You know there is Covid onboard Virtuosa when ……….

[heatherb1958]

We booked the 31st August itinerary in April as soon as it was announced , chose our cabin , Bella balcony 12019 which never  altered unlike many on the earlier cruises . We were looking forward to embarking in Liverpool for a change , very easy for us to travel by train from Manchester 

The cabin was in a great location round the corner  from the forward lifts , very quiet ,  no complaints about it .

 

The ship was sailing at 50% maximum capacity according to current government Covid guidelines and when we checked in at Liverpool was told when asked that 1,200 were checking in with us and the ship would have 3,000 onboard . Wasn’t phased by that as had been on Grandiosa out of Barcelona with more onboard.

 

 Virtuosa was picking up guests in Liverpool  ,  Greenock, Scotland  plus  Southampton and everyone was LFT tested before boarding . We are fully vaccinated . On day one I saw a woman , mask wearing , severely coughing . I thought how the heck did she get onboard . She was actually being shown around the bars and Galleria with a member of staff , pointing out to her the info screens etc and how to use them . Every time she coughed everyone around her stared . 
 

We kept our masks on all the time except when seated for eating and drinking , we still kept them on when walking around the ship on the open deck . There was absolutely no social distancing on deck, in the dining room or buffet . Every seat was being used even though some were marked out not to be used . Too many people onboard to do so . 
 

There were constant reminders over the PA about the rules and by day 4 they were more regular . We were supposed to have our temperature checked each day, the system they were using was a farce. We had done two Marella TUI cruises prior to joining Virtuosa and they had a machine to attend each day before 4pm at your convenience to take your temperature and if you hadn’t done so your seapass card was deactivated until you had done . . For two days on Virtuosa my temperature wasn’t taken because I did not go to the buffet . 
 

Two days before disembarking we got a letter in our cabin inviting us to have an LFT test but wasn’t necessary if fully vaccinated but by the next day they were making PA announcements that all passengers disembarking in Liverpool had to have one !!!  . That is when it was obvious Covid was onboard , names started being announced over the PA by mid morning , their results must have been positive . 
I had gone back to our cabin at 11.30am ish to see if hubby was still  there , cabin was empty but on leaving  I saw two security guards walking towards me with a crew member in a hazmat suit pushing a trolley with luggage on followed by a female guest followed by another crew member in hazmat suit spraying the floors and walls . The security guards asked me to step back along the corridor while they escorted the woman through to the crew service lift area .  I can only assume they were moving her to an isolation cabin until disembarking and that her original cabin was being deep cleaned for the next arrivals . The woman was solo ,did not look upset or phased  in anyway or more importantly she did not appear ill.

 

This was our 9th MSC cruise and 3rd Seacation around the British isles but first one interporting with wholly  British guests onboard .MSC still do not allow guests to go ashore independently, only in organised bubble tours .

We still enjoyed the cruise itself, good food , great shows , excellent wait staff , the poor bar staff were run ragged , not enough of them and everyone was on a premium drinks package . MSC made a big mistake there including the Premium one  as we are known to be a nation of drinkers , they should have just gone with Easy and given the guests the option to upgrade for more revenue ,sack the number crunchers .

 

Be careful out there , Covid is here to stay and no matter what protocols cruiselines take none are perfect . 

 

 

 

[heatherb1958]

A friend who joined with us at Liverpool whom we said our goodbyes to on the last night all masked up has just messaged me to say she has tested positive  😔. 
I am off to do an LFT test 😔.

[heatherb1958]

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/pensioner-couple-split-up-msc-21503470?fbclid=IwAR0iHl5Joee-lJvSZdiqSQ4Ona1wowdc1a3pj0vhY2_8aQ5FPOg0wJAEebc

[NightWoman]

To be honest I'm not surprised that there's COVID on board. As far as I'm awate MSC have sailed around Italy since last year without issues.

 

We were on the Greenock to Greenock sailing on the 11th August and initially we thought that MSC had pretty good protocols however it was clear they were not enforcing the rules around mask wearing and hand washing and more and more passengers were disregarding these rules andl as far as we could see these passengers were never challenged. So 4 months sailing around the UK and COVID is on board which really says it all.

 

It's disappointing but not surprising that people can't/won't abide by the rules because they don't apply to them.

[zekekelso]

Covid is proving to be one insidious virus. Even with all the precautions - even with people following all the precautions - I think we’re going to see a case or two on most sailings. 
 

The good news is that the precautions do seem to be working to (1) prevent those 1-2 cases from spreading to a full blown outbreak and (2) ensuring that almost all the cases on cruise ships are non life threatening. 

[HappyInVan]

1 hour ago, zekekelso said:

... (2) ensuring that almost all the cases on cruise ships are non life threatening. 

 

I don't know how it is possible. The ship's protocols cannot ensure that there will be no serious illnesses. These are early days. Infection has just been detection. 

 

Here's an eye opener...

 

"How many double-jabbed people are dying from COVID?

 

... In this time period, 37 people under the age of 50 who had been double jabbed and 1,054 over-50s have died after testing positive for the Delta variant – now the dominant strain of the virus in the UK.

 

This compares to a total of 536 COVID deaths of unvaccinated people from all age grounds during that time..."

 

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/how-many-double-jabbed-people-are-dying-from-covid-151218361.html

 

IMO, the only way we can ensure that we do not have a serious outcome... is to personally ensure that we observe protocol. To limit exposure to strangers. 😷

 

Once we get infected, its in the hands of the gods. 🙄

[ditmar2007]

5 minutes ago, HappyInVan said:

Once we get infected, its in the hands of the gods. 🙄

If it's  OK with you I think I'd prefer doctors handling my case 😉

 In Denmark (where I live) very few fully vaccinated (2+ weeks past 2nd vax) get infected (0,13%)

 

OTOH, it seems that as many (maybe even more) than earlier die from the infection. I wonder if those are the early vaccinated (elderly and vulnerable) who need a third jab by now.

 

[alicat58]

Very sad that MSC has slipped their previous handling on board. We were on her on 3/7. We had a LFT prior to boarding and one mid way through the cruise. Temperature check every morning whether you went into the main dining room or buffet and also asked to wash your hands or use the hand sanitiser. As it was pre 19/7 mask were worn everywhere in doors and only taken off if you sat at a table eating or having a drink. No more than 4 people in a lift as well. All food in the buffet served by staff wearing gloves and masks. Social distancing was mostly observed by passengers but there were a few large groups who got together at times.

 

Had quite enough of this pesky virus but it looks as if we are going to have to put up with it for much longer if you look at the infection rates.

[Huntingdon1701]

Sounds like they relaxed their enforcement and are paying the price. It was good when I was on there, but there were far fewer passengers. Hope those infected are okay, and that MSC resumes a stricter approach. 

[hamrag]

10 hours ago, heatherb1958 said:

....There was absolutely no social distancing on deck, in the dining room or buffet . Every seat was being used even though some were marked out not to be used . Too many people onboard to do so.... 

 

We boarded the day following you, and disembarked today. I agree with most all you have written, and the part I have quoted above is incredible but absolutely true. The lack of it in the show theatre had to be seen to be believed, and everyone then exits into the same area at the Galleria. If I hadn't experienced and witnessed this personally, I would have difficulty believing it!

 

 

9 hours ago, NightWoman said:

....We were on the Greenock to Greenock sailing on the 11th August and initially we thought that MSC had pretty good protocols however it was clear they were not enforcing the rules around mask wearing and hand washing and more and more passengers were disregarding these rules andl as far as we could see these passengers were never challenged. So 4 months sailing around the UK and COVID is on board which really says it all.

 

It's disappointing but not surprising that people can't/won't abide by the rules because they don't apply to them.

 

Too many with a sense of entitlement, as in I shall do exactly as I decide and stuff everyone else. The drinks package, in my view, fueled much of this dreadful behaviour.

 

4 hours ago, alicat58 said:

....All food in the buffet served by staff wearing gloves and masks. Social distancing was mostly observed by passengers but there were a few large groups who got together at times...

 

 

I was stunned upon boarding to witness many passengers ignoring most protocols when serving themselves in the buffet. That thankfully changed on day 3 when the buffet changed to staff serve only, and the associated queuing that caused. Crew members are helpless to enforce protocols when so many regard it as their right to do as they wish.

 

2 hours ago, Huntingdon1701 said:

Sounds like they relaxed their enforcement and are paying the price. It was good when I was on there, but there were far fewer passengers. Hope those infected are okay, and that MSC resumes a stricter approach. 

 

Indeed!

 

[hamrag]

The one thing that was very well done, in relation to COVID-19 protocols were the 2 tours we did. Portland & Weymouth Loop and Liverpool City Walking Tour, were both excellent relative to the protocols in place.....from onboard meeting venue, to the tours themselves, and return to the ship.

[sidari]

MSC Cruises says it has strengthened its Health & Safety Protocol on MSC Virtuosa, with more testing, following a rise in Covid infections in the UK. All suspected cases at the terminal and on board have been 'effectively managed in line with the protocol', it says.

Here is the full statement: ‘In connection with the current rise of Covid-19 cases in the UK, MSC Cruises has recently further strengthened its Health & Safety Protocol on board MSC Virtuosa during her UK sailings to manage the prevailing Covid-19 risks.

'This has included additional testing of both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests and crew, which has allowed us to identify suspect Covid-19 cases at the terminal during the pre-embarkation process and on board the ship. All have been identified and effectively managed in line with the protocol and in cooperation with relevant UK health authorities.

'This is yet another example of our protocol doing exactly what it was designed to do. The MSC Cruises Health & Safety Protocol is designed to keep our guests, crew and the communities our vessels call at safe, and its measures are sufficiently robust in the face of the current circumstances.’

[hamrag]

35 minutes ago, sidari said:

MSC Cruises says it has strengthened its Health & Safety Protocol on MSC Virtuosa, with more testing, following a rise in Covid infections in the UK. All suspected cases at the terminal and on board have been 'effectively managed in line with the protocol', it says....

 

Indeed, that is what MSC Cruises says and they said so often the past few days. However.....and what we experienced on board is exactly the reason they have to say this....the horse has already bolted!

 

It is incredibly simple to avoid said testing, we saw many strategies employed to achieve such by waaaay too many passengers. 😉

[sidari]

33 minutes ago, hamrag said:

 

Indeed, that is what MSC Cruises says and they said so often the past few days. However.....and what we experienced on board is exactly the reason they have to say this....the horse has already bolted!

 

It is incredibly simple to avoid said testing, we saw many strategies employed to achieve such by waaaay too many passengers. 😉

G ... Increasing passenger numbers while running with minimum crewing will not have helped, coupled with the premium drink package.

[heatherb1958]

13 hours ago, sidari said:

G ... Increasing passenger numbers while running with minimum crewing will not have helped, coupled with the premium drink package.

Exactly and not being allowed to go ashore independently  , unlike Marella , Celebrity and RCI right now didn’t help either . 
We had good weather for our port days , I am sure guests would have gone ashore if allowed giving the staff a breather from the constant queues at the bars, which we never did by the way except for one night at the pool bar when we were having an early night and wanted a nightcap for the cabin . This bar should have been open until 10pm but decided to call it quits at 9pm, didn’t blame them . 

[sidari]

Passenger complaints in Southampton re Covid.

MSC Cruises tightened up Covid measures on MSC Virtuosa after Southampton port health officer raised passengers’ concerns | Shipmonk

[hamrag]

Afterwards, the cruise line agreed to increase testing of crew and passengers, improve sanitising in public areas, make more announcements on mask wearing, social distancing and hand-washing, and change the buffet back to one served by the crew.

Ms Hackwood told Mr Suth that crew had been instructed to approach passengers not wearing a mask in indoor spaces, except when eating and drinking, and added: ‘We understand the master has increased the frequency of announcements over the PA system this week.’

More crew would also be stationed at restaurant entrances to ensure passengers washed their hands. Ms Hackwood said: ‘Unfortunately not all members of the public practise good personal hygiene even when we are still dealing with a very infectious virus.’

 

 

Indeed they did do all of that for the final 4 days of our cruise, and some of it the day before Southampton from memory, but much of the passenger behaviour remained unchanged. One thing they surprisingly allowed was passengers sitting at bar stools in the way it was done pre-COVID-19 with absolutely no social distancing in that scenario.

Edited September 9, 2021 by hamrag

[HappyInVan]

23 hours ago, ditmar2007 said:

OTOH, it seems that as many (maybe even more) than earlier die from the infection. I wonder if those are the early vaccinated (elderly and vulnerable) who need a third jab by now.

 

 

Eventually, a booster will be necessary for waning antibodies. The current problem is that many vulnerable groups generate little or no response to the current vaccine (based on the original strain).

 

Most of the vaccinated casualties (ICU and deaths) belong to this category. Hence, the CDC advisory asking the elderly not to cruise.

 

As we have seen, a few of the infected will still get through any set of protocols on a cruise ship. Therefore, vulnerable people are gambling with death whenever they spend time in high risk situations.

 

Pharma is trying to develop a different vaccine for the new variants. Perhaps, a booster of the new stuff will reduce deaths among the vaccinated?

 

[riverotter]

I was just starting to feel like maybe those who are cruising were correct, that cruising would be one of the more safe environments to be in.  Now I've read about the Virtuosa outbreak.  Several people have tried to count the amount of people chatting about it on twitter and facebook and it's looking like maybe 100 guests have publicly reported testing positive from that sailing and the one before.  I am very surprised that this is the only thread about it on CC since that's where I get my information on these important decisions.  Could this be something that avid cruisers don't want to look at or are we really all that complacent about the illness?  As someone at risk because of age and the fact that we're not yet sure how long the vaccines last with delta I'm now getting concerned.  I would very much like to hear others' take on this situation.

[hamrag]

1 hour ago, riverotter said:

....I am very surprised that this is the only thread about it on CC since that's where I get my information on these important decisions.  Could this be something that avid cruisers don't want to look at or are we really all that complacent about the illness?  As someone at risk because of age and the fact that we're not yet sure how long the vaccines last with delta I'm now getting concerned.  I would very much like to hear others' take on this situation.

 

How many threads is required to discuss this topic??

[riverotter]

23 minutes ago, hamrag said:

 

How many threads is required to discuss this topic??

By your response it doesn't sound like this subject is anything you feel people should be concerned about.  So perhaps that's my answer.  This turn of events isn't something the average cruiser feels should concern them in making decisions.  Just life as usual, nothing to discuss here.  

[Huntingdon1701]

1 hour ago, riverotter said:

By your response it doesn't sound like this subject is anything you feel people should be concerned about.  So perhaps that's my answer.  This turn of events isn't something the average cruiser feels should concern them in making decisions.  Just life as usual, nothing to discuss here.  

 

It's concerning and I'm following it, but am also reflecting it is so far just one outbreak which has been limited to one sailing. Judging from the new testing requirements for the repositioning cruise, MSC are returning to a more stringent approach. I feel bad for those affected, but felt really comfortable when I was on board (and on my recent second cruise with another company) so if they are maintaining those standards, I will be fine. I will also be ensuring that I maintain social distancing, wear masks at appropriate times, and sanitise my hands a lot. All that should help me stay safe, even if there is an outbreak on board.

 

That's about the limit of what I can influence, and I want to continue cruising, so not going to worry endlessly about it. 

[heatherb1958]

16 minutes ago, Huntingdon1701 said:

 

It's concerning and I'm following it, but am also reflecting it is so far just one outbreak which has been limited to one sailing. Judging from the new testing requirements for the repositioning cruise, MSC are returning to a more stringent approach. I feel bad for those affected, but felt really comfortable when I was on board (and on my recent second cruise with another company) so if they are maintaining those standards, I will be fine. I will also be ensuring that I maintain social distancing, wear masks at appropriate times, and sanitise my hands a lot. All that should help me stay safe, even if there is an outbreak on board.

 

That's about the limit of what I can influence, and I want to continue cruising, so not going to worry endlessly about it. 

My friend Mary who tested positive from our sailing sent me a link last night from the Liverpool Echo which reported a grandfather has died after contracting the virus onboard , they were on the sailing TWO weeks prior to ours according to the report . The link she sent me is locked but I will try and find the actual report .

The family left the ship on 24th August , we didn’t join until 31st August .

Edited September 10, 2021 by heatherb1958

[sidari]

heatherb ... Here is the link.

 

Grandad dies with covid days after cruise holiday ends in Liverpool (msn.com)

[heatherb1958]

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/grandad-dies-covid-days-after-21526739?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar