Day In The Life of Crew During Cancelled Cruises

A lot happened in a week in the cruise industry.  The week started with a meeting between CLIA members and VP Pence to discuss industry response to COVID-19 outbreak.  The next day, the State Department recommended that people don't take a cruise.   The week ended with a National Emergency being declared by the President,  and cruise lines voluntarily ceasing operations for a month.

Cruises that were in progress would continue for the most part, but the remainder would be cancelled.  That meant ships would have to find a place to anchor or wander about the oceans for the next 30 days without passengers.

Chris Wong is an Assistant Casino Host on Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas.  He publishes a VLOG on YouTube on a regular basis.   Here's a look at his day now that the industry has taken a pause.

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We Are Here For You

A lot can happen in a week.

Six days ago the State Department issued a warning advising Americans against traveling on cruise ships. We mobilized all of our efforts to support our guests as they were were concerned, uncertain and even fearful.

On Wednesday evening, President Trump announced sweeping travel restrictions impacting travel from Europe to the US. This was shortly followed on Thursday by announcements to suspend operations by several suppliers, most notably Viking and Princess.

And now the week has culminated with announcements from the major cruise lines to suspend operations until April 11^th. While this is unquestionably a setback to the cruising industry, it is no longer just about us. The NBA announced an indefinite suspension to their season. Events across the country are being cancelled or postponed. Restaurants, museums and other places people gather are closing temporarily. 

We call these things out not to further distress you, but to highlight to you what we see…it is no longer just about us. And with that, comes a chance for the great industry we are in to hit the “reset” button. Cruising is not going away.

We are still open for business. We offer our deepest gratitude to our travel partners for powering through these events with resolve to do one thing – deliver a remarkable experience to our customers. 

Even though ships won’t be sailing over the next few weeks, our work does not stop. As your trusted travel advisors, we know what you are going through right now and we are here for you. Please watch this short video.




Related Posts:
The following posts have links to various resources which will be updated on a daily basis in most cases.  They include both Health and Industry resources.

• Coronavirus Testing Impacting Cruises
• Cruise Line Waivers for COVID-19
• COVID-19 Doctor's Perspective
• Coronavirus Travel Advice

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Princess Cruises Pauses Global Operations

Princess President Jan Swartz announces that Princess Cruises will temporarily and voluntarily pause all ship operations for 60 days, and explains the rationale, as well as impact to guests in this video update.

Throughout this health crisis, Princess Cruises has taken their core values to heart, which includes putting the health and safety of employees and guests into consideration on every move they've made.

In the video, she ponders why Princess Cruises has been singled out as the only cruise line impacted. Perhaps that's because they travel the world. They have also been transparent - reporting every suspected case to the authorities.

We were personally impacted when our cruise from Melbourne to Singapore was terminated early (dropping the segment from Perth to Malaysia to Singapore).   Princess Cruises did everything to accommodate passengers making sure that they were able to get back home safely.  We applaud them for everything they've done.

The entire industry has responded to this crisis, in unprecedented ways, altering itineraries, modifying cancellation policies, adding additional health and sanitation measures, and keeping the public and travel partners informed.  We are proud to be part of this great cruise industry. 

When we overcome this virus, we encourage the public to get back out there traveling the world.  Think about all the lives impacted by loss of tourism business this year.   It's not any different following a major hurricane - except that this gave no warning about where it would strike.



Related Posts:
The following posts have links to various resources which will be updated on a daily basis in most cases.  They include both Health and Industry resources.

• Coronavirus Testing Impacting Cruises
• Cruise Line Waivers for COVID-19
• Coronavirus Travel Advice

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Coronavirus Testing Impacting Cruises

Please see the following blog post for resources to assist you during this time of global health emergency.  We will try to keep you posted on breaking news here as well.

Coronavirus Travel Advice

We understand that there are many news reports about specific sailings that are being impacted as a result of Coronavirus. Below is what we currently know and our comments are in red. We will update you as new information becomes available.

Princess Cruises

Grand Princess Statement from Princess Cruises (Facebook, posted approximately 9 hours ago)

We have received word from state and local response operations that Grand Princess will proceed to the Port of Oakland on Monday (was initially scheduled for Sunday) to begin disembarking guests who require acute medical treatment and hospitalization. Exact timing is still being determined in a coordinated manner with all operations resources. These guests will be transported to medical facilities in California. Disembarkation will continue Monday (this may now happen Tuesday based on updated arrival day) for other guests. According to Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, following health screenings, guests who are California residents will go to a federally operated facility within California for testing and isolation, while non-Californians will be transported by the federal government to facilities in other states. Crew will be quarantined and treated aboard the ship. We will provide additionally information as we receive it.

Royal Princess Statement from Princess Cruises (Facebook, posted approximately 11 hours ago)

We were requested by the CDC that we share information about a crew member who previously served on Grand Princess and transferred to Royal Princess fifteen days ago. After sharing all information and details about the crew member, the CDC approved clearance for Royal Princess Friday, to sail Saturday, with no restrictions placed on the vessel. However, late Saturday afternoon, the CDC informed us of their decision to issue a “no-sail order” until the crew member was tested for COVID-19. We have unfortunately been unable to obtain this test given the lateness of the request. The crew member is past the maximum incubation of COVID-19, has been evaluated and has never developed any respiratory symptoms or fever. The crew member had no known contact or exposure to other guests or crew who were ill on Grand Princess. The crew member received a precautionary screening by the Medical Staff upon boarding Royal Princess to test for respiratory symptoms, including fever. Due to the unknown timing of obtaining the test and results or anticipated response, we have cancelled the cruise.

Our guest services and ground operations teams are activated and are working to assist guests who purchased air independently by providing lists of local hotels with availability. We will reimburse our guests up to $300 per booking for one-night’s hotel costs in Los Angeles and have booked our EZair guests in a LAX airport hotel. We share in our guests’ disappointment in the cancelled cruise and are sorry we could not communicate sooner given the lack of information. Therefore, all guests will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, Princess Air, Princess Cruise Plus pre- and post-cruise hotel packages, prepaid shore excursions and other prepaid items purchased through Princess Cruises. Unexpected expenses, such as air change fees, reimbursement of reasonable non-refundable out-of-pocket expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis when submitted to our office. As the cruise has been cancelled the day of departure, each guest will also receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit equal to the cruise fare paid on this voyage.

Regal Princess (Various News Reports)
This news is breaking now. According to reports, the Regal Princess which was supposed to dock in Ft. Lauderdale earlier today is being held off the coast of Florida. Two crew members who previously served on the Grand Princess are currently sailing on the Regal Princess and are being tested. The most official information we have is the attached letter that was provided to passengers who are currently onboard Regal Princess.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Panorama Official Statement from Carnival Cruise Line

As you may have heard, Saturday, guests on Carnival Panorama, were unable to disembark the vessel in Long Beach, Calif. due to a medical issue with a passenger that was sent to the hospital and tested for Coronavirus. At 10 p.m., the results came back negative and guests were cleared to disembark in Long Beach, the cruise company said in a statement: "The precautionary COVID-19 test on a Carnival Panorama guest has come back negative and guests have been cleared to disembark in Long Beach. The guests were notified by Carnival Panorama Captain Carlo Queirolo at 9:45 pm PT.   The next Carnival Panorama cruise to the Mexican Riviera will now operate as a six-day cruise, departing on Sunday and those guests have also been notified.

Costa Cruises
Costa Fortuna

Malaysia and Thailand have barred a cruise ship carrying about 2,000 people, including 64 Italians, from docking due to fears about the new coronavirus, an official said Sunday (Mar 8). The Costa Fortuna was first turned away from the popular Thai holiday island of Phuket on Friday, despite there being no suspected virus cases aboard, according to its operator.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette departed from Miami, Fla. on Friday and had to return twice due to incidents, which were not Coronavirus related. According to Dream Vacations Franchisee Mara Hargarther who is onboard, the cruise line is giving everyone two days value of OBC and a 25% refund of cruise fare. They are still awaiting an itinerary update.

Travel to Melbourne

click images to enlarge

ORD - LAX - MEL

Our Southern Australia to Singapore adventure began on February 12th with our evening flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX). We had friends take us to the airport a couple hours early, as we normally do. Just as we arrived at the airport, it started snowing.

We went thru security and headed to our gate. Since we had a four hour flight, we picked up salads from the food court so that we'd have some dinner on the plane.

Our flight boarded on time, but due to the snow, the plane needed to be de-iced which caused us to be delayed for about an hour. Despite the late departure, we still arrived in LAX on time. We had a two hour lay-over in Los Angeles before our next flight.

Connecting Flights

To expedite security screening, we'd packed all our electronic items (laptop, iPad, DSLR camera, Kindle) and 3-1-1 bags in a separate carry-on bag.  This made going through security in Chicago much easier than it would have otherwise. I say easier, because my knee brace always requires extra screening, which this time was quite involved, and took some time.

You may be wondering if we needed to go through security all over again in LAX?

Fortunately, the answer to that question was no. Upon debarkation in LAX, we asked someone for directions to the connecting flights. At the end of the terminal, there was an escalator that took us to an upper level. You can see from the picture above that we are above the security screening and flight check-in stations.

Getting Comfortable

Another thing that we had in our separate carry-on bag was a change of pants. We took turns changing into our lounging pants prior to heading to our gate. This way, we didn't need to attempt to get comfortable in the small onboard restrooms. We wanted to be comfortable for the approximate 15 hour flight from there to Melbourne.

We also suggest a comfortable neck pillow.  Even though the airline provides pillows on long-haul flights, you might want to have your own to add to your comfort.  Also consider compression socks to prevent DVT (clots) and some slipper socks so that you can keep your feet warm if you remove your shoes.

Next Stop - Melbourne

We boarded the flight about 10:30 PM Pacific time which was 12:30 AM at home.   We were already tired, but we needed to stay up a little longer.   Dinner was served around 1:30 AM and then it was time to take a long nap.   A couple hours before we landed, breakfast was served.

If you are like me, I can't  fall asleep easily on planes.  My husband on the other hand has no problem.  This time, however, I was out before my husband and skipped dinner.   Throughout the flight we both got up and took restroom breaks, allowing us to stretch a little.  It is a good idea to do so as well as some plane exercises to be sure not to get clots.

We'll talk more about our arrival in another post.  For more images, see our Shutterfly Photo Page.
Hopefully, you've followed us live on our social media channels as well.  Don't worry if you didn't, as our anchor post will tie everything together for you.  Just click the image (left) to our diary post.

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Cruise Line Waivers for COVID-19

If you are already booked on a cruise, or considering booking a cruise, the cruise lines are responding to the current world-wide health emergency.  Please consult your travel advisor or cruise line directly if your plans change.  Be sure to be aware of timelines to cancel.

Here are the modified cancellation policies that we are aware of - we will continue to monitor for updates.   The temporary changes include modified final payment deadlines, cancellation policy changes, and other incentives for those that decide to travel during specific time windows.

Ocean Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line       Disney Cruise Line    Holland America Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line   Princess Cruises         Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

River Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways          Avalon Waterways         Uniworld           Viking River  

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line have temporarily revised their cancellation policies due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Both new policies will be in effect for cruises and cruise tours departing through May 31.

Princess said that the details of its revised policy vary by departure date:

Date of Departure*	Benefit
March 6 – 8, 2020	Cancel up to sailing date to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees
March 9, 2020 - April 3, 2020	Cancel up to 72 hours before sailing to automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees
April 4, 2020 - May 31, 2020	Cancel by March 31 and automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit for 100% of cancellation fees

*Date of departure is from the start date of your cruise or cruisetour, whichever is earlier. Excludes charter cruises. 

Guests that choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled for departures between March 9 and May 31 will receive the following onboard credit amounts:

• $100 per cabin for 3-day and 4-day cruises
• $150 per cabin for 5-day cruises
• $200 per cabin for 6 day and longer cruises

Future Cruise Credits will automatically be applied to each guests’ Captain Circle account after they have cancelled. Future Cruise Credits will not be available instantly and may take up to 10 business days to be processed.

Click here for complete details 

Carnival Cruises

Carnival, meanwhile, is offering guests who choose to keep their booking as currently scheduled for departures between March 6 and May 31 the following onboard credit amounts:

• $100 per cabin for 3 and 4 day cruises
• $150 per cabin for 5 day cruises
• $200 per cabin for 6 day and longer cruises

Carnival said it will automatically apply the credit to guests’ onboard accounts, and the cruise line is asking guests who choose to keep their sailing not to call. The cruise line noted that it is finalizing some itinerary changes to European itineraries on Carnival Radiance, and that it will share a special offer regarding those sailings in the next few days. 

Carnival guests who booked prior to March 6 on a sailing through May 31 and who decide to change their vacation plans will be able to move their booking to a new date and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of the non-refundable cancellation fee. 

Guests booked on sailings departing March 9 – 31 can move their booking to a future date up to three days before sailing. Guests on cruises departing March 6 – 8 can call Carnival at any time to take advantage of this offer. 

Guests booked on sailings departing April 1 – May 31 can move their booking to a future date by March 31. 

The future cruise credit must be used for a sailing by March 31, 2021.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line has temporarily modified their cancellation polices.  Book with confidence:  (click to Learn More)

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International
Celebrity Cruises
Azamara Cruises

Please click the appropriate link for your cruise line.

The policy applies to all three brands.

An FAQ, specific to each brand, is included when you follow the link.

Disney Cruise Line

Temporary Cancellation Policy Update

Given the current situation, we are offering temporary adjustments to our cancellation policy to provide more flexibility for our guests. These adjustments may continue to evolve as more information becomes available.  Click Here for latest update.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Beginning March 10, 2020, guests who book a voyage through September 30, 2020 may cancel up to 48 hours from embarkation and receive a 100% future cruise credit to be used for sailings that embark through December 31, 2022. This offer also applies to individual and group guests who are currently booked through this timeframe.  Click Here for Complete Details.

AmaWaterways

NEW TRAVEL WAIVER PLUS

In light of the recent global events and uncertainties around travel, we wish to offer our guests additional flexibility and peace of mind. As a result, and for a limited time, we will offer provisions which allow guests with new or existing reservations to purchase AmaWaterways Travel Waiver Plus which provides cancellation for any reason.

Contact your Travel Advisor for details and to purchase.

Avalon Waterways

With the uncertainty felt among many travelers over the effects of the spread of Coronavirus, Avalon Waterways is responding with a policy to enable our travelers and their travel advisors to adjust travel plans and help alleviate immediate concerns.

At this time, all of our river cruises are operating as scheduled with the exception of mainland China. For all other destinations, we are introducing a temporary policy update for 2020 travel as follows until further notice:  (Click Here for Complete Details)

Uniworld River Cruises

To help alleviate the uncertainty our guests may be feeling about their upcoming cruise, we have released a temporary update to the terms of our cancellation policy for all 2020 cruises to allow our guests more time to make a decision about their travel plans. Guests can cancel up to 14 days prior to their cruise and receive a Future Cruise Credit for the penalty amount incurred at time of cancellation or they can rebook on any 2020 cruise without penalty. Non-penalized amount will be refunded at time of cancellation. Guests also have the option to rebook with any Travel Corporation Brand for 2020 or 2021. Exception: Published cancellation policies will apply to cruise/tours booked for Oberammergau 2020.  (Click Here for Complete Details)

Viking River Cruises

TEMPORARY EXCEPTION TO VIKING’S STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY

Notification of intent to change or cancel your cruise reservation must be received as follows:

• If you have flights arranged by Viking, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of your flight’s departure. 
• If you have arranged your own flights, it must be received at least 24 hours prior to the time of embarkation of the cruise or your hotel check-in, whichever is first. 
• Changed or cancelled reservations will be reimbursed in the form of a Future Cruise Voucher in the amount of 100% of any cancellation fees incurred. 
•  Future Cruise Vouchers may be used toward a new reservation for any future river, ocean or expedition cruise and will be valid for 24 months from issuance.

(Click Here for Complete Details)

COVID-19 Doctor's Perspective

The following is going viral on Facebook - and for good reason.  This doctor, who specializes in Infectious Diseases, puts things in perspective about COVID-19.  For ongoing updates, see our dedicated post.

This is not our typical post, but we thought it was important to share.  We are getting calls from our guests, concerned about traveling.   Speak to your personal doctors for their advice - they will be familiar with your circumstances.  Also, take precautionary measures, which should be standard practice - washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, staying away from those exhibiting symptoms.  Monitor guidance from world health organizations such as the WHO and CDC (resources in our post above).

Please have a listen
#cleanhands #openhearts

Abdu Sharkawy

March 5 at 9:45 PM

I'm a doctor and an Infectious Diseases Specialist. I've been at this for more than 20 years seeing sick patients on a daily basis. I have worked in inner city hospitals and in the poorest slums of Africa. HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis,TB, SARS, Measles, Shingles, Whooping cough, Diphtheria...there is little I haven't been exposed to in my profession. And with notable exception of SARS, very little has left me feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed or downright scared.

I am not scared of Covid-19. I am concerned about the implications of a novel infectious agent that has spread the world over and continues to find new footholds in different soil. I am rightly concerned for the welfare of those who are elderly, in frail health or disenfranchised who stand to suffer mostly, and disproportionately, at the hands of this new scourge. But I am not scared of Covid-19.

What I am scared about is the loss of reason and wave of fear that has induced the masses of society into a spellbinding spiral of panic, stockpiling obscene quantities of anything that could fill a bomb shelter adequately in a post-apocalyptic world. I am scared of the N95 masks that are stolen from hospitals and urgent care clinics where they are actually needed for front line healthcare providers and instead are being donned in airports, malls, and coffee lounges, perpetuating even more fear and suspicion of others. I am scared that our hospitals will be overwhelmed with anyone who thinks they " probably don't have it but may as well get checked out no matter what because you just never know..." and those with heart failure, emphysema, pneumonia and strokes will pay the price for overfilled ER waiting rooms with only so many doctors and nurses to assess.

I am scared that travel restrictions will become so far reaching that weddings will be canceled, graduations missed and family reunions will not materialize. And well, even that big party called the Olympic Games...that could be kyboshed too. Can you even
imagine?

I'm scared those same epidemic fears will limit trade, harm partnerships in multiple sectors, business and otherwise and ultimately culminate in a global recession.

But mostly, I'm scared about what message we are telling our kids when faced with a threat. Instead of reason, rationality, openmindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested.

Covid-19 is nowhere near over. It will be coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. Expect it. Stop waiting to be surprised further. The fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. But our own behaviors and "fight for yourself above all else" attitude could prove disastrous.

I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let's meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing.

Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
Our children will thank us for it.

#washurhands #geturflushot #respect #patiencenotpanic