BBWC

We are currently on Splendor going around South America (but not Antarctica), right now in the Falklands. Weather has been spectacular, especially in the Chilean fjords. Mid-60s there, 50s in Ushuaia and Falklands. But remember, YMMV. Even the locals couldn’t believe the weather we were having. We have been to Antarctica before, expect temperatures around freezing, definitely need warmer layers there.

Unfortunately pool deck does not work in Chilean fjords unless we all wear our parkas.

Splendor is formal optional on NYE, and there will be an additional one at Captain’s Farewell, for a total of three. I wish we had a Horizon Lounge, the Atrium will be a zoo ( it was already at the Abba party the other day).

ADM literally said that the new ships were designed fir seven day cruises.

I wouldn’t say that the lack of Christmas entertainment is solely due to the CD (he was quite good on this year’s WC). We basically experienced the same on Splendor - old movies, decorations only for those who brought their own, no announcement of decorating contest winner. At least, we had a Christmas carol singalong.

ADM was quite clear that there would be no WC on the newer ships - not enough storage for long ocean crossings.

FWIW, we received a letter in our suite yesterday that not only Regent, but the entire cruise industry, has escalated this to the highest levels within the Brazilian government to find a solution. We will see if anything comes of it.

I can confirm that the visa in the old passport is still valid. I just took my husband’s old passport to Reception yesterday and they confirmed that everything is ok.

Regent could not have done anything ‘long before now’ because the Brazil requirements just came out a little over a week ago, and no one knew what they would be asking for. The general assumption is that an e-Visa is less complicated than a consular visa, so I am sure that everyone was surprised. I agree that now they should be proactive in helping their customers. Interestingly, we are on the South America Grand Voyage right now that goes to Brazil in January and there has been no mention of any visa requirement from Regent. It does not concern us since we have the previous 10 year visas that are still valid, but I am interested to see what happens.

In Nha Trang, the tender port is some way from the actual city, maybe a couple of miles. There is really nothing around that area (at least there wasn’t a few years ago, maybe it has changed). Our cruise line ran a shuttle to town.

You can just order anything you want at the Pool Grill and tell them that you will be inside. Someone will deliver it to you, no need to carry anything yourself.

The airline will transfer luggage as long as all the flights are on one ticket.

I have never been asked for my boarding pass, so the time on it does not matter.

We were in Izmir (third largest city in Turkey) on Navigator in mid October. No warnings from Regent and, IMO, would have been totally unnecessary in this case. It was a very relaxed place, nothing politically going on, people just enjoying themselves strolling along the waterfront or shopping at the bazaar.

It used to be a welcome party in the theater, usually on the second day if the cruise. Lately, they have at times substituted a Captain’s introduction of officers just before the evening show.

She is in fine shape and everything is in working order, really a difference to Mariner. Ray is still CD. I think he just got on in August so will be around for a while. Crew is wonderful, as we usually find them to be on Navigator. Still our favorite ship.

We are on Navigator now, B2B 10 days each. Both segments had Block Party, and two deck dance parties each (Beatles plus ABBA). No BBQ since no overnight stops. Senior management is very visible around the ship.

We had Josh Henderson doing Queen last night on Navigator and the crowd went wild. I thought everybody loves Queen.

No. The only ships getting Starlink this year are Grandeur and Mariner.

Agree. Luggage Forward already contacted us regarding the arrangements for our December Grand voyage.

Used Luggage Forward for the WC. In addition to aerosols, they also prohibited anything with alcohol, e.g. mouthwash, nail polish, etc. Coming home from Barcelona, it was basically no toiletries at all. As noted above, it depends on country and shipping company, not the luggage forwarders.

You can only walk a little in the area reserved for cruisers. After that, it is blocked off for private residences that are not accessible, therefore you will not see any architecture.

Also, on this year’s WC, there were a number of new Commodores/Diamonds recognized at the SSS party on the first segment.

You can’t book the shuttles. They are first come first served. Usually no problem getting a seat, though the very first one can fill up.

I have been to both on Regent excursions. As mentioned, Kohunlich has the temple of masks, but otherwise they are very similar, and I would choose the one with the shorter bus ride.