Anyone been quarantined?

[Linsifer]

1 minute ago, littlemisshoney said:

Cancel.

I already have a email draft for my TA.  Just trying to make up my mind before hitting Send.  My husband is leaving it up to me.  He did say he doesn’t want to spend 6k plus to be dodging potential Covid-19 carriers on board, or worse, being isolated in a cabin.  Thanks.

[littlemisshoney]

Just now, Linsifer said:

I already have a email draft for my TA.  Just trying to make up my mind before hitting Send.  My husband is leaving it up to me.  He did say he doesn’t want to spend 6k plus to be dodging potential Covid-19 carriers on board, or worse, being isolated in a cabin.  Thanks.

We are just off a Celebrity cruise from Southampton  (we live in UK).  Had it booked last year, cancelled just before FP due as I was worried about UK Covid rates, rebooked it a few weeks before departure, worried about it every day till we boarded.  Onboard we were very careful and although we enjoyed the cruise it wasnt the same experience masking up and dodging crowds, avoiding socialising, not going to the theatre etc. On return I wonder why we spent so much money on a stressful holiday. I should add there was a lot of Covid on board, especially in staff. On reflection have cruised twice since Covid hit, will consider again but only with no air travel involved and only when I can get a good deal, days of risking large amounts of money,  not to mention our health,  are over for us. Good luck making your decision. 

[Linsifer]

Just now, littlemisshoney said:

We are just off a Celebrity cruise from Southampton  (we live in UK).  Had it booked last year, cancelled just before FP due as I was worried about UK Covid rates, rebooked it a few weeks before departure, worried about it every day till we boarded.  Onboard we were very careful and although we enjoyed the cruise it wasnt the same experience masking up and dodging crowds, avoiding socialising, not going to the theatre etc. On return I wonder why we spent so much money on a stressful holiday. I should add there was a lot of Covid on board, especially in staff. On reflection have cruised twice since Covid hit, will consider again but only with no air travel involved and only when I can get a good deal, days of risking large amounts of money,  not to mention our health,  are over for us. Good luck making your decision. 

Yes, this is what I don’t want—dodging crowds, bypassing various shows or events, social distancing, etc.  Everything you described.  And, masking up isn’t pleasant either.  As you said, not for a big chunk of money being spent for what’s supposed to be a fun holiday.  We don’t have air travel and can drive to the port in San Francisco.  But we won’t have control of what goes on once we’re on the ship.  Thanks again for sharing your experience. 

[Level six]

7 hours ago, Linsifer said:

Yes, this is what I don’t want—dodging crowds, bypassing various shows or events, social distancing, etc.  Everything you described.  And, masking up isn’t pleasant either.  As you said, not for a big chunk of money being spent for what’s supposed to be a fun holiday.  We don’t have air travel and can drive to the port in San Francisco.  But we won’t have control of what goes on once we’re on the ship.  Thanks again for sharing your experience. 

I feel your pain.  We are in the same position and can't decide what to do.  We have 40 days in the fall and our final payment is May 28th.  I thought we would have clarity by now, but it seems like it just gets more and more confusing.  

Maybe you or someone who said spending a lot of money on cruises is a thing of the past is right.  Our last cruise a month ago was not very fun at all.  It was really stressful, so maybe that is the answer.  I hate to cancel but spending that much money, not seeing the ports we booked for(Baltic), not doing the things we like (shows, trivia) and possibly being put in quarantine on or off the ship and not being able to fly back home................okay, I made my decision.  I will cancel and see what happens, if things drastically change by August, I will rebook. Good luck with your decision.  

[PacnGoNow]

2 minutes ago, Level six said:

I feel your pain.  We are in the same position and can't decide what to do.  We have 40 days in the fall and our final payment is May 28th.  I thought we would have clarity by now, but it seems like it just gets more and more confusing.  

Maybe you or someone who said spending a lot of money on cruises is a thing of the past is right.  Our last cruise a month ago was not very fun at all.  It was really stressful, so maybe that is the answer.  I hate to cancel but spending that much money, not seeing the ports we booked for(Baltic), not doing the things we like (shows, trivia) and possibly being put in quarantine on or off the ship and not being able to fly back home................okay, I made my decision.  I will cancel and see what happens, if things drastically change by August, I will rebook. Good luck with your decision.  

Sometimes, it just helps to talk through it. 
Stay safe.

[HBCcruiser]

13 hours ago, Linsifer said:

I already have a email draft for my TA.  Just trying to make up my mind before hitting Send.  My husband is leaving it up to me.  He did say he doesn’t want to spend 6k plus to be dodging potential Covid-19 carriers on board, or worse, being isolated in a cabin.  Thanks.

Sadly, COVID is here to stay. I had it and it was no worse for me than a cold. If you recently had COVID you should be immune for a few months (at least). As long as cruise lines follow the CDC protocols, you take a chance on being quarantined on the ship. If this is of concern then your best bet is to hold off until the protocols are lifted. Take land trips for now. US Resorts don't require the same strict protocols. 

[ebeluga]

14 hours ago, Linsifer said:

We have a 10 day cruise to Alaska out of San Francisco for 8/8 (canceled by Princess last year ), but after reading here and on the news about the recent outbreaks on Ruby Princess and others, I’m starting to feel concerned.  Even though we’ve been double vaxed and double boostered, that won’t necessarily keep us from getting the virus.  Even if we were asymptomatic, the thought of being moved to another cabin and isolated there for who knows how long doesn’t appeal to me at all, not for what we’re spending on this cruise.  Even worse, what if one or both of us DID get fairly ill?  We’re 71 and 69.  Definitely don’t want to be sick on a ship in the middle nowhere or even in Alaska.  Arrghhh.  Might just wait until 2024!  I’m not even optimistic for 2023 at the point!  And I here I thought 2022 going to be better!   

Cruise to Alaska in August would likely to be at or near capacity on the ship.  If you have flexibility, go before or after school summer holiday, just book a few weeks before sailing if you don't need a specific cabin...

[Linsifer]

2 hours ago, ebeluga said:

Cruise to Alaska in August would likely to be at or near capacity on the ship.  If you have flexibility, go before or after school summer holiday, just book a few weeks before sailing if you don't need a specific cabin...

Unfortunately, no flexibility.   My TA is encouraging us to go and doesn’t feel it’s going to be an issue for us.  She’s been on several in the last few months without incident.  And she has an underlying condition, although vaccinated and boosted.  Of course, it’s always the luck of the draw no matter where we are.  Well, we have 24 hours before our final payment.  If worse comes to worse, we can always take advantage of the covid guarantee and cancel up to 30 days before and attempt the same cruise for NEXT year. (Again.)  I honestly think since the pandemic I’ve become slightly agoraphobic and just want an excuse to stay home!  So maybe this cruise is exactly what I need to get me out of my recliner!  

[Solara]

1 hour ago, Linsifer said:

Unfortunately, no flexibility.   My TA is encouraging us to go and doesn’t feel it’s going to be an issue for us.  She’s been on several in the last few months without incident.  And she has an underlying condition, although vaccinated and boosted.  Of course, it’s always the luck of the draw no matter where we are.  Well, we have 24 hours before our final payment.  If worse comes to worse, we can always take advantage of the covid guarantee and cancel up to 30 days before and attempt the same cruise for NEXT year. (Again.)  I honestly think since the pandemic I’ve become slightly agoraphobic and just want an excuse to stay home!  So maybe this cruise is exactly what I need to get me out of my recliner!  

Just make sure YOU are comfortable with your decision. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you aren’t sure of.   No one knows what you can handle or if it would be an issue for you.  Your TA is trying to sell the cruise & may not have your best interest.  FYI.  We cancelled the same cruise & it was a relief after we did.  Haven’t regretted the decision one bit. 

[Linsifer]

2 minutes ago, Solara said:

Just make sure YOU are comfortable with your decision. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you aren’t sure of.   No one knows what you can handle or if it would be an issue for you.  Your TA is trying to sell the cruise & may not have your best interest.  FYI.  We cancelled the same cruise & it was a relief after we did.  Haven’t regretted the decision one bit. 

Thank you for your reply!  I have a feeling I won’t sleep well tonight trying to decide what to do.  Still on the fence and getting  different “advice” from friends.  

[Solara]

Just now, Linsifer said:

Thank you for your reply!  I have a feeling I won’t sleep well tonight trying to decide what to do.  Still on the fence and getting  different “advice” from friends.  

Go with your gut feeling.  Let us know what you decide. 

[Katarina5391]

I share the same concern/fear/anxiety as many of you, and I'm so glad I found this post. I'm going on back to back CA coastal cruises this fall with my mother who is in her 70s. I also have a health condition that doesn't allow me to be masked for long periods of time. I really love cruising and it's really sad for me that we won't be able to return to that carefree, fun experience pre-COVID for I don't know how long. I just don't want it to be lost forever for me. Just the thought of catching the virus mid-cruise and having to quarantine alone away from my mother or the same for her is enough to make me want to cancel (and cry!). And that's not to mention that I may get long COVID since I'm not as healthy and fit as I'd like to be. But whatever ultimate decision you all make, I wish you safe sailing.

[Coral]

2 hours ago, Linsifer said:

Unfortunately, no flexibility.   My TA is encouraging us to go and doesn’t feel it’s going to be an issue for us.  She’s been on several in the last few months without incident.  And she has an underlying condition, although vaccinated and boosted.  Of course, it’s always the luck of the draw no matter where we are.  Well, we have 24 hours before our final payment.  If worse comes to worse, we can always take advantage of the covid guarantee and cancel up to 30 days before and attempt the same cruise for NEXT year. (Again.)  I honestly think since the pandemic I’ve become slightly agoraphobic and just want an excuse to stay home!  So maybe this cruise is exactly what I need to get me out of my recliner!  

It sounds like your you know what you want to do. I would hope your TA would not pressure you. I would listen to your gut feeling.

Edited May 6, 2022 by Coral

[Linsifer]

31 minutes ago, Coral said:

It sounds like your you know what you want to do. I would hope your TA would not pressure you. I would listen to your gut feeling.

I’ve never felt so indecisive.  Aaaack.  But, true, my gut is telling me to cancel and when things are more stable, book again…one of these years! 😉  I’m at platinum now.  And, my TA is simply going to have to understand, even if her experiences have been fine.  Most were before this latest sub variant, too. 

[geocruiser]

1 hour ago, Linsifer said:

I’ve never felt so indecisive.  Aaaack.  But, true, my gut is telling me to cancel and when things are more stable, book again…one of these years! 😉  I’m at platinum now.  And, my TA is simply going to have to understand, even if her experiences have been fine.  Most were before this latest sub variant, too. 

I would not worry about your TA.  Do what is right for you.  We were to go on MS Koningsdam 3/4/2020 to 3/15/2020 , just when covid was really starting up.  We canceled it. I had that gut feeling too, about that cruise.   I had really wanted to go.  But for me, it just was not worth the risk.  Right now  we have put cruising on hold.  I can't see us spending all that money and not enjoying our selves like before.  I just don't want to risk getting covid on a ship.  Now we are mostly at home. 

Maybe some day we will cruise again, but for now I will take my chances on land.  We are not going out to eat, so more cooking than before.  Life has changed for us, but I roll with it. Our cruise window has closed, but other doors have opened.  I enjoy being home and have taken up a new hobby. 

For me I think, is a cruise really worth going on now?  For us, no.

Edited May 6, 2022 by geocruiser

[Wiszo]

yeah doesnt sound like fun!

[Linsifer]

2 hours ago, geocruiser said:

I would not worry about your TA.  Do what is right for you.  We were to go on MS Koningsdam 3/4/2020 to 3/15/2020 , just when covid was really starting up.  We canceled it. I had that gut feeling too, about that cruise.   I had really wanted to go.  But for me, it just was not worth the risk.  Right now  we have put cruising on hold.  I can't see us spending all that money and not enjoying our selves like before.  I just don't want to risk getting covid on a ship.  Now we are mostly at home. 

Maybe some day we will cruise again, but for now I will take my chances on land.  We are not going out to eat, so more cooking than before.  Life has changed for us, but I roll with it. Our cruise window has closed, but other doors have opened.  I enjoy being home and have taken up a new hobby. 

For me I think, is a cruise really worth going on now?  For us, no.

After reading a couple of blogs here from the Ruby Princess, the ship we booked, I had a real eye-opener and that sealed the deal for me.  I emailed our TA and canceled.  I’ve never vacillated like this with previous upcoming cruises.  I always looked forward to them!   So, I knew this time was different and probably just not the right time for us yet.  I know that most passengers  still enjoy themselves, but I would always be on the lookout for potential COVID carriers.  I’ll wait until the virus is low enough in transmission and that it’s treated like the flu or a cold.  I want to cruise mask-free and without fear of being in quarantine or having to avoid being next to anyone.  If I test positive at home at least I won’t be trapped out at sea shelling out money just to be isolated in a cabin with sub par meals left outside my door.  Best wishes with your new hobby!  That’s what I should do! 

[Linsifer]

5 hours ago, Solara said:

Go with your gut feeling.  Let us know what you decide. 

I wrote my TA a letter explaining my reasons for canceling.  So, that was my decision.  My husband had left it up to me.  He freely admits he doesn’t want to pay big bucks with the potential of catching Covid and missing out on much of our trip.  Or even having to always be dodging situations or people for fear they might “have IT.” 

 

[Linsifer]

4 hours ago, Katarina5391 said:

 I share the same concern/fear/anxiety as many of you, and I'm so glad I found this post. I'm going on back to back CA coastal cruises this fall with my mother who is in her 70s. I also have a health condition that doesn't allow me to be masked for long periods of time. I really love cruising and it's really sad for me that we won't be able to return to that carefree, fun experience pre-COVID for I don't know how long. I just don't want it to be lost forever for me. Just the thought of catching the virus mid-cruise and having to quarantine alone away from my mother or the same for her is enough to make me want to cancel (and cry!). And that's not to mention that I may get long COVID since I'm not as healthy and fit as I'd like to be. But whatever ultimate decision you all make, I wish you safe sailing.

Like you, I really enjoyed cruising the way it USED to be and can’t wait until we get to that point again!  Hopefully.  It sounds like with your underlying health condition, being on a large ship where masks will almost certainly be required in certain areas, isn’t going to be your best bet right now.  And yet, without masks, there’s more potential for spread.  Catch-22 situation. The B2B coastal cruise sounds wonderful!  Maybe by the fall things will have simmered down.  In fact, our early August cruise might be fine, too.  I just don’t want our money tied up with Princess for a year if we decided to cancel after final payment.  So, we canceled and will keep our money.  When we feel comfortable with cruising once again, we’ll book! 

[Linsifer]

11 hours ago, HBCcruiser said:

Sadly, COVID is here to stay. I had it and it was no worse for me than a cold. If you recently had COVID you should be immune for a few months (at least). As long as cruise lines follow the CDC protocols, you take a chance on being quarantined on the ship. If this is of concern then your best bet is to hold off until the protocols are lifted. Take land trips for now. US Resorts don't require the same strict protocols. 

Yes, at least if we test positive on land, we won’t be stuck out at sea in a “box with a balcony” and iffy room service.  Reading some of the stories here helped make my decision.  I love cruising, but we can be patient and wait. 

[Linsifer]

16 hours ago, Level six said:

I feel your pain.  We are in the same position and can't decide what to do.  We have 40 days in the fall and our final payment is May 28th.  I thought we would have clarity by now, but it seems like it just gets more and more confusing.  

Maybe you or someone who said spending a lot of money on cruises is a thing of the past is right.  Our last cruise a month ago was not very fun at all.  It was really stressful, so maybe that is the answer.  I hate to cancel but spending that much money, not seeing the ports we booked for(Baltic), not doing the things we like (shows, trivia) and possibly being put in quarantine on or off the ship and not being able to fly back home................okay, I made my decision.  I will cancel and see what happens, if things drastically change by August, I will rebook. Good luck with your decision.  

I made my decision, too.  Canceled.  If we rebook, it won’t be until next year, though…or later if this virus is still dictating what we can or can’t do on board and off.  Best wishes to you! 

[Linsifer]

On 4/28/2022 at 1:20 PM, dickinson said:

There has been a couple of threads on here about people's experiences.  Ruby Princess has had big issues.  If you test positive you are moved to a quarantine cabin.  People have had issues getting room service and when they did food was cold.    

 

Do a search for Pescado Amarillo thread titled something about blogging from the Ruby Princess.  It eventually got locked but was still available to read til it disappeared down the list.

 

I think if you do a 7 day cruise most people find they have it once they get home.  It is the longer cruises that people start experiencing symptoms and the ship will test you. Not sure if they are still testing b2b people.

Reading that blog is what sealed the deal for me.  Canceled our 10 day cruise to Alaska—the same one Princess canceled last year.  I was fretting too much about the “what ifs” and possibly being stuck in a cabin on the 12th deck.  

[Coral]

7 hours ago, Linsifer said:

I’ve never felt so indecisive.  Aaaack.  But, true, my gut is telling me to cancel and when things are more stable, book again…one of these years! 😉  I’m at platinum now.  And, my TA is simply going to have to understand, even if her experiences have been fine.  Most were before this latest sub variant, too. 

I have no doubt that in the future you will have a wonderful cruise!

 

In the mean time, plan something that you can reach via car and that you will spend plenty of time outside. If you feel unsafe somewhere - you can re-arrange things - such as eat outside at a restaurant instead of inside.

 

[D4]

@Linsifer Now you can relax since you made your decision.  I think you made the right decision for you based on your posts.

 

My husband is similar to yours … he makes/lets me decide almost everything.  That is often very nice, but in situations like this it is very stressful to be the decision maker. 😱 I hate having all that weight on my shoulders.

 

Don't feel bad about what your TA thinks.  It’s your vacation and you’re paying for it.  Everybody needs to make their own risk/reward decisions.

[PescadoAmarillo]

I thought I’d pop in here since some have been saying it’s my post (about being quarantined on the Ruby Princess) that is giving them pause. If that’s the case, then I’m glad I documented the realty of what quarantine on a ship with a lot of COVID cases is really like. 
 

Coincidentally, before I was aware of the direction of this post, my husband and I were talking over dinner last night about potential future cruise plans. We are a couple who used to (pre-covid) have tens of thousands of dollars on deposit with Princess all the time. We fully trusted them and our future cruise intentions. Now we have $2 on deposit, for a cruise from San Diego to Tokyo on the Diamond Princess next February. That’s our personal level of comfort with how much we’re willing to have on deposit with any cruise company right now. And our discussion last night ended with an agreement that there will have to be a heckuva lot of improvement over the current situation before we’re willing to cruise outside the country, or for that length of time, or do back to back cruises (we were going to add the next two Japan cruises to see the cherry blossoms). We have learned that successful and healthy cruising, even since the start up, does not guarantee anything and we are definitely not willing to take a chance. 
 

While I agree that we can’t live like this forever, the memory of what it took to get me home from the Ruby Princess and that cruise cost which we will never recoup is not something that is easily forgotten. It was a several thousand dollar gamble and we lost. And now, when we are looking at major purchases for the year, it’s hard to not remember what that money could have been used for. It was absolutely the right decision (I am STILL recovering), but it was an expensive one. For us, it’s not a risk we are willing to take again. 
 

You, of course, may rightly decide differently.