Hope!

[Denny01]

14 minutes ago, Argo. said:

.......As we raced home after departing Silhouette March 15th, there seemed to be more traffic heading into Florida than out of it.   Those cars represented hope rather than reality...

Argo, I agree with your overall post except the part about the cars heading into Fla to hit the beaches represented ‘hope’. 
 

I think it represents ignoring reality and only thinking of self. Not hope but selfishness. And this isn’t just the College Spring Breakers. Right before we closed our beaches, yes there were college partiers there but also big families w kids and us Geezers sitting around.  
 

den

[1SGCruiser]

1 hour ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

"Hope" does nothing to solve the crisis.  Claiming it will be over in days, in time for the next scheduled cruise, doesn't solve the crisis.  Claiming it doesn't affect Americans doesn't solve the crisis.  

[snip]

This is the "new normal."  Get used to it.  Don't put your head in the sand and rely on an inexperienced reality TV show host for guidance.  Several governors are providing wonderful and timely information - follow their guidance.

 

As they say, "Hope, is not a strategy (or a plan)."  Dwelling on the negative alone is not good either, but ignoring reality because it's painful - or listening to some fool telling us that this will be over in a couple of weeks is, well, foolish.  Listening to people who actually have a clue while helping and looking out for each other and being realistic about what's going on will help us all get through this.

Edited March 23, 2020 by 1SGCruiser

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

5 hours ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

We are 75 and 78.  It is good news that cruisers should be certified to be in good health.  Cruise ship medical facilities are not hospitals.  Medical staffs capable of handling small non-life threatening illnesses and injuries.  In many cases, on board medical equipment isn't the most modern or even always in working order.  I once needed an EKG after going back into arrhythmia following a workout in the ship's gym.  The first EKG machine didn't work.  The second one did - partially.  My wrist BP reader game me the same result as their machine.  My spouse once slipped on an unmarked wet deck and dislocated her knee.  No soft cast available so she was casted in plaster from ankle to hip.  

 

Prior to a 2-week Antarctic expedition with Hurtigruten the ship's doctor required everyone to submit a doctors approved health certificate.  Being days away from a hospital the health certificate was necessary.  Didn't limit those who could cruise - surprisingly there was even a wheelchair passenger who could walk short distance with a cane.  Not a life threatening condition. Everyone complied.  

 

This is for your own benefit.  Also helps others.  Ships don't have to divert schedules.  Transmission of infectious agents are curtailed.  Time for everyone think beyond themselves and got the good of all passenger and crew, and good for the industry.

 

If my doctor were willing to certify that I was in good health, it would only be valid as of the date of the certification.  This is a useless restriction.  Plus, Celebrity has said that anyone, regardless of age, with underlying conditions like diabetes, will be denied boarding.

[Denny01]

Everyone Complied? Only because it was required. I read about a comedian off the Princess ship in Japan who was quarantined in a hotel who, before he was tested, snuck out and flew back to the US for a job....because he ‘knew’ he wasn’t sick. I read about a couple who were tested but didn’t wait for the results, lied and flew home. I read about a Senator who was exposed so got tested and while waiting for the results, which only took a day, went to meetings, lunches, the gym and pool and is now positive. 

 

we are talking about people who come on this forum and discuss how to sneak booze on board to save a few bucks; people who intentionally sneak irons onboard because they worry about wrinkles; people who take away their auto-tips and lie about giving more. Yeah, ‘Everyone Complies’ but only because it documentation was required. Hope is good, but strict oversight and quarantine laws work much better and are required because so many of us cheat any time we can if we think we can get away with it. 

 

“Trust But Verify”

 

Den

Edited March 24, 2020 by Denny01

[cachouonacruise]

Thank-you everyone for your participation in this thread. I have read your feedback with a high level of interest.

 

 My objective or hope, when I started the thread was to rely and obtain from fellow Cruise Critics Members cues to watch for, moments to observe indicating that we’re winning the Covid-19 fight, based on people’s experiences having had to deal with previous epidemics or pandemics or based on their professional expertise. In short, factual elements that could help us look for the light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

I read and follow, local, regional, national and international news daily. I have family members intensively involved in our health care system. So, I am well aware of precautions to take ( and I observe them). 

 

Hope is not plan of action. I agree. I don’t have my head in the sand. However, as I practice social distancing even with my own children, I need a reason to do it. I need hope!

 

I am hoping that experienced Cruise Critics Members, experts in various backgrounds, would be willing to share positive factual signs to watch for or positive suggestions on how to best deal with the negative impact of social distancing. 

 

So, please, dont hesitate to continue to share positive information or initiatives you may have knowledge of! 

 

 

[mayleeman]

On 3/22/2020 at 7:41 PM, cachouonacruise said:

wishing/hoping that someone has concrete evidence/facts

 

How could they? We can all make guesses with varying degrees of information underlying them, but you want concrete facts with hope.

 

Okay. I can tell you as a fact that unless it leads to a nuclear holocaust, the pandemic will eventually end and the overwhelming majority of humanity will survive. No plague or pandemic has yet wiped out the human race, and science is better than ever. Under your rules, though, that is all I can give you.

 

Well, one more: science is better than ever. I hesitated on this one since we also have a surge in people choosing to disregard it, too.

Edited March 24, 2020 by mayleeman

[Shadow9612]

13 minutes ago, cachouonacruise said:

Thank-you everyone for your participation in this thread. I have read your feedback with a high level of interest.

 

 My objective or hope, when I started the thread was to rely and obtain from fellow Cruise Critics Members cues to watch for, moments to observe indicating that we’re winning the Covid-19 fight, based on people’s experiences having had to deal with previous epidemics or pandemics or based on their professional expertise. In short, factual elements that could help us look for the light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

I read and follow, local, regional, national and international news daily. I have family members intensively involved in our health care system. So, I am well aware of precautions to take ( and I observe them). 

 

Hope is not plan of action. I agree. I don’t have my head in the sand. However, as I practice social distancing even with my own children, I need a reason to do it. I need hope!

 

I am hoping that experienced Cruise Critics Members, experts in various backgrounds, would be willing to share positive factual signs to watch for or positive suggestions on how to best deal with the negative impact of social distancing. 

 

So, please, dont hesitate to continue to share positive information or initiatives you may have knowledge of! 

 

 

Hi, thank you to the OP for starting this thread.

 

IMO, positive signs to look for would be "planking/flattening the curve" which modeling suggests is possible IF we act now and without compromise.   

 

Stay home. Don't go out.  Physically distance ourselves,  Etc.

 

I believe "hope" sets the intention to look at things positively, so in this regard, hope is a worthwhile plan of action....but it can only be successful if everyone takes responsibility to do everything within their power to curb the spread of this virus.

 

Here in Canada,  we still need to do more.  In Ontario, the provincial government ordered all non-essential businesses closed, which I thought was fantastic.  But 7 hours later, they release a list of their essential services - a list including over 74 types of businesses - ludicrous, since most types of businesses don't need to close!

 

 

[Denny01]

Just went to the local grocery that opened at 7am for seniors (honor system) and it was packed! And all very nice and assisting each other. Many wearing gloves and masks. Thanked the workers for being there for us.

 

One funny (I can never keep from it!): It was fun seeing all the woman who work sooooo hard to look young at the ‘Senior Only’ time. I mentioned this to my wife.....which was a bit dumb since she looks so great, and her ‘age’ is only reflected in standing next to a guy who looks more like Einstein then Brad Pitt!! 

 

there is hope in watching how people were treating each other there, and how many are following the guidelines. And this isolation needs to continue and we can survive. 

 

Den

 

 

[son3cruisers]

On 3/22/2020 at 6:07 PM, cachouonacruise said:

We are cruise lovers and so far, we had two cancelled cruises in 2020.

 

In relation ro what Covid-19 is doing to people affected, my pain is very minor.

 

This said, we are entering a period of social distancing, even from friends and family. This is resulting in a very gloomy climate. To my knowledge, the length of our dark tunnel is unknown. (I have not heard any official stating when we will be allowed to come out of our shells).

 

Cruise Critics members have often positively surprised me with the extent of their knowledge and insights.

 

Does anyone have any idea ( please indicate concrete facts or information, justifying your opinion) on when we can hope to return to a more normal state of life? Being able to gather with family and friends without fear or to safely go on a cruise without worries.

 

Hope is needed! I would really welcome anyone who could help us see the sun after this period of darkness.

I am thankful to be living in Canada. Even though we had a ridiculous amount of snow yesterday here in Ontario, ( yuck)  I’m so proud of the leadership, and professionalism that we’ve seen so far.  I don’t mean to make this a political statement at all. Really, just feeling very proud of what has happened so far. I feel like actions were taken quickly to keep us safe and information has been shared rapidly. Government is listening to our Health Ministers and following their advice. Our Olympic committee was the first to keep our athletes safe, by refusing to send athletes this year. And now they are postponed. I’m sure their decision to withdrawal made the IOC act a bit quicker. Perhaps. 
Hopeful communication will continue to be transparent and others can take Canada’s lead. 🇨🇦 
Looking forward to planning our next cruise, even if things have changed to keep us safe.

[cachouonacruise]

46 minutes ago, son3cruisers said:

. Even though we had a ridiculous amount of snow yesterday here in Ontario, ( yuck)  I’m so proud of the leadership, and professionalism that we’ve seen so far. 

 

From the Belle Province of Quebec, I agree with our statement on both aspects: the yucky snow and the satisfaction and gratitude toward the leadership of our Premier, Mr. Legault.

 

Social medias are full of messages from health care workers expressing their satisfaction toward his leadership. Family and friends working in our health care system have also supported these positive messages. 

 

It’s nice to see people from all strides of life coming together to reach a common goal.

[Pinboy]

Just for Information purposes ---

We arrived back in Toronto recently and had to clear customs before going on to where we live .

A family member returned yesterday to Toronto and also had to clear customs .

Neither one of us were screened or asked any questions at Canada Customs .

Let's Hope they are doing a better job than what we both experienced.

[UnorigionalName]

Hope is that social distancing will work with Americans.

 

In China/Italy/SK, after quarantine, infection rates peaked about 12 days later.  Hope is that Americans are good enough at social distancing it will have a similar effect as a quarantine in maybe just a bit longer than 12 days.

 

Pessimism is that social distancing won't be good enough, that we are killing our economy for no current benefit, and should not do halfway social distancing instead of a forced quarantine, and are dragging out the time and severity until capitulation and quarantine.

[anniedave]

I have read that in areas of China where the virus started in December , people are just now being able to begin socialising again. I think this is based on the fact there have been no new cases- I'm not sure for how long.So that's approx 3 months. However I'm guessing it depends on how quickly the spread can be slowed down/ stopped. Here in the UK , Brits didnt follow government advice, it has spread more, we have been put into lock down, but people still arent following the advice, so I suspect it will take longer to slow down/ stop the virus! 

[oneputt18]

For older and those with underlying health conditions, I don't think it will be safe to cruise until there is a vaccine.

 

 

[radarcruiser]

On 3/23/2020 at 9:15 AM, Ride-The-Waves said:

This is the "new normal."  We will not see a return to yesteryear in cruising.  More health checks and screenings, fewer passengers, more expensive, fewer ports "open" to cruise ships, etc.  Likely significantly more regulation of ships.  All-in-all probably good for the industry and for cruisers.  

You know, I thought the same thing about travel after 9/11.  It seemed that never again would we feel comfortable getting on an airplane or visiting a foreign country where security may be more lax than our higher standards for fighting terrorism.  I WAS WRONG!  We pretty quickly returned to a "new normal" that looked a lot like the old normal.  Domestic and international travel levels quickly set records.  

 

We may see some additional measures (likely needed) but cruise lines and cruisers will adapt to them and soon we will be back to enjoying ourselves again.

[Ride-The-Waves]

On 3/24/2020 at 9:43 AM, Denny01 said:

Just went to the local grocery that opened at 7am for seniors (honor system) and it was packed! And all very nice and assisting each other. Many wearing gloves and masks. Thanked the workers for being there for us.

 

One funny (I can never keep from it!): It was fun seeing all the woman who work sooooo hard to look young at the ‘Senior Only’ time. I mentioned this to my wife.....which was a bit dumb since she looks so great, and her ‘age’ is only reflected in standing next to a guy who looks more like Einstein then Brad Pitt!! 

 

there is hope in watching how people were treating each other there, and how many are following the guidelines. And this isolation needs to continue and we can survive. 

 

Den

 

 

Headed for Publix yesterday morning here in west-central Florida, as well.  Their new "senior hour" between 0700-0800 Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Parking lot was packed.  At least 30 people lined up to get in.  My local Publix - never seen it so full.  Shopped there ten days ago at 7AM and it was nearly empty - no lines at checkout.  Only challenge was the sanitizer tub was empty and an employee was wiping down carts.  Items were available.

 

Didn't stop - didn't ask people what they were buying and why.  Did have the appearance of "get mine before you can get yours."  Panic buying and hoarding.  Not "hope" behavior.  Totally contrary to social distancing.  

 

 

[cachouonacruise]

 

I also went to my grocery store today and to the liquor store.

 

At the grocery store, only a limited amount of people were allowed in. I was number 7 in the line up to get in. We were all waiting calmly 6 feet behind each other, until a customer went out. One went in. 

 

An employee was sterilizing basket handles as I walked in. At the cash, cashiers were enclosed and an employee came to sterilize surfaces as I was waiting. I had to bag my own grocery and the cashier did not touch any of my card.

 

At the liquor store, a disinfecting solution was available to clean my hand as I walked in. Only a few people inside. It was easy to stay apart. The line up at the cash was designed with wait lines 6 feet apart. The cashier did not touch my products or my cards. She held the scanner as I presented each product.

 

All things considered, I found the experience reassuring. Businesses, Employees and Customers are taking the virus issue seriously, responsibly and calmly. I was impressed! 

 

 

[ravinblue]

I'm not an epidemiologist, but I do have some experience with infectious diseases having practiced pediatrics for 39 years. If you are asking when the cruise companies and/or the politicians say it will be OK to cruise, then my guess is as good as anyone else's. 

If you are asking when I will cruise again, it will be when I am immune to this virus, either by a vaccine or from getting the disease and surviving. Now, that may change if there are good treatments discovered or if the virus miraculously disappears with warm weather or something, but I am not hopeful for either of those scenarios.

Cruise ships have always been a great incubator for germs, but when the major risk was catching a cold or intestinal virus, the risk was worth it to me. But, the fatality rate for this disease is too high. 

[cachouonacruise]

Upon starting this thread, I was looking for signs of Hope, events to look forward to or to watch for, hinting that better times are approaching.

 

To my big surprise, I received a powerful and unexpected sign of hope within my own family!

 

I will become a grand-father for the first time near the end of 2020!!! 

 

So, I now have something to really look forward to, besides going on a future cruise! 

 

Thank-you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences! 

 

 

[hcat]

 

 

Greetings from suburban New York....

Congrats.. grandparenting is a wonderful gift.  We have a pre schooler and 2 mo old..pure joy.  Sure wish we could hug them ... they are close by but we are staying in our home for now.  The older one  sent  his gp a photo instead of a hug!

 

Hope....someone our dtr knows ( sr age) has been in the hospital with Corona.. and sepsis., After receiving new meds he may come off the ventilator and have a chance at recovery! 

 

We are praying and hoping for him and all other victims!

Edited March 28, 2020 by hcat

[cachouonacruise]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

Hope....someone our dtr knows ( sr age) has been in the hospital with Corona.. and sepsis., After receiving new meds he may come off the ventilator and have a chance at recovery! 

 

Thank-you Hcat for your kind words and sharing your grand-parent joy!

 

We are joining you in prayers for the health of your daughter’s friend and other victims of this virus! 

 

Keep us posted! 

[Fouremco]

2 hours ago, cachouonacruise said:

I will become a grand-father for the first time near the end of 2020!!! 

 

So, I now have something to really look forward to, besides going on a future cruise! 

Félicitations! As a 5-time grand-père, I know the excitement! 

 

Now you can look forward to going on a cruise WITH your grandchild. In a few years, of course. 🍼

[Bill Miller]

Keep Hope Alive! 

I worked with an IED explosives expert. His outlook, "We will address this problem, and Drive On!"

My take, "We will address this problem, and Cruise On!"

Keep Hope Alive!

[hcat]

3 hours ago, cachouonacruise said:

 

Thank-you Hcat for your kind words and sharing your grand-parent joy!

 

We are joining you in prayers for the health of your daughter’s friend and other victims of this virus! 

 

Keep us posted! 

Thank you..

The 4 yr old says gpa is his best friend and always saves the seat  next to him for gp... Now new baby brother may be a new bff!

 

 Bill Miller..good words

KEEP HOPE ALIVE!

For ourselves and  all the world's children and grand children!

 

 

 

[eyecantwait]

On 3/23/2020 at 3:19 PM, Georgia_Peaches said:

  I'm doing all that a single person can be expected to do (and I don't think I'm alone...especially here on CC) and at the end of the day, all I have left is hope.  So let's be careful not to trample on people's hope when they may otherwise feel quite helpless in this terrible crisis.  

 

Stay well...

Thank you @chemmo for being a calming "voice"...

This.  This is all any of us can do right now.