caviargal

We did, thank you. He was able to help us with Prime 7 but said he could not with the other venues.

The open at 6:30 and close at 9. We arrived at 8:30. Could not be very much later. They are now opening at 6 on this sailing, hoping to alleviate this issue a bit. Interesting to note that this is an issue on multiple ships.

On Navigator now and our butler has been excellent!

Correct. It is not a barrista coffee shop, like Oceania has on their ships. It is a small area with a self service machine and there are light snacks available throughout the day. On Navigator now. I get my coffee at the small bar across the hall.

We spoke with Maitre'd upon boarding to request Prime 7 on any night of the cruise. We just received confirmation - along with our morning coffee - from our butler for this evening and look forward to it. I am aware that Sette Mare does not take reservations - perhaps they should so that it is possible to get in. We are not early diners and a 6:30 time would not work for us. We like to enjoy cocktails around 6:30 and dine at 8 or so. Rushing our day to show up early would not be our idea of a vacation. IMO the lack of dining options aboard this ship is the issue we are dealing with. At high occupancy, it is insufficient.

On Regent now and no caviar included, except for Sunday brunch. On Seabourn next month and very much looking forward to it!

This is our first Regent cruise since the Radisson Diamond. We booked a guarantee at the last minute, choosing this cruise as a replacement for a land trip booked many months ago to celebrate my husband's birthday. I was hesitant about the older ship after reading reviews but decided to go with it. I booked a guarantee and we were assigned a Penthouse. Room is comfortable and nice size. Balcony is small. There are some annoyances, like an old sliding door that is a PITA to open and close, slow draining sink and shower, but service has made up for the shortcomings of the rooms. We are also very fortunate to have minimal vibration in our stateroom. Staff and service - for the most part - has been excellent. Ship looks nice, considering her age and last refurbishment. IMO, it feels more cozy and upscale than luxurious. The vibration I read about is very much present in certain parts of the ship. Galileo's was vibrating so badly we left both times we stopped in for a drink. We did not stay for tea yesterday. Waters are very calm so that is not the issue. There are no fitness classes all week as the guest instructor never made it on board. The gym is very small and machines packed in. Had to wait for a machine to become available. The walking track is narrow and one has to navigate around lounge chairs to use it. This is not a ship for those that are fitness oriented. This cruise is almost at full occupancy and we can certainly feel it. Embarkation was smooth and we were having lunch by 12:30. That was fairly chaotic and quite crowded, and it took a while to find an empty table. We are not buffet people and don't plan to try that again. Chair saving is in full force aboard. By mid morning, there were more towels and books on chairs than people in them. We have been unable to get into either of the two specialty restaurants on either night for dinner; both had a waitlist of ten plus suites at 8pm last night - they close at 9. Upon arrival, there was no one to greet us and we stood there for quite some time before being told we could not be accommodated. We are hoping to try both before the end of the cruise. We ended up at Compass Rose again last night - again standing there for quite some time before anyone came over to seat us - and were seated at 8:30 at the only empty table in the dining room, the Captain's table. Service was slow and food disappointing. Part of our tablemate's order arrived when he had finished most of his meal. My entree was lukewarm and we were not all served at mains at one time. Today we are in Roatan and looking forward to some beach and swimming time. To sum up our first two full days aboard, service in all but CR has been excellent. Our stateroom is comfortable. Food has been good but not memorable. Our first excursion is today.

It is a very unfriendly and disorganized airport. I avoid at all costs. We don't have any options for non stop flights from our home airport. My first choice is always Munich if that is an option. We fly Delta and try to avoid JFK and will connect in Atlanta if that is offered.

On Regent tomorrow and Seabourn next month. It will be interesting to compare.

Sounds like my DH!

We fly into Heathrow next month and I book a VIP arrival service to get us through that process without the hassle. Pricey but worth it.

I did a (very) recent comparison of this using Celebrity (concierge verandah) and Seabourn (least expensive stateroom). Seabourn was less and included more, even after adding all that I wanted to the Celebrity sailing. Their premium drink package, which covers specialty coffees, bottled waters, etc., is now 106 per person per day plus 20% gratuity. Adding their dining package for 5 nights was another 260 each, plus gratuity. Fitness classes, etc. are still extra. I am not interested in a "ship within a ship" concept such as Celebrity offers with their new Retreat. It is still not a luxury ship. The devil is in the details.

I downloaded and printed them and marked the ones we are interested in. Thanks!

Thanks! I am sure something will be available.

Loved that itinerary but we could not secure a stateroom. Enjoy!

We board Navigator tomorrow and booked on Friday. Excursions are all closed for booking and we hope to find a few available when we board. Is our butler the best resource for this or should we go immediately to the excursion desk? If that does not work, should we show up at the appointed time(s) and see if anyone no shows? What's been your experience? Thanks!

We board tomorrow. Is this the same cruise? We are just finishing the project of repainting the entire outside of our home. It's been a mess and it is hopefully about the last project to get this home we purchased in August just the way we want it.

We are on Regent this month and Seabourn next month. For Seabourn, I have booked all private excursions in the areas we want to explore in depth. The others we will visit on our own. For Regent, there were no included excursions left when we booked. We will see if we can book the ones we are interested in upon boarding. If not, Plan B it will be. I would be inclined to consider Regent more often if not for included excursions. We prefer to be on our own.

Packing now for Navigator. I have read and understand the dress code for RSSC. My question is will I be out of place wearing a cocktail dress one or two nights? We are celebrating two special events and I do enjoy dressing up. Ladies, what say you?

Thanks! Now to figure out what to pack without starting a dress code discussion 😆

Thanks, everyone. We booked and set sail on Monday.

I am looking forward to the local wines in Spain and France and plan to bring some aboard every day. Tasting and shopping for wine is fun!

It is that RSSC has far fewer passengers, very few children, does not cater to groups who may to all sit together, etc. I know from experience in staying at five star hotels that the ability to afford something is not at all indicative of polite behavior or sophistication.

This!

Which is exactly my point. I would expect this behavior on mass market ships but not on a luxury line.