The Future of Luxury Cruising (from a Regent-lover's point of view)

[Travelcat2]

3 minutes ago, rallydave said:

Have no idea where you thought I said that anyone had to pay the deviation fee before knowing what flights they were on.  Has been that way since I last cruised Regent.  I never said that at all.

 

What I did say to Pcardad was that to fly a day or two earlier in order to guarantee First on the domestic flight was that one had to deviate.  Cannot change dates without deviation and that that deviation would cost $350 per couple.. 

 

See your post #377 (first sentence) where you indicate that you need to pay the deviation fee and ”hope” that you get First Class since domestic flights are generally available 330 days prior to sailing......... You were discussing changing dates which does require paying the deviation fee again (that is true) but even changes are handled the same way ........ you approve flights before paying a deviation fee.  Not sure where you get the 330 days out for domestic flights.  This has not been our experience and we have booked several domestic flights - before the 270 days.

[rallydave]

8 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

See your post #377 (first sentence) where you indicate that you need to pay the deviation fee and ”hope” that you get First Class since domestic flights are generally available 330 days prior to sailing......... You were discussing changing dates which does require paying the deviation fee again (that is true) but even changes are handled the same way ........ you approve flights before paying a deviation fee.  Not sure where you get the 330 days out for domestic flights.  This has not been our experience and we have booked several domestic flights - before the 270 days.

I never said pay the $350 before knowing your flights.  You are taking things out of context and not understanding what I said.  As I said to Pcardad simply changing one or more days requires deviation which costs $175 pp if flights on the departure date are not available plus you won't know if you don't deviate the class of your domestic connecting flight until 75 days prior to the flight so most likely at that point no first class domestic.  Pcardad's suggestion only works if deviating was what I was saying.

 

As to 330 days prior, that is when airlines schedule flights which can be booked.  Regent will not book flights until 270 days prior so people not using Regent Air are able to take up available seats before you can deviate on Regent. and thus seats can all be taken when you try to deviate thru Regent be them contracted or non-contracted flights.

[Travelcat2]

Rallydave - it is not worth arguing.  I know what we have done in the recent past and how Regent handled it.  I also know that I can book domestic flights sooner than you state.  My experience last year disproves what you have stated (both domestic and international flights being booked by Regent at 270 days out).  My knowledge is based solely on personal and recent experiences with Regent.

 

It is time to let people that are reading this thread do their own research and will learn (from Regent or their TA) how all of this works.

[rallydave]

You have disproved absolutely nothing.  Just because it worked out for you does not mean it will work out for others.  Most likely it will work out for everyone and all I said is it is not guaranteed which is a fact.

 

My times for booking are completely accurate.

 

Domestic flights are available for booking approx. 330 days out.

 

Regent allows booking deviations 270 days out

 

And, not deviating means flights are known at approx 75 days out.

 

You said you could booke domestic flights earlier if so have no idea how and your getting domestic First is quited possible but NOT guaranteed.  You have not disproved any of what I have said.  Experience on your flights gives an indication but, not a fact for all flights.

[wcsdkqh]

Anyone who thinks there is a shortage of seats on a given flight at the 270 day mark is nuts. Geeze. Get real. Seems some people just want to argue about anything because they have nothing better to do.

[Travelcat2]

20 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Anyone who thinks there is a shortage of seats on a given flight at the 270 day mark is nuts. Geeze. Get real. Seems some people just want to argue about anything because they have nothing better to do.

 

Agree - there will be no shortage of seats..  For me, it is easier to admit when I'm wrong (which happens more than I would like).  To assume that I would not know how to book a domestic flight at 270 out makes no sense. 

 

Anyone can go to United Airlines, Air Canada or any other airline and try to book a domestic flight 270 days out  (around February 7th) and see what comes up.  This is not rocket science.

Edited May 13, 2020 by Travelcat2

[rallydave]

Never Mind

Edited May 13, 2020 by rallydave

[cruiseluv]

9 hours ago, wristband said:

Airlines & masks aside, I am curious about Frank's vision of life onboard.  Specifically, elevators.

 

Having been on many Regent cruises, all of us here know how small ship elevators are and how crowded they can be - packed like sardines throughout the day, esp during meal times, to attend lectures & evening shows, Captain parties and Trivia, when going for excursions.  Many passengers are elderly with mobility concerns - they depend on ship elevators to get from deck to deck.

 

How will social distancing 6 feet possibly be enforced? Standing shoulder to shoulder in elevators, waiting for an elevator, lining up to enter dining venues... I can't visualize how this can be policed - if it is to be policed - to ensure our health and safety. 

 

Personally, my concern is transmission of the virus - elevators are enclosed units, people sandwiched in close proximity to each other - an ideal setting for the virus to breed.  Unlike a packed plane, of course, an elevator ride is of a much shorter duration.

 

Curious how others think about this.  

I get your concern, but unless they drastically reduce the number of passengers, social distancing will be almost impossible to establish. I think cruising will flourish again when people decide to live with the risk of the virus while taking precautions

[cruiseluv]

2 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

 

I also don't agree with you that "the rest should be allowed to go about their business to the level(s) that they feel comfortable."  This is not working out well in the States, is it?  With people being insulted or bullied for wearing masks, or worse. And many "feel [quite] comfortable" going about their business while imperiling the health and safety of others.

 

The whole point of physical distancing is to slow down the spread of the virus so that the medical infrastructure will not be overwhelmed, and to protect the most vulnerable from getting the virus.  The two single most important practices that we can observe are two keep our distance, and wash our hands properly and frequently.

Where in the States is " not working out well"? In Georgia they opened a couple of weeks ago for the most part (with precautions) and from what I understand everything is going well. Other states are reopening gradually, like Florida and Colorado. There're states that to their credit never closed, and they're doing fine. Yes, of course there are new cases, and that will keep going on. Its a virus, and we're testing more, so cases will go up. 

And regarding the "mask bullying", I would say it works in the reverse. Plenty of videos in the internet of a bunch of karens pointing and annoyed at people for not wearing one. Up to a few weeks ago the CDC , Surgeon General , and even the esteemed Dr Fauci was telling everybody that the public in general didnt need to wear a mask. Now all of a sudden its become almost a dogma. 

And regarding the "slow the spread", or "flatten the curve" so as not to overwhelm the medical facilities, that was achieved a long time ago. But now, the goalposts have been moved, and some people are now saying that as long as there're new cases, or we dont have a vaccine  we can't open. That's just plain crazy

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

5 minutes ago, cruiseluv said:

Where in the States is " not working out well"? In Georgia they opened a couple of weeks ago for the most part (with precautions) and from what I understand everything is going well. Other states are reopening gradually, like Florida and Colorado. There're states that to their credit never closed, and they're doing fine. Yes, of course there are new cases, and that will keep going on. Its a virus, and we're testing more, so cases will go up. 

And regarding the "mask bullying", I would say it works in the reverse. Plenty of videos in the internet of a bunch of karens pointing and annoyed at people for not wearing one. Up to a few weeks ago the CDC , Surgeon General , and even the esteemed Dr Fauci was telling everybody that the public in general didnt need to wear a mask. Now all of a sudden its become almost a dogma. 

And regarding the "slow the spread", or "flatten the curve" so as not to overwhelm the medical facilities, that was achieved a long time ago. But now, the goalposts have been moved, and some people are now saying that as long as there're new cases, or we dont have a vaccine  we can't open. That's just plain crazy

 

Agree - 100%!

sheila and Herb

[mrlevin]

2 minutes ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

Agree - 100%!

sheila and Herb

 

Me too!  If we can get the deaths down in NY, NJ, PA, IL, and MA the statistics would look great.  TX has opened up and really built up the testing.  Deaths staying below 40 most in nursing homes.  So we have over 1,000 cases a day but we have a lot more people than NY or FL or WA.  I have been out for a couple of meals now, the 25% is working but hopefully they will allow more soon as I am sure the owners are losing money.

 

Narc

[Travelcat2]

We must be reading different statistics!  I strongly agree with Wendy.  Wish that all states had enough tests but we don't (and I am not accusing the governor's of any state of lying).  

 

We live in a relatively small county that had an average 1-2 new cases per day.  I've been tracking this for about a month.  In the past three days (prior to today) there we a total of 14 new cases(or a little over 3 cases per day).  Governor's from other states looked at Washington State as a positive example.  We are doing better than some states but the numbers have risen since we "slightly" opened up the restrictions.  Today, a casino opened up (about as "necessary" as tattoo parlors IMHO).  

 

Another issue is the violence against employees asking customers to wear a mask.  There has been at least one death and yesterday, a Target employee had his/her arm broken because they were asked to put on a mask.  What are people thinking?  We and disagree all that we want but we need to keep people safe (whatever that entails).  Do you really want your grandchildren to face what some children are facing due to this horrible virus.  I know that I post about wanting to cruise but, for me, keeping my elderly husband and grandchild safe is far more important than cruising.  

 

Keep in mind that this is not a partisan issue - it is a life or death issue.  So, listen to doctors - listen to scientists.......

[TrulyBlonde]

38 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

 

Me too!  If we can get the deaths down in NY, NJ, PA, IL, and MA the statistics would look great.  TX has opened up and really built up the testing.  Deaths staying below 40 most in nursing homes.  So we have over 1,000 cases a day but we have a lot more people than NY or FL or WA.  I have been out for a couple of meals now, the 25% is working but hopefully they will allow more soon as I am sure the owners are losing money.

 

Narc

Exactly. Some people watch too much MSM and believe what they spew. If someone is not wearing a mask, walk away. We are all adults and understand the guidelines. I do not want the scourge anymore than anybody else does. Do your best, and if others do not comply make your own decision. Wu York was not managed well. Other states are doing just fine.

[Travelcat2]

12 minutes ago, TrulyBlonde said:

Exactly. Some people watch too much MSM and believe what they spew. If someone is not wearing a mask, walk away. We are all adults and understand the guidelines. I do not want the scourge anymore than anybody else does. Do your best, and if others do not comply make your own decision. Wu York was not managed well. Other states are doing just fine.

 

So, you feel that 22,580 new cases and 1,838 deaths yesterday is acceptable?  https://www.bing.com/search?q=How+many+people+in+the+U.S.+died+from+Covid-19+yeeterday%3F&form=APMCS1&PC=APMC. If you would prefer state by state numbers, I would be happy to comply.

 

P.S.  I do not watch MSM (whatever that is - not familiar with it) or any other partisan news.  I only look at the facts.

[wcsdkqh]

Simply spewing statistics about the number of new cases each day means nothing without knowing the number of additional tests being performed.

[TrulyBlonde]

15 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

So, you feel that 22,580 new cases and 1,838 deaths yesterday is acceptable?  https://www.bing.com/search?q=How+many+people+in+the+U.S.+died+from+Covid-19+yeeterday%3F&form=APMCS1&PC=APMC. If you would prefer state by state numbers, I would be happy to comply.

 

P.S.  I do not watch MSM (whatever that is - not familiar with it) or any other partisan news.  I only look at the facts.

Why would anyone sane believe that deaths do not matter?   I was discussing mask  wearing and what Wendy stated . I follow the guidelines and if someone does not, just walk away. I want to go one with my life as much as everyone else. Many states have done a good job along with their residents. This is not a one size for all. NY has done a terrible job and in CO where I live,  we hope the vacationers from those states stay away and my town feels the same. We are all  adults and capable of making decisions to protect ourselves. I will only cruise when there is a vaccine because my life is important. Who wants people to die????

Edited May 14, 2020 by TrulyBlonde
typo

[mrlevin]

PA - 229, IL - 191, NJ - 186, MA - 174, NY - 115, CA - 90, CT - 84. Those are states with most deaths in last day.  None of them have "opened" their economies.  All of them are on the road to financial ruin and still have the highest raw number of deaths.  If you want statistics by deaths per population we will add RI and DC towards the top of the list.  

 

I am getting real tired of Americans and foreigners bad mouthing the former confederate states without looking at the facts.

 

By the way, I had a great meal of fish and chips today at Fish City Grill.  Occupancy limited to 25% with servers in masks and gloves and paper menus.  I know owner still probably losing money at least the dozen or so staff were earning a paycheck (and nice tip).

 

Marc

[fizzy]

13 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Simply spewing statistics about the number of new cases each day means nothing without knowing the number of additional tests being performed.

Were there any underlying health issues such as age, obesity and other chronic illnesses delineated in the statistics? Were there any numbers for deaths by simple natural causes to use when comparing stats in a given location?

[bissel]

I thought there would be no “political” discussion here. There are plenty of other sites on the internet I hear. What happened with all you scolders?

[mrlevin]

22 minutes ago, bissel said:

I thought there would be no “political” discussion here. There are plenty of other sites on the internet I hear. What happened with all you scolders?

 

We had a Canadian say that Americans (from the confederate states) are being irresponsible and a Pennsylvanian came to the defense of us southerners and then all hell broke loose.  Why should this board be any different from any other board? /sarcasm

 

Have a great day!

 

Marc

 

PS All of us have the same TA. 😀

Edited May 14, 2020 by mrlevin

[cruiseluv]

1 hour ago, mrlevin said:

 

Me too!  If we can get the deaths down in NY, NJ, PA, IL, and MA the statistics would look great.  TX has opened up and really built up the testing.  Deaths staying below 40 most in nursing homes.  So we have over 1,000 cases a day but we have a lot more people than NY or FL or WA.  I have been out for a couple of meals now, the 25% is working but hopefully they will allow more soon as I am sure the owners are losing money.

 

Narc

Currently PA has 3,900 deaths, 69% of which sadly occurred in nursing homes. The state is being held hostage to the whims of an incompetent governor that doesnt know how to articulate why is necessary to lockdown the entire state when is clear where the danger lies. I salute Texas, they're doing good

[cruiseluv]

23 minutes ago, bissel said:

I thought there would be no “political” discussion here. There are plenty of other sites on the internet I hear. What happened with all you scolders?

I only bring "politics" here when responding to someone that starts that conversation. I'm allergic to reading something that makes no sense or is mistaken and remaining quiet.  

[Travelcat2]

22 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

PA - 229, IL - 191, NJ - 186, MA - 174, NY - 115, CA - 90, CT - 84. Those are states with most deaths in last day.  None of them have "opened" their economies.  All of them are on the road to financial ruin and still have the highest raw number of deaths.  If you want statistics by deaths per population we will add RI and DC towards the top of the list.  

 

I am getting real tired of Americans and foreigners bad mouthing the former confederate states without looking at the facts.

 

By the way, I had a great meal of fish and chips today at Fish City Grill.  Occupancy limited to 25% with servers in masks and gloves and paper menus.  I know owner still probably losing money at least the dozen or so staff were earning a paycheck (and nice tip).

 

Marc

 

Marc, I do not see anyone targeting specific states (no matter where they are located).  If anything, I mentioned the state where we live.  I love the fact that you were able to dine at a place where you could get fish and chips (yummy).  I also love the fact that servers wore masks and gloves.  This what I hope to see on Regent.

 

Someone mentioned politics.  Covid-19 does not care what your political leanings are (nor do I).  I do not believe that any of us are being political but some of what we post may sound as if it is political.  It is possible that those of us want to wear masks could sound political but it is coincidental.  I’m pretty sure that posters from all parties either wear or do not wear masks.

 

My prior post was clearly the number of Covid-19 deaths.  I wish there were a way that they could be broken down but, it is not possible at this time.  Note:  There are age breakdowns available on the internet - just Google/Bing your state.  In my opinion, deaths from this pandemic is very telling (as well as people that have recovered but will have dramatic lung issues for the rest of their lives).  

[mrlevin]

Jackie, don't play dumb; you are smart enough to look at case and death statistics by state.  In fact, I can look at statistics for Washington state (and Texas and many others) by County.  

 

Marc

 

By the way, did your kids go to Monroe High School?  I went to Granada Hills High School.

[mariners]

mrlevin, perhaps I am missing something in your response, and it could be that what you wrote was in jest.  I live in Canada and don't have a clue what states you refer to in your response.  What States are currently "confederate states"?  Didn't that war end years ago?

 

Regardless of where one lives, we should all be following science and facts to make decisions about the future, and how we choose to live each day to ensure that we are thinking about "we" and not about "me".  This is not an American crisis, a Chinese crisis, a Canadian crisis, etc.; it is a global crisis and will take global cooperation to solve.  Until we take this approach, there will not be any "World Cruise", and the future of luxury cruising will never look like it did in the past or, perhaps, even exist.  

 

Despite my desire to be on a cruise ship, and enjoy the "Wonderful World" onboard and ashore, I will follow those experts who are trying their best to ensure that "we" take a "we" approach, and do my best to ensure that I am not just thinking about "me".  I would hope that others would do the same.   

 

Wendy, I hope that we will meet up again on another cruise.