Norvo Virus on QM2

[Salacia]

>>>

 

 

Sorry boecki, I don't understand.

[boeckli]

Sorry boecki, I don't understand.

 

Thinking >>>> confused

In a nutshell, I'm not sure what point you were trying to make in your earlier post, Salaca

[Salacia]

Thinking >>>> confused

In a nutshell, I'm not sure what point you were trying to make in your earlier post, Salaca

 

I wasn't trying to make any point. Just offered the two reports/ webpages for comparision. You can read both reports for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I noticed that RC took actions that differed from the actions QM2 took for example " Are preparing the ships disembarkation infection barrier plan for arrival in Tampa, FL" - yet the percentage of passengers reporting ill was less than the percentage of passengers reported ill on QM2 (i.e. 6.42% vs 7.45%)

[southwestie]

Hi Terrance. Like you, we had not previously seen the condititons described in our last stateroom (8 voyages since 2007). And I sure Rob is right in saying the refurbishing next Fall will spruce things up nicely. I also read that many have said their cabins were recently refurbished which is good to know, although that doesn't alter what we experienced 27 Nov thru 18 Dec. BTW, I agree with you about the importance of completing the on-board Comment/Questionnaire.

 

You asked for comments about refurbishing, and I responded. Sorry if you don't like my response, but it was factual. I'm also sorry if I offended anyone by suggesting a sepearate thread so that we could read about the progress of refurbishing without having to read through the noro thread. As far as any connection between refurbishing and noro, I don't see one...but your joke about the TV was electric - I got a real charge out of it :)

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

 

I dont think you have offended anyone Salacia, things just confused or mixed up sometimes

[Nippy Sweetie]

I watched the tv once on QM2 and it was full of crap, maybe that proves the point.

Brilliant!

[The Real PM]

Okie dokie. I just didn't want to add to the noro thread and create the idea that the virus was growing. But I'm also interested in the topic regarding refurbishing, which now seems to be one with the noro thread...

 

My cabin (A2) had a new flat screen TV. Nasty old rug; matress like a board; sunken sofa cushions; drapes, curtains and bedspread that have seen better days and one weirdly stained lampshade;chipped countertop on the sink in the bathroom and mold growing in the tiles near the faucet. Rust on the inside of the balcony door. Balcony table showed rust emerging through several coats of white paint. Furniture in the cabin chipped and worn.

 

Bathrobes supplied were threadbare. Towels were more like bath mats.

 

But there was a flat screen TV. Rah Rah.

My goodness, perhaps my cabin was spared all the wear and tear that was your experience in your cabin. Or maybe there was a huge deterioration in 3 1/2 months. Whatever--I saw none of what apparently was your experience on our cruise to Canada in September. Oh, and we didn't have a flat screen, so obviously, it wasn't one that had been recently renovated.

[The Real PM]

Hi Ray. Similiar problem, different measures. Compare

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/outbreak/2010/december19queenmary.htm

 

and

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/outbreak/2011/january08radiance.htm

And did you go on to read this?

 

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/InspectionQueryTool/InspectionResults.aspx

[southwestie]

And did you go on to read this?

 

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/InspectionQueryTool/InspectionResults.aspx

 

 

That is not a bad report,

[The Real PM]

That is not a bad report,

 

Yes, I agree Rob. And the inspection seemed most complete and thorough. I see nothing on that list that would indicate the kinds of things that a few are complaining about and there certainly is nothing that would bring about the advancement of a widespread norovirus. The inspection took place a short while ago in October, I believe. Certainly within that time there couldn't have been the huge change as has been portrayed by a few discontented passengers, who for some reason have witnessed things that I never saw a couple of months before.

[capnpugwash]

Yes, I agree Rob. And the inspection seemed most complete and thorough. I see nothing on that list that would indicate the kinds of things that a few are complaining about and there certainly is nothing that would bring about the advancement of a widespread norovirus. The inspection took place a short while ago in October, I believe. Certainly within that time there couldn't have been the huge change as has been portrayed by a few discontented passengers, who for some reason have witnessed things that I never saw a couple of months before.

 

It amazes me that a: they inspect so thoroughly, rather than a cursory glance and b: that they report in such great detail. No doubt they do a good job but I wouldn't want to meet one in a bar :eek::eek:

[dc-farer]

Yes, I agree Rob. And the inspection seemed most complete and thorough. I see nothing on that list that would indicate the kinds of things that a few are complaining about and there certainly is nothing that would bring about the advancement of a widespread norovirus. The inspection took place a short while ago in October, I believe. Certainly within that time there couldn't have been the huge change as has been portrayed by a few discontented passengers, who for some reason have witnessed things that I never saw a couple of months before.

 

I agree -- was on the QM2 Nov. 10-16 and she looked beautiful. The service was great and the ship looked immaculate.

[southwestie]

Yes, I agree Rob. And the inspection seemed most complete and thorough. I see nothing on that list that would indicate the kinds of things that a few are complaining about and there certainly is nothing that would bring about the advancement of a widespread norovirus. The inspection took place a short while ago in October, I believe. Certainly within that time there couldn't have been the huge change as has been portrayed by a few discontented passengers, who for some reason have witnessed things that I never saw a couple of months before.

 

 

I have read these reports before, I recently checked out the Nile cruise boat that i am on with a Uk site that checks and monitors these boats, they do the best checks and check everything. Not every ship/boat/resturaunt is 100% in fact I would say none,there is always a small area or two, QM2 is great,clean, i cannot see what people are complaining about.

 

If I went in a resturant/ship or anywhere that was so bad and I had a camera with the first thing I would is take a photo, a photo would back up my claim with the ship onboard or shoreside, so wht then are there no photos taken,not just one but several people, now I dont say they are wrong, but show us the cracked plates, dirty plate lipstick marks etc.

 

Yes I know she is need of a good refit and a few places it shows in the wear on the carpets bed coverings etc and sometime the service can be a little slow and not 100% but show anywhere in the world that serves 2600 people in two sittings and feeds and cleans for them all day,every day and show 100% perfect? oh yes and for a great price too

[brigittetom]

We were on the QM2 Holiday cruise and I would just like to give my opinion. We sailed on the August Splendours 26 day voyage and the service was lacking, especially in the Casino and in Kings Court during lunch and tea. Our area of the dining room was obviously short staffed and the trainees didn't have a clue. We were told that many of the staff were heading to the QE. It was obvious that those that were leaving didn't care about our trip and I felt slighted because we had, after all, paid full price for a perfect trip. I actually had doubts about our booked holiday cruise.

 

The Holiday Cruise.....We had perfect service in the dining room. Kings Court improved 100 percent as far as friendly service. When Noro took effect.....the staff could not have been more efficient. It was the passengers who were the problem. I walked thru Kings Court constantly being sanitized going in and out, without stopping, to go to the pool deck. I constantly watched people refusing the sanitizer. I also consistantly watched people taking tongs to help themselves while servers were busy. Everyone on board knew the rules. It was the passengers who didn't follow instructions and the staff absolutely did their best. They did put offending passengers off in port but that was only after the Captain announced over and over again, the importance of following regulations.

 

Our table in the dining room was next to the Captains table and I would just like to mention that it was mostly occupied by passengers, and when the Captain was present, it was with his wife by his side. :)

[southwestie]

We were on the QM2 Holiday cruise and I would just like to give my opinion. We sailed on the August Splendours 26 day voyage and the service was lacking, especially in the Casino and in Kings Court during lunch and tea. Our area of the dining room was obviously short staffed and the trainees didn't have a clue. We were told that many of the staff were heading to the QE. It was obvious that those that were leaving didn't care about our trip and I felt slighted because we had, after all, paid full price for a perfect trip. I actually had doubts about our booked holiday cruise.

 

The Holiday Cruise.....We had perfect service in the dining room. Kings Court improved 100 percent as far as friendly service. When Noro took effect.....the staff could not have been more efficient. It was the passengers who were the problem. I walked thru Kings Court constantly being sanitized going in and out, without stopping, to go to the pool deck. I constantly watched people refusing the sanitizer. I also consistantly watched people taking tongs to help themselves while servers were busy. Everyone on board knew the rules. It was the passengers who didn't follow instructions and the staff absolutely did their best. They did put offending passengers off in port but that was only after the Captain announced over and over again, the importance of following regulations.

 

Our table in the dining room was next to the Captains table and I would just like to mention that it was mostly occupied by passengers, and when the Captain was present, it was with his wife by his side. :)

 

 

Cant say much better than that:)

[welshgirl001]

We were on the QM2 Holiday cruise and I would just like to give my opinion. We sailed on the August Splendours 26 day voyage and the service was lacking, especially in the Casino and in Kings Court during lunch and tea. Our area of the dining room was obviously short staffed and the trainees didn't have a clue. We were told that many of the staff were heading to the QE. It was obvious that those that were leaving didn't care about our trip and I felt slighted because we had, after all, paid full price for a perfect trip. I actually had doubts about our booked holiday cruise.

 

The Holiday Cruise.....We had perfect service in the dining room. Kings Court improved 100 percent as far as friendly service. When Noro took effect.....the staff could not have been more efficient. It was the passengers who were the problem. I walked thru Kings Court constantly being sanitized going in and out, without stopping, to go to the pool deck. I constantly watched people refusing the sanitizer. I also consistantly watched people taking tongs to help themselves while servers were busy. Everyone on board knew the rules. It was the passengers who didn't follow instructions and the staff absolutely did their best. They did put offending passengers off in port but that was only after the Captain announced over and over again, the importance of following regulations.

 

Our table in the dining room was next to the Captains table and I would just like to mention that it was mostly occupied by passengers, and when the Captain was present, it was with his wife by his side. :)

 

I agree with Brigittetom, the staff were extremely efficient in all areas. We had a great time with great food, great entertainment, and great people.

But in a crisis as with the virus it takes "all hands on deck" pax and all.

 

Julie

[robmar70]

Very interesting posts from fellow CC members indicate that they witnessed Norovirus outbreaks on QM2 three of the four past months (September, October and December).

This information is suprising to me, and I almost hate to ask...but are there any other reports of outbreaks on QM2 in 2010? Thanks. -Salacia

 

Hi sailed on board the new QE on 1st Dec 2010 ship only only 8 weeks old and after about three day's into our cruise there were cases reported of norovirus it became so bad there was a red alert and this rather spoiled every ones enjoyment as there were restrictions all over the ship even if we were not infected. cancelled parties, no hand shaking with officers or staff and no bargains on display outside the shops. A big shame really on such a beautiful new ship.:eek:

[missfrankiecat]

Hi sailed on board the new QE on 1st Dec 2010 ship only only 8 weeks old and after about three day's into our cruise there were cases reported of norovirus it became so bad there was a red alert and this rather spoiled every ones enjoyment as there were restrictions all over the ship even if we were not infected. cancelled parties, no hand shaking with officers or staff and no bargains on display outside the shops. A big shame really on such a beautiful new ship.:eek:

 

Without belittling the inconvenience of some of the necessary precautions, I would be very grateful for the permanent disappearance of the tat stalls from the public areas on Cunard ships.They are an eyesore on the QM2 spoiling the appearance of the atrium and main lobbies and totally at odds with any idea of gracious living which Cunard works hard to promote in other areas.

[southwestie]

Have to agree with that, if they really have to see it all they should use part of the winderter garden or somewhere

[kelmac]

We were on the QM2 Holiday cruise and I would just like to give my opinion. We sailed on the August Splendours 26 day voyage and the service was lacking, especially in the Casino and in Kings Court during lunch and tea. Our area of the dining room was obviously short staffed and the trainees didn't have a clue. We were told that many of the staff were heading to the QE. It was obvious that those that were leaving didn't care about our trip and I felt slighted because we had, after all, paid full price for a perfect trip. I actually had doubts about our booked holiday cruise.

 

The Holiday Cruise.....We had perfect service in the dining room. Kings Court improved 100 percent as far as friendly service. When Noro took effect.....the staff could not have been more efficient. It was the passengers who were the problem. I walked thru Kings Court constantly being sanitized going in and out, without stopping, to go to the pool deck. I constantly watched people refusing the sanitizer. I also consistantly watched people taking tongs to help themselves while servers were busy. Everyone on board knew the rules. It was the passengers who didn't follow instructions and the staff absolutely did their best. They did put offending passengers off in port but that was only after the Captain announced over and over again, the importance of following regulations.

 

Our table in the dining room was next to the Captains table and I would just like to mention that it was mostly occupied by passengers, and when the Captain was present, it was with his wife by his side. :)

 

I have to agree with Brigette and Julie,

 

This past Holiday cruise was wonderful. Great food, great service and everything concerning the Noro outbreak was handled professionally. Well, almost everything -- I wish the Captain and the Medical officer didn't have to come on the PA at 18:30 with an update on the Virus four evenings in a row.

Not the best time to talk about symptoms and personal habits while the main seating enjoyed their soups and salads.:p:rolleyes::)

 

Loved our first cruise on the Queen Mary 2, and hope to have a return visit soon!

Kel

[brigittetom]

I wish the Captain and the Medical officer didn't have to come on the PA at 18:30 with an update on the Virus four evenings in a row.

Not the best time to talk about symptoms and personal habits while the main seating enjoyed their soups and salads.:p:rolleyes::)

 

Loved our first cruise on the Queen Mary 2, and hope to have a return visit soon!

Kel

 

Just goes to show.........that was the exact time I was sitting on the pool deck trying to decide what to wear for dinner and the timing was just right. :D It never even occured to me that people were already in the dining room. Truly odd timing now that you bring it up. :rolleyes:

[welshgirl001]

Without belittling the inconvenience of some of the necessary precautions, I would be very grateful for the permanent disappearance of the tat stalls from the public areas on Cunard ships.They are an eyesore on the QM2 spoiling the appearance of the atrium and main lobbies and totally at odds with any idea of gracious living which Cunard works hard to promote in other areas.

 

I totally agree. I do admit to looking ONCE only, but really, does anyone ever buy any of it:confused: There were no real discounts on any quality souveniers. and it certainly look like a street market:(

[brigittetom]

I do admit to looking ONCE only, but really, does anyone ever buy any of it.

 

I actually did. I just happened to come across a perfect gift for a new friend. It was marked 1/2 price and still cost double of what it should have been. :eek:

[2old4this]

I am also onboard the QM2, and I am under quarantine restrictions. I have been taking a keen interest in what the media have been told by Cunard as there appears to be great disparities between the truth and the information provided by Cunard. The media have been informed some 29 passengers have caught the virus, however, crew I have spoken too, place an extra 0 to the end of that figure as a more accurate depiction placing the true numbers in the hundreds.

The ship has undergone a 'deep sanitisation" what this means is the normal cleaning crew don some plastic gloves and take twice as long to clean as normal (with little difference as an end result).

The actions taking by Cunard are retroactive rather than proactive. little was done to prevent the illness nor the initial spread! it was not until the situation became critical did Cunard undertake its white wash cleansing routine.

I am upset that a 'respected' company like Cunard has such a hubristic view towards hygiene (it won't happen to us...), I am also very annoyed that the still (despite the red alert) little is being done to prevent further outbreaks! hand wash is not enforced upon the ingress or egress of the vessel and this worries me greatly. Furthermore, the messages we (as passengers) receive from the captain and management team, places the blame firmly with us, and yet, having spoken to several crew members, the virus was already onboard as several crew members were exhibiting symptoms. Cunard should be ashamed!

 

Being put ashore against one's wishes must be a disappointing experience. But when someone is terribly ill and refuses to stay in the cabin, such things must naturally occur. I came down with 'nova' on a Holland America vessel off of Mexico and made the mistake of having my wife visit the infirmary for pills. Within minutes, the ship's doctor was in my cabin, took one look at me, and told me I was confined to quarters until he advised me otherwise. I got the magic meds and felt better the next day. I did not leave my cabin for nearly 3 days and my cabin boy was ever alert to any departures I might have had in mind. My smiling steward had become my jailer. On that voyage, I heard that more than 100 out of nearly 1,800 had been incarcerated - call a lock down what you may.

 

There is no reason at all to expect Cunard vessels to be free of this debilitating illness any more than then the cruise lines catering to vacationing families in the islands. But do stay in your cabin with a good book until the doctor signs your release.

[2old4this]

I am also onboard the QM2, and I am under quarantine restrictions. I have been taking a keen interest in what the media have been told by Cunard as there appears to be great disparities between the truth and the information provided by Cunard. The media have been informed some 29 passengers have caught the virus, however, crew I have spoken too, place an extra 0 to the end of that figure as a more accurate depiction placing the true numbers in the hundreds.

The ship has undergone a 'deep sanitisation" what this means is the normal cleaning crew don some plastic gloves and take twice as long to clean as normal (with little difference as an end result).

The actions taking by Cunard are retroactive rather than proactive. little was done to prevent the illness nor the initial spread! it was not until the situation became critical did Cunard undertake its white wash cleansing routine.

I am upset that a 'respected' company like Cunard has such a hubristic view towards hygiene (it won't happen to us...), I am also very annoyed that the still (despite the red alert) little is being done to prevent further outbreaks! hand wash is not enforced upon the ingress or egress of the vessel and this worries me greatly. Furthermore, the messages we (as passengers) receive from the captain and management team, places the blame firmly with us, and yet, having spoken to several crew members, the virus was already onboard as several crew members were exhibiting symptoms. Cunard should be ashamed!

 

The noro virus doesn't originate on any ship, Cunard or otherwise, and comes on board much like luggage, in the hands of we passengers. Once on board, it spreads by these same hands onto railings, plates, covers of books in the library, and even on bar surfaces in the lounges. We passengers ARE the villians and we nearly always do this not knowing that we, too, touched something while on shore, fingered our faces, and took on the virus as a fellow passenger at boarding time. Given our propensity to wander the ship to see all of its beauty and delights as the ships gets underway, we fondle everything in sight (not fellow passengers, of course). While spreading the virus, we villians often begin to feel like the flu is right around the corner. Sometimes we luck out and not get sick ourselves, but play villian instead, and leave our little bugs for others to collect and nurture.

 

What can we do to avoid the noro virus? First, Carry the little hand cleaners and use them frequently beginning a day or two before departure. Second, never touch any skin above the shirt line unless the hands have been freshly cleaned. Don't shake hands and don't show affection (face-to-face) with anyone. Finally, keep the hands off railings and door surfaces outside the cabin. Make your hands off limits to about anything and everything in the public areas of the ship. Go immediately to your bunk if you feel the slightest bit ill. Because my little guide is not sure-fire, bring that special medicine which you know will stop the noro virus in its tracks.