coljack

I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed on Viking, but I think Regent Seven Seas has a better selection of cozy bars, though not exactly pubs. On Viking, the Observation Lounge is fine but definitely not a cozy bar. Regent is the more all-inclusive sister line to Oceania. On Regent, everything is just free--no need to show anything. On Oceania you have to show that you have purchased the drink package. Food is best on Regent, second Oceania and third Viking. I did a detailed comparison of Viking and Regent (I like both.). If you email me, I will send it to you. johnmauss@earthlink.net

Always worked great for us but expensive. We're older and if we have pre or post cruise activities, it is worth it to us. Be sure to get the 20% discount by going through Viking. Go to MVJ, click on "Before You Go", and click on LF. For first time user, can be a little confusing so call them if you have a question on the forms they send you--they are easy to get ahold of and friendly.

We always get the SS package mainly to get the decent wine list at dinner--not just the cheapest "red or white."

For anyone who has not looked at the Roll Call for this cruise, there is a lot of good information about an informal Meet & Mingle and some private tours. The private tours may be important, especially if you are in a cabin with a late sign-up date.

If I book under the advertised two-suite upgrade, can I reserve a particular cabin in the higher category? I am afraid it will be termed "guaranteed" and I could get stuck with a cabin directly under the pool deck or Veranda outside dining area. I've been there and was awakened every morning by chairs and tables scrapping directly above our heads.

Another thought. If all else fails, there are independent tours available if there are particular things you absolutely want to do/see in a port. Check Viator and Grayline. These range from private limos to busses and they frequently will pick up and drop off at the dock with the ship's arrival and departure noted. I know it seems wrong to pay for something that should be included, but you could file the info away to use if needed.

We were in 836. Had the vibration around 6 or 7 days out of 22. Never severe but was intermittent so not like white noise. No vibration when seas were calm. Hope this helps.

We loved Norway. The fjords are fantastic, especially Geranger. Bergan is a great city to visit. Read about the "Norway in a Nutshell" independent tour. Strongly recommend you do NOT take the excursion that "visits a glacier." It is several hours on a bus to see a small glacier in the distance. Nothing like Alaska. All we got out of it was a wasted day and back aches. Norway for the fjords: Alaska for the glaciers. Can't comment on Iceland--we are doing that next June.

We are sailing on Saturn in June from NYC to Greenland and Iceland. Does anyone have any recommendations, good or bad, about any excursions?

My earlier live review from Splendor ended up titled only “ONB.” If you are interested in current views on Splendor, open ONB from a few days ago. That was in Spain, now we are on the next segment in Italy. David Nevin still CD and still great. Passenger count rose from 625 to 675. Still feels very uncrowded. Our opinions of the restaurants: Compass Rose has been consistently excellent. Seta Mari and Pool Grill also excellent and better than we remembered. Prime 7 also very good. Chartreuse has never been our favorite but was very nice. Pacific Rim: all we can say is it is a beautiful spot. We were long time residents in Asia so probably are hard to please, but the only thing we found worth ordering was the Meso Black Cod. Our dinner companions agreed and even sent back their lobster as “too tough to eat.” I hope we just caught them on a bad day as we haven’t been back. Any other recent thoughts on PR? Cofee still awful as it is poured throughout the ship. Order something made to order like a cappuccino or cafe americana and you will get a good tasting cup with no delay, Guest performers were not nearly as good on this segment as on last. We don’t want to slam any individuals but will just say that we wish Regent was more consistent in who they contract. Dance and song team very talented but too much bump and grind choreography for our taste. we have been in a midship cabin on deck 8—right in the vibration zone some have posted about. We noticed it on a few days when there were light swells but it didn’t really bother us, but it is an odd vibration. As always, the great attitude of the entire crew is what makes Regent worthwhile and that includes a compliment for the great training they get from management. It has been great to be back on board. Also, we were surprised at how many first-time Regent guests we met on bound. Not sure how to explain that but glad to see people are traveling again.

Compass Rose and Pool Grill were excellent. Prime 7 was very nice. chartreuse and Pacific Rim were beautiful but we will pass on this segment and stick with CR. Seti Mari was much better than we remembered and merited a return visit. But it fills up fast. BTW, passenger count is up to 675 for this segment.

Should have been titled Onboard Splendor in Barcelona. Darned internet.

Finished Spain. About to start Italy+. Taking advantage of mostly disembarked passengers between cruise segments to enjoy good (relatively speaking) internet. These are observations from veteran Regent travelers but first time on Splendor and first since pandemic. Regent is still Regent. Great time. Terrific crew. No major complaints. David Nevin started a contract as Cruise Director on Oct 11 so he will be on Splendor for the near future. Very conscientious, approachable, and effective. DO NOT MISS HIS SHOW! Great voice and great performer. Speaker was Brian Unger. Most entertaining speaker we have seen on Regent. He won’t be back until Panama Canal in Dec, but has 11 cruises scheduled in 2023. I know no one chooses their cruises by speakers, but don’t miss him if he is on board. His audiences were larger than some shows. We liked Splendor a lot. Lighter decor than Explorer. Very interesting art throughout ship. BTW, 625 guests aboard. All restaurants open and fully staffed. Bar service spotty. Usually fine but once waited 30 minutes+ in Observation Lounge even when not crowded. Sight lines have been fixed in theater but first few rows in center area were freezing with cold air blowing on you from above. Senior staff told us they were well aware but couldn’t fix problem. Sweater doesn’t help. Unless you wear a hoodie, you can sit under the balcony, on the balcony, or on the sides. Was odd to see the best seats empty for some shows. Singers and dancers were very talented but Regent choreographers seem to be targeting younger audiences. Lots of suggestive bumping and grinding and more Bruno Mars than Tony Bennet. Just our opinion, though, and there was a terrific Broadway show. To repeat, the entire crew was friendly, helpful, and everything you have come to expect on Regent.