drarill
-
Posts
3,874 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by drarill
-
-
10 hours ago, Lastdance said:
No worries at all. The SS is lovely; CS is nice, but just a very small bathroom. RS has a tiny balcony, especially for this upper suite. No worries at all, but getting an RS when you did not even bid for it is not the norm. I hope this person returns to share more information about how this happened bcause some do really get a great deal! I just want a villa, but am not paying full price for it. Maybe Celebrity will comp it for me!!!!!
We moved up from a SS to a RS on the Apex and I agree with you, the balcony was too small for an upper level suite. IMHO Royal Suites on the Solstice class are better, we enjoyed them on the Reflection and Eclipse. BTW, decided to pay full price for a Villa on the Edge last month and it was worth it. My only regret was going to Luminae the last two days of the cruise, because I got infected there. I know it was there because it was the only indoor place where I took my mask off. Still a great cruise and an amazing room.
-
1
-
-
10 hours ago, TeeRick said:
Remember that the 3% is the threshold reporting number by the CDC color system. There may be a higher number of infected on board. Also consider the number of people not reporting their symptoms to medical for fear of isolation.
No good news coming from Europe and the new sub variants. https://medriva.com/breaking-the-ecdc-has-upgraded-omicron-sub-lineages-ba-4-and-ba-5-to-variants-of-concern-from-variants-of-interest-making-it-the-first-public-health-authority-to-do-so/#gs.03cc0q
-
1
-
-
6 hours ago, bananavan said:
Hi again:
To answer some questions:
DO I think that I am losing my mind? Hell, no I doubt very much I was suffering from sanity before we embarked on this cruise.
Should we have just hunkered down and fingers crossed, shown up at the next cruise ship, in Civitavecchia and hoped for the best.?
NO, that exposes everyone and you have the possibility of testing positive when you are no longer Celebrity's problem.
Our situation is dreadful but Celebrity is taking amazing care of us.
Flights are being rebooked once again.
Our earliest departure is May 21.
I think that the issue is that the Global response to Civid is inconsistent.
Italy's rules are difficult to comprehend from afar.
Were I to advise as to whether to cancel a cruise originating in Rome I would suggest that you give it some thought.
Of course other people managed to avoid this completely.
If you have suggestions as to what they did differently, then think away, just dont vocalize them.
There is no rhyme nor reason.
Of course the USA has to reconsider the re entry requirements, but my husband and I are in the midst of what is happening now.
Yesterday someone suggested to me that things could be much worse, my husband could be on a ventilator.
I replied:
Things could also be much better. We are both vaccinated and boosted. We have both taken precautions and we do not fall into the category of morbidly obese.
My only complaint with the Medical manner in which we are treated is that there are no provisions onboard for antivirals.
When I had the flu in 2018 on Queen Elizabeth World cruise I was given Tamiflu, visited twice a day and after 5 days when my temperature had broken, I was cleared to leave my cabin.
This is being treated like I have Ebola. (without the life saving efforts of Missionary Doctors from the USA.)
We, too have Concierge Medicine but I cannot imagine how they would be able to help in this situation.
We cannot even leave our cabin, let alone go ashore to be examined by a Dr that our MD suggests.
For our 2020 South America circumnavigation I was able to bring Tamiflu with me.
I did not need it.
I wish that we had brought antivirals for Omicron.
When Celebrity Edge was sailing in Caribbean waters it was for 7 day trips.
People were testing at home on the second day of arriving home.
Offloading passengers to their home country is easy.
Trying to get us home from Italy is not so easy.
You did everything right. Right now, theoretically, no-one could be traveling with Paxlovid or Molnupilavir, just in case they get sick. Both medicines only have EUA and you need a positive COVID test to get a prescription filled in the US. Does anyone know if Celebrity can buy these antivirals? I do know that Greece and the rest of the EU also approved the use of Paxlovid a couple of months ago. What are the rules in the countries you are visiting? Maybe Celebrity can take the positive passengers that qualify for the treatment to a doctor ashore.
For those of you returning home from Italy, keep in mind that the rules might change, but right now people should travel with lots of home tests, I bought five for only $25 last week in COSTCO, If you have any symptoms, please don't think is allergies, test yourself. If you don't have any symptoms, start testing yourself two days before the last day of the cruise. If you or any member of your family tests positive then you have to make some decisions. After a friend of mine was taken to a COVID hotel after testing positive in Fiumicino, I really think that @bananavan made the right decision staying on the ship, our bilingual friend had a really hard time communicating with the personnel in charge at the airport when he tested positive. Please read the article linked at the end. Not my friend's story but similar.
@bananavan thanks for sharing your experience with us, hope your story helps Celebrity establish better protocols and your cruise critics family, prepare for a safer cruise experience. I really hope you test negative fast. Stay hydrated, take your vitamins and try to rest.
-
2
-
-
10 hours ago, donna1009 said:
I don’t think this is true anymore. I believe you can choose your own hotel accommodations in Italy, but I believe you are then on their radar if took an “on the record test” snd must follow current official procedures of testing before you can go home. Someone said we need to treat this more like an endemic without all the hysteria. Exactly 100%. This virus has spread enough that we can all now be responsible for ourselves as it’s far less dangerous than originally.. This is why so many no longer report and figure it out on their own. It’s too chaotic and damaging to let the “system” determine when you can go home or back to your life. US needs to get with the program and immediately cease pre-testing to fly home. No more testing unless someone has serious symptoms and seeks it. Leave the contact tracing alone too.
Something similar to the story on the link I'm sharing happened to a friend of ours. His wife was negative and was able to come back home but he tested positive and was given little time to make a decision. This was less than 10 days ago and he just made it back yesterday, Our friend is bilingual, he speaks Spanish and English and told us that the government officials that took him away from the airport only spoke Italian. You might think that the virus is less dangerous, etc. etc. but, when in Rome, do as the Romans do... 😉
-
1
-
-
8 hours ago, TeeRick said:
Should somebody with confirmed Covid be smoking?
There are alternatives as you suggest like nicotine patches and gum. Or a Vape that has nicotine would not be a fire hazard.
Begs the obvious really. All of the cruise lines that currently allow or have allowed smoking on their balconies for many years - and no fires.
or.. can COVID 19 be transmitted through second hand smoke??
-
8 hours ago, Jordanyaya1 said:
We usually always book concierge level and have concierge lunch on embark day. We are booked on Apex in June out of Amsterdam and didn’t want the infinite veranda so we snagged a sunset veranda. If you have sailed on Apex can you suggest another lunch venue other than the buffet? TIA
Le Grand Bistro. We had lunch every day there on the Edge two weeks ago. This is a link to a video that I made with all the plats du Jour. https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ccg3ppVIbF3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
-
1 hour ago, renji said:
It’s so new! Good to know, will keep a watch
Thanks for sharing your experience with Paxlovid. I'll also keep watching for the rebound.
-
On 4/21/2022 at 9:58 AM, TeeRick said:
So sorry to hear you got infected! Hope you feel better! It seems a lot of people cruising are doing everything recommended. Vaccines and boosters. Proper masks. Socially distancing and responsible. But still get infected (even if minor symptoms). You are the first report I know here of someone on Paxlovid. Good luck!
Hi Rick. Just wanted to update you on my Paxlovid journey. Today, four days after testing + I had two negative tests. I still need to finish two more rounds of Paxlovid. I know a couple of friends that have been treated with Paxlovid, all of them with only one booster, all tested negative two days after finishing the treatment. I think my second booster helped me beat this faster. BTW, my husband, is still negative... he swears the wine gave him some extra protection. 😄 He must be right, because I didn't let my guard down and he didn't use the mask all the time like I did. 🙄 Maybe some day, antivirals will be available in the ship's infirmary. Still, timing of your booster can make a big difference, mine was too close to our cruise, but I didn't have any other option.
-
2
-
-
Edge April 10-17 last sea day. These chairs were taken before sunrise, I went to the retreat pool to watch the sunrise around 7:00 am and saw the Nemo clips holding the towels. We had breakfast, went to the pool around 10:00 am and found a really nice place to enjoy the sun, left around 1:00 pm and the Nemo clips owners never showed up. Before leaving I complained to the pool attendants and they removed their stuff. Don't know if they ever showed up.
-
3
-
-
16 hours ago, RedneckBob said:
Sorry to hear this. Counting all the posts I have seen concerning this cruise, I think we have over 45 with Covid; and again from a very small response sample. Fortunately we were able to get a new drug called Plaxovid that fights the new virus against mild to moderate symptoms. The problem is this drug is in very limited supply; at least in Florida.
Hi!! Positive from the Edge April10-17. I received my second booster a week before our cruise (4/2), wore masks everywhere, avoided crowds, etc. Flew back home last Sunday (4/17) and Tuesday evening felt congested and sneezed twice. We started testing ourselves during the cruise even though we didn't have any symptoms. Kept testing every day and this Wednesday I turned positive, started Plaxovid that evening, less than 24 hrs after my first symptoms. I don't have any symptoms at all, my husband is still testing negative and the intensity of my positive is fading already. Four more doses to go!! I just want this virus out of my body ASAP, people don't want to understand that this is an inflammatory disease, this is not a common cold. Hope you get better soon!
BTW, The only regret I have is eating in Luminae the last two nights, it was too full and probably the place I was infected. Our next cruise is in August, hope that Plaxovid will be easier to get in the near future.
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20220104/mild-covid-cases-may-produce-self-attacking-antibodies
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/12-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2022/01/covid19-increasing-stroke-risks.php
-
1 hour ago, cangelmd said:
My story is so, so much like yours, except we didn’t mask as much as you did, we avoided crowded bars. I think I got it in the thermal suite because that is the one activity I did that my husband didn’t.
From the infection control viewpoint, it just shows how contagious and infectious this virus likely is, how well masks can work, but I think it is just not possible to make a cruise ship as safe as a comparable experience on land.
I also don’t regret the trip, I would counsel family and friends to take precautions and consult their own physician if they are at all immunocopromised or elderly. I’m going again in May and I’m wearing a mask a lot more.I really hope the CDC stops requiring testing of citizens to re-enter the US, but I’m afraid they will dig in their heels now that the judge in Florida has challenged their legal authority.
I was also very disappointed in Luminae (this was on Edge) - way, way too crowded and noisy, marginal service because staff was overworked. Sounded like they were throwing dishes around in the kitchen - I have never heard such a racket in a cruise ship dining room. We had one dinner in Cyprus, food was too far off from Luminae, and the service on this cruise was about the same. Much quieter with better social distancing.
We were on the Edge too and our suite came with unlimited specialty dining. I regret going to Luminae the last two days of the cruise. One night we decided to go to Normandie and the food and service was superb. The last two nights were a nightmare in Luminae, my lamb chops were under cooked one day and the filet mignon over cooked the next day. I know they are trying to do their best and are having staff shortage, but they should know better.
I'll need to design a better dining strategy for our next cruise 😄 though we are going with a group of friends. Hope you have a great time on your next cruise.
-
23 hours ago, TeeRick said:
How long before the cruise did you get your booster shot?
Others responding here who got sick- did you receive a booster before cruising? Same question- how long before? Anybody get a second booster and still got sick?
I am asking because we are eligible for our second booster now but want to get maximum effectiveness for our cruise end of August.
Hi Rick. I had my two Moderna doses back in December 2020 and January 2021, booster in October 2021. Was elegible for my second booster a week before our Edge April 10 cruise. Decided to Mix and Match and received the Pfizer booster this time. We booked a Villa to avoid the crowds, we had lunch every day in Le Grand Bistro for the same reason, I wore my mask (KN 95 or KF94) all the time, only taking it off in the dining room and the retreat pool. We "joined" the Silent disco, from a distance in deck 4. We tested ourselves a couple of times and daily starting Saturday April 16. Our flight back home was only 2 and a half hours, in business class, though the couple in front of us couldn't keep their masks on. Tuesday morning my test was negative but before going to bed I felt a little congested and sneezed twice. Yesterday morning, before going to work, I tested myself again and was positive, tested again with a different brand, and positive again. Decided to cancel my patients for the rest of the week.
FYI my husband's three first doses were with Pfizer and received his second booster (Moderna this time) the same day I received mine. He didn't wear his mask as much as I did and he still negative today. I started taking Paxlovid yesterday and the only side effect so far is an awful metallic taste.
I think that I was infected in Luminae. The retreat is completely full and Luminae is too crowded IMHO. Do I regret going on this cruise? no, but I do hope that Moderna's new booster comes out before our September cruise and oral antivirals were easier to get. Still, hope my story helps you decide when you should get your second booster. Keep in mind that I received my second booster only a week before the cruise.
Happy cruising Rick!!
-
2
-
2
-
-
5 hours ago, rotoal said:
Airlines are having enough problems staffing their planes. With the mask mandate dropped, the crew will have more exposure to the virus. We could expect more and more flight cancellations as the airlines scramble to find enough healthy pilots and cabin crew to safely fly the planes.
you are right... already happening https://news.sky.com/story/easyjet-cancels-hundreds-of-flights-due-to-covid-related-staff-shortages-12581961
-
2
-
-
16 hours ago, Bo1953 said:
Is there not a Spanish Government website which will have 'specific' information on what is required for entry via cruise ship? This will be the final arbiter of your requirements, which X will follow.
Just a question, I Am not sailing to/from there in the near future.
In health and bon voyage
Spain's official link is this one, but doesn't give an option for those entering the country on a cruise: https://www.spth.gob.es
you are given two options to enter Spain; plane or ferry. This is a link, for those traveling to Spain by ferry https://spthm.puertos.es
Found some information here, the website is really friendly. https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/
I used the US as the country of origin to check the requirements. At the end I found a note for people traveling on a cruise, with a link to the required form. https://www.healthygateways.eu
No form there, but my best guess is that this is the form that will be required, https://app.euplf.eu/#/ though this is a PLF used in some European countries. Spain is not listed there.
Hope this helps.
-
1
-
-
9 hours ago, terri1020 said:
We'll be wearing ours anywhere where there are potential groups of people close together. Personal preference.
Whatever you decide, happy, healthy cruising!
I'm with you!!
-
1
-
-
4 hours ago, Saab4444 said:
Currently there are no Celebrity cruises to France and Portugal.
We are going to France and Portugal in September. Great itinerary https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-details/12-night-portugal-spain-and-france-from-amsterdam-netherlands?packageID=AX12U308&sDT=2022-09-11&cCD=CO
-
1
-
-
On 2/9/2022 at 3:50 PM, RichYak said:
You are misunderstanding Spain's requirement. If the final dose of your original vaccination is more then 270 days ago, then you need to have received a booster shot. It does NOT mean that your booster shot needs to be < 270 days ago.
By simply having received your booster jab, you are good to go in Spain this October. Of course, this assumes that nothing changes in terms of the requirement.
you are right... found this article with good information https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/travel/booster-jab-travel-do-need-entry-requirements-spain-france-portugal-explained-1455976
-
2
-
-
-
This showed up on my google page this morning. I wouldn't be surprised if RCI (parent company of both RCCL and Celebrity Cruises) changes the "vaccine requirements" to be "up to date" on your vaccinations instead of using the term "fully vaccinated" in the future.
https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-international-updates-health-protocols/65223
BTW it is your responsibility to find out the vaccination requirements on the countries that you are visiting. We travel twice to Europe last year and, went through three different European airports, and saw people being turned away from their flights for not having the right documents.
Here is a link to an article explaining the "up to date" CDC recommendation.
And here is another article about Spain, requiring the booster shot for travelers, starting February 1st.
Last but not least, @VitaminSea53 you won't be able to access restaurants or museums in Italy if you don't have a booster shot administered within six (not nine) months of your trip. Here is a link to the change in policy from nine months to six months. https://www.thelocal.it/20220131/italy-urges-people-to-book-boosters-ahead-of-covid-pass-validity-cut/
Hope this helps and happy cruising!! Italy is a beautiful country.
-
7 hours ago, Parkerson said:
1. No2. No (rumor is 100)
3. No
4. Yes!
25%. Damn….reminds me of school. 🤪
feel really sorry for the crew. Our butler on the Apex back in June 2021 was vaccinated with Sinovac, and this vaccine is not too effective against Omicron 😔 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-23/three-sinovac-doses-fail-to-protect-against-omicron-study-shows
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Wishing you safe travels and a speedy negative COVID test. #staysafe
-
7 hours ago, dollyd said:
Finally after two days I am in medical. Just got husbands results back he tested negative however after being quarantined in the cabin with me for two days I’m sure he’s infected now.
Hope you get better soon and also hope that your husband is not infected. Don't know if you have two masks on this picture, but if you are only wearing a cloth mask, please try to find a medical grade mask for the next days. Try to find a KN95 mask or at least a three ply surgical mask. For everyone reading; if you decide to take a cruise or travel, please, bring different types of masks to your trip, and use accordingly to the "threat level". Safe travels!
-
8
-
1
-
-
15 hours ago, syesmar said:
Thanks. I’m referring to dining after release from isolation. Since the new guidelines hinge on a masking component, I’m curious if RCCL gave instructions on dining once released.
exactly, he is suppose to use a mask in front of other from day 5 to 10. Shouldn't be on a dining room with others 🙄
-
1
-
-
45 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:
Fantastic start Greg! Those forts are a photographer's dream. Great shots everywhere. Interesting that the umbrella street was all the same. Were they celebrating/recognizing something? Here's what it was like last time we were there.
diabetes awareness month
-
3
-
1
-
-
10 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:
I love exploring forts and those two do not disappoint. I also visit the Barrachina every time I sm in San Juan.
I noticed that at Pigeon Park you were wearing a mask. Is that required outside?
masks are not required outside unless you are unvaccinated and unable to social distance.
-
1
-
1
-
Edge Transatlantic Testing positive for Covid
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
Is your husband allowed to leave the ship? maybe he can go to a drug store and get the things you need, I don't mean the undies, but the urine test strips. Really rooting for you and wishing this ends soon. BTW, many of the positive reports come from Retreat guests, I'm thinking the overcrowding there has something to do with this. We were on the Edge back in April 10 and I also turned positive three days after departing the ship. I wore good masks everywhere and only took them off in Luminae and the Retreat pool. The last two days of the cruise Luminae was packed, I'm sure that's where I got it.