mellon1

Does anyone know where the crew smoking is on the Enchanted Princess??

6 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

Generoso did indeed retire.  We are close friends and we communicate frequently.  He does not follow Cruise Critic, but I'll pass on the nice comments.

Is his email the same?   We too love him.  Best of the best for sure.

12 hours ago, mrobinson said:

I just read an update from the cruise critic roll call organizer on our April 16 roll call ooat

 

She said 2 buses were take. To the IBIS hotel - there are 50 rooms occupied by Princess and 8 cruisers from Celebrity. Some of the people left IBIS and booked different hotel since the rooms are right for a couple. IBIs wasn’t aware that Princess was covering cost for first hotel so they are putting cost of hotel on their own. Credit cards. There weee 5 buses if people taken to Radison Blue. Everyone has to stay 19 days ans then test negative to leave. They aren’t able to change airline reservations until they either test negative or have the sixties certificate of recovery. But no one has been notified how to get the certificate of recovery 

Really, what is going on?  Every day we wake up and pray things are better with covid and that life can get back to normal.  I can't believe 19 days they make you wait.  What if you drive to the port instead of fly, are you released?  Thanks for the update.  It is impossible to read everything that is out there.

On 4/30/2022 at 11:33 PM, PescadoAmarillo said:

In a departure from what was done on the Ruby Princess, I’m reading on Facebook that 300 out of 800 in transit passengers on the Emerald Princess tested positive yesterday and are being disembarked for quarantine on turnaround day. Regardless of how many additional cruises they have booked, they are not being allowed to re-board the ship at a future date (per the posts I’m seeing on Facebook). I do wonder how many disembarking passengers will test positive and be unable to immediately continue their onward travel. Apparently internet has been sketchy onboard, which may be why we’re not seeing posts on Cruise Critic. Friends on board were able to text me last night that they tested negative. 

Oh my!  We want to go so badly in 2023 for 50 days and was ready to do it, but now, we could get there and then not be able to continue.  Doctor mentioned to me very recently not to get on a ship now as all the dining room/staff on the ship have seen so many passengers each sailing and those numbers are always increasing.  He said chances of getting covid are extremely high.  Ughhh.  Not what I wanted to hear.  No wonder the doctors ask you during your exam if you have been depressed!  WTH!

Truly appreciate you posting this to keep us all informed.  Thank you.

2 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

As far as Princess goes, I doubt anyone will ever know the full extent of transmission. This is from the 3/27/22 Ruby Princess roll call:

 

“Just spent 69 minutes trying to explain the debarkation process to a Princess agent. I just asked if the company wanted to know if people tested positive after a cruise. She asked her supervisor and was told no, they didn't need to know since we were off the cruise. She went on to tell me it's just what it is. People catch covid. I tried to explain that Princess didn't follow their own protocols to keep us safe during the debarkation process. She said, "You had to maintain 6 feet distance." I tried to explain how crowded it was in the Wheel House bar. Like talking to theproverbial brick wall. I gave up and told her to help someone else.”

 

 

 

 

 

Ummmm...if you are not on the ship and Princess does not know of it WHILE on the ship, it doesn't count toward their numbers.

They just dropped the mask mandate on flights.  I think a lot of people are picking up at airport and airplane and bringing onto ship.  Doesn't show up for a few days, so your covid test is negative when boarding.  Just my opinion.

Personally, I think there are covid cases "floating around" not identified and then people not saying cause they don't want to be in jail.  So, why not just let people quarantine in their own room?  Air is still circulating the ship every time door opens.

Most cases doc said are not hospitalized now and are flu/cold like symptoms.  Just "require" all vaccinated and boosted prior to travel and say your prayers.  We would be OK masking in halls, etc.  I still think the buffet is a huge problem in spreading covid.  Just what we have seen in the buffets through the years.  We will not eat there unless we are first in line and grabbing like chips and salsa to take back to room (which I bring something to put it in which is covered to take to the room) after while on the elevator one time people were wanting to see what I had!  I should have said back off!  I just could not believe it!

1 minute ago, Wavesprite said:

Anyone know what they do with pillows between guests other then just changing pillow cases?

Prior to covid, just changed the cases.  I don't know what they do now.  The extra pillows would take up tons of room.  We are planning to bring our My Pillows with us (if we decide to do our cruise in January) so we can wash them when we come home.  We have a couple travel ones.

Truth is, everyone is a "hot mess" right now about this subject.  It all hits home to each of us in one way or another and interrupts our vacation, which is supposed to be a relaxing time...and not one to have such worries.  Whenever under duress, things are intensified even more so.  Being separated is terrible.  

37 minutes ago, dog said:

Absolutely.

communication, inconsistency keeps coming up on these threads.

Yep, that is what everyone is having problems with. 

1 hour ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

@PescadoAmarilloWhat are G’s thoughts to how this sailing is compared to his previous 45 days?  Does he notice a big difference or large changes in protocol? Since he is out of isolation and recovered, is he back to cruising normally and going to everything? 

As he was on the ship prior to many covid cases on board, getting his perspective would be invaluable to everyone I’m sure and I know he posts on the roll calls, could you do some arm twisting to get him to come let others know what it’s like before and after?!  So many are wondering whether or not to do b2b or even a b2b2b. Hearing how it is for him may help them make their decision on how it would be if they do get covid and recover and stay on the ship.

 

Hope you are fully recovered from your illness and back to normal.  Hope G is enjoying the rest of his cruise.  

I agree.  Are you even able to make your "OWN" decision if doing multiple back to backs to stay on the ship for the next one rather than having to go to a hotel?  I am very very interested in this question being answered.  

2 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Hope this version sticks on CC as it is important we hear from guests with first-hand.  I also hope you will be sharing the story with Princess Customer Relations and any other mgmt member.  It's too bad there is no way to contact the Captain now.

I agree with you 100%.  Some may not like or agree with all posts, but we need to hear them.  It may be us and at least we have an idea of what may happen and can nip it early if possible.  

Appreciate the honestly of the poster.

25 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Not IF, when.

Yes, I agree.  This is going to be part of life going further and our doc said it is going to be like the flu most likely, vaccines to prevent you from really getting sick.  Oh, and flu starts when the kids go back to school in the fall.  Final payment is due for us then.  

On 4/8/2022 at 8:53 PM, PescadoAmarillo said:

You are justified in your fear, but does your Allianz insurance offer cancel for any reason coverage, so that if there is a known outbreak on your ship days before you join, you can cancel and get cash back? Does it refund cash in the event of trip interruptions and quarantine  for the positive party?  What about the close contact? Just some questions to consider.

As always you are so helpful.  Thank  you for those questions to be asked.  We are grateful to you and Joy and the others who have posted about the isolation and covid.  There will always be differences or should I say inconsistencies between the ships, unfortunately it has been that way since covid began.  We trust you and your posts.  You have through the many, many years, given us all the good, bad and ugly according to YellowFish!   This time unfortunately it is not a good picture; however, you are helping others be prepared more and hopefully Princess to become somewhat consistent throughout this ordeal.  I understand covid is ever changing.   I want to go so much, but do not want to be in that kind of situation.  I just watched again "The Last Cruise!"  LOL  yeah, that had some similarities to what you went through.  I appreciate you and all those who had and have the courage to speak out.  For us, I am even more afraid as we don't know how to use our Iphone that well and it will be very difficult from that aspect, but DH is diabetic and I am highly allergic to shellfish.  I would be very concerned about getting food from room service.  Even though they know I am highly allergic to shellfish, our first day on the cruise they send it.  If anyone does have a bad reaction to anything, no one would even know.  I have been by my husband's side through everything and I would be more than unhappy if they would not allow me in the room.  

My personal opinion is that yes, everyone should be vaccinated and boosted to cruise.  Then only those who are showing adverse symptoms of covid and need medical attention  be put in isolation.  I think a lot of people will not say they aren't feeling well as they will be put in isolation.  Truth is, there are people who have covid and are walking around not even knowing it, so what does it matter who it is, as it is there.  It would not scare me if the ship had a lot of covid that was asymptomatic.  The vaccines and boosters are supposed to help with this just like the other vaccines.  Unfortunately  we are in a world where it is hard to trust at this point.  

Truly, I have been looking forward to this trip and now don't even know if we will be able to go...because of fear of really not having control of the situation and Princess having control over our situation.

1 minute ago, Thrak said:

 

This is exactly our situation. We are both double vaccinated and double boostered. If we do contract C19 it's likely we will have a very mild case or no symptoms at all. It's the draconian Princess quarantine process that worries us.

I thought we were alone feeling that way.  Finally got over possibly getting covid but know that we have done all we can.  I don't want to live in fear.  However, we have lost our choice, our right to choose for ourselves.  I would rather quarantine in our room "together" with my husband and all our stuff.  But to be segregated and total isolation.  This is not right.  Truthfully after reading what people have been going through, I am surprised no one has been so stressed and jumped overboard.  

We all go out to places to eat, shop, etc.  I now am not wearing my mask.  I am OK with having to wear mask inside in hallways, etc. and even not getting off at the ports, but to totally separate my husband and I that is not acceptable to me.  

What are you going to do about your trip?  I wonder if  doctors can give the meds necessary if you do get covid.  Hmmm  Seeing they are not available on the ship apparently from what I have read here on cc.

3 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

Absolutely. As long as any money paid is 100% refundable. People like to compare the safety of cruising to that of grocery shopping or dining in restaurants, but here’s the thing..I don’t have a $5000 non refundable deposit to go out to eat. I can decide that day, that hour whether or not I feel safe to go. If cruising will provide that same level of financial security, I’m fine with opening it up. And in that case, I would have opted not to board the Ruby Princess in March 27. But the last thing I want is another FCC from Princess that has an expiration date on it. 

My TA advised seeing we are doing 50 days b2bs NOT to do Princess insurance and to use Allianz so you can get your money back instead of FCCs.  She is a smart cookie!

Right now, I am totally upset that we may not be able to go in January because of the going ons with Princess and the quarantine.  

I guess I don't understand there is always someone who is positive but does not show symptoms out there spreading, so why do people who are positive and not having issues with health quarantine?  Especially with shots and boosters?  

It is now we fear the quarantine experience over getting covid!

On 4/7/2022 at 12:30 PM, Calnev1 said:

I am not sure what reason Princess cites for not allowing healthy persons to smoke on their balconies.  It could be the fire hazard.  But I would think at least part of the reason in reality is that folks who smoke on their balconies can ruin the experience of nonsmokers who have balcony cabins downwind.  I remember on at least one cruise we couldn't use our balcony because of the stench created by some heavy smokers upwind.  Of course, that begs the question of why they are letting COVID quarantined folks smoke on their balconies.  As I posted before, I think it has to do with the fact that they KNOW smokers will smoke, and if they can't smoke outside on their balconies they will smoke inside their quarantine cabins, creating a greater fire hazard AND a greater smell problem for future occupants of the quarantine cabin.

We too are very upset about allowing smoking in quarantine area.  If we would have to be there, my husband cannot be around smoke or heavy fumes after having head and neck cancer.  This is a main reason we cruise Princess due to no smoking.  They should have one room in the covid corridor and have the smokers smoke in there without the balcony door open so no one else has to inhale the fumes.  

1 hour ago, LACruiser88 said:

We have known the HGM, the Maitre'd, and the Asst Maitre'd for many years.  We asked them.

Who is the Maitre' D & assistant Maitre' D?  Enjoying reading along.  

Last year we were scheduled for 40+ days of B2Bs and canceled.  One of the reasons is before final payment, it was unknown what was going on with covid AND our friend from St. Thomas called out of the blue to say he strongly advised we do not cruise as many of the people in the islands, St. T and surrounding, do not believe in getting the jab and he was worried about us going because of DH in the high risk category.  Our doctor concurred.  

So, it may be coming from that?  I don't know.  But the new Deltracron as they are calling it is more contagious they say.  

I guess I don't understand all the confinement if there are no symptoms.  It is no different than the flu when people before covid were hacking all over and sick and running all over the place.  Will it be like this forever?  What about just people who are really sick from the covid in isolation?  I just feel terrible for all who have been in lockdown with no real symptoms and have ruined their vacation.  Truth be told, there were many more who were positive, just not tested at the right time.  Think about it...most of those people have come off the plane and been sitting in airports, and taking cabs, etc. etc. Truly after 3 days, they probably would be tested then.  

I was so excited about going on our 50 day trip in January and now I am totally depressed as I don't want to be stuck in quarantine and without being by my husband, who has no idea what meds he takes!!!!  

Just now, mellon1 said:

Medallion tracks everyone...I am assuming someone who had it was in close proximity to him thus the testing.  This is just what I am thinking.  Best to leave the medallion in the safe or better yet, the bathroom!  LOL

oh and don't forget to FLUSH!!!!!

7 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

If I had to guess “why” G was tested…..

I’d say, probably because some b2b’s were coming back positive from Saturday’s testing.  If there were a few,

then they may have decided to test them all again.  JMHO 

 

 

Medallion tracks everyone...I am assuming someone who had it was in close proximity to him thus the testing.  This is just what I am thinking.  Best to leave the medallion in the safe or better yet, the bathroom!  LOL

1 hour ago, gbolton said:

Yes, please continue to give us very valid and useful information, even though some of us seem to be deliberately cantankerous. And its annoying.

 

But there must be others like ourselves who love, love, love cruising, miss it so very much, but are scared to death, as I am, of being tested.  Yes, we are twice vaccinated, and boosted, but that doesn't seem to stop this virus.  It would be nightmare for me to have been in your situation, so I sincerely thank you for this very information posting. Please don't stop!

totally feel where you are coming from.  We are thinking the same

1 hour ago, voljeep said:

Perfect post, just perfect

Thanks @voljeep just what all of us in love are feeling.  We are not alone.

1 hour ago, Joy_K said:

@mellon1 in our case we were given a choice to continue on to our next cruise or disembark in San Francisco 

Well thank goodness Princess gave YOU a choice.  I am so glad you are together.  I could not imagine being apart.

Stay strong Joy.  I have not met you as I have Jeanne and G; however, I feel all you are going through and our thoughts and prayers are with you,

5 minutes ago, travelers07 said:

Just wanted to jump in again. Ruby is not the only ship with issues. I was on the Sky until 3/28 but was supposed to continue until 4/9. All B2B (even those like me who had booked as one cruise) were tested before arrival in Southampton. I tested positive and I did have very mild issues. I was sent to quarantine and told I would need to disembark. They said they would get back to me with details.

 

No one ever called me and I spent hours on hold waiting to order food. When food did arrive it was cold. But I only had 2 nights so I was just happy to disembark. 
 

I did have a conversation the second night with the person who was in charge of the quarantines- I had called and insisted on talking with someone. She said there would be a hotel for me but I would need to pay and use my insurance to cover. If it did not, I could come back to Princess and submit a claim. Other option was to go ahead and get my own hotel since UK had no rules now about quarantine. 
 

Later that second night I heard people in the hallway and opened the door to several of my fellow quarantiners. Since we were all positive we started to compare notes. No one had much info. The next morning they told us they would get us individually starting at 11am. We all met in the hallway again. Some people had received letters overnight but I did not. Letters either said you would be taken to a hotel or that you were on your own. No signature on the letter and only an email- no phone number. There were 94 passengers who were positive and disembarked in Southampton.

 

The one letter that did show up was my positive test with the date I could fly back to the US. No other rules or suggestions.

 

I was so glad to get off the ship that I figured I would deal with the details later. I know this has been discussed but I was already upset that we were told our lack of internet was due to the satellite. But our medallions never worked either- and I am a techie who had it working fine at home and on the Majestic in September.

Bottom line- I am Elite and I will never sail Princess again. The lack of respect for the passengers was just too frustrating.

 

Still in quarantine in Europe on my own. Will contact the Princess Insurance at some point.

 

Good luck to all!

 

Sue

Thank you for the post.♥️

3 minutes ago, Joy_K said:

This is day 5 of my quarantine was just tested my medical.  I asked how many in isolation and she did not know.  I asked her how many people she was testing this morning and she said 10.  I came here the same day they were testing all B2B pax, so hopefully today and tomorrow G will test out.

Joy, how is this working with B2B2B2B2Bs??  Are you able to stay on the ship?  Are you left at the next port or are you left at disembarkation port?   

I understand if you are overwhelmed and cannot respond, as you have your plate full I know for sure.

15 hours ago, Thrak said:

@PescadoAmarillo Question:  Were you allowed any contact with G at all?  Were you restricted from even entering the quarantine area of the ship?  I ask because I'm wondering if it would be possible for a non-positive person to get food/drinks and simply leave them outside the cabin door for the quarantined person to retrieve after the non-quarantined person had left.

 

Example: Get food from the buffet or IC and get drinks from the bar or buffet and take them to where the other person is quarantined. Call on the phone and say, "Your order is here" and then walk away. That way the quarantined person could open the door and retrieve the items without coming in contact with the benefactor.

 

I have the feeling that your answer will be a big, fat "NO" but it's something I was wondering about. If it could be done it would do a lot to alleviate the issues with the lack of service from Princess.

Thrak...I too worry about this.  Hubby has no idea about meds he takes, etc.  I have been taking care of him big time since he had cancer 2015 and he is clear now; however......I couldn't imagine not being there or no one for support.  What is going on????