Cancelling bus excursions due to fear of quarantine?????

[Ballerina Sweetie Pie]

On 8/17/2021 at 6:47 AM, molymoo said:

Gosh, things in Iceland seem to be "going South" fast!  I have no wisdom to offer here but am beginning to think that my decision to "skip" Iceland in favor of Bermuda was a wise one!  I understand that Viking is at the mercy of the "authorities" in Iceland with regard to positive cases and quarantine procedures but there seems to be some confusion as to who the "authorities" are: in one case the coast guard seemed to be calling the shots but other times a health minister is in charge.  I also can't help but think that the contact tracing that Viking is doing is a big drawback for passengers.  If you are on a Viking arranged excursion and one of your fellow passengers tests positive the next day it appears that your cruise is over.  If you go out on your own or on a privately arranged tour and come into contact with someone who later tests positive, no one knows or cares unless you personally test positive at some later date.  Are they still allowing passengers off of the ship to "do their own thing"?  

No outside excursions at this point

[bbtondo]

5 hours ago, MarkTapley said:

Just my observations from being on Sky for the past five days: Viking seems to be doing their best to get people to wear their masks, or be socially distanced.  The cruise director mentions this requirement every time she’s doing an announcement. And Captain made a special announcement about this yesterday. And tour guides mention it.  But Viking may have decided that there was only so much they could do to get people to adhere to the Covid mask rules.  I think most people are wearing their masks as they should.  But it’s maddening to see people wandering around public spaces on the ship and riding on busses with their masks on their chins, or under their noses.  We have tried a time or two to coax people near us to mask up, but that is a losing venture.  We have our own strategy to stay safe and it’s worked fine for us (so far) during our week driving around the island and 5 days onboard.

Have you observed any Viking employee tell a passenger to put their mask on? I was recently on a flight where not one flight attendant said a word to the "chin" people.  Unbelievable.

[Cienfuegos]

22 minutes ago, bbtondo said:

Have you observed any Viking employee tell a passenger to put their mask on? I was recently on a flight where not one flight attendant said a word to the "chin" people.  Unbelievable.

 

Unfortunately, flight attendants have been punched, spit on, and otherwise assaulted for trying to convey the TSA rule on masking. Frankly, I don't think I'd be in a hurry to tell an angry, probably drunk person that they are required to fully cover.

 

The recent mask provoked air brawl that left one passenger duct taped to the seat also resulted in the suspension of the flight attendants.

[friendlyfifer]

1 hour ago, bbtondo said:

Have you observed any Viking employee tell a passenger to put their mask on? I was recently on a flight where not one flight attendant said a word to the "chin" people.  Unbelievable.

Airlines need to enforce the rules on wearing masks and fellow passengers need to call out the offenders.
On our UK cruise in late May, passengers did wear masks as directed by Viking and, if you got up from a dining table without wearing a mask, the waiters would gently remind you to put on your mask. They even had a supply of spare masks on their person.

It’s up to us all to call out the selfish individuals ensuring that we are all able to cruise as safely as possible.

[KarNog]

5 minutes ago, friendlyfifer said:

Airlines need to enforce the rules on wearing masks and fellow passengers need to call out the offenders.
On our UK cruise in late May, passengers did wear masks as directed by Viking and, if you got up from a dining table without wearing a mask, the waiters would gently remind you to put on your mask. They even had a supply of spare masks on their person.

It’s up to us all to call out the selfish individuals ensuring that we are all able to cruise as safely as possible.

In theory that's good. When someone spits in your face, reality sets in. Mask mandates are difficult to enforce.

[friendlyfifer]

18 minutes ago, KarNog said:

In theory that's good. When someone spits in your face, reality sets in. Mask mandates are difficult to enforce.

It’s not easy but we all have a part to play. It can’t solely be left to cabin or ship crew. If we’re not willing to speak up then perhaps we should stay at home.

[MarkTapley]

40 minutes ago, friendlyfifer said:

It’s not easy but we all have a part to play. It can’t solely be left to cabin or ship crew. If we’re not willing to speak up then perhaps we should stay at home.

I don’t disagree with what you’re saying.  We’ve challenged people multiple times the past 5 days.  Pretty hard when the people have their minds made up.  I don’t understand why folks aren’t more careful.

[Heartgrove]

2 hours ago, friendlyfifer said:

Airlines need to enforce the rules on wearing masks and fellow passengers need to call out the offenders.
On our UK cruise in late May, passengers did wear masks as directed by Viking and, if you got up from a dining table without wearing a mask, the waiters would gently remind you to put on your mask. They even had a supply of spare masks on their person.

It’s up to us all to call out the selfish individuals ensuring that we are all able to cruise as safely as possible.

 

This World Cafe was the place with the most offenders on our cruise. Passengers would go for seconds or deserts without putting their mask back on. They would think nothing of then standing in line.

[KarNog]

1 hour ago, friendlyfifer said:

It’s not easy but we all have a part to play. It can’t solely be left to cabin or ship crew. If we’re not willing to speak up then perhaps we should stay at home.

Sorry, but I tried standing up in my place of business to threats of physical violence. My employees have been spat on and threatened. Anti-maskers are not easily reigned in. My hope is that "those types" aren't on a cruise ship, but I'm not gonna find out.

[Redtravel]

Viking should mandate masks.  By letting people to go maskless puts everyone at risk. Knowing this, I would be hesitant to sail. 

[friendlyfifer]

8 hours ago, KarNog said:

Sorry, but I tried standing up in my place of business to threats of physical violence. My employees have been spat on and threatened. Anti-maskers are not easily reigned in. My hope is that "those types" aren't on a cruise ship, but I'm not gonna find out.

What happens in your state and country is the responsibility of your law enforcement officers and politicians. It is disappointing if you have not received the support you need. 

[friendlyfifer]

3 hours ago, Redtravel said:

Viking should mandate masks.  By letting people to go maskless puts everyone at risk. Knowing this, I would be hesitant to sail. 

Viking do have a policy on the wearing of masks. However that policy could change between booking a cruise and boarding the ship. What Viking should not be doing is allowing passengers to flaunt the current policy once on board.

[friendlyfifer]

8 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

 

This World Cafe was the place with the most offenders on our cruise. Passengers would go for seconds or deserts without putting their mask back on. They would think nothing of then standing in line.

Were these people challenged by fellow passengers and Viking crew?

[JessM66]

On 8/17/2021 at 7:38 PM, hehny said:

Simply being on a bus with a positive passenger does not mean quarantine in Iceland.  Both Sky and Jupiter had positive cases reported this past week. Only one ship required every bus passenger that toured with the positive person to quarantine regardless of status.  This was because the bus stopped for a long lunch indoors where social distancing was not possible.  Indeed, passengers reported being nearly on top of each other without masks.  Both Viking’s Chief Medical Officer and the Icelandic authorities agreed on quarantine.

 

 Keep in mind this was on Thursday and the cruise ended that Tuesday.   You need to have time to account for the transmission time before you test due to an exposure. There was a far greater likelihood of transmission under these circumstances than on the other ship’s bus ride where everyone was masked inside at all times. 

Not true, passengers on sky were also quarantined, then sent home early, it’s just Viking managed to keep the sky incident under wraps better than the Jupiter incident

 

[Heartgrove]

5 hours ago, friendlyfifer said:

Were these people challenged by fellow passengers and Viking crew?

 

I am not certain what the solution would be. I don't believe that it is a passenger's responsiblilty. Just stay away from the offender. I never really noticed any of the crew reminding anyone. Should Security have a role? Would that be overkill?  Or do passengers just lack the presence of mind? I wonder given the pushback by some of the visibly wearing of the contact tracer.

[JER/MPR]

17 hours ago, bbtondo said:

Have you observed any Viking employee tell a passenger to put their mask on? I was recently on a flight where not one flight attendant said a word to the "chin" people.  Unbelievable.

Yes often, especially when leaving the dining rooms.  

[mancunian]

We are on the Star in the UK at present.

 

Slightly disturbed by Viking’s attitude.  On a coach trip yesterday the guide began by spelling out Viking’s rules, face masks all the time on and off coach, and at our short stop for bathroom and photos of St Michael’s Mount we could not go into the shop or cafe.  At said stop she repeated it all.  A couple promptly set off purposely to the cafe or shop (next door to each other) and she had to race after them and persuade them to return or she had to report them.  Coming back the man sitting diagonally to us had his face mask round his chin.  Don’t know about others on the coach

 

My husband talked to the guide at the stop and sympathised with her.  She said it was awful and that the previous week one couple arrived ready to break all rules and though she hated doing so she had reported them. and they were confined to their cabins.  

 

We did not feel Viking should expect a tour guide to act as policeman.  If Viking want their rules obeyed they should put a crew member on the coach.  Actually on Silversea, Oceania and Holland America they always put a crew member on in any case.   It seems to me that with a crew member onboard the coach passengers may be a little deterred by the consequences but will have  even less respect for a guide.

 

Even more puzzled today, as yesterday seats had notices on them and we all had to sit in alternate rows with two rows clear between driver and guide row and passengers.  Today no social distancing and this was with a Viking person on the coach just at loading time, who said sit where you like and no notices on seats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[C-sea]

I am sad that I have canceled all my prepaid Jupiter 8/24 shore excursions. I will speak to shorex agents when onboard and may add a few back, if it makes sense to us. We kept the included tours and will understand our risks before taking each tour.

[KarNog]

7 minutes ago, C-sea said:

I am sad that I have canceled all my prepaid Jupiter 8/24 shore excursions. I will speak to shorex agents when onboard and may add a few back, if it makes sense to us. We kept the included tours and will understand our risks before taking each tour.

I canceled the Circle tour, but I'm thinking seriously about adding it back when I get onboard Saturday. I keep thinking that this is probably the only trip I'll make to Iceland and I should take advantage of all opportunities. I've always been a gambler - don't know why I suddenly folded my hand without seeing the flop.

[hutch1994]

7 hours ago, mancunian said:

We are on the Star in the UK at present.

 

Slightly disturbed by Viking’s attitude.  On a coach trip yesterday the guide began by spelling out Viking’s rules, face masks all the time on and off coach, and at our short stop for bathroom and photos of St Michael’s Mount we could not go into the shop or cafe.  At said stop she repeated it all.  A couple promptly set off purposely to the cafe or shop (next door to each other) and she had to race after them and persuade them to return or she had to report them.  Coming back the man sitting diagonally to us had his face mask round his chin.  Don’t know about others on the coach

 

My husband talked to the guide at the stop and sympathised with her.  She said it was awful and that the previous week one couple arrived ready to break all rules and though she hated doing so she had reported them. and they were confined to their cabins.  

 

We did not feel Viking should expect a tour guide to act as policeman.  If Viking want their rules obeyed they should put a crew member on the coach.  Actually on Silversea, Oceania and Holland America they always put a crew member on in any case.   It seems to me that with a crew member onboard the coach passengers may be a little deterred by the consequences but will have  even less respect for a guide.

 

Even more puzzled today, as yesterday seats had notices on them and we all had to sit in alternate rows with two rows clear between driver and guide row and passengers.  Today no social distancing and this was with a Viking person on the coach just at loading time, who said sit where you like and no notices on seats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should see the pictures from the current Malta just about to finish.  People sitting around playing trivia, etc. sans masks.

[JessM66]

8 hours ago, mancunian said:

We are on the Star in the UK at present.

 

Slightly disturbed by Viking’s attitude.  On a coach trip yesterday the guide began by spelling out Viking’s rules, face masks all the time on and off coach, and at our short stop for bathroom and photos of St Michael’s Mount we could not go into the shop or cafe.  At said stop she repeated it all.  A couple promptly set off purposely to the cafe or shop (next door to each other) and she had to race after them and persuade them to return or she had to report them.  Coming back the man sitting diagonally to us had his face mask round his chin.  Don’t know about others on the coach

 

My husband talked to the guide at the stop and sympathised with her.  She said it was awful and that the previous week one couple arrived ready to break all rules and though she hated doing so she had reported them. and they were confined to their cabins.  

 

We did not feel Viking should expect a tour guide to act as policeman.  If Viking want their rules obeyed they should put a crew member on the coach.  Actually on Silversea, Oceania and Holland America they always put a crew member on in any case.   It seems to me that with a crew member onboard the coach passengers may be a little deterred by the consequences but will have  even less respect for a guide.

 

Even more puzzled today, as yesterday seats had notices on them and we all had to sit in alternate rows with two rows clear between driver and guide row and passengers.  Today no social distancing and this was with a Viking person on the coach just at loading time, who said sit where you like and no notices on seats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy answer…you have one more test to take on Friday morning, after then you are off the ship and no longer their concern, if you get infected today then by the time you test positive you are long gone

 

[JessM66]

44 minutes ago, hutch1994 said:

You should see the pictures from the current Malta just about to finish.  People sitting around playing trivia, etc. sans masks.

Not all I hope…but a certain couple by any chance? How they haven’t got covid is just beyond me…a pact with the devil maybe, with the owners suite thrown in

 

 

 

 

 

[CCWineLover]

4 hours ago, hutch1994 said:

You should see the pictures from the current Malta just about to finish.  People sitting around playing trivia, etc. sans masks.

We experienced the same issues with moderately large contingents not wanting to use masks on our Bermuda cruise.  Seemed to happen the most in the Explorer's Lounge, where large groups (8-16) pulled the chairs and tables together and were having a great time before dinner - as if there were no rules.   We also had quite a number of people throughout the ship who did the glass of water in front of them (without drinking it), so they could have masks off and talk with the others sitting next to them.

In the Star theatre, it was not so good either, as large groups would sit in a row and take off the dividers and X's that marked don't sit here, so they could have their huge groups together.  Sometimes it seemed like 2019.  Viking did make constant announcements over the speakers, but many people seemed to ignore them.  Like in our daily society, it does become a delicate issue on how much to escalate things, as you know there can be bad reactions, especially after alcohol is involved.

[mancunian]

Your comments make our coach trips sound tame.  I think that onboard it has been pretty well behaved in general with people keen to keep a good distance apart.

 

JessM66 you make a good point which is probably true.  We are out of their hair tomorrow - it just seemed bizarre two trips, two days apart being so different.

[friendlyfifer]

Having sailed on Viking Venus in May I truly believe Viking are trying to get things right. However what they do need is the support of passengers. UK passengers are not perfect but I suspect they are far more compliant than Americans. Whatever your nationality do the right thing and safeguard the crew and fellow passengers.