Live From Koningsdam Quarantine

[Riversedge]

I’ve never done a “Live from” thread before and usually don’t even read them, but out of boredom and possibly being able to impart some information I’ve decided to start one.  I am currently on a Hawaiian cruise and tested positive two days ago.  I was not feeling any symptoms then but now have a runny nose and some fatigue.  Thank goodness they did an onboard test a couple days after boarding.  There are quite a few people that tested positive and I imagine a few positive people still around the ship that were exposed.  
 

I thought I would let you know what it’s like on this ship.  Not sure as I can be quite so positive as the gentleman on the Zuiderdam but I’ll try.  Medical staff called me about 5 minutes after my test.  They said they would send a nurse in 45 minutes to do a PCR test.  In the meantime I started to pack.  She showed up about an hour and a half later and did the test.  It took about half an hour to get a result.  They said the team would come in about 45 minutes and escort me to my new room.  The nurse told my husband he needed to stay in the room for 24 hours and then they would do another test on him.  Front desk called, gave him his new room number and said he could move about the ship.  No one ever tested him again but the next day he used one of the rapid tests we brought and tested negative.  He was given the option to move into quarantine with me or move to another room as they had to sterilize our room.  We decided to have separate rooms so that he didn’t catch it from me (or the possibility we could kill each other with 10 days locked up in a little room) 

 

I was escorted across the hallway into the freight elevator.  I had to handle all my own luggage and they were spraying around me.  When they got to my new hallway I again had to move my own luggage down the hall.  They had my door propped open.  It felt like I was entering a leper colony which I guess I was.  
 

There was almost no information in my room.  The next day I got a couple letters which I will try and post in a different post.  Again, not much information.   They are putting us up in a verandah cabin.  Mine is on deck 5, midship.  The whole hallway that I’m in contains positive people.  
 

The room is very spartan.  No bathrobes, no pillows on the couch, no wineglasses, ice bucket, no pen, no paper.  I have 4 bottles of Aqua Panna water and 6 bottles of soda.  Extra towels are in the closet.  No one cleans (obviously) or takes out the trash.  Luckily we had stocked our frig in our first room so I had cold beer and soda to bring along.  I’m able to order more.  
 

I’ll post more in another thread.  If we had purchase the cancel for any reason insurance we would never have done this cruise.  We had booked prior to Omicron and didn’t think it necessary.  Cruising is just not a safe sport right now.  No one could have been more careful than us.  No elevators, we dined alone, no crowded bars.  We don’t do indoor dining at home for this reason.  But even though we are at 1,500 passengers, the ship feels crowded.  With the “Have It All” everyone is out drinking so therefore no masks.  We didn’t even go to any shows.   I’ll post some day to day experiences which I promise will be more entertaining than the testing and moving procedure.  Stay safe out there.  

[Chelly]

Thanks so much for sharing your quarantine experience.   Best wishes on your health and your husbands health.    I hope you will continue to post.   This is valuable information.

[CruiseMGM]

So sorry you're having to go through this, but thank you so much for the live thread. Hoping your case is mild and you can keep yourself entertained during the ensuing quarantine. Had to laugh at your comment about going with the separate rooms so you didn't kill each other during the coming 10 days. Best of luck to you, I'll be reading along and keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[san diego sue]

Sorry for your infection. I am also feeling a bit sorry for myself with Covid at home. Tested positive Monday before our LA cruise on Princess to Hawaii that left with all our friends on Wednesday.

I will follow along on your journey . Thank you for posting.

Like you, we are very careful. We cruised for New Years. We  avoided crowds, didn't go to the the theatre etc.My friends and family always say I am too careful. We don't eat out, entertain, don't see family etc.

Do you have books to read? Movies to watch?

Let us know how HAL handles getting you food etc.Hope you feel better too.Will you get tested after 5 days?I know the isolation period is longer. I was told to test after 5 days but I am going to wait for 7 days.

[Riversedge]

There’s been no information about further testing.  And no calls from medical center to check on my health.  They don’t count the first day of quarantine as day one.  They count it as Day Zero.  No chance of early parole so it will be at least 11 days.  I hope all of you who are also experiencing this have mild cases and are as good as new soon.

[Riversedge]

[NavArch64]

Best wishes to you both. As I said on your first thread, remind guest services if you have to that you are still a guest ... deserving of the best care and service that HAL can provide under the circumstances. I am certain that Jan Swartz would direct the staff to do nothing less.

[Riversedge]

The previous letter and these two are the only information I’ve received.  

[Riversedge]

Just now, NavArch64 said:

Best wishes to you both. As I said on your first thread, remind guest services if you have to that you are still a guest ... deserving of the best care and service that HAL can provide under the circumstances. I am certain that Jan Swartz would direct the staff to do nothing less.

      Thanks.    Believe me, there is nothing shy about me imparting my wishes😁

[dchip]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this valuable information. Sending you as many good wishes as possible. This is certainly not what you were planning to do on this cruise.
 

Please keep posting, there are many of us that will keep you company. 
 

 

[canadianbear]

Like others, I’m sorry this happened.  I hope you have enough to do like book, puzzle, etc.  When I read another thread awhile ago about what to bring just in case it’s what we will do when we cruise again.  
 

I’m not sure what we would do if one was negative and one was positive.  I think we’d end up separate so at least one of us could enjoy the cruise.  I wonder why they can’t leave a bathrobe?  I never pack one because they provide them and prefer not packing it but I do like to wear one even if isolated!  
 

Thanks for providing what has been your experience so far.  Appreciate it.  

[ottahand7]

2 hours ago, canadianbear said:

 I never pack one because they provide them and prefer not packing it but I do like to wear one even if isolated!  

I guess if any of us are unfortunate to go through what OP is going through - pack your bathrobe for your new digs.   

 

 

 OP thank you for posting this and how careful you were.  If I read one or two more of these I will cancel our 2/13 cruise.   

[ger_77]

I’m sorry you have to go through this, but grateful that you’re sharing your experience with us.  I’m thinking ahead  that I’ll be sure to pack our lightweight silk robes in case one of us ends up quarantined on a ship.  I wonder if they’ll give you one if you ask?
 

There are many of us “on the outside” cheering you on.  I hope your symptoms continue to be mild.

 

Smooth Sailing!

[bcummin]

You should ask for a bathrobe and for other things that could bring you a bit of joy.

Best Wishes,

Barbara

[Red Haired Lady]

Oh my...I am emailing you.

[canadianbear]

14 minutes ago, bcummin said:

You should ask for a bathrobe and for other things that could bring you a bit of joy.

Best Wishes,

Barbara

This is true-another thread the person asked for free weights; had the drink package so got drinks delivered.  Can’t hurt to ask.  

[Riversedge]

This is day 3 for me (HAL says day 2) so I’m going to back up and post my thoughts by days.  
 

Day ZERO:

I spent almost the entire day in isolation but HAL counts this as day zero.  Which means 11 days quarantine, not 10.  I was an elementary teacher for 34 years, 26 of them in kindergarten. If you have ever been around kindergartners you know the first day is not easy.  I never went home at the end of the first day and said “Well day zero was fun!  Let’s do day 1 tomorrow”….said no teacher EVER!  A little depressing to know they are tacking on another day.  
 

Each day they call you in the evening to ask for your breakfast and lunch choice for the next day.  It is the room service menu for breakfast although I did get an omelet on request. The lunch menu is the same as the dining room.  For 11 days.  Dinner is the same as the dining room and they call in the afternoon to take your order.  They drop everything off at the little table in the hall (actually it’s your verandah table), pound on your door and run away.  I’ll post pictures of the menus.  Sorry, I scribbled on them before I realized these were the only ones I would ever get.  

 

All meals are served in paper cardboard boxes.  Hint: don’t order anything with cheese…like Mac and cheese or an omelet unless you have a preference for cold congealed cheese.  They come with flat wooden silverware.  Personally, I can’t stand the feeling of wooden things on my tongue which is why I quit playing the saxophone in high school band!  I called front desk and asked for real silverware.  Was told they couldn’t but then there was a knock on my door and two soup spoons showed up.  Another call to front desk and the next day a set of real silverware showed up.  I keep them in my room because otherwise I would never see them again.  
 

I quickly figured out that there are 11 steps from my verandah door to the hallway door.  I’m determined to walk 3 miles a day.  Luckily I have my Apple Watch to keep track.  I’m starting to feel dizzy with all the quick turns, lol.  
 

I have found that calls to the front desk get results.  Might take awhile but they are trying. I got two bathrobes along with my silverware.  
 

I have a kindle so lots of books.  And I can always watch one of HAL’s 20 year old movies.  They came out so long ago I wouldn’t remember them anyways.  
 

Day 1 report later.  I’m feeling ok, just bored.  Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. 
 

 

[canadianbear]

Well, I see your sense of humour is showing! 😁. Good to hear you got bath robe AND real cutlery!  As someone said on another thread, you ARE still a guest so request whatever you think you may want within reason.  I do not like eating out of cardboard box, yuck.  
 

If you want a Dive In order something. Another thread again said no charge for delivery; same as Dutch Cafe.  Ask and hopefully you shall receive.  
 

When you first mentioned day zero I thought, WHAT?  But…today, for the first time, I heard it on our news.  The doctor said so it’s actually 11 days start at day zero.  😳

 

Can you and your husband phone each other-I assume so but was always told not to assume…lol.  
 

Great you have a kindle-we don’t have that or an iPad so I’d be stuck without something to read.    Do you get to spend much time out on your balcony?  
 

Will be interesting to do your steps and lucky you’ve got the Apple Watch so you won’t lose count, lol.  
 

My daughter was a kindergarten elementary school teacher but now has a 2 year old and a 2 month old so is a stay at home mom for now.  Bless you for all your years of teaching.  
 

Remember there’s usually someone on CC at all hours so please post any time you’re up to it!  We are all cheering you on.  

Edited January 22, 2022 by canadianbear

[seaoma]

I'm really sorry to hear about your ordeal. I hope you can find posting here interesting and helpful to pass the time. You are doing a service to all who read this and lots of people will be here to commiserate and help you. 

 

You said you were very careful so can you think of anywhere you did feel vulnerable in the process of getting on the ship and living onboard for the first few days? Did you have to fly to San Diego? What do you think people should be aware of if they are going to cruise? Did HAL give you a mask and what kind was it? What kind did you wear if it was your own? If you knew then what you know now, would you go or would you cancel? 

 

Sorry for all the questions. My husband and I are trying to decide whether we should keep our reservation for February. I think the airport is the biggest risk, so I'm asking if you think differently.

 

Did you read the thread about the guy that was on the Zuiderdam that just went through quarantine? You might find some of the posts to be helpful. I posted a few things to keep him busy, so if you find yourself bored, check them out.

 

I'm so glad you got silverware and a robe!!! Those things would bug me too. You didn't mention wine, but I would need a real glass. 

 

Your walking post reminded me of the man from the Diamond Princess back when covid first hit. I don't remember how many steps he could get in before he made his turn, but if you're interested in reading his story, here's the link. 

https://www.hometownstation.com/home-town-station/carl-goldman-coronavirus-journals-316093

 

Keep us posted and we will try to keep your spirits up. 

[Iris5383]

Well, crap. Is your cruise a Circle Hawaii? When we did that one, it was 5 days over, 5 days in Hawaii and 5 days back. By those calculations, you will miss the islands. I don't blame you for walking, even though it's a short course. There seem to be a lot of us following you. Hope that helps. Keep smiling!

[Julia McCoun]

I feel your pain.  My husband joined me in quarantine on the Zuiderdam .   We hoarded silverware, sugar cream and salt and pepper shakers.  

 

I hated going from our Signature Suite to the barren cabin but the staff will do their best.  I asked for Nutella and banana crepes for breakfast and get them twice!  I also requested bread pudding for dessert and although it was only being served for breakfast, they reserved one for me for diner the next night.

 

Also, I noticed a deck sale for th Panama Canal and Catherine took pictures and wrote prices and I was all to have souvenirs that way.  They were also talking about Panama buns and I requested and got a basket.

 

To cure my boredom, I spent hours on the veranda taking 1000s of pictures of birds.   Literally thousands.  My husband and I also spotted dolphins and whales and flying fish.   

 

For me, the worst days were in port.  Listening to the cruise director talk about the fun stuff made me want to stomp and cry.....😂

 

My husband and I got into a scrap today.  We have booked the Antarctica cruise in December and imy husband said no way is he going and I'm right with him.  Quarantine once is more than enough.   If you like puzzles or Suduko they can get copies.   

Hang in there.  I feel your pain...

[Julia McCoun]

My best guess is that I caught it on the Southwest flight to San Diego. A father kept staring at me and when he was free to move around, left his wife and 3 year old in front of us and took his 10 month old unmasked baby and sat directly behind me.  The baby, being a baby, shook my seat endlessly and screamed as needed, which was quite often.  61 minute flight.

 

PS. My husband never got sick.  I did stay on the horrible sleeper bed and slept with a mask on for 2 days until the doctor made me move to the bed.  Still recovering.

[VMax1700]

Seems mighty strange that the letter from the "Sr Doctor" (senior doctor or Señor doctor ??) permits smoking on the balcony for someone possibly with a virus that attacks the respiratory tact.  Normally smoking is not permitted on the balconies. 🤔 I don't believe I would have much trust in that doctor.

[zelker]

1 minute ago, VMax1700 said:

Seems mighty strange that the letter from the "Sr Doctor" (senior doctor or Señor doctor ??) permits smoking on the balcony for someone possibly with a virus that attacks the respiratory tact.  Normally smoking is not permitted on the balconies. 🤔 I don't believe I would have much trust in that doctor.

Agree about allowing smoking and if I were to be so unfortunate as to land in quarantine anywhere near a smoker so that I couldn’t use the verandah, it would tip me over the edge.  WHAT is HAL thinking by allowing that??!! 

[0106]

Hello Riversedge-

i am sorry that you are in quarantine and I appreciate you posting.  I hope you continue to focus on the positive (bathrobe & silverware) and not the negative, on the things you can do nothing about (where you got it & the ship’s policies).  I hope your thread is not hijacked by poster focusing on the negative. 
 

Here’s a list of “pleasant activities” that may help you pass the time. They do require a phone/Internet but I found this really helped me in the beginning of the pandemic.  Luckily,  there should be no problem using your phone in Hawaii.

• Compliment/praise someone
• Talk about sports
• Notice the good things that happen to family or friend
• Reminisce, talk about old times
• Show an interest in what others say
• Plan or organize an event
• Call an old friend
• Go to a Zoom meeting