Tybeequeen2010

Docked at Hoonah, Icy Strait Point, AK - Having just returned from a bear search with a local guide where we saw 7 full-grown coastal brown bear, we were having lunch on the Terrace Cafe Deck.  With a table on the outside corner overlooking the water, a whale slowly moved close alongside us and took a deep dive and flipped its beautiful tail!  Love O...... all the best is here...

For the past two years, we have seen lots of whales, including a pod of orcas in Juneau.  Humpbacks breaching, spectacular.  Have never done whales in ISP.  We do bears in ISP.  Spectacular opportunity for coastal brown bear watching with Brown Bear Lodge guides.  

I step away for a couple of days and upon my return, a plethora of messages and information awaits.  Thank you all for contributing to my Regent education!  It sounds like an exceptional cruise experience awaits us, and I must say, Regent passengers are some of the nicest I've met on these boards.  

Thank you, Travelcat2 for the critique of Oceania.  I agree the Terrace Cafe is interesting in concept, but the quality is lacking.  Our favorite was Jacques, followed by Red Ginger.  We really were unhappy with the MDR on Riviera and Marina, but enjoyed it on Regatta.  But, am excited to hear your recommendation of Compass Rose.  Tell me, the Italian arrangement in the evenings at the buffet location, is it up to par?

Ron Rick, thank you for your confirmation of Regent.  We are excited to be taking our first cruise in May.  All the best to you!

Thanks everyone for the great ideas and all the information.  Travelcat2, we are on Mariner's May 26 sailing to Alaska.  We have been sailing Oceania lately and really have enjoyed the cuisine, but tire of carrying around the card whenever we want a drink or wine with meals.  Looking forward to the Mariner.  Looks like a beautiful, year-old refurbishment will greet us.  Our favorite line is Silversea, especially the Whisper.  Especially enjoyed the entertainment.  Not broadway shows, but fabulous voices with the ability to deliver everything from Motown to opera, and do it well!  Oceania has acceptable, but not excellent entertainment.  I'm hoping Regent is a step up in that department.  Thanks again for the info.  I'll be back.  I have lots of questions about food...

We have sailed Silversea, which also provides open bars and alcoholic beverages with meals.  They also will do an alcholic beverage setup of the mini bar in the cabins.  Does Regent setup the mini bars with alcoholic beverages as well?

We've booked into a Penthouse Suite, so this is something the butler can handle, right?

We are preparing for our first O cruise in late February. Curious as to what the mini bar selections are. And, specifically, are there sparkling waters available (Perrier or LaCroix) and are juices included in the selection.

Iamthesea, I live in a lovely little Appalachian town in northeast Georgia. It is where my family began and where I was born. BUT, after all the snow we had this week, I miss my low country home more than ever. There's nothing quite like the coastal south. Thank you for all your good information. I hope you have a lovely cruise! TQ

Iamthesea - We lived on Tybee Island for a number of years.

Thanks to everyone for all the excellent information. You have helped us make a decision to take the PH on Marina. Mura, wonderful description and information. I am grateful. Jim and Stan, many thanks for the lovely pics. What a beautiful accommodation we have to look forward to. Happy New Year, everyone!

Iamthesea, we have decided to take a PH on Marina in late Feb. When are you cruising?

We are considering a Penthouse Suite on Marina. What are the benefits of this upgrade vs. a Veranda cabin?

Thanks, everyone, for all the delicious suggestions. LHT, thank you for the AMAZING blog! Can't wait!

I am grateful for all input. I am an open and variable eater. I am excited for information such as lamb chops for breakfast and the repeated mention of miso-glazed sea bass. Your comments confirm that there are varied and creative offerings. I will be very happy on this cruise. DH, however, is a simple eater and is very happy with a filet mignon, lobster or baked salmon. On other cruises we have taken, there is an "always available" menu in the Main Dining Room which offers steak, salmon, chicken, sometimes shrimp cocktail and usually baked potatoes. Is there an "always available" menu on O?

We are on Riviera in January, 2017. Our cruise experiences have been primarily on Holland America, Princess and once on Celebrity. The latest cruise was on Silversea, which was wonderful in every way. I have read an old thread from 2008 regarding food specialties on O, but have also read about recent year disappointments in service, etc. and am interested to know if that disappointment carries over to food quality/creativity. Please share your experience with food on O and anything that was memorable. Many thanks!