Navigator - Live, June 8:SDYC Addict On First Regent Voyage

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I am happy to hear that i am not alone in being underwhelmed by Prime 7

Compass Rose was very good

 

 

Maybe it's Prime 7 on Navigator particularly? Guess I'll find out next season.

[kvisf]

We found Prime 7 on Navigator to have an odd and somewhat off-putting physical layout. It's quite small, perhaps a dozen tables, and four or five of them are lined up in a row in what amounts to a hallway. I believe this layout somewhat stresses the wait staff, and on a full ship I think the small size, along with the need to accommodate all passengers at least once, puts some pressure on them to turn the tables over. As it happened on our cruise on Navigator, we had two reservations in Prime 7 (the second was offered as a makeup gesture due to some minor unpleasantness with a "sommelier" who thought he knew more than we do about what kind of wine we like). On both occasions, the meal felt rushed.

 

We had no complaints at all about the food, but as a matter of personal preference, dining at a high-end steakhouse is something that would appeal perhaps once or twice a year. I had a steak and a veal chop, and both were high quality and cooked as requested. The DW had the dover sole on both occasions and liked it very much - it was beautifully presented and deboned tableside.

 

We will be on Mariner next month and I look forward to seeing how Prime 7 works on that ship. As I recall, if the old Latitudes space has not been reconfigured, it should allow for a more congenial arrangement of tables and perhaps a less stressed wait staff.

[frequent traveler]

Part 2 – Day 1.

 

After doing several laps around the jogging circuit, I have returned to Galileo. First, no Eggs Bennie for breakfast Jim. ZQ Vol and I went to La Verandah for breakfast where I snagged the last window side two top and did it come in handy at the end of the meal. We had our favorite type of waiter – for those of you from SD, think Silvio type. His name Adnan and he is from Bosnia, what a great personality. Typical breakfast buffet, but I did carry my own plate to the table. Omelet was just fine. And there is a super fast toaster. No grape jam or jelly, but the cherry is very good. I stayed away from the delectable pastries. At the end of breakfast I looked out and there was a school of dolphins – looked like 30 or more off to one side and behind the ship.They stayed with us for about 10 minutes. Later this morning as we made the right turn North, several of us saw two large dark grey somethings in the water without dorsal fins and much bigger than the dolphins, but I am not going to claim that they were whales. I hate to go inside for even a minute in case we encounter wildlife.

 

If I were to go the lecture I would probably learn a great deal about the wildlife, but unfortunately, I don’t think I could sit through a lecture without screaming or committing murder. The guest lecturer spoke on the PA as we left Vancouver last night and EVERY pause was filled with either an “umm” or “uh”. And every sentence ended with an “umm.” I’m sure she’s very knowledgeable, just not an effective speaker.

 

I haven’t mentioned our butler, Raj yet. He seems very very competent, but he has 11 cabins, up from 7. I think that’s an overload. Took 3 hrs yesterday to get some sparkling water to our cabin and during the day all room service has to go through the butler – for 11 cabins? Like SD, champagne in an ice bucket was waiting for us when we checked in. However, it was Bouvier. I requested and received the house substitute –Montaudon which was served on the SD II fall crossing (and which we objected to there and received a substitute!). Our cabin attendant, Mary Ann also seems very competent. Our cabin was not made up when we returned from breakfast, but was immaculate by 10:30. Haven’t received the requested daily paper yet, don’t know if its because we have a sea day. Will inquire. Dirty dishes from cheese plate were not removed until after 1 pm – turns out 9 of the 11 cabins Raj was assigned ordered room service breakfast and he had to deal with that. Apparently, cabin attendants don’t remove dirty dishes when cleaning the room.

 

And for dinner at Prime, it was about 50-50 for jackets v. non jackets for men. And of those who wore jackets, about 50% wore ties.

 

Rained earlier this morning but sun is trying to peak out now.

 

Other than a guest smoking on the Galileo deck and putting his ashes directly on the deck, haven’t seen anything that drives me crazy. But there’s still a long way to go. CTBJR, wireless Internet works and I’ve logged in to my office VPN, even in the remotes of the inner passage. We won’t talk about cost if you are not a high level Mariner Club or whatever the repeat guest level is but you can stay connected, so I don’t know what SD’s excuse is.

 

Will say, service can be a bit sporadic – sitting out at the Galileo deck after the bar opened a server walked past several times without taking a drink order – after he brought coffee to the table next to us, did not take away any empty glasses. This has happend more than once on Pool Deck also but iI know if I really want something I can always just go the bar.

 

Turned out I didn’t miss anything by not going to the lecturer. Must have been the same one others have discussed. A family from Philadelphia attended. Two walked out mid session. The mother stayed and as a result missed the whale sighting the rest of us saw. Mom indicated the lecturer was “self serving” and it was a waste of her time.

 

Ate lunch at the pool grill – didn’t want to go inside, however now we are in the open sea there is a bit more motion in the sea. Really good burger, cooked to order and thin fries. Irish coffee had a lot of Irish. I had to stop at one. Guests are starting to comment a bit on the seas and the movement, but its not rough, just more motion. Tomorrow is first excursion. I cleared my waitlist for a hike and canoe trip and ZQ Vol is doing a lumberjack show and something else.

 

ZQ Vol is going to a show tonight – Bib Band music, plus it’s the Captain’s reception. I’ll end up giving back more money in the casino – already got a good start today.

 

Apologies in advance for my murdering of the Queen's English and wrong references -- i.e. Lion's Gate Bridge. I'm sure I'll do more of this as we go along.

 

FT

[mimito4]

We had our favorite type of waiter – for those of you from SD, think Silvio type. His name Adnan and he is from Bosnia, what a great personality.

 

Will say, service can be a bit sporadic – sitting out at the Galileo deck after the bar opened a server walked past several times without taking a drink order – after he brought coffee to the table next to us, did not take away any empty glasses.

FT

 

You know I love me some Silvio from SeaDream! My favorite waiter on any line. Ever.

 

I must say that I was told by a TA that I should stick with my Crystal Alaskan cruise when I wanted to change to Regent. She specifically cited examples such as you just gave where plates, glasses not removed, and orders not taken. In other words, your glass got empty. She said, "otherwise Regent is quite good." Whatever that means.

 

I'm not deterred though. I don't need princess type service, but I do trust that the powers that be with Regent read such things and take note. Mission should be that they work towards becoming and staying the #1 luxury cruise line. Period. Double period.

 

Loving your reports, you lovely couple. Have a blast. And keep posting pictures. I love pictures.

[Island Cruiser]

I am enjoying your posts immensely. Keep em coming. And thanks. You can order eggs benedict for breakfast even if you don't see it on the menu. We have eggs benedict every other day when we cruise on Regent. That applies to Compass Rose and room service. (Room service orders are prepared in the same galley.)

[ctbjr1309]

ZQ Vol is doing a lumberjack show...

 

Is this as a participant or an observer?

[ctbjr1309]

CTBJR, wireless Internet works and I’ve logged in to my office VPN, even in the remotes of the inner passage. We won’t talk about cost if you are not a high level Mariner Club or whatever the repeat guest level is but you can stay connected, so I don’t know what SD’s excuse is.

 

Thanks for this info. It is a big mystery as to why SD can't do this. We're (well, actually I am) thinking about another crossing in a year or so but the thought of 12 days with (at best) spotty internet service is, as you know, a non-starter for me. At least they have nearly a year to sort this out but the trend certainly isn't promising.

 

Enjoying your reports and glad that you're having a great time. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[sindy1200]

Thanks so much for the detailed updates. My husband and I are taking this cruise on 8/10/11. We've not sailed Regent and I'm still trying to determine what sort of attire I need to pack for us. Not much on formal so hoping it's dressy casual everywhere but evening dining. Keep em coming, loving the reports.

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for this info. It is a big mystery as to why SD can't do this. We're (well, actually I am) thinking about another crossing in a year or so but the thought of 12 days with (at best) spotty internet service is, as you know, a non-starter for me. At least they have nearly a year to sort this out but the trend certainly isn't promising.

 

Enjoying your reports and glad that you're having a great time. Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

Alaska has VERY strict laws regarding the ships that enter their waters. Seabourn's "triplets" and many other small ships cannot meet those requirements. Any ship with the potential of poluting the waters is not welcome.

 

Members of the Seven Seas Society with over 21 days on Regent receive included internet. Internet service is quite slow and expensive on all cruise ships. We have done the Alaska itineraries twice. Both times there were black-out areas with no internet available. One area is on the way to and from Hubbard Glacier (and other glaciers -- depending upon itinerary).

[Thames476]

Part 2 – Day 1.

 

After doing several laps around the jogging circuit, I have returned to Galileo. First, no Eggs Bennie for breakfast Jim. ZQ Vol and I went to La Verandah for breakfast where I snagged the last window side two top and did it come in handy at the end of the meal. We had our favorite type of waiter – for those of you from SD, think Silvio type. His name Adnan and he is from Bosnia, what a great personality. Typical breakfast buffet, but I did carry my own plate to the table. Omelet was just fine. And there is a super fast toaster. No grape jam or jelly, but the cherry is very good. I stayed away from the delectable pastries. At the end of breakfast I looked out and there was a school of dolphins – looked like 30 or more off to one side and behind the ship.They stayed with us for about 10 minutes. Later this morning as we made the right turn North, several of us saw two large dark grey somethings in the water without dorsal fins and much bigger than the dolphins, but I am not going to claim that they were whales. I hate to go inside for even a minute in case we encounter wildlife.

 

If I were to go the lecture I would probably learn a great deal about the wildlife, but unfortunately, I don’t think I could sit through a lecture without screaming or committing murder. The guest lecturer spoke on the PA as we left Vancouver last night and EVERY pause was filled with either an “umm” or “uh”. And every sentence ended with an “umm.” I’m sure she’s very knowledgeable, just not an effective speaker.

 

I haven’t mentioned our butler, Raj yet. He seems very very competent, but he has 11 cabins, up from 7. I think that’s an overload. Took 3 hrs yesterday to get some sparkling water to our cabin and during the day all room service has to go through the butler – for 11 cabins? Like SD, champagne in an ice bucket was waiting for us when we checked in. However, it was Bouvier. I requested and received the house substitute –Montaudon which was served on the SD II fall crossing (and which we objected to there and received a substitute!). Our cabin attendant, Mary Ann also seems very competent. Our cabin was not made up when we returned from breakfast, but was immaculate by 10:30. Haven’t received the requested daily paper yet, don’t know if its because we have a sea day. Will inquire. Dirty dishes from cheese plate were not removed until after 1 pm – turns out 9 of the 11 cabins Raj was assigned ordered room service breakfast and he had to deal with that. Apparently, cabin attendants don’t remove dirty dishes when cleaning the room.

 

And for dinner at Prime, it was about 50-50 for jackets v. non jackets for men. And of those who wore jackets, about 50% wore ties.

 

Rained earlier this morning but sun is trying to peak out now.

 

Other than a guest smoking on the Galileo deck and putting his ashes directly on the deck, haven’t seen anything that drives me crazy. But there’s still a long way to go. CTBJR, wireless Internet works and I’ve logged in to my office VPN, even in the remotes of the inner passage. We won’t talk about cost if you are not a high level Mariner Club or whatever the repeat guest level is but you can stay connected, so I don’t know what SD’s excuse is.

 

Will say, service can be a bit sporadic – sitting out at the Galileo deck after the bar opened a server walked past several times without taking a drink order – after he brought coffee to the table next to us, did not take away any empty glasses. This has happend more than once on Pool Deck also but iI know if I really want something I can always just go the bar.

 

Turned out I didn’t miss anything by not going to the lecturer. Must have been the same one others have discussed. A family from Philadelphia attended. Two walked out mid session. The mother stayed and as a result missed the whale sighting the rest of us saw. Mom indicated the lecturer was “self serving” and it was a waste of her time.

 

Ate lunch at the pool grill – didn’t want to go inside, however now we are in the open sea there is a bit more motion in the sea. Really good burger, cooked to order and thin fries. Irish coffee had a lot of Irish. I had to stop at one. Guests are starting to comment a bit on the seas and the movement, but its not rough, just more motion. Tomorrow is first excursion. I cleared my waitlist for a hike and canoe trip and ZQ Vol is doing a lumberjack show and something else.

 

ZQ Vol is going to a show tonight – Bib Band music, plus it’s the Captain’s reception. I’ll end up giving back more money in the casino – already got a good start today.

 

Apologies in advance for my murdering of the Queen's English and wrong references -- i.e. Lion's Gate Bridge. I'm sure I'll do more of this as we go along.

 

FT

 

Was in cabin 1113 last week (6/01/- 6/8 ) had Raj and Mary Ann they were terrific ..the first day is always hectic but it gets better and better!!

[cwn]

Part 2 – Day 1.

........I went to La Verandah for breakfast where I snagged the last window side two top and did it come in handy at the end of the meal. We had our favorite type of waiter – for those of you from SD, think Silvio type. His name Adnan and he is from Bosnia, what a great personality...... FT

 

 

Totally agre that Adnan is a great waiter! After we were seated at his table on the Mariner in Compass Rose this past winter, we asked to be seated in his area for the next two months...He is outstanding! After he got to know us a little, he make excellant suggestions based on our taste and did extra things to make our dinners even better.

 

He went to the Navigator to be with his girl friend. Try to sit in his area at Dinner....

[frequent traveler]

Part 3 – Day 1

 

More odds and ends. First, when we did ultimately get to our cabin on Wednesday – all our excursion tickets were in an envelope in our cabin – so notwithstanding my fears, no waiting in line in the lounge as mentioned in other threads.

 

However, my first irritant factor with Regent arose today – arrived back at our cabin and found the disembarkation form. One option is if you haven’t already booked it, you can book the train from Seward to Anchorage – at $149. 00 per person, whereas booking it in advance with Regent, I paid $179.00 per person. You’d think waiting until the last minute, there would be a premium? I guess not. So I went to the excursion desk and very politely asked if this was correct. The gentlemen working the desk first asked me where I was from – while I didn’t understand, his first explanation was that perhaps I had paid in currency other than USD. Then his second explanation was that since I had not gotten air from Regent, perhaps I was being charged a different price for the train ride (and that rationale is?). When I pointed out that the form didn’t require that anyone have purchased air to get the $149 price, he made a copy of my final payment form showing the $179 price and indicated that he would investigate. So we will wait and see the result of his “investigation”.

 

Was gently chided by our butler for not preordering appetizers by 11:30 so he brought us crab claws this pm. I gently responded that since I had attended afternoon tea I really didn’t need yet more food! Definitely recommend the scones and clotted cream.

 

Could have attended bingo (for $12 per card), some sort of seminar on how to prevent wrinkles via use of oxygen at the Spa, or Trivia today, but for those of you who know me – why break my rule against organized on board activity? Didn’t do a darn thing this afternoon and loved it. Just more whales and dolphins. Have seen both killer and orcas. Coool!

 

Back into Crackberry Service area. Actually had some one from the other side try to set up a conference call with 1 hour notice – ha! Ha! What part of me being in Alaska don’t they get? Wonder if the Rain Forest Canoe and Hiking Expedition is out of range.

 

Don’t worry about dressing for dinner unless you want to. Resort Casual is fine, even in Prime 7. But I am very glad I brought the gloves (my leather driving gloves have been useful on deck). I haven’t resorted to the full fur lined boots that I’ve seen on others, or the full length fur coat – it was 53 today after all (Oh, I don’t own fake or real fur lined anything – living in the South, just not needed) but I also didn’t jump in the hot tub when invited earlier today. My response to the 20 something – I’m not brave enough, stupid enough or drunk enough.

 

Never saw green pool water before. I’m glad its too cold to think about getting in . . .otherwise I’d have to wonder why.

 

Its 9:15 and the clocks are moving back an hour – looks like it should be 3 pm – bright daylight.

 

Dinner was at Compass Rose. Very good service. Had mussels (a SD first day tradition), mushroom soup, and lobster. Finished with champagne sorbet. Have to say, SD wins on the mussels. Regent and SD mushroom soup are equal in taste, but since Regent ‘s soup was no salt added, it gets my vote. Love the Compass room décor – with the gold and white, did not get a bit claustrophobic. Lobster was perfectly prepared, but personally didn’t care for the sauce. Regent’s petit fours were lacking – dry and tasteless. SD wins hands down. Love the Regent lack of “presentation”. Meal moved quickly from course to course.

 

OMG – do I want to revisit the Electric Slide – just learned I can do that at 11:00. Don’t think I want to revisit that part of my past.

 

CTBJR, ZQ Vol is only attending the Lumberjack show, but who knows, if they ask for volunteers, he does like power tools!

 

Back to giving back more of my winnings to the casino.

 

FT

[Travelcat2]

Sounds like you are really enjoying yourself and the weather is cooperating! I've always found it odd that disembarkation paperwork arrives so soon after you embark. Looking forward to your next chapter.

[Jim Avery]

FT. Thanks for such good reporting. We are enjoying your voyage too. I used to run a ship up there for a couple of years and I was always fascinated by the never ending panorama outside the bridge windows. Especially loved watching the Bald Eagles hunt. Keep those cards & letters coming.:D Hey, any kids on board, Ms. Kid Magnet??:eek: Might explain the green pool.

[zqvol]

Just docked in Ketchikan. Lovely port village, with a back drop of snow covered mountains. Hihg today is supposed to be mid 40s maybe close to 50. We have 4 hours to explore before our excursions.

 

BTW for those interested, ship board wifi, is almost DSL speed, nothing slow about it at all. Very similar speed to what we had on SD in the Med last year. Certainly fast enough that for the most part there is no wait for pages to load, even some that are notorious for slowness. Unfortunately, just like at hom elarge pics take forever to upload so pictures will be added after we return home, or when I get to a wired connection.

 

More later.

 

ZQ

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Good news about the internet speed. I guess that's because it's Alaska, and you're fairly close to shore. Sure hasn't been that way for us in various places in the past on Regent cruises.

[frequent traveler]

Day 2-

 

Gave back quite a bit of my winnings to the casino last night – going for the big big prize on the slot machines. Was not successful, but a woman behind won $1,000 on video poker. I’m still ahead though.

 

ZQ Vol has pointed out a typo in an earlier post – our cabins weren’t ready until 3:15 – not 2:15 on the first day. Probably not a typo – just too much champagne while waiting for the cabin!

 

Jim, while we’ve seen a few children on board occasionally, not an issue at all. Frankly, better behaved than some of the adult passengers on SD. As an aside please forgive the lag on responding to questions. I type a bit in downtown, then go on line to post and don’t read CC until after due to cost of each minute on line (think paying for my convertible is cheaper!),

 

Spent the day in Ketchikan. Woke up before we started sailing in towards the harbour. I am a non-sailor, so please forgive my nautical errors. Quaint rural area. Learned it only has 14,000 full time residents. I was a bit grumpy that my excursion didn’t start until 10:55 (as opposed to the 8:00 tour) however, it was pouring at 8 and the later start allowed us to walk the town and do some serious shopping (and I mean serious) before heading off. It also was the best way to avoid the crowds – there were 3 other ships there besides us when we arrived – two HAL ships and the NCL Pearl. Later a Celebrity and another HAL ship arrived after one HAL ship left. .

 

Since our cabin is right next to the entrance to the bridge –the flying bridge is maybe 15 feet from our balcony. So we got to watch the captain seamlessly park the ship. He and the first officer must have communicated telepathically because I don’t think we saw them speak a single word. Currently, we are waiting for “take off” to leave the port and the whole gang is gathered again.

 

If you have forgotten outerwear - I recommend Tongass Trading – the 2nd floor of the location on the same side of the street where the ships dock has a great selection. My SD windbreaker is great for touring, but not so good for canoeing – keeps the heat in, so I found a great North Face windbreaker and a pair of Columbia hiking pants (left mine at home – so far those and some toiletries that I replaced in Vancouver are the only omissions). Also snagged a great Columbia sweater at half price at the 2nd Tongass location across the street.

 

My excursion – Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail, was nice – canoeing at a glacier formed lake and a walk through the rainforest. It was rated 3 stars in difficulty. – which is supposedly “most active tours” – my rating is this excursion is only physically difficult if you are a corpse. So don’t expect this to be your work out for the day. However the guides are very informative and it was a good excursion.

 

If you are going to do the Misty Fords Seaplane – you can book it cheaper at the Information Booth right where you disembark -- $175 per person v. Regent’s $199 per person. All the tour companies have their shops set up right inside.

 

ZQ Vol went to the Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show. He liked the Totems and presentation by the Tribe. However the lumberjack show was “hokie” and waste of an hour of his time.

 

Earlier, we wandered Creek Street (the street where all the bordellos were contained as of 1903. Some nice shopping and you can also take a tour of the last madam’s house (can’t remember her name, but there is some very interesting stuff there – not sure if I can post on CC!)

 

If you are going to ever eat a meal off ship – go the Annabelle’s – on Front Street in the Gilmore Hotel. Don’t order the clams – they were fine but boring. But do order the clam chowder and the crab cake sandwich. Worthy of 10 stars on a 5 star scale. Seriously, the best I can remember. Crab cake had no filler – just crab and seasoning. Clam chowder was so chunky, I ate my share with a fork. And home made bread was worth blowing my carb count for the year. I just regret not having the halibut tacos. Good amber beer on draft – just don’t remember the name.

 

On our way to Juneau and tomorrow is the Tracy Arm Expedition.

 

FT

[tallship]

We liked the Tongass store as well. Bought my warm socks there

Look forward to hearing about your next stop

[Travelcat2]

You have definitely discovered the secret of Alaska -- purchasing outer wear. We still have our jackets (waterproof with super deep pockets) that we paid $20 for in 2008 and were the same price in 2010).

 

In terms of rating the excursions in terms of difficulty, you need to consider the "typical" Regent passenger who is over 50 (except on Alaska cruises).

 

Will be interested to hear your comments on Tracy Arm. We did Tracy Arm on the Navigator (rather than on a small boat). This is only done on the longer itineraries. We loved it. . . . but found Hubbard glacier dramatically better.

 

Looking forward to next episode.

[whatnot]

Thanks FT for your very detailed reports. I'm taking notes of course, so I can be ready for our Regent Alaska cruise in June 2012. Sounds like it's probably colder than I thought! So far from your reports, I think another Sea Dream addict can probably be happy with Regent. I'm looking forward to reading more!

[mimito4]

Not the least bit surprised that I am loving your posts, FT & ZQ Vol!! Keep 'em coming. Big thanks for the time (and expense) to keep us updated. You guys rock. :D

[jhp]

Me too, mimito4, for both. I just love going to Alaska again and again. Always nice to hear the perspective of one more cruiser. How I hope you will have a good day on Tracy Arm excursion tomorrow!

[frequent traveler]

Will post tomorrow bur regent hard core please be advised. Dinner was a disaster tonight. I am sure I will be flamed by the faithful but due to health reasons if you have food allergies don't trust your waiter. Question everything two or three times

FT

[NCCruzQueen]

Will post tomorrow bur regent hard core please be advised. Dinner was a disaster tonight. I am sure I will be flamed by the faithful but due to health reasons if you have food allergies don't trust your waiter. Question everything two or three times. FT

 

FT, So sorry to hear about your allergic reaction. Hope you are OK and on the mend today. As an over 200 night cruiser on RSSC, I have experienced some nights when none of the items on the menu just sounded right.

 

On SS, I had a reaction to escargot that I had never had before. I was out of commission for a day or two. That's how shellfish can be. One day you are fine, the next you blow up like a blowfish. No more snails for me!!

[OrpingtonT]

On SS, I had a reaction to escargot that I had never had before. I was out of commission for a day or two. That's how shellfish can be. One day you are fine, the next you blow up like a blowfish. No more snails for me!!

 

:confused: Sorry? Snails, shellfish?:confused: