A place to be optimistic!

[PTC DAWG]

49 minutes ago, WonderMan3 said:

This is not people complaining about chair hogs, nickel and diming or Kelly Hoppen furniture. This is people sharing facts and news about a life and death situation that impacts every single person on this planet. I don't have a problem with people being a little pessimistic about things at the moment. It looks very grim. Sorry if that sounds negative but it is what it is.

60 million infected, 600K hospitalized, 12.5K deaths in the US from Swine Flu in 2010-2011,  nobody even remembers it...now we cancel everything for 10k cases...

 

The Sky is not falling. Group panic is a bad thing...

Edited March 12, 2020 by PTC DAWG

[Debs224]

We are sailing May 9th from Barcelona on the Infinity and, fingers crossed, this will all be history by then. 

 

I understand that this virus is bad, but most healthy people will recover.   For those with compromised immune systems or elderly people they should absolutely stay home.  For the rest of us, we need to travel smart - keep our distance, wash hands, avoid contact, etc.  When we return we certainly plan to limit our movements for the first 2 weeks if necessary.  Even now I am not visiting my parents in their retirement home despite having no symptoms and low possibility of having contracted the virus.  Be smart - but we can't be afraid.

[andyfriend80]

2 minutes ago, Debs224 said:

We are sailing May 9th from Barcelona on the Infinity and, fingers crossed, this will all be history by then. 

 

I understand that this virus is bad, but most healthy people will recover.   For those with compromised immune systems or elderly people they should absolutely stay home.  For the rest of us, we need to travel smart - keep our distance, wash hands, avoid contact, etc.  When we return we certainly plan to limit our movements for the first 2 weeks if necessary.  Even now I am not visiting my parents in their retirement home despite having no symptoms and low possibility of having contracted the virus.  Be smart - but we can't be afraid.

 

Sadly I think that's unlikely.  UK Government say the peak here will be mid May - June.  Spain has just banned all cruise ships from docking for at least the next two weeks.

 

I am gutted because we are booked on Ireland and Iceland cruise at the end of May.

[Jim_Iain]

Wow..     Let's put thing in perspective.  

 

[Stateroom_Sailor]

3 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Wow..     Let's put thing in perspective.  

 

 

Closer to 99%.  Healthcare workers and ICU beds are what concerns me more.  If we can get viral medication within the next 60 days, this situation will vastly improve.

[BBsails]

2 hours ago, sherylc said:

Well, I also REALLY want to go on my Alaska cruise April 30 and won't cancel unless Celebrity does or I'm sick -- so here's hoping!!!

Agreed!  We're booked on this cruise also, and won't cancel unless =X= does.  Trying to remain optimistic, but it's hard.

 

Betsy

[sandycruzr]

I am planning on sailing as planned on the Edge 4/12 unless I am sick. 
I’m hoping Celebrity does not cancel. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 minutes ago, BBsails said:

Agreed!  We're booked on this cruise also, and won't cancel unless =X= does.  Trying to remain optimistic, but it's hard.

 

Betsy

Yea... we are aboard also.   Looks like a good group forming.

 

[verizon]

I know why people still cruising at this critical moment.

Thats why Russians are not infected with Virus.

Edited March 12, 2020 by verizon

[NC State]

1 hour ago, SavvyAdam said:

I could not agree with you more.  We cannot live in fear.  It also is one's personal choice to choose to travel.  I have been getting a lot of back lash from friends and co-workers about this, but I have also received a lot of support from friends and co-workers as well. 

 

 

I agree, our cruise is March 28th. My co-workers are already wanting me to "stay away" and I haven't sailed yet. I told them if I go I will stay at home for 14 day before coming back. I get it but I also have friends that thinks it's funny. They are laughing about it and I just want to cry!

[WonderMan3]

13 minutes ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

Closer to 99%.  Healthcare workers and ICU beds are what concerns me more.  If we can get viral medication within the next 60 days, this situation will vastly improve.

 

Exactly. One of Italy's big problems right now is that medical facilities are at capacity. People are being left on gurneys in hallways because there are no beds available. Patients who are considered to be unlikely to survive are not being treated so as to focus on those who could get through it. Those with non-corona health issues are seeing obstacles in care because healthcare workers are so occupied dealing with corona patients.

 

Yes, it's true that most people who get it will be fine. The problem is when you don't limit interaction then the virus spreads rapidly and can reach those people who are more vulnerable through contact with those who are less vulnerable, many of whom may have it and be spreading it and not realize it because they have minor symptoms they think might just be a normal cold or allergies. The continued minimization of the severity of the virus by some folks is one of the scariest things in all of this.

[Fouremco]

22 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Wow..     Let's put thing in perspective.  

 

 

I'm sure that the passengers on the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess would have found that really comforting. 

[Carole2313]

We are going!  Apr14 Auckland-Sydney and Apr 25 Sydney-Honolulu.  If the ports are open, we’ll be there.  I am super excited about seeing New Zealand and hubby is stoked about French Polynesia .  I’m optimistic the cruise will happen.

[middlehaitch]

2 hours ago, SavvyAdam said:

I am really glad you posted this. 

Setting sail on Silhouette on Sunday and still planning on going unless the US Border is completed closed (I am from Canada) or Celebrity cancels between now and Sunday. 

 

Happy Cursing Everyone ! 

 

Good job you are not in BC. The Provincial Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Henry has just (3:30 pm PDT news conference) advised no international travel, inc USA. If you do, you have to self isolate for 14 days upon your return to BC.

 

We are not cruising until April 21 and are watching how the situation develops before cruising, or not.

If I had had a cruise leaving in the next week, even pre the above announcement, I would have cancelled, there is just too much uncertainty right now

 

Cheers, heather

 

 

[dproujan]

3 hours ago, C-Dragons said:

Covid 19 is not the Flu.

There is no vaccine, at present, to protect people from it.

It is 10 times more deadly than the Flu.

No one has developed an immunity to it.

It has developed into a Worldwide Pandemic, requiring events to be cancelled to try and mitigate the spread.

 

I am “optimistic” that this horrible situation will eventually be brought under control.

Until that time, I will be following the prescribed precautions to keep keep healthy.

Taking precautions is a smart idea....but it is not 10 times deadlier than the flu.  The number of cases in the US are being under reported due to a lack of testing.  Looking at data from S. Korea where there has been much more testing done it is quite close to the death rate from the seasonal flu.

 

I will be on the Edge on 4/5 unless they cancel the cruise.  I will take all precautions to keep my wife and me healthy.  Only hindsight will tell if this is the correct decision.

[Spif Barwunkel]

So, we promulgate optimism in order to deflect pessimism, thus rendering negativism a moot point. Unfortunately jokes, anecdotes and cartoons serve no purpose but to temporarily provide a flimsy disconnect from what is really happening. No, the sky is not falling but Covid-19 is raining down on lots of parades and whether or not we put up our umbrella is strictly an individual decision.  

 

To those currently sailing or are about to, only the best wishes for health and happiness on the high seas and an uneventful return home. As to my suggestion for optimism, be optimistic that all cruise lines will make the prudent decision - for their sakes as well as ours - by cancelling all cruises for at least the next sixty days. Yes, that does include a cruise that we have booked. Inconvenience and disappointment be damned, it's the possible consequences that are the true concerns. 

[sheffield]

Wonder man, I so agree with you. I read most of these posts and feel like I’m living in an alternative universe. I have an autoimmune disease and am severely immune compromised. I need another immunotherapy infusion next week and have to fly to get it. I am panic stricken at having to fly and these people treat it all as a joke or say Its not serious. They just blow my mind. 

[hcat]

2 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

 

Exactly. One of Italy's big problems right now is that medical facilities are at capacity. People are being left on gurneys in hallways because there are no beds available. Patients who are considered to be unlikely to survive are not being treated so as to focus on those who could get through it. Those with non-corona health issues are seeing obstacles in care because healthcare workers are so occupied dealing with corona patients.

 

Yes, it's true that most people who get it will be fine. The problem is when you don't limit interaction then the virus spreads rapidly and can reach those people who are more vulnerable through contact with those who are less vulnerable, many of whom may have it and be spreading it and not realize it because they have minor symptoms they think might just be a normal cold or allergies. The continued minimization of the severity of the virus by some folks is one of the scariest things in all of this.

As result of the focus on Tom Hanks being ill , I was able to  read an  interesting article  that discusses why even well controlled, non insulin Type 2 diabetics are at risk... variations in sugar levels and inflammation issues..as they relate to fighting  the virus.  Dh and I just went through a wicked bout of seasonal flu..despite have the enhanced vaccine. Would not want to deal with anything worse..

 

Hoping to sail again in 2021..but will most likely need the doctors note.  Laying low for now 

[dappledumpling]

My wife and I plan on cruising in 11 days. Somewhere between the hype and the naysayers  lies the truth. I feel it is a serious situation but refuse to stop living. I work in healthcare at a hospital and feel the cruise is less of a risk then going to work.  We are trained to wash our hands regularly and to sanitize when entering and when leaving our patients.  Plan on doing the same while travelling...  Oh and as a public service announcement.. Wash your hand with soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds.. don't just wet them and think you accomplished anything

 

Good luck and will see some of yall on board.

[Essiesmom]

We are over 70 and diabetic (type2) and sailing on Sunday.  One day before the doctor's letter will be required.  I printed out two anyway, and will go by the office early tomorrow, just to be safe.  We are all up in the air about two cruises in June.  All is so uncertain.  EM

[Fouremco]

11 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

We are over 70 and diabetic (type2) and sailing on Sunday.  One day before the doctor's letter will be required.  I printed out two anyway, and will go by the office early tomorrow, just to be safe.  We are all up in the air about two cruises in June.  All is so uncertain.  EM

As you have diabetes, your doctor shouldn't be signing off. 

 

From the CDC:

 

Who is at Higher Risk?
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

Older adults
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Lung disease
If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

 

From the International Diabetes Federation:

 

Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID-19 virus. When people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications. There appear to be two reasons for this. Firstly, the immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight the virus and likely leading to a longer recovery period. Secondly, the virus may thrive in an environment of elevated blood glucose.

[smogfarmgirl]

7 hours ago, oh2cruise said:

I continue to see all of the posts relating to canceling. I get it.  The world is in a state of panic right now. 

 

Can we cancel? Should we cancel? What if we cancel? When will Celebrity cancel?

 

Really fellow travelers, stay away if you are sick or have been exposed!  I understand if your health is fragile or you truly feel the need to cancel for whatever reason.  Do what you must do.

 

But, I really want to go on our upcoming cruise and want to know who else has no intention of canceling unless we fall ill or are exposed!   I do NOT want Celebrity to cancel our cruise!

Am I alone? 

 

Can we use this new topic for POSITIVE posts!!  Let’s reflect on the fact, as far as I know, that Celebrity has no reported cases of Coronavirus. (knock on wood)  That Celebrity has taken extraordinary efforts to keep their ships cleaner than ever. That Celebrity has been extremely generous in revising their cancellation policy! I plan on remaining upbeat and, although my trip is not until April 20^th, I have started thinking about what I am going to pack! 

We are supposed to leave in 11 days. I REALLY want to go!!! First cruise, first vacation in 5 years, and we REALLY need one, lol. I’d be happy to go with no worries, but this quarantine issue is what gets me. They let people off a plane in Palm Beach this morning who flew with a man who tested positive. Many of those are self-quarantining. If something happened on our cruise and I had the option of doing a self quarantine I absolutely would have no problem with that. But being away from our jobs (both working from home) would be a big hardship. If only they could find a way to make that happen I’d be completely comfortable with going. 

[WonderMan3]

59 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

We are over 70 and diabetic (type2) and sailing on Sunday.  One day before the doctor's letter will be required.  I printed out two anyway, and will go by the office early tomorrow, just to be safe.  We are all up in the air about two cruises in June.  All is so uncertain.  EM

 

Your doctor can't sign off because diabetes is on the list of underlying conditions that, regardless of age, prevents you from boarding.

[WonderMan3]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

As result of the focus on Tom Hanks being ill , I was able to  read an  interesting article  that discusses why even well controlled, non insulin Type 2 diabetics are at risk... variations in sugar levels and inflammation issues..as they relate to fighting  the virus.  Dh and I just went through a wicked bout of seasonal flu..despite have the enhanced vaccine. Would not want to deal with anything worse..

 

Hoping to sail again in 2021..but will most likely need the doctors note.  Laying low for now 

 

Yes. My husband is diabetic so it's concerning for me. We already planned to nix our early May cruise on MSC but now that they have the underlying conditions ban, he can't board even if we wanted to. Been waiting around to see if MSC cancels like Princess has and then we could get a full refund. Otherwise we have to move our date but that has complications because we are booked on a casino certificate that expires at the end of October. We'll see what happens.

[C-Dragons]

3 hours ago, dproujan said:

Taking precautions is a smart idea....but it is not 10 times deadlier than the flu.  The number of cases in the US are being under reported due to a lack of testing.  Looking at data from S. Korea where there has been much more testing done it is quite close to the death rate from the seasonal flu.

 

I will be on the Edge on 4/5 unless they cancel the cruise.  I will take all precautions to keep my wife and me healthy.  Only hindsight will tell if this is the correct decision.

Is the new coronavirus deadlier than the flu?

Yes, COVID-19 is at least 10 times more lethal than influenza, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The flu kills less than 0.1% of people each year, while the fatality rate for the new coronavirus appears to be around 2-3%, according to the WHO.

Worldwide, about 291,000 to 646,000 people die of the flu each year, according to Johns Hopkins, compared to about 4,500 deaths so far in the past few months from COVID-19.