Edge announcement 2 crew positive

[avp1234]

Just now, Fly and Sail said:

 

Negative. Slots are locked because there is no staff in the casino to service the machines or the guests. No floor staff, no cashier. For tomorrow there is a Slot Hot Seat ($100 Free Play) announced in the daily program.

Honestly, this picture makes me reconsider my feb. cruise. We look forward to the casino each night (and most days) and donate plenty. Honestly, I know its not a big deal to a lot of people, but this is our entertainment since we don't do shows etc. They could literally block every other seat and it would be a lot safer than other places on the ship. Along with canceled ports, I don't feel like it would be worth the money.

[drakes2]

6 hours ago, neeko said:

We will be on her on the 9th of January.....no fear

Please post if you are able.

[cangelmd]

On 1/4/2022 at 10:21 PM, Fly and Sail said:

FWIW I think operating the casino is a no win situation because on one hand the cruise line wants the revenue (it's a BIG money maker) but on the other hand it's a hotspot for possible Cov19 transmission.

 

It also puts the casino staff in an impossible situation. Considering how packed it was last week I'm surprised they haven't shut down the entire operation due to "close contacts" including all cashiers and the host.

 

And in connection to this I repeat what I said before, I think they're taking a half-hearted approach here. While requiring masks which is really just a CYA action for them the ships continue to operate events that include large social gathering. Today it's ABBA night at The Club, then there was a sign for silent disco, theater and last but not least we had New Years Eve.

 

Not sure what the end of the ballgame is for them but don't tell me for a second they're taking this very serious at the moment. Celebrity is doing the bare minimum to cover their bases while not annoying too many passengers who would then cancel (IF informed properly in advance).

On 1/4/2022 at 11:48 PM, WonderMan3 said:

Well, let's also remember that cruise ships, as well as places of concentrated quarters like nursing homes, college dorms and prisons, are prone to the easy spread of other viruses like noro and have a long history with that. All those places have had extra attention placed upon them during Covid because of that. Cruise ships have that additional layer of going in and out of foreign ports where virus can be further spread to and from passengers. Some of the places you listed like a grocery store can be safer than a cruise ship if everyone is wearing a mask. But yes indoor restaurant dining and indoor sports venues or outdoor venues with everyone packed in close are just as much of a problem as cruise ships and should be treated in the same way.

Well, duh, isn’t that what the CDC has said from Day 1?

Sorry, y’all, but high risk activities are exactly that, high risk. Does the cruise line bear some responsibility, definitely, especially in light of the difficulties managing outbreaks of the last couple of weeks and especially they have a duty to their employees.

But cruisers have personal responsibility as well. Not just being wary of the casino, but wary of other favs like the Martini Bar, and for heavens sake - NO SELFIES - I cringe seeing people post them sitting at the cruise bars, knowing how long they were unmasked to take that photo. Then flabbergasted because they got quarantined!

If you cannot cruise without curtailing these activities, don’t cruise! Why would you spend all that money when you aren’t having fun? We are still planning to sail at the end of Jan, but we have had lots of discussions essentially about how many restrictions can we tolerate.

Finally, I don’t blame the ships for not closing these activities, just for the reasons you mentioned, just because the silent disco is happening, an individual doesn’t have to go. Should they limit the number of dancers - yeah, probably.

For the first time since March 2020, I truly think that cruising can ride this out - periodically, there will be times where masks and quarantine will have to pulled out and testing and vaccine requirements may never go away - but eventually things will normalize, and eventually is probably over the course of 2022. I don’t blame them for doing what every other business has been doing around here for the last couple of years - balancing safety with not pissing people off.

Sorry, rant over!

[cangelmd]

Also more positively, if cruises don’t cancel because of lack of staff, everyone who’s sick now will likely be back to work next week. I wouldn’t cancel Feb or March right now just over the lack of activities.

[Smmessineo]

6 hours ago, avp1234 said:

Honestly, this picture makes me reconsider my feb. cruise. We look forward to the casino each night (and most days) and donate plenty. Honestly, I know its not a big deal to a lot of people, but this is our entertainment since we don't do shows etc. They could literally block every other seat and it would be a lot safer than other places on the ship. Along with canceled ports, I don't feel like it would be worth the money.

 

6 hours ago, avp1234 said:

The casino is no different than sitting in a dining room with people eating, drinking, talking with NO mask vs. everyone masked in the casino.  Nor is it any different than dance parties etc.  A masked cruise without the casino, to be honest I would be bored and let down.  I don't do the dance parties and shows and sit at the martini bar. The casino is at least a money maker. They can put shields or block a seat at each table. Of course, that's my take being a gambler

The casino isn't closed due to distancing issues with passengers, the casino is limited/closed for this voyage because covid has showed up among its staff. This doesn't seem to be a policy of the Edge or Celebrity, just this sailing.

Edited January 6, 2022 by Smmessineo

[Zenithforever17]

Just want to say - I’m on Edge right now and it has been an AMAZING cruise so far and I don’t regret booking at all.  We have free run of the whole ship - such an interesting experience!

Edited January 6, 2022 by Zenithforever17

[Fly and Sail]

7 hours ago, avp1234 said:

The casino is no different than sitting in a dining room with people eating, drinking, talking with NO mask vs. everyone masked in the casino.  Nor is it any different than dance parties etc.  A masked cruise without the casino, to be honest I would be bored and let down.  I don't do the dance parties and shows and sit at the martini bar. The casino is at least a money maker. They can put shields or block a seat at each table. Of course, that's my take being a gambler

 

From what I have observed at the restaurants on board there is physical distance between occupied tables now. They don't seat you next to random people anymore.

 

In order to accomplish this they would have to take every second slot out of service but you could still mingle around unless strict protocols are implemented. They experimented with this in Vegas and local casinos nationwide but found it to be a buzz kill that cost them business. Not sure if closing the casino on a day like today, with a cruise that has ~ 1100 people on board makes a big dent in their revenue (I doubt it).

[Fly and Sail]

7 hours ago, avp1234 said:

Honestly, this picture makes me reconsider my feb. cruise. We look forward to the casino each night (and most days) and donate plenty. Honestly, I know its not a big deal to a lot of people, but this is our entertainment since we don't do shows etc. They could literally block every other seat and it would be a lot safer than other places on the ship. Along with canceled ports, I don't feel like it would be worth the money.

 

It could happen on your cruise but doesn't have to. Multiple things are at play here, some staff had Covid, we are very low occupancy and it was a port day. I can see why they took the opportunity to take a 40-hour break so staff can rest and they can reset their entire operations.

[Smmessineo]

1 hour ago, Zenithforever17 said:

Just want to say - I’m on Edge right now and it has been an AMAZING cruise so far and I don’t regret booking at all.  We have free run of the whole ship - such an interesting experience!

Fully agree with you! The masking indoors is aminor inconvenience, being able to get off in port without an excursion is great, the service onboard is outstanding!

[flviking]

It will be very interesting to see how each cruise line may change their protocols once the CDC sailing requirements become voluntary on January 15.  We have Edge 2/13 but if X fills the ship we would have to reconsider.

[TeeRick]

29 minutes ago, flviking said:

It will be very interesting to see how each cruise line may change their protocols once the CDC sailing requirements become voluntary on January 15.  We have Edge 2/13 but if X fills the ship we would have to reconsider.

I personally don't expect much to change on January 16th.

[lyssa13]

2 hours ago, Zenithforever17 said:

Just want to say - I’m on Edge right now and it has been an AMAZING cruise so far and I don’t regret booking at all.  We have free run of the whole ship - such an interesting experience!

This makes me so happy to hear. Thank you so much for posting. We are on the 1/23 sailing and really trying to hold on to hope here! Keep us posted if you wouldn’t mind! 

[lyssa13]

1 hour ago, Fly and Sail said:

 

It could happen on your cruise but doesn't have to. Multiple things are at play here, some staff had Covid, we are very low occupancy and it was a port day. I can see why they took the opportunity to take a 40-hour break so staff can rest and they can reset their entire operations.

Thank you so much for your continued updates. Keep them coming. We are on the 1/23 sailing and really want to go!!

[cangelmd]

42 minutes ago, flviking said:

It will be very interesting to see how each cruise line may change their protocols once the CDC sailing requirements become voluntary on January 15.  We have Edge 2/13 but if X fills the ship we would have to reconsider.

Becoming voluntary is NOT happening

[Fly and Sail]

CHANGE RE. COVID TESTING FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS: NO LONGER ON BOARD

 

This might be pretty bad for some EDGE folks who have same day departures. Previously they tested on board, the day before debarkation but now these tests are no longer done on the ship but rather AFTER debarkation in the terminal.

 

You have to register as before through an app but now everything has to be done at the terminal and the results will take ~ 1.5 hours to come back.

 

I know a lot of international passengers including Canadians have flights that leave in the morning hours and you won't be able to check in before you have the result in hand. This could throw a wrench in your travel plans if your departure time is before 12pm so I thought a heads up might be important.

 

My guess: They don't want anyone to test positive on the ship anymore so all unnecessary tests are being moved ashore.

 

This is another bad change IMHO. Previously they said tests are only available for passengers departing within 24h to their international destination, now they only provide a test after debarkation. My booking was made in OCT so it should be included under any circumstances but guest relations said it was free in general for intl travelers. Not sure if that is because we had Covid on board?

[TeeRick]

5 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

Becoming voluntary is NOT happening

Well according to the CC News article yesterday the CSO will become voluntary on Jan 15th.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6679/

[CruiseRQA]

On 1/4/2022 at 8:10 AM, ohiolovescrusing said:

San Juan implemented new measures that said every person getting off a cruise ship must be tested in the previous 48 hours.  So many cruises are dropping that port right now. 

I don't understand the logic of this.

 

There is COVID in PR already.   

[BigAl94]

7 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

My guess: They don't want anyone to test positive on the ship anymore so all unnecessary tests are being moved ashore.

 

 

 

Exactly - hide any bad news.

[cangelmd]

9 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

Well according to the CC News article yesterday the CSO will become voluntary on Jan 15th.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6679/

LOL, of course CLIA would report it that way - what do you think the chances are if that happening?

[RichYak]

21 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

Becoming voluntary is NOT happening

Hasn't it already been voluntary for cruises out of FL for many months?

[TeeRick]

5 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

LOL, of course CLIA would report it that way - what do you think the chances are if that happening?

Yeah I know and was a bit surprised by the article.  But it was presumably between CDC and the CC News and Features Editor.  Not the CLIA.  In any case the CSO protocols are solidly in place and the cruise lines will have no incentive for lessening the requirements at least while Omicron is surging.

[RichYak]

8 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

LOL, of course CLIA would report it that way - what do you think the chances are if that happening?

There's a quote from a CDC spokesperson in the article. I think, based on that, the chances are quite good.

 

"After the expiration of the Temporary Extension & Modification of the CSO on January 15, 2022, CDC intends to transition to a voluntary program, in coordination with cruise ship operators and other stakeholders, to assist the cruise ship industry to detect, mitigate, and control the spread of COVID-19 onboard cruise ships," a CDC spokesperson told Cruise Critic via email.

[Antropos]

47 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

CHANGE RE. COVID TESTING FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS: NO LONGER ON BOARD

 

This might be pretty bad for some EDGE folks who have same day departures. Previously they tested on board, the day before debarkation but now these tests are no longer done on the ship but rather AFTER debarkation in the terminal.

 

You have to register as before through an app but now everything has to be done at the terminal and the results will take ~ 1.5 hours to come back.

 

I know a lot of international passengers including Canadians have flights that leave in the morning hours and you won't be able to check in before you have the result in hand. This could throw a wrench in your travel plans if your departure time is before 12pm so I thought a heads up might be important.

 

My guess: They don't want anyone to test positive on the ship anymore so all unnecessary tests are being moved ashore.

 

We had the very same thing happening after debarkation from Equinox last Monday in FLL. We had a flight from FLL to EWR at 12:20 PM (and then on to Amsterdam). When we booked the cruise in October we were under the impression that if we tested positive on that re-entry test Celebrity would take care of most of the hassle with hotels, rescheduling flights, etc. because of the Cruise With Confidence policy (or whatever it's called right now). But, no... two days before debarkation we were told (in a letter delivered to our stateroom) that the test would take place in the terminal AFTER debarkation. Therefore, if you test positive you're on your own.

 

Luckily we were among the first to debark the ship. After debarkation at 07:45 we had to wait 1 hour and 15 mins outside the terminal before the test was taken; even though we had an appointment for 08:30 AM. They don't care about timeslots, everybody is waiting in the same long line. We had about 30 people in front of us. The line after us was huge - I'd guess about 300 people.  After the test we immediately went to the airport, but (like you said) you cannot check in or drop your bags, because you have to wait for the test results. Those came in 60 mins later (roughly as promised). For us, we had about 1.5 hours to spare before boarding the flight, but if people futher down the line also had an early flight, no way they would have made it.

 

Advice for those of you who need a re-entry test, make sure you get off the ship as early as possible and literally run to the test location.

 

[Fly and Sail]

20 minutes ago, Antropos said:

Luckily we were among the first to debark the ship. After debarkation at 07:45 we had to wait 1 hour and 15 mins outside the terminal before the test was taken; even though we had an appointment for 08:30 AM. They don't care about timeslots, everybody is waiting in the same long line. We had about 30 people in front of us. The line after us was huge - I'd guess about 300 people.  After the test we immediately went to the airport, but (like you said) you cannot check in or drop your bags, because you have to wait for the test results. Those came in 60 mins later (roughly as promised). For us, we had about 1.5 hours to spare before boarding the flight, but if people futher down the line also had an early flight, no way they would have made it.

 

Advice for those of you who need a re-entry test, make sure you get off the ship as early as possible and literally run to the test location.

 

 

It makes me really angry that this is once again communicated in such a shabby way but nothing to do about this right now. I'll make sure I'm off the ship FAST because I have a 10am flight to catch. Slicing the salami extremely thin here. Well, worst case I have a fully refundable backup from MIA booked for 1:30pm.

 

That being said we now have A LOT less people on board than a week ago and I doubt many of them will need a PCR Test. If this takes forever as you said and causes me problems I will make Celebrity pay for this by all means necessary.

Edited January 6, 2022 by Fly and Sail

[Antropos]

1 minute ago, Fly and Sail said:

[...] I'll make sure I'm off the ship FAST because I have a 10am flight to catch. 

And do you need a COVID test? If not, you could make the 10 AM flight. Even with the COVID test we got at the airport at 09:20. Without the test we would have been there around 08:15.