wifeofgrapestake

On 8/26/2019 at 6:52 AM, papaflamingo said:

Just read the reviews...pretty harsh.   I have only cruised Regent once, that was on Mariner and it was last Nov-Dec. for 44 nights.  Was it perfect?  No, of course not. We had hiccups like any cruise will have.  But I am a veteran cruiser (34 cruises, vast majority with Royal Caribbean).  So a few of my observations as a new Regent Cruiser.   

Let me state right up front, we loved our cruise.   So much so that I have 39 nights booked on Navigator next June and just booked 48 on Explorer in 2021.   Will Navigator be like Mariner?  No, of course not.  And thanks to Cruise Critic, I can state why.  It's older, it's smaller, it vibrates in the aft.  It only has Prime 7 and Sette Mare for specialty restaurants.  Great... I'm forewarned and have made decisions accordingly.  For example we booked an E Category to get up forward of midships to avoid the vibration.  

So my point... cruising is all about "managing expectations."  If you expect that every meal will rival the finest 5 star restaurants, you'll be disappointed.  If you expect that there is some magical Camelot weather bubble around a cruise ship you'll be disappointed.  If you don't understand that ships are mechanical marvels that pitch and roll with the seas, and are thus subject to movement, vibrations, and occasional breakdowns, you'll likely be disappointed.   

So now my observations.  I know that the meals aren't always hits.  On Regent, simply send it back and ask for something else.  I know that issues can occur in a stateroom.  On Regent, simply let them know and they'll jump through every hoop available to make it right.  I know that mechanical breakdowns occur.  On Regent they'll do whatever they can, but safety will always take precedence.  I know weather can cause missed ports, etc.  On Regent they'll make every attempt to get to the port, but safety will always take precedent.  And alternative programs or ports will be provided.  I know that included shore excursions are generally large groups, but on Regent, at least in my limited experience, they'll generally not load a bus to capacity, and every attempt is made to make these enjoyable.  Always successful? No.  Mostly? Sure if you don't expect a private limo tour.  

Anyway,  what is really important is that when you try a new cruise line, it's incumbent upon you to research on these boards.  Y'all are a vast wealth of information as to what the reality of the expectation should be.  If you are armed with this information, you can go on a 44 night cruise and find that it can be, without a doubt, a wonderful experience.  You just need to know that all you have to do is ask and you can get Grey Goose.  

Papaflamingo: Absolutely the most reasoned, well-stated, cogent comments I’ve read about Regent, cruising and living life with your head screwed on straight.

Absolutely beautiful pix of ship. The USAToday post is wonderful. Thanks Kwaj girl for sharing. Leave for France on Tuesday, and now even more excited to be on Maiden Voyage.:)

TC, We have been hoping our paths would cross again on another voyage. Perhaps on Explorer next year. Our best to your DH. Looking forward to seeing Ray and Franc on Explorer along with other long-time Regent crew. Sadly, our favorite dining room manager, Gami, went over to Viking. The Regent family is what keeps us coming back and back.

Hear! Hear! I couldn't have expressed it better. We are thrilled to be a part of this unique experience and don't expect perfection. Looking forward to meeting RustyRollock and plan to be busy when the BMOC club gathers to complain.

Thanks for the photos. I love the new look.