Sailor Sam 407

We did the Bergen to Reykjavik cruise last July. Viking excursion prices were absurd. We booked many excursions, often with the same company that Viking was using, on our own and saved a bundle. It was definitely worth the time to research yourself.

The $50 OBC is no longer being offered. The OBC was initially on our invoice for an April ‘24 cruise, but was dropped on subsequent invoices. I questioned this and was told they were no longer offering this OBC but, as a “courtesy”, they will extend the credit to us. However, this was only after our TA got involved.

If you ask at Reception, they will be able to tell you your phone time remaining.

Absolutely agree with Portolan. Regent’s resistance to using the VOX or equivalent system is baffling. The response I got was that tour companies were not set up to use those types of systems. Those of us who have been on river cruises and/or other ocean cruises know that they’re used everywhere. Having to stand 10ft directly in front of a tour guide, so that you can hear them is absurd in this day and age. C’mon Regent, you can do better.

We just had our invoice updated for our April ‘24 Scenic cruise and the $50 OBC for laundry has been “discontinued” and has disappeared from our booking, even though it was on our original paperwork. I’m sure we will still get it, but we have to push it ‘up the line’ for approval.

All’s well. Full speed ahead.

We are now floating in the Norwegian Sea, as they tighten a screw on the propeller! It is only supposed to take an hour. We should have an update soon.

We’re on Saturn now and on paper jeans are not permitted, but in reality we see them every night.

Thanks for the clarification.

If you use Regent Air, but ask for a deviation (arrive earlier and/or depart later), are you still entitled to the free Regent transfer? Thanks

Smart guide is an app on your phone, that allows you to listen to your tour guide while on excursions. Unfortunately it hasn’t worked well and Regent has ceased using it until they sort some technical issues out.

We just completed a Lima to Buenos Aires cruise last month with Regent. We were either the first cruise or one of the first cruises into many of the ports. There were challenges with many excursions and, in speaking with the Supervisor in charge, the main problems were related to getting guides and perhaps to a greater extent busses and drivers. South American tourism was hit hard by the pandemic and many people left for other occupations and have not come back. No doubt, as time goes by, the issues should improve.

We highly recommend Casa sul Mare. It’s a B&B directly across from the terminal.

We stayed at the Athenaeum InterContinental in October. Vassilas Grill is a 5 minute walk, with good food and reasonable prices. You will often see the Viking tour guides there. The Plaka District and Parliament are a very straightforward 20 minute walk.

I spoke to the Mariner GM the other day. According to her, the app was not functioning properly and they will go back to the drawing board and hopefully fix it. Their intention is to bring it back, once they’ve ironed out all the bugs. In the meantime, she said they would start using the ‘whisper’ system throughout the fleet.

Can anyone advise if Oceania uses any sort of earpiece system for their excursions? I know that Viking uses a ‘Whisper’ system for their excursions and it makes the whole experience so much better when you don’t have to stand close to the tour guide to hear them. Thanks

We’re just back from a post cruise extension that used the Intercontinental Athenaum. It was a 20 minute walk to the Plaka neighbourhood, Parliament (changing of the guard), Hadrian’s Arch, etc. So very central.

Regarding the new Smart Guide app that Regent is using for tours. Many of the newer mobile phones do not have a headphone jack. Does this mean you have to buy wireless headphones or does Regent have a workaround? Thanks

Viking is not a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), so that may give them some latitude that other cruise lines may not have.