Code Red

Friday, March 27, 2009 – At Sea; CODE RED Norovirus
Wanted to swim and I went down to find the pool and whirlpool covered up so I wandered to the back pool and that one was also covered! Ten minutes later, the Captain came on the loud speaker to announce there has been a larger than normal outbreak of people with stomach problems and the ship is trying to control the norovirus. Therefore, the buffet had crowd control lines set up with additional staff to make your coffee/tea and to serve all foods, pools were closed, handrails, computers, countertops and even the library books were being constantly wiped down and sprayed. We saw several staterooms torn completely apart and all furniture and curtains were being sanitized. It is taken very seriously and they have unannounced inspections by public health from the USA and the UK.

I attended the informational meeting for the Country Fair, which is a fundraiser for the various charities supported by Cunard. Even onboard, there are opportunities to volunteer! Then to Arabic language class! It was very interesting and surprising simple. We should be able to communicate with the basics now….where, how, why and “my name is…” and other simple phrases. You put the basic words together like a cut and paste and should be understood – or at least that is what they told us. Then to a seminar on “Secrets to a Flatter Stomach” and “Social Life at the White House with Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43 and LBJ”. Lunch in the pub and ran around to finish errands and get answers…sat outside and read “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” for the “book of the segment club”. They have shown the movie several times onboard but I have seen it yet.

Dinner was formal for the Raj Ball! The Irish opera singer tonight was Sinead Blanchfield. Everyone was dressed in their sarees, turbans and Indian purchases. We even had a class today on how to wear and tie the saree!

My British friends: We had disturbing news that George needs a quadruple bypass and will not be operated on in Cochin, India. They are releasing him tomorrow from the hospital and they hope to fly home to the UK next week with an onboard doctor and oxygen. Needless to say, it has been quite stressful for them and their families and friends but thankfully they have travel insurance. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.