Random Notes, Navigator, SF-Vancouver LIVE

[Travelcat2]

Also wishing Tallship a wonderful cruise and a safe journey to Vancouver. Looking forward to hearing more from the Navigator next week:)

 

count florida: it is great to hear that you're back on Regent!! It did take them a while to get organized after Apollo purchased Regent five years ago. That is pretty normal in that type of situation. I also am pleased that Regent is going to build the new ship -- looking forward to the announcement (sorry -- can't reveal my source).

[count florida]

I now have it on good authority that Apollo has authorized PCH to negotiate for a newly built ship for Regent, to be named the Seven Seas Explorer. And, in good journalistic fashion, I've now gotten conformation (in fact twice-see Mr. Rumor above) from two independent sources, so I feel extra confident in posting this. However, I'm not at liberty to reveal sources, except as published here.

 

I understand the ship builder will be the same one that built the Navigator (something like Fincantieri{sp?}), that the ship will be just under 800' long and just over 100' wide, and will carry +/- 700s passengers (770-790), with a number of single suites and perhaps 4 specialty restaurants. Due out in mid-late 2015, but could not get even a hint whether (or not) there will be a complementary shakedown cruise for guests as was offered for both Mariner and Voyager.

 

Mr. Rumor interprets the reply from his source as starting in late 2015; I interpret it, based on my earlier information and confirmation as being completed then. Starting later this year gives a good bit more than 18 months for completion, and that's my bet. But I also understand that negotiations are still underway, and until they are complete, nothing is sure. Personally, I look forward to an excellent new ship in late 2015. BRAVO!

 

A future cruise certificate is a written agreement and $1,000. deposit (per person) you put down, allowing you to get on-board booking credit on one cruise to be booked within two years, but not yet selected. Fully refundable during that period (but forfeited if you let it expire unused, so be careful) and non-transferable - once you do pick a cruise, that's it; the on-board booking credit is non-transferable. Something new; it's the first time we’ve used one, and it's smart from both sides: Regent doesn't get rooms that never will be sailed in tied up, and you don't have to make up a long-distant cruise you probably won't want in order to take advantage of an on-board booking credit, plus typically, you’ll have a little more time to find something to your liking.

[Mr Rumor]

Looking at my notes, I see it is very possible I misunderstood my Italian acquaintance, and that he meant "end of 2015" as the delivery date for the new Regent build and not the time that construction will begin. If so, this is indeed exciting. I wonder if Viking's move into ocean cruising next year had anything to do with Apollo finally green-lighting a new Regent ship.

 

The weather has been comparatively balmy today, and, for the first time the Pool Deck was jammed for lunch ("Seafood Extravaganza"). The fresh salmon in pastry was superb.

 

Terry had her last talk today, centered on the story of Ripple Rock, a notorious rock that was a menace to ships passing through the Seymour Narrows before it was blown to smithereens in a massive 1958 detonation involving 2,678,000 pounds

[debijaynes]

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this thread--we just booked the August 21 version today! Are very much looking forward to getting back on our private yacht!

 

I would like to add though that on our March 22 cruise service in Compass Rose was very good. We do eat early-- but always thought that service was timely without being rushed.

[Mr Rumor]

Thanks for the nice words, debijaynes. It has been fun except when a attempted post suddenly goes poof, or a portion goes missing, like above. That's 2,678,000 pounds of explosives. Terry's talk was accompanied by a period documentary produced by the DuPont Explosives Department, Canada.

 

Afterwards, Terry and the captain signed copies of her book, "Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska's Inside Passage" outside the Boutique. I was surprised to see that the book was published be an Albuquerque company, and asked her about that. "Oh, that's me," she replied, explaining that she has had a Land of Enchantment address just 60 miles south of us for more than twenty years.

 

We have a fun double bill to look forward to tonight, the Captain's Farewell and Krew Kapers, followed, after dinner, by Beatles Dance Party in Galileo's Lounge. but right now the star attraction is the Inside Passage. We're due to enter it shortly.

[purpleally]

 

 

 

 

Our initial experience with wait staff in both Sette Mari and room service was so stiff and unfriendly that my DW, who rarely complains, wrote it up in the mid-cruise comment. The very next day, Dining Room Manager Franco called to get the details and to apologize. Since then, it's been all smiles and much friendlier wait staff - he must have had an impression on all of them, because the attitude is much better in all venues. Franco Lampis, who joined the Navigator in San Francisco, is the dean of Regent's dining room managers and in our experience, likely the best afloat.

 

.

 

I had the same experience. Wrote about it mid review, phone call next day and WOW what a difference!!!!

[purpleally]

Just got done with krew kapers, what a great show! As we were leaving ALL the officers and key staff were lined up applauding us as we left!

 

Staying in tonight for dinner because I do not want to miss any of the scenary as we go thru the narrows. Nice day today, pool was packed at lunch--great seafood lunch!

 

Went on the float plane to george inlet crab feast yesterday--wonderful!!!

Beautiful, we had a private room and the food was so good-I seriously could not stop eating which became a problem at dinner last night. Poor staff, they thought the food wasn't any good. No way, I just couldn't eat another bite.

 

Went to spinning today and then finished and started another book, Did get some time outside walking. Did not see Orcas as promised but did see dolphins.

 

Today we received our luggage tags and surveys so that must mean this is all coming to an end :(

 

We did book LA to Papettee but that is 17 months away; surely something will pop up before then???!!!

[Travelcat2]

Just got done with krew kapers, what a great show! As we were leaving ALL the officers and key staff were lined up applauding us as we left!

 

Staying in tonight for dinner because I do not want to miss any of the scenary as we go thru the narrows. Nice day today, pool was packed at lunch--great seafood lunch!

 

Went on the float plane to george inlet crab feast yesterday--wonderful!!!

Beautiful, we had a private room and the food was so good-I seriously could not stop eating which became a problem at dinner last night. Poor staff, they thought the food wasn't any good. No way, I just couldn't eat another bite.

 

Went to spinning today and then finished and started another book, Did get some time outside walking. Did not see Orcas as promised but did see dolphins.

 

Today we received our luggage tags and surveys so that must mean this is all coming to an end :(

 

We did book LA to Papettee but that is 17 months away; surely something will pop up before then???!!!

 

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the George Inlet Crab Feast by float plane. It was by far our favorite excursion in Alaska (well, to be fair, it was our second trip to the area). You probably noticed that the "included" excursion arrived by boat and were not in the private room that you were in. It was the best crab we have ever had.

 

Thanks to you and everyone else that has posted. We love to relive the experiences on the San Francisco to Vancouver itinerary:D

[Mr Rumor]

Posting time is at a premium the last day of a cruise, so I thought I'd grab a few minutes before breakfast to share some notes.

 

It was comparatively balmy yesterday, so, for the first day on the cruise, the Pool Deck was really hopping at lunch. Fresh salmon in pastry was superb.

 

We're so used to the Mariner's Krew Kapers show, having seen it several times, that I was pleasantly surprised to see Navigator's take on this crowd favorite, with more folk dancing. Some of the KK standards remained, such as the "Y.M.C.A." Great time.

 

Dinner at Compass Rose was, again, excellent, with the only failure being a gristly lobster. Beef Wellington, however, was outstanding, the best I've had on a Regent cruise. The wonderful Putu served us again--we made sure of that by rushing over to CR from the Seven Seas Lounge. For us, Compass Rose, is the winner, hands-down, in the Navigator dining sweepstakes this cruise. Unlike purpleally's and count florida's experience, we did not find Sette Mari service improving. In fact it bottomed out for us on May 19, as detailed in an earlier post. Last night, as we were concluding dinner, I was able to detail the isses as we see them in Sette Mari for Dining Room Manager Franco Lampis. Pro that he is, he received them graciously and promised immediate action. I made sure to let him know, too, how much we have enjoyed CR and Putu.

 

A great moment towards the end of dinner, as we were navigating Seymour Narrows: several porpoises decided to playfully escort us through. A few of us watched from two CR windows.

 

The Beatles bash in Galileo's Lounge was great fun! CD Lorraine, and lead singers Drew Pournelle and Hannah Rushton handled the vocals, backed by a Fab Four contingent (bass, drums, guitar, keyboards) from the Regent Signature Orchestra. The dance floor was packed for most of the hour, with the dancers rocking out amongst us.

 

We have found our CD, the warm, boundlessly enthusiastic Lorraine Weimerskirch, to be terrific. She has worked for Regent for years, so it was a small wonder I hadn't heard of her. We know her well now, and consider her the best of the Regent CDs we've sailed with.

 

We're just an hour or so away from docking in Victoria. Looking forward to our Butchart Gardens tour. Was at the Gardens once before, on the very end of my Royal Viking Star contract, way back in June of 1977, and still recall the beauty of Butchart.

 

Rich

[Mr Rumor]

Double post. "Connection was Reset"

[BBfromCA]

Rich,

 

Thank you for the postings. We are doing the final Alaska cruise of the season and staying on through to Montreal. We also look forward to meeting you on the Mariner next year from LA (we stay through to Auckland).

 

Bill and Matt

[krm55]

I have enjoyed your postings also. We did that trip 2 years ago, this year we will be on the reverse sailing on Aug 21st, Van - San Fran. Safe trip home.

[Mr Rumor]

Our Butchart Gardens Floral Adventure was a lovely, easygoing three and a half hour coda to our cruise. We knew Butchart would be magnificent, but it was a nice bonus to have such a great guide/bus driver as Roland, whose stories about the Butchart family, among other topics, kept us entertained on the thirty minute drive to and fro. Among his best lines, this pungent nine word description of Victoria: "Home to flower beds, newlyweds and the almost dead." (Because of its mild climate, Victoria is popular with retirees.)

 

It was too early to appreciate the Butchart Rose Garden, but the fantastic in-bloom Japanese and Sunken gardens more than made up for the scarcity of rose blooms. The overcast weather (it sprinkled towards the end of our visit) played into our hands today as an aid to our close-up photography.

 

After returning to the ship at about 12:30 we hot-footed it up to the Pool Deck where we enjoyed lunch under one of the heat lamps with Bob and Kim, our neighbors in 600. We then returned to the room to take care of the rest of our packing. As I was leaving to walk over the the computer room to do this final shipboard post, Ginny proclaimed, "This has been a fabulous cruise." I agree! Yep, we didn't get to really appreciate Hubbard Glacier, and we got pretty wet in Sitka, but we had some outstanding experiences ashore as well, and each day we got to return to a beautiful ship and enjoy our fellow passengers, genial crew/staff, excellent food and entertainment. What isn't fabulous about that?

 

I doubt I'll be able to post again before the 11 p.m. internet cut-off time, so I'll say ciao for now. We have a 1 p.m. flight out tomorrow, but won't make it back home until late Wednesday night. As soon as I gather myself, I'll do a wrap up post or two. I find myself already looking forward to Tina's (tallship's) account of Navigator 2013 Alaska cruise No. 2.

 

Rich

[RachelG]

Really enjoyed your posts.

 

Didn't get to appreciate Hubbard glacier? Well you will just have to do it again.

[Travelcat2]

Safe travels!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Oh phooey, it's over? That's not fair! I agree that you'll have to do a do-over for the Hubbard.

 

We had a great time at Butchart Gardens too, tulips were out and weather was lovely.

 

Bon voyage, Tina!

[Mr Rumor]

Thanks for the thanks, and safe-travel wishes. Would definitely like to do another Alaska cruise, with Hubbard as a main event!

 

Had to slip in one more post, as I got confirmation from another source this afternoon that a new Regent ship will indeed be plying the waters by late 2015. Also, don't know if this has been reported yet: There will be two new Oceania builds, on top of Oceania reintroducing the Insignia to its fleet next year (it had been leased to Hapag-Lloyd for two years). Looks to me like PCH is not planning to take the arrival of the Vikings (Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Star and its sister ships to come) sitting down. Finally, I heard the prediction that within three years Regent and Oceania will be merged. Now if only I had a little more time onboard to follow up on these tidbits. . .

 

Finally, I can give an upbeat report on the Captain. He looks well and has been enjoying the company of his son and daughter in law on this cruise. As others have reported he is beloved by the crew and staff. One who interacts with him regularly addresses him as "Grandpa." I was told that the Captain has been a permanent Regent resident for eight years.

 

That's all, folks, for now!

 

Rich

[RachelG]

Glad to hear that "the captain" is well.

 

The merger thing and Oceania new builds are big news. Will be interested to see how that plays out!

[purpleally]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the George Inlet Crab Feast by float plane. It was by far our favorite excursion in Alaska (well, to be fair, it was our second trip to the area). You probably noticed that the "included" excursion arrived by boat and were not in the private room that you were in. It was the best crab we have ever had.

 

Thanks to you and everyone else that has posted. We love to relive the experiences on the San Francisco to Vancouver itinerary:D

 

its because of your posts that we chose the float plane--thanks!!!

[purpleally]

Not much time to post since I have to go get my last martini from Roxanna...what a great cruise. I too hope to do a recap when I can get near the internet and some time. We are staying in Vancouver for two nights and then when I get home going up north with my sister but

 

WHAT A GREAT CRUISE!!!!!

[OrpingtonT]

I am so sad it is all over for you Mr Rumor and purpleally, at least for now. Safe travels and now, go, Tina, go!

[Gemlea]

Mr Rumor, purpleally & Count Florida - thank you so much for taking the time to write about your travels and experiences on this cruise. We couldn't go ourselves, but the next best thing was to hear first hand of your adventures. We fully intend to try again for May 2014, and as newbies to Regent, your comments will help us greatly. Count Florida - enjoy your Rocky Mountaineer experience - safe travels everyone.

Sandra

[Mr Rumor]

Thanks again for all the nice comments (you, too, pingpong1--I just saw your post on Tina's thread). Sandra (Gemlea), glad you enjoyed the thread and hope the second booking (May, 2014 SF-Vancouver) is the charm for you and your husband.

 

I mentioned that we took our daughter with us on this cruise. I didn't mention that Shauna has Down Syndrome. She has touched many hearts in her 31 years, and, judging by the wonderful response she received from our fellow passengers and the crew and staff, she touched many Regent hearts as well. Shauna lives to find the joy in each day, doesn't sweat the small stuff, is patient and kind, and is incapable of holding a grudge. I wish I were that advanced. (I also wish, like Shauna, I could look half my age! And she's only four feet six inches.)

 

Shauna had a great time on the cruise, especially enjoying the Jean Ann Ryan productions, the boat tours, and the bus rides. We'd like to take her on another one, and will be looking soon at possible itineraries. So, some of you may cross paths with her in the future on the Pool Deck, or dance floor. If you do, please be sure to say hi. She would love that.

 

Rich

 

Shauna is also spontaneous. She was the first passenger to spring out of her seat and shake a leg at the Beatles dance party in the Galileo Lounge. I think she surprised some of the dance troupe and fellow passengers with her cool moves!

 

 

A new Regent friend, Ed, donated some of his Regent Reward Cards so that Shauna could go on a shopping spree at the prize redemption in Stars Lounge. Here, with assistant cruise director Elda and Ryan dancer Matthew, she shows off some of her Regent booty.

 

[nancygp]

although I sail on another luxury line, I read the Regent boards often.

 

Let me just say that I was so touched by your post and it really puts things into perspective.

 

Thank you so much for sharing your cruise with so many and especially enriching my life.

 

best,

 

Nancy

[OrpingtonT]

Thanks for that post and the lovely pictures, Rich. I do hope that we meet her, and you, on a future cruise.