m'ellen

The elevator lounge has multiple exits....some that go outside to the deck and one that leads you around inside to the SALT Bar and from there you walk forward to the Observation Lounge - no need to go outside. The ship is large by Silversea standard but it is not a "monster of the seas" We found it very easy to find our way around the ship. The stairs are adjacent to the elevator lobbies - you can see the elevators from the stairs on the landings. It's actually a good design.

Mrlevin, We decided to visit Japan on a land trip instead. The places we wanted to visit are not really close to the ports Regent stops at and we are not enamored of long bus tours! We booked the new Silversea Nova instead for a Panama Canal cruise next April (hopefully the drought in Panama will be over by then and easy transit through the canal will be available again)

It is a nice area by Shinegawa station. If Regent is not providing transfers (and you can manage your luggage), it is very simple to take the Narita Express fast train from the airport to Shinegawa. The hotel is across a very busy street from the station. Also easily accessed from Haneda but you are on a local train not the airport express There are a lot of office buildings and shops in the area - it is a modern business/residential district Close to the river with a good path/walkway for a morning run/walk. Many restaurants in the area although they are not all obvious since they are in the office buildings. The concierge at the hotel can suggest. You can access all the Tokyo train lines from the station. I have not stayed at that hotel - used to stay at the Intercontinental Strings which is on the other side of the station Depending on when your flight arrives there may be more convenient options closer to the airport if you only need one night in a hotel.