News on the Westerdam

[cruisemom42]

3 hours ago, thyme2go said:

Incubation Period is now being updated to "up to 24 days".........another curve despite the appearance of things being okay on the Westie.............

 

Can you post where you found this info?  The CDC site still says 14 days.

[rafinmd]

2 minutes ago, tjcox9 said:

Crystal, Cunard, of course Diamond Princess. QM2 was allowed into Malaysia, but only for fuel and supplies, to leave off a few passengers to fly directly out as I understand and then to go directly to Darwin AUZ

I don't believe Maylaysia put any restrictions on people leaving QM2.  I believe that was a decision made by Cunard to ward off any potential problems with the Australian authorities, since everybody on QM2 has been on since at least Dubai on January 30.  I am on the Crystal Serenity.  Not only we were we denied entry but the Astor had crew in Tonga waiting to join the ship and the authorities refused to allow them even to get on a boat out to meet the ship.

 

As far as I can see, unless Tonga has closed down it's borders completely and stopped all air traffic they do not accomplish much by denying entry to cruise ships.

 

Roy

[Viv0828]

21 minutes ago, BarbarianPaul said:

All I’m saying is that if I were on the Westerdam, I would probably be somewhat demoralized that a) my cruise was cancelled, b)  the ship was turned away at almost every port we were supposed to visit, and c) so much uncertainty remains about where we would be debarking. I personally love sea days, but in this context I’m not sure I would enjoy them. I think I’d just want to get out of there and resume my life, and if my government wanted to help, I’d be appreciative.

 

i agree except the part about loving sea days!  LOL!!

Edited February 12, 2020 by Viv0828

[tjcox9]

21 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I don't believe Maylaysia put any restrictions on people leaving QM2.  I believe that was a decision made by Cunard to ward off any potential problems with the Australian authorities, since everybody on QM2 has been on since at least Dubai on January 30.  I am on the Crystal Serenity.  Not only we were we denied entry but the Astor had crew in Tonga waiting to join the ship and the authorities refused to allow them even to get on a boat out to meet the ship.

 

As far as I can see, unless Tonga has closed down it's borders completely and stopped all air traffic they do not accomplish much by denying entry to cruise ships.

 

Roy

Was not aware from where the restriction came. Thanks for clarifying. Hope all works out for all involved in the best possible way. Tough times for the Asian tour and cruise industry right now. Best to all involved..................

[cccole]

37 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I don't believe Maylaysia put any restrictions on people leaving QM2.  I believe that was a decision made by Cunard to ward off any potential problems with the Australian authorities, since everybody on QM2 has been on since at least Dubai on January 30.  I am on the Crystal Serenity.  Not only we were we denied entry but the Astor had crew in Tonga waiting to join the ship and the authorities refused to allow them even to get on a boat out to meet the ship.

 

As far as I can see, unless Tonga has closed down it's borders completely and stopped all air traffic they do not accomplish much by denying entry to cruise ships.

 

Roy

I'm sure you remember the measles outbreak which included Tonga in 2019, there were hospitalizations but no deaths.  This has to be on their minds when they are not wanting cruise ships to unload hundreds of tourists.  I agree that if Tonga does not deny air traffic they are only dealing with part of the problem.  At least they are trying to protect their citizens.   Not sure why crew were not allowed to leave Tonga.  JMO  Cherie  

[NSWP]

1 hour ago, icat2000 said:

No the world hasn't gone mad. But any disease or infection is devastating for small counties like Tonga who don't have the hospitals or healthcare professionals to handle any mass outbreak. They have every right to protect their citizens from the slightest risk. 

 

 

I agree Sarah, but I don't think Australia would be ecstatic about receiving Westerdam or a ship that has recently been to Asia.

[thyme2go]

59 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Can you post where you found this info?  The CDC site still says 14 days.

 

This is a medical assessment by Chinese authorities........so lots of data but the avg days were 3, however the range was 0-24 when you read the data.   CDC has not adopted this info yet.......however I'd assume the Chinese have many more patients than the CDC has seen............just food for thought on this wiley virus.

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1

[NSWP]

6 minutes ago, thyme2go said:

 

This is a medical assessment by Chinese authorities........so lots of data but the avg days were 3, however the range was 0-24 when you read the data.   CDC has not adopted this info yet.......however I'd assume the Chinese have many more patients than the CDC has seen............just food for thought on this wiley virus.

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1

Who knows with these infection numbers and deaths coming out of China, could be under reported.

[cruiserchuck]

12 minutes ago, thyme2go said:

 

This is a medical assessment by Chinese authorities........so lots of data but the avg days were 3, however the range was 0-24 when you read the data.   CDC has not adopted this info yet.......however I'd assume the Chinese have many more patients than the CDC has seen............just food for thought on this wiley virus.

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1

 

Based on this new information, I would not be surprised if the quarantine period on the Diamond Princess is extended.  I assume the authorities in Japan would rather be safe than sorry.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

25 minutes ago, cruiserchuck said:

 

Based on this new information, I would not be surprised if the quarantine period on the Diamond Princess is extended.  I assume the authorities in Japan would rather be safe than sorry.

 

Since the crew were not quarantined, and could easily spread it to each other, not to mention 5 food handlers had fallen I'll as of yesterday, the clock should reset to zero.

[atexsix]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

 

I am still enthusiastic on this cruise and our land trip after but I am watching carefully.  I think we should be ok.  At least, I truly hope so. 🤞

 

On the other hand, I’ve stopped all my planning for my Japan cruise in September.  I’m not going to any more work on planning until I see how this all plays out.

I've also got our next one on hold, we were planning the transpacific from Australia/NZ to San Diego, not sure how persnickety those little south pacific islands are going to get, but they were turning away ships for the measles issue so who knows, we have over a year on this one, so plenty of time to think it through and see how all this plays out. 

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, Viv0828 said:

 

i agree except the part about loving sea days!  LOL!!

I agree on this too, assuming I have no issues at home, an endless number of sea days wouldn't be all that horrible, even if I was confined to my stateroom.  But the people that hate sea days probably feel trapped.  And that alone feeds right into the number one argument from all the cruise naysayers I know that refuse to even consider going on one (you know the type of people I'm talking about). 

[npcl]

1 hour ago, thyme2go said:

 

This is a medical assessment by Chinese authorities........so lots of data but the avg days were 3, however the range was 0-24 when you read the data.   CDC has not adopted this info yet.......however I'd assume the Chinese have many more patients than the CDC has seen............just food for thought on this wiley virus.

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1

The paper was one written to provide information to help with diagnosis and treatment.  It was basically a review of 1000 patients records.  While the summary mentioned the shorter mean time, it did not mention the 24 day max.   WHO felt that the 24 day was probably a double exposure.  The first in the file, but the illness actually came from a later exposure according to their 2/10 conference call.  I do believe that they are having a technical conference with a number of experts on the subject before reaching a final conclusion.

Edited February 12, 2020 by npcl

[npcl]

19 minutes ago, atexsix said:

I've also got our next one on hold, we were planning the transpacific from Australia/NZ to San Diego, not sure how persnickety those little south pacific islands are going to get, but they were turning away ships for the measles issue so who knows, we have over a year on this one, so plenty of time to think it through and see how all this plays out. 

I would put it a bit differently.  Some of them, especially Samoa, were severely impacted by measles last year (several deaths) such that they do not want to take a chance with any new outbreak now.  Have heard that 2 ports in New Caledonia have stopped accepting cruise ships, as well as Samoa, and now Tonga.

 

We are three cruises planned in the south pacific area (conflict islands, New Guinea, etc), followed by one from Sydney to Honolulu.  Decided that a lot could change during 40 days at sea and with the several of the south sea ports already saying no to cruise ships, to go ahead and cancel and minimize losses compared to potentially  canceling closer to the cruise date.

[Dr.Dobro]

HAL doubles down -- says Mar. 14-28 leg still on; $100 pp OBC and 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC 100% for cancellations)

 

Received Feb. 11, 11:35 p.m. Eastern. Similar notice went out for the Feb. 29-March 14 leg a few days ago.

 

Dear Valued Guest: 
 
We look forward to welcoming you on board Westerdam for our now round-trip Yokohama (Tokyo) voyage. 
 
We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation with respect to the new coronavirus that originated in mainland China and wish to reassure you that our medical experts are coordinating closely with global health authorities. For more information, please see the updated Guest Health Advisory attached to this letter.
 
Please be advised that guests who have traveled from or through mainland China, Macau, or Hong Kong within 14 days of the start of their cruise (including transit through their airports), or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus or a person who is under monitoring for coronavirus in the last 14 days prior to sailing will not be permitted to board the ship. If you will fall into one of these categories, please call us at the number below to process a cancellation and refund prior to sailing.
 
Shipboard staff will be scanning guest passports to verify transit through any of the prohibited areas.  Given the serious nature of these circumstances, false responses on pre-boarding documents will result in immediate grounds for disembarkation at the next opportunity.  Guests who do not disclose travel through prohibited areas in Asia may also face additional legal consequences.
 
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we are currently evaluating the port calls on your voyage and anticipate that there may be additional changes to your itinerary as countries adjust their entry criteria. 
 
In recognition of the changes to your voyage, each guest who sails will now receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 50% of the base cruise fare paid for this 14-day voyage, rather than the 20% previously offered. The terms and conditions of this credit are detailed below. Although not a replacement for the missed ports, it is our sincere hope that the Future Cruise Credit will help you to create new cruise memories with us in the near future.
 
As previously communicated, each guest who sails will receive a $100 onboard credit. The onboard credit may be used toward all purchases in the bars, boutiques, and photo gallery, as well as specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions. (Cannot be redeemed for cash or used in the Casino.)
 
Should you have incurred expenses related to adjusting your embarkation flights, we will reimburse up to $250 in air change fees. Please present proof of change fees at Guest Services once you are on board for review by our corporate office to be refunded in onboard credit.
 
We understand this may not be the cruise vacation you anticipated, and some guests may prefer not to travel at this time. Should you choose to defer your travel and cancel your cruise you will receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (excluding independent travel expenses) that can be used on a replacement cruise that sails within 12 months. The terms and conditions of this Future Cruise Credit are listed below. 
 
We regret this disruption to your vacation plans and appreciate your understanding. Please refer to the attached Health Advisory for more information about the steps Holland America Line is taking to safeguard our guests and precautions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting a respiratory illness. 
 
Should you have any questions, please contact us at the appropriate office:
 
Seattle Office (USD/CAD currency):
Contact us at 1-800-577-1729 or 206-626-7385. We are available Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm PT.
 
Rotterdam Office (EUR currency):
Contact us at 00800 1873 1873. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
For Netherlands contact us at 0800 724 5425. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
 
Southampton Office (GBP currency):
Contact us at 0344 338 8605. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
 
Sydney Office (AUD currency):
Contact us at 1300 987 322. We are available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 7:00pm, Thursday
8:30am – 8:00pm.
 
Thank you for your attention to this important information and for choosing Holland America Line. We are eager to welcome you on board and remain, as always, at your service.
 
Kind regards,

Holland America Line
 
 

 
Health Advisory - Coronavirus
 
Dear Valued Guest: 
 
To protect the health and safety of all onboard, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to the new coronavirus that originated in mainland China. Our medical experts are coordinating closely with international health authorities and have activated enhanced screening, prevention and control procedures for our ships to keep guests and crew safe.   
 
To limit the spread of the illness, health authorities in China have restricted travel across many cities in the affected areas, cancelled mass public gatherings and are conducting airport arrival screening. The global health response has adopted similar measures, including entry restrictions and screening requirements for travelers from affected areas.
 
We have also adopted measures intended to keep you safe. These include:

Any individual who has traveled from or through mainland China, Macau, or Hong Kong within 14 days of the start of their cruise, (including transit through their airports), will not be permitted to board the ship.  
Shipboard staff will be scanning guest passports to verify transit through any of the prohibited areas.  Given the serious nature of these circumstances, false responses on pre-boarding documents will result in immediate grounds for disembarkation at the next opportunity.  Guests who do not disclose travel through prohibited areas in Asia may also face additional legal consequences.
Any individual who has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus or a person under monitoring for coronavirus within 14 days of the start of the cruise, will not be permitted to board the ship.
Pre-Boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons with fever or respiratory symptoms with travel from or through an affected area. 
Standard pre-boarding health reporting for all guests advising them of their obligation to report any illness symptoms.
Medical screening for coronavirus on all guests who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of respiratory illness.
Reporting to local and national health authorities of all cases of fever and respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected coronavirus infection.
Crew members from China will be delayed from joining any ship until further notice. 
Environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.
 
As with all respiratory illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season, you can take steps to reduce your risk of illness: 
•               Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
•               Where soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•               Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illness.
•               Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
•               Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
•               Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. 
 
If you experience any symptoms of respiratory illness which may include fever or feverishness, chills, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact the Medical Center. Updated information on the illness and travel advice, can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Novel Coronavirus 2019, Wuhan, China | CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor an outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan City, China. This HAN Update provides a situational update and guidance to state and local health departments and health care providers ...
www.cdc.gov
.
 
Please be aware that as the situation is changing rapidly, you may be required to undergo additional health screening measures by local health officials before you disembark at any of the ports we visit, and entry requirements are subject to change. If any revisions need to be made to our itinerary due to travel restrictions, or to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, we will update you as soon as possible.
 
Thank you for taking the time to read this important information, and we thank you for your understanding and continued support.  
 
Yours in health,
 

Dr. Grant Tarling
Chief Medical Officer
 

 
For Guests Who Sail
 
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) Terms & Conditions
The value of this credit may be applied to the cruise fare only of a new cruise or Land+Sea Journey reservation with Holland America Line, and it is combinable with any other applicable discount. While the credit is valid for one year from the date of this email, please note that it needs only to be applied to the new booking by that time; the cruise does not need to depart within this timeframe. Although you may choose any stateroom category, this offer is dependent upon space availability and cannot be transferred, refunded, or used as a deposit. This credit may not be used for onboard expenses, pre- and post-cruise packages, shore excursions, taxes, Cancellation Protection Plans, Home City Air, Hotel Service Charges, or other optional programs or services. We ask that you or your travel professional verify this offer with our Reservation Agent at the time your new reservation is placed. For your convenience, the credit is built in direct association with Mariner Society numbers so it will automatically be credited toward the cruise fare of the next Holland America Line sailing booked.
 
For Guests Who Choose to Cancel
 
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) Terms & Conditions
The value of this credit may be applied to the cruise fare only of a new cruise or Land+Sea Journey reservation with Holland America Line, and it is combinable with any other applicable discount. The credit is valid for a cruise departing within one year from the date of this email. Although you may choose any stateroom category, this offer is dependent upon space availability and cannot be transferred, refunded, or used as a deposit. This credit may not be used for onboard expenses, pre- and post-cruise packages, shore excursions, taxes, Cancellation Protection Plans, Home City Air, Hotel Service Charges, or other optional programs or services. We ask that you or your travel professional verify this offer with our Reservation Agent at the time your new reservation is placed. For your convenience, the credit is built in direct association with Mariner Society numbers so it will automatically be credited toward the cruise fare of the next Holland America Line sailing booked.
 
 

Edited February 12, 2020 by Dr.Dobro
Correction

[atexsix]

11 minutes ago, npcl said:

I would put it a bit differently.  Some of them, especially Samoa, were severely impacted by measles last year (several deaths) such that they do not want to take a chance with any new outbreak now.  Have heard that 2 ports in New Caledonia have stopped accepting cruise ships, as well as Samoa, and now Tonga.

 

We are three cruises planned in the south pacific area (conflict islands, New Guinea, etc), followed by one from Sydney to Honolulu.  Decided that a lot could change during 40 days at sea and with the several of the south sea ports already saying no to cruise ships, to go ahead and cancel and minimize losses compared to potentially  canceling closer to the cruise date.

I know they need to do what they feel is right, but I wish they were realistic about their policies.  The measles in particular had a lot of people scratching their heads with one island demanding proof of the shot, well where on God's green earth are people going to find paperwork from something that took place almost 50 years ago?  Maybe they have a skewed idea of western countries, we don't all go to one doctor down the street like many of these small island communities can do.

 

 

[dreamers25]

20 minutes ago, Dr.Dobro said:

HAL doubles down -- says Mar. 14-28 leg still on; $100 pp OBC and 50% Future Cruise Credit (FCC 100% for cancellations)

 

Received Feb. 11, 11:35 p.m. Eastern. Similar notice went out for the Feb. 29-March 14 leg a few days ago.

 

Dear Valued Guest: 
 
We look forward to welcoming you on board Westerdam for our now round-trip Yokohama (Tokyo) voyage. 
 
We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation with respect to the new coronavirus that originated in mainland China and wish to reassure you that our medical experts are coordinating closely with global health authorities. For more information, please see the updated Guest Health Advisory attached to this letter.
 
Please be advised that guests who have traveled from or through mainland China, Macau, or Hong Kong within 14 days of the start of their cruise (including transit through their airports), or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus or a person who is under monitoring for coronavirus in the last 14 days prior to sailing will not be permitted to board the ship. If you will fall into one of these categories, please call us at the number below to process a cancellation and refund prior to sailing.
 
Shipboard staff will be scanning guest passports to verify transit through any of the prohibited areas.  Given the serious nature of these circumstances, false responses on pre-boarding documents will result in immediate grounds for disembarkation at the next opportunity.  Guests who do not disclose travel through prohibited areas in Asia may also face additional legal consequences.
 
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we are currently evaluating the port calls on your voyage and anticipate that there may be additional changes to your itinerary as countries adjust their entry criteria. 
 
In recognition of the changes to your voyage, each guest who sails will now receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 50% of the base cruise fare paid for this 14-day voyage, rather than the 20% previously offered. The terms and conditions of this credit are detailed below. Although not a replacement for the missed ports, it is our sincere hope that the Future Cruise Credit will help you to create new cruise memories with us in the near future.
 
As previously communicated, each guest who sails will receive a $100 onboard credit. The onboard credit may be used toward all purchases in the bars, boutiques, and photo gallery, as well as specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions. (Cannot be redeemed for cash or used in the Casino.)
 
Should you have incurred expenses related to adjusting your embarkation flights, we will reimburse up to $250 in air change fees. Please present proof of change fees at Guest Services once you are on board for review by our corporate office to be refunded in onboard credit.
 
We understand this may not be the cruise vacation you anticipated, and some guests may prefer not to travel at this time. Should you choose to defer your travel and cancel your cruise you will receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit (excluding independent travel expenses) that can be used on a replacement cruise that sails within 12 months. The terms and conditions of this Future Cruise Credit are listed below. 
 
We regret this disruption to your vacation plans and appreciate your understanding. Please refer to the attached Health Advisory for more information about the steps Holland America Line is taking to safeguard our guests and precautions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting a respiratory illness. 
 
Should you have any questions, please contact us at the appropriate office:
 
Seattle Office (USD/CAD currency):
Contact us at 1-800-577-1729 or 206-626-7385. We are available Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm PT.
 
Rotterdam Office (EUR currency):
Contact us at 00800 1873 1873. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
For Netherlands contact us at 0800 724 5425. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
 
Southampton Office (GBP currency):
Contact us at 0344 338 8605. We are available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. 
 
Sydney Office (AUD currency):
Contact us at 1300 987 322. We are available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 7:00pm, Thursday
8:30am – 8:00pm.
 
Thank you for your attention to this important information and for choosing Holland America Line. We are eager to welcome you on board and remain, as always, at your service.
 
Kind regards,

Holland America Line
 
 

 
Health Advisory - Coronavirus
 
Dear Valued Guest: 
 
To protect the health and safety of all onboard, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to the new coronavirus that originated in mainland China. Our medical experts are coordinating closely with international health authorities and have activated enhanced screening, prevention and control procedures for our ships to keep guests and crew safe.   
 
To limit the spread of the illness, health authorities in China have restricted travel across many cities in the affected areas, cancelled mass public gatherings and are conducting airport arrival screening. The global health response has adopted similar measures, including entry restrictions and screening requirements for travelers from affected areas.
 
We have also adopted measures intended to keep you safe. These include:

Any individual who has traveled from or through mainland China, Macau, or Hong Kong within 14 days of the start of their cruise, (including transit through their airports), will not be permitted to board the ship.  
Shipboard staff will be scanning guest passports to verify transit through any of the prohibited areas.  Given the serious nature of these circumstances, false responses on pre-boarding documents will result in immediate grounds for disembarkation at the next opportunity.  Guests who do not disclose travel through prohibited areas in Asia may also face additional legal consequences.
Any individual who has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus or a person under monitoring for coronavirus within 14 days of the start of the cruise, will not be permitted to board the ship.
Pre-Boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons with fever or respiratory symptoms with travel from or through an affected area. 
Standard pre-boarding health reporting for all guests advising them of their obligation to report any illness symptoms.
Medical screening for coronavirus on all guests who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of respiratory illness.
Reporting to local and national health authorities of all cases of fever and respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected coronavirus infection.
Crew members from China will be delayed from joining any ship until further notice. 
Environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.
 
As with all respiratory illnesses, particularly during cold and flu season, you can take steps to reduce your risk of illness: 
•               Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
•               Where soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•               Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illness.
•               Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
•               Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
•               Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. 
 
If you experience any symptoms of respiratory illness which may include fever or feverishness, chills, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact the Medical Center. Updated information on the illness and travel advice, can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Novel Coronavirus 2019, Wuhan, China | CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor an outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan City, China. This HAN Update provides a situational update and guidance to state and local health departments and health care providers ...
www.cdc.gov
.
 
Please be aware that as the situation is changing rapidly, you may be required to undergo additional health screening measures by local health officials before you disembark at any of the ports we visit, and entry requirements are subject to change. If any revisions need to be made to our itinerary due to travel restrictions, or to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, we will update you as soon as possible.
 
Thank you for taking the time to read this important information, and we thank you for your understanding and continued support.  
 
Yours in health,
 

Dr. Grant Tarling
Chief Medical Officer
 

 
For Guests Who Sail
 
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) Terms & Conditions
The value of this credit may be applied to the cruise fare only of a new cruise or Land+Sea Journey reservation with Holland America Line, and it is combinable with any other applicable discount. While the credit is valid for one year from the date of this email, please note that it needs only to be applied to the new booking by that time; the cruise does not need to depart within this timeframe. Although you may choose any stateroom category, this offer is dependent upon space availability and cannot be transferred, refunded, or used as a deposit. This credit may not be used for onboard expenses, pre- and post-cruise packages, shore excursions, taxes, Cancellation Protection Plans, Home City Air, Hotel Service Charges, or other optional programs or services. We ask that you or your travel professional verify this offer with our Reservation Agent at the time your new reservation is placed. For your convenience, the credit is built in direct association with Mariner Society numbers so it will automatically be credited toward the cruise fare of the next Holland America Line sailing booked.
 
For Guests Who Choose to Cancel
 
Future Cruise Credit (FCC) Terms & Conditions
The value of this credit may be applied to the cruise fare only of a new cruise or Land+Sea Journey reservation with Holland America Line, and it is combinable with any other applicable discount. The credit is valid for a cruise departing within one year from the date of this email. Although you may choose any stateroom category, this offer is dependent upon space availability and cannot be transferred, refunded, or used as a deposit. This credit may not be used for onboard expenses, pre- and post-cruise packages, shore excursions, taxes, Cancellation Protection Plans, Home City Air, Hotel Service Charges, or other optional programs or services. We ask that you or your travel professional verify this offer with our Reservation Agent at the time your new reservation is placed. For your convenience, the credit is built in direct association with Mariner Society numbers so it will automatically be credited toward the cruise fare of the next Holland America Line sailing booked.
 
 

That is a better offer than the cruise prior to this one(2/29). We were only offered $250 OBC each and no future cruise credit. 

 

Still no updates on this cruise since Sunday. 

[MMDown Under]

3 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I don't believe Maylaysia put any restrictions on people leaving QM2.  I believe that was a decision made by Cunard to ward off any potential problems with the Australian authorities, since everybody on QM2 has been on since at least Dubai on January 30.  I am on the Crystal Serenity.  Not only we were we denied entry but the Astor had crew in Tonga waiting to join the ship and the authorities refused to allow them even to get on a boat out to meet the ship.

 

As far as I can see, unless Tonga has closed down it's borders completely and stopped all air traffic they do not accomplish much by denying entry to cruise ships.

 

Roy

Unless you live in the South Pacific, you mightn't be aware what big news the Measles Epidemic, which started in Samoa, was.  There was loss of life.  I can understand why Tonga, a small country, doesn't want cruise ships to visit at this present time.  Most South Pacific islands don't have the medical facilities to handle epidemics.  There are a lot more passengers on a cruise ship than on an aeroplane.  

[Wehwalt]

If Tonga is turning away cruise ships, that will affect the Amsterdam's GWV, which calls there near the end of the month. Although a ship full of people who have been on the high seas since before the outbreak got going doesn't strike me as the highest risk.

Edited February 12, 2020 by Wehwalt

[MAVIP]

12 hours ago, Lunar Dragon said:

The Westerdam was highlighted on the main Dutch evening news.  The Dutch government is trying all diplomatic routes to get permission for the ship to dock in Thailand.  The ship is still heading towards Thailand.  The Dutch Public Health Authorities are in contact with the ships medical team.

I will keep you posted if anything new breaks from the Dutch side of things.

 

 

And luckily, a dutch consul general in Thailand has a background with shipping knowledge! 

Edited February 12, 2020 by MAVIP

[rafinmd]

1 hour ago, Wehwalt said:

If Tonga is turning away cruise ships, that will affect the Amsterdam's GWV, which calls there near the end of the month. Although a ship full of people who have been on the high seas since before the outbreak got going doesn't strike me as the highest risk.

I hope the Amsterdam would at least have some advance warning of the situation and an opportunity to make alternate plans.

 

Roy

[Wehwalt]

18 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I hope the Amsterdam would at least have some advance warning of the situation and an opportunity to make alternate plans.

 

Agree. Fortuitously, this year the GWV barely touches the affected region; Singapore and (before that) a few Indonesian stops. I suppose these could be bypassed. They don't get there for a month yet so plenty of time.

Edited February 12, 2020 by Wehwalt

[rafinmd]

4 minutes ago, Wehwalt said:

Agree. Fortuitously, this year the GWV barely touches the affected region; Singapore and (before that) a few Indonesian stops. I suppose these could be bypassed. They don't get there for a month yet so plenty of time.

Does the GWV go to Fiji?  So far, they've been very accommodating so that could be a reasonable alternative.  They have allowed us to make a day call an overnight one in Luatoka and apparently are doing the same thing with MV Columbus in Suva.

 

Roy

Edited February 12, 2020 by rafinmd

[Wehwalt]

19 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

Does the GWV go to Fiji?  So far, they've been very accommodating so that could be a reasonable alternative.  They have allowed us to make a day call an overnight one in Luatoka and apparently are doing the same thing with MV Columbus in Suva.

 

No. They left the coast of Chile last night, it goes Easter Island, Pitcairn, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Tonga, Auckland.

[rafinmd]

2 minutes ago, Wehwalt said:

No. They left the coast of Chile last night, it goes Easter Island, Pitcairn, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Tonga, Auckland.

Then Fiji could fit right in.  The only downside is it is an hour later than Tonga and Auckland meaning they would need to  move the clocks forward for Fiji and back for Auckland.

 

Roy