daetchief

You gain an interesting perspective when you step away from the Regent Seven Seas, cruise / airfare scenario, and look at bulk purchasing of flights from a different angle. I am making a business trip from my home in Honolulu to a mainline city for a conference. It’ll be the company that is paying for the air transportation. Their concern, of course, is that I get to my conference and that I get back. My company is not in the business of employee airline satisfaction. My airline tickets are costing a mere $430 each way – two and from Honolulu - which is unheard of. The flights that are available to me are not on my preferred airline; are not when I was hoping to fly and the seat choices [a month out] are limited. My main choices were: 'Do I want to spend time in airports or arrive at an ungodly hour?' But, I will make the conference... ‘Regent’ is in a similar commerce. They’re selling you a CRUISE and they’re providing you the MEANS to get to and from it. They’re not selling an airline experience. [Although I get it - the Cruise starts at the airport in many people's minds] I think that it is always best to do your own flight arrangements or pay the deviation/up sale [if necessary] to ensure a satisfactory airline experience. Rely on Regent to ensure you're on the bus to the ship... For the record, 5 out of 6 Regent cruises we’ve taken we used Regent Air and we’re satisfied. Not Emirates Air satisfied, but commercial air satisfied. The other cruise we did the air ourselves - ran into problems in a connecting airport and ended up in front of airline ticket agents for hours ensuring we could arrive in Miami before the ship sailed; had to spend the pre-cruise night at Dulles, not the Mandarin - I got what I paid for that time too.

It'll cause envy and jealousy - but you DO have a WiFi hotspot inside your phone [I'm assuming). You'll be pierside and should have a good cell signal [I'm assuming]. Find the most comfortable, quiet place on deck and run your meeting. Use your phone as your WAP. I don't know which ship you'll be on but I suggest something like the Horizon Lounge on Mariner and Voyager or Pool Grill should do. Neither should be in full operation that morning [I'm assuming] but it should give you the connectivity/privacy/atmosphere necessary for your meeting. If your Husband is running the meeting - he gets to call the shots? [I'm assuming...😊]

I can truly relate to your story and my emotions are in line with what was expressed. I know ‘of’ the USS Grayling - might have seen it in SanFrancisco or Pearl Harbor (Subic Bay?) My levity for the complexities of the Submarine Service are based on a foundation of true respect and the knowledge that I wouldn’t have passed muster within their ranks.

My first Regent voyage on Mariner was the BEST Regent cruise I ever went on. Nancy, my first girlfriend was the MOST PERFECT woman [girl?] I've ever met. My first experience with a girl [but not Nancy] I had will always rank in the HIGHEST realms of my memory. I try not to compare recent experiences with those of the past . . .

And pay attention to the 'Up to...' wording. The "Up to $10,000.00" savings could apply to the Regent Suite, not necessarily the Veranda Suite...

If you haven't been on a Regent Cruise before and if fact, you haven't been on any cruises in the last two decades, I would suggest, before committing the $1000.00 a day for a Concierge Suite, you go on a mainstream cruise on a mainstream line. Otherwise you will assume that either what is on Regent is similar to the $100 per day charged by or you might think it should be like the Bravo Series 'Below Decks' where a preference sheet is guiding each server prior to your boarding. Sadly, I disappointed some very close friends with my 'hype' of what Regent was, and it turns out they had no idea of what Carnival was... And didn't see the value...

Arrived in Stockholm at 0630 from Honolulu [NOT direct] three days before the cruise. We were the only Regent guests on the flight. We were greeted by two Regent Reps who asked to carry our bags to an awaiting car, wisked to our Regent Hotel and the by 0930 we were in our room. Your results could differ, but it is possible for all the dominoes to align.

Another pleasing aspect to sending out hanging items is that they come back in nice Regent Garment Bags. I hope Regent doesn't mind but I still have mine... And the bags that my shoes were in when I left them outside my door at night... They're beautiful, and they make Great Gifts! 😉

Inappropriate Dress falls into same category to me as Pornography... I cannot describe it; but I know it when I see it...

I empathize and agree with you. All the compassion in the world won't substitute for knowing one's limitations - and never go it alone - always have a spotter. But, never say die! I once took an elderly friend <back> to the golf course because he wished he could play once more. I said "We'll go! It doesn't matter if you complete the round or not; what's the worst thing that could happen?" He said "He could Die!"; to which I agreed with him but told him "You would die on a Golf Course..." He smiled... He played 5 holes - rode the last 4 holes out on the cart...

I would like to thank everyone who have shown understanding of mobility challenged travelers on Regent ships. I also apologize if you were ever impacted negatively while someone was doing their best to keep things moving. My wife is slow but capable. I stay close to her constantly to assist her as much as I can. She is usually on the pier trying to get aboard the tour buses and settled before everyone comes down - and stays aboard until everyone else is disembarked. Fortunately, I'm still blessed with good mobility, but I am reminded daily that each day of mobility is a gift that could be taken in an instant. Lament not about how someone else's limitations impact you. Find it in your heart to thank 'Him' for your freedom and assist as you can - or need to.

The bottle was purchased at a quality bottle store. I then took it to an awards / engraving store [with a 250ml JW Blue test bottle] and asked them to verify their laser equipment would work before going after the big bottle. The results were impressive. Cost $65.00 over the cost of the spirits.

Maybe a few degrees off the subject line, but it was interesting to note that on a Splendor cruise this fall I gifted my BFF a 750ml bottle of JW Blue [appropriately laser engraved bottle] and although I thought the F&B Manager might take issue with it coming aboard, he didn't bat an eye. Two notes: There wasn't a rush to open the bottle as the included offerings were more than adequate. And, Drink what you like - and bring your elixir if you need to - to ensure YOUR happiness.

I wouldn't trade my "Included Excursions" Regent experiences for a Million Dollars! But, There a few though, that I wouldn't pay a nickel to repeat...😎

Mark Twain once opined: It is opinions that keeps the horserace interesting... I agree. The sundae was good. Won't replace champagne sorbet as a overall winner. My LW would say, "You don't know what's Good! I'll take your sundae!" For me: Foie Gras is a head scratcher. LOVE Caviar!

It varies from deck to deck, but generally, the extended balconies are in line with [above] the tenders/lifeboats. As you go higher, the balconies all go back to the default depth. The deck diagrams are accurate and show the differences. And the differences are significant...

It is always wise to tell your wait staff that the evening show is on your night's itinerary. That usually ensures they don't unnecessarily delay bring out courses.

I went to sea one day on a submarine [USS CAVALA]. I discovered two important truths: 1. Submariners Earn their Pay! 2. I'll never be that hard up for Cash! Hats Off to those who sail in Sewer Pipes!

Recommendations: 1. If you are not using your 'usual' device or web browser, try to log in using a different type of device. [i.e. use a desktop computer vice a iPad] 2. There are idiosyncrasies between Safari, Edge, Firefox and Chrome. Switch to another and try once again. 3. Wait for Mike Moore... Best of luck

Generally, as long as you stay with the Regent Excursion group and not wander off by yourself, you should be safe. Stay with the group or ask the tour guide for assistance before you go off the itinerary. Without acceptation, the offered excursions are structured to keep you in the 'Safe Zones' of the cities and the guide will maintain a watchful eye for hazardous conditions. But, Listen to your inner self and stay in your comfort zone.

Don't be too rash, (Lihue) Kauai [LIH] is the best of the Hawaiian Islands, and I can guarantee no glaciers...

Welcome Back! Haven't done the Iceland Trans-travel but was on Splendor for a British Isles cruise in September and LOVED it. I would try to book online - just short of hitting enter on the down payment - and see what the website would offer. Then consult with your TA using the information obtained. Surely you get 2 for 1 pricing, most likely the Early Booking reduction, after that it is a TA's world. Deluxe Veranda Suites are as you probably experienced on the older ships. The Superior Suites and Concierge Suites are identical sans the Concierge perks - very nice with a bed that faces the balcony. On Explorer, Splendor and Grandeur the Penthouse suites have two rooms divided by sliding doors and huge walk in showers. No Tubs. Explorer's bathroom and closet is a bit different from Splendor and assumed Grandeur. consult the deck plans and suite diagrams. Your flights outside of CONUS should all be Business Class flights. Often if the same carrier is used for the whole itinerary, all flights will be in Business. No guarantees. Enjoy your Journey!

in 2017 we stayed at the Haymarket in Stockholm. And yes, there was a market in front during the day! The hotel was a 4 out of 5 stars. Close to walking areas of the museums and waterfront. Great food and lively nightlife...

The answer is Yes: Gentlemen often do put on a sport coat in the MDR, and more often in the Specialty Dining. {Neither require it though...} There will not be any Formal Optional nights unless the cruise is more than 14 nights (16? nights) but the evening of the CAPT's Welcome Dinner is a prime candidate for dressing up a squouch. For the Ladies, I believe as long as you are not looking like you're going to the pool or the launderette - they're OK. [I.E. Short Dress, Long Dress, Pants, Sarong, Muu-Muu...] etc

I parrot all of the others who assure you that Regent [or their contractor] consistently go above and beyond - especially when you're out of sync with the major peak travel hours. [where yes, someone is there to coral the masses and place everyone on busses]. We arrived in Stockholm at 6:30 a.m. two days before our cruise, with a Regent arranged itinerary. We were the only Regent guests on the flight. TWO Regent Reps met us outside of customs, asked if they could take our luggage and carry-ons, lead us to a waiting car [Mercedes] and took us to our hotel. At the hotel [at ~9:00 a.m.] all they did was smile, say Welcome to Stockholm - your room is ready. After the cruise we stayed in London for a couple of nights. On the morning of our departure [at~8:00] we were informed by the concierge that our car had arrived to take us to Heathrow. They let us off at the UC VA terminal and placed our luggage on the conveyor. Your results could be similar...