Belize's 7 News Reports-Possible Delays

Head's up to anyone who has booked or might book independent excursions for Belize. Belize's 7 News is reporting that the government there is requiring lengthy screenings of arriving cruise passengers related to Ebola concerns. Their article is titled:

"Cruise Ships Balk At New Ebola Screening, Threaten Mass Cancellations"

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=30423

I also read on Cruise Line News dot com that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have considered pulling out of Belize over the screening measures, and that neither cruise line is very happy over how the Belize government is acting.

Thank you for posting this. I am not going to get into my political views..(I'm sure tons of other people will)....but I was going to book the private Cave Tubing excursion this weekend for our cruise in a few weeks. Thanks for saving me aggravation.

Been there once. Wasn't even planning to get off the ship this time around. However after reading the article it turns out to be a non-issue with a procedure already in place.

Head's up to anyone who has booked or might book independent excursions for Belize. Belize's 7 News is reporting that the government there is requiring lengthy screenings of arriving cruise passengers related to Ebola concerns. Their article is titled:

 

"Cruise Ships Balk At New Ebola Screening, Threaten Mass Cancellations"

 

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=30423

 

I also read on Cruise Line News dot com that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have considered pulling out of Belize over the screening measures, and that neither cruise line is very happy over how the Belize government is acting.

Wow, I can see it both ways. The cruise line doesn't want any delays, as they are on a schedule. Belize needs the revenue but doesn't need the introduction of ebola. I'm sure their health system isn't prepared for a major out break. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.

Being a cruising newbie, what happens if they decide to pull out? The cruise I'm going on in a couple weeks is scheduled for Belize, so I'm just wondering if there's a norm for when a port is canceled (if they schedule a different port instead or if there's just an extra sea day).

Being a cruising newbie, what happens if they decide to pull out? The cruise I'm going on in a couple weeks is scheduled for Belize, so I'm just wondering if there's a norm for when a port is canceled (if they schedule a different port instead or if there's just an extra sea day).

Most of the time, they will find another port if given enough time to do so.

Being a cruising newbie, what happens if they decide to pull out? The cruise I'm going on in a couple weeks is scheduled for Belize, so I'm just wondering if there's a norm for when a port is canceled (if they schedule a different port instead or if there's just an extra sea day).

It jsut depends, if given enough time they will try and find a port, otherwise a sea day.

Belize does have fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving, the best in the Caribbean in fact.

With enough time and flexibility the cruise line might substitute another port (like Costa Maya, Half Moon Cay) into the schedule. However, there are a lot of logistics that must be figured out before they would do it (government approval, port availability, shore excursions, fuel costs, etc.).

Given that shore excursions represent a large profit center, they won't be too quick to drop a port like Belize and substitute a sea day in its place. However, if the Belize government forces their hand Carnival (and the other cruise lines) may not have a choice.

Cool, thanks everyone! I'm guessing they'll streamline the process and it won't be canceled, but was just curious what would happen if they did.

With enough time and flexibility the cruise line might substitute another port (like Costa Maya, Half Moon Cay) into the schedule. However, there are a lot of logistics that must be figured out before they would do it (government approval, port availability, shore excursions, fuel costs, etc.).

 

Given that shore excursions represent a large profit center, they won't be too quick to drop a port like Belize and substitute a sea day in its place. However, if the Belize government forces their hand Carnival (and the other cruise lines) may not have a choice.

How do you feel Carnival is making great profit? I know they are higher on board, but someone must be paying the excursion people too.

A sea day keeps people shopping, drinks and the casino.

they also eat a lot.

Seems like Costa Maya or Progreso would be the only nearby ports to substitute logistically, without a dramatic re-route.

We were their a few weeks ago before all this started. The only reason we go to Belize is because we love their Gallon Jug Coffee so if the cruise lines decide to pull out until this is over with we aren't losing much.

But we, a least I, can't blame Belize for wanting to protect their people. Isn't this what we are doing by limiting the number of airports that people from the Ebola stricken countries fly into?

They could possibly add Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala. Holland America goes there now and it could be a new port for everyone who has been to Belize countless times. Also Trujillo, Honduras could be an option to so cruisers can actually make it to the mainland instead of just Roatan

Thank you for posting this. I am not going to get into my political views..(I'm sure tons of other people will)....but I was going to book the private Cave Tubing excursion this weekend for our cruise in a few weeks. Thanks for saving me aggravation.

That is what I was thinking, champagne123. I know private cave tubing excursions in Belize are pretty popular. It wouldn't be much fun to put your money down to do an excursion, and then not have enough time in port to make it work out, or worse to lose it all because Carnival decides not to call in Belize.

I know Carnival has had trouble with the tender operators in Belize in the past too.

I'm one of those that never gets off the ship in Belize. ;-)

We too will be going to Belize in a number of weeks. Fortunately we have a Carnival excursion booked so we can get a refund easily. Though, would hate to lose this port since it is the best I've found in the Caribbean for snorkeling. Can't switch to Costa Maya since already going there... May be switched to across the channel from Cozumel. Did that a number of years ago when Costa Maya didn't work since the two Cat 5 hurricanes destroyed it.

Will be watching this thread.

I reported that this was being discussed by some Islands over a week ago.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44440460&postcount=209

I can't blame them. The U.S. is taking no real measures to be sure people entering from West Africa are being monitored or quarantined. Just look at what is happening in N.Y.C right now, it could have easily been avoided but now subway passengers and restaurant patrons could have been exposed. The Dr. should have known better, but he should have been quarantined upon entering the Country.

It is possible more than Cozumel will take these measures.

Wow, I can see it both ways. The cruise line doesn't want any delays, as they are on a schedule. Belize needs the revenue but doesn't need the introduction of ebola. I'm sure their health system isn't prepared for a major out break. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.

As a cruise passenger, I don't really care about taking sides. I just thought that my fellow passengers that might be spending their excursion money in advance of their cruise that calls in Belize should be aware of the situation. To me it is more of a financial situation than a health risk or political situation although I can also see that other stakeholders might have different interests.

Such a shame. Some of my family's best adventures have been in Belize. Best snorkeling ever!

I reported that this was being discussed by some Islands over a week ago.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44440460&postcount=209

 

I can't blame them. The U.S. is taking no real measures to be sure people entering from West Africa are being monitored or quarantined. Just look at what is happening in N.Y.C right now, it could have easily been avoided but now subway passengers and restaurant patrons could have been exposed. The Dr. should have known better, but he should have been quarantined upon entering the Country.

Ebola isn't contagious unless the transmitter is symptomatic. The Doctor wasn't symptomatic when he was out in public. As soon as he became symptomatic he quarantined himself. Hysteria and misinformation doesn't help so please quit spreading it.

They could possibly add Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala. Holland America goes there now and it could be a new port for everyone who has been to Belize countless times. Also Trujillo, Honduras could be an option to so cruisers can actually make it to the mainland instead of just Roatan

I'll skip the mainland of Honduras. At least on Roatan we have 30 miles of water buffer.

Fist-pumping gleeful rum runner!!!

In other news, North Korea has closed their borders to all tourists over Ebola fears. Guess Pyongyang and Wonsan will be pulled from my upcoming west Pacific cruise. Aw shucks. I better get some good compensation, or I'll start a riot at guest services!!!

Ebola isn't contagious unless the transmitter is symptomatic. The Doctor wasn't symptomatic when he was out in public. As soon as he became symptomatic he quarantined himself. Hysteria and misinformation doesn't help so please quit spreading it.

That's the thinking that will get more people infected. The Dr worked directly with Ebola patients. The way to handle it is to quarantine anyone who has known direct contact for 21 days when they arrive back here.

Apparently Both NY and NJ disagree with you as that is exactly what they will be doing now.

Further, he had symptoms literally a few hours after the subway ride and going to the restaurant. No one knows the exact time someone can become contagious, not when a very few hours separate contact.

He had contact AFTER having symptoms with some people.

"Spencer was in contact with a few people after he started exhibiting symptoms."

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/24/health/new-york-ebola-timeline/index.html

It's important for people to find out a little more on the ways to stop the possibility of an epidemic instead of accusing someone (and accusing NY and NJ who are doing exactly what I am saying) of spreading misinformation. And BTW Connecticut on it's own has had NINE people in Quarantine with a police officer posted in front of the houses after returning from West Africa all with no symptoms.

http://ctmirror.org/connecticut-quarantines-nine-under-ebola-protocols/

http://wtnh.com/2014/10/23/nine-connecticut-resident-quarantined-over-ebola-concerns/

And now add Illinois.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-24/n-y-n-j-order-quarantines-for-travelers-with-ebola-contact.html

In other news, North Korea has closed their borders to all tourists over Ebola fears. Guess Pyongyang and Wonsan will be pulled from my upcoming west Pacific cruise. Aw shucks. I better get some good compensation, or I'll start a riot at guest services!!!

The fact that there are tourists to North Korea is news in itself. ;)

I'm going 2/22/15. I'm sure it will all be solved by then. Not worried.