Code Red on Noordam -

[mamaofami]

Since a noro type virus is going around the NYC area, it's very likely that someone boarded the ship and then contracted it. I am told it comes on all at once without too much warning.

[Jade13]

. I saw one passenger actually throw a plate at the server in the Lido line today, when he asked him not to take his own plate and food. .

 

If this was a younger type person (age really should not matter) they would be escorted off the ship at the next port for being a security risk, don't you think?

[Copper10-8]

How romantic.

 

OK, put a couple of lit candles on the sink

[innlady1]

Thank you for taking the time to advise us. As a veteran of more than 50 cruises I do not get overly concerned about the norovirus. It is, as I am sure you are aware, far more prevalent on land than on ships. The media just enjoys over playing it when ever it occurs shipboard and ships reporting requirements makes an outbreak much easier for them to be alerted too. Still it is normal caution to just be aware of such things. We are on the 1-16 sailing after yours.

 

I envy you the Neptune Lounge if it is as good as the conceirge lounge on RCL ships. Although we do sail often this will be our first HAL cruise and booked an SY Suite therefore do not have access.

 

I hope to hear more of the situation in a future update from you. In the meantime I hope you have a great cruise despite this hopefully small ripple.

 

George in NY

 

Interestingly, there's nothing in the media (yet!) about this latest outbreak...only on the message board. This, being the only one I read, is the only one I can speak about.

[jrzebird]

If this was a younger type person (age really should not matter) they would be escorted off the ship at the next port for being a security risk, don't you think?

 

He was actually middle aged, but part of a group on board that has been generally unpleasant. Demanding and rude. I'd rather not go farther than that.

 

The Captain seemed to indicate that this was more of a precaution to stop it before it spread. I, too, think it is being handled very well. As for the media, I highly doubt this would make any sort of news, as it really isn't such a big deal, and the Capt. is trying to keep it that way.

 

I also spoke with several people who were sick, but I think a good portion of it might have been motion sickness, as it was mostly gastro related. I'm sure the medical staff has everything under control. In the meantime, wash, wash, wash!

 

By the way, have made some very nice friends on board from our Roll Call on this board. What a blessing this is!

[scottie99]

As we are on the Noordam next week I have been watching this thread constantly. I note there have been no new posts since JRZE Bird last night. Has the ship blocked the internet connection? It seems a bit strange.

 

Also although I have cruised about 18 times, I have never been on a ship with a 'Code Red' situation. Can anyone tell me how this affects your day to day cruise experience? Would you expect this situation to remain in place on nexts weeks cruise? Would anyone consider cancelling their Cruise? ( I am travelling from Scotland)

 

Hoping for reassurance.

[Suziefloozie]

As we are on the Noordam next week I have been watching this thread constantly. I note there have been no new posts since JRZE Bird last night. Has the ship blocked the internet connection? It seems a bit strange.

 

Also although I have cruised about 18 times, I have never been on a ship with a 'Code Red' situation. Can anyone tell me how this affects your day to day cruise experience? Would you expect this situation to remain in place on nexts weeks cruise? Would anyone consider cancelling their Cruise? ( I am travelling from Scotland)

 

Hoping for reassurance.

 

Chances are it won't be the ship thats blocked any internet connection. They just don't do that.

 

Its a possibility that the ship may still be on Code Red but I very much doubt it. We were on the Constellation last year following a Code Red the week before. You just see lots more Purell around, and are made to use it (as you should be anyway). It doesnt affect your cruise at all (unless you get it yourself!!) No point in cancelling your cruise, your Insurance company wouldn't pay up.

 

When the Noordam gets back to New York she will be super cleaned before anybody gets on her.

 

I hope this puts your mind at ease. Although I would suggest taking your own sea sickness tablets, the ones you get from the ship makes you really tired.

 

Jrzebird made an interesting comment though about motion sickness. On our Holiday Noordam cruise lots of people had motion sickness (including me, and I never get sick normally). The ship did seem to be "rocking and rolling" more than most. (Maybe its done on purpose so people don't go to dinner:p :D) Someone mentioned that the stabilizer(s) weren't working but it was only heresay/gossip, and not confirmed by any Ships Officers.

[Copper10-8]

As we are on the Noordam next week I have been watching this thread constantly. I note there have been no new posts since JRZE Bird last night. Has the ship blocked the internet connection? It seems a bit strange.

 

Also although I have cruised about 18 times, I have never been on a ship with a 'Code Red' situation. Can anyone tell me how this affects your day to day cruise experience? Would you expect this situation to remain in place on nexts weeks cruise? Would anyone consider cancelling their Cruise? ( I am travelling from Scotland)

 

Hoping for reassurance.

 

Sure, a Code Red usually stays in place until the amount of "new" cases has been brought down to a number, the medical staff is comfortable with and will lower the threat of contamination of other staff/pax. That can mean a week, two, three. We just got off Oosterdam which had been sailing under a Code Red for four days and was continuing to sail as such with the new pax who embarked on Saturday.

Some of the things you'll see under a full or modified Code-Red:

No salt & pepper shakers and sugar packets in the Lido restaurant, dining room and/or any other eateries onboard

No bread baskets and butter in the dining room or alternate restaurants.

No more self-service in the Lido restauarant (salad bar, ice cream bar (whipped cream, toppings, cookies, etc, coffee/ice tea/juice stations, buffet line (fruit, cold- cuts, yoghurt, milk, etc.). The taco bar at the Terrace Grill closed down. All this usually results in an overall "slow-down" in the Lido due to extra staff having to do a lot of the things we used to do ourselves, i.e. serving you your salad, your cold-cuts, your coffee and tea, etc.

Magazines and newspapers removed from the library (all book and DVD rental could be suspended)

Real towels removed from the public restrooms and replaced with paper towels

The Gym could be closed (not always the case)

The Casino (chips) could be affected

What an I forgetting?;)

 

 

 

[jrzebird]

Sure, a Code Red usually stays in place until the amount of "new" cases has been brought down to a number, the medical staff is comfortable with and will lower the threat of contamination of other staff/pax. That can mean a week, two, three. We just got off Oosterdam which had been sailing under a Code Red for four days and was continuing to sail as such with the new pax who embarked on Saturday.

 

Some of the things you'll see under a full or modified Code-Red:

 

No salt & pepper shakers and sugar packets in the Lido restaurant, dining room and/or any other eateries onboard

 

No bread baskets and butter in the dining room or alternate restaurants.

 

No more self-service in the Lido restauarant (salad bar, ice cream bar (whipped cream, toppings, cookies, etc, coffee/ice tea/juice stations, buffet line (fruit, cold- cuts, yoghurt, milk, etc.). The taco bar at the Terrace Grill closed down. All this usually results in an overall "slow-down" in the Lido due to extra staff having to do a lot of the things we used to do ourselves, i.e. serving you your salad, your cold-cuts, your coffee and tea, etc.

 

Magazines and newspapers removed from the library (all book and DVD rental could be suspended)

 

Real towels removed from the public restrooms and replaced with paper towels

 

The Gym could be closed (not always the case)

 

The Casino (chips) could be affected

 

What an I forgetting?;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot tubs are closed and the mineral tub in the spa.

 

We were still at code red at lunch. I don't think that internet access is blocked, it's just that we were on an excursion! And posting eats up minutes.

 

There is ZERO reason to cancel. I'm having a great time.

[DesertDiva]

I usually use my elbow...

 

But, then if you want to carry it even further onboard a ship, use your knuckles to operate the elevator buttons

[Copper10-8]

......Hot tubs are closed and the mineral tub in the spa........

 

Yep, thank you much!

Keep enjoying your cruise on Noordam! Code Red is a necessity and just a minor inconvenience!

[DesertDiva]

Cheryl quarantined in her stateroom? :(

What an I forgetting?;)

[Copper10-8]

Cheryl quarantined in her stateroom? :(

 

If I would have known, I would have tried to send that tall Dutch Chief Officer to your cabin with some Motrin

[DesertDiva]

Actually, could you send him now? (He doesn't have to bring the Motrin, but a bottle of champagne would be nice! :D)

If I would have known, I would have tried to send that tall Dutch Chief Officer to your cabin with some Motrin

[grandsix]

As I posted in another thread to this same comment, the ships cannot use thick, plush toilet paper in their maritime pipes. It will clog the lines and we'll be without toilets.

 

 

Doesn't matter how think or thin the paper is on our delicate rear ends.......what does matter is how well, how long and how often we wash our hands. Thicker paper is no protection. WASHING HANDS IN THE ANSWER.

 

 

Hand washing is the best answer. Just came off the Noordam in December. We noticed many men and women did not wash their hands after leaving the public bathrooms. In all probability, these people do not wash at home. These poor sanitary habits are now a familiar sight on all the cruise lines and accounts for many Noro breakouts.

[calm_seas]

As of 10:30 this AM, before docking in St. Maarten, the Capt. updated the situation. Number of new cases appears to be falling, but he explained that he still wishes to keep Code Red as a precaution against an upsurge that can sometimes happen.

IMO, this has not affected any part of [U]our[/U] personal cruise situation, with the exception of some minor inconveniences (e.g. no salt/pepper shakers or bread/butter on tables in dining room and slower service in Lido because everything has to be personally distributed). No one seems to be too upset about the satus as it has become more of a "routine" and passengers are adjusting. I feel sorry for crew, however, as this places enormous extra responsibilities upon them.

[JohnR49er]

[SIZE=4]I am always alarmed at how many times I notice men leaving the restroom and going right past the sink. I've gotten to the point of mentioning how crude it is to them. No reaction most times...... Other times it seems a fight is near.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Kids, smokers, dress code violaters , will never bother me as much as ignorant, unsanitary,fellow passengers.;) [/SIZE]

[jrzebird]

[quote name='calm_seas']As of 10:30 this AM, before docking in St. Maarten, the Capt. updated the situation. Number of new cases appears to be falling, but he explained that he still wishes to keep Code Red as a precaution against an upsurge that can sometimes happen.

IMO, this has not affected any part of [U]our[/U] personal cruise situation, with the exception of some minor inconveniences (e.g. no salt/pepper shakers or bread/butter on tables in dining room and slower service in Lido because everything has to be personally distributed). No one seems to be too upset about the satus as it has become more of a "routine" and passengers are adjusting. I feel sorry for crew, however, as this places enormous extra responsibilities upon them.[/quote]


I agree with you, Calm Seas. Our cruise has been fantastic. And, like you, I surely feel badly for the crew, who are doing yoman's duties, yet never fail to smile and act is if I were the only person on the cruise!

[mamaofami]

Very glad to hear the number of new cases is falling.

Any idea if the Noordam will be scrubbed down when she arrives back in NYC ?

[warren peas]

[quote name='JohnR49er'][SIZE=4]I am always alarmed at how many times I notice men leaving the restroom and going right past the sink. I've gotten to the point of mentioning how crude it is to them. No reaction most times...... Other times it seems a fight is near.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Kids, smokers, dress code violaters , will never bother me as much as ignorant, unsanitary,fellow passengers.;) [/SIZE][/quote]
This might help
[url]http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4282/att00004lo2.jpg[/url]

[jrzebird]

[quote name='mamaofami']Very glad to hear the number of new cases is falling.

Any idea if the Noordam will be scrubbed down when she arrives back in NYC ?[/quote]


I just read another post on here that someone was notified that it would be scrubbed down when they get to NYC and boarding will be delayed until 4:00. They scrub all day, every day. I'm guessing that the Red Alert will remain for the duration of the cruise.

Im STILL having a great cruise. Only thing I miss is fresh fruit in the cabin, and the waiters carrying my tray and getting me coffee. A small price to pay.

[sail7seas]

[B]:confused: I don't understand why they eliminated fresh fruit in the cabin. No one but those in your cabin would be touching it. The stewards all wear gloves. Why would having the fruit bowl contribute to possibly spreading the virus? Or is it an effort to find some of these type things to eliminate in order to save the stewards that much more work as they are doing so much extra scrubbing etc?

I would imagine that when you go through the Lido line if you asked for an apple, orange and banana etc you would be given them. You certainly can bring them back to your cabin to enjoy later when you feel like having it.



[/B]

[mamaofami]

How do you think they handle the salad bar with all those things to chose from? One server for the whole line?

Think If the ship were in code red, I'd prefer room service. Guess I'll be sure to bring my own supply of books from home(which I do anyway), have my ipod with my music, and my aft cabin. How bad can that be?:)

[jrzebird]

[quote name='sail7seas'][B]:confused: I don't understand why they eliminated fresh fruit in the cabin. No one but those in your cabin would be touching it. The stewards all wear gloves. Why would having the fruit bowl contribute to possibly spreading the virus? Or is it an effort to find some of these type things to eliminate in order to save the stewards that much more work as they are doing so much extra scrubbing etc?[/B]

[B]I would imagine that when you go through the Lido line if you asked for an apple, orange and banana etc you would be given them. You certainly can bring them back to your cabin to enjoy later when you feel like having it.[/B]
[/quote]

I don't understand it either. But, when I asked my very excellent room steward, Eden, why our fruit basket hadn't been replenished, he said it was because of the red alert. Makes no sense. But, every day something else seems to be added. Last night I took my Noordam coffee travel mug to be filled with hot water, for tea, as I do every night. Last night the server had to fill 2 cups of hot water for me and pour it in. He said he wasn't allowed to touch my cup. ??

The report today was that the cases are stabilizing. But some have been released, while others come in every day. Some of them are sick, others not.

[jrzebird]

[quote name='mamaofami']How do you think they handle the salad bar with all those things to chose from? One server for the whole line?

Think If the ship were in code red, I'd prefer room service. Guess I'll be sure to bring my own supply of books from home(which I do anyway), have my ipod with my music, and my aft cabin. How bad can that be?:)[/quote]

Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing a salad bar lately. But then again, I wasn't looking. But, if there is one, yes one or 2 servers put what you choose on a plate and hand it to you.

I brought all my own reading material, etc. anyway, so that's not an issue. As for eating, that has not been a problem at all. The Vista dining room is available and other than the fact they serve you bread and butter, and put salt and pepper on for you, as well as cream and sugar, there is absolutely no difference. The Lido has been very managable with very little wait. I think it may help curb how much I eat, as an added bonus!