BNguy Posted September 12, 2021 #1 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darn88 Posted September 12, 2021 #2 Share Posted September 12, 2021 BNguy...thanks for asking this question!! I am curious as well as I am also a Regent newbie. Would love to know what cruising might look like in the future as far as new procedures are concerned. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DatawCruiser Posted September 12, 2021 #3 Share Posted September 12, 2021 Try this. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2749724-9112021-london-to-london-historic-isles/page/10/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCCruzQueen Posted September 12, 2021 #4 Share Posted September 12, 2021 50 minutes ago, DatawCruiser said: Try this. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2749724-9112021-london-to-london-historic-isles/page/10/ Thanks to @kev6025for starting his write up on the Sept. 11roll call. Hopefully some will begin a live blog on the Regent board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted September 12, 2021 #5 Share Posted September 12, 2021 I'm hoping too that someone will blog here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snorkle lover Posted September 12, 2021 #6 Share Posted September 12, 2021 I am eager to hear how everything is going as well. Hopefully, they having a wonderful time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted September 12, 2021 #7 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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 😊 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJ2002 Posted September 12, 2021 #8 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseluv Posted September 12, 2021 #9 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boats07 Posted September 12, 2021 #10 Share Posted September 12, 2021 Thank you for your comments and have a wonderful. Looking forward to more reports when you have time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smbruner Posted September 12, 2021 #11 Share Posted September 12, 2021 (edited) 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 September 12, 2021 by Smbruner Correction 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BNguy Posted September 12, 2021 Author #12 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flossie009 Posted September 12, 2021 #13 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted September 12, 2021 #14 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladys Mom Posted September 12, 2021 #15 Share Posted September 12, 2021 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labonnevie Posted September 13, 2021 #16 Share Posted September 13, 2021 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare wishIweretravelling Posted September 13, 2021 #17 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Will they seat you with others in the dining room, or must you eat only with your own group? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvalentine823 Posted September 13, 2021 #18 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Great to hear! We will be onboard for the Dec 8th sailing out of Miami. How is the internet?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted September 13, 2021 #19 Share Posted September 13, 2021 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! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross4356 Posted September 13, 2021 #20 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Thank you DaisyUK for all the information you are providing while on board. I have a question, are the Saunas and Steam Rooms open in the spa area? thanks.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted September 13, 2021 #21 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Hi Ross4356. I'm pretty sure they are but am going to the spa in shortly, so will find out and let you know😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaisyUK Posted September 13, 2021 #22 Share Posted September 13, 2021 Ok, just asked and both the sauna and steam rooms are open.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1982CruzStart Posted September 13, 2021 #23 Share Posted September 13, 2021 DaisyUK, thanks so much for taking time from your vacation to update us on what is happening onboard. Have a super trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmcdaniel Posted September 13, 2021 #24 Share Posted September 13, 2021 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smbruner Posted September 13, 2021 #25 Share Posted September 13, 2021 13 hours ago, wishIweretravelling said: Will they seat you with others in the dining room, or must you eat only with your own group? Not sure, I’ll ask tonight. You CAN go on shore without being on a ships excursion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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