Independance Norovirus.

[CommodoreAndy]

I agree with you if it had been 1,000pax it would have made the press/tv news. I always carry hand gel with me, its not expensive, and makes more sense to use it rather than take unneeded risks.

[fatmatt]

Originally Posted by yankee 1

I might sound a bit sad but i always take dettol wipes with me and just go around the door handles, light switches, and even the t.v.romote control when i get in my stateroom and always wash my hands. never had a problem and i dont want to give my shipmates any. could just be lucky but it make me feel better

That is such a good idea, we also bought a 3 packet of Hygenic-Gel Instant Hand Sanitiser from bodycare, my wife will carry one in her hand bag, i will have one in my pocket and we will keep the third bottle in the stateroom, I know this might sound like we have OCD but better safe than sorry I think

[Cruise_Kitten]

Originally Posted by fatmatt

That is such a good idea, we also bought a 3 packet of Hygenic-Gel Instant Hand Sanitiser from bodycare, my wife will carry one in her hand bag, i will have one in my pocket and we will keep the third bottle in the stateroom, I know this might sound like we have OCD but better safe than sorry I think

I think when I walk round the ship people think I have OCD. I have hand sanitiser in bag everyday and I put it on my hands after I have washed my hands after the bathroom, after I have used the lifts, after I have touched the hand rails on the stairs, after I have selected my food at the Windjammer before I even put food to my mouth, after I have eaten in the Windjammer, after I have eaten at dinner, after I have had a drink, pretty much after I have touched anything. It does get a bit repetitive but better to over do it then not at all. I know there is a chance I could get it but at least I can help prevent it as much to my own ability.

CK x

[wales4ever]

Arrived home from the cruise today. nowhere near as bad as people are saying on here!

Midway through the cruise there was extra cleaning in place, guys with spray everywhere cleaning all the handrails etc, etc. They also stopped self service in the windjammer with staff on hand to serve you, so no one could use the tongs - this should be standard anyway as it is already on other cruise lines.

Apart from that we noticed nothing abnormal

Though we were told that 2 people had died on the cruise, but due to heart attacks

[Cruise_Kitten]

Originally Posted by SouthWalesCruiser

Arrived home from the cruise today. nowhere near as bad as people are saying on here!

Midway through the cruise there was extra cleaning in place, guys with spray everywhere cleaning all the handrails etc, etc. They also stopped self service in the windjammer with staff on hand to serve you, so no one could use the tongs - this should be standard anyway as it is already on other cruise lines.

Apart from that we noticed nothing abnormal

Though we were told that 2 people had died on the cruise, but due to heart attacks

Oh my god no way! Thats so bad and my thoughts are with the families affected!

CK x

[Noopa]

As South Wales Cruiser said, nowhere near as bad as the rumours. I heard 500+ being banded around amongst guests but the only figures I heard from staff was 62 on the first morning which had gone up to 160 that evening.

The venues and facilities were still busy so I doubt very much that there were 1000 in their cabins!

The cruise was fantastic in every way, and the staff were fab.

I feel for those that were affected by the virus and for the families of the 2 people that died.

[dolphincrazy]

Originally Posted by Cruise_Kitten

I think when I walk round the ship people think I have OCD. I have hand sanitiser in bag everyday and I put it on my hands after I have washed my hands after the bathroom, after I have used the lifts, after I have touched the hand rails on the stairs, after I have selected my food at the Windjammer before I even put food to my mouth, after I have eaten in the Windjammer, after I have eaten at dinner, after I have had a drink, pretty much after I have touched anything. It does get a bit repetitive but better to over do it then not at all. I know there is a chance I could get it but at least I can help prevent it as much to my own ability.

CK x

To be honest, I have spent around £3500, and I am not bothered how sad I look!!!, I will be making sure none of my party get poorly!!!

[lydnsyd]

Originally Posted by Noopa

As South Wales Cruiser said, nowhere near as bad as the rumours. I heard 500+ being banded around amongst guests but the only figures I heard from staff was 62 on the first morning which had gone up to 160 that evening.

The venues and facilities were still busy so I doubt very much that there were 1000 in their cabins!

The cruise was fantastic in every way, and the staff were fab.

I feel for those that were affected by the virus and for the families of the 2 people that died.

Re Numbers who got the Norovirus ...There was a short mention of the Norovirus on the IOTS on my local T.V news last night and they said 400 passengers had been affected + a couple of crew members

[carolynne15]

seems like the problem has not yet been sorted out just had a email off RC telling us boarding for 6th march is being delayed again for deep cleaning as there has been another out break on board getting a bit worried as we are sailing on this cruise

carolynne

[dolphincrazy]

Hopefully its a small number this time and its reducing xxx

[toprobroy]

My wife is a Nurse who is always telling me to wash my hands thoroughly.
There is a 7 Stage process, rather nicely presented here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ8tVgFyY84
I'll certainly be doing this on the cruise on the 6th

[kimberley]

My daughter is on the ship now. She has said that they are giving you hand wipes what appears to be every couple of mins. There was no canapés in either the Diamond lounge or the Concierge. You can't touch anything which makes for really long lines. The feeling is that it's not been a relaxed cruise amongst the passengers. I know they are only doing their job but people have paid a lot of money for the cruise and this has gone on too long. Makes you wonder where it is coming from different passengers each cruise but the same staff and the same problem keeps going on cruise after cruise!

[toprobroy]

Damned if you do, Damned if you don't! Its all about your attitude and intent to make the best of your situation. If RCI didn't do all this stuff, there is no doubt it would be worse!

[sydgal]

I used so much hand gel on the Queen Victoria last year I came home with dermatitis on my fingers. Will be using soap and water only this trip and no gel. One of the other passengers at our table was injured when he fell down the stairs because the bannister rails were wet from being cleaned but not dried.
This Novovirus is every where. I hope they clean this ship up and every one has a great cruise with out getting sick.
Sydgal

[woldig120]

My wife and I were two of the 90 passengers who had it on the Constellation on the 28th January sailing so we have firts hand knowledge of what can happen. Saw some passengers who did not follow the hygeine rules. Not saying they spread the outbreak, but it only takes a few seconds each time to sanitize your hands.
We are going on the Independence in June, so hopefully it will have been cleared by then. It has not put us off cruising.

[heatherb1953]

Originally Posted by kimberley

My daughter is on the ship now. She has said that they are giving you hand wipes what appears to be every couple of mins. There was no canapés in either the Diamond lounge or the Concierge. You can't touch anything which makes for really long lines. The feeling is that it's not been a relaxed cruise amongst the passengers. I know they are only doing their job but people have paid a lot of money for the cruise and this has gone on too long. Makes you wonder where it is coming from different passengers each cruise but the same staff and the same problem keeps going on cruise after cruise!

Hi Kimberley , sorry to hear that Kayleigh and Dan are still enduring problems on the ship. We were on for 23 nights in Jan without any issues other than a few people coughing with colds. As you know if the weather is not great and everyone is cooped up inside germs spread quickly.
We take all the precautions necessary when on board to keep well and having the DL and CL to escape the crowds helps , I can live without the nibbles

[dln929]

Originally Posted by kimberley

My daughter is on the ship now. She has said that they are giving you hand wipes what appears to be every couple of mins. There was no canapés in either the Diamond lounge or the Concierge. You can't touch anything which makes for really long lines. The feeling is that it's not been a relaxed cruise amongst the passengers. I know they are only doing their job but people have paid a lot of money for the cruise and this has gone on too long. Makes you wonder where it is coming from different passengers each cruise but the same staff and the same problem keeps going on cruise after cruise!

We were on the February 13th sailing under much the same conditions as your daughter describes. Yes, it's true that you weren't allowed to touch food--not even to get your own tea--but we didn't find it the least bit inconveniencing. There was extra staff on hand to serve you. They were doing a fantastic job! They were cheerful and helpful even though I am sure that the virus created a heap of extra work for them. As to the feeling of a relaxed cruise, maybe it's the fear of getting the virus that has your daughter and others a bit worried? Personally I think it's luck of the draw if you get the norovirus or not (given that you follow all precautions). That being the case, you may as well enjoy your vacation and not dwell on it. We didn't let the outbreak affect our enjoyment of what was a fabulous cruise!

[PAFC]

Originally Posted by Sequim88

I have often wondered about crew transfers and if it would be effective for RCI (or any line) to have a sort of quarantine or "quiet time" between postings. Like a mandatory 3-4 days off and then screen (interview?) for symptom free condition before they board the new ship.

Noro is everywhere. We had an outbreak at a nearby school that had 1/3 of the students (over 200) out and they closed the school for several days to sanitize it - and let any exposed kids get it if they were going to so they could know who had it or not. Recently my wife and I both got it after visiting a nursing home - another typical hot bed of the bug.

Having a serious norovirus outbreak on 2 consecutive cruises with a deep sanitisation occuring in between, the only common denominator surely must be the crew? That could explain why measures such as the crew serving your food is not being effective at controlling it. Appreciate people not washing their hands spreads the virus, however, it is a virus and doesn't spontaneously occur without a carrier(s). This is not to cast aspersions about all the crew who do a really great job on the ship and of whom we call friends.

[toprobroy]

Originally Posted by woldig120

Not saying they spread the outbreak, but it only takes a few seconds each time to sanitize your hands..

please note that if you really want to stop carrying it then you must clean your hands properly. The 7 Stage Hand Washing Technique should be applied. A quick wash of hands stills leaves opportunity to carry and be infected. This could be a major factor in why the Virus hangs around longer!

[ctcontrol]

Looks like Indy is having another deep clean in Southampton today as she will be late leaving again today. Estimate is now for a 1900hrs departure.