Mahogany

On 1/1/2020 at 7:04 PM, rcandkc said:

I would love to be on Regent for NYE but most of the cruises that cover NYE start before Christmas.  I want to be home on Christmas and day after.  

I am currently on Explorer which sailed from Miami Dec.27, so NYE on board. Don’t know about future itineraries.

I requested a quote from Luggage Forward and Luggage Free for one bag from Florida to Buenos Aires in March. I received a price from Luggage Forward, but Luggage Free says they don't ship to BA because of the strict customs/immigration rules. Strange, no?

I'm never sure when posters say "premium" and "luxury" lines, which cruise line they're describing. But I board my first VO in 3 weeks and am looking forward to comparing it to the lines I usually travel: Crystal, Regent, and Seabourn. My only complaint so far has been the solo pricing, but because I am in a Penthouse Suite, I figure that's the reason I am paying double. Can anyone who sails VO regularly tell me whether solo passengers "get a break" in other stateroom categories? And I mean, for all cruises, not just poorly-selling itineraries. And, please, don't think I am complaining. I chose the category room I wanted, but I am curious if I had chosen a verandah whether there would have been a discount from 100% surcharge.

I booked this cruise for 2020 in February this year, 2019, B2B Buenos Aires - Manaus-Miami. In April I received an email from Seabourn saying that as a good will gesture for booking early, they were providing the Boi Bumba show complimentary. Actually I was surprised because a bit more than a year in advance to me isn't way Early Booking, but I think it is a nice gesture. I am glad not to have to fly to Manaus based on your postings. I did fly out of Manaus 15 years ago at the end of a Regent Lima-Manaus cruise. Don't remember the routing, just a long wait at a hotel. But did get to an opera performance of jazz - such a gorgeous building built by the rubber (robber?) barons. And I have documentation of a yellow fever inoculation from 1996 - isn't one a lifetime enough (I hope)?

6 hours ago, ptkelley said:

Is there a laundry room on deck 8? Thx! 

But laundry is included with those suites, no?

 The offer on my Northern Europe cruise next summer says Children under 18 at least 50%off depending upon age. So, still the same policy, just worded differently, I guess. A 12-day sailing, shorter than I usually take, so the shorter the voyage, the greater possibility of kids, I'm assuming. Is it inappropriate for a passenger, after receiving no help from staff, to speak to the offenders, not the children, but the parents?

I complained to Destination Services after returning from a walking tour in Malaga. There were 25-30 on the tour, and unless you were right next to the tour guide, you couldn't hear a word. I asked why Whisper listeners weren't used, and was told the local guides don't provide them. So, first of all, Regent, cut down the tour size of a walking tour OR provide another way for passengers to enjoy their INCLUDED tour. Yes, other cruise lines do it.

On 8/20/2019 at 5:53 PM, SWFLAOK said:

Someone had posted a few months back about Vapur water bottles. They seemed like a good product, are BPS free, and definitely not silicone, so I bought a few before our July Med cruise and brought them with us. But I wasn't able to figure out how to keep them cold, and the temps were in the mid 90's the first week, and around upper 80's the second week, so cold water on our excursions was something we wanted. We were able to keep our small refilled plastic bottles cold. I need to work on what to use to insulate the Vapurs when they're full so they stay cold on excursions.

Just ordered a Vapur. Is the mouth wide enough to add ice? Does the filled bottle fit into the mini-fridge?

When I read about posters suggesting collapsible water bottles, I looked online, and frankly, the silicone ones seemed "slimy" feeling. Is there a suggestion that doesn't change the water taste - or can I do my part by just refilling the plastic bottles given out before expeditions?

As I said before, just my opinion.

19 hours ago, mysty said:

Actually Mahogany...if you have been following this Cooler thread for any length of time you will know that we are not supposed to talk about cruising!  The Cooler thread is for anything BUT cruising especially on SS.  Maybe some research would have made that clear to you.

Did the research, did know Water Cooler was about anything. Just that  toilet (#2, poo, all the other euphemisms used by your supporters)  stories don't interest me, so I will "learn to scroll on". Thanks for all the comments.

Sorry, I just don't get why you would mention this incident to thousands of posters who are just trying to talk about travel? Disgusting, yes, but I would never think of sharing it online. Hard to erase the image once it's been planted. Just my opinion...

On 8/15/2019 at 7:51 PM, mysty said:

Coolers, I need to apologize in advance because I am about to mini-rant.  We had two viewings at the same time tonight.  When we returned to the house we went about turning off lights.  When I went into the basement bathroom there was an odour.  Someone had used the toilet and did not flush!  Seriously????  Who does that in a home they are viewing belonging to people they don't even know!  This did not start our new adventure off on a very good foot!  Rant over!

18 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

In my opinion, there is a downside to booking any specialty restaurant on the night of the Captain's Reception, the night of the Seven Seas Society party or the Captain's Farewell.  While CR has a wonderful menu every night, there are special items on these nights.  Our favorite dish (Miso Glazed Sea Bass) is offered on the night of the Seven Seas Society party.  While you can "special order it", it takes 36 hours for it to marinate.

 

In terms of celebrating a birthday in Chartreuse - let me share a warning from other posters.  Chartreuse is not typical French food and a surprising number of people do not care for it.  So, it is a bit of a risk.  

 

We always book a specialty restaurant on the first and last night onboard.  On the last night, people all go very early (because they need to finish packing and put their luggage out) and CR becomes overwhelmed so we prefer not to be there.  There is no particular reason why we choose the first night - perhaps it is just a habit.  For our upcoming cruise (November) we booked Pacific Rim (only available on Explorer and soon to be offered on Splendor ...... but the entry way on Splendor will pale in comparison to Explorer).  

 

Unless Bill (or Gerry) were dining with us, we prefer tables for two.  While meeting people can be nice, being at a table with someone that only wants to talk about politics or monopolizes the conversation is worse than eating alone.

 

Note:  The Captain's Reception is usually on the 2nd night.  However, if the ship is overnighting in the embarkation port, many people will not be onboard so it switches to the 3rd night.  

Is the Miso Glazed Sea Bass served in Pacific Rim, or only in CR?

17 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

You bring up a good point.  I do show kindness to anyone that has limitations but sometimes I wonder why kindness is not shown back.  For instance, we will not sit in the front seats of the bus - even when there are no "handicapped signs".  In my opinion, people with disabilities should board the bus first.  However, when it comes time to get off of the bus, wouldn't it be courteous for the same people to allow the rest of us off of the bus?

 

While I am thankfully not disabled, I did sail on Regent after a knee replacement.  I still did not sit in the front seats and made sure that I did not do excursions that were beyond my ability.  To me this is common sense.  If there had been an excursion when there were very many steps, I would advise the tour guide that I will take a seat and meet them wherever they will be after the stairs (note:  I did not take an excursion with stairs but this is what I would had done if an excursion (not rated 3 people) had stairs that I had not counted on.

 

I'm not sure what else Regent can do.  They tell their passengers - in writing - both prior to booking excursions and in the listing of excursions in your suite, what the excursion entails.  Many of them are not for anyone in a wheelchair but quite a few are fine with wheelchairs.

 

While on this topic, I'd like to also address tendering.  I remember when the crew went above and beyond to assist people that were having difficulty walking and/or getting onto the tender.  While I am not exactly sure why this happens less often but assume that it has something to do with safety and liability.  If a crew member is trying to assist a person getting onto the tender and they fall, they may try to sue Regent.  

 

For reasons that I "sort of" understand, Regent does not like to say "no" to passengers.  Whether it be about the dress code, hogging chaise lounges by the pool or going on excursions that they clearly cannot handle.  So, it is important that passengers pay attention to what they can or cannot accomplish on an excursion.  And, if they think they can do it and learn that they cannot, please ask where there is a seat where you can sit down while the others go ahead.

 

Note:  I was told on one excursion that I could not wear sandals as we were going to a dressy restaurant (my sandals were rhinestones and were not beach type sandals).  To be honest, I was not happy but did go back to the suite and put on ugly, closed toe shoes that were not nearly as nice as what I had on previously.  So, Regent will "hold the line" so to speak but perhaps they hold it at the wrong times.

So, the sandals ban was for dress code purposes, not safety? There are certainly some excursions where closed toe shoes are safer than flip flops, but denied because you were going to a "dressy" (whatever that is) restaurant? That''s a bit much, I agree.

20 minutes ago, GrJ Berkshire said:

But not in UK please, it is of no real value here

Anyway the main advantage  is not needing  cash for tips, as they not needed in the UK.

Equally we are now in Norway,a no tipping country it's embarrassing to see American visitors trying to give tips to guides ,just doing their job and having money thrust at them.Many guides with qualifications will be on very good wages.

I've been told to tip the tour guides. Perhaps the cruise lines should specify which countries to skip tipping. As an American,  I apologize to you for tipping in your country - how embarrassing!!😉 Or were you joking? Hard to tell with some posts.

48 minutes ago, cuddles115 said:

I agree that many replies are silly and stupid.  But, sexism is NOT a joke.  We are supposed to be apolitical.  The purpose of this forum is to provide advice and insight into Seabourn and its cruises. Political  views should be left for other forums and not here.

I agree, sexism is not a joke. But when did it become political?

I am on B2B Buenos Aires-Miami next March on Quest. This year they had an overnight shore excursion in a jungle lodge for intransit passengers in Manaus. Anybody been on this? I think they plan it for next year, but nothing published yet.

On 7/20/2019 at 2:04 PM, wripro said:

Which only goes, once again, to prove that these are not free. If they were free there would be no credit if you don't take them. You are paying for them in the price off your cruise.

I wrote Regent that FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS (didn't mention the inflated number) was an insult to their clients' intelligence. The word should be IMHO "Included" like spirits and gratuities, since you don't receive a credit if you choose not to take their "free" excursions. At least, I think I worded it correctly. Probably doesn't matter, don't imagine it will be read, and I don't expect a reply - did make me feel better, though.😄

I'm a "dipping" advocate. Haven't seen that on any of the cruise lines.

Regarding Wifi: whether you buy a package or unlimited can depend on the length of a cruise. If you're on a 7-10 day, perhaps buying minutes is fine. For longer cruises, unlimited is better, mostly for not having to remember to log out. SLSD mentions 300 minutes as an example; can't remember how much that costs (do the math🙂). You said, July; I assume you mean 2020. Perhaps Wifi will be an included amenity by then, and therefore, no decision to be made. I'm sure you'll like Seabourn as much as we returning clients.

I'm on Explorer late December, can't make dining reservations yet. Is that where I will find whether Culinary Kitchen is offering any classes?  I couldn't find it on the Sea Day itinerary or in shorex. Are they always held on sea days? Perhaps there are none this cruise, or they are filled. Thanks for any info.

Fabulous photos! I have one of a giraffe and wobbling baby, umbilical cord still visible. Unforgettable memories.

5 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Surprised that your TA didn't give you the correct information when you asked.  I hope that you are using a TA that regularly books Regent and gives a percentage back on your cruise fare.  Knowledgeable TA's make all the difference in the world.

No, I am not working with a TA who gives a percentage back because that is their policy, not to return the commission. But I wouldn't trade her for anything., since I agree "Knowledgeable TA's ...world".  What I object to is your saying/implying that using one that does is the only way to go.

3 hours ago, markham said:

I am not sure that you can turn off the captain’s announcements in your suite. I believe that this is a matter for the captain on the Bridge. 

 

On our recent 41 day Sojourn cruise Capt Roberts and Elliot did not broadcast the noon announcement into the suites. That is customary and it’s probably about an on/off switch on the Bridge. To hear the announcements we would open the door to the corridor or use the TV. Public areas only.

 

I suggest you make your views known to Guest Services who can remind the Bridge. Announcements into the suites should only involve important matters such as emergencies. And NO to 18:00 reminders to pile into the corridor in your curlers for the Howdy Doody Git to know yer Neyber party that some CDs think are the bees knees.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

And I thought I was the only hater of that forced camaraderie experience!