Would you go iv everyone is not vacinated?

[Hlitner]

Most cruise lines, including HAL, have been reticent to enforce their own rules/guidelines for many years.  We have all seen major dress code violations, folks trying to reserve loungers on deck,  etc.  I have been on ships where kids were jumping and diving into a shallow pool right next to a big sign which said "No Diving or Jumping."   While we have all debated (and laughed) about dress code rules, I do think that has set the stage for folks who simply ignore all rules/guidelines with the explanation that "it does not apply to me."

 

So now we have COVID rules and many folks have the same attitude that the rules "do not apply to me."   It is terrific to see RCI and Celebrity suddenly enforcing their rules with little mercy.  We saw another post of somebody that showed-up for embarkation in Pireaus only to find themselves spending several hours sitting in a hot tent because they had ignored their scheduled embarkation time.  Many of us have been on cruises (including with HAL) where we were asked to embark at a specific time and that was seen by many (including me) as something to ignore.  We have never been on a ship (of any line) that actually enforced those embarkation times but now...it is really happening. 

 

Recently I was involved in some threads (right on the HAL board) about Smartphones.  I will not go into details other then to say that for some travel you really need to have a working Smartphone to comply with some government requirements.  But a HAL cruiser made it clear she does not have a Smartphone, doesn't want a Smartphone, and then she posted about a couple of folks who managed to get around some of the related requirements (not sure if that information is really true).  But its just one more example of "the rules do not apply to me" entitlement that seems to run through our society.

 

Hank

[iancal]

We have seen two trends getting stronger over the years.

 

The first is that sense of entitlement.  

 

The second is that it is always 'someone elses' fault.   Deny and blame anyone except the person in the mirror looking straight at you!

 

No doubt both of these trends will be on the upsurge as cruise lines, airlines, and others implement and enforce public health and safety rules.

Edited July 12, 2021 by iancal

[iancal]

We have absolutely  no interest in a cruise from a US port.  Non issue for us.

Edited July 13, 2021 by iancal

[syesmar]

Genting Cruise Line’s World Dream ship returned a few hours earlier than planned to Singapore after a vaccinated passenger tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. They previously tested negative via rapid antigen, but a PCR test showed positive.

While there are some sensational headlines, it was already scheduled to return on Wednesday at 9am and returned at 6:30am instead (departed Sunday on a “Cruise to Nowhere”). At 1am that morning passengers were confined to their rooms.

 

“...The World Dream cruise liner had 1,646 passengers and 1,249 crew members on board and all, except essential service crew, had been required to remain in their staterooms with contactless meals sent to them, according to Dream Cruises, a part of Genting Cruise Lines....”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2021/07/14/thousands-of-passengers-aboard-a-singapore-cruise-to-nowhere-forced-to-isolate-after-one-tests-positive-for-covid/

 

https://voi.id/en/news/67033/there-is-a-passenger-who-is-positive-for-covid-19-world-dream-cruise-ships-back-to-singapore

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/singapore-tourism-board-says-cruise-ship-returns-after-suspected-covid-19-case-2021-07-14/

 

“Dream Cruises said that their subsequent 2-Night cruise departing tonight (July 14) has been cancelled and they are in the process of informing guests....”

 

In this instance, it only took 1 positive test to cancel the next sailing.

Edited July 14, 2021 by syesmar

[KAKcruiser]

If the policy is 100% vaccinated cruises for 2021 on Holland America, what about children under 12 who cannot yet get vaccinated?

[syesmar]

KAKcruiser,

Here is their current policy:

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well.html

 

“All of our 2021 cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Requirements for 2022 published itineraries will be announced on a rolling basis....”

 

At this time, if someone is unvaccinated, they cannot sail with HAL, including children under 12.

Edited July 14, 2021 by syesmar

[KAKcruiser]

That was my understanding, also.  But, someone on our Christmas cruise roll call mentioned that she would be cruising with family including a 6 year old grandchild.  So, which is it?

[syesmar]

Today, 7/14/21, one passenger aboard Viking’s Sky tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Seydisfjordur, Iceland (7/10-17 sailing). Details are here: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/

According to this, everyone onboard is vaccinated: 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6293/

In short, passengers who had boarded buses were halted and had to go back on board. The port would not allow passengers to visit the port, so they lost a port day over one positive test.

Viking allows a 2nd test to confirm. Does HAL?

Edited July 15, 2021 by syesmar

[KirkNC]

7 hours ago, syesmar said:

Today, 7/14/21, one passenger aboard Viking’s Sky tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Seydisfjordur, Iceland (7/10-17 sailing). Details are here: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/

According to this, everyone onboard is vaccinated: 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6293/

In short, passengers who had boarded buses were halted and had to go back on board. The port would not allow passengers to visit the port, so they lost a port day over one positive test.

Viking allows a 2nd test to confirm. Does HAL?

I am surprised they were testing if everyone is vaccinated but maybe Iceland requires it. Another example of how one positive test impacts the whole cruise.  If they can’t get off in Seydisfjordur I don’t see how they can get off and the next Icelandic port. 

[syesmar]

1 hour ago, KirkNC said:

...Another example of how one positive test impacts the whole cruise.  If they can’t get off in Seydisfjordur I don’t see how they can get off and the next Icelandic port. 

The CC Thread linked above has been updated. Guests initially thought they would be able to leave the ship today in Djùpivogur, but authorities have stopped the tenders. Developing, but it looks like they won’t be allowed off today, as well.

 

As far as testing, all Viking guests do a saliva test (PCR) daily, per their protocols (and all guests are fully vaccinated on Viking. Most Viking crew are, and it is said all crew on the Sky are vaccinated).

 

One passenger has written this article about their protocols: https://www.tripsavvy.com/viking-sky-positive-covid-19-case-5192512

 

It has been enlightening to observe the various protocols by locality, and what happens if there is a single positive aboard. I would like some clarification from HAL (thresholds, close contacts, testing/final word), but I would imagine they’re also monitoring things as they occur to see the real-world implementation of protocols.

 

Best wishes to all!

Edited July 15, 2021 by syesmar

[KirkNC]

20 minutes ago, syesmar said:

The CC Thread linked above has been updated. Guests initially thought they would be able to leave the ship today in Djùpivogur, but authorities have stopped the tenders. Developing, but it looks like they won’t be allowed off today, as well.

 

As far as testing, all Viking guests do a saliva test (PCR) daily, per their protocols (and all guests are fully vaccinated on Viking. Most Viking crew are, and it is said all crew on the Sky are vaccinated).

 

One passenger has written this article about their protocols: https://www.tripsavvy.com/viking-sky-positive-covid-19-case-5192512

 

It has been enlightening to observe the various protocols by locality, and what happens if there is a single positive aboard. I would like some clarification from HAL (thresholds, close contacts, testing/final word), but I would imagine they’re also monitoring things as they occur to see the real-world implementation of protocols.

 

Best wishes to all!

Thanks for the update.  Not surprised that they can’t get off.  This highlights another risk to these early cruises that I am not sure some have thought through.

[syesmar]

Viking’s Sky Iceland Cruise Ends Early Due to ONE (Vaccinated) Positive Case Onboard

 

Unfortunately, Viking’s Sky will have to skip their scheduled port tomorrow, too (in addition to yesterday and today). One passenger reports (on FB), “Captain just announced Iceland (Coast Guard) has terminated our cruise and we are to proceed directly to Reykjavík.”

Here’s the CC post about it, as well: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/page/6/?tab=comments#comment-61456343

 

Passengers are unsure if they’ll be allowed off the ship tomorrow (they weren’t scheduled to arrive there until Saturday for disembarkation), or what the plans are for the next few days. 

 

Best wishes for all!

Edited July 15, 2021 by syesmar

[iancal]

This is exactly the reason why we will not even be considering a cruise let alone booking one for quite some time.

 

Anyone who thinks covid is finished or is on the 'way out' is fooling themselves.  Indeed, in some areas with a low rate of vaccination  it is quite the opposite.

 

Edited July 15, 2021 by iancal

[mame42]

51 minutes ago, syesmar said:

Viking’s Sky Iceland Cruise Ends Early Due to ONE (Vaccinated) Positive Case Onboard

 

Unfortunately, Viking’s Sky will have to skip their scheduled port tomorrow, too (in addition to yesterday and today). One passenger reports (on FB), “Captain just announced Iceland (Coast Guard) has terminated our cruise and we are to proceed directly to Reykjavík.”

Here’s the CC post about it, as well: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/page/6/?tab=comments#comment-61456343

 

Passengers are unsure if they’ll be allowed off the ship tomorrow (they weren’t scheduled to arrive there until Saturday for disembarkation), or what the plans are for the next few days. 

 

Best wishes for all!

Having been through this on the 2020 GWV,  I would not wish it for myself nor anyone else.  For that reason, I will stay home for the foreseeable future.

[LewiLewi]

15 hours ago, mame42 said:

Having been through this on the 2020 GWV,  I would not wish it for myself nor anyone else.  For that reason, I will stay home for the foreseeable future.

Hi Lonny,

  Me too.

[syesmar]

Viking Jupiter, also in Iceland—WITH NO POSITIVE CASES—has Port Day Issues
From a passenger aboard (from FB):
“Viking Jupiter cruised as normal yesterday in Isafjordur. Today is a different story. We docked in Akureyri and Icelandic government officials will not let us off the boat. We are waiting to see what happens next. Iceland officials are now on board to do testing and look at the protocols set in place before making their decisions.”

 

See Post 1292 and following of this CC Thread: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2786372-live-from-icelands-natural-beauty-all-sailings-2021/page/52/
and Post 244ff of this one: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/page/10/#comments

 

So, even though there are no positive cases onboard the Jupiter, they have been delayed from allowing passengers off the ship due to the incident [a single (vaccinated) positive case] aboard their sister ship, Sky. 

 

In a letter to Sky passengers yesterday, Viking stated, “...Despite Icelandic Public Health clearing our ship for shore excursions, it appears there has been a miscommunication with Iceland’s Coast Guard and local authorities, who are not allowing Viking Sky guests to disembark in the small communities...This is the first time Iceland’s agencies have dealt with this exact situation, and there seems to be confusion over the authority on final decisions....”

Edited July 16, 2021 by syesmar

[KirkNC]

17 minutes ago, syesmar said:

Viking Jupiter, also in Iceland—WITH NO POSITIVE CASES—has Port Day Issues
From a passenger aboard (from FB):
“Viking Jupiter cruised as normal yesterday in Isafjordur. Today is a different story. We docked in Akureyri and Icelandic government officials will not let us off the boat. We are waiting to see what happens next. Iceland officials are now on board to do testing and look at the protocols set in place before making their decisions.”

 

See Post 1292 and following of this CC Thread: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2786372-live-from-icelands-natural-beauty-all-sailings-2021/page/52/
and Post 244ff of this one: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2790429-covid-positive-aboard-viking-sky-71422/page/10/#comments

 

So, even though there are no positive cases onboard the Jupiter, they have been delayed from allowing passengers off the ship due to the incident [a single (vaccinated) positive case] aboard their sister ship, Sky. 

 

In a letter to Sky passengers yesterday, Viking stated, “...Despite Icelandic Public Health clearing our ship for shore excursions, it appears there has been a miscommunication with Iceland’s Coast Guard and local authorities, who are not allowing Viking Sky guests to disembark in the small communities...This is the first time Iceland’s agencies have dealt with this exact situation, and there seems to be confusion over the authority on final decisions....”

I guess this qualifies as working the kinks out.

[syesmar]

PRELIMINARY POSITIVE ABOARD JUPITER

 

Continuing from the previous posts and associated Thread links, now passengers are reporting Viking Jupiter’s Captain has announced a “preliminary positive” onboard. Viking allows for a second test to confirm. Details in the Threads.

 

Meanwhile, passengers aboard the Sky are being allowed off the ship for a port day in Reykjavik, with shuttles from 6pm until midnight, and they will disembark from there tomorrow.

 

Best wishes to all affected!

Edited July 16, 2021 by syesmar

[syesmar]

Sadly, the cluster from American Cruise Line’s Constellation has grown to 16.

The City and Borough of Juneau’s statement today said, “Of the six nonresidents (new cases), four are in the tourism sector and two are tourists. All are associated with the American Cruise Lines ship Constellation, bringing that cluster total to 16 individuals – four who are isolating in Petersburg and 12 isolating in Juneau.”

https://juneau.org/newsroom-item/cbj-reports-15-new-covid-19-cases-in-juneau-july-15-16

 

A news story from yesterday: 

https://www.ktoo.org/2021/07/15/7-more-covid-cases-linked-to-small-cruise-ship-docked-in-juneau/

 

This was originally 1 case, then a total of 3 when the sailing ended (see Post 322). From the previous reports, all passengers were vaccinated, but not all crew. 

 

I’ve been wondering after the other recent cases we’ve been tracking since the re-opening of North American cruising, what the follow up numbers would be. Best wishes for all.

Edited July 17, 2021 by syesmar

[syesmar]

Viking Iceland Update

-Viking Sky disembarked as planned, and today’s new sailing is a go. 

-Viking Jupiter’s passengers were able to get off the ship today for a day in port. This is promising for future sailings on every line, as it appears Iceland authorities are following previously agreed upon protocols with Viking (unlike yesterday, and also the Sky situation).

-Viking Star appears to be headed to Iceland (instead of the U.K.), reasons unknown.

[POA1]

On 7/12/2021 at 8:53 PM, iancal said:

We have absolutely  no interest in a cruise from a US port.  Non issue for us.

I support your decision.
It keeps us safe.

[T8NCruise]

On 7/12/2021 at 5:53 PM, iancal said:

We have absolutely  no interest in a cruise from a US port.  Non issue for us.

Totally agree,  we made that decision some months ago.  I have no desire to even go across the border on a land trip anymore either.  There are many wonderful places still to visit.

[syesmar]

Insight from the Royal Navy 

While not a passenger cruise ship, the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth can shed insight on the congregate setting aboard ships.

All 3,700 onboard are fully vaccinated. About 100, as of a few days ago, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57830617

 

Also, on the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, 8 have tested positive after going ashore in Gibraltar. At the time of reporting, thankfully none had been referred to sick bay. 

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-crew-test-positive-for-coronavirus-12356546

 

Best wishes for all!

Edited July 19, 2021 by syesmar

[syesmar]

The City and Borough of Juneau issued this press release on 7/19/21:

“The City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Operations Center (EOC) encourage all citizens – vaccinated and unvaccinated – to wear a mask in indoor public areas. With Juneau experiencing a modest increase of COVID-19 cases, residents are asked to mask up and practice other COVID-19 mitigation measures as appropriate to avoid a surge of cases happening elsewhere in the region and state.

‘With community spread happening in Juneau, more people traveling in and out of the community, and the Delta variant active in the state, let’s be proactive in keeping our case numbers low. Please wear masks in indoor public areas, like grocery stores, libraries, restaurants and bars when you’re not eating and drinking, and other indoor spaces where people are gathered,’ EOC Incident Commander and Deputy City Manager Mila Cosgrove said. “Let’s do everything we can to keep our businesses open and the Juneau School District on track to full school days this fall. Please practice other mitigation measures like physical distancing in crowded spaces, holding gatherings outdoors versus indoors, and keeping those gatherings small when possible.’”

While the release is aimed at residents, it’s helpful for visitors to know what local leaders are encouraging, as well.

from https://juneau.org/newsroom-item/everyone-in-juneau-vaxxed-unvaxxed-encouraged-to-mask-up-in-indoor-public-areas

 

Happy Sailing to those visiting Juneau soon!

Edited July 20, 2021 by syesmar

[KirkNC]

On 7/19/2021 at 9:18 AM, syesmar said:

Insight from the Royal Navy 

While not a passenger cruise ship, the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth can shed insight on the congregate setting aboard ships.

All 3,700 onboard are fully vaccinated. About 100, as of a few days ago, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57830617

 

Also, on the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, 8 have tested positive after going ashore in Gibraltar. At the time of reporting, thankfully none had been referred to sick bay. 

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-crew-test-positive-for-coronavirus-12356546

 

Best wishes for all!

To be expected, around 5% of those vaccinated will get the virus if exposed.  Good news is that’s an incredibly low number and virtually all have mild symptoms.