GOARMY

BWR47CT: The Link Hunt is underway. Stay tuned. GOARMY!

fb0075: Been there during our-extended adventure on "The Greatest River in the World" during May-June 2017 when aboard Navigator. Due to Doctor's (Tropical Disease Specialist) orders based on review of my medical history going back 50 years--specifically Malaria--spouse and I were very, very circumspect as to participating in any of the numerous off-the-ship excursions offered during a 10-day segment of that nearly-four week cruise. This was while transiting first upstream from the Atlantic; then, back downstream while on that massive River. Altogether, a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several excursions would have been with local contractors offering a variety of adventures requiring boarding boats and visiting tributaries. We did NOT participate in any. But, noted others that did. Cannot recall Regent providing any rain gear. However, recommendations were given--on a constant basis--while onboard and in "Passages" as to what to wear to cover exposed skin. This related to potential sunburn, as well as bites from numerous voracious insects. Not-just those pesky mosquitoes. I posted on this matter way-back in that day on CC sites as to personal experience while preparing, medically, with needed inoculations and medications. Such enabled being able to enjoy the cruise, with no-ill effects before, during, or after. Numerous other CC'ers in addition to self, commented on our experiences while transiting The River. So, expect others who did participate in off-the-ship adventures--some of which would be expected to necessitate additional gear--will provide their input. GOARMY!

pappy--- I posted on this back in late 2019 on a Thread I am trying to locate. We were on the second leg of an Explorer August-September BtB. Segment was "Around the British Isles". The "tribute" band was: "The Boys from Liverpool". They were great. This was publicized for several days in advance in "Passages". Recall hurrying back from an afternoon excursion. The Theater was already filling up. Packed house before 1730H start. Solid 45-minute show. Not to be missed, if offered. GOARMY!

Lonedaddy: As I recall (but, due to age, recall is becoming increasingly problematic): The in-suite Safety video we saw that first afternoon following boarding Mariner a few months back was a slightly-different, and more detailed presentation from what was viewed at our residence. For reasons explained in a several years' old Thread--passengers' convenience in this case is a compromise in safety protocols I wish Regent had not adopted. Yes, probably the change from gathering guests together in a central location (e.g. Navigator's Theater) for the briefing; or at different "Muster Stations" on Regent's larger ships--was hastened by COVID concerns about large groups in a confined space. Nonetheless: Based on a Cunard experience experienced a few years back of being blasted out of our bed at 0015H in the South Atlantic by a 20-second klaxon; followed by announcement from the 1st Officer on Deck that "THIS IS NOT A DRILL!". Followed by: "I say again--This is not a Drill! There is no substitute for rehearsing and muscle memory as to what to do if the unthinkable actually appears to be happening. We knew what to do. And--no. That Cunard Queen did NOT hit an iceberg. Turned out to be a false fire alarm in the funnel ("Stack") which triggered that response from the Deck. Took a while, however, to get to that conclusion. Thus, we make it a practice to practice donning those life jackets--stored high on a closet shelf--ON while remaining in our Suite and reviewing yes, again, that video. Just like we did at 0018H aboard Cunard (after putting on two layers of clothes; cleaning out the safe; and stuffing valuable contents in jacket pockets while anxiously waiting for the command to report to our assigned muster station. GOARMY!

Sette Mari does have limited outdoor dinner seating. Depends on the weather, of course, as to comfort level. Those few tables fill up quickly when weather and sea conditions cooperate. Want an outdoor seating? Show up before the 1830H opening. GOARMY!

Observer: This is surprising. I have been in communication with Jennefer on another matter as recently as last month. GOARMY!

Camillus112: That is correct. One is at the mercy of whatever Port authority handles the embarkation process. These folks are NOT Regent employees. Sometimes, it is hurry up and wait, and wait whether one arrives via taxi, uber, Regent bus, or shanks mare. For example: Port of Los Angeles. GOARMY!

Given: The Navigator's hull, laid-down in the Soviet era, was designed for an icebreaker-capable spy ship; given its age; given certain, shall I say, peculiarities pertaining to handling in rough and rolling seas; given lack of a forward-facing Observation Lounge; given only one reservations specialty restaurant (Sette Mare is open seating)-- None of the above have dissuaded us from booking numerous segments over the past 13 years. Look forward to another series this May starting at NYC. One key factor is The Crew. Great loyalty to the ship. Having been on all Radison/Regent ships (except Splendor) over the past 20 years, this factor is particularly relevant. Even with all the dislocations associated with the pandemic and difficulties in getting Crew back onboard, the service level has been consistently maintained. It is an extra bonus to see so many of the same Staff time and time again. GOARMY!

Blacklane Service is another option. Used it on our last transfer from Miami dock to Ft. Lauderdale Airport after completing an Explorer TA from Barcelona. Used it previously at NYC; plan to do so again this June. Limo arranged via our TA. However, you can go online and do it directly. GOARMY!

Details, please. What ship? Embarkation date? I am just-guessing--Navigator? GOARMY?

Crystal has an institutional memory as to prior Guests. That's us. Received that email as to making an advance deposit for a 2023/2024 cruise--specifics provided later. Our institutional memory goes back about seven years on two, very-positive, Symphony segments on trans-Pacific cruises from/to USA California Ports to Auckland and Sydney. Following our seasoned Travel Agent's (TA) guidance, always booked at Penthouse level to get what we considered a reasonable 300sq feet Suite "footprint". Continue to follow TA's advice. We will be holding our water on this offer, pending more specifics. GOARMY!

Cruised with Radisson/Regent over the past 20+ years. Also with the other 5+star "all inclusive" Lines--on occasion. Those occasions were with family/friends or on a certain itinerary. Basically, back to Regent both pre-and post-pandemic, the latest October/November '22 aboard Mariner. Hard to beat benefits associated with Loyalty levels based on history of onboard days. Cost (escalating), of course, is a factor. But same inflationary dynamic applies for segments on other premium Lines. Another plus is meeting, again, with Staff with whom we previously cruised. Particularly those at dining venues; and Cruise Directors. We are a known quantity with Regent (positive, hopefully, as we are "low maintenance" guests). These details include knowledge of beverage preferences; favorite dishes, and such. Also, prompt and professional response to any "issue" encountered. Yep, "stuff" does happen, on occasion. So--it has come down to reasonable expectations of receiving value for expenditure on a known entity. Regent gets the nod. Back onboard in '23. GOARMY!

If booked at a Penthouse or above Suite category, no need to wait for boarding. Butler service is included. So--- On Regent's website-- For a guest's particular Booking: Go to "Manage This Booking". Then, "Butler Service" tab. Then, "Customize". List of alcohol will appear, amongst other precruise preferences. Bottles of same will be in the Suite upon one's arrival. In addition--we ask Butler for the wine list. Usually order one white; one red bottle. Those arrive within a few hours. GOARMY!

Merry Christmas to all , and to all a good night. GOARMY!

All: Reference my earlier #8 Posting-- It appears Navigator"s CD, Ray--"How do you Doooooooo!"--Solaire is, as usual, on the job. We have high hopes to see Ray yet-again when boarding Navigator at NYC this coming May. GOARMY!

On Mariner October/November. No issues with Fitness Center equipment or ventilation. Explorer, Splendor, and Grandeur Fitness Centers are Aft, with relatively easy access to respective Infinity Pool(s). On older Navigator, Mariner, and Explorer--no Infinity Pool, and Fitness Centers are Forward. GOARMY!

gwesq: In Australian waters aboard Voyager a few years back-- About a week before "The" Big Game, inquired if it would be carried, "Live". That would involve a 0700H local time viewing for kickoff. Wait--will get back to you. I was certainly not the only one making that inquiry. Response: Yes. Live in Theater; then saved for later in-suite viewing by those on morning tours. Had to stifle self from disclosing results to my brother and his wife traveling with us when meeting for lunch following their return from a tour. We had different dogs in that particular fight. My dogs were victorious. GOARMY!

gary705: This has not been our experience during several Regent cruises. It is not a small thing, further punctuated by response--or lack of same--by Cruise Director. Not appropriate. At a minimum, the appropriate response would have been along the lines of: Appreciate your concern. I will check this out and get back to you. So-- Referencing my Response #24 on another current Thread--"Dinner, Splendor Pool Grill" Suggest advising: Jennefer Teegen, Director of Guest Experience & Loyalty, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 7300 Corporate Drive, Miami, FL 33126. jteegen@ rssc.com. GOARMY!

Sorry, recent Posters. Cannot let "it go" as to tuning out when viewing the security video both at residence before leaving for Port of departure; or once-aboard whatever specific ship while unpacking. Realize that in the current (not past) COVID situation, cruise lines limit mass passenger assemblies whenever possible. The usual first-day (before sail-away) gathering with Ship's Staff either in a Theater, or a particular venue designated as a "Muster Station" has been supplanted by "virtual" presentations on such rudimentary matters as to where those life jackets are stored in a particular Suite; location of the designated Muster Station; and protocol on complying with Staff directives in a situation requiring passengers' response to an emergency. A bit of reality based on personal experience. 2011: Aboard Cunard's "Queen Victoria" mid-South Atlantic enroute from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton. 0015H. 20-second bone-jarring alarm goes off. Jolted from sound sleep to attention by announcement from "The Bridge" from on-duty Officer advising: "This is not a Drill. Ship's personnel report to assigned stations; passengers, remain in cabin pending further notification." The specific command was NOT to immediately report to our assigned muster station. So-- That certainly got spouse of self's immediate attention. Put on two layers of clothing; grabbed and donned life jackets; cleaned out Suite safe to secure personal stuff; and then, sat on the edge of our bed waiting developments. But, was somewhat assured by noting Victoria had not slowed down; no sudden jolt; seemed to remain on course; and no smells. Twenty minutes later--comes announcement from the Bridge by the Captain. In typical British fashion, Captain advised this situation was the result of a fire alarm emanating from "a stack". It had been checked-out. No fire. Faulty alarm. Go back to bed. Right. Then--the Captain advised Crew: "Repair from stations. I say, Pipe Down; I say again Pipe Down". He announced protocol required a complete safety debriefing of all Ship's staff involved in the alert the next morning. Following which--all passengers would be advised of circumstances. Anyone with questions was encouraged to meet with him. That procedure took place. Soos--the next morning, saw our Butler in the hallway. Asked him where he was when the fit hit the shan. Response: Right outside our Suite at his assigned Muster Station ready to verify passengers entrusted to his watch were out of their Suites and headed to assigned muster station. He had been with Cunard for 15 years. This was the first time he had been required to respond to a real-life alarm. He knew what to do. So did we. BTW: At that time, Cunard required a complete safety briefing. This included meeting at a muster station; donning life jacket; have it verified by Staff; then, literally, each group lining up--and placing a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of him/her--while leaving single file from that station when proceeding to the assigned Tender. Same procedure applied during our most-recent 2016 venture aboard Cunard. Not-sure what the present protocols are. We NEVER take a safety procedure/protocol lightly. It is not an inconvenience. Smooth sailings to us all. Stay safe, and informed. GOARMY!

Now, rkaratsu-- You have burst my fantasy. Was certain, that Jack Warner used his "pull" with the War Department to get a camera crew and cast into Casablanca soon-after the "Operation Torch" November, 1942 Allied landings. A Sound Stage in Hollywood, you say? Oh well. Back to reality. GOARMY!

Did the Casablanca "Hassan II Mosque" tour segment, along with a visit to the hotel which, during WWII, served as the hub of the 1943 "Casablanca Conference" attended by FDR and Churchill, amongst other Allied Leaders. Sorry--did not get to "Rick's Place". No Bogart or Bergman. This was about eight years ago while aboard Mariner. Tour organized by Regent. A wonderful, and knowledgeable Tour Guide kept our group of about 20 together. She spent a lot of her time "chatting" with street vendors who were everywhere, of course. Those are their streets. She ran interference for us--moving the group along as a group. STAY WITH THE GROUP would be my advice. The Mosque itself was magnificent in its size and basic simplicity. Did purchase a packet of pictures from a vendor, rather than waste time snapping pictures. GOARMY!

So----All sizzle and no steak? Fail to see any real significance in this announcement as its affects on loyal clients. Are we (or me) missing some subliminal message as to change(s) in the offing to long-established (and maintained) service standards? Reminds me of a Shakespeare line from "Hamlet" relevant to this blast of media pronouncements: "Full of sound and fury--signifying nothing." See some of you at NYC in May when we board Navigator. GOARMY!

Observer: That person is Jennefer Teegen, Director of Guest Experiences & Loyalty Regent Seven Seas Cruises 7300 Corporate Drive Miami, FL 33126 jteegen@rssc.com Jennefer has responded quite promptly when I have contacted her on past matters. GOARMY!

TS: Reference my Post #6, directly above--"How to Find a Travel Agent": While not-yet on Splendor, my educated guess would be Yes. That partition can be taken out. That is what our friends did on numerous occasions while booking adjoining suites on several Regent ships. It made it easier for them to negotiate between rooms without having to go into the hallway. There are a limited number of connecting Suites on Splendor similar to other Regent ships, but not in your F2 category. Connecting meaning an interior door between the suites. GOARMY!

TS: General comment(s): Hope for Ray this coming May as CD. Many prior Navigator cruises going back about 15 years. Ray was CD during previous Asian segments; through the Panama Canal--both directions; and, most-recently, on a 06/2018 extended Miami-Amazon River-Miami cruise. Two other Navigator scheduled post-2018 cruises were "scuttled" due to COVID. Hope springs eternal. We will board Navigator again for a B/t/B beginning in NYC in about six months. Navigator does have its--shall I say, quirks, or nuances. Others would say--"Issues" such as to aft-suite vibrations; lack of a forward-facing internal Observation (Cocktail) and conversation venue Lounge; and having only two--"Prime 7" and a portion of breakfast and lunch La Veranda utilized as "Sette Mari" for dinner--considered as Specialty Restaurants. Plus, simply the smallest footprint in Regent's fleet. Well, you pays your money, (most-often at a reduced per diem rate) and takes your results. We know what to expect on Navigator. Consider: the hull (laid down back in the Soviet Union era) was not designed for a civilian cruise ship. Rather, another USSR "Polar Research Ship". (Editorial comment: NOT!) Soos--heavy in the bow. Result: All passenger general venues are mid, or aft, such as restaurants and Theater. All things considered. Have always experienced top-service from a dedicated and friendly Staff and Crew. Navigator's Compass Rose--the primary dinner venue--includes opportunities to order entree' items from those Specialty restaurant venues (such as Pacific Rim, and Chartreuse) which are absent. No worries. Enjoy your cruise! GOARMY!