This mornings Press Release folder brought news of a cruise ship returning to Florida with sick passengers. As it happens it is a vessel of one of my former company's so NAUTICAL LOG took more than usual interest.
The report states that "a large number of passengers and crew members complaining of flu-like symptoms during a two week voyage". Of course the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) arrived and determined that 168 passengers of 1,211 and 19 crew of 559 were sick.
One passenger Mr. (77) stated "I feel the ship didn't do what they were supposed to do to take care of us. They should have cleaned the damned place up". But another Ms. (66) stated "They were so careful they sprayed our cabins down with chemical to kill it".
Having served in cruise ships for three decades these are typical reactions of passengers/guests. Cruise ships are cleaner than most hotels ashore, just about all restaurants and most likely Mr. 77's own home. Cleaning goes on 365/7/24 and is monitored by the ships own command, the CDC and the water quality continuously recorded on graphs for examination by Health Authorities. It is unlikely that Mr. 77 does that in his home either.
As will be found in this case no doubt a passenger or passengers came aboard for the cruise already sick and of course in the relatively confined shipboard atmosphere spread the germs. Many times when boarding there are passengers coughing and sneezing in the Cruise Terminal and we used to comment about it. Unfortunately unless they collapse and paramedics have to be called the Law requires they are allowed to board.
So Ms. 66 thank you for your gracious comments about the crew, as always they work long and hard. Mr. 77 look to your fellow passengers or perhaps even yourself - but don't blame the cruise ship.
Good Watch.
The report states that "a large number of passengers and crew members complaining of flu-like symptoms during a two week voyage". Of course the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) arrived and determined that 168 passengers of 1,211 and 19 crew of 559 were sick.
One passenger Mr. (77) stated "I feel the ship didn't do what they were supposed to do to take care of us. They should have cleaned the damned place up". But another Ms. (66) stated "They were so careful they sprayed our cabins down with chemical to kill it".
Having served in cruise ships for three decades these are typical reactions of passengers/guests. Cruise ships are cleaner than most hotels ashore, just about all restaurants and most likely Mr. 77's own home. Cleaning goes on 365/7/24 and is monitored by the ships own command, the CDC and the water quality continuously recorded on graphs for examination by Health Authorities. It is unlikely that Mr. 77 does that in his home either.
As will be found in this case no doubt a passenger or passengers came aboard for the cruise already sick and of course in the relatively confined shipboard atmosphere spread the germs. Many times when boarding there are passengers coughing and sneezing in the Cruise Terminal and we used to comment about it. Unfortunately unless they collapse and paramedics have to be called the Law requires they are allowed to board.
So Ms. 66 thank you for your gracious comments about the crew, as always they work long and hard. Mr. 77 look to your fellow passengers or perhaps even yourself - but don't blame the cruise ship.
Good Watch.
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