4/26/09 Live from Carnival Splendor !!!

[jimbo5544]

Pulling into LB now. We will see how many will get off the ship. We will be staying on, after all of this we might as well hang out for the ride. The staff have been great! I have talked with many who have shared stories about being verbally attacked by passengers. It is sad to hear, as they are in the same situation as us and have had to put in extra hours since we have all been stuck on the boat together. I have made it a point, no matter how bummed I may be, to give a thanks to the staff with a smile as their job is not the easiest right now. Maybe it will be a better day after the group gets off today in LB.

 

Good point regarding the staff. Not sure I could put up with screaming people. Kudo's to you for positively acknowledging them!! Give us an update on how many abandon ship in LB.

[MrsBlair]

We all regrouped for dinner last night in the Gold Pearl Dining room -- the ship was really moving. I love that. Anyway, as I've come to expect on this ship the food was OUTSTANDING. I started with the Fried Mozzarella, Yukon Gold Potato soup (they told me it was a new edition and it is not to be missed), and the Beef Stroganoff. I loved my meal, again (well, once I removed the funky hard boiled egg w/ yoke removed and replaced with folded pickles). For dessert I had the "Bitter and Blanc" (don't quote me). OMG. I'll say that again. OMG it was fabulous!

 

OMG - You just made my morning. Bitter and Blanc is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE dessert on Carnival. And the fried mozzerella is one of my favorite appetizers. So jealous!!! :p

[glrounds]

Well if it were me I would salvage what little days I had left for vacation and head up to sunny Vegas or Palm Springs for a few days......:D

 

Of course, Carnival is picking up the tab for the rooms in Vegas or Palm Springs, paying for the meals, the entertainment and the transportation. Such a deal. :rolleyes:

[MrsBlair]

Did you guys hear NCL cancelled all Mexican ports until SEPTEMBER??!!!!

 

Crazy!!! :p

[Kurbanfan]

Did you guys hear NCL cancelled all Mexican ports until SEPTEMBER??!!!!

 

Crazy!!! :p

 

I believe that was for the Pearl because they are repositioning in 2 weeks;)

[LetsSailAway]

Hey all, I thought I'd check in now too, after watching us pull into Long Beach. I'll take the time to read the whole thread when I get home, but I'm still having a blast on board this incredible ship! :) I've met some great CC people on board and I look forward to traveling with them again! You included, Fred! :D

 

Madelene

[Kurbanfan]

Of course, Carnival is picking up the tab for the rooms in Vegas or Palm Springs, paying for the meals, the entertainment and the transportation. Such a deal. :rolleyes:

 

It was a question of why people would get off early and that was what I would do.........

 

I would rather spend my money somewhere else then spend it in the casino or drinks on a cruise to........well for me it would be he@@ :D

Either way there is no deal here IMO......

[woodey]

Hello everyone ~ now that my aircard works and I don't have to use the onboard internet, I wanted to stop by quickly and say hello. I haven't taken the time to read through this thread (I have a spa appointment this morning so I only have a few moments) but I did want to take the time to post a quick message.

 

This is our first Carnival cruise. Perhaps it's because we've been fortunate enough to travel occasionally and sail on a variety of cruise lines, but we no complaints with Carnival about this week's itinerary changes and the way they've handled the situation. Stuff happens. I learned a long time ago that it's better to deal with whatever situation life gives us in reasonable manner than to overreact and get out of control.

 

We have been having such a good time with the other hosts, Laura and other Cruise Critic members that we are enjoying our adventure. I really wish we were able to do all of next week's itinerary. I'd love to be going to Victoria.

 

I will post a complete review when we return next week. I just wanted to reiterate what Laura said just above (it's the only post I've read in this thread). We are having a great time. We appreciate the crew on board trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation.

 

Have a great rest of the week....I know we will!

 

San Francisco here we come!

Thanks For Posting

 

There are alot of people reading this thread to see what is going to happen to there cruise and as stated before it is apropriate that you guys (the CC Hosts) are on-board right now to share what is happening...i feel like in someway we are with you in this....Have a wonderful time in SF.

 

And Fred where are you we need more!

[Host Joe]

Posting live from Long Beach! Having a great time regardless of the situation and we are dropping off those who wish to get off early.

 

It is a beautiful day here!

[maxamuus]

we are dropping off those who wish to get off early.

 

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

[floodcasso2]

I'm really glad to see some positive replies showing up in this thread finally. I can't really imagine why people would really feel the need to get off of the ship and waste they money they spent on their vacation. Regardless of where you end up going, YOU'RE ON VACATION. It's certainly better than going back to work, is it not?

 

I've always wanted to visit San Francisco anyway, so if I were on board, I'd be more than happy! Ah well. To those of you who remain on the ship. Enjoy! There will be less hogged chairs, better seats at the shows, and lots more awesome food and things to do. :)

[Longin2cruise]

Apparently Mexico is indeed closed. AP is reporting that the president of Mexico has asked today that all non essential businesses close until this coming Tuesday. It appears that only hospitals, pharmacies, army & police will continue to work as usual. I'm sure we'll be hearing from other news sources as the day progresses.

 

Congratulations to those of you onboard Splendor who continue to have a great time. You all have the right attitude!!!!!!!!!!

[Longin2cruise]

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

 

Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tulsacubfan]

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

 

Now that is the best idea I have read :D

[Kurbanfan]

Posting live from Long Beach! Having a great time regardless of the situation and we are dropping off those who wish to get off early.

 

It is a beautiful day here!

 

Yes it is and will be all week:D

[bazarr2]

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

 

LOL love it:p

[babies12]

Yes it is and will be all week:D

 

There's a storm front coming down from up north. We are supposed to get rain on Saturday. Looks like you may need to make a run to Walmart fast to get some rain coats for your trip up north as it will definately be raining and the seas, well, you will be in for a rocky ride. Enjoy. And Kurbanfan, I know you're not on this cruise it's directed to all those who wish to stay onboard.

[shellybelly0976]

Thanks everyone for the updates! My parents are on board the Splendor right now and its been great getting updates since I have family calling me asking questions! They just called from LB and said its been interesting but are having a good time.

[glrounds]

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

 

Direct Hit, Maxamuus . . . very good. :D

[TravelerThom]

Did you guys hear NCL cancelled all Mexican ports until SEPTEMBER??!!!!

 

Crazy!!! :p

Well, SORT OF. The ONLY Mexican Ports originally scheduled for NCL between now and the end of September, was the Pearl April 29 call on Acapulco and its May 1 call on Cabo San Lucas. NCL has cancelled those two ports, so it is true they have nothing else until September.

 

Thom

[MrPete]

Can't wait to hear how many are actually getting off, including Johnny Cochran, Jr.

[MrsBlair]

Well, SORT OF. The ONLY Mexican Ports originally scheduled for NCL between now and the end of September, was the Pearl April 29 call on Acapulco and its May 1 call on Cabo San Lucas. NCL has cancelled those two ports, so it is true they have nothing else until September.

 

Thom

 

Gotta love the way the media exaggerates things! Thanks for the clarification... :p

[WarmWaters]

Thank you for this wonderful thread and all the info from those of you are onboard right now and to everyone who is helping with tips as to what to see and do in San Fransisco on such short notice.

 

We are sailing this Sunday May 3rd and I am worried about how the ship is doing on the open seas. We are still thinking what to do : to go or not to go ? Please update us on how much of a rocky ride it is and how the sea north of San Fransisco will be possibly. We will be stopping in Seattle and Victoria as well and everyone on the May 3rd sailing will receive a $ 75 onboard ship credit.

 

I just called Carnival and they said we need to let them know at the latest by the end of Friday if we want to cancel for a credit.

 

I would very much appreciate an update on the motion of the ship and the effect is has on everyone in general. Is it something to be concerned about? I am worried about it big time.

 

Thank you kindly to everyone who is posting all this informative news and info , for someone like me this last few days has been stressful and disappointing. We have been lookig forward to this cruise so much and now things have changed so much - we dont know what to do.

 

I just saw this on another thread : " I just connected with carnival on the phone. .... They do not yet have a detailed itinerary for the May 3rd Splendor cruise. They reconfirmed the ports that are on the websites but could not provide the order or arrival/departure times. I was told to check back later in the day as they were still working on it. "

[ParisLover]

I wish every cruise had a stop to get rid of the whiners! :D

 

That is too funny! That could be a useful approach in a lot of situations! LOL

 

I'm new to the group. Lovin' the updates. We are on the 5-10-09 cruise and we are just watchin' and waitin'!:)

[yankedog]

Hate to let you know but..... thank God they are doing well.

 

 

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=114628&catid=339

 

According to the CDPHE, two people in Colorado have been diagnosed with swine flu.

 

The first case was a woman in her 30s from Arapahoe County who had just returned from a cruise in Mexico.

 

They say the second case was a man in his 40s from Douglas County who works as a baggage handler at Denver International Airport. According to CDPHE officials, the case at DIA is a reminder to be vigilant about your health in public areas.

 

Authorities say both people are recovering and are doing well.

 

This means 12 states have confirmed cases of swine flu: Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.

 

One person has died in the United States; nearly 170 have died in Mexico.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs that is caused by Type A influenza. It has been known to cause regular outbreaks in pigs. It is contagious, but doctors don't know how easily the virus spreads between people. Although it is called swine flu, you cannot get swine flu by eating pork.

 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CPHE) says symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the regular human flu, and include: Fever greater than 100°F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

 

Colorado Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ned Calogne has advised Coloradans with flu-like symptoms to stay home.

 

"This is regardless of travel history. Children and adolescents with fever should not go to day care or school. Adults with fever should not go to work until their symptoms resolve. Individuals with severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provider," Calogne said at a news conference Sunday.

 

The CDPHE adds this may be a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency that may require you to stay at home for several days. We want to take the opportunity to remind people to be prepared at home, including considering having food, water and other necessities.

 

The Weld County Department of Public Health says the current influenza vaccine is not recommended for swine flu prevention.

 

The CDC, the CDPHE, Arapahoe County and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment say you can decrease your chances of getting the flu by doing the following:

 

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

 

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

 

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

 

* Avoid others with respiratory illnesses.

 

* Use sanitizing agents to clean commonly used areas in your home or work space, such as door knobs, handles, faucets, counter tops, etc.

 

* Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

 

The Department of Homeland Security says warnings about travel to Mexico will stay in place while swine flu continues to be detected there. No travel bans have been issued, but airlines are allowing passengers to reschedule flights to and from Mexico without any extra charge.

 

Denver International Airport says as part of its infectious disease procedure, if DIA receives word that an inbound flight to Denver has a passenger(s) with suspected symptoms, they will let the Denver Health paramedics on staff at the airport meet the plane. Those staff members will determine what happens next.

 

Pitkin County said its incident management team has been meeting regularly for nearly three years to plan for the possibility of a flu epidemic or pandemic. On April 27, it ramped up its efforts from behind the scenes planning to a more public awareness raising effort focused on preparation and illness avoidance. Representatives from Community Health, Pitkin County, City of Aspen, Town of Snowmass Village, Aspen Valley Hospital and Aspen School District are on the team.

 

The state of Colorado has set up a helpline for those with questions. The number for the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CoHELP) is 1-877-462-2911. You can also visit the CDPHE Web site at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us or the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc