Wehwalt

6 minutes ago, arabrab said:

I wonder whether the hotel staff on Zaandam are taking proper precautions given the report of "flu" on the Zaandam? It would be criminal if they had failed to learn from the experiences of other ships.  

Agreed, if true, especially if there was visual evidence of same, it would greatly shake my confidence in HAL as they look to begin again in an era where coronavirus is still present, besides the flu of course.

https://news.yahoo.com/holland-america-ship-transit-panama-233040197.html

That source seems to say they'll be allowed through the canal.

7 minutes ago, Barney10 said:

This is a private island owned by Carnival. Not sure Bahamas has any powers over it,

Pretty sure Bahamas could refuse access, to assure the health of the local people who operate it. 

5 minutes ago, ducklite said:

I'd say the better way to to it is to test everyone of the sick for the flu (flu tests not in short supply) and if it's not the flu, then start testing for CV.  You find one case and every person on that ship has to be considered infected.

I suspect they think it's very likely coronavirus, thus the drastic measures, including the onboard lockdown and the dispatch of the Rotterdam.

Full-voyage GWV passengers in certain categories who booked early and live in US/Canada get luggage shipped each way via FedEx; for Vista Suite and above it is unlimited. Other passengers can have theirs shipped for a charge. I don't know if they are waiving shipping charges from FLL for those that don't already get it free. I am sure it is a lot cheaper for HAL to do it this way than air ship from Perth.

Is there truly a demand for all-US itineraries, not including the special case of the single foreign call on Hawaii itineraries?

33 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I have no idea how cruise ships will ever be able to escape this new idea that ships are now a floating Typhoid Mary.  

 

 

Or that they are to be converted into floating prisons at a moment's notice in an excess of caution.

6 minutes ago, voyageur9 said:

... which would be 2,152 nm apart, or 54 hours assuming both vessels are making 20 knots and intend direct course high-seas rendezvous.

I'd guess they plan on meeting in the Gulf of Panama.

As of right now, per the Navigator app (900 am EDT)

Zaandam, 12.27 S 79.48 W

Rotterdam 16.67 N 100.91 W

10 hours ago, DAllenTCY said:

However, blaming Holland America or the airlines that brought you home (and presumably took you to your departing ship) is unwarranted.

 

Now that you are home, look around you for some reality.

 

I find a better approach to people who have been through a bad experience is to hear them out in an empathetic way. That is, after all, the purpose of this thread, to allow the world cruisers who have come home to share their experiences. I am sure that every one of them knows how fortunate they are compared to, say, kids starving in Africa. Let's hear them out good and bad.

10 hours ago, Petronillus said:

 

It's seems plain that we're seeing the end of an era, and that may be all to the good. But I've just read a piece in The Verge that makes a strong case against offering a U.S. bailout of the cruise industry. See https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/23/21187076/cruise-line-industry-bailout-trump-coronavirus-us-companies-tax.

It makes me wonder if we are witnessing the equivalent of the Hindenberg disaster. Dirigibles were an elegant form of transoceanic transportation. But the industry died along with the Hindenberg -- even though safer alternatives to hydrogen gas were quickly discovered.

I read it. It is from a rather political perspective, and a rather superficial treatment. Indeed, I think it could be summed up as "Trump likes it so we don't." I'll take opinions from a website not featuring the likely Pulitzer-winner "I wanna dance with somebody (on Instagram)".

7 minutes ago, DAllenTCY said:

Yesterday the Captain mentioned that the Rotterdam is going to bunker fuel.

 

David

Captain Albert has updated his blog with relevant information.

https://www.captainalbert.com/23-march-2020-at-sea-off-the-mexican-coast-day-8-without-guests/#more-150134

10 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Are there any updates?  I believe this information is now 36 hours old; have there been more flu like cases onboard?  What is destination and route?  Are cruisers looking at a minimum of 8 days in cabins before a port can be reached that will allow them to disembark?

According to my Navigator app, she is off the coast of southern Peru. This is an interesting article that says there are unconfirmed reports Rotterdam is moving to meet her. Rotterdam is certainly moving, according to my app.

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/cruise-ship-zaandam-reports-42-people-with-flu-like-symptoms-on-board

4 minutes ago, Blake18 said:

Have April 25th cruise and they still haven't cancelled as all the ports are closed this very frustrating as we have until March 31st to change but want them to cancel for better offers. When are they going to cancel already this is crazy.

The experience with the Koningsdam and the other long voyages supposed to begin in mid-March says they will try to wait you out so they don't have to fork out cash.

42 minutes ago, debcruising said:

Wehwalt, you mean when they finally cancel the cruise or call now and cut my losses?  

When they cancel it. Wait for them to do it. 

2 minutes ago, JeffElizabeth said:

Life has risks. I imagine some people will weigh the risks and return to cruising, especially if the price is right. I know people who like to travel to semi-dangerous areas like the Middle East. Others are fine just going to Canada and Alaska. During the shutdown, we have already booked a cruise to Hawaii from Canada and back. I am more worried about the government cancelling it than dying of Covid-19. 

I hope you've booked a balcony!

Take the cash, not the credit. They are a poor credit risk.

2 minutes ago, arabrab said:

Why the need to go through the Panama Canal? Isn't San Diego or Long Beach a plausible alternative?

The State of California will not let cruise ships dock. IMHO it didn't do so great a job with the Grand Princess anyway.

1 minute ago, johnnyswitzerland said:

Worried about this.
 

If it’s COVID—19, we need to get everyone off the ship as quickly as possible. We know from Diamond Princess, sadly, that trying to quarantine on board is a potential disaster. 
 

I hope I’m wrong – that this is not COVID-19 – but if it is, we need to find a way to bring everyone ashore. ASAP. 

 

Wishing and hoping the best for all aboard.

It's hard to think where they can go. They seem to be making for Panama. I wonder if Panama will let them through? The pilots have to come aboard for the transit. This is what no one needed, if it's coronavirus.

1 minute ago, Randyk47 said:

I guess they think “abundance of caution” is better than “we have no idea what to do” or “we’re frightened to the point of wetting our pants”.   🥴😬

It's sobering to think that in the new world, this might become a routine option. 

My brother flew the first day flights were allowed after 9/11. Possibly those were the most secure flights ever. For cruises it is different. Many people will not get on board if they think there is a significant risk of someone else's sniffle transforming the dream cruise into a nightmare, stuck at sea in confinement, or on land in quarantine. Despite screening, despite precautions, how is that not going to be a risk for the foreseeable future?

Worse places to be while this goes on than at sea with relatively few people, remaining passengers and crew, none of whom have had much exposure to the virus.

I was on her for the Amazon last fall, when she ran aground.

When will we see her like again?

Red blend wine cube from Target.