Guess The First Itinerary to Sail (No Betting)

[GrJ Berkshire]

58 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Not necessarily.  At some point, Regent needs to waitlist cruises in order to maintain a lower passenger load.  Our TA (a big seller of Regent cruises) feels - so this is not a fact -- that some Caribbean and Mexico cruises that are scheduled for October and November may sail while itineraries that are far away likely will not.  They are fairly certain that one cruise (to the Caribbean in November) will sail but is waitlisted due to capacity.

In view of what's happening in California over covid , this is wishful thinking?

[greykitty]

Los Angeles School District and San Diego School District just called it - remote learning only at least in the fall - what's with Orange County I have no realistic idea.  I would not think that bodes well for any ports in California opening soon.  And Florida.....

 

Even more on point, I'm very curious as to what sort of accelerated timeline is being envisioned about finalizing a plan for submission to the CDC and getting the CDC's approval.  Initial recommendations from the health and safety panel to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian aren't due til August 31 at the earliest.  Fall cruises seem pretty optimistic to me.

[Travelcat2]

Karen, as I mentioned, this was our TA's thoughts - not mine.  I am only following two of our booked cruises and both seem as if they will be cancelled.   At this point I'm assuming that our two booked cruises for 2021 (March and October) will sail.  In the meantime, we are looking at other options.

 

In terms of the ships moving around - it doesn't really mean anything other than the fact that they need to keep moving in order for everything to remain in working order.  They can sit for a few days but then need to go somewhere (anywhere).  

[Caroldoll]

On 6/2/2020 at 6:38 PM, Pcardad said:

Same reason I don't see a "normal cruise on the current schedule" until Spring. I think the first ones that go out will be super-controlled as the downside is so high...and I don't think the UK wants a ship full of Americans there after seeing our news (people ignoring social distancing - not the other stuff).

In my medical opinion, I kind of agree with you.  I feel there will be no cruises until a vaccine is released.  Please keep in mind that the doctors and nurses are first, then they will get to us, depending on age.  I feel that no cruise will be worth what you will have to go through until we have a vaccine, and for that reason my guess is the END of 2021.  I don't have to be in the game, but that is how I see it.  Nothing really outside of this country, no one wants us.  Maybe Canada will let us in by then.  Maybe Mexico as well.

[Caroldoll]

On 6/2/2020 at 6:38 PM, Pcardad said:

Same reason I don't see a "normal cruise on the current schedule" until Spring. I think the first ones that go out will be super-controlled as the downside is so high...and I don't think the UK wants a ship full of Americans there after seeing our news (people ignoring social distancing - not the other stuff).

Absolutely right.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

If Mariner is really going to try to relaunch with the WC in January, obviously there will have to be some serious refitting going on somewhere.  Could that be at Long Beach?  I'm thinking that they could be getting a start on things like, plexiglass barriers, removing or altering buffet areas, reducing seating in the restaurants and lounges, things like that.

 

Presumably if this panel of experts comes up with bigger changes that get approved, then there would possibly be changes to the room ventilation systems, re-architecting of the pool deck area, let alone the show lounge.  Let alone staff housing changes, and changes below decks generally.

 

They've got 5 months to get this particular ship ready for this WC.  Having regretfully cancelled, there are many hanging on to their bookings.  The question is, will it sail?

[Ladys Mom]

Also, if the WC sails where will it go.  Many of the ports on the itinerary now will not let Americans in.  Therefore there will have to be adjustments.

[Foggyzx9r]

4 minutes ago, Ladys Mom said:

Also, if the WC sails where will it go.  Many of the ports on the itinerary now will not let Americans in.  Therefore there will have to be adjustments.

You are spot on, it isn’t just Americans. I looked to do a land journey to Borneo as Malaysia is one of the countries we Brits can go to. Unfortunately that means quarantine for 14 days on arrival, that assumes we could get permission to enter the country in the first place.

 

I just checked our Navigator Honolulu to Papeete cruise January 15 2021, F to H wait listed. So I checked the other Navigator cruises. Seems one has disappeared 30th Jan Papeete to Papeete. Next cruise showing March Papeete to Lima, same scenario Cabins F to H waitlisted.

 

May 16th cruise Miami New York back to near normal with only H as waitlisted.

 

Read what you will.

 

Information from RSSC UK website.

[SusieQft]

2 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

If Mariner is really going to try to relaunch with the WC in January, obviously there will have to be some serious refitting going on somewhere.  Could that be at Long Beach?  I'm thinking that they could be getting a start on things like, plexiglass barriers, removing or altering buffet areas, reducing seating in the restaurants and lounges, things like that.

 

Presumably if this panel of experts comes up with bigger changes that get approved, then there would possibly be changes to the room ventilation systems, re-architecting of the pool deck area, let alone the show lounge.  Let alone staff housing changes, and changes below decks generally.

 

They've got 5 months to get this particular ship ready for this WC.  Having regretfully cancelled, there are many hanging on to their bookings.  The question is, will it sail?

 

Wendy, you have some good points.  Has Regent said they are going to do these things?  If done on a typical dry dock time schedule, these projects would probably take weeks, not months.  However (and I admit I am purely speculating), it seems to me that this would be more easily accomplished when docked in Oakland than when at anchor off Long Beach Harbor.

[xrvlcruiser]

 

FYI: Based on the "old " schedule, the Mariner was due to go into dry dock - in Europe - at the end of the WC - early May.

 

I clearly have no clue what changes are being discussed in the Office - if any are at all.

 

Peggy

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

None of us really know what will happen. I am not even guessing when Regent will sail again. We make plans and wait and see. 
However, checking the Regent website for sailing availability, I see that all sailings on Splendor are now waitlisted until December 7th. That’s the date on the “famous list”.....

One important point, with all the guessing, every month that passes and no sailing continues, it puts all the ship lines into serious financial jeopardy. That’s what concerns me for the future. 
sheila

[Travelcat2]

3 hours ago, SusieQft said:

 

Wendy, you have some good points.  Has Regent said they are going to do these things?  If done on a typical dry dock time schedule, these projects would probably take weeks, not months.  However (and I admit I am purely speculating), it seems to me that this would be more easily accomplished when docked in Oakland than when at anchor off Long Beach Harbor.

 

Regent has already begun working on the ships (ventilation systems, etc.). They do not need a dry dock to do this and it won't take weeks or months.  There is really no need to remove tables in the dining venues (unless they need them elsewhere).  They simply need to not seat tables that are too close together.  I'm not sure what plastic barriers would used for.  When you see the Regent ships, you will see that it is easy to block off the area where the buffet is without doing anything.  In fact, food can be kept there (hot or cold) to make it easier for servers to get food faster so it can be delivered to guests quickly.  

 

Perhaps other cruise lines need a ton of work to be done but Regent isn't one of them (except possibly on the Navigator - a ship that we will not sail on and is so old that there has been discussion as to the difficulty to put in the proper ventilation.  Perhaps since it is already being dry-docked, it can be taken care of there.)

 

The last thing that I'm worried about is the changes to the ships.  Most of them are fine!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

5 hours ago, SusieQft said:

 

Wendy, you have some good points.  Has Regent said they are going to do these things?  If done on a typical dry dock time schedule, these projects would probably take weeks, not months.  However (and I admit I am purely speculating), it seems to me that this would be more easily accomplished when docked in Oakland than when at anchor off Long Beach Harbor.

 

No, I'm speculating based on some articles about the real risks that are obvious here, and the fact that they have this committee of scientists considering the problem.

 

I used the word "dry dock" advisedly.  A normal one, like the one scheduled right now for next spring, would be completely planned, provisioned and carried out smoothly in a very short time.  If there is refitting coming sooner, it will probably be a logistical mess--lots of experimenting I would imagine.  It may be that they would use the time they had to try out some things.

[Travelcat2]

Since Wendy is "ignoring me" (a good thing), she will not read this but all dry docks have been canceled except for Navigator so comments about what might be done during "dry dock" is not valid!

 

P.S.  Just thought of what plexiglass could be used for ........... Reception and Destination Services (and possibly the podium in CR, LV, P7 and Chartreuse).

Edited July 14, 2020 by Travelcat2

[cwn]

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

P.S.  Just thought of what plexiglass could be used for ........... Reception and Destination Services (and possibly the podium in CR, LV, P7 and Chartreuse).

Not only those two places, but also to protect bar tenders from people who just have to say “Hi and chat” with their favorite crew member on duty. Also any closed in office spaces that are open to the passengers like the future cruise office. And definitely something will have to done to protect crew passing out bus assignments!

 

Regent cruises will not have the same look and feel of the Regent we all loved pre virus! Add masks, tables with no chairs (if they don’t remove the tables), blocked off seating in lounges and theater and the rest that social distancing involves, it seems like a real downer to the on board experience. 
 

We have a cruise on the Spendor this Feb, but may take FCC for it since it is already booked using credits if it doesn’t sail.

[mrlevin]

24 minutes ago, cwn said:

Not only those two places, but also to protect bar tenders from people who just have to say “Hi and chat” with their favorite crew member on duty. Also any closed in office spaces that are open to the passengers like the future cruise office. And definitely something will have to done to protect crew passing out bus assignments!

 

Regent cruises will not have the same look and feel of the Regent we all loved pre virus! Add masks, tables with no chairs (if they don’t remove the tables), blocked off seating in lounges and theater and the rest that social distancing involves, it seems like a real downer to the on board experience. 
 

We have a cruise on the Spendor this Feb, but may take FCC for it since it is already booked using credits if it doesn’t sail.

 

+1

[Travelcat2]

2 hours ago, cwn said:

Not only those two places, but also to protect bar tenders from people who just have to say “Hi and chat” with their favorite crew member on duty. Also any closed in office spaces that are open to the passengers like the future cruise office. And definitely something will have to done to protect crew passing out bus assignments!

 

Regent cruises will not have the same look and feel of the Regent we all loved pre virus! Add masks, tables with no chairs (if they don’t remove the tables), blocked off seating in lounges and theater and the rest that social distancing involves, it seems like a real downer to the on board experience. 
 

We have a cruise on the Spendor this Feb, but may take FCC for it since it is already booked using credits if it doesn’t sail.

 

IMO, the Cruise Consultant,  bartenders, servers, Destination Services personnel that hand out tickets just need to wear masks (remember - the CDC recommends masks for when you cannot distance).  All restaurant personnel where we live are required to wear masks.   I cannot imagine barriers at the Cruise Consultant's desk (or the General Manager's desk).  Most communication will be done with masks.

 

Again, tables do not have to be removed (nor do the chairs).  If the table is not set with a tablecloth, glasses and utensils, passengers will not be seated there.  

 

Our city converted to our "phase 2) last month and it was not a big deal to set up restaurants (bars are still closed here and many bars in other states that opened are now closed).  So, I do see the lounges as challenges.  Perhaps people are overthinking this.  Masks will be our best friends for a long time (IMHO).  However, if anyone thinks that it will be a "real downer" onboard, it is likely best to wait a year or so before you cruise.

[mrlevin]

29 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

IMO, the Cruise Consultant,  bartenders, servers, Destination Services personnel that hand out tickets just need to wear masks (remember - the CDC recommends masks for when you cannot distance).  All restaurant personnel where we live are required to wear masks.   I cannot imagine barriers at the Cruise Consultant's desk (or the General Manager's desk).  Most communication will be done with masks.

 

Again, tables do not have to be removed (nor do the chairs).  If the table is not set with a tablecloth, glasses and utensils, passengers will not be seated there.  

 

Our city converted to our "phase 2) last month and it was not a big deal to set up restaurants (bars are still closed here and many bars in other states that opened are now closed).  So, I do see the lounges as challenges.  Perhaps people are overthinking this.  Masks will be our best friends for a long time (IMHO).  However, if anyone thinks that it will be a "real downer" onboard, it is likely best to wait a year or so before you cruise.

 

Jackie, just two words - NO MASKS onboard.  Yes for servers and yes for housekeeping (when in same room as others) but beyond that we should not be wearing masks.  Masks do not equal a luxury experience.  Plexiglass will be installed as necessary.  The new HEPA filters are probably in all of the ships including Navigator.  But, I do not see Regent sailing if masks are required onboard for the passengers.

 

We will find out in November (if Splendor 28 Nov does sail).  But,, I think Regent will delay the return to sea until it can provide a luxurious experience.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Marc

Edited July 15, 2020 by mrlevin

[Travelcat2]

Marc, time will tell!

[fizzy]

No blue denim/ jeans style masks after 6 P,M. 

[d9704011]

17 minutes ago, fizzy said:

No blue denim/ jeans style masks after 6 P,M. 

Nor torn/distressed masks even if they’re nice designer ones.

[fizzy]

11 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

Nor torn/distressed masks even if they’re nice designer ones.

I totally agree. Lanyards might be useful to clip on masks when not in use so that they are always at the ready.

[pappy1022]

11 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

 

No, I'm speculating based on some articles about the real risks that are obvious here, and the fact that they have this committee of scientists considering the problem.

 

I used the word "dry dock" advisedly.  A normal one, like the one scheduled right now for next spring, would be completely planned, provisioned and carried out smoothly in a very short time.  If there is refitting coming sooner, it will probably be a logistical mess--lots of experimenting I would imagine.  It may be that they would use the time they had to try out some things.

Wendy, your speculations are legitimate and I agree that this is a possibility. Some folks think there is a magic wand that Regent can use to make things totally safe. As long as the virus is around in large numbers, cruising will be risky. Yes some will want to take that risk, and that is their right, but to think that Regent won’t have issues is fantasy land. Unless of course they really do have that magical wand.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

12 hours ago, mrlevin said:

 

Jackie, just two words - NO MASKS onboard.  Yes for servers and yes for housekeeping (when in same room as others) but beyond that we should not be wearing masks.  Masks do not equal a luxury experience.  Plexiglass will be installed as necessary.  The new HEPA filters are probably in all of the ships including Navigator.  But, I do not see Regent sailing if masks are required onboard for the passengers.

...

Marc

 

Can't imagine not wearing a mask now, at least at times when indoors.  Walking around the ship, approaching the dining rooms and lounges, walking on and off the ship, etc. Although plexiglass face masks are on the rise now, and I'm sure technology will continue to improve in this regard. And I think that room stewards will have to wear masks all the time, not just when they're around other people (to prevent spreading fomites around your linen and room.)

 

Wish I had stock in plexiglass, and thank goodness for 3-D printers.

 

5 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

Wendy, your speculations are legitimate and I agree that this is a possibility. Some folks think there is a magic wand that Regent can use to make things totally safe. As long as the virus is around in large numbers, cruising will be risky. Yes some will want to take that risk, and that is their right, but to think that Regent won’t have issues is fantasy land. Unless of course they really do have that magical wand.

 

Thank you, that was my point.  There have to be a lot of design specialists at work on these problems as we speak.

Edited July 15, 2020 by Wendy The Wanderer

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

We are living in a time that masks must be worn everywhere in public until thIs plague is gone. 
So, I would rather be on a ship, wearing a mask, than wearing a mask in the supermarket. 
Sheila 

Edited July 15, 2020 by Bellaggio Cruisers