Thundery

Can you tell us the "mood" regarding Acapulco? We are on the next cruise and there seems to be a lot of nervousness about violence. Please let us know if many people stay onboard

Well we are NOT getting off. Cancelled our tour. Heard others say the same thing others that are going say whatever it isn't safe any where. Tomorrow will be interesting. Stay tuned

BTW altho a lot of staff are getting off. They are being replaced by equally qualified staff. I wouldn't worry about the changeover. It happens all the time and we zurvive

Just off the Navigator this morning and was a bit surprised that DVD players were not included with the latest suite refurbs. Had to ask for a separate unit to connect to the flatscreen. As we are boarding the Explorer in March, can anyone currently onboard advise as to whether the suites have DVD players? Would have though they'd be integrated into the flatscreens. We usually bring a few favorite movies to enjoy on sea days even though there's a fairly wide selection of on-demand available.

Not in the two suites we have had. Conseige and penthouse. Lots of movies available on the tv

OK For the record. We had a pre arranged dins in CR tonight. I had the very best lobster ravioli that I have ever had in my life along with the steak tartare. I am inclinclined to agree that Chartreuse is our least favourite but my goodness they do try hard.we miss Signatures and Eric. We have no complaints re: Sette Mare or Prime 7 or Pacific rim and have found the service impeccable along with staff more than willing to engage in conversation. I sometimes read some comments and wonder if we are on the same ship. We do agree that sometimes there is not enough staff in the Lounges but find it is quickly rectified when noticed. For those who are concerned Franck is going back to the Mariner in LA after the big wigs and ta's have their two days of fun😎😎

Thanks for the info about Daniela. I was afraid of that. We were with her on the Mariner during her first contract as F&B manager and she had no time to even catch her breath. We remember her from way back when she would find the prefect wine for you.

 

I am wondering if they will have a complete changeover of top management in L A ?

Do t think so. Frank just got on so he will be here

Can't help wondering if Daniela is getting off in LA or hopefully will remain on. I know she certainly deserves a vacation by now but we get on in LA and would love to see her. Has anyone heard her mention vacation time?

FYI. Daniela is getting off in LA

Sitting in the Library at 7AM; computer hookup was great. Shout to Regent for fabulous New Years - our best ever per DW.

DW, the carnivore loved the veal and lamb in P7, CR, Pacific Rim and Setti Mari BUT thought that it was poor in Chartreuse.

Love almost everything about the F cabins; could use more US outlets - will bring adapters on next cruise. Cabin 609 was a great choice for us. Very convenient to stairs and elevator but very little traffic past it and NO noise or vibration.

Made a complaint last night to head of Setti Mari as 2 men arrived and were seated wearing jeans that looked like what I garden in. DW is in favor of designer jeans for women but understand the rules are rules. She's on the warpath!

This ship is everything good that has been written about it. I forgot to measure the bed but it ia as big as our big bed at home and as expected super comfy.

They are probably the same 2 jokers who tried to get in to Compass Rose in shorts the first night. Daniela was all over them. They said they would go to one of the othe restaurants, and her answer was. " not going to happen, you know I will find you" so the agreed to change. I find they are a bit slack on the dress code. I know they hate confrontation but I agree the rule are the rule

Whoops! That was a true mistake! We are truly taken by Explorer. We do have a cruise booked on the Encore in April--Dubai to Athens. Then we can do a true comparison of the two new ships.

 

A couple of observations we made tonight.

1. The waiters and waitresses are truly working hard. They run around, but there seems to be a shortage of staff in the Observations Lounge at pre-dinner cocktail hour. It's hard to get a second drink because there are only two bartenders and three servers for the entire Observation Lounge.

 

2. The lack of staff doesn't allow them to get to know you on an individual basis. Seabourn has perfected the art of making each guest feel at home and that their desire is paramount. On Seabourn, after three or four nights, we walk into their observation Lounge and by the time we have been seated, my daughter's champagne and my husband's Jack and Sprite have been mixed and are on their way to our table. Honestly. My choice of a Cosmo or French Martini throws them. We never have to search for a server to get a refill.

 

As we observed, this comes from being understaffed, not from lack of effort. But it also means staff doesn't have the time to visit and get to know you. At least at night. We found the same problem in Pacific Rim tonight. Great staff, but always having to run, run, run!

 

Still have many positive experiences, but just a difference between the two luxury cruise lines.

I surely hope you arent still having that problem in the observation lounge. The night that you posted there happened to be a lot of private parties going around the ship and the staff were really busy all over the ship. We find a little patience is a good thing. As we have been on since Rome we have been attended to very well 90% of the time. Captains parties etc take up a lot of the staff as there are so many people there, they need more stuff and perhaps the rest of the venues are spread a little thin but it doesn't last very long. I would agree with travel cat. A chat with Daniela is a good idea or page her at the time it is happening. She is like lightening and will be there in a jiffy. Today she was clearing tables and setting them up in the Veranda as so many tours came back at the same time and staff were run off there feet.

I also enjoyed the read, what a great time you all had. Hope your feeling better.

Rick

Amanda and Bruce. We miss you already. Hope u feel better soon

I am loving your posts! 1018 missing? That's us in 3 weeks and 4 days!

 

I did the hike in San Juan. Loved it but would have been better if we didn't have ladies along wearing sandals...with heels! And, people with umbrellas. It's a RAIN forest. You are supposed to get wet!

Keep it coming. I just love reading about the daily stuff, what you are doing, what you ate, I feel as if I'm with you. (Sorta glad I'm not; 50 kids? Yikes!)

For the record. The kids so far have not been a problem at all and very well behaved. Not

Ike we experienced on the Mari er a couple of years ago on the Holiday cruise. Was,brutal. Most of these kids are teens and we never see them. Think they are on their phones texting all day😀😀

I assume you will still be on? I wish I was there now.

You bet😎 Am trying to organize a meet and greet

I am sure you will do a wonderful job!

 

Chefwoody missed his calling as a standup comic! LOL

Carolsoll. Are u on the ship now??

Live Explorer threads are all the rage right now and I'm a follower. So here we go!

 

We arrived in Miami (after a 4 hour and 16 minute flight...from Los Angeles?! Great tail wind.) early this morning, have caught up on sleep and are staying overnight before boarding the ship tomorrow.

 

This will be our (father & daughter duo) 7th Holiday Cruise on Regent and they have yet to disappoint. After a not so great year, I have been looking forward to this trip for about 16 months. It's also been 5 years since our last, so we feel we're overdue! Christmas cruises are very, very fun. The ship is decked out in decorations and the families onboard add a great energy and a slightly different dynamic. The 24-year old daughter will be the one writing all this (that's me, hello!).

The

We depart Miami and circle the Eastern Caribbean for 10 days. We’re very excited to see the new ship as that is our primary reason for choosing this cruise, in addition to it being my graduation/birthday/and Christmas present! We’ve done this itinerary before and are crossing our fingers for good weather unlike our last RSSC cruise in 2011 that resulted in 2 missed ports and an unexpected overnight.

 

 

 

Enough rambling. I hope that at least one person finds interest in reading this & if not, I’ll have a souvenir journal when I get home! I’ll do my best to upload as many pictures and info as the "high-speed internet" will allow! ;)

 

-Amanda

 

PS: ChefWoody, if you read this, I aspire to be as funny and witty as you. It probably won't go well but I hope I get an "A" for effort!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi Amanda. Look forward to meeting you and your Dad. He is probably more our fintage altho we think young😎😎

Welcome aboard. We have been O since Rome and this ship is a beauty

Just out of curiosity, Thundery, how long will you be on the ship? Sounds fun!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

January 13😎😎😎

Things to know:

 

Regarding the F1 class Superior Suite (ours was 780).

This room is identical to the Concierge Suite in size. However those located in the middle have much smaller decks. Our deck has loads of space, but the Concierge includes on lounge chair. We have two reclining deck chairs (padded) and a table.

 

On this voyage, starboard side was best for ports and sun, port side was best for sea and shade. Yes yes, this varies a bit from day to day, and yes on the return voyage port saw more mid/late day sun, but they’re mostly sea days so… just saying.

 

There are 3 U.S. plug outlets. One on the long counter in the bedroom, and one each just under each bedside table. One for razors only (no idea what configuration that is.. European?) in the bathroom. Hair dryer (supplied) must be used out of the bathroom. There are two powered USB ports next to each bedside table. There are multiple two pronged European standard outlets all over the room, so either bring a couple plug bars or some two pronged converters. ALL POWER is regulated by a card slot just inside of your cabin door. Any credit sized card (ie AAA or Drivers license) can be put in to it to keep the power on (for charging things). Once out, all power except the t.v. goes out.

 

There is TONS of storage all over the cabin. You could not possibly bring enough to fill it.

 

The bathroom is wonderful with a full sized tub with shower head, and a walkin shower with two shower heads – one ultra wide directly above your heads, the other one mounted to an adjustable shaft in the corner. This one can also be detached for hand showering. A WORD OF WARNING! … There are two control knobs in the shower. The one on top is for turning on and off either shower head. If you rotate the knob even a fraction of an inch past off, it sets off the other head which starts with ice cold water. So you need to very slowly turn that knob to off – and not further or SURPRISE!. The lower controls temperature.

 

The bed is amazingly… really amazingly comfortable. It’s really nice to wake to the ocean rolling in front of you. Robes and slippers are provided. The small refrigerator is filled with mixers and water, but soon your room attendant will fill it – and your room – with what ever you’d like and as often or routine as you’d like. A bottle of champagne will greet you upon arrival. Fresh fruit and evening chocolates are daily.

 

Coffee can be arranged for by daily room service (concierge suite has a nespresso machine) or the coffee shop opens at 6:30am, or there are several self serve latte machines around the ship.

 

Each deck has a free laundry room. Each has 3 nice high end washers & dryers. Soap is available and free, need to bring your own fabric softeners. Laundry service is also available (for a fee at this cabin level).

 

While F1 class suites don’t get priority dinner reservations at the specialty places, I found that by going down to the Reservation Manager (across from reception) I could get my preferred two top between 6:30pm & 7pm at one of them any time I checked. Key time to check is mid afternoon, and always in person. However, after taking the galley tour we learned that Compass Rose is the only restaurant on board that changes their menu nightly. If you go to Compass Rose, go to either side of the back. It’s shaped like a “U” and the back (top portions of the “U”) areas are quietest.

 

All suites have two full sized umbrellas. Bring your own binoculars (higher class suites come with them, but if you like that sort of thing then bring your own).

 

Wifi is available in your suite. We even managed 2 laptops and 2 ipads at once. Sometimes it got spotty, but worked pretty well over all.

 

General things to know:

 

Sign up for a galley tour. Great stuff to see. You can also (though we didn’t) sign up for a bridge tour.

 

Bring a credit card. They don’t take nor have any ATM’s on board for any type of debit card. Totally STUPID!. Even if bringing a debit card for on shore – remember to tell your bank you’ll be abroad using it.. lest they freeze your account.

 

Remember to set your cameras and binoculars outside (provided it’s not raining of course) a good 20 minutes before coming into port or taking any photos outside. The A.C. in your room makes the equipment cold, the outside is warm & humid – result is fogged lenses and touchy moisture sensors. Let them come to temperature in advance so you’re prepared for ‘THE” shot.

 

Bring polarized lenses for your cameras if possible. Red filters for underwater cameras.

 

Bring a pair of outdoor shoes.. the kind that can tramp through mud & water with out letting rocks in.

 

Bring an insulated water bottle.. great for the long excursions. A belt pack or backpack is a must. To date, once you leave the ship there is rarely water or food available during the excursions… even those going say 11am to 3pm. Be prepared.

 

Bring liquid bandage for your feet. Some feet haven’t been water logged and then hiked on for some distance. These blisters/sores can be annoying if not crippling.. be prepared.

 

Bring tea lights (those little disk like battery powered flickering candles). Room is pitch black at night and they make an easily packed all night lighting option to find your way back to the bathroom at night.

 

Best seats on the tender (for those anchor at port days) are on the railing – flip downs that sit right in front of both side openings. Lots of leg room and 1st off the boat.

 

The gym technically opens at 7am, but the doors are always open and you can go just about any time.

 

The infinity pool deck is (was?) a hidden treasure. The path there (through the mens & womens locker rooms – which have the most amazing – available to all – amenities ever… aromatic steam bath, infrared sauna, some fancy mojo shower with disco lighting.. and a cold room that has real frost walls. Towels, robes & slippers are available to use while there. The deck on either side of the pool has about 5 lounge chairs each and a couple round two person loungers. Nobody goes back there?!. The pool is also fresh water – BUT – on rough sea days is not available. But neither is the main pool. There is no bar or food service at this pool, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

 

You can order specialty breakfast (omelets, eggs benny, over easy, soft boiled etc.. ) at the omelet counter and it will be brought to your table.

 

Take a cooking class – the culinary kitchen is beautiful and the courses very interactive. Cher Annie keeps even the socialist of socialites focused (another story for another post).

 

My wife (aka Management) scored nightly at the penny slot machine called Tropical Splendor.

 

The burgers at the pool deck are fantastic in everyway! Best at sea… and most at home.

 

Daniela, the Food & Beverage (and house keeping) officer, is the most approachable and informative crew member I have ever met!. Granted, I never sought out any others as her responsibilities fascinate me the most.. but really, if you get a chance, talk to her. Amazing person and history!. Someone with her overall knowledge of what makes a ship like this work.. and at a level like this (“most luxurious cruise ship afloat”) is really a difficult job. She makes it look – no I won’t say easy because she’s constantly working – but while also, while cell phone is ringing, manages to stay focused on you.. that’s just not easy folks… but she does it.

 

Dress code: Don’t worry about any of it. Long pants and collar shirt for dinner. Otherwise, common sense stuff (ala middle class). Hats at breakfast… fine. Tank top or gym clothes at breakfast (La Veranda or poolside) no problem. Snooty people who care… not in charge and usually leave upon arrival. And to be perfectly honest people, some of those flowery frocks you’re wearing are at the very least gawdy!. “Hey Hey, You You get off of my boat…”. Just having fun .

 

I’m sure I’ll think of something else post cruise and will add it then. Hope those of you soon to travel Explorer folks have as great of time as we’ve had. I really have nothing negative at all to say about this cruise – though breakfast could be fancied up a bit. The staff is stellar and the suite (F1 class) amazing. We were NEVER once left wanting anything. Hope this helps those who follow and encourages those who would add to this kind of posting. Final thoughts and experiences – WITH PHOTO’s to follow. Chef Woody out.

Hi Chef woody. Can't believe we have been on the same ship and altho I read you daily still have no idea who you are. Probably a lot younger than we are. Also your hours so different. We don't do brekkies until 9 always in the room, one of us is very unsociable in the am. I never hit the gym till 4 pm so we never make dinner until 7:30Love your posts. Sorry you are disembarking would love to keep reading. You have a marvellous sense of humour. We (lucky us spending the children's inheritance) are staying for the next go around. Safe travels to you and management Hope we get to read your travels again one day

Since I only mentioned a couple of hundred times that I had purchased three cases of wine while in Italy, I'd thought I'd share this pic with wines from Ferenc Mate wineries. These little guys have 30 other friends.

Z and TB

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very jealous. We are still on the ship and miss you all. They ran out of our favourite white 4 days ago,same as on the last leg. All I can say is we r thankful to Daniela. Llips sealed

IMO, this is typical and probably why Regent does not have "official"* meet and greets (or, as Cruise Critic calls them, meet and mingles). On the crossing, although 60 people RSVP'd for the event, about 40 showed up (as you know) So, if there are 20 people signed up, maybe 12 will show up.

 

*"Official" meaning that it is sponsored and arranged by Cruise Critic.

I get what you are saying. We are staying on until Jan 13. Turns out there are about 40-50. Cc members on the Canal trip and they want a meet and greet like we had. Having dins with Daniela this week so will consult her. In your opinion how many will likely attend?? I keep nd of agreed to organize it as we are on for such a long time. Love your calendar by the way😎

Wes, please report on your "Meet and Mingle" that was arranged by corporate. Our Meet and Greet on the Explorer was the best we have ever attended and it was arranged by the F&B Director. Our M&G was a bit unusual as we had almost 60 CC'ers on our cruise which enabled them to provide more than they normally do for us.

 

Hope that you have a great cruise. We were booked on it but cancelled due to a conflict with the Explorer's return to Europe and festivities in Miami prior to the cruise. We will do a similar itinerary in March, 2018.

Thundery here. The meet and mingle was nothing like we had on the crossing. Very few attended. The Captain and Daniela attended for a quick minute. They did provide food and bar service. Very different crowd

And we get on the 15th in Long Beach

Where do you disembark on the 12th?

OOOOps the 13 in L A

Is the Explorer going to sit in San Pedro from January 13th until the 15th or is a short cruise planned for agents, etc. during that time??

No idea. Would check with your TA

Thanks all, what a great cruise-but all good things must come to and end. Have a safe and good trip home and start planning the next cruise.I believe each cruise gets better and more restful or I'm just getting older.

Rick

Was a great trip. We got booted off the shipfor 2 days and reboard on Sunday. The muckaty mucks are on for a 2 day trip to Nassau. Very inconvenient but then we stay on until Jan 12. Hope all have safe travels homel

Good morning from the gym on Sea Day No. 7. I've already had my workout. Just wish the "gym DJ" would give the continuous loop of Techno-Disco or Techno-Whatever a rest!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Couldn't agree more. I absolutely hate that so called music in the gym. So unnecessary. If I want music I can bring my own. Even trying to listen to the news the music overrides the headphones

Zqueeze1 I have to say I find your posts highly amusing. Glad you and your wife are felling better. Lamb chops look fantastic. How many of your group are on the Miami to LA cruise?

We r. Sandy and Terry but haven't yet come across any others. Maybe on the next leg will run in to others

LOL, guess mine went stray as well. But Bob and I lucked out to share the special meal with you and Ilene, thanks for having us!

Ha ha we lost our invite as well. But had dins with great special friends

We are on the Navigator from 25/07 for a B2B to Barcelona on the 16/08. Does anyone know who the Cruise Director will be and also the Captain. First time on the Navigator after 3 trips on the Mariner, looking forward to it greatly, although will miss the observation bar which was our bolt hole, enjoying the piano music, name that tune and our nightcap.

We look forward to joining and meeting you on this trip

Never been on this Regent ship before

We will have just set sail on Navigator from Barcelona. Wonder if they'll cover it on board?

We get on the Navigator on July 25 - how is it since makeover