Dr. Fauci: "Above all, don't get on a cruise ship."

[kazu]

2 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

I hope they will now offer a full refund!  

 

 

 

 

Well that would be great but I don’t know how others will react if they do.

Everyone is affected by this ridiculous panic-demic and if the terms are changed then that is sad for those that got stuck with the non refundable non transferable FCC’s.

 

What is even more unfair is those that coughed up the dollars for the CFAR by HAL got nothing.  They either forfeited the cost of their insurance and took the FCC and refund (depending on cancellation time of course) or the took 90% of their penalty portion.

If I had bought the CFAR from HAL I would have a pretty bitter taste in my mouth when others who didn’t have all their money back (in theory if they can cruise) got 100%.

 

but, these are exceptional times and frankly, I’d rather have the cash than the FCC 😉 

 

 

[tallyjohn]

I have little care how folks decide after considering all the facts, but I am bothered by a few posts here that simply read this warning as they wish it could be read. The statement “U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship” can properly be read to flatly state “U.S. citizens should not travel by cruise ship”. The word “particularly” is not a qualifier, it’s merely an emphasis. 
 

Having said that, it’s up to the individual, at least for now. 

[3rdGenCunarder]

23 minutes ago, anaco_angler said:

I wonder if HAL will now amend its recent policy and provide refunds instead of FCC. There's no way to tell when it will be safe to book a cruise. 

 

I don't see that happening. As long as they issue FCCs, they are holding our money, and hoping to have more added to it when we book a cruise for later. It's sort of like gift cards. Companies love them because if some don't get redeemed, the company gets to keep the money someone spent on them. 

 

[Kfrech]

I cancelled today 97 days out for that very reason. Even though we are both in good health, we’re more nervous about being quarantined than the actual virus. I wanted all of my money refunded. I want to be able to book again on my own terms. Fortunately, we were able to do that. I realize it’s not necessarily an option for those sailing in the very near future. 

[cbr663]

47 minutes ago, tallyjohn said:

I have little care how folks decide after considering all the facts, but I am bothered by a few posts here that simply read this warning as they wish it could be read. The statement “U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship” can properly be read to flatly state “U.S. citizens should not travel by cruise ship”. The word “particularly” is not a qualifier, it’s merely an emphasis. 
 

Having said that, it’s up to the individual, at least for now. 

 

Sad, isn't it.  I am reminded though that people see what they want, hear what they want and read what they want.

[mkkao924]

Also, people should be flexible on their schedule and don't assume their itinerary will not change.

 

I am furious about the woman who needed chemotherapy on Grand Princess. Before she boarded the cruise, she was well aware of her medical condition, and the complexity of Covid-19 outbreak. She still went on the cruise, and had the nerve to be interviewed (I heard it on NPR). I have no empathy for her. 

[npcl]

10 hours ago, MISTER 67 said:

Why nothing about flying on a germ factory airplane?

In airplanes you are somewhat exposed to a couple of hundred people, for a few hours, most of which are farther than 6 feet away from you most of the flight. While one certainly needs to clean the surfaces around their seat, most people are far enough away not to be a serious risk. With some additional short term contact during loading and unloading. That leaves those 2 rows up and back  maybe serious exposure to 25 people. You are probably more at risk in the air port if it is crowded than on the plane itself. You can do things to mitigate even that exposure using the directional air vents, cleaning wipes, etc.

 

On a cruise ship you are mingling in a closed environment with a couple of thousand people. In an ever changing combination while dining, in bars, theaters, in tenders, on buses, etc. for several days.  On any given day you are probably within 6 feet of a couple of hundred different people. Over the length of the cruise maybe a third of the ship at different times.

 

There have also been comments about not flying if you are in the risk group.

[meadowlander]

3 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

If there is one person involved in the Administration's response to this crisis, it is Dr. Fauci.  Why?  He has the expertise that any and all of the politicians involved in this situation lack.

 

What does the Vice-President know?  What does the President know?  What does the Secretary of Health and Human Services know?  If it's not in a position paper from which they can read--and then be able to reasonably answer questions about what they have just read, they know little.

After seeing the performances of HUD Secretary Carson & US Surgeon General Adams on the Sunday talk shows in which they are supposed to be providing information and explanations to/for the public, this administration desperately needs someone with expertise and basic knowledge.

[Aj101]

2 hours ago, dockman said:

 

We have little idea how far the virus has spread because so few people have been tested.

  ***Bingo****

 

2 hours ago, dockman said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

6 hours ago, mgetta3 said:

 

Read this and decided we should cancel since we're in our 70's and have diabetes and asthma.   Then I looked at HAL's prices on our same cruise for next year and they have doubled the price!  Has anyone else seen the same thing?

 

Not seen it, because not researched, but certainly not surprised.. The ethical conduct is: honor same price on identical rebooking.... Hahaha.... 

[cruisegirl]

5 hours ago, CruisingAndDiving said:

The key words in his statement "those with underlying health issues are more at risk"

 

As both DW and I have no underlying health issues, we are going on a cruise.  

Same with us. We are 81 and 84 but in good health. We have no intent of cancelling unless we are forced top by outside sources. But I can understand the hesitancy that many have.  The decision to cancel is an individual decision and has to be based on what you (or your doctor) feels is best for you. 

[fatcat04]

2 hours ago, npcl said:

In airplanes you are somewhat exposed to a couple of hundred people, for a few hours, most of which are farther than 6 feet away from you most of the flight. While one certainly needs to clean the surfaces around their seat, most people are far enough away not to be a serious risk. With some additional short term contact during loading and unloading. That leaves those 2 rows up and back  maybe serious exposure to 25 people. You are probably more at risk in the air port if it is crowded than on the plane itself. You can do things to mitigate even that exposure using the directional air vents, cleaning wipes, etc.

 

On a cruise ship you are mingling in a closed environment with a couple of thousand people. In an ever changing combination while dining, in bars, theaters, in tenders, on buses, etc. for several days.  On any given day you are probably within 6 feet of a couple of hundred different people. Over the length of the cruise maybe a third of the ship at different times.

 

There have also been comments about not flying if you are in the risk group.

Sorry but having gotten sick with an illness not unlike the flu from another passenger on a commuter plane aisles away before, not buying it. Plane travel is faster, farther, more confined, and more varied and thus has spread the virus farther than cruise ship travel. Plane travel should be equally scrutinized. 

Edited March 9, 2020 by fatcat04

[cruisemom42]

7 hours ago, WarumistdieBananekrumm said:

Not seen it, because not researched, but certainly not surprised.. The ethical conduct is: honor same price on identical rebooking.... Hahaha.... 

 

I love how people keep moving the goal posts on the cruise lines. First, they wanted the ability to cancel and not lose all their money. The cruise lines came up with a solution -- albeit not perfect for everyone but much better than their normal policy allows for those who didn't buy the higher level insurance that would allow recovery of 90% of the cruise cost.

 

Now folks are complaining because they don't want a FCC or because prices next year are higher. (News bulletin: prices for most things increase year-on-year.). Or saying HAL should cover other, associated monies that were not paid out to HAL (non-refundable hotel fees, airline change fees).  All this would be somewhat more defensible if HAL were at fault in causing the problem. But it's not of their making...

 

Any time there is an outlay of cash, there is risk involved. It is up to the purchaser to protect their investment via insurance or to understand that things can happen leading to a situation where it is nobody's responsibility to make them whole, and they are taking a chance -- a chance that sometimes can go south.

 

 

[Wakepatrol]

I can’t wait to hear about Joey from Bayonne. He  didn’t get the upgrade he wanted and is suing the cruise line because they were denied docking at Amber Cove, and that was his lifelong dream to visit there

[dot73]

20 minutes ago, Wakepatrol said:

I can’t wait to hear about Joey from Bayonne. He  didn’t get the upgrade he wanted and is suing the cruise line because they were denied docking at Amber Cove, and that was his lifelong dream to visit there

IMHO, he didn't miss much at Amber Cove.  I think this stop is way overrated and the last time I was there, I enjoyed a lovely day on the ship. I can't believe that any good lawyer would take this case. 

[*Miss G*]

21 minutes ago, dot73 said:

IMHO, he didn't miss much at Amber Cove.  I think this stop is way overrated and the last time I was there, I enjoyed a lovely day on the ship. I can't believe that any good lawyer would take this case. 

 

I think it was a joke.

[Cruisercl]

13 hours ago, NordicPrince said:

Nobody said you can't (as of yet). Just consider yourself duly notified.

 

But I was wondering, if the cruise companies continue to operate and leaving it up to individual choice despite governmental directives, are they potentially liable for further incidents on their ships?

Haha, duly notified.....haha! 

Stress can compromise the immune system also, you really need to stay home.

Right now the cautions are for vulnerable people, underlying medical issues etc.

As others have said, you can be exposed to it in your own community; church, grocery store, Target.

 

[VermeulT]

All I know is I wish I could take the next two months off of work because I really wouldn't mind being "trapped" on my balcony somewhere warm for next to nothing.

 

Maybe I'd get it on the plane there... maybe it'd get it on board... and maybe I'll get it here going to the supermarket.

If I have to be quarantined anywhere - I wouldn't mind it being on a ship.

[dot73]

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

 

I think it was a joke.

I work as a legal assistant and you wouldn't believe the kinds of lawsuits we have to defend.  Nothing surprises me anymore. 😀

[Seasick Sailor]

We're here on Oosterdam for the next 6 weeks. A lot of elderly, frail folks. It is a concern for their health, yes. However, what flips my switch are the horribly rude people who grab a handful of chips from Lido bowl, take a sandwich, then put it back. Coughers who do not cover. 

The staff do all they can to keep ship clean. Cleaning elevator buttons, door handles, railings much more than usual. Sanitizer everywhere and asked to use it by all staff. But darn it, everyone needs to do what we can to keep our ship safe! Come on fellow sailors, pitch in! Jeez.

 

Edited March 9, 2020 by Seasick Sailor
missed a word

[awhcruiser]

Our cruise is probably going to be cancelled.  Will be interesting to see what kind of refund we get.  Have insurance but not CFAR.  We are supposed to have an answer by Wednesday but who knows?

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

R u on the April 5. Sailing? 

[chengkp75]

23 hours ago, voyageur9 said:

A useful and (mostly) non-hysterical discussion comparison between the filtration and air circulation system on board modern, pressurized, commercial airliners and cruise ships can be found here. The short answer is the aircraft use HEPA filters of sufficient small-particle trapping size to block virus in droplets. (Air travel still poses significant risks of viral transmission from close quarters, handles, etc etc but the air circulation issue is fundamentally different.)

Don't see any mention of cruise ship ventilation here.  While the ships don't use HEPA filters for the most part, they do have sanitizing pads in the condensate trays, and the length of time the air is in the recirculation ducting is orders of magnitude greater than on a plane, as well as the velocity is far less so particulates containing viruses will tend to fall out, and without a host in the ductwork, will die.  The main risk of infection in both airplanes and cruise ships is the close proximity to other people, not the air handling systems.

[FNSIII]

By all means Dr. Fauci....Don't you get on a cruise ship.  I'll drink to you as we sail out.

 

[3rdGenCunarder]

36 minutes ago, laumicmah said:

 

BUt you will be stuck in a 13X15 ish room. Not going to shows. Not getting all the food you want in the dining venues. Not playing in the casino. Sitting in a tiny cabin with the hubby (in my case and we'd want to kill each other). And then you run out of meds. Doesn't sound all that. Why not just rent a beach condo and go there and quarantine for 2 weeks, sitting on the balcony there??

 

Just saw the news where they interviewed folks on the Grand Princess and one guy ran out of his meds and is worried. So those who insist on still cruising right now...take at least a month's supply of meds. Maybe take some games and crosswords and books too. And the first day or 2 on the ship, maybe stockpile some snacks/water bottles in your cabins. Maybe pre-order water and booze/wine for the cabin. If HAL is like Carnival (they are owned by same co) and you can carry on a bottle of wine per adult...maybe do that and leave them unopened in case you get stuck for 2 weeks. 

 

I was just thinking about this today. What would I pack as a "mental survival kit" in case of quarantine in the cabin? I travel solo, so I'd end up talking to myself! My first thoughts were to load up my cell with lots of recorded books and pack a stash of yarn and needles and a complicated pattern that would take two weeks or more to complete. 

 

I bet a lot of people will start amassing a snack stash just in case they're quarantined.