Grand Northern Europe Voyage - Lisbon to Stockholm - May 6, 2022 to June 28, 2022

[eastwoodboy]

4 hours ago, zqtchas said:

They don’t do temperature checks anymore. 

They were on Dawn last week almost exclusively Spanish ports.

[mysty]

The tour we did today was intended to give us time away from seating in the Panorama Lounge.  It did that and was not inspiring.  We visited an outdoor museum (Arbaejarsafn) which was interesting.  Given 30 minutes to explore.

 

 

 

The church.....

 

 

Then we went to Perlan "The Pearl" for a scenic view of Reykjavik.  Another 40 minutes.

 

 

Then to the Iceland National Museum for another 50 minutes.  This tour was simply a time killer for changeover day.  It accomplished that but not much more.

 

[Stumblefoot]

Mysty and ZQT,

 

Does SS still require all in transit passengers to vacate their suites by 8:00a on changeover days, then retest pier side before reboarding the ship @ 2:00p with RELS and Gk9?

[lincslady]

I can believe the testing bit, but surely not having to vacate the suite (presumably the same one), and be off the ship over lunchtime??  Not very civilised if so.

 

Lola

[Stumblefoot]

8 minutes ago, lincslady said:

I can believe the testing bit, but surely not having to vacate the suite (presumably the same one), and be off the ship over lunchtime??  Not very civilised if so.

 

Lola

Lola, no one has ever had to be off the ship during the healthy return to sailing and I didn’t mean to imply such. Vacating a suite does not mean leaving the ship as SS has always provided places on board for in transit passengers to remain on board, i.e. Panorama Lounge, etc.

Edited May 30, 2022 by Stumblefoot

[lincslady]

Good.  I just interpreted the having been off the ship until 2 p.m. meaning you had to leave it, but I guess you just had to get off and on again after testing negative.  I would be cross if I could not have a peaceful early lunch onboard before the newbies got on!  I know changeover day is always a bit less than optimal, having done a few b to bs, with everything being refreshed for the new trip, but we have often stayed on board and had a peaceful time before the new folk boarded.

 

Lola

[zqtchas]

27 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

Mysty and ZQT,

 

Does SS still require all in transit passengers to vacate their suites by 8:00a on changeover days, then retest pier side before reboarding the ship @ 2:00p with RELS and Gk9?

We were tested the evening before. Had to be out of suite by 8 AM and could return by about noon. There were tours offered as Mysty described. Ours was a whale watching one, but we canceled due to fog. Besides on  the bird watching cruise yesterday the guide said no fishermen had not reported any sightings of whales in the area.

 

Today at about 11:30A when we started to get off the ship we were held back while some passengers were escorted off by people dressed in hazmat suits.

[zqtchas]

51 minutes ago, lincslady said:

Good.  I just interpreted the having been off the ship until 2 p.m. meaning you had to leave it, but I guess you just had to get off and on again after testing negative.  I would be cross if I could not have a peaceful early lunch onboard before the newbies got on!  I know changeover day is always a bit less than optimal, having done a few b to bs, with everything being refreshed for the new trip, but we have often stayed on board and had a peaceful time before the new folk boarded.

 

Lola

Breakfast in the Alantide was a bit hectic.  It was crowded and some people were leaving before their orders were taken.

[Stumblefoot]

49 minutes ago, zqtchas said:

Today at about 11:30A when we started to get off the ship we were held back while some passengers were escorted off by people dressed in hazmat suits.

Sounds scary.  I assume they were the 11 infected passengers.  Did they also escort the 3 crew off the ship, or do they stay on board in isolation?

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

1 minute ago, Stumblefoot said:

Sounds scary.  I assume they were the 11 infected passengers.  Did they also escort the 3 crew off the ship, or do they stay on board in isolation?

Normally they stay onboard until they test negative.  Maybe Iceland's rules are a bit more relaxed?

[zqtchas]

1 hour ago, Stumblefoot said:

Sounds scary.  I assume they were the 11 infected passengers.  Did they also escort the 3 crew off the ship, or do they stay on board in isolation?

I don’t know, but the next entry offers input. We have had a little table by the door across the passage way from us for a couple of days with an empty tray on it from time to time.

 

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

57 minutes ago, zqtchas said:

I don’t know, but the next entry offers input. We have had a little table by the door across the passage way from us for a couple of days with an empty tray on it from time to time.

 

When we were on the Moon, those who tested positive were isolated in the front suites on deck 6, up the hall from where we were.  I do not believe any covid positive guests were allowed to isolate in their own suite.  We knew someone who was in isolation for a few days and they indicated that food was brought to their isolation suite in disposable containers. I do wish the best for all on board the Moon.  We made some friends who remained onboard and are sailing with you and hope Silversea continues to do their best to keep everyone healthy and safe.  

[les37b]

7 hours ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

When we were on the Moon, those who tested positive were isolated in the front suites on deck 6, up the hall from where we were.  I do not believe any covid positive guests were allowed to isolate in their own suite.  We knew someone who was in isolation for a few days and they indicated that food was brought to their isolation suite in disposable containers.  

 

When we were on the Moon in Jan and wife tested positive, she had to stay 10 days in the "red zone" despite zero symptoms and negative antigen after 4 days. I think the only exception to 10 days was to disembark and quarantine on land. All food was served in throwaways. The food was delivered at strict time slots.... And 24 hour service was certainly not available. They would put the food on the floor and knock on the door and move away. The first 2 days were rough and "hot" food served cold. I'm pleased to say Vicki resolved this and hope the changes are still in place Leaving jail, guests had to don Hazmat to another suite. Once inside they strapped off the hazmat, resprayed in the corridor then left the  quarantine zone That seemed a bit OTT, but guess no chances were being taken, even though she have no contact with another soul and "clean" of COVID for 6 days! But thems the rules, so ....

 

Those in close contact isolation (me) could stay in their suite and be served in the room as per any other guest and not served on throwaways  If you remained negative, you were released to wander the ship but instructed to stay clear of others. That isolation was meant to be 24 hours, but they "forgot" and I had nearer 3 days out of circulation.

 

Wasn't great times, but if you have to isolate, I can't think of anywhere better. (Though incinerating her shoes was a step too far but that's another story!)

 

We certainly have no complaints (after the initial 2 cold food days) of treatment during this time and nothing but praise once we were reunited and treated nigh like royalty once back in circulation.  Nothing was too much trouble and we will be forever grateful for the service received 

 

 

Release day!!

 

 

 

Edited May 31, 2022 by les37b

[jollyjones]

From my personal experience on the Spirit back in March, the little verandah table outside the door means the occupants are close contacts and are in quarantine in their suite for 24hrs; if they then test negative they are released. The tray of food/drink (in regular crockery/glassware) is put on the table so no crew member goes into the cabin. 

 

Actual positive pax are moved to the isolation zone which was the forward 12 cabins on Deck 6, closed off behind glass doors.

 

IMO just 24 hrs quarantine is a bit brief from an epidemiological perspective, but I guess SS have to balance likelihood of transmission versus really annoying pax who may feel they hadn't been particularly close to anyone.

Edited May 31, 2022 by jollyjones

[zqtchas]

About 480 on board now. A lot less than before I was told.

Last group had a large group from Celebrity who were offered fire sale prices.

I think that’s the way I heard it, although they looked and acted more like  Carnival types. So far it looks like this group is not much into mask wearing!

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

5 hours ago, les37b said:

 

When we were on the Moon in Jan and wife tested positive, she had to stay 10 days in the "red zone" despite zero symptoms and negative antigen after 4 days. I think the only exception to 10 days was to disembark and quarantine on land. All food was served in throwaways. The food was delivered at strict time slots.... And 24 hour service was certainly not available. They would put the food on the floor and knock on the door and move away. The first 2 days were rough and "hot" food served cold. I'm pleased to say Vicki resolved this and hope the changes are still in place Leaving jail, guests had to don Hazmat to another suite. Once inside they strapped off the hazmat, resprayed in the corridor then left the  quarantine zone That seemed a bit OTT, but guess no chances were being taken, even though she have no contact with another soul and "clean" of COVID for 6 days! But thems the rules, so ....

 

Those in close contact isolation (me) could stay in their suite and be served in the room as per any other guest and not served on throwaways  If you remained negative, you were released to wander the ship but instructed to stay clear of others. That isolation was meant to be 24 hours, but they "forgot" and I had nearer 3 days out of circulation.

 

Wasn't great times, but if you have to isolate, I can't think of anywhere better. (Though incinerating her shoes was a step too far but that's another story!)

 

We certainly have no complaints (after the initial 2 cold food days) of treatment during this time and nothing but praise once we were reunited and treated nigh like royalty once back in circulation.  Nothing was too much trouble and we will be forever grateful for the service received 

 

 

Release day!!

 

 

 

Thanks les37b.  Had no idea how those in close proximity were treated and now that explains the table outside the door, which we also observed while on the Moon.  The photo you attached is what we remember as well in April.  I truly believe although some of the precautions seem extreme, the case count would have been much more severe had they not taken such measures.  We will all be glad when this is in the rearview mirror.

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

29 minutes ago, zqtchas said:

About 480 on board now. A lot less than before I was told.

Last group had a large group from Celebrity who were offered fire sale prices.

I think that’s the way I heard it, although they looked and acted more like  Carnival types. So far it looks like this group is not much into mask wearing!

We also observed a group that did one leg of our Grand Med. Voyage who acted like they just stepped off a Carnival party ship.  We rejoiced when the leg ended and saw them in the Dolce Vita lounge waiting for their luggage tag color to be called.

Edited May 31, 2022 by CruzinFeraBruzin

[Mr Luxury]

Did you help them off the ship with their luggage 😁

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

Just now, Mr Luxury said:

Did you help them off the ship with their luggage 😁

Trust me, there was a long line of folks waiting to help them off the ship...and none of them worked for Silversea!

[les37b]

34 minutes ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Thanks les37b.  Had no idea how those in close proximity were treated and now that explains the table outside the door, which we also observed while on the Moon.  The photo you attached is what we remember as well in April.  I truly believe although some of the precautions seem extreme, the case count would have been much more severe had they not taken such measures.  We will all be glad when this is in the rearview mirror.

 

Indeed, travel is now just a series of stress to endure. If Covid wasn't enough, currently UK airports are full to the brim, with people queuing hours just to get inside the terminal building! On top, airlines are cancelling up to 25% of their flights. They claim its a software glitch. I'd suggest its staff levels after they laid off and haven't replaced.

 

Back to the Moon, the table is a newer edition. They didn't do that in January. It's well documented on here, but we tested every other day and how we got "caught". At the time, we were meant ot have a mid cruise Antigen, which they decided they didnt need. On learning that another lady in the same boat us us (no pun intended), we were certain when the near end cruise PCR happened, the positive cases would be off the charts. Luckily only 2 more couples were treated to nights in the red zone and 2 crew more crew members. We stayed on an additional 9 nights. The couples that were positive after us, may well have been on for a further 14 days beyond ours and sail on to Montevideo as South America shut their facilities.

 

People were mostly wearing masks and certainly the close contact nets were a wake up call - with one Triv team becoming the Social Distancers and seating apart so they avoided a second tug. It did spoil the enjoyment at the time for sure, but as stated SS pulled out the stops when we got out and could not be faulted on any level. Food, special meals, recognition and chats on welfare and sorting the visa for Chile and organising the rescheduling of flights. They did a splendid job.

[XaaaV]

Hello everyone,

Nice to e-meet you all. 

We will board Silvermoon in Rekjavik on June 9 and - sorry for being the newbie here - I have a question. Our travel agent has booked for us to arrive for embarkation at 04:30 PM while Silversea documents are saying that we should be there between 02:00 PM and 04:00 PM. Could you give me a tip on what to do best?  (And because this is a concern: We have 3 shots of vaccine and we'll have the antigen test done before boarding)

Happy to be with you all soon and truly looking forward! This has been a surprise I've organised and it's been one year in the making so my hopes are really high!

Kind regards,

[lincslady]

Do you think you have another actual 'group' on board?  Or hopefully just individuals who will behave nicely and like the usual Silversea passengers.

 

I have encountered groups only a couple of times, and each time they were in the minority of passengers, but still somehow managed to be annoying to most people.  One was just friends of the owner on Seadream, which of course is a tiny ship, and they were so entitled you would not believe it.  And had obnoxious teenage kids.  The other was junior travel agency workers, who were really making the most of the included drinks etc. on a  Seabourn cruise.  It is especially maddening when you know you have paid for their freebie!

 

Lola

[Lois R]

22 minutes ago, XaaaV said:

Hello everyone,

Nice to e-meet you all. 

We will board Silvermoon in Rekjavik on June 9 and - sorry for being the newbie here - I have a question. Our travel agent has booked for us to arrive for embarkation at 04:30 PM while Silversea documents are saying that we should be there between 02:00 PM and 04:00 PM. Could you give me a tip on what to do best?  (And because this is a concern: We have 3 shots of vaccine and we'll have the antigen test done before boarding)

Happy to be with you all soon and truly looking forward! This has been a surprise I've organised and it's been one year in the making so my hopes are really high!

Kind regards,

Hi, first, no need to apologize for being new😃. We were all new once. As for your question and your TA, they booked a time for you? I would say since the cruise line allows you to board earlier, why don't you tell your TA that you want to be there earlier. Actually, your TA should know the times of embarkation.

 

Enjoy your cruise😃

 

[Mayflower1]

Can anyone provide details of what actual Testing is now happening onboard ? - It is interesting to hear the Reports of Numbers of Guests either in Quarantine ( and moving Suite ) or a ' Close Contact ' in their original Suite but how are these Folks being identified ?

 

I appreciate that it is still a moving situation but what is happening now would be useful to know - here in the UK its as if  Covid has disappeared with very little Mask Wearing and rapidly diminishing Test Centres.

[mysty]

Just now, zqtchas said:

About 480 on board now. A lot less than before I was told.

Last group had a large group from Celebrity who were offered fire sale prices.

I think that’s the way I heard it, although they looked and acted more like  Carnival types. So far it looks like this group is not much into mask wearing!

 

Regarding the mask wearing...new group sat right behind us in the Venetian Lounge not wearing masks.   Myster and I changed our seats moving further upwind of them.   In the line for the tender in front of us ,  a family of 4, mom, dad and 2 teenagers no masks.   Staff had to poke them.  COVID is still here.   Captain announces counts.   No easy way to identify them!