Thinking About Giving Up Cruising

[ldubs]

On 7/14/2019 at 11:25 AM, ldubs said:

I think the OP is making a good decision.  If something always made me sick, I would stop doing it.  

 

2 hours ago, 1980dory said:

I agree!  I'm getting sick and tired of paying taxes every April!  Would you suggest I just quit?

 

Hmmm, that is not a bad idea!  Let me know when visiting days are.  I'll bring you a file in a cake!  😀😀😀

[1980dory]

8 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

 

Hmmm, that is not a bad idea!  Let me know when visiting days are.  I'll bring you a file in a cake!  😀😀😀

 A friend in need is a friend indeed.  Isn't CC great for making new and lasting friendships?!

[TitanSMES]

We go to Walt Disney World a lot and we always make sure to get our flu shot ahead of time.   We start taking big horse-pill size vitamin C a month before the trip or cruise.  Drink lots of water.   And constantly wash your hands with soap and water or the Purell type hand cleaners.  The only time we have been ill was when my wife stepped down from a mini-bus coming back from the beach in Roatan and came down so hard she jolted a kidney stone loose and she was in some really serious pain for the rest of the cruise.  Our wait staff really liked her and gave me about three extra helpings of Creme Brulee to take to her each night, which as about all she could eat.  

[peanutter]

DH and I went through a spell for a couple of years (probably 6 cruises) where we got sick after (or during) every cruise.  It was very frustrating because we both had wonderful immune systems.  We chalked it up to the flights and/or excursions - closed in buses/vans with one or more coughing sickie letting the droplets fly in the enclosed space - with people bringing on their unique germ factories. We were careful but just couldn't stay well.  It got old and we felt just like the OP, almost giving up cruising entirely.  Just not worth the hassle.  I asked my doctor what we could do to stay well on trips, and he said to not breathe!  Well, that worked for about 20 seconds. 

 

But we love cruising and went on a 14-day cruise this past February and made it through with flying colors.  I don't know why.  We did everything we have done in the past - took Emergen-C before and during cruise, wiped down armrests and tray on plane, washed hands, etc.  My purely unscientific answer is I think we got more rest before the trip - didn't wait until the last minute to get ready - maybe?  We're going on a cruise at the end of October and I have added probiotics to our regimine of vitamins.  Will get a flu shot well in advance and keep my fingers crossed!

 

Wishing the OP and everyone healthy and safe travels!   

[RRFan]

I never take the elevators and if I have to, I use a knuckle to push the button. Never touch hand rails in the halls or stairs and don’t touch the seat backs (or rails) in the theatre as you walk in or out. I know some have mobility issues, but in my opinion, that’s where the germs get spread. Of course always use soap and water often even if you also use sanitizer.  If you go to the buffet, wash before going in, then put your plate down and go wash again before you eat. So far (64 cruises) so good. Hope you are able to continue cruising!  

[Oakman58]

I will be leaving this Sunday (Sep 8th) for a cruise on the NCL Breakaway.  I have already begun taking Airborne to help build my immunity.  We have plenty of hand sanitizer and Lysol disinfectant spray packed.  Also, since the cruise this week on the Breakaway was cancelled due to Hurricane Dorian, the crew has plenty of time to give the ship a deep cleaning.

 

If my wife or I come down with the cruise crud or norovirus on this cruise it will be the last cruise we take.

[lenquixote66]

On 6/22/2019 at 7:59 AM, Lois R said:

I have close to 50 cruises over the last 16 years and can honestly say I don't recall ever getting sick! I am 61 (if that matters).

Maybe I have a good immune system?

I am a lot older than you.I have a lot of medical problems but I have yet to get sick on a cruise. I do my best to avoid public bathrooms .

[lenquixote66]

On 8/8/2019 at 11:03 PM, RRFan said:

I never take the elevators and if I have to, I use a knuckle to push the button. Never touch hand rails in the halls or stairs and don’t touch the seat backs (or rails) in the theatre as you walk in or out. I know some have mobility issues, but in my opinion, that’s where the germs get spread. Of course always use soap and water often even if you also use sanitizer.  If you go to the buffet, wash before going in, then put your plate down and go wash again before you eat. So far (64 cruises) so good. Hope you are able to continue cruising!  

I take elevators and use my fingers not knuckles.I touch seat back ,rails ,go to the casino and touch buttons .I do not wash my hands before or after in the buffet area. I do keep Purell on my person.

People do not seem to realize that it is not only cruise ships where they can pick up germs.It can be anywhere.I very rarely get colds or respiratory problems.

 

[SargassoPirate]

 

 

40 plus cruises so far and neither She Who Must Be Obeyed or I have ever gotten sick on a cruise ship or after air travel. I last had the flu in 1975.  My last cold was in 1989. Both were rare and so memorable for me.  I don't get flu shots. In fact, as I approach 70, I do not take any prescription medication except prophlactically when traveling internationally.  A combination of good genes, good health, and good sanitation procedures.

 

You have to protect yourself. What do you touch after you sanitize on the way into the buffet or MDR? Serving tongs? Ladles? The bottom of your chair as you pulled it in? The menu? The salt and paper shakers?  Do you unwrap your silverware burrito and lay your utensils on the table?  On a cruise ship and in an airplane you must think of every surface as contaminated and break the chain of cross-contamination between the surfaces and your mouth.

 

We not only sanitize our hand on the way into the  buffet or MDR, but also after we are seated with our own little bottle of sanitizer.  Also, if you lay your silverware on the table, take a few moments to observe how the staff are "cleaning" the tables.  I have observed them wiping off tables in the buffet with a used cloth napkin and then resetting the table for the next patron - which could be you.

 

Three tips for preventing illness:

 

Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

 

Safe and healthy cruising to all.

 

 

 

[cruznjan]

A couple of my cruise friends (not related) have given up cruising to go RVing. The decided to try something different.

[WAMarathoner]

Just curious whether some cruise lines have more of a problem than others.  OP cruises NCL.  Which lines are favorites for those of you who got sick or never have gotten sick?

 

 

[lenquixote66]

On 9/8/2019 at 11:36 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

 

40 plus cruises so far and neither She Who Must Be Obeyed or I have ever gotten sick on a cruise ship or after air travel. I last had the flu in 1975.  My last cold was in 1989. Both were rare and so memorable for me.  I don't get flu shots. In fact, as I approach 70, I do not take any prescription medication except prophlactically when traveling internationally.  A combination of good genes, good health, and good sanitation procedures.

 

You have to protect yourself. What do you touch after you sanitize on the way into the buffet or MDR? Serving tongs? Ladles? The bottom of your chair as you pulled it in? The menu? The salt and paper shakers?  Do you unwrap your silverware burrito and lay your utensils on the table?  On a cruise ship and in an airplane you must think of every surface as contaminated and break the chain of cross-contamination between the surfaces and your mouth.

 

We not only sanitize our hand on the way into the  buffet or MDR, but also after we are seated with our own little bottle of sanitizer.  Also, if you lay your silverware on the table, take a few moments to observe how the staff are "cleaning" the tables.  I have observed them wiping off tables in the buffet with a used cloth napkin and then resetting the table for the next patron - which could be you.

 

Three tips for preventing illness:

 

Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

 

Safe and healthy cruising to all.

 

 

 

I am dealing with 9 illnesses and I do not take prescription medicine for any of them.The side effects are more likely to kill me than the diseases.People think I am crazy but this is the way I want to live my life.

[GUT2407]

3 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I am dealing with 9 illnesses and I do not take prescription medicine for any of them.The side effects are more likely to kill me than the diseases.People think I am crazy but this is the way I want to live my life.

I can relate to that, the side effects of the opiates v the pain.... 

[GUT2407]

I almost gave up cruising, but at least I can use a wheelchair and when I need to crash Mrs Gut can still enjoy the ship.

[lenquixote66]

2 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

I almost gave up cruising, but at least I can use a wheelchair and when I need to crash Mrs Gut can still enjoy the ship.

Mrs.66 ,on most cruises over the past 5 years has spent more time taking care of me than enjoying the cruise.

[GUT2407]

1 hour ago, lenquixote66 said:

Mrs.66 ,on most cruises over the past 5 years has spent more time taking care of me than enjoying the cruise.

They sure make sacrifices for us.

[lenquixote66]

3 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

They sure make sacrifices for us.

Yes,they do.The cruise we are going on in 3 days is to celebrate a special birthday for her.We had a family celebration last month but I thought she would like a cruise and hopefully she will enjoy it.

[joejoe 59]

On 6/20/2019 at 2:36 AM, Oakman58 said:

I love cruising but DANG, we always get sick before the end of the cruise.  We just returned from an Alaskan cruise/tour on the Westerdam with six other couples.  Of the 14 people, 7 of us came down with something.  Most of us had a hacking cough and extreme fatigue, one of the women in our party was diagnosed with Aussie Flu and had to be given and IV at the Urgent Care in Denali and yes, she had gotten a flu shot this year.  My wife and I take all the precautions, hand sanitizer, washing hands, wiping the cabin down with antiseptic wipes, etc. but it doesn't seem to keep us from getting sick.

 

 

 

I have two more cruise booked, one is past the final payment date so we will definitely take that cruise.  If we come down with something on this upcoming cruise I will cancel our remaining cruise and probably give up cruising.  It’s just not worth spending two weeks trying to recover from an illness after a cruise.

 

What is the Aussie flu? 

I'm Australian & have never heard of it.

 

[Oakman58]

It's the name they give the flu that is brought in by Australian tourists.  Alaska cruises occur in the summer which as you know is the winter (flu season) in Australia.

[Plant]

I think a lot of us "old" people don't get sick because we've built up immunity in our younger years.  We had no idea about hand sanitizer, etc.  We played outside in the dirt and mud and we were exposed to other children's illnesses.  In fact, some parents purposely exposed their children to measles, mumps and chickenpox to get them over with 😨!  Not a good idea, but it was done.  I've come home from a cruise with a cold, but I think I get it from flying, not from the ship.  JMO

[GUT2407]

5 minutes ago, Plant said:

I think a lot of us "old" people don't get sick because we've built up immunity in our younger years.  We had no idea about hand sanitizer, etc.  We played outside in the dirt and mud and we were exposed to other children's illnesses.  In fact, some parents purposely exposed their children to measles, mumps and chickenpox to get them over with 😨!  Not a good idea, but it was done.  I've come home from a cruise with a cold, but I think I get it from flying, not from the ship.  JMO

It wasn’t uncommon in some parts to have Pox parties, all the kids invited around to get chicken pox over and done in one hit

[joejoe 59]

On 10/25/2019 at 8:30 AM, Oakman58 said:

It's the name they give the flu that is brought in by Australian tourists.  Alaska cruises occur in the summer which as you know is the winter (flu season) in Australia.

We bring it back to you after it's been brought in from who knows where😷

Nasty to get I'm sure & wouldn't wish it on anybody. 

Edited October 27, 2019 by joejoe 59

[jgallagh1944]

Just came off MSC Meragvilia 11 day cruise to New England and Canada from NYC. From the first day of the cruise, I noticed people coughing and sneezing in the elevators, dining rooms, theaters and other public areas; many didn't bother covering their mouths. You can use hand sanitizer all you like, but as long as inconsiderate people continue to board ships when they know they are sick, this is going to be a problem.  By day 8 or 9, all six people in our party were coming down with coughs and colds. Don't be cheap; buy travel insurance and if you're sick, cancel your reservation, stay home, and don't infect 4000 other people.

[new_cruiser]

2 hours ago, jgallagh1944 said:

Just came off MSC Meragvilia 11 day cruise to New England and Canada from NYC. From the first day of the cruise, I noticed people coughing and sneezing in the elevators, dining rooms, theaters and other public areas; many didn't bother covering their mouths. You can use hand sanitizer all you like, but as long as inconsiderate people continue to board ships when they know they are sick, this is going to be a problem.  By day 8 or 9, all six people in our party were coming down with coughs and colds. Don't be cheap; buy travel insurance and if you're sick, cancel your reservation, stay home, and don't infect 4000 other people.

 

People should cover their mouths, but sneezing and coughing aren't necessarily due to having something catching. I have mild allergies (hay fever) and they sometimes cause sneezing. Sometimes when I've had a cold, coughing can persist long after the cold is gone because the air passages get sensitive and it takes a while to go away. Strong scents can bring on sneezing and sometimes even coughing for me - in elevators one may be trapped with those scents. 

[Northumberland]

I can't think of a scenario that would stop me from cruising as long as my health allows me to travel.

We've done 9 cruises with a 10th coming up in less than 5 months and never gotten sick while traveling on a ship.

However, I've gotten sick while being on a plane.

Now that we are retired, we choose to travel to port by car and avoid flying.

I think that improves our odds of remaining healthy.