Navigator - Dec. 18 Mayan Jewels

[BBfromCA]

We are currently aboard the Navigator. I have done several cruises with Regent before, and it seems a few small things are not up to standard.

The cruise itself is going well, but we had filled out requests ahead of time asking for particular sodas in our suite and, although one finally showed up 2 days into the cruise (after asking about it several times), the other has yet to show up. They are "still looking for it".

We just booked our next cruise with the Cruise Consultant yesterday and then called down to the Destinations Desk to ask for a printout of the possible excursions (as excursions can begin to be booked while we are on this cruise). They gave us a "we can't do that" answer. We called Regent corporate from the ship, and it was e-mailed to us within 2 minutes.

We have a new butler. This is his first cruise. We are feel that having to train him. He really has no idea about several things.

Today, while out by the pool, one lady asked a pool attendant for a towel and he immediately got one for her. A minute later, another lady asked the same attendant for a towel and he told her "they are in the basket over there".

It is just those little things that seem to be slipping.

Not sure if others have noticed this recently.

[RachelG]

Bill, I am counting on you to get everything ship shape for when we embark on the 28th. Are you doing a back to back? The cruise on the 28th is apparently oversold, and they have made several offers to us to change. The problem is that my oldest son is at university, and this is the only cruise that fits his schedule at all.

[BBfromCA]

Rachael,

 

Yes, we are doing the back-to-back. I will do my best to have everyone in line by then. :)

[Hambagahle]

Suggest that if your butler continues to need educating, rather than waste valuable cruise time on staff training you simply go and see the GM and tell him that the butler needs training...

 

Enjoy the cruise. We are doing the same itinerary in January on Oceania's Riviera and I would be appreciative of any pointers regarding ports etc!!

[RachelG]

Well, bill, I guess I will have to do this cruise vicariously through your blog. Late last pm, we got an offer to cancel that would have been crazy to pass up. So we will not be joining you on the 28th. Instead we will be on a land trip in Puerto Rico. Even with the airline change fees, etc, we are coming out way ahead.

[BBfromCA]

Rachel,

I don't blame you for the change. You will be missed. Hopefully, we will meet on a future cruise.

[purpleally]

Bill, I am counting on you to get everything ship shape for when we embark on the 28th. Are you doing a back to back? The cruise on the 28th is apparently oversold, and they have made several offers to us to change. The problem is that my oldest son is at university, and this is the only cruise that fits his schedule at all.

 

Rachel, curious what kind of offers have you had? Our jan cruise is full and I'm wondering if offers may come my way. thnx

[RachelG]

Not sure how much I should say, as it was incredibly generous. But involved full refund of all money paid plus a future cruise credit that made it worthwhile and

too good to refuse.

Prior to that, we were offered several cruises to change to (which we couldn't do as our son has to go back to university) which also included offers of penthouse suites. Penthouse suites on navigator really aren't anything special as they are identical to regular suites, just have a butler. So those offers were no go. Also received an offer to apply our money paid to any future cruise, but since I don't have one picked out currently, I didn't want to tie up our cash that way.

[purpleally]

Not sure how much I should say, as it was incredibly generous. But involved full refund of all money paid plus a future cruise credit that made it worthwhile and

too good to refuse.

Prior to that, we were offered several cruises to change to (which we couldn't do as our son has to go back to university) which also included offers of penthouse suites. Penthouse suites on navigator really aren't anything special as they are identical to regular suites, just have a butler. So those offers were no go. Also received an offer to apply our money paid to any future cruise, but since I don't have one picked out currently, I didn't want to tie up our cash that way.

 

thanks, I understand not wanting to disclose all

I wouldn';t do it for a PH either, same size, no big deal

we went from 7 day window to 10 day verandah to the Jan one so it would have to be better than a PH for me

Enjoy your plan B trip!

[janisegn]

we were on this cruise too - we too, felt that the whole cruise was just a little "off" - the pool deck guys were great though and always brought our standard drinks before we'd even finished (hahaha! - some early evenings that may not have been such a good thing!) - and the restaurant crew were also amazing - Chimi in particular is such a joy to talk with! - but the food was just good (i know i know, that's just my opinion) - the included excursions we took were very good - guides, activities, etc - but the one excursion we paid for was TERRIBLE! - deep-sea fishing, no safety instructions, no life-jackets, not "deep-sea" at all - we requested a refund but no luck so far - this was a family vacation (with our 2 18 year olds) and they had a good time - we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on board (the 26th) and my husband had requested champagne for our dinner (but it never arrived, and we didn't ask again) -

 

all-in-all a very nice holiday cruise, but not our best Regent experience -

 

j

[BBfromCA]

We are still onboard. There are 51 kids on this leg. Having dinner this evening with Cruise Director Willie Aames.

As an update, we pretty much have the butler trained.

I never did receive my ordered sodas, not even on this leg. We did run to the store in Miami (between legs) and got some ourselves.

They also seem to have a problem with the "newspaper" printing machine. We have only received one paper in the first 12 days.

As janisegn mentioned, food has been very good. Prime 7 excellent as always.

Casino staff exceptional!

[RachelG]

Kind of missing you guys, but we are having fun in Puerto Rico. Though I did think the other day "sail away would be about now".

[RachelG]

Bill, I have been following your blog. And guess what? We were also at el yunque yesterday. Except I think we were probably leaving when you were arriving. We hiked to the top of el yunque, a nice hike but not difficult if you are agile. We definitely did get wet as it was pouring on top.