As the new cruising season has begun, there are several changes we will see, some temporary and adjusting and some permanent.
Covid 19 precautions, subject to change and local rules:
Some protocols may seem excessive, but they not only protect our safety but also comply with the promises NCLH made in order to return to revenue sailing. Some will also be dictated by local laws and rules. The restrictions will be relaxed as appropriate when things settle down.
Masks must be worn throughout the ship except in staterooms and when eating, drinking or exercising. Masks are generally worn on tour buses and public transportation. Local rules vary by city for mask wearing inside stores etc. but generally walking around outside masks can come off.
On the ship, tables & chairs are spaced out and some are blocked off. All bar stools are blocked. Generally tables and seating areas are limited to 2, 4 and occasionally 6 persons, so no large LCT gatherings in lounges.
No Block Parties or group events except in the theater where seats are blocked for social distancing.
Covid tests, when required locally, are given in the embarkation terminal or on board and paid for by Regent.
Technology:
Your suite key card may be used at the gangway on embarkation and debarkation days and all other days a face recognition (from the selfie you downloaded at on line check in) & temperature check are used at the gangways.
There is a lot more information on the interactive TV in the room.
TV reception is blocked in many ports, particularly large ones. It seems that the new 5G cell technology uses a frequency that blocks the satellite reception. This is a new problem that wasn’t known until the Splendor began sailing because all the ships were shut down during the past 18 months and the situation hadn’t appeared. Hopefully a frequency blocker for the satellite systems will be available before too long.
General comments:
There are several new complimentary wines, and the selection is good.
There have been some positive changes to the Chartreuse menu.
On the Splendor there is a new and improved Krew Kapers. “Splish - Splash”, “There’s nothing like a Cruise” and “Impossible Dream” have disappeared and there are more individual talented crew performances. It’s a much better show.