Kiwifromkiev

30 minutes ago, Caroldoll said:

What would be your preferred sanitary wipe?

Anything which either contains alcohol or non-alcohol medical disinfectants. I attach an example - this particular one comes from medical supplies however pharmacies would be able to offer an over-the-counter alternative.

28 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Here I am suggesting that people relax and not worry and I’m obsessing about diapers on airplane restrooms.  Go figure.

 

I think that precautions are always good. Coronovirus or not - there are a lot of other nasties out there! My DH is a health professional and we always take wipes on flights, as we have read/seen statistics of how yewww-dirty airplanes are (although seemingly clean). One of the things, which is often forgotten/ overlooked by travelers are pockets in seats as many people stuff all sorts of rubbish in them. Rubbish is removed but not the germs. 

I have not seen anything on rubbish bins in restrooms. this makes a lot os sense, so thank you for sharing! 

28 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Silversea is our second favorite cruise line (we prefer it to Crystal).  Only mentioned this because of your comment.  I don’t want to go off topic but am curious if you had a bad experience on Silversea.

Oh, no - I just thought it was a funny (in a way) and very categorical statement to put in one's signature 🙂 this thread's topic is somewhat grim, so a little lightheartedness will not go amiss 🙂  

4 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Regent is going to park a ship; I just hope it is not the one I plan on being on.  I will continue to travel as long as I am able come hell or high water.  After 9/11 we really started traveling as we realized life is too short.

 

Marc

Marc - total off-top, but really liked your signature  "Silversea - never again" 🙂 

4 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

 I'll just make sure that I have use a sanitizing wipe to open the door (might use a glove since I just read that people stuff diapers in the trash bin in bathroom ........yuck!)

 

sorry, not sure I understand - are you concerned that your hand will accidentally touch something in the bin?

14 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I can see no reason not to take this cruise.  

 

Think that we should all take a deep breath and leave it to Regent.  It makes no sense to cancel now (unless you are outside of the penalty phase and are really frightened).  Regent has proven that it will do the right thing so we need to relax - just a bit.  

 

TC2, I agree with you insofar going to ports.

However (and apologies - I am no medical scientist), what worries me that on DP so many people got the virus, and some of them seem to be later on. It would appear that there was something contaminated  on the ship itself - water? air? Flu and other viruses on ships (an plains) are always high risk of spreading.

Each has their own threshold of risk. Some people take more risk than others. In this particular case there will be quite a few people (not only with RSSC but cruises in general) who are considering cancelling. Or feel lucky that their cruise was cancelled. Oh, and people have different level or understanding (based on education and/or experience) of this matter too.

we personally are totally relying on RSSC to do the right thing. I understand they want "issues" mo more than any of us do! It just would be nice to have some regular updates.

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

 And, also IMHO, since Regent cruisers that are on the cancelled cruises know that their cruises have been cancelled, and, with Regent having to rebook hundreds if not thousands of passengers, the website is the last thing that needs to be updated.

 

It is easy to bash Regent for everything but they are the ones losing money here and are taking amazingly wonderful care of their affected passengers.  People are now asking about cruises in April/May/June and beyond.  Unless I missed something, Regent cannot foretell the future.  I posted the latest information on the now locked site.  According to the CDC, there are two likely outcomes:  1). The virus will slow or dissipate in the Spring and move to the other hemisphere or 2). It will become a seasonal virus.  

 

I know that this is a strong post and I am not putting anyone down -- just hoping that the hysteria will calm a bit.  

 

The amount of panic (likely due to the media) is overwhelming.  If people are concerned and are able to cancel without penalty, they should do so before the penalty phase kicks in.  If you are in the penalty phase, either Regent will deem it safe to sail or you will receive a refund. 

 

Sorry - this is a strong post but reality (as of today) is not the same as what is being portrayed on CC.  While I do not have all of the figures in front of me, the population in Italy (as of 2015) is 60.08M.  I believe that they have between 200 and 300 cases of the virus.  So, if you are afraid to go to Italy, I cannot understand why.

 

 

 

 

TC2, my post is far from bashing Regent! I do understand that as a business they are in a hardly enviable position.

However, I do disagree with your comment on website - this is not a major job, to put an update (from a technical perspective) and RSSC are in business where website is their "face". Neither I am panicking or implying that RSSC (or anybody else by that matter) can predict events. My post is predominantly about communication, or rather lack of it. It is hard for people with April /May bookings not to think - "where does this leave us?" Yes, I understand that those immediately affected are (probably) notified - if they have access to their e-mails. But there are many others who are not immediately  affected, but may still be affected, one way or another. It is NOT about me, we have already decided - we are going, if the cruise is going ahead. However, - by way of example only, I was very pleased to learn - here, on CC - that Voyager's cruises in Asia have been cancelled prior to Abu Dhabi, for this means that there would be significant amount of time for the ship to be "cleaned" and for the crew to be "tested" (even if not formally). I am almost feeling guilty for being pleased for these cancellations affected so many people!

So once again, this is about communication. I think you have experience in the HR (apologies if I am mistaken). I have worked with people all my life too (not in HR). How many good initiatives in businesses are met with hostility by those who work for the business simply because there is lack of communication! Here is the same - a little update could go a long way. If nothing else, it indicates that the customers are thought/cared about (i am not saying this is not the case, but we are talking communication and appearance) and would give customers some comfort that should their (April/May/Spetmeber) cruise be affected, they will be kept informed. That's all. ❤️

Some of you might have already heard about closing of two regions in Italy. Celebrity has already updated their website and passengers traveling soon received letter - within 24 hours from the news been broken in the media. Why on Earth a reputable company like Regent does not update its customers? On recently closed thread here, a CC member made a very, very valid point - passengers who are not on CC (vast majority are not, by the by), have no idea of many changes as they have not been informed. This is really the time where people can, and should, only trust information coming directly from the company. I hope that someone from RSSC will take charge. Daily updates - even if a notice that there is no change to prior status, and regularly updated itineraries of the cruises which have been amended - dates, ports etc are a MUST!

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

When all else fails and things become snarky, I go back to research.  

 

First is influenza which remains the #1 virus that kills the most people worldwide every year.     

 

I agree with you, TC2, as a lot of what is happening now is due to hysteria, with best intentions - in some places, and trying to discredit countries and governments in others (thinking staged "protests" in Ukraine). Media of course, is having a field day - bad news sell. And we are absorbing all these news - true, false and in between, like sponge. And panicking, speculating etc, etc, ,etc. It is hard not to, but sometimes it is better not to have fuel added to our speculations (nothing to what is discussed in this thread, just a philosophical observation in general).

The bottom line is - if one's cruise is not cancelled, and one is not willing to say good bye to thousands or tens of thousands of $ as it is too late to cancel and insurance does not cover willy-nilly cancellations, we may as well try to enjoy our planned vacations and pray for the best (and take reasonable precautions, o fcourse). IMHO

1 hour ago, friedmom said:

They didn’t seek good advice, or if they did, they ignored it and didn’t share with prospective passengers.They should have cancelled that cruise, or at least given those passengers the opportunity to cancel with a full refund. This is playing out exactly as expected by knowledgeable people and will continue to do so.

are you suggesting that more cruises should have been cancelled? or that RSSC should have started cancelling earlier?

11 minutes ago, rallydave said:

Exactly same wording as US terms as expected. After all would anyone except anything less than a full refund if you purchase and pay in advance or deposit for ANY product or service that the seller did no deliver not due to anything on your part?

 

 

In some cases the wording of cancellation is ... strange, I've seen it (nothing to do with cruises though). It may be the case with different prices (the most common example is the prepaid fares for hotels).

I have read the last few messages regarding what is "fair" and what is not and whether the company can differentiate their refunds depending on a country of residence. This prompted me to read the contract. First and foremost, it appears that there is a high chance that RSSC CAN differentiate IF their contracts vary in different countries. This appears to be the case. I live in New Zealand and our website only shows Australia/NZ T&Cs. In accordance with these T&Cs, tilted "Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Australia Ticket Contract" (bolded by me), Para 4 (a) states

If We cancel the Cruise or CruiseTour before it has started, We will refund the full Cruise Fare or CruiseTour Fare that We have actually received (less any air or accommodation charges incurred).

This is clearly what residents of Australia and New Zealand (as we are services by RSSC Australia) are entitled to. There are different entitlements in the event the cruise is shortened due to a mechanical failure or changes to itinerary. 

The other argument in support of different contracts is that offers differ greatly between the regions. Not only in relation to air or not, but pricing and extras as well. That said, the only way they offer can differ, if the Contracts are different.

Therefore, I urge EVERYONE affected - go to RSSC website and read the contract applicable to your country of residence.  The contracts are easy to locate if you go into FAQ and select "pricing" option and then "Do you have a standard cancellation policy". To me this is the minimum what you are entitled to, and anything else would be RSSC's goodwill. If your contact states "refund" than I would be insisting that's what I want. If the contract states something like "refund in cash or equivalent of" than this would cover FCC, however I do not believe that 10 months to use is a reasonable term.

The bottom line - READ your ticketing contract!

2 hours ago, flossie009 said:

 

I find it very disappointing that Regent have been unable to keep their website updated throughout this difficult period; a time when many guests are seeking up-to-date information.

 

This morning I see that all the cancelled cruises are still on the website; the only changes being that in the availability column it states "Call". Surely the last thing Regent staff need at this time is potential guests ringing their various offices enquiring about cruises that have already been cancelled 🤨

I agree. Some of the amended cruises also look confusing as the itineraries showed two different ports on the same day. I am no IT guru, but changing ports or simply indicated that the cruise is cancelled should not be too much of a deal. The only indication that something is happening is that status for each cabin category states "call"

13 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Not necessarily.  Laws in the U.K. are very different.  For instance, as I understand it, if you make a deposit for a cruise and then cancel, you lose your deposit.  And, there is not an automatic "Business Class" booking on international flights out of the U.K.  Some passengers need to use economy air.  For  many countries,, there is no included air at all.  On the other hand, there are some "consumer laws" that are apparently better than ours.  In my opinion, a 100% future cruise credit is more than fair - especially with the additional 25% FCC.  

 

Most of us do not understand their laws - nor do they understand ours (likely because we do not need to).  

TC2, this is only fair if a person can take another time off during 2020. IMHO it would be more fair if FCC was for 2020 AND 2021. Potentially, 2021 could be without further 25% FCC. We were holding our breath (sill are) for 16 April Abu Dhabi departure. If this is cancelled, there is no way on Earth we can take another holiday this year, the earliest would be the end of 2021. And although many of the cruisers are retired or semi retired, there are also those who still work  and have other commitments for the rest of 2020.

1 hour ago, flossie009 said:

Voyager will start its next cruise in Abu Dhabi on 16 April.

Flossie009, are you going on this leg (i know you were supposed to start earlier) or planning to cancel all together?

Can anyone give me an idea when Europe 2022 is likely to open for bookings? thank you 🙂

On 2/2/2018 at 7:58 AM, Travelcat2 said:

Hi - good to hear that you have gone through the excursions and have picked more than one since once they go "live" for booking, there could be some changes.

 

First, can I assume that you have already established your account on the rssc.com website? If not, we can take you through that.

 

So, at midnight (Eastern Standard Time), go into your account and notice that on the right side is "My To-Do List" which will show the things that you have already done and what still needs to be done. There will be a date for shore excursions and dining reservations. On the left, click on "View This Booking".

 

On the bottom portion of the page you'll see "Shore Excursions" and you can click on "Customize".

 

You'll then see a screen that looks very much like the one you view when checking out excursions. Select the port. This time, when you view the excursions, at the end of the explanation there will be boxes to check to book the excursions and time(s) that they are offered. If there is a cost involved, you will see it. Click the boxes and go on to the next port.

 

When yu are finished, click "Checkout". If any of the excursions have costs, you will pay for the excursions during checkout. Once you have completed the entire procedure, you will receive an automatic email from Regent with the excursions that you've booked.

 

If you change your mind or something does not work as expected, give Regent a call the next day.

 

Hope that this helps!

Thank you Travelcat2, yet again your post has been so useful! Today it was time to book our excursions - the first time cruisers/ nerves were playing up, I wanted to be ready. So searched the site and this post came up. Your instructions were great, easy to follow and between my list and your instructions  I've managed to book 11 excursions in no time at all! Thank you 🙂

When the world cruise is announced/sold - can you but just some segment(s) of it rather than the whole cruise?

12 hours ago, MadMarine said:

Hi Wendy,

The Pyramids have been on the bucket list since childhood.  Is there a problem with Port Said or Cairo that Regent doesn’t go there?   Any idea what “fairly pricey” is? 

It is my understanding its somewhere around USD 1,400 p/p (I got a quote in NZD so using exchange rate - approximately). The trip to Cairo is on the second day, early start - 4.30 am. Flying to Cairo and back, a few hours there to visit the pyramids. As much as we would like to go there, I can't justify the exercise, to be honest

1 hour ago, taxare said:

Kiwi, I wanted to followup on this as well. You had started another thread on this and hadn't responded. I see if you go to the voyage on the Mariner April 8 from Abu Dhabi to Rome, choose a port, go towards the bottom of the page where it says "email all available shore excursions" I believe it will give you a good idea of the excursions on at least six of your ports and their pricing. I'm guessing yours will be available soon.

I've just replied to your other post - apologies, I did miss it somehow. Thank you, this is very helpful - this is what I love about this forum, you have a few different, very helpful advice and you suddenly know so much more than before you've asked 🙂 

On 6/17/2019 at 2:17 PM, taxare said:

Kiwi, it would be helpful to know which cruise and when you are going, to help you specifically. You would hope the information would be easy to find and the excursions offered further in advance, but not necessarily so...

taxare, my apologies, I've missed this post 🙂 as I've been reading 2-3 threads on the subject I think some wires crossed in in my blond head, apologies 🙂

On 6/18/2019 at 6:46 AM, Travelcat2 said:

 

Galina, would you like me to provide links for you like I did for MadMarine?  I'd be happy to do it - just let me know.  I'm on and off of the computer during the day and evening so if I do not respond right away, I will a few hours later.

 

Also, want to mention that Voyager is our second favorite ship.  My DH and I are just not sailing on the older ships for now.  We did two Voyager sailings last year and enjoyed them very much - we have a "thing" for Explorer.

 

Jackie

Hi Jackie,

Apologies, I thought I've replied yesterday but it appears that I had not pressed submit button! (I AM blond - literally!) 🙂 in the meantime someone else posted a link to our cruise's overland/overnight excursion (I still can't get there myself but can through the link (which is really weird!). I did use your tip about looking up similar sailings to get an idea of the excursions available and their cost, which had proved  very useful as the list of total excursions in a port does not mean they are all offered. So thank you once again!

11 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

Hi Kiwi - good to see you again!

 

Your question has a rather complicated answer (at least I think that it is).  We just were able to find the prices for our March, 2020 cruise which I do not believe were available before now.  You are 100% correct that the small group cruises are not the same as Regent Choice excursions so yours should be available now or soon.

 

Since I do not have your email address (to send the list to), I will try to explain.  Go into the Regent website and choose your cruise (not under "My Account").  Then select a port.  Stop ....... sorry but if you give me the dates of your cruise and what ship you will be on,  I can give you more specific information.  It is difficult to pick a random cruise.

 

Hope that you will post your cruise!

 

Jackie

 

 

Jackie, thank you for offering to help! I have to say that I've found so much useful information from your replies/comments on this forum! my email address is galina.bell@outlook.com

We are booked on 16 April 2020 Abu Dhabi to Rome on Voyager (yes, I know your opinion about it - now, but I did not know when we booked 🙂 ) https://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY200416/summary

Thank you in advance!

Galina

On 11/30/2018 at 1:31 PM, taxare said:

We received this today as well specifically regarding our British Isles cruise this fall. I had looked at the June 1 excursions to prepare for being able to book our excursions in January. Let me give a couple of examples where the small group tour is being offered. Panoramic Belfast-Regular tour "Retail" $99, Tour price $0. Small group-same tour "Retail" $199, Tour price $49. Caernarfon Castle-Regular tour "Retail" $149, Tour price $0. Small group-"Retail" $199, Tour price $49. In my quick review I didn't see any Go Local tours, I may have missed them. It will be interesting to see if some like TC that prefer private tours may book some of these instead. Interesting choices.

taxare, please excuse my ignorance - this is our first cruise with RSSC. Where can I find prices - I cannot see them on the list of excursions, must be missing something? TYIA 

On 6/11/2019 at 12:26 PM, Travelcat2 said:

Just a comment about the small charge for the same excursions that others are taking (included).  This is not the same thing as a Regent Choice excursion. It is simply an included excursion with less people.

 

We have taken many Regent Choice excursions and, almost always find them much better than included excursions.  The best IOO (in our opinion) are the food related Regent Choice excursions - they are amazing.  And, if you are on Explorer, some of them take place partially in the Culinary Kitchen and partially on land.  We have prepared full meals (with other guests) in restaurants in Funchal, Portugal and Rhodes, Greece that were fabulous (could have been the wine that we were given while preparing the food).

 

The best Regent Choice excursion was at a 2 Michelin star restaurant (Quatro Passe - likely misspelled) in Italy.  It was likely the best meal of our lives.

Travelcat2, I might be mistaken (looking in the wrong place?) but on our sailing (April 2020) i can't see Regent Choice clearly marked on the list of excursions. Some of these are obvious as are listed under "executive" (car, van etc) options. Others are not, however they come up in search if I filter by "Regent Choice" option. Is there an easier option to find which excursions are "free" and which are "extra cost"? we will be selecting based on what we want to do (subject to availability as we are not in 240 days class) rather than it being free. However I would still like to know what I am booking. And the second part to this question - there are no prices listed. Can you only know these at the time of booking? Thank you in advance 🙂

8 hours ago, JC in CA said:

For our Sept 2019 Panama Canal cruise on the Mariner we found that not all excursions are listed on the Regent website.  Our TA was able to get a PDF of all excursions a few days before reservations were opened.  I would definitely recommend asking your TA to check with Regent for a comprehensive list for your cruise.

-Jerie

Thank you, this is very helpful!