I-carry-bags

you're correct. it was $140 with a K after it.

Just posted in the media - another Princess Cruise Line story https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/03/04/coronavirus-hits-california-based-cruise-ship-prompting-quarantine-off-the-pacific-coast-1265405

The media has accelerated things, but I read today that a number of Caribbean islands have refused cruise ships docking if anyone on board has flu like symtoms, regardless if it is the Corona virus family. My friends are telling me to cancel, that my health is better served not taking unnecessary chances. If we all HAD to go we should go. But if you are feeling anxious about the trip then cancel. My thought is: do I want to lose the money? I am a tight ass and don't want to forfeit the costs. But at some point I would agree that cancelling regardless of the costs would make sense if there was a greater chance of getting infected. Why put yourself out there to prove a point? I am a professional scuba diver. My lungs mean a lot to me and I am 64 years old. Should i be taking a chance on a virus that could ruin my future sport diving? Something to think about. N ..And a big thank you for everyone who is sensitive to us old guys/gals that have to think about our health first and pockets second. My wife was in intensive care in an Orlando hospital. It cost $140 US$ for a day and a half. Getting sick out of country is not cheap. Don't travel without CONFIRMED insurance.

Hi everyone. it is true. Like any virus, once it's inside, antibiotics won't work. They usually need to run their course. Norovirus makes you think like you are going to die (lol), and once you get this GI flu, you are contagious for 4 days - post recovery! This is why cruise lines do their best to control entry, and offer self quarantine for flu affected passengers. The Corona virus family is 14 days contagious. BUT, this is usually up to the discretion of the passenger to say they are not feeling well, and to stay the hell in their room for days after they are feeling better. As much as I love my fellow citizens, i think that if they are starting to feel better, but still contagious, they will be out mingling with the populous because they would rather infect others than do the right thing. Maybe the cruise line could help with this by offering a full refund to affected passengers to keep the rest of us, their reputation, and the boats crew safe! What do you think?

Hi Matt. Everything seems to be a bit over hyped. I am sure that the N/A cruises will be fine. If I am going, I think it is safe to say we all can go. Norm

Sorry everyone. My original post said "injected" (thanks Jolly Ogre). It should have read 'infected'. <wait a go spelchex> Just to clarify further, it took 18 months to track down the reason for her illness. (I am no doctor). By then it was too late to do anything. A virus, unlike a treatable bacterial infection, usually has to run it's course. Someone who is healthy and does not have a compromised immune system can usually make it through an viral infection with only flu-like symptoms. In my dear brides case, a microscopic virus got into her (food, drink, ice) and didn't want to leave. There are a handful of cases every year in the USA that CDC discloses. In 2018 and in 2019 I remember reports in US news media about the same mysterious bug. No idea where it came from, caused it, or how to cure it. https://globalnews.ca/news/4564424/afm-polio-like-illness-us/ So now that I have scared you, your only real defense (besides staying locked in a bubble), is avoiding sick folks and being a religious hand washer. Start doing little things like taking strong anti bacterial / alcohol wipes and cleaning the arms and trays on airplanes and trains before you use them. Disinfect hands in hospital, and shower up after you get home from visiting folks. And my favorite, where cloth gloves when you can - ie: buffet lines, multi use tables without changeable clothes, hand rails, and elevator buttons etc. Sound silly? Maybe, but if you are wearing gloves you will probably not itch your eye, pick your nose, or suck your thumb. You will take off the gloves to do that so your hands are free of nasty's. Change the gloves regularly or wash them each night. You may look like Michael Jackson, but tell people it's a new trend. Will you still get sick? Most likely, but you have mitigated it as best you can, and it may keep you safer. NW

Thank you ellcee

Hi there. I am a blog new-B so don't be alarmed if I break protocol... because I don't know the protocol. Do I raise my voice with capital letters? Hmm. I am cruising out of NJ in less than a month. I have been following the increase in Virus related illness, and I am petrified of being on board a floating petri dish for a week. I looked at the John Hopkins U web link (kindly posted by Traveler above) but it does not show New York/ New Jersey although we know that there were 4 people removed from the ship last week that were infected. To back track, my late wife was a nurse. She was assisting a client on a cruise and was injected with a polio-related virus in Cozumel. She was dead within 18 months. So I am a bit more squeamish than some of you, and have become a religious hand washer. What I would like to know is: Will RCCL (or any other line), look at profit before safety. I know how big business is run in a boardroom thousands of miles away, not on the dock in NJ. Should I forfeit my money and stay home, or is it truly worth playing Corona roulette for a week at sea? I would truly appreciate a few insights in the matter - even from knowledgeable staff. NW