Azura noravirus

[LinniB]

Just got off the Azura and last 2 days of cruise badly affected by a noravirus outbreak People still not using sanitizer going into restaurants Can’t understand why crew don’t enforce it !

[kalos]

Really sad state of affairs when we have just been through a pandemic and yet we 

have a few people who not capable of basic hand washing but here we are.

It is not just some passengers ,a few years ago I reported a member of staff who 

walked out of the toilets and into the MDR where he was working . The officer was 

not pleased with him .

Passengers and crew all have a collective responsibility when it comes to our welfare.

 

 

[Josy1953]

39 minutes ago, LinniB said:

Just got off the Azura and last 2 days of cruise badly affected by a noravirus outbreak People still not using sanitizer going into restaurants Can’t understand why crew don’t enforce it !

Unfortunately some people don't think that anything will ever affect them. 

I brought up the fact that crew didn't enforce using sanitizer when we were on Ventura during a norovirus outbreak a few years ago and was told that they didn't enforce it because some people are allergic to the sanitizer and P&O could be sued if anyone had a serious reaction.

[Eglesbrech]

11 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

Unfortunately some people don't think that anything will ever affect them. 

I brought up the fact that crew didn't enforce using sanitizer when we were on Ventura during a norovirus outbreak a few years ago and was told that they didn't enforce it because some people are allergic to the sanitizer and P&O could be sued if anyone had a serious reaction.

I don’t use their hand sanitizer as it does affect my hands after a few days but I carry my own bottle (attached to my belt) and make a point of using it at the sanitiser point so people think I don’t clean my hands. On the more modern ships where sinks are available I use the good old fashioned soap and water.

 

Staff may not be able to enforce use of the sanitiser P&O use but they could enforce soap and water washing. Unfortunately given some of the passengers and their bad attitude perhaps staff are reluctant to do so (and who can blame them).

 

When the pandemic came along numerous people asked me where I had found my little sanitiser bottle with the carabina before they became prolific.

 

People are generally becoming more sloppy again with hygiene. Interesting that I can’t recall seeing any reports of noro while the worst of covid was around (and it’s still around). 

[Snow Hill]

Alcohol based sanitiser doesn’t work against Norovirus, stop and water is you number 1 defence.

 

https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/2019/11/21/play-your-part-this-winter-to-stop-the-spread-of-norovirus-in-the-south-west-just-think-noro/

[9265359]

1 hour ago, LinniB said:

Just got off the Azura and last 2 days of cruise badly affected by a noravirus outbreak People still not using sanitizer going into restaurants Can’t understand why crew don’t enforce it !

 

Of course not using sanitizer when going into the buffet during a norovirus outbreak is unforgivable, but who on earth would risk the Russian roulette that is the buffet during a norovirus outbreak!

 

As for the MDRs, then using sanitizer is of course polite, but the risk of infection from passengers who haven't used sanitizer is substantially lower and is reduced by avoiding touching surfaces others may have done, but mainly by not eating with your fingers - leave the bread alone.

[Grandad John]

I and 10 other members of my family returned from two weeks on Azura last Saturday. Four of us (including myself) contracted Norovirus half way through the second week. Upon arriving home Saturday evening my daughter and son-in-law, with whom I sat on the plane and shared a car with from Manchester airport, both tested positive for c…d. Yesterday I too tested positive for c…d. These incidents certainly detracted from what was for me a very therapeutic family cruise following the death of my lovely wife in February. However I find myself reticent to blame P&O having witnessed first hand the appalling hygiene standards of a number of my fellow passengers. P&O can take all the necessary steps, impose the strictest of controls, but until people display even a modicum of respect for the well-being of their fellow passengers these issues will never be eradicated.

[Harry Peterson]

Rule 1: Never, ever use the buffet.  🤮

[Jennizor]

5 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Rule 1: Never, ever use the buffet.  🤮

Once tried, never returned.

[kalos]

7 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Rule 1: Never, ever use the buffet.  🤮

Rule 2 :  Ignore rule 1  if you keep your fingers off food  and use a tissue to handle tongs.

 

 

Worked for me over the years ,as posted in my last post, MDRs are not 100 % safe either.

 

It's some of the people and staff who are the problem .

[Harry Peterson]

1 minute ago, kalos said:

Rule 2 :  Ignore rule 1  if you keep your fingers off food  and use a tissue to handle tongs.

 

 

Worked for me over the years ,as posted in my last post, MDRs are not 100 % safe either.

 

It's some of the people and staff who are the problem .

I’d agree with you, apart from the fact that you’re reliant on others doing the same - and they don’t.  Most, if not all, of the staff handle food sensibly, but a noticeable minority of passengers don’t, and it only takes one to contaminate an entire tray of food.

 

We saw it enough times to make us avoid the buffet altogether.

[kalos]

17 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

I’d agree with you, apart from the fact that you’re reliant on others doing the same - and they don’t.  Most, if not all, of the staff handle food sensibly, but a noticeable minority of passengers don’t, and it only takes one to contaminate an entire tray of food.

 

We saw it enough times to make us avoid the buffet altogether.

 

Understand where your coming from H , to be fair we eat early so for breakfast we are through soon as it opens . Never would I use it in the morning rush hour .

Dinner in the main dining room most of the time.

 

One of the scariest things was watching four people at the Grab and Go taking sandwiches out of the cabinet .One lady tucked one under her armpit whilst examining another two she had taken out before putting a couple back in the cabinet . Not for us thank you.

I heard whispers that the Grab and Go ,is to be discontinued and going on what I saw ,it won't be missed by me.

 

Edited November 19, 2022 by kalos

[zap99]

12 minutes ago, kalos said:

 

Understand where your coming from H , to be fair we eat early so for breakfast we are through soon as it opens . Never would I use it in the morning rush hour .

Dinner in the main dining room most of the time.

 

One of the scariest things was watching four people at the Grab and Go taking sandwiches out of the cabinet .One lady tucked one under her armpit whilst examining another two she had taken out before putting a couple back in the cabinet . Not for us thank you.

I heard whispers that the Grab and Go ,is to be discontinued and going on what I saw ,it won't be missed by me.

 

We like to get ashore ASAP, so often the buffet for breakfast. Wash our hands, use tissues, sanitise, don't touch anything, eat, repeat, off the ship, enjoy.

[9265359]

49 minutes ago, Harry Peterson said:

Rule 1: Never, ever use the buffet.  🤮

 

36 minutes ago, kalos said:

Rule 2 :  Ignore rule 1  if you keep your fingers off food  and use a tissue to handle tongs.

 

Have you not seen the people who actually finger the food in the buffet?

 

Or those, despite the many signs, fill water bottles from the water and juice dispensers?

 

And that's before you get to those that pick a plate up and then decide they don't want it and put it back, or those that can't take a single knife or spoon without handling the lot.

 

Rule 1 is inviolate if there is even a hint of norovirus - never ever eat or drink anything that another passenger has had the possibility of touching.

[kalos]

5 minutes ago, 9265359 said:

 

 

Have you not seen the people who actually finger the food in the buffet?

 

Or those, despite the many signs, fill water bottles from the water and juice dispensers?

 

And that's before you get to those that pick a plate up and then decide they don't want it and put it back, or those that can't take a single knife or spoon without handling the lot.

 

Rule 1 is inviolate if there is even a hint of norovirus - never ever eat or drink anything that another passenger has had the possibility of touching.

Have you seen how many people are in the buffet at 6:15 am ,not a lot and make sure we are 

one of the very 1st through and as you say keep away from the bread .

Only have hot drinks whilst in there .

I have also (as posted) seen waiters from MDR exit loo without washing hands .

I have also witnessed a guy cough into his hands before picking up the salt and pepper in 

the MDR. My message is take care wherever you eat because you never know where the

dirty people dine .

A lot of onshore hotels we use ,we again make sure we are through as soon as it opens 

for meals regardless of if it's a Travelodge or Hilton and can assure you with what we see ,

we are so glad we were first through .

[9265359]

2 minutes ago, kalos said:

Have you seen how many people are in the buffet at 6:15 am

 

No, because 6.15 in the morning doesn't exist, and certainly isn't a time for food.

[kalos]

Just now, 9265359 said:

 

No, because 6.15 in the morning doesn't exist, and certainly isn't a time for food.

I will leave you to your slumber 😉 We are sat waiting with a cuppa for the hot buffet part

to open at 6.30 am .I used to have a job where getting up at 4am was the norm for me .

I suppose the MDR opening time is like an elevenses to me .

[kruzseeka]

For many years prior to recent events, we always carried Boots anti viral foam with us on board.  Although conscientious about hand washing and sanitizing on entering the MDR after pulling out chairs and handling the menu we would use the foam again before eating.  Perhaps OTT for some but seemed to be a small thing to do to reduce the odds even if only slightly. 

 

We each have to take whatever precautions we see fit to ease our minds but nothing is more certain that some on board are a liability and like others we do our best to avoid situations where lax attitudes are rife.  

[9265359]

57 minutes ago, kalos said:

I will leave you to your slumber 😉 We are sat waiting with a cuppa for the hot buffet part

to open at 6.30 am .I used to have a job where getting up at 4am was the norm for me .

I suppose the MDR opening time is like an elevenses to me .

You actually drink the brown stuff served in the buffet - brave, very brave!
 

My preference if the ship is in port is to get off and find somewhere that actually serves coffee that tastes of coffee - and that’s pretty much enough for breakfast.

[zap99]

27 minutes ago, kruzseeka said:

For many years prior to recent events, we always carried Boots anti viral foam with us on board.  Although conscientious about hand washing and sanitizing on entering the MDR after pulling out chairs and handling the menu we would use the foam again before eating.  Perhaps OTT for some but seemed to be a small thing to do to reduce the odds even if only slightly. 

 

We each have to take whatever precautions we see fit to ease our minds but nothing is more certain that some on board are a liability and like others we do our best to avoid situations where lax attitudes are rife.  

First thing we do when entering the cabin for the first time is to sanitise all the surfaces, handles, toilet. We have been going on cruises and hotels for yonks. I have had Noro once and that in a hotel. An unpleasant experience, but take precautions and unlikely. Lots of things in life are more important. Buffet is fine, but care needs to be taken. I eat the bread as well, not even a yeast infection. Coffee and tea are OK

 

Edited November 19, 2022 by zap99

[davecttr]

I have a buffet breakfast early and am usually one of the first 2 or 3 customers plus using tissues with the serving utensils. Even so I have had norovirus several times on P&O cruises. Maybe it is me liking the casino but I can't think why on more Marella cruises I have only had one stomach upset and that was not norovirus (they tested me) and I was OK after 24 hours.

 

I liked the Quays on Iona (not breakfast) as the food is given to you already plated. I also get a supply of salt/pepper sachets.. Food stations in the buffet that prepare food to order are also a good idea. A redesign of buffets along the lines of the Quays might help. 

[Angel57]

42 minutes ago, zap99 said:

First thing we do when entering the cabin for the first time is to sanitise all the surfaces, handles, toilet. We have been going on cruises and hotels for yonks. I have had Noro once and that in a hotel. An unpleasant experience, but take precautions and unlikely. Lots of things in life are more important. Buffet is fine, but care needs to be taken. I eat the bread as well, not even a yeast infection. Coffee and tea are OK

 

Do exactly the same thing when first entering the cabin and sanitise all surfaces plus telephone, remote control and door handles with Dettol Wipes.

[kalos]

45 minutes ago, Angel57 said:

Do exactly the same thing when first entering the cabin and sanitise all surfaces plus telephone, remote control and door handles with Dettol Wipes.

On any ship or hotel ,we do the same and Mrs K insists on boiling the kettle, filling the cups with boiling water, soak the spoons then discarding the water .

Then and only then can I make us a nice cup of tea 

Edited November 19, 2022 by kalos

[zap99]

1 minute ago, kalos said:

On any ship or hotel ,we do the same and Mrs K insists on boiling the kettle, filling the cups with boiling water, soak the spoons then discarding the water .

Then and only then can I make us a nice cup of tea 

On our first post lockdown sc holiday we put all the cutlery and crockery in the dish washer as well. OTT, but still a bit wary as it was the first week of freedom.

.

[Harry Peterson]

Given that the lift buttons are one of the most potentially contaminated surfaces on a ship, simply because of the high usage, it’s always amusing to see other passengers as cautious (paranoid?) as yourselves using paper napkins, shirts, dresses etc to touch them with!
 

It’s even more widespread now, post Covid.