In Covid Quarantine on Beyond

[RichYak]

5 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

This example proves once more that reporting to medical bay on the suspicion of Covid is the worst idea and nothing anyone should ever do.

Reporting symptoms is an exercise in risk/reward. The risk is draconian treatment for no less than 5 full days by the cruise line. The reward is a pro-rated cruise fare refund for as long as you test positive. This is the choice one would need to make.

[Cruise Junky]

14 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

I don't get why someone who voluntarily reports to medical for a Covid test then expresses dissatisfaction with the (well known) process and how bad the experience was. If you suspect you have Covid do what you have to do and not give all power to the cruise line by having yourself tested by them. OP could have gotten off in BCN or elsewhere at their own schedule and then do whatever they want to do.

 

This example proves once more that reporting to medical bay on the suspicion of Covid is the worst idea and nothing anyone should ever do.

If they hadn’t reported it they would have not received a credit for all the quarantine time.  You want them to walk away from $1,000’s? 

[RichYak]

7 minutes ago, Cruise Junky said:

If they hadn’t reported it they would have not received a credit for all the quarantine time.  You want them to walk away from $1,000’s? 

For many, severity of symptoms would be a factor in this decision.

[jelayne]

6 hours ago, RichYak said:

Reporting symptoms is an exercise in risk/reward. The risk is draconian treatment for no less than 5 full days by the cruise line. The reward is a pro-rated cruise fare refund for as long as you test positive. This is the choice one would need to make.

Not sure I would describe the quarantine treatment  as draconian; but certainly not the vacation anyone hopes for when they board a ship.

 

 When DH had Covid recently he isolated in the guest room of our home.  He didn’t go out among others missing a wedding, golf tournament and his regular gym sessions. He ate meals I prepared (that might be described as torture) separately from me until he tested negative 6 days later.  Similar to quarantine in your cabin. and not unlike what many other have done when they tested positive.  
 

 

[hcat]

1 hour ago, jelayne said:

Not sure I would describe the quarantine treatment  as draconian; but certainly not the vacation anyone hopes for when they board a ship.

 

 When DH had Covid recently he isolated in the guest room of our home.  He didn’t go out among others missing a wedding, golf tournament and his regular gym sessions. He ate meals I prepared (that might be described as torture) separately from me until he tested negative 6 days later.  Similar to quarantine in your cabin. and not unlike what many other have done when they tested positive.  
 

 

Ha ha  about the meal prep.  But you probably did a better job than X and on time!

 

.My husb and I recently had it at the same time. We isolated at home for 10 days. And stayed mostly on sep levels of the house.  He missed work, we missed the grandchildren but had comfort of our own home, back yard and deck. Had good internet, tv etc

 

We had reduced appetites, low energy,  achy but nothing severe this time around.  Tested okay around day 5 but followed 5 more days of quarantine just to be safe.

 

Being  confined in a small cabin, with little or nothing to do. And lack of   control of meals or being ignored by X,  would not really be the same for us.

 

Looking forward to BEYOND..hoping for the best.

[Babr]

8 hours ago, Fly and Sail said:

I don't get why someone who voluntarily reports to medical for a Covid test then expresses dissatisfaction with the (well known) process and how bad the experience was. If you suspect you have Covid do what you have to do and not give all power to the cruise line by having yourself tested by them. OP could have gotten off in BCN or elsewhere at their own schedule and then do whatever they want to do.

 

This example proves once more that reporting to medical bay on the suspicion of Covid is the worst idea and nothing anyone should ever do.

 

I don’t think you can just get off the ship and do as you please. Disembarking early requires coordination with immigration and local authorities. Sometimes the cruise line holds everyone’s passport to facilitate port entry.

 

I don’t think it is as simple as just walking off.

[RichYak]

3 hours ago, jelayne said:

Not sure I would describe the quarantine treatment  as draconian

Well, having read many if not all of the "live from quarantine" threads on this board (as I'm sure you have as well), I would respectfully disagree. Confinement to one's cabin and the resulting treatment (often mistreatment) is a draconian measure.

 

Just like the ridiculous practice of escorting disembarking covid positives with hazmat suits and sanitizing misters and wrapping their luggage in plastic, along with pre-cruise testing and vaccination requirements, mandatory confinement will eventually become a thing of the past.

[Jeremiah1212]

First one to gripe when half the crew has COVID and they have to partake in the draconian measure of ‘fetching’ drinks themselves or stand in line at the MDR gets their CC points reset to zero 🥇 

[phoenix_dream]

11 hours ago, RichYak said:

Reporting symptoms is an exercise in risk/reward. The risk is draconian treatment for no less than 5 full days by the cruise line. The reward is a pro-rated cruise fare refund for as long as you test positive. This is the choice one would need to make.

As well as the ethical/moral choice of whether you want to risk infecting others.

[lexmiller]

3 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

As well as the ethical/moral choice of whether you want to risk infecting others.

I don't think honestly that this is a point any longer - this is not 2020 - we have vaccinations, boosters, and now targeted boosters.  There is no need to think that you are immoral or unethical by wanting to move on with your life.  The virus of today has been documented as less virulent - that is in fact how viruses work over time, as we all have been reading over the years, educating ourselves about the science rather than buying into the prevailing paranoia and hysteria - the science is on our side.  People must take responsibility for their own health.  We now have the tools to do that - to take all of the precautions necessary.  And if your health is fragile, if your health is precarious - it is on you to take care of yourself.  I'll say it again - this is not 2020.  The entire world has moved on - all except the cruising community, still stuck in the dark times of 3 years ago.  It's way past time to move on. 

[CruisingGrandmaW]

Hello All

Everyone's input & opinions very interesting.

 

While I no longer sail on Celebrity (very good line - did many cruises with Celebrity)

I"m now the senior who switched over to HAL.

 

On the cruises I've taken this year - there were still many foreign PORTS that required a negative Covid test;  so many days prior to going ashore.  HAL warned us pre-cruise that this could happen at anytime on the cruise.  A Port not requiring Covid testing when we embarked - but then something changes & we must test.  

 

There seemed to be various reasons, in my speculation for this, from cruise to cruise.

Length of cruise over 14 days - Upon embarkment - HAL was requiring that we all wear masks until Captain notified us that mask wearing was no longer necessary.  They tested ALL passengers on I believe it was Day #3. 

If passenger Covid Cases were high - they quarantined those passengers & the rest of us had to Wear Masks until we got the "all clear" not needed anymore.

(I'm guessing they were basing the "all clear" on the number of new Covid cases presenting themselves)

On another cruise - the Day #3 Covid % was low so we were able to unmask on Day 4.

But about 2 weeks later - something changed we had to re-mask.

We were all re-tested for Covid

We were about 4 days out from a Foreign Port - my guess the Ships #of Covid cases had to be reported to the Port prior to allowing passengers into that port.

HAL was trying to keep the # of Covid cases low & be able to show the Port that we were all tested & the % of Covid low enough that the majority of passengers could get off at that Port.

 

One of my good friends was on another HAL long cruise.  

(Again these are cruises of 35+ days)  (some on B2B where they are tracking transit passengers differently & following procedures as if that passenger was newly boarding and/or the combined B2B totaled the 35+ Days)

She said that there was a spread of Covid after consecutive Port Days on-board; well into half of the cruise.  (She thought because passengers had caught it while in a port & brought it onto the ship)

That the % of Covid cases disallowed any of the passengers to get off on the next Port they were traveling to.

How true that was or if Passenger speculation - I don't know.

 

So testing is going on & may be a "permanent" on longer cruises until they find a miracle Drug that prevents us from catching Covid even though fully vaccinated & boosted.

 

 

[bama4cruisin]

4 hours ago, RichYak said:

Well, having read many if not all of the "live from quarantine" threads on this board (as I'm sure you have as well), I would respectfully disagree. Confinement to one's cabin and the resulting treatment (often mistreatment) is a draconian measure.

 

 

A few years ago, DH was diagnosed with flu while on the Solstice in Australia, as were a number of others.  Yes, he’d had a flu shot in October of the previous year, and this was March in Australia . . . So the next strain of flu.  He was confined to our cabin for the day he was diagnosed until he was cleared after being fever free for 2 nurse visits, which was another couple of days.  His card was tagged so that when we attempted to leave the ship in a NZ port before the nurse had removed the tag, all kinds of alarms went off.

 

The reality is that quarantine is used for many communicable illnesses.  

[phoenix_dream]

30 minutes ago, lexmiller said:

I don't think honestly that this is a point any longer - this is not 2020 - we have vaccinations, boosters, and now targeted boosters.  There is no need to think that you are immoral or unethical by wanting to move on with your life.  The virus of today has been documented as less virulent - that is in fact how viruses work over time, as we all have been reading over the years, educating ourselves about the science rather than buying into the prevailing paranoia and hysteria - the science is on our side.  People must take responsibility for their own health.  We now have the tools to do that - to take all of the precautions necessary.  And if your health is fragile, if your health is precarious - it is on you to take care of yourself.  I'll say it again - this is not 2020.  The entire world has moved on - all except the cruising community, still stuck in the dark times of 3 years ago.  It's way past time to move on. 

I agree to a point. But I think if you know you have Covid, or you were a cabin mate of someone who has Covid with an excellent chance of coming down with it yourself (and it is most contagious a couple days before symptoms and a couple days then), it is morally appropriate to at least wear a mask around others.  Yes, people need to take responsibility for their own health.  But many people remain seriously impacted by Covid despite vaccines and boosters and if I can help them also be able to live a more normal life then that is what I will do and I wish others would as well. 

 

  It's all fine and good to say move on, it's not 2020.  And that's true.  But removing all restrictions leaves those people, and it's not a tiny percentage, unable to continue to enjoy the same things we are able to enjoy.  Is your opinion then, the heck with that 10 or 20% of people - I don't like restrictions and I'll be fine so too bad, so sad?   If you can't cruise anymore that's your problem, not mine.  It sure sounds like it.  Maybe you'd feel differently if you were one of those people or a loved one was.

Edited October 17, 2022 by phoenix_dream

[carolina_yankee]

16 hours ago, RichYak said:

For many, severity of symptoms would be a factor in this decision.

Not really. Anyone with known COVID has no business being out and about mingling with other passengers and crew. They need to stay in their cabins and away from other people. Better to be compensated for that than not. The only way to get compensated is to have a verified test.

 

Quite frankly, anyone who knowingly has covid and is caught ducking COVID protocols ought to be put off at the next port at their own (and travel insurer’s) expense.

 

Despite erroneous popular belief, COVID is not just the common cold. Each person reacts differently based on a variety of factors (some unpredictable). I’ve had parishioners catch it multiple times without a problem despite being considered high-risk, and I’ve had parishioners catch the presumable same variants (based on timing/location) get slammed hard.

 

I don’t believe in staying home to avoid catching COVID (because that likely won’t work, either), but I do believe in taking yourself off the field once you have it. It’s the responsible thing to do.

 

And I know nobody wants to have bad service on a cruise ship because of a rise in COVID amongst the crew. If you aren’t willing to monitor for the sake of your fellow passengers, at least do it for the sake of not having closed venues, slow service, or no servers in lounges.

Edited October 17, 2022 by carolina_yankee

[zook50]

46 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

I agree to a point. But I think if you know you have Covid, or you were a cabin mate of someone who has Covid with an excellent chance of coming down with it yourself (and it is most contagious a couple days before symptoms and a couple days then), it is morally appropriate to at least wear a mask around others.  Yes, people need to take responsibility for their own health.  But many people remain seriously impacted by Covid despite vaccines and boosters and if I can help them also be able to live a more normal life then that is what I will do and I wish others would as well. 

 

  It's all fine and good to say move on, it's not 2020.  And that's true.  But removing all restrictions leaves those people, and it's not a tiny percentage, unable to continue to enjoy the same things we are able to enjoy.  Is your opinion then, the heck with that 10 or 20% of people - I don't like restrictions and I'll be fine so too bad, so sad?   If you can't cruise anymore that's your problem, not mine.  It sure sounds like it.  Maybe you'd feel differently if you were one of those people or a loved one was.

Thank you for saying this so well.  The push for people to "move on with their lives" and  "take responsibility for their own health" seems to be the focus here with some posters.  I do take responsibility for my own health through masking indoors, distancing, proper ventilation, etc.and I definitely want to move on with my life through travel, etc.

 

 The final part of taking responsibility for my own health and moving on with my life is not surrounding myself with sick people who are not taking responsibility for their own illness by staying away from people, masking when symptomatic, etc.

 

This thread's posters seem to be of two camps:  those who believe in taking responsibility for their own health and the health of their community (it's called Citizenship - I used to teach it in school) and those who believe in their own rights to move on in whatever way they want, at the expense of others.  How sad.

[carolina_yankee]

1 minute ago, zook50 said:

Thank you for saying this so well.  The push for people to "move on with their lives" and  "take responsibility for their own health" seems to be the focus here with some posters.  I do take responsibility for my own health through masking indoors, distancing, proper ventilation, etc.and I definitely want to move on with my life through travel, etc.

 

 The final part of taking responsibility for my own health and moving on with my life is not surrounding myself with sick people who are not taking responsibility for their own illness by staying away from people, masking when symptomatic, etc.

 

This thread's posters seem to be of two camps:  those who believe in taking responsibility for their own health and the health of their community (it's called Citizenship - I used to teach it in school) and those who believe in their own rights to move on in whatever way they want, at the expense of others.  How sad.

 

 

Indeed, and another part of taking responsibility for your one’s health is avoiding others when one has a contagious disease that is known to cause havoc. Some seem to suggest that continuing with their cruise activities as if it’s their entitlement have simply changed their destination to “de-Nile”

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, lexmiller said:

I don't think honestly that this is a point any longer - this is not 2020 - we have vaccinations, boosters, and now targeted boosters.  There is no need to think that you are immoral or unethical by wanting to move on with your life.  The virus of today has been documented as less virulent - that is in fact how viruses work over time, as we all have been reading over the years, educating ourselves about the science rather than buying into the prevailing paranoia and hysteria - the science is on our side.  People must take responsibility for their own health.  We now have the tools to do that - to take all of the precautions necessary.  And if your health is fragile, if your health is precarious - it is on you to take care of yourself.  I'll say it again - this is not 2020.  The entire world has moved on - all except the cruising community, still stuck in the dark times of 3 years ago.  It's way past time to move on. 

There is a big difference between moving on with your life and putting others at risk. If one of our family has ever even had a mild tummy bug on a cruise or at an AI resort then we will self isolate…It is simply the right thing to do.

 

‘’Taking responsibility for your own health’ depends on the cooperation of others. For example to enable more vulnerable groups to protect themselves would you…

 

Not use elevators. Many older guests or guests with mobility issues need an elevator, others simply prefer one. 
 

Wear a mask in queuing situations and on coaches.

 

Be vigilant in respecting others personal space.

 

Choose a place to sit in a bar or restaurant not just based on personal choice but also on respecting distancing from others.

 

I sincerely hope you will live long and prosper without a worry or a care…

 

However, many people know they have medical issues. If others are willing to make small compromises on their cruises then the more vulnerable can also enjoy cruising too.

 

Just a little effort from all of us can enable so many more to enjoy life. For those with ‘mileage on the clock’ and those with life threatening illnesses their ‘need’ to cruise now is (in our mind) more valid than those who are in good health and with time on their side…

 

Lexmillar, I do totally understand your viewpoint but older and vulnerable groups should have the right to cruise and expect our fellow cruisers to respect and cope with the issues we face…

 

 

 

 

[mfs2k]

16 hours ago, RichYak said:

Reporting symptoms is an exercise in risk/reward. The risk is draconian treatment for no less than 5 full days by the cruise line. The reward is a pro-rated cruise fare refund for as long as you test positive. This is the choice

 

This is true, and I'm sure it's a difficult decision for many, who have waited a long time for a well needed vacation. 

It's a hard choice when you feel a little sick but well enough to go sit by the pool, and eat some meals in the dining room.  Do you do the responsible thing and report and cut your vacation short or do your best to enjoy your time and not tell anyone?  Refund or no refund...

 

Most of you would be responsible and report, but many people choose the other option. 

 

By next year, this is card #74 in the game "Scruples."

[Jim_Iain]

23 hours ago, C4HCG said:

I live 

Is it? I live in Europe (unfortunately) and was unaware

Good way to check is the countries you will visit -  Just Google - Country Name  and word Covid.  You can also select country from the pull down list in the link below. 

 

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=covid+casess+uk#colocmid=/m/03rjj&coasync=0

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

And you can "take responsibility for your own health" by getting all the vaccines and boosters, wearing a mask, washing hands, etc. and STILL get COVID.

 

Happened to me just after Christmas.

Happened to my sister (who works on a cruise ship) in May.

Happened to my parents in August.

 

All of us fully vaxxed and boosted and all taking precautions. Everything that was said for "taking responsibility for your health" and we STILL got it.

Edited October 17, 2022 by WrittenOnYourHeart

[maggie.1008]

I came down with Covid the day after I returned home from my Vancouver to Hawaii cruise. 
it was 12 days before I tested negative. I am now on day 15 and still don’t have my sense of smell and taste back to normal. I am a 68 years young so please don’t think this can’t happen to you. I was fine on my other four cruises this year but my luck ran out. 
will I cruise again, sure but I think it will be a while.

[Cruise Junky]

2 hours ago, maggie.1008 said:

I came down with Covid the day after I returned home from my Vancouver to Hawaii cruise. 
it was 12 days before I tested negative. I am now on day 15 and still don’t have my sense of smell and taste back to normal. I am a 68 years young so please don’t think this can’t happen to you. I was fine on my other four cruises this year but my luck ran out. 
will I cruise again, sure but I think it will be a while.

Same in my house after a month in Hawaii. 100% certain it was the flight home.  About the same amount of time to register a negative too.  

[dlh015]

13 minutes ago, Cruise Junky said:

Same in my house after a month in Hawaii. 100% certain it was the flight home.  About the same amount of time to register a negative too.  

I guess that's a checkmark in the Staycation column?? (As versus Land vacation or cruise vacation?)

 

When my wife got covid, we were also were pretty sure it was the flight home...if not spending the night in the Montreal airport...ugh...thanks Air Canada for that one...

Edited October 17, 2022 by dlh015

[Cruise Junky]

34 minutes ago, dlh015 said:

I guess that's a checkmark in the Staycation column?? (As versus Land vacation or cruise vacation?)

 

When my wife got covid, we were also were pretty sure it was the flight home...if not spending the night in the Montreal airport...ugh...thanks Air Canada for that one...

Definitely. Everything we did was outside in Hawaii.  We were delayed in Seattle and there was someone hacking and coughing in close proximity.  I’m hoping we both now have super antibodies 🤓

[SailingHigher]

Our teenager was once upon a time confined to quarters on a RCCL cruise. No fun for a grumpy young man with norovirus, but certainly understandable. On our recent Beyond cruise in the Med (9/24-10/3), my greatest fear was being quarantined onboard or in Italy and unable to return to work for an unpredictable length of time. And while I walked off Beyond fairly happy and healthy, I quickly found myself suffering and Covid+. The 102F fever hit me late in the evening on 10/4 and lasted for two days despite all available Pfizer shots prior to the trip. By 10/5, my DW was Covid+ and suffering with different symptoms. Paxlovid helped me kick it and go negative on 10/9, but now I'm Covid+ again with different symptoms. I'm not for a moment blaming the Beyond, its passengers, or its crew for my illness. There were too many other points of exposure during the cruise and traveling back home on 10/3. I'm very happy I did not have symptoms during the trip, but I am sorry that I traveled. It wasn't worth it. Your mileage may vary.