Dear Editor,
My family booked a cruise several months ago on Island Princess, due to leave Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 12.
With the news about Ebola in West Africa, and even reaching the USA (Texas), and chikungunya in the Caribbean and elsewhere, I was hesitant as the time to go drew nearer; so were other members of my family.
Although the Island Princess was not scheduled to stop in any affected country, it was destined for Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Cayman (later to get a small dose of chikungunya).
Of course, we had taken whatever precautions we could beforehand. But what could one take for Ebola? And we were going on a cruise ship that can carry more than 2,000 passengers, all coming from different ports.
Two family members had already opted out, but not because of the diseases. However, our fears were allayed when we were on the ship. In fact, we boarded more with excitement than trepidation.
Besides the warm smiles, the excellent assistance we got made us happy to see the Island Princess's employees in shipshape, with its medical team on hand. What's more, there were a number of hand sanitisers all over the ship. We noticed, in particular, those near the many dining areas and in the restrooms.
On the ship's daily newsletter, Princess Patter, passengers were advised, as a further precautionary measure, to avoid using the general restrooms, but to use those in their cabins.
There was no real worry, however, as those bathrooms were kept immaculately clean and notes were posted all over, "Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and, when going through the door, take paper provided to open it. We have placed a receptacle outside for your convenience."
As we know, that alone can't fight chikungunya or Ebola, but it's a help. At least we can ward off something.
All in all, we had a great cruise, meeting so many nationalities — employees and passengers alike -- great entertainment, shopping, the food (albeit too much for some of us), you name it.
Stopping in so many places was a boon also, and going through the Panama Canal and seeing the progress of its expansion was the piece de resistance.
Pleased as Punch
Florida, USA
Island Princess gave a royal tour
-->
My family booked a cruise several months ago on Island Princess, due to leave Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 12.
With the news about Ebola in West Africa, and even reaching the USA (Texas), and chikungunya in the Caribbean and elsewhere, I was hesitant as the time to go drew nearer; so were other members of my family.
Although the Island Princess was not scheduled to stop in any affected country, it was destined for Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Cayman (later to get a small dose of chikungunya).
Of course, we had taken whatever precautions we could beforehand. But what could one take for Ebola? And we were going on a cruise ship that can carry more than 2,000 passengers, all coming from different ports.
Two family members had already opted out, but not because of the diseases. However, our fears were allayed when we were on the ship. In fact, we boarded more with excitement than trepidation.
Besides the warm smiles, the excellent assistance we got made us happy to see the Island Princess's employees in shipshape, with its medical team on hand. What's more, there were a number of hand sanitisers all over the ship. We noticed, in particular, those near the many dining areas and in the restrooms.
On the ship's daily newsletter, Princess Patter, passengers were advised, as a further precautionary measure, to avoid using the general restrooms, but to use those in their cabins.
There was no real worry, however, as those bathrooms were kept immaculately clean and notes were posted all over, "Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and, when going through the door, take paper provided to open it. We have placed a receptacle outside for your convenience."
As we know, that alone can't fight chikungunya or Ebola, but it's a help. At least we can ward off something.
All in all, we had a great cruise, meeting so many nationalities — employees and passengers alike -- great entertainment, shopping, the food (albeit too much for some of us), you name it.
Stopping in so many places was a boon also, and going through the Panama Canal and seeing the progress of its expansion was the piece de resistance.
Pleased as Punch
Florida, USA
Island Princess gave a royal tour
-->