TheShag

6 hours ago, RELS said:

 

Best info would come from the Internet Cafe person on board whatever ship you're on. I apologize for not taking notes when I got that info while on Explorer last week. Maybe someone currently on board can get that info?

Thanks. Will be on Explorer in December so it would be great if they get this ship equipped by then!

Just picking up on this thread. Where would one get information on the current roll out plan for all ships in the fleet?

Here here! I couldn't agree more! Invaluable guidance.

49 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

You are misunderstanding Regent's comment.  As I showed with my screenshot from my old booking from 2018 it was, indeed, Restricted Business Class.  Their comment came particularly with Qatar Airlines when they began to offer a Business Lite fare.  That fare, if you look on their website, does NOT include pre-flight seat assignments or access to their lounge.  Restricted Business falls into those fare rules with, apparently, an option to "up grade" to include both pre-flight seat assignments AND entry to the lounge.  U.S airlines, at least, do not discriminate (at this time) between levels of fare. You are able to pre-select seats, enter the lounge, get full business class perks on board. A smart person (you can ignore this comment if you like) would read about offered perks before accepting an airline assignment from Regent on a deviation.  BUT, Regent, at least since 2018, has ALWAYS used Restricted Business Class.  

Regent didn't "decide" to book on  "lower level," they have always booked on a very low contract rate. 

Honestly, you are more than welcome think anything you want about me and are definitely more than welcome to ignore my posts. In fact I highly encourage you do ignore them, although the fact you read this one suggests you don't actually "ignore" them 🤣.  

The opinion of someone I have never met and plan to never meet is completely irrelevant to me and my life.  BUT, I am actually NOT wrong about this. But heck.....it's America... believe whatever the heck you want.  Doesn't change the facts.  

Thanks for the note. To be clear, regarding your comment A smart person (you can ignore this comment if you like) would read about offered perks before accepting an airline assignment from Regent on a deviation ...where would I find out about offered perks? All I have from them, at this point, is details of each flight segment with a notation of 'First or Business' in each flight segment together with standard mouse print at the bottom of the email stating 'Any special requests you may have regarding your airline seat assignments or meals should be made directly with the airlines within 60 days of travel. Please note that certain airlines may have seat restrictions based on group blocks, charter or class of service booked.' Its that last sentence that has me a bit spooked!

36 minutes ago, wcsdkqh said:

Regent, without a doubt, at least for the past 12 years, booked flights with restricted business class. What appears to have changed is some airlines have modified what is included with that class of ticket. 

Which begs the question, is it a question that is to be directed to each airline in order to ascertain their lounge privileges?

1 hour ago, papaflamingo said:

It's possible.  Flight costs seem to change daily these days.  I booked tickets to London in Oct. for June (not a cruise so I paid for them).  I have changed them at least 4-5 times as the costs have shifted.  Ended up with enough E-credits to help significantly with booking our flights for our next cruise AND a trip in Oct. to see friends in Ca.!  

Is it safe to assume that these are flights you booked yourself? Trying to figure out the magical, mystical RSSC Air Dept 'black box' of what is possible vs. not possible is, in a word, impossible!

14 hours ago, SWFLAOK said:

Just wondering why you're trying to fly on an international flight out of RSW since you are from Toronto. We live in Fort Myers, and we never, ever book flights from Regent, or any other cruise line out of RSW. We made that mistake on our first cruise on Regent. They gave us a Delta flight to Atlanta with a 30 minute connection to a flight to Vancouver. We complained about it, but they would not change it. As it turned out, the same flight crew was connecting to the Vancouver flight, so once we boarded they assured it we would make the flight even with a short delay in our arrival. But that's not something I want to worry about when going on a cruise.

Since then, we have never asked any cruise line to book flights for us out of RSW. We would rather drive to MIA or FLL, and get a direct flight that gets us to our destination with as few connecting flights as possible. We just flew to Bangkok from MIA with one stop in Doha, and returned from Abu Dhabi to MIA with one stop in Doha. On a Regent cruise pre Covid, we flew from MIA to Dubai to Singapore, and returned at the end of the cruise from Sydney  to Dubai to MIA.

Thanks for your note. We have a winter home in Naples so we thought we would have a better chance leaving from USA given that there are more international airlines serving my destination that depart from USA vs. Canada.  Also looked at flights out of FLL, MIA and MCO. On a whole, the best of any of those options was inferior to what I THOUGHT I could get out of RSW [hindsight 20:20!]. As mentioned, I was quite surprised/disappointed that all my options for reasonable travel was not possible [I even went on the various airlines' sites to look at seat availability which ALL showed openings for my preferred options]. As to your other point about restricted business class, the agent verbally 'assured' me that lounge access was provided but in the 'Custom Air - Pending Acceptance' email, there is no mention of 'restricted' travel. When discussing the booking with Air Dept agent I was given seat selection and also told about baggage limits.How can I get documented proof of lounge access prior to accepting the travels? For a past cruise [that we cancelled] it mentioned that the fare was 'Restricted Business Class'. We never had the chance to see what it practically meant. Hell hath no fury if we show up and are denied lounge access!

No sir. No alternatives were offered. I suppose any further discussions will involve a fee I suppose. 

To add, there were a couple other non-upcharge options outbounds but they had either a 45 minute layover in LAX or a 1.25hr layover in ORD. Again, with what I read on these boards, a bit too risky at that time of the year especially when I look at on-time performance stats. Am I being too risk adverse?? Should I be calling them before my 3 day time limit is up and tell them to 'try harder'?

Thanks for your investigations. Credit is $8200 CAD/pp. Due to 3 day pre-cruise tour and international date line, we depart 15/12/24. Return home 3/1/25. The outbound flight you mentioned was a $6000 pp upcharge as was a similar RSW-DFW-SYD flight. In addition, RSW-IAH-LAX had only 45 minutes layover in LAX. I also tried a RSW-IAH-AKL-SYD but it had a 65 minutes layover in AKL which would not work for Customs and Immigration.. The return flight you mentioned had a 50 minute layover in DEN and given the time of year for weather, not an option that appealed to us. Also tried AKL-LAX-CLT-RSW but it was a $3200 upcharge. All in all, I spent considerable time in preparation on ITA Matrix along with the respective airlines' sites all for kind of...nothing! Makes we really question RSSCs value proposition for international travel. I am morbidly curious as to what I would get had I not paid for the 210 day booking fee! The only shred of light is that I hope [!!!!] to get unfettered access to Polaris lounge in IAH [3.5 hrs], SFO [8.2 hrs], LAX [10 hrs] and EWR [2.6 hrs]. 

Well I just did my 210 day booking to/from Australia/New Zealand from USA. Despite the best efforts of the Air Dept agent, the available flights are sub par unless I was to fork over ~ $4-6000 USD per person per segment! Now that I have that off my chest, I was wondering from more seasoned cruisers whether, as time marches on, I can change those flights? As they have me booked with United for all segments, RSW-IAH-SFO-SYD and AKL-LAX-EWR-RSW [the exception being AKL-LAX on Air New Zealand], is there any hope that I could contact UAL for more advantageous bookings? Secondly, these bookings have layovers ranging from 3 to 10 hours. Although the RSSC agent said that I have access to lounges [I'm assuming Polaris due to First/Business class tickets], is that comment as safe as 'money in the bank? I have seen comments where that seems not to be the case for some travellers on some airlines. Thanks very much for your thoughts on these issues!

On 5/20/2024 at 6:53 AM, papaflamingo said:

As mentioned by others, Delta flights are still possible.  I think that the earlier comment might have been a misunderstanding by someone.  More likely it was that Delta no longer had contract seats to the particular destination not "everywhere."  We went through that a few years ago.  We live in Atlanta so Delta is our airline of choice (I'm also a retired Delta pilot).  We tried to book through Regent from Atlanta to Sydney and we simply could not fly on Delta...at all...through Regent.  However we were able to get the return from Tokyo to Atlanta on Delta with no up charge (contract rates).  So the best idea is to have a number of options acceptable to you and don't discount any airlines.  It's really based on where you are flying to and on what day and routing you want.  So include EVERY airline you are interested in.  Never hurts to ask. 

Thanks very much for the clarification! Booking this week to SYD.

18 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

Probably a dumb question but which website would be the best one to see all international flights on all the airlines. Thanks

Have you tried ita matrix?

I am prepping for my '210 day' phone call with RSSC Air. Is it fair/safe to assume that no Delta flights are to be considered [I seem to remember a while back that they no longer sold tickets to RSSC]? Thanks experts!

On the same topic of stopovers, a general question on Regent Air Dept's 'policy/guidelines' for minimum stopover times? When returning to the USA from a foreign country, will they accommodate a reasonable/minimum stopover time in order to clear Customs before another connecting flight[s] to my final destination? Just looking to get myself ready for the discussion with Air Dept. for a flight back to USA from NZ in January. I am seeing less expensive flights but with 50 minute stopover at LAX, SFO, ORD, etc. Do I have to prepare to argue with them [if even fruitful] that these timings are not reasonable? Appreciate the help as this is our first RSSC cruiase!

15 hours ago, Lonedaddy said:

The delay issue is why you deviate.  I always leave extra time between connections to an international flight just more lounge time which is easy.    If you fly to a Schengen country (which is different from the EU) from a non-Schengen, you go through passport control on arrival and then through the security again at least a every Schengen country and LHR I've been to.  It is a preference for me to connect in the US and upon arrival after the longer leg, I'm finished and can go to the hotel.  

generally speaking, when connecting within the US to an international flight, what is your minimum connection time?

I have noticed a lot of references to using Kayak. In the past, ITA Matrix was suggested. When using ITA, i see a more fulsome [but less desirable] selection of available flights. I am looking to go RSW-SYD on 15/12/24 and returning AKL-RSW on 3/1/25. As I do my homework in anticipation for the 210 booking date, is it wrong to only use Kayak? Thanks folks.

Add on question, if you are taking a pre-cruise excursion through Regent, is it 210 days before the cruise or prior to the excursion date?

4 hours ago, wcsdkqh said:

Regent will give you a “no additional cost option” 75 days prior to embarkation.

Really?! I thought the value proposition of booking at 210 days is that you pay a fee and have the assurance that you are all nicely booked. Granted, you might have a less than optimal itinerary but at least you are booked. Not true?

4 hours ago, FL Wolfpacker said:

Just received my flights for our July 1st sailing from Rome.  I contacted the air desk at the 210 day out time period and was told the best they could do was a deviation with 2 stops (flying out of Ft Myers, FL) with short connection times and +$2K pp charge.  I decided to wait and see what they would come up with at the 75 day time period.

Without a deviation fee they scheduled a one stop flight (thru Frankfurt) on the way out and a one stop thru Newark on the return (and both have very good layover times).  The flights are operated by Discover Airlines so that may present some issues but I am very surprised/pleased otherwise.

 

General question about the 210 vs 75 day pre-cruise. I applaud OP about checking later. Without trying to be 'smart', is there some 'magic' with the 75 day pre-cruise booking date? More specifically, is there more flight availability 75 days out? I read a lot about how soon airlines release their schedules [seems to be around ~300 days from departure] but am not aware of how additional flights/seats are 'posted' for sale. I also realize that changes can and will be made according to crew and aircraft availability, booking patterns, etc. etc. Thanks!

1 hour ago, papaflamingo said:

Will they put you on a "weird routing" because it's cheaper?  Yes.  But it's less likely it'll be a 12 hour layover.  I tried to get a 13 hour layover in SFO on our flight to Hong Kong and Regent stated they can't route that way as the layover was too long and it would be considered a "stop over" with an additional charge.  BUT, the cutoff could be 12 hours, I don't actually remember.  

But the "sticker shock" isn't always that bad, you have the option of booking independently if the cost is too high, and they'll work with you to find cheaper flights.  Lot's of examples, but here's a couple of recent ones.  We are going to London in June (not on a cruise).  I live in Atlanta and am retired Delta so get an Employee discount.  It was over $2000 LESS if I booked ATL-BOS-LHR. So that would be a route that Regent might book for you.  

As to our ATL-HKG flight.... when we first booked it with NO up charge on United, it had a 4  hour layover in SFO.  About a month later United changed the schedule and we ended up with a 1:40 layover in SFO and since it was Feb. we decided it was too short to risk.  I talked to United and they couldn't do anything as, it turns out, Regent doesn't actually pay for the tickets until about 60 days out.  So I called Regent and wanted to change to a scheduled connection on United's website that was 13 hour layover. That's when they told me it they won't book any layover's that long so it would have to be a $500 stopover.  We opted no.  Anyway, they did tell me they would pay for the ticket on Dec. 20.  Further discussion of a change would have resulted in cancelling and re-pricing the flight and another $175 pp fee, etc.  So...nope.  Then on Dec. 22 I called United and told them my requested options to go a day early with a 13 hour layover, and arrive in Hong Kong same day as before, but 12 hours earlier.  They looked at the flight and since it was a schedule change on the original, and the new flight was the same price (on their website) they simply made the change and it all worked out great. 

So sometimes you just have to try all options. 😎

Good perspectives - thanks. One ITA Matrix 'weird' routing was Ft.Meyers to Atlanta to Charlotte to Denver to Seattle to LAX to Sydney. Obviously, I would pay an upcharge to NOT fly that routing. There is still some time before the 210 day mark and I see a fair number of changes week by week on the website so I will continue my homework. Also [in my homework assignment] wanting to avoid Air New Zealand's totally weird 'feet-pointing-into-the-aisle' seating on their J class 787s!

11 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Seems that Regent has contract seats with most airlines, just not every flight. For example, a couple of years ago we could NOT get Delta to Australia at all for the beginning of the cruise!  Not even with an up charge.  However we had zero problem getting Delta from Tokyo at the end of the cruise with NO up charge.  So the best thing you can to is research flights on airline websites and find the itineraries you most want.  Then, if the airline shows more than one rate for business class, i.e. one refundable and a lower one as non-refundable, then it is more likely Regent will have contract rates on those flights.  You can really get a pretty good idea, for example if the fare is $6500 on airline A but $4500 on airline B it's more likely you can get airline B.  I always find at least 3 itineraries before I call.  Then when I'm on the phone with the agent I have the airline web page open to the flights and I can look at the options as we discuss them.  The agent also will tell you of other options if nothing you pick will work.  

Not sure this answers your question at all, but it's been my experience. The Custom Air Agents are remarkably helpful and easy to work with, but you DO need to "do your homework" and know what you want before calling and also have an idea how much of an up charge you may be willing to pay to get a better flight.  

Great insight. Thanks. Trying to figure out whether they will put me a a flight with 12 hr layovers, weird multiple routing, etc just because it is the cheapest way to get me from A to B! Need to potentially prepare DW for the possible ‘sticker shock’ of an up charge!

7 minutes ago, RJ2002 said:

 

Correct.

 

From RSSC:

 

MAY I CHOOSE SPECIFIC AIRLINES, FLIGHTS AND TIMES?

Yes, as long as we have a contract with the requested carrier or it is one we are using as a preferred carrier. A Preliminary Cruise Vacation Summary is sent out 75 days prior to departure, which includes your preliminary air schedule. Should you require immediate confirmation, you may book your flights through Regent Seven Seas Custom Air Department within 210 days of sailing. Your flights will be confirmed upon request for a non-refundable $175 per person custom air arrangement fee plus a possible fare differential. Deposit must be provided before air is confirmed.

To speak directly to our Air Concierges a $75 non-refundable Custom Air call service fee will be applied to reservations which, if the Custom Air flight option presented is accepted within three days, will become part of the existing $175 per person air customization fee. If guests choose not to accept the Custom Air flight option presented within 3 days, the option will be automatically cancelled, and the $75 fee will not be refunded. To accept the presented Custom Air flight options, you can simply reply to the Custom Air email. It is not required to call Regent to confirm any Custom Air flight options. After the Custom Air flight option expires, to search for additional flight options an additional $75 non-refundable fee will be added to the reservation. Platinum, Titanium, Diamond, and Commodore guests will continue to receive a complimentary one-time Custom Air deviation, including the waiving of one $75 Custom Air call service fee.

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.

I wonder if this has been asked before but is there no way that we can find which airlines RSSC has a contract with? It would make more sense in 'doing our homework' prior to the call with the Air Dept. at RSSC.

14 minutes ago, MissPhoeb said:

It depends on your stateroom status.  We'll be in a Veranda Suite and booking for custom air began at 210 days out.  The higher the stateroom status, the earlier custom air opens.  You can find more information in the FAQ section of the Regent website.

I always thought it was 210 days from departure regardless of room status.

Thanks very much for the clarifications. I really appreciate all your efforts. Happy sailing!