SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

From the Miami Herald in the heart of cruise country on Dec. 23, they had this headline: “To cruise or not to cruise as Omicron spreads? If you set sail, here’s what you need to know” with these highlights: “With the rapid spread of the omicron variant — and the 48 cases of the coronavirus Saturday on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship from Miami and a second outbreak of 55 infections Wednesday on Royal’s Odyssey of the Seas ship from Fort Lauderdale — South Florida travelers likely wonder whether they should cruise over the holidays and during the winter months. Also, what can they do to reduce their risk of getting infected if they set sail? Most of the cruise lines require adult and teenage passengers to show proof of full vaccination. However, since the new variant emerged in the United States on Nov. 22 and now is the dominant strain nationwide, infections have spread even among people fully inoculated. In Florida, there were 20,194 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, according to Miami Herald calculations of state data reported Wednesday to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the largest number of new daily infections since Aug. 28.  ” 

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Carnival Cruise Line will not allow smoking in onboard casinos and passengers are reminded anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask indoors on the ships, except when eating or drinking, in their staterooms or when prudent physical distance from other passengers can’t be maintained outdoors. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean also are requiring passengers to wear face coverings indoors, except when eating, drinking or in their staterooms.  Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC require passengers to have negative COVID-19 tests before boarding their cruise ships. Some testing is done at cruise terminals before voyages. Other cruise lines want passengers to be tested on their own a day or two before boarding a ship. Cruise companies have varying policies about what happens if you do test positive, prior to your booked voyage. Here are the guidelines for some of South Florida’s biggest cruise operators. Royal Caribbean has one of the most flexible policies. If anyone in your traveling party tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days before boarding, the company will issue a full refund. It will also issue pro-rated refunds if your cruise is cut short due to COVID-19. Also, it will cover the entire party’s quarantine accommodations and travel home, if necessary.  Stay outdoors on the ships as much possible, because the virus spreads much more easily inside closed spaces. That includes eating outdoors if possible or limit your time in dining rooms."

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article256788862.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 69,203 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times this morning, they had this lead-story headline: “Israel begins studying the effectiveness of a 4th vaccine dose” with these highlights: “An Israeli hospital on Monday began a study to test the safety and effectiveness of a fourth dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, as health officials continued to deliberate over rolling out fourth shots for vulnerable people nationwide.  Officials at Sheba Medical Center, near Tel Aviv, said that their study was the first of its kind in the world and involved administering an additional shot to 150 medical personnel who had received a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least four months ago.  The moves in Israel, an early leader in Covid vaccinations, are being closely watched. Even as some studies suggest that Omicron infections are milder than those caused by other variants, the surges are already stretching health systems, and experts warn that it could lead to many more deaths.   With studies showing that Covid vaccines still protect people from getting seriously ill from Omicron, a panel of medical experts advising the Israeli government recommended last week that health officials offer a fourth shot for people ages 60 and older, for those with weaker immunity and for medical workers.  Israel, a relatively small country with an efficient public health system, was a leader in introducing the first round of Covid vaccinations and later in giving booster shots, putting it in position to assess early how effective the shots are and how quickly the protection wears off.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/27/world/omicron-covid-vaccine-tests

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 52,068 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[TLCOhio]

Are the rules and guidelines being considered for change?  It seems that the only "certainty" is change!!  Right?  

 

From Bloomberg News and MSN this morning, they had this headline: “Fauci Says Domestic Travel Vaccination Rule Should Be Considered” with these highlights: “President Joe Biden’s medical adviser said a domestic travel vaccination rule should be considered as the omicron variant fuels record Covid-19 case loads in some states and holiday travel continues to be disrupted around the U.S.  Anthony Fauci said on MSNBC on Monday that it would be 'reasonable to consider' a requirement to be vaccinated for coronavirus before getting on a domestic flight. Later, in an interview on CNN, he said people should consider avoiding larger New Year’s Eve parties. 'When you make vaccination a requirement, that’s another incentive to get more people vaccinated,' Fauci said. 'If you want to do that with domestic flights, I think that’s something that seriously should be considered.'  Fauci also reiterated that officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are seriously discussing whether its feasible to shorten isolation and quarantine time for essential workers.  While some studies have suggested the omicron variant is less severe, particularly for vaccinated people, rising case loads have prompted concerns hospitals could still be overwhelmed with patients, a situation now being seen in pockets of the U.S.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/fauci-says-domestic-travel-vaccination-rule-should-be-considered/ar-AASbcTj

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 48,728 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[Silver Spectre]

The U.K. reduced isolation rules from 10 to 7 days just before Xmas. I suspect there was one eye on the number of NHS staff who are off sick or isolating at present. I wonder if RCL will make an announcement about the Whisper?

[les37b]

3 hours ago, Silver Spectre said:

The U.K. reduced isolation rules from 10 to 7 days just before Xmas. I suspect there was one eye on the number of NHS staff who are off sick or isolating at present. I wonder if RCL will make an announcement about the Whisper?

 

The restrictions are no longer to protect the NHS from too many patients and being overloaded - its from too many staff having to isolate for having Covid or contact with people who have. 

 

I learned this evening a good friend of mine has it and two days on said its just like a mild cold (like the reports are saying.) However, he is exceptionally vulnerable. He has been waiting for a Kidney transplant for about 6 years now and already in excess of usual Dialysis expectations. He is due an Op in March (his son is the donor). If he makes it through this, I'd be majorly surprised still - but if he does, it does change my perspectives on the pandemic and way forward. 

 

3 ships with Covid, arrived in port yesterday and back out with guests hte same day. ie they are getting on with it and its inside parameters of acceptability by the CDC.

[rkacruiser]

5 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

From Bloomberg News and MSN this morning, they had this headline: “Fauci Says Domestic Travel Vaccination Rule Should Be Considered” with these highlights: “President Joe Biden’s medical adviser said a domestic travel vaccination rule should be considered as the omicron variant fuels record Covid-19 case loads in some states and holiday travel continues to be disrupted around the U.S.  Anthony Fauci said on MSNBC on Monday that it would be 'reasonable to consider' a requirement to be vaccinated for coronavirus before getting on a domestic fligh

 

Millimeter by millimeter, we are getting closer to when some type of vaccination requirement in order to participate in public life is going to be instituted.  

[tosteve1]

Fully support vaccination but I will be very surprised if a vaccine requirement for domestic travel ever happens. Unlikely to have any significant effect on Covid and if it were attempted, it’ll be reversed in the next election. Choose your battles.

[CJANDH]

19 minutes ago, tosteve1 said:

Fully support vaccination but I will be very surprised if a vaccine requirement for domestic travel ever happens. Unlikely to have any significant effect on Covid and if it were attempted, it’ll be reversed in the next election. Choose your battles.

The requirement might encourage more people to get vaccinated. Hopefully, the pandemic will be over before the next election.

[TLCOhio]

On 12/27/2021 at 3:19 PM, les37b said:

3 ships with Covid, arrived in port yesterday and back out with guests hte same day. ie they are getting on with it and its inside parameters of acceptability by the CDC.

 

Yes, agree with Les that the summary for how "they are getting on with it" could be correct and on-target.  Right?  See below!

 

From the major Washington Post in our nation's capital this evening, they had this headline: “Covid is spreading on cruises again. This time, they plan to keep sailing" with this sub-headline: "Despite outbreaks on ships and the omicron variant’s rise, there’s no shutdown in sight for the cruise industry.”

 

Here are their story highlights: “The cruise industry thought it had adapted to covid-19. After emerging from a 15-month shutdown with a slew of new regulations approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ships got back on the water in late June. Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald said in a December earnings call that the company had established 'effective' protocols for the 65,000 workers and 50 ships back in operation.  Now, though, the omicron variant of the coronavirus has changed the climate. Through Tuesday, 86 cruise ships carrying passengers in U.S. waters were reporting coronavirus cases onboard, the most since the comeback, according to CDC tracking data.  Over the past week of holiday travel, stories of outbreaks, customers isolating in their cabins and ports turning away ships evoked conditions that brought cruising to a halt in March 2020, albeit without the severe cases or deaths that marked the first wave of the pandemic. Cruise lines have imposed stricter measures since the omicron variant’s discovery, and no industry-wide pause appears to be in sight.”

 

Here is more: "When reached by The Washington Post this week, the CDC said it plans to allow its Conditional Sailing Order to expire as planned on Jan. 15. At that point, the restrictions imposed for pandemic-era cruising will become recommendations.  The steep rise in passenger ships with cases onboard — up from 73 on Monday — is a result of a couple of factors: Cruise lines are returning more ships to service, and the omicron variant is tearing through the population on land.  Omicron is forcing them to adapt as the highly transmissible variant causes the largest outbreaks the industry has seen in the United States since last year. But unlike 2020, when cruising shut down worldwide, the industry is not in a tailspin. Most of the recent infections detected onboard have been mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, according to operators and the CDC.  While many are encouraging passengers to get a coronavirus booster shot, they are not mandating it. The world’s biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, said crew members are getting boosters once eligible.  Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, said members of her site’s active online community are 'reevaluating' what they want to do. 'What we’re seeing right now is pretty substantial discussion about it,' she said. Some plan to still go, others are planning to reschedule until the summer."

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/12/28/covid-spreading-cruises-no-shutdown/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 48,381 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, they had this headline: “CDC Investigating 86 Cruise Ships With Covid-19 Cases" with this sub-headline: "Cruise operators have added more testing and mask requirements as Omicron variant spreads.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating or monitoring 86 cruise ships with reported Covid-19 cases on board, according to a list posted on its website Tuesday, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads around the world.  The CDC investigates a ship if there are one or more reported Covid-19 cases among the crew or if cases reported account for at least 0.10% of total passengers in the past seven days. For a ship with 6,500 passengers, that would mean seven cases would trigger an investigation.  As part of the investigation, the CDC works with the cruise ship to lower transmission and ensure medical resources on board aren’t overwhelmed, according to the agency. It also gathers additional information such as case exposure histories, vaccination rates and details about close contacts.  Cruises resumed sailing in the U.S. in June after more than a year of being halted domestically due to the pandemic. The CDC considers cruise travelers to be at high risk of contracting the virus because of how easily it spreads among people in close quarters.  Of the ships being investigated or monitored, 32 are owned by Carnival and include vessels in its Holland America and Princess Cruises brands. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.) on Tuesday said cruises should stop operating, calling them 'petri dishes of COVID infection' in a tweet. 'Time for CDC & cruise lines to protect consumers & again pause—docking their ships,' he said.”

 

Is that CDC standard of 0.10% too low, too high or about right?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cdc-investigating-86-cruise-ships-with-covid-19-cases-11640731051?mod=hp_lead_pos11

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 42,587 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[CJANDH]

10 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Is that CDC standard of 0.10% too low, too high or about right?

It is probably okay for the large ships. But it only takes one case to trigger yellow on SS ships. We could have one or ten on board now and the CDC formula would not differentiate.

 

As it is on board Silver Spirit, we all had mid-cruise tests yesterday. Crew were open that there were some positive cases, but did not say how many. However, this morning there are little yellow magnets on many suite doors. Speculation is that the yellow dots signify a close contact of someone who tested positive and they are being isolated in their suites for (an unknown) period until a second test shows negative.

[TLCOhio]

18 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

It is probably okay for the large ships. But it only takes one case to trigger yellow on SS ships. We could have one or ten on board now and the CDC formula would not differentiate.   As it is on board Silver Spirit, we all had mid-cruise tests yesterday. Crew were open that there were some positive cases, but did not say how many. However, this morning there are little yellow magnets on many suite doors. Speculation is that the yellow dots signify a close contact of someone who tested positive and they are being isolated in their suites for (an unknown) period until a second test shows negative.

 

Appreciate these comments and follow-up from our South Carolina neighbor.  As I understand you are now on the Silver Spirit and your real-time posting is very interesting and helpful.  Agree that smaller ships, such as with Silversea, face difference conditions than exist with those larger mega cruise liners with two to six thousand passengers/staff in tighter lay-outs.   Keep this on-board sharing coming!!  

 

From MarketWatch, associated with the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline related to a push by one major U.S. Senator: “‘Petri dishes of COVID’: CDC faces call to pause cruises as nearly 90 ships report coronavirus cases.” with this sub-headline: "At least half a dozen cruise sailings were changed due to coronavirus outbreaks."

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “Following reports of multiple COVID-19 outbreaks aboard cruise ships, one senator is calling on public-health officials to pause sailings once again.  Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, posted on Twitter an appeal to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to halt cruising temporarily amid the latest phase of the coronavirus pandemic. 'Cruises are repeating recent history as petri dishes of COVID infection,' he wrote.  Passengers aboard cruise ships operated by both Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean complained in recent days about their trips being disrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks.As of Tuesday,   there were 89 cruise ships with COVID-19 cases reported, according to the CDC. All but three of those ships were under CDC investigation. Aside from Carnival  and Royal Caribbean, COVID-19 cases also occurred on ships operated by Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line and Viking Cruises.  In some cases, ships were not able to visit planned stops during the itinerary because of the COVID-19 cases among passengers. One passenger reported that she and her fellow travelers were only offered $100 per room as compensation for the inconvenience.”

 

Personally, I think Sen. Blumenthal is guilty of over-reacting and grandstanding for media attention.  Lots of politicians suffer from that "disease" and syndrome these days.  Right?  

 

I hope that cruising is not shut-down, again, by the CDC.  That could be too much for the industry to survive.  Plus, there seems to be a trend of Covid being milder for those with vaccines and boosters.  Learning to "live with it" is hopefully the path to be followed in order to move forward.   Those older and with health conditions need to exercise special and appropriate care.   That is just one person's opinion and hope!!  Reactions??

 

Full story at:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/petri-dishes-of-covid-cdc-faces-call-to-pause-cruises-as-nearly-90-ships-report-coronavirus-cases-11640725833

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 32,129 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[Catlover54]

"Personally, I think Sen. Blumenthal is guilty of over-reacting and grandstanding for media attention.  Lots of politicians suffer from that "disease" and syndrome these days.  Right?  

 

I hope that cruising is not shut-down, again, by the CDC.  That could be too much for the industry to survive.  Plus, there seems to be a trend of Covid being milder for those with vaccines and boosters.  Learning to "live with it" is hopefully the path to be followed in order to move forward.   Those older and with health conditions need to exercise special and appropriate care.   That is just one person's opinion and hope!!  Reactions??"

 

I agree with you, Terry.  Cruise ships have no more Covid per capita than many urban cities do right now, and positive cases are either asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic even in the vast majority of *ambulatory and vaxxed* seniors.  This is not March 2020.

Blumenthal sadly frequently does this kind of thing, (and more), and using the "petri dish" cliche is not even particularly original either. But I wouldn't be surprised if other media cravers do the same thing. 

 

IMHO Cruising should stay open, given our current information. Cruisers can decide for themselves if they want to cruise when they may be denied ports, switched ports (including embarkation/disembarkation), told to mask in the gym, on zodiaks, get quarantined for minor contacts, etc.  Most of what I've read on this forum  is that people fear what they see as  *overreaction* to asymptomatic or mild Covid on ships more than they do getting Covid.

The people who are very frail and/or very fearful (or those who are married to the very frail and/or very fearful) are already staying home, and can continue to stay home. 

 

I hope the overreaction by ships and ports does not accelerate, because even I, a cruising addict, have my limits on the *uncertainty, inconvenience, discomfort, and extra expense* of what I will put up with to get that at-sea high, and DH's tolerance is even less even though he is younger.  He is not completely happy with the current SS cruise plans upcoming soon (we did not book until early November, and already there have been changes on ports and protocols), but he will humor me and still go along for now as it is late in the game.

 

Most of us here want this industry to survive.  But between posturing politicians and fearful port personnel/directives who feel they need to show they want to do "something" to show they are noble  (other than encouraging vaccinating their populace), the lines are caught in the middle, and their challenges are increasing.

[tosteve1]

If I see another story about Petri dishes 🤬! Or “perfect storms, for that matter…

[CJANDH]

To Terry's point there are 400 plus people on Spirit right now that are enjoying a lovely holiday cruise around the Caribbean. A few poor souls have been disembarked; a bunch more are currently isolated in their suites. But the majority are getting on with their vacations.

 

Cruising today is a little like Russian Roulette. You take a shot at embarkation and hope there is no bullet in the breach . . .  or you go home. You take another shot mid-cruise and again hope for a blank, but then there is the added risk you may have had close contact with someone who found a live round  . . . then you are isolated in your suite for a while. If you are not willing to take that risk, do not take a cruise. But the risk is still low and the rewards are worth it.

 

Just had a nice open air lunch at La T and resting up for a while before Trivia and champers. Life is still good. Enjoy it.

[TrulyBlonde]

2 hours ago, tosteve1 said:

If I see another story about Petri dishes 🤬! Or “perfect storms, for that matter…

So funny we went from “winter of death” to just isolate for 5 days in the matter of a week. 

[Lois R]

1 hour ago, TrulyBlonde said:

So funny we went from “winter of death” to just isolate for 5 days in the matter of a week. 

I noticed that too.......and have a question .Wouldn't you think a negative test after those 5 days would be a better way? Just curious, not trying to be a smart a$$.   Especially if you are going to travel?  I know a test is needed when traveling internationally anyway but just figured if they are reducing that isolation a test would be the only way to know if you still had the virus.

[TrulyBlonde]

21 minutes ago, Lois R said:

I noticed that too.......and have a question .Wouldn't you think a negative test after those 5 days would be a better way? Just curious, not trying to be a smart a$$.   Especially if you are going to travel?  I know a test is needed when traveling internationally anyway but just figured if they are reducing that isolation a test would be the only way to know if you still had the virus.

I agree, but that takes common sense. I just read somewhere that the FDA has an issue with certain tests and they can show positivity for a few months after infection. Maybe they do not want to test because they have a shortage?

[Lois R]

1 hour ago, TrulyBlonde said:

I agree, but that takes common sense. I just read somewhere that the FDA has an issue with certain tests and they can show positivity for a few months after infection. Maybe they do not want to test because they have a shortage?

Hi TB, I heard that too but I also heard it is not true.

[rkacruiser]

9 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Personally, I think Sen. Blumenthal is guilty of over-reacting and grandstanding for media attention.

 

Agree.  

 

Mixed messages from the previous Administration was a hallmark of their response to this pandemic.  I regret saying that such messaging from the current Administration continues to this day.  I heard a report that the change in the number of days for one to be in quarantine if one gets a positive test was, in part, due to "all that the public will accept".  If I what I heard is true,  this is good public health policy?  

 

If our government had handled our Nation's performance during World War II as badly as it has during this pandemic, those of us East of the Mississippi would probably be speaking German and those West of the Mississippi would probably be speaking Japanese.  

[TrulyBlonde]

28 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

  I heard a report that the change in the number of days for one to be in quarantine if one gets a positive test was, in part, due to "all that the public will accept".  If I what I heard is true,  this is good public health policy?  

 

 

What happened to Trust the Science? Yikes!

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

Mixed messages from the previous Administration was a hallmark of their response to this pandemic.  I regret saying that such messaging from the current Administration continues to this day.  I heard a report that the change in the number of days for one to be in quarantine if one gets a positive test was, in part, due to "all that the public will accept".  If I what I heard is true,  this is good public health policy? 

 

YES, agree there has been "mixed messages" from both sides during the past two years.  The confusion over what the science means and how it should be applied has been subject to much debate and evolving standards.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline on a company press release: “Royal Caribbean Group provides update on COVID-19, Omicron variant impact.”

 

Here are some of the RCL release highlights: “Today, Royal Caribbean Group provided an update on the status of its business and the impact of the Omicron variant.  Knowledge about COVID-19 and how to deal with it have been in a constant state of flux for the last two years. Omicron has significantly altered the COVID-19 landscape for everyone, and the Royal Caribbean Group is no exception.  The Omicron variant is significantly more infectious than its predecessors, Omicron also appears to cause significantly less severe symptoms than earlier variants, especially for people who are vaccinated. 'Omicron is having a big short-term impact on everyone, but many observers see this as a major step towards COVID-19 becoming endemic rather than epidemic,' said Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO. 'We don't like to see even one case, but our experience is a fraction of the comparable statistics of virtually any other comparable location or industry.'  Royal Caribbean Group's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Calvin Johnson emphasizes: 'The company is navigating through the ever-evolving information on the Omicron variant. Our case count has spiked, but the level of severity is significantly milder.' ”

 

Their press release finished with this summary: "Following a very strong Cyber weekend, the company experienced a decline in bookings and increased cancellations for near-term sailings but to a lesser degree than that experienced with the Delta variant. Load factors for sailings in the first half of 2022 remain below historical levels, as expected. However, sailings for the second half of 2022 continue to be booked within historical ranges, at higher prices with and without Future Cruise Credits (FCCs), with strong demand from the critical U.S. market.  The travel industry is experiencing significant disruptions by air transport and other service providers due to the spread of Omicron. Such disruptions are particularly impactful during the holiday season as the need increases and the labor supply is impacted by the current spike in cases.  In addition, the company is experiencing service disruptions at selected destinations and to date has cancelled or significantly modified 16 destination calls out of 331. The company expects these disruptions to continue in the near term and then decline as the world adjusts to the current trends."

 

Not sure this Royal Caribbean media statement today says that much significantly new or dramatic, but it does seem "honest" in acknowledging that they are seeing and admitting impacts now from this latest variant.  Reactions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/royal-caribbean-group-provides-update-on-covid-19-omicron-variant-impact-01640873169?tesla=y

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 30,906 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

Per one of my smart sources in Florida, here is the headline on this breaking news within the last 30 minutes: “CDC: 'Avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status' " with this subhead line: "This reflects increases in cases onboard cruise ships since identification of the Omicron variant," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.”

 

Here are some of the NBC-TV story highlights: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday issued an advisory urging all travelers — vaccinated and unvaccinated — to avoid cruise ship travel amidst a record-breaking Covid surge driven by the omicron variant in many states across the United States. 'Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants,' the CDC said in a midday bulletin.  The CDC said the travel health notice upgrade from level 3 to level 4 'reflects increases in cases onboard cruise ships since identification of the Omicron variant.'  They said more cruise ships are at 'level yellow' on a color-coded CDC chart, at which point the public health agency investigates the Covid outbreak on the ship.  'It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status,' they added.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/cdc-avoid-cruise-travel-regardless-vaccination-status-rcna10456

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 20,300 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Edited December 30, 2021 by TLCOhio

[CJANDH]

For what it is worth, Silver Spirit has essentially cancelled the balance of its cruise. We have 17 passengers and 4 crew who have tested positive for COVID and have been quarantined in the "red zone" on level 6. Quite a few others are quarantined in their staterooms as close contacts of those testing positive.

 

As the 20 cases represent about 2% of the people onboard, all our future ports-of-call have denied us docking rights. The captain has announced we will reduce speed and head back to FLL with four at sea days instead of two ports and two days at sea.

 

This just illustrates that it is too easy for our small ships to meet an arbitrary percent level. A big ship with significantly more case is still allowed to visit. Surely it is the number of infected people that counts not the percentage.

 

The Russian Roulette game has worked against us. Too bad . . . we were having fun.

[Lois R]

4 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

For what it is worth, Silver Spirit has essentially cancelled the balance of its cruise. We have 17 passengers and 4 crew who have tested positive for COVID and have been quarantined in the "red zone" on level 6. Quite a few others are quarantined in their staterooms as close contacts of those testing positive.

 

As the 20 cases represent about 2% of the people onboard, all our future ports-of-call have denied us docking rights. The captain has announced we will reduce speed and head back to FLL with four at sea days instead of two ports and two days at sea.

 

This just illustrates that it is too easy for our small ships to meet an arbitrary percent level. A big ship with significantly more case is still allowed to visit. Surely it is the number of infected people that counts not the percentage.

 

The Russian Roulette game has worked against us. Too bad . . . we were having fun.

CJ, hope you and hubby both stay healthy.