Masks, RATs compulsory again in Australia: anyone onboard QE just now?

[Poole Boy]

QE is now tier 3 for Covid infections which means at least 10% positive cases aboard, Assuming 1700 passengers 1000 crew this could give  approx 270 people in isolation.

 

impact now becoming apparent with facilities closed and much longer waits for bar service and in the MDR due to staff shortages or staff being re deployed to room service .

 

every one who wanted to leave the ship yesterday at Darwin needed to show a negative RAT.  
 

 

however if you did not want to leave the ship or tested positive you were not compelled to declare your test result, so who knows how many more positive cases  are still wandering the ship.

 

some social distancing measures in place , but judging be the numbers in the golden lion it’s is not being enforced very well.

 

trying to be positive , but becoming increasingly difficult each day

[techteach]

@Poole Boy  I hope all of this turns out well for you and the others on this cruise.

[LittleFish1976]

2 hours ago, Poole Boy said:

QE is now tier 3 for Covid infections which means at least 10% positive cases aboard, Assuming 1700 passengers 1000 crew this could give  approx 270 people in isolation.

 

impact now becoming apparent with facilities closed and much longer waits for bar service and in the MDR due to staff shortages or staff being re deployed to room service .

 

every one who wanted to leave the ship yesterday at Darwin needed to show a negative RAT.  
 

 

however if you did not want to leave the ship or tested positive you were not compelled to declare your test result, so who knows how many more positive cases  are still wandering the ship.

 

some social distancing measures in place , but judging be the numbers in the golden lion it’s is not being enforced very well.

 

trying to be positive , but becoming increasingly difficult each day

 

Would the next port be Fremantle? Hopefully, the changeover of passengers will have a salutary effect on the covid load on board.

 

Fingers crossed for a better time for you on board. You sound rather glum.

 

 

[lahore]

Oh dear. I’m very sorry to hear that, for your sake and my own. 
 

As we’ve paid a relatively low price for our one week to Tassie, we may end up just ditching it.  

 

It just might not be worth the risk plus we were going to skip the formality by avoiding the MDR. One of the main things I enjoy about cruises is breakfast in bed. I loathe getting up early and we were planning several nights in the Veranda and otherwise the buffet or room service. This not sounding good for us at all. 
 

I’ll be very interested if you don’t mind sharing what’s happening whenever the mood takes you. Meanwhile, I really hope you find a way to relax and enjoy yourselves to some extent. More importantly, stay well and thanks for the update. 

Edited November 26, 2022 by lahore

[Mareblu]

Thank you, Poole Boy, for taking the time to share your onboard experience.  We are not due to sail on QE for approximately six weeks, so a lot can happen in that time.  We are not concerned at this stage for our own plans, but rather, hoping that all improves rapidly for you and your fellow onboard cruisers.  We would be so grateful if you are able to keep us posted.  Take care, and very best wishes that you remain healthy.

[Poole Boy]

The RATs are back , everyone has been tested this morning, so hopefully that will calm things down.

 

Unlikely restrictions will be lifted before Fremantle, but we can hope.

 

In some ways, I happy were not going to Bali, and am looking forward to spending more time in Fremantle & Perth, with a 10 PM Departure scheduled  on Friday we now have almost 3 full days to explore the area, may not be a consolation to those who live in WA, but for a visiting Brit, its an unexpected opportunity.

 

Looking for the positives, the temperature has cooled slightly, now only in the high 20's and not quite as humid, plenty of space on the open decks.

 

Time for a cocktail, I'm sure it's past 5pm somewhere in the world

 

[bazzaw]

3 hours ago, Poole Boy said:

In some ways, I happy were not going to Bali, and am looking forward to spending more time in Fremantle & Perth, with a 10 PM Departure scheduled  on Friday we now have almost 3 full days to explore the area, may not be a consolation to those who live in WA, but for a visiting Brit, its an unexpected opportunity.

 

 

Bali is a very large island - and the exact port where the cruise ships berth is not in any way exciting at all. We took a day long cruise shore tour in a bus when we arrived there in pre-Covid times - I am happy enough that we got a glimpse of Bali, but wouldn't be in a great hurry to go back there. I am sure that, as a visiting Brit, you will enjoy Fremantle and Perth much more

[lahore]

4 hours ago, Poole Boy said:

The RATs are back , everyone has been tested this morning, so hopefully that will calm things down.

 

Unlikely restrictions will be lifted before Fremantle, but we can hope.

 

In some ways, I happy were not going to Bali, and am looking forward to spending more time in Fremantle & Perth, with a 10 PM Departure scheduled  on Friday we now have almost 3 full days to explore the area, may not be a consolation to those who live in WA, but for a visiting Brit, its an unexpected opportunity.

 

Looking for the pg ositives, the temperature has cooled slightly, now only in the high 20's and not quite as humid, plenty of space on the open decks.

 

Time for a cocktail, I'm sure it's past 5pm somewhere in the world

 

If you haven’t been somewhere before, it’s always good to go and explore.  Bali is wonderful, and so are Perth and Fremantle in particular, although of course they are literally and figuratively worlds away from Bali.  You are there at the right time for good weather.   Perth can be stifling in December, I was there for six weeks due to my dad’s passing in December January 2021 and it was mid to high 30’s every day for weeks. You will avoid that purgatory (it’s like an oven all day, until about 4pm when the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ comes in…. A strong sea breeze that is predictable).   

 

I am sure you will enjoy Perth and Fremantle.  The Freo markets are interesting and there are some excellent foodie options around the area if that is your jam.  The beaches of Perth are stunning, and there are usually really good cafes just behind them.  Cottesloe beach area is a nice visit….it seems you will be there overnight on a Thursday so there is a great opportunity to go to the Thursday night market at Cottesloe: stunning sunsets are a given, along with lots of food trucks, stalls and music. 

 

https://scarboroughsunsetmarkets.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Ht1oUtDaw5oiNlxCedkkjB6tM5A3GSXo9d3SrKlhnIp2p_tFozL6dukc

Hoping you stay fit and well, and as always, very appreciative of any ongoing updates you find time to share.

Edited November 27, 2022 by lahore

[WoorimBeachLady]

22 hours ago, lahore said:

Oh dear. I’m very sorry to hear that, for your sake and my own. 
 

As we’ve paid a relatively low price for our one week to Tassie, we may end up just ditching it.  

 

 

Am booked on same cruise, but paid a relatively high price plus flights and hotels. It’s a hard decisions either way

[lahore]

17 hours ago, WoorimBeachLady said:

Am booked on same cruise, but paid a relatively high price plus flights and hotels. It’s a hard decisions either way

Sorry to hear that you are in the same *boat*, as it were.  We would lose $1500 each. It’s a lot, but our lives are worth more. I’m still not sure what to do, husband is against going so it’s causing marital strife too 🤣.  Am watching with great interest. 

[WoorimBeachLady]

Check the Cunard cancellation policy, up to 14 days you only lose 25% of the full fare. So Wednesday…

[Poole Boy]

5 hours ago, lahore said:

Sorry to hear that you are in the same *boat*, as it were.  We would lose $1500 each. It’s a lot, but our lives are worth more. I’m still not sure what to do, husband is against going so it’s causing marital strife too 🤣.  Am watching with great interest. 

The Tassie Cruise is in 2 weeks a lot can change in that time , QE has 2 turnarounds before it gets to head over toTasmania.

 

you are just as likely to come into contact with someone with Covid on land as you are on the ship. Don’t let our current situation put you off. With the measures in place on board you are probably safer than in a crowded mall on shore.

[lissie]

6 hours ago, lahore said:

Sorry to hear that you are in the same *boat*, as it were.  We would lose $1500 each. It’s a lot, but our lives are worth more. I’m still not sure what to do, husband is against going so it’s causing marital strife too 🤣.  Am watching with great interest. 

Why do you think you are any more at risk on a cruise? Do you otherwise never leave home? Never go out? Never meet friends? Never go out to dinner? The only difference on a ship is that they actually have rules about isolating the  sick and testing and social distancing - its far safer than having a holiday at home. There is an increase infections on land too - so long as you've had all your boosters  most people only get mildly sick - some are asymptomatic - which makes you wonder why  everyone at every part on land doesn't test before they arrive? 

[lahore]

Just now, lissie said:

Why do you think you are any more at risk on a cruise? Do you otherwise never leave home? Never go out? Never meet friends? Never go out to dinner? The only difference on a ship is that they actually have rules about isolating the  sick and testing and social distancing - its far safer than having a holiday at home. There is an increase infections on land too - so long as you've had all your boosters  most people only get mildly sick - some are asymptomatic - which makes you wonder why  everyone at every part on land doesn't test before they arrive? 

No, I don’t.  🤣
 

Also, I’m a doctor.  I’m pretty good to make my own medical decisions thanks. 

[lahore]

22 minutes ago, Poole Boy said:

The Tassie Cruise is in 2 weeks a lot can change in that time , QE has 2 turnarounds before it gets to head over toTasmania.

 

you are just as likely to come into contact with someone with Covid on land as you are on the ship. Don’t let our current situation put you off. With the measures in place on board you are probably safer than in a crowded mall on shore.

Things might change, and they might not.  It’s a gamble, and I’m not a risk taker.  We don’t go to crowded malls. 😉

 

I’ve just had Covid, so I’m most likely totally safe. But my hubby is vulnerable and hasn’t had it so that’s a concern; a much bigger concern than the loss of $3000. 

 

The situation on board at the moment doesn’t really sound fun either, sadly.  Do we really want to go in a ship that doesn’t offer room service, requires queuing for things and where you have little to no options other than the MDR? Probably not more’s the pity. 
 

@Poole Boy I’d love to hear more about how things progress and thank you so much for your time.  Wishing you well. 
 

 

[lahore]

1 hour ago, WoorimBeachLady said:

Check the Cunard cancellation policy, up to 14 days you only lose 25% of the full fare. So Wednesday…

Thanks but from what I read you lose 75% up to 15 days prior and 100% thereafter. 

[Windsurfboy]

 

 

Best predictor of covid on ships is levels of covid on land. If they stay where they are , covid on ships will not change. Covid rates on ships,  were roughly double that of ONS UK survey  1 in 10 on ship , 1 in 20 on land (ONS survey). This ratio has not really changed much.

 

[Poole Boy]

16 hours ago, lahore said:

Things might change, and they might not.  It’s a gamble, and I’m not a risk taker.  We don’t go to crowded malls. 😉

 

I’ve just had Covid, so I’m most likely totally safe. But my hubby is vulnerable and hasn’t had it so that’s a concern; a much bigger concern than the loss of $3000. 

 

The situation on board at the moment doesn’t really sound fun either, sadly.  Do we really want to go in a ship that doesn’t offer room service, requires queuing for things and where you have little to no options other than the MDR? Probably not more’s the pity. 
 

@Poole Boy I’d love to hear more about how things progress and thank you so much for your time.  Wishing you well. 
 

 

The situation at the eminent is. -all crew  last night , apparently all negative 

 

all passengers tested again this morning - hopefully any residual cases will be picked up , as we have not been off the ship since last Friday, that should stop the inter ship infections

 

we arrive in Fremantle tomorrow and by Friday we will loose / gain approx 800 passengers.

 

as every one on the ship and all those who join have been receintley tested residual virus onboard should be minimal 

 

On board services are not 100% but improving 

 

MDR, Lido and Golden Lion open for food. As as the queens room for afternoon tea

 

room service available but busy

 

Verander closed at the moment , along with the launderettes 

 

table service only at the bars

 

other activities taking place some now on the pool deck rather than inside, eg line dancing.

 

deciding to take a cruise or not  is a personal decision if I can give an insight into the situation on board to help you make a decision please let be know.

 

 

[Host Hattie]

Thanks for the updates @Poole Boy.

[lahore]

15 hours ago, Windsurfboy said:

 

 

Best predictor of covid on ships is levels of covid on land. If they stay where they are , covid on ships will not change. Covid rates on ships,  were roughly double that of ONS UK survey  1 in 10 on ship , 1 in 20 on land (ONS survey). This ratio has not really changed much.

 

Hi again,  hey could you please provide more details about this survey (I am not sure what ONS is…I’m in Australia).  I’m an academic so I guess wanting to read the research is in the blood…I’m genuinely interested.  TIA> 

[lahore]

Hi @Poole Boy.  Thanks heaps for the update, greatly appreciated.  Can I ask, will you be disembarking in Freo, or staying on board. I’d be SO KEEN to hear what happens after Fremantle. 

[Pippa04]

Big problem on this voyage appears to be the lack of testing after large numbers of people boarded in Sydney. Spoken to several people who flew in from NZ who felt they picked covid up on flight. Testing a couple of days after they boarded would have helped immensely in my opinion. Some people have been less than honest but a lot were totally unaware they were infected. Captain spoke today and implied that numbers are under control and going down but no hard facts obviously!

Yes,  it's not been the cruise we were expecting on the second half - we've been on since Fremantle  - but we've still enjoyed it through being sensible.

[Windsurfboy]

1 hour ago, lahore said:

Hi again,  hey could you please provide more details about this survey (I am not sure what ONS is…I’m in Australia).  I’m an academic so I guess wanting to read the research is in the blood…I’m genuinely interested.  TIA> 

 

ONS office of national statistics,  send out 50000, LFT tests per 2 weeks to a random selection (of people who have agreed to be part of panel) every 2 weeks.

[Victoria2]

3 hours ago, Pippa04 said:

Big problem on this voyage appears to be the lack of testing after large numbers of people boarded in Sydney. Spoken to several people who flew in from NZ who felt they picked covid up on flight. Testing a couple of days after they boarded would have helped immensely in my opinion. Some people have been less than honest but a lot were totally unaware they were infected. Captain spoke today and implied that numbers are under control and going down but no hard facts obviously!

Yes,  it's not been the cruise we were expecting on the second half - we've been on since Fremantle  - but we've still enjoyed it through being sensible.

I think anyone choosing to travel at the moment has to expect ''the unexpected''. Our pandemic Covid precautions were almost military in their approach but there comes a time when ''you'' have to live life.

Apprehensive though we were last August, we kept up our own Covid protocols even though we were initially, almost rare beasts onboard with our approach.

More masks joined us as the cruise went along and although we didn't frequent the bars much and dined two top instead of six or eight, we had a wonderful time being, as you say, sensible.

 

Sadly had to cancel Oct trip [yes, the 75% charge was a real ouch] but really looking forward to '23. Masks will probably still  ''be us'' but we're so used to the idea, it won't impinge on our enjoyment one jot.

 

To those concerned about Covid, just be very sensible but go for it. Life is for living. 😀

 

 

[Poole Boy]

6 hours ago, lahore said:

Hi @Poole Boy.  Thanks heaps for the update, greatly appreciated.  Can I ask, will you be disembarking in Freo, or staying on board. I’d be SO KEEN to hear what happens after Fremantle. 

I will be staying on until Sydney on Dec 13th