Cruising after a two-year delay
We decided to heck with it. We could catch COVID-19 at home or away. So we decided to finally take that cruise we postponed two years ago. Yes it was a calculated risk that if we stayed home we could catch it or if we travelled we could too.
So off we went to French Polynesia on a ship that told us everyone was triple-vaccinated and tested. In fact, we were tested before we left Peterborough and then again before we were allowed on our ship in Tahiti. We were both negative as we assumed all the other passengers and crew were as well.
Our first leg of the cruise (12 days) went smoothly. Hardly anyone wore masks on board but people did on the land excursions. We saw little signs of any coughing or contagion.
Friends joined us on the second leg and again things started out well as we visited the beautiful volcanic islands and crystal-clear coral atolls. But I got the sniffles the fourth day and cold symptoms the next day. I self-quarantined, then the next day tested positive and reported myself to the ship’s authorities. They also tested me and quarantined us for five days then more testing and five more days. Yes, our cruise consisted for this portion of a lot of iPad and TV, games with my wife and room service.
Please do not feel too bad for us because we had five-star accommodations and service. It was an inconvenience that our friends helped break up with cookies and treats they brought to our room.
Sadly, as the cruise ended, they too tested positive.
So what to make of this?
First off, we made the decision to go because we felt safer on the ship than at home. As it turns out the same month of April was a difficult time here in Peterborough as well. So who is to say that we could not have gotten ill here and spent a quarantined time at home. That would not have been that bad either.
The second thing we learned is that the COVID virus is very tenacious and can find you wherever you are.
Third: Even when you take precautions, they may or may not work.
Fourth: Americans believe COVID is now just like the flu. So if you get it, tough luck. So “please do not tell us to wear masks.” And, oh by the way, “what is going on in Canada with that Commie government of yours?”
But the most important one is to have your vaccination regime fully completed, so not if but when you get it, it is milder than it could have been. Given that we are elderly and I have preconditions, we had concerns but the risks seemed to not out weigh being stuck at home, so we went. And we are glad that we did. Polynesia is very remote, the people very friendly and appreciative/dependent on tourism.
Two other learnings. First, it sure felt great to get away. To finally fulfil that bucket list dream of going to an exotic place. There was a great relief and freeing sense in doing so.
But there is a price to pay. First off, you can get the virus but secondly the hassles are intense and complicated. Do not let anyone tell you that things have been simplified.
Yes, you can re-enter Canada but despite doing everything right with all the right documentation, we are still getting daily emails and calls following up on us for things that should have been simply settled at Canada customs.
Yes, and these emails come with threats of fines and jail. It is best to call the Canadian government hotline directly responsible for handling issues regarding the coronavirus and dialogue with them and ensure your information on file is correct and you are complying with all requirements.
Even after this we are still getting emails. The right hand does not know what the left hand has done. Very confusing and worrisome. We found most systems are flawed and the staff exhausted. So patience is needed in large doses.
But of course it was great to be reminded, as we returned to the Kawarthas, that we live in an extraordinary, naturally beautiful place, with such rich wildlife, such a safe environment and with a fine health system, albeit very strained.
Great to be home. But also to have gotten away.
Yes, you can re-enter Canada but despite doing everything right with all the right documentation, we are still getting daily emails and calls following up on us for things that should have been simply settled at Canada customs