chankahon

13 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Seems a little far-fetched, but he surely may have passed on the virus.  Transmission is supposed to be via "intimate" or "close" contact I believe I have read.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

 

Traces of virus have been found in feces samples from patients in Macau and Shenzhen:

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3048611/coronavirus-scientists-identify-possible-new-mode-transmission

This actually is consistent with the pattern observed in the SARS coronavirus, which spread across a housing estate through drainage pipelines. 

But again the Hong Kong man is more likely to have caught the virus in Hong Kong post-disembarkation. Media reports suggest a vast majority of those onboard are from Japan. If he got the virus on the ship, it could indicate a local outbreak was already underway in Japan prior to Jan 20.

Pressure is mounting on the Hong Kong government to deny entry for more mainland Chinese residents (now they do only for Hubei residents). Such further restrictions may expand to other non-local residents and eventually force NCL to act further. That might happen in less than a week.

Reported cases in Hong Kong is relatively subdued but the general mood is downbeat. Both theme parks are shut down indefinitely, schools won't reopen for another 3 weeks and many commuters may be allowed to home office after holiday ends on Tuesday. More radical measures are definitely on their way.

HKU scientists are predicting actual cases in Wuhan alone are in the 40,000s. Major outbreaks are expected in Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou (and possibly Hong Kong). Such outbreaks could peak in March to April and get under control by June. Any travel plans to China and Hong Kong prior to July may not materialize. 

Before switching your destination, there is one basic fact to keep in mind: reporting of confirmed virus cases is entirely based on the availability of such virus test kits and effective screening of patients. In Wuhan, there are obviously not enough test kits to paint the full picture. Places that are not reporting cases are not necessarily virus-free. 

In fact Hong Kong and Taiwan are not seeing the bulk of Chinese tourists this spring. Instead, many have headed to Thailand (in particular Pattaya and Bangkok), Japan, Vietnam and Cambodia. People in some of these places are not as resourceful or experienced in handling an outbreak. The situation is no doubt grim and NCL might have no choice but act soon.

29 minutes ago, chankahon said:

Deck plans have all been updated as of now on ncl.com. They do look interesting:

 

• It looks like Spirit is becoming the first practically adult-only ship in the NCL fleet as permanent teen or kid zones are no more. Splash Academy is turning into staterooms and the top-deck Teen zone is becoming an isolated "Lounge". Spirit will sail short Okinawa itineraries from Hong Kong and those dates will certainly draw some families. 
• All the quiet spaces on Deck 12 are giving way to one big gym. No more libraries and card rooms marked on the plans. 
• Onda is expanding into the covered outdoor terrace and its galley is taking up Garden Cafe space.
• Out of the 3 meeting rooms on Deck 8, one will become the photo studio and the other becoming the art gallery. Only one all-purpose meeting room left. I thought cruise lines need those revenue-generating galleries to be more visible?
• Glass elevators could be here to stay even the staircase will be replaced by the massive screen. If that's the case, above the atrium there might still be natural light instead of another dazzling LED lighting madness.
• Henry's Pub remains. Along with the Windows (maybe Bier Garten too?) these are the last two/three outlets inheriting their names from the Super Star Leo era, though the pub was then called "Henry the Black" and at a different location. Leo had mother-ported in Hong Kong for 5 years until 2004 and it's coming back for the first time in 16 years.
• The new layout is showing no sign of catering to any Asia markets, as are the super long itineraries that cover many major Chinese cities. Perhaps NCL is keeping things flexible.

I'm looking to book one of those longer cruises from Hong Kong or intensive Japan cruises. I really like the itinerary featuring Niigata, Akita and other lesser-known ports, but that's exactly when Tokyo 2020 is underway and hotel rates are through the roof. On the other hand, mainland Chinese ports are not appealing to many Asia-based cruisers. The soft rates on those itineraries are telling signs....maybe Hong Kong is a big factor though.

One minor correction on that Henry's Pub location: it has always been there in the same space.

In case you've missed them, NCL has also updated the balcony stateroom rendering:

There are minor changes in the color palate and that bed looks tiny in the floor plan. Overall it feels more refined than the usual NCL offerings. Below is an interior stateroom with no extra bed:

It does look like they're not keeping any fixture in the cabins. Hope the food and service match the design.

On 1/19/2020 at 12:48 AM, eroller said:

BTW are new and updated deck plans available anywhere?  They are not update on ncl.com best I can tell.  

Deck plans have all been updated as of now on ncl.com. They do look interesting:

• It looks like Spirit is becoming the first practically adult-only ship in the NCL fleet as permanent teen or kid zones are no more. Splash Academy is turning into staterooms and the top-deck Teen zone is becoming an isolated "Lounge". Spirit will sail short Okinawa itineraries from Hong Kong and those dates will certainly draw some families. 
• All the quiet spaces on Deck 12 are giving way to one big gym. No more libraries and card rooms marked on the plans. 
• Onda is expanding into the covered outdoor terrace and its galley is taking up Garden Cafe space.
• Out of the 3 meeting rooms on Deck 8, one will become the photo studio and the other becoming the art gallery. Only one all-purpose meeting room left. I thought cruise lines need those revenue-generating galleries to be more visible?
• Glass elevators could be here to stay even the staircase will be replaced by the massive screen. If that's the case, above the atrium there might still be natural light instead of another dazzling LED lighting madness.
• Henry's Pub remains. Along with the Windows (maybe Bier Garten too?) these are the last two/three outlets inheriting their names from the Super Star Leo era, though the pub was then called "Henry the Black" and at a different location. Leo had mother-ported in Hong Kong for 5 years until 2004 and it's coming back for the first time in 16 years.
• The new layout is showing no sign of catering to any Asia markets, as are the super long itineraries that cover many major Chinese cities. Perhaps NCL is keeping things flexible.

I'm looking to book one of those longer cruises from Hong Kong or intensive Japan cruises. I really like the itinerary featuring Niigata, Akita and other lesser-known ports, but that's exactly when Tokyo 2020 is underway and hotel rates are through the roof. On the other hand, mainland Chinese ports are not appealing to many Asia-based cruisers. The soft rates on those itineraries are telling signs....maybe Hong Kong is a big factor though.

Looks like the ship is making good progress, entering sheltered waters. Molde is a small lovely town to be (went there in 2016). Molde has a live cam looking over the harbour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJbDmThdOB4 

I just wonder if rescue response would come as fast if this happened during a Northeast/Northwest Passage cruise? 

Princess has a press release on the dry dock: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-features-and-upgrades-debut-onboard-sun-princess-300681885.html

A friend of mine sailed on Sun Princess early July and he was not impressed by the dated interior. The peephole was gone in his cabin so there was literally a hole in the door. Princess doesn't seem to have a long term plan to keep the Sun.

Thank you so much Chankahon. I really enjoyed your photos. It felt as though I was taking the whole journey with you. Loved the little boy on the bridge in Danang.

 

Thanks again for sharing. :)

Lynne

You're welcome! That album really captures every bit of my trip as that's all the photos I have :') It overall was a good cruising experience, but I wished we could do a bit more traveling/sightseeing on land.

Hi Chankahon

Thank you for your review which I found very informative. You say that you included many pics but there aren't any with the review. Can you provide a link to the pics please.

 

Thank you:)

Lynne

Hi Lynne, all review photos on Cruise Critic have been hidden from public view for unknown reason...here's my raw Google Photos album that covers the entire trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iARQFPX6bbu6pxMp2

I have 71 photos in the review...hope they get it fixed soon.

Sailed Sapphire on Oct 19 and posted a review with dozens of pics. Loved the food and liked the decor, would give it 4 stars if there was no storm diversion and lunch situation on last day.

All the public space well maintained, never felt crowded in any lounge/bar/restaurant (except piazza) - that would make a longer Norwegian cruise comfortable as everyone will stay indoors. Liked the intimacy ad variation in design themes of the 5 smaller MDRs.

Gym and spa need the upgrades badly, boutiques were geared towards Chinese/Taiwanese markets so they also need the upgrade. On-demand system is there but it was down three times on five nights. Hope it'll get even better after dry dock!

It was actually chartered to Taiwanese tour agents, but we had Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Philippines cruises on the Oct 19 sailing. No mainland Chinese cruiser.

For exchange - there are money changers at airport or you can use the ATM with bank cards.

For better rates you may take the Airport Express (buy ticket online with credit card) to Central (luggage storage at HK Station) and head to Hang Seng Bank nearby (opposite to the IFC/Airport Express station complex). Go to the basement floor and turn left for the F/X counter (opens 9am). You can get Singapore and Thai currency there at slightly better rates.

You just need USD in Vietnam and can change locally. Tour guide in my Chan May excursion 2 weeks ago also offered local currency. Many places in Vietnam accept USD anyway (bad rates for certain), so you may not really need VND unless you're going to supermarkets or local eateries.

For transport - The Kai Tak cruise terminal is like an island in the middle of the harbour. Nothing to do except waiting before embarkation begins and you may be out of airport by 7am! Better spend some 3-4 hours elsewhere (airport? Or a Starbucks in Central). Spare about half hour for a taxi ride from Central to the terminal.

For the seat - better look up seatplan on Seat Guru instead...

Sapphire is a great ship (just sailed 2 weeks ago!) but Chan May is far from anything. No public transport except a few taxis. You will need to use the excursion there and prepare to spend a lot of time on buses. Make sure you have ample ground time at Hoi An because it's really a lovely place to linger.

thank you all for the info previously!!

Almost time to sail! 11 more days flying from US to Hong Kong and on the ship the 13th.

For any of you experienced cruisers what have you done in the past for exchanging

US dollars to Hong Kong dollar?:confused:

Our banks here are not an option.

I assume the airport is likely, since we will need taxis fare from HKG to Kai Tak cruise terminal??

And have you used the ships' exchange service for Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore

or found a less expensive solution?

ALSO,, if any of you have flown recently on Cathay Pacific flight #873 SFO - HKG and /or #872 HKG to SFO

premium economy , could you tell me about it. Our seats are in row 33

 

 

thank you so much

Donnakg

 

 

thank you

Donnakg