Pies4u

Agreed. Always makes me smile - people scrambling to save a few quid on booze (or ciggies) but then they'll spend a fortune in the bar!

 

Just give it a miss for a day & you'll save more than the duty you may, or may not, be avoiding.

Thanks, plenty of sound advice there.

 

However, the critical issue is the lack of courtesy and poor communication. It may transpire that pm is, in fact, more suitable in the end - but - it is the policy of unilaterally varying arrangements without consultation or explanation that concerns me the most. That is just very poor service IMO.

Just viewed my Regent account to check my excursion list - Regent have changed the timing of one without notice or confirmation.

 

Is it common practice for Regent to unilaterally change your (half day/4 hour) tour time from am to pm? I had this problem when they suddenly changed my flight from the UK to Barcelona - that was both the airport an the time. This has varied an am tour to a pm one. Same tour but at a time that it is not my particular choice/preference. I don't want to go on a tour at 13.30 thank you very much, I'll decide which option is suitable - generally the one I've booked and had confirmed!

 

The fact that they do this without advising you and that you find out accidentally seems incredible to me, almost beyond belief. I'll be on the phone tomorrow to find out what on Earth is going on but I'm getting a wee bit fed up of Regent even before I board for my first cruise next April, which can't be a good thing!

 

I'm guessing that there is over subscription for the am tour and they'd decided to shift some people - but intriguingly, when I booked it there was no option offered, unlike any other cruise line I've used before, it was 8.30 am or nothing. Where has the 13.30 option now sprung up from? If the 8.30 am tour is cancelled for some reason, which I very much doubt is the case, then tell me! To just be swapped with no word from anybody is an appalling lack of both courtesy and service in my view, rather like the variation in flight arrangements - which I swapped back to my original preference as soon as I found out.

 

Is this a regular feature of Regent's conduct? If it is, then it is pretty poor effort on their part and a practice that makes me wonder what they are going to do next and it is hardly designed to encourage me to want to re-book with them in the future.

I love the Winter Garden on the QM2. It would be a shame to loose it. :eek:

 

So do I. Sadly, it is much under utilised room and people wandering in with trays of food when you have found a quiet corner doesn't help! Using it as an extension to the Kings Court is a disaster imo.

 

It could be used as a casual/informal entertainment are during the evenings, when not a quiet bar area - properly resourced & staffed, of course.

 

The tea/coffee area is a good idea too.

Marvellous. Thank you.

I have posted 2 more photos of the "walk through" closet...one from each side.

The side with the 5 drawers and 4 cubbie holes (one which houses the safe) has about 3 feet of hanging space. The other side has about 4 feet of hanging space. Do note that there are no lower hanging bars that are in other suites.

The photos are posted along with the other suite photos on the September 23rd photo entry.

 

Terrific, many thanks.

 

Just to clarify, we will be in 8100 and you indicate that does not have the separate shower cubicle, just a "shower over" a bath tub?

 

Edit: I think the deck plan confirms what you were saying re: shower/bath - 8100 is a tub/shower combination.

 

Thanks again.

The whole suite looks amazing. I'm interested to know about the hanging space in the "walk through" wardrobe. Equally, you mentioned that 8100 has a separate shower cubicle and a small bath, I hadn't realised that.

 

Any more pics of the bedroom, wardrobe & bathroom area, plus that balcony, would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Additionally, extra thanks for posting better pictures of the suite than Regent have bothered to do on their website!

 

Despite the refurb being about 5 months ago they still have the old pics of the ship on the website, which is, pretty much, unforgivable. Desperately poor from a P R & marketing perspective.

Bill

Your pictures were wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to post them. Continue to have a great time on your cruise.

 

Agreed.

 

Bill - we are in an aft suite next April, Barcelona to Venice. I knew the decor & furniture had been upgraded but that looks amazing. The balcony will do for me, doubt I'll get my wife off that lounger! :)

Pies4u, firstly, I am dying to know if you are in the pie business -- love your CC name:-)

 

As I have posted on other threads, top officers set the tone for many cruises. The General Manager is particularly important in that regard. I'll use Franck Galzy as an example. He was promoted through the ranks and therefore is not only familiar with many jobs on Regent ships, he has known crew members for years and can relate to them. Since he has been on Regent for several years he understands the culture. If he walks by a crew member trying to fix something, he will stop to see if he can help. Nothing is below him. Crew members are happy when he is the GM on their cruise (and a happy crew translates into happy passengers.)

 

The Regent culture is something unique and important for officers to understand (don't want to keep saying IMO because everything is obviously my opinion). The GM needs to be accessible to guests. If there is a problem in your suite, he has to follow up to insure that the problem has been resolved (either by following up with the guest or the person that fixed the problem). He, along with other officers, make a point to have dinner with guests to learn more about them. The "family" feel on Regent is what they truly want to promote.

 

Obviously people sail for different reasons. Some stay on the ship and never leave during the cruise -- the ship is their destination. Others sit and play cards, crochet, read, drink at the pool bar all day, etc. Regardless of what reason people are on the ship, they are there to enjoy themselves -- however that looks. In any event, it's all good:)

 

To answer a question posted by Pies4u, we do not select a sailing based on officers. However, we do know that a cruise will be just a bit better if certain officers are on board.

 

P.S. minotaur: Thanks to your post I can now stop holding my breath about our upcoming cruise. Although we have not met Michael Coghlan, I could not be more thrilled that he will be on the Mariner until we get off of the ship.

 

Thanks for that TC2. I appreciate your perspective, you always offer a detailed/incisive view.

 

The beauty of cruising us, as you say, it can provide whatever experience you are looking for, within limits. "All things to all men", as it were.

 

However, I do still struggle with the concept that a particular manager does "x" whereas others may not, or that problems will get fixed more expediently if "Fred Bloggs" is on board because he's got longer service than someone else. Really - Is it all that fickle & subjective? That seems odd to me and would be a tad worrying tbh. Cabin staff have always sorted our problems out, regardless of who the officers were.

It intrigues me that people are fascinated, or even concerned, about which officers might be on board at any particular time. I couldn't care less and I have zeo desire to find out. It seems to mainly happen on some luxury lines, Regent in partic, & Cunard from what I can see.

 

I assume that they are all professional, vocationally trained and capable of carrying out their responsibilities. After that, what difference does it make, seriously, who cares?

 

I guess some folks like to mingle with the captain & officers and feel as tho' they are somehow "involved" or part & parcel of the cruise. I just don't get it, at all, not my thing I'm afraid. Each to their own but I do wonder why folks find it so critical & important.

 

I've experienced both good & questionable Maître D's, but it doesn't really affect my voyage. If the ship manages to get from origin to destination without any significant mishap then I reckon the Capt and his crew have done their job.

 

Been to a couple of Capt's receptions, wouldn't bother going to any more - some Capt's are amusing, most are eloquent but, quite frankly, I don't judge a ship or a cruise holiday on the Capt's performance with a microphone or by watching other people getting "prizes" for having been on more cruises & spent more money than the rest of us. That's all a bit "holiday camp" to me tbh. I get the "we are all part of the cruising fraternity" value, but it does get a bit OTT for my money.

 

Interested to know why the fascination re: officers - would it determine whether or not you actually booked a cruise, does the Capt, or other officers, determine which trip you might choose?

Glad to see irony is alive & well then!

 

Priceless.

Yes I am British but I thought this posting was insulting. We can all find things wrong with our respective countries but I do think it is not helpful or respectful to launch a tirade about he US immigration policy. I too think their policy on asking people to reveal arrests is OTT but I respect and understand why they want to know and it would not stop me visiting the country. Our own immigration policy is hardly something to be proud of. Obviously people on here have their own views but respect and curtesy should be observed.

 

 

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Cheers, that's your opinion. Mine just happens to be different. I see no lack of courtesy or respect. I have a specific & personal approach to a matter that was once a source of disappointment & frustration but now is one of strong principle and sense of natural justice. I offered a take on a thorny subject. Good job I don't get over sensitive about opinions with which I disagree. Freedom of thought & speech is another matter & debate for another day.

 

FWIW: I have nothing against US citizens, only met a relative few but they have been, without exception, wonderful people. As I said, I object to a policy and equally mistrust particular Gov'ts. I'll leave it at that.

Excellent advice. There have been several incidents recently involving Canadians being denied admission to the USA. This had nothing to do with criminal convictions. The Canadian government, in its wisdom, has been sharing information with US that have caught many Canadians by surprise.

 

Several people who are "known to the police" (you have to love that phrase :D) but not convicted of anything have been barred. Also, some people who many years ago presented themselves to hospital for mental health issues have been banned even though they are now deemed to be in good health. This has caused some controversy and there is pressure on our gov't. to stop giving so much personal information to the US. Of course, I don't know if the UK gov't. does this, but it would be worth looking into.

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother going to a country that has such ludicrous restrictions. It is one of the reasons that both Cunard and P&O, for example, include world cruises, amongst many others extended cruises, that don't go into USA territory. A high proportion of potential customers are restricted from travelling!

 

There are hundreds of thousands of Brits with criminal convictions, many for incredibly minor offences that were committed many years ago. Why those people would want to subject themselves to scrutiny and judgement from US officials is entirely a matter for them. Many, the vast majority I would strongly suspect, choose not to or some simply ignore the rules and actually get away with it most of the time.

 

As we believe that both my wife and myself would, almost certainly, require a visa to visit the USA, despite me doing that several times prior to their bonkers policy being introduced & also having never been arrested or held in custody, we have chosen to avoid the place like the plague! It is far too much hassle & expense to bother with.

 

There are plenty of interesting places to visit without kow-towing and ingratiating yourself to the whim of bureaucrats & perpetuating such a jaundiced and unjust process. To those with convictions or arrests who want to visit a country that treats potential paying guests that way and categorises a token fine over 25 years ago for a moving vehicle or petty public order offence alongside major crimes like murder, rape, drug trafficking & fraud etc - well, good luck to you. I already know 2 people who were refused a visa, one had a drink/driving conviction 20+ years ago (fine & driving ban, no imprisonment), the other was for an unconditional discharge for unlawful picketing during the miners' strike in the 80's! Both are retired, ex professional people, one having aspired to become a local councillor & served as a Magistrate!

 

I wouldn't want to set foot in the place nor waste my time, effort or money trying to obtain a visa in order to go to the USA. Sod 'em, I'll go somewhere else where common sense, justice, reasonableness and fairness prevail.

 

By the way, it us unlawful for the Uk Gov't or Police authorities to provide the USA with criminal record data unless it is on the prescribed list of activities that are monitored by Interpol. So, there is no way that US authorities should have any information on UK citizens who have not committed a major crime and/or are suspected of major criminal activity. How much confidence do you have in that? I would have none at all, wouldn't trust either Gov't to uphold that for one minute - so it isn't worth the risk if you really want to go there. Grovel for the visa & hope you get lucky.

I certainly agree with Cruachan that the forward decks (5,6,7 and 9) are the best spots, if they're open.

 

If they're closed then all the top deck places are likely to be very busy, but you could try the little raised area on top of the Yacht Club. It's high enough for you to see both sides. If you're in the Grills then the Terrace or the Upper Terrace are ideal. There's also the aft end of deck 9, around the pool or deck 10 just above it.

 

For a different perspective, and possibly the quietest area, try the promenade deck (deck 3). You'll be more on a level with the buildings rather than looking down on them.

 

Just to help get you in the mood

 

Have a great cruise. Regards, Colin.

 

Agred.

 

That's a great vid! Sailed out of Venice on QV - absolutely magical, there are insufficient words to describe it IMO.

You'll be fine.

 

Have to say,we've had a Q5 on deck 8, no problem at all. Rarely saw anyone overhead, you can sometimes hear voices but it's only at sailaways and lasts for a few moments. It is not a concern - you can hear your neighbours on any balcony anyway.

 

Only heard chairs being moved early once, not a problem either.

 

We prefer the elevated view - but all the suites are great and the balconies too.

Yes, that is the policy - guests are only allowed to book 1 meal in each restaurant in advance.

 

That has always been made clear to me ever since we booked the cruise, all the pre cruise info, admin & documentation that we have received is quite explicit about that. The cruise personaliser details advise the earliest date for booking and I'm pretty sure that also sets out the policy.

Who is James Taylor?

 

David.

 

 

Seriously?

 

One of the most famous and amazing singer/song writers of the 70's & 80's. Generally described as a mix of folk & light rock and or "easy listening" style.

 

You really haven't heard of James Taylor - Fire & Rain, Sweet Baby James etc etc - isn't he married to Carly Simon too? (Sorry, put Carole King first, senior moment,)

I'd say that it depends which other features matter to you, apart from the tours.

 

You will have an entirely different experience on each ship/line. If you like the benefits if a bigger ship, more deck space options & a variety of evening entertainment each day then Celebrity may be a great choice for the Med. If you reckon you'll be spending little time inside, more outside & on trips that also favours the larger ship IMO. Regent offer good dining options, but all very high end and less "casual" whereas Celebrity provide a far wider range dining options and venues.

 

We are trying Regent next year (in April, so weather may not be that good) because we want to try the smaller ship, lower guest numbers and enjoy the quality of service, cuisine and comfort/style of the facilities. We are less bothered about sun bathing on deck or using the pool, which we would generally do on a larger ship in the Med, because the ports of call and the ship itself are the main attractions this time.

 

The inclusivity of Regent is very appealing too. I'd avoid all incisive hotels on land because they seem to attract masses if beer swilling Brits who just "Hoover up" all the food & drink they can grab and then make a lot of noise! Regent clientele do seem to be a very different breed - luxury all inclusive is a far more attractive proposition.

It is no contest for us, second sitting is preferable. The disadvantage of later dining is offset by the longer daylight hours - on or off deck, the chance to prepare for dinner with in suite drinks and canapés & the chance to sit having a quiet drink after 10.30 almost anywhere on the ship.

P & O still have 2 shows per night, unlike some other lines, so you don't miss out by eating later.

Plus, you can keep quizzes for me, similarly sing-a-longs in the pub - don't like them at home so don't want to endure them at sea.

Certainly dined in suite in QG a few times. Dining on the balcony in

Istanbul being one of the most memorable occasions.

 

You can choose from the Grills menu, not sure how it works in Britannia tho'.

 

The room service menu is hopeless for any sort of celebration/special occasion tbh.

We were in the Grills on QV (last year) when this request was made, and it was a resounding NO. On another cruise, QG guests wanted their companions from PG to join them but it was only allowed after much persuasion, that the PG guests could dine in QG on a few lunch time occasions.

 

It makes sense really. We could all book one Britannia stateroom and one Grills, to do this. Sorry if it disappoints.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

I'm afraid there are too any people who would simply exploit and abuse the privilege if you could just imply invite others to dine with you at any time.

 

The sensible approach is as has been suggested. For a one off occasion, it should be possible to find an opportunity and the Maître D of QG should be able to assist, but it is unlikely you could make a habit of it. That simply would not be fair on those who have paid to dine there & would be impractical in any event.

 

Dining in suite with guests is feasible,not done it but know those who have. That is no problem.

About a month ago we finished a cruise on the MS Amsterdam. It was the perfect vacation except.... i hated the suit and tie on formal nights and the "smart casual" on other nights in the MDR. I wore a suit for a good portion of my career and hated it. My formal wear sits in plastic bags in the dark recesses of my closet. I find them, no matter how tailored they are, to be uncomfortable. And this world is getting Sooooo infested with rules of what others want you to do..... I just draw the line here.

 

Enough on that rant.

 

We are planning on going to England next year. I am also not a big fan of flying. Did that for 40 years.... Even as an USAF pilot. So I like trains now and maybe ships.

 

The question is .... Can I survive on the Queen Victoria if I am in my T shirt/ clean jeans/ and vest. That is my uniform of the day. Very comfortable. and its what I choose to wear. Can I eat at the Lido like this at all times? Are there other food venues that I can go to onboard. Will I be shot on site if I am walking the common areas of the ship during formal nights?

 

No Hissy Fits please.... Just the facts please.

 

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As per plenty of others have said - one simple question, why? This is just a wind up, surely?

I don't see that 2 parents taking a young child on a 3 month holiday at all controversial. I don't see that it is anyone's business other than the parents. The only advice sought was whether the TA was correct. All the sanctimonious responses are quite nauseating.

 

 

That's alright then! Sorted.

 

Good to see that, at least, irony is alive & well!

Rude? I could find that offensive. I may need counselling. :)

 

So, anyone expressing a concern for the welfare of a child on a 3 month + cruise - to all points of the compass, not a 7 day TA, and/or a different opinion to yours is rude to you?

 

Sorry, I thought it was a public forum and it is a fairly controversial topic that has prompted a lively debate.

 

The mind boggles. (Is that "rude" too?)

 

I'm being a tad facetious to illustrate the point. I disagree with a lot of stuff on here but I don't get all precious about it it start & accusing people of being rude if they make their point in an emphatic or strident manner.