A Different Adventure on Explorer

[DeepFreeze63]

We're two 80ish cruisers (18 on Regent, 6 on Explorer) about to breakout from 2 years of semi-isolation. Leaving this morning for a B2B on Explorer from Miami to Miami. Cleared COVID testing yesterday morning; used "Sameday Health" which was an efficient process. Got an Email @ 6 AM from AA that our non-stop flight from D.C. to MIA was on time and provided gate/luggage info. Had already completed all (I hope) Regent required info.

 

We have 6 cruises booked on Regent in 2022 - yes, a "leap of faith"! Only these two are on the Explorer. This will be a very different experience for me as I am having knee repair upon my return.  Soooo, no alcohol ( I usually taste all their white wines) and minimal walking ( excursions only to about 3 ports where I haven't been). 

I plan to try as many ship activities as possible. If you have questions, I'll try to track them down.

[artlee]

hope your cruise is great. Enjoy!

[mrlevin]

Mary and Jim,  have a wonderful cruise!!

[Aloha 1]

We'll see you on the second leg. After 2 1/2 years, can't wait to be at sea again.

[Ladys Mom]

Have a wonderful cruise.  Stay safe.  It is great cruising again.

[Aloha 1]

Let us know how embarkation goes today.

[DeepFreeze63]

23 hours ago, Aloha 1 said:

Let us know how embarkation goes today.

My conclusion - well organized and easy.  Friends, who had sailed Explorer in 2021   - Super easy compared to earlier check-in!

 

Left hotel on regent bus at 11:30 and was in our cabin at 12:45.

 

Bus pulled up in front of large white tent next to Terminal J. Entered "Eurofin Covid Testing" line to a few tables where passports were checked and "Eurofin" was issued card which has barcode and unique 6 digit number. Proceeded in a line to entry to antigen testing area (about 15 to 20 cubicles) - all nicely organized. Standard nasal swab in about 5 minutes. Proceeded to folding chair area in front of 2 electronic boards signaling the Eurofin ID numbers of completed tests ( about 15 to 20 mnute wait) with staff who check vaccinations/ health via questions inputted by them to I-pad. Staff take your vaccination cards to table where the ship's doctor reviews them ( cards returned to you). Email alert from Eurofin that your results are ready; proceed directly to table at exit door where you receive wrist band (if negative).

 

Tip: you get Email notification well before your number shows on the electronic board. As soon as you receive Email from Eurofin go to exit station for your results.

 

Out the door to Terminal J, next door, where passports and boarding passes (from prior on-line check-in). Up the escalator; though security; and on to ship. We immediately checked in to our muster station and then direct to cabin which was ready.

[UUNetBill]

@DeepFreeze63 I believe we met on a previous cruise, in Compass Rose on Explorer if I remember correctly - I hope you have a fantastic '22 cruising-wise.  We just did a week on Splendor in January and it was a great time.  We booked a short one as we weren't sure if the Covid protocols would be an issue and we regretted it immediately - should have done at least 2 weeks.  😛

 

Enjoy your cruises - I look forward to reading about your adventures this year until we have time to get onboard again (next January - boo)...

[DeepFreeze63]

Internet has been dropping off, so will keep postings short.

 

Captain Rosario is aboard and in quarantine so that he may assume command starting next cruise. Captain Rosario oversaw shipyard/sea trials of Explorer and has captained her many cruises.

About 480 passengers (per Cruise Director conversation).

Our cruise is SPECTACULAR!

[Kwaj girl]

Our experience with portside covid testing ti board Splendor last month was different.  Our numbers showed up on the board before we got the emails.  Actually we didn't get the emails until we were already thru security! 

[DeepFreeze63]

Correction: Learned at "Returning Guest" party (former Top Tiers) that there 428 guests this cruise of which only 58 are GPT so lots of new to Regent cruisers. Party was held at 5 PM on aft deck of La Veranda with Spanish style goodies and a Spanish guitarist - very nice.

 

Trivia is being held in Observation Lounge. Very few attending. Teams limited to 4 (yes four). Our team has finished 2nd both events to date; but yesterday, the winning score was 8/15 - very "difficult" questions about a variety of topics.

 

We're in harvest Caye today. Tender ride (5 minutes via ferry-like tender) to long pier as NCL Breakaway is here with us and larger ship gets to dock at pier!

 

Great dinner in Prime7 - thanks to previous posters' tips on menu items. Venue was almost full at 7:30. had lunch there also with very few other quests, Food has been great; has been very good on other Regent  cruises but DW says "Regent has upped its game".

 

The show last night was "World ___" by young production cast -  BEYOND SPECTACULAR - what talent. Tip: front area of theater was FRIGID; probably for dancers' high-energy routines. I moved to back row (between pillars) - comfortable temperature and good sight lines.

[DeepFreeze63]

Just got Regent info letter on how OUR B2B will be handled:

 

COVID tests in Observation Lounge tomorrow morning (day before embarkation).

ALL passengers must leave the ship on embarkation day. B2Bs will be escorted ashore (after other passengers depart. We were issued wrist bands to wear and only have to bring key cards and passports. We won't have to go through normal check-in to re-board, (not until very passenger has disembarked).

 

Also, we are  offered a Miami excursion - to the Hop-on Hop-off station and a ticket.

 

Supposedly unused SBCs will carry over.

 

I''ll update on our experience.

[DeepFreeze63]

On 2/19/2022 at 3:06 PM, DeepFreeze63 said:

Just got Regent info letter on how OUR B2B will be handled:

 

COVID tests in Observation Lounge tomorrow morning (day before embarkation).

ALL passengers must leave the ship on embarkation day. B2Bs will be escorted ashore (after other passengers depart. We were issued wrist bands to wear and only have to bring key cards and passports. We won't have to go through normal check-in to re-board, (not until very passenger has disembarked).

 

Also, we are  offered a Miami excursion - to the Hop-on Hop-off station and a ticket.

 

Supposedly unused SBCs will carry over.

 

I''ll update on our experience.

Experience was JUST as listed above - GREAT. Also, unused SBOs carried over.

for second leg, new captain and new GM (prior GM was on 5 months).

 

Interesting findings (for me):

No plastic bottles; only Vero filling stations and metallic, reusable bottles. Easy to use.

New outside extension of Coffee Connection (like Splendor's)

Many tiles in/on infinity pool are still missing (apparently a design problem). No infinity pool (3 jacuzzi instead) on Grandeur.

[ronrick1943]

Sounds great so far, hope you have a great cruise.  Enjoy, looking forward to hearing more about your trip.  Safe travels……….

[DeepFreeze63]

Cruise continues to impress even without "Block Party", Captain's Reception, etc.

Trivia in packed Observation Lounge and VERY competitive.

GM and F&B Mgr, very available but Captain sequestered and no dining with Staff or Production personnel.

Deck 6 hallway off-limits to passengers so entry to exercise through Spa (via circular staircase a no-no for my knee). Salt-water pool fun exercise but cool to cold water.

DW (with a sensitive stomach) who has always liked Regent food (especially their pastry and desserts) commented: "Regent has upped their game".

Yesterday , we arrived early in San Juan and docked at foot of Old Town - across from RSS Navigator. Navigator disappeared during day to ??? in morning we, walked over to her. Many of Explorer staff were visiting friends just outside her dock .

Mask protocol still in effect with "gentile" reminders from the staff to us who forget to resume after meals. Been told by Cruise Director that mask requirements will be suspended for PASSENGERS on March 1st.

[DeepFreeze63]

Masks optional for passengers at 12:01 this morning. Maybe about 25%,  of those I've seen, wearing masks this morning at about 9 AM - at breakfast (not at tables), elevators, and computer room.

[DeepFreeze63]

Last night on Explorer for 2 years - our other cruises to be on Voyager. Just noticed a very nice "new" (at least to me) feature on Explorer. Coffee Connection converts to Italian wine bar - 6 to 9, its wine and snacks - from 9 to 11, it's night caps and sweets. Outdoor section is lighted; indoor section is very subdued lighting and quiet.