Live(ish) report: First real cruise this year - Greece with TUI Cruises Mein Schiff 6 - 9/27

[Miaminice]

Covid Policy Cruise - Mein Schiff 6 - Greece - Sea Day

Besides the exciting news and developments the day has been a typical day at sea.

 

We went to have breakfast at the buffet first. When entering the restaurant, passengers are met by staff who only escort guests to a table after watching them washing and sanitizing their hands.

 

The restaurant is also very similar to Solstice class. The food which can be found on the islands, however, is adapted more to German taste buds. Everything, incl. beverages, is handled by staff.

 

After breakfast we went to the nightclub where the mandatory daily temperature scan is done. It’s a matter of minutes.

 

Returning to our stateroom we came past the shops. Again we were very much reminded of a Celebrity ship.

 

I went to the gym which only operates at reduced capacity as well. In order to provide distancing, only every third machine can be used.

 

Around noon we arrived in the bay of Milos for our surprise sightseeing bay cruise.

 

We spent most of the afternoon waiting for more updates on the Covid situation and with posting about the developments. The Tag & Nacht Bistro was the right place to get an afternoon snack.

 

At around 8pm we went to Atlantik, the main dining room. As you can see from the photos, the food is nicely presented. We can attest that it also tasted very good (Goose liver, Risotto, Duck Breast).

 

[flyguyjake]

4 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

reminded of a Celebrity ship

Looks lovely! I'm jealous! Have a wonderful time!

[NavArch64]

Does anyone know if TUI accepts RCCL/Celebrity loyalty levels? We are RCCL Diamond ... how would that translate to TUI? 

Edited September 28, 2020 by NavArch64

[Von & John]

Heard the C-19 news earlier & thought of you.

Your calm attitude is well suited for these first cruises.

Hope to hear tomorrow the crew have tested negative & you'll be able to continue your cruise w/ the modifications planned by Tui.

It appears Tui is responding to the situation with a well-defined plan/process.

Enjoy your time on the ship!

Edited September 28, 2020 by Von & John

[mpk]

5 hours ago, Miaminice said:

 

 

Beautiful ship.  I can see you two are on Cloud 9  🙂

 

 

"We went to have breakfast at the buffet first. When entering the restaurant, passengers are met by staff who only escort guests to a table after watching them washing and sanitizing their hands."

 

Maybe they can station a few people in the restrooms for those that simply refuse to wash up afterwards lol

[Carnevale]

Thank you for the great report on your experiences and the terrific photos!

 

I am wondering how full the ship is.  What is the max % capacity allowed during COVID?   Have they allowed passengers to book interior or ocean view rooms or only rooms with access to a balcony?

 

Hope all of the retesting confirms that everyone is okay.

[Miaminice]

5 hours ago, NavArch64 said:

Does anyone know if TUI accepts RCCL/Celebrity loyalty levels? We are RCCL Diamond ... how would that translate to TUI? 

TUI does not have loyalty levels. All are treated the same. Plus, it’s all inclusive.

[Miaminice]

22 minutes ago, Carnevale said:

Thank you for the great report on your experiences and the terrific photos!

 

I am wondering how full the ship is.  What is the max % capacity allowed during COVID?   Have they allowed passengers to book interior or ocean view rooms or only rooms with access to a balcony?

 

Hope all of the retesting confirms that everyone is okay.

The ship has a capacity of roughly 2,500. Maximum 60% are sold. 922 are on board. No inside or ocean view staterooms. Balcony staterooms and suites only.

 

 

[Germancruiser]

I just heard that all passenges and crew are going to be tested. I hope you can enjoy the ship anyway Miaminice. I am terribly sorry to read those news.

I have been tested yesterday- everything went well and the nice guy who took the test promissed to give me a ring to tell me the outcome before Thursday. I am almost sure it will turn out negativ but no one knows for sure.

 

What makes wonder is where those crew members cought this devilish virus.

[Miaminice]

31 minutes ago, Germancruiser said:

I just heard that all passenges and crew are going to be tested. I hope you can enjoy the ship anyway Miaminice. I am terribly sorry to read those news.

I have been tested yesterday- everything went well and the nice guy who took the test promissed to give me a ring to tell me the outcome before Thursday. I am almost sure it will turn out negativ but no one knows for sure.

 

What makes wonder is where those crew members cought this devilish virus.

Please don’t spread rumors 😁 

There was no virus...
see my update 😉

Edited September 29, 2020 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

Breaking news – positive update

 

All of the 12 tests done by the on-board PCR machine turned out to be negative by last night already. This morning Greek authorities tested again and confirmed the negative results. So all of this was a false alarm. 

 

Our cruise is to continue almost as planned. With the exception, that we are doing a sea day in port today and all of the excursions are postponed until tomorrow.

It was very interesting to see the news coverage all over the world. Very sensational - up to a point that we wondered if they’re talking about another ship than ours. We really wonder if even half of the media will correct their reports.

 

Anyway this is the news we received not even five minutes ago. 

 

We wonder, if they’re going to use the laboratory in Heraklion again... 😉😂

Edited September 29, 2020 by Miaminice

[steamboats]

3 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

Breaking news – positive update

 

"Positive" update 😂! So the "positive" update is that all are "negative".

 

steamboats

[Germancruiser]

I so hoped to read excatly your last comment. So it has been rumors- our most popular newspaper made the most of it - you should have read the headline- something - i translat - like that: " Alarm on board" etc.etc. You know how they make their paper sell.

Great to hear those postive news. I too, hope to hear postiv news today- that my test turned out negativ.

[Miaminice]

10 minutes ago, steamboats said:

 

"Positive" update 😂! So the "positive" update is that all are "negative".

 

steamboats

Yes, of course no pun was intended 😁

[Von & John]

Great News Miaminice

Stay Safe & Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

[ipeeinthepool]

4 hours ago, Miaminice said:

The ship has a capacity of roughly 2,500. Maximum 60% are sold. 922 are on board. No inside or ocean view staterooms. Balcony staterooms and suites only.

 

 

 

Glad all of the testing has turned out “positive “ enjoy the rest of your cruise.  Your capacity information is interesting.  At 922 passengers you are near 37% capacity.  I don’t remember you mentioning anything that seemed crowded given all of the social distancing restrictions.  Do you think that would change dramatically if you had another 600 people onboard?  For example,  do you think think procedures in the buffet or dining rooms could handle the extra load without significant increases in wait times?  Are there any areas that appear to be operating near capacity given the new restrictions?

[Miaminice]

16 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

Are there any areas that appear to be operating near capacity given the new restrictions?

 

That is difficult to answer... at the moment nothing seems crowded. 

But you get used to it so fast that a regular day (as we are used to) might feel cramped in the future.

Last night we had to wait a few moments for a table at the MDR. It seemed odd because there were so many empty tables. But again, they are following their protocols painstakingly. In the middle only every second or third table is used. Distances between tables are huge - I´d say at least around 10 ft / 3 m.

Service is prompt and friendly, no strain there either. On the contrary - 922 guest and around 600 crew. Never had such a ratio on a ship this size.

Edited September 29, 2020 by Miaminice

[Miaminice]

Covid Policy Cruise - Mein Schiff 6 - “At Sea” in Piraeus

 

I am trying not to fall behind with our reporting so I’ll just give you an update on our morning.

 

Today we decided to have breakfast at Hanami. It’s a specialty restaurant located in the back of the ship. In an area they call Diamond due to the diamond-shaped glass wall. It’s a bit like Eden on Edge. However, I actually prefer the color scheme on this ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After breakfast we receive the expected confirmation by the captain that the corona scare was just a false alarm. This has been confirmed by Creek authorities. So we are continuing our cruise as planned - with the exception of now spending a sea day in the port of Piraeus and doing our excursions tomorrow.

[leck57]

Nice photos but what caught my eye were the the taped off areas and floor markings and the masks. Not my idea of a holiday.

[Miaminice]

32 minutes ago, leck57 said:

Nice photos but what caught my eye were the the taped off areas and floor markings and the masks. Not my idea of a holiday.

And we have no problem with that whatsoever.

Edited September 29, 2020 by Miaminice

[Josie201]

34 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

And we have no problem with that whatsoever.

Funny I hadn’t noticed this and had to go back to find it.  Pictures are lovely, ship looks great and I’d cruise with these conditions in a heartbeat.  So happy for your positive update and I look forward to following the rest of your journey.  

[leck57]

38 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

And we have no problem with that whatsoever.

 

I'm pleased for you that you are happy to travel under those conditions. We are not that desperate - well, we are but will wait until we don't have to wear masks, whenever that may be.

[Miaminice]

Like I said, masks only need to be worn in certain areas where distancing is not possible. Most people you see wearing masks on the photos wouldn’t have to but still do.

 

We are used to it in Germany - I guess it’s one of the reasons why we can start cruising again. 

[Miaminice]

Now that’s funny...
The sign says: No return of beverages!

Distancing in the men’s room.
 

[Binbrooklady]

Thank you for taking us along on your cruise. I have a question......is it possible to get a couple of glasses of wine while seated and carry them back to your cabin to enjoy on your balcony?