Lloyd's List reports that Nicol Black, who is responsible for port health matters at the UK Health Protection Agency, says the United Kingdom will not ban ships carrying passengers with the H1N1 virus (swine flu).
The issue came up since Australia, Antigua and St. Lucia have this week prevented ships with passengers and/or crew members suspected of having the H1N1 virus from docking. Dr. Black questioned if that was even allowed under existing international health conventions.
The UK policy now expressly permits ships with passengers with influenza symptoms to come into the country, although they do have to give advance notice, and there will be risk assessment upon arrival, however.
Dr. Black is a former cruise ship doctor, and the Lloyd's List article included this very interesting quote from him:
“In any closed environment where you are in contact with other people for a long period of time when influenza is prevalent, then you are likely to be exposed,” he said. “Clearly, influenza will occur on cruiseships.
“Will it actually escalate very fast? Chances are, probably not. You are going to have better containment on board a cruiseship than you are at home.
“You are far more at risk on the [London] underground. That is the kind of risk you should be comparing with a cruiseship. On a like-for-like basis, I don’t think there is an excess risk.”
Showing posts with label swine flu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swine flu. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Dawn Princess Delayed at Sydney
Dawn Princess arrived at Sydney Saturday (May 23, 2009) for its turnaround. It arrived at noon, delayed first by storms, and then passengers experienced another six hour delay while authorities screened for H1N1/Swine Flu. Several passengers aboard had tested positive for Influenza A, but they had recovered some ten days ago.
There were some 2,000 passengers waiting to disembark and the same number waiting to board for their cruise. The story was covered in the Melbourne Herald Sun.
There were some 2,000 passengers waiting to disembark and the same number waiting to board for their cruise. The story was covered in the Melbourne Herald Sun.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Royal Caribbean to Resume Calls at Mexican Ports
With the CDC modifying their warning regarding travel to Mexico, Royal Caribbean will become the first line to return to Mexican ports of call. They issued the following statement:
H1N1 Flu Statement
May 15, 2009
9:00 p.m.
We are pleased to announce that Royal Caribbean International will resume its port calls in Cozumel, Mexico, beginning with sailings that depart on or after May 24, 2009.
We applaud the decision of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to downgrade their previous "Travel Alert" to a "Travel Health Precaution for Mexico." Like our guests we are anxious to return to Mexico. Until then, our guests will have time to fully review and understand the CDC's decision.
Our ships with Cozumel port calls include Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas will continue its modified Pacific Northwest itinerary, up to and including, its June 14 sailing.
We will continue to utilize our Influenza Prevention and Response Plans, which our office of Medical and Public Health developed in coordination with the CDC and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.
Some of the proactive measures we are taking include:
* Providing guests with H1N1 flu information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Screening all ship visitors, including guests and crew members to identify any flu-like symptoms
* Conducting enhanced sanitizing of all high-touch areas onboard
* Providing hand sanitizers throughout all ships
* Asking guests to follow the advice of medical experts regarding the best ways to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses - via proper and frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
* And, if necessary, onboard medical staff can isolate and treat guests or crew members who display flu-like symptoms, using the supply of anti-viral medications kept onboard all ships.
H1N1 Flu Statement
May 15, 2009
9:00 p.m.
We are pleased to announce that Royal Caribbean International will resume its port calls in Cozumel, Mexico, beginning with sailings that depart on or after May 24, 2009.
We applaud the decision of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to downgrade their previous "Travel Alert" to a "Travel Health Precaution for Mexico." Like our guests we are anxious to return to Mexico. Until then, our guests will have time to fully review and understand the CDC's decision.
Our ships with Cozumel port calls include Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas will continue its modified Pacific Northwest itinerary, up to and including, its June 14 sailing.
We will continue to utilize our Influenza Prevention and Response Plans, which our office of Medical and Public Health developed in coordination with the CDC and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.
Some of the proactive measures we are taking include:
* Providing guests with H1N1 flu information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Screening all ship visitors, including guests and crew members to identify any flu-like symptoms
* Conducting enhanced sanitizing of all high-touch areas onboard
* Providing hand sanitizers throughout all ships
* Asking guests to follow the advice of medical experts regarding the best ways to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses - via proper and frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
* And, if necessary, onboard medical staff can isolate and treat guests or crew members who display flu-like symptoms, using the supply of anti-viral medications kept onboard all ships.
Carnival Cruise Lines to Resume Calls at Mexican Ports
In the wake of the CDC modifying their warning regarding travel to Mexico, Carnival Cruise Lines said late this afternoon that they would resume their original published itineraries in mid-to late June. (The schedule is available via the link below.) Carnival issued the following statement:
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO RESUME PORT CALLS IN MEXICO
MIAMI (May 15, 2009) – Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available on the Carnival website.
“We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries to Mexico, one of the cruise industry’s most popular destinations, and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. Cahill added, “The health and well being of our guests and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where our ships visit.”
Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.
“Mexico has so many wonderful sites and attractions and feedback from our customers suggests that the majority support a resumption of port calls in Mexico. We know that they and our port destination partners are very much looking forward to our return,” he added.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES TO RESUME PORT CALLS IN MEXICO
MIAMI (May 15, 2009) – Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available on the Carnival website.
“We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries to Mexico, one of the cruise industry’s most popular destinations, and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. Cahill added, “The health and well being of our guests and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where our ships visit.”
Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.
“Mexico has so many wonderful sites and attractions and feedback from our customers suggests that the majority support a resumption of port calls in Mexico. We know that they and our port destination partners are very much looking forward to our return,” he added.
US Set to Relax Flu Warning for Travelers to Mexico
Late this afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control said they will relax the travel warning for US travelers going to Mexico, effective on Saturday. That should open the door again for cruise lines to return to Mexican ports.
The modification came as suddenly as the initial recommendation (which also caught the cruise lines by surprise), so it's still not known how soon cruise ships will reinstate their calls at Mexican ports. To eliminate week-by-week itinerary uncertainties for customers, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival suspended calls until at least mid-June. Neither line was able to comment this afternoon, and both are now probably mulling the implications of an earlier return.
The announcement was made by Martin Cetron, head of the global migration and quarantine division at the CDC. He said the warning will be downgraded to a precaution, which will be focused on those at high risk for complications from flu.
Update: 6pm
Carnival ships will not revert to their original published itineraries (that include calls in Mexico) until the middle of June. Please see the item posted on this blog at 5:59pm.
Update: 10:15pm
Royal Caribbean ships in the Caribbean will resume their regular itineraries which include calls at Cozumel effective May 24. Mariner of the Seas on the West Coast will resume its Mexican Riviera program on June 21. Please see the item posted on this blog at 10:09pm.
The modification came as suddenly as the initial recommendation (which also caught the cruise lines by surprise), so it's still not known how soon cruise ships will reinstate their calls at Mexican ports. To eliminate week-by-week itinerary uncertainties for customers, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival suspended calls until at least mid-June. Neither line was able to comment this afternoon, and both are now probably mulling the implications of an earlier return.
The announcement was made by Martin Cetron, head of the global migration and quarantine division at the CDC. He said the warning will be downgraded to a precaution, which will be focused on those at high risk for complications from flu.
Update: 6pm
Carnival ships will not revert to their original published itineraries (that include calls in Mexico) until the middle of June. Please see the item posted on this blog at 5:59pm.
Update: 10:15pm
Royal Caribbean ships in the Caribbean will resume their regular itineraries which include calls at Cozumel effective May 24. Mariner of the Seas on the West Coast will resume its Mexican Riviera program on June 21. Please see the item posted on this blog at 10:09pm.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Swine Flu - H1N1 - Carnival Cruise Lines Changes Itineraries thru June 15
Carnival Cruise Lines has now suspended calls for all 16 of its ships that were scheduled to call at Mexican ports through June 15, 2009. Ships affected are Carnival Conquest, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Legend, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, and Holiday.
Carnival's latest statement is below.
STATEMENT ON H1N1 (SWINE) FLU ITINERARY CHANGES
Miami, FL – Monday, May 4, 2009 – 3pm
Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled all port of call visits in Mexico for 16 of its ships that were previously scheduled to stop in that country.
Itineraries for vessels departing between now and June 15, 2009 that included stops in Mexico have been modified. In many instances, the modification simply involved substituting an alternate port. Full details on the modified itineraries are available on the update chart.
Guests who do not wish to sail on a modified itinerary may opt to receive a refund in the form of a future cruise credit equal to the full amount paid for the voyage. The credit may be applied to an alternate sailing departing through the end of 2010. Compensation for missed ports/altered itineraries (where applicable) for guests who sail varies by itinerary. With four and five-day cruises from Galveston and New Orleans that are being converted to seven-day voyages, those guests may opt to receive their refund in the form of a future cruise credit or money back. Details are on the link at the right on the update chart.
Carnival's latest statement is below.
STATEMENT ON H1N1 (SWINE) FLU ITINERARY CHANGES
Miami, FL – Monday, May 4, 2009 – 3pm
Carnival Cruise Lines has canceled all port of call visits in Mexico for 16 of its ships that were previously scheduled to stop in that country.
Itineraries for vessels departing between now and June 15, 2009 that included stops in Mexico have been modified. In many instances, the modification simply involved substituting an alternate port. Full details on the modified itineraries are available on the update chart.
Guests who do not wish to sail on a modified itinerary may opt to receive a refund in the form of a future cruise credit equal to the full amount paid for the voyage. The credit may be applied to an alternate sailing departing through the end of 2010. Compensation for missed ports/altered itineraries (where applicable) for guests who sail varies by itinerary. With four and five-day cruises from Galveston and New Orleans that are being converted to seven-day voyages, those guests may opt to receive their refund in the form of a future cruise credit or money back. Details are on the link at the right on the update chart.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Other Side of the Equation
We are seeing a lot of articles, mostly from local news outlets on the West Coast, which are reporting the sudden windfall by their local port of cruise ships diverted from Mexican ports.
Most are reporting the reason is that the US Government has warned against nonessential travel to Mexico due to the H1N1 virus (that most regular people are still calling swine flu), and that the cruise lines have heeded that warning. Most of them are also reporting, most of them excitedly (many gleefully), the sizable economic benefits of having a large cruise ship call for a day. Even major cities like San Diego and San Francisco are having their civic heads turned by these ships bringing an expected million dollars to their communities. Not only are the cruise lines paying the ports for being there, but local merchants are also poised for a major unexpected windfall.
The sad part is that almost none of them, if any, acknowledge (let alone empathize) that for every one of those dollars coming into their city, it's a dollar not going into a Mexican port, most of whom have almost their entire economies based on tourism.
The cruise lines have done the right thing by suspending their calls in Mexico. The cross section of the population which takes cruises could easily and rapidly spread the influenza virus far and wide.
We're just saying that there needs to be some recognition that the good fortune on one side of the border is resulting in misery on the other.
Most are reporting the reason is that the US Government has warned against nonessential travel to Mexico due to the H1N1 virus (that most regular people are still calling swine flu), and that the cruise lines have heeded that warning. Most of them are also reporting, most of them excitedly (many gleefully), the sizable economic benefits of having a large cruise ship call for a day. Even major cities like San Diego and San Francisco are having their civic heads turned by these ships bringing an expected million dollars to their communities. Not only are the cruise lines paying the ports for being there, but local merchants are also poised for a major unexpected windfall.
The sad part is that almost none of them, if any, acknowledge (let alone empathize) that for every one of those dollars coming into their city, it's a dollar not going into a Mexican port, most of whom have almost their entire economies based on tourism.
The cruise lines have done the right thing by suspending their calls in Mexico. The cross section of the population which takes cruises could easily and rapidly spread the influenza virus far and wide.
We're just saying that there needs to be some recognition that the good fortune on one side of the border is resulting in misery on the other.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Swine Flu - H1N1 - Itinerary Changes for Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival has now revised all itineraries visiting Mexico with sailing dates through June 15, 2009.
Please see the updated item posted on May 4, 2009.
http://cnd-cruiseblogger.blogspot.com/2009/05/swine-flu-h1n1-carnival-cruise-lines.html
Please see the updated item posted on May 4, 2009.
http://cnd-cruiseblogger.blogspot.com/2009/05/swine-flu-h1n1-carnival-cruise-lines.html
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu - Itinerary Changes for Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has issued the following statement canceling their calls in Mexico and detailing the alternate itineraries:
4/29/2009 Statement on Swine Flu
In light of the travel warning issued yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico because of concern over swine flu, Princess Cruises has modified its itineraries to suspend calls to Mexican ports through the few remaining voyages of the spring season, which concludes next month.
Six Princess ships are currently scheduled for calls in Mexican ports through May, as they reposition to Alaska for the summer season. In total, eight itineraries and 22 calls in Mexico are affected, and passengers who are booked on these cruises will either visit alternative ports or spend an additional day at sea.
Coral Princess
April 26-May 15
The ship had the following stops scheduled in Mexico: Cabo on Apr 28, Acapulco on Apr 30, Huatulco on May 1, Manzanillo on May 11 and Puerto Vallarta on May 12. All of them will be replaced with sea days and a call at San Juan del Sur will be added on May 2.
Island Princess
Panama Canal - April 23-May 11
The ship was scheduled to stop at Huatulco on May 3 and that will be changed to a sea day.
Pacific Princess
Panama Canal - Apr 24-May 14
The ship was scheduled to stop at Puerto Quetzal on May 4, Acapulco on May 6 and Cabo on May 8. It will now stop at San Juan del Sur on May 3, Puerto Quetzal on May 5, and remain at sea until it reaches San Francisco on May 11.
Sapphire Princess
April 25-May 2:
Instead of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo, the ship will now visit San Diego and Catalina (Ensenada service call/no debark)
May 2-May 9:
Instead of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo, the ship will now visit Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco (Ensenada service call/no debark)
Sea Princess
Panama Canal - May 9-May 24
The ship was scheduled to stop at Huatulco on May 18, Acapulco on May 19 and Cabo on May 21. it will now call at San Juan del Sur on May 17, Puerto Quetzal on May 18 and then remain at sea until it arrives San Francisco on May 24.
Star Princess
April 27 - May 7
Instead of Acapulco, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo, the ship will now visit Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Catalina, and San Diego (Ensenada service call/no debark)
We are sorry that circumstances beyond our control have caused these itinerary changes, and we recognize that these modifications may cause some disappointment among our passengers. However we hope our passengers will also agree that adhering to the recommendations of the CDC is the best course of action for the safety of our passengers and crew.
Our ships and medical staff are already well equipped to prevent and contain the spread of contagious diseases, including swine flu. Even though the risk of contracting this illness is very low, we will be taking extra precautions, and will be guided by advice from the CDC and other health authorities.
In an abundance of caution, some of the measures we are taking onboard all our ships worldwide include:
# We are enhancing our screening practices for passengers and crew embarking our ships.
# We are adhering to CDC guidelines for reporting and treatment of persons with suspect swine flu.
# We will isolate and treat passengers and crew with suspect swine flu. Anti-viral medications that effectively treat the swine flu are currently available onboard all Princess ships.
# We will continue our rigorous cleaning and sanitization of our ships to minimize the spread of any contagious disease. Our ships are routinely cleaned with a disinfectant proven to be highly effective against the flu.
# We are communicating to our passengers and crew that they should take extra care to practice healthy habits such as washing their hands often.
# We are asking passengers and crew to report to the medical center immediately if they exhibit any symptoms of flu.
As always, we will continue to do everything possible to protect the health of our passengers and crew.
4/29/2009 Statement on Swine Flu
In light of the travel warning issued yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico because of concern over swine flu, Princess Cruises has modified its itineraries to suspend calls to Mexican ports through the few remaining voyages of the spring season, which concludes next month.
Six Princess ships are currently scheduled for calls in Mexican ports through May, as they reposition to Alaska for the summer season. In total, eight itineraries and 22 calls in Mexico are affected, and passengers who are booked on these cruises will either visit alternative ports or spend an additional day at sea.
Coral Princess
April 26-May 15
The ship had the following stops scheduled in Mexico: Cabo on Apr 28, Acapulco on Apr 30, Huatulco on May 1, Manzanillo on May 11 and Puerto Vallarta on May 12. All of them will be replaced with sea days and a call at San Juan del Sur will be added on May 2.
Island Princess
Panama Canal - April 23-May 11
The ship was scheduled to stop at Huatulco on May 3 and that will be changed to a sea day.
Pacific Princess
Panama Canal - Apr 24-May 14
The ship was scheduled to stop at Puerto Quetzal on May 4, Acapulco on May 6 and Cabo on May 8. It will now stop at San Juan del Sur on May 3, Puerto Quetzal on May 5, and remain at sea until it reaches San Francisco on May 11.
Sapphire Princess
April 25-May 2:
Instead of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo, the ship will now visit San Diego and Catalina (Ensenada service call/no debark)
May 2-May 9:
Instead of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo, the ship will now visit Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco (Ensenada service call/no debark)
Sea Princess
Panama Canal - May 9-May 24
The ship was scheduled to stop at Huatulco on May 18, Acapulco on May 19 and Cabo on May 21. it will now call at San Juan del Sur on May 17, Puerto Quetzal on May 18 and then remain at sea until it arrives San Francisco on May 24.
Star Princess
April 27 - May 7
Instead of Acapulco, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo, the ship will now visit Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Catalina, and San Diego (Ensenada service call/no debark)
We are sorry that circumstances beyond our control have caused these itinerary changes, and we recognize that these modifications may cause some disappointment among our passengers. However we hope our passengers will also agree that adhering to the recommendations of the CDC is the best course of action for the safety of our passengers and crew.
Our ships and medical staff are already well equipped to prevent and contain the spread of contagious diseases, including swine flu. Even though the risk of contracting this illness is very low, we will be taking extra precautions, and will be guided by advice from the CDC and other health authorities.
In an abundance of caution, some of the measures we are taking onboard all our ships worldwide include:
# We are enhancing our screening practices for passengers and crew embarking our ships.
# We are adhering to CDC guidelines for reporting and treatment of persons with suspect swine flu.
# We will isolate and treat passengers and crew with suspect swine flu. Anti-viral medications that effectively treat the swine flu are currently available onboard all Princess ships.
# We will continue our rigorous cleaning and sanitization of our ships to minimize the spread of any contagious disease. Our ships are routinely cleaned with a disinfectant proven to be highly effective against the flu.
# We are communicating to our passengers and crew that they should take extra care to practice healthy habits such as washing their hands often.
# We are asking passengers and crew to report to the medical center immediately if they exhibit any symptoms of flu.
As always, we will continue to do everything possible to protect the health of our passengers and crew.
Swine Flu - Itinerary Changes for Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean has issued the following statement canceling their calls in Mexico and detailing the alternate itineraries:
Royal Caribbean International - Swine Flu Statement
April 28, 2009 - 9:00 p.m.
Today, we announced we are temporarily suspending our port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu.
The temporary suspension involves four of our ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. It also involves two additional ships scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as they reposition - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. The revised sailings for each ship will be as follows:
Enchantment of the Seas
* Its five-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Mondays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in Key West and an additional day at sea.
* Its four-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Thursdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in Key West and port calls in Nassau, Bahamas.
* Its five-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Saturdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with port calls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Freedom of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Port Canaveral on Sundays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in George Town, Cayman Islands, and an additional day at sea.
Liberty of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Miami on Saturdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with port calls in Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Mariner of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Los Angeles on Sundays will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. It will now visit San Francisco, California, Mondays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Victoria, British Columbia, Wednesdays from noon to 10 p.m.; and Seattle, Washington, Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* The ship's May 10 sailing will feature a port call in Astoria, Oregon, rather than San Francisco.
* At the current time, our revised itineraries for Mariner of the Seas are scheduled to take place up to and including the ship's June 14 sailing.
* Mariner of the Seas guests booked on a revised sailing are encouraged to contact their travel agent or Royal Caribbean International for compensation and rebooking options.
* We have established a special help desk to assist these guests. The toll-free is: 1-800-327-6700.
Serenade of the Seas
* On its current sailing, it will replace its port call in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with a port call in San Diego, California.
Radiance of the Seas
* On its current sailing, it will replace its port calls in Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with an extended, overnight port call in San Diego, California, and additional time at sea.
Like our guests, we take all health matters seriously. Although authorities have not raised specific concerns regarding the ports we visit in Mexico, we want to err on the side of caution. We’re taking proactive steps onboard our ships to help ensure the health and well-being of our guests and crew members, and this is just one more step in that process. We apologize for the disruption these changes will cause our guests, and we appreciate their understanding.
We continue to closely monitor Swine Flu developments and utilize our Influenza Prevention and Response Plans. That plan was developed by our office of Medical and Public Health in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.
Our Swine Flu activities include:
* Providing guests with Swine Flu information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Screening embarking guests and crew members regarding recent visits to, or travel through Mexico, contact with people ill with the Swine Flu, and for recent flu-like symptoms
* Conducting enhanced sanitizing of all high-touch areas onboard
* Providing hand sanitizers throughout all ships
* Asking guests to follow the advice of medical experts regarding the best ways to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses - via proper and frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
* And, if necessary, onboard medical staff can isolate and treat guests or crew members who display flu-like symptoms, using the supply of anti-viral medications kept onboard all ships.
We'll continue to closely follow developments regarding the Swine Flu.
Note: This affects all sailings with sailing dates through June 14, 2009.
Royal Caribbean International - Swine Flu Statement
April 28, 2009 - 9:00 p.m.
Today, we announced we are temporarily suspending our port calls in Mexico. The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu.
The temporary suspension involves four of our ships currently making regularly scheduled port call in Mexico - Enchantment of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. It also involves two additional ships scheduled to make upcoming Mexico port calls as they reposition - Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. The revised sailings for each ship will be as follows:
Enchantment of the Seas
* Its five-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Mondays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in Key West and an additional day at sea.
* Its four-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Thursdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in Key West and port calls in Nassau, Bahamas.
* Its five-night sailings that depart Port Everglades on Saturdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with port calls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Freedom of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Port Canaveral on Sundays will replace their Cozumel port calls with additional time in George Town, Cayman Islands, and an additional day at sea.
Liberty of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Miami on Saturdays will replace their Cozumel port calls with port calls in Coco Cay, Bahamas.
Mariner of the Seas
* Its seven-night sailings that depart Los Angeles on Sundays will sail a fully revised itinerary, visiting Canada and the U.S. West Coast. It will now visit San Francisco, California, Mondays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Victoria, British Columbia, Wednesdays from noon to 10 p.m.; and Seattle, Washington, Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* The ship's May 10 sailing will feature a port call in Astoria, Oregon, rather than San Francisco.
* At the current time, our revised itineraries for Mariner of the Seas are scheduled to take place up to and including the ship's June 14 sailing.
* Mariner of the Seas guests booked on a revised sailing are encouraged to contact their travel agent or Royal Caribbean International for compensation and rebooking options.
* We have established a special help desk to assist these guests. The toll-free is: 1-800-327-6700.
Serenade of the Seas
* On its current sailing, it will replace its port call in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with a port call in San Diego, California.
Radiance of the Seas
* On its current sailing, it will replace its port calls in Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with an extended, overnight port call in San Diego, California, and additional time at sea.
Like our guests, we take all health matters seriously. Although authorities have not raised specific concerns regarding the ports we visit in Mexico, we want to err on the side of caution. We’re taking proactive steps onboard our ships to help ensure the health and well-being of our guests and crew members, and this is just one more step in that process. We apologize for the disruption these changes will cause our guests, and we appreciate their understanding.
We continue to closely monitor Swine Flu developments and utilize our Influenza Prevention and Response Plans. That plan was developed by our office of Medical and Public Health in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts. The plan is based on three pillars: Preparedness and Communication; Surveillance and Detection; and Response and Containment.
Our Swine Flu activities include:
* Providing guests with Swine Flu information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Screening embarking guests and crew members regarding recent visits to, or travel through Mexico, contact with people ill with the Swine Flu, and for recent flu-like symptoms
* Conducting enhanced sanitizing of all high-touch areas onboard
* Providing hand sanitizers throughout all ships
* Asking guests to follow the advice of medical experts regarding the best ways to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses - via proper and frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
* And, if necessary, onboard medical staff can isolate and treat guests or crew members who display flu-like symptoms, using the supply of anti-viral medications kept onboard all ships.
We'll continue to closely follow developments regarding the Swine Flu.
Note: This affects all sailings with sailing dates through June 14, 2009.
Swine Flu - Itinerary Changes for Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL has issued the following statement canceling their calls in Mexico and detailing the alternate itinerary:
Travel Advisory: Updated 7pm 04/28/09
Miami - Apr 28, 2009 ---
The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.
As a precautionary measure due to the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico, the company is canceling Norwegian Pearl's final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Instead, the ship will call on San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, May 2. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009.
Norwegian Cruise Line has stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all of its vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the company is taking proactive precautionary measures to protect its valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screening via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the company does not anticipate that its guests' cruise experience will be impacted.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line's on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.
Travel Advisory: Updated 7pm 04/28/09
Miami - Apr 28, 2009 ---
The health and well-being of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance to Norwegian Cruise Line. Accordingly, the company is closely monitoring the health advisories regarding the current Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.
As a precautionary measure due to the recent travel advisory relating to Mexico, the company is canceling Norwegian Pearl's final two calls in Mexico on its current repositioning cruise. The stops were scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, 2009. Instead, the ship will call on San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, May 2. Apart from this sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line's scheduled deployment does not include any other ports of call in Mexico until the end of September 2009.
Norwegian Cruise Line has stringent protocols for cleaning and sanitation on all of its vessels to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, the company is taking proactive precautionary measures to protect its valued guests, including, but not limited to, fleet-wide guest screening via a health questionnaire prior to embarkation and on-board education regarding Swine Flu symptoms and preventative actions. As a result, the company does not anticipate that its guests' cruise experience will be impacted.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line's on-board medical centers are stocking an appropriate amount of the anti-viral medication used to treat the illness, in the unlikely event the need for its use becomes necessary.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
San Diego Gains Calls
The Port of San Diego reports that they are gaining ten calls from cruise ships as a result of cruise lines suspending calls at Mexican ports and substituting calls at San Diego.
More will likely come as cruise lines set their revised schedules farther into the future.
More will likely come as cruise lines set their revised schedules farther into the future.
What are cruise lines doing about swine flu?
Updated April 28, 8:30pm
Late yesterday, the CDC "recommended" people avoid "nonessential" travel to Mexico. It appears that the cruise lines hadn't been anticipating that action coming so soon, and are still dealing with the issue.
The bottom line is that all of the major cruise lines have said they are temporarily suspending calls at all Mexican port for the immediate future.
Each of the lines said they will have specifics of the itinerary changes sometime during the day on Wednesday. Today, most all ships substituted a sea day, but the lines have promised most in the future will substitute another port where possible.
The biggest (literally) question is what Carnival and Royal Caribbean will do with the post-Panamax ships they each just positioned in Southern California for year round 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises, since their itineraries are all Mexico. Royal Caribbean answered the question in general terms today by saying theirs would sail an all-new US West Coast program with a call in Canada. Carnival would not be specific about Carnival Splendor.
Carnival has stated that if there is any passenger who does not want to sail the revised itinerary, they will be allowed to reschedule their travel plans without penalty. The other lines are still formulating their plans and will have them available on Wednesday.
All of the lines confirm they have had no cases of suspected swine flu on their ships. Most have, however, elevated their sanitation protocols to be similar to the ones they use when there is a norovirus outbreak. If a case of swine flu should be brought aboard. this would retard its spread as much as possible.
Late yesterday, the CDC "recommended" people avoid "nonessential" travel to Mexico. It appears that the cruise lines hadn't been anticipating that action coming so soon, and are still dealing with the issue.
The bottom line is that all of the major cruise lines have said they are temporarily suspending calls at all Mexican port for the immediate future.
Each of the lines said they will have specifics of the itinerary changes sometime during the day on Wednesday. Today, most all ships substituted a sea day, but the lines have promised most in the future will substitute another port where possible.
The biggest (literally) question is what Carnival and Royal Caribbean will do with the post-Panamax ships they each just positioned in Southern California for year round 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises, since their itineraries are all Mexico. Royal Caribbean answered the question in general terms today by saying theirs would sail an all-new US West Coast program with a call in Canada. Carnival would not be specific about Carnival Splendor.
Carnival has stated that if there is any passenger who does not want to sail the revised itinerary, they will be allowed to reschedule their travel plans without penalty. The other lines are still formulating their plans and will have them available on Wednesday.
All of the lines confirm they have had no cases of suspected swine flu on their ships. Most have, however, elevated their sanitation protocols to be similar to the ones they use when there is a norovirus outbreak. If a case of swine flu should be brought aboard. this would retard its spread as much as possible.
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