What is a red alert??

[bobbisailsolo]

I have seen references to red alerts in many of the discussions. My last cruise was over 10 years ago, and I don't recall ever hearing of a red alert on any of the cruises we took. Is this something new? Is this common? What is the cause of the increase?

Bobbi

[wrp96]

Part of it depends on the cruiseline, part of the situation.

 

The two things I've seen it used to refer to:

 

1. norovirus outbreak onboard

 

2. Sailing is possibly being chartered, changed, etc so the cruiseline stops allowing people to book it

[sail7seas]

I think you probably mean Code Red and that refers to the circumstances that exist when there are a number of cases of NoroVirus. Self service in Buffets (on HAL) stops and crew serves everyone what they want, salt and pepper shakers,bread baskets, all condiments are removed from tables and stewards will serve you. Library stops loaning books, hot tubs emptied, people use gloves in casino etc etc etc and crew works, cleans, scrubs, and exhausts themselves cleaning every square inch of the ship again and again and again.

 

All that and far more just because a few people didn't bother to use good hygiene and spread their germs all over the ship.

[bobbisailsolo]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, code red. Does this happen frequently? Is it caused by the crew, or the passengers? It sounds pretty serious. I remember years ago hearing about bacteria in the hot tubs. I would assume this is something similar. What are the symptoms of the virus? I just hate getting sick while on vacation. I suppose it wouldnt hurt to carry a small bottle of purell in my bag.

Bobbi

[wrp96]

Norovirus is the stomach bug - just like you can get at home, at school, at work, etc. (actually occurs more in those places) If you practice normal hygiene, you've done all you need to do.

[sail7seas]

NoroVirus is the second most common illness after the common cold. There is hardly a dormitory, nursing home, hospital, school, hotel or any place lots of people gather that has not had an outbreak or two or three or more.

 

Vomiting and diarrhea are the symptoms and they often hit suddenly. Most people feel very much better within 24 hours.

 

Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash you hands. Practice good hygiene.

 

[Mary Ellen]

Is it caused by the crew, or the passengers? It sounds pretty serious. ...[snip]... I suppose it wouldnt hurt to carry a small bottle of purell in my bag.

It is usually brought on board by passengers. When there is an outbreak, there will be a higher % of the passengers stricken - the crew knows to wash their hands frequently. The Purell isn't going to do much against a virus. It has been found to give passengers a false sense of security. The best things you can do are to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching things you don't have to (i.e. use your knuckles to push elevator buttons).

 

As to symptoms, it is a gastrointestinal virus. Without too much detail, those stricken won't want to be far from their bathroom.

 

What makes this so insidious, is that one is still contagious after they feel better. Once they leave their cabin and begin touching railings, buttons, menus.... they can spread the virus to others. This is the reason for the quarantine and restrictions on the buffets along with bread baskets and salt/pepper shakers on the tables.

[BruceMuzz]

Red Alert happens when the USS Enterprise is attacked by the Klingons.

[sail7seas]

:D :D

[MichCook]

Red Alert happens when the USS Enterprise is attacked by the Klingons.

 

ok, Live Long and Prosper

[NYCFOD]

I am not convinced that hot tubs are that clean, so I've stopped using the communal hot tubs at spas, hotels, resorts and clubs. It's not worth the risk in my view. I've had a couple of UTI's over recent years and while I can't directly relate it to a hot tub, they generally occur after I've used one (and no I don't pee in the hot tub). I also avoid putting my head under water in a swimming pool so that I can keep the water out of my mouth, nose, eyes and ears. Lately, I've felt safest swimming in the ocean.

[sail7seas]

I stopped going near hot tubs years ago when Legionaires Disease was traced back to hot tub on Celebrity's Horizon.

 

[bobbisailsolo]

Red Alert happens when the USS Enterprise is attacked by the Klingons.

 

okay, beam me aboard scotty.:D:D:D

[Moonglow]

An RCL cruise we booked for Asia for April 2009 had been deleted on their web site and when many booked passengers called and inquired about what was going on, they were told it was a "code red". Finally the cruise reappeared and one cruise critic member cancelled as he found out a large group in Asia was booking this cruise. True or not I don't know and cruise lines play dumb with their answers. We also cancelled for a number of reasons including the incident above. It really put me off of RCL.

Carol

[Rickey 88]

Red Alert happens when the USS Enterprise is attacked by the Klingons.

 

I always thought that the call of CODE RED signified that they were running out of Gin! :D

 

Seriously, there is also a CODE BLUE which is the call for the doctor and a nurse as in the case of a collapse or accident.....