Selling the whole ship

[gary705]

I see a lot of “ wait listed “ cruises for 2021, do you think that RSSC is not selling all rooms to create social distancing 

 

gary705 

[mrlevin]

5 minutes ago, gary705 said:

I see a lot of “ wait listed “ cruises for 2021, do you think that RSSC is not selling all rooms to create social distancing 

 

gary705 

 

There are a number of itineraries (especially Tokyo cruises) that are, in fact, waitlistsd and have been for quite a while. 

 

Marc

Edited April 19, 2020 by mrlevin

[Travelcat2]

Agree - Regent tends to sell out popular itineraries over a year in advance,  If you are interested in a cruise in 2021, I would ask your TA to get you waitlisted on the cruise.  If you make a refundable deposit, you are likely to get the suite category that you are interested in.

 

Keep in mind that Regent ships are fairly small.  It only takes between 250 and 375 couples to book a cruise for it to become waitlisted.

 

Note:  Our March 14th cruise (that was cancelled) was sold out for well over a year.  Our upcoming cruise (November 2020) was waitlisted for about a year but has opened up due to the Covid-19.

[Portolan]

Since the Regent ships have one of the (if not the) largest guest to displacement ratios (i.e., space per passenger), they already have more distancing space than any of the mega-ships with a half load of passengers, so distancing really only becomes an issue in the restaurants which, in total, can seat most of the passengers simultaneously.  They could extend the dining hours by an hour or so and that should allow for spacing the diners farther apart.

[RachelG]

I have seen multiple cabin categories waitlisted only a day or so after a popular or unique cruise was announced, so not unusual at all.  Even with a full ship, Regent ships never feel crowded.  Only areas might be La Veranda at lunch time when all excursions return at the same time, or the pool deck dining area when weather is nice.

[mrlevin]

Theater also can be crowded with a full ship as well as coffee connection and trivia.  And forget Beatles night, no social distancing possible there.  I think it is a pipe dream to think Regent with the largest passenger to space ratio of any fleet can maintain social distancing with anywhere near a full ship.

 

Marc

[RachelG]

Beatles night would have to go for sure.  And trivia would have to be in the theater.  They would also have to do the mandatory muster drill differently, perhaps in multiple groups.  I have rarely seen the theater crowded enough (except for Krew Kapers or John Barron's show) even with a full ship that people couldn't be spaced out adeuqately--couples could still sit together. Coffee connection I have rarely seen crowded.  For there, La Veranda and the pool deck, they would have to remove some seating and tables.  

[Travelcat2]

The Coffee Connection really depends upon the ship.  The Voyager has a small Coffee Connection and it does get crowded.  Explorer’s Coffee Connection is fairly well spaced out and now has an outside area as well as inside.   Agree with Rachel about the theater.  La Veranda could be a challenge - not from a table standpoint but in terms of getting food.  Mariner and Voyager are set up completely differently.  If passengers lined up - 6’ apart, they would still be too close together when they reached the food since there are two sides with little room in between to even walk. Explorer has a different set of challenges but, IMHO, is easier to manage.

[pdaniel]

RachelG-

Excellent points.  Also, hopefully, the stairs will be used more by those who can to avoid the crowded elevators.

[RachelG]

16 minutes ago, pdaniel said:

RachelG-

Excellent points.  Also, hopefully, the stairs will be used more by those who can to avoid the crowded elevators.

I always use the stairs as it is part of my stay fit program.  I have started trying to avoid elevators in the hospital where I word as well, even more than usual.   Realize there are people who must use elevators though.

[pdaniel]

33 minutes ago, RachelG said:

I always use the stairs as it is part of my stay fit program.  I have started trying to avoid elevators in the hospital where I word as well, even more than usual.   Realize there are people who must use elevators though.

I agree.  We always use the stairs for fitness but also to be considerate to those who need the elevators.

I notice the stairs are rarely crowded!

[Travelcat2]

We find the forward elevators on Explorer to be extremely crowded (likely because the aft elevators do not go down to the level where CR, the Constellation Theater, the Explorer lounge, casino and Boutique are).

 

While we now only sail on Explorer (or Splendor) where muster does not take us outside by the life boats, the other ships pack people together like sardines.  This obviously will need to change.

[pappy1022]

To each his own of course. For me personally, these "little" things that need to happen to maintain social distancing and overall safety take away from the cruising experience and thus more reason for me to wait until we no longer need to have these special arrangements. This feeling is not specific to Regent. I am sure that Regent would do everything in their power to make their ships as safe as possible. I would feel the same way about cruising on any luxury cruise line during these unique times. I only cruise once every 2 years so waiting for things to settle down is fine with me.

[Travelcat2]

The elevator issue is one that I had not thought of.  Although I can climb some stairs, due to knee replacement (and not having stairs at home), it will be a challenge to use stairs on the ship but I will do it in order to keep social distancing.  I hope that Regent will provide that small disinfectant bottles so we can carry it and use it as necessary (like in an elevator).

[wcsdkqh]

What is being described here, whether it turns out to be factual or not, does not equate to a $1000/day luxury experience.  Constant Code Red Protocols, Social Distancing (how is that even going to happen in restaurants, lounges, pool?) Carrying disinfect where ever you go and constantly wiping down everything you touch.  Might as well just stay in your suite. No thanks. I think I'll just wait until a reliable vaccine is widely available and normalcy returns, not just to the ship, but to all the countries being visited. It wont be this year, and probably not next year either. This of course brings up the topic of whether cruise lines will even survive, and if they do, in what form?

[Travelcat2]

I guess it depends upon how much a person wants to cruise.  At the moment, I'm carrying a small disinfectant spray with me everywhere - not that I go many places but definitely use it at the grocery store - it isn't a big deal when I think about the possibility of getting Covid-19.  We also need to have masks, gloves and eye protection.  These items should not be required on a cruise ship.

 

Yes - we can stay home - even after restrictions are lifted  but the risk isn't going to disappear overnight. I believe that this will be our new normal for some time to come.  So, we can take precautions in our own cities or take precautions on a cruise ship.  For us, there is no choice - we would much rather be on a Regent ship.

 

Just read about 10 articles regarding when vaccines will be available.  The majority of opinions state that treatments will be ready quite a bit earlier than a vaccine.  I'm personally awaiting news as to whether or not someone can get the virus more than once.  Then, if the new antibody test can let us know if we have, in fact, had the disease with no (or few) symptoms we will know this and will also know if it is safe to go out without worrying about catching it again (hope that this made sense).  

[RachelG]

26 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

 

Just read about 10 articles regarding when vaccines will be available.  The majority of opinions state that treatments will be ready quite a bit earlier than a vaccine.  I'm personally awaiting news as to whether or not someone can get the virus more than once.  Then, if the new antibody test can let us know if we have, in fact, had the disease with no (or few) symptoms we will know this and will also know if it is safe to go out without worrying about catching it again (hope that this made sense).  

 The key in my mind is antibody testing now, and eventually a vaccine, though this virus may be like some others that have come then burned out on their own (SARS, MERS, H1N1 come to mind) before they even come up with a vaccine.  If we had widespread antibody testing, and are reasonably certain that once you have had it and produced antibodies, you can't get it again, those of us who are immune could resume normal activity. 

 

[mrlevin]

7 minutes ago, RachelG said:

 If we had widespread antibody testing, and are reasonably certain that once you have had it and produced antibodies, you can't get it again, those of us who are immune could resume normal activity. 

 

'

Rachel, you believe that you have had the virus so that you are immune?  Just awaiting antibody testing?

 

Marc

[RachelG]

10 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

'

Rachel, you believe that you have had the virus so that you are immune?  Just awaiting antibody testing?

 

Marc

Correct.  On February 13, George went to New York.  After he came back, he was sick as a dog with high fever and a horrible cough.  He recovered though he still coughs some in the mornings.  About a week after he got sick, I started feeling like I was coming down with something, not a cold because I never had a runny nose.  It felt respiratory, but after a few days, I was better.

Mind you, I have a great immune system and very rarely get sick with anything. 

During that weekend, my oldest son came over for dinner, but his wife wasn't able to come.

  Then, in about a week later, my son got really sick with 104F fever and horrible cough.  By this time, we were hearing about Covid-19, but they hadn't started testing in Oklahoma at that point.  He got better, after about 4 days, though he still has a persistent slight cough.  His wife got sick with same symptoms a week after he did, but she has recovered fully. 

 

So I suspect we all had it. 

[rcandkc]

14 minutes ago, RachelG said:

Correct.  On February 13, George went to New York.  After he came back, he was sick as a dog with high fever and a horrible cough.  He recovered though he still coughs some in the mornings.  About a week after he got sick, I started feeling like I was coming down with something, not a cold because I never had a runny nose.  It felt respiratory, but after a few days, I was better.

Mind you, I have a great immune system and very rarely get sick with anything. 

During that weekend, my oldest son came over for dinner, but his wife wasn't able to come.

  Then, in about a week later, my son got really sick with 104F fever and horrible cough.  By this time, we were hearing about Covid-19, but they hadn't started testing in Oklahoma at that point.  He got better, after about 4 days, though he still has a persistent slight cough.  His wife got sick with same symptoms a week after he did, but she has recovered fully. 

 

So I suspect we all had it. 

Sure sounds like it.  Are y’all going to donate plasma if you have antibodies?  

[wcsdkqh]

Last I heard (in the past week), there is absolutely no evidence supporting the theory that once you have had it, you are immune. And if you happen to be immune, there have been no studies to indicate how long the immunity persists.  Much study and research required to answer these questions.

[cwn]

28 minutes ago, RachelG said:

Correct.  On February 13, George went to New York.  After he came back, he was sick as a dog with high fever and a horrible cough.  He recovered though he still coughs some in the mornings.  About a week after he got sick, I started feeling like I was coming down with something, not a cold because I never had a runny nose.  It felt respiratory, but after a few days, I was better.

Mind you, I have a great immune system and very rarely get sick with anything. 

During that weekend, my oldest son came over for dinner, but his wife wasn't able to come.

  Then, in about a week later, my son got really sick with 104F fever and horrible cough.  By this time, we were hearing about Covid-19, but they hadn't started testing in Oklahoma at that point.  He got better, after about 4 days, though he still has a persistent slight cough.  His wife got sick with same symptoms a week after he did, but she has recovered fully. 

 

So I suspect we all had it. 

There are several testing sites in the Houston area that are doing antibody testing. Is it available in OK. I was tested last week because I was hospitalized in late Jan with breathing problems, fever and cough, but the test was neg so was my husband's. The test are not 100% actuate and if we had been positive they suggested a another test in a few days. 

Edited April 21, 2020 by cwn

[SusieQft]

4 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Last I heard (in the past week), there is absolutely no evidence supporting the theory that once you have had it, you are immune. And if you happen to be immune, there have been no studies to indicate how long the immunity persists.  Much study and research required to answer these questions.

If people (or at least most people) are not immune after actually having Covid-19, then IMO there is not much chance of getting a vaccine that works.  Such a vaccine would require some real creativity to surpass the immune response of the actual virus.

[RachelG]

5 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Last I heard (in the past week), there is absolutely no evidence supporting the theory that once you have had it, you are immune. And if you happen to be immune, there have been no studies to indicate how long the immunity persists.  Much study and research required to answer these questions.

Those are good questions.  With some viruses, once you have had it, you are immune, and that immunity is more long lasting that the immunity conferred by a vaccine (think rubella, measles, polio, mumps).  Other viruses stay hidden in your body, lying dormant and can pop up again, usually when your immune system is down (think HPV, herpes, chicken pox).  However, if it is thought that developing antibodies to the disease does not confer immunity, there would be no point in developing a vaccine, because that is how vaccines work.

 

19 minutes ago, rcandkc said:

Sure sounds like it.  Are y’all going to donate plasma if you have antibodies?  

I would sure be willing do as I have donated plasma in the past; however, my husband and I have been to so many areas where malaria is prevalent that they will not accept us as blood donors. Not sure if they would be ok with plasma donation.

[RachelG]

4 minutes ago, SusieQft said:

If people (or at least most people) are not immune after actually having Covid-19, then IMO there is not much chance of getting a vaccine that works.  Such a vaccine would require some real creativity to surpass the immune response of the actual virus.

I was typing my answer as you replied, but we basically said the same thing.  Lol.