GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS - Barbados - Terrible reports

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 minute ago, LGW59 said:

You are not going to get only people who believe all of this to reply/agree/thank you, not happening.  Once any of us posts something, it is open to all who want to respond, not to only to the ones that want to show us the "love".  You clearly do not like it when someone disagrees with you, which you certainly have a right to, but just accept the fact this is an open forum.  Be safe in Barbados!

They dont have to agree

 

Equally they don't have to shoot the messenger

[MindyJohn]

This is from @Richard/Traci - the letter he received from RCCL as posted on Grandeur's Jan9 Rollcall. 

 

Dear Guest,

Before we welcome you onboard for your upcoming January 9^th, 2022 Grandeur of the Seas sailing, we have some important information to share.

As a result of the omicron variant, which we have seen is more transmissible with milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened our onboard health protocols to include requirements like wearing a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino. This is in addition to sailing with reduced capacity, stringent health checks and vaccination requirements for guests and crew, enhanced cleaning and sanitization standards, expanded expert medical care, and 100% fresh, filtered air.

Even with our high onboard community vaccination rate and our enhanced protocols in place, there is still a possibility of positive cases arising before you board for your sailing – just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. While our protocols anticipate this possibility, and while guests are required to test negative prior to flying into Barbados and once again prior to boarding our ships, approximately 1% of guests are testing positive at check-in. In the event that a guest is denied boarding due to being COVID positive, the guest is responsible for the resulting costs; including quarantine in a Barbados government facility or quarantine approved property for 7 to 10 days, transport to the property, and return transportation home once medically cleared. The average cost of quarantine approved lodging is approximately $200 per night. We want you to be aware of this.

It’s important to us that you have as much information as possible to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Should you no longer wish to sail or if you would like to reschedule your vacation, please contact your Travel Advisor or give us a call at 1 (866) 562-7625or at 954-628-9290 for our international guests. We’ll provide you with a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits, or we will help you find a new cruise. You’ll also be refunded for any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International amenities to the original form of payment within 14 business days. To avoid waiting on the phone to reschedule or cancel, click here and we will get the process started for you.

If you still wish to sail, please be sure to review our full protocols in our Healthy Sail Center. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

Sincerely,

 

[firefly333]

2 minutes ago, MindyJohn said:

This is from @Richard/Traci - the letter he received from RCCL as posted on Grandeur's Jan9 Rollcall. 

 

Dear Guest,

Before we welcome you onboard for your upcoming January 9^th, 2022 Grandeur of the Seas sailing, we have some important information to share.

As a result of the omicron variant, which we have seen is more transmissible with milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened our onboard health protocols to include requirements like wearing a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino. This is in addition to sailing with reduced capacity, stringent health checks and vaccination requirements for guests and crew, enhanced cleaning and sanitization standards, expanded expert medical care, and 100% fresh, filtered air.

Even with our high onboard community vaccination rate and our enhanced protocols in place, there is still a possibility of positive cases arising before you board for your sailing – just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. While our protocols anticipate this possibility, and while guests are required to test negative prior to flying into Barbados and once again prior to boarding our ships, approximately 1% of guests are testing positive at check-in. In the event that a guest is denied boarding due to being COVID positive, the guest is responsible for the resulting costs; including quarantine in a Barbados government facility or quarantine approved property for 7 to 10 days, transport to the property, and return transportation home once medically cleared. The average cost of quarantine approved lodging is approximately $200 per night. We want you to be aware of this.

It’s important to us that you have as much information as possible to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Should you no longer wish to sail or if you would like to reschedule your vacation, please contact your Travel Advisor or give us a call at 1 (866) 562-7625or at 954-628-9290 for our international guests. We’ll provide you with a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits, or we will help you find a new cruise. You’ll also be refunded for any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International amenities to the original form of payment within 14 business days. To avoid waiting on the phone to reschedule or cancel, click here and we will get the process started for you.

If you still wish to sail, please be sure to review our full protocols in our Healthy Sail Center. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

Sincerely,

 

You have to scan ahead to the important part I mentioned a few posts back ... if you test positive at the port, it's on your dime to pay for the hotel to isolate in. They say a average of $200 a night. I've read $230, whatever ... if you book this cruise out of Barbados be prepared for quite a bit of cost should you test positive. .. and cant board.

 

People blame rcl but its Barbados.  The protocols and terminal workers are Barbados not rcl workers. I see people blaming rcl. Rcl is offering these cruises with nice ports I have to say as a choice. .the problem is what Barbados is doing. Not a chance I'd take. There is a lovely TA to Galveston by way of Panama I'd love but not with this risk to depart from Barbados. 

[BonTexasNY]

To the OP:  And you STILL haven't cancelled?? 

[bajathree]

20 minutes ago, MindyJohn said:

This is from @Richard/Traci - the letter he received from RCCL as posted on Grandeur's Jan9 Rollcall. 

 

Dear Guest,

Before we welcome you onboard for your upcoming January 9^th, 2022 Grandeur of the Seas sailing, we have some important information to share.

As a result of the omicron variant, which we have seen is more transmissible with milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened our onboard health protocols to include requirements like wearing a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino. This is in addition to sailing with reduced capacity, stringent health checks and vaccination requirements for guests and crew, enhanced cleaning and sanitization standards, expanded expert medical care, and 100% fresh, filtered air.

Even with our high onboard community vaccination rate and our enhanced protocols in place, there is still a possibility of positive cases arising before you board for your sailing – just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. While our protocols anticipate this possibility, and while guests are required to test negative prior to flying into Barbados and once again prior to boarding our ships, approximately 1% of guests are testing positive at check-in. In the event that a guest is denied boarding due to being COVID positive, the guest is responsible for the resulting costs; including quarantine in a Barbados government facility or quarantine approved property for 7 to 10 days, transport to the property, and return transportation home once medically cleared. The average cost of quarantine approved lodging is approximately $200 per night. We want you to be aware of this.

It’s important to us that you have as much information as possible to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Should you no longer wish to sail or if you would like to reschedule your vacation, please contact your Travel Advisor or give us a call at 1 (866) 562-7625or at 954-628-9290 for our international guests. We’ll provide you with a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits, or we will help you find a new cruise. You’ll also be refunded for any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International amenities to the original form of payment within 14 business days. To avoid waiting on the phone to reschedule or cancel, click here and we will get the process started for you.

If you still wish to sail, please be sure to review our full protocols in our Healthy Sail Center. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

Sincerely,

 

Thats a BIG cancel!!!

[jean87510]

33 minutes ago, MindyJohn said:

This is from @Richard/Traci - the letter he received from RCCL as posted on Grandeur's Jan9 Rollcall. 

 

Dear Guest,

Before we welcome you onboard for your upcoming January 9^th, 2022 Grandeur of the Seas sailing, we have some important information to share.

As a result of the omicron variant, which we have seen is more transmissible with milder symptoms for those fully vaccinated, we have further strengthened our onboard health protocols to include requirements like wearing a mask indoors at all times unless eating or drinking, and temporarily not allowing smoking in the casino. This is in addition to sailing with reduced capacity, stringent health checks and vaccination requirements for guests and crew, enhanced cleaning and sanitization standards, expanded expert medical care, and 100% fresh, filtered air.

Even with our high onboard community vaccination rate and our enhanced protocols in place, there is still a possibility of positive cases arising before you board for your sailing – just as there is an inherent risk of COVID-19 anywhere people congregate or gather. While our protocols anticipate this possibility, and while guests are required to test negative prior to flying into Barbados and once again prior to boarding our ships, approximately 1% of guests are testing positive at check-in. In the event that a guest is denied boarding due to being COVID positive, the guest is responsible for the resulting costs; including quarantine in a Barbados government facility or quarantine approved property for 7 to 10 days, transport to the property, and return transportation home once medically cleared. The average cost of quarantine approved lodging is approximately $200 per night. We want you to be aware of this.

It’s important to us that you have as much information as possible to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Should you no longer wish to sail or if you would like to reschedule your vacation, please contact your Travel Advisor or give us a call at 1 (866) 562-7625or at 954-628-9290 for our international guests. We’ll provide you with a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form of payment, including non-refundable deposits, or we will help you find a new cruise. You’ll also be refunded for any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International amenities to the original form of payment within 14 business days. To avoid waiting on the phone to reschedule or cancel, click here and we will get the process started for you.

If you still wish to sail, please be sure to review our full protocols in our Healthy Sail Center. As always, health and safety protocols are subject to change. If you have questions about these protocols, please reference our FAQs for details.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon!

Sincerely,

 

well at least they are giving guidelines now.  

[LGW59]

27 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

You have to scan ahead to the important part I mentioned a few posts back ... if you test positive at the port, it's on your dime to pay for the hotel to isolate in. They say a average of $200 a night. I've read $230, whatever ... if you book this cruise out of Barbados be prepared for quite a bit of cost should you test positive. .. and cant board.

 

People blame rcl but its Barbados.  The protocols and terminal workers are Barbados not rcl workers. I see people blaming rcl. Rcl is offering these cruises with nice ports I have to say as a choice. .the problem is what Barbados is doing. Not a chance I'd take. There is a lovely TA to Galveston by way of Panama I'd love but not with this risk to depart from Barbados. 

This!!!  Blame blame blame, when really if one decides to take the chance and go for this cruise, own it already, you know possible outcomes.

[Interestedcruisefan]

10 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

This!!!  Blame blame blame, when really if one decides to take the chance and go for this cruise, own it already, you know possible outcomes.

I was not aware of just how bad Barbados quarantine was until I read this thread?

 

And I'm on these forums every day and research my holidays way more than most people ?

 

So what chance have normal passengers got of knowing what to expect?

 

As of now due to that NEW statement from RC - passengers now at least know the costs ish

 

Thats one thing they wouldnt know before. 

 

They will still need to do their own research to realise what Barbados quarantine is actually like

 

So I have to disagree with you 

 

Just because people have bought and are going on cruises does not mean they know the possible outcome by a long way

 

Why do you think RC have had to start sending out these statements to their passengers?

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by Interestedcruisefan

[Jimbo]

2 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

 

 

Why do you think RC have had to start sending out these statements to their passengers?

 

Because they probably had tons of complaits and passengers asking for help from the airport.

[Merion_Mom]

Personal responsibility.

 

 

[boxman52]

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

You are not going to get only people who believe all of this to reply/agree/thank you, not happening.  Once any of us posts something, it is open to all who want to respond, not to only to the ones that want to show us the "love".  You clearly do not like it when someone disagrees with you, which you certainly have a right to, but just accept the fact this is an open forum.  Be safe in Barbados!

I'm on a number of discussion boards. Some because they are fun and you have a range of ideas and views. Others because they inform decisions

I posted this thread at the start to inform people of a potential situation in Barbados. To help them be informed to make a decision because that is a good thing to do. I even answered some points but gave up as the responses become more and more bizarre.

What came back at me was ridiculous, bullying from an ill informed perspective. What is called a pile on I suppose. It's a common action when a small number of individuals lead a social media forum and others join in.

They didn't even read properly and think,  they just jumped in. Some passive aggressive self righteous others just come across a little bit unhinged.

Why those posters immediately take a up a defensive attack position I can only guess at. However I do suspect, and it's only suspect, there might be some financial interests at play here.

Regardless what can be seen now from multiple sources including Royal themselves is the situation at the port (not the ship) is not good. I'd say the reports I mentioned are more or less accurate not the work of one shoddy free newspaper as suggested.

I know it will not happen, as again as the messenger I will be shot, but the people who immediately went on the attack without knowing any facts or giving consideration should reflect on their actions. These people make this board not just unwelcoming but to be honest an unpleasant place to be. However as one poster said there is an amusement factor.

My motivation was and is only to help people make there own decisions but with some more knowledge than they had before. Because I for one would want to know what sort of situation I was potentially leading myself & my family into.

BTW I quite enjoy it when someone disagrees with me (why would I keep going on this thread?)  however there has to be some basis to a disagreement.

 

 

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, boxman52 said:

Why those posters immediately take a up a defensive attack position I can only guess at.

No need to guess - just accept it's the norm on CC (and many other forums) and move on.

[birdylady]

I find this thread very interesting.  We were scheduled for Grandeur next month, but back in the fall we saw what Barbados requirements were and felt it risky then, so we canceled and booked something out of the US.  I figured worse case scenario we could drive straight home if we had an issue.  Couldn’t from Barbados.  The week after we switched they ‘lightened up’ their requirements.  I figured with holidays coming up, there could still be a spike.  This was before Omicron.   With that said, I’m sorry we won’t take the cruise we booked, but glad we went with our decision.

 

To whomever still plans to sail out of Barbados, I sincerely wish you a safe, smooth and healthy trip.  
OP- thank you for sharing.

Erika

[boxman52]

18 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

No need to guess - just accept it's the norm on CC (and many other forums) and move on.

I can understand people defending their sports team illogically to the point that they open themselves up to ridicule but a corporate giant is psychologically   interesting to me

Edited January 6, 2022 by boxman52
Text

[firefly333]

31 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

Personal responsibility.

 

 

Yes, and realize how much it could cost. Add in the cost of another covid test I read could cost $300 to get out of quarantine.

 

Just saw a post someone's husband tested positive so couldnt board but they allowed everyone else in the party to board. ..2 days later the wife tested positive onboard.

 

Protocols are being questioned out of Barbados. That's why my exception to my rule where I say go cruise ... not out of Barbados. Quarantine there sounds awful. Especially dont bring your kids as some are doing. This port is worse than others to depart from right now.

[sgmn]

2 hours ago, jean87510 said:

When I filled out my post cruise survey I gave a zero for the pre board.  I had nowhere to comment on the survey regarding the airport situation.

I truly hope they just cancel the Barbados sailings not because of RCCL but because of the situation with coming into Barbados.  I have no idea how they can resolve this.  Also, to anyone who's on the fence, just know it's really a scary situation when you are in a foreign country at the mercy of their rules.  No sun bed or drink package is worth that.  

When they first announced these sailing from Barbados,  I was so tempted.  A lot of UK people winter holiday in Barbados and it sounded great.  Have a few days beach holiday , then a cruise and at a very good price.  

I'm so glad I didn't bite now.  I think personally I would not want to go and potentially have to deal with catching Omicron, either on the flight or the island before the cruise and the worry about getting a positive test. 

I've got one foreign cruise booked for next year, but it's from Europe and they seemed to of handled it pretty well last year. Though of course this was before Omicron. My other cruise is from and to my own country, which seems the safest way at the moment but so sad 😞 

Edited January 6, 2022 by sgmn

[stephensfamily5]

41 minutes ago, boxman52 said:

I'm on a number of discussion boards. Some because they are fun and you have a range of ideas and views. Others because they inform decisions

I posted this thread at the start to inform people of a potential situation in Barbados. To help them be informed to make a decision because that is a good thing to do. I even answered some points but gave up as the responses become more and more bizarre.

What came back at me was ridiculous, bullying from an ill informed perspective. What is called a pile on I suppose. It's a common action when a small number of individuals lead a social media forum and others join in.

They didn't even read properly and think,  they just jumped in. Some passive aggressive self righteous others just come across a little bit unhinged.

Why those posters immediately take a up a defensive attack position I can only guess at. However I do suspect, and it's only suspect, there might be some financial interests at play here.

Regardless what can be seen now from multiple sources including Royal themselves is the situation at the port (not the ship) is not good. I'd say the reports I mentioned are more or less accurate not the work of one shoddy free newspaper as suggested.

I know it will not happen, as again as the messenger I will be shot, but the people who immediately went on the attack without knowing any facts or giving consideration should reflect on their actions. These people make this board not just unwelcoming but to be honest an unpleasant place to be. However as one poster said there is an amusement factor.

My motivation was and is only to help people make there own decisions but with some more knowledge than they had before. Because I for one would want to know what sort of situation I was potentially leading myself & my family into.

BTW I quite enjoy it when someone disagrees with me (why would I keep going on this thread?)  however there has to be some basis to a disagreement.

 

 

I, for one, am thankful for people bringing up issues that we obviously need to be aware of in a situation that has been constantly changing.  Sorry for the bashing. 

[Interestedcruisefan]

31 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Yes, and realize how much it could cost. Add in the cost of another covid test I read could cost $300 to get out of quarantine.

 

Just saw a post someone's husband tested positive so couldnt board but they allowed everyone else in the party to board. ..2 days later the wife tested positive onboard.

 

Protocols are being questioned out of Barbados. That's why my exception to my rule where I say go cruise ... not out of Barbados. Quarantine there sounds awful. Especially dont bring your kids as some are doing. This port is worse than others to depart from right now.

You also have to pay  to get home from Barbados don't you?

[wake74]

People need to accept responsibility for their situations, travel is always optional, and only you are responsible to know what may or may not happen along your journey.  I've travelled all over the world, and always know the risks of any given location before that trip.  When I go into the rural parts of a third world country, I know that the chance of getting proper medical care (by Western standards) is slim, and I need to have a plan for what happens if I get hurt.  If I couldn't afford to extract myself to a country with proper medical care, I wouldn't go.  I was in St. Lucia last week on a family vacation and knew there was a chance one of us would test positive on the way out and be forced to quarantine (at our cost) so I knew the risks and accepted that possibility.  If the cost of a test or quarantine housing is going to be financially burdensome currently I'd suggest not going to Barbados (or lots of other foreign countries in a global pandemic).   I'm not saying the situation in Barbados doesn't suck (I would vote No at this point for my family, and I like Barbados), but we are each responsible to understand the risks we put ourselves in.  It isn't anyones responsibility other than yours to make sure you understand what you are getting into.

[RocCruisers]

Another interesting point is there are at least eight other cruise lines with a ship based in Barbados this season - most premium lines, and MSC as well.  I wonder how many other people from Seabourn or Windstar are reading this topic? 
And we were on the first Grandeur sailing in December. Had a great cruise but lousy day in Barbados before and after.  

[firefly333]

15 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

You also have to pay  to get home from Barbados don't you?

I was assuming since these are round trips from Barbados they are already booked home, though there could be change fees.

 

My question on the above ..the family filled out the rcl health screening and said they had not been around anyone with covid in the last 14 days, then the husband tested positive at the port. The wife knew she had now been around someone positive and her answer wasnt valid ..yet she boarded anyway, and they let her. I also blame the wife, but not posting back to her. She is the one saying she now tested positive onboard. No sense me making it worse.  .. but she should have known she was exposed. . And blames rcl protocols. 

[Interestedcruisefan]

6 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I was assuming since these are round trips from Barbados they are already booked home, though there could be change fees.

 

My question on the above ..the family filled out the rcl health screening and said they had not been around anyone with covid in the last 14 days, then the husband tested positive at the port. The wife knew she had now been around someone positive and her answer wasnt valid ..yet she boarded anyway, and they let her. I also blame the wife, but not posting back to her. She is the one saying she now tested positive onboard. No sense me making it worse.  .. but she should have known she was exposed. . And blames rcl protocols. 

But she understandably didn't want to go in a cage before being sent to prison in Barbados? 

 

Lol

 

Being serious if I had the choice I would tell my wife to leave me to face quarantine in Barbados alone based on the reports

 

Do my ”time” alone

 

Wouldn't you?

 

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by Interestedcruisefan

[Interestedcruisefan]

45 minutes ago, wake74 said:

People need to accept responsibility for their situations, travel is always optional, and only you are responsible to know what may or may not happen along your journey.  I've travelled all over the world, and always know the risks of any given location before that trip.  When I go into the rural parts of a third world country, I know that the chance of getting proper medical care (by Western standards) is slim, and I need to have a plan for what happens if I get hurt.  If I couldn't afford to extract myself to a country with proper medical care, I wouldn't go.  I was in St. Lucia last week on a family vacation and knew there was a chance one of us would test positive on the way out and be forced to quarantine (at our cost) so I knew the risks and accepted that possibility.  If the cost of a test or quarantine housing is going to be financially burdensome currently I'd suggest not going to Barbados (or lots of other foreign countries in a global pandemic).   I'm not saying the situation in Barbados doesn't suck (I would vote No at this point for my family, and I like Barbados), but we are each responsible to understand the risks we put ourselves in.  It isn't anyones responsibility other than yours to make sure you understand what you are getting into.

Isnt that EXACTLY why we need threads like this?

 

So we can make more informed choices and take responsibility?

 

At a guess what percentage of cruise passengers have any idea what they might experience if they test positive in Barbados?

 

Far less than 5 per cent I would suggest

 

Who should be informing them?

 

Or should they just find out when it happens to them? 

 

So someone on here can tell them

 

"You knew what you were signing up for etc etc"

Edited January 6, 2022 by Interestedcruisefan

[firefly333]

31 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

But she understandably didn't want to go in a cage before being sent to prison in Barbados? 

 

Lol

 

Being serious if I had the choice I would tell my wife to leave me to face quarantine in Barbados alone based on the reports

 

Do my ”time” alone

 

Wouldn't you?

 

 

 

 

Sure, I understand why she boarded. Not sure who the rest of the party are, but if they were kids I especially understand why she boarded. I get it quarantine there is bad news and expensive.

 

I'm not booked until may on this ship so tried to stay out of it as I'm going out of Galveston and joined because I've never done this ship and wanted ship  news.

[nocl]

3 hours ago, firefly333 said:

You have to scan ahead to the important part I mentioned a few posts back ... if you test positive at the port, it's on your dime to pay for the hotel to isolate in. They say a average of $200 a night. I've read $230, whatever ... if you book this cruise out of Barbados be prepared for quite a bit of cost should you test positive. .. and cant board.

 

People blame rcl but its Barbados.  The protocols and terminal workers are Barbados not rcl workers. I see people blaming rcl. Rcl is offering these cruises with nice ports I have to say as a choice. .the problem is what Barbados is doing. Not a chance I'd take. There is a lovely TA to Galveston by way of Panama I'd love but not with this risk to depart from Barbados. 

Not unlike other .countries If you think the cost of quarantine is high in Barbados, with the option of the government rather spartan facility, imagine testing positive when you get off your flight to Tahiti.

 

There are several places, actually some of the nicer vacation spots, that have similar rules.