Where to start? Sorry we have been side-tracked, but our worst fears became apparent when one of us tested positive for Covid (that would be me, Mary Ann).
We were required to go for our Covid test around 10am this morning, and for some reason, one of us was dreading it. We did learn later on, that a total of 236 guests were in-transit, some like us with several cruises back-to-back, and many with one connecting cruise. This is the highest number yet of continuing passengers.
To go back about a week, the last time we were in Ft. Lauderdale, we were given a new vase of flowers that included many Asiatic lilies for the first time. It took a few days, but when they fully opened up, the pollen went everywhere. That seemed to trigger a typical allergic reaction with me with a slightly stuffy nose and a dry cough. Nothing big, just annoying. A few days later, we had the flowers removed. Then came the day for the test, and you know the rest.
Where I came in contact with this virus is a mystery to both of us. And why I got it and Bill did not is also not clear. We have been both vaccinated and boosted with Moderna, and have been extremely careful washing hands and using sanitizer as well as wearing masks everywhere. As to the type of virus, possibly Omicron, they do not know.
Now that I had a positive reading with the antigen test, we had to return to our room, and wait to be tested with the regular test. A hazmat-garbed nurse came with her swabs and did the test quickly. It took less than 40 minutes to come back with negative for Bill, but positive again for me. Now what?
The Guest Relations Manager, Janine, called and described the next steps. First saying how sorry she was I was ill, I was given an hour to pack what I needed to be moved to another cabin. Bill was allowed to stay in our room…..a good thing. She also suggested that more time would be allowed for us to pack for an extended 10 day stay in Ft. Lauderdale. Great idea, since once I was removed, I would not be allowed back to help pack anything.
One suitcase was enough to put in the necessities, and possibly enough clothing in case we did not have access to laundry services. With many phone conversations later on, we did add some stuff.
So at least a 6 member hazmat team showed up to escort me from our room on the portside forward to the aft on the starboard side. One team member followed up the rear with a sprayer in hand, just like what we saw a few days ago. The first thing I noticed after passing through the fire door were eight small veranda tables placed outside each doorway. Since there are 16 rooms here, only half of the them were utilized. The tables were full of trays with used cardboard plates, paper cups, and containers. So it was after lunch time, around 2pm, when I got moved.
The room number was 5163, with an opposite layout from our room. It was also an adjoining room to the one next door, and it was unlocked. I fixed that. I did some snooping and located the throw pillows, two plush robes, and Club Orange blankets. Since there were no striped pool towels, the blankets will work on the lounges on the veranda. Perhaps they do not want me to use these things, but what can they do? Throw me off? Wait a minute, they are going to do that anyway.
This room was located two decks above the promenade deck near lifeboat # 19. I called Bill, and said I would look for him when he goes for a walk. It seems so odd to be separated. The few times that occurred was when the kids were born, during some hunting trips, or operations, such as the knee replacement I recently had. Can't say either of us likes it, although we will survive it. Lo and behold, Bill took his walk and found me on the balcony. It's like Romeo and Juliette, ha-ha! Well, not quite the same……
In the meantime, the staff is working with the Family Assistance Team of HAL in Seattle to arrange the plan for the next 10 days. We will not be allowed to quarantine onboard the ship. So that leaves one of us in isolation for two days until Sunday, when this cruise ends and the next one begins. We will not be sailing on the next one. When the details come through, we will let you all know.
Now what happens with me as far as meals are concerned? I am allowed to order from in room service, or from any restaurant during serving times. Janine, the guest relations manager, called several times to check on me. She was kind enough to order lunch for me , which was a Dive-In hotdog with fries. For some reason, they sent two orders. Never thought about it, but there is a delivery charge for this, but I forgot to ask. Janine said I would not be charged…..she would see to it. If I had ordered other types of beverages, then charges would apply, unless we had the Have It All package. No, we did not purchase that. Who knows…maybe if I drank more alcohol, I would have killed the virus! That's what Barb thinks.
About 3pm, Captain Eric came on the speakers announcing that he will be able to stop at Half Moon Cay, but there will be no shops opened, tours happening, or cabanas rented. Bahamian officials have the last say there, and at times, they even deny ships access. I knew I should have bought that HMC sweatshirt the first time we stopped here…..
Sitting on the veranda, the smell of the ship's exhaust became strong. That's when I noticed a residue of soot from the stacks in the gutter. That confirmed that this may not be the best location for a room on the ship. This never happens with the more forward rooms.
Between all of the phone calls, two hours disappeared and it was time for dinner. So my Gala meal was chicken noodle soup, a club sandwich (wow…good), and a few cookies with ice tea. Lucky me, everything came on real plates with actual real utensils. When my food arrived, there was a knock on the door. Took me a few seconds to open it, but the waiter was gone….like in 2 seconds. He must have knocked, and ran like hell. Can't say I blame him.
A movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, filled the rest of the evening. It was interesting and not at all what I expected. The music was good. My first day in isolation was not so bad. At least I am not really sick, and I still have trouble wrapping my head round the fact I have Covid.
Mary Ann (Bill, too)
Monday, January 24, 2022
Report #35 Sea Day Friday-January 21, 2022 Enroute To Half Moon Cay.
