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Anyone on the Splendor sailing out of Southampton?

BNguy

By BNguy,
in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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BNguy

BNguy

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Forgive me for asking, but yesterday was Splendor's first cruise (public that is) since the pandemic shut down.  Yes I know there was a special cruise just before this, but I'm wondering if anyone on cruise critic is aboard the cruise that left yesterday?  I'm a newbie to Regent and would like a nice rundown of how the boarding procedure works now and how life on board is like.  Mainly I want to know about any restrictions etc.  My wife and I will be on the Splendor out of Miami in early December and are trying to get feel for what it will be like.  Thanks to anyone who lets me know.  I'm sure many of our members can speculate, but I'm looking for actual experiences.

 

Thanks.

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DaisyUK Great Review Rare

DaisyUK

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Hi all, my husband and I are on the Sept 11-22 cruise, Southampton round trip. We boarded yesterday. So far, everything has been truly wonderful. Boarding was very well organised. We arrived, had our Covid tests, completed a health questionnaire, received our test results and were on the ship within 15-20 mins of arrival (as compared to a huge ship - MSC I think - where there were lines around the entire car park). The ship is beautiful and the crew/staff are falling over themselves to be helpful and efficient. Jason Montague is onboard and gave what we thought was a very professional presentation straight from the heart. Masks are mandatory except when eating or drinking or working out in a very active way in the gym. Very comfortable ones are provided. Happy to answer any questions as and when I can. Must run now as lots to do before dinner at Pacific Rim 😊

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RJ2002

RJ2002

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Wonderful report DaisyUK.  Hope you can continue to share your experiences as time permits.  It is not surprising to hear your comments about the crew/staff.  I'm sure they are as overjoyed as the guests.

 

Who is the GM and CD?

 

Enjoy your cruise!

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cruiseluv

cruiseluv

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1 hour ago, DaisyUK said:

Hi all, my husband and I are on the Sept 11-22 cruise, Southampton round trip. We boarded yesterday. So far, everything has been truly wonderful. Boarding was very well organised. We arrived, had our Covid tests, completed a health questionnaire, received our test results and were on the ship within 15-20 mins of arrival (as compared to a huge ship - MSC I think - where there were lines around the entire car park). The ship is beautiful and the crew/staff are falling over themselves to be helpful and efficient. Jason Montague is onboard and gave what we thought was a very professional presentation straight from the heart. Masks are mandatory except when eating or drinking or working out in a very active way in the gym. Very comfortable ones are provided. Happy to answer any questions as and when I can. Must run now as lots to do before dinner at Pacific Rim 😊

Hello Daisy , thank you for posting. What about masks while outside on deck, are they also required? Enjoy the cruise!

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Smbruner

Smbruner

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We are also onboard.   Big difference so far (besides having to wear a mask everywhere inside - except eating & drinking).   Champagne welcome was “pick up your glass at the coffee corner”.  Seating in the theater is quite spaced out as are dining tables.   
 

There’s not many passengers on board, I’ve heard we’re about half full.  Culinary Arts center is reduced in size and you’re spaced out.  Again, masked required when you are up close to the chef.   
 

I’ve heard that trivia is just you and whoever you are traveling with.  This might change.  
 

I highly doubt we’ll have the traditional block party but you never know. 
 

Room steward will not clean when you are in the room and if they come to the door a mask is required.   
 

Entertainment last night in the theater was the best we’ve ever seen on Regent!

 

EVERYONE seems happy to be back to cruising!  

Edited by Smbruner
Correction
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BNguy

BNguy

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Thank you Daisy and Smbruner for those reports.  Do you or anyone know if the mask requirement is because of the UK or is that the new Regent policy?  

 

Glad to hear that everyone on board seems to be having a good time and that things are going well.  Perhaps a report near the end would be nice too.

 

Thanks again

 

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flossie009

flossie009

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Masks are not mandatory in England, but their use is encouraged in public indoor spaces and crowded areas. Scotland & Northern Ireland still have a requirement for masks in certain areas as do countries in the EU.

It makes sense for Regent to set fixed mask rules on-board that are in compliance with all the places to be visited during Splendor's initial itineraries.

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DaisyUK Great Review Rare

DaisyUK

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55 minutes ago, flossie009 said:

Masks are not mandatory in England, but their use is encouraged in public indoor spaces and crowded areas. Scotland & Northern Ireland still have a requirement for masks in certain areas as do countries in the EU.

It makes sense for Regent to set fixed mask rules on-board that are in compliance with all the places to be visited during Splendor's initial itineraries.

Yes, agreed. In Jason's presentation today, he emphasised the safety aspect for both crew and guests, and with the current variants in mind said that Regent has made the decision to make mask wearing  mandatory for the time being. It's a bit of a pain, but for us it is not really detracting from the experience and we welcome the emphasis on safety. Today was a sea day and we enjoyed the various lectures/presentations, some time in the casino, the spa and - of course - eating! 

 

As for masks on deck, I'm not actually sure whether these are required when walking about but several people were sitting by the pool today, and some even swimming, and they were not wearing masks so I think that must be acceptable. However, at the pool grill buffet we were required to wear masks when getting food.

 

En route to Edinburgh currently. Arrival is 8am in the morning. 

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Ladys Mom

Ladys Mom

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Thank both of you for telling what it is like onboard the Splendor right now.  It sounds glorious except for the masking.  But I, for one, would rather have the inconvenience of wearing a mask indoors, than contracting Covid again, no matter how mild.  Good to hear Regent is supplying comfortable masks, but I wouldn't expect anything less.  Has anyone heard anything about the revised itinerary for the 2022 WC.  We are planning to be on that cruise one month after we get off the Splendor.

Keep sending these wonderful reports.

Norma and Mitch

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labonnevie

labonnevie

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5 hours ago, DaisyUK said:

Yes, agreed. In Jason's presentation today, he emphasised the safety aspect for both crew and guests, and with the current variants in mind said that Regent has made the decision to make mask wearing  mandatory for the time being. It's a bit of a pain, but for us it is not really detracting from the experience and we welcome the emphasis on safety. Today was a sea day and we enjoyed the various lectures/presentations, some time in the casino, the spa and - of course - eating! 

 

As for masks on deck, I'm not actually sure whether these are required when walking about but several people were sitting by the pool today, and some even swimming, and they were not wearing masks so I think that must be acceptable. However, at the pool grill buffet we were required to wear masks when getting food.

 

En route to Edinburgh currently. Arrival is 8am in the morning. 

Are there plans to do testing throughout the cruise?

What are the restrictions on shore excursions? Regent only or can you do a port on your own? Thanks for the great information and enjoy your cruise. 

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DaisyUK Great Review Rare

DaisyUK

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Hi from the Beautiful Splendor!

As far as I know, no plans to test throughout the cruise. Perhaps this would change if there were to be any positive cases.

I think we can do the ports on our own where local rules allow it. Today, for example, we are in Edinburgh, and it was possible to get the tender/coach into the City Centre.

Not too sure about dining in groups. We tend to eat alone, so not an issue for us. I will ask this evening though and report back.

Internet is OK. Obviously not as fast as on land, but very workable.

Everything continues to exceed our expectations. We weren't really sure what to expect, but not this level of service, care and attention. The ship is about half full, so we are spoilt!

Forgot to answer the earlier question about the GM and CD. They are Franck Galzy and John Barron.

Hope this helps!

 

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Jimmcdaniel

Jimmcdaniel

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3 hours ago, DaisyUK said:

Hi from the Beautiful Splendor!

As far as I know, no plans to test throughout the cruise. Perhaps this would change if there were to be any positive cases.

 

 

Thank you so much @DaisyUK for your reports! 

 

On testing, I assume this wouldn't be an issue for you as you are from the UK, but, do you know if Regent is planning to do testing at the end of the cruise for guests from other countries (like the US) to facilitate their return home?

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