Possibly the end of daily testing?

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, SailorPaulH said:

The Site That Must Not Be Named,

Say what? Who came up with this?  NO idea what is being referred to...relative to Viking I assume? 

[OnTheJourney]

5 hours ago, SailorPaulH said:

a VRC and another VOC

What do these refer to?  

[janetcbl]

22 minutes ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

What do these refer to?  

Viking River Cruise,Viking  Ocean Cruise.

[duquephart]

1 hour ago, brianw123 said:

Probably the only way Viking will change their protocol is if they are not filling up their ships. Profitability trumps everything. Hopefully there aren't enough "covid worriers" to keep filling up the ships as time goes on. But there will be people that will wear masks indefinitely so who knows. Of course, there will be people who will say I'm insensitive. Don't care. It's not 2020 any more. Time to move on folks. 

 

They haven't been filling up their ships since this whole deal started .

[jasardeax]

For all future VO cruises, if

Viking did away with daily testing and you were experiencing COVID symptoms, would you;

 

A. Request a voluntary Covid

      test from Viking, and live

      with the consequences. 
B. Self quarantine in your 

     cabin and hope symptoms 

     faded or, didn’t worsen. 
C.  Do nothing and continue as

      normal with your cruise. 
D.  Something else?

 

If the USA did away with testing before flying home from a foreign country, and you were experiencing COVID symptoms, would you;

1. Get a COVID test and not fly 

     if you tested positive. 
2.  Just fly back to the USA 

       anyway. 
3.  Something else?

[Vineyard View]

11 hours ago, bbtondo said:

Thanks so much!  Keeping fingers crossed that testing before flight to US is over for my Oceania cruise in August.  Jumped ship from Viking due to testing every day. I personally know a lot of friends who were loyal Viking customers that are also jumping ship.  Curious how all this testing is affecting Viking's profits?

I have been watching three cruise line threads, including Oceania. Have you looked at the recent discussions on the quarantine issues with them? Not happy campers, as I am reading on most cruise lines right now. 
 

I would have to agree that if people do not want daily testing then Viking is not the line for them. ‘Jumping ship’ is the alternative if it doesn’t work. And so for now,  there it is. I seriously doubt  it’s going to change soon. Based on future sailings, Viking continues to be well travelled and very well booked. I don’t see it as overbearing. It is a big reason that Viking remains at the top of our list. Just trying to find the right itinerary and hoping with the new ships they will expand some offerings, even in the areas they currently sail. 

[Vineyard View]

23 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

They haven't been filling up their ships since this whole deal started .

None of the premium lines are filling their ships right now from what I am reading. Maybe I am wrong. 

[Twitchly]

2 hours ago, brianw123 said:

Probably the only way Viking will change their protocol is if they are not filling up their ships. Profitability trumps everything. Hopefully there aren't enough "covid worriers" to keep filling up the ships as time goes on. But there will be people that will wear masks indefinitely so who knows. Of course, there will be people who will say I'm insensitive. Don't care. It's not 2020 any more. Time to move on folks. 

 

[OnTheJourney]

19 hours ago, rizello said:

Testing those with symptoms makes sense.  Testing everyone all the time seems excessive.

Indeed...as Jim stated it..."treat the sick, leave the well alone". 

[bbtondo]

12 hours ago, Vineyard View said:

I have been watching three cruise line threads, including Oceania. Have you looked at the recent discussions on the quarantine issues with them? Not happy campers, as I am reading on most cruise lines right now. 
 

I would have to agree that if people do not want daily testing then Viking is not the line for them. ‘Jumping ship’ is the alternative if it doesn’t work. And so for now,  there it is. I seriously doubt  it’s going to change soon. Based on future sailings, Viking continues to be well travelled and very well booked. I don’t see it as overbearing. It is a big reason that Viking remains at the top of our list. Just trying to find the right itinerary and hoping with the new ships they will expand some offerings, even in the areas they currently sail. 

Yes, I also have been reading the Oceania thread.  At this point in time, I am in agreement how Oceania tests.  Only if you request it.  It's certainly not perfect, but it's more to my liking than Viking.

[OnTheJourney]

12 hours ago, jasardeax said:

Viking did away with daily testing and you were experiencing COVID symptoms, would you;

 

A. Request a voluntary Covid

      test from Viking, and live

      with the consequences. 
B. Self quarantine in your 

     cabin and hope symptoms 

     faded or, didn’t worsen. 

I'd say A and B....

[OnTheJourney]

5 minutes ago, bbtondo said:

Only if you request it.  It's certainly not perfect, but it's more to my liking than Viking.

Yep...I'm good with that policy also. 

Edited June 2, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[bbtondo]

15 hours ago, Ceegeefl said:

We also very much liked our recent Viking  cruise. It was our first cruise with Viking and we enjoyed  every aspect of it except  for the testing before,during and to reenter the US. We've been home almost a week and after careful consideration  decided not to sign up for another Viking cruise at this time.  I also feel they are going after a different demographic from what we are.This is certainly their right and  I know some are very happy with this.  It does sadden me though

After sailing on VO last fall besides the covid issues, I've come to the conclusion that Viking is just not for me.  As you say they are going for a different demographic.  It also saddens me, as I expected a different experience.

[Vineyard View]

3 hours ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

Yep...I'm good with that policy also. 

I hadn’t thought about it before. Maybe it’s a good thing, that different lines are employing different Covid policies. This gives people more choices in what works best for them, so that they can book where it is a good fit, and not book where it isn’t. I guess that can make all happy. 

[Jim Avery]

2 hours ago, Vineyard View said:

I hadn’t thought about it before. Maybe it’s a good thing, that different lines are employing different Covid policies. This gives people more choices in what works best for them, so that they can book where it is a good fit, and not book where it isn’t. I guess that can make all happy. 

Ha! It will never make all happy...🍸

[jasardeax]

On 6/1/2022 at 1:36 PM, rizello said:

 

Testing those with symptoms makes sense.  Testing everyone all the time seems excessive.

But, will those with symptoms step forward and be tested voluntarily, and live with the consequences, if positive. 
Or will they do nothing. 

[JDincalif]

On 6/1/2022 at 12:40 AM, Jim Avery said:

Such a fun way to spend many thousands.  And how many are actually sick??  Treat the sick.  Stop harassing the well.

For many the issue isn't daily testing - it's the insidious and rapidly transmissible nature of this particular illness and its unpredictable effects on any individual. Testing denial is simply the equivalent of sticking one's head in the sand and pretending there's no risk at all. The sick often don't know they're sick until tested, by which time they've potentially spread illness to others. One can move surprisingly easily from well to seriously ill without seeing it coming. 

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, jasardeax said:

But, will those with symptoms step forward and be tested voluntarily, and live with the consequences, if positive. 
Or will they do nothing. 

 

In my experience, many do not, citing the excuse that they don't want their expensive holiday to be interrupted.

 

In Asia, we experienced a very significant Noro outbreak and many pax with symptoms did not report them. I recall being in the queue to disembark when a lady in front of us stuck her head around a barrier to vomit on the deck. She was about to walk off, when we advised security, who prevented her from disembarking. She was escorted to medical and I expect placed in quarantine.

 

Many others openly discussed taking many OTC meds to ensure they could complete their shore excursions.

[OnTheJourney]

11 hours ago, bbtondo said:

As you say they are going for a different demographic.

Curious as to what you're referring to? I suspect that Viking has probably always attracted a more senior age group (especially since they don't allow under 18 and so that sort of rules out the typical (younger) family vacation). From my limited experience having only done two cruises, I'd say it's a very well traveled group - perhaps more destination oriented than might be the case on some other lines, however this is just a presumption on my part. I really like them alot since I don't need the casinos, photographers, etc. and like the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the ship, but simply don't like the PCR testing. 

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, JDincalif said:

it's the insidious and rapidly transmissible nature of this particular illness

True enough...but then why not require masking onboard? You've got pax going ashore exposed to thousands of people in those crowded, narrow streets. Seems inevitable that positive cases will show up once back on the ship. There's just no easy answer especially given the apparent new variants coming along that can evade immunity from vaccines. My hat is off to you for your upbeat attitude in the wake of what you went through on the Mars. I don't think I would have handled it as well and undoubtedly would have been wishing I was back home!  We're booked on Cities of Antiquities for January - an itinerary I truly think is spectacular (always wanted to visit the Holy Land, plus never saw Rome or Greece); however, I suspect (reather sadly for sure) we'll be canceling under risk free and reschedule something later - perhaps in the US. IF there was no PCR testing, we'd probably keep the booking. Traveling, in general, just isn't the same anymore. 

Edited June 3, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, JDincalif said:

 The sick often don't know they're sick until tested, by which time they've potentially spread illness to others. One can move surprisingly easily from well to seriously ill without seeing it coming. 

All true, but, can you imagine what would happen to the travel industry if every cruise ship, resort, land tour company, hotel, etc. were to test people on a daily basis? When we went to our daughter's graduation ceremonies at RIT in Rochester, masking was required. Everyone submitted proof of vaccination and then had to wear a wristband. This is not to say I'm a great fan of masking at this point after 2 years of it but I just fail to see the logic of daily PCR testing without also masking. 

 

I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a high correlation between those Viking pax who accept and approve of the testing protocol and those who also have been longtime Viking customers and thus have that strong sense of loyalty. I'm not at that point having only done 2 cruises and so perhaps can look at it less subjectively. 

 

We LOVED the Chairman's cruise, but admittedly wouldn't have done it had it not been the unique and special event that it was. 

Edited June 3, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[Moonlion]

18 minutes ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

All true, but, can you imagine what would happen to the travel industry if every cruise ship, resort, land tour company, hotel, etc. were to test people on a daily basis? When we went to our daughter's graduation ceremonies at RIT in Rochester, masking was required. Everyone submitted proof of vaccination and then had to wear a wristband. This is not to say I'm a great fan of masking at this point after 2 years of it but I just fail to see the logic of daily PCR testing without also masking. 

There was some discussion on this board, I believe a couple of weeks ago, that daily PCR testing may be catching cases of infection very early before symptoms show up and before the person is very contagious, thus preventing a lot of spread on board.  To know whether this is true or not would require a controlled experiment (compare Viking's case positivity rate with other cruise lines that don't do daily testing). By the way, I'm neutral on whether Viking should or should not require masks and daily testing.  I'll deal with it either way. 

[CurlerRob]

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

In Asia, we experienced a very significant Noro outbreak and many pax with symptoms did not report them.

Andy, with your experience, you may be able to shed some light on something that I have been wondering about.

 

My only outbreak experience was some years ago - a major E. Coli problem on our cruise. I self-reported, and was appropriately confined to cabin (fortunately not disembarked as you were).

 

My sense was that the crew, especially the cabin stewards, were highly attuned to the signs of ill pax. What was not clear was whether they could/did report pax and whether pax could be required to attend at the medical centre and perhaps be quarantined?

 

Fast forward to Covid - it set me to wondering if the crew can report pax with concerning symptoms on cruise lines that don't test daily - and if those pax can be required to test? Clearly, pax who report for a test on those lines and are positive are quarantined - it's the "surveillance" aspect I'm curious about.

 

I haven't scoured the cruise contract, nor do I have the appreciation for the powers of the master in this area that you do. Any insight is welcome! Gracias 🍺🥌

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, CurlerRob said:

Andy, with your experience, you may be able to shed some light on something that I have been wondering about.

 

My only outbreak experience was some years ago - a major E. Coli problem on our cruise. I self-reported, and was appropriately confined to cabin (fortunately not disembarked as you were).

 

My sense was that the crew, especially the cabin stewards, were highly attuned to the signs of ill pax. What was not clear was whether they could/did report pax and whether pax could be required to attend at the medical centre and perhaps be quarantined?

 

Fast forward to Covid - it set me to wondering if the crew can report pax with concerning symptoms on cruise lines that don't test daily - and if those pax can be required to test? Clearly, pax who report for a test on those lines and are positive are quarantined - it's the "surveillance" aspect I'm curious about.

 

I haven't scoured the cruise contract, nor do I have the appreciation for the powers of the master in this area that you do. Any insight is welcome! Gracias 🍺🥌

 

Interesting questions Rob.

 

Yes, the crew can report issues to their supervisor, but on many ships, will they??? I suspect many of the crew may not get involved, with the concern being that reporting pax could negatively impact their tips.

 

The Master has all-encompassing powers for the health and safety of the ship. S/He can mandate any pax or crew be quarantined, and if they don't comply, the crew would be paid-off (fired) and pax can be forcibly confined and disembarked at the Master's discretion.

[JDincalif]

6 hours ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

All true, but, can you imagine what would happen to the travel industry if every cruise ship, resort, land tour company, hotel, etc. were to test people on a daily basis?

We'd never want to see the entire travel industry apply Viking's stringent protocols - just that the option remains available to like-minded travelers.