Ramblings From Riviera

[pinotlover]

ORV;

 

I think you were referring to Roy Perez. His departure was a mistery. First, off the ship to corporate, then they had him scheduled to return to another ship, and then, poff he was gone.:confused: quite the character though.

 

Oceania has got to get its arms around this Nirvo issues. They seem to be showing up a bit to regularly. Just don't know how they do that. Had a doctor explain once, in regards to a different situation, that when you have a large segment of older passengers (customers, guests, etc.) whose immune systems aren't as solid as they should be, they have had tendency to acquire and pass these bugs on far more rapidly than a younger healthier group. A lot of those discussions seem to mirror Oceania's core customer group. If you have people getting on the ship sick, it'll spread fast.

[ORV]

ORV;

 

I think you were referring to Roy Perez. His departure was a mistery. First, off the ship to corporate, then they had him scheduled to return to another ship, and then, poff he was gone.:confused: quite the character though.

 

Oceania has got to get its arms around this Nirvo issues. They seem to be showing up a bit to regularly. Just don't know how they do that. Had a doctor explain once, in regards to a different situation, that when you have a large segment of older passengers (customers, guests, etc.) whose immune systems aren't as solid as they should be, they have had tendency to acquire and pass these bugs on far more rapidly than a younger healthier group. A lot of those discussions seem to mirror Oceania's core customer group. If you have people getting on the ship sick, it'll spread fast.

 

There is definitely an older demographic on this cruise than the one previously.

 

I mentioned before there are 12 on the entertainment team, I forgot the Asst. CD and the Social hostess, so it's actually around 14 people they have available, yet we still have less activities than on our last TA.

 

At the second repeaters party the Captain said that there had been 5 cases reported. I took that to mean 5 more than the 10 he had mentioned the previous day.

[ORV]

Self serve laundries definitely closed until further notice, there is a sign on the door. Glad I did my laundry yesterday. Also they have removed the finger food from the Concierge & Executive lounges as well as Barristas. S & P shakers still on the table but all self serve condiments(ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, H & P, etc) at the Buffet are now behind the counter.

 

I hate this type of thing, I'm always worried about germs on a cruise anyway(which I've never really caught, other than an occasional sniffle) and this only heightens my paranoia/concern.

 

Maybe those folks that book a suite and spend all their time in the room, meals, ports, everything, are on to something, nah, I'll still pass on that.

 

Having Thanksgiving dinner tonight with a group from the UK in a French restaurant. Not sure how American that all is for Thanksgiving, but we're looking forward to it.

 

Despite the increased sanitation procedures, we're still having a very good cruise.:)

[Hambagahle]

We had a second lifeboat drill on our TA too and were told it was a SOLAS requirement - x number of days at sea = another drill. Makes sense.

 

Not shaking hands is a very very hard thing for Europeans to do although I do see why it makes sense in this case. We shake hands everywhere all the time! That is if we aren't kissing the other people...

 

GOOD FOR YOU! ORV, to tell that passenger not to take the pastry with his fingers but to wait to be served. More people need to speak out about this. Having the buffet served is a real "plus" in the sanitary department... and is something I really appreciate when on Oceania.

[beardedshark]

We were on Riviera in October, when the new cast started with the new shows. As they were still rehearsing all the shows (which we enjoyed) Oceania had employed Nolan Deane and his gorgeous partner Emanuelle to run the on board entertainment for a couple of cruises. Ray Michaels was the CD who, as a Brit, I found teeth itchingly nauseous and came across as very insincere. Nolan ran trivs in Martinis with 20 questions per quiz, it was excellent and he is a natural comedian. We also had the bonus of both Emanuelle's and Nolan's shows. Brilliant!

[Hambagahle]

We were on Riviera in October, when the new cast started with the new shows. As they were still rehearsing all the shows (which we enjoyed) Oceania had employed Nolan Deane and his gorgeous partner Emanuelle to run the on board entertainment for a couple of cruises. Ray Michaels was the CD who, as a Brit, I found teeth itchingly nauseous and came across as very insincere. Nolan ran trivs in Martinis with 20 questions per quiz, it was excellent and he is a natural comedian. We also had the bonus of both Emanuelle's and Nolan's shows. Brilliant!

 

Seems to me that Nolan Dean was a CD on either Regent or Oceania ??

[ORV]

Double post, darn slow internet.

Edited November 26, 2015 by ORV

[ORV]

The CD just reported, as I type that the ship has now reached 2% of the guests and crew with acute gastro symptoms. They are now going to now enact rigorous and intense cleaning procedure. I actually thought they already were.

 

I hope I don't have to change the title of this to Rumblings from Riviera:o

[kazu]

The CD just reported, as I type that the ship has now reached 2% of the guests and crew with acute gastro symptoms. They are now going to now enact rigorous and intense cleaning procedure. I actually thought they already were.

 

 

 

I hope I don't have to change the title of this to Rumblings from Riviera:o

 

 

ORV, while they have been doing some hard cleaning if they follow the standard Noro procedure now, you will find the library closed, hot tubs closed, pool closed, casino closed, paper salt & pepper containers instead of the usual, etc.

 

Thankfully we are close to the end of the Transtatlantic and not at the beginning.

[ORV]

Nothing new to report today, except it's raining, first bad day we've had weather wise, hope it's better in Bermuda tomorrow.

 

As Jacqui & I discussed earlier today we are both surprised that the pool, hot tubs, casino & library are still open. Salt & pepper shakers still out on the table and the tables preset in the dining venues. I haven't heard any new announcements concerning our condition. We did all get our own personal bottles of sanitizers in our rooms last night. Still lots of cleaning going on around the ship.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Hoping you have smooth sailing and no Noro, Orv. Two years ago we had rain in Bermuda, if you recall.

 

Our last sailing on the Marina had Noro warnings too and not a lot of onboard activities.

 

Leeann, there are many dishes in Red Ginger you won't find anywhere local. I love the Miso glazed sea bass.

Edited November 27, 2015 by ChatKat in Ca.

[Hawaiidan]

Any day you can complain is a good day.............relax When stuff starts going around I have always shut down the AC when colds and stuff starts up.. never had a problem by doing that. I think there is something to the demographics of older less immune people all getting together that promotes stuff like that.....Keep up your booze intake as preventative measure....even if you get sick you will feel happy.

 

Catchat......I am glad you love the miso fish.... probably the worst dish I have ever tried....tried it 3 times yuk-ick and yak..... Id rather have the flu "Code Red Ginger"

[Leejnd4]

Hoping you have smooth sailing and no Noro, Orv. Two years ago we had rain in Bermuda, if you recall.

 

Our last sailing on the Marina had Noro warnings too and not a lot of onboard activities.

 

Leeann, there are many dishes in Red Ginger you won't find anywhere local. I love the Miso glazed sea bass.

 

Kathy that's the one dish I'm most looking forward to in Red Ginger. I'm a big sea bass lover anyway, and I have read many rave reviews of this particular dish. So that's what I'll be ordering. :)

 

I do hope all the noro issues are fully cleared up by the time we board...which is in just over a month!

Edited November 27, 2015 by Leejnd4

[sitraveler]

Bermuda has denied Rivera s entry. On to Bahamas for 11/30.

[Mura]

Is that a first? When we were on Marina in April/May, even with Noro going around (not sure how it compared to the current outbreak on Riviera) we were never denied entry into a port.

 

Mura

[LHT28]

Bermuda has denied Rivera s entry. On to Bahamas for 11/30.

Hope they do not deny you also

 

Hope you & Marsha are well

 

 

Lyn

[Mxm]

Had inquired at Reception this evening and asked about the status on the number of people that are ill. He replied 6%, based on approximately 2,000 people on board (1,200 passengers and 800 crew members).

[kazu]

Had inquired at Reception this evening and asked about the status on the number of people that are ill. He replied 6%, based on approximately 2,000 people on board (1,200 passengers and 800 crew members).

 

thanks for reporting this.

 

I had asked and was just given the over 2% number. Now it makes sense why Bermuda wouldn't let us in since the cases are increasing and not decreasing.

[ORV]

Had inquired at Reception this evening and asked about the status on the number of people that are ill. He replied 6%, based on approximately 2,000 people on board (1,200 passengers and 800 crew members).

 

I haven't heard anything, but this sounds really high. I have no new to add that Jacqui didn't mention on her post.

 

I'm curious what will happen in Miami. Another passenger that properly predicted being turned away in Bermuda also mentioned the possibility of all passengers aboard being quarantined on the ship once we reach Miami. I can't see how that would help though.

[ORV]

Although there has been no official announcement(communication is less than optimum, I'd hate for there to be a real emergency with this group) it seems that precautions are lessening.

 

It would be nice to know, something like the CD or Captain coming on the Tannoy(for my U.K. friends) and saying something to the effect, "Things are better, we were at *** percent and the reports of new cases are down to ***."

 

Unfortunately other than the Captain making his original announcement concerning not going to Bermuda there has been very little factual information. Only reminders by the CD to use sanitizer and how to wash your hands.

 

When we were on a cruise before that had itinerary interruptions due to weather, the Captain had an extra evening where he bought the drinks. Although we're not really owed anything it would be a nice good will gesture on this trip. Personally if I were a first time Oceania guest, which there are a few on this cruise, I'd be inclined to think twice before booking again.

 

I do think I heard early in the cruise(before it went sideways) that there are around 900 repeaters on board.

 

Personally I'm ready for it to be over, which is something I rarely ever feel on a cruise. I did have a really good time, until the precautions started.

 

On to The Bahamas for a couple of days yee haw!

 

It is nice and warm and the sun is shining.

Edited November 29, 2015 by ORV

[LHT28]

Maybe having the Captain buy drinks would bring those out of the cabin when they should be staying there :eek:

 

I would agree on the lack of information Oceania provides

It is better to keep passengers informed than keep people speculating & starting false rumours

That is a big fault with O

One Captain we had was very forthcoming with his information when things changed it was appreciated

[TERRIER1]

Maybe having the Captain buy drinks would bring those out of the cabin when they should be staying there :eek:

 

I would agree on the lack of information Oceania provides

It is better to keep passengers informed than keep people speculating & starting false rumours

That is a big fault with O

One Captain we had was very forthcoming with his information when things changed it was appreciated

 

Lack of information and communication is one thing I never liked about Oceania. I agree more information alleviates rumors and speculation. It has been my experience with O that the bigger the issue the less information. It is just one of those things we have to put up with when sailing with Oceania. I must admit that the Viking Star communication was way worse and Azamara was the best.

[Artruro]

Perhaps the ramblings have slowed down due to the fact we are a floating quarrantine dorm.

 

Riveria was DENIED ENTRY into Bermuda yesterday due to an outbreak on the ship. We are now re-directed for two more days at sea and then Nassau, if they let us in!!

 

Crew on Riveria is AWESOME.

Passengers on Riveria are ANCIENT. (which increases the chances of virus outbreaks and missed ports of call!)

 

Standing by with sanitizer....

[ORV]

It was just reported that things are almost back to normal, with no new cases reported.

 

Also, from the information I received from a crew person that would know it never reached anything near 6 %.

[travelor80]

Thanks for the info or lack of by Oceania. What do you notice now that is being done to sanitize the ship? Do they need to wait until Miami to thoroughly clean it? So sorry you are missing out on so much. We are flying in on red eye Tuesday to supposedly board Dec. 2. How many are ill now? What about those sick continuing on? Hope you stay well. Would appreciate any updates.