furs840

Very sorry to hear that you were impacted by the recent storms and that it will prevent you from enjoying this cruise. I do feel that regent should help you out (at least by issuing a credit) if they are able to sell that room to someone on a waitlist.

I'm also scheduled for that trip although not in a Grand Suite, I'm pretty confident that Regent will find someone who is interested in that suite.

As other have said perhaps the best bet is to call your credit card company. Many cards are more then generous and often are willing to go beyond what is in writing (especially if you have a relationship with the issuing bank etc.).

Hi All,

Can anyone describe the TV / movies selection available on the Explorer? I'm also curious if it's possible to connect an HDMI cable to view your own movies. I don't plan on watching much TV, but typically what a show or two before retiring for the evening.

I hope you don't mind my asking this question here, but could someone speak to transfers from the airport to the per cruise hotel? I am curious about the following:

1) Will need to wait at the airport for other flights to arrive?

2) How to spot the regent representative (I assume they have a sign)?

3) When do we place the regent baggage tags on our luggage?

Internet on Explorer varies and is dependent upon how many people are using the system amongst other things. Regent blocks most things that will "eat" bandwidth. I have seen one person using Face Time on Explorer -- it was during dinner so usage at that time was low. I have read that you need to be careful using a cell phone on any ship as it will pick up the ship's signal - even in port - which, as you noted, can be very costly.

 

There are some techies on this board that will likely give you more information. The computer guru onboard Explorer in the Business Center can give you more information. He was the one that showed me how slow the internet became when over 400 passengers were on at the same time. IMO, it is a good idea not to depend on FaceTime but your results may differ from what we've seen in our 4 Explorer cruises.

Thanks this is helpful information. Might just get an international call plan and plan on making calls while off of the ship on excursions. What about the advertised 15 minutes of free phone calls to shore. I assume I can make international calls during this time? Is it easy to use these onboard minutes, without risking heavy overage fees/

Still waiting on flights.

In the meantime, I've got two new questions:

1) In Concierge suites apparently binoculars are supplied, can anyone confirm this? Also what quality or brand are they. I'm debating bringing my own pair and although they are fantastic they are quite a lot to pack if there is already a decent pair in the cabin.

2) I was planing on activating an international plan on my AT&T cellphone for use in the Mediterranean, but also noticed that their is a cruise ship plan from AT&T. I'd rather not purchase both of these, does anyone have a recommendation? If I have my iPhone and want to use land based cell towers while in port will my phone pick up those land based towers or use the ships system (which is more costly).

3) How is WiFi on board the explorer, I have heard mixed things. I'm wondering if it's strong enough to have apple facetime audio calls (no video, just audio over wifi). Has anyone tried this?

Since my cruise leaves October 4th, I assume that Regent will very soon issue flight information. Am I not just best off waiting too see what flights they provide before deviating?

I'm getting even more excited for this trip as I read all of your replies.

In the event that I wish to sail again on Regent does anyone know what types of discounts they offer for booking another cruise while still on-board? I'm curious how significant the discount is and if it beats waiting for other sales throughout the year.

Thanks to all who have replied thus far.

One of my biggest takeaways from the above comments is that I should consider contacting my TA about booking deviation flights. I know there are perfect nonstop flights on Delta from my local airport. I think my TA originally suggested waiting to see if I was happy with the flights provided before I deviated, but I would hate to see these two flights (one going and one returning) become booked. What are the chances that Regent books me on these flights (the only nonstop option from my airport) without using the deviation? If they prioritize nonstop then they should chose these flights anyway.

I'm actually a bit concerned about the early mornings. We are booked some mornings on excursions with 8:00-8:30 departure times. Although 8am isn't too early for us, I don't think it will give us time in the mornings to have a nice breakfast or a relaxing morning routine. I'll plan on just stopping by the cafe on these mornings and taking food to go (is that possible in any way?).

I'm excited to enjoy the spa, is it fair to assume that I can access the sauna, cold room, or spa pool without having any sort of appointment at the spa?

When I cruised many years ago I remember often ordering whatever I wanted for food, even 2 meals for the same course. Is this permissible on Regent?

Hi All,

As I'm booked for a cruise on Explorer in the fall I wanted to take this time to learn more about suggestions on how to maximize my enjoyment while on board. As many of you have sailed on Explorer several times I'd love to learn some of your suggestions. What suggestions do you have on the below topics?

1) Embarkation day, when to arrive and whether to stay on board after check-in or go out and see the local port

2) Best underutilized areas of the ship.

3) Where to get breakfast before heading off for an early shore excision?

4) Pre-dinner entertainment and drinks, recommended lounge or time?

5) Post dinner entertainment, when to arrive for seating, and timing of shows?

6) What other things did you learn no your cruise that you wish you had know earlier?

Does anyone know if afternoon snacks can be delivered by a typical streward or room service if you don't have a suite with a butler?

Hi Poss, thanks for all this great reporting of your recent cruise, I'm so glad you had a great time. I was up at the cottage when you first posted, and somehow missed the entire thread! I love your writing style, very entertaining.

 

I'm envious that you managed 18 days without gaining weight; I certainly didn't manage that last winter and I still am having trouble getting it off. One of my bugbears about cruising--I always seem to end up eating and drinking too much!

 

I agree about Sorrento, furs840, it is indeed a tender port, and there's no way you could manage Pompeii and Capri in one day! We were there last fall and did Pompeii and loved it (it was an overnight so got to drive the Amalfi Coast as well.)

Poss and Wendy,

Thanks so much for your input. I've actually been to both Pompeii and Capri already and certainly understand the value in having more time at each place. That said the excision to Pompeii is scheduled to return at 1:15 and it seems that even if it's an hour late I'd still have enough time to take the ferry to Capri and spend some time there. I believe I would prefer this to just getting on the ship ealier. The only issue would be if the Pompeii tour drops off far away from the ferry to Capri. Ship is scheduled to sail at 6pm.

Interesting that you all remember it as a tender port. I'll have to check my itinerary for the Explorer again, but I don't recall them listing it as a tender port. Could certainly make for a tighter schedule.

Poss, could you share a bit of the details about the Port in Sorrento/Capri?

I ask because I'm on the Explorer in October and am foolishly trying to squeeze in both a tour to Pompeii and a self led excursion to Capri. This is only really feasible if the ship docks in a port near the ferries to Capri. Do you recall how close the ship docked to the ferries from Capri?

Thanks so much for your detailed write up!

Hi All,

I'm booked on the explorer for October of 2017 and am very excited for the trip. In July I am able to reserve restaurants on-board, but am unsure what dates are optimal. Often cruises have special dinner's like captains night were dinning in the primary dinning room is optimal. How am I supposed to know what nights to book special restaurants if I'm not given the information on on-board activities? Is an on-board itinerary ever released?

Also I will be sailing with my wife and am curious how dinner works. Are there multiple seating times? Will we have the same table each night, and will we have a table to ourselves or share with others?

I'm all setup with a TA at this point, now the question really becomes which cabin. Concierge D or E. The appear to be the same size on the deck plans, so is the only difference really location? I assume that excursion booking is the same timeline (days in advance before booking) for both D & E cabins- can anyone confirm that?

Got it, I understand you position and the rules better now.

I guess I should redirect my questions concerning regent to the following:

1) what is the primary language spoken aboard vessels?

2) Is there any real difference between concierge D and E, or is it just location?

3) Why are the reviews so bad for Regent on Yelp (I know people who review tend to have polarizing experiences, but it's a bit concerning).

Reviews on Yelp here:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/regent-seven-seas-cruises-fort-lauderdale

Pick a TA that works with Regent.

Preferably one that does a lot of business with Regent.

It will defiantly be worth while to you.

This is what I was thinking. Any way for me to skip the hassle of dealing with a TA when I find the website and available information pretty much self explanatory, but still get the preferred pricing?

When I was younger my parents had their own travel agency just for personal travels and paid for a CLIA number each year for reduced rates. Is this method still possible?

Does anyone have a good travel agent that books with regent a lot? I'm located in the Northeasten US.

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I'm looking into booking a cruise on the Explorer in October of 2017. I am wondering if it is smart to go through a travel agent. Some seem to imply that they can add value by offering a lower price, I'm not concerned about losing small perks like $300 in shipboard credit, but if a travel agent can cut say 10% off the total cost I would be interested in employing one.

Also looking at the concierge level suites. Is there any reason to get a D suite over the E suite? Finally what rooms within the cabin (or what portion of the ship) do people suggest as the best place to be?

There definitely are tables for two in Compass Rose - the main dining room.

There are also tables for two in the specialty restaurants (included in your cruise fare).

Another reason for Explorer is the additional restaurant choices compared with the other ships in the fleet.

 

A typical dinner is casual elegant (no coat or tie required).

Not fixed dining table or time.

Go when you want and eat with whom you want - as a couple or with new friends if you choose.

 

To see cost v value, compare suites C, E, and F2 - each the least expensive option in its category.

https://www.rssc.com/ships/compare/default.aspx?Ship=EXP&Suites=c%7Ce%7Cf2

That room comparison was helpful. Does anyone else have thoughts on the concierge vs. penthouse rooms?

Regarding Regent, not really a fussy, white glove kind of experience.

More relaxed experience than that from the consumer side.

 

It is very inclusive with a commensurate price.

Liquor is much higher level than "mid-shelf".

 

I think the ship I'd recommend right now with Regent is the new Explorer - in part because they seemed to have taken a lot of the best and brightest for this ship's crew. 750 guests. 552 crew.

 

One caution - many have felt the G and H cabins are too tight for comfort. Much of this is relative to past experience. Since you've sailed luxury in the past, make sure you read about these more on the Regent board before choosing.

 

There are several voyages which would fit your parameters.

Barcelona to Venice 10 nights Oct 4, 2017

Rome to Monte Carlo 7 nights Oct 21, 2017

Monte Carlo to Barcelona 7 nights Oct 28, 2017

 

Congratulations on your marriage.

Thanks for your reply.I'll have to spend some time on the regent forums to learn more about the cabin options. Given the special occasion I was looking at the D, E or penthouse cabins, but of course I need to develop a better understanding of value before I make that decision.

Can someone explain to me what a typical night at dinner (in the standard restaurant would mean). When I used to travel with family we always had our own table (as a family of 5). As a couple will I also have my own table each evening?

Regent seems to have a lot of good options in terms of trips. My concern with them is that it seems a little over the top in terms of "white glove" service but some reviews seem to indicate that the level of service is actually lacking. I'm a pretty low key person, but feel that service is very important. I don't need white gloves or silver platters but timely and attentive service is paramount on a trip such as this. Do people feel that regent can deliver this?

Any perticular regent ships that are better than others?

Hi all,

First time posting but I've been reading the forums for a bit. I'm looking to book a cruise for my honeymoon in the Mediteranian and would like a luxury cruise line experience. I have been on more than 10 cruises in my life, but the issue is that this was all before I was 20 years of age. My family traveled a lot when I was young and sadly I wasn't old enough to remember or often times appreciate it fully.

I remember loving Seabourn (I sailed on the Legend many years ago, and one of their other ships as well). So I'm looking for a similar experience. It seems like Seabourn has larger ships now and sadly not many good options that meet my time constraints. So I need a refresher on luxury cruises and the best brands today. I've looked at SilverSea, Sea Dream, and as mentioned Seabourn. I'd love to here your thoughts given my perticular situation.

Here is what I'm looking for:

Timing (departing): late September 2017 or October 2017

Duration: 7-12 days

Destination: Mediteranian

Ultra luxury- If mid shelf liquor isn't included I'm not interested

Any suggestions are appreciated.