The not too controversial Explorer live holiday report!

[cruiseluv]

5 hours ago, mrstanley said:

Love your pictures!  Where did these people pick up Covid???  I guess if you have seen people walking around exhibiting cold symptoms they don't have their masks on. Hard to believe that Regent is not testing people during the cruise. We know two couples on this cruise and have no intention of seeing them until they have quarantined once home. Hard to think that passengers can get off the ship and board airplanes without being tested prior to disembarking. Crazy. We are rethinking our Feb cruise.

Are you required to test every time you leave your house? No? How can anyone you come in contact with be sure that you’re not infected!? Crazy! 

[RetiredandTravel]

5 minutes ago, cruiseluv said:

Are you required to test every time you leave your house? No? How can anyone you come in contact with be sure that you’re not infected!? Crazy! 

 

 

I'm just getting this from another thread.  Is it true that US passenger don't need to get tested before dis embarking if its in the US?

 

 

 

"Do I need to take a COVID-19 test after my cruise?

That depends on where your cruise ends. If you’re arriving back to the U.S. directly via your ship, then no, you will not need a post-cruise test."

 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/covid-tests-for-cruises/

[kjbacon]

We added 7 more confirmed cases for a total of 18. Again, we have not been tested since before boarding and will not be tested when we disembark. 
 

20 hours ago, Cajuntennisgal said:

We are boarding the Serenity on Jan 13 with nervous knots! Can you tell me if the culinary classes have been cancelled on board or shifting to “demo” only as I’m suspecting.  Makes sense to me but I can’t get an accurate answer.  Surprised that no required testing is happening on board, but we plan to stick to our suite and stay close to the ship. Buses and tours don’t thrill us right now. Will make the best of it!!! 
 

The cooking classes were demo only at the beginning. I’m not sure but they may have been suspended.

23 hours ago, mrstanley said:

Love your pictures!  Where did these people pick up Covid???  I guess if you have seen people walking around exhibiting cold symptoms they don't have their masks on. Hard to believe that Regent is not testing people during the cruise. We know two couples on this cruise and have no intention of seeing them until they have quarantined once home. Hard to think that passengers can get off the ship and board airplanes without being tested prior to disembarking. Crazy. We are rethinking our Feb cruise.

Mask compliance varies among passengers, just like on land. The mixed mask compliance on the shore excursion tour buses among passengers and locals is a possible source of the origin of the problem. Yesterday’s jump in the increase in numbers (without testing) is noteworthy.

 

We walked around Saint Martin yesterday and I have to warn you not to take the $7 water taxi into town. Just obnoxious! Saint Martin is beautiful and more built up than many of the other islands.

 

Lunch at La Veranda was Indian themed and excellent. I had the chicken tiki masala wrap with raita and mint chutney.

Today is the British Virgin Islands and with everyone a good day!

[mrstanley]

How do you know there are now 18 cases? These people must have been tested. Must be sick enough to require testing. 

[loriva]

1 hour ago, mrstanley said:

How do you know there are now 18 cases? These people must have been tested. Must be sick enough to require testing. 

Captain Luca makes an announcement everyday after all-aboard to update on the actual situation.  The last few days he has not broken down new cases between passengers and crew.  I do not know how they are identifying persons to be tested.  Some ports have required temperature checks and the first cases were reported on the first of those ports, so maybe that led to testing?  (Speculation only on my part.). The captain has noted some new cases came from contact tracing of those testing positive.

 

[kjbacon]

Our numbers indeed are increasing and we are hearing some rumors on the ship today that we are going to be hearing about another good size increase in today’s numbers. It is getting kinda nerve wracking. It’s hard for us to believe that there are still people who defiantly refuse to abide the mask mandate. We had an unmasked couple try to get into the elevator with us so we exited instead of engaging.

 

We are going to stay in our suite for New Year’s Eve and are looking forward to room service for our private party of 2!
 

We really liked what we saw in Tortola and would be happy to come back. We spent a couple hours walking around this morning and this beautiful island is clean and the people are friendly. Worth a note is that they have the absolute lowest covid numbers in the Caribbean and they practice the very highest covid precautions of face masks and social distancing. 

 
With most people off the ship, we decided it was a good time for lunch in Prime 7 and the Maitre D accommodated our request for an isolated table.

Our lunch dishes included Shrimp and Grits, Manhattan clam chowder, beef Stroganoff, and Scallops with broccoli and Beet Purée. All very good.

The standout dish was the dessert sampler … talk about an OMG!!

Happy New Year and may 2022 be a good year for all 🎉🥂🏝

[Silver Sweethearts]

On 12/30/2021 at 4:09 AM, Cajuntennisgal said:

We are boarding the Serenity on Jan 13 with nervous knots! Can you tell me if the culinary classes have been cancelled on board or shifting to “demo” only as I’m suspecting.  Makes sense to me but I can’t get an accurate answer.  

 

Regent does not have a ship named "Serenity".  That would be Crystal Cruises.

[boblerm]

Karen,

Thank you for your upbeat posts and lovely pics.  It is too bad that the current situation has dampened your ability to cruise as you had hoped, but it seems that you are managing to make the best of it.

Have a very happy and healthy new year, and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Bob

[fizzy]

2 minutes ago, boblerm said:

Karen,

Thank you for your upbeat posts and lovely pics.  It is too bad that the current situation has dampened your ability to cruise as you had hoped, but it seems that you are managing to make the best of it.

Have a very happy and healthy new year, and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Bob

I agree.  Beautiful photos.  We have friends onboard. Do you feel that the atmosphere would be different if there were any actual consequences to those who are disregarding the protocols?

[CruisetheCs]

6 hours ago, kjbacon said:

Our numbers indeed are increasing and we are hearing some rumors on the ship today that we are going to be hearing about another good size increase in today’s numbers. It is getting kinda nerve wracking. It’s hard for us to believe that there are still people who defiantly refuse to abide the mask mandate. We had an unmasked couple try to get into the elevator with us so we exited instead of engaging.

 

We are going to stay in our suite for New Year’s Eve and are looking forward to room service for our private party of 2!
 

We really liked what we saw in Tortola and would be happy to come back. We spent a couple hours walking around this morning and this beautiful island is clean and the people are friendly. Worth a note is that they have the absolute lowest covid numbers in the Caribbean and they practice the very highest covid precautions of face masks and social distancing. 
 

I am curious what the situation is with guests following protocols or not following protocols onboard and on tours.  I would definitely not want an unmasked couple next to me in a Regent elevator.  Is staff enforcing the protocols if they see people violating mask rules?  Does staff do anything if someone reports protocol violations?  Is the main issue guests not wearing masks or are there other Covid protocol problems?

[mrlevin]

25 minutes ago, CruisetheCs said:

I am curious what the situation is with guests following protocols or not following protocols onboard and on tours.  I would definitely not want an unmasked couple next to me in a Regent elevator.  Is staff enforcing the protocols if they see people violating mask rules?  Does staff do anything if someone reports protocol violations?  Is the main issue guests not wearing masks or are there other Covid protocol problems?

On Splendor plenty violating mask protocols.  If seen crew remind them to put mask on and they have spares in all bars and lounges.  Unfortunately there are repeat offenders and others that are never seen be crew.  Maybe if they had keelhauled the first offender there wouldn't be so many.

 

12 days ago I asked definition of "actively" eating or drinking and still haven't received an answer.  Some are conscientious while others are not and then there are people like me that come might find not following the rules because they have a different definition of "actively."

[Kwaj girl]

17 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

On Splendor plenty violating mask protocols.  If seen crew remind them to put mask on and they have spares in all bars and lounges.  Unfortunately there are repeat offenders and others that are never seen be crew.  Maybe if they had keelhauled the first offender there wouldn't be so many.

 

12 days ago I asked definition of "actively" eating or drinking and still haven't received an answer.  Some are conscientious while others are not and then there are people like me that come might find not following the rules because they have a different definition of "actively."

 

As long as they don't start the Delta Airlines MORONIC drone, "replace your mask in between bites of food or sips of your beverage...." 🙄

Edited January 1, 2022 by Kwaj girl

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

To all onboard… a safe, healthy Happy New Year! Safe journey home. 

Hope to see some of you next year on another Regent cruise!

sheila

[kjbacon]

11 hours ago, boblerm said:

Karen,

Thank you for your upbeat posts and lovely pics.  It is too bad that the current situation has dampened your ability to cruise as you had hoped, but it seems that you are managing to make the best of it.

Have a very happy and healthy new year, and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Bob

Happy New Year, Bob. We have had a great time and there’s always a way to work with what you get!!

 

11 hours ago, fizzy said:

I agree.  Beautiful photos.  We have friends onboard. Do you feel that the atmosphere would be different if there were any actual consequences to those who are disregarding the protocols?

That’s a good question. I tend to think that yes, it would help. Complying really isn’t hard and often comes down to just wearing a mask to walk from your cabin to the bar and swishing the hand sanitizer real quick.

 

8 hours ago, CruisetheCs said:

I am curious what the situation is with guests following protocols or not following protocols onboard and on tours.  I would definitely not want an unmasked couple next to me in a Regent elevator.  Is staff enforcing the protocols if they see people violating mask rules?  Does staff do anything if someone reports protocol violations?  Is the main issue guests not wearing masks or are there other Covid protocol problems?

It seems there were more reminders to those not masking in the first couple days. There have been people walking through La Veranda and serving themself food completely unmasked while staff is (obviously) present. Many people attend shows unmasked. We stopped doing excursions because people unmask on the bus and often the locals do too.

 

6 hours ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

To all onboard… a safe, healthy Happy New Year! Safe journey home. 

Hope to see some of you next year on another Regent cruise!

sheila

And happy, healthy new year to you, Sheila! 🎉

[kjbacon]

We had an absolutely delightful New Years Eve and I have to give a shout out to our butler, Richard, for making our trip all the more magical. He has been just fabulous and is a perfect gentleman.

 

We enjoyed sailing away from Tortola on our balcony with the Spanish canopy tray and a special bottle of red wine. It was chorizo, artichokes with roasted peppers, Serrano ham, toasts, manchego cheese, and herbed olives. It was a very special way to start the new year.

 

We had such a great dinner in our cabin, beautifully set up, and delicious. 

 

We had baked clams, lobster tails with two kinds of butter, steamed veggies, and chocolate desserts, oh … and more wine!

Today, is the first of 2 sea days sailing back to Miami. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy 2022!
 

 

Edited January 1, 2022 by kjbacon

[liptastic]

Thank you for taking us along with you on this festive cruise. You have kept us well informed and those food photos are just so good. 
I like especially your New Year’s Eve peaceful and special dinner, enjoy the last few sea days, and happy new year to you all. Jean.

[RetiredandTravel]

3 hours ago, kjbacon said:

 

 

It seems there were more reminders to those not masking in the first couple days. There have been people walking through La Veranda and serving themself food completely unmasked while staff is (obviously) present.

 

Mask enforcement is complicated IMO.  Can you expect waiters etc to reprimand guests who's job performance will be evaluated by those guests reviews at the end.? Doesn't seem fair.  Regent needs to designate more senior people to strongly enforce the mask requirement at this point considering the number of cases.

 

Sounds like you continue to enjoy yourself in spite of the adversity.  Safe and Healthy travels.

 

 

Edited January 1, 2022 by RetiredandTravel

[alidor]

Am very much enjoying your posts!   But, am disappointed by Regent’s seemingly lack with regards to Covid.   Really expect more of them.

[mrlevin]

1 hour ago, alidor said:

Am very much enjoying your posts!   But, am disappointed by Regent’s seemingly lack with regards to Covid.   Really expect more of them.

An. example from Splendor New Year's Eve:  An entitled woman walking down passageway on way to party was holding her mask in front of her face; crew told her that her mask needed to be secured.  She said that if she wore her mask it would mess up her make up.  She is still onboard today so they obviously didn't kick her off.

 

Compliance still spotty and enforcement even worse.

[RetiredandTravel]

29 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

An. example from Splendor New Year's Eve:  An entitled woman walking down passageway on way to party was holding her mask in front of her face; crew told her that her mask needed to be secured.  She said that if she wore her mask it would mess up her make up.  She is still onboard today so they obviously didn't kick her off.

 

Compliance still spotty and enforcement even worse.

 

 

Again I don't see that its fair to expect waiters, bartenders  & maids to enforce the policy.   I don't want to sound too authoritarian here but in my opinion they should have security people discreetly around the ship issuing warnings and for repeat offenders serious consequences.    There is no reason to have the rules if they aren't enforced with consequences.   I don't like the masks but when I'm in an environment that they are required I wear them.

 

We are talking about a high risk population with most of the people over 60, its a very serious issue.

 

 

[loriva]

3 hours ago, ysolde said:

I agree with this.  Staff whose performance is going to be reviewed by passengers are going to be loathe to try to enforce mask and other rules in a way that is likely to anger passengers.  Regent (and other cruise lines) needs to designate "neutral" staff to this task, that is, staff who will not be subject to passenger review.

Three new confirmed cases of COVID on Explorer per the Captain’s update at noon.  I believe that puts us at 22.  Like Pcardad and others, believe that number is likely higher but without universal testing no way to know.

 

I also agree with others that front-line staff who need positive passenger feedback to advance in their careers should not be expected to enforce mask policies.  It would seem reasonable, however, for them to report to a supervisor or security officer in a timely fashion to do the needful.

 

Most passengers do seem to be complying with the rules, but you’ll always have those who won’t.  (In all cases.  My sister’s flight yesterday had to return to the gate and two passengers escorted off of the plane due to overindulgence at the airport and failure to comply with flight crew instructions.  A tiny minority of passengers causing delay and grief for everyone else.)

 

[1982CruzStart]

kjbacon, I love your photos and your attitude. thank you so much for taking the time to share your trip with us. 

[mrstanley]

My friend onboard is now in isolation.

 

[Pcardad]

1 hour ago, mrstanley said:

My friend onboard is now in isolation.

 

Test positive?

 

I wonder how many in isolation without testing positive?

 

What happens in 2 days when we get to Miami and you are still in quarantine?

[GOARMY]

kjbacon:  Reference your #90 posting--

 

A bit-tardy on this response, but please extend our best to Richard.  He was our Butler on Explorer's Barcelona-Miami October 31-November 15th TA crossing.  A consummate professional.  

 

Happened to mention, when initially meeting Richard on the 31st that this TA cruise was our first reentry having had three other Regent segments canceled due to COVID.  The most-significant of which was to have been at San Diego on March 14, 2020.  We were set to board Splendor on that date for a cruise to NYC, during which the plan was to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary onboard with CD John Barron presiding at a Renewal of Vows ceremony. 

 

Well, we got to Regent's hotel on March 13.  That was as close as we got to Splendor.  Got the word that afternoon--cancelation due to COVID.  So, on the 14th--back to the airport for return to SEATAC.  And--basic stay-at-home for the next 19 months.  

 

Back to early November '21.  Upon returning from dinner at about 2100H--there was Richard in the hallway outside our Penthouse.  Also present were our Suite Attendants.  Hmmm--

 

All escorted us in.  They had rearranged the entire Suite.  Like--for a Honeymoon.  Table set-up for a 4-level Chocolate cake, with accompanying Champagne, and all the trimmings.  The only thing missing would have been a violinist. 

 

Just kidding.  Point being: total attention to detail.  Typical of Regent. 

 

Our hope is to meet Richard--or one of his associates--again sometime on segments planned for 2022 and 2023.  Time and Tide will dictate. 

 

Please pass on our best regards to Richard, as well as his Regent colleagues. 

 

Jim and Sue, Redmond, WA.

 

(GOARMY!)