papaflamingo

I have found it very easy to work with Regent, but more importantly, cheaper flights, with the exception of our next cruise where I found tickets at almost 1/2 the Regent Air Credit. Also I always get my own air domestic. I am retired Delta and get at least a 25% discount on any Delta flight, so it's comparatively cheap for me to do domestic first class, but can't usually come close to Regent's cost for Business Class, the exception is our next cruise, and only because Delta has just started service to Papeete.

I have only used Regent to fly Business Class. I am a retired Delta pilot so I get at least a 25% employee discount on any flight. I have found that when I consider Regent's domestic air credit, plus the $175 deviation fee (I always travel in at least a day before the cruise), plus cost of domestic luggage (my wife always takes 2 suitcases) it isn't much more, with my discount, to purchase first class. So can't comment on upgrades. However I have deviated on both Delta and United (my last flight was on both, UAL or Hong Kong and Delta home from Tokyo). The minute you book with Regent via deviation, you can put the reservation number in and make seat selections, meal selections (when available), change seats as often as you want, etc. You can't change the flight as Regent doesn't pay for it until 60 days out. However, as I found out for our UAL flight in Feb., after Regent pays for the flight you can do whatever you want (at least with UAL). Do to UAL schedule changes our connection time in SFO got way too short for comfort, so I called UAL (can't do it on line) and was able to change to a flight a day earlier that got us to SFO for a 13 hours sit and still got us to Hong Kong on the same day all for no charge. Prior to that I had to work any changes through Regent. Not sure if the same would have happened on Delta, but see no reason why not. Once the flight is paid for then it seems it's treated the same whether Regent paid for it or not. You are restricted by the fare of course, so if you want to change it, you would have that to deal with. Also, after I made the change, it appeared on our final paperwork as the actual flights I was taking so Regent was aware of the change even though I didn't actually tell them. So it was still considered "booked by Regent."

The Coast Guard... in Hawaii...flies the HH-65 Dolphin which is not a particularly large aircraft and is used aboard CG Cutters. So the helipad on Edge would easily be able to accommodate it. I spent 20 years as a CG pilot (12 active, 8 reserve) and even though I didn't fly helicopters (flew fixed wing), I have never known of a rescue where they'd stay "light on the skids." Too hazardous. If the helicopter can't land it'll hoist. A lot can go wrong landing on any ship, and staying "light on the skids" would, I suspect, put the helicopter in more of a threat of a dynamic roll over if the wheel (they don't have skids) caught as the ship pitched or rolled.

The bow of a cruise ship is the only place free of obstructions with enough space for a helicopter to land. Any rails or flag staffs are removed or lowered on hinges to the deck so for the helicopter to land.

But in reality if you deviate you basically have control over your flights, at least with Delta and United.

I am a retired Coast Guard pilot. Looking at Edge, the helipad on the bow is very small and would make a Coast Guard Helicopter landing unlikely. Additionally the closest Coast Guard Airstation (unless something has changed) is on Oahu, so it would be a pretty long flight for a Coast Guard helicopter to fly to the Kona area. In any event, hoisting is not always the first option, it's really the last option. If you look at Edge, there are a lot of structure issues that would make a hoist complicated. So if a helicopter evacuation isn't 100% medically required they won't do it.

You can deviate NO MORE than 210 days prior to the cruise. So you can call them today and deviate if you want. Before you do so, research your flights and decide what you want. Find as many options as possible and decide if it's worth any up charge. Also if you fly in early via deviation you lose Regent transportation from the airport. If you aren't in a Concierge or higher suite, Regent will fly you in to arrive the day of the cruise. That is WAY to close for my comfort so I always deviate to go a few days early and enjoy the departure city. And Rome is a city you can spend weeks in without seeing everything! When you call, you'll be charged a single $75. That will be included in one of the $175 per person deviation fees if you accept deviation. So you only pay a total of $175 pp to deviate (plus any up charge if required). When you talk to the agent, be prepared to present your requested flights and see if they can do it. It helps to have as many possibilities as you can. Regent has contract rates on most airlines, but not all flights. And non-stops are getting harder to find for contract rates (no up charge) due to airline pricing. Look for flights that have 2 business class fares shown, i.e. on refundable and a lower one non-refundable. It's more likely that they'll have contract rates on those. Also you can kind of get a feel by pricing and see which flights are cheapest. If the flight you want isn't available for contract rates, they may offer it at an up charge. You need to decide if it's worth it or look for another option. Also, if you have a domestic leg, they will be able to tell you if that leg is in first class or not. Only Intercontinental flights are business class, but if an airlines tickets it straight through, it'll include first class domestic. AND if a U.S carrier, you can have the agent select your seats if you find a flight you want. BUT you still have to agree via an email they'll send out within 48 hours to secure the deviation. So be sure your TA knows as the email will likely be sent to them. One more thing to consider. If you use a foreign carrier and connect in Europe, the second flight will likely be in a single class airplane with the middle seats blocked out. That's their version of "first class" or "business class" when intra-Europe. Also if ever connecting in Asia be sure the second leg includes first or business. I looked at a flight via Delta to Hong Kong connecting in Inchon, but the 4 hour leg from Inchon to Hong Kong would have been in coach! So I always do my best to try and connect at a U.S. hub rather than a foreign hub.

Even booking 210 days out, the flights aren't paid for until 60 days out. But the reservations (at least on U.S. airlines) is fully accessible on the airline's website. You can change seats, etc. What you can't do is make changes via the airlines as to flights. THAT needs to be done by Regent, at least on United (I assume Delta and American too). I know this because we flew from Atlanta to Hong Kong on United in Feb. I deviated 210 days out and got the flight of my choice with a 4 hour sit in SFO then on to Hong Kong. About 3 weeks later I got an email from United that the 4 hour sit in SFO became a 1:40 sit. Too close for me, so I called United. They said since the ticket wasn't paid for I'd have to go through Regent. Long story short, Regent I wanted a 13 hour layover (my only option), but Regent couldn't book it due to the long layover. But they told me the day the ticket would be paid for, 60 days out. So the day after that date I called United and was able to switch the flight to a long layover with no problem and no charge. One advantage of the flight not being paid for until 60 days out, you can cancel your flight via Regent with no penalty until 60 days out.

We are on the Grand Cruise and they notified us about the final segment change on Apr. 17 so only about 3 weeks ago. I keep watching the cruise for shore excursions and post cruise excursions but...no joy. Anyway, called Regent last week and they weren't sure when they'd be posted, but my guess is, at least the shore excursions, will be available May 16, one year prior to the final segment. As to pre and post excursions, my guess is they'll be similar to the re-directed World Cruise, as well as other cruises that go to Cape Town. But rest assured, they'll be posted at some point. Our plan is to pick excursions based on what they show in each port (when you select the port) and have 2-3 choices prioritized so when they are ready for selection we'll be ready to select. We are also going to do some sort of Safari in Cape Town after the cruise. There are many...many options and they're mindboggling. So we are researching them and will compare to whatever Regent offers based on what they offered on other cruises, then decide.

If possible don't "buy" foreign currency but wait to get it from an ATM when you arrive. Much better exchange rate. However in Europe you can pretty much tip in U.S. dollars or in Euros, your discretion. For other purchases almost everywhere accepts credit cards. We just did an Asian cruise and you can get great info by simply googling "tipping in (whatever country)." If you are spending a few days in the departure or arrival port you might want local currency. But if you're only in port for a day or so and only going to go on Regent tours, just tip in either dollars or Euros if you have them. Normally there's no need to get a local currency. Here is a pretty good link to tipping etiquette in Turkey. Note is says that tips in U.S. dollars or Euros, is certainly accepted. https://turkeytravelplanner.com/details/money/tipping.html

So you're saying the flight is still there but your reservation disappeared from the airline's website? What airline?

It's really a function of how the airlines tickets the flight. And as wcsdkqh said if the same airline that usually happens. But if you go on to any website and look at a Business Class ticket from Ft. Myers to Rome, the airlines will consider it "business class" from start to finish even though it is really a first class seat on one leg of the trip. In fact, many European airlines have "business class" from the U.S. to Europe then continuing on to the final destination. BUT the "business class" for a European leg often is simply the middle seat blocked out on a single class plane. The U.S. carriers don't do that. If you book business class on a U.S carrier all the way through it'll be first class domestic and business class internationally.

For clarity, it's always said "restricted business" (at least it has since 2018). That is more of a term regarding the fact that it's a very discounted ticket. However the service difference between "restricted business" and "business" is airline dependent. For U.S. airlines, (well for United and Delta) at this point there is no real difference. You still get your pick of seats when it's booked (a great reason to deviate 210 days out), you can change your seats dependent on availability, and get full access to the lounges, full baggage allowance, etc. Qatar changed to offering "business lite" around 2021 and part of the reduced fare offer is no access to their lounges and no advanced seat selection. This is available on the Qatar website, so it behooves someone to check it out before accepting bookings on any airlines. Again... a good reason to deviate 210 days out.

Correct. But that's my point. Delta enforces the Pilot uniform because it impacts business...i.e. how the passenger feels. In fact when I was flying actively they did a study regarding the double breasted coat and the pilot's hat. They found that the double breasted coat, because it basically has to be buttoned, and the wearing of the hat created a higher level of passenger confidence rather than the other option. So it stayed. No joke...they really did the study and those were the conclusions. So... according to Delta, "dress" does make a difference. Anyway, probably beat this "dead horse" enough. 😎

Actually we don't disagree on this. I completely agree it falls on Regent, particularly supervisors. I just don't like labelling people. Well I do...but only to my wife....who usually tells me to "zip it." 😜

Yes, the U.S. Coast Guard can detail the safety concerns. This might help. https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/OCSNCOE/Casualty-Information/Safety-Alerts/CG-SA-11-15.pdf?ver=4PLf75tU9nV6eG5ioI0MWg%3D%3D

I know this has probably been mentioned, but there are no Formal Optional nights on cruise segments of less than 16 nights, on any Regent ship.

I've seen Regent enforce the dress code. And I agree they should enforce ALL rules, including the dreaded lounge chair hogging. I'm not a "pick and choose" type, I don't pick lounge chair hogging to enforce and ignore dress codes. But as a reasonable adult I also don't believe people should put an employee in the extremely awkward position of having to admonish and "explain" to them the published rules. And honestly, the term "dress police" is insulting, Just like someone who points out to someone that smoking on the balcony is forbidden isn't the "smoking police." And they aren't "self appointed," they're actually backed by the Dress Code.

Perhaps not. I am a retired pilot. My flying skills are my flying skills, whether I show up in my double breasted "Navy" style uniform complete with 4 stripes and Captain's hat, neatly shaved and hair (what's left of it), and well groomed. OR I show up in flip flops, t-shirt (wife beater type) with some "message" on it, soccer shorts, 5 day old beard and disheveled hair that hasn't been combed or cut in months or more. I'm still the same pilot. Question is, will YOU get on my airplane? And if you say I won't matter to you, I'm throwing up the B.S. Flag! Of course it matters. The way people appear, including grooming and dress, makes a definite impression on others. It's simply a fact of our society. Also,,, and no one seems to mention this, A lot of people feel "I paid for this cruise, I should be able to dress as I wish." Well, I ALSO paid for the cruise, and I paid for it with full expectation of experiencing the cruise Regent advertises. So, just like I should have equal rights to a deck chair, no smoking in public areas or balconies, expect excellent service, cleanliness of spaces, shore excursions, food, and drink, I also have an expectation of decorum and ambiance. That includes the PUBLISHED dress code. I paid just as much with the "promise" that people will be dressed to a certain level after 6 pm. This is CLEAR (no confusion on my part anyway) and part of the "experience" I chose and paid for. So, doesn't matter why I care, what matters is this is part of why I chose Regent.

Thanks... yes I'm keeping an eye on it. Nothing posted yet, but they just changed the itinerary. I figure the shore excursions, etc. will finally become available when at the year mark of the segment, but who knows (it's coming up in a few weeks). But I'm definitely watching for an overland or post cruise excursion like yours. 😎

Yes. On your FINAL CRUISE VACATION SUMMARY it will denote the Formal Optional nights with an "F". As others have said, some dress up to the level of Formal and some don't. Just depends on the passengers and, it seems, itinerary. If a Caribbean cruise, probably less formal than a Northern European cruise (only my observations). But dress as you wish. On our Navigator cruise in 2022 there were men in tuxes, kilts, suits, sport coats with ties, sport coats without ties, and those dressed as any other day. We were in the North Atlantic, so cold weather. There seemed to be more in at least a sport coat. But dress as you wish. Also if there is no Formal Optional night, there will be a "Captain's Reception" night. People tend to dress better that night too. Not formal, but often coat and tie. Again....strictly YOUR choice.

Regent contracts for deeply discounted fares. Since Covid, the airlines are understaffed and oversold. So contract fares are very hard to find, especially in Business Class. The only way to get those fares is to fly on the less desirable itineraries. So it isn't actually Regent "making it bad," it's simply a function of economics 101... high demand, low supply equals high prices.

Sorry to jump in. If you phoned Custom Air with your requests, you can ask them if they have any "no additional cost" options available. I have done that within the last year and found the agents extremely helpful. It could be there just isn't any available on the day you want to fly. Regent contract air has been severely limited by the airlines since Covid. The airlines are experiencing a shortage of crews and aircraft and extremely high passenger loads. So they price accordingly. Their Business Class flights are their "bread and butter" so they are reluctant to discount the desirable routes. So Regent has to struggle to find flights with contract rates.

I may have missed a post, so apologies up front. Was this a Regent shore tour? We are on the Grand Cruise next year that has been re-routed to now end in Cape Town.

Excellent! We originally booked this cruise for Israel and Egypt, because (long story short) we were booked on the "ill fated" Voyager cruise last Oct. Well, I woke up on the day we were to leave for the airport with the dreaded Covid! Turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we had to cancel and I had insurance. A week later Hamas attacked Israel and the "rest is history." Anyway, found this cruise starting in Haifa, looked at the previous cruise, started in Istanbul, so what the heck..why not? Then saw the one before started in Barcelona and by the time we were done we'd booked 3 B2B cruises for a total of 32 nights!!!! 😱 Anyway, not surprisingly, the third cruise changed completely, but all three have amazing itineraries with a few repeats in some beautiful ports. 😎