Tips on how to AVOID getting covid on a cruise ship and what to do if you do have it

[Markanddonna]

8 hours ago, Hlitner said:

This thread has been amusing and somewhat enlightening.  COVID Phobia (or COVID Hysteria) is almost a worse ailment than COVID.  We have been traveling throughout the pandemic and taken 3 cruises (48 days total) since August.  DW and I have enjoyed our trips, cruises, etc.  We are fully vaccinated (necessary for most travel) and use a lot of common sense mixed with following most of the various COVID rules.  That being said we do not spend our time worrying about COVID (it is a reality just like Noro, Cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc) or suffer Covid related anxiety.  During our travels (in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico) we have met many folks who are miserable (some finally fled home) because of "Covid Anxiety."

 

Folks, like the OP, who obsess with COVID avoidance are likely to be truly miserable on a cruise or trip.  Risk tolerance is a very personal thing and there are folks who can handle the risk of COVID without losing much sleep.  Many others are so obsessed and worried about COVID that they cannot possibly enjoy themselves on a ship or trip.   I will say that we do not concern ourselves with wiping surfaces, think that cloth masks are a joke (if you are going to wear a mask wear a N95, KN95, or FFP2 respirator and make sure it is properly fitted).  Just about everyone we know who has been obsessed with COVID has caught the disease (perhaps this is just kismet).   There is no doubt that COVID is a very nasty disease and any of us who continue to travel are increasing our risk.  But we accept the increased risk and do take some reasonable common sense precautions to decrease our odds of getting sick.  

 

I should sign this as "happy in Mexico".

 

Hank

If it was just me with no competitors except being over 65, I would not obsess.  I would be in Israel right now. My concern is for my spouse who would likely land in the hospital on a respirator or worse. Those without comorbidities can come across as quite judgmental and rather hauty.

 

We don't hide inside and just do what we feel is prudent. A cruise this past summer or fall would have been fine. January 2022, not so much. The one we just canceled was 14 days taking us to countries with inferior medical care facilities if they were needed.

Edited January 21, 2022 by Markanddonna

[Markanddonna]

12 hours ago, mellon1 said:

Great post.  so your SIL recommended the above? 

My MD SIL recommended some of the supplements. Most of the suggestions are ones we have adopted from other's advice, many from CC.

[ontheweb]

8 hours ago, Hlitner said:

This thread has been amusing and somewhat enlightening.  COVID Phobia (or COVID Hysteria) is almost a worse ailment than COVID.  We have been traveling throughout the pandemic and taken 3 cruises (48 days total) since August.  DW and I have enjoyed our trips, cruises, etc.  We are fully vaccinated (necessary for most travel) and use a lot of common sense mixed with following most of the various COVID rules.  That being said we do not spend our time worrying about COVID (it is a reality just like Noro, Cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc) or suffer Covid related anxiety.  During our travels (in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico) we have met many folks who are miserable (some finally fled home) because of "Covid Anxiety."

 

Folks, like the OP, who obsess with COVID avoidance are likely to be truly miserable on a cruise or trip.  Risk tolerance is a very personal thing and there are folks who can handle the risk of COVID without losing much sleep.  Many others are so obsessed and worried about COVID that they cannot possibly enjoy themselves on a ship or trip.   I will say that we do not concern ourselves with wiping surfaces, think that cloth masks are a joke (if you are going to wear a mask wear a N95, KN95, or FFP2 respirator and make sure it is properly fitted).  Just about everyone we know who has been obsessed with COVID has caught the disease (perhaps this is just kismet).   There is no doubt that COVID is a very nasty disease and any of us who continue to travel are increasing our risk.  But we accept the increased risk and do take some reasonable common sense precautions to decrease our odds of getting sick.  

 

I should sign this as "happy in Mexico".

 

Hank

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Would that sum up your post?

 

At the beginning of this mess, DW both told me that she "would kill me if I got Covid" and complained every time I went to the grocery store. Well, I am still alive and well. And in fact, she now tells me when she hears on the radio of free N95 masks to be given out to go get them.

 

She still sometimes obsesses. A few weeks ago when her church was still open, she heard someone attending had Covid. She worried for several days despite being fully vaccinated and everyone was really spread out.

 

Then earlier this week, she came home and said her principal was out with Covid, and that she had spoken with him the day before. (Another 5 days to worry.) I asked if they both had masks and were a distance apart. She indicated about 4 feet. Well, if 6 was good back before any vaccines, 4 ought to be more than adequate for fully vaccinated and masked. The funny thing is she probably would have retired after the last school year except she did not want to go out the way that year played out with either all virtual or half virtual and half attended. Now she often wishes she had retired.

 

I guess she did have a legitimate fear when she learned that her brother was in the ICU and then a few days later needed to be intubated. I told her crying constantly would not help; prayer might (could not hurt.) A few days later he was no longer intubated, and the doctor and nurses said it was a miracle giving credit to the vaccines. He did call a few days ago and told her his complaint--they were not pushing him hard enough in rehab!

[ldubs]

On 1/19/2022 at 4:42 PM, taglovestocruise said:

Total overkill from panicking cruisers. 

We just returned from Navigator.  MDR vaccinated was packed with tables for two just inches apart, we chose to eat on deck 4 which was for everyone.  Sat in the upper balcony which was for everyone every night for all the shows and wore no mask.  Coffee and snacks in Diamond lounge were self serve. Drink stations throughout the ship were self serve.  Freestyle coke machines were self serve. No masks required to be worn in showrooms if you were drinking.  Many people walking through the promenade with no mask as they ate ice cream cones or had a drink. Pools were open to everyone and hot tubs were filled on sea days. No separation of seats or rows in any showroom or the ice show. The Buffett was open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Cabins were cleaned twice per day and towel animals were left every night. Most congested place on the ship was the casino, packed every night with no separation of anyone. 

 

Thanks for sharing. That sure doesn't sound like the "The Royal Promise" covid policy RCI is sharing on their web site.  

[PurpleHays]

21 hours ago, donaldsc said:

Some of the people who responded to you worried about touching things like elevator buttons and doo knobs etc.  A solution to that would be to bring a couple of boxes of neoprene examination gloves (https://www.amazon.com/Wostar-Nitrile-Disposable-Working-Industrial/dp/B08697P5CS/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=neoprene+gloves+disposable&qid=1642736570&sr=8-5) and wear them when you are out of your room.  

To prevent transferring germs/viruses/bacteria, gloves should be removed after touching a surface. So, if you use a gloved hand to open a door, remove the gloves *inside out*, dispose, and put on a new pair. Honestly, in a public environment, frequent use of sanitizer is easier and less wasteful.

[Bevv]

My husband and I are introverts, so not a lot of pattern changes with Covid.  We do not hang out with other people, avoid crowds, do not like crowded elevators, do not want to share tables with others in the MDR, and basically hang out in quiet spots on the ship and love our balcony.

[Ashley321]

Instead of using knuckles for the elevator buttons, I use my elbow because I won't accidentally rub my eyes or touch my mouth with my elbow.  But I most likely would do so with my knuckles or the back of my hand. People once laughed at me until I explained my logic and then... I saw them do it later on in the cruise. LOL 🙂

[Ashley321]

I have a great tip!

We cruised a lot of the years. but my husband caught colds/flu and even pneumonia twice after cruising.  We were at the point where we figured we really ought to not cruise anymore.  But then.... we found a solution.

A medical doctor friend who happen to be on one of our cruises  felt so bad for my husband that he gave us his diffuser along with some eucalyptus essential oil.  We were on quite a few back to back cruises, and he was sick with a cold almost the entire time.  The next morning after a night of using the diffuser, he felt about 50 % better. And within a day or two , he was all recovered.  We used it all the time ever since. But initially , after the first  2 months, it broke.  Within a few days, he caught a terrible cold again.  Now we travel with 2 diffusers so we have a back up.  We have never caught the coronavirus or any cold or flu ever since.  (at times, we will feel we are coming down with something, but  we then go back to our cabin ASAP and the diffuser with ecalyptus oil seems to kick it out relatively quickly.  It works for us and several other friends of ours travel all the time with theirs too and have also stayed well.  It is worth a try along with the other great suggestions others are recommending.

[chipmaster]

On 1/19/2022 at 12:10 PM, mellon1 said:

I am starting this only because I trust all of you more than I do the advice we have been getting.

 

So, what are you doing and what works for you, especially those doing B2B2Bs, etc. etc.

 

I will start.  We have booked 40 days in 2023 Jan/Feb.  OK, I am going to bring a BUG OUT BAG.  Yep, you heard it right!  Who who have ever thought, me at 58 years old would need a bug out bag on a cruise ship?  Well it is for my husband and all his meds, etc.  So this is something we are going to do.  I will take that on turnaround days in case we are not allowed back on to pack.  

 

We will be keeping to ourselves...think of it as a honeymoon...oh just us.

 

No we will not be dining or wanting to sit next to anyone or going to happy hour at the Concierge Lounge.

 

Yes, we will get a drink before we retire and sit on our balcony and watch the stars...by the way the best show EVER.  If you haven't done that before, I would say do it!

 

I could add a lot more, but I am interested in what all you cruisers, more seasoned than us are and will do.  We have to cruise again.  I am tired of being stuck and nothing to look forward to.  No making the bed, no doing the wash, no cooking or doing dishes...oh how lovely that sounds! 

 

What about you?  What's your story?

 

As this is endemic now in most of western world I think it is almost going to be impossible to avoid.

 

Best thing, mask up, and don't travel if you can't stand the risk.  

 

We decided YOLO, better enjoy it!  So we went cruising!

 

We were very disciplined in masking but while in Orlando for three days and on the ship for four days, doing our best with mask and such, we caught it.    We are vaccinated, boosted and surprising because of the masking haven't gotten sick/cold etc. for almost a year and half  ( normally get a bug of some sort once to twice a year ), but sadly nope with this new Omicron   Simply too much of it everywhere and since this is an airborne transmission by droplet, washing hands an disinfection of surfaces aren't going to do much, you need self contained bubble and filtered air, not happening on a cruise, flight, or anyplace with lots of people.  It was destined to happen, and it did.   We decided being fit, healthy and young of heart YOLO trumped being quarantined.   

 

I'll be flying back to Taiwan soon and it'll be 4 PCR test and 14 days of hard quarantine before I get out.   I personally think that is a disciplined approached, is it best is another question, but the sacrifice for their death rate, worth it.  

Edited January 23, 2022 by chipmaster

[Hlitner]

I think there is a fine line between "Covid Phobia"  (and even Covid Hysteria) and living one's life with COVID.  To us it has been keeping ourselves educated about the latest studies (not rhetoric) and using common sense and real science to reduce our personal risk while also living our lives the way we enjoy which still involves lots of travel and cruising.  Many of our friends still follow something similar to "shelter in place" and admit that they are miserable.  But not everyone has the necessary risk tolerance to deal with travel/cruises during this pandemic.

 

I do find some of the latest news interesting.  We have said for nearly 2 years that cloth masks are nearly useless and now we finally have some of our "experts" admitting that cloth masks do not work (various studies have shown they are about 10% effective...at best).  The CDC has also admitted (more then a year ago) that surface spread of COVID is very rare (we have never found a study that documented a single case of real surface spread) but yet society (including myself) has become almost obsessive about cleaning and handwashing.  While this might not really help with COVID it has certainly helped some of us avoid getting normal colds :).  We do accept the premise that most COVID (and other respiratory viruses) are spread through the air (especially from coughing and sneezing) and do our best to avoid being confined with crowds while indoors.  We have also spent as much time as possible outdoors (especially when traveling and cruising) where we have always felt relatively safe from COVID.  Speaking of common sense we still find it laughable that some places closed beaches and parks and thought it wise to drive folks indoors.

 

So we managed to take 3 cruises in 2021 (totally 48 days) without any COVID problems.  What did we do in terms of COVID avoidance while on the cruises?  We did continue our long time practice (going back many years) of avoiding crowded elevators to the extent it was reasonably possible.  Elevators are enclosed chambers where any cough or sneeze is not a good thing for anyone else in that same chamber.  We also practiced social distancing when reasonable although it was not a priority.  So when we did our two Seabourn cruises we continued to often dine at "shared/hosted tables" which are always lots of fun.  On our Princess cruise we decided to change our normal practice of sharing large tables (with strangers) and dine at 2-tops.  We wore masks when required but quickly took them off when it was not required.  I have long been amazed at how the very smart COVID virus seems to know how to avoid folks who are eating/drinking but infect those who are walking through empty public spaces!  And how that virus knows not to go around a  poor fitting mask is still a mystery to me.  But we do follow the protocols even when common sense tells us it is folly.  When we think a good mask makes lots of sense (such as when moving through airports, getting on/off planes, being part of crowd, etc. we wear properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks.  In other environments where mask wearing seems to defy common sense we wear more comfortable cloth masks (which do little to stop COVID but make authorities happy).

 

By the way, I did have a good laugh reading about using knuckles or elbows for elevator buttons.  Not sure how that protects one from somebody else coughing, sneezing, or even breathing but it sure cannot hurt :).  When it comes to elevators we do our best to simply avoid the things and use stairs.  We started this practice nearly 20 years ago when we realized that DW and I would often get Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) on our many cruises.  Anecdotally we discovered that once we minimized elevator use (and always tried to avoid crowded elevators) our problems with URIs seemed to become very rare.  Bottom line is that if you are in an elevator with somebody who coughs or sneezes there is no way to escape maximum exposure to whatever!

 

Hank

[chipmaster]

8 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I think there is a fine line between "Covid Phobia"  (and even Covid Hysteria) and living one's life with COVID.  To us it has been keeping ourselves educated about the latest studies (not rhetoric) and using common sense and real science to reduce our personal risk while also living our lives the way we enjoy which still involves lots of travel and cruising.  Many of our friends still follow something similar to "shelter in place" and admit that they are miserable.  But not everyone has the necessary risk tolerance to deal with travel/cruises during this pandemic.

 

I do find some of the latest news interesting.  We have said for nearly 2 years that cloth masks are nearly useless and now we finally have some of our "experts" admitting that cloth masks do not work (various studies have shown they are about 10% effective...at best).  The CDC has also admitted (more then a year ago) that surface spread of COVID is very rare (we have never found a study that documented a single case of real surface spread) but yet society (including myself) has become almost obsessive about cleaning and handwashing.  While this might not really help with COVID it has certainly helped some of us avoid getting normal colds :).  We do accept the premise that most COVID (and other respiratory viruses) are spread through the air (especially from coughing and sneezing) and do our best to avoid being confined with crowds while indoors.  We have also spent as much time as possible outdoors (especially when traveling and cruising) where we have always felt relatively safe from COVID.  Speaking of common sense we still find it laughable that some places closed beaches and parks and thought it wise to drive folks indoors.

 

So we managed to take 3 cruises in 2021 (totally 48 days) without any COVID problems.  What did we do in terms of COVID avoidance while on the cruises?  We did continue our long time practice (going back many years) of avoiding crowded elevators to the extent it was reasonably possible.  Elevators are enclosed chambers where any cough or sneeze is not a good thing for anyone else in that same chamber.  We also practiced social distancing when reasonable although it was not a priority.  So when we did our two Seabourn cruises we continued to often dine at "shared/hosted tables" which are always lots of fun.  On our Princess cruise we decided to change our normal practice of sharing large tables (with strangers) and dine at 2-tops.  We wore masks when required but quickly took them off when it was not required.  I have long been amazed at how the very smart COVID virus seems to know how to avoid folks who are eating/drinking but infect those who are walking through empty public spaces!  And how that virus knows not to go around a  poor fitting mask is still a mystery to me.  But we do follow the protocols even when common sense tells us it is folly.  When we think a good mask makes lots of sense (such as when moving through airports, getting on/off planes, being part of crowd, etc. we wear properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks.  In other environments where mask wearing seems to defy common sense we wear more comfortable cloth masks (which do little to stop COVID but make authorities happy).

 

By the way, I did have a good laugh reading about using knuckles or elbows for elevator buttons.  Not sure how that protects one from somebody else coughing, sneezing, or even breathing but it sure cannot hurt :).  When it comes to elevators we do our best to simply avoid the things and use stairs.  We started this practice nearly 20 years ago when we realized that DW and I would often get Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) on our many cruises.  Anecdotally we discovered that once we minimized elevator use (and always tried to avoid crowded elevators) our problems with URIs seemed to become very rare.  Bottom line is that if you are in an elevator with somebody who coughs or sneezes there is no way to escape maximum exposure to whatever!

 

Hank

 

Any one with a little common sense can understand mask better than none, and the escalating improvement between cloth, surgical to KN5/N5.       People can complain all they want about difficult of breathing and comfort, but protection goes inversely to comfort, LOL.

 

As to not touching the common touch surfaces, have you seen some peoples hygiene practices?  I too don't have germ or covid phobie and believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, YOLO.

 

The CDC as with so many things can't be trusted and sadly that has caused manipulation of too many by too many with less than honorable motives. 

Edited January 23, 2022 by chipmaster

[Hlitner]

5 minutes ago, chipmaster said:

 

Any one with a little common sense can understand mask better than none, and the escalating improvement between cloth, surgical to KN5/N5.       People can complain all they want about difficult of breathing and comfort, but protection goes inversely to comfort, LOL.

 

As to not touching the common touch surfaces, have you seen some peoples hygiene practices?  I too don't have germ or covid phobie and believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, YOLO.

 

The CDC as with so many things can't be trusted and sadly that has caused manipulation of too many by too many with less than honorable motives. 

Had to smile at your comment about "some peoples hygiene."  As much as DW and I long enjoyed buffets and decent salad bars we were often horrified at what we saw some folks do at these venues.  Perhaps one positive thing that has come out of all the COVID panic is the change in buffets on ships (and elsewhere).  

 

On our December Enchanted Princess cruise we did watch some folks do everything possible to avoid hand washing when going into the Lido.  Princess had staff stationed at all the Lido entrances (where they have handwashing stations) who did their best to enforce a handwashing standard.  But some tried to sneak past and we actually saw a few folks argue and say NO.  To be honest, I had little to no concern about getting COVID from unwashed hands but DW and I have been very successful at avoiding Norovirus on more than 1200 days of cruises by simply practicing decent hygiene and routine handwashing.  Since the changes brought about by COVID I do not recall hearing about any Noro outbreaks on cruises.

 

Hank

P.S.  I seldom comment (anymore) about the CDC since I have difficulty thinking of anything positive to say.

[chipmaster]

10 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Had to smile at your comment about "some peoples hygiene."  As much as DW and I long enjoyed buffets and decent salad bars we were often horrified at what we saw some folks do at these venues.  Perhaps one positive thing that has come out of all the COVID panic is the change in buffets on ships (and elsewhere).  

 

On our December Enchanted Princess cruise we did watch some folks do everything possible to avoid hand washing when going into the Lido.  Princess had staff stationed at all the Lido entrances (where they have handwashing stations) who did their best to enforce a handwashing standard.  But some tried to sneak past and we actually saw a few folks argue and say NO.  To be honest, I had little to no concern about getting COVID from unwashed hands but DW and I have been very successful at avoiding Norovirus on more than 1200 days of cruises by simply practicing decent hygiene and routine handwashing.  Since the changes brought about by COVID I do not recall hearing about any Noro outbreaks on cruises.

 

Hank

P.S.  I seldom comment (anymore) about the CDC since I have difficulty thinking of anything positive to say.

 

Hank good to see you still active here and enjoying cruising.   It is sad where some who claim to be driven by science have gone.

 

I was also amazed at resistance to hand washing by some, go figure.  Like you since going to masks when outside an better all around disease prevention in the Far East, I haven't had a cold or illness till coming down with COVID on what else, my cruise, LOL, YOLO. 

 

I did enjoy my recent cruise after a long break, but will soon go back into my cave for a few more years for one last adventure, than hopefully come back out and get more cruising with hopefully grand kids 😄

 

Edited January 23, 2022 by chipmaster

[mellon1]

On 1/20/2022 at 11:36 PM, Hlitner said:

This thread has been amusing and somewhat enlightening.  COVID Phobia (or COVID Hysteria) is almost a worse ailment than COVID.  We have been traveling throughout the pandemic and taken 3 cruises (48 days total) since August.  DW and I have enjoyed our trips, cruises, etc.  We are fully vaccinated (necessary for most travel) and use a lot of common sense mixed with following most of the various COVID rules.  That being said we do not spend our time worrying about COVID (it is a reality just like Noro, Cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc) or suffer Covid related anxiety.  During our travels (in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico) we have met many folks who are miserable (some finally fled home) because of "Covid Anxiety."

 

Folks, like the OP, who obsess with COVID avoidance are likely to be truly miserable on a cruise or trip.  Risk tolerance is a very personal thing and there are folks who can handle the risk of COVID without losing much sleep.  Many others are so obsessed and worried about COVID that they cannot possibly enjoy themselves on a ship or trip.   I will say that we do not concern ourselves with wiping surfaces, think that cloth masks are a joke (if you are going to wear a mask wear a N95, KN95, or FFP2 respirator and make sure it is properly fitted).  Just about everyone we know who has been obsessed with COVID has caught the disease (perhaps this is just kismet).   There is no doubt that COVID is a very nasty disease and any of us who continue to travel are increasing our risk.  But we accept the increased risk and do take some reasonable common sense precautions to decrease our odds of getting sick.  

 

I should sign this as "happy in Mexico".

 

Hank

I am so glad you have no worries are are healthy.  I truly mean that.  30 years ago that was us...not a care in the world, never even thought of wiping things down.  Then I found Cruise Critic and got so many tips, which I appreciated from the heart.  Six years ago my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer.  It is a miracle he is here due to people who shared theraputics which our doctors said they do not condone.  However, after he had his neck dissection from the ear all the way down to the throat and collarbone, before they started radiation and chemo, full steam, as much as allowed by law before killing you, mind you, as we had to throw everything at it including the kitchen sink the doc said, or what are the consequences you die at this point.  We went through that and they did not want to do the radiation but would not say why and kept sending us back to the surgeon.  After radiation went on every day from begininng of September until Thanksgiving, our doctor finally said.  We thought your neck would split out like a hot dog, charred as such.  We said why when we asked you didn't tell us all that happened and they said no one would go through the treatment.  We had a trip planned, 30 days on Princes and our doctors at that point said we need to go.  We went.  We were able to control things, cleaning our room, eliminating the buffet, keeping our distance.  My husband healed on the trip, came on board in a hoodie freezing and at the end of the cruise was healed.   BUT, we did things and they worked.  After we were done, that list I had that our nurse said  first day that's a lot to do every day at the cancer center, they said they now share with other patients and have shared with new patients the research.  What they did not condone, they had those speakers talking to the doctors and nurses.  My husband did so much better than others and survived.  I am not going to tell you it was easy it was not.  Every day from September I had to puree food for him to eat which he did not want to do as it was so painful to swallow as his throat and mouth were like hamburger from all the radiation and tears would come from his eyes.  I love him and wanted him to survive.  I had to become nurse cratchet that had to go into the basement to cry afterward so he would not see that I was weak and afraid.  I had to show courage and strength.    We have overcome pure evil and we believe that covid is just that.  Problem is it affects everyone different.  My niece who has not been vaccinated and is young with kids and does not wear a mask, that is her choice; however, we have not seen our family because our doctor has said people with existing issues and immune issues it will not be a good outcome.  We are prepared to cruise to be alone, by ourselves and not go to port.  We are good with that did it before and we would like to experience all the good things that life can bring.  

 

Our beef is...we want to be tested day before the end of the cruise and if you have it, you can pack up and be gone the next day.  Not being able to do that causes us stress, especially doing four 10 day back to backs at a time.  We are driving and know we are in the bubble.  It is everyone else that may be carrying it and affect our trip.  We have both shots and the booster, (not what we wanted to do, but had to) so if they would have everyone both shots and the booster we would be good.  

 

Just a thought for you and any other poster...remember, each situation is different.  Until you walk in their shoes, you do not know what they are experiencing or their risks.  My husband's sister had cancer twice and survived.  When H1N1 came about, she was the first to die of that.  She survived cancer only to be taken out by H1n1.  All the best to you...and everyone on these posts...I truly mean that.  From my heart....Mary  

 

There are many who are older and can afford now to do all the things they want and are afraid.  I empathize and relate.

[mellon1]

On 1/21/2022 at 8:11 AM, Markanddonna said:

If it was just me with no competitors except being over 65, I would not obsess.  I would be in Israel right now. My concern is for my spouse who would likely land in the hospital on a respirator or worse. Those without comorbidities can come across as quite judgmental and rather hauty.

 

We don't hide inside and just do what we feel is prudent. A cruise this past summer or fall would have been fine. January 2022, not so much. The one we just canceled was 14 days taking us to countries with inferior medical care facilities if they were needed.

@markanddonna Well said.  I probably said more than I should have at only 58 years old.  My Mom always said I was too old for my britches!  I can relate and send prayers.

[mellon1]

15 hours ago, Ashley321 said:

I have a great tip!

We cruised a lot of the years. but my husband caught colds/flu and even pneumonia twice after cruising.  We were at the point where we figured we really ought to not cruise anymore.  But then.... we found a solution.

A medical doctor friend who happen to be on one of our cruises  felt so bad for my husband that he gave us his diffuser along with some eucalyptus essential oil.  We were on quite a few back to back cruises, and he was sick with a cold almost the entire time.  The next morning after a night of using the diffuser, he felt about 50 % better. And within a day or two , he was all recovered.  We used it all the time ever since. But initially , after the first  2 months, it broke.  Within a few days, he caught a terrible cold again.  Now we travel with 2 diffusers so we have a back up.  We have never caught the coronavirus or any cold or flu ever since.  (at times, we will feel we are coming down with something, but  we then go back to our cabin ASAP and the diffuser with ecalyptus oil seems to kick it out relatively quickly.  It works for us and several other friends of ours travel all the time with theirs too and have also stayed well.  It is worth a try along with the other great suggestions others are recommending.

I agree, did that on the first cruise after my husband just finished his radiation and chemo.  They will supply you with the distilled water in the room and the cord for the unit on Princess.

[Hlitner]

Mellon,

I debated whether to respond to your post but finally thought, why not?  Saying "we gave worries" is not quite correct.  Of course we have "worries" and are certainly concerned about COVID.  Both of us are seniors (high risk category) and I have a medical condition that puts me into one of the highest risk groups.  That being said, we accept the risk and have decided to live our lives to the extent that it is possible while at the same time following reasonable protocols to minimize risk.

 

I do get your concern about testing.  But if you want to get tested you have the ability to that on your own (with home antigen tests) which you can even take along on a trip.  I do agree that allowing cruisers to disembark at US ports without any testing protocol does not make a lot of sense.  When we fly back to the USA from our Mexican winter home we must get negative antigen tests within a day of our flight.  But there is no such rule for cruisers (another example of the lack of common sense with many policies of our authorities).   I had posted (elsewhere) that when we returned from a 20 day cruise (late December) DW and I went to a local medical lab (the day after we arrived home) and got our own PCR tests.  We did this because it just made sense and we wanted to minimize the risk to family/friends during the Christmas holidays.  That being said, in accordance with the rules of the CDC and other government authorities we were allowed to disembark, go to FLL, get on a packed Southwest flight, and go home.  All this without testing.  Go figure.

 

I also agree that each person "walks in their own shoes" and should do what is best for them given their own circumstances and risk tolerance.  I have simply posted our own point of view which is that life is short (especially for we seniors) and DW and I intend to enjoy ourselves to the extent possible.  ed to move on with their lives.  I recall a little of the last years of Howard Hughes who spent his last 4 years in virtual isolation likely due to his germaphobia and fear of disease.  I cannot help but wonder how many folks are going to spend much of their last years in self-imposed isolation because of the fear of COVID.  But that is a matter of personal choice and folks should do what they feel is best for themselves and their family.  

 

For DW and I that means continuing travel/cruising.  Funny thing about COVID worries is that we have more concerns when at home then traveling.  Once we are on a trip or cruise the decision has been made and we just focus on enjoying ourselves.  But at home everything seems to become a COVID related issue.  So at home we only went out to eat about twice in 5 months because we had COVID concerns.  Here in PV we go out to eat every day without even a thought.  Go figure.  One irony is that nearly all of our family and friends who have stayed home during the pandemic have contracted (and recovered) COVID.  It is possible that we have had Omicron (we were exposed by family members) but have no scientific evidence one way or the other.

 

For now we look forward to a 27 day Spring cruise to Europe and a few post cruise weeks on the continent.  Of course that depends on the cruise line not canceling and the EU allowing tourists from the USA.  

 

Hank

[mellon1]

On 1/23/2022 at 3:24 PM, Hlitner said:

Mellon,

I debated whether to respond to your post but finally thought, why not?  Saying "we gave worries" is not quite correct.  Of course we have "worries" and are certainly concerned about COVID.  Both of us are seniors (high risk category) and I have a medical condition that puts me into one of the highest risk groups.  That being said, we accept the risk and have decided to live our lives to the extent that it is possible while at the same time following reasonable protocols to minimize risk.

 

I do get your concern about testing.  But if you want to get tested you have the ability to that on your own (with home antigen tests) which you can even take along on a trip.  I do agree that allowing cruisers to disembark at US ports without any testing protocol does not make a lot of sense.  When we fly back to the USA from our Mexican winter home we must get negative antigen tests within a day of our flight.  But there is no such rule for cruisers (another example of the lack of common sense with many policies of our authorities).   I had posted (elsewhere) that when we returned from a 20 day cruise (late December) DW and I went to a local medical lab (the day after we arrived home) and got our own PCR tests.  We did this because it just made sense and we wanted to minimize the risk to family/friends during the Christmas holidays.  That being said, in accordance with the rules of the CDC and other government authorities we were allowed to disembark, go to FLL, get on a packed Southwest flight, and go home.  All this without testing.  Go figure.

 

I also agree that each person "walks in their own shoes" and should do what is best for them given their own circumstances and risk tolerance.  I have simply posted our own point of view which is that life is short (especially for we seniors) and DW and I intend to enjoy ourselves to the extent possible.  ed to move on with their lives.  I recall a little of the last years of Howard Hughes who spent his last 4 years in virtual isolation likely due to his germaphobia and fear of disease.  I cannot help but wonder how many folks are going to spend much of their last years in self-imposed isolation because of the fear of COVID.  But that is a matter of personal choice and folks should do what they feel is best for themselves and their family.  

 

For DW and I that means continuing travel/cruising.  Funny thing about COVID worries is that we have more concerns when at home then traveling.  Once we are on a trip or cruise the decision has been made and we just focus on enjoying ourselves.  But at home everything seems to become a COVID related issue.  So at home we only went out to eat about twice in 5 months because we had COVID concerns.  Here in PV we go out to eat every day without even a thought.  Go figure.  One irony is that nearly all of our family and friends who have stayed home during the pandemic have contracted (and recovered) COVID.  It is possible that we have had Omicron (we were exposed by family members) but have no scientific evidence one way or the other.

 

For now we look forward to a 27 day Spring cruise to Europe and a few post cruise weeks on the continent.  Of course that depends on the cruise line not canceling and the EU allowing tourists from the USA.  

 

Hank

Hank, No worries...glad you responded.  I apologize to you sincerely and did not mean to take out my disgust with covid on you...for that I am truly worry.  I am glad you are a warrior and you have overcome your fears.  I wish I was in the same place.  I do admit after all my husband has been through I hold on too tight.  Almost loosing him has caused me to worry with covid.  His sister survived cancer twice and then got H1N1 when it first came out and was the first to die here.  All of this covid constantly changing and the ship also changing their covid testing procedures from one ship to another how they deal with B2Bs has been stressful.  We know many who have passed away after getting covid. 

 

Doing just one cruise would not be as bad, but we prefer to stay longer, pack and drive one time rather than multiple times.  

 

With my husband's job, we don't get to do anything during the year and on the trip we choose to spend our time together, so we are not sharing tables, etc.  We enjoy time on our balcony and like the more quiet areas of the ship.  We have cruised so many times and seen the shows, that we don't care if we go, but do go if it is something that interests us.  Believe it or not, we don't obsess on the ship.  I clean the room and take care of all that kind of stuff on day one and then our trip begins.  I have always brought wipes in case we shake hands, no buffet, etc. But, we aren't in large groups and still enjoy our trip.  

 

I have learned so much from CC and probably even from your posts too.  We don't like surprises unless they are good ones.  I think everyone will agree with that.  

 

The reason for my post was to learn and share.  I believe in being open to trying new things and I have gotten some good ideas here on this topic.  Some may not believe in all of them, but I know from experience that some other methods sometimes can be helpful in a situation.  It is worth trying to me.

 

Funny, we don't worry about noro, as we can control that.  Covid is out of our control and the ship determines if we are separated, left at port, etc..  Covid affects everyone different.  Just at the dentist today (I left the house and it is one of the worst places to go!!  LOL) and he said everyone will get covid as it is so contagious.  His children had it in LA and said they were very sick with Omicron, but not like Delta, which goes into the lungs.  They were better in a few days after treatment.  He ended with saying you just don't know if you could be the one who has "those bad symptoms or worse."  He said he felt next year would be much better.  That was a wonderful thing to hear.  Of course, he said he didn't know for sure, but was his thoughts.  

 

We hope that some day we will no longer have to mask and that covid will be just like the flu and handled with a vaccine if necessary.  Just as everyone else feels too I am sure.  

 

I hope you have safe and enjoyable travels and wish you only the best.  Mary

[mellon1]

On 1/22/2022 at 6:34 PM, Bevv said:

My husband and I are introverts, so not a lot of pattern changes with Covid.  We do not hang out with other people, avoid crowds, do not like crowded elevators, do not want to share tables with others in the MDR, and basically hang out in quiet spots on the ship and love our balcony.

We like to do the same.  My husband talks to people all the time and his phone never stops so it is a blessing to not have our phone and leave it in the safe.  Only now, looks like have to use the phone!

[mellon1]

On 1/23/2022 at 11:58 AM, chipmaster said:

 

As this is endemic now in most of western world I think it is almost going to be impossible to avoid.

 

Best thing, mask up, and don't travel if you can't stand the risk.  

 

We decided YOLO, better enjoy it!  So we went cruising!

 

We were very disciplined in masking but while in Orlando for three days and on the ship for four days, doing our best with mask and such, we caught it.    We are vaccinated, boosted and surprising because of the masking haven't gotten sick/cold etc. for almost a year and half  ( normally get a bug of some sort once to twice a year ), but sadly nope with this new Omicron   Simply too much of it everywhere and since this is an airborne transmission by droplet, washing hands an disinfection of surfaces aren't going to do much, you need self contained bubble and filtered air, not happening on a cruise, flight, or anyplace with lots of people.  It was destined to happen, and it did.   We decided being fit, healthy and young of heart YOLO trumped being quarantined.   

 

I'll be flying back to Taiwan soon and it'll be 4 PCR test and 14 days of hard quarantine before I get out.   I personally think that is a disciplined approached, is it best is another question, but the sacrifice for their death rate, worth it.  

Thanks for posting.  Hope you are OK now.

[mellon1]

On 1/21/2022 at 8:47 AM, ontheweb said:

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Would that sum up your post?

 

At the beginning of this mess, DW both told me that she "would kill me if I got Covid" and complained every time I went to the grocery store. Well, I am still alive and well. And in fact, she now tells me when she hears on the radio of free N95 masks to be given out to go get them.

 

She still sometimes obsesses. A few weeks ago when her church was still open, she heard someone attending had Covid. She worried for several days despite being fully vaccinated and everyone was really spread out.

 

Then earlier this week, she came home and said her principal was out with Covid, and that she had spoken with him the day before. (Another 5 days to worry.) I asked if they both had masks and were a distance apart. She indicated about 4 feet. Well, if 6 was good back before any vaccines, 4 ought to be more than adequate for fully vaccinated and masked. The funny thing is she probably would have retired after the last school year except she did not want to go out the way that year played out with either all virtual or half virtual and half attended. Now she often wishes she had retired.

 

I guess she did have a legitimate fear when she learned that her brother was in the ICU and then a few days later needed to be intubated. I told her crying constantly would not help; prayer might (could not hurt.) A few days later he was no longer intubated, and the doctor and nurses said it was a miracle giving credit to the vaccines. He did call a few days ago and told her his complaint--they were not pushing him hard enough in rehab!

I love a happy ending!

[mellon1]

On 1/23/2022 at 12:22 PM, chipmaster said:

 

Any one with a little common sense can understand mask better than none, and the escalating improvement between cloth, surgical to KN5/N5.       People can complain all they want about difficult of breathing and comfort, but protection goes inversely to comfort, LOL.

 

As to not touching the common touch surfaces, have you seen some peoples hygiene practices?  I too don't have germ or covid phobie and believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, YOLO.

 

The CDC as with so many things can't be trusted and sadly that has caused manipulation of too many by too many with less than honorable motives. 

Yes, CDC is a problem I agree.

[Hlitner]

For those of us willing to cruise/travel in this crazy era it is never easy.  Just today we started booking hotel reservations in Europe (April-May) for what we hope will be a few post cruise weeks after a month long transatlantic cruise.  Of course we made sure to book reservations that are completely refundable because we must wonder if the cruise happen and will Europe allow us to travel and stay on their continent.  Sure, we know the rules as they exist today, but tomorrow they could be completely different.  Eventually we will also need to book an internal European airline and also a European long distance train.  All this assumes we can follow our initial plan of travel.  But in this day of COVID and changing government regulations who knows?  Our philosophy is to go with our gut (which has usually been right during the past year) but try to keep everything refundable in case things get canceled or we are forced to modify due to changing rules.  I think that for those of us who have long done independent travel (and made our own plans) this is just one more challenge (out of the many faced by independent travelers).  For folks that rely on structured land tours, cruise line excursions, etc. the situation is somewhat different.  So while a a structured 2 week European land tour might be cancelled that does not necessarily mean that independent travelers cannot travel.  It is similar with popular European river boat tours (we have done it and enjoyed the experience).  Many of those tours involve going through multiple countries not to mention dealing with the constant issues of river levels.  For those trips to happen there are many facets that must be in alignment.  But for the independent traveler it might be as simple as substituting a different country or even avoiding on country and still traveling.

 

For those of us who pretty adventurous travelers all this COVID related stuff is just one more challenge!  The alternative is to sit home for a few more years (and these seniors may not have that many more years) and simply hope that things change.  I do believe that travel will continue to change but have no clue as to whether those changes will be for the better or worse.   With over forty years of extensive independent travel under my belt I will admit that the current environment is the most challenging ever!  But overcoming challenges is part of independent travel.

 

Hank

[pris993]

We have been fairly independent travelers for years but at 90/75 we have decided the best travel option for us is to do west coast cruises out of San Francisco.  We had hoped to make one last trip to Israel.  Had one booked in 2020.  The changing rules for travel in and out of Israel has keep us from booking again.  We have an air credit till end of 2022.  The longer this goes on, the more I doubt we will make it to Israel again.   We leave next Monday on a 10-day round trip to Mexico.  Grateful we can still do this get away.  Not concerned about taking a ship.  Have friends who have gone, ships are only 1/3 full and cruise line in this case Princess is doing an excellent job dealing with covid 19 prevention.   For those of us who have a love of travel, we can't just stay home.  

[PacnGoNow]

On 1/19/2022 at 3:10 PM, mellon1 said:

I am starting this only because I trust all of you more than I do the advice we have been getting.

 

So, what are you doing and what works for you, especially those doing B2B2Bs, etc. etc.

 

I will start.  We have booked 40 days in 2023 Jan/Feb.  OK, I am going to bring a BUG OUT BAG.  Yep, you heard it right!  Who who have ever thought, me at 58 years old would need a bug out bag on a cruise ship?  Well it is for my husband and all his meds, etc.  So this is something we are going to do.  I will take that on turnaround days in case we are not allowed back on to pack.  

 

We will be keeping to ourselves...think of it as a honeymoon...oh just us.

 

No we will not be dining or wanting to sit next to anyone or going to happy hour at the Concierge Lounge.

 

Yes, we will get a drink before we retire and sit on our balcony and watch the stars...by the way the best show EVER.  If you haven't done that before, I would say do it!

 

I could add a lot more, but I am interested in what all you cruisers, more seasoned than us are and will do.  We have to cruise again.  I am tired of being stuck and nothing to look forward to.  No making the bed, no doing the wash, no cooking or doing dishes...oh how lovely that sounds! 

 

What about you?  What's your story?

Keep cleaning ladies!!!

 

https://news.yahoo.com/omicron-survives-longer-plastic-skin-184539113.html?.tsrc=374

So, omicron DOES survive longer than the other variants.