irenedee

One of the nicest things about our recent Mariner experience was that it was so easy to find a quiet spot. The ship was sailing with about 640 on board, so she wasn’t full but even so, we loved the peacefulness of it. I know Explorer is larger and our sailing seems to be sold out but I hope I can still find a quite spot

Favourite spots:

Horizon or Explorer lounge in the daytime, light jazz music playing, attentive staff and the best views

The cozy outdoor seating off the Horizon lounge, curled up in a soft blanket (it was Alaska) watching porpoises chasing the ship

What’s your favourite

POSS - thanks for the detailed response

On Mariner we sailed Concierge - Suite 954 and on Explorer we sail in a Superior Suite 717

954 has a very spacious shower only set up (my preference too) with the helpful bench. The bathroom worked just fine but I’m looking forward to the double sinks on the Explorer

The walk-in closet was barely big enough though so I’m hoping Explorer will be a bit larger

I’m not sure that I would close the curtains around the bed as you did and it sounds that it maybe a bit inconvenient anyway. I’m hoping that the bed facing the balcony is as good as I think it will be.

I should add, we were not pleased that on several days while in port when we returned to our cabin, it smelled distinctly of greasy food. We attribute it to the pool grill two decks above I’m going to assume that cabins on the port side, heading aft on deck 10 would have the same problem too

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Is the “Beatles Party” offered on the Explorer too. That was a fun night

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You did it! Congratulations what an adventure you will have. Although I don’t know how you can survive the awesome tempting food for 131 days - [emoji854]

I hope your enjoying the second leg of the cruise. We had to say goodbye in San Francisco but It was a pleasure to meet you briefly that evening in Setti Mari

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Just off a flawless cruise on the Mariner and we will board the Explorer in a few weeks. What will be different (if anything) and what will be the same.

Our cabin categories are similar

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We are currently on board the Mariner. Jason Montegue is on board and in a very interesting town hall meeting he confirmed that the casual dining option is now ship wide. The Mariner opened Sept 1

The casual dining option is a great idea for those evenings when you don’t want to dress for dinner and just want a quick meal. It didn’t work too well in Alaska however since the dining area is open air

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It was nice to meet you tonight in Sette Mari Lana. I concur with your comments, the food was fabulous as was the lovely sunset. See you around

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We sail on the Explorer in 5 weeks and the Mariner next week ( I know spoiled huh). I’m disappointed to hear that the entertainment is sub par. Given the cost of both of these vacations, my expectations are high in all areas of the cruise.

Perhaps I can chime back in with my experience in a few weeks. Hopefully it’s positive.

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My favourite quote

Moreover, there's a societal shift from desiring possessions to placing a higher value on experiences. 'We benefit from this secular shift,' the Regent chief added.

This is spot on for me

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Question for previous Explorer cruisers.

Is the infinity pool, just for patrons of the Spa? Can it be accessed without purchasing spa services

With thanks

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Thanks for the honest and hilarious reply. [emoji38].

We plan to avoid Rome completely and visit Tarquinia (Etruscan tour) instead.

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I will certainly check out the Pinocchio store for my grandchildren. I forgot to mention that we have booked Eze and looking forward to that day too. Thanks again for your advice.

Although we have had the privilege of a few Regent cruises, this will be our first time on Explorer. I’m just as excited about that!! [emoji924]

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Thank you Tulok, that was very helpful. Since I didn’t get a lot of replies, I did some research elsewhere and came to the conclusion that the crowds in the Vatican were a common complaint, some even alluded to potential emergency evacuation problems. So we decided to forgo the Vatican for now and use our $ for a paid excursion in Florence instead

We’ve been to Rome before, seen the Basilica and the other big highlights but not the Museum and Chapel - maybe we’ll catch it on a future trip

We’ve decided to visit the Etruscans instead. Sounds like a less hectic day. Especially since Rome and Florence are back to back

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Looks like I was incorrect in my original post, so sorry for the confusion

We fly BA - YYZ to LHR - 2 hr layover - then we continue with BA - LHR to VCE

If I’m reading your replies correctly, I don’t collect my luggage and I don’t clear customs and immigration until Italy. We stay in T5, so I’m hoping the 2hr layover is sufficient. We are also business class which someone told me has priority lines

The return trip is on LH - BCN to FRA - 2hr layover then - FRA to YYZ - also business and no terminal change. Can I assume the luggage transfer will also be handled for me on the return trip

I appreciate your comments and advice and again so sorry for the previous errors

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Please pardon my newbie question. We will soon be flying BA, North America to Heathrow. We will have a 2hr layover and then our journey continues from Heathrow to Italy on LH

Do I need to collect my luggage at Heathrow or does BA transfer the luggage to LH. I know that I will clear customs at Heathrow, just not sure about the luggage

With thanks

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Need some help choosing a Regent Excursion in Rome. ( we prefer to not do it on our own)

Our short list has two Choice Excursions:

The Best of Rome and the Vatican - lunch on your own

Christian Rome and the Vatican - lunch included

I would love to hear from Regent cruiser who may have participated in either of these excursions

With thanks

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We’ve decided to take our TA’s advice (and mrstanley) and stay pre-cruise at the Splendid Venice. It looks lovely on line and I trust my TA, but I’d love to read comments from others who might have stayed there

This will also be our first voyage on Explorer, so looking forward to that after reading all the positives here

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Thank you that was very helpful. I sincerely enjoyed reading your review too. Beautiful photos!

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For Concierge and above, which pre-cruise hotel does Regent typically use for cruises sailing from Venice

With thanks

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First it was cigarette smoke, now it’s perfume....get a grip...what next...smell of leather!

 

 

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Actually I love the smell or leather but I don’t enjoy rude posters

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Several years ago we learned that many of today’s fragrances contain chemicals that can cause health risks. Back in the day, fragrance was very expensive and used sparingly because it was made from natural floral essence but today its synthetically created.

At first I missed it, but in time as my olfaction returned, I started to actually become intolerant to scent. Gradually our household products became plant based too and we noticed small health improvements which we attribute to previous allergic reactions to the chemicals

The problem for me today is that since I live a mostly scent free lifestyle, I can not tolerate being around scented people. It’s almost akin to cigarette smoking and I know that may sound extreme but it pollutes my air. If someone else can smell you, you’re wearing too much. I don’t even understand why it’s necessary. It certainly isn’t a remedy for bad hygiene

Air travel is the worst. Why does a traveller wear perfume on a plane anyway [emoji848]

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Thank you all

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Just booked an almost last minute cruise and missed the opportunity to get in early and book excursions. No worries there are still lots to choose from [emoji106]

However the one that really caught my eye is no longer available. (Of course). I’ve read on these boards that one can be wait listed and even have good odds of success

Looking at the booking page, I don’t see an option that would allow me to be added to a wait list. Do I have to call Regent directly

With thanks for your assistance

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We sailed Jan 19th, the first post dry dock. I did not see any Chic and cozy furniture around the big screen, in fact I didn’t see any at all

Cafe al Baccio looked just fine, so it may well have been refreshed. New carpet was everywhere throughout the ship including the cafe.

Tiffany had their opening event on day two which was well attended, but the higher end shops seemed quite empty most days when I passed.

There is little to complain about on the Reflection. She not only looks great, the service, the food and the evening entertainment were fabulous.

Sea days, the daytime activities seem to have dwindled from what we enjoyed a few years ago, but we were never bored

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For us they were too hard. They were newish and plump but yet we still had a mild headache on rising. We had a Sky Suite and I suppose in hindsight we could have asked for other pillows