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

[Aj101]

43 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. 

Israel is now requiring 14 day quarantine to enter the country apparently..hence shutting down tourism effectively.  

[Xaintrix]

7 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

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. 

 

While I’m not hoarding, even before this started I already prepare for extended time  on a potential quarantine.  Plenty of entertainment.  One fun tip - you can store YouTube videos on the app for up to 30 days for offline playback (it needs to phone home to keep it validated).  Just download for offline playback.  It’s been a lifesaver on plane trips.  Got several days of content stored alone.

[Cruising-along]

14 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

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. 

 

I'm thinking the same.  At least if it happens, we'll have a balcony and our first-ever Neptune Suite. I had already planned on bringing needlework, books to read on Kindle, and an extra 6 weeks of meds. Now we're adding snacks to that list. 

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

A few hours ago ....updated US Gov. Policy 

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/486578-cdc-state-department-says-americans-should-avoid-cruise-ships-during

[MAVIP]

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

pack a stash of yarn and needles and a complicated pattern that would take two weeks or more to complete. 

What a good idea 🙂 

[fatcat04]

Looks like California and the Federal Government are working well together to help those on Grand Princess. From his news conference Gov. Newsom seems quite pleased with everything and said the feds and the Trump administration have delivered on every promise of help. Looks like they have a solid plan and are really working hand in hand. That makes me feel so much better. 

[Himself]

On 3/8/2020 at 10:57 AM, SumoCitrus said:

From this morning:   

 

 

 

This is pretty intense. My parents were discussing their upcoming cruises with me this morning and whether they should go.

 

 

 

 

I am 80 years old and got off a cruise ship last Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  I would go again in a heartbeat

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-says-canadians-should-avoid-cruises-as-it-prepares-to-airlift/

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

20 minutes ago, Himself said:

 

 

 

I am 80 years old and got off a cruise ship last Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  I would go again in a heartbeat

 

Enjoy.

[VermeulT]

2 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

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. 

 

3 hours 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. 

 

My coworker left yesterday on the Bliss.  He loaded up his Nook just in case.  If I were leaving right now - sure I'd throw in a few cross stitch kits... ornaments - small, easy enough to complete, and not take up room in the suitcase.

 

@laumicmah I wouldn't be stuck in my room.  I'd have a balcony.  Shows.. wouldn't miss them.  I'm sure I'd have enough food to sustain myself.  Casino - I could do without.  I would have taken full bottles of meds (Mom always taught me to take at least an extra week's worth no matter where you are going, I'd be sure to have plenty knowing this *might* happen).

The only thing I'd hope I have enough of is wine &/or persecco. I've spent many cruise days alone on my balcony not being under quarantine... It is my happiest place on Earth.

 

[WarumistdieBananekrumm]

Lucky if quarantined in the stateroom only...and not 14 days in a military camp following debarkation.... return home on your dime, because Gov. And cruise line won't pay for it anymore after issuing cruise ship travel advise for all...

So, unless a non anticipated miracle happens,.....we will gracefully decline any potential invitation to explore the facilities at any military camp in the aftermath of a questionable cruise / ports experience...

Edited March 9, 2020 by WarumistdieBananekrumm

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, Himself said:

 

 

 

I am 80 years old and got off a cruise ship last Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  I would go again in a heartbeat

 

Worrisome times to be sure, but, God gave us a life to be used.  Using common sense to protect our health and the health of others, why should we not travel if we are able to do so?

Edited March 9, 2020 by rkacruiser

[iancal]

It is not the virus that concerns us.

 

We do not want to buy, and take a cruise only to find that the ports have been restricted, changed etc.  Nor do we fancy taking a chance being stuck somewhere under quarantine for two weeks-on a ship or away from home.  We can easily take a cruise later.  Why would we expose ourselves to these risks when there is no need to?

 

Bravado or ignoring potential consequences is not our idea of risk mitigation.

Edited March 9, 2020 by iancal

[TravelQueen4Evah]

On 3/8/2020 at 4:37 PM, 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?

 

Yes. It's infuriating.

[kevingastreich]

23 hours ago, Xaintrix said:

Given the horror stories at the jacked up future cruise prices, be sure to scout ahead to when you plan to cruise to see if that FCC is actually worth it.

In the near future, I'm guessing that cruise prices AFTER final payment is due will be very cheap because there will be a lot of unsold cabins.  Probably some great deals to be had.

[Rowsby]

On 3/8/2020 at 3:47 PM, bEwAbG said:

Too many resources to devote to people who are now willingly putting themselves into risky situations for leisure travel. 

 

The US and Canada are both sounding the alarm.....

 

Thousands of people on the Grand Princess are having to be evacuated and quarantined by their countries....it is an enormous cost both physically and monetarily.....however in all fairness....these people probably did not know the extent of this threat when they actually started their cruise....

 

But....at this point......anyone who knowingly....and willingly puts themselves into a risky situation.....should not expect their government to swoop in and save them.........potentially endangering everyone involved.....and potentially overwhelming the ability to quarantine everyone safely........

 

Heed the warnings......!!!

 

......Retired RN Nursing Supervisor

[rkacruiser]

6 minutes ago, kevingastreich said:

In the near future, I'm guessing that cruise prices AFTER final payment is due will be very cheap because there will be a lot of unsold cabins.  Probably some great deals to be had.

 

That is precisely what I expect.  

[newtocruiseinblue]

From today’s press conference:

Fauci Says Cruising Is OK If You Are Healthy

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2020/03/09/fauci-says-cruising-is-ok-if-you-are-healthy/

 

Speaking at a White House press conference tonight, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), told reporters if you are healthy, there is no reason to eschew cruise vacations.

The answer was in response to a question by John Roberts of Fox News. Initially Fauci did not answer the question, one of several from the veteran reporter. 

However, Roberts asked it again, saying that many Americans who have planned cruises, including family vacations for spring break, are concerned about what they should do

 

Last year, cruise lines carried over 30 million guests worldwide. Over the past couple decades, cruises have become popular with families. Amenities including surf rides, rock climbing walls, waterparks, and zip lines have helped bring younger customers.

 

Yesterday, Fauci told Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace, “Elderly with underlying conditions, heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes (should) not wait, but right now, to sort of take look at things that are at high risk, crowded places, getting on airplanes, and absolutely don’t get on a cruise ship.”

Then last night, the U.S. State Department seemingly called for wide scale avoidance of cruise vacations, saying, “U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship.”

Cruise line CEOs had met with Vice President Mike Pence in South Florida prior to the State Department update.

A report today in Travel Market Report, a news site for travel advisors, quoted a spokesperson from industry trade group CLIA as saying, “Any action to restrict cruising is unwarranted, and at odds with the World Health Organization which ‘continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks.’"

 

 

The industry supports 1.18 million jobs and $50.2 billion in annual wages, including over 300,000 jobs in South Florida.

Major cruise lines stocks continued to get hammered today in one of Wall Street’s worst days ever. Shares in Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd, are all down more than 50% from mid-January.

[Galley Slave]

They just talked about the cruising season in Seattle on our local news.  It sounds like the Port of Seattle is not sure if there will be as many passengers cruising out of Seattle starting on April 3rd.  Patient 0 had taken group transportation from the airport.  So pack your Purell to use as you head to the port.  Not sure if  would go to crowded places like the Pike Place Market, locals are avoiding crowds.

[Bostonjetset]

1 hour ago, iancal said:

It is not the virus that concerns us.

 

We do not want to buy, and take a cruise only to find that the ports have been restricted, changed etc.  Nor do we fancy taking a chance being stuck somewhere under quarantine for two weeks-on a ship or away from home.  We can easily take a cruise later.  Why would we expose ourselves to these risks when there is no need to?

 

Bravado or ignoring potential consequences is not our idea of risk mitigation.

This is the same thought we had.  I am 37 and DH is 52 and we are in decent health so not at high risk of virus complications even if we did end up with it.  However, missed ports, possible quarantine, and a week on the ship wondering "what if 1 person gets a bad cough, etc. etc" does not make for a relaxing holiday.  We reluctantly cancelled our March 29th cruise this morning.  I really felt bad about it as we'd planned for a year but it is what it is and at least we got 25% back in cash and 75% as an FCC so not all is lost.  We will spend the week in Playa Del Carmen instead where at least we won't be stuck in a stateroom or in the middle of the ocean in case of the, however unlikely, event something goes awry.

[NordicPrince]

3 hours ago, Himself said:

 

 

 

I am 80 years old and got off a cruise ship last Wednesday, March 4, 2020.  I would go again in a heartbeat

I'd rather depend on what Dr. Faucci says than your opinion, thank you very much.

[*Miss G*]

2 minutes ago, NordicPrince said:

I'd rather depend on what Dr. Faucci says than your opinion, thank you very much.

 

I don’t believe Himself was promoting his opinion on what he would do as something *you* should do.

[NordicPrince]

Just now, *Miss G* said:

 

I don’t believe Himself was promoting his opinion on what he would do as something *you* should do.

Sure sounded that Himself was promoting the idea of going on a cruise, with no offense to the good Father. Perhaps he has more Providential protection than the average person. In the meanwhile let public health science prevail.

[MAVIP]

9 hours ago, NordicPrince said:

I'd rather depend on what Dr. Faucci says than your opinion, thank you very much.

Dr Farucci specified: people with heart disease, chronic lung problems and diabetes. So, I myself would certainly listen to him if I felt addressed by Dr F. And I like the opinion of @Himself, nearing my eighties 🙂 

[FredT]

12 hours ago, iancal said:

It is not the virus that concerns us.

 

We do not want to buy, and take a cruise only to find that the ports have been restricted, changed etc.  Nor do we fancy taking a chance being stuck somewhere under quarantine for two weeks-on a ship or away from home.  We can easily take a cruise later.  Why would we expose ourselves to these risks when there is no need to?

 

Bravado or ignoring potential consequences is not our idea of risk mitigation.

This sums up our opinion perfectly.   We are JUST of the NCL Spirit in Dubai (3 week cruise) and the only worry we had was what if we were denied  entry into Dubai, and what if our flights were canceled or we were denied passage by the airline (Our cruise originated in Rome) .   THOSE are the intangibles that will keep us off a cruise ship for the foreseeable future.