Fredric22

11 minutes ago, UKstages said:

 

i'm actually really familiar with the CDC guidelines for cruise ships.

 

which rule do you believe is anti-science?

 

please don't confuse a temporary drop in cases and hospitalizations with "the science" as it relates to cruise ship travel.

 

scientists say they have no idea if people can be reinfected by the new BA.2 sub-variant, but they do know that it is more highly transmissible. and it is also more skillful at infecting people who are vaxxed and boosted.

 

that's what the science says.

Then by all means... stay home and hide from this very skillful virus!  You just made me laugh.  Anyway, enjoy your next cruise! 

4 minutes ago, mollybloomers said:

"A study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that out of a total of 19 randomized controlled trials of communities, masks were effective — even without hand washing. "

Did you even read what you just posted the link to?  I can't even anymore. A better hobby is definitely out there.  "Randomised controlled trials in health care workers showed that respirators, if worn continually during a shift, were effective but not if worn intermittently. Medical masks were not effective, and cloth masks even less effective."   

9 minutes ago, mollybloomers said:

There are 49 peer reviewed studies showing that effectiveness of masks. Let me know if you want me to send you any! 🙂

And not one of them a randomly controlled trial... so save yourself 49 reasons to waste time. 🙂

Another blow to the industry just as they were starting to eye normality.... thanks to the CDC. Absolutely awful, anti-science "guidelines" that cruise lines will have no choice but to follow.  Any cruise ship that does not voluntarily opt in to the program becomes subjected to the CDC mask order for public transportation which is extremely limiting and probably not possible to implement.  How sad....

1 hour ago, mscdivina2016 said:

Your source is correct.

I asked YC manager and 1000+

My source is correct? or incorrect?  YC manager said 1000+ on next cruise?  If so that is good to hear! 

3 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

There will be at least six or more who are poised to cancel today or tomorrow. I bet that number is much higher. So, you'll get to know everyone by name. I wonder if this is a wise economic move to continue with the sailing (for MSC) since the majority of the ports will be canceled. Isn't it better just to cancel this 10 day cruise and let their crew get well?

It is a 4 day cruise.  Sorry, not sure what you are talking about. 

2 hours ago, Markanddonna said:

I don't think any passenger is privy to that information until you speak to a crew member onboard but perhaps Fredric22 had special info.

Well I can't reveal my sources 😛 but yes, it came from someone onboard.  Now... is it possible that person is wrong? Yes... could get to the port on Sunday and have 1,000 people checking in.  But the fact that it was around 450 this week leads me to believe that 300ish number might not be far off.  We'll see... I do hope that info is wrong as I would rather sail with more people so the ship is actually a bit alive and things are open!

Looks like Jan 16th sailing will only have around 300 guests.  I am a bit excited to have the ship almost all to ourselves but also a bit sad as well.  I hope some last minute bookings come in so the ship has at least some kind of atmosphere! 

7 minutes ago, FrostyJoe said:

Just got this text message....Looks like MSC isn't offering full refund like it did for this week's sailing:

 

Important Message from MSC Cruises. With the recent surge of the Omicron variant, our ships are seeing a limited number of guests and crew testing positive. In addition, some Caribbean ports are reviewing their protocols, and in some cases, not clearing cruise ships for entry, which may cause changes to your itinerary with very short notice. We appreciate you need to make the best decision for you and those in your party. We remind you that Cruise With Confidence allows for flexible booking changes up to 48 hours prior to your cruise. Should you prefer to reschedule your vacation, you may call us at 1-866-420-3584 and we will help you find a new cruise. Click here for more information: https://rb.gy/rsjqra 

Maybe that is actually a good sign? 

A cold front did come through Florida yesterday and it is quite windy here today so that might have been the reason for that.  I would think it is cheaper for the ship to stay docked all night than to burn fuel but I have no idea...  

1 minute ago, FrostyJoe said:

Yah understood.  I think Mera was advertised as more "technological advanced" ship vs. Davina -  I presume that's probably why.

 

Problem with bracelet is bluetooth can have range of well over 50 feet.....probably 100 feet or so...

Yea, I am not exactly happy about wearing the bracelet..... 

50 minutes ago, FrostyJoe said:

Wait so mera does both?  or do they rely on the braclet only?.  Please let us know the protocols for this and others on your upcoming sailing once confirmed on board...  I am very interested, especially since we're going on the very next sailing and I'm sure other posters are too.  Enjoy your sailing!!!

A few weeks ago, Meraviglia only did it by the bracelets.  I think they are doing it the other way on Divina because they don't have the bracelets on that ship for some reason.  

3 minutes ago, Quarantined said:

It seems to be quite common now that the islands set a limit of 1%. If more than that of the total pax on board have tested positive during the cruise, the port will deny entry. 

More likely on this short cruise that the issue has more to do with positive crew cases than it does with positive passenger cases getting them above the 1% threshold.   Regardless, most people were probably planning to spend the day on the ship anyway so really the loss is to the Bahamas (and the poor people who are trying their best to make a living after the last 2 years). 

Just now, Markanddonna said:

I heard they were randomly testing 25% of the people upon departure. 

Here we go again with the rumors.  "I heard"  "Someone said"  "Cruising is canceled" ... Does anyone actually have a real source for this?  This is starting to get out of hand now, honestly. 

57 minutes ago, Tagsalong said:

Captain announced this morning that Nassau would not allow entry into port.   Yesterday we could not enter our hallway for 30 minutes because they were fumigating.  No one (crew or officers) will say how many but have said some Covid cases are on-board.

This is getting so ridiculous.  It is time the cruise lines start to truly negotiate with these countries about how to ensure they can move forward.  COVID-19 cases do not mean what they used to.  So either they need to start changing their thresholds of what is an acceptable number or they need to start working with countries who actually want tourism.  If I were Celebrity, I would start looking for alternatives to the Bahamas for the next 6 months.  It looks like Mexico is being reasonable so perhaps that would be a better choice. 

2 minutes ago, travelwide said:

The Apex was denied docking this morning. Another day at sea before arrival in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow. This was the last port on a 5 day cruise.

What does this have to do with MSC testing at the port? Sorry no offense, but maybe this was posted in the wrong thread?

1 minute ago, styles27 said:

I’m surprised they haven’t done this before now to be honest.

 

 

Maybe now that cruise ships are under the cdc’s radar (yellow ship status and the media running away with the story even though we know it’s a very small percentage of those on board) the PO made the decision to test at the port post cruise to show the cdc that they’re doing everything they can to help stop the spread of Omicron/Covid. 
 

A lot of us cruisers get right on a plane to fly home after our cruise. Makes sense to me that we should be tested before our flight. 
 

The question is just how accurate are the rapid tests? 
 

There’s a very well known personality from the food network who posted her family’s experience on social media. 5 of 6 of them tested negative with a rapid test but had symptoms so took a PCR and turned out 5 of the 6 were positive. 
 

That was eye opening. 

They are not testing people as they get off the ship unless there is a reason to (unvaxed kids, travel to foreign country, back-to-back cruise, etc.).  So let's not keep spreading this rumor, please.

Just now, FrostyJoe said:

Wow.........  So maybe MSC isn't using 100% outside air for HVAC like they claim they are??????

Just stop.... so many reasons why someone can test positive and who knows what their exposure circumstances was.  Someone in a family may have been positive before they boarded and squeaked by with a negative test.  They could have easily passed it along to other family members during the trip. This isn't ebola or HIV where you can easily pinpoint who gave you something.  Geesh.

Can you tell us what kind of test it was?  Did someone swab your nose or did they just watch you do it to yourself?

4 hours ago, girli565 said:

Just heard from a crew member there’s 1000 guests on board this sailing. Normally it’s upwards of 3000. 

1,000 still isn't bad considering the circumstances.  They are lucky to have that many!  How are things on the ship?  

8 minutes ago, edawn said:

I just received a text about our 1/9 sailing on Meraviglia. Gives us the option to cancel for a full refund or find another cruise if we don't wish to go 1/9. We were on in November and things were fine. We saw all the shows so wouldn't be upset if we miss those. We will most likely go. We live in Florida and drive to the port so no worries about getting home. 

Can you please keep us posted as to how things are during boarding and also on the ship?  Would be much appreciated! 

3 minutes ago, girli565 said:

Our paperwork said 11:30 but then got a text to arrive at 3:30 instead. We got here at 12pm. We are just now clear from testing and waiting to get our passports checked and checked in. 

Yikes! 3 hours!?  I am really re-thinking this trip now.... ugh. 

4 minutes ago, girli565 said:

We are in the process of boarding the Divina today for the 3-day cruise. Lines are long. They’re testing at the port. We are waiting for our results now. 

Thanks for the update!  What time did you get to the port?  Please keep us updated on how things are once you get on the ship!

I just saw from a Facebook group post that someone who is currently on the Meraviglia is saying that lots of things are closed including the ability to sit at bars, the production shows, the shows in the Carousel lounge, the DJ outside, etc.  Anyone else currently on this sailing who can give us another account of what is actually going on?  I was on in Dec and things were mostly "normal" aside from some distancing markers and mask wearing when walking around the ship.  I am boarding again on Jan 16th and I'm now second guessing my decision to book....

58 minutes ago, matt94 said:

We found out this morning that the Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar is closed for the remainder of the sailing due to the staff having to quarantine. Everything else is still operational at this time from what I have seen. We are supposed to arrive in Costa Maya tomorrow morning. Hopefully there are no issues getting into port. 

Damn! I hope the sushi bar is back up and running for the Jan 16th cruise!  I was looking forward to some sushi!!!

Looks like St. Thomas may be closing to cruise ships (Dawn is being rerouted) so this would definitely make sense...