Covid on Eclipse

[FLcruiser2011]

The Captain announced this morning that a number of passengers on Celebrity Eclipse have now tested positive for Covid.  What a surprise after packing them into buses the past three days on the French Polynesian islands!  With five sea days ahead of us before we reach New Zealand, passengers are belatedly being urged to mask in the casino and theatre.  We'll see what good that does.

[maggie.1008]

I was on the Vancouver to Hawaii cruise before you. The last few days we were asked to wear masks at all times except eating and drinking. I now have Covid-19. First time and it’s worse than the common cold. I have been wondering how many people have Covid on this ship. Good luck 👍 

[canderson]

23 minutes ago, FLcruiser2011 said:

The Captain announced this morning that a number of passengers on Celebrity Eclipse have now tested positive for Covid.  What a surprise after packing them into buses the past three days on the French Polynesian islands! 

Indeed.  And of course, since the restart, their web page has read as follows, and since the restart, the idea of reduced capacity on Celebrity-booked shorex transportation has been a complete joke.  Wherever possible, we have noted that Celebrity has assured that shorex transport of all kinds is filled.

 

 

WHILE ASHORE

Our main priority is your safety in port. We highly recommend you choose shore excursions with Celebrity Cruises that follow the same health protocols we have on board. Most of our carefully selected experiences are outdoors, and you'll be encouraged to stay within your group. Buses will be at reduced capacity and will be sanitized frequently. Please be aware that as destination conditions change, you may be required to go ashore on a shore excursion provided by Celebrity Cruises. This will help to keep you safe and healthy for the rest of your vacation.

 

 

We find the lack of any capacity enforcement with their contracted shorex operators to be most unfortunate, and Miami has been told about these situations so often that there's no possible way they aren't fully aware of it.  Of course, Celebrity will beg off every time by saying that they have no obligations with regard to how these contractors operate, but Celebrity DOES have the option of booking only x number of pax per excursion and paying to keep the numbers down... but not going to  happen.

 

[Karen Lynn]

I too was in the same sailing before and it was handled the same way, smoosh everyone into elevators , casino , tenders , buses and when they begin to test positive, THEN ramp up masking ! Just absurd. In our case , many people B2B were removed in Honolulu and not allowed to continue on due to Australia regulations. 
Can’t see Australia being happy with any covid coming in on a ship ..from what I’m hearing cases are high enough there already.

[dlh015]

3 hours ago, canderson said:

Indeed.  And of course, since the restart, their web page has read as follows, and since the restart, the idea of reduced capacity on Celebrity-booked shorex transportation has been a complete joke.  Wherever possible, we have noted that Celebrity has assured that shorex transport of all kinds is filled.

 

 

WHILE ASHORE

Our main priority is your safety in port. We highly recommend you choose shore excursions with Celebrity Cruises that follow the same health protocols we have on board. Most of our carefully selected experiences are outdoors, and you'll be encouraged to stay within your group. Buses will be at reduced capacity and will be sanitized frequently. Please be aware that as destination conditions change, you may be required to go ashore on a shore excursion provided by Celebrity Cruises. This will help to keep you safe and healthy for the rest of your vacation.

 

 

We find the lack of any capacity enforcement with their contracted shorex operators to be most unfortunate, and Miami has been told about these situations so often that there's no possible way they aren't fully aware of it.  Of course, Celebrity will beg off every time by saying that they have no obligations with regard to how these contractors operate, but Celebrity DOES have the option of booking only x number of pax per excursion and paying to keep the numbers down... but not going to  happen.

 

Princess has done *exactly* the same thing. Lots of blah, blah...no reality. Operators trained...commited to, etc, etc. Not true a single time.

 

It's just best that folks be aware of this...I certainly was after the first time...lol...

[lovecruzin]

I think we got off the elevator at least once a day because people feel the need to see how many people will cram into the small space. And it’s disappointing that X has no social distancing reminders anywhere anymore. 
I’m surprised that the small S Pacific Islands are letting people disembark.

[Jeremiah1212]

The reality is people will simply not listen to 'reminders' or gentle instruction. There are really no COVID precautions at this point and that is partially due to passengers wanting it that way. It is what it is. 

[Karen Lynn]

And…… the $$$ being the bottom line with Celebrity 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them .. 

[Karen Lynn]

I should add - I do realize profit is what all cruise lines are all about .. but it feels like they’ve gone from 0 to 100 a bit too quickly to me 

[D C]

Covid is everywhere.  It should NOT be a concern of the cruise line to protect you from something that has nothing to do with your cruise. Protect yourself and carry on. 

[Karen Lynn]

Doesn’t make protecting one’s self easy when tenders and elevators are body to body and shore excursions are too does it though 🤷‍♀️ 

[GBeason884]

If you think masks will help or protect you, wear them at the beginning.  Masks are not for me, but I (let’s all) respect and applaud those choosing to wear a mask.    
 

We are on the Solstice at half capacity.    Even with many free elevators and lots of space, I still see some passengers wearing regular and n(k)95 masks.   Some crew still wear them.  
 

Before booking, check for a cruise with excess capacity.  There are still many sailings with reduced bookings.   (Solstice in Alaska was full, Solstice in Mexico is half).  

[wineoclock]

10 hours ago, maggie.1008 said:

I was on the Vancouver to Hawaii cruise before you. The last few days we were asked to wear masks at all times except eating and drinking. I now have Covid-19. First time and it’s worse than the common cold. I have been wondering how many people have Covid on this ship. Good luck 👍 

I hope you feel better soon. 
 

Were they testing people on the ship? I assume people would have to present themselves for testing.

 

We are sailing next week & we always take a box with us so hopefully we can keep track of it if we are unwell. 

[jelayne]

6 hours ago, Karen Lynn said:

I should add - I do realize profit is what all cruise lines are all about .. but it feels like they’ve gone from 0 to 100 a bit too quickly to me 

It has been over a year since ships stated sailing and for many months at reduced capacity with masking and testing requirements yet people still got Covid. 
 

Airlines are filling planes, movie theaters, concerts restaurants, museums are back at full capacity.  We are on a TA now, everyone had to test to board the ship and I have no doubt a good number will get Covid.  We understood that reality when we boarded.  Just like I understand that if I go to a movie or concert or board a plane I run the risk of getting Covid.
 

[Belgian fry]

Oh dear. Will you even be allowed to dock in New Zealand? They are so strict!

[Cruise a holic]

Unfortunately passengers on all cruise lines getting covid now.  We were on a RC cruise a couple of months ago and many got Covid.  They do not wear masks in theatre, crowd into elevators, and go on crowded shore x's.  We were very careful and didn't get covid. We avoid the buffets also.

 

I suggest everyone follow covid precautions.  Mask up, sanitize your hands. Don't go into a crowded elevator.

 

Edited October 13, 2022 by Cruise a holic

[Stealthdog]

COVID is permanently going to be part of our reality now - its not going away.  Its going to be on every ship.  But we have learned to live with it.  People are able to protect themselves how they want - vaccines, masks, social distancing.  At risk populations probably need to be more diligent.  Before COVID people still had to worry about influenza, gastrointestinal, hepatitis, and a number of other viruses that spread on ships.  If someone is really concerned about getting COVID, going on a cruise is probably a risky activity and they should really reconsider it.  

[forgotmyCCname]

We have been cruising since restart and every ship had multiple Covid cases be it a fully masked and distanced, no smoking in the casino RCL Symphony at 25 percent capacity or a half-masked Allure at 98%. 
As a couple who worked the front lines in a large city before vaccines , we travel frequently and fearlessly but responsibly

Your chance of being exposed to Covid is just as great in a movie theater, grocery store, doctor's office or talking to your neighbors at the post office as it is on a cruise ship.

 

Its quite simple and I do NOT mean to sound patronizing. If you can't bear to be in a crowded elevator or excursion bus or airplane because of Covid fear, do not travel. We are seeing a large number of influenza patients and the flu is highly transmissible and quite virulent this year. Many more flu patients than Covid. Some have both. Unless the cruise lines are testing for both flu and Covid for those with respiratory illness on board, we have no way of knowing if the symptoms are from flu or Covid as it is common at this time of year to test positive for both but have a sub clinical case of Covid. You can test positive for Covid without any symptoms. You can test negative for flu with a full-blown case of influenza.
 

I have never advocated cruising for any high risk patients as cruising by nature exposes one to multiple, multiple pathogens that one does not necessarily get exposed to in their usual setting . You and your cruise mates visit 

nations that are basically "third world " nations without access to routine  vaccines or more than rudimentary health care for many of the residents.

 

The mask shaming and crowded elevator complaining is getting old, fellow cruisers. This is not a new phenomenon. You know the risk, you know the cruise line guidelines/restrictions and you are updated as they with the absolute ability to change your mind and not travel if you are in fear. Whether or not you have travel insurance or are able to get a FCC or reschedule - you have the ability to cancel your cruise.

 

This isn't on the cruise lines , it's on each of us to travel as we feel comfortable.

 

And for those complaints about the company only caring about profit-- I'm not an economist, but I do not know how we would be able to cruise if the cruise lines were bankrupt and not operating. You cannot expect any company to operate at a loss forever. If you find their lack of mitigation unethical and greedy then you should not support them with your hard earned dollars. 

If you do cruise, wash your hands, stop touching your mouth , nose and eyes while sitting at that slot machine , don't blow your nose with toilet paper in a public restroom, wear a mask if you want and have a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 13, 2022 by forgotmyCCname

[forgotmyCCname]

11 minutes ago, Stealthdog said:

COVID is permanently going to be part of our reality now - its not going away.  Its going to be on every ship.  But we have learned to live with it.  People are able to protect themselves how they want - vaccines, masks, social distancing.  At risk populations probably need to be more diligent.  Before COVID people still had to worry about influenza, gastrointestinal, hepatitis, and a number of other viruses that spread on ships.  If someone is really concerned about getting COVID, going on a cruise is probably a risky activity and they should really reconsider it.  

Exactly. Thank you.

 

[Smmessineo]

@forgotmyCCname and @Stealthdog. Thanks for these posts ! 

I have, since the beginning, recognized and feared covid as a potentially lethal disease. And endured 2 years of frustration, living in a  senior community in Florida, watching people we know ignore science and logic , and die . We get our shots ASAP and still take precautions in crowded areas or if anyone near us seems ill.

But Covid is here to stay.  I have come down with norovirus ( most brutal and embarrassing 48 hrs of my life) and flu ( high fever, delusional thinking, not fun) on cruises.  But I don't want everyone to be tested for these before boarding. And the risk doesn't influence my decision to keep cruising.  I try to use common sense and good hygiene, I feel the same about  covid now.  

I don't see people linking  Disneyworld to covid, but I'd bet the percent of people going home with it after a week's stay there is higher than on a cruise!

Edited October 13, 2022 by Smmessineo

[Karen Lynn]

I guess from my viewpoint , it is a calculated risk to cruise  ( or do many things !) and I realize we cannot control everything.  The  unfortunate side effect though is not really thinking after 18 month planning , on 4 - B2B sailings  that one could be told you’re positive and sorry , you’re off the ship tomorrow at the end of the first sailing.  Happened to our friends travelling with us last week along with quite a few others.
 

One has to be prepared for that move and none of us were.

[twincheryl]

2 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Unfortunately passengers on all cruise lines getting covid now.  We were on a RC cruise a couple of months ago and many got Covid.  They do not wear masks in theatre, crowd into elevators, and go on crowded shore x's.  We were very careful and didn't get covid. We avoid the buffets also.

 

I suggest everyone follow covid precautions.  Mask up, sanitize your hands. Don't go into a crowded elevator.

 

Well, I did all of those things on our Eclipse Alaska cruise last month, including flying Air Canada where everyone was masked. Still tested positive 2 days after getting home. Am I sure that I got it onboard? Of course not… but there were many, many people crammed together everywhere. Will continue masking on our Nov cruise and hope for the best. 

[Cruise a holic]

4 minutes ago, twincheryl said:

Well, I did all of those things on our Eclipse Alaska cruise last month, including flying Air Canada where everyone was masked. Still tested positive 2 days after getting home. Am I sure that I got it onboard? Of course not… but there were many, many people crammed together everywhere. Will continue masking on our Nov cruise and hope for the best. 

Actually we did a land trip in Cancun.  While we didn't wear mask, mostly outdoors on the trip, some people in our party of 40 did get covid.  I think they might have gotten ill at the airport.  The cancun airport was mobbed.  Most people didn't wear masks.  My DH and I did and didn't get covid.  I also wore the mask on the airplane.  We did get our shots and boosters and fortunately are healthy for young senior citizens.

[PaperSniper4]

3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Unfortunately passengers on all cruise lines getting covid now.  We were on a RC cruise a couple of months ago and many got Covid.  They do not wear masks in theatre, crowd into elevators, and go on crowded shore x's.  We were very careful and didn't get covid. We avoid the buffets also.

 

I suggest everyone follow covid precautions.  Mask up, sanitize your hands. Don't go into a crowded elevator.

 

I have thought about that. On our last cruise on the Summit this past July, we actually felt "safer" on the open air aft lido deck after getting our lunch/dinner from the buffet. I compare this to the crowded MDR where our table for 2 was actually a table for 10....with only 3-6 inches between tables.

Your suggestions are good IMO. We always try to use common sense to reduce our chances of "catching" anything, the common cold included.

 

 Doug

[jgmorgan]

On our recent, very full, cruise out of Southampton on the Silhouette the Captain announced toward the end of the cruise that the number of Covid cases had reached the threshold and asked that passengers wear masks in crowded locations and exercise caution. Some folks responded by wearing masks in the theater, casino and elevators, although many did not.  Not surprising.

 

The thing that I did find surprising though, was that it was actually quite easy to maintain a reasonable level of social distancing while on board.  Even though the Martini Bar was always packed (apparently Brits love their martinis 😀), we were always able to find another location that was much less crowded.  The World Class Bar was great (maybe my new favorite).  The early show in theater had plenty of seats to spread out and by the time we got to Blu each evening, the crowd had thinned and we almost always were seated with vacant tables next to us.  The excursion buses were a bit of a challenge but even they were not full and we generally were able to sit in seats that were adjacent to vacant seats and wear our masks.  So, all in all, we were able to reduce (not eliminate) risk without sacrificing having a great cruise.

 

As for the elevators, it seemed every time a really crowded elevator stopped and we would wait instead of making it even more crowded, the next one would be empty or nearly so.

 

As others on this thread have said, Covid is with us and will likely always be (although comparing it to the flu significantly understates the seriousness of Covid).  But with a bit of effort, the risk can be reduced and thereby increase the chances of cruising without getting sick.  The good news is that the same precautions one uses for Covid also reduce the risk of other contagious diseases.

 

Happy cruising.