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Norwegian Spirit

belchro22

By belchro22,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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belchro22

belchro22

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I've been in contact with a friend who is currently on the Norwegian Spirit. They have had at least 19 sea days so far with many cancelled ports. They are currently heading

to Capetown , South Africa where they were to disembark on March 22. The South African government has declared a state of disaster and has declared a ban on

travel from 8 countries including the United States as well as closed most ports. Needless to say , neither she or anyone on board, knows what is to happen next.

She had mentioned yesterday that they had run out of fresh vegetables and were being served canned ham as supplies were low. Nobody on the ship is sick but

obviously worried.

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belchro22

belchro22

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Wishing you all a safe return. I see you are from New Zealand and not on South Africa's ban list. Hope that helps in your travels. 

The Norwegian Jewell is also in transit after being turned away from ports.

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casofilia

casofilia

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The last port we were in was Muscat on the 5th March; the next one will be Cape Town if and when we arrive there!!!   

 

There is discussion that we may be trying to see out a 14 day quarantine period before arriving in Cape Town.   However we did refuel in the Seychelles and took on some crew which may mean that the supposed  quarantine period may have to start from then.

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darlak8

darlak8

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I'm onboard, yes the ship is out of some items but there is still plenty of food.  Far more than many groceries, based on news reports.

 

There is nightly entertainment.  Daytime activities. Stewards to clean cabins.  Beautiful sunshine and most importantly we are in the safest place in the entire world in our uninfected bubble.

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hamrag

hamrag

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12 hours ago, darlak8 said:

I'm onboard, yes the ship is out of some items but there is still plenty of food.  Far more than many groceries, based on news reports.

 

There is nightly entertainment.  Daytime activities. Stewards to clean cabins.  Beautiful sunshine and most importantly we are in the safest place in the entire world in our uninfected bubble.

Take care, you have amazing attitude....through all the trauma you've experienced from the week leading up to your delayed departure from the first leg in Rome....sounds like you are certainly in a good place onboard.

 

Life here in the UK is surreal, and I guess you will find similar on your return home! Best wishes for a non-eventful conclusion to your trip.

 

 

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casofilia

casofilia

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@Invisiblecustard

 

Australian government warning people to get home ASAP. Because soon you may not be able too.

 

The major problem with all of us is that we are still 30+ hours from Cape Town and the situation may well change in that time.   It would be nice of the Australian Government to charter an aircraft to get Australians home and then we New Zealanders might be able to coat-tail that far before going on to NZ.

 

 

I have just made enquiries and there are only 268 Australians and 12 New Zealanders on board.   If there is anyone with a connection to high ranking politicians in Australia how about seeing if the Australian Government would charter a plane, all of us would fit on one, to get us back from Cape Town.

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Rob_H "Live from...." Rare

Rob_H

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5 hours ago, casofilia said:

@Invisiblecustard

Australian government warning people to get home ASAP. Because soon you may not be able too.

 

The major problem with all of us is that we are still 30+ hours from Cape Town and the situation may well change in that time.   It would be nice of the Australian Government to charter an aircraft to get Australians home .

 

We're on the Norwegian Jewel, not due to arrive in Honolulu until March 22. This ship has asked us all for our home airports, had the Spirit done the same?

 

That information would help Norwegian arrange charters, although based on recent experience we're doubtful they''ll do that.

 

Although it would be nice, I don't think we should expect governments to fly us home when there's no medical reason.

 

Lots of people are in the wrong country right now as borders close, few if any are getting government repatriation offered.

 

Rob

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hamrag

hamrag

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Please understand P&O will be 90% Brits, so read the article in the light of that, and the fact it is sailing on to England! However, it does confirm that UK citizens cannot enter as per the SA Government Statement....nor US/Italy/Germany/Spain citizens!

 

Arcadia Denied in Cape Town; Sailing Back to Southampton

 
March 18, 2020

P&O Arcadia

P&O Cruises UK announced it will not be able to disembark guests or crew in Cape Town from the Arcadia.

 

"The South African authorities have announced and are enforcing additional entry and travel restrictions because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Guests or crew are no longer permitted to disembark in South Africa," the company said.

 

As a result of this development, the Arcadia will no longer visit Cape Town. The ship will make a short technical stop in Durban on Sunday to bunker fuel, stores and medication before returning to Southampton.

 

All guests are remaining onboard until the ship reaches Southampton, where Arcadia is due to arrive on Sunday April 12 as per the original itinerary.

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casofilia

casofilia

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@sueplay

 

All we know is that we will be close to Cape Town from n ow on. we are about 30NM out to sea at the moment.   

We had to fill forms in overnight stating when we were flying out on Sunday.  It was also made clear that we had to fly out on Sunday and not later so that is a big discussion point at the moment.

I was also told that there would be complimentary shuttles to get us to the airport on Sunday in time for checking in for flights.

 

So no, no one knows the exact details.

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casofilia

casofilia

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We will go to anchor in Cape Town Roads in 1 hour.  Then when the berth is cleared will proceed to it.   No one will be allowed off till getting transport to the airport on Sunday.  Everyone has to depart South Africa on Sunday.

 

10.12am Friday

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EllieinNJ

EllieinNJ

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Boy, these two Spirit cruises, Venice to Dubai and Dubai to Capetown seem like noteworthy experiences.   When all are at home safe and sound and have some time I hope someone will take the time to write a detail trip report for us who are extremely interested in your travels.

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