ysolde

Interesting. We are doing a TA that starts out as a Med cruise on NCL Viva at the end of 2024. It is an interesting itinerary (with stops in Europe, North Africa and the Canary Islands before crossing and then stops on the Caribbean). We are in a Junior Suite, but it seems spacious. And this new Prima class seems different.

Yes. There were nightly shows: A comedian (we skipped him, as we heard he was mediocre); the in-house singers and dancers (quite good); the singer (really good), the pianist (funny and quite good). Everyone was up more than once, as it was a two week cruise, but they never repeated an act. This was very different from a TA we did on NCL last fall, also two weeks, where they simply repeated the same acts (presumably because there were enough things going on each evening that you never saw the same thing twice). But really on a cruise that long there are nights (especially when you have an early excursion in the morning) when just turning in early to watch a movie seems just right.

Took our first Regent cruise (a TA, lots of sea days), earlier this month. Just returned this past week. It was a 14-day cruise. Overall, it was very good. Embarkation was less chaotic than most, but still chaotic. We were advised prior to our cruise that the original embarkation time we had been given had been pushed back by an hour and a half because the Coast Guard had to inspect the ship. No worries. Nonetheless, when we arrived at the port, there was a huge mass of people and embarkation seemed to be at a standstill. We got through the process fairly quickly, though the long line of people on the gangway after we checked in and were told to embark was a bit daunting. Once on board, we immediately checked in with our muster station (we had already viewed the safety video on-line several times), and then we went to our cabin. The Voyager, like most Regent ships, is an all-suites configuration. We were not disappointed in our veranda category suite, with its comfortable bathroom, walk-in closet, spacious bedroom area (with cozy vanity area where I did my make-up every day), living room area with sofa, table (large enough for in-room dining), desk (over which the television -- all programming included -- is), and veranda. We used the veranda more on warm days. Once it began to rain, we looked out the sliding doors from the couch. It was an efficient use of space -- we never once tripped over anything. I have a shellfish allergy, and got menus the day before. This made me realize they were going above and beyond for my safety. All restaurants (including specialty restaurants) are included. I liked the French restaurant best. DH liked the steakhouse best. TBH, the main dining room was usually excellent, though the menu could get repetitive. Some of the specials in the main dining room (Compass Rose) were excellent. They had a fantastic Angus beef empanada as an appetizer at lunch several times that was amazing. They always had great quality filet mignon. And simple things, such as consommé, they just nailed. Delicious. We usually went for coffee at the coffee shop (Coffee Connection) in the afternoon. They make all kinds of fancy concoctions, but I stuck to an espresso (excellent, not bitter), while DH had his usual Americano. They have service in the cabin twice a day, with an excellent team of cabin stewards. One thing I appreciate, as a person with a mobility impairment, is that they still provide individual toiletries. I know this is controversial and possibly bad for the environment, but my hands are not large or strong enough to squeeze out those large bottles they put in the showers in hotels and cruise ships, so I usually travel with my own toiletries. When a hotel or cruise ship still offers individual toiletries, it makes me so happy, because it means I can use their toiletries, and save my own stuff for the next trip. Regent's toiletries (L'Occitane's Jasmine and Bergamot) are a neutral scent that works for both men and women. I shower at night, so I did not find it clashed with my perfume in any way. I had heard bad things about the entertainment on Regent. It's low-key. There was a piano player who was reminiscent of Victor Borge. A good singer (lots of Bette Midler with some Barbra thrown in there, so I was happy). An evening of 70s singer-songwriter covers. IOW, they know their target demographic. By day, there are afternoon teas (themed), jigsaw puzzle tables, needlepoint, speaker series (very good), games, trivia, etc. It's easygoing fun. The other thing to know is that it's a small cruise. You get to know your fellow passengers. People talk to each other. The spa is excellent and friendly without the hard sell that can make spas on other ships a bit discomfiting. This place was an oasis of calm on an already quiet, laid-back ship. The only thing that was a bit of a letdown was the excursions. There simply were not enough excursions for people with mobility impairments: One in Bermuda, none in the Azores, one in Cadiz. The one in Cadiz was awful (we had taken a better HOHO tour in Cadiz in November). Disembarkation was a simple, no-nonsense process that had us off the ship and on a transfer bus (provided by Regent) to BCN in about 20 minutes. The trip home (BCN-EWR-PHX), while long, was pleasant. Regent's included business class airfare meant we got to fly United's Polaris to Newark and first class to Phoenix. Not a bad way to end the trip, all in all. So now we understand what all the fuss is about. If you are looking for a quiet, no fuss (no go-karts, no rock climbing walls, no zip lines, no Broadway shows) cruise, with friendly passengers, this may be the cruise line for you. We have already booked two more cruises and are looking to book a third.

DH and I were on the same TA crossing, and had some of the same quibbles re: laundry (picked up very early in the morning and not returned until late the following evening, usually when we called to inquire where it was). On the first day of our cruise, we asked our steward to remove all the alcohol from our mini fridge and replace it with Diet Coke. This was not done until we reminded him (twice). He said he would try, as he was not sure whether Diet Coke was available on the ship. Which brings me to the constant Diet Coke debate on NCL cruise ships (this seems to happen across the board, whether on NCL or on Regent). On Day 2 of our cruise, I asked for Diet Coke at lunch. The waitress came back with Coke Zero, saying there was no Diet Coke available on the ship. I was floored. A few minutes later, the head sommelier came over, asking if I wanted anything. I told him I had just been informed there was no Diet Coke on board, even after they had just provisioned in Miami. I did not understand how that had happened. He told me the waitress was misinformed, and I should always ask for drinks from a sommelier. Are you kidding? We're talking diet soda, not Chateauneuf du Pape. Anyhow, he got me the Diet Coke. But for the rest of the crossing, it was an issue, the Diet Coke "not always being available," depending on who you asked. Terribly annoying. Other than that, a really remarkable trip that surpasses any other cruise we have taken to date.

Ship - Voyager Sail Date - April 5, Miami to Barcelona Suite 654, midship Separate shower and bathtub Noise issues - None Would book again? - Absolutely Great suite and location. Excellent for a TA. Wonderful, unobstructed views from the veranda. Quiet location. Very stable, even during minor weather events.

We just flew in from Barcelona. It’s w good airport. However, we were on the noon flight (United) and while we made it to the airport in plenty of time, we were thankful for the porter who helped with our luggage. After checking in our luggage, making our way through security was fairly straightforward. However, we thought we would have a bit of time to relax in the lounge. This was not the case. The airport is large and a bit difficult to navigate. Lots of elevators to take up and down to get where you’re going. Especially tiring if you’re in a wheelchair or use a walker. Preboarding is also a lengthy process than expected, with no place to sit, so those that have no problem walking but have difficulty standing should consider requesting a wheelchair at this airport.

Just back from our TA. Three ports. The first was Bermuda. The excursion was on a small van that operated as both a cab and a tour bus. The operator was warm and friendly and knowledgeable. She placed my small, collapsible travel wheelchair in the back of the van and had me sit in the passenger seat, which was easy enough to get in and out of. She gave us a log of information and was good about answering questions. Regent did not offer any excursions that were suitable for wheelchair users in the Azores. We found a “Lagarto” bus, open sided and very long trolley, basically, that pipes in a pre-recorded guide to what you are seeing as you are being driven around. Not what we wanted to see but it was something. And anyhow beggars can’t be choosers (and it has been made clear to me by some of the comments on this thread that people with disabilities are little more than beggars in the eyes of some, who should be thankful to be allowed to participate and be quiet about the rest). The folks who run it had no problem with the wheelchair, no problem helping me on and off the trolley. In Cadiz, we took the only excursion available to wheelchair users. My chair was stowed under the bus and I climbed in. The bus had partial visibility from its windows. The guide was repetitive and mediocre. We got more out of a HOHO tour of Cadiz last November. All in all, if these are the only offerings available to passengers with mobility impairments at over half the ports, I think Regent has a serious issue on its hands that it needs to address.

That depends on the airline you are flying, whether you have a credit card with them that allows you to check luggage free of charge, whether you have elite status with them that allows you to check luggage with them free of charge, etc. When you fly back to the US in business class, you will probably have two checked bags allowed per person.

Are these the decisions of a luxury cruise line? I don't know whether to be surprised or disappointed.

I would have been a bit frustrated going to a coffee museum and not being able to sample the world-famous coffee. Oh, well . . .

If you're feeling particularly queasy, ask if they have ginger tea. That can be quite soothing.

This is not about unacceptable excursions. This is about excursions not being available at all to an entire category of passengers. If, when you went to book excursions, in some ports no excursions could be booked by passengers of color, would that be just as acceptable, since (presumably) passengers of color would then be able to pay extra for an independent tour?

Precisely my point about alcohol. DH and I do not drink because it is contraindicated with medication each of us take. No big deal, really. Imagine, however, if Regent's approach to beverages were the same as it is to excursions: Regent is an all-inclusive cruise line. As such, it will provide tap water and alcoholic beverages, thus meeting the needs of the vast majority of its guests. For those guests who wish to drink coffee, tea, bottled water, juice, and soda, you are welcome to do so, of course, in every port. At your own expense. Regent is aware that guests get thirsty, so remember that guests who choose to go out and drink coffee and soda on their own need to be back on board in a timely manner! Regent will not be responsible for guests who go out non-Regent supervised Diet Coke Breaks, so be warned. And, of course, we would have lots of people here telling us that Regent regularly runs out of their favorite wine (so it is totally the same thing as not providing anything to drink for an entire category of passengers at all); that people who don't drink alcohol should know their limits and spend their cruise drinking tap water (because, presumably, that's all people who don't drink alcohol drink, don't cha know?); and implying that their presence is almost ruining it on the fancy ship with all the pretty people, so quit yer kvetching,

And this is happening. On our TA leaving from Miami on April 5, there are no excursions for limited mobility folks on our Azores stop.

I disagree. I think this is the equivalent of Regent providing alcoholic beverages and tap water on board, and telling people who don't drink alcohol that they are welcome to get off at each port and drink soda, coffee, tea, and bottled water to their hearts' content at their expense on land. Just make sure to get back on board in a timely manner, and remember they can't bring anything on board with them. And stick to the tap water while they are on board if they are unwilling/unable to drink alcohol. All while calling it all-inclusive, because the needs of the majority are met.

I know. I just don't know whether we will have in-person muster or not.

Thus far for our cruise in April, we each had to watch the safety video on-line before we could complete on-line check-in.

That doesn't speak well as to what would likely happen in an actual emergency. My last two in-person muster drills (both pre-Covid) (one on Royal, in the middle of summer, with thousands of people on board) and one on NCL (on a late-season TA with that had very few passengers on board) were conducted in locations that had adequate space for the number of passengers assigned. There was sufficient seating for everyone at both. I did notice some people were more interested in their phones than in the safety presentation. I don't care how often you've cruised, I think you should pay attention. In this sense the video presentation may be better, since passengers are forced to watch before completing check-in (I think once on board, too, at least that was the case on our last cruise).

Getting back to he topic of excursions and passengers with disabilities, DH and I are heading off to a cruise on Voyager at the beginning of April. Ages ago, when excursions first became available, it also became obvious that the excursions available to passengers using wheelchairs on this cruise would be limited at best. There was one excursion available to passengers using wheelchairs at one port, so we signed up for that one. There was one excursion at another port, but the system was not letting us sign up for it. It was not showing up as fully booked, but . . . A call to Regent was needed, because the system was wonky, and with only one excursion available, we needed to make sure we got in. Fortunately, the issue was resolved with the phone call. At the third port (Azores), there are no excursions available to passengers using wheelchairs. Not one. So DH and I will be spending our day on board the ship, I suppose. Or going on a HOHO bus. Those are always accessible. Frustrating as heck.

I love Buenos Aires! It's a lovely city with so much to see and do. That gaucho event looks like such fun! I will admit, though, that I have never really enjoyed an old-fashioned Argentine parrillada. The meat itself is fantastic, but I don't like the way they are prepared. Just a matter of taste, really.

I have some super comfy leisure wear from Lily Pulitzer that I have thought of wearing on travel days. I wear them at home all the time when I am at home and just watching TV and chilling -- it's a very cute set of joggers and top, white with small "paint splotches". Anyhow, when I told DH I was going to wear them on the flight from PHX to MIA (or, even better, from BCN back to PHX), he looked at me like I was nuts. I have never been seen out of the house in this outfit. And for good reason.

I really appreciate this thread. My DH and I are starting to figure out what to pack for our two week Regent TA cruise, and this helps quite a bit. He pretty much lives in khakis and polos and button downs with a sweater over the button down if it is chilly, so he should be fine. He may pack a sport jacket just in case, but just in case is overpacking when it comes to cruises. so . . . Oh, well. I will leave it up to him. As for me, I usually pack a couple of pairs of slacks, two skirts, two thin turtlenecks, two tank tops, two three-quarter sleeved merino wool sweaters, an evening cardigan (with a bit of sparkle in it), two dresses for evening. If there is enough space in the suitcase, I may even bring an evening clutch. Add in some evening costume jewelry and there is enough in there to mix and match, dress up, and have some fun while staying within the bounds of propriety.

We tend to pack together, and we cross-pack a little, so that one outfit, a pair or two of underwear, and an extra sweater (or equivalent) is in each other's suitcase. That way, if one person's suitcase gets lost in transit, that person will have the things in their carry-on, plus an extra outfit and a sweater (or functional equivalent) to tide them over.

We have two cats, so, no.

Sometimes the best of these is university alumni associations. I know my undergrad and grad school both sponsor pretty amazing trips (many of them cruises) to places of historical, artistic, bioanthro, and/or archaeological significance (e.g., the ME, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, Central America, I could go on, but this is off the top of my head, with cats meowing for food next to me -- anyhow). Professors who are experts in the fields accompany the group on the trips and provide lectures throughout the voyages, and are available more informally to answer questions as well. Perhaps alumni associations to which you or someone close to you are affiliated has something like this?