Spectrum of the Seas turned around and next sailing cancelled.

[bajathree]

Passengers being held aboard pending testing.

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26510-royal-caribbean-cancels-next-spectrum-of-the-seas-sailing.html

 

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/thousands-held-hong-kong-cruise-ship-covid-testing-82081824

Edited January 5, 2022 by bajathree

[livingonthebeach]

In the same vein Hong Kong suspends cruises to nowhere for 2 weeks.

 

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3162152/coronavirus-2500-passenger-cruise-ship-ordered

[colesc15]

Doesn't surprise me. Hong Kong is trying to have zero covid cases. Saw a report of someone who arrived in Hong Kong and tested positive, and even though asymptomatic, rushed him to the hospital and has been stuck there for weeks now. Crazy stuff. 

[twangster]

From one account I read a Cathay Pacific air crew broke quarantine, dined out at a restaurant that ended up becoming a cluster when they later tested positive.

 

The cruise ship guests involved were contacted traced to that restaurant.

 

Royal had to comply with the government's instructions to isolate those guests, turn around and end the voyage.

[Jkaczanowski]

And is anyone surprised Wonder was redeployed to the US?

[Biker19]

26 minutes ago, Jkaczanowski said:

And is anyone surprised Wonder was redeployed to the US?

Unlikely RCI knew or cared about detailed HK COVID policies when they decided to move Wonder.

[ONECRUISER]

2 hours ago, Jkaczanowski said:

And is anyone surprised Wonder was redeployed to the US?

I know, watching online ship mapping and surprised all those Cruise Ships off US and in Caribbean are not bumping into each other

[Biker19]

Royal Caribbean International has been forced to cancel more sailings on the Spectrum of the Seas from Hong Kong.

 

The company announced the cancellation of Spectrum of the Seas’ Hong Kong sailings scheduled on January 21, 23, 26, 28 and 31, 2022.

 

"The sailings were canceled following an update to local COVID-19 prevention policies by local authorities on January 14, which requires a 14-day suspension of all cruise operations," the company said.

 

"We fully expect to welcome back our guests onboard Spectrum’s February 4 cruise," it added, in a statement.

 

Dream Cruises further extended its pause from Hong Kong last week, while Royal Caribbean originally had to cancel an early January cruise from Hong Kong, and has not resumed service with Spectrum since.

Neither company had COVID-19 cases aboard its ships. 

 

Hong Kong then suspended cruising in early January for two weeks and has now extended that a further two weeks.

 

Royal Caribbean Forced to Cancel More Spectrum Cruises - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News

[A&L_Ont]

Looks like China is trying to maintain their "zero" covid policy prior to the Olympics.  Omicron is coming, it's only a matter of time no matter how hard they try to stop it.  Who wants to be embarrassed while they "host the world" for 2 weeks of games.  Ironic that guests to their country will be blamed, when in fact Covid is only returning home. 

 

In fact they claim Canada is to blame for the first case of Omicron in Beijing, because it was found on a parcel shipped from Canada.  That's because they "love"😉 Canada.  It took multiple days for the parcel to get there and even longer for the citizen to test positive.  It is highly unlikely that they can blame Canada, like Terrance and Phillip of South Park fame were thrown under the bus by MAG (Mothers Against Canada). 

 

https://nationalpost.com/news/world/china-claims-canada-the-source-for-first-beijing-omicron-case-sent-via-mail

 

[BND]

China and Hong Kong have unrealistic expectations and policies.  Omicron is too contagious for them to not have it or have it spread quickly.  They're only going to delay the inevitable.  Also, most people still don't buy their low numbers they've been reporting all along.  They're trying to control the narrative.  Zero cases is unattainable.

Edited January 19, 2022 by BND

[A&L_Ont]

8 minutes ago, BND said:

They're trying to control the narrative. 

 

From day one, and still today. Canadian Olympians are being provided burner phones by our government for security concerns. That says a fair amount right there. 

[BND]

2 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

From day one, and still today. Canadian Olympians are being provided burner phones by our government for security concerns. That says a fair amount right there. 

It's well known that China monitors all phones, computers, etc.  They also have been known to go into hotel rooms.  What a poor location to have the olympics held for so many reasons.  

[A&L_Ont]

2 hours ago, BND said:

It's well known that China monitors all phones, computers, etc.  They also have been known to go into hotel rooms.  What a poor location to have the olympics held for so many reasons.  

You got it, 100%.

[bajathree]

In another story to do with Hong Kong and cruising ....Gentling Hong Kong owners of Crystal Cruises filed for bankruptcy today. 

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/6705/

 

Edited January 19, 2022 by bajathree

[Biker19]

Royal Caribbean International announced more cancelled sailings on the Spectrum of the Seas following an extension of Hong Kong’s COVID-19 prevention policies by local authorities on January 27, 

 

The company said it will cancel the following Hong Kong sailings: February 04, 07, 10, 12 and 14, 2022. 

 

"Royal Caribbean will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work closely with relevant local authorities on our return to service. Royal Caribbean continues to comply with local epidemic prevention policies and regulations, alongside our own protocols. As part of this, we worked with local authorities in regards to emergency response measures.

 

The health and safety of guests and crew is our top priority," the company said. "Guests that are affected by these cancelled sailings will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and any pre-cruise purchases, including taxes and fees, to the original form(s) of payment within 30 working days."

 

Following potential close contacts to COVID-19 aboard, the Spectrum of the Seas was pulled from service in early January at the request of local officials. Dream Cruises was also forced to suspended service despite having no cases on its Genting Dream, which was also sailing short cruises from Hong Kong.

 

Royal Caribbean Cancels More Cruises on Spectrum of the Seas - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News

[bajathree]

Hong Kong is starting to sound like Australia