GrJ Berkshire

As I said earlier you can book in hand luggage at the reception , which was then taken to our suite without us going to those decks and being in the way, it is also more secure as the cabin doors are open whilst things are still being set up and the closets may not be available. Valuables can be put in a locked suitcase especially if you are not coming direct from a flight. Camera etc you may want with you if you are going to explore Seward

Use the PO in the Vatican it is good to use their stamps and the knowledgeable Romans use it as well as its more efficient and quicker than the Italian PO. You see people from offices bringing post here regularly.

In Europe the Italian PO does not have a very good reputation.

The stamps are also Good souvenirs, which are easily transported.

Not aware of how you can do this with a mobility scooter, I think this is not viable, the only parts with much remaining are well out of Newcastle and in wild country. Housesteads fort is not accessible.

This will need re-thinking .

What we did on a Mariner cruise 7 years ago. We were in Alaska earlier and got the train from Alyssa to Seward , we went to the ship at noon, dropped off cases, booked in got passes etc , a bite of lunch, left our hand luggage at reception, and went to walk around Seward. Its not massive, the harbour area is good and apart from the sea life centre there is not that much to see and do , a couple of hours would suffice. We were on board before a train load of guests had arrived.

We were back on the ship mid afternoon, cases, hand luggage, were in our suite, so unpacked while enjoying the Champagne and plenty of time for the muster before sail away about 6pm.

Hope this helps.

As a Brit , we just phone Southampton, UK Regent HQ, and book this way , it always works better plus they seem to have more options than the website. You also are sure of what you have as talking with a human, they can juggle around the bookings. Not sure of how this works stateside.

It is worth doing, but don't pre-book, as you may skip the queues, but the experience is very weather related. Some days conditions do not justify the expense. Also time of day, week v weekend, determine how busy it is, avoid UK school holidays. The pods are never that crowded you will not get to see all you want. A key tip is to visit the toilets in advance as once in there is no opportunity for the duration. If in London for a few days pick your day/ time and be prepared to return if queues or weather make it sensible so to do.

You cannot say will do on Tues pm and plan around this, you must be flexible.

Use bank ATM's its the only real option. Pre-booked cars from LHR are usually cheaper and more reliable, all black cabs take cc's .If drinks are in a hotel/ pub then cards not cash are accepted in all good places, so you will not need cash.

We prefer the Mariner shower only option , we rarely use the tub/bath in a hotel room/ cabin anyway, but when its hot will shower at least once a day. The Mariner shower has a seat which with the dual hand held shower head as well as the fixed power shower means you can wash your feet easily as well, plus there is enough room for 2 (if that appeals!!) Also no shower curtain a glass door, a line which dries swim wear etc is also provided.

I am 6ft 2 and find the height issue in a combined tub/shower plus the step down which my DW dislikes greatly, means we always on the Mariner have had shower only. We are on the Navigator on a B2B for22 days this summer, so will have both, however I would doubt the bath will be overused.

However bath v shower is a personal issue that brings strong opinions out. In the UK now the shower continues to increase in popularity esp in the under 55 age groups and males particularly seem to favour showers, very much a change from 30/40 years ago.

Although looking forward to our Navigator cruise, I think that we will miss the Observation lounge on the Mariner which was our watering hole with piano music late on and name that tune. Galileo's seems to be dancing and multi purpose. Any thoughts on this?

As 3 time Mariner cruiser, but new to the Navigator would love to hear pros and cons of each ship. We sail on the Navigator this year B2B from Jerusalem to Barcelona on 25/07. We are in 1003 a PH B cabin.

Have really enjoyed Regent before, what do we look out for to get the most from this trip?

Should be last century!! Nothing to do with lard.

We are from the UK where tipping now barely exists. I do not get this at all , one of the delights of Regent is the lack of need to think money, as everything is paid up front, including tips, so if you want another drink or you talk to a new friend at a bar and say what are you drinking its not a cost. Yes I know it's included and you have paid mega bucks but it is much more relaxing not to think do I slip the barman $5 or not- for their job! Our last butler was great, but he never looked for a tip and we did not think along those lines. I hate this hovering around which occurs in the US on this. The tipping culture has now got out of hand in the states where15-20% is not unusual and expected even for poor service.

It's one our reasons for loving Regent, we have heard horror stories of others lines where bottled water plus tip is added, cocktails at sail aways, plus drinks at the shows, even coffee or tea at lectures this nickel and dime approach can then add a vast end of cruise a/c, which makes Regent an even better deal. You get rid of the grovel factor. Americans in London are almost laughed at , offering the tips they do. I feel its so lard century!!

We are on the Navigator for the first time this summer having booked B2B from Jerusalem to Barcelona sailing 25/07. Any comments on the cabin would be good and useful. We have been on the Mariner 3 times previously, and love the Regent experience, although I think we will miss the observation lounge, which was our watering hole on the Mariner.

Do these continue in 2014, especially the Crimean ports? We are booked in August and concerned as to how much change there will be to itinerary and effect on trip . We are especially worried as UK govt advice is not to travel to the area, so its impossible to get travel insurance at present.

Regent Seven Seas Mariner July 29th

Do these continue in 2014, especially the Crimean ports? We are booked in August and concerned as to how much change there will be to itinerary and effect on trip. Regent Seven Seas Mariner July 29th

Do these continue in 2014, especially the Crimean ports? We are booked in August and concerned as to how much change there will be to itinerary and effect on trip. Regent Seven Seas Mariner July 29th