Cruising the Caribbean on the Re_al Princess : A pictorial review

[MicCanberra]

A Norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Eclipse , was reported on our roll call thread today . We are scheduled to board the Eclipse on Sunday .

 

 

 

 

We hope that everyone on all upcoming cruises will observe good hand washing habits with soap and water in addition to using the hand sanitizer provided outside of the dining areas . We have also ordered some non - alcohol based hand sanitizer specifically for use against Noro . :eek:

 

Good planning.

Remember noro has to be consumed (not airborn) so always wash your hands and then do not touch any handrails or such before eating and if possible use cutlery/utensils when eating. I would also avoid the buffet.

Enjoy your cruise.

[upwarduk]

Good planning.

Remember noro has to be consumed (not airborn) so always wash your hands and then do not touch any handrails or such before eating and if possible use cutlery/utensils when eating. I would also avoid the buffet.

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Fingers crossed, we have never contacted Noro, but we do eat breakfast in the MDR whenever possible ( also Elite coffee break in Tuscan) Only a very early excursion takes us to the buffet, where last year coffee was served by staff.

However, I do wonder if it is also spread via the machines in the Casino, as we NEVER participate.

[MicCanberra]

Fingers crossed, we have never contacted Noro, but we do eat breakfast in the MDR whenever possible ( also Elite coffee break in Tuscan) Only a very early excursion takes us to the buffet, where last year coffee was served by staff.

However, I do wonder if it is also spread via the machines in the Casino, as we NEVER participate.

 

We use a specialty restaurant (like Bistro on 5) for embarkation lunch, Breakfast when not in the MDR, is room service or at the Café for a Muffin and coffee. Lunch for port days may be room service, a specialty restaurant or the Pool grill takeaway. This way we avoid the buffet where all the outbreaks seem to start.

[scubacruiserx2]

Dear OP, I have a question about post #67 page 4, you posted pics of coffee and donuts....I didn't think there was a seating area I haven't seen a picture of or youtube video of (lol) But .... the pictures of the seating Post #67 w/ the coffee and donuts,

Could you please tell me where this is located.

I ask because I am most looking forward to coffee from IC and actually having a spot to enjoy the coffee.

Please excuse if asked and answered already, but I find myself enjoying your pics but not reading All the replys :)

 

 

This deck plan is not accurate . The red arrow points to the IC and the blue arrow , where we were seated is the Piazza Bar . It is incorrectly labeled IC .

 

 

 

 

You can see it better in the photo with the blue arrow pointing to the window , in the bar where we were seated . The red arrow is the IC .

 

[newcruzer2]

This deck plan is not accurate . The red arrow points to the IC and the blue arrow , where we were seated is the Piazza Bar . It is incorrectly labeled IC .

 

 

 

 

You can see it better in the photo with the blue arrow pointing to the window , in the bar where we were seated . The red arrow is the IC .

 

 

Thank you very much for such a detailed reply:) it looks like Such a great place to enjoy my MANY cup of joe :) I realized I'd seen this area in videos but didn't recognize it because it was empty. Well I now want the next 6months to fly by EVEN faster :) thanks again :)

[scubacruiserx2]

Good planning.

Remember noro has to be consumed (not airborn) so always wash your hands and then do not touch any handrails or such before eating and if possible use cutlery/utensils when eating. I would also avoid the buffet.

Enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Thank you Mic , great advice !

 

 

Fingers crossed, we have never contacted Noro, but we do eat breakfast in the MDR whenever possible ( also Elite coffee break in Tuscan) Only a very early excursion takes us to the buffet, where last year coffee was served by staff.

However, I do wonder if it is also spread via the machines in the Casino, as we NEVER participate.

 

 

We have similar lifestyle choices - breakfast in the MDR while at sea and room service for early morning port excursions . While we don't play the machines , you raise a good point that we haven't considered previously . Our grandson loves video games and so he may be sharing with others . Conversely , the personal hygiene of adolescent males is usually very low , and so we will emphasize it ! ;)

 

 

We use a specialty restaurant (like Bistro on 5) for embarkation lunch, Breakfast when not in the MDR, is room service or at the Café for a Muffin and coffee. Lunch for port days may be room service, a specialty restaurant or the Pool grill takeaway. This way we avoid the buffet where all the outbreaks seem to start.

 

 

Since this cruise is on Celebrity , we will probably follow a similar pattern beginning with a Bistro lunch on embarkation day.

 

One thing that we will miss from the Regal is the expanded personal space in the MDR ! A table for 2 in the MDR on the the Regal was Regal . But on the Eclipse , it was only 6 inches from our neighbors ! We received another report from Kevinyork yesterday and seems like we should minimize crowd exposure .

 

 

 

I think that person didn't have all the facts or were playing it down. The virus is still continuing with someone being very poorly right in the middle of an Elton John tribute with the ghostbusters team arriving and people scattering from the area. Someone fell ill at the Aqua spa cafe in the morning and it was closed for the day.

 

We've been seated in the same server area in Select dining and out of 20 passengers in our area 4 have been ill. Entering Oceanview cafe it looks like a sci if film with cling film surrounding all the serving stations and the staff all gloved up. They have extra staff on hand but trying to get a salad put together or a burger with all the trimmings is a bit of a trial to say the least. Tables have been put across the drinks stations with staff making up drinks on request.

 

Thinking back, the first ghostbusters team we saw outside a cabin was about day 3 so I guess someone brought it on with them. We were told that code red is the highest level of precautions there is. People are being told that if they feel ill to go to the their cabins and not to the medical centre, and call for help from there. The officers party for select passengers and above was last night with no handshaking as far as we could see.

 

It is making us feel somewhat concerned and hoping we don't catch it with frantic hand washing and hand gel application.

 

 

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[MicCanberra]

If you are in a suite they open Luminae for embarkation day and I think (it is new) that even concierge cabin guests can go to the MDR for lunch.

 

As you are travelling with your grandson, I would be very strict with him keeping his hands clean and also not eating with his hands if possible. God luck with staying on top of that.

BTW, just ask for a table for three or four and you will avoid those close tables for two.

[scubacruiserx2]

If you are in a suite they open Luminae for embarkation day and I think (it is new) that even concierge cabin guests can go to the MDR for lunch.

 

As you are travelling with your grandson, I would be very strict with him keeping his hands clean and also not eating with his hands if possible. God luck with staying on top of that.

BTW, just ask for a table for three or four and you will avoid those close tables for two.

 

 

Thanks Mic . We requested a table for 4 , and we are not in a suite but a FV this trip . BTW how was your last cruise(s) ? :) :D

[scubacruiserx2]

We received this notice from Celebrity earlier today :

 

 

Dear Valued Guest,

 

Hello, this is Celebrity Cruises. We would like to provide you with some important information regarding your Sunday, June 5th sailing onboard Celebrity Eclipse out of Southampton. During the ship's last sailing, a number of guests experienced a gastrointestinal illness. We will conduct enhanced sanitizing onboard the ship and within the terminal to help prevent any illness from affecting your cruise. Therefore, your check-in and boarding time has been revised. Please note the following appointed check-in times, and kindly arrive at the time that corresponds to your deck number. Any guests arriving before their appointed check-in time will be asked to return at their assigned time in order to avoid congestion in the terminal. Please also note that during the sanitation the Cruise Terminal at Southampton will be closed until 2:00pm.

Check-in Appointment:

Deck 11 & 12 - 2:00pm

Deck 10 - 2:30pm

Deck 9 - 3:00pm

Deck 8 - 3:30pm

Deck 7 - 4:00pm

Deck 6 & 3 - 4:30pm

 

Guests staying in a Suite, Aqua Class or Concierge Class as well as our loyal Captain’s Club members of the Zenith, Elite Plus, Elite and Select levels can check-in any time at their convenience between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:30pm.

 

We are also sanitizing guest staterooms, and anticipate your room to be ready for your residence from 4:30pm onwards. We appreciate your assistance and thank you for your understanding.

 

:eek:

 

 

But better safe than sick !!!

[MicCanberra]

Thanks Mic . We requested a table for 4 , and we are not in a suite but a FV this trip . BTW how was your last cruise(s) ? :) :D

 

It was wonderful, the reviews have been published, links attached.

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/membe...EntryID=534331

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/membe...EntryID=534334

 

cheers mic :D

[MicCanberra]

We received this notice from Celebrity earlier today :

 

 

Dear Valued Guest,

 

Hello, this is Celebrity Cruises. We would like to provide you with some important information regarding your Sunday, June 5th sailing onboard Celebrity Eclipse out of Southampton. During the ship's last sailing, a number of guests experienced a gastrointestinal illness. We will conduct enhanced sanitizing onboard the ship and within the terminal to help prevent any illness from affecting your cruise. Therefore, your check-in and boarding time has been revised. Please note the following appointed check-in times, and kindly arrive at the time that corresponds to your deck number. Any guests arriving before their appointed check-in time will be asked to return at their assigned time in order to avoid congestion in the terminal. Please also note that during the sanitation the Cruise Terminal at Southampton will be closed until 2:00pm.

Check-in Appointment:

Deck 11 & 12 - 2:00pm

Deck 10 - 2:30pm

Deck 9 - 3:00pm

Deck 8 - 3:30pm

Deck 7 - 4:00pm

Deck 6 & 3 - 4:30pm

 

Guests staying in a Suite, Aqua Class or Concierge Class as well as our loyal Captain’s Club members of the Zenith, Elite Plus, Elite and Select levels can check-in any time at their convenience between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:30pm.

 

We are also sanitizing guest staterooms, and anticipate your room to be ready for your residence from 4:30pm onwards. We appreciate your assistance and thank you for your understanding.

 

:eek:

 

 

But better safe than sick !!!

 

It is a shame it is delaying you but it is for the best. Remember to avoid touching surfaces that others have touched, handrails, bars chairs and buttons etc. And wash and sanitise hands often, even if not about to eat. We wash our hands every time we walk into the cabin.

Edited June 1, 2016 by MicCanberra

[scubacruiserx2]

It was wonderful, the reviews have been published, links attached.

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/membe...EntryID=534331

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/membe...EntryID=534334

 

cheers mic :D

 

Thank you Mic but I tried the links , but they didn't work .

 

 

It is a shame it is delaying you but it is for the best. Remember to avoid touching surfaces that others have touched, handrails, bars chairs and buttons etc. And wash and sanitise hands often, even if not about to eat. We wash our hands every time we walk into the cabin.

 

 

We will be as diligent as we can !

 

 

I won't say that I'm a germaphobe but I did consider a hazmat suit like we used to wear at work . :) :D

 

 

[MicCanberra]

Try these ones.

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=534334

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=534331

[MicCanberra]

We will be as diligent as we can !

 

 

I won't say that I'm a germaphobe but I did consider a hazmat suit like we used to wear at work . :) :D

 

 

Maybe just for Pat then.:D

[scubacruiserx2]

Try these ones.

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=534334

http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=534331

 

They worked fine , great review Rosie ! It sounds like you enjoyed 7199 as much as we did . :) :D

[scubacruiserx2]

Maybe just for Pat then.:D

 

The thought had crossed my mind ! Gotta keep her healthy . On a positive note , we got the final approval from all 3 doctors , so we should leave tomorrow night ! And with Tyler now a certified diver , it may become scubacruiserx3 ! :) :D :cool:

[scubacruiserx2]

Our last Norowatch update from kevinyork aboard the Eclipse was yesterday and it included this beautiful photo .

 

 

Ok, quick update from Eclipse. The cling film has gone from around the Buffet stations but it is still being served by staff. Crew will not handle our cruise cards, you show it to them and they note down the folio number. Our wine waitress is still sick after a week now which must be awful.

 

The mast grill opened for lunch today for the first time so we visited only to find the hand sanitiser had been hidden behind a bin in a corner. It didn't work. I told staff behind the grill and they shrugged. I found an officer who got on the phone and someone arrived with sanitiser but the pack was empty. When another pack arrived it was loaded into the sanitiser machine but the machine was flat. The restaurant manager arrived about 10 mins later by which time dozens of passengers had turned up, not sanitised and had their food. I mentioned the sanitiser issue and she said it was now working and they had gone down the line and sanitised the passengers who were waiting. I said fine but what about all those who had been through and not sanitised and who had used the ketchup and mustard pumps and condiments that everyone else was now going to use. She didn't say anything but walked off and got someone to remove the condiments. There have been no condiments in the buffet now for five days so why someone thought it would be OK at the mast grill is beyond me. Consequently we didn't eat there today and it made me question whether they are just saying the right things about Noro but not practising what they preach.

 

Anyway the cruise has still been good. We've had lovely weather since the second day in Russia. Our highlights have been a Segway tour in Warnemunde (for $85 versus the $209 Celebrity wanted) and the ships' Nordic walking tour of Helskini. A word of warning for those not on a ships tour in Stockholm. There is no shuttle. Only a £39 HOHO bus or local buses from just outside the docks for £3 each way. However both options became swamped with up to 1.5hr waits for the HOHO and a free for all for the local bus. Bus 76 goes from the end of the quay to the VASA museum and onto the city centre and bus 1 goes straight into the city centre. Tickets can be bought from the tourist info in the terminal or the machines by the bus stop but you need a chip and pin card to do so. However you need to be first off the ship to stand a chance. Guest relations was swamped with people complaining last night about the lack of a shuttle. Finally, the Sailaway for the few hours after leaving Stockholm is probably one of the most spectacular we've seen, simply stunning.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Lucky TGO]

Thank great pictures. I can't wait to get back on the Royal!!

Tony

[MicCanberra]

The thought had crossed my mind ! Gotta keep her healthy . On a positive note , we got the final approval from all 3 doctors , so we should leave tomorrow night ! And with Tyler now a certified diver , it may become scubacruiserx3 ! :) :D :cool:

 

Great news on both counts.:D

[MicCanberra]

Somewhat worrying about Kevin's report on the ship's handling of the situation. All I can say again is proceed with caution.

 

I am glad the links worked as well. Rosie does a great job.:D

[perfect match]

Joe and Pat, hope you have a wonderful trip with your grandson, and everyone staying healthy throught. We are sailing west, back to Port Canaveral, so don't forget to wave down at us as you fly across the Atlantic. :D

 

Mic and Rosie, congratulations on your new granddaughter! :D

[MicCanberra]

Joe and Pat, hope you have a wonderful trip with your grandson, and everyone staying healthy throught. We are sailing west, back to Port Canaveral, so don't forget to wave down at us as you fly across the Atlantic. :D

 

Mic and Rosie, congratulations on your new granddaughter! :D

 

Thanks Nancy, she is gorgeous.:D

[scubacruiserx2]

Thank great pictures. I can't wait to get back on the Royal!!

Tony

 

Thank you Tony . We did enjoy our cruise on the Royal class and would love to go on it again .

[scubacruiserx2]

Somewhat worrying about Kevin's report on the ship's handling of the situation. All I can say again is proceed with caution.

 

I am glad the links worked as well. Rosie does a great job.:D

 

Thanks Mic , we will do our best . Rosie's review was clear , concise and lucid - everything that mine aren't . ;)

[upwarduk]

Yours have wonderful pictures and very helpful advice ( Eclipse 2015.)

I'm looking forward to more from your up & coming Baltic cruise. Enjoy.