GOARMY

BNguy: Nothing much more to add to the above. Same experience. Otherwise--see you at Vancouver, B.C. on September 20th--if not before at Regent's assigned hotel. GOARMY!

TS: Only experiences over the many-years either with Regent, Seabourn, or Silversea involving really-young (four-years old or less) children involved traveling with families including kids with a parent holding a high-level management position within that cruise company; or a ship's Officer. On all occasions--there was a Nanny as part of the party. Nanny dealt with issues in dining venues, and such. That luxury is not available to most. So, should you decide to cruise with young one(es), consider enlisting the in-laws. Our last Princess cruise was a late Summer, 2022 seven-day Seattle-Alaska-Seattle segment on that Line's newest ship. Our daughter and her husband wanted to celebrate our grandson's 2nd birthday. We "volunteered" to go-along, together with our son-in-law's mother. In fact, we insisted. Home base for all adults is the Seattle area. So, easy on-off ship with no air travel involved. That's five adults to monitor/manage a two-year old. Having done five previous Alaska cruises, our sole function was babysitting. Sometimes, pulling a shift in the late night, or early morning hours. It took all in-law efforts to enable the parents to have a semblance of an enjoyable cruise--most of the time. And, Princess did have a venue available for very-young ones for organized daytime activities, as long as one parent was on-site. Our long-time Travel Agent made our booking arrangements. Put us in a Penthouse-type Suite to enable our little charger to have more space for running around. Which he did--when not running on-deck. Agent also opined we should be accorded special recognition for service(es) rendered above and beyond the call of grandparent duty. Just a cautionary tale. GOARMY!

PhD-iva: This is so, so subjective as to--even after reviewing Regent's guidance and definition(s) of various shades of "casual" attire: Based on personal experience only (YMMV): Itinerary and time of year does make a difference. Example: Western and eastern Caribbean 7-10 day itineraries. Contrasted with, usually longer Baltic, northern European, and eastern Mediterranean segments. And, the colder the routing, the more likelihood gentlemen will spring for wearing a sports jacket at dinner venues. Again, the ladies tend to take "elegant casual" to heart, regardless of the heat/humidity index. And, conforming to a pledge I made to myself a few-years back: No more specific opining on Cruise Critic of personal opinion regarding Regent's "dress code". Other than: dress to reflect respect for the 5+service experienced on all Regent ships. GOARMY!

ZERO. The benchmark is a cruise segment of 15 days or more. On those occasions (which we are looking forward to this September-October aboard Explorer when cruising to Tokyo) two "Formal Optional" nights are offered. This applies to ladies and gentlemen. As to how formal? Our experience over the years is about 15% of gentlemen wear a Tux. Ladies ALWAYS seem to dress up more than men, whether a Formal Optional night or not. Shame on us guys. On those Formal Optional nights, gentlemen may decide to dress up a bit by actually wearing a sports jacket. The percentage of tuxes has tended down in recent years. Just our experience GOARMY!

With apologies to the 1958 movie, "Gigi": Specifically wonderful song, "I remember it well" sung between Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gingold; and my memory-- But, relying on a summary kept in our basement concerning prior cruises, and that this Thread has, as usual, deviated a bit, indulge me. Best memory as to change-over to a fully-inclusive experience Regent now offers concerning beverages: 1997 and 2004 Silversea "Cloud" and "Shadow" cruises during which we had positive interactions with the Destinations Manager, or whatever the title was. A dinner with her and another ship's officer was pleasant. Fast-forward to October-November 2005 when aboard the then-Radisson Voyager on a series of 'Med cruises, the last of which was from Rome to Athens. Our Destinations lady had relocated from Silversea to Radisson, again as Destinations Director. Instant recognition shortly after we boarded. She later invited us, together with another couple, to dinner with her and the Food and Beverage guy. Of course, we accepted. Once seated at dinner, the four of us passengers realized this invitation had a bit-of a purpose. She advised Radisson would soon be changing its name (she did not specifically mention the new name). She had met the four of us on previous Silversea cruises; therefore we were aware of the product offered by that Line, and, possibly, other 5+lines. Like, Seabourn. Turned out the other couple had, as we, also experienced Seabourn. Bottom line: In conjunction with change of name, Radisson was considering "upping the onboard experience" to better model [read, compete] what those other 5+star cruise lines were offering. So--what recommendations did we have? Not a lot, other than--why did we have to sign for a predinner cocktail? Or an alcoholic beverage while enjoying the post-dinner Theater show. A clientele that could afford a Radisson cruise could be expected to shoulder the "burden" of additional costs associated with an "all-inclusive" beverage offering. It was also an undue burden on Staff to go around obtaining signatures on chits for cocktails. She nodded in agreement. Cannot remember whatever else we offered. Result: November, 2006. Back on REGENT's Mariner. New Line name. And, all-inclusive beverage program. Cause and effect? No-doubt, Management replicated our experience with other clients on other 2005 cruises. Whatever--What is Past is Prologue. GOARMY!

taxare: on behalf of all who have served, Thank you. GOARMY!

Rothko1 28-total years combining Active and Active Reserve duty home and abroad. Initially, Infantry as a Platoon, then Reconnaissance Platoon Leader with 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red 1") in Vietnam. Then, onto 1st Division ("Danger Forward") slotted as Assistant Order of Battle Officer to finish out that '68-'69 deployment. Numerous Stateside assignments following permanent switch to Military Intelligence. Assignments in D.C., Arkansas, California, and at the Army's Intelligence Center and School, Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Retired in 1993. GOARMY!

Rothko1: To broaden the range: Over 10 years ago, probably about 15--while aboard a Seabourn ship, heard a morning announcement into all Suites from the Captain advising anyone having information concerning "an incident" which occurred in The Casino the previous night to report what was witnessed to a ship's Officer. We were NOT in the Casino. Two days later--announcement from the Captain, again to all Suites, that the individuals involved in the incident had been, since the "incident", restricted to their Suites. This was one day before end of that segment. Of course, the unofficial rumor mill had run rampant in the interim. Apparently two guys traveling together had gotten into an argument with a third guy. A fight broke out. One fellow sustained an eye injury; another guy an arm injury. The Captain added that, in accordance with protocol, these individuals would not be allowed to book another cruise on any Seabourn ship. BtW: We were on the same flight back to the USA following debarkation with two guys--traveling together a few rows up. Recalled seeing them previously during the cruise. One sported a big patch covering half his face; his buddy had a medical bandage wrap covering a hand and wrist. I doubt they sustained such from hitting each other. How about applying the equivalent of a TSA "Do not Fly" List to such miscreants? GOARMY!

Rothko1: See penultimate sentence in Post #3. GOARMY!

Roxydog15: Assuming you will be on Explorer. We join that ship, again, in September for a cruise to Japan. Explorer has a special desk in the Reception area to handle Specialty Restaurant reservations. Make an early visit to that location, particularly if you are seeking a second reservation. Everyone gets a shot at one dinner at each venue. People do not show up; people cancel--which is the proper thing to do. Which creates opportunities. If all else fails, check in, in person, at that particular specialty dining front desk around the time you would like to be seated. You may have to "share" a table with someone else. And/or, Staff will let you know when something opens up. In the interim, advise which cocktail lounge you will be in. They will come and get you. Having to "stay in the MDR" [Compass Rose] is hardly a penance. CR is great on all Regent ships we have been on over these past many, many years. GOARMY!

As usual, Pcardad cuts to the chase. Nothing to add. GOARMY!

bitob: Subject to correction, see my Post #14. One per segment. GOARMY!

mrlevin: Yes. I should have clarified that two of those three Sundays were in Port. Coming this September-October: Explorer from Vancouver B.C. to Tokyo. Two Sunday at-sea days. Looking forward to the one Sunday specified for that Brunch. I understand the protocol is to offer one such Brunch on a segment even though there may be two such sea day Sundays during that particular itinerary. GOARMY!

FWIIW: Just completed B/t/B segments on Navigator which included three Sundays. No "spectacular" Sunday brunch ala Explorer and Splendor. Had to settle for champaign and caviar, as usual. Plus, the usual great breakfast options always available at La Veranda and Compass Rose. Oh my, how we suffered (NOT)! GOARMY!

This is a Brunch. Based on experience(s), we eschewed any breakfast. Saved tummy space for the elaborate Brunch service in Compass Rose, which began first-come, first-seated open seating around 10:00 am. Just enjoy the experience, which we anticipate will be fully replicated when we are aboard Explorer for a September-October cruise to Tokyo. GOARMY!

Just returned from B/t/B Navigator segments from NYC to Canada; then back to NYC via Bermuda. Excellent series of lectures by a Canadian lady covering periods of history involving French and British interactions--military and political--in the Maritime areas of Canada; visits of British Royals to Canada and the United States; WWII conferences at Quebec City involving Churchill and Roosevelt; and aspects of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II policies toward Canada. One particularly interesting one was Prince Charles' (now King Charles) travels to Canada and the U.S. over the past 40 or 50 years. Well-attended. Met our expectations of the presenter's professionalism and knowledge on topics relevant to the area(s) we have cruised in over many years with Regent. GOARMY!

gkbiii: The physical fight I witnessed on Mariner (or was it Voyager?) six or seven years ago was all-about--no surprise--a deck lounge. Just-walking in the area when observing two guys yelling at each other on either side of the lounge both were trying to simultaneously occupy. Yells devolved into an exchange of punches, some of which landed. They then got into a wrestling match until both fell on the deck. Staff intervened. An Officer arrived, ordering them to return to their Suites. The Officer asked me and two other passengers who observed the situation to write down what we had seen. He obtained our Suite numbers. Received a message later that afternoon in our Suite to meet with either him or another senior Officer so a record could be made. Did so. A bit later--comes an announcement to all Suites from the Captain asking anyone who had observed the event to contact him, or a ship's officer. Perhaps others did. Next day, Captain made another general announcement advising the miscreants had been restricted to their Suites; and would remain so until the ship arrived at the next Port. They would then be offloaded for return at their own expense to wherever they came from. MOST important: Captain advised they would not be allowed to book another cruise on any Regent ship. No-doubt, alcohol probably was a contributing factor. GOARMY!

Responding to Ship Traveler and cruiseeJ: Can only speak from experiences with our TA. Your TA, if utilized, may have a different method of returning unused refundable OBCs. Our TA offers an alternative to taking cash off the ship. Do nothing. Within a week or so, the amount of refundable OBCs will show up as a credit on the credit card one used to make the booking. We have always taken the cash. That is just us. Do whatever is comfortable for you, should this option be available. BBWC: Well, then we were told a bit of a fib as to the first-ever wine dinner. I am shocked, shocked! Our group thought we were really, really special. GOARMY!

Jim B: Really, really want a BLT? Try Room Service, available 24-7. GOARMY!

jeb_bud: Running into a little glitch attempting to respond directly to your Post "27". So--scan through my earlier attached text. --------- Depending on the cruise--and a "special" Regent incentive to entice booking--the nonrefunable, repeat nonrefundable, OBC can be significant. That is totally SEPARATE from any refundable OBCs obtained via a TA. Just-completed a Navigator B/t/B originally booked through our TA (one with significant personal experience on Regent ships) about 18 months ago. Regent's enhanced nonrefundable OBT was around $1,800.00. Wanted to fill-up those segments. It worked, as we were at full passenger capacity. Use it or lose it. We used almost every penny of Regent's money. Did so via wife's spa treatments, my haircut; and some jewelry. Most-significantly on Regent Special Wine Pairing lunches; and a FIRST-time ever on any Regent ship--an elaborate dinner "Connoisseur Wine Dining Experience" staged in a separate venue and hosted by the Executive Chef and Head Sommelier Emiliapo Chumacera. Food and Beverage Manager Brandon Haylock advised us (at a nice dinner with him) the Staff worked on every aspect of this event for weeks. All costs were covered. Walked off the ship with cash obtained by cashing-in our TA's separate refundable OBC on the last cruise day which exceeded $1,000.00. Exact amount will not be disclosed. Never had to use any of that money during our two segments. That why we have used the same TA for the past-many years. GOARMY! -------- O.K. Trying to complete the response. Again---two SEPARATE sources for OBCs. These are INDEPENDENT from each other. One from the TA, if utilized; the other directly from Regent which serves as an initial incentive to sign-up. This pertains to folks who choose not to use a TA as a facilitator. No TA--no second source of OBCs. Of course, prior to beginning our segments, our TA had sent us a Summary Sheet containing the exact amount of those Refundable Credits. It is ALWAYS important to double-check, once aboard, with Reception Desk to confirm amount of funds shown for each separate-separate account. The amount of refundable Credits (provided by our TA) was exactly confirmed. Regent will drain-down the NON-refundable account first; then, utilize the Refundable account (via the TA). Should the client expend BOTH--then, Credit Card the client posted upon boarding will be accessed to assure that when one leaves the ship, nothing is still outstanding. In that event, the client will receive a Statement indicating the amount of funds which will be charged to that Card. Hope this clears this up. If not, we will try this again. GOARMY!

Depending on the cruise--and a "special" Regent incentive to entice booking--the nonrefunable, repeat nonrefundable, OBC can be significant. That is totally SEPARATE from any refundable OBC obtained via your TA. Just-completed a Navigator B/t/B originally booked through our TA (one with significant personal experience on Regent ships) about 18 months ago. Regent's enhanced nonrefundable OBT was around $1,800.00. Wanted to fill-up those segments. It worked, as we were at full passenger capacity. Use it or lose it. We used almost every penny of Regent's money. Did so via wife's spa treatments, my haircut; and some jewelry. Most-significantly on Regent Special Wine Pairing lunches; and a FIRST-time ever on any Regent ship--an elaborate dinner "Connoisseur Wine Dining Experience" staged in a separate venue and hosted by the Executive Chef; and Head Sommelier Emiliapo Chumacera. Food and Beverage Manager Brandon Haylock advised us (at a nice dinner with him) the Staff worked on every aspect of this event for weeks. All costs were covered. Walked off the ship with cash obtained by cashing-in our TA's separate refundable OBC on the last cruise day which exceeded $1,000.00. Exact amount will not be disclosed. Never had to use any of that money during our two segments. That why we have used the same TA for the past-many years. GOARMY!

TS: Just-returned from a B/t/B on Navigator, and catching up on CC Threads. Regarding Estonia, and particularly the "Soviet Past" excursion: Did that when aboard Explorer on a 2019 B/t/B in The Baltics and British Isles. One of my interests is WWII Diplomatic and Military History. So, took that 5-hour tour. Sobering, including visits to a former prison in which Soviet units interrogated, tortured, then murdered numerous Estonian resisters. Their photographs were posted in a Memorial within that complex. Also, a visit to a nearby Military cemetery containing memorials to other victims of Stalin's hatred. Our Guide was the grand daughter of one of the victims. She provided a political context for that country's 20th Century history and specifically the period from 1939-1940 until Estonia was able to break free from either Russian--then German--then Russian domination--during WWII and finally regain its independence following the demise of the "old" Soviet Union. No wonder Estonia eagerly sought, and obtained 2004 membership in NATO. GOARMY!

Ray Solaire is on vacation. He left Navigator on May 31st at NYC--the day we boarded for our current B/t/B. Have cruised with him many times past. A great fit for Navigator. Sorry we just-missed him this time around. He will be back aboard Navigator in August. GOARMY! .

For us, all-time incentive record to rebook was for a Voyager extended cruise from Sydney to Singapore. Offers to cancel and rebook a cruise we had arranged to join with my brother and his wife and mutual friends began three weeks before getting on a series of flights from Seattle to Sydney. Stared with full refund plus $5,000. Last offer made three days before getting on the plane was--- $23,500 in addition to full refund. Did not take it, nor did anyone in our group, no-doubt because we had planned this particular cruise for about two years. Otherwise, had it just been the two of us, would probably have taken the bait. And, of course, that segment was completely booked. GOARMY!

Ditto to above comments. My wife descended the stairs at the drydock. I remained at street level. Excellent tour. This was when aboard Explorer. Tea and scones was aboard the only battle cruiser still in the water which participated in WWI's Battle of Jutland. More history. Highly recommend it. GOARMY!