texanaust

12 hours ago, Raiders4Life32 said:

 

How reckless and insensitive of you to walk anywhere in a public space on a cruise ship without an N95 mask and your own private oxygen supply!?!?!  You don't catch COVID that way anyway!  You would need to spend more than 15 minutes in close proximity to that person, share a drink, hug/kiss them, etc. to catch it.  I guess this builds your case for your day of reckoning with Seabourn so you have that going for you.  

 

I don't understand some people.  These luxury cruise lines are barely making it after 2 years of the pandemic.  They are still sailing under capacity and losing money on nearly every voyage.  Yet people are still going to go after them demanding refunds and credits.  Don't complain in a year when your only choice will be Carnival and Royal Caribbean and sailing alongside 15,000 other passengers.  

Frankly after reading 4 pages of this, I have to agree with Raiders.  Wear a mask if you are really concerned, but Seabourn is not going to change moving forward.  In fact I suspect the EU cruising rules will be relaxed shortly too. 

We're leaving out of Naples on a Monday in May.  Embarkation time 2pm.  Guess how many PCR places are open Sat afternoon and Sunday in Italy?  The answer is, I haven't found one yet...

10 hours ago, cruiseej said:

@ciaoYacht Others may disagree, but I think putting much emphasis on the marina is off the mark. We've experienced "marina days" on a few Caribbean sailings and think it's much ado about, well, relatively little. It's typically just a couple hours after lunch. You can use one of a few kayaks, a paddle boat, or get towed around on an inflatable couch or banana boat for a few minutes. There's no swimming (unless your vessel overturns). I'm not saying those activities aren't fun, especially in a scenic location, but to me, there's just not a lot to be excited about... nor to be disappointed about in its absence. 

I have to agree, the 'marina day' can be a little overrated.  That being said, it was good fun on Koh Kut/Kood in Thailand. 

The inflatable couch is the best option as you have it all to yourself and can 'encourage' the officer driving to make it a little more exhilarating.  Watch the staff being towed around and you will understand what you are missing.  Of course they don't want to injure any of the elderly passengers which is why most of the rides are very sedate.

14 hours ago, saminina said:

Dana.....booked vista gty.....ended up in higher veranda on 8.   Of course, 200+ passengers on Moon helps.  Suite assigned shortly after booking.   It's like sailing with a different company than your last experience.

The chance of an upgrade seems pretty high on this itinerary which is why I am leaning towards the GTY. 

Okay I'll bite...Where have we met? Your CC handle is not familiar.  I am going to take a wild guess and say you've been to every Chart House restaurant in the world.  

Stateroom 417 is available and appears to be huge.  Do I take that or go for a guarantee and possibly get a Veranda?  Are there any negatives to 417 besides it being near the launderette?  I have not been on any of the newer ships, so I have no idea what to expect.  Last SS cruise was almost 20 years ago!

You also cannot double up any longer if one guest wants to take advantage of both guests massage benefit.  The Spa manager was quite rude about it too.  In the past when Seabourn was more accommodating, having a double 50min massage was no problem. 

The massage moments on deck seem to have disappeared too or they are only implemented when the spa staff have absolutely no one and are told to get some business.  

2K per person is about what a week in Yacht Club costs outright if you get the 5+15 discount and combine it with some other promotion.  Depending on what you have spent already, it might be a good deal...or not.  Otherwise just book YC for a future cruise.  

Spain and Italy just ended mask restrictions outside.  I suspect many/most restrictions will be gone by summer.

2 hours ago, Catlover54 said:

 

No, it was not.  I have enough trouble hiking uphill for a couple hours in hot humid climates without being handicapped by a mask further blocking my inhalation and exhalation.

I found out that even parts of Europe (e.g., Spain)  are now also requiring outdoor masking, regardless of distancing, for an indefinite period, so I canceled a cruise that was supposed to go there in early spring, where a good part of the journey was to include walking around outside -- I can't risk it. It's bad enough as it is just to be on buses for long drives, especially where the AC is poor, and even to be on long flights (especially on those lines where cloth masks are not allowed anymore, like on Lufthansa).

 

All these factors, and not just the quarantine risk, contribute to decisions on whether or not to stay home, or travel (especially if home is pretty nice).  If I lived in a very cold climate, I might be happy just to go somewhere warm and never leave the pool deck except to eat and sleep 🙂 

I suspect that the requirements for outside masking in Europe will be quietly dropped as summer approaches.  That is what Spain did last year.  There is too much pressure from the tourism sector and compliance will start to be a problem when other countries are completely/mostly free of restrictions (England, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland).  

The quarantine risk on the other hand is what worries me...but we'll be risking it this summer regardless.  It has been over two years since our last cruise...enough.

44 minutes ago, Catlover54 said:

I was on the Moon 1/3-1/19 to Panama Canal and a bit beyond to Equador  (you can go to my thread if you want details about where/when/how masks were dealt with both inside and out ).

 

The official rule was that masks were required *anytime one left one's cabin* unless actively eating or drinking.  The butler specifically told me, in response to my specific question about *outside*, when I embarked,  that that included even while walking outside and *even when distancing more than 6 feet was easily possible*.  It was repeated in this general term of *whenever one left the cabin* unless eating or drinking, few times by the captain and in written notices. Only once (towards the end of the cruise) did I hear a major staff person say one should wear masks outside one's cabin when *indoors* (without saying going maskless outdoors was ok) 

 

Masks were even officially required in the gym, which is inside, but when no one else was there.

 

Enforcement was another story:  most people (the few there were) wore them while walking outside, though sometimes with snoots overtly showing for long periods. Almost no one wore them at the pool deck area even when they were not eating or drinking and   I never saw crew chase after people who were not wearing masks, except at the buffet (even though distancing breaches frequently occurred, especially by crew standing around talking, that violation ironically was repeatedly ignored).

 

However, depending on what country you are going to, the ports and countries themselves (like Caribbean ports) commonly now have "mask outdoors" rules, (not just for cruisers but also for locals) even when you can distancing with many, many meters -- it is the law, subject to major fine if enforced.  They were required on all of our excursions, including when walking around outside, including when one could distance well over 6 feet (but then pax would get seated to eat shoulder to shoulder with strangers on excursions <6 feet away).  Again, enforcement was another story.

One of our Costa Rica ports had a requirement that we not go ashore without a surgical grade mask (no cloth masks) and keep it on at all times on our excursions (even when outside, even when hiking uphill, 25 feet from the next person, in 88 degree weather).  

 

Have fun.

 

 

That doesn't sound like fun, especially having to wear a mask while hiking uphill!!!  

Silversea used to allow port flexibility for a pro-rated fare.  We did it once joining in San Juan.  I think it was during the financial crisis and they stopped doing it shortly thereafter.

34 minutes ago, Hobar said:

Really?? i am Barry from Hobar, for the record, I wrote an article a few days into quarantine. I relayed my experience. There was no compensation ever mentioned, implied or requested. your cynicism knows no bounds and it is downright vile. i was treated well and spoke to some of my fellow quarantined comrades.It was difficult for SB as cases increased.To imply special treatment is so out of line but I guess everyone is entitled to an uniformed and speculative opinion. I got the cruise credit everyone got and quarantine credit. i was away from my wife for christmas and New year's, the first time in 30 years we have not ushsered in the new year. i hope and pray you never have this horrible experience. i made the best of it. glass half full, pal! we are lucky to be able to sail. Best case? the holidays with the woman i love. get a life.

My comment really was not about you, just that different people receive/perceive differing levels of service.  People also do get paid to write articles, and all I said was that it might be possible.

But I am sorry that my post would provoke such a reaction.  Enjoy your life and wife-I'm just some cynical nobody from the net.  

1 hour ago, fdnycruiser said:

Nice that Barry got an email from the Seabourn CEO. I was lucky to get a phone call from the Doctor twice .  Covid is a medical condition. If you test positive and in isolation you are now a patient. As such one should expect regular visits from the health team to monitor your condition. Food from room service is nice, the staff at Seabourn square were all friendly . However, not going over your medical history  or  even bothering to stop by and check your vitals isn’t providing adequately medical care, and could be fatal depending on your underlying conditions . 

I guess you need to be a Crisis PR PRO to get Barry's quality of service.  The article he wrote may have involved compensation from SB too. 

However, Seabourn's response to Covid is still a lot better than what the folks over at Crystal receive.

5 hours ago, SUZYN said:

Will they offer that upgrade to those who have paid in full already?

Susan

 

Most likely if you ask, but it depends on what you paid.  This promotion is nothing special though as the pricing is much higher than the Black Friday sales.  

8 minutes ago, SLSD said:

I'm sure you do know this, but masks are worn to protect others--as well as ourselves.  By not wearing a mask when it is required or requested, you are saying (in effect) that protecting others is not something that you consider important or perhaps it is something that would inconvenience you.  As far as I am concerned, the considerate thing to do is to wear a mask when it is required or requested.  After all, you will not be cruising alone and your decision to wear a mask (or not) could directly affect others.  

 

We are not cruising at this time.  I am hopeful that in the future, the virus will be under better control and masks will not be required.  This is just not that time.  I hope that everyone who IS cruising has a wonderful time and I look forward to reading about their experiences.  

Sorry, but how does asking when the Seabourn policy changed equals 'By not wearing a mask when it is required or requested, you are saying (in effect) that protecting others is not something that you consider important or perhaps it is something that would inconvenience you,' as you state?????

Some of us who have not cruised in almost two years would just like to know the policy, not have a debate on whether or not it is inconsiderate!  Crystal doesn't require masks, Celebrity doesn't require masks, NCL doesn't require masks.  Seabourn now does-I get it.  

13 minutes ago, markham said:

Masks are not optional, nor have they ever been, if you think that you can decide for yourself which option to choose from: to wear one or not.

 

During the Greek cruises last summer masks were not required although they were required for crew. The virus has changed all that and the relevant authorities have mandated that masks be worn since then and going forward, as described above.

 

If you choose not to abide by these rules for any reason then do not book a cruise. Those that have invested money and energy to cruise would expect compliance - masks over mouth and nose - in order to protect each other from the virus. It's the protocols that matter.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

I'm not sure you really answered my question other than state your opinion.  Masks were definitely optional prior to covid and they were optional for guests on the med sailings this summer.  

My question is when did they become mandatory?  Your risk profile may be very different to mine, but I would not enjoy a Seabourn experience with masks.  And as one who also invests money and energy to cruise, I would not expect (or demand) compliance.  I would rather that each and every passenger have the choice, but that is just me.  

The website appears to have been updated to the following:

ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask in elevators, retail shops, in the casino and other designated areas except while eating and drinking. Guests will be required to wear a face mask prior to being seated in all dining venues and in other designated areas. Masks are required when embarking and disembarking.
 

I thought masks were optional on SB, but this does not appear to be the case any longer.  

There is lots of unsold Seabourn inventory for next year, especially if you exclude the suites.  If Seabourn does not provide some decent incentives, they will literally be giving away the staterooms to all the interline people last minute (Pilots and FA's rejoice...).  

Although demand will be greater than this year, there is a still lot of uncertainty and cruise hesitancy.  One would think cruise lines would be happy to break-even rather earn back their lost revenue.  

We too are based in 'Fortress' Western Australia and will be traveling to Europe next May.  We have made no cruising plans yet, but plan to pick up some last minute deals hopefully.  We are not too worried about Covid, but mask wearing and getting offloaded for quarantine at random ports does concern us. 

Looking at Seabourn's ambitious Med schedule for next year, it seems hard to believe all the cruises will depart as planned.  And they certainly won't fill up at the current prices if the hesitancy on this board is anything to go by.  

On 4/4/2020 at 4:24 AM, HappyFeet13 said:

My opinion is that they will all be forced to declare bankruptcy. I think it will be a long time (probably more than a year) before they cruise again, and when they do, the management and structure of the cruise lines will have changed. I also think FCC's will become nearly worthless (although they will be honored in some way by the newly-reorganized company at some time in the future) and I fear that refunds just won't happen. I really hope that I'm wrong, but I can't see how these cruise lines, with immense overhead and a lot of debt, can stay afloat (pun intended). "Mothballing" ships for a few months creates all kinds of problems, not the least of which is getting everything mechanically operational again. Anyone who has ever owned a boat knows that if you don't use them, they break. Planning routes, finding ports, arranging for fuel and supplies,  re-constituting trained crews, and finding passengers willing to get on a cruise ship, will be a nightmare. Of course Carnival and the others have to put a positive spin in order to get people to book for next year, and to buy their stock. They are fighting for their lives...and their jobs. But I think they know that even if they were allowed to start up again in two months, they just couldn't pull it off. When they re-start, it will be like planning a Normandy invasion, times 10. It will take many, many months to do that.  The cruise lines will be the major international business catastrophe of Covid 19. The airlines will get bailed-out because they are national assets and employ nationals in their own countries. The cruise lines are "a man without a country", and will be allowed to fail, because it is not in any nation's interest to spend many, many  billions to save them. Sorry to be such a sourpuss, but I think that's reality. 

This. 

Cruise lines really don't pay much tax to any country and so are seen as undeserving of a bailout.  Until they can test all passengers for Corona Virus as they walk down the gangway, how are port authorities going to trust they will not be receiving another Diamond Princess, Ruby Princess, (add name of multiple other cruise ships)?  Also many (most) crew members come from countries that have not been adequately testing for Covid-19.  Until this virus burns out in those countries, there is no way cruising will be able to restart.  

Finally, how is cruising going to begin when almost all international and domestic flights are grounded?   The airline 'restart' will be slow and airfares expensive.  Many airlines will be forced out of business and others will be dramatically altered.  In Australia, our two airlines have almost completely stopped all service.  Try getting from Melbourne to Sydney next week...Normally the second busiest route in the world (think 737 and A330 widebody service every 15 minutes during peak hours), we have one Qantas service per day going via Canberra on a 72 seat turboprop. 

One airline (Virgin) is likely to go bankrupt (no bailout) and the other may very well become a domestic only airline for a long time.  Cruising before 2021 just does not equate.

1 minute ago, Trevor33 said:

Are you suggesting that cruise ships will be at anchor in 6-12 months time because of current situation?

I'd say that is a very realistic scenario.  Here in Western Australia they are saying to plan for our borders to remain closed until after Christmas (not just the international border, but our closed state border).

So am I correct in understanding that all Carnival Corp owned lines with the exception of Cunard are now allowing people to cancel and receive a FCC?

Well so much for this thread...Why don't we throw in politics and tipping just to add to the excitement.😷

1 hour ago, rols said:

It’s on its way to Sembawang which is a shipyard. Don’t know how Seabourn could have arranged maintenance in such a short time but perhaps they have some things they may as well do while the ship is empty. 

Makes you wonder if this was planned a little further in advance than what guests were told...I wonder if this means the February 29th cruise will still leave from Singapore as scheduled? 

2 hours ago, ab21au said:

Below is the email what we got from SB.  We have cancelled our 29th sailing, and put the 100% FCC towards a Mediterranean cruise later in the year. 

I'd say what you posted was pretty generous from SB.  Risk taking the cruise and be rewarded with the 50% FCC, otherwise cancel and get a refund in the form of a FCC.