FengShui@Sea

I know on Celebrity Solstice ships the angled balconies are coveted but if I was paying for an E Concierge cabin on the Explorer I would choose one of the deeper balconies.  They are wonderful!

I agree with SWFLAOK the weather would be quite chilly at that time of year.  Plus way too many ports (quantity over quality).  But that is just my preference, so not something I would every book. Sorry they had to cancel your Amazon sailing.  

Now I don't feel so bad.  Our $1,000 OBC was non-refundable and from these comments I wouldn't have been able to use it in the casino.  My understanding is any 'refundable' OBC will be credited back to the credit card you have on file at the end of the cruise.  I haven't had this 'problem' yet with Regent but would be interested to hear from anyone that still had a refundable credit at the end of the cruise.  

I sure wish I had know about this when we were on the Explorer in January, 2020.  We had $1,000 OBC from our travel agent and I struggled to find a way to spend it.  In the end I went to the shops and while I wear my Maui Jim sunglasses almost daily, the two sets of earrings, and designer evening bag I bought haven't seen the light of day since returning home.  In the meantime we 'donated' considerably to their casino coffers on that trip!

3 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Here in Florida, we tip at least 20%.  You can do it on plastic, or you can give the cash separately. Sometimes servers really appreciate the latter, sometimes it doesn't matter to them.

Not being from Florida I am wondering what you would (or would not) add when your bill has an automatic 18% 'service charge'?  I added about an extra 12% and she seemed thrilled.  But I really wondered is I was being scammed.

Our experience in downtown Miami last month was that most restaurants add 18% 'service charge' and then hand you the credit card machine with a screen asking if you want to add a tip.  Apparently the service charge doesn't all go to the server.  

9 hours ago, Fortunate2 said:

We prefer being more mid-floor rather than closer to the laundry, stairwell and elevators.  Currently booked for Suite 1109 on the Silver Muse, April 2023 Osaka to Seward trip.  

I had to do a double take because we booked 1109 for Tokyo to Seward in 2024.  At first I thought we were on the same sailing ~ in the same cabin!  😅  We decided against 1115 because of the proximity to those traffic areas.

I remember in years long past when, if it was a special occasion, you could ask to visit the cockpit of an airplane.  I assume that those days of presumed trust and security are gone forever.  Though we didn't realize it at the time those of us that remember those times.... were lucky to have lived in an age of innocence.  It makes me very nostalgic indeed.

Hi Coconutguy ~ some of our other roll call members will also be staying at the Miami East Hotel.  It looks pretty decent, and is right in the heart of the business district with lots of restaurants and shops.  Regent put us in the AKA Brickell hotel which is also pretty good.   Both are a step-down from the Four Seasons which is where Regent put us the last time.  But should be very comfortable for one night, and the price is right! 

I don't think they select the hotel based on the level of suite you are in.  Both the Miami East and the AKA Brickell are comparable.  I would prefer them over the Intercontinental which is a little out of the hub for restaurants, etc.

If you have stayed in Silver Suite #1115 on the Silver Muse, Moon, or Dawn I would love to hear your impressions.  It is next to the launderette, as well as a blank space that may be a storage or service closet?  My concern is if there is any noise from the surrounding area.  Alternatively, if you have information on Silver Suite #1109 it would be appreciated, as that is our alternative choice on a 16 night  transpacific sailing.

As someone who is fully vaccinated, as well as being a total germaphobe, and still managed to catch Covid19 I can tell you that while catching Covid likely won't kill you.... it makes for a pretty miserable 5 or 6 days.  And that is being ill in my own home with a huge ocean front balcony to enjoy.  I can't imaging being quarantined in a cruise ship cabin with meals being left at the door and no cabin service for five days.  My advice is be grateful if they have a mask mandate because regardless of vaccination status we are all still vulnerable for testing positive (with or without symptoms) and don't go on vacation to be locked up.

You will be most welcome wearing elegant 'casual' as described above.  Hubby and I love to have an occasion to dress up as we live in shorts, t-shirts, and sandals much of the year.  But on Formal Optional evenings Regent guests dress in a range of outfits and no judgements are cast, I can assure you.  Happy cruising!

1 hour ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

We are preparing to book our first Regent cruise and I am confused about the square footage listed for Superior and Concierge suites.  In one spot it is listed as 415; in another it is 332.  Can anyone shed light on which is correct?  I assume that one number is with the balcony and one not, but want to be sure.

 

According to Cruise Ship Deck Plans the cabin is 332 sq. ft. and the balcony is 83 sq. ft. total is 415 sq. ft.

We did a ten night sailing on the Explorer in late January 2020 (pre Covid) in a Concierge suite and it was virtually impossible to get additional specialty dining.  We went by the desk every day, didn't mind sharing a table, didn't mind what time and we were still shut out.  I will depend on how full the ship is, but my suspicion is that the 'butler' suites are given priority.  BTW, we will also be on the Splendor TA in April, and as mentioned above the Compass Rose dining room is excellent.  

5 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

On Mariner now....dancing tonite in Stars Lounge to a great duo post-show.  Enjoy!

I’m jealous!  

I sympathize with you about losing $300 for the hotel night.  If there is one thing that irks me it’s having to pay for a hotel that I don’t get to use.  

However, if it’s any consolation I think your wife made the right decision.  We recently came off of a 12 night cruise (with Oceania) and we were appalled at how reckless our fellow passengers were, from not using hand sanitizers when returning to the ship, to using the washroom without washing hands afterward, etc.  After our first port (Aruba) several tested positive, and days later several more after other ports.  Whether it was the reckless ones or just victims I don’t know, but we hadn’t had our booster yet (thanks Canada!) and felt very vulnerable.

Last Monday we returned from a 12 night cruise on the Oceania Riviera (1,200 pax) and the one thing that shocked me was just how many of the passenger took no precautions during the cruise.  We watched bus load after bus load of passengers return to the ship and at least 50% did not bother to use the two hand sanitizer stations at the end of the gangway prior to re boarding.  I think Oceania should have monitored this better.  And (big surprise!) several passengers tested positive in the following days.  Also, saw women use the ladies room, touch every handle, lock, etc and walk out without washing their hands.  Seems some people just don’t care.

We made final payment for the April 5, 2022 Splendor (B2B) in early November (it’s a 21 night sailing) and just received notice that the final payment was extended to 60 days prior to sailing.  However, if you have already made final payment they advised that the penalty  period doesn’t kick in until 60 days prior to sailing.  So we still have options, but with shore excursions, specialty dinners, flights and Venice hotels (non-refundable) already booked it won’t be us that pulls the plug!  

I also think you made the right decision, as painful as it was.   I too was one of the people with rose coloured glasses on yesterday, until I saw busloads of people returning in Barbados and no one from the cruise line insisting they sanitize their hands before re-boarding.  I estimate that less than 50% used the hand sanitizer stations at the end of the gangway, and today so many are out and about with 'colds'.  We are not boosted yet, so even with exercising every precaution I think we are quite vulnerable.   

15 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I'm glad you're feeling safe and having a good cruise.  But think about being one of those pa who tested positive?  That would not be a good experience, no matter how good Oceania's response was.

Absolutely.  For us it would mean moving from our 1,000 sq. ft. Oceania suite to a 240 sq. ft. 'isolation' cabin, having our meals left outside our door, and not having any cabin attendant visits for at least 5 days.  Having spent 3 nights in a quarantine hotel in Vancouver last May I know first hand how much that sucks.  

However, out of an abundance of caution we decided at the beginning of this 12 night cruise that we would not go ashore in any ports.  We often wear our masks even when it's not required, use new masks daily, and we disinfect our hands probably 30 times a day.  By contrast, from our balcony we were watching several bus loads of passengers return from their visit to Barbados yesterday, and at least 50% did not bother to sanitize their hands before stepping onto the gangway.  My favourite was one woman who 'pretended' to use the sanitizer but clearly hadn't.  WTH?  I think if fellow passengers were a little more considerate and diligent it would go a long way to help protect the rest of us.  But since they aren't all we can do is be super cautious.  

The CDC is acting like Chicken Little (“The sky is falling!”).  I think they just come out with these things to cover their own butts.  I feel safer cruising than going to my local grocery store.  We are on the Oceania Riviera right now and while we have had positive cases Oceania’s response has been immediate and responsible.  

Bill ~ I think that if your in-laws (they sound more like ‘out-laws’ 😅) don’t follow the mask mandate, etc. they may find themselves confined to their cabin, or at the very least socially shunned.  We are currently on the Oceania Riviera and yesterday sat outside (unmasked as allowed at a distance) a good 10 feet from a woman eating breakfast, who immediately gathered up her food and stomped off to another table.   🙈

After our first port of call (Aruba) there were “a number” of passengers with positive Covid tests.  There are close to 2000 people onboard including passengers and crew and the Captain said we are nearing 1% positive.  In Willemstad, Curaçao yesterday the authorities would not let us go ashore.  Oceania has cancelled our stop in Grenada today, so it’s an extra sea day which suits me just fine.  We decided at the beginning to stay on the ship rather than tour the ports out of an abundance of caution, and I think it was a good decision.

However, I have to say that we absolutely love being on the water again.  The food, the service, the fancy drinks are such a welcome relief after 23 months of not cruising.  We have a mask mandate at home so having it here is no different.  And I am grateful for the testing onboard for my own peace of mind.  We are scheduled to be on the Splendor on April 5, 2022 and won’t consider cancelling as long as we are healthy.  Fingers crossed the worldwide situation improves by then.

19 minutes ago, TomBeckCruise said:

We disembark on 4-5-22, and fly home at Noon.  The US now requires a viral test within one day of your flight. So we will need it on the ship the day before or as soon as we get off the ship.

 

I think this was effective today 12-6, but was announced on 12-2.   things seem to change and often.  I found nothing on the rssc website, but might have missed it.

 

Hopefully Regent will offer a test the day before.

 

Any thoughts?

 

 

 

We are in the same position with our Oceania cruise that disembarks in Miami on January 4, 2022.  Oceania advises that if tests are required they will conduct them free of charge in the timeframe required.  I have every faith that Regent will do the same, if that requirement is still in place in April. I wouldn't worry, you will be fine. 

During these 'Covid' times I am allowing extra days pre and post cruise for unexpected rule changes.  It has already saved a lot of stress for our December cruise.  Pre-cruise we fly to Miami from Panama and that extra day gave us the needed buffer for these new 'regulations'. 

Your dinner companion certainly was beautiful ~ lucky you!

I was curious about the number of times you have been able to dine in the specialty restaurants.  On our one and only Regent cruise we were allowed our one reservation in each restaurant and were not able to get a second reservation, even though we stopped by the desk and asked every day.  I am assuming that your access is tied to the level of suite you are in?  Would greatly appreciate if you could confirm this, or if I’m not correct please share your secret!  

7 hours ago, Anchorbuoy said:

You will get your new loyalty level the day that you board.  You do not need to wait until the exact day.  The cruise consultant onboard will assist getting your new credentials and benefits.  Generally, he/she has a list in advance of who needs to walked through the new level.

Thank you so much.  That was exactly the information I was looking for.  Greatly appreciated!