Do you think the practice will ever stop?

[flagger]

It was not really an unusual year for Noro like virii last year, but those passengers inconvenienced and the size of the ships certainly made the headlines.

 

With all the emphasis on handwashing, alcohol dispensers and crew serving at the buffet, Ms. Flagger and I still wondered if the practice of swinging around used nasty germ/food covered napkins during the baked Alaska parade will ever be stopped. I always thought the whole thing was gauche and gross, but we both really wondered how much sense it makes to continue that practice in light of full ship sanitation procedures like we saw, experienced or read about last year.

[usha]

:confused: You're kidding, right?

[raudacruise]

:confused: You're kidding, right?

 

No, he's flagger. Says so right next to (actually left of) his post. He is not "kidding" or it would say it there. "kidding" is in charge of Newt herding or possibly his campaign manager.

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Nah, they could just collect all dirty napkins and issue clean napkins to twirl before dessert is served. Hey, masks are optional.

 

Would I miss this twirling napkins ritual? No, not really. So, stop it allready.

[flagger]

:confused: You're kidding, right?

Um no. It would make sense to end this practice as it does spread germs, and food all over the dining room.

[ocngypz]

Good point Flagger. I also wondered about the napkins as well as all the billowing cloth in the "Bar at the Edge of the World". Just didn't seem too sanitary.

[Muushka]

I have to agree with questioning this practice. We have only been involved in the tradition twice, but have to say, not my favorite thing to do on the ship. And it does make me wonder what is flying around the room when it goes on.

[chessbriar]

Flagger,

 

Before you start worrying about the napkins, I would take a hard look at the quarters and chips used in the casino. Those touch how many hands during the course of a day or cruise. You have more to worry there. Noro spreads by contact, it's not airborne.

 

Another thing, not all guests do it. If they don't enforce the dress code, what makes you think they will do anything to stop the guests from twirlling their napkins.

[flagger]

Flagger,

 

Before you start worrying about the napkins, I would take a hard look at the quarters and chips used in the casino. Those touch how many hands during the course of a day or cruise. You have more to worry there. Noro spreads by contact, it's not airborne.

You actually use your napkin after the parade at least those who have dessert. As far as the casino, I saw many with bottles of purel on my last cruise. I would use it before I sat down and again as I left the table. I also did not touch my hands to my face.

[chessbriar]

You actually use your napkin after the parade at least those who have dessert.

 

But I'm the only one touching or using my napkin.

 

I just don't understand the concern.

[usha]

Flagger,

Before you start worrying about the napkins, I would take a hard look at the quarters and chips used in the casino. Those touch how many hands during the course of a day or cruise. You have more to worry there. Noro spreads by contact, it's not airborne.

Exactly.:)

[flagger]

But I'm the only one touching or using my napkin.

 

I just don't understand the concern.

Food particles that have touched the hands and mouths of others more than likely will land on your napkin. This means there is transfer when the twirling of the napkins takes place.

 

Even if Noro was not a concern, being peppered with flying food particles is not my idea of a good time.

[rebeccalouise]

Noro virus is spread in many ways but I doubt the napkins have much to do with it. And since this happens on the final night of the cruise- I doubt many people's vacation is ruined by the ritual. Ugggg.....

 

The best way to avoid the norovirus is to wash your hands. Remember that the handrails are probably the biggest culprit.

[Susan-M]

Ms. Flagger and I still wondered if the practice of swinging around used nasty germ/food covered napkins during the baked Alaska parade will ever be stopped.

 

That's an aspect that I hadn't considered .... and I think you make a good point. Makes me glad that I'm not a fan of Baked Alaska.

[chessbriar]

Food particles that have touched the hands and mouths of others more than likely will land on your napkin. This means there is transfer when the twirling of the napkins takes place.

 

Even if Noro was not a concern, being peppered with flying food particles is not my idea of a good time.

 

If I'm twilling too, the won't be able to stick to my napkin. They'll be batted away.

 

Too this day, don't recall ever being hit by food particles or even finding them in my drink or at my seat. I guess I'm just lucky.

 

To ease this concern, we could also recommend people shake off their napkin before twilling.

 

Keep in mind when reading my posts, I come from a town where we go to football games and spend 3 hours waving our Terrible Towels.

 

I am more concerned by other things on the ships and airplanes than I am a 5-10 minute of napkin twirling

[MrsKinsey]

If I'm twilling too, the won't be able to stick to my napkin. They'll be batted away.

 

That settles it, the only TRUE way to avoid Noro is to see to it that we ALL twill our napkins to ensure that nobody's napkin becomes infected! :D

 

It is sort of convoluted logic if you ask me. I mean, why not worry about how every time someone sits down in those cushy chairs in the dining room, millions of dust mites and germs are launched into the air. Pehaps we should ban the act of sitting in the dining room??? :eek:

 

Celeste

[lynnick]

It's amazing how people think or get on the bandwagon of a train of thought. So why should I be different....

 

When you pack that many people in a ship, it only takes one person to spread the germ or virus, and yes the best way to beat it is to wash or sanitize your hands constantly.

 

The next thought is that smoke from cigarettes is a particulate and can pick up whatever germs or viruses that are around. Think of what you're breathing all over the ship. That won't change unless us the paying passengers demand limited or non-smoking cruises.

 

Don't give all the blame to the ship for the Noro virus or ailments you pick up. Blame yourselves and your bad habits.

 

You can take precautions if you really care, so do it.

 

That's my rant for today.

 

Cheers,

 

Nick

[chessbriar]

It's amazing how people think or get on the bandwagon of a train of thought. So why should I be different....

 

When you pack that many people in a ship, it only takes one person to spread the germ or virus, and yes the best way to beat it is to wash or sanitize your hands constantly.

 

Don't give all the blame to the ship for the Noro virus or ailments you pick up. Blame yourselves and your bad habits.

 

You can take precautions if you really care, so do it.

 

That's my rant for today.

 

Cheers,

 

Nick

Well said.

 

12 cruises and I've never had Noro

[Karynanne]

Flagger,

 

Before you start worrying about the napkins, I would take a hard look at the quarters and chips used in the casino. Those touch how many hands during the course of a day or cruise. You have more to worry there. Noro spreads by contact, it's not airborne.

 

Another thing, not all guests do it. If they don't enforce the dress code, what makes you think they will do anything to stop the guests from twirlling their napkins.

 

You have a really good point here. My Mom contracted Norovirus this past Jan. She was playing cards with a group of friends, and the whole group became very ill after 2 days. My Mother ended up in Emergency, needing hydration, and meds to control the effects of the virus.

 

Karyn

[wiseguy]

If everyone twirled sanitary napkins instead of dirty ones there wouldn't be a problem.

[usha]

Okay, Wiseguy. I gotta admit, that was pretty good.:p

[dkjretired]

Flagger has brought this up in previous posts, he just doesn't like the parade. Just trying to justify getting rid of this old tradition that actually goes back to the grand old days of cruising because of a dislike. Point of fact, in 2005 about 4000 people got noro on cruise ships and about 45 million in the American population. If you eliminate the parade, why not eliminate dozens of things on a cruise ship that could cause noro.

[flagger]

Flagger has brought this up in previous posts, he just doesn't like the parade. Just trying to justify getting rid of this old tradition that actually goes back to the grand old days of cruising because of a dislike. Point of fact, in 2005 about 4000 people got noro on cruise ships and about 45 million in the American population. If you eliminate the parade, why not eliminate dozens of things on a cruise ship that could cause noro.

They do eliminate them.

 

Another post stuck on the "grand old days of cruising". Yes let us remember those days fondly, when lines gave no thought to what they put overboard or into the water. The days when people were separated by class. The days when people of colour could not cruise.

 

The grand old days of cruising are over. Never once have I seen an officer taking part in the twirling of soiled napkins. It is a tradition for which for reasons of health should be eliminated.

[Drew B]

I'm not entirely certain, but I THINK Flagger was joking. Am I the only one who sees that? I'm shocked that everybody is taking this so seriously...

[shoreless]

Well said.

 

12 cruises and I've never had Noro

 

I really think it's largely a matter of luck.:)

 

You often read of some of the most careful people getting it. Also, I've read that studies have shown that some people, for reasons thus far unknown, seem to be immune to it (although they can still be carriers).