Gcto

On 9/15/2021 at 7:58 AM, Pcardad said:

Important note - many insurance companies (as well as Regent's new policies) require you to test before leaving home to travel to the ship. They want to know you didn't get COVID prior to your vacation.

 

Then you will also be tested at the pier.

 

Then you will also be tested at least once on board prior to returning home.

 

Please verify this information - it changes very quickly and a lot rides on having accurate and current data.

didn't find anything regarding pre testing before being tested. Is this for passengers going to Europe only or would you have to test before flying to let's say Miami ? 

yes, there is a ceremony (or something like that 🙂 ). It's fun to participate and it's pretty low key, or you can just watch. Participating or not, you will still get your "certificate" that you crossed the equator. Yes, you can kiss a fish (and then have it served for dinner ....just kidding). 

5 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Glasses on or off?  Does it need to be shoulders and above or just neck and above?  I am assuming that Regent can size it however they want; or do we have to size it?

I would think it should look the way you normally look :-).. If you wear glasses...then keep them on, if not... . Few years ago I looked at the screen to see what the security person sees when they check us in coming back from a trip etc...and it pretty much looked like a passport photo...so that's what I would go with. 🙂

1 hour ago, Zqueeze1 said:

Folks: I got a buzz celebrating my 61st in Vero Beach and got into a conversation with The Boss as we approach our upcoming Regent cruise, we have been discussing our most memorable meals. What are yours? 
 

Ours are the incredible prime rib upon boarding and the panko shrimp as well as the Alaskan king crab legs in Prime 7. We also love the miso sea bass.  
 

Comments/ thoughts?

Z and TB

oh oy...there have been many. 

First one I can think of was on a trip in the med, when we had a dinner with new found friends from Australia (we are still friends to this day and they have visited us many times). They had ordered a special meal and Compass Rose was more than happy to provide. Then our waiter (Richard) came and suggested that...today's special...lobster tails....were just the perfect addition to it. And yes, he was absolutely correct.   

Then on another trip we invited family to join us and we had many many wonderful family dinners.

Or...having dinner at Compass Rose, having wonderful staff suggest different dishes or wine (Arpad, Franciso, Hendra, etc...)

Or... various dishes we always get...

Or... First time in Pacific Rim...  

I do like Prime 7, but then I do great steaks at home...  

Or...coming back late from an excursion in the middle east. We all decide to go to the Sette Mari.... dinner was excellent, except...on of our group did not get his dinner...something happened. Did he (or we) get upset ? Nope... we shared with him, the staff apologized etc.  No big deal...plenty of food in Sette Mari anyway. But... then...the next day... Regent made up to him...  and then some. Someone noticed, someone remembered and...  

1 hour ago, wcsdkqh said:

Indeed it does. Being on the 9/22 cruise, London->Barcelona, I certainly hope so also.

hope all works out and you are having a great trip. Pls post your experiences and if Regent has made any changes. Our next sailing is in Jan...so we are eager for info

22 hours ago, wcsdkqh said:

It might be worth noting that everything Gcto said was true 2 years ago. Absolutely no one on this board can tell us what the Regent onboard experience will be like going forward. We will know more in late September and early October.

🙂   Hope springs eternal.  

5 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

It’s really a nice service—they seem to do it right, I have know idea how they know - but they do bring each and every next course right when it should be served.

there is a "Butler network"...they know their stuff.....   and also work very hard to provide great service. 

On 8/11/2021 at 2:55 PM, Borna said:

Hello:  Just took my first Seabourn cruise and am eyeing the 30-day Caribbean cruise in January 2022 on Regent.

I have several questions and appreciate those who take time to answer.

 

1  For those who have traveled on both Seabourn and Regent, please tell me the differences.  

2  I was not wowed by Seabourn; certainly, the service was superb.  The food, I found to be average.  While I love lobster, I could never get a full lobster on Seabourn.  Can you order a full lobster on Regent?  Seabourn did not have a variety of tropical fruits and fruit juices - no mango, guava, papaya, dragonfruit, rambutan.  Are any of these available on Regent?

3  Does Regent have daily team trivia?

4  Does Regent have daily name that tune?

5  I understand that excursions are included?  Are the times staggered, so that I could take more than 1 excursion a day?

6  Can I arrange private excursions with Regent?  What is the typical cost of a 1/2 and full day private excursion?

7  Regent only provides economy air domestically, while I want to fly first.  Is there a way to get Regent to pay for first, or do I need to just pay the "upgrade?"

8  If a past Regent sailor sponsors me, do both that person and I receive a benefit?  A shipboard credit?  Amount?

 

Thanks for your information.

 

saw a few fellow cruisers have already answered some, but let me add some more info. Never sailed on Seaborn, so I can't comment on this...but we do love the Regent experience.  so here's some info based on your questions.  

1. Can't answer

2. A full lobster is on the menu for Prime 7...if you have reservations there...lobster it is.  In Compass Rose, it's lobster tail as many times as you want it... and they do a good job. Also, Pacific Rim has great lobster dishes.     Juices: Yes, they do have guava or mango juice available. We never had a problem finding those...the other ones...not so much. 

3. Absolutely...daily trivia is fun. It's done each day at 4:30. So if you are out on excursions...you miss out. 

4. Not as far as I remember, but quite often (Ross, one of the best piano entertainers I've met) is doing a great job. 

5. Excursions depend on the port and usually leave within a 1 or 1 1/2 hour time frame. In some ports we've done more than one, but depending on how long those excursions are...and how long the ship will be at this port, it's tough.  In most cases, it's one excursion. They require about 90 min between...so if there's one in the morning and one in the afternoon...yes. 

6. Regent offers private cars/vans etc...check the list of offerings (they do cost though). You can also arrange for your own, independent tour, of course. 

7. Regent also allows for first class, but their rates are often higher than you can find on your own, plus you need to pay for the deviation fee. 

8. Yes, both get a benefit once the cruise of the new "sailor" is paid in full. Usually a shipboard credit. 

on a cruise from Venice next year...but...Venice won't happen, especially as this one just leaves from Venice without actually "visiting" Venice. Do I care ? No... but I would like to know where the ship will dock and leave from. 

23 minutes ago, gcorgain said:

How and when do you typically find out what hotel you are assigned for your pre cruise hotel? Does Regent typically use one hotel per sailing, or do they divide people up?

 

thanks,

Greg

Regent usually has a variety of hotels they are using depending on the embarkation port. They do change once in a while though. If you look at your booked cruise, at one point your hotel will show up in your itinerary. You need to log in and look at your itinerary, not the cruise itinerary. 

Don't think there is insider information available right now. Regent might not know more than what we know and, if I would be them, I'd be concentrating on getting the ships back in line. 

With Venice, we are dealing not only with Venice and local jurisdiction, but with the Italian Government. And, depending on who's in charge next year and what election has been taken place...who knows. 
If your heart is set on Venice... I'd be concerned and might want to change venues, maybe not visiting it via a cruise...or if the ships leave from Ravenna, fly in a few days earlier and visit Venice.  On the other hand...(and that's my humble opinion), I found Venice overrated, overpriced and overcrowded.  On the two trips, Regent had put us up at the JW Marriot on a small island...lovely...very relaxing. Took the shuttle boat to Venice... and then back and relaxed on the hotel grounds...

15 hours ago, mrstanley said:

Bama Boy:

 

A mock turtleneck worn under a sport coat is a great look. My husband always brings a sport coat on all our cruises.

In fact all our friends do. 

mock turtleneck ? Ok...way to warm in my opinion....but I also know a guy who loves those and I'm always trying to figure out if it's part of his "shirt" or actually a head band.   (Try to picture it and you see what I mean )

2 hours ago, Zqueeze1 said:

So let me get this straight. After eleven Regent cruises, I’m ok with a collared button shirt?  If that’s so, then I’m going to bring my Cholo shirts from the Cheech and Chong collection. 
Z and TB

shirt is ok, but the shoes and the music and a no no.... Natures Rhythm Trio is not doing it :-)

In general I would recommend the Regent Hotel experience if you are flying in the day before to then board the ship the next day. Hotels are always nice and no issue. As others have mentioned, the buffet breakfast the next day is nice and gives you the opportunity to already meet fellow cruises and get to know new people from all over. Always fun. Some experiences depend on the local staff, not always Regent or to be exact, most likely never Regent, but local contractors. That can be hit and miss. GoArmy and I were on the same trip, but different hotels. Bus to the hotel was a nightmare due to inept driver and organization. Long story and fortunately a single unique event. Flying into MIA from across the country, we usually arrive late...and all we care about is a nice bed to sleep in. Then the next day...it starts. 

So use the hotel offered, it's a good (and easy ) start to the cruise.  And sometimes there are great stories. Many years ago, we flew into Dubai for a Dubai to Athens Cruise. Flight was nice, Dubai Airport immigration a mess...lots of posturing by border agents. Landed at 10 pm, got out of airport at 1 am. A fellow couple from Oregon (80+) was traveling with us and we tried to help as much as we could. All well...got to the hotel and we tried to push them to the front of the "line" (there wasn't any).... Hotel staff gave them the Honeymoon Suite  ....they were talking about their room for most of the cruise. :-)

1 hour ago, Pcardad said:

You may eat on the pool deck and wear whatever you like and the dress code is suspended the last night on board. 

don't give people ideas about the pool deck and whatever they like :-)  

is it possible yes. Typical drive time is about 60 min, but that can be 30 min or less with a crazy taxi driver (we've seen it) or much longer depending time and traffic.  

Ship docks at 5 am, but disembarkation will be dependent on harbor clearance, inspection, customs and unloading (hope no strike).  If all goes well and you inform the ship that you need to get off as soon...all could work out, but if it's me....I wouldn't do it. Too much of a risk not making the flight. 

8 hours ago, Shippy said:

 Anyone know anything about this ?

 Says wait list for EVERY category. I do not believe that.

In the past, when the cruise was this far out ......that usually meant the cruise was cancelled.

this cruise was available for a long time and was pretty much booked out since last year. We were on it, but then we the Explorer changed itinerary and added Caribbean in March we switch over (Welcome to whoever pickup up our cabin :-) ). Like the configuration of the Explorer C-A penthouse better and the itinerary included ports we hadn't been to. But Splendor was booked and waitlisted for a while.

1 minute ago, ronrick1943 said:

Isn’t the Island really set up for large mega type ships?  Not supposed to be a luxury type experience?

yes, that's why it was so empty and more than half the island was pretty much closed, not usable etc. It felt kinda nice because it was so empty and the beach was nice enough (and the ship was close by to get back to quickly). Would I have enjoyed it with a Mega ship there as well....absolutely NOT. 

3 hours ago, dvalentine823 said:

On our planned (fingers crossed) Dec 2021 cruise, Miami - Miami on RSSC Splendor, they have changed the first port from Dominican Republic to Great Stirrup Cay. Has anyone been there on Regent? Are food and alcoholic beverages included? Is the zip line free?

 

Any information would be helpful.

went there on a PC (Pre Covid) Regent cruise and the ship was the only ship at the island. Pretty much had the run of the place as many passengers did not leave the ship. But it also meant a lot of things were closed or not in use (like the water slides, zip line etc). Food and drinks were included and they have a few bars and one larger Caribbean Buffett (not the best though as it was hot and the local wildlife also tried to partake). Plenty of chairs and loungers. Nice to get off the ship for a few hours and enjoy the beach. We are booked on a future trip also visiting GSC. This time it seems more things will be open as we could already reserve zip line, paddle boards, wave runners etc. 

Congratulations and best wishes for your future!

We brought our college-age daughter with us on three Regent cruises and she had a lot of fun.  BUT:  they were short Caribbean cruises, which are more casual and tend to attract a bit younger passenger, they were port-intensive so there were no days at sea to spend on the ship, and it was during university holidays and there were a few other people her age on board. The dancers and singers were mostly in their mid to upper 20s and socialized a bit with the younger passengers.  

A transatlantic cruise will be very sedate for you, which you might enjoy or get bored with after a couple of days at sea.  There are always things to do during the day, like trivia, movies on demand in your suite, occasional lectures, and of course evening entertainment and shows.  And of course comparing the menus for the wonderful restaurants and trying to decide where to dine that evening.

Please add in all the extras you will need to pay for on Celebrity.  Regent offers so much:  business class flights included,  no tipping, pre-cruise hotel stay, transfers to the hotel and ship and back to airport, all food and all drinks included (except $$ wine and alcohol), and etc.  

Good luck on your decision.

We are interested in one of the forward Grand Suites but are concerned about being allowed to use the balcony when underway and having the balcony lights on at night.  Friends were on Regent's sister line, Oceania, and were not allowed to do either, which greatly reduced their enjoyment of the suite with the amazing balcony.

Might the use of the forward balcony depend on whether the suite is above or below the bridge?

Thanks for any insight.

6 hours ago, flossie009 said:

NCL are selling cruises for Alaska starting in August on Norwegian Bliss. Bliss is today riding out a storm in the English Channel

 

 

One way to practice for the rough waters of Alaska :-)

34 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

They say today they are waiting for signatures for cruise to cruise Alaska without stopping in Canada.  So they will be able to start from a US port and end in a US port.  Most of the cruise blogs are posting this today--the ones that get it right most of the time.

Would be nice. Wondering though how if lots of lines will take the opportunity. And what will happen with the bookings. For example, our Alaska Cruise and on was canceled by Regent. Would they offer to reinstate the booking ? Would they open the ship for new bookings ? Same for other lines of course. 

My guess is Regent will start with Splendor as planned, this summer Alaska season is done and over before it started and nothing will happen. Maybe NCL and HA will do something as some of the ships are on the west coast already, but none of the Regent ships are in the area and, thinking about logistics and training again, don't think it will happen for Alaska.  But should they open up and call us to "reinstate" the canceled cruise....we'd be ready.  I just hope something good will come out of this for Alaska and those ports. Lot's of people depend on it. 

1 hour ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Anything that anyone can contribute to stress relief is welcome at this point.  Although I agree it's a little silly. 

Are you saying that we (who are stressed out because of all those cancelations caused by Canada) can get free yoga by Sophie ? 😁 

10 minutes ago, ohmark said:

Learn form my experience just recently on Vancouver/Tokyo.  RSSC extended the final payment/penalties date one day before final payment was due.  Those who paid before that or whose TA's paid for them before that were out of luck.

yes, and that's why it is important to have a great TA who's on their toes...and communicate with them.  I do hope though that we are getting back to normal at one point.   But honestly, no matter what, I would be annoyed if my TA "paid" for anything without communicating or getting approval from me, the client.  If I'd agreed to them do whatever they see fit, shame on me, but otherwise, communication is key.