

Alternately, with experience at the NY pier, we used NCL affiliate for direct SUV pick up right at the curbside of the exit from the pier terminal.  It was about $20 more that Uber, but avoiding crossing the streets in the rain and cold, well worth it

what is ncl affiliate?  Also going back to Newark airport 

thanks

[Formula280SS]

5 hours ago, mamashamiller said:

what is ncl affiliate?  Also going back to Newark airport 

thanks

 

This is the 1st time we've heard of or used NCL.  It is available at Customer Service or the Haven Concierge.

 

The name of the entity NCL uses is 'groundlink.  NCL gets a %, then credits you for it; but there is also an automatic gratuity.  Both almost off set each other.

 

At the counter, my email hit immediately with the confirmation.

 

Confirmed GroundLink Reservation #7390603 on 11/24/2019, 06:45AM

 

The pickup was literally at the first inside curbside.  The driver had our name on his smartphone with large font aiming at the passengers disembarking.

 

 

[At Sea At Peace]

Reading a RCCL thread (link below) in which a new thread 'wonders' if a November 2019 could have been a precursor or early virus cruise.  I believe the thread is by a healthcare worker.  I understand there are positions that the virus hadn't left the region of origin at that time, but much has been noted to allow for some variation on the timing.

 

Also on this cruise and noted the 'protocols' that are highlighted by F2008.

 

To add, this was a premier "Asian Panama Canal cruise ending with a NYC Thanksgiving" and there absolutely was a very significant percentage of such demographics.

 

I defer to the consensus regarding the lack of symptoms (for us) but 'something was up' and it wasn't Noro.

 

Anyone else take this 21-Night cruise back then have any thoughts to add?