Bad experience

[seaoma]

1 minute ago, Mary229 said:

Don’t book until the last possible day and book the last cruise covered by the policy.    There was someone on my last cruise in a suit. To each his own 

 

The only way for that to work is to cancel everything I have now to give them time to re-deposit my FCC. Then, when it didn't work, kiss my money goodbye. 

 

Great choices. 

[seaoma]

4 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I would say, yes. Everyone over the age of 65 should Be Aware. If you are over 65 and also have one a major health concern (diabetes, heart condition, COPD, etc..) then I would say be Extra Aware. 

 

Just being over 65 is a risk factor, without any additional health issues.

 

What is you had diabetes or a heart condition, but you don't even know that you have and haven't been diagnosed yet? Many, many people are in that situation.

 

 

Edited August 1, 2022 by seaoma

[BermudaBound2014]

1 minute ago, seaoma said:

 

Just being over 65 is a risk factor, without any additional health issues.

 

I understand completely, which is why I said anyone over 65 should Be Aware. 

[seaoma]

1 minute ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I understand completely, which is why I said anyone over 65 should Be Aware. 

 

I added statements to my response. 

 

Lots of people don't know they have anything wrong with them. 

[BermudaBound2014]

Just now, seaoma said:

 

I added statements to my response. 

 

Lots of people don't know they have anything wrong with them. 

 

It's not fair, but Comorbidity continues to be the #1 predictor of serious covid illness. It always has been, and likely always will be. A personal physician is probably a good investment for those who maybe getting a bit up in age. 

[seaoma]

3 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

It's not fair, but Comorbidity continues to be the #1 predictor of serious covid illness. It always has been, and likely always will be. A personal physician is probably a good investment for those who maybe getting a bit up in age. 

 

I'm perfectly capable of following the health information as far as covid. 

 

None of that helps me get my money back or have a safe cruise.

[AFNavigator]

Even if HAL still required mask wearing onboard, it would not have been required while dining or sitting in a bar or at the casino while actively drinking.  That would have still presented lots of opportunities for virus spread...especially the highly contagious variants currently circulating.  Masks are beneficial to keep someone actively coughing or sneezing from widely spreading their germs but they are not a 100% guaranteed virus barrier.  Most public-wear masks have air gaps even if worn properly and those gaps can allow virus-laden air to escape the mask.

 

The part of the OP's narrative that was disappointing to hear was the medical staff's apparently slow response to requests for pain medications.  That did not seem to be a big ask.

 

One thing I think cruise lines could do better is to more clearly describe in advance their onboard procedures when someone tests positive.  It seems that pretty much everyone who has spoken about having experienced the isolation/quarantine process on board was surprised by some elements of the process.  They all say it would have been good to know that it would have helped to bring xx medicine or yy clothing or zz other comfort items onboard as a just-in-case backup.  I understand that cruise lines are hesitant to post anything that could reflect them in a negative light but, done correctly, they could word this in a positive manner to simply recommend you bring these xyz things to make your trip turn out as good as possible.

[BermudaBound2014]

1 hour ago, seaoma said:

 

So, after they decided that they would eliminate covid protocols. The started dropping protections in late Feb, early March.

 

Can you understand that people who booked a cruise with covid protocols and felt protected, then after final payment, HAL drops those protocols, that they now feel a little angry? 

 

What are people supposed to do that have FCC expiring in a few months? Go and possibly get infected or let HAL have their money?

 

The right thing to do would have been kept all covid protocols until the end of 2022 when everyone's FCC expires.

 

Sorry, I hadn't read this thread when I replied about comorbidities. I'm sorry if I came off as heartless to your situation.  While I disagree that you are much less safe now than when mask wearing was required, I respect your view and do have great empathy. Have you tried to extend your FCC?

[AKJonesy]

After cruising resumed, we decided that we could still get covid, or Noro, or the flu, etc.  We have cruised 3 times since start up and I bring a lot of "wellness" products with me now.  We don't know what's really available on board from medical so I pack all of my supplements and actually up dosed on supplements; especially Vit D and Vit C prior to cruising.  I've also packed a nebulizer, pain meds, extra strength tylenol, Cold Eze, and a few more things with the idea that if we "catch" anything, our medical supplies might come in handy.  I also have a compact heating pad I throw in my suitcase as well.    

 

If anyone is cruising now, there is risk out there and people should really evaluate their risk for their condition, age, etc.  My husband and I certainly do and age does become more of a factor going forward.  

 

I am sorry for the situation here and hope the recovery comes quickly.  Best wishes.  

[seaoma]

3 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Sorry, I hadn't read this thread when I replied about comorbidities. I'm sorry if I came off as heartless to your situation.  While I disagree that you are much less safe now than when mask wearing was required, I respect your view and do have great empathy. Have you tried to extend your FCC?

 

Thanks for reaching out again.

 

I'm extending it right now by canceling cruises and booking new ones. One day I will run out of time. Plus there is a huge gap between canceling a cruise booked with FCC and actually having that FCC redeposited to your account. 

 

I just canceled my August cruise and it could be the end of September before I see my FCC. I have never heard of a single person on CC that has gotten their FCC extended past Dec. 2022. 

 

I really have my doubts that the guest relations people on the other end of the phone for HAL have that kind of power. I've written emails and I haven't even received a reply. Who do you suggest I contact?

 

I will disagree with the mask wearing situation too, because when cases get high on the ships, the first thing they do is make people put on masks until their cases go down.

 

I know and follow a lot of public health professionals. I believe their opinion above else.

 

[BermudaBound2014]

2 minutes ago, seaoma said:

I will disagree with the mask wearing situation too, because when cases get high on the ships, the first thing they do is make people put on masks until their cases go down.

 

How's that working out? 😉 

 

Yours is a perfect example why I kept preaching very early on to take the cash and never a FCC.

 

I wish you the best. 

[12cruise2]

I haven't read all of the back and forth; however, we were on Celebrity late May on a B2b.  My DH got covid as discovered on our tests between the two cruises.  They put us off the ship rather than allow us to stay on.  They reimbursed us almost immediately for the entire second cruise plus for the daily charge for the one day he/we were in isolation--not FCC.  As soon as we got out of isolation and when we got home, I put together an email and copies of our isolation hotel bills and sent them in to Celebrity--as within a couple of days.  They reimbursed us for our isolation hotel and meals--not FCC.  Holland America is NOT refunding folks' money or being the primary payer on any isolation off the ship--we have to submit to insurance first, then submit the EOBs to HAL for possible payment of anything not paid by insurance (as I recall).  One can file their travel insurance; you don't HAVE to take FCC.

Also the Celebrity nurses came by our cabin three times just in the one day we were in isolation, to check on us.

And we're using FCC on HAL for two weeks in a couple of weeks in Alaska, while we both have some immunity from just having had covid, so making lemonade out of lemons!

Edited August 1, 2022 by 12cruise2

[Horizon chaser 1957]

2 hours ago, seaoma said:

 

Please, it's called public health. It's a global pandemic.

 

2 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Anyone thinking of sailing with a comorbidity should read this post. I'm sorry you had such a trying experience and wish you both a speedy recovery.

 

48 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I would say, yes. Everyone over the age of 65 should Be Aware. If you are over 65 and also have one a major health concern (diabetes, heart condition, COPD, etc..) then I would say be Extra Aware. 

ALL OF THIS.

We are still officially in the middle of a global pandemic. It doesn’t look like it’s going away any time soon. We all know this. We all know travel is neither as safe or as wise as it was three years ago.

At least now there are vaccines, boosters, and treatments. We are also getting less lethal (but more contagious) variants. The risk level is dropping, but still quite real. No one can accurately predict what Covid will be doing in 90 days any more than they can accurately predict the stock market.

The government, the cruise lines, and the CDC can’t wave a magic wand and protect us. All we can do is realistically assess our personal level of risk (age, comorbidities, possible financial loss, etc.) and our personal comfort with it. Meanwhile, everything from variants to restrictions is in a constant state of flux. (We all know this, too.)
If your personal level of risk is high, don’t cruise at this time. If you aren’t comfortable with the uncertainty,  don’t cruise at this time.  If your FCC is about to expire, maybe book the best suite you can get and stay inside it.  Have all your meals by room service. Of course, it means a shorter cruise. Even if it’s not the experience you want, it may be the best realistic possibility, and you get to use your FCC without it reverting to the cruise line coffers.

Edited August 1, 2022 by Horizon chaser 1957

[seaoma]

2 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

 If your FCC is about to expire, maybe book the best suite you can get and stay inside it.  Have all your meals by room service. Of course, it means a shorter cruise.Even if it’s not the experience you want, it may be the best realistic possibility, and you get to use your FCC without it reverting to the cruise line coffers.

 

Yep that is the plan. Unfortunately, my choice in that situation is to still lose money or pay extra to sail in the best suite. Impossible to use my FCC on a single cruise and I'm NOT about to pay HAL another cent.

 

This plan is flawed too though, in that the crew are infected with covid too. So no bars, no shows, no games. That sounds like a great $10,000 vacation!

 

Our plan is to do all meals outside from the Lido. We will probably be in full hazmat gear too. I can't wait.

 

 

[SunNFunCruzer]

2 hours ago, happywandering said:

When did we become a people who "others"  must take care of us?  Independence and self reliance used to matter. ......

By the way, I did get covid after my cruise to Alaska.  Do I blame the cruise line?  NO!  I went on my cruise informed and took the risk.

 

 

You are proving our point.  Health Care Workers WILL take care of you when/if you need them. Most people who are sick or in trouble don't take care of themselves.  Cops/firefighters ALL First Responders take care of others. We have ALWAYS been a people who "others" take care of.  And, sometimes, when people are ignorant or mislead or confused or wrong, our society has relied on scientists and doctors and those with more sophisticated and expert understanding to step in and help people protect themselves.  MANY deadly diseases have been prevented because of mandated vaccines (polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, tuberculous, etc). Additionally, I don't see the same outrage when states require you to wear a seatbelt. And wearing a seat belt mostly protects the wearer. Wearing a mask, testing before entering and living in crowded, tight-quarters helps EVERYONE.

 

I have never had COVID. I don't want COVID. Yes, I want to cruise. Yes, I understand the risk. But, I assumed the risk I was taking included indoor masking, social distancing, vaccine requirements and pre-board testing. Someone who didn't take the vaccine, is going to be participating in risk-taking activities in very close proximity to me. I don't want to be close to that type of person. MANY people have been infected with COVID on cruise ships -- author quoted above included. It makes sense for people who want to avoid COVID (again, I've never had it), to have relied on the prevention protocols in place when we booked to keep us all safe. 

 

The incubation period is ~5 days. There's a reason they are not mandating testing on short-cruises -- by the time the outbreak is publicized, everyone is off the ship and someone else's problem. There is also a reason the cruise staff remains masked to this day.  They know that masking helps control the spread, but they want more people out and about spending $$$$ on their ships, as long as they can get you off before you become a cruise company problem.

 

Finally, if you pay close attention, many people posting here are cruise and travel company affiliated. It's in their best interest to downplay the risk and encourage a return to freestyle cruising.  Read a number of groups and messageboards and pay attention to how many people return COVID positive. That's not spin, that's fact.

[SunNFunCruzer]

20 minutes ago, Horizon chaser 1957 said:

The government, the cruise lines, and the CDC can’t wave a magic wand and protect us

 

While most of what you said, I agree with, I disagree with the statement above. The cruiselines CAN protect cruisers by keeping pre-cruise testing, vaccination mandates, indoor mask mandates and encouraging if not enforcing social distancing.

 

They can CHOOSE and are choosing Not to take those precautions, but they force their staff to wear masks for a reason. They know that masking helps REDUCE transmission. They should want reduced transmission throughout their ships.

 

I believe you can go on a cruise, eat all meals outside, get off at port stops later in the day, avoid crowds, wear a mask always indoors and outdoors in crowds, cruise and stay COVID free, as I've done it. But that was when the protocols protecting cruisers were in place and enforced.

[Mary229]

10 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

Finally, if you pay close attention, many people posting here are cruise and travel company affiliated. It's in their best interest to downplay the risk and encourage a return to freestyle cruising. 

That’s a stretch.  I think most of us on this board are consumers who are paying our own way.  Trying to support your argument by making spurious claims just harms your argument 

Edited August 1, 2022 by Mary229

[SunNFunCruzer]

1 minute ago, Mary229 said:

That’s a stretch.  I think most of us on this board are consumers who are paying our own way.  

 

Let's agree to disagree, but it's telling that of all the things I posted, THAT's the one you've tried to refute.  I am not going to argue to argue. A review of posting history, timing and subject and a little internet sleuthing goes a long way.  But Suzanne has a point that she did not receive the services she expected when she and her spouse were diagnosed mid-cruise with COVID. And being diagnosed with COVID caught in a cruise ship is becoming more and more likely.

[Mary229]

1 minute ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

Let's agree to disagree, but it's telling that of all the things I posted, THAT's the one you've tried to refute.  I am not going to argue to argue. A review of posting history, timing and subject and a little internet sleuthing goes a long way.  But Suzanne has a point that she did not receive the services she expected when she and her spouse were diagnosed mid-cruise with COVID. And being diagnosed with COVID caught in a cruise ship is becoming more and more likely.

Only because I am trying to be respectful of people’s Covid decisions.  This is a thread about decisions not Covid 

[AncientWanderer]

4 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

While most of what you said, I agree with, I disagree with the statement above. The cruiselines CAN protect cruisers by keeping pre-cruise testing, vaccination mandates, indoor mask mandates and encouraging if not enforcing social distancing.

 

They can CHOOSE and are choosing Not to take those precautions, but they force their staff to wear masks for a reason. They know that masking helps REDUCE transmission. They should want reduced transmission throughout their ships.

 

I believe you can go on a cruise, eat all meals outside, get off at port stops later in the day, avoid crowds, wear a mask always indoors and outdoors in crowds, cruise and stay COVID free, as I've done it. But that was when the protocols protecting cruisers were in place and enforced.

 

These measures can and do reduce transmission, BUT...I really think that anyone traveling now has to acknowledge and accept that they may catch covid.  And won't be at home when that happens.  It's just the reality.  You can be very, very careful and still catch covid.  So if that would be a catastrophic thing to have happen, better to stay home.

[SunNFunCruzer]

15 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

You are proving our point.  Health Care Workers WILL take care of you when/if you need them. Most people who are sick or in trouble don't take care of themselves.  Cops/firefighters ALL First Responders take care of others. We have ALWAYS been a people who "others" take care of.  And, sometimes, when people are ignorant or mislead or confused or wrong, our society has relied on scientists and doctors and those with more sophisticated and expert understanding to step in and help people protect themselves.  MANY deadly diseases have been prevented because of mandated vaccines (polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, tuberculous, etc). Additionally, I don't see the same outrage when states require you to wear a seatbelt. And wearing a seat belt mostly protects the wearer. Wearing a mask, testing before entering and living in crowded, tight-quarters helps EVERYONE.

 

 

 

And let me add TEACHERS to that list. Most of us don't home school. We have relied on Teachers to help us raise our kids. The children often see their teachers more than their parents when you factor in classroom time and after school programs. Most parents work full-time so Yes, our society IS structured around helping others and has been for a very, very long time.  And wearing a mask and trying to prevent the spread of COVID helps all of society.

[SunNFunCruzer]

3 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Only because I am trying to be respectful of people’s Covid decisions.  This is a thread about decisions not Covid 

 

No, it's a thread complaining about how Holland America Cruiselines handled their customers becoming infected with COVID on their cruise trip.  People tried to victim-blame, but this was never a post about decisions.  It was always a post about how HAL handled COVID positive passengers and their refund or lack thereof.

[Mary229]

Just now, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

No, it's a thread complaining about how Holland America Cruiselines handled their customers becoming infected with COVID on their cruise trip.  People tried to victim-blame, but this was never a post about decisions.  It was always a post about how HAL handled COVID positive passengers and their refund or lack thereof.

That’s valid. My posts were aimed to help others in the future based on this poor experience.  That seems a bit more constructive 

[BermudaBound2014]

32 minutes ago, SunNFunCruzer said:

 

While most of what you said, I agree with, I disagree with the statement above. The cruiselines CAN protect cruisers by keeping pre-cruise testing, vaccination mandates, indoor mask mandates and encouraging if not enforcing social distancing.

 

No, absolutely not. Cruise lines can't protect cruisers. They tried and failed. It's been proven. Even when there was mandatory masking, pre-cruise testing, and mandatory vaccination cruise ships had Covid onboard. Since Omnicron it's been worse because of the nature of the virus. The one thing we absolutely know about cruise ship protocols is that nothing cruise lines have tried has been able to keep covid at bay. Nothing.

[Mary229]

6 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

No, absolutely not. Cruise lines can't protect cruisers. They tried and failed. It's been proven. Even when there was mandatory masking, pre-cruise testing, and mandatory vaccination cruise ships had Covid onboard. Since Omnicron it's been worse because of the nature of the virus. The one thing we absolutely know about cruise ship protocols is that nothing cruise lines have tried has been able to keep covid at bay. Nothing.

I agree and yet I cruise.  I felt that nothing we could do would stop a virus this virulent.  The only thing worthwhile were the vaccines and therapeutics. And for this unfortunate OP it was not enough.  It is a decision we will have to make based on our personal information and our personal risk tolerance.  One component is expectations of failure of your plans and a financial and logistical plan to cope with that failure