Lsb58

We board on Friday, so I'll do my best to post when I can from my phone. Anyone have an opinion on the Cruise Critic app for Android, or should that be a new thread?

Thanks everyone! I will be bringing a power strip with USB ports. Havn't read any updates on the Code Red , so hopefully no news is good news!

Quick question, do the electrical outlets on the Mariner accommodate hair styling tools other than the blow dryer provided?

Thanks TallShip, good to know we may be able to reserve the same large table each night. We were a group of 8 in 2009 when we were on Mariner in Alaska, but I can't remember what we did about dining on that cruise. You have a good point about sick crew Hambagahle, but I was hoping the strict protocol regarding illness among crew members that I've read about on this forum would have kept that issue in check. Forewarned is forearmed, and thanks to CC we can certainly take the extra precautions that will hopefully minimize our exposure.

Well, this is disappointing! I was hoping with a complete turnover of passengers the code red would have resolved. I realize Regent has no control over a passenger who is asymptomatic until the cruise gets underway, but serving food not up to safe temperature is a rookie mistake and can have consequences for the diner! My guess is the kitchen used the broiler to get a crust on the top of the dish without making sure it was up to temp throughout. We will be a party of 8 so I appreciate the advice on how to procure a large table. Guess someone in our group will have to go down 30 minutes before opening to ensure we don't have to wait a long time. A clean cabin is a top priority for me and I am delighted to hear that's not an issue. I can overlook modest wear, but grime is a different kettle.

Talk about a big code red worm can! I could go on and on about this topic as I observe some pretty egregious food safety and hygiene lapses wherever I go. I would like to add something that was taught to me by my Mom and I have tried to teach my Kids and Grandkids. If possible, pull your shirt up over your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze, that way you keep it completely to yourself! What good does it do to cough in to one's hand, only to touch a hundred objects thereafter? Using one's elbow is better, but hardly contains the particles that fly out at an alarming rate of speed. Trust me, you have no idea how wet sneezes can be until you've sneezed directly on your chest! It may not look "proper," but I don't think anyone around me has ever complained when I cough or sneeze next to them!

Thank you for those kind words TC. It takes a village and fortunately my 3 Sisters in Law are going too. Being with the family means so much to MIL, and between all of us I'm sure we can make sure she has a great cruise. I do worry about her being vulnerable to what ever illness may be going around the ship, but hopefully it will have run it's course by months end. I'll be checking for any daily updates!

I couldn't agree more TC. My MIL will definitely make it known to those around her that she is not sick. I have a hard time being around her when she starts coughing so I can only imagine how total strangers will feel, and I don't blame anyone who is bothered by it. This will be an ambitious trip for her and I have very mixed feelings about her going, but as the Daughter in Law, it ain't gonna be me who tells her not to go!

BigDogWon, I see your location is Santa Rosa, CA. I hope your home is not in the fire zone!

I emailed the other 6 other people in my family who will be boarding Mariner at the end of the month to please get their flu shot ASAP! Some of them need a goose to get anything done. I'll also continue to fortify my gut flora as usual in the hopes it can help mitigate any GI issues. PaulaJK, I appreciate your attitude regarding people who have non contagious coughs since one of our group is my 91 year old Mother in Law who has COPD, which causes an intermittent cough that sounds very nasty! She is really embarrassed when she has a coughing spell in public and I am very concerned about it now that there will surely be a "heightened awareness" on the ship regarding coughing passengers. I will say she is very good about staying home (or in her cabin) if she knows she is having a bad coughing day. Having said that, If you are on our cruise and find yourself around a little old lady who sounds like she has TB, my apologies in advance!

Thanks TC, pashmina is a great idea, especially over the dressier things. Appreciate your insights regarding the dining rooms. As far as the code red situation.....UGH! We made sure to get our flu shots, so hopefully that affords us some protection, but dodging the GI issues are a total crap shoot (pun intended!) I can't seem to get a chef to cook my meat medium well to well anywhere, even when I tell the server my favorite beef is jerky! I am already pretty fanatical (some say neurotic, I say extremely conscientious) about food safety, and I can only hope the strict protocol on board will resolve any food related issues quickly. I'll stay tuned to this thread for updates.

Hello Cool, Sorry to hear about the code red. Do you know whether the current code red is linked to the previous one, or is it something new? Also, can you give me some insight regarding the temperature of the common areas of the ship? We will be boarding Mariner soon and I'm trying to narrow down what I pack and want to make sure I have clothes suitable for off and on the ship. When we went to French Polynesia in 2015 I only packed super lightweight clothes and the interior of the Mariner was freezing!

It's not a G & T, but if you ever find yourself at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco (Howard Street location) they have a drink at their bar called the "Bee's Knees" which is delicious! Description reads "Distillery No 209 Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey syrup. We managed to recreate it at home, after doing a google search for a honey syrup recipe.

We'll be boarding Mariner in October. Can you please post the names of any servers that you find go above and beyond so I can request seating in their area, assuming they are still on the ship in October. Sounds like the server who is arranging a custom dinner for you tonight would be worth requesting! Also, what instigated the "Code Red?" Since you'll be on the Mariner for quite awhile I look forward to reading your posts.

Thank you TC! I had a feeling you would have some info! Whenever I read posts about crew members who seem "tired" or "uninterested" I always wonder if they are at the beginning of their contract and still getting up to speed, or at the end and suffering burn out. I also know each passenger has their own criteria for good service which may or may not be reasonable. Although I've only been on the Mariner twice (Alaska, French Polynesia) and didn't really get to know any of the crew, I've had no complaints. I will take your advice on my next cruise and be more inquiring.

Does anyone know what the turnover schedule is for the Mariner crew? I'd be interested in knowing how long the various crew members (servers, housekeepers, bartenders etc) have been on the ship prior to any given cruise.