Equinox 29 Feb-Mar 7, 2020 Smooth Sailing Until Today

[cluso]

On Equinox now.  Today is Samana, Dominican Republic.  Arrived 0800 at this tender port.  First excursions were supposed to leave at 0830.  Still not cleared by local authorities at 1115.  We decided to stay on board because it would be a zoo with all the tenders/tours if we eventually get cleared.  They had to call the back-up bartenders to keep up with the crowds.  It’s a beautiful day anyway.

Prior to this, everything has been just fine.

[snowowl]

I am onboard too. Decided to stay on the ship too. Enjoy this beautiful day.!

[mac_tlc]

There was another post that had an article about a case of corona virus in the Dominican Republic. Given the current environment, maybe that is a reason? 
 

When we were there last month, we stayed on board. A statistically invalid poll of two other guests at dinner indicated that we made the correct choice. 
 

mac_tlc

Edited March 4, 2020 by mac_tlc

[cluso]

12 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

There was another post that had an article about a case of corona virus in the Dominican Republic. Given the current environment, maybe that is a reason? 
 

When we were there last month, we stayed on board. A statistically invalid poll of two other guests at dinner indicated that we made the correct choice. 
 

mac_tlc

We had booked a tour that was mostly a driving trip.  Just wanted to see the countryside.

Still not cleared, crew adding more on board “activities” for this afternoon.

[Greenie715]

Thanks for update. 

[colesc15]

Curious if they eventually allow people to go ashore. 

[snowowl]

It is 12:20 pm, we are still not cleared yet. 

[cluso]

Starboard side.  Five tenders and 9 local boats still waiting (not all in picture).

[colesc15]

Are they fearing someone on the ship has the virus or someone on the island? 

[cluso]

All the local boats leaving now.

[cluso]

13 minutes ago, colesc15 said:

Are they fearing someone on the ship has the virus or someone on the island? 

The authorities wanted to check all medical records for all visits to the medical offices.  To include cuts, scratches, sprained ankles—just everything.  It is a small country and they are concerned and are going by their rules—which is justified.  Still waiting for the final word, but am guessing it is a local “sea day”.  In my mind, no blame either way.  

[colesc15]

1 minute ago, cluso said:

The authorities wanted to check all medical records for all visits to the medical offices.  To include cuts, scratches, sprained ankles—just everything.  It is a small country and they are concerned and are going by their rules—which is justified.  Still waiting for the final word, but am guessing it is a local “sea day”.  In my mind, no blame either way.  

We leave on Vision Of the seas next week and curious if we make it Punta Cana or not as that's our first stop. 

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for the information.    We will be on a similar itinerary on the March 28 cruise.  We were originally suppose to dock at Tortola but they changed us to Samana due to port congestion. . 

[TN Vol Fan]

Enjoy your sea day. Better safe than sorry. I’m on the Mar.28 cruise and planned to make that stop a stay on board day anyway.  Maybe there will be more activities planned. 

[Jim_Iain]

43 minutes ago, cluso said:

The authorities wanted to check all medical records for all visits to the medical offices.  To include cuts, scratches, sprained ankles—just everything.  It is a small country and they are concerned and are going by their rules—which is justified.  Still waiting for the final word, but am guessing it is a local “sea day”.  In my mind, no blame either way.  

 

Did they ever clear the ship or did the cancel the port?

[cluso]

6 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Did they ever clear the ship or did the cancel the port?

A few minutes ago the Capt made the announcement that we will be pulling up anchor and heading out to International waters so all the onboard shops and casino can open up.  No real explanation, but I am sure everything he says has to be cleared with corporate and they have to have to be real careful on the wording.  Tomorrow is a scheduled sea day, and then they coordinated to stay in Nassau a little longer on Friday.  He also said people will be comped a day of cruise credit, but it has to be used by midnight Friday.  Wasn’t expecting that.  It’s still a beautiful day.

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for the update.  I had a suspicion that you were going to say that.    Happy to hear that they gave you an unexpected credit. 

[mandream]

Not really missing much.  Samana was a complete bust for us.

[Tyskie]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Thanks for the information.    We will be on a similar itinerary on the March 28 cruise.  We were originally suppose to dock at Tortola but they changed us to Samana due to port congestion. . 

 

We would have been on the same cruise, however, when they changed the itinerary to Samana (from Tortola) we canceled and booked NCL same date & Tortola.  Our main objective was to return to JVD White Bay.  We'll miss the Equinox.

 

[PTC DAWG]

27 minutes ago, mandream said:

Not really missing much.  Samana was a complete bust for us.

Who's missing Samana on this thread?  

[toddmanka]

Worst port I have ever been too 

last year on Equinox 

They should make it a sea day and go around in circles 

Cmon Celebrity wake up

[richsea]

So people dislike Samana. I don’t think that’s the point here. The point is that it appears they missed the port because of health concerns. 

[PTC DAWG]

39 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

Who's missing Samana on this thread?  

Just ignore me re this.   🙂

[swigso]

I agree just sail away the same for Dominica 

[cluso]

Just now at 4:44 pm, the Capt came on with an update.  He said the DR port authorities “cleared” the ship an hour after we left (laughter in the halls).  He said Celebrity is monitoring the global health situation and hope they provided the best experience for us today considering everything.  I am sure people were wondering what was going on...

So basically, we were cleared 6+ hours after our arrival.

Edited March 4, 2020 by cluso