Live from Apex - 6/19

[ian441672]

Sounds very exciting!

 

We are on a b2b for 24th and 31st July, also in a suite, so it is interesting to hear about Luminae menu dining options and what else you can have (I liked the fact you could order off MDR), plus the retreat deck - how is that working out? - and of course the lounge observations.

 

Have you been to the casino yet - how does that work with the machines?

 

Thank you, and continue to have a great cruise.

[camella]

57 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

Sounds like you should cancel.  They have informed you of the rules.  They shouldn't be put in the position to have to enforce them.  If you can't follow the rules please choose another vacation where you will be comfortable following the rules.

Well they did change that policy after we booked.  I am having the same issue.  When we booked there was no mask requirement since the entire ship was required to be vaccinated.  However after the Millennium came back with two passengers that tested positive even though everyone was vaccinated they changed the mask rule.  The new rule came out June 9th.  I would have never booked this cruise if I had known about the masks as I'm sure others wouldn't have either!

[wrk2cruise]

I sympathize with the change of rules, of course they said they can change the rules at any time.   I'm booked on the Edge in 2 weeks and wouldn't be surprised if they change the rules between now and then.   When the time comes I will either accept the rules and follow them or cancel.   I will not bank on the rules not being enforced, or challenge them onboard.

 

Edit:  By the way I don't think the change was due to the Millie incident but more some influence of the locals as they haven't changed the policies on Millie or the Edge cruises starting next week out of the US.  Yet......

Edited June 20, 2021 by wrk2cruise

[bama4cruisin]

7 minutes ago, camella said:

Well they did change that policy after we booked.  I am having the same issue.  When we booked there was no mask requirement since the entire ship was required to be vaccinated.  However after the Millennium came back with two passengers that tested positive even though everyone was vaccinated they changed the mask rule.  The new rule came out June 9th.  I would have never booked this cruise if I had known about the masks as I'm sure others wouldn't have either!

I am not at all certain the mask protocol was changed as a result of the 2 passengers on Millennium since ni don’t believe either the next cruise on Millennium or the current are requiring masks.

[LGW59]

6 minutes ago, camella said:

Well they did change that policy after we booked.  I am having the same issue.  When we booked there was no mask requirement since the entire ship was required to be vaccinated.  However after the Millennium came back with two passengers that tested positive even though everyone was vaccinated they changed the mask rule.  The new rule came out June 9th.  I would have never booked this cruise if I had known about the masks as I'm sure others wouldn't have either!

I totally understand where you are coming from here, but I also understand why Celebrity needs to be fluid on their current policies.  Tough situation and I wonder how/if they may make adjustments for passengers in your situation.  This is exactly why I will not cruise until spring 2022.  Good luck 🍀 

[skubapooh]

For the record, I don't intend to challenge the rules. I'm simply trying to understand how the crew is interpreting them in terms of enforcement. If I am lounging on the deck with a drink and a book, would they expect me to pull up my mask between sips while I'm reading. From the pics people are posting, it looks like folks are able to spread out quite nicely since the ship is at 25% capacity. If I am outdoors, yards apart from another person on the deck, would the crew want me to pull up my mask? I don't want them to feel burdened to do so, nor do I want to be burdened either. I just want to understand expectations so I can decide if I can comply or not.

[Fouremco]

2 minutes ago, skubapooh said:

For the record, I don't intend to challenge the rules. I'm simply trying to understand how the crew is interpreting them in terms of enforcement. If I am lounging on the deck with a drink and a book, would they expect me to pull up my mask between sips while I'm reading. From the pics people are posting, it looks like folks are able to spread out quite nicely since the ship is at 25% capacity. If I am outdoors, yards apart from another person on the deck, would the crew want me to pull up my mask? I don't want them to feel burdened to do so, nor do I want to be burdened either. I just want to understand expectations so I can decide if I can comply or not.

It's going to depend a lot on common sense. If you are going to sit there for hours with a glass in hand but not making any attempt to drink, you will probably be asked to pull up your mask. One crew member might view a sip every ten minutes is fine, another might think you need to take a sip every five minutes. It's like speed limits: some police forces will let you drive 15 mph over a 60 limit while others will ticket you for 5 mph over. I'm sure that every ship and every crew member responsible for enforcing the rules will vary in their application.

[camella]

9 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

It's going to depend a lot on common sense. If you are going to sit there for hours with a glass in hand but not making any attempt to drink, you will probably be asked to pull up your mask. One crew member might view a sip every ten minutes is fine, another might think you need to take a sip every five minutes. It's like speed limits: some police forces will let you drive 15 mph over a 60 limit while others will ticket you for 5 mph over. I'm sure that every ship and every crew member responsible for enforcing the rules will vary in their application.

Ha ha it's like speed limits on your drinking in a sense!!

[Miaminice]

55 minutes ago, camella said:

Well they did change that policy after we booked.  I am having the same issue.  When we booked there was no mask requirement since the entire ship was required to be vaccinated.  However after the Millennium came back with two passengers that tested positive even though everyone was vaccinated they changed the mask rule.  The new rule came out June 9th.  I would have never booked this cruise if I had known about the masks as I'm sure others wouldn't have either!

actually it’s a rule by Greek authorities and has nothing to do with Millennium.

[camella]

3 hours ago, Miaminice said:

actually it’s a rule by Greek authorities and has nothing to do with Millennium.

Strange because it should have been a requirement when we booked and it wasn’t because I asked so someone definitely messed that up!

[dani negreanu]

19 hours ago, taznremmy said:

So was I.  ☹️

 

.... and I 😢

 

[angelsil]

10 minutes ago, camella said:

Strange because it should have been a requirement when we booked and it wasn’t because I asked so someone definitely messed that up!

 

Same thing here. We're in the same situation with our Apex September sailing. I'm watching to see how this plays out before making our decision to go or just do a Greek land tour. We were definitely not told masks would be required on the ship.

 

If this is an extension of the Greek rules (as would make sense) they likely knew masks would be required months ago and just didn't inform folks until June 9th. Maybe they were worried about sales? Maybe they were trying to find a loophole to allow vaccinated cruisers to sail mask free? Dunno. Not happy about the change, though.

[Kreative03]

Hi all - following up on the vaccine card validation item so it’s clear. We were missed and have been left alone onboard, while others were appropriately vetted at checkin. 11/700 isn’t a large deal and we are all vaccinated at 12 and up (3 under age 5 are not)…but it’s important to note that our experience may have been replicated by the same Agents to a degree before being rectified and that could leave room for issue. I was hoping celebrity could actually keep our vaccination details on file so I wouldn’t have to bring my card to SXM in a few weeks, but that’s a pipe dream 💁‍♀️.

 

Our experience: Having a noon checkin similar to others posted, we probably got inside around 12:05 and through the line by 12:15 according to the photos I took. We checked in as 3 separate parties and 2 sets of us had QR code’s (two cabins worth) and one did not (three cabins worth).We all checked in with different staff members and none of us had vaccine cards requested or scanned. As I mentioned before, I have a QR code for my two year old and tried to get her the required antigen test and was thusly waived off by both the checkin person and the test administrator.

[Kreative03]

@skubapoohre: enforcement - it seems to be common sense. Folks are self enforcing which is nice to see. Restaurants and bars are largely maskless. Ocean view is full of masks until seated. I am seeing masks on the pool deck for lounging and to/from pool unless someone is actively sunbathing and you have enough space right now to do that well away from others. Everyone is giving each other grace given the vaccination status of the passengers. Many crew themselves are uncovered noses and pulling masks down to talk/when they don’t see you around, but they are exceptions and not the rule  

[Kreative03]

21 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

I'm not exactly sure what the Edge's Eden entertainment will be like once it resumes; on X's site they state in regards to the Apex: "Celebrity Edge’s transformational Eden experience is being updated on Apex to be a pre- or post-theatre dining venue with a flavor-forward focus. (was Eden's food not flavorful before?).  X also said they'd offer "elevated" cuts in Apex's Fine cut.  I can see the Edge's fine cut menu, hasn't changed.  I'm unable to see Apex's fine cut menu.  Curious if they'll offer wagyu.

Haven’t gotten to Eden yet for evening. Fine Cut does not have Waygu per their menu (and haven’t dined yet, but all establishments are using the app menus) The premium cuts are “30 day dry aged bone in prime rib-eye and certified black angus tomahawk”

[Bruin Steve]

With all the people complaining about the rules and talking about canceling, let me tell everyone where I stand on this:

 

We are booked on B2B on Apex, July 31 and August 7.  But we were originally booked on B2B cruises back in early July 2020.  We booked them clear back in 2019...and we were PAID IN FULL before they canceled our first air of cruises...and, when they were canceled, we decided to stick with it.  A lot of folks said to just get a refund and forget about it.  But we figured they would cruise again and we would be there...So, we "lifted-and-shifted"...and waited.  In the meanwhile, we had another 29 nights of cruising in Japan and Transpacific which also got canceled and we were able to lift and shift just the 14 night Japan...

 

We got vaccinated...and we waited...Then our re-booked Med cruises got canceled and the ship moved to Athens...so, we lifted-and shifted yet again...and were told we couldn't do B2B...But we hung in there...and eventually were able to get onto these B2B.

 

We've twice rearranged much greater Europe plans--air travel, pre- and post cruise extended trips, hotel reservations, car rentals.  It has been exhausting.  But we continued to hang in there.  And we are now just five weeks away.

 

NO, we are not happy about the rules changing.  We are both fully vaccinated--Since February.  We have complied with ALL local rules regarding masks, avoided going out of the house much.  Even though we have been vaccinated and don't fear Covid much anymore, We've worn the masks and tried to be respectful to the many who are not yet vaccinated.  Even though California has now lifted the mask requirements for those fully vaccinated, we're still bringing our masks when we venture out...and wearing them where others are--because we know that THEY cannot be certain as to their safety...They can't tell if we are vaccinated.

 

I was happy to be going on these cruises--happy to comply when in port and wear masks for the same reason we still do here--everyone isn't vaccinated.  BUT, we were also happy that the ship WOULD BE fully vaccinated and the risk extremely low and we would be able to relax IN THAT ENVIRONMENT maskless.  So, it is very disappointing that it looks like we will have to cruise with masks.  HOWEVER, nowhere near as disappointed as we would be if we had to YET AGAIN cancel or postpone our cruise.

 

So, we will NOT cancel.  We will bring our masks with us...We will be prepared to wear them in Athens during our pre-cruise and in port touring.  AND, if the rules don't change shipboard, we will wear them when required.  We've got the Premium Drink package and I expect to have a drink in front of me a lot of the time...and hope to be able to take off the mask a lot.  But, I will also have the mask in hand and be ready to put it on when needed.  BUT I WILL NOT LET THIS OR ANYTHING ELSE detract from my enjoyment of just being able to yet again cruise on a beautiful ship in an exotic destination.  I have a nice Sky Suite, a wonderful itinerary, a great pre-cruise and post cruise hotel and all of my tours/shorexes planned out and reserved...AND our vaccinations in order...It has been over a year and a half since my last cruise.  AND I am determined to enjoy this one.

 

In the meanwhile, I really hope the policies evolve and change for the better.  I will also hope that more and more people GET VACCINATED and that we beat the virus here at home...and in EVERY country around the world.

Edited June 21, 2021 by Bruin Steve

[Shadow9612]

9 minutes ago, Bruin Steve said:

In the meanwhile, I really hope the policies evolve and change for the better.  I will also hope that more and more people GET VACCINATED and that we beat the virus here at home...and in EVERY country around the world.

🙏👍

[Gtrgrad]

We are booked on June 26th and wasn’t aware everyone was going to need to have an antigen test pre boarding. Was this a new requirement? Hopefully not a huge deal but we will probably take an antigen before we leave the states for peace of mind. We are fully vaccinated and ready to enjoy this cruise! 
 

[Miaminice]

I have done a cruise to Greece in October under the same mask rules and I didn’t mind a bit. Now that we are vaccinated I still wouldn’t mind. 
The mask did not take a bit away from the joy then and it wouldn’t do so now.

Edited June 21, 2021 by Miaminice

[taznremmy]

7 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

.... and I 😢

 

I hope to meet you on another cruise! 🤞

Pat

[glanders]

Here are another few random observations. First, the regular internet is painfully slow. The old pay-for internet was better. I can barely read this page on my tablet due to the way the formatting is coming up. Same on phone. The upgrade for faster internet is about $200. We were told as long as you are sitting in a deck chair, you do not have to wear a mask. None of the entertainment staff wear masks - drummers, guatarists, game show hosts for example. That's odd. Almost to the person the staff has been great. They're all very friendly and open. Our party of six had a poor experience in Prime Cut last night - undercooked steaks, barely warm food overall, desserts on the menu not available, big ice balls in the ice cream, Caesar dressing that tasted like mayonaise, etc. Service was amateur from a very kind waiter with two years experience. We were one of about five tables in the restaurant at the time. The manager was more than gracious and asked if we'd like to come back. We're not sure yet. Cosmopolitan the first night was much better. Otherwise, the trip is great. The mask wearing is not really a big thing.

Edited June 21, 2021 by glanders

[little britain]

@Bruin Steve if you look at the pics* from the Athens streets only one person seems to be wearing a mask. That seems the same as UK where barely anyone wears a mask in the open air now ( but still in shops and when you enter a restaurant and walk 3’ to your table then take it off again….!); so the pre/post cruise experience should be “normal”.
 

* I think they are in the other live Apex thread.  I wish they could be merged. Are there Mods any more??

Edited June 21, 2021 by little britain

[Miaminice]

35 minutes ago, little britain said:

@Bruin Steve if you look at the pics* from the Athens streets only one person seems to be wearing a mask.

 

Mask rules in Greece were changed not long ago.

Masks on the streets are currently no longer mandatory. Only inside, on public transportation etc.  (crowded areas).
However, regional authorities can implement different (stricter) regulations.

So far a cruise ship is considered a closed (inside) area. No matter if inside or outside.
However, the rule is (and has never been) so bad as people make it sound.

 

Masks need to be worn until you are seated at a bar, restaurant, lounge chair etc. 
It´s the standard regulation which is/was in place all over Europe for months.
Not the horror story people make up sometimes.

[GlobalMethod]

34 minutes ago, Miaminice said:

 

Mask rules in Greece were changed not long ago.

Masks on the streets are currently no longer mandatory. Only inside, on public transportation etc.  (crowded areas).
However, regional authorities can implement different (stricter) regulations.

So far a cruise ship is considered a closed (inside) area. No matter if inside or outside.
However, the rule is (and has never been) so bad as people make it sound.

 

Masks need to be worn until you are seated at a bar, restaurant, lounge chair etc. 
It´s the standard regulation which is/was in place all over Europe for months.
Not the horror story people make up sometimes.

Yes ... these mask regulations are always changing in Greece ... I haven't heard a lot lately about the E300 fines that they were giving out like candy for not wearing a mask ... we were out on the town in Athens yesterday and saw 95% wearing masks ... in the last few days, media have been also talking of no more obligation for wearing a face mask outdoors from July 1, but nothing official yet. Here is my source for this;

 

https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2021/06/13/vaccinated-citizens-exempted-self-tests-july-1/

Edited June 21, 2021 by GlobalMethod

[ocdb8r]

17 hours ago, skubapooh said:

Would love to hear from anyone sailing how strict they are on enforcing the mask requirements, particularly outside. I don't have a problem masking up in the theatre, but lounging on the deck in 90 degree heat, that's rough.

 

Read posts above, I mentioned there has been no request to wear masks while sunbathing or in the pool (this is consistent with Greece guidance on land). Walking to or from the pool areas, we wear masks....and always indoors unless eating or drinking (which is clearly applied liberally as just having food or drink in front of you seems to be sufficient justification for no mask).  For example, we wear our.mask while being seated for dinner, but are quickly given a small paper envelope to our them in and have them off through the whole service, whether we are actively eating or not.  It's really not very onerous. At shows, we're typically having a drink and thus don't wear our mask.

 

Agree with ATLJC, mask wearing was clearly the norm in Athens, but in Santorini and now in Mykonos, looking like 75% of locals not really bothering. Exception seems to be food establishments where masking is more common by staff.  But even inside Santorini shops, few staff wearing masks.  I spoken with one shopkeeper who said 90% of the island is vaccinated and they are ready to get back to normal.

 

A couple of ship notes:

 

Eden is a gorgeous space, but seems underutilized.... I suspect due to low passenger numbers (they are clearly trying to concentrate entertainment in fewer venues to encourage "decent" attendance.

 

Caravan was VERY enjoyable last night and we would see it again.  Short but sweet.

 

We upgraded to "stream" wifi and I think it's abysmal (for the pricing).  However, I suspect they actually prioritize the popular streaming "services" as they work well....but we purchased to get more usable "quick" wifi and for regular browsing I find it still very unsatisfactory (speedtest registers 2.5Mbs down).

 

Any other questions?

Edited June 21, 2021 by ocdb8r