HongKongAlan

We did this on the Mariner by asking our butler. The Indian food was very nice. Not especially authentic or spicy but still a real treat. I would think you could just ask a waiter or waitress in Compass Rose. We gave a few days notice. Serviced in compass rose. Enjoy!

Just to clarify, my expectations of Regent are simple. If Regent claims "Unlimited shore excursions" and "included land programmes in all suite categories" as part of its value proposition then 1 year out from my cruise I expect to be able to book an included excursion. Not seeking reimbursement if they aren't available rather I feel that the marketing creates a positive obligation on Regent to provide an appropriate excursion in each port and that just isn't the case. No one expects helicopter flights etc to be included but when we sailed with Regent in 2018 there were really great excusions included and available. Now what is available is frankly poor or already booked out. 

Thanks for the useful perspective. I've cancelled the relocation cruise off my list for just the reasons you suggest. Tokyo to Vancouver won out instead on the Explorer. Can't wait. Thanks for the assistance.

17 hours ago, pappy1022 said:

I don’t doubt that this is an issue for all cruise lines and especially the case for busy ports and small out of the way ports. We are definitely seeing more and more people reporting excursion availability issues. Maybe Regent needs to look at their “free” (included in the cost) excursion offerings if they can’t deliver on their marketing offer and come up with one thing different. And yes I know, unlimited excursions and access to every excursion isn’t the promise legally, but if excursions are included, something should be available to passengers. The other argument is that if you don’t like it go cruise somewhere else. I think people like Regent and see the value in the high end onboard experience and the value of the all inclusive  promise. I also think that many people justify the cost of Regent based on all of the included services, including airfare, excursions, specialty restaurants, etc. to justify the base fare. 

Have to agree. I personally found the inclusion of what were quality included tours to be a really big of the Regent value proposition. If they aren't able to deliver on the quality included land component then I'll definitely be one of the ones looking at alternatives. Totally understand the issues relating to tour operators post COVID but it feels like Regent is charging me for something they are not delivering. 

Just booked our first cruise with RSSC since 2018. Our 2018 and 2024 cruises both track down through Alaska and I've been surprised and disappointed by the reduction in the range of included i.e. shore excusions. Didn't take me long to work out that it looks like a lot of what was classified as "included" in 2018 is still available but seemingly now charged for. Given the small number of included options I'm surprises that some ports included tours are already totally booked out a year in advance is a bit annoying. Not getting my next voyage off too a good start with Regent. Have others noticed the same and I do hope this doesn't indicate an overall reduction in quality by Regent since we last sailed. 

We will be coming from a very warm Australia immediately before the cruise so a bit of cold and damp is a positive bonus for us 🙂. I'd much rather be at the start of the season than the middle when the small ports feel overrun. 

Thanks Potolan

That is good news. We were last on the Explorer in 2017 so I was hoping that there might be a refresh happening. Presume the ship was still up to scratch when you sailed?

Hi all, we are on the Explorer next year. Is the dry docking expected to be May this year or 2024?

Thanks so much Gilly. That is some timing! The itinerary looks amazing. Hoping that Explorer isn't starting to look tired. Will definitely look into Hitachinaka in more detail and book a park tour. All the best, Alan

Hi all, just booked our third RSSC cruise. We are off on the Tokyo to Vancouver cruise in April 2024. Any advice or recommendations for restaurants in Hitachinika, Miyako, Hakodate or Otaru would be much appreciated. Not loving the shore excursions and thinking of just hoping off for lunch and then back on the Explorer.

Thanks in advance, Alan

Hi, new to Ponant. I've only previously sailed on Regent who I really liked.

Looking at a Ponant cruise from Kobe to Darwin this year. Its relatively poorly sold according to the agent. Concerned that given its relocation ship that Ponant will be making cutbacks in terms of entertainment, opening times of restaurants etc. 

Also any thoughts if 14 days with no stops on La Soleal is just way too long.

Thanks

Alan

Thanks you also for the very enjoyable review, 

Hi TC, hope you have a great cruise. Be very interested to learn more about the refurbishment as well. Look forward to hearing more.

Alan 

Friends have recommended Viking Ocean as comparable if not superior to Regent. Appreciate any observations from folks familiar with both lines.

Thanks

Alan

Will let you know this November. After much turmoil thinking about it, I decided "Just Do It". Scared and excited at the same time. I realized it must be done when still healthy and fit because we never know what the future brings.

 

I actually discussed with ENT Dr. and she said to take valium if you start spinning and getting nauseous. Somehow it helps and she gave me a prescription just in case.

We have decided the same but for next year! The pink champagne on ice clinched the deal. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. HKA

We boarded from Canada Place last month on the same cruise. Thanks to the good advice from this board we headed down around 11.00 am. We walked. Glad we did. We read a book for an hour or so in the holding pen and then we were one of the first board. It was good to be ahead of the wave of passengers that followed. Generally boarding was well organised but it’s a poorly laid out terminal which almost seems temporary it’s so odd. Agree with others, get there early or late.

Hi Wes, much appreciated.

Best

Alan

Wonderful review. Thank you. Hate to ask but was there internet access and if so how did you rate the speed and reliability?

Looking at doing a Norway cruise next year and wondering if anyone has sailed on both Ponant and Regent. I’d appreciate any observations comparing the two lines.

Thanks in advance

We were on the Seabourn Sojourn for 12 days in Sept and the Main Dinning room was open every day. The time before it was open on all seas days and a couple of port days.

 

We don't care too much for the specialty dinning, but love the very casual pool deck dinning in the evening...varied menu choices plus the best fresh pizza.

 

We just got off the Regent Navigator after 137 days. I know the ship only has Sette Mari and Prime 7 and the other ships have one or two other restaurants open in the evening also. But none have a casual place with simple meal choices which after a long port day are very welcome! We do not like room service dinners, but love the open air casual dinning choice on Seabourn. The design of the pool deck is much better ventilated than what we have experienced on the Navigator or the Mariner so much more comfortable in hot climates.

 

Even though Regent has their main restaurant open every day for lunch, the menu rotation is minimal with the same choices being offered for a week or so before changing except for the three hot main plates. They did improve that on the Navigator with a separate daily list - choice of a salad and three sandwich plates.

 

Regent and Seabourn are very similar each having their good points. Silver Seas is too formal for us and Crystals ships do not appeal to us due to the cabin size.

 

Good to have choices!

CWN I so enjoyed your Navigator blog. Thanks very genuinely for taking the time to share your experiences with us.

I could not agree more on Compass Rose at lunch. Not enough rotation and I was bored after 7 nights let alone 137.

I will investigate Seabourn

Best

HKA

An "older crowd" is often willing to share its lifetime experiences--and you might find them interesting. Please do not assume that anyone older than you has nothing interesting to share. Listen and you may learn something

You seem to have read some negative assumption into my question which makes your response seem impolite as I read it. I hope that was not your intent

I think we may have been on the same cruise, do you mind telling us what cabin category you were in?

I certainly agree that our cruise had no vibe and that the entertainment was excruciating

Try Seabourn. I have found their service/food/wine to be better than Regent

Thanks for the recommendation. Generally does Seabourn tend to attract an ‘older’ crowd from your experience?

Thanks for your review. Surprised that the ShorEx staff did not met your expectations. The Manager, Dag, I have always found the be pleasant and very much on top of things.

 

 

I will put in my 2 cent about the Spa. I agree with you 100%. Way overpriced. Pushy for a tip. Always trying to up sell some sort of lotion or portion. Canyon Ranch Spa management has always been this way. Too bad that Steiner lost the Spa contract on Regent years ago..

 

 

As to trying other ships, I like Crystal. Yes, their standard balcony cabins are much smaller, and no walk in closets, But the bathroom has a extra wide bath/shower combo that is lower to the floor for easy access. Crystal has much, much better and more varied entertainment, particularly if you are into ballroom style dancing. Much better internet and far more tech advanced than Regent. Food is about the same, but the main dining room service is always excellent. Very limited included ShoreEx. I didn't start Crystal till late or I would have had far more days on them and less days on Regent. (646 + 52 Booked)

 

J

Thanks for the thoughts on Crystal J, very useful.

I’m going to write to Regent re the Spa once I’m home and let’s see what they say. Best, HKA

That gave me a laugh Marc. It does seem there is a systemic issue with the Spa and high pressure selling across various ships. My presumption is the staff are heavily incentivised to sell - its not a good model and lets hope that Regent addresses this with its sub-contractor.

Thanks also to everyone for their advice on embarking from Vancouver. We got their nice and early and beat the crowds and I'm glad we did.