RetiredandTravel

There are multiple trips in 2025 that go to Istanbul.

I see multiple trips that include Turkey. Maybe those trips also included Israel?

Looking like JPOW & Co. may actually be pulling off a "soft landing". Also crazy.

🤩 Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

They have a larger burger called "the matador" I beleive at the pool grill which is highly recommended. Ice cream right next door. 😁

The water and soot almost reached our bed before the water was turned off when our toilet (8th floor) overflowed on the Mariner in 2019. There were multiple dryers to dry the water on 1/2 the floor.

We had a private tour from Positano, it wasn't from a ship. My recollection is it was about 3-4 hours of walking. Some of the walking is on uneven terrain with some inclines. There is little or no shade and the summers can be very hot. We are similar ages, both fit but my wife has arthritis in her knee and I think we would be fine. If you google "pompeii walking" etc there is a lot of information on the stress level. Mount Vesuvius erupted 79 AD and the lava preserved a large part of Pompeii, it is absolutely amazing. This is one that I think would be worth the cost of a private tour. Our guide also took us to a small Italian restuarant (8 tables) in Ravello owned by an Italian lady. She came over to the table and said let me select the food for you. One of the best Italian meals we have ever had.

We have only done land based vacations to Italy. If you haven't been I would highly recommend going to Pompeii. Pompeii is exceptional to see. We've travelled quite a bit and its one of the coolest trips we've ever done. Enjoy!!

From last year https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2872037-wine-lists-from-splendor/#comment-63744114

I would also recommend a private tour for Alhambra.

I have also noticed that the 2025 excursions are very limited. Quite often when I look at the 2024 excursions on the website there are many more at the same ports so I'm hoping this is just timing. Seville is very cool and IMO Reales Alcazares Palace is the highlight.

If you are interested in a non Regent hotel we always stay in The Stafford. Friends of ours love The Goring.

Much Appreciated. We are on the Muse in May and again in 2025 so your report has been of great interest. Given the recent multiple mixed reviews across all the luxury lines it's refreshing to see positive comments from a seasoned veteran with discerning taste. Enjoy!!

Away from the Ossobuco is it fair to say that you have been generally content with the food and service? ty

My Heavans!! Aint no spin class going to work that off.

I thought I worried a lot.

This is the definition of formal night on Regents website "On sailings of 16 nights or more, Formal and Semi-Formal attire is optional on two of the evenings. On the two Formal Optional evenings, guests are welcome to dress as per the elegant Casual dress code or opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with tie for gentlemen." https://www.rssc.com/frequently-asked-questions/onboard In our experience people respect the elegant Casual dress code, we have never seen people wearing jeans or t-shirts.

1) Regent allocates specialty restaurant and excursions on a hierachical basis. People with Silver status (20 nights) or higher level rooms get priority (more time before). So I would recommend getting a Concierge Suite for your first cruises. For new cruisers Concierge Suites and higher get more time to book specialty restaurants and excursions, lower level rooms do not. There are also other perks for Concierge Suites. 2) Regent advertises that the fare includes "fine wines". In my opinion the included wines are passable but not "fine wines", many are sold for $8-15 at wines stores. Past lists of the included wines are available here if you are interested. You can ask for any of the included wines at any time so it is important to find out what all the included wines are. There is usually a wine tasting and lists are available (not easily in some cases). On our first cruise we ordered Chardonnay and were served a $8 wine, when we found out there was a $15 French Burgundy on the list we specifically ordered it and it was much better. The concierge (pay extra) wine list is in our experience very reasonably priced. 3) Fellow passngers are generally over 60 (70/80) and are in our experience very congenial and welcoming. Some exceptions of course. 4) Compass Rose (main restaurant) has a very wide variety of food offering. Sette Mari is an Italian restaurant with first come first serve reservations which we like, it is a la carte (full water service) and an extra buffet. 5) There are a wide range of included excursions. Many are on buses that probably carry 60 people with a guide, the buses can range from 30-100% full. If you decide to go with Regent please let us know. People here are very happy to ask any questions.

We found the architecture, landscaping and history of Alhambra to be absolutely fascinating. I have not been to Esphesus but my wife has, we have it on the schedule (SS) in 1H2025. My wife says it difficult to compare the two. She loved them both. I would strongly recommend doing a land vacation to Andalusia. The Spanish people, culture, food (& wine) are wonderful and IMO a cruise wouldn't do it justice. Seville, Malaga (Marbella & Gibraltar) and Madrid are highly recommended. Maybe Lisbon and southern Portugal if you're feeling energetic. Spain is still quite reasonable and from the recent reviews I've read of "luxury" cruieses you may have a more consistent experience. Edit: I should note we had a problem adjusting to the 10-11PM dinner hours, thats not an issue on a cruise.

There are quite a few places in Japan that don't takes credit cards, cash only. https://www.jal.co.jp/hk/en/guide-to-japan/plan-your-trip/tips/what-to-know-about-using-money-in-japan.html

Great information. Thank You. I'm not very impressed with the listed wines, especially for $60 each a day. If I recall correctly Oceania's connoisseur wine list is quite a bit more expensive than Regents.

Very insightful and value added review, thank you.

This is the recipe for a Champagne cocktail. Maybe? https://www.liquor.com/recipes/champagne-cocktail/

Bottom ticked that one - nice

Its my understanding (from CC) that some of the rooms have a vibration issue so I'd check to make sure I didn't book one of those rooms. (I sent this before you posted the rooms info)