😞 positive test

[Leroyr55]

Wife started with sniffles Tuesday night and tested positive today after departing SOS on Saturday 14th. Facebook group page has numerous people reporting positive tests. We heard nothing while on board nor did we inquire about cases. Vaccinated and double boosted. 
Just be careful folks but we had a great cruise.

[WAAAYTOOO]

I hope your wife is feeling ok.  Do you have any symptoms ?  Feel better....both of you !

[JennyB]

I mean, I'd rather get it AFTER the cruise and not while ON the cruise.  But please know I just prayed for you. That is all.

[Pattycruise]

Glad you had a good time.  Sorry she has tested positive.  I hope she feels better quickly.  
The risk of getting Covid is real on land and at sea.

[melmar02]

Is your SOS Symphony or Serenade? Hope your wife feels better soon.

[Firefly]

Hope she feels better soon and you can avoid testing positive as well. My family all tested positive after disembarking Mariner on Sunday. Hubby tested positive Tuesday and my boys and I yesterday. Unfortunately, my kids and I are on a SBS on Independence and have been in the red zone since testing positive yesterday. 

[anxiouscruiser]

5 hours ago, melmar02 said:

Is your SOS Symphony or Serenade? Hope your wife feels better soon.

Must be symphony because serenade docked on sunday not saturday (i was on it lol) 

[SpicyCherry]

Sorry your DW tested positive. We were on Symphony for both the 4/30 & 5/7 sailings. We both tested NEGATIVE after returning back home on 5/15. And it is true, we didn’t hear anything during the cruise about positive cases, but we naturally assumed there were at least some.

[TonyYOW]

We're currently in quarantine room on Oasis. It's very demoralizing. Well, I assume this is what happens when there are 45 kids in adventure Ocean with no masks, and buffet is now self serve. 

And now we have to figure out how to get back to Canada... 

[LudlowJim]

I feel so badly for you.

Our party of 4 got off Serenade last Sunday (May 15) in Vancouver after a beautiful Alaska cruise- drove back to the US and all 4 of us tested positive on Monday.

We are on Paxlovid and will be ok, but my main worry are the good people in the towns of Southeast Alaska we visited who just have small health clinics..I hope we didn't get them sick.

Royal needs to step up and be responsible, perhaps provide test kits for everyone to use before getting off in the port stops?

This isn't looking good.

[Carotthat]

Does RCL do mandatory tests during the cruise or only mandatory for kids embarking?

[VACruiser]

One of these days people are going to start to realize that when you are vaccinated and boosted it is from a variant we already know of. When new variants come around it's all bets are off and you are not protected no matter how many shots you've had.

At some point we have got to treat the Coronavirus like just another virus that humans get from time-to-time. The good thing is that with every new variant it is getting weaker and we are buiding better immunity against it. 

One day it will change but not any time soon with our current attitudes treating this as if it is the plague.

[Leroyr55]

Unfortunately things seem to be going backwards in Pa. Two school districts outside of Phila just reinstated mask policies. Our county now has high transmission rates according to CDC. We were at low three weeks ago. 
Wife is on Plaxovid so hopefully that helps. Thanks for everyone asking about her. 

[Chuck586]

9 hours ago, TonyYOW said:

We're currently in quarantine room on Oasis. It's very demoralizing. Well, I assume this is what happens when there are 45 kids in adventure Ocean with no masks, and buffet is now self serve. 

And now we have to figure out how to get back to Canada... 

Did they move you to a new room or are you in your room in quarantine?

 

[GatorCruiser]

Vaccines were never developed to prevent infection (though that was seen early on after they came out with the alpha variant that was predominant at that time-not since delta variant though) , they were developed to prevent severe disease and death. its a virus, very difficult if not impossible to eliminate transmission. 

[TonyYOW]

We had a very nice room with huge panoramic window. No matter how I asked, they moved us to level 3, ocean view. 

[LudlowJim]

45 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Vaccines were never developed to prevent infection (though that was seen early on after they came out with the alpha variant that was predominant at that time-not since delta variant though) , they were developed to prevent severe disease and death. its a virus, very difficult if not impossible to eliminate transmission. 

Smallpox is a virus (also with what are now referred to as 'variants') that has essentially been eliminated, because it was never politicized - it was stopped and people no longer dread getting it.

We have people on the cruises acting as though there isn't a care in the world because we have allowed commerce to overwhelm medicine, and are now paying the price.

Please folks - mask up on the boats - you can still be cool!

[The Fox]

I got off Grandeur on the 18th and tested positive for covid yesterday. Others on our FB page are reporting it also. Please wear a mask when close to others.

[leesam82]

1 hour ago, GatorCruiser said:

Vaccines were never developed to prevent infection (though that was seen early on after they came out with the alpha variant that was predominant at that time-not since delta variant though) , they were developed to prevent severe disease and death. its a virus, very difficult if not impossible to eliminate transmission. 

100% true. I hope that everyone is only experiencing minor symptoms.  It is very hard to  have a 0% transmission rate. What any place where you have a gathering of individuals there is a chance to get covid. All you can do is try and minimize the risks as much as possible. I went on the Anthem of the seas with non vaccinated kids last year during covid came back fine. Went to Disney/universal in April came back with covid.  My family and I lucked out because all of our symptoms were mild. I will be on the Oasis in a few weeks. If I were advising the RCL executive leadership I would tell them not to ramp up to full capacity not really for covid prevention, but more for the fact that there are staffing and supply issues. 

[Pattycruise]

10 hours ago, Carotthat said:

Does RCL do mandatory tests during the cruise or only mandatory for kids embarking?

The other testing done is for unvaxxed kids the last day before disembarking.  I cannot figure out why they do this.
Additional testing is for those who display symptoms-they must report themselves.

[OCSC Mike]

9 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

Additional testing is for those who display symptoms-they must report themselves.

Just for the sake of clarity, they ARE SUPPOSED TO report themselves. There's no way to force someone who has the sniffles or a scratchy throat to do so.

[Pattycruise]

Perhaps the sentence is out of order....OP was asking about additional mandatory testing:  as I meant it to be  you must report yourself in order to receive additional testing.....
Although I do recall reading that on one ship they stopped testing people who self reported---speculation was they ran out of test kits to they did not have time because the staff was overwhelmed with cases, so it could be argued that self reporting does not lead to mandatory testing.

[imisscruising]

4 hours ago, TonyYOW said:

We had a very nice room with huge panoramic window. No matter how I asked, they moved us to level 3, ocean view. 

That was us last week. Great room service, non-existent medical follow-up in my experience. Very poor communication about what to expect. 

I'm sorry you are going through this. On my Oasis sailing it was clear they didn't want to test and really tried to minimize everything. How they are not listed as a RED ship on the CDC color scale I do not know. 

 

[TonyYOW]

I also don't understand how it's in Orange. I can see other cabins around us also have people quarantining. 

And honestly, if not my own test kits I brought from home with me, nobody would ever realize one of us is positive. In theory we could've enjoyed the rest of our cruise. Which, I'm sure, is currently happening to many families on the ship who are asymptomatic and keep enjoying their time. 

I just decided to do the right thing and let them know. 

[imisscruising]

The post-cruise social media groups all have so many reports of positive tests. People should be prepared to miss a week of work and activities after they get back. 

[Neesa]

1 hour ago, imisscruising said:

 

I'm sorry you are going through this. On my Oasis sailing it was clear they didn't want to test and really tried to minimize everything. How they are not listed as a RED ship on the CDC color scale I do not know. 

 

I am just guessing here but I think they are mandated that they would have to report positive tests, thus they don't test otherwise the code for the ship would be RED. Again they opted into this of their own volition and now their actions circumvent the process they signed up for. At the end of the day it's about making the most $$ they can to address the outstanding debt. 

Just my 2 cents....they want it both ways. 

[MamaShark]

4 hours ago, TonyYOW said:

I also don't understand how it's in Orange. I can see other cabins around us also have people quarantining. 

And honestly, if not my own test kits I brought from home with me, nobody would ever realize one of us is positive. In theory we could've enjoyed the rest of our cruise. Which, I'm sure, is currently happening to many families on the ship who are asymptomatic and keep enjoying their time. 

I just decided to do the right thing and let them know. 

@TonyYOW from the onset of Covid, I’ve never seen numbers like the guests reporting on social media. I know it’s not scientific but It’s only logical that many others will share the infection before the last day.  Thanks for doing the right thing for the sake of others!  I’m also wondering what will be the number that will turn the ships to Code Red.  Wishing you a safe ride home and a complete recovery. 

[Pattycruise]

It appears that the majority of all ships are at Orange level

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/cruise-ship-color-status.html
From the CDC:

If CDC is considering assigning a cruise ship “Red” status, CDC may require ships to do one or more of the following:

• Test all passengers mid-voyage, and/or prior to the end of the voyage, regardless of the passengers’ vaccination status;
• Increase routine screening testing of crew;
• Require mask use by all passengers and crew indoors and crowded outdoor areas;
• Send written notification to passengers on the current, previous, and subsequent voyages informing them of the COVID-19 conditions and measures being taken to reduce transmission on board;
• Offer a full refund for the cruise to any passenger who decides not to sail on the subsequent voyage; and
• Submit specimens for genetic sequencing.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Wow !  Submit specimens for genetic sequencing ?!  Are they kidding ??  No f’n way !

[imisscruising]

27 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Wow !  Submit specimens for genetic sequencing ?!  Are they kidding ??  No f’n way !

I believe that refers to variant identification. The thing is there is no threshold of case counts that trigger red from orange. It would take a ship admitting that their medical capabilities are overwhelmed and they are not about to do that. I received no medical checks during my isolation, which I was quite surprised by. Not even a daily phone call. Never saw a physician or had my vital signs checked, nothing, just the positive antigen and PCR, then moved cabins to isolation.

[Firefly]

Interesting reading other experiences after testing positive on a ship. Our experience on Indy was handled very well. After notifying medical that all 3 of us were experiencing symptoms they did a PCR test on all of us. When we all tested positive they escorted us to medical for a check up and then placed us in our new rooms. They had originally said we could stay in our original stateroom but I requested to be moved because we were in an interior room. They moved us to 2 connecting ocean view rooms for the final two days of the cruise. I would have lost my mind stuck in that tiny room with 2 teenage boys!! We had great communication with medical, guest services and room service. A doctor even stopped by yesterday afternoon to check in on us. We disembarked this morning and within an hour our contact on the ship even called me to confirm I received the email she sent containing copies of our  positive test results that I requested. It was a disappointing way to end vacation, but for us, it was handled very well. We were on the 8 night Mariner ABC cruise last week so that is definitely we’re we picked up the crud. It was pretty mild for all of us - like a bad cold with a light fever for less than 24 hours. I am almost feeling back to normal this evening. 

[JeffB]

The FL Department of Health, who contacted our travel partners that both became infected with COVID while on Celebrity Equinox, 9n, Cayman + ABCs returning a week ago, said the numbers of reports being received from cruise ships shows a spike in COVID infections found by on-board testing.

Look, infections ae going to happen and that is because the newest Omicron variants (BA.2.?) are thought to be better at evading both the humeral and adaptive immune systems obtained from vaccination or previous COVID infection. However, it's not a slam-dunk that you're going to catch it. Even if you do, you're well protected from serious illness. While hospitalizations seem to be rising, it's not steeply. Neither are new case numbers rising steeply as in the Omicron surge in March, 2022.

Another important reality is that it does not appear that a 4th booster confers additional protection from infection. Studies in Israel and elsewhere have demonstrated only marginal adaptive immune system gains (antibodies) and humeral immune system gains (T-Cells, Killer B Cells). I'm, 74, higher risk but in good health and still getting one tomorrow 14d+ in advance of an AOS sailing (my first on an RCL megaship) departing on June 5th, 6n, W. Caribbean and Perfect Day from Port Everglades. 

The real issue for guests is getting isolated aboard ship. Our travel partners were both isolated on day 4 and 5 of 9 cruising days after testing positive. we thought exposure occurred on a independent bus trip in Grand Cayman they took (I didn't go). I actually reported to medical on day 2 with COVID symptoms, tested negative (NAAT) but had to isolate for 24h in my cabin and was not released until I was re-tested negative again. Isolation sucked for all of us.

Royals objective is to prevent an outbreak on each ship and that no ship has moved to "red" indicates the protocols are doing just that. My take is that will continue if Royal proceeds cautiously. I believe Royal should continue to hold capacity at 60-65% and strengthen the capacity of their testing and isolation management contractors to accommodate higher COVID positive case numbers.  I commented elsewhere that I thought testing contractors aboard Equinox got overwhelmed (not enough testers or NAAT Machines to run tests expeditiously) with something less than around 100 cases/out of estimated 3600  among crew and guests (just a guess).

If any of Royal's ships do move to "red status, that is going to be problematic regardless of what the CDC recommends for increased mitigation measures which I feel confident that Royal will comply with all of those recommendations. There will be a place where staff shortages and infected guests will prevent responsible ship operations and ports are going to deny port calls with regularity. You can bet Royal knows exactly where that point occurs by the numbers.

During this period of increased transmission of Omicron variants, guests can help by first assessing their own personal risks of infection and making the right decision to not board when risks potentially exceed benefits, keeping in mind that a mere infection with mild symptoms is going to prompt isolation and a cruise camped out in an isolation cabin. It's a personal choice but you can reduce your risks of infection and a ruined cruise due to isolation while aboard by simply taking reasonable precautions about where you go inside ship's public spaces. If regular main or select dining gets too crowded, skip that and find a place where spacing and open air is available. Avoid crowded bars. You can always find one that isn't.  

[OCSC Mike]

12 hours ago, Pattycruise said:

It appears that the majority of all ships are at Orange level

As they have been for at least a month. There are definitely more cases now but 0.3% is a very low threshold to put a ship into Orange.

[Pattycruise]

3 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

As they have been for at least a month. There are definitely more cases now but 0.3% is a very low threshold to put a ship into Orange.

agreed.  I don't see anything clear cut about when it goes to Red.  I think it will be a huge thing if any ship hits red.

[RCCruiser]

22 hours ago, Firefly said:

Interesting reading other experiences after testing positive on a ship. Our experience on Indy was handled very well. After notifying medical that all 3 of us were experiencing symptoms they did a PCR test on all of us. When we all tested positive they escorted us to medical for a check up and then placed us in our new rooms. They had originally said we could stay in our original stateroom but I requested to be moved because we were in an interior room. They moved us to 2 connecting ocean view rooms for the final two days of the cruise. I would have lost my mind stuck in that tiny room with 2 teenage boys!! We had great communication with medical, guest services and room service. A doctor even stopped by yesterday afternoon to check in on us. We disembarked this morning and within an hour our contact on the ship even called me to confirm I received the email she sent containing copies of our  positive test results that I requested. It was a disappointing way to end vacation, but for us, it was handled very well. We were on the 8 night Mariner ABC cruise last week so that is definitely we’re we picked up the crud. It was pretty mild for all of us - like a bad cold with a light fever for less than 24 hours. I am almost feeling back to normal this evening. 

So they are putting you in quarantine but was there any other accommodations (credit, refund for excursions or dining packages, etc) for cruise time lost? 

[imisscruising]

8 hours ago, Pattycruise said:

agreed.  I don't see anything clear cut about when it goes to Red.  I think it will be a huge thing if any ship hits red.

They will never go red because it's not tied to case counts. It's quite misleading for the general public. Orange just means greater than 0.3% which is quite a small number. The upper limit is not defined. 

[Pattycruise]

1 hour ago, imisscruising said:

They will never go red because it's not tied to case counts. It's quite misleading for the general public. Orange just means greater than 0.3% which is quite a small number. The upper limit is not defined. 

Yep, very misleading.  I don't think it would stop me from sailing anyway.

[EmersonNZ]

On 5/21/2022 at 12:22 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

Wow !  Submit specimens for genetic sequencing ?!  Are they kidding ??  No f’n way !

The genetic sequencing is of the genetic signature of the virus, not the person (In fact it is a completely different process). It is used by health officials to determine which variant of the virus is the most common in a particular community and to identify any new variants in the community. There are a lot of reasons this is important such as developing treatment plans, determining if a more contagious/deadly version is gaining traction, determining how a virus is spreading through a community etc etc. 

To make feel people better they probably should call it virus signiture sequencing...

[Morganno]

Getting worried about our two cruises now and the fact that 12 other people are coming on our cruise we booked. I hope we don't get the blame if they test positive.

We have decided to avoid crowded locations on the ship and will probably wear masks. 

We both have covid at the minute and it's pretty nasty. Going to phone the doctor tomorrow see if we can get some tablets for it. 

 

 

[Firefly]

11 hours ago, RCCruiser said:

So they are putting you in quarantine but was there any other accommodations (credit, refund for excursions or dining packages, etc) for cruise time lost? 

They refunded our Coco Cay Waterpark tickets and 2 days of internet that I had purchased. (We were in Quarantine for days 3 & 4 of a 4 night cruise.)  This was actually all done within a few hours of moving into quarantine.