MalbecWine

You need to do your own research here as we are not allowed to mention TA’s on CC. Start by Googling Top Travel Agents and interview them. You might want to search Forbes as well. If you snooze you lose.

Dave is spot on. We usually take the rebate which can vary from 8-10% depending on the cruise line. The luxury lines such as Crystal and Regent pay higher commissions so the agent can offer you more. Finding a powerful agent is the key to all this. Usually you get a check after completing your cruise. We missed out on this for several years until we were introduced to a great agent and agency.

If you book direct you are losing many benefits and throwing money and perks out the window.

This thread is hysterical. The fun banter is the best I have seen here or any other boards for that matter.

Thanks for the laughs.

LOL, it’s one of those auto spell checks. They are on the Mariner.

I wasn't raised by parents who felt that children should be seen and not heard. I'm lucky that my parents encouraged their kids to communicate and share thoughts and opinions. It sounds like the OP is rather smart and, in my opinion, writing a letter explaining his/her thoughts seems intelligent and mature and that skill will serve him/her well in the future.

Sure, the parents are paying and should make the final decision. But not being open to a child's feedback seems bizarrely retro in a rather bad, selfish way.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I know teens that can score a higher IQ than most of us. They are our future and to dismiss their opinions are wrong. They absolutely should give their personal opinions and then have a discussion with the parents.

Just ignore people who are negative and selfish and yes, very retro.

RonRick, continue to have a great time and look forward to more posts when you have time.

Does someone want to start a poll on deck party’s on Regent ships? We happen to love them and it is not raucous bands until the wee hours of the morning. If you want quiet all the time charter a beautiful yacht.

I agree, Jackie. I would not just go wandering off on my own in Acapulco these days, but I think it is worth a visit.

 

We all have our own level of comfort. There was an article published a couple of years ago about the really dangerous areas in Tulsa where those from out of town should not go. I go to a couple of those areas regularly. I wouldn’t walk on the street there alone at night, but I don’t feel terribly unsafe in my car or during the day.

We had a timeshare and had no problems. You might want to read some comments on Trip Advisor.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150787-i177-k11202644-How_dangerous_is_Acapulco-Acapulco_Pacific_Coast.html

Agree - they are sanitized but the temperature needs to be at a certain temperature at all times and the chemicals must be right (again, see articles). Since I don't go into public jacuzzi's, perhaps you would know if Regent regularly checks temperatures and chemicals. One article talks about urine and sweat in the water, putting our "nether regions" in the water, etc. These are facts - not something that I or others are making up.

I strongly agree with TravelCat. We don’t go into public pools or jacuzzis. We have both at home but it is just the two of us who use it and we are very hygienic perhaps a bit OCD about it.

From the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html

Something to seriously think about.

We go on cruises to be social and have met many lovely people on Regent. Cruising is a great opportunity to meet new and interesting people. Who wants to be on vacation with a bunch of stick in the muds. Just kidding.

Well, i think this topic has been beat to death...back to the OP...so you have your answer....some do some dont. Your money, your choice. You should be able spend your money However you wish...so to each his/her own...

Very well stated!

We changed all our lighting in our home to LED and outdoor lighting and what a difference. Clean pure light and energy efficient. Our old halogen lights were hot and did not last long. LED lights will last a very long time.

Those makeup mirrors just don’t cut it for me. LED lighting would save Regent a lot of money in the long term.

I know that silence is golden, but not when posters are constantly asking the same or similar questions. Silence is eventually just rude and failed customer service.

 

As for declaring that there was no answer that Regent could give because they were still figuring it out, in fact, Regent can respond while it dithers. Why can't a spokesperson at least say that we won't have an answer until..... because......? An explanation would be the polite and appropriate customer service response.

 

There is the implication that responding to some of these lengthy threads on CC might take too much of a spokeperson's time because the answers could require some research. Yes, like calling someone in management and asking why the tide tables changed? Or why the internet doesn't work. Or why two Panama Canal cruises in 2020 are waitlisted.

 

Then there is the idea that guests or potential guests should call customer service or their travel agent to get answers rather than asking a question online. I'm a bit confused. Seems like every call to the customer service line would require the same research and consume even more overall time until someone definitively answered the question and spreads the word. How many calls to customer service could be avoided and how much time could be saved if someone just answered the question on CC or on the website????

 

The current standard for communication and marketing departments is to respond as to issues as rapidly as possible. Silence leads to speculation, incorrect guesses and misinformation being put forth, and perpetuates the underlying problem rather than resolving it.

Very well put. A flood is not a minor problem. Companies should put out fires before they become raging flames especially six star lines. Good PR and communication is the key to keeping customers not ignoring them.

Lovena has recorded a few CD’s and they usually sell them in the gift shop. We have three of hers. I’m sure she had people standing and dancing at their seats.

Continue to enjoy the cruise and thank you for the blog.

We enjoyed a very nice included tour that took us to the Conception Castle, the scenic route on a winding highway to La Manga and return to Cartagena. It was a beautiful day, we had a very good guide and driver and a great group.

 

Enjoyed tea with some new friends and then cocktail before dinner at Setti Mari. Delicious food and great service! Also engaged in conversation with a very nice couple seated next to us.

Wifi has been spotty today, but good connection now and was able to post photos to Facebook.

Now off to the show...Lovena B Fox.

We saw Lovena Fox on another luxury line and she is fabulous. We have her CD and she does a mean Tina Turner and Dionne Warwick and other artists and she is lovely to meet in person. Hope you enjoyed.

Jackie,

Regent booked us at the Ritz-Cartn resort in Bali this trip. We enjoyed it very much. We loved the birds and the troup of monkeys in the resort. We have never before seen monkeys swim....wonder what the Koi carpers thought of that..:cool:[/quote

 

We love the Ritz in Bali. We had a villa riight by the Arung river. I think the best hotel there.

The internet allows people who still work to cruise and stay in touch with their office or business. The internet is valuable to Regent as well as of course they get more bookings, but a unreliable internet is frustrating. Satellites are the conduit to ships and sometimes the ships will be without the satellites for a period of time.

Bill, you explained this perfectly.

Indeed that is one ugly carpet. I thought it was just dirty.

Looking at Passages sea days are busy with activities.

Hug’s are much safer than shaking hands. We had a cold on a few sailing and I just tell the people we know and send air kisses. We certainly don’t want others catching our crud. We are very cautious when traveling anywhere. Just common sense.

Don't allow the Regent board to color your view of Regent. Regent passengers are, for the most part, friendly, well-traveled people that are a joy to be around. We are currently on the Voyager and the passengers could not be better!

I agree, Regent does attract first class guests but you will run into a sour puss on any line. That’s life and easy to avoid them.

Sounds like a Toto toilet. When we saw one of those it was scary. The toilet does everything if you know what I mean and they are expensive. The seat is heated on some models.

Travelcat2,

 

I don't think of this as a "class" distinction but as perks associated with spending a little more to get a little more. For instance, my husband and I fly first class because we like the perks included with that (bigger seats, more leg room). Don't frequent cruisers who achieve certain status get private receptions?

I certainly do not think I am better than anyone else. I'm sorry if you are offended.

Beth

I’m with you on this. If you pay premium on the upper suites you should be allowed to board first just like on international flights that are high end and flying first class. It won’t take long for them to board but they are paying a premium for this amenity. I see this as a no big deal. JMHO.

Not a fan of the included excursions as mentioned by others. The multiple buses going to the same locations with few restrooms is not to our liking.

We can book private either with Regent or our TA.

Don't think that we need to be patient much longer. It was announced that the Splendor itineraries will be out in April and so will all of the ships. Depending upon who the Cruise Consultant is on our cruise, I may check with them and will likely get the same answer ....... "we don't know yet".

I agree April is almost here. I guess people are getting anxious. Patience is a virtue. Looking forward to it.

I have never been able to plug in my POC into airplane sockets. Never allowed. Travel in either business or first always. Always bring enough batteries, as per airline requirements.

I also use a lithium battery for my electric portable mobility device (scooter). I must bring it onboard aircraft with me.

Every airline has its own rules. It has gotten much easier over the years. A million tales that almost ruined some of my trips. We laugh about them now.

But, like the energizer, we still keep ticking ( traveling)!

Enjoy!

Sheila

And you keep on going! Bless you and enjoy every bit of it.