mellapl

I would rather sit on the lawn and listen to a concert. I believe it would be a great venue for a concert at sea. Jazz on the lawn? String quartet? Classic Guitar? On a sunny afternoon I imagine that would make an exceptional venue for music.

That is a great idea

Thanks, TC. Our first three regent trips were to Alaska and they were great. We were on the Navigator in a Penthouse C and thought it was great.

Our last trip was on the Mariner to the Caribbean in suite 989, Seven Seas Aft, and they practically had to drag us off. We are now scheduled for the same suite for the May 6, SF to Vancouver trip. I hope they don't make too many changes.

I love the thought of sitting on that beautiful balcony and watching the majesty of Alaska as the midnight sun shimmers on our wake.

We are from Orange County, CA, and watch the whale head north to Alaska and are hoping that a few will keep us company on the way!

Hope we meet someday.

 

Portolan, looking forward to meeting you onboard!

We just booked cabin 988 for the Alaska to Los Angeles trip in 2019. Glad you liked the suite we will be looking forward to the cruise

We were on the Mariner and got off June 7th. I spoke to the Maitre d' who trained the staff in Compass Rose on the Explorer and he was there to train them and he said it would be a few weeks before it would be available.

I think I could take a little texting over talking and talking over the 48 people in Compass Rose with three foot selfie sticks and taking 80 or more of flash pictures at dinner on my last cruise

Friends, you are about to witness the hand-off of a blogging baton. Roberto, you've done your usual terrific job of chronicling in words and pics your Mariner SF-Vancouver cruise. You gave my Chuckle-Meter a workout as only you can do. I can see you now in my mind's eye charging toward me with the baton in your right mitt and my piña colada (inside joke) in your left--don't spill it!--and I just hope I can keep up the blogging pace.

 

I haven't done a live blog by myself for more than a year, having joint-blogged with Zqueeze, Wes, Travelcat and Rachel and others on my last three cruises, so I may be huffing and puffing a bit in the early going. Also, I may be a little distracted, as Ginny and I are delighted to have our daughter Shauna with us. Shauna, as some of you know, has Down syndrome. Our little Ambassador of Joy has warmed the hearts of passengers, crew and staff alike on her past four Regent cruises with us, and we expect that trend to continue this cruise. In fact, three of Shauna's Regent BFFs are onboard, namely Captain Serena, CD Lorraine and Chief Security Officer Shiju, so hugs aplenty are in the forecast.

 

So, unsure of how often I'll be posting, I've given myself cover by being the latest blogger to work in the word "lite" in the title. But I do hope for a goodly number of Random Notes, as DW likes me out of her hair now and then and Little Boss likes, and needs, her naps. It will be interesting to see what type of slant the Notes take. I wouldn't be surprised if Shauna were to play an ongoing role. As a fellow passenger informed her on our 2013 Montreal-Miami cruise, "Shauna, you do know that you are the most popular person on this ship, don't you?" This before "Dr. Ted" invited her out on the Pool Deck to watch him fly his kite.

 

This is a milestone cruise for Ginny and me, as we turn Platinum the moment we embark. It only took us 15 cruises and seven years and two months! Thank goodness for those 14 nights we were awarded in that 2011 two-for-one rewards-night Black Friday promotion, or we'd still be knocking on Platinum's door.

 

This will be our seventh cruise aboard the Mariner, the most of any Regent ship. After two cruises on the Explorer last year and the Voyager earlier this year, I'm looking forward to comparing the look/feel of the one remaining Regent ship still due a makeover with its new or refurbished sisters.

 

Before closing for now, I want to note that while our cruise has its own name, "Northern Frontiers," it is essentially a back-to-back, encompassing two one-week cruises, Vancouver-Seward ("Alaskan Summer") and Seward-Vancouver ("Picturesque Peaks"). (Regent treats it as a back-to-back by offering us two sets of specialty restaurant reservations.) One thing I like about the itinerary is that none of the ports are repeated. Another is that we'll be getting a second crack at Hubbard Glacier. Fog and rain doomed our first (very brief) visit in 2013. Hoping for blazing sunlight this time, but I'd settle for mostly cloudy.

 

Glad to have you along for the hand-off and beyond! We'll be taking off for Albuquerque by mid-afternoon for a pre-flight stay at an airport-area hotel. We're scheduled to fly out at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, and are looking forward to our pre-cruise stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver.

 

Rich

 

P.S. I was also hoping, and still am, that we'll be getting our first look at Tracy Arm on this cruise. To that end we booked the tour "Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer," premium priced at $141 per. But Jackie's comment about Tracy Arm on Z's thread reminds me that conditions are problematic for an exploration of that stunning fjord this early in the season. I have noted in the excursion description's "small print" the following: "In the event that there is heavy ice flow, the tour boat may visit Endicott Arm as an alternative." I'm wondering how Endicott stacks up to Tracy and, frankly, if it's worth the extra bucks. Feedback, anyone?

 

We will be on the same cruise my wife is Lisa and I am Mel hope to run into you and your family

Hi CCMS14, We sail Celebrity and Regent and Princess our favorite is Regent. Not sure why it has low bookings, maybe because its not until next year or some people don't like the crossing but some love it. By the time you sail it will be full or close to it. Have not stayed in a penthouse but have stayed in the horizon suite. We liked it a lot its at the back of the ship with a nice balcony. If you are a foodie you will love Regent the food is to die for. If you want anything special and give them 24 hours they will make it for you. The service is fantastic and its all inclusive so no signing for anything even the specialty restaurants. Good luck with your choice and hope you will try Regent.

Does anyone know who the F&B manager is on the Mariner in Alaska. Really liked Daniella last year on the Mariner and Explorer. Thanks

I read somewhere, but can't find it now - that they are starting to phase out Curtis Stone's "Share" and replace it with a revamped Sabatini's. Is this true? Will the Sabatinis on all ships be changed?

That would be great news!

We did a Celebrity cruisetour a couple of years ago. I selected the B tour which is on the train from Fairbanks to Anchorage. There were about 35 on the tour and we enjoyed the train rides each day. The only day on the bus was from Anchorage to Seward.

 

You put your bags outside your room in the morning and they pick them up. Your tour bus takes you to the train station. While on the train your tour bus goes ahead to the next hotel and puts your bags in your room. The hotels were nice and quiet. We visited one of the Princess hotels at Denali and were surprised at the noise, the number of people and the activity level. You are on your own for all meals. The tour guide can arrange any excursions that may be of interest to you.

 

We normally are DIY for traveling but found this to be very pleasant. A nice mix on free time and scheduled stops at interesting places. we had a good tour guide.

 

Since we like DIY, we arranged on our own 2 nights at Glacier Bay National Park with an 8 hour or so boat tour of Glacier Bay. That was really spectacular!

We did the same tour and I was wondering what month you went and was your tour Guide Sammy King

Just a question...we are reconsidering our purchase of the premium beverage package on the Millennium in June. We were given the basic beverage package as a perk. Is it possible to cancel the premium package and just use the basic beverage package?

 

 

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No need to cancel the basic beverage package we just upgraded to the premium package through our travel agent and paid the difference.

You will love Alaska it is beautiful and the weather can be really cold or very warm but it just depends what time of year.

We were on the Infinity in late September and Angel was the casino host and your right he is the best.

We .are going on the Mariner in Febuary from Lima to Miami in a Horizon View suite just like you. We have not been on the Mariner since her renovations to the suites. One question, does the Horizon View Suites have a dining table in the suite. Thanks Bill

We were on the Mariner in May in a Horizon suite and it did have a dining table in the suite

Thanks Thundery I am Mel my wife is Lisa

Good morning from The Cafe. It is 0700 and I am already flying low level on caffeinated jet fuel. I feel great and so does The Boss thanks to rest and meds. Kudos to all the well wishers and to all our medical suppliers. We plan to hit this ship hard until we debark in order to catch up on all we've missed. My booze low level light has been on for a few days and I must take action ASAP to adjust it.

 

Sorry we missed Thanksgiving dinner. TB had a traditional meal from room service while I ate a burger. Really missed our kids and our kitties.

 

However, we are back on the food trough in full force. The Greek lunch was disappointing in that it was very salty but, hey, burgers make the perfect backup plan. Dinner last night was at Pacific Rim which I was not looking forward to due to our recent let down. I really want to give the joint a chance and, guess what? I had the best lamb chops EVER!!! I heard angels singing, Bob Barker telling me I won the double showcase, and the great bambino rounded the bases for me. Ask for spicy (they are not really). Also, get some jasmine rice and veggies and mix them together.

 

 

We plan to hit the Sunday. Ranch today as long as I can drag TB out of her morning chow hall run. We continue to enjoy the company of our fellow passengers. There are so many nice folks and so few grumps on board. I love the natural cheerfulness of several fellow CCers, the junking and jiving as we swap insults in fun, and The prevailing sense of gratitude for being on this most special ship.

 

The crew and officers continue to be extremely accommodating and the service is impeccable. We witnessed a couple become verbally abusive to a waiter over a damn cup of coffee and to his credit, the waiter remained extremely calm and polite. Kudos to him and the crews' training standards.

 

Lots of rambling today but just trying to catch up. The bottom line is that even with an orthopedic boot and a cold from hell we are having a blast. If we can get the chef to make my mom's rice and beans with plantains and pork chops I would be in heaven.

 

Z and TB

 

 

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Zqueeze1 I have to say I find your posts highly amusing. Glad you and your wife are felling better. Lamb chops look fantastic. How many of your group are on the Miami to LA cruise?

I do understand that people not raised around our southern border have different tastes when it comes to Latin cuisine. I was raised in Southern California where Mexican food is really authentic. Texas is obviously known for "Tex-Mex" (the Centurion Lounge in Dallas has some of the best we have tried). When we moved to the north (or when we visit northern states), we do not recognize the food. On Regent the chili is made with ingredients that are unusual and the meat is spiced differently. While there is nothing wrong with the "Tex-Mex" food on Regent, IMO, it is not authentic and was extremely disappointing. It likely has to do with my expectations. I discussed this with RachaelG and she agreed.

I agree with you Travelcat2. I live in California and I thought the Tex-Mex or

Chili on Regent was ok but not very good it is missing the proper spices and just tasted odd. I make way better chili at home.

Absolutely fantastic cruise.

Only disappointment was Prime 7.

Shared table for 8 seated at 7pm. Main coarse arrived at 9 pm, some cooked wrong.

When one lady questioned why the creamed spinach was not hot, the waiter replied that the cream is cold when added (?)

We left at 9:30 to catch the show and the dessert menu had not yet been shown to the table. I am sure this experience was not for all but everyone we spoke to,even those at tables for 4 had the same wait time.

Signatures was a great surprise. Fabulous with incredible service.

Had a category A. Cabin was great. Changed rooms at the last minute so we would not have to step into a tub for a shower. The stand alone showers are the absolute best at sea. They replaced the tubs so take up the same amount of room. Nice bench inside.

The free internet service had started & it was fast.

If you enter the Laveranda restaurant from the right side of the pool, you will not miss the smoothie bar in the morning. In that same area is the incredible ice cream bar in the afternoon. Do not think this area is just for hamburgers & hot dogs in the afternoon. Some times they are barbecuing chicken & steaks.

The breakfast in LaVeranda was great...not a typical buffet. At the omelet station you can order things like eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes & the incredible swedish pancakes which I had several time.

Cleanest ship and amazingly you never see anyone cleaning. Not even carts in the hallways.

I was also on the same cruise and I agree with Shippy it was a fantastic cruise.

The ship was spotless the food in Signatures was great and we liked it better than Prime 7. The food in Compass Rose was also great and you could request just about anything with 24 hour notice. Never had a wait for any drink or champagne and all bartenders were pleasant and any staff we encountered were happy and pleasant. Our only complaint was some of the music they played, Enjoyed La Veranda for breakfast outside weather permitting. Can't wait for explorer in December.

Was Sarah the Captains Club Hostess or the Michael Club Concierge? From the description from mellapl she sounds like the Michaels Club Concierge.

You are right Sara is the Michael club concierge, my mistake.

NOT SO GREAT...

 

Shows - TOPPER - Eclectic group of performers enslaved in a giant hat. "Is it wrong for me to keep people locked up in a hat for my amusement" Yes it is. 3 Stars- mainly because of familiar songs.

CHANDELIER - Ugh Eclectic group of people visit hotel, Chandelier decides who lives or dies??? no good illusion, bad story line, not Audrey II (or not Audrey Jr, if you prefer) not saved even with familiar songs and it is not even as fun as Chandelier the drinking game - 1 Star.

ROCK - Stadium Anthem Rock all Broadway'd up. - Angus Young is rolling over in his grave- and he isn't even dead. 2 Stars - six singers can really hack up great songs.

 

Captain's Club Host - No energy, pleasant but no effort to go for it., she seemed to be doing the minimum necessary to get the job done, more worried about time off than performing well. I give her a little break, as she has been on the job for only a couple months. (Customer Service convert) Don't see her lasting in this position.

 

Cafe El Bacio - Service was poor. The staff basically ignored the customers at the tables. Slow. But the treats available were outstanding as always.

 

Wasn't impressed with the Captain or other senior officers.

 

The elegant tea wasn't elegant. - Who's fault? (CC host ?, Maitre 'd?)

 

 

 

GOOD/GREAT

The ship looks top notch. Clean, well maintained...

 

Guest entertainers were quite enjoyable. -

 

December '63 figured out how to get the quartet back on a ship - Frankie Valli tribute group.

 

Music volumes in all venues were appropriate.

 

Murano, Qsine were fantastic as always. Didn't go to Tuscan Grill other than for the Elite Breakfast but others were raving about it. Only issue was that we purchased Murano for $20 each twice and BOGO once during the cruise.

 

Cruise director - Rich Spacey was humorous and apparently efficient.

 

Buffet had a good variety of offerings - all prepared well.

Just got off the Eclipse yesterday could not disagree with you more. I found Sara Gouveia an outstanding Captains Club Host. She worked harder than any host I have seen in 30 plus cruises. Any request was done in seconds, She personally along with the head butler decorated our suite and presented us with a beautiful cake for our Anniversary and we still can not figure out how she knew it was our Anniversary. She got us special tours of the Engine room and the Bridge and escorted us to both. She even escorted us to specialty restaurants. No energy and shy are you kidding!! I think you will see Sara for along long time. As for the officers, we found the chief engineer and his assistant whom we had dinner with to be very charming and friendly.

Welcome home Andy, I would love a comparison review

We keep coming back for many reasons. We love the staff, butlers, food, suite perks, the feel of the ship and most of all the fellow cruisers. We have found that you can meet so many nice people and have had the greatest time on cruises. You know how when you meet people and you just hit it off with them, we have found that on Celebrity more than other cruise lines. We will be onboard in thirty nine days.

We have done Princess and Celebrity's cruise tours. On the Celebrity tour we started the land portion in Fairbanks with a fantastic guide and bus driver and the trip is all train travel all the way to Anchorage then bus to the ship in Seward. We stayed at Sophie Station in Fairbanks for 2 days then to Denali at the Grand Denali for 2 days then Talkeetna for 1 day at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge then to Anchorage at the Marriot and then to the ship. We liked the Celebrity tour the best. The train car was great the staff was excellent and the food and drinks were outstanding. Best bloody mary I have ever had on the train. Excellent food at all hotels we stayed at. We did this tour 2013 and are planning to do it again in 2016. You will have a great time!

I was so excited that they were going to have a new "Curtis Stone" venue, and am now so bummed at this whole communal style concept. As a person with both food allergies and a vegetarian this just doesn't work for me if I cannot choose my own food. Maybe Princess feels there will still be plenty of takers, but I know I am not the only person who has dietary restrictions that makes this type of place a no go for me.

 

However, if it is structured more like Qsine on X where each table orders multiple dishes and shares, that might be workable. That way I only have to torture my family with everything I cannot eat, and leave everyone else in peace.

CoffeHound, I am bummed also I also have food allergies and diabetic this will stop me going there. I also like Sabatini's and hate that this concept will take its place.

I wish that Princess should let passengers in a mini-suite pay a fee to have breakfast in Sabatini's. The breakfast is fantastic and great service.

Hi, we are on the Eclipse Southern Caribbean on 29th November for 14 nights and was wondering if the ship will be decorated for Christmas. Any ideas? Not that it's crucially important, just curious! Thank you

 

 

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My wife and I are also on this cruise and hoped they would put up Christmas Decorations. Should be a fun cruise.

Your butler can unpack for you when you arrive and re-pack for you when you go.

 

Your butler can arrange to have your pants let out, five days into the cruise, when they are too tight. You can also request that they follow you around the ship and slap the food from your hands when they think you've had enough.

 

Your butler can balance your checkbook within a few dollars, notarize documents for you, and give you wonderful, albeit unorthodox, legal advice.

 

Your butler can let you into your neighbor's cabin when they are not there, and help you to TP (toilet paper) their cabin. I know because I've done that. You can request a specific brand of TP - they will go out of their way to get you that brand, because this is Regent!

 

I heard of a butler that helped to slip a whoopee cushion under the captain's chair during the farewell dinner. And one time, in Monaco, the butler helped me call the Royal Palace and ask if Prince Albert was still in the can. We both had a good snicker from that one!

 

In short, your butler will do just about anything to make sure you enjoy your cruise. I highly recommend that you take full advantage of your butler if you have one.

That is Hilarious!!!! Can the pants being altered be done and returned the same day?