The Future of Luxury Cruising (from a Regent-lover's point of view)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

9 hours ago, cruiseluv said:

Wear masks while in social areas... ok, so, how would that work? You keep your mask on until your drink/ food comes, and then , you drink/eat quickly so as to put back your mask again? Is there like a warning sign on your table/seat to alert people you've taken your mask off,  and they should avoid walking past you? 

 

And that begs the question of how vital it is to be careful taking masks off (and thus putting them back on), and disposing of them.  Because of those problems, non-medical masks can be harmful.   Or at the best somewhat symbolic, at least for those who are asymptomatic.

 

I'd like to see lots of vendors making effective masks that fit well and are easy to use and comfortable, but are also nice-looking, and possibly whimsical.  I think that universal mask-wearing can create a huge amount of anomie--we depend on seeing each other's faces, and not being able to can make us fearful and detached from those around us.  Whimsically-decorated masks, with, perhaps, photos of our own faces, or animal faces, or themes like Star Trek, or big smilies, or Calvin and Hobbes, or whatever.  I'm looking forward to mask culture to mature (at the moment I'm stuck with home-made masks constructed without a sewing machine--uncomfortable, of dubious efficacy, and ugly as sin.  Too bad we couldn't come up with a transparent material that was also breathable but filtered out viruses, ha ha.

Edited May 7, 2020 by Wendy The Wanderer

[Ladys Mom]

4 minutes ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

 

And that begs the question of how vital it is to be careful taking masks off (and thus putting them back on), and disposing of them.  Because of those problems, non-medical masks are somewhat symbolic, at least for those who are asymptomatic.

 

I'd like to see lots of vendors making effective masks that fit well and are easy to use and comfortable, but are also nice-looking, and possibly whimsical.  I think that universal mask-wearing can create a huge amount of anomie--we depend on seeing each other's faces, and not being able to can make us fearful and detached from those around us.  Whimsically-decorated masks, with, perhaps, photos of our own faces, or animal faces, or themes like Star Trek, or big smilies, or Calvin and Hobbes, or whatever.  I'm looking forward to mask culture to mature (at the moment I'm stuck with home-made masks constructed without a sewing machine--uncomfortable, of dubious efficacy, and ugly as sin.  Too bad we couldn't come up with a transparent material that was also breathable but filtered out viruses, ha ha.

Wendy, as I peruse through Facebook I see more and more vendors selling cute facemasks.  Also I have been told that there are lots of vendors on Etsy who are selling cute masks.  The problems is that very few of them contain or accommodate a filter that can improve the efficacy of the mask.

[Travelcat2]

Just read this - it sounds like it could help cruise ships.  Any thoughts?

 

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/22903-marinexchange-enhances-enterprise-platform-with-mxp-protect-to-fight-covid-19.html

[Wendy The Wanderer]

1 hour ago, Ladys Mom said:

Wendy, as I peruse through Facebook I see more and more vendors selling cute facemasks.  Also I have been told that there are lots of vendors on Etsy who are selling cute masks.  The problems is that very few of them contain or accommodate a filter that can improve the efficacy of the mask.

 

Yes.  I'm concentrating on local vendors here who are doing it for charity, or donating masks or some of the revenue to same.  I've found some that do accommodate filters.  Like this one: https://www.instagram.com/turnout_points/

 

I'm going to keep searching until I find one that's comfortable and allows me to talk so someone can hear  me.  BTW, I've been using piece of vacuum-cleaner bags and coffee filters as the filter material.  I've seen someone suggesting used, washed, dryer sheets as well.  Not sure how effective any of these things are, but the vac bags actually have two layers--presumably HEPA bags would be even better.

[greykitty]

Here's a press release description of how Sandals is planning to reopen with some modifications.  That said, I do think land resorts have an advantage over cruise ships at the moment in how they can handle the safety of guests/employees.  But the Sandals approach might have some applicability.  I guess the key thing really is, 'what does the CDC think' when it comes down to it.  Wouldn't everyone like a peek into those discussons.

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sandals-resorts-enhances-industry-leading-212400766.html

[Wendy The Wanderer]

 

2 hours ago, ErwinSchrodinger said:

You all realize that cloth masks only stop about 20-30% of viral particles. There main purpose is to remind you not to touch your face.

 

Yes, which is why it's not mandatory here in stores, except for the odd store where there's been an outbreak.  And why I referred to them as symbolic.

 

2 hours ago, mrlevin said:

One of the design flaws I pointed out in Explorer three years ago might be an issue with its return to sea.  The public restrooms have automatic water but it is only lukewarm, I would assume that they could modify that; however, they do not have automatic soap dispensers, you actually have to push down on the soap.  Both of those current limitations impact the efficacy of hand washing requirements.

 

Also, on the Mariner, I was surprised its recent update didn't include automatic doors to the pool deck.  Even though Mariner is still my favorite ship, these doors, especially the one between La Verandah and Pool Grill on port side, are a really poor design that I thought would be fixed by now.

 

Well, you don't need hot water to kill the virus--it's the foam from the soap, and the rubbing that does that (at least that's been drummed into us repeatedly.)

 

They definitely need touchless soap dispensers, towel dispensers (if they can't figure out how to dispense cloth towels.)  And obviously automatic doors will be a must.

[mrlevin]

So I have been scalding my hands for no reason; now they tell me.  😉

[barko4441]

15 minutes ago, greykitty said:

Here's a press release description of how Sandals is planning to reopen with some modifications.  That said, I do think land resorts have an advantage over cruise ships at the moment in how they can handle the safety of guests/employees.  But the Sandals approach might have some applicability.  I guess the key thing really is, 'what does the CDC think' when it comes down to it.  Wouldn't everyone like a peek into those discussons.

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sandals-resorts-enhances-industry-leading-212400766.html

I have followed the Sandal's boards for most of their resorts. I have been going to different Sandals since 1998. There, just like here people are split. Some can't wait until they open up, while others say, why spend the money, and not get a true Sandal;s experience. They question getting dinner reservations, social distancing on beach or around the pool, having drinks at the bars, and scuba, and snorkeling tours. A lot that have this years vacations cancelled, have delayed until next year.

[GrJ Berkshire]

Regent was superb as we knew it. What will be the 'new normal'? Will we like this and accept the 'new normal'?

How will it work? I can't get my head round how the restaurants will function, there is not room to socially distance with 2m between tables especially not in compass rose, it will mean nearly all will have to be tables of 2 or 1. As no mixed tables would be conceivable, with people from different locations, countries could be allowed. Equally do you want waiters in gloves and masks, how about when you arrive with the 'maitre de' how do you socially distance? Open dining also may not work with people having to be staggered to arrive at different times. The theatre is another major concern ,it is not possible to leave the spaces between people and fit in all who want to attend? Queuing up to go in and out will be a problem. The lifts would have to be only those in a suite, not mixed, most will have to use the stairs, not sure many of Regent 's passengers will be able to do this. The spa, fitness area will have to remain closed, no way will these be able to work as before. Bars a key part of Regent, cannot work as they did, no mixing, no sitting at the bar, will people want this. No block party, SSSociety, could work. What entertainment, few guest acts to fly in, equally no close contact dancing could occur? Excursions and how they operate must change, can't have tendering as at present. Will places be open to visit? In the UK re-opening is not imminent.

How will muster drill be done with social distancing and complying with SOLAS?  How La Veranda will work for breakfast could be a problem, buffet style is an issue . What about the pool, hot tubs and their use? People will want to  use these. Smokers socially distancing is another problem in the connoisseur club or open areas.

Will this be the same luxury experience without these things? I can imagine having to spend more time in your own cabins, no trivia, high tea, lectures for all, no games, senior crew having to remain away from the passengers( can't risk have these people being incapacitated ) Casino will not work either.

The bigger ships with reduced numbers may work, but then is this economically viable? Navigator as a smaller ship with limited public areas could be very crowded especially if open areas are closed in bad weather.

Finally how will crew and passengers get to and from the ships, the airlines will not resume as they were! Many airlines are already in serious trouble, many will have a very different pattern of routes after covid, are they going to have to fly with 66%max passengers to socially distance? Many will not survive this.

We are next due to cruise Jan 2021 on Voyager , Buenos Aires to Lima, we are hoping that this will sail, but I would not bet on it! Whether the experience will be able to match what we know and enjoy? I hope so but again there are a lot of questions to answer !

Keep safe and well and cruise again.

 

[wcsdkqh]

Excellent summary of the situation. I will definitely not be spending the better part of $2000 per day for my wife and myself for this sort of experience 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

4 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Excellent summary of the situation. I will definitely not be spending the better part of $2000 per day for my wife and myself for this sort of experience 

 

Yep.  I truly wonder if cruising for most of us is a dead issue.  I truly hope I'm wrong.

[Travelcat2]

35 minutes ago, barko4441 said:

I have followed the Sandal's boards for most of their resorts. I have been going to different Sandals since 1998. There, just like here people are split. Some can't wait until they open up, while others say, why spend the money, and not get a true Sandal;s experience. They question getting dinner reservations, social distancing on beach or around the pool, having drinks at the bars, and scuba, and snorkeling tours. A lot that have this years vacations cancelled, have delayed until next year.

 

Interesting information.  We did all-inclusive resorts around the world prior to cruising.  For better or worse, after 16 years of cruising, we would likely find staying in one resort boring.  We are now used to a totally different experience.  In any case, I would think that Sandals would have an easier time at social distancing than on oa cruise ship.  Hotels, resorts, etc. are also suffering - it is so sad.

 

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

I am not playing the speculation game. I will wait for Regent to announce when it is sailing again and the changes that will be made. We will then make a decision as to whether we sail. 
sheila

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

We did a Sandals stay on Jamaica several years ago.  Never again. The food was mediocre, the accommodations were disappointing and it was very expensive. It was faux luxury. 

[barko4441]

2 minutes ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

We did a Sandals stay on Jamaica several years ago.  Never again. The food was mediocre, the accommodations were disappointing and it was very expensive. It was faux luxury. 

I guess I have been slumming all these years

[Mudhen]

2 minutes ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

We did a Sandals stay on Jamaica several years ago.  Never again. The food was mediocre, the accommodations were disappointing and it was very expensive. It was faux luxury. 

We too, have been there, done that. We won a 3 day weekend at a Sandals in Jamaica. What was good was that we could visit (and or eat and drink) at any of the Jamaica Sandals. We toured at least 3 of them. 

Most definately NOT for us. Glad we found out before booking a weeks stay at any of 'em!

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

 

1 minute ago, barko4441 said:

I guess I have been slumming all these years

Compare Sandals restaurants to Regent restaurants. Hibachi to Pacific Rim, main dining room to Compass Rose, Italian to Sete Mara etc. 

 It’s not slumming.... It just doesn’t compare. 
sheila

 

[greykitty]

Quick Frank del Rio quote from Barron's just a bit ago - kind of makes sense to keep cruises 'in the neighborhood' at least at start up.  

 

The company is working with a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner to help come up with new safety protocols for when cruises resume. The CDC will have to sign off on any such plans.

Del Rio expects that when Norwegian’s cruises start up again, they will involve itineraries “with less moving parts,” including Hawaii, Alaska, and Bermuda.

[Travelcat2]

2 minutes ago, greykitty said:

Quick Frank del Rio quote from Barron's just a bit ago - kind of makes sense to keep cruises 'in the neighborhood' at least at start up.  

 

The company is working with a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner to help come up with new safety protocols for when cruises resume. The CDC will have to sign off on any such plans.

Del Rio expects that when Norwegian’s cruises start up again, they will involve itineraries “with less moving parts,” including Hawaii, Alaska, and Bermuda.

 

Someone said that he will be CNBC tonight.  I don't recall where I saw that but do want to watch.

[PaulMCO]

4 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Someone said that he will be CNBC tonight.  I don't recall where I saw that but do want to watch.

Jim Cramer's 6pm show..."Mad Money"

See how he stands up to Cramer.  Cramer is very negative on the future of the cruise industry.

Edited May 7, 2020 by PaulMCO

[Travelcat2]

1 minute ago, PaulMCO said:

Jim Cramer's 6pm show..."Mad Money"

See how he stands up to Cramer.  Cramer is very negative on the future of the cruise industry.

 

Thank you so much!

[orvil]

Sandals, been there done that.  Regent has spoiled me.  There is no going back.  A lot of people like Sandals because they don't know about Regent.

 

The day will dawn when we can resume our sloth and gluttony.  I'm looking forward to that day.  I do know that it won't be on a Carnival Fun Ship.  That dog won't hunt.

 

Sadly, our day will be later rather than sooner.  There are so many moving parts to international cruise line operations.  It makes for a very complex situation and none of us wants to make any major changes to what we enjoy and neither does Regent.  

 

The simple answer to the very complex question of when can we cruise again is we will cruise Regent style when there is an effective, world wide available vaccine.  Until till then, we as a group are in dry dock.

 

[Guerncruising]

1 hour ago, GrJ Berkshire said:

Regent was superb as we knew it. What will be the 'new normal'? Will we like this and accept the 'new normal'?

How will it work? I can't get my head round how the restaurants will function, there is not room to socially distance with 2m between tables especially not in compass rose, it will mean nearly all will have to be tables of 2 or 1. As no mixed tables would be conceivable, with people from different locations, countries could be allowed. Equally do you want waiters in gloves and masks, how about when you arrive with the 'maitre de' how do you socially distance? Open dining also may not work with people having to be staggered to arrive at different times. The theatre is another major concern ,it is not possible to leave the spaces between people and fit in all who want to attend? Queuing up to go in and out will be a problem. The lifts would have to be only those in a suite, not mixed, most will have to use the stairs, not sure many of Regent 's passengers will be able to do this. The spa, fitness area will have to remain closed, no way will these be able to work as before. Bars a key part of Regent, cannot work as they did, no mixing, no sitting at the bar, will people want this. No block party, SSSociety, could work. What entertainment, few guest acts to fly in, equally no close contact dancing could occur? Excursions and how they operate must change, can't have tendering as at present. Will places be open to visit? In the UK re-opening is not imminent.

How will muster drill be done with social distancing and complying with SOLAS?  How La Veranda will work for breakfast could be a problem, buffet style is an issue . What about the pool, hot tubs and their use? People will want to  use these. Smokers socially distancing is another problem in the connoisseur club or open areas.

Will this be the same luxury experience without these things? I can imagine having to spend more time in your own cabins, no trivia, high tea, lectures for all, no games, senior crew having to remain away from the passengers( can't risk have these people being incapacitated ) Casino will not work either.

The bigger ships with reduced numbers may work, but then is this economically viable? Navigator as a smaller ship with limited public areas could be very crowded especially if open areas are closed in bad weather.

Finally how will crew and passengers get to and from the ships, the airlines will not resume as they were! Many airlines are already in serious trouble, many will have a very different pattern of routes after covid, are they going to have to fly with 66%max passengers to socially distance? Many will not survive this.

We are next due to cruise Jan 2021 on Voyager , Buenos Aires to Lima, we are hoping that this will sail, but I would not bet on it! Whether the experience will be able to match what we know and enjoy? I hope so but again there are a lot of questions to answer !

Keep safe and well and cruise again.

 

So sorry to quote all of this, but let’s have some realism here, and no I’m not a glass half full person. We all pay “good money” to go on a Regent cruise and it is meant to be a holiday. Living on a holiday island I could stay at home, but choose to go with Regent instead. 

I find it very hard to see a reasonable way forward. 

Looking forward to cruising again.

[PaulMCO]

9 minutes ago, Guerncruising said:

So sorry to quote all of this, but let’s have some realism here, and no I’m not a glass half full person. We all pay “good money” to go on a Regent cruise and it is meant to be a holiday. Living on a holiday island I could stay at home, but choose to go with Regent instead. 

I find it very hard to see a reasonable way forward. 

Looking forward to cruising again.

I think we all want to get back to normal.  Feels like a year of pain already but it is hard to realized that all of this has been only 2 months for many of us.

[RJ2002]

1 hour ago, GrJ Berkshire said:

Regent was superb as we knew it. What will be the 'new normal'? Will we like this and accept the 'new normal'?

How will it work?

 

Excellent questions which I think we all have at this point. 

 

With it looking like the pause in operations may be longer than originally thought, Regent is going to have some time to consider just exactly how they are going to resume operations safely, while at the same time preserving the Regent experience which we all expect.  I could foresee focus group surveys, perhaps with loyal customers.

 

And, the potential changes in the onboard experience might be dependent on a 'pre-vaccine' vs. 'post-vaccine' environment.