DeepFreeze63

53 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

Jim, we received the same email; I guess we will see you and Mary on Grandeur (with or without infinity pool) this November.  I just wish I could get "confirmation" that Trieste is not changing to Fusina.

I  just noticed that the map in My Accounts section for the itinerary of my 11/07 Grandeur cruise shows embarkation in "Venice (Fusina)." Could be a Regent website error or an omen! I check the Cruise Ports Schedules frequently and Grandeur is still shown leaving from Trieste.

Just received an Email from Regent:

"Your sailing is getting closer, and soon you will receive that long-awaited warm welcome from our phenomenal crew on board.

Making her debut in 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur^™ has redefined superlatives as not only one of the most luxurious ships afloat, but also as the one that embodies our heritage of perfection. You will enjoy an exceptional level of service and some of the highest space and staff ratios at sea. Fully enjoy her spaciously intimate and breathlessly elegant spaces, whether you applaud a fantastic performance at the refined Constellation Theater or soak in the infinity pool just outside of Serene Spa & Wellness^™. That is the freedom and relaxation that comes with our Unrivaled Space at Sea ^™.

??????

Second day in Stockholm - beautiful weather again! After quick breakfast in small cafe (great coffee and freshly- baked goods) attached to Sheraton, we were off to see ABBA Museum and the Vassa Exhibit on "Museum Island".

Great transport system! We bought 24 hour (begins at first use) SIL tickets (discounts for seniors and under 20s) for about $33 for the 3 of us - purchased at attended-kiosk in Central Station. Took Tram 7 at station near Central Station (up steep steps next to McDonald's, across the street from Central Station) - only goes one way in a loop.  Got of at station in front of ABBA Museum (up-coming station displayed in tram electronic signage).

Purchase timed ticket at home via ABBA web site but easy to purchase at Museum (if available). VERY popular; very controlled - no early entry! We had "11 to 11: 30 entry"; got in at 11 (with about 15 others) because we enter waiting line at about 10:45. Wonderful museum of exhibits, videos, recordings electronic interactives (DW danced with the ABBA singers on screen). Once in, you can stay as long as you like; we spent 1 1/2 hours.

Didn't enter Amusement Park but watched (and HEARD) people enjoying roller coasters. Short walk to Vassa Exhibit - a World-Class WOW! Beat restoration/reconstruction venue that we have ever seen. Great photo Ops. Yes, ship is impressive but supporting movie, numerous exhibits and excellent English signage make the museum overwhelming impressive. Left after 1 1/2 hour only due to hunger pains.

Late lunch at small dining area (covered) on the lakeshore next to Spiritmuseum near Vassa - highly recommended for Swedish food and beers.

Took ferry near Amusement Park (runs about every 10 minutes) to Gamal Stan - about 15 minute ride (with interesting photo ops). Joined a few thousand "new friends" in shopping and sightseeing in Old Town on way back to Sheraton.

Delicious late dinner at Paganini's restaurant in Gama Stan. It is a rather small traditional Italian restaurant on a main street (very popular so probably reservations are advised). Crowds are somewhat thinned at night (still very sun-lit); walking was more pleasant.

Arrived Stockholm on Monday, July 10th for disembarkation. Ship was docked when I awoke @ 7AM.

Disembarkation started before 8AM; we left at 9:15. Stayed at Stockholm Sheraton - great stay - more details later. Beautiful, sunny day - finally!

Short walk from hotel to City Hall for tour of Nobel Prize venue/dinner - MAGNIFICENT venue! Took 10:30 English guided tour for 45 minutes with terrific venue guide - highly recommended - great photo ops. You can only buy tickets on day of tour.

Lots of restaurants near Sheraton. We ate at Mongolian Barbeque, next to hotel). HAD "all-you can eat" lunch buffet for $25 for two of us - extensive offerings and delicious food (spicy). Grandson had 3 plate-fulls!

Sheraton is quite near the "top" of Gamal Stan (Old Town) and 2 blocks from a "shopping street". We logged 10 miles of walking on Monday. Lots of shops, restaurants, views, the Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, AND hordes of tourists. Mostly cobble stone paving.

Had late dinner at "The Hairy Pig" in Old Town. Wonderful Swedish food. Big enough that you probably don't need reservations on a week day.

Shopping other than souvenirs is mostly closed by 7 PM. Central Train Station is about 2 blocks from Sheraton - gigantic clean, neat station with numerous cafes and shops AND a supermarket on bottom floor. Got "sundries" there.

A wonderful day in Stockholm (our 3rd visit).

Second day in Stockholm - beautiful weather again! After quick breakfast in small cafe (great coffee and freshly- baked goods) attached to Sheraton, we were off to see ABBA Museum and the Vassa Exhibit on "Museum Island".

Great transport system! We bought 24 hour (begins at first use) SIL tickets (discounts for seniors and under 20s) for about $33 for the 3 of us - purchased at attended-kiosk in Central Station. Took Tram 7 at station near Central Station (up steep steps next to McDonald's, across the street from Central Station) - only goes one way in a loop.  Got of at station in front of ABBA Museum (up-coming station displayed in tram electronic signage).

Purchase timed ticket at home via ABBA web site but easy to purchase at Museum (if available). VERY popular; very controlled - no early entry! We had "11 to 11: 30 entry"; got in at 11 (with about 15 others) because we enter waiting line at about 10:45. Wonderful museum of exhibits, videos, recordings electronic interactives (DW danced with the ABBA singers on screen). Once in, you can stay as long as you like; we spent 1 1/2 hours.

Didn't enter Amusement Park but watched (and HEARD) people enjoying roller coasters. Short walk to Vassa Exhibit - a World-Class WOW! Beat restoration/reconstruction venue that we have ever seen. Great photo Ops. Yes, ship is impressive but supporting movie, numerous exhibits and excellent English signage make the museum overwhelming impressive. Left after 1 1/2 hour only due to hunger pains.

Late lunch at small dining area (covered) on the lakeshore next to Spiritmuseum near Vassa - highly recommended for Swedish food and beers.

Took ferry near Amusement Park (runs about every 10 minutes) to Gamal Stan - about 15 minute ride (with interesting photo ops). Joined a few thousand "new friends" in shopping and sightseeing in Old Town on way back to Sheraton.

Delicious late dinner at Paganini's restaurant in Gama Stan. It is a rather small traditional Italian restaurant on a main street (very popular so probably reservations are advised). Crowds are somewhat thinned at night (still very sun-lit); walking was more pleasant. 

Just off 10 days on Splendor in Penthouse B #657. Wonderful suite for 3 people (has pull-out sofa bed). No noise. Very convenient to Deck 5 (Pacific Rim, Spa and Destinations, etc.) Easy elevator access to La Veranda, Prime7, and Chartreuse. Heartily recommended.

I had been told by a GM on the Voyager that the Grandeur would NOT have an "infinity pool" on the stern due to continual maintenance problems that arose on the Explorer -  tiles that lined the interior of the pool frequently broke loose.

Arrived Stockholm on Monday, July 10th for disembarkation. Ship was docked when I awoke @ 7AM.

Disembarkation started before 8AM; we left at 9:15 (Titanium transfer.) Stayed at Stockholm Sheraton - great stay - more details later. Beautiful, sunny day - finally!

Short walk from hotel to City Hall for tour of Nobel Prize venue/dinner - MAGNIFICENT venue! Took 10:30 English guided tour for 45 minutes with terrific venue guide - highly recommended - great photo ops. You can only buy tickets on day of tour.

Lots of restaurants near Sheraton. We ate at Mongolian Barbeque, next to hotel). HAD "all-you can eat" lunch buffet for $25 for two of us - extensive offerings and delicious food (spicy). Grandson had 3 plate-fulls!

Sheraton is quite near the "top" of Gamal Stan (Old Town) and 2 blocks from a "shopping street". We logged 10 miles of walking on Monday. Lots of shops, restaurants, views, the Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, AND hordes of tourists. Mostly cobble stone paving.

Had late dinner at "The Hairy Pig" in Old Town. Wonderful Swedish food. Big enough that you probably don't need reservations on a week day.

Shopping other than souvenirs is mostly closed by 7 PM. Central Train Station is about 2 blocks from Sheraton - gigantic clean, neat station with numerous cafes and shops AND a supermarket on bottom floor. Got "sundries" there.

A wonderful day in Stockholm (our 3rd visit).

Just finished packing for disembarkation tomorrow.

Got into Turku - neat town - 6th largest in Finland, 1st capital, 200K population, very Swedish part of Finland - wide streets and and very clean. Weather turned nice (for a while).

Finally won Trivia - we celebrated loudly!

Helsinki dock was in industrial port (Ponant got choice dock downtown) Raining day but did "walking tour" excursion - interesting but involved real walking (10 to 11K steps). Quiet on a Sunday morning in holiday season! Loved Helsinki - but we departed at 3PM. Quite a bit of discontent among passenger at such early departures.

Tidbits: Grandeur Production Cast begins training in Miami tomorrow (per member of Splendor cast).

All Boutique sales have been subject to 25% "Danish tax" that was charged THROUGHOUT cruise WHENEVER the shops were open - no many sales!

Petit-fours have been discontinued as an after dinner treat in CR.

Friday, got within about 100 yards of the dock in Visby, Sweden BUT 40 mph winds forced retreat - another sea day! had fun last night at rousing, ABBA dance party in the Atrium.

Terrific sail-in this AM to Turku, Finland, Slow access through VERY narrow channel between heavily forested islands with many very attractive homes/inns/hotels.

Andy and Tammy will be on Splendor until October 20th (per Tammy).

Boarded Splendor on June 30th. Check-in person did ask a bunch of proforma health questions and typed answers into hand-held device (replaces the old paper questionaire). Did ask 8o-ish DW if she was pregnant! No one asked to see Regent Boarding Passes!.

I have observed that very few passengers are using the hand disinfectant stations and no one is using the hand washing station in La Veranda.

Of course, Tallin is Thursday, July 6th - not 7/7 as I posted in #6 above, Great day despite mostly rain.

Had a "civilized" breakfast in CR @ 9 AM. Only about a dozen of us. I prefer CR breakfast on sea days as the breakfast menu is more extensive than La Veranda.

Trivia was held at 10 AM today. Our team(today, 3 of the usual 5) came in 2nd ( our 5th bridesmaid).

The SS Society GPT event was also @ 10 AM (we went after Trivia); about 16 attended a wine and cheese tasting (3 dessert wines and 6 cheeses). Very enjoyable!

Docked in Tallin at about 11 AM. Took Regent excursion "Walking Tour and Concert" - highly recommended. Old Town escaped WWII bombing and is very medieval; full of shops and restaurants; and INTERESTING. Concert was 3 musicians singing medieval church music while playing medieval instruments in a medieval church (originally Catholic but now Lutheran, so somewhat more ornate than usual).

Because no afternoon Trivia today, I attended my first afternoon tea (after 24 Regent cruises) - lovely   ambiance and tasty finger food.

Morning of July 7th, we are sailing into Tallin harbor on a cold, dreary day with showers expected during our walking tour!

Yesterday was a wow! Riga escaped WWII destruction and the  Art Noveau buildings are perhaps 2/3 of all buildings. Highly recommend walking in Old Town (about a mile from our dock but there was a Regent shuttle every 30 minutes). We also went to the National Museum of Art  which may not be to everyone's taste as it is very focused on Latvian artists. SSS gathering last night - correction, there are 400 passengers new to Regent on this cruise - 159 Silver, 50 some Gold, only 6 Platinum, and only 4 (including DW and I) Titanium. Had dinner with Franck G, the GM, who is living in Bali and will be GM on the Grandeur inaugural. Production show was terrific - caste is experienced, high energy with a very nice blend of voices - also very affable when met around the ship. Casino has been ROCKING!

The day before, we visited the Amber Museum in Laepedia (spell?) Lithuania on a windy, cold , rainy (with hail) - very interesting and had a great guide who provide much context about "Soviet times". Beautiful building and informative exhibitions.

Early evening of July 4th, Andy Heath, CD (with support from Tammy, the SH, and a pianist) did a special show. He played guitar and sang about 8 U.S. hits from the 1970's - very enjoyable as Andy gave context about the songs and background of the artist that made the song famous. Andy is a top-notch CD!

Can't stress enough how well the Splendor handles crowds - aft deck and pool grill area were impractical with today's winds yet a great lunch in Prime 7 (La Veranda was PACKED).  I had a special of the day - sweet & sour chicken - a staff member whispered to me that it was his favorite; I can see why; it was delicious.

Block part tonight - Andy wore his kilt! Very well attended.

Grandson went to Culinary Class and had a ball; (Spoiler Alert - Regent crew take wonderful care of young passengers as well)

On 3rd day of 10 day from Copenhagen to Stockholm, our cruise was scheduled to have NO sea days - now starting 2nd sea day - high winds and rolling seas!

Otherwise, cruise is going very well. Some details:

Embarkation went very well; 20 minutes from arrival at port terminal to champagne in hand.

Full boat with about 200 passengers new to Regent; 26 under 18 (mostly younger); and very international (not as many Brits as I expected)

Andy and Tammy Heath came on recently (from Voyager) as CD and SH, respectively. ACD (male) is new, a former production caste dancer. Andy confirmed that David Nivens will be CD for Grandeur inaugural. Andy runs terrific Trivia  - very competitive - probably requires at least 14/15 to win on any given day.

HUGE number of passengers took tours to Berlin from Rostock (12.5 hours). .Regent opened La Veranda on that night for CASUAL, German Buffet dinner. Wonderful assortment of German specialties!

DW and I are with 17 year-old grandson in an aft Penthouse B cabin, I'll write up comments on both traveling on Regent with teenagers (our 3rd such cruise) and how pleasant Penthouse B is for 3 passengers - when I return to a "normal" internet connection.

Lots of new faces in the crew and some "bumps" in housekeeping and dining but all have been minor. Franck is the GM so I expect all will continue.

Love being aboard the spacious and beautiful Splendor.

Ann:

Mary and I did this recently; advice above was our experience. Only caveat, Mary had to "talk" to Housekeeping several times to get it done early so we could go on an early cross-over day excursion. Getting into the new room's safe was the only delay. Very good experience!

Jim C

from the Splendor in the Baltic (Germany, I think)

DW took this Regent tour from on the helicopter from Juneau in May 2019.  DW, a world traveler in her 80's, said it was the highlight of her travels. YES, on snow (in May); she 'relaxed" in the sled driven by another guest - but anyone could mush if they wanted to! 

13 hours ago, flossie009 said:

On a seven day cruise we probably would not seek a second reservation in any of the three speciality restaurants, even though we like them all.

We would be happy to enjoy the extensive menu in Compass Rose for the other nights on board; with the option to perhaps visit Sette Mari one evening (not our favourite venue)

 

 

I totally agree; although, we would probably have a lunch at Prime7, if we had a sea day. I can't stress enough how much we enjoy the menu in CR.

We will soon embark on a 10-day Splendor cruise with NO sea days. One visit to each specialty restaurant is our plan; one visit to Sette Mari (depending on the day's menu) for dinner on the aft deck , if weather is nice; and otherwise dinner in CR @ 7 PM, sharing a table.

1 hour ago, slidebite said:

We were on Voyager a week after you guys. I think we fared far better on the weather front.

The agenda was OK, country fair as described (a little blustery, probably the 2nd worst day of the trip weather wise other than leaving Bermuda) but all in all, never bored but we're not big activity people. I could see how the country fair might not be everyone's cup of tea, but some of the activities were enjoyable. They need a better system for awarding prizes though, some ppl had literal hand fulls of tickets and no place to put them down in order (especially with the wind) which made the limited time to claim a prize a more stressful experience than it should have been.

DW says "very true, very true"!

Does this Forum still have a Monitor? Why isn't this thread combined with the "Sticky" above?

We did TA on Splendor from Miami to Lisbon in April 2023. Activities were pretty much like any Regent cruise that has some sea days: usual plus a Country Fair, evening dinner/dance on pool deck, a "Build-a - Boat contest (depends on CD). Loved it BUT we hit bad weather (missed Azores) and I had difficulty adjusting to 5 or 6 times changes

We did TA on Splendor from Miami to Lisbon in April 2023. Activities were pretty much like any Regent cruise that has some sea days: usual plus a Country Fair, evening dinner/dance on pool deck, a "Build-a - Boat contest (depends on CD). Loved it BUT we hit bad weather (missed Azores) and I had difficulty adjusting to 5 or 6 times changes.

Two of us in our 80s did it in 2022; loved it. Same experience as papaflamingo. Also, our restaurant for tea was a famous hotel - great to wander in!

1 minute ago, BBWC said:

I have no definitive information whatsoever. The only reason I think that this particular cruise may actually leave from Trieste instead of Venice is that it is the inaugural cruise and the shipyard is in Trieste.

Grandeur's shipyard was in Ancona in mid eastern Italy. I had been watching the construction via the Viking ship that was  built along-side the Grandeur. You can also see via Google Maps (dated sky view). I doubt that she she moved!

3 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

We have found that a turnaround day excursion is dependent on how many passengers are staying on board.  Last summer we had a turnaround in New York but only 6 of us staying so no excursion offered.  But as everyone has stated, any excursion will not be announced until actually on  board the ship. 

We were on the Voyager last December for a b2b via Cape Town. All but 6 or so passengers departed after 1st leg. NO change-over day excursions offered to remaining passengers!