Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin

Our experience on Regent also did not have the "stuffy" atmosphere. However, we usually dress up for evenings (not formal, but nice), anyway, so that was not an issue---not that there is a staunch dress code on either line. I, too, think the gap between R & O is becoming smaller. Looking at 2026 for next cruise and am hard pressed to pick between the two lines (yes, first world problem!). (Already have R in Jan and O in Oct 2025.) My main issue was the set dining times (between set hours, not that you had a specific time to show up) in the main dining room. I usually like to graze at multiple times during the day and the mainstream cruise lines have something available almost any time. Although, restricting the hours is probably why the food is much better!

So sorry to hear of your loss. You have had much to deal with, and I hope that you have the opportunity to take a cruise a raise a glass to your dearly departed! Prayers and best wishes for peace to you. You never know where life is going to lead and surprises, both good and bad, can be right around the corner! My prayers are that your corners all hold good surprises!

We had already booked a Rome to Istanbul cruise next November before the Jubilee was announced (or at least, before I heard about it!) When checking, the weekend we plan to be in Rome is not one of the weekends with planned celebrations. I have already booked a room in Rome. Haven't booked transportation from Rome to port yet, but worst case, would take the train. (Assuming MEFLowa's experience is not repeated!) Fingers crossed that the crowds will be less in November!

Okay, so normal wake time is 4 am, so I am certainly NOT up at 3 am! When on a cruise, I get to sleep in until 6, so I can stretch my bedtime until 10 (maybe 11 if the entertainment is hopping!) Regarding this topic, though, I would be happy to have more perks on Regent (or O!) based on my NCL status....we have been moving towards O and Regent for the past few years, but still want the option of NCL for cruising with grandkids! (completed 1 cruise on O and R, pending 1 on each next year). 'Course now I am also looking at Silversea, since I can status match with Royal and X. Gotta love options!

@-Lew- Thanks for the information on the Family Suite Town House! This is what I was looking for prior to our cruise, since it will be DH, myself, DS and his wife. Like you, we are going fall of 2025, so I have booked and am so happy! Appreciate the info! Karla.

Thanks all for helpful information! I will contact TA to see when the listing of excursions will become available for my cruise and go from there! As always, CruiseCritic helpful users to the rescue!

Okay, can someone please tell me about this extra 25% off excursions package? Where do you find this information? We have a 2025 cruise (so excursions not yet available) and this sounds like something we might be interested in. I have been looking on the website, and it alludes to the 25% off, but I can't find any specific information. Do I have to wait until the shorex list is available?

So sorry to hear your embarkation was such a mess. We went out of NY once, but honestly, I don't remember it being a hurdle. Then again, we were on a smaller ship and it wasn't late getting into port.

Used to be that the International Calling Plans for AT&T did NOT include while on a cruise ship. So, check the fine print, lest you be unpleasantly surprised! I'm a firm advocate of airplane mode, too! Save your calls for when you are on land, if you get the plan.

Glad you are enjoying the Haven. We sail both Haven and YC. There are differences, but I will say that I enjoy the NCL experience outside of the Haven much more than MSC outside of YC. I did want to ask you about check-in. We have always just dropped our luggage with first porter we encounter, then proceed to Haven check-in, which usually has a private lounge to await ship clearance. Then, you are escorted onto ship by one of the butlers. Was that not available on your cruise? (We have only done NCL from the US so not familiar if starting from overseas; MSC we have done both Genoa and Miami.)

Like you, I was planning to apply my shareholder benefit early, but the website says 3 weeks prior. Didn't know I could do it before then, or I would have!

I agree with your assessment that there is a difference between premium and luxury lines. We sailed Regent and had a wonderful experience; but, we also had a wonderful experience on O. It really depends on what you are wanting from a particular cruise. Does included business class air matter to you? What about drinks and entertainment? They vary depending upon the type of line (as does the price point!) Everyone has to make that judgement for their own preferences. (And I now have future cruises on both Regent's and O.) But, it is helpful to hear from someone who has experienced both to provide some insight! So, thank you @Woodrowst.

So, I just checked when I booked my culinary arts kitchen for my Jan 2025 cruise on Grandeur.....made the booking in July (6 months prior). They weren't available at first, but kept checking on website and then they appeared. Not sure if 6 months is the trigger??? Available before shorex. I was also able to use OBC to book.

So sorry to hear that you had issues! Glad to hear that you have (mostly) recovered! Enjoyed your postings on Grandeur! We are doing the Panama Canal on her in January, so really appreciated your coverage! Now, get back to 100% so you can post on your next cruise!