amusea
December 11th, 2006, 11:12 PM
I rarely visit the RCCL board but since I am sailing on the Freedom next month I surfed that board today after I heard on the news that the Freedom had been delayed in leaving Miami for two days by the CDC. After reading many posts including some from passengers of the sailing that was just completed it seems that the cruise line has done everything possible to downplay what has been a bad situation for several weeks. On the most recent sailing RCCL reported about 370 documented cases but passengers say that as many as half the passengers were sick (3900 on board!). And, that many others seem to be getting sick after they have disembarked. It would seem that it is difficult to get accurate statistics from any cruise line since it such bad publicity, but not facing the probability of a true outbreak has led to the CDC forbidding the ship to leave for two days until special sanitizing is done.
I was impressed, however, with the compensation that was offered to passengers that were delayed. They were given the option of a 50% refund, a $250 shipboard credit and a 50% discount on a future cruise as well as free transfers and hotel (Hyatt was mentioned) until the ship sails. Also, a free bus tour of Miami to Parrot Jungle where they were served a free buffet and drinks. The other option was a 100% refund if one chose not to sail on the abbreviated cruise and a 50% discount on a future cruise. In that regard I think RCCL has done their best for their passengers in the light of the outbreak.
It was reported that there were fire trucks and ambulances at the pier when the ship arrived so obviously this was not a minor situation.
The Sun Princess reported about 100 REPORTED cases on the cruise just completed. I'm sure there are many other ships with lesser numbers that do not get reported. This is the most cruicial time for the noro and all passengers should take necessary precautions. Perhaps sanitizing liquid or wipes should be mandatory at the entrance to the Lido cafeteria and the dining rooms (provided by the cruise line). One cruise line has already instituted this procedure. It may only be a small preventive measure since frequent hand washing is the best prevention, but it would at least alert all passengers to the problem since there are many who seem to completely ignore the
danger.
I was impressed, however, with the compensation that was offered to passengers that were delayed. They were given the option of a 50% refund, a $250 shipboard credit and a 50% discount on a future cruise as well as free transfers and hotel (Hyatt was mentioned) until the ship sails. Also, a free bus tour of Miami to Parrot Jungle where they were served a free buffet and drinks. The other option was a 100% refund if one chose not to sail on the abbreviated cruise and a 50% discount on a future cruise. In that regard I think RCCL has done their best for their passengers in the light of the outbreak.
It was reported that there were fire trucks and ambulances at the pier when the ship arrived so obviously this was not a minor situation.
The Sun Princess reported about 100 REPORTED cases on the cruise just completed. I'm sure there are many other ships with lesser numbers that do not get reported. This is the most cruicial time for the noro and all passengers should take necessary precautions. Perhaps sanitizing liquid or wipes should be mandatory at the entrance to the Lido cafeteria and the dining rooms (provided by the cruise line). One cruise line has already instituted this procedure. It may only be a small preventive measure since frequent hand washing is the best prevention, but it would at least alert all passengers to the problem since there are many who seem to completely ignore the
danger.