First morning under new rules.....

[Shippy]

Currently on Explorer. Yesterday, the captain assured us that there was no one sick onboard but corporate has dictated new safeguards would be put in place immediately.

What we have noticed so far....

  Had breakfast in LaVaranda. Half the stations closed down. You had to ask for everything, from jam to juice. NO more self service for anything. As soon as you get up to leave, an attendant swoops over with the antiseptic spray bottle to spray your chair before anyone else sits there.

The stations at the pool grill where they made smoothies, etc.     gone.

Coffee Connection....only half as much food so easier for attendant to serve. They must also get your coffee for you.

No newspapers in the library. 
This one makes no sense to me.....all cloth towels in the public bathrooms are gone. Replaced by rolls of paper towels. They are just left out so you have to grab the towel and rip one off.

currently only 9am so I am sure I will notice more later.

 

[Ladys Mom]

9 minutes ago, Shippy said:

Currently on Explorer. Yesterday, the captain assured us that there was no one sick onboard but corporate has dictated new safeguards would be put in place immediately.

What we have noticed so far....

  Had breakfast in LaVaranda. Half the stations closed down. You had to ask for everything, from jam to juice. NO more self service for anything. As soon as you get up to leave, an attendant swoops over with the antiseptic spray bottle to spray your chair before anyone else sits there.

The stations at the pool grill where they made smoothies, etc.     gone.

Coffee Connection....only half as much food so easier for attendant to serve. They must also get your coffee for you.

No newspapers in the library. 
This one makes no sense to me.....all cloth towels in the public bathrooms are gone. Replaced by rolls of paper towels. They are just left out so you have to grab the towel and rip one off.

currently only 9am so I am sure I will notice more later.

 

Kudos to Regent.  These precautions may seem over the top historically, but in my opinion Regent is trying to minimize the chance of any virus being transmitted onboard.  I suspect even more precautions are being taken vis a vis the crew.  I, for one, even as a senior would have no problem taking a Regent ship.

[mrlevin]

33 minutes ago, Shippy said:

Currently on Explorer. Yesterday, the captain assured us that there was no one sick onboard but corporate has dictated new safeguards would be put in place immediately.

What we have noticed so far....

  Had breakfast in LaVaranda. Half the stations closed down. You had to ask for everything, from jam to juice. NO more self service for anything. As soon as you get up to leave, an attendant swoops over with the antiseptic spray bottle to spray your chair before anyone else sits there.

The stations at the pool grill where they made smoothies, etc.     gone.

Coffee Connection....only half as much food so easier for attendant to serve. They must also get your coffee for you.

No newspapers in the library. 
This one makes no sense to me.....all cloth towels in the public bathrooms are gone. Replaced by rolls of paper towels. They are just left out so you have to grab the towel and rip one off.

currently only 9am so I am sure I will notice more later.

 

 

Even more reasons I am glad I cancelled my upcoming cruise.  Why spend all that money for a less than enjoyable experience.

 

Just my two confederate sense.

 

Marc

[wcsdkqh]

Inclined to agree with Marc.  Our upcoming cruise does not sound like a 5 star experience.  Many of the amenities that make Regent "Regent" appear to be missing. Rethinking it while I still can.

[JVNYC]

This is no way to spend lots of money.  This is not enjoyable to say the least.  We all love cruising but this is not worth it for a while. 

[ronrick1943]

WOW, glad Regent is following rules--however since you are paying the same but getting a little less.  But what else can they do to keep everything safe.

[Travelcat2]

9 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

WOW, glad Regent is following rules--however since you are paying the same but getting a little less.  But what else can they do to keep everything safe.

 

Agree - the rules sound very much like what is done in Code Red situations (absolutely NOT saying that any of the Regent ships are in Code Red - they are not).  Regent is likely taking this as another precaution.  We have sailed under Code Red conditions before and still enjoyed our cruise.  

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Apart from the paper towels, I don't see that having to ask for items in La Veranda is such a heavy burden that it would ruin my luxury experience.  Unless I liked smoothies perhaps.  If I was onboard right now I'd be very grateful that they are taking these precautions.

[Shippy]

This thread is absolutely nothing against Regent...just currently what is happening.

All busin

[Shippy]

Sorry for being cut off above...

 started to say all businesses have tough choices to make..

 Currently 3pm...latest things I have noticed...

Went by the big puzzle table by Coffee Connection this morning and the puzzle was gone. Thought we could start a new one but was told there would be no more puzzles allowed. Not tons to do on this ship so we went up to the card room. They have a fabulous collection of games and puzzles there.

   You can go into the room but the game cabinet doors are locked. Part of the new rules. No games or puzzles.

   Surprised the casino was opened. Played some slots as they were sanitizing all the card tables.

    Went to LaVeranda for lunch. Sat at a table they had just sanitized. They spray the seats and then wipe them down. Took just a few minutes to get some water and wine.

 Within a minute of getting up to get some food, the man with the bottle was spraying down our chairs again.

I totally get they have to do this but am glad there is only 2 days left of our 10 day cruise. 
 Timing is everything and were able to enjoy this cruise at its best.

      Do not know what would happen to someone if they have a sensitivity to those sanitizers.

 

 

[tampadee]

I know Regent is trying to keep everyone safe but I wouldn't like being on any cruise with what you are describing.

 

We just got off (cutting the trip short) Mariner.  There were a few days where they were serving everyone in Veranda.  This didn't last more than a couple of days and I was so relieved.  I'm not saying it isn't necessary but I don't want to cruise with it going on.  So we're thinking of cruising our October cruise. 

[Brownie54]

Thank you Shippy for your report!

A quick question- is the Fitness Center still open?

Thanks!

[Shippy]

12 minutes ago, Brownie54 said:

Thank you Shippy for your report!

A quick question- is the Fitness Center still open?

Thanks!

Good question !

Unfortunately for me, I prefer the buffets to a fitness center.   :0)

But I just called the guest services and they said aside from constantly sanitizing the equipment, everything there is still available. 

[cruiseluv]

1 hour ago, Shippy said:

Sorry for being cut off above...

 started to say all businesses have tough choices to make..

 Currently 3pm...latest things I have noticed...

Went by the big puzzle table by Coffee Connection this morning and the puzzle was gone. Thought we could start a new one but was told there would be no more puzzles allowed. Not tons to do on this ship so we went up to the card room. They have a fabulous collection of games and puzzles there.

   You can go into the room but the game cabinet doors are locked. Part of the new rules. No games or puzzles.

   Surprised the casino was opened. Played some slots as they were sanitizing all the card tables.

    Went to LaVeranda for lunch. Sat at a table they had just sanitized. They spray the seats and then wipe them down. Took just a few minutes to get some water and wine.

 Within a minute of getting up to get some food, the man with the bottle was spraying down our chairs again.

I totally get they have to do this but am glad there is only 2 days left of our 10 day cruise. 
 Timing is everything and were able to enjoy this cruise at its best.

      Do not know what would happen to someone if they have a sensitivity to those sanitizers.

 

 

 

I understand they have to do it but wonder what comes next... maybe face masks? Disposable dinnerware? 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

4 hours ago, cruiseluv said:

 

I understand they have to do it but wonder what comes next... maybe face masks? Disposable dinnerware? 

Since face masks aren't recommended for those who are healthy, I doubt it.

 

[tampadee]

5 hours ago, tampadee said:

I know Regent is trying to keep everyone safe but I wouldn't like being on any cruise with what you are describing.

 

We just got off (cutting the trip short) Mariner.  There were a few days where they were serving everyone in Veranda.  This didn't last more than a couple of days and I was so relieved.  I'm not saying it isn't necessary but I don't want to cruise with it going on.  So we're thinking of cruising our October cruise. 

I mean canceling our October cruise.

[ronrick1943]

1 hour ago, tampadee said:

I mean canceling our October cruise.

I'd wait since you have 48 hours----I would think this will be under control.  Fact is we just booked an October cruise.

[Hambagahle]

These measures make a LOT of sense to me and I have anyway always preferred the Oceania style of served buffets from the Regent "serve yourself" style.   I hate, passionately, having to use serving spoons etc that others have had their fingers on.  It is just not sanitary.   So all looks good.

PLUS - everyone - at least the people I see around me - are washing, washing, washing then sanitising, sanitising their hands.   This is GOOD.   This is the way to beat the virus.

 

Well done Regent, I say.

 

As for the puzzles etc - come on!!  If your friends have typhoid and play with a puzzle would you want to play with it?  I wouldn't.  So why invite disease when you don't have to.  If a jigsaw puzzle is essential to the enjoyment of your cruise - bring your own.

[Shippy]

4 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

I'd wait since you have 48 hours----I would think this will be under control.  Fact is we just booked an October cruise.

  Under control ?   I wish. I received 2emails if concern yesterday.

 We live down the coast from San Francisco..

  First...7 year old grand daughters talent show canceled. Elementary school does not want crowds.

  Second one a bit scary.  San Mateo County is next to San Francisco. Their fairgrounds holds many venues throughout the year. The email said that the annual jewelry/gem/craft show was being cancelled.

 At first I thought this was a crowd issue but upon reading the email, it seems the building have been commander for ‘emergency services’.

 I pray this is not a precautionary step to house sick people. I am OLD !

[papaflamingo]

Not sure we'll still do our 39 nights in June, waiting to see how this all falls out.  But for me, the big reason will be losing the ports.  However I must say, using paper towels in the public bathroom vice cloth towels probably won't make or break my cruise. If I'm "forced" to have table service in La Veranda, I suppose I can survive being waited on rather than having to serve myself. 😏

It''s an extreme situation.  Everyone's going to have to make adjustments.  But I'm wondering, how much of a discount does paper towels in the public restrooms warrant?  

[Shippy]

47 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Not sure we'll still do our 39 nights in June, waiting to see how this all falls out.  But for me, the big reason will be losing the ports.  However I must say, using paper towels in the public bathroom vice cloth towels probably won't make or break my cruise. If I'm "forced" to have table service in La Veranda, I suppose I can survive being waited on rather than having to serve myself. 😏

It''s an extreme situation.  Everyone's going to have to make adjustments.  But I'm wondering, how much of a discount does paper towels in the public restrooms warrant?  

Paper towel issue just does’t seem to make sense. Since no holders, you grab the whole roll to rip off & the next person does the same. Seems individual towels made more sense.

[Shippy]

LaVarenda for breakfast this morning . Tried to get some peach slices but next to that were the dozen bowls of things you could put on your cereal. Same server.

The man next to me did not want cereal but 3 dates/2 almonds/some sun flower seeds/4pecans,etc.,etc.

My husband just wanted a glass of juice. In front of him were 2 people that wanted blended vegetable juices.....that was usually done at the pool deck.
   Just a report on how it is so you can see how back ups can happen when you must be

served items you used to be able get yourself.

ALSO....

 the other day, only the newspapers were removed from the library. The library is now closed.

 A shame as it is one of the best at sea.

 

   

[Ladys Mom]

I feel bad about the library, especially if you have a number of sea days.  As far as LaVarenda, if you are not happy with the speed of the line or other issues with the buffet, why don't you just eat at Compass Rose or get room service.  It may be us, but in all of our Regent cruises we hardly ever eat in the buffet.  One of the things we enjoy about Regent is getting pampered with table service or being woken up by room service.  Eating at the buffet always reminds me of being on a mainstream cruise line.  I want more pampering than that.  Just my opinion.

[pappy1022]

I guess statistically, the fewer people you have in a contained area (cruise ship) the less likely a virus will occur but it only takes one to start the chain of events. Proper hygiene reduces the risk but it won't guarantee that you won't get sick. Airport and air travel certainly adds to the risk, as does hotel stays, bus tours and going into crowded venues. I applaud Regent for their efforts to try making their cruises as safe as posible but they don't control all the elements of travel and sightseeing. I believe that this virus will get much worse before it gets better. I hope and pray that the world tackles this issue quickly. I have until early May to decide on whether I take my September cruise. If I had to decide today, I would definitely cancel and get my money back, less the $200 cancellation fee. To me, even though I am healthy, the overall risk is too high at this point and the likelihood that the experience will be diminished both on the ship and more importantly in the ports, leads me to that conclusion. For those of you who do continue with your near term cruise plans, I wish you the best and hope for a safe and enjoyable journey.

[JVNYC]

Sorry but this is no way to cruise, especially at Regent's pricing.  I'd rather not cruise then not get what I'm paying for.