FrequentFloater333

1 hour ago, UUNetBill said:

FrequentFloater333 - thanks for the input, very helpful!  Sorry for the delay, I was kind of on vacation last week (not a cruise, obviously).

No worries, Bill.  Happy to pitch in, and in the future, I'll try to be a bit less lazy about sending you a report.  Keep up the good work!

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

I don't see Regent (or any other cruise line) doing an event with a crowd and the small buffet that they put out.  I agree with Bill that "we" (any Regent cruiser) can arrange a small get together where social distancing is possible and where a person can get a cocktail if they wish to have one.

While I'm sure I'll miss the M&M gatherings, it only makes sense to put them on the shelf for the time being.  Small DIY get togethers such as Bill described are always a possibility until the current health crisis has been abated, and I would certainly support such an effort.

On 4/1/2017 at 4:31 PM, UUNetBill said:

To submit your rating and comments, please use the following template and paste the information in a reply - I'll paste the information into the master listings as time allows. Remember, the more folks contribute, the more useful this will be!

 

PLEASE BE SURE AND SPECIFY WHICH SHIP YOU WERE ON! I could probably figure it out but it's a LOT easier to know up front!

CC Rating Template.xls 32.5 kB · 406 downloads

UUNet Bill's CCRatingTemplate.xls

Just made our TA's day with a new booking for the first 2 legs of the Mariner world cruise, from SF to Auckland in  Jan 2022
Would have liked to go on but 34 days is by far our longest trip so far plus 3 days ground trip post cruise in Auckland, not sure with everything else in life can do more than this at present
Plus finances would be seriously hit by longer, but looking forward to after the Lockdown. It will get us to Tahiti and the South Pacific we missed out on with a Papeete- Lima cancellation in April owing to covid-19. Back on the Mariner , I think our favourite ship and love the PH's (with shower, no bath thankfully). Now just got to hope the Jan 21 South America trip BA - Lima happens?

8 minutes ago, greykitty said:

@SusieQft, I thought your post was cogent and reasonable.  I was, sadly, not surprised when it received such a condescending, ad hominem response.  I hope to continue to read your takes on cruise travel wherever you choose to post.

 

And for those readers who may be bemused by various mentions of 'retirement'.  Even I, a lurker at the time, remember when a most prolific poster announced her 'retirement' from the Regent boards. I want to say it was in 2018/2019 or so?  

 

In any event, the 'retirement' apparently didn't stick.  

Can we all just get back to this forum's topic?  You remember, 2020 cruises with Regent?

3 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I'm hoping that what I think is true.  Keeping my fingers crossed (which makes it difficult to type)

Try crossing your toes instead.  I hear it has the same effect.

21 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

There is another way of looking at August being wait-listed.  If cruise ships can sail in August, Regent has stated that they will start out by not filling their ships and also will not start the entire fleet at once.  So, it is possible that some cruises are wait-listed because they have reached the occupancy level that Regent has decided is the limit for that cruise and other wait-lists could be due to the ships that will not be sailing in August.  

 

Just a thought from an eternal optimist!

I think you may be onto something, Travelcat2.  Waitlisting on ships that are at reduced capacity makes sense.

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

It may not be such a positive during the pandemic.  Regent has to be super aware of how their tour operators disinfect their buses, where they are going, etc.  At this point in time, it seems that excursions put passengers more at risk than being on the ship.  If there were any time to permit "opt outs" of excursions, it would be now.  Those passengers that want to take excursions can and those that would prefer not to can get a credit.

Travelcat2, are you suggesting that any passenger who cancels a prebooked excursion be issued a credit for the tour?  Or are you referring only to Regent Choice (extra fee) excursions?

1 hour ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I was thinking.  This might be a good opportunity for Regent to walk back the included excursions, or at least make them optional.

 

If we can afford a luxury cruise, we can afford private excursions.  Some of our best experiences have been doing it this way, and it would certainly help with distancing.

I'll only speak for myself, but one of the reasons my wife and I prefer Regent is the all inclusive nature of their offerings, including many wonderful shore excursions.  And for the record, sailing with Regent does not imply every passenger has the wherewithal, or even the desire, to opt for private excursions.   

13 hours ago, mrlevin said:

I will not wear a mask onboard a ship.  I will wear one on a plane if it is required.  I will wear on a bus if required (although that is silly); I will not wear one for entire excursion.  I hate those masks.

 

Marc

Marc, whether or not you "hate those masks" is not the issue.  I think most of us would prefer not to have to wear them.  But the fact is, they save lives.  And let me stress, that's not simply my opinion; it's a documented scientific fact.  So, wearing them on tour busses is not at all "silly", particularly since social distancing is virtually impossible in that situation.  I suspect you might feel differently if a non-mask wearing, asymptomatic seatmate infected you with Covid-19 while on tour.

11 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Passengers have been put off of the ship for not adhering to the smoking policy. in my opinion, not wearing a mask if it is “required” is worse than sneaking a cigarette in your suite (although I am 1000% against smoking in suites).

 

Agree that Regent does not want to cause any awkward situation, however, in this case it is not only a matter of life or death but it could affect their ability to continue cruising.

 

BTW, last week I saw a test on television (that may or may not be accurate - I tend to disbelieve most of what I read regarding Covid-19) about 6’ distancing.  While talking at 6’ apart probably works, sneezes and coughs go beyond 6’.  

 

Those of us with cruises booked for this year are prepared to wear the dreaded mask (definitely uncomfortable but necessary)  I’ve purchased a few masks now that they are available everywhere.  I found one with two layers fabric plus replaceable filters that is fairly comfortable.  In fact, I plan on redoing my avatar with a photo of me in a mask (with a cute saying on it).  As mentioned, if we are going ashore or on a tender, we will wear medical grade masks.

 

For us, it is either following protocols or staying home.  I admire what Lana is doing.  In our case, due to age, our cruising future is limited and I sure the heck won’t spend more time sitting at home.

 

If Regent does not insist on following the rules, they will be in trouble with the CDC as well as many passengers.  No one wants to risk their lives over something as silly not wanting to wear masks.  If a passenger does not want to wear a mask, they can sit in their suites (or can stay home and wait until that requirement is no longer necessary).

 

Joel, sorry if it sounds like I am ranting against you as that is not my intention.  I rarely get angry but anyone wanting to cruise on Regent without wearing a mask (if required) makes me furious.  

I agree, as usual, with what Travelcat2 has posted.  I particularly support her notion of following established guidelines regarding masks.  If someone is not willing to wear a mask onboard, when required, they should be subject to being disembarked at the next port of call.  I've personally witnessed passengers put off the ship for excessive drunkenness and for flagrant disregard of smoking policies, neither of which are truly life threatening.  We all have a choice; either follow the rules (which are for everyone's benefit) or stay home.

16 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Thank you for the explanation.  Guess we'll see what happens with the young people that have been protesting next to each other for days (some wearing masks - others not).

 

Agree with you about Navigator.  As Marc indicated, the crew quarters are larger on that ship but in inclement weather, there is barely enough room for 490 guests to be.  La Veranda and P7 are usually packed (P7 gets the overflow from LV in the morning and at lunch ).  Having Explorer and/or Splendor sailing first makes the most sense to me.  

Another consideration might be whether recently reopened ports would tend to favor smaller ships with fewer passengers.  If so, this could bode well for Navigator.  As for the overcrowding issue, we still haven't heard whether Regent will reduce capacity, as recommended by CDC.    In addition, Navigator's initial resumption of operations is scheduled for the Caribbean, where inclement weather seems less likely (hurricane season not withstanding).  Gee, can you tell I'm hoping Navigator sails on October 30th?

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Agree with everything that you posted.  There will be people that agree and others that disagree with our view which is ok.  That is what I meant that there is no right or wrong decision.  If someone does not want to cruise until there is a vaccine - that is fine as well.  We are entitled to our decisions and should not be criticized.  Not everyone perceives “safety” in the same way

 

As you noted, one can spend all their time in their home and be pretty much guaranteed to not become sick.  For you and I, this is not the way that we want to live or lives.  We have our masks, gloves, eye protection, hand sanitizer, and wipes ready to go!🛳️

And in like fashion, I have to agree with everything you said, Travelcat2.  I'll take whatever reasonable precautions might be available to me, but like many, I'm not about to live out my golden years in a cocoon.  Further, I believe cruise ships in general (and Regent's fleet in particular), are and will continue to be among the most sanitary places out there.

3 hours ago, labonnevie said:

I would suggest going through your TA. Ours does a huge amount of business with Regent so they may have some extra pull. 

Our TA just managed to get the $1,000 OBC applied on two cruises we have booked in 2021 and another one in 2022.  You just can't beat a good TA!

17 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

 

NO!  It is not in the protocol.

While it may not have been specified in the recently released protocols, the required use of face masks in public areas seems likely, given the current circumstances.  It pretty much goes hand in hand with social distancing, which was clearly noted in the protocols.

2 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Too long to cut and paste; here is link to new "protocols" on Regent:

 

https://www.rssc.com/HealthSafetyProtocols

 

Marc

 

edited to add:  Actually not too long so copying in case not on overseas sites yet.

 

 

 

It appears Regent is now in compliance with CDC's requirement for establishing protocols in order to resume cruising, once the restrictions are lifted.  This is a positive and highly proactive step on Regent's part.  And it comes as no surprise.

15 minutes ago, EAGLESLOVER said:

Where are you scheduled to cruise?

Bermuda, eastern Caribbean and southern Caribbean, primarily.  Cuba was on the original itinerary, but that's now off limits (once again).  At least I made it to Cuba a couple of times, when it was permissible.  BTW, this will be on Navigator.

25 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

We have a long flight for our November cruised are not overly concerned.  We have disinfected the space around us on airplanes for years.  Now the planes seats, walls, etc. are being sprayed with disinfectant.  I wish that airlines would take temperatures before boarding - even though it is not effective if you have just been exposed or are having no symptoms.  

 

So far there have been no difficulties in booking flights for our November 2020, January 2021 and March 2021 cruises.

 

In terms of sailing in 2020, it really depends upon a lot of things.  First, for Regent, they need approval from the Center for Disease Control in the U.S.  Then they need to see what countries are open to cruise ships (at the moment, the U.S. and U.K. seem to be negative targets in terms of being welcome in some countries.  

 

A lot has happened in the last three months and we need to see what happens between now and September.

I have a short flight (Boston to NYC) at the end of October and a slightly longer one a couple of weeks later (Miami to Boston).  Regent has issued the flight details, so I assume we're good to go.  Of course, many things could potentially change all that between now and departure day.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

5 hours ago, cruiseluv said:

Well, you may want that to be the case, but its not a realistic expectation for the long term, especially now that summer is coming and people want to be out and about . So really, the burden will be on people that are fearful,to either stay home, or put up with the infractions to this "law/ regulation". Just the other day I heard about some study that claimed 6 ft distancing is not remotely adequate, that it should be more like 20-30 ft! LOL!  See how quickly this can get ridiculous?  Have you seen the "protests" we're having these days? See much "social distancing" there? 

20-30 ft?  Yes, that is ridiculous, particularly given the source (...heard about some study that claimed...).  Widely accepted science seems to have settled on 6 ft. distancing.  And while the Covid-19 threat remains an evolving threat, until that consensus changes, I'm going with the current scientific assessment, rather than allow unsupported rumors to be my guide.

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

This is becoming borderline political so I'll take it down a notch.  Since this is a "novel" virus, no one knew (or knows now) exactly what to expect from it.  Many predictions have been wrong and this may continue to be in the future until it is figured out.  

 

I look at Asia in terms of masks.  It has been successful for them for a very long time.  I always wondered why so many people in Asia wear masks .... now I understand.  When this pandemic began and we were told not to wear masks, I didn't believe what was being said.  Logically, having a mask to cover your cough, sneeze or spittle when you speak had to have some positive effect.  Now, most people are wearing masks and they are becoming required in more places every day.  I don't like masks anymore than the next person but will wear one indefinitely if it is going to help stop the virus.  

 

I do have face shields and wonder how effective they are.  Here is an article about them https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200430/face-shields-a-more-effective-deterrent-to-covid#1

 

Thanks for your thoughts, Travelcat2.  I wasn't trying to intentionally get political, and to all who may have seen my comments in that light, I sincerely apologize.  There's really no room for politics on this forum.

6 hours ago, cruiseluv said:

Sorry Sheila but, was it hot?? Even in 70 degrees temperature I cannot stand that mask if I'm going out for a walk, I start getting dizzy. I wear it (because I have no choice) when I go into grocery store. There're many studies about masks that show they dont really protect you. 

To be clear, cruise luv, we're being advised to wear masks not to protect ourselves, but to protect others from ourselves.  In addition to the practical aspect of this, it's a show of respect for those around us.  And if you think masks are uncomfortable, try being intubated.

6 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Sorry - did not realize that the parties were o a NCL cruise line.  Frank Del Rio is the CEO of NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings).  Each of the three brands have their own CEO/President.  This was something that FDR put into place the first year that he attained his current position.  I do not recall who the CEO/President is of Norwegian but it is someone that worked for NCL prior to FDR replacing the former CEO.

 

I saw a photo of Regent crew members having a pool BBQ.  That made me happy and likely made it a bit easier for the crew.  They were also staying in guest suites with I'm sure that they appreciated.  

 

Agree with you that the article was negative.  It is a shame that the writer was not fully aware of the situation.  

Travelcat2 is correct.  Frank Del Rio is CEO of NCLH, the parent company of Norwegian, Oceania and Regent cruise lines.  The CEO of Regent is Jason Montague.

5 hours ago, Pcardad said:

The credit for nights sailed only appears if you select the 125% FCC. You do not get it if you elect a cash refund.

That is correct.

5 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

Did you need to request this or did it just hit your account?  We were scheduled to be sailing today, actually, which of course didn’t happen.  I think it was just a 7 or 10 day cruise, but every night helps...

It hasn't yet hit my account, but the additional perk was announced in a broadcast email from Jason Montague (Regent CEO) a couple of weeks ago.  And yes, every night counts.

7 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Agree 100%.  

FWIW, I just received an email from Regent highlighting itineraries on Navigator beginning September 26, 2020, essentially shuttling between Montreal and New York, through October 30th.  My wife and I are booked on Navigator on October 30th, sailing from New York to Miami.  This gives me hope that we might to be able to take this long awaited cruise.  Fingers crossed!