Anyone on the Splendor sailing out of Southampton?

[Smbruner]

18 hours ago, boblerm said:

I take no position as to the wisdom of requiring masks for vaccinated passengers.  I do take a position as to whether or not rules should be enforced- I am in favor of it.

 

mrstanley and Smbruner, do you think it would be helpful to  bring  it to the attention of the tour guide when local rules are being broken?  I know that tour guides do not wish to act as police, (nor should they), but perhaps frequent announcements may help.

Today in Wales one lady on our bus asked another guest who was getting back on after a stop  to “please wear your mask” and he immediately put his on.  

[Sailing Straight]

On 9/12/2021 at 9:28 AM, RJ2002 said:

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!

 

On 9/13/2021 at 9:56 AM, Smbruner said:

Not sure, I’ll ask tonight.  
 

You CAN go on shore without being on a ships excursion.   
 

I'm new here but have reservations on the Splendor in November.  I am wrestling with Regent's explanation on what expenses Regent will cover if I test positive for Covid either as I embark or during the cruise. (See below for statement). It seems it is predicated on having a negative Covid test sometime prior to leaving home.  However the description on the website has three different dates for the pre-Covid test.  One is prior to flying to embarkation port, another is 72 hours before travel date and another is 72 hours before sail date.  Since I was going to spend a few days in the city prior to embarking, I am not sure when the test is required.  I do not want to lose out on Regent covering the cost of quarantine but even more importantly a refund if I can't board the ship.  Can anyone shed some light on this?  

 

If I test positive for COVID-19, will Regent cover the cost of travel arrangements and/or quarantine needed?
All guest(s) are to keep receipts for all expenses and file a claim with their insurance carrier for reimbursement. If the guest(s)’ insurance carrier denies the claim and/or the guest(s) does not have insurance protection, and provided the guest has a negative COVID-19 test result from a registered test provider prior to flying to the embarkation port, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will reimburse the guest(s) as noted below. Please note: If a guest receives a positive COVID-19 test at the pier upon arrival, they will be denied boarding and will likely be required to quarantine by local officials. Guests who are unable to provide proof from a registered test provider of a negative PCR or antigen test* taken within 72-hours of their travel date will not qualify for reimbursement should the applicable expenses not be covered by their travel insurance. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will assist with the expenses outlined below only if the guest provides proof from a registered test provider of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours prior to their sail date, proof of claim denial from insurance carrier and all receipts. *Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours of sail date must be from a registered test provider and show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible.

 

[CruisetheCs]

3 hours ago, mrstanley said:

We were on an excursion today.

Fortunately only 14 on the bus.

My friend got up and moved due to 2 people not wearing masks.

The tour guide made an announcement about wearing your mask and using your seatbelt.

 

The gray masks that Regent provided to all guests won’t do much.

They are just some cotton/synthetic without a filter. Says REGENT on it.

I have seen passengers wearing KN95

masks and 3 ply surgical masks.

Lots of guests with their noses exposed.

 

When there are no consequences for not adhering to polices people just do as they please.

 

We are hoping to get home without any Covid related issues.

 

When it comes to safety issues, Regent either has a Covid safety policy or it doesn't.  If Regent doesn't monitor and enforce its guidelines when violations are brought to its attention, then the policy in reality is simply to let guests do as they please despite whatever might be written. 

 

When it comes to health safety issues, not enforcing protocols that have been set in place either by Regent, itself, or by governing jurisdictions is alarming.  Violations of safety protocols place the health of guests at risk and damage the reputation of the corporation. 

 

Maybe someone from Regent's corporate office will comment on this thread regarding the apparent discrepancy between its written policy and the reports from guests onboard???

 

 

[cruiseluv]

On 9/19/2021 at 12:24 PM, Pcardad said:

As of 30 seconds ago, this is the written policy from Regent on their website.

 

Are face coverings required?
Our cruises will operate with 100% vaccination of guests and crew and therefore face coverings are generally not required, subject to local oversight of authorities in the jurisdiction(s) in which the ships are sailing. At this time for sailings in Europe, including the UK, we require all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom or suite. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible. We will continue to update our face coverings policy as protocols evolve and change.

What happens if I don’t comply with health and safety requirements?
All guests and crew are required to comply with our health and safety requirements to protect everyone on board, at the terminal and at destinations we visit. Individuals who do not comply with requirements will be denied boarding or disembarked from the cruise.

LOL, this policy is as clear as mud. They start saying that “ face coverings are generally not required “, followed by saying “ we require all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors... “ etc, etc.

Now I read in post #60 that even while crossing the pool deck passengers need to wear it. Beyond ridiculous.

[RachelG]

On 9/13/2021 at 11:56 AM, Smbruner said:

Not sure, I’ll ask tonight.  
 

You CAN go on shore without being on a ships excursion.   
 

Great!  That was my one big question.  I can deal with wearing a mask all day if I have to, as that is what I currently have to do at work, but we love to wander around on our own and find a local place for lunch. 

[mrstanley]

Last day onboard.

We had our Covid tests this morning.

Very organized. 
 

I still saw many people wearing masks below their noses while standing in line.

Its mostly men doing this the entire cruise.

 

My final thoughts: Very little social distancing. Inappropriate wearing of masks. Inappropriate masks being worn.

Too many people on bus tours. No supervision by Regent management.

 

[briar14]

On 9/17/2021 at 6:58 PM, gcorgain said:

It is great to hear all the wonderful experiences. How did the muster work? Were there changes there?

No muster. Video instead. Once on board, check in at your muster station where your name is recorded. 
 

[pappy1022]

On 9/20/2021 at 12:56 AM, mrstanley said:

We were on a bus yesterday.

The tour guide made an announcement regarding wearing your mask.

There were many who didn’t comply.

She didn’t walk the aisle to check as I don’t blame her. I’m sure she didn’t want to confront anyone.

 

2 other couples we r with are reporting the same things on their tours.

Rules without enforcement are no rules at all. Disappointing to see Regent take no action for rule violations. They will always be people who won’t comply with the COVID specific rules and that brings an enhanced risk to all passengers, crew and even the local people.

[Ross4356]

Can anyone sailing on board the Splendor confirm if the Launderettes are open?

I know free laundry is included but sometimes it’s convenient to do a few items it myself. 

[Smbruner]

5 minutes ago, Ross4356 said:

Can anyone sailing on board the Splendor confirm if the Launderettes are open?

I know free laundry is included but sometimes it’s convenient to do a few items it myself. 

They are open.  I didn’t see anyone using it but just checked 

[Ross4356]

Thank you Smbruner.

[Avidtravler]

To Mrstanley and brian14,

Just wondering if you or any other dissatisfied passengers complained to any Splender officers about the lack of mask wearing, crowded buses, lack of distancing, or the lack of rule enforcement. Would love to know their response before I make my final payment for our upcoming trip.. I'm sure someone must have complained to the proper authorities. I certainly would have. Are they just disregarding the rules they set forth?

[mrlevin]

Forget all this talk of masks; I want to know how is the food; how is the outdoor area of coffee connection; any new menu items in P7 or Pacific Rim or Chartreuse; how crowded has the Observation Lounge been at night.  If Boogie and Kasia are in Meridian Lounge, what type of music in Splendor Lounge?  Is John going to have Lynsey and the boys onboard for Christmas?

[mrstanley]

MrLevin:

 

The ship is half full. No bars or restaurants are crowded.

Menus are the exact same in all restaurants as with prior cruises.

Service has been excellent.

 

Boogie and Kasia are in the Splendor lounge.

 

Laundry rooms are open

 

There is absolutely NO self service.

The crew is stationed everywhere and you point and tell them what u want.

They put the items on the plate and hand it to you. It hasn’t been a problem.

 

You can’t sit on a barstool at the bars.

 

Re: Management 

No announcements regarding masks or social distancing. No letter in room.

 

That’s all I can report . I tested negative today and happy to be able to fly back to USA. Thank goodness!!!!

[Ladys Mom]

Mrstanley, overall were you happy with the cruise.  It is somewhat unclear based on your last statement of "happy to fly back to USA".

[wcsdkqh]

So ship is half full or thereabouts, is the staff also reduced, or at full staffing? We board tomorrow 😀

[Pudgesmom]

I want to know how Regent is implementing the new policies. The cruisers on the Splendor are the very first to experience this and the very best source of first hand information. 
 

From my perspective, I will cruise because there is a policy in place and expect it to be enforced. If it is not, I’m not cruising. So I want to know how it’s “working.” 
 

I’m not interested in which duo is singing in the lounge, so I choose not to read the thread with information on that topic. Just a thought. 

[kev6025]

Using Aaron Rodgers comment (last year) - R-E-L-A-X! It was a great cruise. Anytime I forgot to put on my mask, I was told politely to do it. My first test today (antigen) was “non-conclusive”. They found me on the pool deck, escorted me to my cabin, and had a nurse administer a second test (PCR). After an hour wait, the results were negative. The passengers on this cruise were spoiled. Way more crew extending their hand to serve or help than I can remember. The fact is, what makes or breaks the cruise, most of the time, are the passengers. The service, the food, the entertainment is top notch. All you incoming cruisers (on planes as we speak), enjoy the warmer weather and have a great time.

[ruthe17]

As part of the revised ticket contract, we are all bound to follow the Health Safety Protocols referenced in the contract. We all know the rules before we sail. If we do not want to abide by these protocols we should not sail.

 

To me and many others, what is relevant is if these protocols are clear, unambiguous, effective and being enforced. Many of us are evaluating these criteria prior to making final deposits on upcoming cruises- in my case my wife and I have well over 400 nights on RSSC and have made deposits on several upcoming cruises.

 

From the feedback of several passengers currently on-board the Splendor, these protocols are not being enforced- particularly on busloads of passengers for RSSC sponsored excursions. We all know the risks are highest in enclosed non-ventilated spaces where there are many people who cannot socially distance. A busload of RSSC passengers meets this criteria. Would it not be prudent for RSSC to enforce that protocols and specifically state buses for RSSC sponsored tours will abide by this protocol?

 

Also the requirement for PCR testing is unclear. In order for RSSC to provide financial assistance if one tests positive immediately prior to the ship departure, a PCR test is required to be taken either less 72 hours before ship departure or less than 72 hours prior to boarding a flight to the port of embarkation. The difference and impact is significant- particularly if you are flying from the West Coast of the US with a connecting flight or if you want to arrive to embarkation port a day or two early. RSSC needs to clarify this requirement as it can dictate options as to when one can fly in order not to lose the option of being covered if one regrettably tests positive immediately prior to boarding.

 

My wife and I, like most to you, want to resume sailing- but we want to do so safely with effective safety protocols being applied and enforced.

 

 

 

[mrlevin]

Here is link to Safety Protocols on website; not once does it mention masks.

 

https://www.rssc.com/HealthSafetyProtocols

 

Of course, the attestation. has "may or will" for every possible restriction in the ticket contract:

 

d. COVID-19 Policies and Procedures. You acknowledge that our COVID-19 Policies and Procedures may or will include (but are not be limited to): (1) completion of an accurate, truthful and complete health questionnaire in a form and containing any health or travel-related questions as determined by Us in our sole discretion based on advice from cognizant government or health authorities or medical experts for each Passenger prior to boarding; (2) pre-embarkation and/or periodic testing and temperature checks of each Guest followed by a period of isolation until test results are available; (3) modified capacity rules for activities (including but not limited to restaurants, gyms, and entertainment events onboard and for shore excursions) which may limit or eliminate the ability of any Guest to participate in particular activities; (4) mandatory use by each Guest of face coverings in most locations outside of the Guest's cabin while onboard, during embarkation, disembarkation and shore excursions; (5) mandatory social distancing and/or cohorting of Guests at any/all times while on board and during embarkation, disembarkation, and shore excursions; (6) additional restrictions during shore excursions depending on local conditions, including but not limited to denial of disembarkation at destinations unless participating in only Carrier-approved shore excursions; (7) mandatory hand-sanitizing by Guest upon entry or exit of any public areas; (8) confinement of Guests to cabins, quarantine or emergency disembarkation of Guests if, in Our sole discretion, such steps are necessary to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19; (9) the required completion by Guest in a timely manner of any written authorizations or consent forms required for Us to carry out Our COVID-19 Policies and Procedures (including but not limited to medical information, medical privacy, or personal data privacy consent forms), and; (10) other policies and procedures deemed by Us in Our sole discretion to be necessary to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

 

Edited September 21, 2021 by mrlevin

[ruthe17]

mrlevin- please re-read item number 4 of your referenced response which specifically mentions face coverings on the ship as well as excursions.

[Jimmcdaniel]

I, too, think rules should be enforced. I also think, however, it is unfair and unrealistic to leave enforcement of those rules on a shore excursion bus to the local guide. Under Regent's current scheme, those guides are dependent in part on tips from customers for their compensation (I, personally don't like this set-up). You can't ask the guides to potentailly alienate their guests and also expect them to depend on those same guests for income. 

 

If the rules on the buses are to be enforced I see two options: 1) Have a Regent employee on each bus to enforce the rules or 2) Fully compensate the tour guides, tell the clients "no tipping," and require the guides to enforce the rules as part of their duties. 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

There's always been enforcement problems in the past. Things like fitness to take an excursion comes to mind, hand sanitizing.  It's always been tough for staff to deal with problems on excursions, if there even was a staff member present.  I agree that Regent seems to be muzz-mouthing the mask mandate somewhat, I can't blame them really since I'm sure they're looking forward to the day when they can be relaxed.  But until then, it should be clear, and it should be enforce on excursions.  Which I guess means a Regent staffer has to do it. But to send a dancer or a performer on an excursion and ask them to enforce the mask mandate onshore? So not sure what the answer is.  

 

Masks not covering the nose is just not acceptable.  Really hopes this issue is resolved in most destinations by next summer when we sail.

[mrlevin]

1 hour ago, ruthe17 said:

mrlevin- please re-read item number 4 of your referenced response which specifically mentions face coverings on the ship as well as excursions.

That is in the ticket contract as "will or may" and not in the health protocols.

[Jimmcdaniel]

6 minutes ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

  Which I guess means a Regent staffer has to do it. But to send a dancer or a performer on an excursion and ask them to enforce the mask mandate onshore? So not sure what the answer is.  

 

 

Reminded me of the song lyric from the group The Killers:

Are we human

Or are we dancers?