Thanks for the replies - we're sure we want to do a safari but just not sure WHICH safari.  We have time to plan it all out, but everyone's contributions here are invaluable in helping us learn the ropes.

38 minutes ago, Steve Q said:

We have sailed on Explorer, Navigator, and Voyager. Navigator is the only one we will not sail again. We sailed from Miami to Montreal in 2023. The ship vibrates noticeably. In colder waters, it seemed so cramped with passenger gathering in the small public areas. While others seem to really like Navigator, we will sail on Regent’s other ships.

I won't *not* sail on Navigator - I still enjoy sailing on her, but to be honest if there were two similar itineraries somewhere I wanted to go and I had my choice between Navigator and one of the Explorer class ships, I'd probably take the newer ship.  But since we mostly sail for itinerary and being pampered, we won't hesitate to take Navigator if she's going where we want to go.  🙂

39 minutes ago, Jimmcdaniel said:

Oh yes. I forgot. I was doing it on my iPad and it defaults to Numbers. Try this. 

Story of my life - I do 90% of my stuff on my iPad.  Got you updated, thanks for the input!

On 5/1/2024 at 8:49 AM, papaflamingo said:

Perhaps not.  I am a retired pilot.  My flying skills are my flying skills, whether I show up in my double breasted "Navy" style uniform complete with 4 stripes and Captain's hat, neatly shaved and hair (what's left of it), and well groomed.  OR I show up in flip flops, t-shirt (wife beater type) with some "message" on it, soccer shorts, 5 day old beard and disheveled hair that hasn't been combed or cut in months or more.  I'm still the same pilot.  Question is, will YOU get on my airplane?  And if you say I won't matter to you, I'm throwing up the B.S. Flag!  Of course it matters. The way people appear, including grooming and dress, makes a definite impression on others. It's simply a fact of our society.  

Also,,, and no one seems to mention this, A lot of people feel "I paid for this cruise, I should be able to dress as I wish." Well,  I ALSO paid for the cruise, and I paid for it with full expectation of experiencing the cruise Regent advertises.  So, just like I should have equal rights to a deck chair, no smoking in public areas or balconies,  expect excellent service, cleanliness of spaces, shore excursions, food, and drink,  I also have an expectation of decorum and ambiance.  That includes the PUBLISHED dress code.  I paid just as much with the "promise" that people will be dressed to a certain level after 6 pm.  This is CLEAR (no confusion on my part anyway) and part of  the "experience" I chose and paid for.  So, doesn't matter why I care, what matters is this is part of why I chose Regent.  

papa, I couldn't agree more.  Our entire society seems to be full of self-righteous, entitled people who feel that their 'rights' or 'feelings' outrank societal norms and the rights of everyone else they come in contact with.  Okay, maybe not 'full', but definitely a growing number of 'em.

I'll admit that I tend to the lower end of the dress code on board (slacks and Tommy Bahama shirts, usually) but I always comply with the dress code.  Things would just be so much easier if people could read the requirements, understand the requirement, and adhere to the requirements.  But maybe that's just the mindset of someone who spent 20 years in uniform, who knows?

Oh, and the only way I'd get on your plane with your sporting your disheveled look over your buttoned down Captain look is if the buttoned down Captain was obviously hammered.  😛

On 4/30/2024 at 1:46 AM, Jimmcdaniel said:

Here is a review for Explorer 719

 

 

Explorer 719 Review.numbers 663.18 kB · 29 downloads

Jim, my browser blocked this attachment probably due to the extension (.numbers) - would it be possible for you to either re-upload it as an Excel filetype or just past the info into another post?  Thanks!

Bill

1 hour ago, Redking said:

Out of interest, where is the trivia quiz held? We're not quizers and on our most recent cruise (another cruise line) found that we couldn't enjoy a quit pre-dinner drink because the quiz was held in the only lounge bar at the same time. Being much larger ships, I'm sure this won't be an issue on the Explorer class ships but we're curious newbies to Regent.

As I recall it’s held in the Observation Lounge on deck 11 forward?  But you’ll have no problems finding a nice place for a cocktail before dinner.  Several other lounges and I believe there’s even a small bar outside P7 and/or the other restaurants.

3 minutes ago, Lonedaddy said:

What a novel idea, I'll have to try that.

No need to write a novel...just pick up a phone.  😄

On 4/20/2024 at 8:48 PM, NDOMA said:

I just asked my husband the K2 question and he knew the answer.  He is so good at geography! 

 

We were recently on the Grandeur and were doing quite well at Trivia the first few days until blatant cheating began.  We were quite surprised one group used a cell phone right in front of the crew member, another team had eight people a couple of times, and by the end of the cruise the majority refused to let another team grade their answers.  No surprise that we suddenly no longer came in 2nd or 3rd.  Why do people do that?  Surely the points and trinkets aren't worth cheating for. 

On 4/20/2024 at 9:42 PM, GOARMY said:

NDOMA:

 

Your negative experience is not a one-off.  Back in the day--participants utilized more subtle, clandestine methods of communication to circumvent decorum.  That decorum was to assume folks would rely on in-person brain power (or, luck) to come up with an answer.

 

So-many petty, sophomoric modes of deception. As opined in an old SNL "Weekend Update" skit:  "Really, really?"  Yes, really.  How can about 10% of your fellow passengers caste a bad vibe?   

 

Thus, spouse and self eschewed joining this venue a year or two before the Pandemic.  Have had no reason to consider further Post-Pandemic participation.  

 

But, whatever floats your boat.  

 

GOARMY!

This is precisely why my wife and I only partake in trivia on about half of our sailings - on occasion it gets so cutthroat as to not be enjoyable, which is the entire point of doing trivia if I'm not mistaken.

We've met some good people in trivia, and we've also done the first day or two and not returned, so much of it depends on who's playing.

On 4/22/2024 at 8:05 PM, Lonedaddy said:

Hmm I sent an email to regent why there isn’t any posted yet

Have you tried calling in?  I usually end up having to call an agent for certain excursions, dining reservations, etc. that we can't do properly online.

On 4/22/2024 at 10:37 AM, dfdub said:

Does anyone else find this topic extremely interesting as RSSC is mostly occupied by "seniors", who are considered by most of other cruisers as "tech idiots"? 

You are on "vacation"!  Unhinge yourself from the technology just for a little while and enjoy your peace.

Money comes and goes.  Your can NEVER get more time!!!!  Spend it wisely!!  

IMOHO

On 4/22/2024 at 11:14 AM, The Hudson Co. Landlubber said:

I understand your point and accept its good intent but in my case I still have a business to run, as well as elderly parents stateside and children who occasionally need to discuss things.  And a dog being dog-sat.

 

Yes disconnecting 100% would be lovely in concept but I wouldn't want to not have any of those things that demand the connectivity.

 

Thank you for your sentiment though!

On 4/22/2024 at 11:28 AM, Pcardad said:

And consider that some of us are not seniors...and we chose to play and work at the same time in order to maximize the return on our time. 

Yes, it's a sad thing, but although I may have the luxury of cruising on Regent every now and again, I don't have the luxury of unplugging completely for that length of time as both my wife and I are still in the workforce and need to be in touch even when we're away.

We had usually limited ourselves to 12-14 night cruises but managed to be gone for a month this year, and without the internet that just wouldn't have been possible.  

So even being on 'vacation', we still expect to be able to read the news, do our daily games/puzzles, monitor our finances, pay bills, stay in touch with our daughter who is expecting our first granddaughter, and yes, even check in on our dog's cam as well as home security cameras, etc.  Actually, NOT having access to the things we're used to would be more stressful for us as we're so used to the non-work aspects of our internet connectivity.  It's 2024, not 1984 - for many of us, the internet is a part of our lives, like it or not - so if they advertise internet connectivity, I expect internet connectivity - regardless of whether it's for work or personal use.

Rant over...sorry.   🙂

I kind of get the OP's anger toward the entire situation.  I've had my issues with Regent off and on over the last 15 years as well (I'm sure many of us have had some disappointments at times) but over time I think we've all come to realize that ANY cruise line is subject to issues like this.

IMO, Regent's biggest problem isn't delays or missed ports or changing arrangements, it's communication, plain and simple.  From Miami to their agents to the ship's officers to the website to the passengers there always seems to be a disconnect in the info flow which leads to more aggravation for us, the paying customers.

Sure do wish someone at corporate could take a look at this and find a way to be more forthcoming when there are issues like this - I think it would go a long way toward minimizing complaints like this.

Edit to add:  Having said all this, from what I've read about this Voyager issue I think Regent handled it as well as possible...with the exception of communicating with their disgruntled passengers.

If I had to guess I'd think it was due to Navigator being moved from the Middle East to the Med a while back, there was probably a ripple effect on subsequent cruises that required a reshuffling of ports.  Unlikely almost a year out, but that's all I got.  🙂

17 hours ago, The Hudson Co. Landlubber said:

Is it possible you are confusing it with the ground based plan for international travel?  That does have a $10/day option as well as a $100/mo option.  But it will not work at sea.

It's not only possible, but probable.  🙂

Thanks for educating me - I only tend to look at wireless options a few weeks before we sail, and since we're not booked again until '25 I haven't bothered (and they'll probably have new plans available by then anyhow).

Thanks for posting the screenshot - good info.

On 4/18/2024 at 11:57 PM, GOARMY said:

Recall reading about an historic back-and-forth exchange between Winston Churchill and Lady Astor which, actually, probably actually happened.  

 

Winston had, as usual, consumed a tad-bit more brandy than usual while at a dinner party.  Lady Astor, observing his demeanor, opined:  "Sir, you are drunk."  His response:  "Yes, Madam.  I am drunk.  But tomorrow I will be sober.  And, you will still be ugly."

I'd heard about this exchange as well (quite possibly also true, and hopefully so):

“Lady Astor: "Sir, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea."
Winston: "Madame, if you were my wife, I'd drink it!"

3 hours ago, The Hudson Co. Landlubber said:

Verizon's is $30/day for 0.5GB and 50 min calling.

Are you sure about that?  I was pretty sure that it was closer to $10/day, and they also had a monthly option that was like $89 as I recall.  You are somewhat limited on the data side, though.

I agree with most people here that Navigator will feel different if you've only experienced the Explorer-class ships.  But in many ways, different is better; in some ways not.

I tend to prefer Navigator on the more port-intensive itineraries but she has a certain 'feel' that none of the other ships have.  We were booked on Navigator this month but the cruise was cancelled.  We don't hesitate to book her, even with no Pacific Rim or Connoisseur Club the smaller ship just seems friendlier somehow. 

Not as glitzy but still a very nice place to spend a vacation. 

Oh, and with regards to the comments about smaller portions on board - we completely agree that the portion sizes seem smaller, and that's perfect, I think!  Last year I either felt bloated for overeating or guilty for throwing away food.  This past cruise hit the sweet spot - we could order apps, entrees, and dessert and not feel like we needed gurneys to get us back to our cabin,  

Whether it's a cost-reducing measure or just a stab and keeping us from packing on too much vacation tonnage, I, for one, welcome the change!

PS - more calories to spend on hooch.  🤪 🥃

So Z, I've been a week or two behind reading this report and just finished up today.  Maybe, just maybe one day we'll manage to sail together - I'm sure it wouldn't be boring.  Sorry to hear about your little tummy booboo - hope you get back to normal-ish as soon as possible.

Thanks for taking us along with you guys on this trip.  We just got off Voyager last month and it already feels like a year.  And nothing booked until next August (might have to find an alternative itinerary earlier in the year).  We're looking to get to South Africa sometime in '26, maybe on their new build, who knows?

Anyhow, I sure appreciate your writeups and pics - it helps with the withdrawl.  🙂

On 4/9/2024 at 6:22 AM, Zqueeze1 said:

Charleston is a great city for walking especially to the Battery, South of Broad Street, Rainbow Row, and the market.  
 

Check out Hall’s Chop House for dinner. 
 

Z and TB

I'll need to try Hall's the next time I'm in Charleston - we have one here in Greenville that frankly leaves me a bit underwhelmed.

On 4/1/2024 at 1:45 PM, Zqueeze1 said:

Lorraine heads out near the end of May and will be in SC.  When she gets back onboard, she will be on the Explorer doing Alaska and Japan. 
 

Z and TB

If you see Lorraine let her know drinks are on us if she's anywhere near Greenville!!

On 3/27/2024 at 10:13 AM, GMIAC said:

 

Everything looks delicious! 

 

My Doctor: Don’t eat anything fatty.

Me: You mean like burgers, bacon, fries, etc?

My Doctor: No fatty, don’t eat anything.

 

Playin' here all week, folks! 

Or:

My Doctor:  You're too fat.

Me:  I want a second opinion.

My Doctor:  Okay, you're ugly, too.

(Sorry, Rodney)

On 4/17/2024 at 11:42 AM, Marylebone37 said:

Once an assignment is made (in my case, about 3 weeks before sailing), do they ever change it again even closer to departure/day of embarkation?  Just curious?

I hesitate to say 'never' but I wouldn't think they'd do that - at least, I've never heard of them doing that.  Upgrade(sell) offers may come forth, but I don't think they'd just arbitrarily move you.

6 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

I guess your question was answered in other posts.  But no...it's not a "thing" (yet), but neither was purposefully  violating the dress code until people started purposefully violating the dress code and justifying it with "it's my cruise and I'll do what I want" or "why do you care what others wear," or "if Regent was really interested in enforcing it they would."  In fact in 2018 we did 44 nights on Mariner through the South Pacific and I NEVER saw a single lounge "reserved."  Now, go on a Caribbean cruise.  So...my point.. if people were less disrespectful and followed the rules, we wouldn't need to have these discussions.  

I seem to recall an old saying about "If" that had something to do with Grandma and Grandpa...

Unfortunately, it's a sad fact that rudeness begets rudeness.  Would sure be nice if we could just count on people to be kind and courteous...but alas, no.

I've heard people say they haven't had a cabin assignment until they're checking in, but most (many?) of us get them sometime in the week before sailing.

We've booked guarantees a few times and always have our assignment 3-5 days prior to embarkation if I remember correctly.  

27 minutes ago, olga1900 said:

Thanks for comments. I had insurance and my TA has been working that for months.

Good to know you had insurance.  Unfortunately, not all policies are created equal - and we often don't find out until it's too late.  I believe there are some threads on here that reference an insurance broker that people are very happy with - I think we might try and call him for our next cruise as well.  I hope you and your TA are able to eventually get this resolved - I hate having money hanging out there...

Good luck!