Vista Passenger reporting + covid cases/immediate masking

[EngIceDave]

6 minutes ago, Thenagers said:

At least all the RCL masks are invividually wrapped.  Not sure I would want to use one that you pulled out of dispenser?  

Only grabbed the front one

[ajm]

2 hours ago, bafinegan said:

FYI, I am currently in the study testing Pfizer's booster shot ( I was in the original study testing Pfizer's vaccine last year).  I was told it should be out in the next couple months.  The booster covers the Delta ( and other ) variants.  Pretty sure I got the vaccine and not the placebo because I had "the reaction".  It was mild, but definately a reaction.

That's great news.  Thanks!

[Sunshine3601]

42 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

A few weeks ago I (vaccinated in January) started with mild symptoms on a Monday. I had a fever on Wednesday and went to a walk-in after work. I received a negative rapid test, and they sent out a PCR test as well. Fever continued, and on Friday I was called with the PCR results ... negative also. Within 20 minutes I was back at the walk-in and got another rapid test... positive.

 

Testing is not perfect! Neither is the vaccine - but, like American Express, "Don't leave home without it"!

 

Now, if Carnival wants to sequester everyone in hotels following testing, and wait another couple of weeks, test them again ---- then they can all be let loose on the ship. Short of that, Delta will sneak onboard, and probably will anyway...

 

Tom

I hope you were wearing a mask at work since you weren't feeling well even with a negative test.  

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

7 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I hope you were wearing a mask at work since you weren't feeling well even with a negative test.  

 

 

Absolutely (and I didn't return on Thursday or Friday)... or the next week!

[Anyislandwilldo]

I hope they make some decisions soon.  There are people who have vacations scheduled, hotels, flights, etc.  I don't like having to scramble at the last minute to change everything.

[2Shoes2Go]

Haven’t received our email yet. We have a few bookings. Wonder if there’s some modifications going on?

[tm_aw_love]

13 hours ago, Tnlynch81 said:

You mean all those kids who had to be tested prior to getting on the ship... 

You can't argue with unreasonable people. The unvaccinated ones (mostly the 'kids' that are being blamed) are the only ones being PCR tested pre-cruise, then tested again before embarkation and debarkation. They also can't seem to wrap their heads around the fact that COVID has an incubation period, so those on the ship likely would have been exposed pre-travel. "Vaccinate" people are the ones testing positive, that means that the vaccine is no good for preventing the spread.

[tm_aw_love]

Has anybody stopped to think about the fact that even here on CC people have openly discussed ways to 'forge' a vax card. Purely speculation here, but has anybody stopped to think that the 'vaccinated' positive cases on the ships may not all be vaccinated?🤔

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

7 minutes ago, tm_aw_love said:

Has anybody stopped to think about the fact that even here on CC people have openly discussed ways to 'forge' a vax card. Purely speculation here, but has anybody stopped to think that the 'vaccinated' positive cases on the ships may not all be vaccinated?🤔

 

I'm sure some percentage fall into that category. No matter the "risks" of getting caught. Just like when the vaccinated were OK'd to ditch their masks a couple months ago - and the unvaccinated came along for the ride. It's just the way it is - human nature!

 

Tom

[Brew12]

11 minutes ago, tm_aw_love said:

Has anybody stopped to think about the fact that even here on CC people have openly discussed ways to 'forge' a vax card. Purely speculation here, but has anybody stopped to think that the 'vaccinated' positive cases on the ships may not all be vaccinated?🤔

Of course it is possible, but probably not the only driver. Many people have a false sense of security about what the vaccines are meant to do. The Pfizer shots started at around 95% efficacy, which means 1 in 20 were expected to have symptoms if exposed. After 4 months the efficacy is in the low 80% range, so almost 1 in 5 could show symptoms.

The J&J shot was around 65% if I recall correctly and is only going down from there.

 

And vaccines aren't a barrier to the virus, they only allow your body to fight it off more quickly, hopefully before you become symptomatic. A vaccinated person isn't all that much less likely to test positive after an exposure than an unvaccinated one. They should have a much shorter period where they will test positive or be able to spread the virus.

 

All this said, all 3 of the vaccines still seem to be doing very well, even against Delta. Fewer than 8% of hospitalizations are of vaccinated individuals. The CDC just released that vaccinated individuals have a 99.996% survival rate if exposed. The vaccines are working.

 

 

[happy cruzer]

16 minutes ago, tm_aw_love said:

Has anybody stopped to think about the fact that even here on CC people have openly discussed ways to 'forge' a vax card. Purely speculation here, but has anybody stopped to think that the 'vaccinated' positive cases on the ships may not all be vaccinated?🤔

This probably happens everywhere.  If you were in a group that had "breakthrough" cases, would you own up to being unvaccinated (not sure that it's legal to require that you prove it in most situations)?

 

Agree that we will have positive test results and covid cases for quite awhile, we need protocols to handle it vs. just getting scared and hiding.

[tiffy0428]

I think everyone Vaxx and Unvaxx should be tested before cruising because it is a known fact that we can get and spread it although we are vaccinated. I am vaccinated and it will be crazy of me to walk around thinking I am better than or can't get or spread it.

[cybercfp]

6 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

In defense of those of us who stopped masking after being fully vaccinated, remember that the guidance explained the masks were not primarily to prevent the wearer from becoming infected, but to prevent the wearer from transmitting infection to others.  We were never wearing them in the first place to keep ourselves from catching Covid, but rather if we sneezed or coughed, to catch most of the droplets in the mask rather than blowing them across a room at other people. 

 

So yeah, when we thought we were no longer a risk to anyone else, there seemed no reason to continue wearing it. Delta is challenging this, yes. Thinking about voluntarily picking up a rapid self test at Walgreens today before our flight to FL tomorrow. No it won't prevent us from catching it on board, but it will tell us if we are positive and asymptomatic today in which case we got a lot of canceling to do.

 

I totally understand your perspective.  Before we cruised on the Breeze last week the expectation was that vaxxed did not transmit.  As we learned, Delta flipped that on its head.  So as much as I know it's gonna piss off a lot of people (and make others happy) it was the right call for RC and Carnival to start requiring testing of EVERYONE before the cruise.

[lobster1313]

10 hours ago, CthyC said:

Just a quick question…you said you got a third dose, how did you do that? I am also interested in getting a booster but it is not available yet.  Just wondering if I missed a way to get the 3rd shot?

Just make an appointment at a different location than you had your other shots.  I went to Walmart in March and received the J&J.   Then in June I made an appointment at CVS to receive Phizer.  They didn't care that I had already had been vaccinated.

[rtazz17]

14 hours ago, scendro said:

Just some observations….

 

I was on the Horizon July 24-Aug 1st.  Our Facebook group has posted over 10 cruisers on our cruise that have tested positive for COVID since they’ve returned home and many more have symptoms and are in the process of getting tested.  Everyone that posted that they or their spouse has tested positive all state that they were fully vaccinated. 
 

The Horizon was pretty packed (I heard 80% capacity) and there was no social distancing at all.  The shows, buffet, MDR, bars, comedy clubs were all packed with guests side by side.  
 

There were a good number of young kids on the ship and 99% of the time they were not wearing masks indoors (especially in the elevators).

 

In the MDR they would pack guests next to each other at the same table when there was plenty of open seats to allow for distancing and I’m sure this was because their wait staff would have too much room to cover.

 

This cruise was loaded with Casino guests and smoking was unbearable in the casino.

The ship had problems with the HVAC in many areas (buffet near Blue Iguana, the stateroom hallways on some areas, the casino) and there was inadequate cooling/ventilations. 

 

There was no active encouragement of hand washing or sanitizer use.  A few machines hear and there but no workers encouraging the use.  And of course your stateroom had that horrible bar soap that is no fun to use after day 2 because it’s a sticky slimy mess so I imagine that doesn’t encourage hand washing. 
 

The buffet was a free for all and you could serve yourselves with shared utensils (well except the bacon, cakes at lunch and the prime rib, they dolled that out).

 

I personally witnessed many guests getting off the ship and on the ship (in port) without abiding by the mask policy even when told to mask these guests ignored the staff.  I can’t imagine how the staff will have to handle mandatory masks in more areas.

 

I witnessed several guests on the ship actively coughing in the MDR and other indoor areas of the ship in front of staff and nothing was ever said.  
 

 

Well I think this explains it if its actually factual.

[lobster1313]

1 minute ago, rtazz17 said:

Well I think this explains it if its actually factual.

14 hours ago, scendro said:

Just some observations….

 

I was on the Horizon July 24-Aug 1st.  Our Facebook group has posted over 10 cruisers on our cruise that have tested positive for COVID since they’ve returned home and many more have symptoms and are in the process of getting tested.  Everyone that posted that they or their spouse has tested positive all state that they were fully vaccinated. 
 

The Horizon was pretty packed (I heard 80% capacity) and there was no social distancing at all.  The shows, buffet, MDR, bars, comedy clubs were all packed with guests side by side.  
 

There were a good number of young kids on the ship and 99% of the time they were not wearing masks indoors (especially in the elevators).

 

In the MDR they would pack guests next to each other at the same table when there was plenty of open seats to allow for distancing and I’m sure this was because their wait staff would have too much room to cover.

 

This cruise was loaded with Casino guests and smoking was unbearable in the casino.

The ship had problems with the HVAC in many areas (buffet near Blue Iguana, the stateroom hallways on some areas, the casino) and there was inadequate cooling/ventilations. 

 

There was no active encouragement of hand washing or sanitizer use.  A few machines hear and there but no workers encouraging the use.  And of course your stateroom had that horrible bar soap that is no fun to use after day 2 because it’s a sticky slimy mess so I imagine that doesn’t encourage hand washing. 
 

The buffet was a free for all and you could serve yourselves with shared utensils (well except the bacon, cakes at lunch and the prime rib, they dolled that out).

 

I personally witnessed many guests getting off the ship and on the ship (in port) without abiding by the mask policy even when told to mask these guests ignored the staff.  I can’t imagine how the staff will have to handle mandatory masks in more areas.

 

I witnessed several guests on the ship actively coughing in the MDR and other indoor areas of the ship in front of staff and nothing was ever said.  
 

 

We had a few fake posts that were eventually removed on my July 10th Horizon sailing that said something similar.

[rtazz17]

Vaccinations work. Period.

we live in connecticut. Our vaccination rate is and has been for months around 80% of population. Even right now we have 2-3% max of tests coming back positive. Our hospitalizations are 165 people and went down yesterday. You simply can not argue that vaccinations do not work like I have read several times in this thread. Its your decision,I could care less if you do or dont but dont say vaccinations are not working. They are/do

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Anyislandwilldo said:

I hope they make some decisions soon.  There are people who have vacations scheduled, hotels, flights, etc.  I don't like having to scramble at the last minute to change everything.

What is it you are waiting for a decision on? Exemptions?  Idk everything else I know for my upcoming unless it changes again lol.

[Honolulu Blue]

On John Heald's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JohnHeald , he made a statement about the Vista cases and the subsequent change in protocols:

 

As quite a few of you have been asking me about Carnival Vista here is the official statement that was issued to the media last night.

 

We have implemented our new fleetwide mask policy early on Carnival Vista, given that we are managing a small number of positive cases on board. Our pre-established protocols of vaccinated guests and crew, testing, enhanced medical capabilities and contact tracing anticipated the potential for positive cases, and they are designed to adapt to various scenarios. We have identified and tested close contacts and anyone who tested positive is in isolation. The decision to implement the mask policy was made in an abundance of caution, given our focus on the health and safety of our guests and crew. The voyage will continue as planned and we are dedicated to continuing to provide our guests with a fun and safe vacation. We appreciate the support of our Carnival Vista guests, who have been extremely supportive as we implemented the policy Wednesday evening.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

42 minutes ago, lobster1313 said:

Just make an appointment at a different location than you had your other shots.  I went to Walmart in March and received the J&J.   Then in June I made an appointment at CVS to receive Phizer.  They didn't care that I had already had been vaccinated.

 

One of the only benefits to not having a nationwide database.

 

Tom

[asalligo]

Happy to see Carnival requiring tests for all. People are placing far too much confidence in the vaccine. The statement below is sad. Carnival should be at Washy Washy Defcon 1. We cruised on the last cruise in 2020 on the Liberty and I felt very safe due to the requirement of everyone entering any dining venue to use the sanitizer. It was not an option, you simply did not pass them without using it and this goes much farther to prevent this disease than any vaccine. Wash your hands every time you touch anything and do not touch your face. 

 

There was no active encouragement of hand washing or sanitizer use.  A few machines hear and there but no workers encouraging the use.  

[scendro]

38 minutes ago, lobster1313 said:

We had a few fake posts that were eventually removed on my July 10th Horizon sailing that said something similar.

Not sure if you are implying that what I have observed is fabricated?  But I assure you those on the Horizon July 24th cruise can tell you that everything I stated about my experience on this ship is accurate.  
 

that is:
 

The Horizon was pretty packed (I heard 80% capacity) and there was no social distancing at all.  The shows, buffet, MDR, bars, comedy clubs were all packed with guests side by side.  
 

There were a good number of young kids on the ship and 99% of the time they were not wearing masks indoors (especially in the elevators).

 

In the MDR they would pack guests next to each other at the same table when there was plenty of open seats to allow for distancing and I’m sure this was because their wait staff would have too much room to cover.

 

This cruise was loaded with Casino guests and smoking was unbearable in the casino.

The ship had problems with the HVAC in many areas (buffet near Blue Iguana, the stateroom hallways on some areas, the casino) and there was inadequate cooling/ventilations. 

 

There was no active encouragement of hand washing or sanitizer use.  A few machines hear and there but no workers encouraging the use.  And of course your stateroom had that horrible bar soap that is no fun to use after day 2 because it’s a sticky slimy mess so I imagine that doesn’t encourage hand washing. 
 

The buffet was a free for all and you could serve yourselves with shared utensils (well except the bacon, cakes at lunch and the prime rib, they dolled that out).

 

I personally witnessed many guests getting off the ship and on the ship (in port) without abiding by the mask policy even when told to mask these guests ignored the staff.  I can’t imagine how the staff will have to handle mandatory masks in more areas.

 

I witnessed several guests on the ship actively coughing in the MDR and other indoor areas of the ship in front of staff and nothing was ever said.  
 

 

As for people posting in our FB that they have COVID, I’m not sure why anyone would lie about that.  I have plenty of screen shots of their posts as I sent them to my MIL who was also on the cruise with us but isn’t a part of the FB group

Edited August 5, 2021 by scendro

[Brew12]

5 minutes ago, asalligo said:

Happy to see Carnival requiring tests for all. People are placing far too much confidence in the vaccine. The statement below is sad. Carnival should be at Washy Washy Defcon 1. We cruised on the last cruise in 2020 on the Liberty and I felt very safe due to the requirement of everyone entering any dining venue to use the sanitizer. It was not an option, you simply did not pass them without using it and this goes much farther to prevent this disease than any vaccine. Wash your hands every time you touch anything and do not touch your face. 

 

There was no active encouragement of hand washing or sanitizer use.  A few machines hear and there but no workers encouraging the use.  

This would be very effective against the flu, not so much Covid. The CDC recognizes that fewer than 1 out of every 10,000 cases could potentially be from contacting infected surfaces. Some studies in Europe seem to show that getting sick from even heavily contaminated surfaces is close to impossible. 

Not trying to discourage hand washing or the use of sanitizer, but neither seems to do much to prevent Covid. It does help with a lot of other potential illnesses though. 

[Tnlynch81]

1 hour ago, tm_aw_love said:

You can't argue with unreasonable people. The unvaccinated ones (mostly the 'kids' that are being blamed) are the only ones being PCR tested pre-cruise, then tested again before embarkation and debarkation. They also can't seem to wrap their heads around the fact that COVID has an incubation period, so those on the ship likely would have been exposed pre-travel. "Vaccinate" people are the ones testing positive, that means that the vaccine is no good for preventing the spread.

Could the issues on the ships have started with the 5%... yes of course. Could there be false negatives on the 2 tests required before being allowed on the ship... yes. Could the unvaccinated have been infected on their way to the port and not yet test positive...absolutely. The point is that those that point fingers and to go as far  as bet their house that this started  with the unvaccinated children is a very naive and self serving way of thinking. Now that everyone has to get a test prior to boarding I would love to see the amount of vaccinated denied boarding because of positive tests.

[tm_aw_love]

7 minutes ago, Tnlynch81 said:

Could the issues on the ships have started with the 5%... yes of course. Could there be false negatives on the 2 tests required before being allowed on the ship... yes. Could the unvaccinated have been infected on their way to the port and not yet test positive...absolutely. The point is that those that point fingers and to go as far  as bet their house that this started  with the unvaccinated children is a very naive and self serving way of thinking. Now that everyone has to get a test prior to boarding I would love to see the amount of vaccinated denied boarding because of positive tests.

I 100% agree with you, naive is a polite way to put it. Carelessness and failure to take precautions regardless of vaccine status will cause these issues. Not to mention people who have admitted in these CC forums that they intent to forge vax cards. 

100% testing will have a huge impact on prevention.