Koningsdam Code Red in St Thomas

[BJzink]

On 1/31/2020 at 10:30 AM, Seasick Sailor said:

Unfortunately hand sanitizer won't help from recent news. Just wash, wash, wash your hands soap and water. Stay safe!

And - keep your hands away from your face!

[3rdGenCunarder]

Question for those who were on the ship. What did they do about the dispensers of sugar? Things that everyone touches can spread Noro. 

 

[aliaschief]

2 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

Question for those who were on the ship. What did they do about the dispensers of sugar? Things that everyone touches can spread Noro. 

 

Paper sugar packets!

[ZSandy25]

On 1/31/2020 at 6:21 PM, Himself said:

I hope they get it under vontrol.  I hope they do another deep clean in Ft. Lauderdale. I  go on the K'dam three weeks from Sunday. 

Would that be the 23rd?  If so I will be joining you, and look forward to meeting on a sanitized ship.

[Spire2000]

People who were staying on for back-to-backs today were all told they had to disembark for the day for a deep clean. $100 OBC for each affected cruiser.

[lvz2cruz]

We got off K yesterday.  

The code red did start Thursday morning when we were in St. Thomas.  For the first time we all had to use those hand cleaners you put your hands into and then they squirted Purell on you.  They also made a few announcements about a low percentage of Noro.

As we were walking on the odd numbered side of deck 1 to get off, there was a mess on the floor and we had to turn around and go another way.  A few crew were cleaning and sanitizing.

We spent all the sea day Friday in the area above the Lido pool and I was in the pool 3 or 4 times and the whirlpool once.  Husband never got in.  Late afternoon we noticed the pool had ropes over it and they had moved all the pool chairs and were cleaning.  I was surprised they had not done it later that night until I found out it was a deep clean.  I know I was in there about 4:00 and all seemed fine.

Saturday things eased up a bit and we all had a great day at Half Moon Cay.   We came back on the last tender and enjoyed sailaway at the back knowing it would be our last bit of warm sunshine for a while.  After we went in to shower, my husband said he did not feel well and Noro hit him hard and fast.  I called the number they had announced to call and was connected to the medical center which gave him immodium and meclizine.  He slept all evening.  

Two guys in masks, gloves, and plastic aprons came and wiped down our light switches and door handles and cleaned the bathroom.  They put our towels in a large trash bag and tied it up.  They were not soiled, just used to dry after showering.  I was told to put our luggage out and call immediately when I did because someone different would pick up.   The guy game wearing gloves.  

We were disembarked the next morning by an officer type person getting us from our room at 6:45 and taking us with 10-15 other cabins to BB Kings where we waited about an hour. Right next to all those lined up for self disembarkation!!   I was also surprised that when we were escorted from our cabin, another couple got in our elevator.  I thought they were with our sick group, but they went the other way.  I was disappointed that the officer did not suggest they not share an elevator with someone quarantined.

Customs came to BB Kings and checked our passports, then we were taken down to A deck and went off the ship the same way we would in a port.  It was VERY disorganized there.  We all waited outside in 55 degree temps for about 20 minutes while they figured how to pass out our luggage which was right there in the cages they load it onto when we drop off to board the ship.   We finally got it and were on our way.   It seemed like they had never done this before.  I love HAL, but the whole disembarkation was poorly done.  And I'm sure my husband wasn't the only one feeling miserable as we waited what seemed forever.  He did not go to work today.   First day missed in 6 years.  That's how bad it hit him.   I drove us home yesterday while he slept.

We have laughed several times how I was in and out of the drained pool that day and am fine while he never got in and is sicker than a dog.

[lvz2cruz]

On 1/31/2020 at 11:30 AM, Seasick Sailor said:

Unfortunately hand sanitizer won't help from recent news. Just wash, wash, wash your hands soap and water. Stay safe!

You're absolutely correct.  Husband got the noro and the paperwork from the medical center says that hand sanitizer does not work and you need to wash hands with soap and water.  So I don't understand the zeal for Purell.  Friday night in the dining room when I got pager they squirted my hands and when it went off and we went back to get table they squirted again.  

[3rdGenCunarder]

27 minutes ago, lvz2cruz said:

You're absolutely correct.  Husband got the noro and the paperwork from the medical center says that hand sanitizer does not work and you need to wash hands with soap and water.  So I don't understand the zeal for Purell.  Friday night in the dining room when I got pager they squirted my hands and when it went off and we went back to get table they squirted again.  

 

I'm sorry your husband got Noro. It's ugly, no question about it. He could have picked up the virus any where. DH and I used to laugh that I was so careful to use my knuckle to press the elevator button, then I would step back and lean on the railing--with my hands on the railing. You don't think about all the things you touch during the day. 

 

The incubation period varies and so does the intensity. Four of us got Noro at the end of a cruise on QE2 many years ago. We eventually came to the conclusion that the one thing we all touched was the carafe of bar snacks. And who knows how many people had touched it before we did. DH got sick first, the day we disembarked, and he had the most severe symptoms. As he was getting better, I got sick. Then the other man, and finally, the other woman. The other couple were not as sick as we were. 

 

You said that the process seemed like they'd never done it before. I wonder if that might be true. They could have used the situation as a practice run so they'd be prepared in case they had a passenger with coronavirus. 

 

[slidergirl]

I am always sorry for those who get Noro.  Just to show it's not just for cruises, I caught it at my one Forbes 4-star luxury hotel!!! I was at work and, man, it comes at you FAST.  I would not wish it on my worst enemy.  Well, maybe my last hotel manager...

[Bridies mom]

On 1/31/2020 at 6:59 PM, Himself said:

 

 

I am old and fat!  Are you sure you want to meet me?

Oh I will see you at mass too. Have read your posts for years. Thank you for your posts,and for offering mass

[Himself]

3 hours ago, Bridies mom said:

Oh I will see you at mass too. Have read your posts for years. Thank you for your posts,and for offering mass

Thanks

[STANCPA44]

Code Red was lifted yesterday. Things are back to normal.

[jimmy2x]

9 minutes ago, STANCPA44 said:

Code Red was lifted yesterday. Things are back to normal.

Good. We are boarding Wednesday. 

[Valley Girl of VA]

I'll see you on the ship as we are cruising then too!

 

Jane