The Ruby Princess has just departed Port Kembla (Aussie) with over 200 'mild' cases of the virus on board, heading for Manila, where there are already 6 large cruise ships anchored (including 3 Princess ships and Queen Elizabeth). Queen Elizabeth's Alaskan cruises have just been cancelled - we were doing that one in July, but cancelled 5 weeks back. P&O Australia are refunding our dollars in 4 weeks (so they say).
I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be closer to the end of the year or even next before cruising slowly starts getting underway again - all very well to fill a ship with healthy passengers and go sailing off on a cruise, but what happens if some passengers unknowingly contract the virus in the first port of call and bring it back aboard? And the world suddenly has another 'Ruby Princess' on it's hands? The cruise company would have some serious explaining to do. It is nice being retired, but I don't want to become just another statistic!
About three years ago I was on a ship with 60 crew. One flew in from Europe to join, and unknowingly bought the measles with him. He was quickly isolated, and the next morning the remainder of his department turned too with red felt-tip dots plastered all over their faces! We had to feel sorry for him, but had to laugh as well - we weren't dealing with a possible fatality.
We were at sea for 6 weeks (seismic ship) and he spent the entire time locked in his cabins - when he had spent a week in one, we then put him in the cabin next door, then incinerated all his bedding from the first one. Fortunately, we had lots of bedding!
Skilly
