News on the Westerdam

[3rdGenCunarder]

4 minutes ago, Viv0828 said:

 

i disagree. for some people, like those with chronic anxiety or those who suffer from other illnesses, it will have been a trip through hell. i would NOT consider it an "adventure of a lifetime", especially if i were confined to a 15 by 15 space for 2 weeks.

 

Nobody on Westerdam has been confined to their room. Yes, people on the Diamond are quarantined, but this thread is about the Westy, and it sounds like the worst problem for people there is the uncertainty of getting home. Yes, that's a worrisome. But it's hardly a trip through hell--they aren't being rationed tiny amounts of food (rumors about the Diamond, which I doubt are true) or being shut in their cabins. 

 

[Viv0828]

15 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

it's hardly a trip through hell--they aren't being rationed tiny amounts of food (rumors about the Diamond, which I doubt are true) or being shut in their cabins. 

 

it depends on your psyche.

one person's pleasure is another person's torture.

not everyone has the "i will make the best of this" attitude.

i wish i would be able to think that way, but it just ain't so.

[iancal]

I do not understand why it would be ‘hell’.  Same as any other cruise with sea days.  The only difference is the uncertainty about where/when disembarkment will be and what it will entail.

 

i pity the folks on Diamond Princess.  Especially the ones stuck in inside cabin.

 

There is hardly any reason to be over dramatic about conditions on Westerdam.

[BarbarianPaul]

27 minutes ago, iancal said:

I do not understand why it would be ‘hell’.  Same as any other cruise with sea days.  The only difference is the uncertainty about where/when disembarkment will be and what it will entail.

 

i pity the folks on Diamond Princess.  Especially the ones stuck in inside cabin.

 

There is hardly any reason to be over dramatic about conditions on Westerdam.

I think you might feel differently if you were on board.

[Viv0828]

6 minutes ago, BarbarianPaul said:

34 minutes ago, iancal said:

There is hardly any reason to be over dramatic about conditions on Westerdam.

I think you might feel differently if you were on board.

I think one might feel differently if onboard as well. Uncertainty is very difficult for some people. Some folks might be enjoying themselves while others just want to get the hell outta dodge. 

[Vict0riann]

1 hour ago, Viv0828 said:

 

i disagree. for some people, like those with chronic anxiety or those who suffer from other illnesses, it will have been a trip through hell. i would NOT consider it an "adventure of a lifetime", especially if i were confined to a 15 by 15 space for 2 weeks.

 

Well, I did say "as long as no one gets ill" - if there is any risk of the virus appearing on Westie, things would change in an instant!

 

On another note, I had an interesting message from Tours by Locals today.  - "As excited as we are about the travel landscape in 2020, we need to acknowledge what’s on many people’s minds right now: the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. While we are hopeful that the current outbreak will be contained, if the CDC advises avoiding nonessential travel to ANY destination, our travelers will receive a full refund under our FORCE MAJEURE cancellation policy. You can rest assured we treat every booking with fairness, and aim to make your future travel plans as smooth as possible. "

 

I think that is very good of them to advertise this and I wonder if other travel companies have the same policy - for example, HAL  

[Wehwalt]

I would suspect the passengers aboard Westerdam are anxious that those keeping them entertained could be keeping them confined. At any moment. One announcement away.

Edited February 8, 2020 by Wehwalt

[Level six]

I was on a cruise where the ships engine broke.  We were all safe, able to move about the ship, but it was an unexpected thing and it caused much anxiety on the ship.  Unless you have been in that situation it is hard to imagine.

 

It is a sea day, but not the same.  Where will we end up? When will we get there? Why are they loading so much stuff into the tenders? Will my trip insurance cover changing flights?   It is not a normal sea day that is for sure.  Even the announcements made more often(all with good intentions to update the situation) become a thing of anxiety.  

 

I had a strong feeling this was going to happen on the Westerdam and that is why I did not get on the cruise on FEB 1 and instead cancelled. (Boy am I so glad I did even with losing the money) 

 

I have been in the situation where we are just floating at sea without a port for 9 days, not knowing what will happen.  Believe me, it is not an adventure of a life time.  The only positive thing that happened was I made some great friends on that cruise because everyone is "in the same boat" and bonds form that under more normal conditions wouldn't form.

 

Westerdam has it worse, in my opinion, due to possible cases of sickness.  I know it has been denied, but unless every singe person on the boat is 100% healthy (in over 30 cruises I have never seen that, someone is always coughing) they do no know if anyone has the virus, so that in itself would cause anxiety. 

[sail7seas]

 

 

Has Westerdam   sailed or still QUARANTEED  at Japan?  I think I heard there  are (supposedly) some pax with confirmed  cases ofr he virus?

 

Thanks  who has a n  update.

 

 

 

[Earthworm Jim]

5 hours ago, Moparop said:

Per my parents who are on Westerdam, all passengers were required to surrender their passports to prove that none of them had been to mainland China. If that is true they will arrive at a port next week. 

 

9 hours ago, Alphen said:

As of this moment, I think a decision has been made where to go with Westerdam, AIS position is showing past the gap between Taiwan and Philippines on a southwesterly heading, doing almost 21 knots.

 

So how far away would a port be that they had to travel at 21 knots to get there next week? I guess it's impossible to say, since "next week" could mean anything from Sunday 2/9 to Saturday 2/15.

 

Assuming (with no basis at all) the middle of next week that would be 4 days. Assuming, (also with no basis) a steady 21 knots that would be perhaps 2000 nautical miles (give our take 1000 nm, depending on whether they arrive Wed, Mon, or Fri, making this whole exercise futile. And yet I persist!)

 

They are currently off the west coast of Luzon, heading southwest. So it's looks like it's heading for the Singapore or through the Straits of Malacca into the Indian Ocean, since per vesselfinder that seems to be the route being taken by the vast majority of ships on that course and location. Singapore could be plausible. I'm guessing they're maybe 1000 nm, or 2 days at 21 knots, away so that would be next week. Kuala Lumpur of Phuket in Thailand, slightly farther. I suppose I can't rule out Bangkok either, that's on the same general heading. Yungun in Myanmar.

 

Much further than that and you're crossing the Bay of Bengal. The closest port on the west side of that bay may be Columbo, Sri Lanka, which would take about 6 days to get to. Since that would still be next week I suppose that and perhaps Madras, India would be about the farthest away they might be heading, based on my numerous dubious assumptions.

[Level six]

I think I read that Phuket and Kuala Lumpur had denied entry to a Regent cruise today or yesterday.  But, again, it was somewhere on CC, so I don't know if it is true or not.  I think it was a world cruise. 

[Wehwalt]

If they are headed towards the Straits of Malacca, my bet would be Singapore. Major international airport close to the port with more flights of any airport that isn't already closed to them. They could get the passengers out and back to their home countries with a minimum of fuss. If this is going to be a full-dress isolation transfers out to jets waiting to repatriate citizens, I bet Singapore could do that the safest of any country in near range. And beyond Singapore, where are you going to go? India?

Edited February 8, 2020 by Wehwalt

[shrimp56]

34 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

QOn another note, I had an interesting message from Tours by Locals today.  - "As excited as we are about the travel landscape in 2020, we need to acknowledge what’s on many people’s minds right now: the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. While we are hopeful that the current outbreak will be contained, if the CDC advises avoiding nonessential travel to ANY destination, our travelers will receive a full refund under our FORCE MAJEURE cancellation policy. You can rest assured we treat every booking with fairness, and aim to make your future travel plans as smooth as possible. "

 

I think that is very good of them to advertise this and I wonder if other travel companies have the same policy - for example, HAL  

 

I am not surprised at TbL’s response. We have been using them almost exclusively for tours around the world since 2015 and have always been treated with honesty  and compassion.

[Moparop]

I’m wondering if they are arriving “next week” to have the ship sailing through the entire 14 day incubation period of the virus. So the goal would be to go somewhere far enough away but not too far. 

[Mike B Landlubber]

I am scheduled to sail on Westerdam Feb 29 from Yokohama (shifted from Shanghai). Just received an email from HAL saying that the voyage is still happening, but They are evaluating port calls, and there may be additional changes. This makes me doubt the current voyage is expected to land too far from Japan. The email says that anyone who traveled through mainland China, HK, or Macau, or had contact with a suspected corona virus carrier, or been under monitoring For the virus In the 14 days before sailing will be denied boarding and given a refund. This could be a real disappointment for a passenger who traveled to the port in a flight that was found to contain a potential carrier! They offer a $250 OBC, or for those who want to cancel, they offer cancellation in favor of a credit with HAL that must be used in twelve months. 
 

For myself, I’ve already made the decision I will cancel, but am holding off actually cancelling, in hopes that HAL will waive cancellation penalties (I have the Platinum insurance from HAL, so it is only a matter of 10%). I have other travel plans for the rest of the year, so future credit isn’t useful to me. I’ve had some sympathy for HAL, but that is wearing thin now.

Edited February 8, 2020 by Mike B Landlubber

[Level six]

I Know how you feel Mike B Landlubber.  It is stressful.  I would also wait to see what HAL offers and cancel at the last minute like I did for FEB 1 sailing.  Good luck. 

 

It is a big mess.  Not HAL's making for sure, but still hard to wait until the last minute.  Only time will tell what happens in the next few days or weeks.   Hang in there.  

[thyme2go]

So maybe this question has been answered but I did not see it..........what about people who rely on medicines and were not prepared to spend extra time on the ship?   Are they transporting meds for individuals in need?   I'm thinking life maintaining med's such as insulin, immune suppressants for transplantee's, heck, even heart meds that some people rely on.   What, if anything, is HAL doing re: these situations?    And again, if this was already covered please list message site..................TIA!

[cruiseing marly]

1 hour ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

 

So how far away would a port be that they had to travel at 21 knots to get there next week? I guess it's impossible to say, since "next week" could mean anything from Sunday 2/9 to Saturday 2/15.

 

Assuming (with no basis at all) the middle of next week that would be 4 days. Assuming, (also with no basis) a steady 21 knots that would be perhaps 2000 nautical miles (give our take 1000 nm, depending on whether they arrive Wed, Mon, or Fri, making this whole exercise futile. And yet I persist!)

 

They are currently off the west coast of Luzon, heading southwest. So it's looks like it's heading for the Singapore or through the Straits of Malacca into the Indian Ocean, since per vesselfinder that seems to be the route being taken by the vast majority of ships on that course and location. Singapore could be plausible. I'm guessing they're maybe 1000 nm, or 2 days at 21 knots, away so that would be next week. Kuala Lumpur of Phuket in Thailand, slightly farther. I suppose I can't rule out Bangkok either, that's on the same general heading. Yungun in Myanmar.

 

Much further than that and you're crossing the Bay of Bengal. The closest port on the west side of that bay may be Columbo, Sri Lanka, which would take about 6 days to get to. Since that would still be next week I suppose that and perhaps Madras, India would be about the farthest away they might be heading, based on my numerous dubious assumptions.

I think that running at that speed is required for Maximum water production. Going a slow speed they have to buy shore water.

[Dr.Dobro]

Feb. 29-Mar. 14 leg not cancelled yet; OBC credit now $250; cancel and get 100% future cruise credit 

Just received from HAL: 

Dear Valued Guest: 

 We look forward to welcoming you on board Westerdam for our now round-trip Yokohama (Tokyo) voyage. 

 We continue to closely monitoring 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, Hong Kong, or Macau, or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) 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. 

 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 $250 onboard credit, rather than the $50 onboard credit previously communicated. 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 round-trip 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. 

[Dr.Dobro]

5 minutes ago, thyme2go said:

So maybe this question has been answered but I did not see it..........what about people who rely on medicines and were not prepared to spend extra time on the ship?   Are they transporting meds for individuals in need?   I'm thinking life maintaining med's such as insulin, immune suppressants for transplantee's, heck, even heart meds that some people rely on.   What, if anything, is HAL doing re: these situations?    And again, if this was already covered please list message site..................TIA!

The original itinerary was Feb. 1-15, so people should not be in danger of running our for another week.

[Betty in Cozumel]

We are sailing Feb 29-Mar 14 and are still planning to go.  $250 OBC/person is nice plus they'll pay up to $250/person for change fees charged by the airlines to change our flights to Tokyo.  A full cruise credit to be used in 2020 doesn't appeal to us either.  A full refund plus a 100% cruise credit would be nice too but I don't think that will happen.

 

I am hoping that the current passengers get off safely and the ship is totally sanitized during the 2 weeks the ship has no passengers because of the cancellation of the Feb 15th cruise.

 

We also have over $1,000 in flights to/from Mexico to Toronto as we live in Cozumel.

[thyme2go]

13 minutes ago, Dr.Dobro said:

The original itinerary was Feb. 1-15, so people should not be in danger of running our for another week.

Thanks.........I crossed the med situation up with the Diamond Princess where they are over their planned dates...........sorry.

[gentlemancruiser]

NCL has cancelled all asia trips until December.  Norwegian Spirit from April to December. 

[AncientWanderer]

1 minute ago, gentlemancruiser said:

NCL has cancelled all asia trips until December.  Norwegian Spirit from April to December. 

 

Yes.  So from HAL's announcement about the Feb 29 departure from Japan, it seems like they've decided to muddle through on a cruise-by-cruise basis.  At least that's my interpretation.  Maybe others see something different?

[Mike B Landlubber]

Just now, gentlemancruiser said:

NCL has cancelled all asia trips until December.  Norwegian Spirit from April to December. 

To me that is the sensible thing to do, at least for the first half of the year. Too much uncertainty about getting sick in a foreign land, whether attractions will be open, ships will be able to get into ports, and even travelers be able to get home for me to risk vacation days and money on. Plus I have an elderly worry wart mother, and even I would feel some stress if I went. I do feel some envy for those like Betty in Cozumel who are going. Could be a great cruise, and I got an inexpensive upgrade offer for a Neptune Suite on corner stern that I’ll never be able to afford on a normal cruise! But that’s not guaranteed, and the stress and uncertainty I mentioned is. I already have set up a land trip to the Everglades instead! 🙂