I've been following closely what's been going on in Yokohama with Diamond Princess. Jan Swartz, Group President of Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia flew to Yokohama to visit the ship and authorities. From what I've seen, Princess is working closely with the Japanese Government and the cruise staff to make the situation the best they can.
David Abel is a passenger from the UK who is on board with his wife Sally and broadcasting live from his mini-suite. He has been quarantined like the other passengers on board and is so positive. I love watching him and all his positive posts.
David Abel's Sunday night video
His explanation of the toilet seat had me checking to see if my next two cruises on Princess have these seats. I've never seen them on any mini-suite I've been in. We are booked on the Majestic and Regal Princess in March 2021 in Australia. I posted a question on Cruise Critic and they advise the Diamond Princess had a major refit for the Asian market. Toto toilet seats were put in mini-suites and suites as well as the public restrooms. What a fantastic idea. Maybe they will refit other ships!
Here is a letter I found online given to passengers who are quarantined. They were on the last day of their cruise. They are compensating these people very well!
David reported today 55 Doctors and 45 Nurses have been allowed on board to help with the Medical Center. It appears people over 70 and with breathing difficulties will be disembarked first.
Princess is a first class cruise line. They have the best past passenger benefits of any cruise line afloat. If you have Carnival Corp. stock, you receive an on board credit! Cheryl and Dave have held the stock for a long time. They bought it in the slump and it's really gone up in value. On the one day cruise they receive US$50 on board credit!
February is my busiest month I've ever had selling cruises. So many people are coming to final payment. Not one person has cancelled their cruise. My next cruise is May 19th. It's only a short three night cruise on Ovation of the Seas. We are going with Jim and Janice who have never cruised before. I love taking people on their first cruise and the Ovation of the Seas has so many great venues. I have two coach trips booked so we won't cruise again until next March, unless a good deal is offered for Alaska!
Just in case you are wondering, I also book Royal Caribbean and Celebrity as their ships are better than Princess. Every cruise line has something different to offer. I love the Oasis class ships of Royal Caribbean and the Solstice class ships of Celebrity. If the price is good, I'll even choose a BC Ferry!
