Carnival Announces Plan To Resume Operations

[Potstech]

27 minutes ago, c-boy said:

way to protect the field.

Not my yob. Just think the same entity that brought us the virus is the same entity that is presenting us with the Tracing program. Not much protection there.

[c-boy]

1 hour ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

This will be the problem.....many people will believe the rules do not apply to them and will have no problem flaunting them to make life difficult for others.....I am always amazed at how attending a muster drill on a ship is such a major inconvenience to so many so I cannot imagine there will not be those who will just do  their own thing on board and to heck with the rest.....humanity at its best!!!

I/we have witnessed some real honey badgers with attitude on this thread. 

[USCcruisecrazy]

Some good points and some not properly informed points as well on this thread.  But it seems like the basic conversation is about "How do we re-open the cruise industry?"  One caveat up front: I'm a firm believer that the longer you wait to find workarounds to "Living" then you may as well give up anyway, because your life will pass without much "Living" down the road.  A Depression, which we will see if we stay the current course, will cause misery and pain for everyone for a very long time.  But enough of that...how do we cruise?

 

There seem to be a number of Antigen tests out there and a very short time from now, one of them will prove to be as close to 100% accurate as we can ever get in anything we do.  So, you require all crew and passengers to take the Antigen test prior to boarding the ship.  Yes, they have ones that are complete within minutes.  If you are shown to have the antigen (or antibodies) for COVID-19, you are GTG...come on board.  If not, try again later.  The beauty is, you can test yourself before you leave and know the answer to the question.  This at least is a way to control the virus from boarding the ship pre-sail.

 

Cruises, at least for now, would have to be shorter...more sea days...stop at places like Princess Cays or similar islands, where those on the island can be screened before hand and ensure the virus is not present.  Or, do cruises that sail through the Panama Canal or Inside Passage and don't let people off...just enjoy the beauty and experience.  Granted, those are not ideal situations...but I'm no virus expert...so perhaps my 2 minutes of thinking outside the box can be improved upon by the experts.  

 

The point of the story is, there are always many sides to every story and unless we are willing to explore the possible then we will have to settle for whatever someone else wants to feed us.  I am also very hopeful that when the facts are analyzed, we will find it's not as scary as some of you think.  BTW:  my wife has been doing triage on the front line as a Nurse the entire time, so not like we haven't been exposed to it's ugly head.

Edited May 6, 2020 by USCcruisecrazy

[Paula_MacFan]

8 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

 

There seem to be a number of Antigen tests out there and a very short time from now, one of them will prove to be as close to 100% accurate as we can ever get in anything we do.  So, you require all crew and passengers to take the Antigen test prior to boarding the ship.  Yes, they have ones that are complete within minutes.  If you are shown to have the antigen (or antibodies) for COVID-19, you are GTG...come on board.  If not, try again later.  The beauty is, you can test yourself before you leave and know the answer to the question.  This at least is a way to control the virus from boarding the ship pre-sail.

 

 

Obviously I am no disease specialist either, but I saw yesterday on news (several reputable sources, you can Google if you want) that the virus has already mutated from earlier this year and is now a more virulent strain.  How does the antigen test work when the virus is changing?  Rhetorical question as I'm sure you don't know either, but just playing devil's advocate here.  

[PrincessLuver]

1 minute ago, Paula_MacFan said:

 

Obviously I am no disease specialist either, but I saw yesterday on news (several reputable sources, you can Google if you want) that the virus has already mutated from earlier this year and is now a more virulent strain.  How does the antigen test work when the virus is changing?  Rhetorical question as I'm sure you don't know either, but just playing devil's advocate here.  

 

I saw that too and maybe that is one of the characteristics that makes COVID-19 such a hard virus to stop.

[USCcruisecrazy]

2 minutes ago, Paula_MacFan said:

 

Obviously I am no disease specialist either, but I saw yesterday on news (several reputable sources, you can Google if you want) that the virus has already mutated from earlier this year and is now a more virulent strain.  How does the antigen test work when the virus is changing?  Rhetorical question as I'm sure you don't know either, but just playing devil's advocate here.  

You are correct, I am not a virus expert, and even though I once slept in a Holiday Inn Express, I wouldn't try to act as one.  LOL!  Seriously though, there are many stories going around about the virus mutating.  I will tell you this and with good reference to the MD that passed it along...viruses tend to weaken as they mutate because they realize they are killing the hosts and that is not their intent.  Yes, he actually said viruses are very smart indeed.  So I would take some of that with a grain of salt.  However, to re-address the original issue...how do we know the antigen test is working, I guess we can never be 100% certain.  Life is a gamble every time we walk out the door, so I guess it needs to be the choice of each individual. 

[Tedferg]

19 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

 

 

There seem to be a number of Antigen tests out there and a very short time from now, one of them will prove to be as close to 100% accurate as we can ever get in anything we do.  So, you require all crew and passengers to take the Antigen test prior to boarding the ship.  Yes, they have ones that are complete within minutes.  If you are shown to have the antigen (or antibodies) for COVID-19, you are GTG...come on board.  If not, try again later. 

I might be missing the point, the antigen test would show if you have been exposed and have generated antibodies - it would not show if you are infected and asymptomatic, right ? Isn't the latter the real problem ?

[USCcruisecrazy]

From the Healthline Periodical:

 

“Mutation. The word naturally conjures fears of unexpected and freakish changes,” researchers wrote in a reportTrusted Source published in Nature Microbiology in late February. “Ill-informed discussions of mutations thrive during virus outbreaks,” they continued, which is exactly what we’re seeing with SARS-CoV-2.  But mutations aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Every virus mutates; it’s part of the virus life cycle. Those shifts and changes aren’t always a big deal. In some cases, those mutations may actually lead to a weaker virus. Usually, though, the changes are so slight that there’s no noticeable difference in the disease’s transmission and fatality rates.

[ontheweb]

11 hours ago, Captain_Morgan said:

These are the sort of people who will be rushing to get on ships before a vaccine....the same ones that cut holes in their mask to make it 'easier to breathe' will the ones lining up to get on a ship for 4 days because they 'need to cruise'.....SMH

 

I did my grocery shopping yesterday morning during the early hour of 6-7 AM on Tuesdays when the store was supposed to be open only for senior citizens (I am in my 70s) and others at risk. There was one person who looked like he was maybe 25 who was not only there but had his mask on (you are required in my state to have a mask on when entering a store) with the straps around his chin and his nose totally uncovered.

[USCcruisecrazy]

9 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

I might be missing the point, the antigen test would show if you have been exposed and have generated antibodies - it would not show if you are infected and asymptomatic, right ? Isn't the latter the real problem ?

You have to pick the right test, because there are 3 separate things they can test for.  With the right Antibody test, it will show if you have previously been infected with the disease.  They can tell how long you've carried those antibodies as well which means if you are past 14 days they do not anticiapte any active virus.  Thus, that is how they determine who can give plasma for treatment.  You are correct though, some tests show active virus...so I should have deliniated to using the Antibody Test that only tests for antibodies and not active virus or PCR.  Apologies for the confusion.

[Tedferg]

3 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

You have to pick the right test, because there are 3 separate things they can test for.  With the right Antibody test, it will show if you have previously been infected with the disease.  They can tell how long you've carried those antibodies as well which means if you are past 14 days they do not anticiapte any active virus.  Thus, that is how they determine who can give plasma for treatment.  You are correct though, some tests show active virus...so I should have deliniated to using the Antibody Test that only tests for antibodies and not active virus or PCR.  Apologies for the confusion.

Thanks for clarification - so an infected, asymptomatic person would show antibodies - got it. I thought the test was just to show who had some immunity and so could go back to work. Thanks again. 

[USCcruisecrazy]

There was a Peer Reviewed study published today that believes 10% of the world's population as already been infected, which means the mortality rate is about 1/3 of the average flu.  The issue is, this disease targets a very specific clientele...those that are in their Golden Years with comorbidities and any younger folks with multiple comorbidities.  If this holds true, then we need to focus on isolating those folks and the rest of the world can get back to living (with precautions not to infect the at risk).  Could be good news and could help with that cruise planning in the cloming months.

 

Personally, we have a 40th Anniversary scheduked for Walt Disney World with about 30 children, spouses of children, and grandchildren for May of 2021.  We best find a fix by then.  🙂

Edited May 6, 2020 by USCcruisecrazy

[gmjc2]

23 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

You are correct, I am not a virus expert, and even though I once slept in a Holiday Inn Express, I wouldn't try to act as one.  LOL!  Seriously though, there are many stories going around about the virus mutating.  I will tell you this and with good reference to the MD that passed it along...viruses tend to weaken as they mutate because they realize they are killing the hosts and that is not their intent.  Yes, he actually said viruses are very smart indeed.  So I would take some of that with a grain of salt.  However, to re-address the original issue...how do we know the antigen test is working, I guess we can never be 100% certain.  Life is a gamble every time we walk out the door, so I guess it needs to be the choice of each individual. 

This info reminds me of a few SYFY movies I have seen!! 😁

 

[gmjc2]

56 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

Some good points and some not properly informed points as well on this thread.  But it seems like the basic conversation is about "How do we re-open the cruise industry?"  One caveat up front: I'm a firm believer that the longer you wait to find workarounds to "Living" then you may as well give up anyway, because your life will pass without much "Living" down the road.  A Depression, which we will see if we stay the current course, will cause misery and pain for everyone for a very long time.  But enough of that...how do we cruise?

 

There seem to be a number of Antigen tests out there and a very short time from now, one of them will prove to be as close to 100% accurate as we can ever get in anything we do.  So, you require all crew and passengers to take the Antigen test prior to boarding the ship.  Yes, they have ones that are complete within minutes.  If you are shown to have the antigen (or antibodies) for COVID-19, you are GTG...come on board.  If not, try again later.  The beauty is, you can test yourself before you leave and know the answer to the question.  This at least is a way to control the virus from boarding the ship pre-sail.

 

Cruises, at least for now, would have to be shorter...more sea days...stop at places like Princess Cays or similar islands, where those on the island can be screened before hand and ensure the virus is not present.  Or, do cruises that sail through the Panama Canal or Inside Passage and don't let people off...just enjoy the beauty and experience.  Granted, those are not ideal situations...but I'm no virus expert...so perhaps my 2 minutes of thinking outside the box can be improved upon by the experts.  

 

The point of the story is, there are always many sides to every story and unless we are willing to explore the possible then we will have to settle for whatever someone else wants to feed us.  I am also very hopeful that when the facts are analyzed, we will find it's not as scary as some of you think.  BTW:  my wife has been doing triage on the front line as a Nurse the entire time, so not like we haven't been exposed to it's ugly head.

So if we have not been exposed and or had the virus we will not have antibodies and cannot ever cruise again!  Wow! Thanks a lot for that idea.!!

 

[gmjc2]

3 hours ago, Captain_Morgan said:

 

Customer...its a still from a short video where the woman said it was to help her breathe....speaks volumes of humanities finest on display....and they wonder why cases spike when mitigation isn't followed properly

Sent this photo to all my friends and family. Unbelievable!!

[USCcruisecrazy]

11 minutes ago, gmjc2 said:

So if we have not been exposed and or had the virus we will not have antibodies and cannot ever cruise again!  Wow! Thanks a lot for that idea.!!

 

Not saying that...God forbid.  Just saying if they want to crusie on 1 August like some have said is the plan, that may be one way around it.  Personally, I think by January of 2021 we will be doing cruising, sitting in stadiums again, and throwing massive parties...at some point we have to take control of living!

[gmjc2]

2 minutes ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

Not saying that...God forbid.  Just saying if they want to crusie on 1 August like some have said is the plan, that may be one way around it.  Personally, I think by January of 2021 we will be doing cruising, sitting in stadiums again, and throwing massive parties...at some point we have to take control of living!

We had to cancel TA cruise in March to see my very elderly ( 96 and 98) parents and are hoping to go in Dec. We go to England 2 times a year. Unfortunately they are going down hill fast and my sister who lives next door to them is concerned they will not make it till Christmas. I may have to brave the airlines to go before Dec but then will I be able to get home? It is all so stressful!

[USCcruisecrazy]

21 minutes ago, gmjc2 said:

We had to cancel TA cruise in March to see my very elderly ( 96 and 98) parents and are hoping to go in Dec. We go to England 2 times a year. Unfortunately they are going down hill fast and my sister who lives next door to them is concerned they will not make it till Christmas. I may have to brave the airlines to go before Dec but then will I be able to get home? It is all so stressful!

I would like to keep you and your parents in my prayers!  Those are the stories that pain one's heart.  My mother-in-laws brother is dying in a Retirement Home (not from COVID) and no one, including his wife, can visit...I find that ridiculous...give her some PPE and let her say her goodbyes.  I hope this all works out for you.  I am flying to Las Vegas in June to see my granddaughters.  It is a risk I don't mind taking.   

[gmjc2]

1 minute ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

I would like to keep you and your parents in my prayers!  Those are the stories that pain one's heart.  My mother-in-laws brother is dying in a Retirement Home (not from COVID) and no one, including his wife, can visit...I find that ridiculous...give her some PPE and let her say her goodbyes.  I hope this all works out for you.  I am flying to Las Vegas in June to see my granddaughters.  It is a risk I don't mind taking.   

Thanks.  It is the length of the flight that is so daunting! We hate it under any conditions but 9 hrs in a recirculated cabin air system!!!! Also there has not been much news about coming home after visiting Europe recently so would have to check that.

 

[Tedferg]

USCruisecrazy further to our comments on antigens. Sacramento is opening up a free test as follows. 

 

"Verily sends the swabs to a lab and testees are informed within five days of the test results. As of this week, some were receiving emails the next day with their results.

The tests notably are limited to determining whether the person is currently infected with the coronavirus. The test does not indicate whether a person was previously infected."

 

It would be great if boarding passengers could be screened. Now five day turn around would not work for a cruise but perhaps turn around can be shorter for a cruise test versus broad community testing.

[PrincessLuver]

1 hour ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

There was a Peer Reviewed study published today that believes 10% of the world's population as already been infected, which means the mortality rate is about 1/3 of the average flu.  The issue is, this disease targets a very specific clientele...those that are in their Golden Years with comorbidities and any younger folks with multiple comorbidities.  If this holds true, then we need to focus on isolating those folks and the rest of the world can get back to living (with precautions not to infect the at risk).  Could be good news and could help with that cruise planning in the cloming months.

 

Personally, we have a 40th Anniversary scheduked for Walt Disney World with about 30 children, spouses of children, and grandchildren for May of 2021.  We best find a fix by then.  🙂

 

Why worry about a fix then......sounds like you got it figured out pretty good to me.

[caribill]

1 hour ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

  I am also very hopeful that when the facts are analyzed, we will find it's not as scary as some of you think. 

 

For over 70,000 families in the USA so far, it has been much more scary than you think.

[PrincessLuver]

2 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

USCruisecrazy further to our comments on antigens. Sacramento is opening up a free test as follows. 

 

"Verily sends the swabs to a lab and testees are informed within five days of the test results. As of this week, some were receiving emails the next day with their results.

The tests notably are limited to determining whether the person is currently infected with the coronavirus. The test does not indicate whether a person was previously infected."

 

It would be great if boarding passengers could be screened. Now five day turn around would not work for a cruise but perhaps turn around can be shorter for a cruise test versus broad community testing.

 

Emirates Airlines is already screening all of its passengers with quick COVID-19 blood tests to assure they are COVID-19 free before they will allow them to board their planes and fly.

[PrincessLuver]

1 minute ago, caribill said:

 

For over 70,000 families in the USA so far, it has been much more scary than you think.

 

Totally agree.....and the numbers just keep rising....cannot believe people are so worried about getting to go on a little cruise when the country is collapsing around us.....

[USCcruisecrazy]

6 minutes ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

Totally agree.....and the numbers just keep rising....cannot believe people are so worried about getting to go on a little cruise when the country is collapsing around us.....

No offense, but I don't think the country is collapsing YET...exactly why we need to find a way to move forward.  And for the 70,000 families, let's look at the facts...tens of thousands are being coded as COVID-19 deaths because the hospitals are getting a nice chunk of change for that...$13K for any coded patient...$39K if they are on a ventilator.  If someone had a massive heart attack from being obese with high blood pressure and went to the hospital and died, they are using COVID-19 could have been a contributing factor and getting paid.  Many experts show the numbers half of what the media is portraying.  That being said, every death is tragic regardless and I feel sorry for those families.  Just like the 60,000 that died from the flu in 2018...I'm sure you felt for them too!!