One of First Cruise Ships to Sail Has Covid 19 Outbreak

[Travelcat2]

In terms of goggles, I am not a doctor or scientist but started wearing a mask and proper eye goggles in April (once I was able to get them) when the CDC, doctors and scientists said that they would not help.  I started wearing a face shield occasionally in May and wearing it seriously in June.  Yesterday was the first time I heard reports about how helpful the shields can be.  If I can figure all of this out, I’m wondering why others cannot.

 

greykitty - Crew members have been out of work for months.  If they wish to return to cruising under the current conditions - they will.  If not, they won’t.  I do not feel that staying on a ship is inhumane.  It is not something that most people would do but most people would not work to work the kind of hours that they do either - it is their choice (based on being able to feed and school their families).   Personally, I could live on a Regent ships for quite a while without stepping foot outside (except for our balcony and outdoor areas).  

 

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

36 minutes ago, johng75370 said:

 

As someone new to Regent I most certainly am trying to be optimistic; when our October Mariner sailing was cancelled we chose to rebook for Dec 2021, and likely will make it a back to back in our desire to get to know Regent (and our pent up demand for a longer cruise).  We’re getting used to the idea that we won’t know when the next cruise is, but we are pretty confident that we will be back onboard in a way that delivers a memorable vacation and a safe one.  

We have five Regent cruises booked for the next two years. None of us know when we will sail again, but we keep the faith. Glad you feel the same way. 
sheila

[cwn]

25 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

…...Crew members have been out of work for months.  If they wish to return to cruising under the current conditions - they will.  If not, they won’t.  I do not feel that staying on a ship is inhumane.  It is not something that most people would do but most people would not work to work the kind of hours that they do either - it is their choice (based on being able to feed and school their families).   Personally, I could live on a Regent ships for quite a while without stepping foot outside (except for our balcony and outdoor areas).

 

 

TC, so could Dick and I. The first time we met was on the first segment of the 72 day Circle South America cruise . That was our first Regent cruise and we were doing the whole thing....kind of daring but turned out well. We like Regent very much.

 

But I dare say that our standard suite and your suite, the public areas and the eating spaces we can enjoy are much more livable than the crew level, if you are confined to the ship for a long period of time. 

 

Granted the conditions in their home countries might drive them into such an undesirable situation. 

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Herb and I could remain onboard for an entire cruise. We did that on our last Regent cruise in December. 
sheila

[Travelcat2]

53 minutes ago, cwn said:

TC, so could Dick and I. The first time we met was on the first segment of the 72 day Circle South America cruise . That was our first Regent cruise and we were doing the whole thing....kind of daring but turned out well. We like Regent very much.

 

But I dare say that our standard suite and your suite, the public areas and the eating spaces we can enjoy are much more livable than the crew level, if you are confined to the ship for a long period of time. 

 

Granted the conditions in their home countries might drive them into such an undesirable situation. 

 

 

I could never forget that cruise.  We had the best trivia team that I've ever experienced.  I recall winning and giving our "points" to others.  There were no arguments - we all worked together so well.  From a passenger point of view, that was one of our best cruises.  

 

I know that I am posting more than ever ..... it is out of fear/nervousness.  It hurts my heart to hear about the daily deaths throughout the world.  In our wildest dreams, I would never have thought that we would be living through a pandemic.  One an only imagine what Dennis is going through at his advanced age.  Losing a year of cruising when our cruising life is relatively short is difficult at best.  

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

32 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

 One an only imagine what Dennis is going through at his advanced age.  Losing a year of cruising when our cruising life is relatively short is difficult at best.  

How true.... this is our biggest concern now. At our age, we have only limited time to enjoy our lives and cruising.
Perhaps, some others cannot understand this because they are younger and healthier. We know the gloom and doom but refuse to allow that to alter our thinking process. Why not help support us instead of crashing our hopes with every post.  
sheila

[SusieQft]

4 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

I read a poll today that only 1 in 4 people would be willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available.

If true, that will help make sure that the vaccine is available to those who do want it.  But I think that number is probably referring to the first 90 days or so after the vaccine is available.  Since 1/4 to 1/3 of Americans say they would not take any vaccine (for anything) ever, it might make it hard for a vaccine to get us to herd immunity.  Time will tell.

 

I think only about half of Americans get the flu vaccine every year.  It is only about 50-60% effective, on the average.  Clearly we still have problems with the flu spreading in the US population every year.  If the vaccine were more effective and/or more people got it, it would help significantly.

 

Cruise lines have historically refused to require passengers get the flu vaccine, at least I am not aware of any exceptions to this.  It will be very interesting to see if they now require the covid vaccine.  Those who like to cruise but refuse all vaccines would then have a decision to make.  🤔

[Portolan]

8 minutes ago, SusieQft said:

Cruise lines have historically refused to require passengers get the flu vaccine, at least I am not aware of any exceptions to this.  It will be very interesting to see if they now require the covid vaccine.  Those who like to cruise but refuse all vaccines would then have a decision to make.  🤔

 

Since the consequences and virulence of COVID-19 are dramatically worse than the flu, I expect the more relevant model is that of requiring Yellow Fever inoculations to enter some parts of the world and now, perhaps, cruise ships.  Since spreaders can be asymptomatic, no pre-boarding questions or checks, including testing, guarantees that passengers don't arrive infected.

 

Ms. Portolan and I will be availing ourselves of any and all COVID-19 vaccines as soon as we can get them.

Edited August 2, 2020 by Portolan

[fizzy]

Right now we just can't take a cruise. It's not safe and the rules are unenforceable. There will always be a mask "oops" or a "but it was just for a second" or any number of ways to break the sterility chain and it just takes one. How do you get the person off the ship? Turn the ship around and demand that the closest port accept them? I want to go to a Yankee game and to a concert but I can't. I wanted to watch my friend compete in an important horse show today...but no spectators.  Tons of security and anyone caught with no mask or mask down was escorted off the property unless they were a rider in the show ring. Everyone wants this thing to turn around, but for now, cruising is way up on the list of non essential things to do in terms of slowing down the spread of this virus. It's not fair to insist that other countries or ship board crew be expected to cater to what I want to do because I want to do it.

[cruiseluv]

8 hours ago, SusieQft said:

or interact with or provide housekeeping services for passengers who have gotten off the ship.

 

agree, one reason I wont cruise. I can imagine every day the tension, waiting to hear from the captain if we have any Covid cases

[SusieQft]

2 hours ago, Portolan said:

Since the consequences and virulence of COVID-19 are dramatically worse than the flu, I expect the more relevant model is that of requiring Yellow Fever inoculations to enter some parts of the world and now, perhaps, cruise ships.

Yellow fever is very different.  It is spread by mosquitos, and covid is spread mainly by respiratory droplets and aerosols.  One person on a ship getting yellow fever should pose very little risk for infecting others on the ship, but that person would be much more seriously ill than most people who get covid. 

 

We have had a yellow fever vaccine for a long time and more is known about it, so it is a lot easier to require it (with exceptions). It is really hard to make comparisons, but so far it appears that covid behaves much more like an especially bad strain of the flu than yellow fever.  But I do agree that from a regulatory view, it is possible that vaccination for covid may be required in the future.  The potential problems with that would include the incredibly fast development of the vaccine(s), and the fact that there could be serious complications that we will not know about until some time after it is released on the market.

 

Nonetheless, my husband and I will probably also get it as soon as we can.

[cruiseluv]

8 hours ago, howiefrommd said:

If the guests get off and end up getting this highly contagious aerosolized virus, the staff (as well as fellow passengers) will probably end up getting it anyway.  As has now been shown, masks are just one of the protective measures we should utilize.  Many scientists/clinicians are now saying that when in close proximity situations, eye protection (such as goggles) should be used. I know we all enjoy cruising, but there is a reality to the science. 

 

Sure, what about a hazmat suit? I think that may help as well

[cruiseluv]

7 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

And to keep all passengers on the ship at all times. If one thinks that the tour operators are going to be able to control all contacts, dream on. I’ve read where people on tours often leave the tour and go on their own mid tour. There is no way that everyone on a cruise ship is going to obey all the rules onboard (better chance) and in port. I read a poll today that only 1 in 4 people would be willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available.

 

Frankly, who's to say that the tour guide is not infected. This is all ludicrous. Either we learn to live with this virus as we do with the flu, or forget about cruising. Oh yes, unless we have that bullet proof vaccine...

[cruiseluv]

7 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

In terms of goggles, I am not a doctor or scientist but started wearing a mask and proper eye goggles in April (once I was able to get them) when the CDC, doctors and scientists said that they would not help.  I started wearing a face shield occasionally in May and wearing it seriously in June.  Yesterday was the first time I heard reports about how helpful the shields can be.  If I can figure all of this out, I’m wondering why others cannot.

 

 

 

I keep my sunglasses on when I go into the stores, not because of the virus, but because that way I wont lose them. Wonder if they're as effective as goggles... Wish Dr Fauci would expound on the subject, after all, he just briefly talked about it, just because he was asked, almost as an afterthought.

[cruiseluv]

3 hours ago, SusieQft said:

If true, that will help make sure that the vaccine is available to those who do want it.  But I think that number is probably referring to the first 90 days or so after the vaccine is available.  Since 1/4 to 1/3 of Americans say they would not take any vaccine (for anything) ever, it might make it hard for a vaccine to get us to herd immunity.  Time will tell.

 

I think only about half of Americans get the flu vaccine every year.  It is only about 50-60% effective, on the average.  Clearly we still have problems with the flu spreading in the US population every year.  If the vaccine were more effective and/or more people got it, it would help significantly.

 

Cruise lines have historically refused to require passengers get the flu vaccine, at least I am not aware of any exceptions to this.  It will be very interesting to see if they now require the covid vaccine.  Those who like to cruise but refuse all vaccines would then have a decision to make.  🤔

 

I have never gotten the flu vaccine, and never gotten the flu ( maybe I'm lucky). Dont feel like telling my age, but lets say is way into the recommended age. Too many stories of bad reactions from friends, and the fact that its less than 50% effective. I try to keep my immune system strong, and the rest I leave up to God. By the way, my parents, still alive, are 90 and 98, and have never had the vaccine, or the flu.  Regarding a potential Covid vaccine, frankly dont know. Depends who's peddling it and how convincing it is

[Travelcat2]

10 minutes ago, cruiseluv said:

 

I keep my sunglasses on when I go into the stores, not because of the virus, but because that way I wont lose them. Wonder if they're as effective as goggles... Wish Dr Fauci would expound on the subject, after all, he just briefly talked about it, just because he was asked, almost as an afterthought.

 

Although I heard part of an interview with Dr. Fauci, and face goggles were discussed.  I’m not sure if he or someone else mentioned that there were too many openings on regular sunglasses (especially on the side).  I purchased mine on a 3M website for only about $3/each (and they really are not bad looking - kind of like wraparound sunglasses)..  Now that goggles and face shields have been mentioned on television two days in a row, the price may go up and they may be more difficult to find.

[cruiseluv]

2 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Although I heard part of an interview with Dr. Fauci, and face goggles were discussed.  I’m not sure if he or someone else mentioned that there were too many openings on regular sunglasses (especially on the side).  I purchased mine on a 3M website for only about $3/each (and they really are not bad looking - kind of like wraparound sunglasses)..  Now that goggles and face shields have been mentioned on television two days in a row, the price may go up and they may be more difficult to find.

LOL!! Well, not from me, I wont be buying them. What's next? Wrap yourself in Saran Wrap?

[Travelcat2]

3 minutes ago, cruiseluv said:

LOL!! Well, not from me, I wont be buying them. What's next? Wrap yourself in Saran Wrap?

 

I am truly curious why you feel the way that you do about masks, etc.  I’m not trying to sarcastic but am trying to understand.

 

Thanks.

[GrJ Berkshire]

This spat over masks, goggles and vaccines ( which 30% of US won't take) shows why the Cruise industry and Regent are in so much trouble. If people will not follow rules for the new normal and hide behind quasi freedoms, my rights ! then the cruising as we know it will sink without trace.......

I hope not, but reading some of this I am not optimistic?

[cruiseluv]

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I am truly curious why you feel the way that you do about masks, etc.  I’m not trying to sarcastic but am trying to understand.

 

Thanks.

See, this is a moving target. First it was wash your hands and social distancing and 15 days to slow the spread, then masks were added (although at the beginning we were told not to), now goggles and we need to keep at it until ... whats next?? I havent seen the science on masks ( please, dont just say the CDC/ Dr Fauci says so) , so I use them when I'm required to, that's it

Edited August 2, 2020 by cruiseluv

[cruiseluv]

1 hour ago, GrJ Berkshire said:

This spat over masks, goggles and vaccines ( which 30% of US won't take) shows why the Cruise industry and Regent are in so much trouble. If people will not follow rules for the new normal and hide behind quasi freedoms, my rights ! then the cruising as we know it will sink without trace.......

I hope not, but reading some of this I am not optimistic?

The "new normal" and "quasi freedoms"... sound  really Orwellian. Who dictates those new norms? You? The government? Sorry about your cruising desires, but Im not relinquishing my rights and become a sheep just so you can cruise Regent again

[Portolan]

6 hours ago, SusieQft said:

Yellow fever is very different.  It is spread by mosquitos, and covid is spread mainly by respiratory droplets and aerosols.  One person on a ship getting yellow fever should pose very little risk for infecting others on the ship, but that person would be much more seriously ill than most people who get covid. 

 

Of course Yellow Fever is much different as most know.  That wasn't my point.  COVID-19, because of both its consequences and its virulence puts it in a different category than the flu and when there are effective vaccines, I believe it may be a requirement for entry to many places like countries or cruise ships.

[pappy1022]

I agree that this is a different beast but there are some parallels to the Spanish flu of 1918. That influenza has a lot of similarities with COVID-19 although there are stark differences, such as the age of the population most affected. All viruses mutate and we’ve seen that already with COVID-19 as there are now as many as 8 different strains identified. That’s why it is so difficult to immunize against the flu, it keeps changing it’s composition. It’s likely that COVID-19 will be equally difficult to come up with one vaccine that will work for every strain, every time. Another possibility is that it mutates to a much less infectious killer that it is today or it Essentially goes away. Anything is possible.

[fizzy]

14 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

 

greykitty - Crew members have been out of work for months.  If they wish to return to cruising under the current conditions - they will.  If not, they won’t.  I do not feel that staying on a ship is inhumane.  It is not something that most people would do but most people would not work to work the kind of hours that they do either - it is their choice (based on being able to feed and school their families).   Personally, I could live on a Regent ships for quite a while without stepping foot outside (except for our balcony and outdoor areas).  

 

 

What is this always about?  I and many others have been out of work for months also. Why on earth do you think people work? People work to support themselves and their families which is exactly as it should be. I always find this discussion condescending.

[greykitty]

For me, whenever a complaint is made about 'moving goal posts' or 'changing rules', I think way way back to 1973, when I took a course in scientific method at a Jesuit university.  Definition that stuck with me since then:

 

a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.

 

I've found that applying this method works pretty darn well in life in general. Maybe that's why I'm not surprised/annoyed as protocols evolve?

 

To stay on topic (LOL) the first European voyages are giving us data that helps us to test and modify protocols.  

 

ETA - I was an English lit/Spanish lit double major....but at that point the Jesuits were serious that all undergrads took at least 9 hours of science-related courses, as well as 9 of philosophy.  At the time, ugh...in hindsight, thank you, curriculum developers!

Edited August 2, 2020 by greykitty