If someone in my party becomes covid positive during the cruise

[roysue]

I have an upcoming cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess.  If I need to be quarantined due to a positive covid test or exposure, will I be able to remain in my cabin, or moved to a quarantine  area?  I know its weird but I think I could tolerate being quarantined  in my balcony cabin but I would hate to be moved, especially if its inside.

[1025cruise]

You will be moved to a quarantine cabin.

[Level six]

I am pretty sure you will be moved.  I know this because before my NOV sailing, my cabin was changed.  I called to get it back, but they said that was the isolation block and I could not be moved back.  While on the ship, we went to look at the area and the doors were closed with someone standing there and no one was allowed to enter without a full "covid" suit up, head to toe.   I was in an interior cabin. 

[GoHawks-43-8]

53 minutes ago, roysue said:

I have an upcoming cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess.  If I need to be quarantined due to a positive covid test or exposure, will I be able to remain in my cabin, or moved to a quarantine  area?  I know its weird but I think I could tolerate being quarantined  in my balcony cabin but I would hate to be moved, especially if its inside.

Might depend on what is considered your party.  There were 6 of us on a cruise this summer (I'll name us A through F, with A/B, C/D, and E/F being couples).  Three separate cabins, three separate floors.  We all ate dinner together, after dinner drinks each day, sometimes together during the day.

 

One (A) wasn't feeling very well, went to doctor.  Both of them (A and B) were tested.  A was positive, B was negative.  They each got moved into separate rooms in what I deemed, "The Covid Wing."  Both put into balcony cabins.  Although they were originally in a mini-suite.

 

The medical center asked who they were traveling with.  They said, "just make your way down the alphabet"  (Okay, kidding about that.)  They said, "C, D, E, and F"  We (C - F) were hanging out in Vines.  Saw the phone at the bar ring.  Waiter came over and said the Medical Center just called and requested C and D head down there.  We said, "you're going to get another call asking for E and F."  Sure enough, that came a minute or two later. 

 

The four of us went down to the med center and all were covid tested.

 

We were then sent to our rooms.  Not new rooms, the same rooms we'd been staying in.  After 45 minutes our (C and D) phone rang.  We were told we were negative.  Asked about E and F.  We were told E was negative but they only have 3 machines so they hadn't yet run F's sample (apparently medical privacy rules.....).  Of course F was the person most nervous about this in the first case.  

 

We called E/F's cabin to give them the news.  After another 45 minutes our phone rang again (F was calling us, not medical center again).  F was negative.  The four of us (C - F) were allowed to continue with our cruise without any isolation and without being retested.  The four of us went straight back to Vines for a shot of tequila each.

 

A and B were checked on regularly by the medical staff.  They could not leave their room.  The next day, B tested positive.  B was then allowed to move into the room with A so they were together again.

 

We called med center asking if we should get tested again.  They did not have us come down to retest.  Instead said we should get tested a couple days after the cruise.  We did and were still negative.

 

This was in August.  All six of us were vaccinated.

Edited January 4, 2022 by GoHawks-43-8
Typo and for clarity

[Mike45LC]

Hawk, what type of cabin were A and B put into, compared to the cabin that they had paid for?

 

How did the cruise line deal with A and B's departure at the end of the cruise?  Did crew members pack them up or were they allowed to return to their cabin to pack their own stuff?  My wife once caught the flu on a cruise (long before Covid) and she was confined to our cabin.  We were assigned to a private lounge during disembarkation, and we were off-loaded after almost everyone else was off the ship.  [We were driving ourselves home from the port, so there was no rush.]  

[GoHawks-43-8]

5 minutes ago, Mike45LC said:

Hawk, what type of cabin were A and B put into, compared to the cabin that they had paid for?

 

How did the cruise line deal with A and B's departure at the end of the cruise?  Did crew members pack them up or were they allowed to return to their cabin to pack their own stuff?  My wife once caught the flu on a cruise (long before Covid) and she was confined to our cabin.  We were assigned to a private lounge during disembarkation, and we were off-loaded after almost everyone else was off the ship.  [We were driving ourselves home from the port, so there was no rush.]  

The self named covid wing was Dolphin port side, forward staircase forward.  I think A was initially put in D302 (Majestic).  He said it was a handicapped room and on deck plans that looks right.  Most of the cruise the doors to that area were closed with signs on them (I don't remember the exact wording but it was something along the lines of...) crew only.  On the last night the door was open and there was a red sign on the wall by the cabins that said (again memory is failing me) something like "Red Zone."  The Medallion sign outside the cabins still named the people.  We saw A's name on it.  

 

Our stateroom was Dolphin starboard side forward.

 

They were escorted to their mini-suite.  It was either on 8 or 10.  They packed and then were escorted to their new rooms.

 

They left the ship at 6:30 in the morning, the group was all escorted.  This was before the general population was allowed to leave.

 

We had all parked at a local lot.  The shuttle bus from the lot came to the pier.  Got their car keys, drove their car to the pier and gave them back their keys.  Then they were off on their way to home.

[Mike45LC]

1 minute ago, GoHawks-43-8 said:

The self named covid wing was Dolphin port side, forward staircase forward.  I think A was initially put in D302 (Majestic).  He said it was a handicapped room and on deck plans that looks right.  Most of the cruise the doors to that area were closed with signs on them (I don't remember the exact wording but it was something along the lines of...) crew only.  On the last night the door was open and there was a red sign on the wall by the cabins that said (again memory is failing me) something like "Red Zone."  The Medallion sign outside the cabins still named the people.  We saw A's name on it.  

 

Our stateroom was Dolphin starboard side forward.

 

They were escorted to their mini-suite.  It was either on 8 or 10.  They packed and then were escorted to their new rooms.

 

They left the ship at 6:30 in the morning, the group was all escorted.  This was before the general population was allowed to leave.

 

We had all parked at a local lot.  The shuttle bus from the lot came to the pier.  Got their car keys, drove their car to the pier and gave them back their keys.  Then they were off on their way to home.

Thanks for the response.  I think we all fear a positive test during the cruise!

 

I'm sorry your friends A and B had their vacation interrupted, and I hope this did not ruin it for them.  Although I know how badly my wife being quarantined messed up our cruise years ago, despite our balcony!  In those days, the only food they would bring my wife in the cabin was the Room Service Menu.  Because I was not quarantined, I was able to bring her food from the buffet or International Cafe -- but not from the main dining room (they would not package it for "to go" and would not allow me to take a plate out).  

[GoHawks-43-8]

I forgot to include...

They were given a (I think) future cruise credit equal to the number of days they were quarantined times the daily cost of their cruise.

I offered to buy it from them because I'll likely go on another cruise but I'm pretty sure they're done with cruising for a long time.

[HaveDogWillTravel]

@GoHawks-43-8thank you so much for giving this detailed account. I knew Princess was quarantining and not making people disembark like has been reported on other lines. I am really glad that I can go into quarantine (even if it’s the cabin next door) with DH if he should be positive while I am negative (or visa versa).  I think the first thing we would do is everything possible to infect the other so we could be in the same quarantine room. 

Did they get to order MDR food and adult beverages?  Could they use the balcony as they chose?  
thanks again! 

[GoHawks-43-8]

6 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@GoHawks-43-8

Did they get to order MDR food and adult beverages?  Could they use the balcony as they chose?  
thanks again! 

I want to say yes on adult beverages but I'm not entirely sure (I vaguely remember this).  I definitely don't know about the food or balcony.  We called them every now and again, A said he was having a pizza.

 

We didn't even know they were put in different cabins until we looked at the Medallion App and saw the dots in two different rooms.  B was a few cabins forward of A.

 

By the way, I was following along on your travels on the Majestic.  We were on either the cruise right after yours or the next one.  We were required to show vaccine cards but not a covid test.  I believe the cruise after ours was the first one requiring the covid test

Edited January 4, 2022 by GoHawks-43-8

[HaveDogWillTravel]

Those first sailings were so exciting! I am really glad Princess has vaccination and testing. And no unvaccinated children. I understand there have been a few rare exceptions. But not to the degree of many other lines. 
 

Also glad the crews are all getting bolstered. I think they’ve had healthier crews with no reported outbreaks because of their stricter protocols for crew…..they are separated by teams, they use one of the MDRs to keep them socially distanced and separated by teams, they took over the aft promenade for distanced and safer smoking environment…… 

I was less than happy about the crowding in MDR due to one MDR being shut off for crew and I really didn’t like the smoking & closure of the promenade deck. But in hindsight I’m not ashamed to say I was wrong  & these measures are probably really making a difference in keeping the crew covid free. 

Edited January 4, 2022 by HaveDogWillTravel

[roysue]

Thanks everyone for your replies.  Its nice to at least 7nderstand how the system works before stepping on board!

[GoHawks-43-8]

12 hours ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@GoHawks-43-8thank you so much for giving this detailed account. I knew Princess was quarantining and not making people disembark like has been reported on other lines.

 

The positive test happened after we left Ketchikan, so we did not stop at any ports before returning to Seattle.  Can't say what would've happened if the positive test happened earlier in the cruise.

[Mike45LC]

I am not going to look for the post, but someone reported that quarantined passengers talked to each other from the balconies.  So that means that they were allowed to use the balconies.

[wowzz]

I appreciate that the above posts refer to cruises from the US, but as the European cruising season is approaching,  it is worth noting  that at present, positive cases, AND close contacts,  even if testing negative, are not permitted to quarantine on board,  and have to be disembarked to government approved quarantine facilities. 

[GoHawks-43-8]

20 hours ago, GoHawks-43-8 said:

I forgot to include...

They were given a (I think) future cruise credit equal to the number of days they were quarantined times the daily cost of their cruise.

I offered to buy it from them because I'll likely go on another cruise but I'm pretty sure they're done with cruising for a long time.

Quoting myself seems a little self important.  Sorry.

 

Wanted to be clear.... we offered to buy it from them but the credit was not transferable so we were not able.

[HaveDogWillTravel]

39 minutes ago, wowzz said:

I appreciate that the above posts refer to cruises from the US, but as the European cruising season is approaching,  it is worth noting  that at present, positive cases, AND close contacts,  even if testing negative, are not permitted to quarantine on board,  and have to be disembarked to government approved quarantine facilities. 

You are correct. While I’ve read a lot on the Cunard board about the current QM2 situation I was really happy to finally get some solid information on Princess in the US. 
 

@GoHawks-43-8I believe Princess keeps you on board and does not disembark you. If someone has experience to the contrary I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. 
 

The reason I say Princess keeps you on board in quarantine is because on that very first July 25th Alaska sailing we had 2 positive cases that presented in the first 36 hours and were quarantined on board for the entire sailing. We reported this at each of the 3 ports and were allowed to explore independently.  The information regarding those in quarantine came directly from Jan Swartz to me in a one on one meeting we had on the ship. In the absence of evidence to the contrary I’m comfortable assuming this policy hasn’t changed. 

[wowzz]

8 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

In the absence of evidence to the contrary I’m comfortable assuming this policy hasn’t changed.

When Princess recommence cruising in Europe,  they will have to obey the local protocols,  which currently dictate that positive passengers must be disembarked, regardless of Princess policy.

There are currently many British,  German etc cruisers currently quarantined in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian ports.

[HaveDogWillTravel]

2 minutes ago, wowzz said:

When Princess recommence cruising in Europe,  they will have to obey the local protocols,  which currently dictate that positive passengers must be disembarked, regardless of Princess policy.

There are currently many British,  German etc cruisers currently quarantined in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian ports.

This is very true. I am not planning on traveling to Europe in the near future. The quarantine policy there is a big reason why not.
 

I’m glad to get this feed on the US Princess experience. And even happier that our experience is very different. 

[reedprincess]

Having just disembarked Regal on December 29 (and support to have been aboard for the Dec 29 cruise!), I can attest to what's currently happening with positive asymptomatic cases aboard. 

 

We were tested in the 28th as part of the 300+ back to back group.  20 minutes later, hubs popped positive, and my results came a few minutes later. Told to go directly to cabin, do not pass go, do not collect anything at all, nada. (Our friend who works aboard came and found us immediately upon receipt of hubs results - and we were with them when mine came in, hence knowing so fast).

 

Once at cabin, doctor came about 45 minutes later and administered a PCR test for confirmation. Told to not leave cabin, obviously. Results took closer to two hours as 12 back to backers had tested positive on antigen test, so lots to confirm. 

 

Yes, both came back positive. Told to pack up cuz we're being moved to quarantine ward. And that the doc would be calling shortly to collect info.  Packed up, basically for disembarkation as we obviously would be disembarked the next day. Waited around.. Doc finally called about an hour and half or so, maybe two hours later and collected vaccination details, vitals, and did some contact tracing - where had we been aboard the last couple days, any names of those we'd been in close contact with, approximate hours in any location, that sort of thing. Learned that someone we'd had close contacts with earlier in the cruise had come up positive earlier in the cruise (explains why we hadn't seen him since Christmas Eve!)..

 

After that, about half hour later, two staff showed up in full fledged PPE to escort us to new digs for the night. They packed luggage onto cart and off we went - directly to crew hallway to Red Hot elevator (only used for Covid cases), down to Dolphin deck, A328, deluxe balcony, smack in the Red zone.  Passed a whole long hallway of the quarantine cabins - there Orange and Red zone. Pretty sure Orange is for those who are Uber close contacts of positives, like those in same cabin of a positive, while Red is positives. We were quarantined together, as we were both positive. 

 

Got into new cabin, unpacked the few things we'd need for the night, got call from medical that a gent would be coming to get our immigration info, check. Then call that a gent would be coming to collect our medallions, check (you don't get to keep them, they're taken for contact tracing, etc). 

Got a call with time to be ready in the morning, check. 

The room is basic bare - no pillows in sofa, no bedskirt, things like that. Extra towels provided; there's also extra trash bags, sanitizer spray, laundry detergent, etc, presumably useful if there for several nights.  

 

Room service during dining room hours was anything from dining room menu, outside dining room hours - regular room service. Yes, we could have ordered adult beverages, but we had a bottle of wine to drink up, so enjoyed that instead. Had a lovely mahi topped with tamarind relish, salmon with beurre Blanc, Alfredo, and sesame chicken bites,  Binged on Love Boat episodes and slept the rest of the night away. 

 

They called about 15 minutes before disembarkation time to ensure we were ready, all set. They came just about spot in time, escorted by two in full PPE again, this time to a more forward Red/Hot elevator, down to gangway area - totally separate from "regular" guests, and off the ship to the Covid waiting area. Princess was arranging and paying for transport to those going to their quarantine hotel, or to their private arrangements, etc. 

 

Turns out, we ran into several folks we'd been hanging out with throughout the cruise, back to back guests who'd popped positive also, etc. All had similar experience, none of us had any symptoms so far, etc. It was funny to compare notes, try to figure out who infected who, etc. We all were in good spirits and off we went as Lyft drivers showed up.

Yes - Princess sent us off in Lyfts to whatever our next stops were! I don't know whether they'd told Lyft or not - we were fortunate that at least our driver had a shield between front/back seat, sanitizer available, etc. We did tell him we were positive but asymptomatic, figured he had a right to know..he didn't seem fazed at all. 

Anyways, off we went to the hotel we'd booked for our quarantine. Princess is paying the quarantine cost. And we'll get an FCC for the quarantine night aboard, and the missed cruise. Should see it in a couple weeks .

 

All in all, It was a very well coordinated experience. Good communication, etc. Absolutely sucks, but it's the risk during a global pandemic!   We're wrapping up our 10 nights on the 7th, and off to the next phase of our trip. We're still completely asymptomatic, thankfully! 

Can't fault Princess at all, they were great, loved our 7 out of 8 nights aboard and are looking at going back at the end of the month, lol.

 

For what it's worth, we were in a suite on Riviera, and moved to deluxe balcony in dolphin, port side. There were also quarantine cabins on Emerald deck. Yes, we could use the balcony in quarantine if we wanted.. 

 

you will not be staying in the original cabin if you test positive aboard. You absolutely will go to the quarantine section..  if you're symptomatic, you may be disembarked in nearest port, depending on severity of symptoms, length of cruise left, etc...it's a case by case decision by medical aboard, and absolutely a possibility.

 

stay safe all! 

[Buckeye10640]

13 minutes ago, reedprincess said:

Having just disembarked Regal on December 29 (and support to have been aboard for the Dec 29 cruise!), I can attest to what's currently happening with positive asymptomatic cases aboard. 

 

We were tested in the 28th as part of the 300+ back to back group.  20 minutes later, hubs popped positive, and my results came a few minutes later. Told to go directly to cabin, do not pass go, do not collect anything at all, nada. (Our friend who works aboard came and found us immediately upon receipt of hubs results - and we were with them when mine came in, hence knowing so fast).

 

Once at cabin, doctor came about 45 minutes later and administered a PCR test for confirmation. Told to not leave cabin, obviously. Results took closer to two hours as 12 back to backers had tested positive on antigen test, so lots to confirm. 

 

Yes, both came back positive. Told to pack up cuz we're being moved to quarantine ward. And that the doc would be calling shortly to collect info.  Packed up, basically for disembarkation as we obviously would be disembarked the next day. Waited around.. Doc finally called about an hour and half or so, maybe two hours later and collected vaccination details, vitals, and did some contact tracing - where had we been aboard the last couple days, any names of those we'd been in close contact with, approximate hours in any location, that sort of thing. Learned that someone we'd had close contacts with earlier in the cruise had come up positive earlier in the cruise (explains why we hadn't seen him since Christmas Eve!)..

 

After that, about half hour later, two staff showed up in full fledged PPE to escort us to new digs for the night. They packed luggage onto cart and off we went - directly to crew hallway to Red Hot elevator (only used for Covid cases), down to Dolphin deck, A328, deluxe balcony, smack in the Red zone.  Passed a whole long hallway of the quarantine cabins - there Orange and Red zone. Pretty sure Orange is for those who are Uber close contacts of positives, like those in same cabin of a positive, while Red is positives. We were quarantined together, as we were both positive. 

 

Got into new cabin, unpacked the few things we'd need for the night, got call from medical that a gent would be coming to get our immigration info, check. Then call that a gent would be coming to collect our medallions, check (you don't get to keep them, they're taken for contact tracing, etc). 

Got a call with time to be ready in the morning, check. 

The room is basic bare - no pillows in sofa, no bedskirt, things like that. Extra towels provided; there's also extra trash bags, sanitizer spray, laundry detergent, etc, presumably useful if there for several nights.  

 

Room service during dining room hours was anything from dining room menu, outside dining room hours - regular room service. Yes, we could have ordered adult beverages, but we had a bottle of wine to drink up, so enjoyed that instead. Had a lovely mahi topped with tamarind relish, salmon with beurre Blanc, Alfredo, and sesame chicken bites,  Binged on Love Boat episodes and slept the rest of the night away. 

 

They called about 15 minutes before disembarkation time to ensure we were ready, all set. They came just about spot in time, escorted by two in full PPE again, this time to a more forward Red/Hot elevator, down to gangway area - totally separate from "regular" guests, and off the ship to the Covid waiting area. Princess was arranging and paying for transport to those going to their quarantine hotel, or to their private arrangements, etc. 

 

Turns out, we ran into several folks we'd been hanging out with throughout the cruise, back to back guests who'd popped positive also, etc. All had similar experience, none of us had any symptoms so far, etc. It was funny to compare notes, try to figure out who infected who, etc. We all were in good spirits and off we went as Lyft drivers showed up.

Yes - Princess sent us off in Lyfts to whatever our next stops were! I don't know whether they'd told Lyft or not - we were fortunate that at least our driver had a shield between front/back seat, sanitizer available, etc. We did tell him we were positive but asymptomatic, figured he had a right to know..he didn't seem fazed at all. 

Anyways, off we went to the hotel we'd booked for our quarantine. Princess is paying the quarantine cost. And we'll get an FCC for the quarantine night aboard, and the missed cruise. Should see it in a couple weeks .

 

All in all, It was a very well coordinated experience. Good communication, etc. Absolutely sucks, but it's the risk during a global pandemic!   We're wrapping up our 10 nights on the 7th, and off to the next phase of our trip. We're still completely asymptomatic, thankfully! 

Can't fault Princess at all, they were great, loved our 7 out of 8 nights aboard and are looking at going back at the end of the month, lol.

 

For what it's worth, we were in a suite on Riviera, and moved to deluxe balcony in dolphin, port side. There were also quarantine cabins on Emerald deck. Yes, we could use the balcony in quarantine if we wanted.. 

 

you will not be staying in the original cabin if you test positive aboard. You absolutely will go to the quarantine section..  if you're symptomatic, you may be disembarked in nearest port, depending on severity of symptoms, length of cruise left, etc...it's a case by case decision by medical aboard, and absolutely a possibility.

 

stay safe all! 

Thanks for your very comprehensive description of the process. I admire how you handled this. It is certainly true that people are going to test positive through no fault of their own. And in all liklihood there may have been others who were positive but asymptomatic when they disembarked, who were not tested as they were not B2B.  Its a challenging time for cruising. Hope you enjoy your next cruise....and stay negative (Covid negative that is 😀 )

[reedprincess]

3 hours ago, Buckeye10640 said:

Thanks for your very comprehensive description of the process. I admire how you handled this. It is certainly true that people are going to test positive through no fault of their own. And in all liklihood there may have been others who were positive but asymptomatic when they disembarked, who were not tested as they were not B2B.  Its a challenging time for cruising. Hope you enjoy your next cruise....and stay negative (Covid negative that is 😀 )

Thanks for the kind words. We knew the risks when we booked, and boarded - we just struck out on the Covid roulette, so to speak.. it's cool, fortunately, we're both completely asymptomatic - not even sniffles or anything. Double fortunately, we have a quarantine room with two rooms, full kitchen and windows that open! Lol.  Grocery delivery and fresh air and we're good for days, 😁.  NYE was a living room party, with a bottle of wine and a bottle of bubbles courtesy of Princess (left over from the suite, 😆🤦‍♀️). 

Absolutely no doubt there were others infected at same time as us, but as they weren't B2Bers, they weren't tested aboard.  And absolutely no doubt there's positives aboard now also. 

We did inform those few we had been in close contact with aboard, and had contact info for,  that we'd tested positive, and that they should test once home. All were quite receptive and planned to do so..  our friends who work aboard went into working quarantine when we tested positive. They've had 4 negative antigen tests since then, so they're cleared. Thankfully!! 

Princess has been great with handling reimbursement, etc. They're covering our quarantine bill, food also should we submit receipts, and we'll get an FCC for the missed night and cruise. Can't really ask for better! 

Al in all, if we had to have Covid - this was the way to do it! No symptoms, someone else paying the bill, future cruise credit, and all's well that ends well.  We're free in 3 more nights! 😄. We did have to change some travel plans - we were due to fly to MX straight from the cruise on the 6th to visit some friends and family - we had to postpone a day due to quarantine.. fortunately, flexible tickets, and my friend runs the property we were staying at - viola, all changed with a couple clicks of the mouse.  

Lesson - flexible bookings, plans B and C, and a sense of humor are all very necessary these days... Plan for the worst, hope for the best! 

Safe travels all...

 

[HaveDogWillTravel]

@reedprincessThere are no words to describe how grateful I am for your incredibly clear and detailed report. Just…..no….words. Still I must say the inadequate.  Thank you. 
 

 

[caribill]

8 hours ago, reedprincess said:

 Then call that a gent would be coming to collect our medallions, check (you don't get to keep them, they're taken for contact tracing, etc). 
 

 

I doubt they were taken for anything to do with contact tracing as no information of any kind is on the Medallion other than an ID number that Princess computers use to access everything they know about you and what you did on the voyage.

 

I suspect they were taken from you to help make sure you did not leaver your quarantine cabin.

[jwattle]

9 hours ago, caribill said:

 

I doubt they were taken for anything to do with contact tracing as no information of any kind is on the Medallion other than an ID number that Princess computers use to access everything they know about you and what you did on the voyage.

 

I suspect they were taken from you to help make sure you did not leaver your quarantine cabin.

They can always disable medallions at the front desk...