Here is my home for the next six months. Comfortable, compact, with light coming through the window.
Little did I know . . . two days into the cruise, this cabin would become my world. I tested positive for COVID yesterday, and will now be in this room for at least the next five days.
So far, my symptoms have been mild. Free medical care was part of my deal for this world cruise and I have kicking the tires of that care. After testing positive for COVID using a home test (I brought eight with me in my luggage), I called the ship’s phone number for infectious diseases. I was told to stay in my room. Before long a nurse came to my room to administer a PCR test. Within four hours I had spoken with the doctor on the phone and a nurse delivered a two-drug antiviral treatment to my cabin.
The protocol is for me to stay in my room for five days until they do another PCR test. If I test negative after five days, I have another five days to be free in the ship using a mask. A nurse comes by two times a day to take temperature and check on symptoms.
And, no, I am not locked in my room. I have signed a paper saying I’m aware of their policies about isolation, so staying in the room is not optional. The ship clearly has a system for my situation. There seems to be an isolation list and crew show up at the room with masks and gloves on.
I order my food from the room service menu, but can also order from the Grand Dining room menu while in isolation. Lunch was lamb burekaki for appetizer, soup au pistou, and zarzuela seafood stew for an entrée.
The TV bridge camera connects me to the cruising experience, and also comes with classical music.
In sum, I’m optimistic. I expected some things to go wrong. I am confident that things will go much better for me than for Magellan and the 270 people who set off on the first round-the-world cruise. On today’s enrichment lecture, I learned that only 28 of them returned. Magellan was not one of them.
Thanks for taking us all along on the virtual portion of your journey. I love hearing about your experiences and your thoughts about them (and excited to hear more). Though not quite like seeing/talking to you, your blogs encourage reflection so thanks for that reminder as well.
Sorry about the COVID — it feels like it is happening with more frequency out here in the Berkshires as well; about half my neighbors seem to have a least one affected family member.
Look forward to your next installment. And pix that include you!
OMG covid. Sorry. Bob and I just had lunch, thinking about you—- didnt know about the Covid+ till i just signed on. Your room looks great, maybe you’ll be testing negative in a few days.
Sorry about covid…. but I guess this is a grand way to be quarantined to your quarters. Relax… rest…. get well soon…. and enjoy the personal care and attention.
Sorry to read this Cathy, rest, relax and feel better soon as your adventure awaits you. Love and hugs
Doh! So sorry about the COVID and it sounds like you’re taking it in stride. AND, when you test negative, the likelihood of getting it again for the rest of the cruise is low:)
I had to look up that lamb dish (hadn’t heard of it) and it sounds really tasty.
I should have read this post first!! I am rethinking luxury medical facilities and housing!
How are the ship med services — did u get the paxlovid?
Yes, the doctor tells me what I have is the generic for paxlovid, but outside the US, the two different agents come in separate pills.
Oh no! So sorry to hear! I hope you recover quickly.
I’m looking forward to future posts about your grand adventure!
Sending wishes for a quick recovery, not a fun way to start your adventure. I’m glad you are being cared for with some services. Imagine if healthcare facilities had rooms like this. Love and prayers from all of us.
Magellan was not as nice a person as you, so your odds are better. Love the food shots and the ship locator. I’m thinking of you and glad they are taking care of you. At least they did not move you to an isolation deck 😋
So sorry you got COVID, but I truly hope you can smell and taste that food! Thanks for the email prompt!
Drink wine for your cure 🍷
Ouch – so sorry to hear about your Covid diagnosis. It seems as though you’re handling it well. Hang in there!
Can’t believe I spelled my name wrong! ugh
Oh Cathy, so sorry you are starting off your Cruise experience with Covid! Is this your first bout with Covid? I’ve had it twice. It’s been my experience that one tests positive beyond the 5 day mark, don’t be surprised if you do. Glad you can see the blue sky and have some sunshine. Is the ship’s first stop Portugal(?). Love your Blog!
Best wishes, Cathy!!!!! Take care. Hope that you can enjoy the peace and relaxation time. Special hugs to you!