Justalone

1 hour ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

As of February 29th

https://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/notices/coronavirus-update.html

Considering taking a cruise.

So, regarding recommendations:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Supplement hand washing by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze using a tissue or your bent elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.

What do you personally do when you observe offenders around you?   Say, or do anything, to protect yourself from catching a cold, “cruise cough, cruise crud”,  URI, or worst....flu or Corona virus?  Call the offenders out?  Especially when eating at the buffet, bars, casual cafes or public areas?

Thank you.

On 2/25/2020 at 10:05 AM, Saintbrice said:

I last went on a cruise in 1987, when I won it. so I'm a newbie really.  OH and I would like to try one in October, but where is the best place to go, can anyone recommend?  Most of them seem to go to Greece, but is there anywhere else in Europe to cruise to then?  We are active retired so not limited to time, although we'd probably murder each other if we went for two weeks, so shorter than that would be our hope.  Any ideas? - thank you x.

How about a cruise to Italy?  Seeing some good cruise deals.  Also good deals on airfare.  
Good luck and wherever you cruise.

On 2/25/2020 at 3:31 PM, kokopelli-az said:

We have only used Uber a couple of times and there are just two adults, 2 suitcases and 1 collapsible wheelchair.   We have always requested an Uber XL (which has been a large SUV) to ensure that there is sufficient room for the wheelchair.     

 

Has anyone with a collapsible wheelchair had any luck requesting an Uber X and the wheelchair fitting?

 

I'd rather order the Uber X if I was confident that the trunk or storage of the vehicle would accommodate the wheehchair.  

 

 

Use Uber XL.  No issue to fit all the passengers, luggage, and wheelchair.

On 2/25/2020 at 12:15 PM, gadaboutgal said:

Best suggestion regarding elevators that I can give you is to take whichever elevator comes your way first. It doesn't matter if it is going up or down-just get on.  This is especially important on embarking and disembarking days and at meal times. Otherwise, you will be waiting forever and finally will be crushed in the dash to get into the elevator.  I would say 98.5 people are pleasant and very helpful, but there are a few bad apples as always.

I also don't let anyone else touch my scooter.  Remember those warnings about washing your hands-well some people don't.  I also don't let ship personnel drive it as my scooter cost too much for it to be dented and banged or worse.

You made a wise decision about using a scooter.  As you will see, some of the piers in ports are so long and nowhere to rest.  This will make your cruising so much better.  Have a great time!

 

Since you do not let ships personnel drive your scooter,   do you sit on your scooter when at the dining table?  Or if you are able to get off your scooter and sit in a dining chair,  where do you park your scooter?

Do you ask for a table near the entrance of the dining room for easy in and out of a crowded dining room?

I ask because my friend would like to take her first cruise with me is in a wheel chair, and uses an electric scooter for mobility.  But she is so heavy and stout that she needs someone to lift her out of her wheel chair.   She may not be able to fit in a typically sized dining room chair.  Also,  will she be able to find a place in the theater to watch the shows, and fit in a theater chair?

Hope you enjoy your cruise.  And, I pray you stay healthy in this time of the Corona virus outbreak.

6 minutes ago, AlyssaJames said:

 

The Olympics are literally FIVE MONTHS away.

And?

My broker suggested CCL will soon dip to $8 or less.   And may cut the annual dividend to zero.  

On Board Credit benefit will do no good if no one is cruising.

It will take years for CCL, if they don’t go bankrupt, to rebound from losses....and return to profitability..  unless one can wait 10-20 years if you currently have CCL stock.   Due to soon to be announced Corona virus as a world wide pandemic, she  advised to avoid all cruise company stocks as well as some airline stocks. She says  for now travel industry sector as a whole is too risky to invest in.

With predicted 2% (?) death rate from Corona virus, I am scared of taking a cruise at this time.  The Corona virus has spread like wildfire world wide.    It was reported today, of a person in Davis, California, just north of  California confirmed infected with Corona virus, and is in serious condition who had no known connection or contact from anyone infected with the Corona virus.
So, no, I will wait until there is a vaccine.   Maybe 24 months from now?

Good luck and safe travels for those who are elderly and/or immune compromised,  choosing to cruise now, and before a vaccine is developed.

13 minutes ago, sayanne said:

I am reading some of what is above in the way of prognistications and have to disagree with parts. The powers that know more than I do are saying as of this morning that we are settling in for a long run, still unpredictable and the feel-good theories that have been floated about warmer weather and short shelf life of the virus are all wrong.

 

I am watching every blip on this thing because I will be on a river cruise up the Rhone in five weeks, with three nights in Barcelona, and it appears that I will not be able to escape being within easy mass transportation of a hot spot. Best I can hope is that I don't end up sailing into the middle of a hot spot. It could easily happen.

 

At the moment I have face masks on the list for my trip, at least for airports, will reduce clothing to fit in more medical supplies lest I get stuck. The bright spot is all of this is dampening the euro/dollar conversion rate to a good bit lower than the last two times I traveled. I will take advantage of that before I go.

 

Happily I had decided a few months ago to look at putting together a longer trip in 2022 rather than turning right around on another cruise sooner. It seems my timing was good.

It will be interesting to hear back from you regarding your river cruise and Barcelona.  Since Barcelona has reported some cases of the Corona virus.
Have you heard anything regarding river ships being denied docking at their port of calls or Barcelona?

Hoping you have a safe and enjoyable cruise!

9 minutes ago, mommysoncruiser said:

We leave this weekend for a cruise to Spain. I am nervous about possibly not being able to port but am also excited to be going on vacation. I love cruising and I love travel in general. I am taking my children with me so I am concerned about their safety but I am not canceling our travels because we want to go still. I have bought and am taking every precaution that I can to protect against illness and such. We are booked for another cruise that is porting out of Italy in November. We shall see what happens closer to that time before we make any rash decisions about cancelling that one.

Did you take out CFAR trip insurance?   Just in case of a ship quarantine like the Damond Princess in Japan?
Are you making a port call in Barcelona?  I thought I read there are a few cases of Corona virus infection there. 
Enjoy your cruise!  Please let us know how it worked out for you and your family.  And hopefully it will be fun and flavorful cruise! 😀

11 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

At last, somebody directly addressing the issue I was trying to develop with this thread.  DW and I love the cruise industry and fear the impact caused by a pandemic.  And yes, I do believe that this COVID-19 will attain "pandemic" status because of it being a highly contagious bug....unlike some of its Corona virus relatives such as Sars and Mers.  But I want to ask you a very specific question.  Viruses are a part of our world and there will always be another.  You talk about cancelling cruising for 2 years, but what about the years beyond?  One can always find another virus to use as an excuse for cancelling, especially the flu which is far more prevalent then COVID-19.  In sheer numbers the flu sickens and kills many more folks then COVID-19......at least up to now.

 

If too many folks perceive cruise ships as incubators of bugs, then how can the industry survive in its present form?  Will fear overtake facts and change the entire industry?  or, will this simply blow over in a few months as the world adjusts to the COVID-19 reality and moves on to the next news cycle?

 

Hank

Hopefully a vaccine will be developed within the next two years.  Until then I’m putting a cruise vacation  on hold.  Cruising is just not that important to me.   That’s just me, and my own risk assessment.

Are you booked or booking a cruise for 2020/2021 that makes port calls in Italy and/or Spain?  Other Mediterranean countries like Greece or Croatia?

Is Italy and Spain allowing cruise passengers off the ship when in port?  Like Venice, and Barcelona.  I thought I read that they are not due to outbreak of the Corona virus.

I thought of booking a Mediterranean cruise for 2020 or 2021, but am hesitant due to spreading like wildfire worldwide of the Corona virus.

23 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We think its time to start a macro topic on what impact the CoronoVirus will have on the industry.  From what we are reading here on multiple CC blogs and seeing on other social media we now think the impact will be huge.  In fact, we now think it will be unprecedented!  Initially it looked like the virus would mainly impact a handful of Asian cruises.  But now, the near panic in Italy will likely scare away many cruisers and other travelers.  In the past when we had "cruise panic" such as during the Gulf Wars, the impact was relatively short lived and was quickly countered by the cruise and travel agency offering lots of incentives to lure folks to book.  But this situation seems to be different.  Some experts are predicting that the virus could continue to be a major issue into next year!   We see posters talking about cancelling Caribbean cruises, which at this time, are not even in an area with Coronovirus issues.  Folks are scared and/or being very cautious.   

 

We think the fast spreading virus in Italy is a huge cruise related issue.  Those with Spring/Summer cruises in Europe are generally outside of the final payment period and one can speculate that many will cancel.  That probably bodes well for the Alaskan cruise season since many will likely assume that it is one of the safer places to travel.

 

What do you think?

 

Hank

I am definitely  cancelling plans for cruising in 2020 and possibly 2021.  The Corona virus is spreading like wildfire worldwide.  I do not want to play Russian roulette with my life.  Just my luck I would be one who gets infected with the virus.  I do not want to die from contracting the virus on a cruise.  There is more to life than taking a cruise, especially now.
There are other types of travel I can take posing less risk.

On 2/17/2020 at 3:29 AM, Fun4Us2013 said:

I was listening to Fox News this morning and they were discussing the virus. The guest was discussing how we got here and where they are in the process of coming up with a cure. At the end of her speech as she was telling everyone how to avoid getting this and she said “Don’t take a cruise”. I am booked on the escape in 76 days and certainly plan on going. Wonder how the cruise lines will react to this.

I am definitely  cancelling plans for cruising in 2020 and possibly 2021.  The Corona virus is spreading like wildfire worldwide.  I do not want to play Russian roulette with my life.  Just my luck I would be one who gets infected with the virus.  I do not want to die from contracting the virus on a cruise.  There is more to life than taking a cruise, especially now.
There are other types of travel I can take posing less risk.

I am definitely  cancelling plans for cruising in 2020 and possibly 2021.  The Corona virus is spreading like wildfire worldwide.  I do not want to play Russian roulette with my life.  Just my luck I would be one who gets infected with the virus.  I do not want to die from contracting the virus on a cruise.  There is more to life than taking a cruise, especially now.
There are other types of travel I can take posing less risk.

6 hours ago, rocklinmom said:

The ride was a little over two hours each way. The bus stopped halfway at a rest stop. 

3 hours ago, debshomespun said:

We did the Princess shore excursion to Paris on our own option on 9/9/19.  It's about a 3 hr ride each way with a stop about half way.  There are alot of buses at the stop, but the lines move very quickly.  (Women were using the men's room too 😊)

 

We planned our day before we went.  In the excursion description in the cruise planner, it tells where you get dropped off.  We walk alot, and decided we would walk our route.  We got off the bus and made our way (followed along the river) to the Princess Diana memorial, about 10 minute walk. Next was to the Eiffel tower, about 15 minutes to walk there, walked around the back and took photos, shopped in the gift shop for 5 minutes and bought from one of the vendors in the sidewalk.

 

Next we walked back along the river to just past the buses to The Louvre, took many pictures.  Turned around and back towards the buses through the park and took lots of photos of the statutes.  Got a crepe  from the vendor in middle of the park.  Proceeded to the shopping area, but was all high end, very difficult to find souvenirs.  Went back to the bus.  

 

You get a map on the bus and we had looked at our route before we went so we had a good idea of where we were.

 

We had plenty of time to do this, we had over 20,000 steps within our 4 hours in Paris.

 

Would definitely do this again.  And it was our Anniversary, so I can say DH took me to Paris for our Anniversary! 💞

 

A few pictures from our day.

 

Thank you for the review.
Once you were dropped off from the bus parking lot,  how much time did you have in Paris before returning to the bus parking lot for return back to the ship?
On the “On Your Own” Princess shore excursion do you think there would  be time enough to take a guided tour of the Louvre?  And /Or  time  to stroll Luxembourg Gardens?  And/Or time to go up to the observation deck at the Eiffel Tower?  Do all three?

Nice photos btw.

Just curious how long is the bus ride from the ship to Paris?   Is the shore excursion just a ride around looking  at Paris from the window of the bus, or do you get off the bus and actually get to walk around Paris?   How much time are you actually in Paris?

So, in your opinion, is the shore excursion good value and worth it?

3 hours ago, twangster said:

 

Millie has some interesting Northeast cruises in April then some nice Alaska itineraries in May.  Double points on balcony or better if you've sailed with them before.  She came over early so the cruises they just added were pretty reasonable. Verandah through Aqua Class all the same rate.  

New to cruising.
Who is Millie?  Is she a travel agent offering good discounts?

From online:
“CROWN GRILL
PREMIUM SEAFOOD AND CHOP HOUSE
Cover Charge $29 per person
Dinner includes one main course. Please enjoy any additional mains for $10 each.”

Does that mean I can order more than one appetizer, more than one soup/salad, and more than one desert for $29?

And if I want to order another beef steak it will only be an additional $10?

What beef steak do you recommend?

Is the beef steak better quality than that available in the main dining room?  Is the meat USDA Prime grade?

Is it possible to make a same day reservation?

Thank you.

On 2/6/2020 at 6:12 PM, Suncitycruiser1925 said:

We are currently on the Caribbean Princess and have been informed of gastrointestinal illness of a number of passengers.  Passengers are not allowed to serve themselves in the buffet.  Crew serves all drinks, hands you plates, silverware, etc.  We were just informed St Kitts port has been cancelled due to this tomorrow.  Does anyone on board know how many cases there are or any other information?  Lots of sanitizing is going on throughout the ship.  Thanks for any information.

Have not taken a cruise yet but considering.
How do cruise passengers get  Noro ?

Is Noro common on cruise ships?

Is Noto caught from passengers that do not sanitize  their hands  or cough before going through the buffet line,  or touching public things on the ship?

And, what are these hand washing stations and where are they located?  And are they monitored by crew?

What is my best way to avoid catching Noro?

Thanks.

14 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:

I was wondering if that guy from CC is going to have a spontaneous healing and go on the ship now.

??  Who that be?

Have a wonderful and safe cruise😀

15 hours ago, BeachChik said:

So I asked this in another thread but no one responded. With Royal now saying if someone has flu symptoms or a fever they will be denied boarding I have a question on how that works.
 

Are they checking everyone to see if a fever is present? Is it based on the honor system that you just admit you aren’t feeling well? Or is it something where they are watching and pulling people that look sick? 

 

It is the time of year where people get sick. I don’t want to be denied boarding for a simple cold. I have a cold right now and I feel fine. I’m just wondering what others have experienced in similar situations. 

I have yet to take my first cruise. But thinking of taking one in 2020 to try it out.  See if cruising is for me.

But the OP, if she she is able to board with a mild cold.  She should not be denied boarding.

My question is, like what if the OP boards a ship with only a mild cold, and then on board develops a persistent cough?  
How will other passengers know whether she has just a cold, Noro, or the Corona virus?  Or how about with other passengers who develop a cough whilst on board?   Whether it may just be because of allergies, catching cruise cough/crud?   Or maybe because of being infected with Corona virus?  Will other passengers out of fear,  now feel it is necessary to report coughing passengers to ships crew?

What do well seasoned cruisers do now?  Do you report persistent coughing passengers to ships crew? Should you?  Thinking of in the theater, eating venues, elevator, and public areas when passengers cough all around you.

FWIW,  I am mildly OCD, and always carry hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes with me at all times.

Thank you.

I have yet not taken a cruise but was going to book one to Europe for 2020.  This Corona virus has me thinking not to cruise.  And if spreads to Europe.

Besides, I have read many threads on Cruise Critic about cruise passengers with poor hygiene habits.  Like passengers not washing their hands after using the restroom, not sanitizing hands before going through the buffet line, eating with their hands whilst going through the buffet line, and coughing without properly covering up, like coughing into their hands instead of arm.  
So, do you/ would you report passengers persistent coughs to ship personnel?  Like cougher sitting next or behind you in the theater, elevator, and other public areas. 
So what well seasoned cruisers do about fellow passengers poor hygiene offenders?   Do you call out the offender,  or would you report them to ships personnel?  And I don’t want to cruise if it’s a “petrie dish for contracting virus”.... something many cruisers get sick with  “cruise crud/cruise cough”?

FWIW, I am mildly OCD (I carry Purell hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes with me at all times) about germs

Thank you and any helpful suggestions for me.

I myself have not taken a cruise yet.  
But my friend, who is homeless, took 30 cruises last year.

On 1/1/2020 at 9:20 AM, taylortime05 said:

Can you share any great deals you found?   What ship, itinerary, date, cabin type, cost and perks?   Was it with Celebrity or a TA?

Cruises to Asia are great deals today.   Lots to choose from.   You  decide.

Enjoy whatever cruise you decide to book.

And how about passengers that cough in their hands, not in the crook of their arm, then handle the buffet serving utensils..   or handling the bar menu or have their germy hands in the bar peanuts?  Or cough without covering.   Like in the elevator, then they press the buttons, or sitting directly behind you or next to you in the theater coughing without covering?

What do you do?