Yes Buffets really are gross

[TeeRick]

51 minutes ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

"Proximity cards" on Princess ships have been an abject failure.  They can be "spoofed" into adding items on your cruise bill.  Princess uses them for tracking the whereabouts of passengers.  They enable the bar tender to call you by name - not something I want or need.  The "medallion" batteries run out quickly on some devices requiring the device to be replaced.  They unlock your cabin door - if close enough and that may be their only advantage to the passenger.  The rest of the advantages all go to the cruise line enabling them to  build a database on your movements, shopping, drinking habits, etc., so they can inundate you with advertisements and "deals."

There are newer technology versions of proximity cards than the initial ones used early on.  I'm not too overly concerned with monitoring some aspects of my buying habits since this is a common feature these days of all credit card and online shopping and of course most web browsers.  But I'd much rather use a chip/proximity card for cleanliness and safety purposes in COVID World.

[NutsAboutGolf]

57 minutes ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

"Proximity cards" on Princess ships have been an abject failure.  They can be "spoofed" into adding items on your cruise bill.  Princess uses them for tracking the whereabouts of passengers.  They enable the bar tender to call you by name - not something I want or need.  The "medallion" batteries run out quickly on some devices requiring the device to be replaced.  They unlock your cabin door - if close enough and that may be their only advantage to the passenger.  The rest of the advantages all go to the cruise line enabling them to  build a database on your movements, shopping, drinking habits, etc., so they can inundate you with advertisements and "deals."

 

Proximity or "proxcards" use RFIDs without batteries and generally can only be read when waved within a few inches of a reader.  Princess Medallion uses BLE with batteries.  When you purchase something on board, regardless if a swipe/wave/BLE card, the cruise line knows the time and location of the purchase.  There are also cameras everywhere.  Therefore they were already building a database of your spending habits for decades.  Princess says the other benefits are you can order drink and food anywhere on the ship, your steward can see when you're outside your cabin.  They also said it keeps getting better and better with new features.  While I haven't experienced it directly, I love the automation and would imagine its faster than the current swipe/wave cards when waiting in any line as often it seems every tenth person doesn't have their keycard out and may take a bit to locate which pocket they put it in.  But I do agree, if they yet haven't figured out a solution for the medallions batteries dying and they're sending you ads/deals those would to annoying to most. 

[Madio]

My DH & I have never liked buffets, simply for the sanitation factor. Last time we went to one, I ended up with jelly on my back! (No idea how that happened, yuck).  My TA/Cruise Specialist recently told me that the cruise industry has put out a 10-point protocol list, that includes a “no self-serve” order in the buffet.  A worker will serve you, wearing gloves.  Also, they will completely sanitize the cabins twice daily, older people will require a doctor’s note.  Don’t know the rest, but we should be able to look it up somewhere.  As for the kitchens mentioned in this thread, I have no worries.  We have toured the kitchens three times, and they were immaculate, with very stringent rules.  Our next cruise is Jan. 2021, and we are praying for a vaccine, as we are older.  Happy cruising.

[OnTheJourney]

20 hours ago, Madio said:

 Our next cruise is Jan. 2021, and we are praying for a vaccine, as we are older.  Happy cruising.

 

Same situation here - 1/21 out of Rome. I wouldn't count on a vaccine by then - but certainly would be nice - or at least some sort of treatment. Even if the cruise goes as scheduled, we're just not sure what to do - especially with no treatment/vaccine available  let alone a significant resurgence of the virus in fall. Long-haul flights involved also. Great excuse to fly business class though - alot fewer people up there 😃

Edited May 29, 2020 by OnTheJourney

[jjsnonna]

On 5/25/2020 at 10:14 AM, di T said:

I agreeKTB Nothing worse than someone breathing on the back of your neck in a line! Same as sun beds, I don’t even like my bed next to the hubby unless there’s a good gap😂

 

On 5/25/2020 at 10:14 AM, di T said:

I agreeKTB Nothing worse than someone breathing on the back of your neck in a line! Same as sun beds, I don’t even like my bed next to the hubby unless there’s a good gap😂

I know this has nothing to do with the buffet, but what about the pool area and the loungers?  Are they going to remove some to allow for the following of social distancing guidelines.  One of my pet peeves is that they are always right on top of one another so that getting or out without sliding on the chair is impossible.  This is also a means of transmission.  Or the theater, how will that work?  I for one won't be on a cruise before a proven vaccine is found.

[Fouremco]

20 minutes ago, jjsnonna said:

 

I know this has nothing to do with the buffet, but what about the pool area and the loungers?  Are they going to remove some to allow for the following of social distancing guidelines.  One of my pet peeves is that they are always right on top of one another so that getting or out without sliding on the chair is impossible.  This is also a means of transmission.  Or the theater, how will that work?  I for one won't be on a cruise before a proven vaccine is found.

Many questions are being asked but the cruise lines have provided little more than a few generalities in response. We continue to wait...

[K.T.B.]

1 hour ago, jjsnonna said:

 

I know this has nothing to do with the buffet, but what about the pool area and the loungers?  Are they going to remove some to allow for the following of social distancing guidelines.  One of my pet peeves is that they are always right on top of one another so that getting or out without sliding on the chair is impossible.  This is also a means of transmission.  Or the theater, how will that work?  I for one won't be on a cruise before a proven vaccine is found.

 

My assumption is yes.  I suspect they'll allow two loungers to be next to each other with at least 1 (possibly 2) lounger distance established.  The chair hogs will be out in force then.

 

BUT being outside lessens the chance of getting infected, but it's still not zero.

 

For the theater, they'll need to establish spacing between people.  In each row there would be 2 seats, then 2 empty seats, then 2 seats, etc.  They'd need to tape it off or something along those lines.  This could easily be done.  And anyone messing with it should be severely punished, too.

 

This stuff can be done.  But will people actually follow the guidelines?

[drakes2]

2 hours ago, jjsnonna said:

On 5/25/2020 at 10:14 AM, di T said:

 

I know this has nothing to do with the buffet, but what about the pool area and the loungers?  Are they going to remove some to allow for the following of social distancing guidelines

I'm usually out by the pool very early on sea days and always get an end lounger within steps of the pool. That way I only have someone on one side of me. 

[NutsAboutGolf]

9 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

 

Same situation here - 1/21 out of Rome. I wouldn't count on a vaccine by then - but certainly would be nice - or at least some sort of treatment. Even if the cruise goes as scheduled, we're just not sure what to do - especially with no treatment/vaccine available  let alone a significant resurgence of the virus in fall. Long-haul flights involved also. Great excuse to fly business class though - alot fewer people up there 😃

 

Except the following MAY apply

1)  Due to many flights being canceled, many flights are flying near full

2)  Airline tier status requirements have been reduced, often by half and also the earning deadline extended.  More people than ever will now be on the 1st/business class waitlist

[Covepointcruiser]

The poster who said they flew Business Class because it was not as crowded as economy,  this has certainly not been our experience on United, JAL and Lufthansa.

Even before paying passengers are allowed to board in Business Class, all the Premier members have already been seated there.   We have paid for the privilege and had to try to find overhead space as it was already taken by those with free upgrades.   It has always been at 100% capacity while we have often seen the economy class with one passenger for every 3 seats.

[NutsAboutGolf]

1 hour ago, K.T.B. said:

 

My assumption is yes.  I suspect they'll allow two loungers to be next to each other with at least 1 (possibly 2) lounger distance established.  The chair hogs will be out in force then.

 

BUT being outside lessens the chance of getting infected, but it's still not zero.

 

For the theater, they'll need to establish spacing between people.  In each row there would be 2 seats, then 2 empty seats, then 2 seats, etc.  They'd need to tape it off or something along those lines.  This could easily be done.  And anyone messing with it should be severely punished, too.

 

This stuff can be done.  But will people actually follow the guidelines?

 

Anything to make it easier on the crew to NOT have to enforce anything.  I'm sure there has to be a good reason to why they don't do this, I've always wondered what the drawback is bolting loungers to the deck.  Crew doesn't have to put them away or back everyday and passengers under that deck won't have to hear them being dragged.  Otherwise I guess you'll now need "the lounger police".  I'd personally have no problem with them handing two warning then start issuing fine with progressively increasing amounts.

[Ride-The-Waves]

Lots of speculation. Reality is that the cruise lines just don't know yet and therefore cannot provide any guidance on social distancing on board, dining (MDR or buffet), theater seating, bars and clubs.  We do know that the CEO of RCCL has mentioned fewer passengers, mores pace between tables, some form of crew service in buffets, etc.  I would offer that passengers not following guidelines will be kicked off at the next port...which ever ports are open to cruise ships.  As we have seen with Canada, no cruise ports open until the Spring 2021 season (if even then).  Another factor is that epidemiologists are now saying there may never be a vaccine.  Coronavirus will become just like AIDS, measles, etc., and be out there forever and we will just have to deal with it where we are and whatever we are doing.  Of course the real downside for cruising is that the ships, in general, are not designed to accommodate "social distancing" and other factors needed to deal with COVID-19.  New normal, what ever that will be...to include age/pre-existing health limitations, mobility limitations, etc.  Expect smaller numbers of "guests" on  board and higher prices.

Edited May 30, 2020 by Ride-The-Waves

[zitsky]

@Ride-The-Waves no vaccine?  What's your source for that?  Pretty pessimistic. 

[OnTheJourney]

49 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Except the following MAY apply

1)  Due to many flights being canceled, many flights are flying near full

2)  Airline tier status requirements have been reduced, often by half and also the earning deadline extended.  More people than ever will now be on the 1st/business class waitlist

Hmmm...didn't think about any of that. Thanks. Guess I better get my butt in gear and see what's available. Have to check to see what Viking will offer in the way of an upgrade. We have been offered free economy air for the inaugural Venus sailing. 

[NutsAboutGolf]

24 minutes ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

Lots of speculation. Reality is that the cruise lines just don't know yet and therefore cannot provide any guidance on social distancing on board, dining (MDR or buffet), theater seating, bars and clubs.  We do know that the CEO of RCCL has mentioned fewer passengers, mores pace between tables, some form of crew service in buffets, etc.  I would offer that passengers not following guidelines will be kicked off at the next port...whcih ever ports are open to cruise ships.

 

It's speculation because cruise lines are bleeding cash and aggressively negotiating with regulating agencies like the CDC to spend the least amount of money which is understandable.  For example, we know packed elevators are a thing of the past (at least until an effective vaccine is available to the masses).  Regulators may specify, no more than three to an elevator and a crew attendant to enforce that.  Cruises lines would push for five people and no attendant.

Edited May 30, 2020 by NutsAboutGolf

[OnTheJourney]

1 hour ago, Covepointcruiser said:

The poster who said they flew Business Class because it was not as crowded as economy,  this has certainly not been our experience on United, JAL and Lufthansa.

Even before paying passengers are allowed to board in Business Class, all the Premier members have already been seated there.   We have paid for the privilege and had to try to find overhead space as it was already taken by those with free upgrades.   It has always been at 100% capacity while we have often seen the economy class with one passenger for every 3 seats.

 

l was sort of making a social distancing joke about it but, if at all possible, truly prefer not to fly economy class anymore for long haul. 

[NutsAboutGolf]

3 minutes ago, OnTheJourney said:

Hmmm...didn't think about any of that. Thanks. Guess I better get my butt in gear and see what's available. Have to check to see what Viking will offer in the way of an upgrade. We have been offered free economy air for the inaugural Venus sailing. 

 

You're welcome!  Viking is an awesome choice, you'll have a great time!  The "glory days" were March and early April as airlines weren't cancelling flights in masses at that time.  United Airlines has 5 statuses (The highest Global is unpublished), never in my life did I think I'd make the highest published status of 1K but I'll probably do it with a few strategic flights this summer.  I get that status all next year even if I don't fly.  Also other airlines may offer a status match to their highest status.

[OnTheJourney]

Just looked up the flights I've had in mind for the January cruise. The business class seats for one of the flights appear to be going quickly, although I came across this: 

Changes to seat selection due to COVID-19

We're limiting advance selection of adjacent and middle seats in all cabins and alternating window and aisle seats in rows of two on United and United Express flights. Please call or ask a gate agent if you'd like seats together. Seats currently blocked might not remain empty for your flight.

So, it's hard to tell how many seats are actually booked already (especially in business class) or currently restricted. Economy class looks really weird as indeed they have restricted all the middle seats and also the window seats. On the inbound flight (business) it looks like everything is open. Either way, I'm thinking I should book sooner rather than later. United refers to a "no change" fee. How does that work? Cancel for any reason-sort-of-thing? Credit for future flights? 

[OnTheJourney]

2 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

 

Even before paying passengers are allowed to board in Business Class, all the Premier members have already been seated there.   We have paid for the privilege and had to try to find overhead space as it was already taken by those with free upgrades.   It has always been at 100% capacity while we have often seen the economy class with one passenger for every 3 seats.

 

 

I'm confused on this. Are you saying that if I look at a seating chart and see a business class seat that appears to be open - that it actually might not be if I attempt to select it and complete a booking? 

Edited May 30, 2020 by OnTheJourney

[NutsAboutGolf]

1 hour ago, OnTheJourney said:

Just looked up the flights I've had in mind for the January cruise. The business class seats for one of the flights appear to be going quickly, although I came across this: 

Changes to seat selection due to COVID-19

We're limiting advance selection of adjacent and middle seats in all cabins and alternating window and aisle seats in rows of two on United and United Express flights. Please call or ask a gate agent if you'd like seats together. Seats currently blocked might not remain empty for your flight.

 

So, it's hard to tell how many seats are actually booked already (especially in business class) or currently restricted. Economy class looks really weird as indeed they have restricted all the middle seats and also the window seats. On the inbound flight (business) it looks like everything is open. Either way, I'm thinking I should book sooner rather than later. United refers to a "no change" fee. How does that work? Cancel for any reason-sort-of-thing? Credit for future flights? 

 

They waive the change fees, I believe it is a travel credit.

 

1 hour ago, OnTheJourney said:

 

 

I'm confused on this. Are you saying that if I look at a seating chart and see a business class seat that appears to be open - that it actually might not be if I attempt to select it and complete a booking? 

 

I believe they're saying due to them not having a high enough status, those with higher status could board before them.  If you have high enough status and there are open seats, they'll get them for free and can board before those paying full price fares.

[jotjot]

Please do not be so hard on the people who break the rules as to kick them off at the next port.  Today I was shopping at Walmart,  on Long Island and was yelled at for going inadvertently the wrong way  down a one way aisle .

[blueboo]

On 5/17/2020 at 6:13 PM, NonnaTLC said:

HUGE transference on phones, TV remotes, bathroom faucets, flushers, and plane tables and armrests, and doorknobs.  They have done these experiments.   However, we are mostly aware of those, wash our hands before exiting a bathroom, hand sanitize, I carry sani wipes with me at all times and in a plane/hotel room, etc, wipe down those surfaces.  My DH always thought me a bit wacko (I am a nurse, so pretty aware of germs), but now is a true convert.  If anything, this pandemic has made us rethink and change habits to prevent diseases.  

Agree completely...I always carry wipes on a plane and wipe the arm rests and tray table...also wipe the phone and remote in hotel / cabin rooms and any other surfaces  I can think of 🙂

[blueboo]

On 5/18/2020 at 12:59 PM, 4774Papa said:

One thing that cruise lines could do as well would be to have pre-prepared sandwiches.   They would be wrapped in something and an attendant could provide them in a speedy manner.  

they do this on P and O grab and go ..it is a great idea, prewrapped sandwiches, rolls, salads and dessert pots, we used a lot for quick lunch

[Ride-The-Waves]

There’s a good chance the coronavirus will never go away.

 

Even after a vaccine is discovered and deployed, the coronavirus will likely remain for decades to come, circulating among the world’s population.

 

Experts call such diseases endemic — stubbornly resisting efforts to stamp them out. Think measles, HIV, chickenpox.

It is a daunting proposition — a coronavirus-tinged world without a foreseeable end. But experts in epidemiology, disaster planning and vaccine development say embracing that reality is crucial to the next phase of America’s pandemic response. The long-term nature of covid-19, they say, should serve as a call to arms for the public, a road map for the trillions of dollars Congress is spending and a fixed navigational point for the nation’s current, chaotic state-by-state patchwork strategy.

 

With so much else uncertain, the persistence of the novel virus is one of the few things we can count on about the future. That doesn’t mean the situation will always be as dire. There are already four endemic coronaviruses that circulate continuously, causing the common cold. And many experts think this virus will become the fifth — its effects growing milder as immunity spreads and our bodies adapt to it over time.

 

For now, though, most people have not been infected and remain susceptible. And the highly transmissible disease has surged in recent weeks, even in countries that initially succeeded in suppressing it. Left alone, experts say, it will simply keep burning through the world’s population.

 

“This virus is here to stay,” said Sarah Cobey, an epidemiologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Chicago. “The question is, how do we live with it safely?”

 

Combating endemic diseases requires long-range thinking, sustained effort and international coordination. Stamping out the virus could take decades — if it happens at all. Such efforts take time, money and, most of all, political will.

 

Full article:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/27/coronavirus-endemic/

 

Plus, Thirty (30) percent of Americans polled state they would never use the vaccine. 

[OnTheJourney]

9 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

They waive the change fees, I believe it is a travel credit.

 

 

I believe they're saying due to them not having a high enough status, those with higher status could board before them.  If you have high enough status and there are open seats, they'll get them for free and can board before those paying full price fares.

 

I don't consider myself as having any "status" not having any sort of frequent flyer miles or members of any tiered system with an airline, etc. . Should be interesting to see how all this plays out.