Escape arriving early in NYC to avoid the storm

[mking8288]

Escape on the move soon ??   Last week, we started leaving anchorage before midnight to head up the Hudson for Pier 88.  Not seeing a pilot boat next to the Escape yet (Marinetraffic)   Waiting for tides & river current conditions ... 

 

Mein Schiff 6 backing up of Cape Liberty, ready to head out to sea next ??  Emerald Princess still anchored next to Norwegian Escape - she had a FDNY Marine response earlier as well, Fire Boat 6 and/or Fire Boat 9 had the "Box" for medical assistance ... that was hours after Fire Boat 9 returned for the 2nd time in the early evening to transfer an onboard passenger ashore via tender.  NY's Bravest answering the calls to assist, thank you. 

 

MSC Mera inbound to Red Hook, sailing thru rough seas at 4m and near gale wind conditions.  2 other cruise ships also coming into NY, not far behind Mera.  VHF marine radio traffic on the uptick with activities again.  

[raisedonboats]

And we have Covid. I noticed people starting to cough around day 5 and suspected. Some of the crew started wearing masks. 

[mking8288]

Welcome home and back to all.   Here a screenshot of this morning's Escape arrival into Pier 88 ... 

 

 

Sorry to read that @raisedonboats got exposed ... We continued to exercise caution, mask up in elevators and/or use chairs whenever possible, and, didn't do the Choir of Man or lounge shows ... limited our visits to the buffet or never stay long in the atrium lobby for long.  

 

The reasons for some of the crews observed wearing N95 or equivalent masks is that it is their HR protocols when returning from vacation & when first reporting back for duties onboard ... mandatory for them to mask up in public for the first # of days, despite rapid screening testing upon boarding and relaxed subsequently unless symptomatic with possible exposure, before easing up & no longer required to mask up in public.  Asked and confirmed the masking among crew members (and, officers) when we did Dine With Officers back in April.  

 

 

[RRSeeker]

I have Covid too from the September 10th Escape cruise.  I didn’t test positive until yesterday but had allergy symptoms since September 19th. I have no one to blame but myself since I did not take any precautions on board. So far it is pretty mild but since this is my 3rd time getting it I know it can get worse at any point.

 

 I did try to get my booster on September 1 but was denied by CVS since I only qualified for the new vaccine out on September 20th.  I credit get boosted last May two weeks before my cruise for being the only one of the 4 in my cabin who did not come home sick.

[raisedonboats]

2 minutes ago, RRSeeker said:

I have Covid too from the September 10th Escape cruise.  I didn’t test positive until yesterday but had allergy symptoms since September 19th. I have no one to blame but myself since I did not take any precautions on board. So far it is pretty mild but since this is my 3rd time getting it I know it can get worse at any point.

 

 I did try to get my booster on September 1 but was denied by CVS since I only qualified for the new vaccine out on September 20th.  I credit get boosted last May two weeks before my cruise for being the only one of the 4 in my cabin who did not come home sick.

I'm sorry you're sick! My Dad is doing well and I'm negative so far. The maître d', who was with us the whole cruise (not returning from vacation), was wearing a mask today. Oh, well! So far, it's just a runny nose. Get well soon!

[mking8288]

We did our own test for the 3d time (on Friday) just to be 98.5% sure that we didn't bring anything unwanted home - besides, onboard since we're onboard since leaving Saint John late Wednesday evening. 

 

 

Aside from catching it while breathing & touching things, could just as easily becomes exposed anywhere, like going to the store or supermarket, at various social settings ... thankfully, our immunity seemed to be holding up well after the 3rd catch.  The newly approved vaccine only becomes available this week ... we'll re-boost next month before we go again.  Plus the annual flu shot. 

 

Hope all get well soon & consult with your PCP as appropriate. 

 

P.S.  Off she goes, Escape sailed on time - backed & turned, sailing down on the Hudson River at this moment. Wish those onboard, Bon Voyage - weather looks good & should hold ahead for the week. 

Edited September 24, 2023 by mking8288

[Ellis1138]

I took a Covid test on Day 5 and 7 of the Sept 17-24th sailing and both were negative. I don't know if anyone saw me, but I was the one with a variety of 3-layer cloth masks in colors that generally matched my shirt and wearing gloves (to cover eczema, not for Covid). The masks really came in handy when I went through the casino area. I usually had my black pocket vest on. But even I had to go eat or had to share a pool/hot tub with someone at various points, so I'll keep an eye on it.

 

For any who get it, may it be mild with a swift recovery.