papaflamingo

Yes. When you accept a deviation you know exactly what flights you are on and on many airlines can select seats the day the flight is booked. In fact when Regent offers you the flight it will show as booked on the airlines website before you even respond. So once accepted you have the flight and seats 210 days out.

No. You provide them with your desired itinerary and flights. They'll either have contract rates in which case you have no additional charge other than the $175, or they'll offer you the flight with some sort of upcharge (then you can decide if it's worth the extra cost), or they won't be able to book you on the flight at all. We've run into all 3 situations. Example we were trying to fly ATL to SYD on Delta and it simply wasn't available, however the return from Tokyo to ATL was no additional cost. Go figure. Remember, if nothing works you can always forfeit the $75 per person and use whatever air they assign you.

We were on Mariner in 2018. Up to and including Penthouse no star means bath/shower combo (don't know about the higher suites). Be aware the tubs seem to have high sides and low ceiling. So it's a fairly big step in and out and if you're over 6 feet tall you'll have to duck. I also agree with Ladys Mom, if you have knee issues and can't climb into the tub and the only alternative is an accessible suite, take it as you have a disability that precludes you from climbing into the tub. You can always try to switch if a cabin with shower opens up.

They basically did say it when they said: "as we continue to work through challenges with air services due to the combination of strong demand for air travel, reduced airline capacity and major airline schedule changes, we have decided to revise our Custom Air policy to help reduce long call hold times to our Custom Air Department." Of course the other option is Regent thinks: 😜

A lot of questions around this. It's important to fully read the email. Regarding cancellations or other air travel issues, the email states "Please note, schedule changes made by the airlines are outside of our control. If there is a significant change in schedule, our Air Concierge will find a better alternative without charging a new custom air fee." So, no, if your have a problem with your already booked flight you WON'T be charged any fee. The fee only applies to Custom Air request. Is this a "money grab?" Hardly since if you accept the deviation the $75 rolls into the normal $175 deviation fee. So it appears it's an attempt to alleviate phone calls from people who are not serious about deviations. We always deviate as we like to arrive early, stay over, and pick our own flights. So if I choose to deviate then it's zero difference in cost. I only have provide a number of options. This is most likely to free up a very busy department and focus on those who truly want to deviate. As for selecting flights, as others have said, if a "non-refundable" rate isn't posted on the airline's website, then likely there is no contract seats available. But you can still request it and possibly pay an upcharge. We did that for our upcoming cruise and it was still over $1000 per person cheaper than if I booked the flight on my own. And, just because you live in a hub like Atlanta, it doesn't mean Regent has contract rates on the hometown carrier. I live in Atlanta and was trying to deviate to a cruise that left out of Sydney and ended I Tokyo. There were NO Delta flights that Regent could offer from Atlanta to Sydney, even with an upcharge. Just wasn't going to happen. However we could get the Delta non-stop from Tokyo to Atlanta for no extra cost. So it just depends. Bottom line is this looks more like an attempt to keep calls to Custom Air limited to those who truly plan to deviate and are not just "fishing." And it forces us to offer a number of acceptable requests instead of one request, followed by a rejection, followed by a new request, rejection, new request, etc. It will significantly relieve pressure on the Air Department at a time when airline schedules and fare are in constant flux.

Please don't think I'm defending the treatment you were given. I'm certainly not. I can't answer why anyone did anything. All I'm saying is that the tour clearly stated that it's not available to people with mobility issues. That's all I can say. I don't know if the DM was aware of your restrictions OR aware of the tour restrictions. I certainly don't know why he or she gave you the tickets. You'd have to ask the DM. I understand your disappointment, but you do bear at least a small part of responsibility for booking a tour that clearly states isn't available to you. I know that sounds like I'm "hard core," but I'm not. And I'm not defending anyone's behavior. But if they allowed you on board knowing full well it was against the stated rules and you fell and were seriously injured, they'd be facing a law suit that they could not win. That's simply the facts of the matter. That's why the disclaimers are posted. And I actually DO have information, I have the information posted in the disclaimer about the tour. Like I said, I looked at the exact same tour for our upcoming cruise. My comment, that you responded to, was simply that it IS cut and dry in the description of the tour. Nothing more or less.

"The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or to those with mobility concerns." Pretty "cut and dry." Not seeing much room for interpretation.

Just gotta ask... how exactly did Regent "screw up?" How was Regent, in 2020 or 2021 to know that fuel costs for airlines would rise, pilots would be at a shortage, and travel would be at a maximum in 2023? Honestly, if you read the email (we got one for each cruise we have booked) it only affects flight deviations and only if you don't accept any of their deviations. So if you call Regent to book a flight deviation you pay $75. They give you all your options, if you agree with one, which is most likely why you called in the first place, you pay an additional $100 for the same total of $175 that has always been charged. I'm pretty sure that this policy won't be much of a windfall, but might free up the phone lines. No, I don't like it either, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it. My wife and I went out for dinner last night. We shared an appetizer then she ordered 2 sides for a "main" and I ordered an appetizer and one side for a "main," we had 2 drinks each (wine for her, a cocktail for me). The bill was over $90. If I call Regent and don't accept their air offer I'll just eat at home one night instead of dinner out.

Yeah..... sorry.... this is also an on going discussion on another cruise line's forum where shorts, jeans, etc. are not allowed after 6 pm. Just got confused... my bad.... sorry.... obviously my ability to multitask has deteriorated. I'll shut up now. 😎

Sorry, I was having this discussion on another cruise line's website where wearing shorts by anyone after 6 pm is prohibited. Just got confused. I'll shut up now. 😎

You have absolutely NO idea what issues I have or don't have. When I book an excursion I read the "disclaimer." There are lots of excursions I can't go on. So I don't book them. I know EXACTLY which excursion you booked because it's the one I want to take when we go to St. Barts in Dec. And the disclaimer clearly says "The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or to those with mobility concerns." You booked a tour that specifically said was "not available" to you due to your "mobility concerns" and are angry at Regent for not letting you board the boat. I'm not advocating in any way the treatment you got from the Shore Excursion Rep, but I don't think you are being fair in thinking YOU should have some sort of "special exemption" from the published restrictions. By the way, The Semi-Submersible tour disclaimer states "Those with mobility concerns should evaluate their stamina and ability before joining the tour." That might have been a better selection for you as it would have allowed you to make the evaluation as to your personal restrictions.

My comment was sarcasm. 😏 But the dress code isn't based on what anyone finds "sexy," it's based on societal norms. But, the dress code does NOT restrict men from wearing dresses. It DOES restrict WOMEN from wearing shorts though. So it's completely fair...NO ONE is to wear shorts to dinner. But ANYONE can wear a dress to dinner. So there you go.

It's societal. When I was in the Military we heard the very same complaint about hair. If women in the Military can have shoulder length hair then men should be allowed to also. Societal norms dictate differently. But you CAN "bare your legs," just like a woman. Wear a Kilt or a dress. Women aren't supposed to wear shorts after 6 pm either. So there you go..... no discrimination. Doesn't say a man can't wear a cocktail dress, just no shorts......just like women. 😏

I think people have to stop taking things so literally. "Unlimited excursions" mean simply means that you can book as many or as few as you like. We've booked 2 excursions in a few ports. We weren't "limited" to "one excursion per port" like some other luxury cruise lines. As to mobility impaired, in many of the ports we've visited on our cruises an "accessible excursion" is offered. It's specifically FOR the mobility impaired. However places like St. Barts simply doesn't offer one. I checked other cruise lines that go there (there aren't that many) and ALL excursions listed were the very same offered by Regent (we go in Dec.). So apparently it's NOT Regent's fault that no mobility impaired excursion is offered, it's simply not available in the port. And I will say, the DO offer a semi-submersible excursion that states "Those with mobility concerns should evaluate their stamina and ability before joining the tour," so there is an option depending. We have also been to ports where excursions simply weren't available. Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia for example. Again, simply the nature of the port. If mandating a guarantee that an excursion is available "in every port" or for those with mobility issues "in every port," St. Barts, Fakarava Atoll, et.al. would no longer be offered. That would be a shame. And as to the comment about alcohol, since I was one of those to make it, drinking alcohol is not always a "choice." Many people have medical reasons why they can't drink. So just like mobility issues, medical issues are the same.

Totally agree. It's absolutely about the "experience." We have sailed on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, HAL, Carnival as well as Regent. Enjoyed all of them, but the experience was different. Each attracted a different type of passenger. Nothing wrong with any of them, but we have gravitated to Regent because at our age we like the quieter and more luxurious experience we find. And that includes how people dress. If I want to be on a ship where people wander into the MDR in t-shirts and shorts or jeans then I will sail on a cruise line where that is acceptable. I don't want that. But really what is shows is a level of respect. Respect for the cruise line, the crew, and the fellow passengers. If someone violates the dress code and claims "why should what I wear affect you," it shows a lack of respect for everyone. It shows an attitude of "hey, the world's all about me and I can do what I want." Well, the world is NOT about any ONE, it's about EVERY one, especially on a 700 foot ship at sea. And the idea that one isn't judged by his appearance is pure rubbish. We judge people, ALL OF US, by first impressions. And the FIRST impression is appearance. I was a commercial pilot. I was required to wear a uniform, be clean shaven, and neatly groomed hair. Now, NONE of those things affected my ability to fly an airplane. But I guarantee that anyone here who says "what I wear shouldn't matter" is full of b.s. If they saw me sit in the Captain's seat of their flight wearing a t-shirt that says "born do die" and a pair of cut off jeans and flip flops with long unwashed hair and a beard, I'm betting they'd run off the plane like a scared rabbit. As attributed to Mark Twain "Clothes make a man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."

As a man, I find women's legs extremely attractive as well as open toed dressy shoes. As a man, if you find men's legs "sexy and attractive" and men's bare feed in flip flops "dressy," well good on you. It is the new millennium after all.

Sounds like you're going on a cruise with your DD and her boyfriend, correct? If so, maybe her boyfriend should consider who he's with and do a little more to impress both his girlfriend and her parents. Of course I'm old fashioned, but I know if I had a daughter and her boyfriend wore shorts on a cruise where we were all dressing up, regardless of the dress code, I'd be less than impressed. Just sayin'.

Well...umm...yes... they are making money off the tours. And they're making money off alcohol, food, etc. That's sort of the point of being in business. I'm sure you would be happy taking the $129 credit. I know people who'd love a credit for not using the specialty dining venues, drinking alcohol, using a butler, not using the internet. And they can.... book a cruise line that offers Ala carte cruising. I don't mean that in a snarky way, seriously. it's just that it's crazy that people want an "all inclusive cruise" but ONLY including the "things" that they want. If they don't want to use them then they want money back which, by definition, makes them NOT "all inclusive." It simply makes the rate published an "all inclusive rate." I also book third party when I cruise other cruise lines. And I find the tours better and cheaper. BUT if you miss the ship you're on your own. A risk you better be able to take. I like the all inclusive part of Regent. I don't have to explore each port on a 70 night Grand Cruise to find reliable vendors, put down multiple deposits in various countries, work out required visas, etc. I simply look at the offered tours and pick the ones I think sound most interesting. Are they always "great?" Nope. But most of mine have been exactly what I expected or better, and I'm guaranteed the ship will wait or Regent will get me to the next port (important in many small places where transportation is very limited). And they are rarely (if ever) full. That's because Regent spreads the cost among all the passengers. So those who don't take tours subsidize those of us who do, just like those who don't drink alcohol subsidize those of us who do. If tours were not included then we'd see fuller busses or more cancellations since the tours would need minimum participation to warrant the cost. As it stands now that is less likely to happen as the tour company is paid whether 20 people go or 60 people go. Regardless, I doubt Regent will change its business model to satisfy a few. I hope not as it will lead to the same slippery slope other cruise lines have gone down by trying to achieve the same mediocrity that their major competitors offer.

I may have misunderstood your comment, but if the flight was cancelled by the airlines so, and you say, "no Regent flight," then technically, it seems, your friend deviated and booked a separate night at their expense. Is that correct? If so, it clearly states that airport transfer will be at the person's expense. Or was it that Regent wanted to rebook them on a different flight the same day (not a day early)? Eitherway, considering they were given OBC to cover the cost of airport transportation I can't see how this would lead to a feeling of being "let down." Sounds like a good deal to me, especially if they didn't have to pay for the extra night. Again, I admit I may be misreading your comment.

I get why people want a credit for not using Regent excursions. I imagine those who don't drink alcohol would like a credit also. And those who don't use the internet (if there is anyone). Or how about those who don't eat in Prime 7? Or maybe those in upper suites could get a refund if they prefer not having a butler? While we're at it, should we just pay our own tips so we can decide to whom and how much we tip? The point of "All inclusive" is to actually BE "All inclusive." The excursions are based on a maximum cost (I heard $129 per person per cruise but don't really know). That isn't all that much if you compare to the cost of the same tour on any other cruise line. To expect a tour tailored to each individuals desires in each port for $129 is absurd. Many of these ports are small and limited in availability. Others have multiple ships in each day. HOW does Regent offer unique excursions when they are in a small port like Nuka Hiva or a crowded port like St. Martin? In all honesty, in most ports, if you want a unique tailored experience Regent offers an Executive Car or Executive Van that can be purchased for the day, at a flat rate, where you pick your own itinerary. Just book one of those. I like the All Inclusive aspect of "all inclusive." It allows for excursions to go with fewer people as the cost is likely a guaranteed rate and not per person since it's spread among all passengers.

We were on a New Year's cruise a number of years ago on a major cruise line. On New Year's Eve there was a big party on the Promenade Deck. Almost everyone was actually in formal or at least very dressy. At Midnight, in the middle of the crowd, was a lady in a bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, and hair curlers. It was truly a sight to see. 🤣

I think there's some important things to realize about shore excursions. First and foremost Regent included excursions have a cost limit. I was told at one point $129 per excursion, but don't actually know if that's true. But say it is.... then the options are pretty limited. You won't get a Private Helicopter Glacier Tour for $129. You will get a bus tour of the local sights. Second, there are a number of ports that Regent only visits once or twice a year. Pretty hard to get the top tours from all the other cruise lines when you bring in 700 people twice a year and they bring in 1500-7000 people every week. Third, if Regent was to satisfy the specific wishes of every passenger, the cost would be prohibitive. As it is most tours have some extra space so we aren't hauling 60 people on a 60 person bus, but 30 or so on a 60 person bus. Anyone really want the cost to go up so we can all get private tours? I'm not defending anyone, but I'm a realist. There's only so much that can be done. But we've snorkeled with the sharks in the South Pacific, visited Hobbiton and seen the Albatross nests in New Zealand, watched them feed Tasmanian Devils and witnessed Glow Worms in Australia, visited castles, cathedrals, famous mansions, ancient settlements, boat rides to beautiful cliffs, waterfalls, museums, sheep farms, the Waterford Crystal Factory, wineries, the Book of Kells, swum in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, etc. I'm pretty happy with the offerings.

A lot of excursion reviews can be read on sites like TripAdvisor or in the Ports of Call section of Cruise Critic. In most ports the excursions used by Regent are the same or very similar to excursions used by other cruise lines. So if you "google" the name of the excursion you often can find reviews of the exact one.

The camo was back when formal night was actually formal, so no, it didn't meet the dress code. And it wasn't the LA NYC or any big city, it was on Carnival. But yeah.. they probably thought it was "fashion," And NO.... NO ONE should smoke on their balcony EVER. That's how this happens: