On Riviera Now- 1/14 - 1/28

[Flatbush Flyer]

58 minutes ago, espmass said:

Jagoffee, you mentioned your butler told you there were only around 3 positive Covid cases on the 1/4 cruise.  If possible would you ask if positive cases are allowed to quarantine in their own cabins?  That would give us a lot of comfort for our 2/7 cruise.  Thanks.  

You may want to review the 1/4/22 Riviera post where it was mentioned by someone that the cabin next to theirs was folks who had tested positive while onboard and became quarantined without needing to move.

[espmass]

20 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

You may want to review the 1/4/22 Riviera post where it was mentioned by someone that the cabin next to theirs was folks who had tested positive while onboard and became quarantined without needing to move.

Thanks.  Yes, In did see that.  Just checking if it seems to be the norm for anyone who must be quarantined.

[AEKMCK]

Many thanks for all your posts - we are on March 08 sailing and looking forward to it - Best wishes  for an enjoyable cruise 

Adrian & Margaret (N Ireland)

[Aloha 1]

@jagoffee ;

Are the Moules still on offer as a starter in Jacques? One of my favorites. I'm not familiar with the term Riviera lounge. Are you referring to Horizons?

Edited January 15, 2022 by Aloha 1

[davencl]

6 minutes ago, Aloha 1 said:

@jagoffee ;

Are the Moules still on offer as a starter in Jacques? One of my favorites. I'm not familiar with the term Riviera lounge. Are you referring to Horizons?

The theater is named riviera lounge.

[Aloha 1]

10 minutes ago, davencl said:

The theater is named riviera lounge.

My bad, since we rarely attend the shows. Too late, since I sleep with a woman who gets up EVERY day at zero dark 30. No matter what time I come back from the casino.

Edited January 15, 2022 by Aloha 1

[jagoffee]

Good afternoon from DR.  To answer a question our butler was told that anyone testing positive was isolated in their own cabin last cruise.

 

I do not see the mussels on the menu at Jacques, but I will check next time.

 

The Riviera is docked in Puerto Plata, DR today. I will say that a lot of people stayed on the ship.

 

We are required to undergo a Rapid Antigen test between 6:30 AM and 11AM tomorrow morning in preparation for our January 20th Barbados visit.  The test requirement applies whether we plan to go ashore or not.  Tomorrow will be a sea day as our stop in San Juan was removed from our itinerary before we boarded. Oceania is taking advantage of the sea day opportunity.
 

I had a great piece of Mahi Mahi from Waves yesterday for lunch. Today was outside Aft at the Terrance Cafe.

Last night we enjoyed dinner at the Polo.  
 

Instead  of a Captain reception last night, drinks were free at certain bars.  
 

We have a small (30 people max) Meet and Greet scheduled for today.  The quantity was limited due to social gathering restrictions. A large number of people cancelled this cruise, so our numbers dropped.  If not the event would have been cancelled.  The organizer tried to split the gathering into two different groups, but not enough people responded to their choice of days.  Due to the lower numbers, Oceania combined the groups into one of 30 people maximum.  The 25 that responded and the next four that indicated an interest.

 

The crew and passengers continue to do a good job wearing masks.  There are constant reminders. The Captain made an interesting firm comment doing his noon announcement yesterday.  He basically said he has the complete authority to remove anyone from the cruise that does not meet the Covid protocols and that he would not hesitate to use that authority.

Paul, our CD, mentioned on his morning show that masks are also required in the Casino even when playing.  They have implemented a lower and sip policy.  I have not been to the Casino to observe.

 

Everyone not on board, let me know if you have any questions about the cruise.  
 

Found a shady semi outside spot outside for relaxing  this morning.

 

We continue to have a great cruise with the service and food being excellent.

 

 

 

[dolphinlady1957]

Thank you for your updates. We are on the Feb 19 cruise to Mexico ports. So I follow what is going on Riviera. We decided to go ahead and take the cruise. So we are anxious to hear how it goes. Sounds like the captain means business about following covid protocols. I am happy to hear that. Scary times these are.

[funtime18]

My husband and I are on the March 8 cruise. I have been following the discussion of the January 4 trip and now yours. The reporting has been both helpful and reassuring. Thank you for taking time to report to all of us future cruisers to the Caribbean. 

Bo and Mary

[macaroni]

tonight’s production show was changed to a single performer….makes me think there  are crew infected.

 

magician/comedian Levent was on last night….I found it boring and several left early. He is on again tomorrow night.

 

weather has been great with calm seas.

 

we get tested tomorrow for entrance to Barbados. Letter went out to all today but they had the wrong day on the letter….they didn’t change “Friday” from the previous cruise, to Monday.
 

 

Edited January 17, 2022 by macaroni

[Jayne E]

On 1/15/2022 at 7:51 AM, espmass said:

Have a wonderful and safe time.  I'll also be watching postings for info for the upcoming 2/7 cruise.

Seems that port changed not announced until ship departs. Strange?

[jagoffee]

To add to the information provided by Marconi, I was told the Casino was closed last night at some point and the quartet did not play in the grand bar.  Today’s current says that the Casino is closed all day and I noticed the Quartet is not scheduled today.

 

On a positive note, my wife and I both tested negative this morning.

 

It will be interesting to see what is announced today and what impact if any what impact it may have on our planned Barbados visit.

 

 

[Cruze4Ever]

7 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

To add to the information provided by Marconi, I was told the Casino was closed last night at some point and the quartet did not play in the grand bar.  Today’s current says that the Casino is closed all day and I noticed the Quartet is not scheduled today.

 

On a positive note, my wife and I both tested negative this morning.

 

It will be interesting to see what is announced today and what impact if any what impact it may have on our planned Barbados visit.

 

 

Thanks so much for keeping us informed!  Enjoy the cruise!!!

[Flatbush Flyer]

On 1/15/2022 at 8:47 AM, Cruze4Ever said:

Thanks for all of the info.  Have a great cruise!

For all who are scheduled in the immediate future: all is as well as can be expected on Riviera during pandemic times. The vast majority of passengers are compliant with all restrictions. I’ve seen less than a handful of “chin strap” maskers and fellow passengers quickly stare them down.

As always, food and service are impeccable. Great news for the sunbathers: social distancing on the pool deck with more space between loungers (see pic)

We had the CC M&G yesterday - about 20+ folks. It was great to put faces with screen names! Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so far.

 

Covid tests this AM and our expected happy results were quickly delivered. 

Regrettably, there does appear to be a very few  folks posting here (and on other CC O threads) who see only fearful possibilities with every little routine change (e.g., entertainment, port cancel, etc) that was bound to happen under these current circumstances.

HOWEVER, the one single event that everyone should be aware of as a final decision on whether to cruise or not is contemplated is that my (and probably your) favorite baked item- the multi-seeded rolls- appear to have either a change in recipe OR they have been victimized by a world-wide shortage of poppy seeds (see comparison pics)!!! (I deserve a free cruise for this unforgivable act)!!!

[espmass]

42 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

To add to the information provided by Marconi, I was told the Casino was closed last night at some point and the quartet did not play in the grand bar.  Today’s current says that the Casino is closed all day and I noticed the Quartet is not scheduled today.

 

On a positive note, my wife and I both tested negative this morning.

 

It will be interesting to see what is announced today and what impact if any what impact it may have on our planned Barbados visit.

 

 

 

Thanks for all information as I am watching closely.  Stay well and enjoy your cruise!

[espmass]

10 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

For all who are scheduled in the immediate future: all is as well as can be expected on Riviera during pandemic times. The vast majority of passengers are compliant with all restrictions. I’ve seen less than a handful of “chin strap” maskers and fellow passengers quickly stare them down.

As always, food and service are impeccable. Great news for the sunbathers: social distancing on the pool deck with more space between loungers (see pic)

We had the CC M&G yesterday - about 20+ folks. It was great to put faces with screen names! Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so far.

 

Covid tests this AM and our expected happy results were quickly delivered. 

Regrettably, there does appear to be a very few  folks posting here (and on other CC O threads) who see only fearful possibilities with every little routine change (e.g., entertainment, port cancel, etc) that was bound to happen under these current circumstances.

HOWEVER, the one single event that everyone should be aware of as a final decision on whether to cruise or not is contemplated is that my (and probably your) favorite baked item- the multi-seeded rolls- appear to have either a change in recipe OR they have been victimized by a world-wide shortage of poppy seeds (see comparison pics)!!! (I deserve a free cruise for this unforgivable act)!!!

 

Oh no, not the rolls!  Much more important than any health concerns!

[tgg]

7 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Regrettably, there does appear to be a very few  folks posting here (and on other CC O threads) who see only fearful possibilities with every little routine change (e.g., entertainment, port cancel, etc) that was bound to happen under these current circumstances.

 

Substituting a solo performer for a production show isn't a "little routine change", nor is closing the casino. 

 

I find nothing regrettable about people describing changes in the cruise. 

 

Please stop throwing stones at your fellow cruisers. Their posts are as important as yours.

[Flatbush Flyer]

20 minutes ago, tgg said:

 

Substituting a solo performer for a production show isn't a "little routine change", nor is closing the casino. 

 

I find nothing regrettable about people describing changes in the cruise. 

 

Please stop throwing stones at your fellow cruisers. Their posts are as important as yours.

One ill (non-Covid) or injured performer could derail a “production” show. And I have yet to see anyone in the casino.
Also, let’s not forget that today was supposed to be a port day in San Juan (where there might have been crew trades occurring, including performers, etc.) All sorts of reasons other than the worst case scenarios could be responsible for changes.
 

Unfounded rumors are the “stones” that should concern you.

Edited January 17, 2022 by Flatbush Flyer

[Nymich]

40 minutes ago, tgg said:

 

Substituting a solo performer for a production show isn't a "little routine change", nor is closing the casino. 

 

I find nothing regrettable about people describing changes in the cruise. 

 

Please stop throwing stones at your fellow cruisers. Their posts are as important as yours.

I agree bullying and/or name calling anywhere is wrong.

[dpg17]

Hi, thanks for all the info. Does anyone know if the bed in a balcony stateroom can be split to become 2 singles? We are staying 3 in a room so not sure if it can be 3 separate beds or 2 on the main bed and one in the pull out sofabed.

Thanks!

[LHT28]

16 minutes ago, dpg17 said:

Hi, thanks for all the info. Does anyone know if the bed in a balcony stateroom can be split to become 2 singles? We are staying 3 in a room so not sure if it can be 3 separate beds or 2 on the main bed and one in the pull out sofabed.

Thanks!

yes

The only ones I am aware of than cannot be split are the kings in the OS

[Jayne E]

10 minutes ago, Nymich said:

I agree bullying and/or name calling anywhere is wrong.

 

53 minutes ago, tgg said:

 

Substituting a solo performer for a production show isn't a "little routine change", nor is closing the casino. 

 

I find nothing regrettable about people describing changes in the cruise. 

 

Please stop throwing stones at your fellow cruisers. Their posts are as important as yours.

Thank you for your posts! They’re honest and factual and depict the current circumstances on board. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to whether these eliminated musicians, changed shows, closed Casino and port changes are meaningless or are negativity affecting their cruise experience. 
They are not rumor mongering…..just telling present life on board.  
Please don’t be intimidated!  Has Oceania given any explanations for these changes?

thanks again!
 

[mjox32]

38 minutes ago, dpg17 said:

Hi, thanks for all the info. Does anyone know if the bed in a balcony stateroom can be split to become 2 singles? We are staying 3 in a room so not sure if it can be 3 separate beds or 2 on the main bed and one in the pull out sofabed.

Thanks!

 

I just asked our room attendant and she said yes.   She said it will be tight and not much floor space when you split the beds.   She also said make sure your cabin has a sofa bed because not all do.   Oh and not to pack heavy.  😀   

[Nymich]

4 minutes ago, Jayne E said:

 

Thank you for your posts! They’re honest and factual and depict the current circumstances on board. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to whether these eliminated musicians, changed shows, closed Casino and port changes are meaningless or are negativity affecting their cruise experience. 
They are not rumor mongering…..just telling present life on board.  
Please don’t be intimidated!  Has Oceania given any explanations for these changes?

thanks again!
 

Thanks.....I am holding off with what I KNOW......what I have heard and the differences between the last cruise and this one.  There certainly are differences.  Right now I am waiting for my own test results!

[ToxM]

I can understand your grief regarding the seeded buns. I do need someone to take one for the team and report back on the hot sticky buns at breakfast please. 

 

I know it will be torturous, but please consider it a sacrifice for those who come after.