Got COVID on April 9th-16th Apex sailing

[cangelmd]

33 minutes ago, tfred said:

I think that enough pax have figured out that Covid is probably "cold like" symptoms and why go through the ship protocols - isolation, haz mat suits and escort off the ship into a limo at the end  - if that is all it is.  

 

Pre cruise testing is interesting but it isn't stopping on board outbreaks and I think that outbreak number is higher than you think once you include post cruise and non reporters on board 

 

wonder how long the on board isolation can/will go on now that other public covid protocols are going away?

The big kicker in your question is the crew. The crew up until now has lived somewhat in a bubble, so every variant brought in by passengers or interaction with the truckers who drop off supplies in FLL every week, has led to upticks and mini-outbreaks amongst the crew.

Stopping isolation will lead to something bigger than just mini-outbreaks. If you just stopped today, there would, in about 2 weeks, be a big outbreak amongst any crew that has been isolated on the ship for months. The number of crew affected would be directly related to how long they’ve been onboard, with the folks who deal directly with the guests getting it first. I’m sure there are smart people working on mitigating that, but the easiest thing that I could think of is trickle in crew who have already been exposed and/or had omicron or BA-2 or delta - may even have reverse isolation, put them mingling together on a separate ship and get it over with, lol, ( I’m kidding). Anyway, it’s going to take time and I think it’s likely that testing, quarantine and denying boarding of passengers is going to go on for many more months.

[cangelmd]

19 minutes ago, drarill said:

Hi Rick.  I had my two Moderna doses back in December 2020 and January 2021, booster in October 2021.  Was elegible for my second booster a week before our Edge April 10 cruise.  Decided to Mix and Match and received the Pfizer booster this time. We booked a Villa to avoid the crowds, we had lunch every day in Le Grand Bistro for the same reason, I wore my mask (KN 95 or KF94) all the time, only taking it off in the dining room and the retreat pool. We "joined" the Silent disco, from a distance in deck 4.  We tested ourselves a couple of times and daily starting Saturday April 16.  Our flight back home was only 2 and a half hours, in business class, though the couple in front of us couldn't keep their masks on.  Tuesday morning my test was negative but before going to bed I felt a little congested and sneezed twice. Yesterday morning, before going to work,  I tested myself again and was positive, tested again with a different brand, and positive again. Decided to cancel my patients for the rest of the week.

FYI my husband's three first doses were with Pfizer and received his second booster (Moderna this time) the same day I received mine. He didn't wear his mask as much as I did and he still negative today.  I started taking Paxlovid yesterday and the only side effect so far is an awful metallic taste. 

I think that I was infected in Luminae.  The retreat is completely full and Luminae is too crowded IMHO. Do I regret going on this cruise? no, but I do hope that Moderna's new booster comes out before our September cruise and oral antivirals were easier to get. Still, hope my story helps you decide when you should get your second booster.  Keep in mind that I received my second booster only a week before the cruise. 

Happy cruising Rick!!

My story is so, so much like yours, except we didn’t mask as much as you did, we avoided crowded bars. I think I got it in the thermal suite because that is the one activity I did that my husband didn’t.

From the infection control viewpoint, it just shows how contagious and infectious this virus likely is, how well masks can work, but I think it is just not possible to make a cruise ship as safe as a comparable experience on land. 
I also don’t regret the trip, I would counsel family and friends to take precautions and consult their own physician if they are at all immunocopromised or elderly. I’m going again in May and I’m wearing a mask a lot more.

 I really hope the CDC stops requiring testing of citizens to re-enter the US, but I’m afraid they will dig in their heels now that the judge in Florida has challenged their legal authority.

 

 I was also very disappointed in Luminae (this was on Edge) - way, way too crowded and noisy, marginal service because staff was overworked. Sounded like they were throwing dishes around in the kitchen - I have never heard such a racket in a cruise ship dining room. We had one dinner in Cyprus, food was too far off from Luminae, and the service on this cruise was about the same. Much quieter with better social distancing.

Edited April 21, 2022 by cangelmd
Correct typo

[TeeRick]

17 minutes ago, lusyrsgirl said:

I also came away with Covid from this same cruise.  There are about 25 people from the facebook group I'm in that also came away with it.  Also about 20 or more from a large singles group that booked.  People who got Covid on ship reported about 20 passengers and 39 employees.  So well over 100.  I heard there were B2B people who had to get off the prior sailing due to Covid, so I think it carried over from prior cruise.  I'd do it all over again, but having Covid is/was the pits.  Still having symptoms (tested positive on Sunday).  

Did you have a booster prior to the cruise at some point?  Sorry you are not feeling well!

[TeeRick]

19 minutes ago, drarill said:

Hi Rick.  I had my two Moderna doses back in December 2020 and January 2021, booster in October 2021.  Was elegible for my second booster a week before our Edge April 10 cruise.  Decided to Mix and Match and received the Pfizer booster this time. We booked a Villa to avoid the crowds, we had lunch every day in Le Grand Bistro for the same reason, I wore my mask (KN 95 or KF94) all the time, only taking it off in the dining room and the retreat pool. We "joined" the Silent disco, from a distance in deck 4.  We tested ourselves a couple of times and daily starting Saturday April 16.  Our flight back home was only 2 and a half hours, in business class, though the couple in front of us couldn't keep their masks on.  Tuesday morning my test was negative but before going to bed I felt a little congested and sneezed twice. Yesterday morning, before going to work,  I tested myself again and was positive, tested again with a different brand, and positive again. Decided to cancel my patients for the rest of the week.

FYI my husband's three first doses were with Pfizer and received his second booster (Moderna this time) the same day I received mine. He didn't wear his mask as much as I did and he still negative today.  I started taking Paxlovid yesterday and the only side effect so far is an awful metallic taste. 

I think that I was infected in Luminae.  The retreat is completely full and Luminae is too crowded IMHO. Do I regret going on this cruise? no, but I do hope that Moderna's new booster comes out before our September cruise and oral antivirals were easier to get. Still, hope my story helps you decide when you should get your second booster.  Keep in mind that I received my second booster only a week before the cruise. 

Happy cruising Rick!!

So sorry to hear you got infected!  Hope you feel better!   It seems a lot of people cruising are doing everything recommended.  Vaccines and boosters.  Proper masks.  Socially distancing and responsible. But still get infected (even if minor symptoms).   You are the first report I know here of someone on Paxlovid.  Good luck!

[tfred]

4 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

Did you have a booster prior to the cruise at some point?  Sorry you are not feeling well!

we both had the booster and obviously tested negative prior  to sailing.  Both of us got Covid after the cruise  - medium cold symptoms that lasted about a week 

[lv2cruisgrl]

I have to wonder, even though they say Covid is usually passed on thru the air, what about a sick crew member touching a menu? Some have said they got Covid even when masking most of the cruise. So our next cruise we are masking and after reading a menu be sure to sanitize! Same goes for touching elevator buttons, etc. We got sick after Apex and don't want it again!

[kenb]

Deleted

Edited April 21, 2022 by kenb
deleted

[drarill]

1 hour ago, cangelmd said:

My story is so, so much like yours, except we didn’t mask as much as you did, we avoided crowded bars. I think I got it in the thermal suite because that is the one activity I did that my husband didn’t.

From the infection control viewpoint, it just shows how contagious and infectious this virus likely is, how well masks can work, but I think it is just not possible to make a cruise ship as safe as a comparable experience on land. 
I also don’t regret the trip, I would counsel family and friends to take precautions and consult their own physician if they are at all immunocopromised or elderly. I’m going again in May and I’m wearing a mask a lot more.

 I really hope the CDC stops requiring testing of citizens to re-enter the US, but I’m afraid they will dig in their heels now that the judge in Florida has challenged their legal authority.

 

 I was also very disappointed in Luminae (this was on Edge) - way, way too crowded and noisy, marginal service because staff was overworked. Sounded like they were throwing dishes around in the kitchen - I have never heard such a racket in a cruise ship dining room. We had one dinner in Cyprus, food was too far off from Luminae, and the service on this cruise was about the same. Much quieter with better social distancing.

We were on the Edge too  and our suite came with unlimited specialty dining.  I regret going to Luminae the last two days of the cruise.  One night we decided to go to Normandie and the food and service was superb.  The last two nights were a nightmare in Luminae, my lamb chops were under cooked one day and the filet mignon over cooked the next day.  I know they are trying to do their best and are having staff shortage, but they should know better. 

I'll need to design a better dining strategy for our next cruise 😄 though we are going with a group of friends. Hope you have a great time on your next cruise. 

 

[Crazy planning mom]

1 hour ago, cangelmd said:

My story is so, so much like yours, except we didn’t mask as much as you did, we avoided crowded bars. I think I got it in the thermal suite because that is the one activity I did that my husband didn’t.

From the infection control viewpoint, it just shows how contagious and infectious this virus likely is, how well masks can work, but I think it is just not possible to make a cruise ship as safe as a comparable experience on land. 
I also don’t regret the trip, I would counsel family and friends to take precautions and consult their own physician if they are at all immunocopromised or elderly. I’m going again in May and I’m wearing a mask a lot more.

 I really hope the CDC stops requiring testing of citizens to re-enter the US, but I’m afraid they will dig in their heels now that the judge in Florida has challenged their legal authority.

 

 I was also very disappointed in Luminae (this was on Edge) - way, way too crowded and noisy, marginal service because staff was overworked. Sounded like they were throwing dishes around in the kitchen - I have never heard such a racket in a cruise ship dining room. We had one dinner in Cyprus, food was too far off from Luminae, and the service on this cruise was about the same. Much quieter with better social distancing.

Sorry that you caught covid.  Are you saying that Cyprus was less crowded?

[cangelmd]

3 minutes ago, drarill said:

We were on the Edge too  and our suite came with unlimited specialty dining.  I regret going to Luminae the last two days of the cruise.  One night we decided to go to Normandie and the food and service was superb.  The last two nights were a nightmare in Luminae, my lamb chops were under cooked one day and the filet mignon over cooked the next day.  I know they are trying to do their best and are having staff shortage, but they should know better. 

I'll need to design a better dining strategy for our next cruise 😄 though we are going with a group of friends. Hope you have a great time on your next cruise. 

 

Sorry, you got sick, too. Cancelling a weeks worth of patients is not a small thing. Took me about a week to get back to close to baseline, but I'm only working part time, so I had time to recuperate.

I don't want to make this Luminae bashing thread because there were some things that were likely not the norm but it was not a fun experience. We have 2 Apex cruises coming up, one in May and then the WB TA in October. We are in a regular cabin in May and a Sky Suite in October. I'm also going into the October cruise with a plan because darn it, enjoying the suite amenities on the TA was the point! I told the friends that are with us on both trips that I don't think we are missing much dining wise by being in an IV - now that bathroom in the Sky Suite, that's another story and I can only imagine what the Villa was like! Feel better soon!

[cangelmd]

7 minutes ago, Crazy planning mom said:

Sorry that you caught covid.  Are you saying that Cyprus was less crowded?

LOL!  Much less crowded. There were 1414 passengers on our sailing, per the Activities Staff's poolside trivia question during the cruise. The suites were completely sold out, including a few families - you do the math.

Because of staffing and convenience issues, they tend to seat everyone closer together than is absolutely necessary, just so its easier to get the orders and the food out to the tables. There's also an issue of the size of group - there were several families and other multigenerational, likely multiple cabin groups, so those had to be seated closer because that's just how the tables are set up (both in Luminae and in MDR) - everyone would rather be by a window too. Our 2 top was about 4-5 feet from the next party in Cyprus, and had we asked we could have been way off by ourselves without inconveniencing staff too much. I'd say at best Cyprus was 1/3 full, likely less, vs Luminae was packed with people almost always having to wait 5 minutes or less.

The big things though about Luminae that worry me, knowing I'm going to spend 2 weeks and big bucks there in the fall are - the dish service is right on the other side of the wall from the restaurant and the noise from the open doors to the service area is literally overwhelming. First night we got seated across from that door, and that is it, they want to seat you in the same general area every night, although at breakfast the last day, we sat all the way across the room and it was still pretty loud - that's when we noticed that the wall between the dining area and the service area doesn't seem to quite make it all the way up to the ceiling. Also, I swear, although my husband says I'm wrong, that the tables are noticeably closer together than Luminae on S-class, with narrower walkways between. It is one large dining room and one small dining room in the front vs S-class where the two areas are closer in size and the service area is kind of around the corner.

Again, I'm waiting to judge when the ship is better staffed - the staff looked tired and frazzled - and on longer trips people will spread out to other dining options.

[Homosassa]

Like many on this thread, my husband and I tested positive the day we returned home (we live one hour from port) from our 2/14-25/22 Constellation cruise.

 

We are vaccinated (Moderna) and boosted the first Friday in September 2021. We jumped the gun with the booster so our booster was a full strength Moderna dose.

 

We strictly masked on board ship except when eating or drinking and avoided crowded lounges and shows.

 

The night before disembarkation, I started with a scratchy throat and mild cough. 

 

My symptoms were very mild (slight cough, runny nose) and lasted about two days.  My husband was very fatigued with a mild cough and runny nose and was under the weather for about four days.

 

We have obtained our second booster on April 7.

 

We have another cruise on the Millennium on June 24-July 1. 

 

I do not plan on masking or worrying about any potential Covid symptoms because I will have been vaccinated, double boosted, and had a mild break through Covid case.

[micmacmissy]

2 hours ago, lovrccl said:

I have to wonder, even though they say Covid is usually passed on thru the air, what about a sick crew member touching a menu? Some have said they got Covid even when masking most of the cruise. So our next cruise we are masking and after reading a menu be sure to sanitize! Same goes for touching elevator buttons, etc. We got sick after Apex and don't want it again!

Covid doesn't transmit on surfaces.  There has been a ton of research on this.

[micmacmissy]

3 hours ago, drarill said:

 

I think that I was infected in Luminae.  The retreat is completely full and Luminae is too crowded IMHO. Do I regret going on this cruise? no, but I do hope that Moderna's new booster comes out before our September cruise and oral antivirals were easier to get. Still, hope my story helps you decide when you should get your second booster.  Keep in mind that I received my second booster only a week before the cruise. 

Happy cruising Rick!!

I am wondering if that is where my husband picked it up, too.  On day five, our asst waitress was gone and we were told she was sick.  Seemed like there were a lot fewer waitstaff in Luminae by the end of the week.

 

I don't regret going AT ALL - we needed that break and it was an incredible trip!  The Retreat and Luminae were wonderful!

[Crazy planning mom]

1 hour ago, cangelmd said:

LOL!  Much less crowded. There were 1414 passengers on our sailing, per the Activities Staff's poolside trivia question during the cruise. The suites were completely sold out, including a few families - you do the math.

Because of staffing and convenience issues, they tend to seat everyone closer together than is absolutely necessary, just so its easier to get the orders and the food out to the tables. There's also an issue of the size of group - there were several families and other multigenerational, likely multiple cabin groups, so those had to be seated closer because that's just how the tables are set up (both in Luminae and in MDR) - everyone would rather be by a window too. Our 2 top was about 4-5 feet from the next party in Cyprus, and had we asked we could have been way off by ourselves without inconveniencing staff too much. I'd say at best Cyprus was 1/3 full, likely less, vs Luminae was packed with people almost always having to wait 5 minutes or less.

The big things though about Luminae that worry me, knowing I'm going to spend 2 weeks and big bucks there in the fall are - the dish service is right on the other side of the wall from the restaurant and the noise from the open doors to the service area is literally overwhelming. First night we got seated across from that door, and that is it, they want to seat you in the same general area every night, although at breakfast the last day, we sat all the way across the room and it was still pretty loud - that's when we noticed that the wall between the dining area and the service area doesn't seem to quite make it all the way up to the ceiling. Also, I swear, although my husband says I'm wrong, that the tables are noticeably closer together than Luminae on S-class, with narrower walkways between. It is one large dining room and one small dining room in the front vs S-class where the two areas are closer in size and the service area is kind of around the corner.

Again, I'm waiting to judge when the ship is better staffed - the staff looked tired and frazzled - and on longer trips people will spread out to other dining options.

Thanks for the detailed response.

[mahdnc]

On 4/19/2022 at 9:45 PM, JFontaine said:

A study released in January showed that after 20 minutes the airborne virus loses most of its potency. A few minutes with the balcony door open should eliminate any risk.  

 

A few minutes with an open balcony door cures a lot of ills.

[lv2cruisgrl]

17 minutes ago, micmacmissy said:

Covid doesn't transmit on surfaces.  There has been a ton of research on this.

Another way to catch the new coronavirus is when you touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on. You may touch a countertop or doorknob that's contaminated and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.Jan 21, 2022

[Julma]

On 4/20/2022 at 9:31 AM, TeeRick said:

How long before the cruise did you get your booster shot?

 

Others responding here who got sick- did you receive a booster before cruising?  Same question- how long before?  Anybody get a second booster and still got sick?

 

I am asking because we are eligible for our second booster now but want to get maximum effectiveness for our cruise end of August.

I received my booster early September, so I was 6 months out when I contracted Covid.  My husband has received his second booster (March) and we are cruising next week, so hopefully he will be protected.  I did not get a second booster because I had Covid.  As far as advising on second booster, my initial advice would be wait out the spring and summer, because cases have not historically been that high during those times.  Wait until 3-4 weeks before your cruise.  However, in Boston our numbers are up, including hospitalizations and deaths.  

I'd really love for the virus to become manageable in a snap, but I feel we have to keep an open mind and realize we have not tested the waters yet.  This is all very new and to sprint forward, may have us loosing the long race.  

My symptoms were cold like, however I knew it wasn't a cold.  Can't really explain other than I was sick.  The brain fog is no joke.  I had mono when I was young.  Best I can explain is it was like getting a cold, while having mono.  

[MISTER 67]

We just got our second booster 2 days ago, our next cruise is in June on the Equinox. We have been on 3 cruises since Thanksgiving and haven't had Covid yet. The first 2 cruises the ships were at about 55% capacity. Last month we sailed on a sold out Rotterdam and we were in some packed elevators, bars and lounges and the showroom, it was also very crowded with the lines while entering the MDR.  I figured after that cruise we might never get the virus. We mask up when indoors except at cocktail hour and while eating and constantly use sanitizer.

I'm wondering why we keep seeing some outbreaks on the ships. Passengers are vaccinated and have been tested before boarding, is it the crew that is passing on the virus, either that or people are picking up the virus while in port and spreading it when back on board. I don't have any answers but the OP's comments have me a little concerned.

 

[PKB]

What over the counter medications are people who have covid using to mitigate symptoms?  I plan on making a covid kit for each of us in case one of us gets isolated.  The spouse would also need a kit if testing positive later.  Also separate toiletry items for each person.  

[mathlady]

My husband and I were on this Apex cruise back-to-back from April 2 to April 16.  We had to test on the ship for the second half and were negative.  We flew home on the 16th.  That night, I developed a sore throat, and tested positive on the 17th.  My husband tested negative, but developed symptoms a couple of days later and tested positive with PCR.  It had to be the ship rather than the plane, since my symptoms started too soon after the flight.  Our symptoms are cold-like, except the second night I had a couple of hours of high fever (almost 103) and uncontrollable shaking.  We were among the few passengers wearing masks all the time except when eating or drinking.  We had a fantastic time and would do the cruise again.  Are those of you who tested positive after the cruise going to report it to Celebrity?  Are they keeping track of such reports?

[cangelmd]

1 hour ago, lovrccl said:

Another way to catch the new coronavirus is when you touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on. You may touch a countertop or doorknob that's contaminated and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.Jan 21, 2022

Actually the data about surfaces is very conflicting. Virus does seem to live on surfaces if you test or study that, but touch does not seem to contribute much to transmission, possibly because it is so completely aerosolized and so exquisitely transmissible through the air. Touch maybe important if you catch from an infant or small child, but doesn’t seem to impact overall infection rates.

But wash your hands anyway, colds and flu, that transmit more from sneezing and coughing, will respond to handwashing

[gold1953]

1 hour ago, MISTER 67 said:

We just got our second booster 2 days ago, our next cruise is in June on the 

I'm wondering why we keep seeing some outbreaks on the ships. Passengers are vaccinated and have been tested before boarding, is it the crew that is passing on the virus, either that or people are picking up the virus while in port and spreading it when back on board. I don't have any answers but the OP's comments have me a little concerned.

 

on average it takes 7 days to develop symptoms after a contact  so it is not the crew who is to blame. Most likely that some people have already carried the virus with them but not enough to show on an antigen test. My daughter coughed for 3 days before her antigen showed the virus

[micmacmissy]

42 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

Actually the data about surfaces is very conflicting. Virus does seem to live on surfaces if you test or study that, but touch does not seem to contribute much to transmission, possibly because it is so completely aerosolized and so exquisitely transmissible through the air. Touch maybe important if you catch from an infant or small child, but doesn’t seem to impact overall infection rates.

But wash your hands anyway, colds and flu, that transmit more from sneezing and coughing, will respond to handwashing

 

The data about fomite (surface) transmission isn't conflicting at all, if you are looking at peer reviewed, reputable sources. 

 

[TMLAalum]

Not aboard a ship, but DH who had 4th Moderna on 3/24 is covid+. He is sneezing, coughing and has a stuffy nose, no fever. He can pinpoint the contact to either W 4/13 or F4/15. He tested negative on the 16th and did not test again until yesterday's +. With his latest results I tested yesterday with a negative result. My 4th Pfizer was 4/8. I plan on testing again in about 3 days.

 

Cleveland Clinic has him scheduled for a monoclonal antibody infusion Monday, because of his age and high BP and cholesterol both controlled by meds. He is debating whether to go through with this.

 

From what I observe, DH's symptoms are less than many of the colds he's had in the past. I understand how people can gloss over minimal symptoms, and travel around unwittingly infecting others.