COVID Testing on Iona

[wowzz]

18 minutes ago, ann141 said:

Is that just when Spirit of Discovery docked in Lanzarote to presumably disembark their covid case(s)? If so that was a day or two ago I think? Possibly things have changed.Hope the cruise I am due to go on next week goes ahead

Both Saga ships are docked in La Palma today. 

[ann141]

3 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Both Saga ships are docked in La Palma today. 

Thats encouraging.However, worrying if Canary Islands are not letting ships dock if they have covid cases onboard

[zap99]

2 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

Zap you've spent months telling everybody else on here if the cruise goes you will be on it no matter what

 

 Now all of a sudden you are talking about only your deposits are at risk??

 

 

I try not to comment on your posts but. I will go on all the cruises/ holidays/ breaks that are booked, plus a few more. I have not purchased insurance for those. Our annual insurance was cancelled due to an issue that is none of your concern. It will be purchased and the cover will be the best we can get at that time. If not comprehensive, tough, we will take a chance. Our deposits only are at risk at the moment. I will stop now, I would prefer not to get a ban.🤐

[Harry Peterson]

12 hours ago, ann141 said:

Thank you Harry.I tried to post a reply earlier but obviously CC gremlins at work!

Here’s the latest from Saga, Ann - just received.  Earlier post shows the earlier emails, but this response was an answer to this email:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

What you appear to be confirming, then, is that if a passenger is required to be disembarked but does not produce a positive COVID-19 test result SAGA will not cover any of the costs?
 

I need to be very clear on this point, because most insurance policies, and even, I believe, your own insurance, will cover only the costs of those actually testing positive - and not anyone else who is required to be disembarked."

 

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email.

We would not disembark you if you have not produced a positive Covid test, are you referring to a travelling companion? if one of you tested positive for covid and the other did not? if so claims are reviewed and accessed by the insurance company so we aren't able to say yes or no to this as it would depend on the situation and circumstances we cannot advise if a claim would pay this or not as its case by case.

Also, if you tested positive this doesn't mean you will be debarked this will happen only if they needed additional medical help otherwise they will remain onboard and be debarked when retuning back to the UK and stay in the isolation cabins until ok .

If either of you contract COVID whilst onboard you will be moved to the isolation zone and will be debarked off the ship if you medically need to be and taken to hospital. You would be escorted by a member of the ship, and flights will be arranged home when ok to do so. Yes, you will be allowed in that country. In the most part you will stay onboard unless very unwell, and brought back when the ship returns at the end of the cruise.

If I can be of any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind Regards,

Jemma O’Leary
Saga Holidays & Cruises

[ann141]

3 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Here’s the latest from Saga, Ann - just received.  Earlier post shows the earlier emails, but this response was an answer to this email:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

What you appear to be confirming, then, is that if a passenger is required to be disembarked but does not produce a positive COVID-19 test result SAGA will not cover any of the costs?
 

I need to be very clear on this point, because most insurance policies, and even, I believe, your own insurance, will cover only the costs of those actually testing positive - and not anyone else who is required to be disembarked."

 

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email.

We would not disembark you if you have not produced a positive Covid test, are you referring to a travelling companion? if one of you tested positive for covid and the other did not? if so claims are reviewed and accessed by the insurance company so we aren't able to say yes or no to this as it would depend on the situation and circumstances we cannot advise if a claim would pay this or not as its case by case.

Also, if you tested positive this doesn't mean you will be debarked this will happen only if they needed additional medical help otherwise they will remain onboard and be debarked when retuning back to the UK and stay in the isolation cabins until ok .

If either of you contract COVID whilst onboard you will be moved to the isolation zone and will be debarked off the ship if you medically need to be and taken to hospital. You would be escorted by a member of the ship, and flights will be arranged home when ok to do so. Yes, you will be allowed in that country. In the most part you will stay onboard unless very unwell, and brought back when the ship returns at the end of the cruise.

If I can be of any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind Regards,

Jemma O’Leary
Saga Holidays & Cruises

Thank you Harry.That helps me in that I would much prefer to quarantine on the ship if positive.However I wonder if things will change if news is correct that the Canary Islands won't let any ships visit if positive cases onboard.Once again, thanks for keeping me updated

[Megabear2]

14 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Here’s the latest from Saga, Ann - just received.  Earlier post shows the earlier emails, but this response was an answer to this email:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

What you appear to be confirming, then, is that if a passenger is required to be disembarked but does not produce a positive COVID-19 test result SAGA will not cover any of the costs?
 

I need to be very clear on this point, because most insurance policies, and even, I believe, your own insurance, will cover only the costs of those actually testing positive - and not anyone else who is required to be disembarked."

 

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email.

We would not disembark you if you have not produced a positive Covid test, are you referring to a travelling companion? if one of you tested positive for covid and the other did not? if so claims are reviewed and accessed by the insurance company so we aren't able to say yes or no to this as it would depend on the situation and circumstances we cannot advise if a claim would pay this or not as its case by case.

Also, if you tested positive this doesn't mean you will be debarked this will happen only if they needed additional medical help otherwise they will remain onboard and be debarked when retuning back to the UK and stay in the isolation cabins until ok .

If either of you contract COVID whilst onboard you will be moved to the isolation zone and will be debarked off the ship if you medically need to be and taken to hospital. You would be escorted by a member of the ship, and flights will be arranged home when ok to do so. Yes, you will be allowed in that country. In the most part you will stay onboard unless very unwell, and brought back when the ship returns at the end of the cruise.

If I can be of any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind Regards,

Jemma O’Leary
Saga Holidays & Cruises

Harry, do we know if Saga have actually had any covid passengers to deal with in the area of the Spanish ports?  The updates on all the cruise lines' protocols which appeared on 1 January or thereabouts all refer specifically to Spain and her islands.  We have confirmation from reliable sources that it is Spanish ports following the EU directive on cruising that is causing the offloading of negative testing close contacts (and it seems in Italy, Greece and Cyprus although we have no P&O/Cunard guests in these countries at present).

 

Would it be at all possible for you to return to Saga and ask about Spain and her islands particularly, perhaps stating that another cruise line you deal with have told you it is enforced by Spain and they state the port overrides the cruise line wishing to keep the passengers on board?

 

Thank you.

[Medeba]

24 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Here’s the latest from Saga, Ann - just received.  Earlier post shows the earlier emails, but this response was an answer to this email:

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

What you appear to be confirming, then, is that if a passenger is required to be disembarked but does not produce a positive COVID-19 test result SAGA will not cover any of the costs?
 

I need to be very clear on this point, because most insurance policies, and even, I believe, your own insurance, will cover only the costs of those actually testing positive - and not anyone else who is required to be disembarked."

 

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email.

We would not disembark you if you have not produced a positive Covid test, are you referring to a travelling companion? if one of you tested positive for covid and the other did not? if so claims are reviewed and accessed by the insurance company so we aren't able to say yes or no to this as it would depend on the situation and circumstances we cannot advise if a claim would pay this or not as its case by case.

Also, if you tested positive this doesn't mean you will be debarked this will happen only if they needed additional medical help otherwise they will remain onboard and be debarked when retuning back to the UK and stay in the isolation cabins until ok .

If either of you contract COVID whilst onboard you will be moved to the isolation zone and will be debarked off the ship if you medically need to be and taken to hospital. You would be escorted by a member of the ship, and flights will be arranged home when ok to do so. Yes, you will be allowed in that country. In the most part you will stay onboard unless very unwell, and brought back when the ship returns at the end of the cruise.

If I can be of any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind Regards,

Jemma O’Leary
Saga Holidays & Cruises

I am now really confused.  I thought the Spanish government insisted on passengers being disembarked if they tested positive.  The reply from Saga seems to suggest that is no longer the case.  Is anyone able to clarify?

[Megabear2]

Just now, Medeba said:

I am now really confused.  I thought the Spanish government insisted on passengers being disembarked if they tested positive.  The reply from Saga seems to suggest that is no longer the case.  Is anyone able to clarify?

I do not believe it has changed and hence the "new" disclaimer from cruise lines. I have suggested Harry goes back to Saga for further clarification on this specific point.

[wowzz]

10 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Harry, do we know if Saga have actually had any covid passengers to deal with in the area of the Spanish ports?  The updates on all the cruise lines' protocols which appeared on 1 January or thereabouts all refer specifically to Spain and her islands.  We have confirmation from reliable sources that it is Spanish ports following the EU directive on cruising that is causing the offloading of negative testing close contacts (and it seems in Italy, Greece and Cyprus although we have no P&O/Cunard guests in these countries at present).

 

Would it be at all possible for you to return to Saga and ask about Spain and her islands particularly, perhaps stating that another cruise line you deal with have told you it is enforced by Spain and they state the port overrides the cruise line wishing to keep the passengers on board?

 

Thank you.

From reading various Saga threads elsewhere, there do not currently appear to be any Covid cases on either ship.

[Megabear2]

Anyone have access to The Telegraph? This appeared on my "wall" a couple of minutes ago but is behind a pay wall so I can only see first para.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/saga-wont-cover-medical-expenses-spain/

 

[Host Sharon]

4 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Anyone have access to The Telegraph? This appeared on my "wall" a couple of minutes ago but is behind a pay wall so I can only see first para.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/saga-wont-cover-medical-expenses-spain/

 

Are you sure this is Saga Cruises and not Saga Holidays. They sell land holidays too.

[ann141]

10 minutes ago, wowzz said:

From reading various Saga threads elsewhere, there do not currently appear to be any Covid cases on either ship.

There has been a code Quebec on spirit of Discovery this morning and everyone has had to return to their cabins as there is a suspected covid case onboard

[Megabear2]

13 minutes ago, Host Sharon said:

Are you sure this is Saga Cruises and not Saga Holidays. They sell land holidays too.

No, which is why I'm trying to see the full article.

[tring]

2 hours ago, Gettingwarmer said:

I’ve heard that Saga ships with quarantine passengers  still docking in the Canaries. Maybe it depends on the percentage affected. 

 

This info was put out last night.  Has a Saga ship docked in a Canary port today, if so which port?   I would be very interested about that, as I say I was only reported a comment I have seen.

Edited January 13, 2022 by tring

[Harry Peterson]

25 minutes ago, Megabear2 said:

Anyone have access to The Telegraph? This appeared on my "wall" a couple of minutes ago but is behind a pay wall so I can only see first para.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/saga-wont-cover-medical-expenses-spain/

 

It’s Saga holidays, rather than the cruise arm. And it’s essentially an issue relating to cover in Spain on a policy requiring an additional premium to cover that country.

[Gettingwarmer]

11 minutes ago, tring said:

 

This info was put out last night.  Has a Saga ship docked in a Canary port today, if so which port?   I would be very interested about that, as I say I was only reported a comment I have seen

 

.Earlier in this thread wozz says both saga ships are docked in La Palma

Edited January 13, 2022 by Gettingwarmer

[tring]

1 minute ago, Gettingwarmer said:

On another thread wozz says both saga ships are docked in La Palma

 

Interesting - do they have covid on board, or is it just contacts who you say are isolating?

[Gettingwarmer]

1 minute ago, tring said:

 

Interesting - do they have covid on board, or is it just contacts who you say are isolating?

I have no information regarding covid infection on the ships. 

[tring]

17 minutes ago, Gettingwarmer said:

I have no information regarding covid infection on the ships. 

 

Ahh, I thought your original post said there were people isolating on the ship.  Whatever the situation is will become clear son enough.

Edited January 13, 2022 by tring

[davecttr]

La Palmas de Gran Canary rather than La Palma the island which is now getting cruise ship visits despite a good chunk of the island being buried under lava.

[tring]

10 hours ago, wowzz said:

Well, UK rates have fallen for seven consecutive days, so by the end  of  March,  Spain should also be on a downward trajectory as well, so Zapp will be good to go !

 

As I understand it, only London figures have gone down.  Other areas still rising quickly, particularly so by us.  

 

Hopefully London is just ahead, so other areas may follow, but not totally clear yet.

[tring]

12 minutes ago, davecttr said:

La Palmas de Gran Canary rather than La Palma the island which is now getting cruise ship visits despite a good chunk of the island being buried under lava.

 

La Palma is the best island imo, we were there a few weeks ago and all is perfectly fine on the vast majority of the island as only a very small area affected.  In fact there are reports the volcano has stopped.

 

Ships had continued  visiting throughout and running trips as usual.  We also sailed to the west of the island at night to view the volcano, though sadly nlittle to see by the time we were there.

 

Edited January 13, 2022 by tring

[Gettingwarmer]

19 minutes ago, tring said:

 

Interesting - do they have covid on board, or is it just contacts who you say are isolating?

 

17 minutes ago, Gettingwarmer said:

I have no information regarding covid infection on the ships. 

Sorry I meant i have no detailed information regarding the ships.

[davecttr]

16 minutes ago, tring said:

 

La Palma is the best island imo, we were there a few weeks ago and all is perfectly fine on the vast majority of the island as only a very small area affected.  In fact there are reports the volcano has stopped.

 

Ships still visiting and running trips as usual.

 

An important bit of the island though as the biggest eruption in hundreds of years has severed all the North/South road links on the west side of the island and destroyed thousands of properties and the livelihoods of thousands of people. they will have to wait some time until they can construct a new road link. Luckily for cruise passengers the area was not normally visited by excursions.

 

edit- for anyone interested this gives an overview of the eruption with maps

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Cumbre_Vieja_volcanic_eruption

Edited January 13, 2022 by davecttr

[Cathygh]

I am on QE and can confirm that FO was in Tenerife yesterday and also we saw coach trips cpming and going.

Today we are in Lanzarote and I can't see any other ships in.

We had people taken off in Gran Canaria. The captain did inform us that this would be happening.However there was a safety exercise this morning and the Captain said crew in isolation did not have to attend. I think there is a problem amongst the crew as the twice daily cabin service has been reduced to once a day since Tuesday and we were told we might not have the same steward every day. I hope that anyone who is ill  on board is not too poorly and that they will make a good recovery. I do not know if anyone was taken off yesterday or will be removed today.