pandi77

We used our trip insurance and canceled our trip on the Grandeur of the Seas after hearing what could be happening there. The “flu outbreak” on the last cruise was said to be non coronavirus related but that could be because they didn’t actually test anyone For covid19 to determine that (they had no test!). They made that announcement based on the questionnaires provided that said no one had visited a hot spot and that some passengers tested positive for the flu (which you can have both simultaneously btw). Now we have 3 people in MD who have tested positive after returning from a “trip” that arrived back in Baltimore on the 20th (Date Grandeur came back). The crew is the same and hasn’t been changed. We probably could have waited until the dots were connected (or possibly not) to make our decision but I’d rather come up with a back up trip now for the kids.

We also don’t have confidence in how the cruise lines are handling these outbreaks. I respect that they are a business and need to make money but after reading how they canceled theater shows on Grand P but left the casinos open it seemed like the almighty dollar was the front most concern at least in this case :-/ 

My main concern is being quarantined as we have jobs and cannot afford to be away or delayed due to an outbreak (Diamond Princess, Grand Princess, and now possibly Grandeur of the Seas). Reading live post from these ships about how these passengers trips are unfolding is enough for me but it’s a personal choice. I think the situation will get worse before it gets better but I really hope I’m wrong because I love cruising more than anything:-(

Pence had a meeting with heads of the cruise industry today and Trump rescheduled his meeting in Atlanta with the CDC so I expect some decisions and announcements at some point in the near future. The new studies that show permanent fibrosis in “recovered” people is awful too and not like our normal flus we deal with. I hope they create a vaccine so we can treat this like the flu and move on!


 

Following your thread because we have booked two connecting grand suites 1578 and 1584 on AOS out of San Juan for next February and love all your information about AOS. I saw your itinerary tonight and realized you will be in Curacao the same time as us (we are staying at the Marriott Emerald Resort this weekend) lol. We love Curacao and hope you have lots of fun and good luck during you cruise!

The Marriott and Hilton are right next to each other and only separated by the dive/snorkel shop. Whenever we stay ther (prefer the Marriott side) we see cruisers in for the day although we're never sure which resort they actually bought a day pass to if any. The Marriott has some great snorkeling and a beautiful pool with a swim up bar if you are able to get a pass there. The snorkeling in the Marriott area was so good that the Hilton guest were enjoying it extensively. We walked along the Hilton sea wall and found some stairs to enter and snorkel but there wasn't a true reef (at least where we were) but the water was clear and we did see some cool cuddle fish. The food and drinks at the Marriott were very nice and the bartender was entertaining and generous. The beach area had several palapas and lots of loungers...just bring some water shoes in case the water gets rough as there are a few coral rocks since there's an actual reef right in fron of the beach.

Heard back from Park Royal and the $40 per person per day was confirmed although the package doesn't start until 11am which is 12 ship time (Dec 3rd) That seems like a short day if the ship leaves at 6pm (5pm Coz time)? When I emailed (Christian) back and asked if we could come early and use the facilities and pay for a drink out of pocket until the "package time" starts he recommended we pay a $70 day fee. That's a huge difference for wanting to show up a couple of hours early and snorkel and have A drink before 11.

We have a large group of people that wanted to spend the day at Park Royal but if the window for $40 is that short we will probably go elsewhere.