MSC Ship not being allowed to dock in Ocho Rios due to sick crew member?

[voyager70]

1 hour ago, Heymarco said:

You should get out and explore more! 😁

 

I've traveled to 30+ countries in 5 continents.  Jamaica is one of the dirtiest, nastiest places I've ever been to. No thank you  JMO.

 

 

[Ocean Boy]

Just now, Ptroxx said:

Where do you feel safe in Jamaica.  What resort .a 

I said I feel safe in Time Square. And I've never felt unsafe in Ocho Rios either. 

[voyager70]

ETA their human rights record is terrible.

 

[Ptroxx]

11 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I said I feel safe in Time Square. And I've never felt unsafe in Ocho Rios either. 

Well yeah. It’s a resort area of the island.  But Safe not so much.  Like others have said.  
military with machine guns  everywhere.   Not travelers idea of a safe place.  
 

ive been to many cities on the island And I didn’t feel safe at any of them.   
security guards(trying to sell you everything)on every floor of the resort in Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay.  
And military everywhere you go outside the resorts.   
If it wasn’t for me knowing a few locals. I’m sure things would have been a lot different for me when I went walking around the towns.  And when I told the locals I went to Trench Town. They all were shocked    They never been to trench town and lived there for 40 years.   
Don’t be fooled.  Jamacia is not safe. 

[Ptroxx]

25 minutes ago, voyager70 said:

 

I've traveled to 30+ countries in 5 continents.  Jamaica is one of the dirtiest, nastiest places I've ever been to. No thank you  JMO.

 

 

Ain’t that the truth.   Don’t think I’ll ever go back.  
 

But I can say that I’ve been to Trench Town. And walked around with a local who took me to his home where he was Born and raised as a kid and his family still lives there.  

[voyager70]

4 minutes ago, Heymarco said:

I’ve also been to over 30 counties and 5 continents and would not consider Jamaica that bad, all things considered. How many of those countries did you visit that didn’t include a cruise? Just sayin...

 

Ok.  You have a nice night.

 

[minnie00]

On MSC board their is a link to a statement that Grand Cayman wont let them dock tomorrow due to 2 crew members 

[njkruzer]

11 hours ago, minnie00 said:

is this true??? is the ship or the port??

 

n answer to the customs clearance question , RCI’s Radiance of the seas is currently doing an Australasia circumnavigation and was denied docking in Bali due to the Coronavirus. Bali was their  foreign port for tax and customs purposes so officials were allowed onboard while they were anchored off shore to clear the ship so they could still have their duty free etc onboard . How many and how long does it take for customs officers to clear a ship? I am sure MSC would facilitate that. 

Onboard.  Not denied docking.  Royal decided we shouldn't go.  While Indonesia denies any cases of coronavirus this is not believed.   So we dropped anchor, passports stamped and several hours later  left.  Next day we had to appear before Australian immigration!   No denial by port authorities. 

[Casino Comp Chick]

10 hours ago, Baron Barracuda said:

 

In 25 years of cruising the Caribbean Ocho Rios is the only port where we did not feel safe.  Machine gun carrying paramilitary troops lining the streets does not convey a welcoming atmosphere.

Dominica is the same

[Beardface]

Statement from MSC - This could have wide ranging ramifications for cruises in the Caribbean in the very near future

 

Statement On MSC Meraviglia's West Caribbean Cruise This Week

2/26/2020

 

MSC Cruises is extremely disappointed that Jamaican authorities yesterday delayed a decision for many hours to give our ship the necessary clearance to disembark guests, despite us having provided detailed medical records to the local health and national authorities ahead of its arrival as per normal protocol.
 
Similarly, the decision taken overnight by the Grand Cayman authorities to refuse disembarkation at Georgetown was made without even reviewing the ship’s medical records, which show one single case of common seasonal flu (type A influenza) affecting one crew member with a travel history clearly showing no passages through territories either affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) or subject to any international health restrictions. In both instances, the ship was effectively turned away simply based on fears.
 
MSC Meraviglia is currently at sea on her way to Cozumel, Mexico, her next scheduled port of call. Ship’s command and Company’s management are in contact with local health authorities to ensure that their decision will be based on a factual review of the ship’s medical records, as well as consideration for the pre-embarkation screening and on board medical and deep sanitation protocols that are in place across MSC Cruises’ entire fleet.
 
All MSC Meraviglia’s guests and crew have been screened individually upon embarkation, both in terms of their travel history as well as their health. MSC Cruises denies embarkation to anyone – crew and guest alike – who has travelled to, from or through mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau, as well as to people who during the past 14 days have travelled to, from or through any of the municipalities that are subject to quarantine in central northern Italy. In addition to this, all MSC Cruises ships also conduct individual pre-boarding screening by thermal cameras to identify guests or crew members with signs or symptoms of illness such as fever (≥38 C°/100.4 F°) or feverishness, chills, cough or difficulty breathing. This will also result in denied embarkation.
 
The crewmember who was diagnosed with common seasonal flu is in a stable condition, receiving anti-viral treatment and medication, and is now free of fever and nearly recovered. Out of precaution he was isolated from other crew members and guests from the moment that he showed symptoms and will remain so until he is fully recovered. No other cases of type A influenza have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia.
 
Moreover, no cases of COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia or any other ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
 
MSC Cruises apologizes for any inconvenience caused and the disappointment to its guests in connection with the missed calls in Ocho Rios and Georgetown this week.

[ONECRUISER]

18 hours ago, Baron Barracuda said:

 

In 25 years of cruising the Caribbean Ocho Rios is the only port where we did not feel safe.  Machine gun carrying paramilitary troops lining the streets does not convey a welcoming atmosphere.

Yes and No. Safety point I agree, left Jamaica out my stops long time ago. Not that much better now but few yrs ago would never been caught in Mexico either day or nite. Was worse then Jamaica. Armed personnel and Weapons carried, same/similar type as many Ports including USA. They are semi automatic at most, but USA does have "Machine Gun's" on the small Coast Guard boats that guard and guide Cruise Ships in US Ports. Two yrs ago was taking a transport Van to Cruise ship in Ft Lauderdale. Me and 2 young families from Sweden. They were openly afraid seeing all the well armed Security at Port, asking me if something bad had happened. Explained this is USA post 9/11. "Baron/NJ", sure you seen same

[Baron Barracuda]

18 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

Yes and No. Safety point I agree, left Jamaica out my stops long time ago. Not that much better now but few yrs ago would never been caught in Mexico either day or nite. Was worse then Jamaica. Armed personnel and Weapons carried, same/similar type as many Ports including USA. They are semi automatic at most, but USA does have "Machine Gun's" on the small Coast Guard boats that guard and guide Cruise Ships in US Ports. Two yrs ago was taking a transport Van to Cruise ship in Ft Lauderdale. Me and 2 young families from Sweden. They were openly afraid seeing all the well armed Security at Port, asking me if something bad had happened. Explained this is USA post 9/11. "Baron/NJ", sure you seen same

Yeah, we've also avoided Jamaica for several years.  Remember a number of years ago we called at Ocho Rios shortly after shore excursion group on plantation tour was robbed at gunpoint by bandits.  Cruise director cautioned everyone not to walk streets unescorted.

 

Having ship escorted by coast guard whether US or other nation actually makes me feel secure.  Seeing US port areas like Key West patrolled by armed sailors however just makes me sad at the state of the world.  

[freetalkfreelaugh]

I don't understand why they would let a crew member who is on 14 day quarantine on the ship while passengers from this countries denied boarding. That was foolish on MSC to do this

[Tulsacoker]

5 minutes ago, freetalkfreelaugh said:

I don't understand why they would let a crew member who is on 14 day quarantine on the ship while passengers from this countries denied boarding. That was foolish on MSC to do this

I agree 

[Illbcruzn4life]

19 hours ago, Ptroxx said:

Where do you feel safe in Jamaica.  What resort .a 

 

Sandals South Coast

[minnie00]

1 hour ago, freetalkfreelaugh said:

I don't understand why they would let a crew member who is on 14 day quarantine on the ship while passengers from this countries denied boarding. That was foolish on MSC to do this

 

I am pretty sure in MSC statement it says he boarded in Miami and went thru the protocols that all went through. They quarantined him for precaution and he has regular influenza A flu. 

[Ptroxx]

52 minutes ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

 

Sandals South Coast

Yeah I’d hope so with all the security that’s around the resort. 
now go adventure outside the resort.  When no security is around.   See how safe you are.   
 

Yes Sandals properties are very well gated and secure. I am sure someone who had stayed at SGR can elaborate further on the security posted there but I can at least vouch for Sandals Royal Caribbean. The resort was gated with security posted at the gate as well as throughout the resort. We often saw one walking the main entrance area near the lobby, several that walked the beach area and private offshore island. I am sure there were also others that are posted at various points near gate perimeters or at least doing rounds. We always felt very safe. 

 

 

 

As for being safe at the resort and Jamaica in general, just use the same common sense you would anywhere. Keep valuables locked up in your room safe. Do not leave items unattended while you are on the beach or at the pool. Its not very often but you do see the occasional review where someones cell phone or watch went missing but its usually because they left it unattended and it could have been a fellow hotel guest for all they know. Since the resort is AI you will need very little cash on hand. Bring some just for tipping the porters at the airport or if you think you may want to buy some souvenirs or do some shopping. Other than that, try to keep cash to a minimum and charge anything you can at the resort to your hotel room. When going out for excursions, again try not to bring anything super valuable or have a ton of cash on hand. Its not so much that you will likely be robbed but you could simply lose the items or cash as well for being active during your excursion. If its not necessary, leave it behind. Jamaica is not scary or dangerous. But you do have to use some common sense and be safe. I would not recommend trying to walk somewhere in the middle of the night outside the resort 

Edited February 26, 2020 by Ptroxx

[Beardface]

4 minutes ago, minnie00 said:

 

I am pretty sure in MSC statement it says he boarded in Miami and went thru the protocols that all went through. They quarantined him for precaution and he has regular influenza A flu. 

 

This is correct. The crew member was cleared through the boarding protocols, but became ill after sailing.  Testing showed that this crew member was infected with the common flu and has responded well to treatment, to the point where he or she is nearing the point of being cleared to be put back on duty as per standard protocols with influenza.  This crew member had not traveled to or through any of the major infected areas during the period of time which the quarantine measures have been in place.  Had this not been during the coronavirus hysteria, this would not have been a problem, and the ship would have been allowed to port.

[firefly333]

Dont know this is same ship, but fox business news just said a MSC ship was not allowed to dock in cozumel due to a possible sick person.

 

Dont book any non refundable excursions 

[Ocean Boy]

51 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Dont know this is same ship, but fox business news just said a MSC ship was not allowed to dock in cozumel due to a possible sick person.

 

Dont book any non refundable excursions 

Probably the same ship. I heard after Jamaica, Grand Cayman turned it away and it was heading to Cozumel from there.

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, Ptroxx said:

Jamaica is not scary or dangerous. But you do have to use some common sense and be safe. 

That seems to be contrary to everything that you've had to say so far. Maybe I was misinterpreting you. Just saying.

[Ptroxx]

4 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

That seems to be contrary to everything that you've had to say so far. Maybe I was misinterpreting you. Just saying.

That’s someone else’s review.  The point of the post was all the security measures put in place to protect the resort from issues.   
Jamacia is not safe. You make one wrong turn. Enter the wrong establishment. 
 

I was on the island for 15 minutes and we got robbed on the way to the hotel in our transport van while the driver was gone getting something from the store. Luckily it was minimal as I was in the very back of the van and the people in front gave the person what cash they had.  Took all of 2 minutes.  
Set up.  Maybe.    

[Ocean Boy]

32 minutes ago, Ptroxx said:

That’s someone else’s review.  The point of the post was all the security measures put in place to protect the resort from issues.   
Jamacia is not safe. You make one wrong turn. Enter the wrong establishment. 
 

I was on the island for 15 minutes and we got robbed on the way to the hotel in our transport van while the driver was gone getting something from the store. Luckily it was minimal as I was in the very back of the van and the people in front gave the person what cash they had.  Took all of 2 minutes.  
Set up.  Maybe.    

I would never try to minimize or trivialize your experiences or feelings. We all draw on our experiences to formulate our impressions. My experiences have been positive but I certainly am not dismissive of your warnings. Perhaps they will help to remind me that I should never let my guard down, or get too comfortable, when traveling.

[Ptroxx]

18 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I would never try to minimize or trivialize your experiences or feelings. We all draw on our experiences to formulate our impressions. My experiences have been positive but I certainly am not dismissive of your warnings. Perhaps they will help to remind me that I should never let my guard down, or get too comfortable, when traveling.

I’ve traveled all over the island.  But with a very famous local.  I’ve been to Trench Town walking around a bunch of streets to different homes our tour guide lived in or his family.  We had beers with his family before heading to the Marley house. Even the locals don’t go to trench town because of all the gangs and murders. 

Been to Bob Marleys house in Kingston and the government building.  Where he was conceived and a bunch of the venues he played at.  
It was the most sketch I’ve ever felt in my life.   When we were on our way back to our resort 2 hours away at runaway bay.  Our guides cars battery went dead at the gas station and it was our tour guide and me and another friend I meet at the resort.    
once our guide went into the store. Our car was mobbed with people begging for money our guide came back and we had to push the car to the side.   Luckily our guide new people there and we got a jump and back on our way.  
was the most scariest but most rewarding adventure I’ve ever been on. Once back at the resort we kissed the ground Lolol.  
 

would I go to Jamaica again.   No.   Many other places in the world to see.  

Edited February 26, 2020 by Ptroxx

[little britain]

It has been confirmed that the crew member has flu.

MSC have offered everyone a refund, and 20%FCC and OBC which is an amazing response to something which was totally out of their hands. Dangerous precedent to set though. [emoji383]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk