larry1365

This confirms why we stopped cruising on Regent:

"Meanwhile, Del Rio said Regent is performing well and 'without question, per diems are the highest in the industry.' Regent bundles more into its pricing than other brands, from airfare and transfers to drinks and excursions to gratuities and Wi-Fi.

"Prior to Seven Seas Explorer's introduction, the fleet's oldest ship—the 1999-built Seven Seas Navigator—was commanding the highest fares, last summer, $1,000 per passenger day in Alaska."

Would also like to see FAQ address luggage handling. 1 or 2 suitcases is not a huge deal, but may need more. Shipping to the ship or some other scheme to get luggage there would be helpful.

There are services, such as Luggage Free, that will do that for a fee. We plan to drive to LA, so we plan to take a third collapsible bag with consumables (meds, toiletries, etc.), so that we'll only have 2 each when returning from Heathrow.

Would like to know about mail, specifically, recurring medications. Typically limited to 90 day supply. If anyone has experience either getting longer (like a 141 day supply) or having them delivered to a ship, would love to hear your experience.

Our experience with TriCare and ExpressScripts was that you could get an exception to the 90-day limitation. Would not try to mail to a ship in international port.

Karen and I plan to sail on the Sun's 2018 WC from LA.

We have relatives who have sailed on Viking's river cruises and they have been very complimentary of the Viking experience. Viking Ocean has gotten high accolades throughout the industry and we really like the photos of the Sun's sister ships.

We have been fortunate to have sailed on the Regent Voyager (700 pax) for World Cruises in 2007 (111 days) and 2010 (119 days). They were great experiences. Friends couldn't believe we jumped wholeheartedly into the 2007 cruise after only experiencing a couple of 10-12 day length cruises previously. For the first one, we looked forward to all the ports to be visited, but didn't realize how wonderful shipboard life would be. About 200-300 folks sailed on the entire world cruise and others joined during segments.

When you enjoy excursions, lectures, social house and open-seating meals with folks over a 4 month period you make life-long friends. We expect to do so again in 2018.

Viking Ocean appears to be pretty inclusive. I hope the included excursions are varied and well-run. It is my hope that Viking will consider including visas for all the ports not covered by the ship's blanket visa.

Below my signature is a link to my 2010 WC blog. If I can answer any questions, please pass them on.

I have cruised on Oceania, Regent, and just returned from my first Viking Sea cruise. I have to honestly say, I was blown away by Viking. The Sea was only 3 weeks old and everything was perfect! The food was the best I have ever eaten at sea. The service was divine and our cabin steward couldn't do enough for us. I liked the little touches, like the throw pillows on the chairs and couches and the cashmere blankets thrown around for people who were chilled. I also liked the fact that you could get a table for two, in the main dining room, which was close enough to other tables that you always ended up conversing with your neighbors. The ship itself, was so beautifully and simply decorated. I loved the beautiful pictures at the top of the grand staircase that were constantly changing. I think Viking has really got something going with these new Ocean cruises. I would definitely choose Viking over Oceania or Regent.

So good to read. We traveled on the 2007 and 2010 Regent World Cruises, but have never sailed on Viking Ocean. However, we have signed up for the 2018 Viking Ocean World Cruise -- on a ship that hasn't even been built yet!

In my experience, one can always get some sort of discount or OBC by going thru a travel agent rather than booking directly with the cruise line.

Why did you book with Regent directly? Our experience with various cruise lines is that you can get extra benefits by booking with a travel agent (at no cost to you).

More of the folks from the past can chime in, but I believe the Block Party was initiated by CD Jamie Logan and Capt. Dag on the Voyager -- and has spread to other ships. On the 2007 and 2010 World Cruises we had them on each segment. Great way to meet your neighbors.

Marcie --

Are u and Tom going?

Last Monday, I was told by a Regent SSS rep that the hope was that they would fill the entire ship with WC'ers and not have to do segments. From what has been posted above and from other folks I've been in contact with, it looks like Regent is well on the way to having a full boat. But tine will tell and people's situations can change. Though we personally chose not to sign up, I hope the 2017 WC reintroduction works out well for Regent and that they again become an annual affair. Having been on two, they are a wonderful experience.

On long cruises I downloaded to a laptop and then from there to a CD --- therefore I had two copies save and could wipe clean the SD card and reuse. On the 11-day cruise coming up I will download to my iPad and keep them on the SD card. Will probably use a couple cards in case one goes bad (which has never happened).

I'm with you Marcie...never say never. Our WCs in 2007 and 2010 were great experiences. And the daily per diem, with the perks, was much, much lower than current Regent 30+ day cruises. The increases, IMO, have been dramatic.

What is an Open Passage?

I've just begun reading your journal describing your Regent World cruise experience, and it's a fascinating read! I wanted to tell you what an amazing job you did on it.

 

We're considering (or, maybe fantasizing about) taking a world cruise so I'm really enjoying your site.

Thanks. It was a great experience. The shipboard life was engaging...something we had not thought of before our first WC in 2007.

Saw on the web that during Norwegian's investor conf call it was announced that Regent would introduce a world cruise in 2017. (Should have been, "re-introduce.") No further details announced. Wonder what ship RSSC will use? Itinerary, length, dates, cost? Guess we need to stay tuned, though at current Regent price levels, I don't think we'll be candidates for another one.

Don't check in here very often because Regent has gotten quite expensive. Glad to see some familiar names are still posting. I did get the Explorer mailing and was similarly disappointed. Not any more detail than what's on the website, which is basically nothing. Seems like a waste of quite a bit of money. IMO, not a very wise expense.

I can't believe this thread has gone on for 7 pages. People are rude or spacey. Get over it and enjoy your cruise.

Seems to me we have been through all this before - déjà vu in effect!

 

When Radisson was sold to Regent Hotels people moaned and groaned about doom and gloom. Then when Regent was bought by PCH the moans increased to wails. To be owned by the people who owned Oceania was too much. It seemed like Regent would be contaminated or worse. And now Oceania and Regent have been sold to Norwegian.

 

you know - the "product" has been getting better and better all through these years. Do we really have any reason to expect this trend not to continue? Seems to me it is in Norwegian's interest to keep Regent AND Oceania doing what they do really well and not "down grade" either operation.

 

Until I see/hear evidence that things are changing for the worse on either line I am not going to waste any time worrying about it!

Hambagahle: You always so much sense. Keep it up. I haven't been trolling the Regent board for some time...we have been priced out of considering Regent in the future. But I do check in on the board every once in a while.

Jackie,

 

I promise I would never have made a comment re: clothes. I'm hardly up there in the "stylish" category.

 

Donald's name is familiar - from past Voyager trips and I know Devor. It's always great seeing familiar faces!

 

I think I remember JR - he's a singer, if I remember correctly . . . .

 

Keep on enjoying and I'm glad your things are on their way!

 

Peggy

Peggy -- JR was asst cruise director, or something like that, for Jamie on our 2010 Voyager World Cruise. A great guy...we met him the first day (which was his first day) and became good friends. Yes, he was a great singer, even did a couple special shows in the Horizon Lounge. After the WC he was off to Oceania. He didn't think he would remain in the business too long. Glad that he is still around and has been promoted. Please tell him hello from Larry and Karen.

I hope to someday sail on the RSSC Explorer. We've sailed with Regent 4 times, including 2 world cruises. I hope by 2016 we aren't priced out of the market.

I agree. The Voyager's slots have been dead for years.

Excellent choice. Did two world cruises forward of the main elevators. One in 813 and one in 710. Quiet hallway, not much traffic. As others said, great to hear the bow wave.