Wendy The Wanderer

Ah, those were they days, eh? Our first was May 2000. The most wonderful experience and followed by a bunch more including the 14 day Marquesas trip that was divine. My favourite part of the planet. Can't remember what we paid for that first time, but at the time it was a huge splurge.

Sandals for women are fine, including nice thong-style ones.

Yes you can. When we checked into the Biltmore, we just went to the RSSC Hospitality desk and told them we'd be driving our own car. But we were able to get our large luggage sent with the rssc group. In our case, we tagged luggage to be included and brought it to a place in the lobby, but this process will vary.

We stayed just across the river at the Hilton. The river views are fascinating!

Which hotel?

Perhaps they meant Virtuoso clients only? I.e., none of the normal Regent riffraff?

If you're talking about a waffle-like cotton weave, no. They are thick terry.

Good question, and one that I can't answer. But as I remember Tom Bradley, the international terminal, has a biz lounge that's shared by several airlines. I think...it's been a while.

Gee, I would take this up with your TA or your Regent rep. Sounds easy to solve.

We stopped sharing a table for four years ago for this type of reason. Still like tables for 6.

I remember these guys. Can't remember what cruise it was.

That's a nice hotel in a good location.

We're done cruising, but back in the day, my husband never even took a sports jacket (except for one early cruise on Diamond that demanded a suit on formal night). But the last one we took, I brought him a sports jacket because I knew he's be cold in the lounges and dining rooms. It was very helpful to have it.

Has anyone confirmed that Regent is in fact not offering help to those customers stuck in this situation?

I don't blame you. That kind of thing really leaves a bad taste in your mouth, for sure. I myself always shied away from Viking simply because of the early payment issues. In early 2020, we watched the Paul Gauguin (owned by Ponant), deny people cash refunds when they stopped sailing due to covid--that turned off lots of loyal former cruisers--we vowed we'd never go back, despite it being our favourite cruise ship. So I can totally understand.

Are you referring to their payment policies, or something else?

Splendor is an amazing ship, btw, and the S1/2 or concierge cabins are generous in size. Haven't been on Insignia but it is smaller and older, with much smaller standard cabins. Fewer specialty restaurant choices too.

I just noticed that the Paul Gauguin has some great zero single supplement specials right now. Not sure how they're faring under Ponant ownership, but despite the small size, I will always consider this ship to be luxury (first sailed her in 2000.)

We're counting on your review, bon voyage!

So Richard, are you having a good time yet?

I'm very jealous, Richard. Have a great trip!

I also would choose 721. Great location.

Yes, they have several sets. I believe there might have been a couple of photocopied cards, but bring your own for sure. It's just a pickup game, not organized.

I'm kind of surprised they would specifically target "luxury" cruises rather than mass market.

Yes of course, you could get an air credit, which was handy, but rarely equivalent to the price of booking your own business air flights.