Lrob

So a rocket accidentally hit Taba, Egypt today which is close to Aqaba.  Luckily it only injured 6, but no one was killed. Another one hit a town near by in Egypt. Apparently accidental. Some news agencies are saying from Yemen and some are saying they don't know. I am hoping these developments will convince Regent to change its position. 

Azamara Journey sailing on 10/27 sailing - similar route - ending in Dubai has allowed its passengers (who want to) to move their bookings to another date. 

I understand both sides. But the information a few posts up is new to me.

When NCL Holdings Oceania passengers on Riviera on the same route at the end of November are permitted to move their bookings to another cruise, but Regent passengers cannot . . . Well that one just feels bad.

I know O and R are different operations and they can have different policies . . . just saying.

With the activity in the Red Sea today, I think some hard decisions are coming for us. We are beginning to think about taking a big financial loss. When the ground war starts the heat may even go up further - we are set to fly out in 15 days. 
 

I do hope for safety and peace for all of those humans in Gaza and Israel who would love the luxury of having this problem. That is not lost on me.
 

No feathers ruffled. All points of view welcome. I agree about the ports bit. My issue is not with missing ports. Been there and done that so I get it. It is with the generalized uncertainty/ instability in the travel route that must be taken as this is a world cruise to get to Dubai. Through the Suez, Down the Red Sea and up the Straight of Hormuz. The Voyager was never going this route. 
 

I have been to many of these places on land so I am not fussed about the normal general ME uncertainty. This is a bit more than anyone could reasonably have expected. My note on the Greek ports was an aside. It was not meant as a reason to allow changing the cruise. I can see how the comment did distract from my point. 

If the ship skipped Egypt and Jordan ports due to safety that would not be my gripe. I can always stay on the boat if I wish to anyway. I do agree that is always the risk of cruising. I knew when booking that Israel is hit or miss. No issue with that. My point was that given the current circumstances, the travel route itself will not be so enjoyable for me. Others mileage may vary,  but I suspect I am not alone.

Of course this isn’t Regent’s fault. I also never suggested they should compensate airfare as that would be unreasonable under the circumstances. I also never suggested a refund - again that would be unreasonable. I haven’t even hinted at a partial refund. Simply suggesting to rebook on another cruise. I understand contracts and I know what I am getting into when I sign one. By the right thing I simply mean a compromise they do not have to make for long term goodwill in an understanding of this unusual situation. It is done all the time in many businesses relationships.

I hope you don’t get flamed! If you do I will give you my fire extinguisher. Many valid points to be made on both sides of the argument. 

Zak477 - we are on this cruise as well. We have been to Greek Isles many times on land based trips. We would prefer to change cruises and would do so immediately if allowed to transfer booking to another cruise. It would be lovely if Regent would do the right thing on this one. While I always expected Israel ports may not happen, I did not expect something with this intensity. Even thought the odds favor a safe trip, it won’t be enjoyable given all the circumstances. 
 

Husband and I enjoyed the Yangtze river cruise and recommend it. Plus it is a good break from hard-core touring. We traveled all over China and not on a tour. We met up with guides in various cities. Yes the pollution was bad. The water from the tap not safe to drink. The people were amazing. Curious and friendly. While they do push in large queues, I did not find that they were pushing PAST me to get in front. This never happened. They seemed to push - more like a gentle nudge really - to fill in all the space. We traveled by plane, train and subway. No one was ever rude to us, unless you count staring which I do not. There was a lot of that and they also take your picture without asking. I just took pictures of them back because it was funny. Then many times we took pictures with each other. This must have happened about 5 or 6 times. Total strangers each time. It was a hoot for all of us. I also thought that many persons we met were really interactive with us despite the language barrier. We loved the food and ate many places.

I have been to both Japan and China. They are both wonderful, but so very different. I actually liked the food in China much better. If you are older do China first as it can be a more difficult travel experience.

China was enchanting and I would go back in a second.

Our family would love to cruise Seabourn, but we have been waiting for Seabourn to change the smoking policy for the verandas. We can work around the rest. We will continue to choose Silversea or other lines until things change. However, things will only change if the market demands it. With such small ships that may not happen unless the non smoking regulars take another option. Can't really blame Seabourn for doing what works.

You are right, I don't know of any hand sanitizer known to be effective against noro. I totally forgot about menus - yuck.

The best thing I have heard on the horizon is that a noro vaccine may be just a few years out. Thank God for big brains . Research scientists are truly unsung heros.

Geezer couple - I wrote "supposed" to be effective against noro for the exact reason you cited. I did not say "effective against noro." In doing my research, I too found contradictory information. I am not convinced zylast is effective against noro, but maybe - so no harm. I also took peroxide hospital grade wipes. We used zylast and did not get noro, but I do not believe that is evidence of anything as noro was not an issue on our cruise.

I agree with all others that nothing can beat proper handwashing. In micro class we not only learned about how long to wash hands, but also the importance of soaping under nails and washing finger tips and not touching eyes, nose or mouth - which is also easy to forget.

In a world where we have war and terrorism, I still think the greatest dangers we humans face are viruses and mosquito vectors. I think that is where a very real and substantial threat exists.

Before looking askance at everyone who does not sanitize going into the dining rooms, consider that there may be a very valid reason. I was just on Riviera. Due to some great advice on the boards I purchased Zylast time release hand sanitizer for the trip as it is one of the very few that is supposed to be effective against noro. It is rather sticky and leaves a small film on the hand. Prior to every meal my party slathered this stuff on. We did not touch anything after. I will admit we were a bit noro paranoid. Upon entering the eating venue I was not then going to dilute my efforts with the ship sanitizer with the alcohol percentage unknown to me. Common alcohol concentration for hand sanitizer is not effective on noro.

If someone had just washed hands properly (the best method of noro prophylaxis ) it also would be unnecessary to spray with alcohol.

While there are most certianly unhygienic people about, there may be more diligence going on than meets the eye.

Just something to consider prior to the sweeping generalization.

Just got off this cruise and in the airport waiting for my flight home. Great cruise. No sign of noro. No sign of any enhanced precautions. Crew cheery and helpful. No wet chairs or gooey cleaners. Salt and pepper out the whole cruise. All compliments and no complaints.

Best to you lucky dogs boarding now! Have a great time.

The enhanced protocols could mean that Oceania is being extremely cautious, or that some cases of noro are suspected. I do believe, given current events, that ship health officers should confirm for passengers if there are any noro cases. The extra cleaning apparently is hard to miss so they should provide information as to why it is being done.

I wonder how long the crew can endure the frequent extra cleaning duties.

Hope those on board keep updated. Thanks for the reports.

Thanks for the information Kitty9. I am with Wren3, we board when your cruise ends. Please keep us posted. No one is required to read the thread. I am interested. I don't need anyone's help to determine if the information is worth mentioning. I would like to read the experience or opinion of anyone who wants to post. I can decide for myself if it is useful. Keep the updates coming!

Thanks for the lovely follow up, Heather. You have been such a bright light. Your optimism and your honest assessments have kept us informed and encouraged. We board on Saturday. Looking forward to it and glad you had a good cruise.

Heather = Angel

Thanks for the update. Everyday I read your good report I am happy for you and me!

Keep enjoying your cruise. Things look good from here.

Thanks Mura. I actually understand Oceania's position. They are not expecting noro on each cruise and are working hard to kill it. I too understand the insurance company as well. For both, they are businesses and it makes sense to play the odds. I am not angry about that. It is a me problem, not a them problem. Just grateful for Heather's updates and the other threads where I learned about, and bought, the peroxide wipes. The kind words are appreciated.

I want to thank you Heather for taking the time to post these updates. I have found them very valuable and they give me peace of mind. I wish people would stop complaining about the noro threads and just stop reading them if they are not interested. My mom will be on Riviera on the 13th of March. She is immune suppressed and takes medication for an immune disorder. A bad cold can and often does land her in the hospital. Her doctor advised her to be very careful when we advised him of this problem. We cannot get Oceania to allow us to move to another cruise - we tried . Insurance does not allow for a preventative refund - we asked. I just never thought to consider noro when I booked this cruise in August. For that I am sorry and have learned that cruising may not be best for her. But that is not her fault - it is mine.

So, the noro has been very serious for me. Not just a matter of being sick for her. Not a minor inconvenience as others have noted, and not even a matter of perspective as others have said. This cruise was my idea. My parents do not have the money to travel a lot and cannot just throw away the fare. So, yes I am worried that my mom will get very sick and her health will be compromised. Yes, I will feel responsible as she is elderly and very much trusts and relies on my judgment.

I am grateful for the information. To the posters who have not let this go, I thank you. It helps me to know what is happening. Heather, you have made me feel better. Please enjoy your cruise.

Hi Eddmel, we are also sailing that day as well. Watching this thread very closely as we have some concerns and are hoping for a safe journey.

To Wren3 and Eddmel. Your responses made me laugh. We are also on the March 13th cruise. I just ordered my Clorox peroxide wipes that I learned about on this thread. Maybe we need to get stock in Clorox. Between the three of us, that will be one clean ship. Here is to a happy noro free cruise.

I agree with you. Not enough. This ship should not have sailed. The number of code red days since November are unacceptable. The outbreak level on your cruise not tolerable. It is not passengers bringing this on board. It is somewhere in the ship. It is not an insignificant problem. It is not a matter of perspective. It is simply unacceptable and dangerous to immune compromised passengers. For others it is a matter of not being provided the cruise they paid for by a long way. Oceania needs to clean this ship and make this right. And they should step up and do it NOW.

Thanks All! Forgot about the spa Great idea!

Hello All: I have a good OBC per cabin on an upcoming cruise. I want to make sure I spend it so I may be booking a ships excursion or two. Is it correct that I need to book it onboard to apply the OBC? No booking ahead of the cruise? Thanks!

My family and I will be on that cruise. For me, black pants and a sparkle top. No gowns, tuxes, jackets or ties for any of us. Enjoy!