Just Released : State Department warns against traveling by cruise ship during coronavirus outbreak

[GA Dave]

Based on the CDC guidance, I am not only avoiding cruises, but also our local Wal-Mart.  THAT place is a real petri dish with all kinds of germs growing in tight quarters.  Based on the number of campers parked in the lot, I would be exposed to germs from all over the country and Canada.  Best to shop from Amazon right now.

[nomad098]

52 minutes ago, summer563 said:

Just be aware that NCL has in their terms and agreements that passengers are responsible for costs during a quarantine.  In cases of quarantine of the ship involving detention of guests, each Guest must bear all risk and expense thereby caused and will be charged for food and accommodation during the period of detention, payable day by day,  From their terms and agreement: if maintained on board the ship, and for all other quarantine fees and expenses assessed or incurred in respect of the Guest. https://www.ncl.com/de/en/about-us/terms-conditions

 

Actually if you booked in the UK/EU this isn't necessarily true.

 

In UK/EU law a contract has to be fair. https://fairterms.campaign.gov.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0vc0lUVKO89YK90T-JbUEVqeRtsbQUXTKONYIT80zNSTp7__ZXHzugaAih4EALw_wcB

 

It could be argued that if you are quarantined it was due to the cruiselines failure to properly screen passengers and crew.

 

Just for those from the UK watch the video on deposits and cancelations I bet the cruiselines never told you that

 

A contracts terms and conditions need to stand up in the eyes of the law to make them legally binding.

 

Ask the UK cruiseline about when a passenger cancelled, they sold his stateroom, he took them to court for his money back, he won in small claims court, UK cruiseline had an option to take it to a higher court however if they lost they would have to refund automatically anyone in the same situation, UK cruiseline declined to pursue this.

 

Many business's rely on customers not knowing or understanding the law. The banks found this out the hard way in the UK in regards to PPI and credit card charges 

[iamaqt2]

3 hours ago, KateQ22003 said:

If you work in a hospital I hope you would at least be cognizant of the people around you when you return to work.

Depending on locations visited, possible mandatory 14 day self-quarantine at home, so an additional 2 weeks of "vacay". 😉😉

[AviationInScale]

1 hour ago, summer563 said:

Just be aware that NCL has in their terms and agreements that passengers are responsible for costs during a quarantine.  In cases of quarantine of the ship involving detention of guests, each Guest must bear all risk and expense thereby caused and will be charged for food and accommodation during the period of detention, payable day by day,  From their terms and agreement: if maintained on board the ship, and for all other quarantine fees and expenses assessed or incurred in respect of the Guest. https://www.ncl.com/de/en/about-us/terms-conditions

 

Do other cruise lines do this?

[gmasters]

11 hours ago, krittykat said:

This source is a newspaper. Nothing is on the US State Depart website other than that which correlates with the CDC recommendations...caution for the elderly and chronic health issus

 

This was posted by an infectioud disease doctor:

I'm a doctor and an Infectious Diseases Specialist. I've been at this for more than 20 years seeing sick patients on a daily basis. I have worked in inner city hospitals and in the poorest slums of Africa. HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis,TB, SARS, Measles, Shingles, Whooping cough, Diphtheria...there is little I haven't been exposed to in my profession. And with notable exception of SARS, very little has left me feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed or downright scared. 

I am not scared of Covid-19. I am concerned about the implications of a novel infectious agent that has spread the world over and continues to find new footholds in different soil.  I am rightly concerned for the welfare of those who are elderly, in frail health or disenfranchised who stand to suffer mostly, and disproportionately, at the hands of this new scourge. But I am not scared of Covid-19.

What I am scared about is the loss of reason and wave of fear that has induced the masses of society into a spellbinding spiral of panic, stockpiling obscene quantities of anything that could fill a bomb shelter adequately in a post-apocalyptic world. I am scared of the N95 masks that are stolen from hospitals and urgent care clinics where they are actually needed for front line healthcare providers and instead are being donned in airports, malls, and coffee lounges, perpetuating even more fear and suspicion of others. I am scared that our hospitals will be overwhelmed with anyone who thinks they " probably don't have it but may as well get checked out no matter what because you just never know..." and those with heart failure, emphysema, pneumonia and  strokes will pay the price for overfilled ER waiting rooms with only so many doctors and nurses to assess. 

I am scared that travel restrictions will become so far reaching that weddings will be canceled, graduations missed and family reunions will not materialize. And well, even that big party called the Olympic Games...that could be kyboshed too. Can you even 
imagine?

I'm scared those same epidemic fears will limit trade, harm partnerships in multiple sectors, business and otherwise and ultimately culminate in a global recession. 

But mostly, I'm scared about what message we are telling our kids when faced with a threat. Instead of reason, rationality, openmindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested.

Covid-19 is nowhere near over. It will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. Expect it.  Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviors and "fight for yourself above all else" attitude could prove disastrous. 

I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let's meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing.

Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
Our children will thank us for it.

#washurhands #geturflushot #respect #patiencenotpanic

at near 60 I have had the chance to be sick from about any illness possible, I don't smoke I don't drink I take no DRUGS, I wash my hands often enough I hope. I eat well maybe to well from looking at my scale. I work daily sometime 16 hours and return for another 16 hours. But than again I don't have to work at all. If I was stuck on the ship two weeks longer after that would be strange. But Im not worried,  

 

[Marine Mom]

10 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

I just wish I had more money and time off so I could jump on some of these cruise fire sales.  I'm young, healthy, and work in a hospital.  Covid-19 doesn't worry me. 

ME TOO!!!!!!!! 😃😊

[gmasters]

1 minute ago, Marine Mom said:

ME TOO!!!!!!!! 😃😊

looking now, wife isn't worried also

 

[gmasters]

5 hours ago, dockman said:

We have little idea how far the virus has spread because so few people have been tested.

 

Everyday there are millions of people all over the world walking through crowded airports, coughing and sneezing then getting into a metal tube sitting near, sharing toilets,  and interacting with hundreds of fellow passengers who have likely been through even more airports and connecting flights.  The vast majority of these passengers get off the plane and go on their merry way.  We literally have little if any idea as to how many of these people might have been infected and maybe showing no symptoms. 

 

 These passengers then go to the local mall, local sporting events, concerts, churches, work places, etc possibly infecting even more people.  Again, we have little idea how far the virus has spread because so few people have been tested.  Many of the infected likely think they have the flu or a cold and just stay home (hopefully) a few days and recover without ever going to a doctor or being tested for corona.

 

Meantime all over the world there are hundreds of cruise ships sailing around with tens of thousands of passengers embarking and disembarking. Not a word about any problems or testing. Out of all these ships the media has picked up on fewer than ten ships that have had a problem. Unfortunately in the age of BREAKIN NEWS these stories have been hyped to the heavens spreading a lot of disinformation and fear.  

 

The Lt Gov of Hawaii is calling for a complete ban of all cruise ships docking in the state for 60 days.  Hawaii thus far has ONE confirmed case of the virus from one man who happened to sail on a Princess ship and then flew home to the islands.  How anyone knows if he caught the virus on the ship or perhaps on his flight home of course is not explained.

 

  Meantime every day thousands of people arrive in Hawaii via airplanes, stay in hotels with thousands of others, ride around on tour buses,go to shopping malls etc....also at the same ports everyday dozens of cargo ships pass through full of supplies for the islands staffed by crew members who freely go ashore to mix and mingle.  So does the Lt Gov want to stop all flights and freighters from arriving in Hawaii in an "abundance of caution"?  How is that going to work out when there is no food , no gas, no medications etc being shipped to islands that are almost totally dependent upon imports?  Just imagine the economic chaos in alaska and caribbean ports if cruise ship port calls were cancelled in US ports?

 

Do we really know for a fact that cruise ship passengers have a signifcantly higher rate of infection than airline passengers?  The answer is no we do not know.  There is much speculation about petri dishes etc but we are simply not sure at what levels that airports, sporting events, etc might not also be petri dishes but we just do not know about it YET.

 

A cruise ship with 3500 on board is about 12 or so big airplanes full of people.  How about we test all the passengers and crew on 20 or so random flights as well as all the people on a few cruise ships and see what those stats are and how they compare before we leap to all kinds of conclusions regarding cruise ships?

 

I guess my point is that Government officials and the media might want to be a bit more restrained in all the anti cruise ship hype or at least attempt to balance their reports with equal reporting on other transport and means of contracting and spreading the virus.  They might also want to report on the millions of people who continue to travel via air and ships with apparently no known problems.

 

Here is another take on the risks:

 

https://regenexx.com/blog/why-i-am-not-concerned-about-the-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3DNWYGvmBrhUfZI3z5M_VmysEOpqMYvIv34Gje0ouiBOyGJgs1F41G_aM

 

 

SO true, nothing will stop this spread JUST like the flu, Im just happy Im 59 and even with the flu shot I still have to stand around 800 non family people a day and still get flu yearly.

[mnsweeps]

15 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

While is respect your view, no matter how jaded it may be, it goes deeper than the industry.  I assume by "industry" you mean the corporate executives.  But the rubber meets the road with the officers and crew on each ship.  Their livelihoods are at stake over this horrible situation and they have absolutely nothing to do with the corporate "industry" you seem to take issue with.

 

If I or my wife lose a job and we still want to cruise, would the crew and the officers pool from their salary to sponsor my vacation if I want to go on one? Business is a 2 way street. It seems like you are cruising so the corporate folks, officers, crew etc can have a job as you pity them. How about the reverse?

[drewzy]

15 hours ago, Bruiser85 said:

We are supposed to leave on Sunday the 15th on the Getaway out of New Orleans. I’m so confused & don’t know what to do!

Bruiser85, we are booked on this cruise also.  What did you decide to do?  

[RaftingJeremy]

Ridiculous panic. I have no intention of canceling my April cruise unless something major happens. 

[fallonboy]

34 minutes ago, RaftingJeremy said:

Ridiculous panic. I have no intention of canceling my April cruise unless something major happens. 

 

I like your attitude. My problem is ...I am over 70 and have health issues. I don't want to fly from Florida to Hawaii and not be allowed to board the ship around the island. I told the wife we could always go to a luau in Honolulu. She did not like my weak attempt at humor.

As of this red hot moment the travel agent, NCL and United do not have any good options.

Take care.     

Edited March 9, 2020 by fallonboy

[Ky Lady]

5 hours ago, summer563 said:

Just be aware that NCL has in their terms and agreements that passengers are responsible for costs during a quarantine.  In cases of quarantine of the ship involving detention of guests, each Guest must bear all risk and expense thereby caused and will be charged for food and accommodation during the period of detention, payable day by day,  From their terms and agreement: if maintained on board the ship, and for all other quarantine fees and expenses assessed or incurred in respect of the Guest. https://www.ncl.com/de/en/about-us/terms-conditions

Wow, glad we travel on Princess. They cover the cost.

[CruisinNewbie11]

I am 70 and planning on going.  No health issues, but an "elder" could just not tell the truth.  Should be interesting.

[Bruiser85]

1 hour ago, drewzy said:

Bruiser85, we are booked on this cruise also.  What did you decide to do?  

Drewzy, we have decided to postpone for another time. We are traveling with friends who are in the "danger zone" and have some underlying health issues. We are devastated to have to cancel as we booked this in July for our 25th wedding anniversary. My husband and I are both educators, and just can't risk quarantine or illness.

[RaftingJeremy]

17 minutes ago, fallonboy said:

 

I like your attitude. My problem is ...I am over 70 and have health issues. I don't want to fly from Florida to Hawaii and not be allowed to board the ship around the island. I told the wife we could always go to a luau in Honolulu. She did not like my weak attempt at humor.

As of this red hot moment the travel agent, NCL and United do not have any good options.

Take care.     

You have a totally different issue and have a very valid reason for not going.  I have just as much opportunity to get sick at work as I do on the ship. I work for an airline. 
the luau sounds like a pretty good option. NCL will let you cancel and get a future credit starting tomorrow.  Hopefully you’ll get it worked out. 
good luck 

[Laszlo]

This is good Lol

 

Port Authority Head Tests Positive For Coronavirus

https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-...ve-coronavirus

Edited March 9, 2020 by Laszlo

[ray98]

15 hours ago, KrustyTheClown said:

So the 6,000 people on a cruise ship are bad, but the 25,000 jammed into Miami arena down the street are okey dokey.  There is a disconnect somewhere.  At least it is not being called a hoax anymore (by most people).

 

Yup.....or the nearly 3 millions passengers daily in and out of all the commercial airports.  Bottom line, they focus on cruises because it gives them a captive audience so they can see the big picture.  Everyone else just disappears off of their radars.

[erin1645]

Important to note that this warning from the State Department and CDC was specific to elderly and those with underlying health issues. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

2 hours ago, mnsweeps said:

 

If I or my wife lose a job and we still want to cruise, would the crew and the officers pool from their salary to sponsor my vacation if I want to go on one? Business is a 2 way street. It seems like you are cruising so the corporate folks, officers, crew etc can have a job as you pity them. How about the reverse?

Your scenario is nowhere near close to this situation and is just plain silly.

[zippydo1]

I’m on the Breakaway now.  We boarded on March 7 and we unable to cancel since future cruise credit started on the 10th. I had insurance but not  cfar. I would have rescheduled if able because of the fear out there and possibility of quarantine.  First two days were business as usual.  Today they are cleaning and wiping everywhere.  Buffet and condiments are no longer self serve.  

[wampuscat7]

9 hours ago, dockman said:

Do we really know for a fact that cruise ship passengers have a signifcantly higher rate of infection than airline passengers?  The answer is no we do not know.  There is much speculation about petri dishes etc but we are simply not sure at what levels that airports, sporting events, etc might not also be petri dishes but we just do not know about it YET.

 

A cruise ship with 3500 on board is about 12 or so big airplanes full of people.  How about we test all the passengers and crew on 20 or so random flights as well as all the people on a few cruise ships and see what those stats are and how they compare before we leap to all kinds of conclusions regarding cruise ships?

 

Many experts have said the recirculated air on cruise ships is problematic. Meanwhile airplanes have filtered air. 

 

I think this whole nugget is interesting: the State Department said: “repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities.”

 

So those people who were stuck on Diamond Princess and flown back to the U.S. by the government (although reportedly not for free) would be SOL after this warning?

 

Personally, I would still go. I still want to go. But given this warning, it's likely my and my spouse's employers would ask us to self-quarantine when we returned, even if it's not mandated. Others who have returned from overseas travel have been asked to stay at home. 

Edited March 9, 2020 by wampuscat7

[New2NSeaL]

16 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

yup, same here.

 

This.  I read the State Department advisory, and it basically boils down to "don't expect us to send in the Marines if you get quarantined somewhere", and the CDC one pointed at underlying health conditions, which I don't have. We are a go for our cruise next Wednesday unless one of our employers says "no", or the ship won't actually be sailing.

[fallonboy]

Help me please. I am 70+ had flu like symptoms several times. When I go to the doctor I was never tested to see what I had / have. The doctors send me home and treat the symptoms.  

Question: how often are flu like symptoms tested now a days?

 

[erdoran]

3 minutes ago, fallonboy said:

Help me please. I am 70+ had flu like symptoms several times. When I go to the doctor I was never tested to see what I had / have. The doctors send me home and treat the symptoms.  

Question: how often are flu like symptoms tested now a days?

 

Depends on your specific symptoms, where you live, and your doctor.  Google for “Coronavirus symptoms” or “Coronavirus course” and only take info from authoritative sites like WHO (world health org) or CDC (Ctr for disease control).  If your symptoms fit that profile AND if you can cite a specific exposure (optional but helpful if true—I think they list some of the exposures) then give your doctor all that info and ask if he/she thinks you need testing. If you feel THAT strongly, call your state health dept, but do talk to your doctor first.  And absolutely no harm in self-quarantining while you sort it out with your doctor.  Don’t go to their office, just CALL them.

 

“Flu-like” encompasses a whole ton of symptoms, some of which may be in scope, some not.  And plus the pattern of symptoms, and whether or not some can be from anxiety - that happens to me and I have to be really cognizant of what’s real and what’s a reaction to stress.