The coronavirus onboard Diamond Princess caused a major disruption for the cruise line and its passengers. This outbreak has made cruise ship sanitation more crucial than ever for the company as well as its employees.
The cruise line has an extensive sanitization plan in place for its future ships. In addition to a comprehensive sanitization plan, the company has enhanced its health protocols in response to this outbreak.
During the norovirus outbreak in Galveston, Texas, Princess Cruises enhanced its cleaning and disinfection procedures, notified passengers of the situation and collected stool samples from those who were infected to send to the CDC for testing. This was done to enable the CDC monitor the outbreak in real-time and prevent it from recurring.
After the confirmation of the disease, the Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine in Japan for 14 day. Once the quarantine period was over, the Japanese government approved that sailing could resume.
After the Diamond Princess was quarantined, it took a team of 240 workers from Belfor Property Restoration nearly a month to fully sanitize all 18 decks, 1300 cabins and common areas. This cleaning is called a level three clean and is the most thorough in the industry according to BELFOR.
This was a very heavy-duty, high-temperature surface disinfection. The process was carried out by DuPont Personal Protection, RecoveryPRO, BELFOR and BELFOR. They teamed up to disinfect Diamond Princess and followed protocols set by global safety and health organisations, including the Japan Ministry of Health and Labour and Welfare.
Also, both the workers as well as the Princess Cruises team had to undergo extensive training in order to disinfect. The company designed a sanitization protocol that involved disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doors and railings. It also encouraged passengers to use in-cabin bathrooms and hand sanitizer. Finally, it isolated guests with illness until they were no longer contagious.
Norovirus, on the other hand is a sticky virus that can be hard to kill and gets stuck to surfaces and objects inside ships. It takes extra effort to bring a cruise ship back to normal. The CDC says it typically takes about two hours to disinfect high-traffic areas, such as stairways, elevators, and gangway rails.
The company has improved its sanitization procedures, and is working together with health specialists to create new protocols. These include free-flowing hand sanitizer and thermal scans.
It's a good idea that you take your cruise boat to the marina and clean it up regularly. This prevents bacteria buildup on your ship's hull which could lead to leaks.
Every few months, schedule underwater hull cleanings to keep your vessel looking great. These can be done at the dock or at sea depending on how often your ship is used.
You can find a local cruise ship cleaning company near you by visiting the American Cleaning Services Association website. The Association is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents more than 300 cleaning service providers in the United States and Canada.
FAQ
Which cabin type should I buy?
When deciding on a cabin, think about what size room you want. Are you comfortable sharing a bathroom with another person? Or would you prefer to have your own bathroom? Are you sensitive to noise? You will spend the majority of your time in your dining area, or relaxing in your private stateroom. You should also consider whether you prefer an interior view or a balcony. Balconies provide more space, but can sometimes make it noisy. Interior views are typically quieter then balconies.
What does cruising look like?
The deposit, usually $50-$100, is required when you book a cruise. Your balance is due 30 days before departure. Check into your cabin after you arrive at port. You may also take part onboard activities.
Can you take a cruise without a passport?
Passports are essential for traveling the world. A passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world without needing visas.
A passport is required to be permitted into certain countries. A passport allows you to stay longer while traveling abroad.
When should I book my cruise?
It all depends where you are going. You should book your cruise in advance to have more flexibility regarding dates. Plan your cruise around dates you know are best, such as if you plan to travel to Europe in summer. For those who are planning to go to South America or Asia, it might be a better idea to book your cruise after high season to avoid high prices.
Cruise vacations are popular.
Cruises have become increasingly popular because they offer an exciting vacation experience for people who want to travel but don't want to deal with airport delays and long flights. The cruises offer a relaxed atmosphere that allows passengers to relax and enjoy their vacation without having to worry about work or other daily details.
Travelers can also visit other destinations by boat, which makes it possible for them to cruise ships. They have plenty of time to explore all the attractions and sights in each destination.
Do I need to dress up for a cruise?
No, you don’t need to be dressed up in anything elaborate. Be comfortable and ready for relaxation.
Statistics
- *20% Gratuities Apply on Free Unlimited Open Bar; Free Specialty Dining. (ncl.com)
- You'll need to budget around $80 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. (travel.usnews.com)
- The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle. (travel.usnews.com)
- In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills — for alcohol and soft drinks — and gratuities are applied to spa treatments. (cruiseline.com)
External Links
How To
How can I plan my first Cruise?
Like any other trip, planning a cruise requires you to think about many factors, including where to go, what activities, how much to budget, and what to do with your money. There are some important differences to consider when planning your first cruise if you are new to cruising. Cruises usually last for three weeks longer than land vacations, so make sure you leave nothing out. These are some tips that will make your vacation even more enjoyable.
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Book at least six months prior to departure. You can save money and avoid crowds by booking early. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to research the ship, itinerary, ports, and activities. You might even find a deal on airfare too!
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Choose a destination. - It doesn’t matter what port you choose. Just pick the one that interests you. Many reasons people enjoy cruising to different places. While some people enjoy exploring new cities, others prefer to relax onboard. Whatever you prefer, keep in mind your destination preference. Popular choices include the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.
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Booking a suite is an option. Suites offer more space, a private balcony, and other amenities. These suites are typically available for between $100 and $300 per night depending on the size of the room and availability of suites during the sailing date.
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The weather forecast is important - Cruising is often associated to warm tropical climates. However, don't forget to check the weather forecasts for the days you'll be visiting the ports. It is possible for the sea to be unpredictable, especially in Antarctica. Before you book your cruise, it is a good idea to check how severe the weather may be.
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Pack light - When packing for your cruise, limit yourself to only 10 items. This means that you don't need to pack a lot of clothes and shoes in your suitcase. It's better to pack only what you actually need in small bags. You should also bring layers of clothing as you may not always have access to laundry facilities.
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Read reviews before you purchase tickets. You should understand their pricing policies and what services they offer. Also, make sure to check if cancellation policies are applicable.
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These must-see locations are not to be missed. Make sure to visit each port at the very least once. Each area has its own charms and culture so you should take advantage of every opportunity.