Live From Koningsdam Quarantine

[Riversedge]

38 minutes ago, Cruizer Diana said:

 

 

Did you ever get clarity about meal and drink ordering boundaries/requirements? Trash, laundry? I'll bet a bucket of ice is out-of-the question...

No clarity.  Have to figure everything out for yourself.  They dropped off the in-room dining menu and the dining room lunch menu on the first day.  That made me assume that was what we had to order from when in reality that’s not the truth.  You can order anything except specialty dining without a charge.  It’s a lot of figuring out for yourself.  Ice comes in a paper cup with your warm soda.  (Sometimes). I do have the Have it All pkg which to me has made a huge difference in my comfort.  Im assuming a charge would be made each time otherwise.  They provided 6 cans of soda, 3 pkgs of chips and 4 bottles of Aqua Pana water.  A nice glass of wine or two that I order with my drink pkg makes it more tolerable.  
 

Nothing regarding trash.  I noticed my neighbor put his wastebasket outside his door.  As I told guest services, they should spell this all out in writing and have it on your desk.  

[IPB4IGO]

I feel for you.

 

We were booted off the Zuiderdam in Fort Lauderdale when I tested positive the morning we arrived. (We were booked on the return cruise to San Diego.) We were put in a van with two other couples and delivered to a "quarantine hotel" about 30 miles away.

 

We were there two days before we got any information from HAL, and then only when I called them to try to reach the department that was supposed to be telling us what was going on, who was paying for what, what happens when our quarantine is over, etc. 

 

The lack of information was unacceptable, but at least we could order lukewarm room service food and lukewarm restaurant delivery meals. I grabbed two sets of In Room Dining dinnerware from our cabin as we were being escorted out, so at least we didn't have to eat all our meals using sporks!  

[Hogladyrider]

@Riversedge....so sorry you are having to go thru all of this, I'm sure your other half is not happy either.

 

Not that it is any excuse but I am reading so many CC threads regarding quarantine issues on ships that it seems that the cruise lines were not prepared for this and they are going by the seat of their pants as things happen.

 

While I do not think this is acceptable business practices, once cruising started again, a plan should have been in place for those testing positive and passengers need and have a right to be informed.

 

Unfortunately IMO it is another example of the state of affairs we are all facing these days and I do not forsee any improvement on the near horizon.

 

Document, document, document while you are in quarantine and pursue what you feel is right when you can.

 

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Riversedge]

So, do you suppose this is HAL’s weasel clause?  It says “for all guests traveling in the same stateroom”.  Do they actually mean QUARANTINING in the same stateroom?  It does not say that.  I made a copy of this promise before we left home and the way I read it we should both be covered.  If this actually means we have to quarantine together then say it.

 

Don’t be underhanded and sneaky about it Holland America.  

 

 

[0106]

Hello Riveredge-

Can’t imagine what you are going through.  Everyone is different but some of the posts on this thread are not helpful.  Concentrate on you. What will help YOU pass the time in quarantine and keep your spirits up.  I’d be on the balcony, looking for sea life, gazing at the island coasts, reading, doing crosswords and wordles while drinking wine.  I will say that YOUR posts have provided useful information to people who may in quarantine in the future.  My husband and I leave for a 2 week Panama Canal cruise on the 13th.  We have already decided if one of us test positive the other will stay in our original cabin even though we would only get 50% FCC.  I love him but I don’t think our marriage would survive 10 days in a ship cabin.

[rothbury]

I have been following along with these threads about quarantine.  I think what I am coming to a conclusion is how HAL seems to be so arbitrary and elitist in who and how passengers are being treated while isolated.  You and a number of others have talked about the lack of communications and information while others have had multiple visits and phone calls including phone calls from executive level representatives at HAL.  You get mediocre food served in cardboard trays, paper cups and wooden utensils while others get their meals served on china plates, glasses with silverware.  They've had every need tended to while others are treated like 2nd or 3rd class.  Yeah, HAL's elitism is definitely on full display.  DW and I have talked about how this looks to the point of moving away from HAL.  We could maybe understand if they didn't prepare for this, but they should have and probably have had procedures in place since last year when they started Alaska cruises.  Definitely treating star status mariners based on how many stars and sea days they have.  

[LocoLoco1]

On 1/25/2022 at 2:23 PM, cruzin4us said:

I got to thinking when I couldn't sleep:

 

Let's just say you had covid 1 month ago and didn't know it (it's possible if you were asymptomatic) and HAL decides to do a PCR test on all passengers.   There would be a good chance your PCR test would show positive for covid thus they would put you in quarantine.   

I guess my point is that we as cruisers should probably take a PCR test a week or so before we sail (not the Antigen test) just to make sure we don't show a positive reading from a covid infection we didn't even know we had....does this make sense?   

Agreed. I intend to; sailing on Feb 6.  Break-thru Covid will seriously scramble a great many plans methinks. 

[zelker]

On 1/25/2022 at 1:23 PM, cruzin4us said:

I guess my point is that we as cruisers should probably take a PCR test a week or so before we sail (not the Antigen test) just to make sure we don't show a positive reading from a covid infection we didn't even know we had....does this make sense?   

 

I discussed this with DH this afternoon.  Although we have plenty of free at-home tests courtesy of our wonderful governor (and the four free ones from the Feds arrived today) and test ourselves every few weeks, getting an actual PCR test done the week before we fly to San Diego makes sense.  We know we'll have to get retested within two days of embarkation (that one will be a NAAT test to get the results in time), which is also the day before we fly.  At least that way we hope that if Covid is lurking, we might be able to know before we leave home.    

[Riversedge]

1 hour ago, rothbury said:

I have been following along with these threads about quarantine.  I think what I am coming to a conclusion is how HAL seems to be so arbitrary and elitist in who and how passengers are being treated while isolated.  You and a number of others have talked about the lack of communications and information while others have had multiple visits and phone calls including phone calls from executive level representatives at HAL.  You get mediocre food served in cardboard trays, paper cups and wooden utensils while others get their meals served on china plates, glasses with silverware.  They've had every need tended to while others are treated like 2nd or 3rd class.  Yeah, HAL's elitism is definitely on full display.  DW and I have talked about how this looks to the point of moving away from HAL.  We could maybe understand if they didn't prepare for this, but they should have and probably have had procedures in place since last year when they started Alaska cruises.  Definitely treating star status mariners based on how many stars and sea days they have.  

Whoa!!  I didn’t know there was a difference. Maybe they are throwing a fit?  I’m only a few days shy of 5*. Don’t see any special treatment here.  Everyone should be treated the same I don’t care how many stars you have.  Maybe their Club Orange is getting them hot meals?   I know that no one near me is getting any special treatment. 

[Riversedge]

2 hours ago, 0106 said:

Hello Riveredge-

Can’t imagine what you are going through.  Everyone is different but some of the posts on this thread are not helpful.  Concentrate on you. What will help YOU pass the time in quarantine and keep your spirits up.  I’d be on the balcony, looking for sea life, gazing at the island coasts, reading, doing crosswords and wordles while drinking wine. 

All of the posts here are extremely helpful.  You are all helping me get thru the days and I can’t thank you enough. The reality of the last two days is that it is so hot on this side of the ship that by noon we are all inside our cabin with the drapes closed.  It’s almost 80 degrees in the cabin.   Better than 10 degrees at home tho. 
 

Meanwhile,  on the other side of the island my husband got to see this.  I’m living vicariously!!

 

 

There’s  been no wildlife since the whales in the distance in Honolulu.  The plus side is that is freezing cold and snowing at home.  

 

[zelker]

4 minutes ago, Riversedge said:

Meanwhile,  on the other side of the island my husband got to see this.  I’m living vicariously!!

IMG_8692.MOV 15.42 MB · 1 download  

 

 

Nothing more exhilarating than to have a humpback swim under your boat!  Lucky him! 

 

So did he do a HAL excursion?  And did they go out of Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina?  We've had to switch up our whale watching plans since they've moved us to dock in Kahului too so would be helpful to know any details he can provide.  Thx!

[Riversedge]

1 hour ago, zelker said:

Nothing more exhilarating than to have a humpback swim under your boat!  Lucky him! 

 

So did he do a HAL excursion?  And did they go out of Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina?  We've had to switch up our whale watching plans since they've moved us to dock in Kahului too so would be helpful to know any details he can provide.  Thx!

He did a HAL excursion, a zodiac whale watching experience.  They rode a bus to Lahaina. About a 20 minute ride.  He said it was an inflatable but large with 4 big motors and you could get up and move around.  If you wanted to do it on your own and get an Uber or rent a car to get there I would highly recommend Captain Steve.  He goes from the same area.  It’s $100 pp less than HAL but of course you have to get there.  Walking distance from the pier if you were to dock in Lahaina. 

[Riversedge]

I do want to give credit to guest services on the ship.  They are really trying to get this together so next time everyone will be prepared.  She said they weren’t expecting to be slammed when they tested the whole ship and it’s been a learning experience.  She said they hadn’t even thought of some of the things I brought up. I am impressed with her attitude.  I also asked about the worry free promise and she’s checking about the wording with Seattle.  I feel I have someone to turn to with questions as she gave me her direct line and has been so willing to try and make this a better experience for all.  I have had a lot of complaints here but also want to give credit too when it’s warranted.  

[canadianbear]

18 minutes ago, Riversedge said:

I do want to give credit to guest services on the ship.  They are really trying to get this together so next time everyone will be prepared.  She said they weren’t expecting to be slammed when they tested the whole ship and it’s been a learning experience.  She said they hadn’t even thought of some of the things I brought up. I am impressed with her attitude.  I also asked about the worry free promise and she’s checking about the wording with Seattle.  I feel I have someone to turn to with questions as she gave me her direct line and has been so willing to try and make this a better experience for all.  I have had a lot of complaints here but also want to give credit too when it’s warranted.  

That is wonderful to hear.  Your suggestions to her are invaluable for future cruise patrons and I personally want to thank you for all this.  It’s a very trying time for you and you’ve been great. I honestly don’t know how I’d handle it.  I do think (depending on the length of cruise) if one of us was to test positive & the other negative, I’d prefer one of us getting to enjoy the cruise and excursions.  Hard decision but one that might have to be discussed before we cruise again.  
 

 

[nevadajack]

Cruising was such a wonderful part of life for us, however, the possibility of having a flight to and/or from the cruise port cancelled, of catching Covid even though fully vaxxed, of being quarantined for 11 days on board, of having ports cancelled, anti-social distancing, and mask mandates takes the fun out of it.  We pity the cruise ship industry and staff.  Let's hope this time of Covid passes soon, and all can go back to enjoying life on cruise ships.

[Riversedge]

40 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

That is wonderful to hear.  Your suggestions to her are invaluable for future cruise patrons and I personally want to thank you for all this.  It’s a very trying time for you and you’ve been great. I honestly don’t know how I’d handle it.  I do think (depending on the length of cruise) if one of us was to test positive & the other negative, I’d prefer one of us getting to enjoy the cruise and excursions.  Hard decision but one that might have to be discussed before we cruise again.  
 

 

Thank you.  My end goal is for this ship, and HAL in general, to be more forthcoming with information.  As I told her, no one can totally plan for this unless you’ve been in this situation.  She is genuinely grateful for my suggestions and is having communications with Seattle and the other head people on this ship.  I don’t wish this on anyone but unfortunately it’s going to happen again.  I’m thinking that both HAL and I are more informed now and hopefully many of you will be able to discuss your options in advance of your next cruise.  In many ways I’m lucky this was a long cruise.  As much as I hated to miss Hawaii I would hate to get off and have to quarantine in a hotel, change flights, etc.  

[jakers]

I would like to give a big shout out to the OP. She has taken the time and energy to educate the rest of us and prepare us in case we fall into her adventure. I have been following many of the posts concerning quarantine and denial of boarding. We tend the forget that the Captain's orders supersede all other directives while at sea. It is possible that many of the directions that we may feel are capricious or arbitrary may simply be the crew following orders.  

[Newly Retired Teachers]

Where is the ship sailing to next?  I am also curious if you have eaten at Tamarind before, and what you plan to order Saturday night. Are you near cabin 5191?  How the ride is back there?  I am glad you are enjoying the dialogue on this blog, but please know it's helping with our anxiety as well by sharing your experiences with all of us!

[zelker]

9 hours ago, Riversedge said:

He did a HAL excursion, a zodiac whale watching experience.  They rode a bus to Lahaina. About a 20 minute ride.  He said it was an inflatable but large with 4 big motors and you could get up and move around.  If you wanted to do it on your own and get an Uber or rent a car to get there I would highly recommend Captain Steve.  He goes from the same area.  It’s $100 pp less than HAL but of course you have to get there.  Walking distance from the pier if you were to dock in Lahaina. 

Can you ask DH which company the ship tour went out with please.  The only way we'll go to Lahaina is on a ship tour.  Thx.  🐳

[cruisemom42]

13 hours ago, rothbury said:

You get mediocre food served in cardboard trays, paper cups and wooden utensils while others get their meals served on china plates, glasses with silverware.  They've had every need tended to while others are treated like 2nd or 3rd class.  Yeah, HAL's elitism is definitely on full display.

 

I wonder if this is due to differing interpretations of rules regarding quarantined passengers and containment of infection, not due to status.

 

I can't imagine protocols would allow for utensils, dishes, glasses, bedding and other items that could carry infection would just be washed with the same dishes, glasses, bedding, etc. of other passengers. I assume that is one reason why disposable containers are used. But perhaps different ships interpret things differently.

 

[KirkNC]

8 hours ago, nevadajack said:

Cruising was such a wonderful part of life for us, however, the possibility of having a flight to and/or from the cruise port cancelled, of catching Covid even though fully vaxxed, of being quarantined for 11 days on board, of having ports cancelled, anti-social distancing, and mask mandates takes the fun out of it.  We pity the cruise ship industry and staff.  Let's hope this time of Covid passes soon, and all can go back to enjoying life on cruise ships.

I think this is why ships are sailing half full.  Many, including us, are not will to pay for such an uncertain experience.  Some like to belittle those how stay home but for many it’s the right decision.  Plus it’s their decision to make.

[KirkNC]

4 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I wonder if this is due to differing interpretations of rules regarding quarantined passengers and containment of infection, not due to status.

 

I can't imagine protocols would allow for utensils, dishes, glasses, bedding and other items that could carry infection would just be washed with the same dishes, glasses, bedding, etc. of other passengers. I assume that is one reason why disposable containers are used. But perhaps different ships interpret things differently.

 

And there in lies the problem.  It’s like HAL (and other lines apparently) only went as far as the CDC requirements.  Quarantine rooms required, check but absolutely no thought on the logistics, entertainment, or even well being of those in those cabins.  I hear very few even getting a medical follow up.  The same lack of planning exists with those poor souls put ashore in quarantine.

[san diego sue]

Have you been tested again since the initial testing? I had posted previously that I also tested positive but mine was two days before sailing so we were comfortably at home.. I just had a PCR test done and I am now negative.

 

 

[reefisher]

1 hour ago, san diego sue said:

Have you been tested again since the initial testing? I had posted previously that I also tested positive but mine was two days before sailing so we were comfortably at home.. I just had a PCR test done and I am now negative.

 

 

Apologies for potentially hijacking this thread, but what steps were required by HAL after you tested positive two days before embarkation date?  That is, what was required to be able to receive FCC?

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by reefisher

[Julia McCoun]

It may be a difference of ships and their interpretations of rules.  We had wooden utensils for breakfast, sometimes lunch, sometimes dinner.  When we got the real stuff slipped through, we hoarded them, washing them in the sink.  

We didn't have the option of laundry.   We did get letters about things that my husband read and then I ripped up. 😁.  I was dealing with anger issues.   Now that I'm back and talked to my doctor, she said even doctors are getting it.  The very most cautious people like myself hiding in my house are getting it.   My husband never did this time.  

I keep forgetting to mention.   I really was off food but wanted the wedge salad from TBE Pinnacle Grill menu and was "given permission" to have it.   Look at the menus on the tv for the night.  You can mix and match like in the dining room.  I'd mostly have 2 appetizers but one night the salmon had cilantro rice and something else had the green pea risotto, I switched and got the salmon with the green pea risotto.  

Explore what will make you happier in this tough situation.  You are almost there.