NCL cancels Pearls Mexico stops

[CruisnGram]

Found this on the websie, posted at 7 pm tonight.

 

 

Travel Advisory: Updated 7pm 04/28/09

Miami - Apr 28, 2009 --- The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.

As a precautionary measure due to the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico, the company is cancelling Norwegian Pearl's final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009.

Norwegian Cruise Line has stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all of its vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the company is taking proactive precautionary measures to protect its valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screening via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the company does not anticipate that its guests' cruise experience will be impacted.

Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line's on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.

Any further updates will be posted to ncl.com. For information on swine influenza, visit the CDC's web site at www.cdc.gov

 

 

[retiredonthesea]

OhOh---Been reading all the controversary over on the RCL boards. I suppose we will be in for a interesting read here also! Some heated discussion going on about changed itineraries, refunds,ect. even to the point this flu is no big deal to some!!:eek:

[CruisnGram]

OhOh---Been reading all the controversary over on the RCL boards. I suppose we will be in for a interesting read here also! Some heated discussion going on about changed itineraries, refunds,ect. even to the point this flu is no big deal to some!!:eek:

 

Yeah, I expect so too. At least with NCL it seems that this is the only cruise that will be affected as the Pearl was the last NCL ship to have an itinerary that included stops in Mexico till the fall.

 

CG

[retiredonthesea]

Yeah, I expect so too. At least with NCL it seems that this is the only cruise that will be affected as the Pearl was the last NCL ship to have an itinerary that included stops in Mexico till the fall.

 

CG

 

I didn't realize that about the itinerary---might be some luck in that after all for NCL.

[CruisnGram]

Wow, you are right about the RCL board Retired. I just went over there for a peak and some of those people are pretty upset. I can understand why though as for some, it's more then a missed port, it's an entire itinerary change. Those that were cruising to the Mexican Riviera are going to Canada instead! Quite a change from warm weather to Canada, and certainly having more impact then just a missed port or two. I do hope that RCL allows them to reschedule as that would be the only fair thing to do.

 

CG

[OceanDreaming2]

They are equally upset on the Carnival board. Some people just don't get it. This is a very serious outbreak; I'd much rather miss a couple of ports than be exposed to a potentially fatal disease.

 

Just think of the masses of people in the ports when a ship comes calling. Usually small stalls of folks selling their wares; close quarters and lots of coughing and sneezing. It was the same way at the Straw Market whe we took the Sky last month. Came home with a nasty cold and I'm sure it came from there.

[retiredonthesea]

Wow, you are right about the RCL board Retired. I just went over there for a peak and some of those people are pretty upset. I can understand why though as for some, it's more then a missed port, it's an entire itinerary change. Those that were cruising to the Mexican Riviera are going to Canada instead! Quite a change from warm weather to Canada, and certainly having more impact then just a missed port or two. I do hope that RCL allows them to reschedule as that would be the only fair thing to do.

 

CG

 

Did you see where I got slammed pretty hard? I read where a post said it was "just the flu" and came back with a comment-- I guess I stepped on some toes!:o Post 91

[CruisnGram]

Did you see where I got slammed pretty hard? I read where a post said it was "just the flu" and came back with a comment-- I guess I stepped on some toes!:o

 

Yeah I did. People are upset but that's no reason for them to be nasty or unreasonable. I don't understand why those that are just having a sea day added, or a change in a port are that upset. It happens all the time. Disappointed sure, but not completely upset.

 

And those that are saying that it's "just the flu" need to get a grip. I'm not a chicken but do not want to be on a cruise ship that's going to those ports right now. Can you imagine how quickly it would spread?

 

CG

[radzer0]

Im on the side of the passangers. It would piss me off to have a cruise setup and they decide to change it all up like that. Now if they offered full refunds i guess i wouldnt say the same. But from what ive heard (havent checked rcci forum) thats not going on.

[retiredonthesea]

Yeah I did. People are upset but that's no reason for them to be nasty or unreasonable. I don't understand why those that are just having a sea day added, or a change in a port are that upset. It happens all the time. Disappointed sure, but not completely upset.

 

And those that are saying that it's "just the flu" need to get a grip. I'm not a chicken but do not want to be on a cruise ship that's going to those ports right now. Can you imagine how quickly it would spread?

 

CG

 

I just think of all the complaining that went on this winter with the ships that had the noro virus----they think that was bad. I can't imagine an out break like the swine flu on one of the ships!:eek:

 

What gets me is when people come back with a comment that corrects you with an incorrect statement!!:rolleyes: Oh well, wasn't the first won't be the last!

[nancyfancy40]

Mabey I am the exception here. :rolleyes: For me any day on a cruise ship would be good. The ports for me are just a bonus. I really would not care where the ship went, as long as my bed was made every morning for me, food was cooked everyday for me, great gym to use, and lots of entertainment free. The other thing people need to realize, is that the this flu could already be on the ship with them. It adventually will reach most areas of the country/world. Just keep youself healthy, wash hands often and if you begin to feel sick, quatantine yourself until you feel better.

 

I hope people can enjoy their trip and make the best of what they feel is an unfortunate turn of events.

 

Bein the Pollyanna that I am, I am sure the cruise lines will do something for their customers, in the end.

 

Nancy

[retiredonthesea]

Mabey I am the exception here. :rolleyes: For me any day on a cruise ship would be good. The ports for me are just a bonus. I really would not care where the ship went, as long as my bed was made every morning for me, food was cooked everyday for me, great gym to use, and lots of entertainment free. The other thing people need to realize, is that the this flu could already be on the ship with them. It adventually will reach most areas of the country/world. Just keep youself healthy, wash hands often and if you begin to feel sick, quatantine yourself until you feel better.

 

I hope people can enjoy their trip and make the best of what they feel is an unfortunate turn of events.

 

Bein the Pollyanna that I am, I am sure the cruise lines will do something for their customers, in the end.

 

Nancy

 

DITTO---my feelings exactly.

[dtracker]

I admit, I would be disappointed, but I would also probably find a way to back out of the cruise anyway. No way would I want to chance going there now...actually, with all the violence in Mexico, I would have cancelled some time ago.

 

DT

[Don Haynes]

I had the swine flu before, several years ago, and it laid me on my back for an entire week. After a few days I was able to visit a doctor, just barely by the way. That week I lost thirty pounds, couldn't keep anything inside my stomach. It was the worst flu I have ever had. I hear this strain is much worst, and I can't think of any flu worst than what I went through.

[mactrio]

Wow, you are right about the RCL board Retired. I just went over there for a peak and some of those people are pretty upset. I can understand why though as for some, it's more then a missed port, it's an entire itinerary change. Those that were cruising to the Mexican Riviera are going to Canada instead! Quite a change from warm weather to Canada, and certainly having more impact then just a missed port or two. I do hope that RCL allows them to reschedule as that would be the only fair thing to do.

 

CG

 

The big change in itinerary also means a lot higher port fees and taxes, right? Canada is much higher than Mexico. IMO, each person should have a choice of either a full refund, a credit for a future cruise or another itinerary; not just a switch from one extreme to another.

[Craving A Cruise]

Wow, you are right about the RCL board Retired. I just went over there for a peak and some of those people are pretty upset. I can understand why though as for some, it's more then a missed port, it's an entire itinerary change. Those that were cruising to the Mexican Riviera are going to Canada instead! Quite a change from warm weather to Canada, and certainly having more impact then just a missed port or two. I do hope that RCL allows them to reschedule as that would be the only fair thing to do.

 

CG

Hello CruisnGram~~ You are correct. Many passengers are understandably upset. Myself included. :( This is far more than just a port change or two. As you stated above, this is a complete itinerary change. Imagine yourself flying to Miami to cruise to the warm Caribbean and instead find yourself being sent to Fort Lauderdale, New York, Boston and Canada instead. I think most people would be disappointed ( especially if they were planning on getting a tan. LOL:)) Sure you may have wanted to visit those cities someday, but this time you wanted to cruise someplace warm......

 

Needless to say, this is a problem that is out of the cruiselines control and I know they are trying to make the most out of a tough situation. Obviously, it is difficult to please everyone. ....I don't doubt the seriousness of this strain of flu, but I do feel that the media is blowing it way out of proportion and adding to the panic. Just my humble opinion.

 

Forgive me for popping in here, but I just wanted to see how the other cruiselines are handling this situation..... We sailed NCL many years ago on our honeymoon and hope to return someday. :)

[LOWTYD]

Hello CruisnGram~~ You are correct. Many passengers are understandably upset. Myself included. :( This is far more than just a port change or two. As you stated above, this is a complete itinerary change. Imagine yourself flying to Miami to cruise to the warm Caribbean and instead find yourself being sent to Fort Lauderdale, New York, Boston and Canada instead. I think most people would be disappointed ( especially if they were planning on getting a tan. LOL:)) Sure you may have wanted to visit those cities someday, but this time you wanted to cruise someplace warm......

 

Needless to say, this is a problem that is out of the cruiselines control and I know they are trying to make the most out of a tough situation. Obviously, it is difficult to please everyone. ....I don't doubt the seriousness of this strain of flu, but I do feel that the media is blowing it way out of proportion and adding to the panic. Just my humble opinion.

 

Forgive me for popping in here, but I just wanted to see how the other cruiselines are handling this situation..... We sailed NCL many years ago on our honeymoon and hope to return someday. :)

 

It has to be disappointing for those booked for the itinereary and I fell sorry for all you guys.

All the cruiselines state they have the right to change itineraries at anytime for any reason. I am sure the Terms and Condtions cover their butts and they have to be scrambling to figure out where they can go. You can only fit so many ships in a port at a tiime. I would rather have 5 sea days tooling around the Carribean then sailign up the east coast in such blah weather. Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

 

And you are welcome to pop in at anytime!:)

[Don Haynes]

Im on the side of the passangers. It would piss me off to have a cruise setup and they decide to change it all up like that. Now if they offered full refunds i guess i wouldnt say the same. But from what ive heard (havent checked rcci forum) thats not going on.

 

Its taken the cruise lines two years to sell the ships out, and at the last minute you want to give all of the passengers a full refund? The new cruise ships are running over a half billion dollars, the super ones over a billion dollars each, and you expect a cruise line to survive a flu epidemic with zero passengers over a few months? They would all belly up......

 

Assume a Panamax ship is booked at double occupancy holding 3000 passengers. The average inside cabin runs $500 for the week. That is a total of one and a half million dollars minimum, more likely over two million dollars per ship per week just in fares, not counting the casino or shore excursions or drinks. Consider several ships affected times how many months?

 

The cruise lines are in the business to earn money, not refund our fares......

[electricron]

I had the swine flu before, several years ago, and it laid me on my back for an entire week. After a few days I was able to visit a doctor, just barely by the way. That week I lost thirty pounds, couldn't keep anything inside my stomach. It was the worst flu I have ever had. I hear this strain is much worst, and I can't think of any flu worst than what I went through.

 

Come on Don, tell the whole truth. While you may have been on your back in bed for only a week, you weren't well enough to go to work for almost three weeks.

[lauraleigh9mm]

I have to admit I am happy about the cancellation of the Mexican ports for the Pearl as we get on it right after. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Traveller20074]

AAAAAAmen!!!!!!!!!!

 

Mabey I am the exception here. :rolleyes: For me any day on a cruise ship would be good. The ports for me are just a bonus. I really would not care where the ship went, as long as my bed was made every morning for me, food was cooked everyday for me, great gym to use, and lots of entertainment free. The other thing people need to realize, is that the this flu could already be on the ship with them. It adventually will reach most areas of the country/world. Just keep youself healthy, wash hands often and if you begin to feel sick, quatantine yourself until you feel better.

 

I hope people can enjoy their trip and make the best of what they feel is an unfortunate turn of events.

 

Bein the Pollyanna that I am, I am sure the cruise lines will do something for their customers, in the end.

 

Nancy

[mickeysgal]

Mabey I am the exception here. :rolleyes: For me any day on a cruise ship would be good. The ports for me are just a bonus. I really would not care where the ship went, as long as my bed was made every morning for me, food was cooked everyday for me, great gym to use, and lots of entertainment free. The other thing people need to realize, is that the this flu could already be on the ship with them. It adventually will reach most areas of the country/world. Just keep youself healthy, wash hands often and if you begin to feel sick, quatantine yourself until you feel better.

 

I hope people can enjoy their trip and make the best of what they feel is an unfortunate turn of events.

 

Bein the Pollyanna that I am, I am sure the cruise lines will do something for their customers, in the end.

 

Nancy

 

Normally, I'd agree with you wholeheartedly. However, we're scheduled for a Mediterranian cruise...it's our once in a lifetime dream cruise. Here, we did schedule it for the ports, not necessarily for the ship. The cost of air to Europe was costly. This is one cruise where I would consider canceling if my itinerary changed, it spread more globally and ports/countries may be at risk of being cancelled, etc. I wouldn't feel so great about flying all that way to Europe to spend the trip all on sea days. Once you're on board, there is nothing you can do about it, but if it is known before-hand, then that's a different story and that's where the go/no-go decision comes into play. JMHO.

[Pickels]

I'd like to suggest to NCL, make a right hand turn and head for the Hawaiian Islands; that would work for me! :p

[Cruise_More_Often]

Don't know about anyone else, but if I went to Mexico and brought the virus back home to infect my friends and neighbors even before I found out I had it, I would feel awful! Think about what a cruiseship full of infected people could do.

[Traveller20074]

I am just thinking of all the sea days they have now.

 

 

*jealous*