papaflamingo

For info, if you read Regent's Terms and Conditions here is a list of the airports that offer "free business class." " *FREE Business Class Air applies to intercontinental flights only from the following airports: ATL, BOS, CLT, DEN, DFW, DTW, EWR, FLL, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MDW, MIA, MSP, ORD, PBI, PHL, PHX, SAN, SAV, SEA, SFO, TPA, YUL, YVR, YYZ. Airfare is available from all other U.S. and Canadian gateways for an additional charge." As for Itineraries, Regent uses deeply discounted contract rates. After Covid the airlines have become very understaffed for the demand. The most desirable routes, the non stops, are very popular and business class is their premium product, so they don't offer discounted rates on most of them. So without an upcharge, traveling from a non gateway city, 2 stopovers is most likely what you'll have to do unless you want to pay the upcharge. I am a retired Delta Pilot and as such I can get at least a 25% discount one any Delta flight. Yet even with an upcharge to Regent, my discount can't come close to the Regent pricing. So I always use. Regent Air (even with an upcharge) for business class flights (at least so far).

The website WILL let you pick more than one excursion... even more than two if able. When you do your excursion selection on line simply select the first excursion you want then after that you can continue in the same port and select any other excursion that shows available without conflict. So you could do a short morning excursion, an afternoon excursion, and an evening excursion if there is sufficient time in port and enough time between excursions. If the time between excursions is not great enough the computer won't let you pick a second or third excursion.

With U.S. airlines at least, you can select seats as soon as you deviate with Regent (210 days out). When I deviate I tell the Regent agent what seats I want and they're assigned immediately and I can enter the confirmation number into my airline account and change them if I desire. The only reason 60 days came into the mix for us is that I wanted to switch my flight and once it was paid for (60 days out) I was able to contact United directly and switch to the new flights.

Since we were flying from a listed airport, Atlanta, and staying on the same carrier all the way through, the domestic leg is First Class. When I discussed our return they said one possibility was JAL to Boston and JetBlue to Atlanta. The JetBlue leg would be coach but that may be more a function of JetBlue not having a First Class on that route. Since you'll be coming from NYC, you might look at non stop on UAL from Newark. That was an option when I booked the flight. It was just easier to go to SFO for us. But one thing to look at is if the airlines tickets the flight "business class" all the way through then you'll get First Class for the domestic leg. You can also ask the Regent Agent to make sure and have them select your seats when you are on the phone with them to be sure (at least for U.S. carriers). We are on United to Hong Kong and Delta from Tokyo. Did have to pay an up charge do get the Delta non stop, but figure it's worth it to me.

By deviating you can get your booking as early as 210 days out. But apparently the ticket won't be paid for until around 60 days. I think that's regardless of when you pay for the cruise. As far as the booking, you can, at least on U.S. airlines, select and change seats etc. immediately. Also you can call Regent and make changes without any penalties other than an additional $175 pp if you cancel and rebook. But as far as I know the ticket won't actually be paid for until the 60 day (or so) mark. That may mean you can't select seats on certain airlines until then, but at least Delta and United you can select seats immediately. Not sure it this answers your question or not.

Just thought I'd relay my most recent experience with flights for your info. We are using Regent Air for our upcoming Explorer cruise from Hong Kong to Tokyo in Feb. 2024. I deviated 210 days out and got the flights I wanted. To go from Atlanta to Hong Kong we have to connect in SFO. Our original intinerary on United was Atlanta to SFO with a 4 hour turn time in SFO then on to Hong Kong. Well as luck (and airline marketing) would have it, United changed the SFO-HKG flight by about 2 hours leaving only !:49 to change planes in SFO. THEN they changed it again to only 1:45 layover. A little "tight" for us. Anyway, I called United to see if I could change but since the ticket was issued by Regent and had not been paid for, no change possible. I then called Regent and unfortunately any possible changes that they showed would result in another $175 per person deviation fee as we'd have to change to a different day or pay a very significant up charge. Fair enough, no surprises here. But the agent did say that the ticket would be paid for on Dec. 20. So yesterday, Dec. 21, I tried to see if I could change the ticket on the UAL website, no luck. It said I had to go through the ticketing party (Regent). So I called UAL directly, got through almost immediately, and told the agent what I was trying to do. Amazingly she was able to change us for NO FEE to our requested connection the day before. So now, we are leaving a day early with 13 hours in SFO (my requested flights) then arriving in Hong Kong the same day as originally scheduled but 13 hours earlier! So we'll get a day room in SFO and now don't have to worry about delays in the middle of winter in Atlanta. Anyway, point is, if you aren't happy with your flight because the airlines changed the schedule on you then once the flight is paid for, you can try to call the airlines directly and see if they can change you to a better flight for no additional. Obviously the new flights must still have Regent contract seats available, but definitely worth a try (I found flights that were the same cost on UAL's website as the flight we were originally on). Also saved me $175 per person by not having to do another deviation with Regent.

Talking about voices from other cabins, we were on Mariner a couple of weeks ago and I could clearly hear voices but only in the bathroom. It sounded to me like the cabin attendants laughing and talking. But only in the bathroom during the day when they were doing rooms. It was nearly every day so I am thinking that there is a possibility that our cabin shared air vents with their workspace as I know they weren't in the adjacent cabins. May be the same on Grandeur, that cabins have a common air duct and sound travels through the connecting duct. Just wondering.

Cruise lines don't randomly change itineraries, there is always a reason for any change. I don't know the reason for the immersive cruises, but it seems that the introduction is far enough out in the future that people can cancel if they wish. I am mixed about it. I would like more overnights but not so many that I don't see enough ports. We love to see the area but also enjoy the local culture and port. So having a leisurely area tour with still enough time to go into town sounds good. It provides the option of more than one tour in each port as well. And if the port is too industrial and I don't want to go into town, well enjoying a relaxed evening on board is just as good in port as at sea. Having said that, I will look closely at these cruises to make sure I'm interested in the lesser number of ports vs. other cruises or cruise lines. Options.... nice to. have.

Excellent point.

Let me just add.... you can actually deviate and still arrive on the day of your cruise if you want (any day actually). You pick your flights up to 210 days out (remember there's a $175 fee pp to deviate) and get seat assignments (on many airlines). Also your return. If you do choose to arrive the day of the cruise (or a day early if you have a free hotel night), you can still use Regent transportation. If you arrive early you do not get transportation from the airport. We were supposed to be on a cruise that ended in Rome a couple months ago (had to cancel due to Covid...long story). I deviated our flight home from Rome 210 days out, but since we were going direct to the airport from the ship, I had Regent transportation from the ship to the airport. Anyway, just thought I'd mention this. Deviation is ALWAYS the way to go in my opinion.

We just got off Mariner on Tues. (Dec. 12). We were in cabin 1020. The only toilet issue, as previously mentioned, was one morning in port. Toilets, presumably ship wide and likely for repair, stopped just as we were leaving on our shore excursion. Arrived back and all was well. They did announce, also mentioned earlier, that the system would be shut down from midnight to 2 am for repairs one night. Other than that, absolutely no problems. Is the ship "dated?" Yup. My wife felt that it had areas that smelled like they'd had a water issue that went deep into the carpet. I didn't smell it, but I can't hear well either so.....🤷‍♂️. But the ship does need refurbishing. No big deal for me, I loved the cruise. The service was generally excellent, an occasional "blip" that could be understaffing or sick crew members. But all in all, everyone was more than cheerful, running hard, and absolutely eager to please. We had one "hiccup" when our Prime 7 reservation wasn't in the system. Not a big deal at all, we simply went to Compass Rose and had a great steak, etc. Anyway, my wife jokingly mentioned it to our waiter, Monica, that we were "doing our own Prime 7." She said she'd get us in the next night, and with in 5 minutes the Restaurant GM showed up also saying we'd get in! We were actually ok with not going as we're on Granduer in 3 or so weeks. Anyway, we had a nice Prime 7 dinner and a wonderful time. The crew, as usual, fell all over themselves trying to please. As for shore excursions. We enjoyed them all. Did one "bus" tour in Puerto Plata that I thought was an interesting overview of the history of the island. Then did a Rainforest visit in San Juan, Catamaran sail and swim in St. Barts, River tubing in Dominican Republic (very fun), Sting Ray City in Antigua, and a visit and hike through the boulders at the Baths in Virgin Gorda. All were great tours and we really had a great time. So, if you know that the ship is a bit worn, and the issues that they may have then I think anyone would enjoy the ship. Having said that, we are booked in Oct. 2025, the last cruise BEFORE the dry dock (or so it looks looking at the schedule). We are a bit apprehensive as we know she'll be more "worn," and they won't be doing a lot of touch ups, etc. since she'll be going immediately into a major 3 week dry dock period. Problem is, this is a "make up" cruise for the "ill fated" Israel/Egypt cruise on Voyager. "Luckily" I woke up with Covid on the day we were leaving for Athens, so obviously cancelled. Fortunately I had the cruise insured. We booked Mariner in Oct. 2025 from Barcelona to Barcelona for 32 nights as the "makeup" cruise. Now knowing that it'll be her last cruise before dry dock, we may reconsider. But if it's the only way we can go to Israel and Egypt then we'll simply go with reasonable expectations and have a fabulous time. Otherwise we may push it to 2026.

So sorry to hear. Sending thoughts and prayers that all goes well and we will meet aboard a Regent ship soon.

The $75 is only if you choose NOT to deviate. If you find your flights unacceptable, call Custom Air to deviate and find new flights the $75 fee is applied to your $175 custom air deviation charge. I talked to the Regent agent when I deviated a few months ago and she said the charge significantly reduced wait times for those who are truly planning a deviation.

Correct. But only one time. So if you cancel, and book a new cruise it'll show as $100 FCC. If you cancel the second cruise, you lose the $100 FCC regardless of booking another cruise or not.

The night in a hotel is separate from your air arrangements. So you can deviate, and as stated above, do 3 days, then "check in" for your included night and transport from the hotel to the port.

We had it on Navigator last year (2022).

Thank you... but I'm pretty sure my wife will disagree about me being a "voice of reason" (a few people on here too). 😜 Definitely looking forward to Grandeur. if you happen to see me, for sure say hello! 😎

Food is very subjective. We were on Navigator in 2022 for 40 nights and loved every part of the cruise. The food was great! Then again, I didn't get this "sexy body" by being picky. So maybe I'm just easier to please. But to your comment that you "don’t get any value out of expensive paintings and statues," I would bet that isn't true. I've sailed on Carnival and thought the food and service was wonderful. But the decor of the ships, to me, is very "Las Vegas" like. Lots of neon and glitz. No luxury at all. And I bet if Regent took your advice, sold off all the artwork, got rid of the beautiful decor, put cheaper furniture in the cabins, even keeping the comfortable beds, put in basic dining tables, no flowers, no linen table cloths, no Versace chargers, cheaper glassware, etc. but "upped" the service and food to your specifications, then you'd be wondering what's so "luxurious" about a ship with none of the above mentioned decor and luxury? So honestly, at least for me, I want all the beautiful and upscale decor. I want to feel I'm sailing in a high class ship. Otherwise I'd book Carnival.

We did Iceland in 2022 on Navigator. Started in Montreal then to NYC then to Southampton via Iceland (40 nights). Stopped in Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Reykjavik. Were supposed to stop at Eskifjordur also but couldn't get in due to winds. It was a great cruise! Lots of waterfalls and a bit chilly, but really enjoyed the cruise.

No. From the website "Irons/Ironing Boards and Steamers are not permitted onboard". But every ship has laundry rooms where you can iron if you want and laundry is included so if you need something pressed you can either iron it or sent it out to be done for no charge. Here is a link to all prohibited items, https://www.rssc.com/frequently-asked-questions/you-sail#:~:text=Guests are not permitted to,Steamers are not permitted onboard.

A few answers: "How much does picking your flights cost?" The Deviation fee is $175 per person plus any up charge that MAY occur. You can deviate 210 days before your cruise and it's highly recommended you do so. You will be charged a single $75 fee to talk to the Air Department, but that will be included in one of the $175 deviation fees if you choose to accept a deviation. If you choose to do this, research flights and have 3 or so options that you are most interested in and don't hesitate to ask the agents anything as they are very willing to help. Once you agree on flights you are booked at that point, and the agent can usually pick your seats for you on the spot. You can then enter the reservation number into the airlines website and change seats, etc. if you want. Also watch your flights as airlines very often make changes and you may not be notified as the cruise approaches. If they do and you need to change, you can call Regent air for free and discuss options. "If you don't use their air but stay in a concierge suite do you still get the hotel stay?" Yes. And if you don't want the hotel stay you get $150 per person off the price of the cruise. "The black Friday sale took about $4,000 each off the fare which made it more attractive. Having not followed Regent is this likely to occur again?" Yes, but in my experience, prices usually rise more than they reduce for a sale, and the ships sell out very quickly. So if there's a cruise you want to book, book it. Otherwise you run a very great risk that the cruise will both go up in price and also sell out. The sales seem to be on the less popular cruises only, and if your cruise does go on sale after you booked it you should be able to take advantage of the reduced price (note "should"), but you have to also factor in any OBC, etc. that you'll lose if you reprice the cruise. Remember, if you cancel a cruise your only lose $100 per person and that is available as Future Cruise Credit (one change only, then you will lose it if you cancel) if you book within a year. "What surprised you?" How much I really enjoy the small luxury cruise experience, and how incredible the crew members are. How personal the service is and I have never seen a crew member that isn't smiling or more than willing to please.

Wait.... husbands get opinions??? 😜

Thanks. Interesting.

If you haven't already, read this thread on here "Thoughts from the Current Tokyo to Bangkok Explorer Cruise." It talks about Explorer and some of the issues you mentioned. As you follow the thread the posts all talk about how after a few days of "confusion" the food and service improved. Honestly, we have noticed that the first day or two of a cruise can have slower wait times, etc. The crew has a lot to do on turnaround day and there are frequently new crew members joining the cruise. This simply leads to some slowdown in service but it only lasts a day or so, and no, I have never discussed this with anyone. I simply let it work out which, so far, it always has. But your comment that you "don’t relish having to seek out F & B managers to air concerns" should not be your concern, on the contrary, if you have issues you should definitely bring them up with the appropriate supervisors. Otherwise no one will know about the issue and you may not ever get it resolved. As you can see reading through the referenced thread, Regent "falls all over themselves" trying to correct ANY issue that a passenger has. They only have to know the issue has occurred.

Here are two links to YouTube videos of both the tours. They will show you what to expect. But as you'll see, on the Dolphin Encounter you'll be standing on a platform, and the Dolphin swim you'll be wearing life vests. Stingray Sandbar is only waist deep, so no swimming required at either event, and no snorkels or masks. I would think that one group will go to the Stingray Sandbar while the other group is at the Dolphin Cove. Otherwise I would think it'd be too crowded at the Dolphin Cove. But don't know for sure.