How NCL treats you when you catch Covid on their ships ...

[newbie63]

I'm currently on the Norwegian Star on a 14-day cruise ending in Reykjavik. A couple of days ago I was feeling lousy so I have myself a Covid test I'd brought from home. It was positive. Not a complete surprise when cruising nowadays. 

 

I called the ship doctor who gave me a confirming Covid test (exact same type that I brought from home) (charged me $99 for that), gave me a consult to let me know I had Covid (that was $199), gave me a "non-generic equivalent" of Paxlovid (a whopping $800 for that when Paxlovid is FREE in the States) and gave me 30 tablets of Tylenol ($36 for the Tylenol).

 

Then I was escorted to my  room and told that I could not leave it until the end of the cruise (I would have isolated even if they hadn't told me to). The ship provided room service three times a day at times that worked for them (not on my schedule, but it worked out okay).

 

The problem, of course, was what to do AFTER the cruise was over. I initially wanted to get a hotel and stay in Reykjavik for a couple more days to make sure I wasn't contagious before flying, but that became technically really difficult because I couldn't find hotels that would let me in before 3:00 p.m. (latest the ship would let me leave was 9:00 a.m. and I have luggage and it's cold) and everywhere that had room service (And ALL airport hotels) were sold out. In fact, most of the places left with availability were small guesthouses, many with shared bathrooms. My chance of infecting others while out on the streets, waiting for rooms and trying to keep myself fed while isolating was probably at least as high as when taking a flight, especially since flights have GPS air circulation systems.

 

In fact, the ship's doctor had told me that flying back should be fine since my virus level would be greatly reduced from the Paxlovid and I'd be wearing a K95 mask. 

 

I had paid for an airport transfer well before the cruise when I read how difficult it could be to get a taxi from the cruise ports - long lines and long waits. And of course the weather can be cold and wet this time of year. 

 

When I asked guest relations about my airport transfer, they said "no, we can't take you to the airport now that you have Covid, but we'll refund the money you paid us for the airport transfer."

 

Wait a sec ... you mean you guys are really going to push a sick 60 year old woman who caught Covid on YOUR ship (with the timing I couldn't have brought it with me) out into the cold to fend for herself ... with the airport 45 minutes away, a possible 2- hour wait in the cold for a taxi, and a taxi fare of maybe $150??? Their reply was "yes, that is EXACTLY what we're going to do."

 

I escalated up a couple of levels and got no help at all. They will not assist me in getting a cab. They will not pay for my cab or provide alternative transport to the airport, despite the fact that they would not allow a passenger to cancel airport transfers FOR ANY REASON past 20 days prior to the cruise. 

 

Am I the axxhole for thinking that NCL is despicable for chewing me up and spitting me out?

[FLAHAM]

Paxlovid no longer free in U.S.  Sounds like you didn’t have NCL’s inexpensive Essentials Travel Protection ($35).

[cruisinmeme]

Even hospital personnel are only required to isolate for 5 days.  It is experiences like yours that causes people to keep quiet and do what they want. 

[newbie63]

10 minutes ago, FLAHAM said:

Paxlovid no longer free in U.S.  Sounds like you didn’t have NCL’s inexpensive Essentials Travel Protection ($35).

I have travel insurance so I'll be reimbursed for my medical bills, but wanted to show the ridiculous upcharge.

[ChiefMateJRK]

What would you do differently next time?

[Ellis1138]

That's a horrifying situation to be in and I'm sorry it happened to you. It would have been nice for someone from NCL to have helped or let you go to the airport on the transfer, especially now that Covid cases are spiking again.  

[Asawi]

1 hour ago, newbie63 said:

I have travel insurance so I'll be reimbursed for my medical bills, but wanted to show the ridiculous upcharge.

If I, as a foreign tourist, would step into a medical facility in USA I doubt I would have been charged much less. Except maybe the Tylenol...

Having said that, I'm really sorry to hear of your horrible experience. Sounds like NCL could have handled that better and with a lot more empathy.

[DMH15]

First, so sorry you got sick on your vacation.  Several years ago my sweet mother got sick on our Jewel Transatlantic.  We knew exactly when and how.  We were seated at dinner with “Nick” who was sick, he told us… and he sneezed all over his hands and handed the bread basket to mom.  It was all over…
 

She missed excursions in Italy and Greece, was stck in the outside cabin with room service and did not see Athens except our hotel room.  So, I know how disappointing it can be.  She saw ship doc and doc in Athens twice.  She had insurance but her asthma complicated the claim.  We were just happy she recovered.  That was pre-Covid.  Since my mom was in her late 60’s she bought insurance and as her roommate I did too.  
 

I visited my brother in South Carolina last year in June for his birthday and was fully vaccinated but I, without question, caught covid on the plane.   Sure it was that lady coughing behind me.  After a few days, I was sick as a dog and shared it with my brother and his wife.  My 4 day trip became 11.  I was able to change my flight home because I included trip insurance… just in case.
 

Anyways, the ship did not give you COVID, most likely it was a pax. Our world has changed.   You said you packed your own COVID test since there was a possibility you would need it.  Once you tested positive it became NCL’s problem, inasmuch as to protect everyone onboard.  Unlike a land vacation they could not just pull over and “let you off” and of course their prime concern HAD TO BE minimizing the chance of your spreading covid.   It does make more sense for you to be in a taxi than on a bus.   The way people wear masks improperly alone is one way it spreads.  
 

COVID is here.  We can all stay locked in our homes remotely or live our lives, taking precautions where necessary.  The responsibility lies with each of us.  And if we get COVID once, twice, three or more times we take accountability and responsibility.  We are proactive with insurance and reactive with an emergency fund or alternative plans.  It is not the cruiselines job to help us or expedite on our behalf over the normal contract or provisions of the additional insurance purchased. 
 

The ship’s Doctors are not part of NCL by the way.   And yes, they are very expensive.  You did not mention if you had trip insurance.  Did you?  
 

Wishing you a speedy recovery.   Again, so sorry.  It is terrible to be sick on vacation.  And COVID even worse.  

Edited September 9, 2023 by DMH15

[www3traveler]

There are threads upon threads about the indiffernce of the staff on The Star in the last few months.  Why, I do not know??

[newbie63]

11 minutes ago, DMH15 said:

First, so sorry you got sick on your vacation.  Several years ago my sweet mother got sick on our Jewel Transatlantic.  We knew exactly when and how.  We were seated at dinner with “Nick” who was sick, he told us… and he sneezed all over his hands and handed the bread basket to mom.  It was all over…
 

She missed excursions in Italy and Greece, was stck in the outside cabin with room service and did not see Athens except our hotel room.  So, I know how disappointing it can be.  She saw ship doc and doc in Athens twice.  She had insurance but her asthma complicated the claim.  We were just happy she recovered.  That was pre-Covid.  Since my mom was in her late 60’s she bought insurance and as her roommate I did too.  
 

I visited my brother in South Carolina last year in June for his birthday and was fully vaccinated but I, without question, caught covid on the plane.   Sure it was that lady coughing behind me.  After a few days, I was sick as a dog and shared it with my brother and his wife.  My 4 day trip became 11.  I was able to change my flight home because I included trip insurance… just in case.
 

Anyways, the ship did not give you COVID, most likely it was a pax. Our world has changed.   You said you packed your own COVID test since there was a possibility you would need it.  Once you tested positive it became NCL’s problem, inasmuch as to protect everyone onboard.  Unlike a land vacation they could not just pull over and “let you off” and of course their prime concern HAD TO BE minimizing the chance of your spreading covid.   It does make more sense for you to be in a taxi than on a bus.   The way people wear masks improperly alone is one way it spreads.  
 

COVID is here.  We can all stay locked in our homes remotely or live our lives, taking precautions where necessary.  The responsibility lies with each of us.  And if we get COVID once, twice, three or more times we take accountability and responsibility.  We are proactive with insurance and reactive with an emergency fund or alternative plans.  It is not the cruiselines job to help us or expedite on our behalf over the normal contract or provisions of the additional insurance purchased. 
 

The ship’s Doctors are not part of NCL by the way.   And yes, they are very expensive.  You did not mention if you had trip insurance.  Did you?  
 

Wishing you a speedy recovery.   Again, so sorry.  It is terrible to be sick on vacation.  And COVID even worse.  

Thanks for your response. Of course I knew I could get Covid and completely agree that NCL had to protect other passengers. Thankfully I do have insurance to reimburse me for the meds. What I totally object to is their not getting me a cab and paying for it since I had prepaid for a non refundable airport transfer. Dumping me out in the cold to try to get one on my own and bear the extra expense is just unforgivable to me.

[newbie63]

59 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

What would you do differently next time?

I would still tell NCL because I would want the porters to stay out of my room so they wouldn't get sick. I'd bring my own Paxlovid (though my travel insurance will reimburse me for the cruise medical costs). I honestly don't think I'd do anything differently. And I'd still be upset at NCL for dumping me out in the cold instead of getting me a cab when I paid for an airport transfer!

[hallux]

3 hours ago, newbie63 said:

I had paid for an airport transfer well before the cruise when I read how difficult it could be to get a taxi from the cruise ports - long lines and long waits. And of course the weather can be cold and wet this time of year. 

 

When I asked guest relations about my airport transfer, they said "no, we can't take you to the airport now that you have Covid, but we'll refund the money you paid us for the airport transfer."

 

Wait a sec ... you mean you guys are really going to push a sick 60 year old woman who caught Covid on YOUR ship (with the timing I couldn't have brought it with me) out into the cold to fend for herself ... with the airport 45 minutes away, a possible 2- hour wait in the cold for a taxi, and a taxi fare of maybe $150??? Their reply was "yes, that is EXACTLY what we're going to do."

NCL is not the only line with this policy.  My dad caught COVID on a Princess cruise earlier this year.  Disembarkation and travel home was 5 days after the diagnosis (due to his medical history the ship doctor was actually not comfortable providing him Paxlovid even though he's in the high-risk group), the ground transportation was the same as you got - the pre-paid transfer was cancelled and they were told to get a cab at the curb.  My dad turned 80 this year, EIGHTY, and they treated him the same way as you were.

[debenson0723]

I have typed a response 3 times and did not post because I thought I sounded unsympathetic which I am not. Been in your situation so have a bit of experience. Use the internet to book a cab online that will be waiting for you. Alternately, use your cell phone once you are in port and do it that way. I have gotten cabs in Reykjavik before...might have to wait 30 minutes but they will come. 

Sorry you got sick on vacation but you should be well past contageous by the time you disembark, especially if you took Paxlovid (I didn't). As someone else mentioned above, 5 days is the maximum I can miss work now if I test positive (and I work with the public). 

[newbie63]

20 minutes ago, hallux said:

NCL is not the only line with this policy.  My dad caught COVID on a Princess cruise earlier this year.  Disembarkation and travel home was 5 days after the diagnosis (due to his medical history the ship doctor was actually not comfortable providing him Paxlovid even though he's in the high-risk group), the ground transportation was the same as you got - the pre-paid transfer was cancelled and they were told to get a cab at the curb.  My dad turned 80 this year, EIGHTY, and they treated him the same way as you were.

WOW - that's just plain heartless!!! I'm so sorry to hear that he was treated that way! 😞

[hallux]

18 minutes ago, newbie63 said:

WOW - that's just plain heartless!!! I'm so sorry to hear that he was treated that way! 😞

Thanks.  They're seasoned travelers, and unlike his first bout with COVID it was a very mild case.  Their cruise was a Hawaii cruise out of LA so his isolation days were all sea days.  They managed, but had some challenges.

 

The worst part was that I was planning to pick them up, but so as not to put me at risk for catching it (just a "belt and suspenders" cautionary decision) they had me bring their car to the airport for them to drive themselves home.  They get to the car at 1 AM - won't start after I'd driven it less than 12 hours previously!  Guess who got a call?  I got it started with a jump pack, they got home, I went to their house the next day to go get a new battery and I found the negative cable was loose!

[phillygwm]

2 hours ago, Ellis1138 said:

That's a horrifying situation to be in and I'm sorry it happened to you. It would have been nice for someone from NCL to have helped or let you go to the airport on the transfer, especially now that Covid cases are spiking again.  

Really?  Would you like to be seated next to her on the transfer bus?   

 

NCL is in a bad position here:  They don't want people with COVID, even with a "greatly reduced" viral load, exposing others who aren't sick.  That's especially so if OP is still symptomatic. Sure, we all know that a certain number of people are going to get COVID as a result of any cruise, but if I were put on a bus next to someone who was obviously ill, I'd be livid.  While it might have been nice for NCL to pickup the tab for a taxi, I don't see why they'd be under any obligation to do so.

 

 

I'm getting my booster at the end of this month in preparation for my November cruise.  But if I test positive onboard?  I'll self-quarantine but it will otherwise be my little secret.  I wonder whether those Mexican pharmacies carry Paxlovid?  

 

 

[Uff da]

2 hours ago, phillygwm said:

Really?  Would you like to be seated next to her on the transfer bus?   

 

NCL is in a bad position here:  They don't want people with COVID, even with a "greatly reduced" viral load, exposing others who aren't sick.  That's especially so if OP is still symptomatic. Sure, we all know that a certain number of people are going to get COVID as a result of any cruise, but if I were put on a bus next to someone who was obviously ill, I'd be livid.  While it might have been nice for NCL to pickup the tab for a taxi, I don't see why they'd be under any obligation to do so.

 

 

I'm getting my booster at the end of this month in preparation for my November cruise.  But if I test positive onboard?  I'll self-quarantine but it will otherwise be my little secret.  I wonder whether those Mexican pharmacies carry Paxlovid?  

 

 

Paxlovid is only prescribed for the worst of cases. My doctor suggested I not take it for a relatively mild case because the side effects of it were worse than COVID. 

[phillygwm]

4 hours ago, Uff da said:

Paxlovid is only prescribed for the worst of cases. My doctor suggested I not take it for a relatively mild case because the side effects of it were worse than COVID. 

Which raises a larger point:  This isn't 2020.  The 2023 COVID variants usually aren't much worse than the flu, though I don't want to sit next to someone with the flu either.  Of course, neither is fun and if you're in a high risk group both can be dangerous or even lethal, but hopefully one takes precautions.  As someone who is generally healthy but checks a couple of the risk boxes, I'll get boosted/flu vaxxed, I'll try to keep distances where possible, and I'll carry tests and masks with me but that's about it.  

 

 

8 hours ago, debenson0723 said:

I have typed a response 3 times and did not post because I thought I sounded unsympathetic which I am not.

Yeah, I had the same concern.  I don't want to sound heartless but NCL has to keep cruisers as safe as possible, recognizing that we're knowingly taking a certain degree of risk by being on a ship with ~4000 people.  I expect that standard of care so I don't want to be near anyone who is obviously ill.  But I also recognize there are  lot of asymptomatic people walking around so things happen. 

[Asawi]

12 hours ago, newbie63 said:

gave me a "non-generic equivalent" of Paxlovid (a whopping $800 for that when Paxlovid is FREE in the States)

There is no such thing as "free"! Someone has to pay somewhere along the line. Over here Paxlovid is actually around $800 if you were to buy it off the shelf (which you cannot do AFAIK), but covered by medical insurance if given a prescription. So "free" (or low cost) for the patient, but definitely not "free".

 

[craig01020]

Moral of the story: bring some meds, wear a mask and keep your mouth shut.

[Asawi]

43 minutes ago, craig01020 said:

Moral of the story: bring some meds, wear a mask and keep your mouth shut.

Yeah... Don't use much hand sanitizer while at home (wash my hands umpteen/day though...), but I'm packing some small bottles for my Star cruise in October now that flue season is starting. I have LOTS of disposable gloves in my workshop and I think I'll bring some of them as well to use in the buffet while grabbing my food. (Unfortunatley not everyone does the washy washy as they should. And then they go use the tongs...)
I'm generally not the worrying kind, but it would suck to get ill when I have lots of fun stuff coming up! Covid or not, flue season is around the corner!

[Ellis1138]

9 hours ago, phillygwm said:

Really?  Would you like to be seated next to her on the transfer bus?   

 

 

Long before the pandemic, I was on an airplane in the aisle seat, with a stranger next to me in the middle seat. She was hacking, sniffling, sneezing and absolutely miserable. I gave her some of my Sudafed (the real deal, not PE), which admittedly was a risk. (Like, if she had high blood pressure, real Sudafed would be bad.) I was lucky and it helped her stop doing all that.

 

No, I don't want to be seated next to someone ill. But I do retain my human compassion.

[phillygwm]

1 hour ago, Asawi said:

 I have LOTS of disposable gloves in my workshop and I think I'll bring some of them as well to use in the buffet while grabbing my food. (Unfortunatley not everyone does the washy washy as they should. And then they go use the tongs...)

IF I do the buffet, I make sure it's during off-peak times..  There's nothing that puts me in a bad mood more than obnoxious people in a crowded buffet plus I understand the Washy Washy staff has been cut back, to your point.  Maybe I'm deluding myself but IMHO it's likely safer and saner in Taste/Savor.

Edited September 9, 2023 by phillygwm

[ontheweb]

24 minutes ago, phillygwm said:

IF I do the buffet, I make sure it's during off-peak times..  There's nothing that puts me in a bad mood more than obnoxious people in a crowded buffet plus I understand the Washy Washy staff has been cut back, to your point.  Maybe I'm deluding myself but IMHO it's likely safer and saner in Taste/Savor.

On our recent Prima cruise, there were both hand sanitizers and a sink by the entrance to the buffet. And not always, but usually, there was also a "washy, washy" person who would either give you a nod as she saw you use the hand sanitizer or spray your hands if you did not.

[Yinster]

When we sail we RC in May, a couple tested themselves and found out the wife had COVID. So went to the ship's doctor.  They give you the test and if you have COVID you don't need to pay. But if you don't, then it $199.

 

The wife isolated whilst he wore a mask whenever he was outside the cabin. 

 

Once off the ship, they were left to their own devices