Random Notes from the Navigator LIVE

[Mr Rumor]

Greetings from the Navigator. We set sail about four hours ago from Miami, but I feel I've been "at sea" since last night at the Marriott Biscayne Bay, when I navigated through the several Navigator threads on this page. Choppy waters, for sure--but fun, fascinating reading! TVDad, are you thoroughly confused yet about whether or not you should chance the Navigator later this year?

 

DW and I are not gluttons for punishment so we wouldn't be taking our third Navigator cruise in ten months--with a fourth planned for May--if we weren't very happy, overall, with the ship, service, food, excursions and more. I'll be going into detail about what we like, and occasionally don't like, as Ginny and I experience our first Caribbean cruise together. And, yes, there will be some pure random notes along the way. Such as. . .

 

Just-after-entering-our-room (716) water test:

 

Sink faucet: Water clear!

 

Shower: Water clear!

 

Bathtub: Light brown for three seconds. . . then clear! (Hope to get a comment on the water issue from a key staff member).

 

I aim to keep the posts short, as I'm not keen on losing and long ones like last time. Questions for me while I'm onboard? Post them, and I'll do my best to answer, or get an answer.

 

Rich

 

P.S. Just tried to preview this post and almost lost it. Memo to self: no more previewing!

[RachelG]

I am looking forward to reading your posts and following along. A tip for not losing posts if you are using your iPad or laptop: compose offline then copy and paste online. Works like a charm.

[tallship]

Hi Rich-

I will be curious to read your posts. Our best and our worst cruise experiences have been on Navigator.

[Mr Rumor]

I was hurried off my previous connection at 45 minutes. It used to be an hour (and unlimited before that). Need to confirm that 45 minutes is the new max connection time with internet manager Ravi tomorrow. If so, RachelG, all the more reason to get with the cut and paste program. Problem at the moment is that I am having a couple of iPad issues that Rafi is helping me with. (By the way, Rachel, I seldom stray from the Regent message board--even have a hard time keeping up with it at times--but did so to follow your Oceania blog. Enjoyed it very much! And, hi, Tina!)

 

I was expecting we would go through embarkation on the ship, as we did last October in Montreal. But, no, that job is handled by Port of Miami staffers, to the chagrin of certain Regent staff--port rules. It went smoothly.

 

We're used now to being recognized and welcomed back--part of the "Regent experience." But today we were almost overwhelmed by all the crew/staff coming up to us--mainly because everyone was interested to know where our daughter was, and how she is doing. Shauna, who has Down syndrome and who we refer to as our little Ambassador of Joy, obviously made quite an impression on our Montreal-Miami cruise. She'll be joining us on our May cruise.

 

At Compass Rose tonight we asked for one of our favorite waiters, Larry--Station 14. Larry has been with the Regent since Renaissance days (2000) and is a real pro, plus very pleasant. We were also happy to see "the Captain," the Navigator's permanent resident in his customary seat, beloved crossword puzzle nearby. He is looking hale and hearty.

 

We enjoyed our main courses (fresh salmon for me and grilled tofu for vegetarian DW, accompanied by a big plate of fresh mixed vegetables). After being so good, we decided we deserved dessert. Only issue was the presentation of Ginny's chocolate mousse two small glistening mounds on a plate. "Now I know why chocolate mousse is usually served in a cup," DW observed.

 

I wouldn't have gone to hear multi-instrumentalist Maciek Flont perform his "Around the World in 40 Minutes" show tonight if it weren't for my wife, but I'm glad I did. He played basically a 40 minute medley of tunes associated with countries around the world, and was quite good.

 

The entertainment continued just after the show when an alarm sound alerted us to the fact that a couple was stuck in one of the glass enclosed elevators. Cruise Director Lorraine was Joanna on the spot, calling one of the engineers while hanging out with the couple. They were freed in about 10 minutes and were immediately joking about the episode.

 

We like at least one sea day at the beginning of our cruise, and have one tomorrow, with the usual full slate of activities. Connection is good tonight, we'll see how much slower it is in the morning when dozens are online at the same time!

 

Rich

[Zqueeze1]

Good Morning:

 

I'm glad to see you are posting again since we really enjoyed your recent Montreal to Miami posts. Which itinerary are you on, Western Caribbean or Southern Caribbean? We are on the second itinerary on 22 Mar 14 and are so looking forward to your comments! Love the tips (e.g., Larry on station 14).

 

Z and TB

[Mr Rumor]

The sky is partly cloudy and seas are calm, after a little motion during the night, as we sail toward our first port, Costa Maya. Z and TB (good morning to you!), we decided on the Western Caribbean itinerary, mainly because of the opportunity to see the Kohunlich (Costa Maya) and Lamanai (Belize City) Mayan ruins--DW is an ancient history buff. Would like to do the southern route as well some time, and glad to know you have that itinerary to look forward to.

 

You know it is a sea day when, at almost 8 a.m., only two people are in the lounge across from the internet room having a continental breakfast. In fact, DW is still sleeping, too. Me, I'm headed outside for a few laps in a few moments. Don't think I will be eating much for breakfast as I am looking forward to an early pool lunch today. The lunch theme today is "Grillades," so I guess that means grilled chicken, fish, etc.

 

Ravi, the internet manager, has just arrived. I put the first of what I'm sure will be scores of questions to him today: Are we in fact now limited to 45 minutes of connection time per sign-in. The answer: Yes, as of last cruise (!)

 

Rich

[Travelcat2]

As always, I enjoying reading your "live" reports. Interesting information about the internet. This is a very recent change since the limit was one hour on the Voyager last month. I just sign off before the limit and sign on again -- not too big of a problem (unless the internet is slow which makes signing back in a bit tedious.

 

What did the internet manager say about your iPad?

[Mr Rumor]

We sat in on the Destinations Talk in the Seven Seas Lounge this a.m., and I decided while there to pay attention to the aft vibration that many have commented on. In fact it was quite pronounced. You could see the images on the screen jiggling ever so slightly, and my wife had to remove the saucer from under her cup because it began going rat-a-tat-tat atop the tiny marble pedestal. However, when I asked Ginny at the end of the talk if she had been bothered by the vibration, and she replied, "No, not really--I'm used to it". . . this from someone who is very affected by ship motion. I know the vibration is not a dealbreaker for me, and never has been. I understand others might not feel the same way.

 

Here is one positive (debatable, perhaps, to some) about sailing on the Navigator, opposed to the Mariner or Voyager: Park West's far less conspicuous presence on our ship. The Art Gallery is located on Deck 7 in a rather tiny spot next to the Boutique and across the aisle from a roulette table in the casino. You could almost pretend it is not there, which is fine by me!

 

Rich

[Mr Rumor]

Jackie, you are of course right about it not being a big thing to simply sign off and then on again when you get that 5%-time-left warming. My concern was about losing a longer post in progress, but Rafi assured me I wouldn't. As for my iPad--actually iPad cover/keyboard cover--issues, Rafi to the rescue. Turned out my keyboard needed a recharge (luckily Rafi has a charger that works with my keyboard, as I didn't think to bring mine) and then needed to be re-synched to the iPad. I think I'm back in business, and may try going cut and paste. But I have to confess something--a part of me loves typing in a crowded internet room, "on deadline." Takes me back to my early newspaper and magazine days when I was a work-under-pressure hound!

 

Rich

[Travelcat2]

I enjoy the computer room as well (well, after the first couple of days when everyone is trying to figure out what to do and it becomes hectic).

 

Regarding the vibration, due to circumstances "almost" beyond our control, we were in an aft suite on the Voyager (as far aft as you can go). We got used to it after a couple of days and would book the same suite in a minute. It was in a corner -- no food traffic - no noise and a great view:)

[Mr Rumor]

We're enjoying gorgeous weather and a glass-smooth sea today. Many are out on the pool deck but it is not overcrowded.

 

Had a nice deck lunch after sunbathing. I hung around at our table for six to chat with two couples from Florida while Ginny returned to soak up the rays. As the conversation took one interesting, fun turn after another, I was reminded of one of the reasons I enjoy cruising with Regent--our friendly, interesting fellow passengers, each with a story (or stories) to tell.

 

Our new acquaintances had an interesting experience at Sette Mari last night that I thought I'd share. Not only did they not receive good service when they sat down, they received no service. After 5-10 minutes, they decided to leave. As they were walking out one of the group buttonholed the maitre d' to explain why they were going. The maitre d' implored them to stay--in fact, they joked that their avenue out of Sette Mari was clogged with other staff who, too, wanted them to turn around. So they relented, were ushered to a different table, and enjoyed very attentive service, and a good meal.

 

This morning, one of the couples was surprised (surprised because they didn't give their names) to receive a follow up call from the maitre d'. Then, almost as if on cue, as they were finishing their story, a beverage manager stopped at our table to follow up with them as well.

 

Moral of the story, we all agreed: Don't just storm off when Regent has clearly not met your expectations, bring the matter to the attention of the person in charge as soon as possible. The two couples were more impressed with Regent restaurant management

endeavoring to make things right with them than they were upset with the original lapse in service.

 

Rich

[LindaM]

The problem is, the management of Sette Mari WILL listen to your complaint, but seems not have any control over future issues. We had issues with extremely slow service at times there, as well. In addition, La Verandah had sporadic issues. One morning, the omelet chef didn't know how to prepare an omelet. We usually had room service, which was pretty consistent.

 

Sure, it's good PR to listen to the passengers and act like they are going to take care of the problem. IMHO, the inconsistencies among the waitstaff signal that their superiors aren't staying on top of them.

 

If Regent is going to call itself a luxury line, it HAS to step up the service.

[Travelcat2]

There may be some misunderstanding about the "person in charge" of a particular dining venue. In Compass Rose we talk to the Dining Room Manager. But, IMO, the best person to speak with is the head of Food and Beverage. He/she (not sure if there are any women in this position) can make certain that whatever the problem is does not occur again.

 

Sette Mari is having some interesting (and negative) service issues and it is difficult to figure out. If they can get drinks, bread and the "starters" to the table, they can take their time to get orders (meaning a few minutes - not 20-30 minutes). We have sat without anyone coming up to us for 20 minutes (on the Voyager). There is apparently something going on that we are not seeing.

 

On the other hand, five or six star restaurants do have their off days. The worst service we have received at sea was in the top dining venue on Silversea (and it has a cost of $30/person -- unusual for a luxury cruise line). This can happen anywhere but does need to be rectified at some point (referring to Seti Mari).

Edited February 4, 2014 by Travelcat2

[xrvlcruiser]

So glad you're back! Looking forward to your posts.

 

Peggy

[EAGLESLOVER]

"The entertainment continued just after the show when an alarm sound alerted us to the fact that a couple was stuck in one of the glass enclosed elevators. Cruise Director Lorraine was Joanna on the spot, calling one of the engineers while hanging out with the couple. They were freed in about 10 minutes..."

 

 

 

Lorraine was the CD on both our Regent cruises and we think she is terrific! We were delighted to be invited to dine with her and the head of Entertainment (Michael I believe) last winter on the Navigator.

We will be back on Regent in September for a Baltics cruise on the Voyager. If you have a chance, please say hi from Sharon & Steve from Philadelphia and ask if she will be on the Voyager next fall. Thanks so much.

[Sunprince]

The sky is partly cloudy and seas are calm, after a little motion during the night, as we sail toward our first port, Costa Maya. Z and TB (good morning to you!), we decided on the Western Caribbean itinerary, mainly because of the opportunity to see the Kohunlich (Costa Maya) and Lamanai (Belize City) Mayan ruins--DW is an ancient history buff. Would like to do the southern route as well some time, and glad to know you have that itinerary to look forward to.

 

You know it is a sea day when, at almost 8 a.m., only two people are in the lounge across from the internet room having a continental breakfast. In fact, DW is still sleeping, too. Me, I'm headed outside for a few laps in a few moments. Don't think I will be eating much for breakfast as I am looking forward to an early pool lunch today. The lunch theme today is "Grillades," so I guess that means grilled chicken, fish, etc.

 

Ravi, the internet manager, has just arrived. I put the first of what I'm sure will be scores of questions to him today: Are we in fact now limited to 45 minutes of connection time per sign-in. The answer: Yes, as of last cruise (!)

 

Rich

 

We found Larry in Compass Rose to excellent. Also Paulo in Setti Mari (pool deck during day) to be excellent. But we ate late, after 8pm so it was not as busy!

Edited February 5, 2014 by Sunprince

[Mr Rumor]

LindaM and Travelcat2, I'll be posting more on Sette Mari after DW and I have a chance to eat there and have a look (and taste) for myself. Sunprince, we had our second CR dinner with Larry tonight and he got us through four courses and decaf in a mere 96 minutes!

 

Hey Peggy, I'm glad you're aboard for the ride! EAGLESLOVER, I passed your greetings on to Lorraine at the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party tonight. "Tell them hi!" she responded. Alas, she'll be on the Mariner this fall.

 

The Jean Ann Ryan Singers and Dancers headline with "Broadway Tonight" shortly. This will be the fourth time we've seen this production, but are looking forward to checking out the new cast. We've met several of the female dancers, and each has to be at least six feet tall. Two of the male dancers, Alan Grundy and Nathan Barry, served as coaches to Mark Ballas and Dereck Huff on Dancing With the Stars.

 

After our lazy sea day today our seven-hour Kohunlich Mayan Ruins excursion tomorrow sounds a little daunting. Will be sure to eat a power breakfast in the morning!

 

Rich

[Mr Rumor]

Well, "Broadway Tonight" was great---the current JAR cast might even have a slight edge over the last one, and I thought that cast was excellent.

 

Before turning in I wanted to make note of the fact that the Navigator is sailing full this cruise. Of the 485 passengers, women hold an edge, 259-226. The breakdown by nationality:

 

United States, 345

United Kingdom, 71

Canada, 37

Germany, 8

Ireland, 6

Australia, 4

Switzerland, 4

France, 3

Belgium, 2

Norway, 2

Russian Federation, 2

Israel, 1

 

Finally, here's a real Random Note for you: Internet use peaked this morning at 77 people online at the same time (this includes 15-20 crew members). I was one of them, and didn't notice a significant slowdown, which is good news. Last fall the Navigator significantly increased its bandwidth.

 

Rich

[Lvtocruize2]

Since we will be sailing on Mar 22, would you mind letting me know who the captain, CD, Restaurant Mgr, and Food/Beverage Mgr. will be on this cruise.

 

Thanks for checking everything out and giving us an updated report:)

 

Patty

[Emperor Norton]

Greetings from the Navigator. We set sail about four hours ago from Miami, but I feel I've been "at sea" since last night at the Marriott Biscayne Bay, when I navigated through the several Navigator threads on this page. Choppy waters, for sure--but fun, fascinating reading! TVDad, are you thoroughly confused yet about whether or not you should chance the Navigator later this year?

 

DW and I are not gluttons for punishment so we wouldn't be taking our third Navigator cruise in ten months--with a fourth planned for May--if we weren't very happy, overall, with the ship, service, food, excursions and more. I'll be going into detail about what we like, and occasionally don't like, as Ginny and I experience our first Caribbean cruise together. And, yes, there will be some pure random notes along the way. Such as. . .

 

Just-after-entering-our-room (716) water test:

 

Sink faucet: Water clear!

 

Shower: Water clear!

 

Bathtub: Light brown for three seconds. . . then clear! (Hope to get a comment on the water issue from a key staff member).

 

I aim to keep the posts short, as I'm not keen on losing and long ones like last time. Questions for me while I'm onboard? Post them, and I'll do my best to answer, or get an answer.

 

Rich

 

P.S. Just tried to preview this post and almost lost it. Memo to self: no more previewing!

 

Type your entry in wordpad/notepad (windows) or text editor (mac) then copy/paste it into crusie critic. If your browser eats it, just copy and paste again - no need to redo your work.

[LindaM]

The Jean Ann Ryan Singers and Dancers are superior to anything I've seen on the mainline cruises in the past several years. That company used to be "regular" on NCL, back in the day. As we enjoy shows, they are a true plus in the like column for a reason to sail Regent.

[Travelcat2]

Well, "Broadway Tonight" was great---the current JAR cast might even have a slight edge over the last one, and I thought that cast was excellent.

 

Before turning in I wanted to make note of the fact that the Navigator is sailing full this cruise. Of the 485 passengers, women hold an edge, 259-226. The breakdown by nationality:

 

United States, 345

United Kingdom, 71

Canada, 37

Germany, 8

Ireland, 6

Australia, 4

Switzerland, 4

France, 3

Belgium, 2

Norway, 2

Russian Federation, 2

Israel, 1

 

Finally, here's a real Random Note for you: Internet use peaked this morning at 77 people online at the same time (this includes 15-20 crew members). I was one of them, and didn't notice a significant slowdown, which is good news. Last fall the Navigator significantly increased its bandwidth.

 

Rich

 

Thanks so much for listing the nationality and sexes of passengers. I always find that information of interest. Usually we see more people from Australia, however, since this is their summer (and they are having an extremely HOT summer), it probably does not make sense for them to take a cruise out of the U.S. at this time of the year.

 

Good to hear that the internet is better. I believe that all of the ships increased bandwidth but the Voyager was as slow as it was before. It could have been due to the area we were sailing in.

 

Looking forward to your review of last night's show:)

[Mr Rumor]

We've just set sail for Roatan Island, Honduras. Our dock mate today was the Riviera. On our return to the ship we walked with Riviera's assistant destinations manager, who remarked that the Navigator and the Riviera have the same itinerary through Georgetown. So we'll be seeing a lot of the Navigator's bigger cousin over the next few days.

 

DW and I agree: On a scale of one to ten our seven-hour Kohunlich Mayan Ruins excursion today rates a 10. The ruins are more vast that we thought, and we relished the experience of walking--very carefully, holding on to the ropes--up the stairs of the ruins' signature attraction, the temple with the "masks" (actually, large sculpted portraits of deities). The Mayan weather gods were smiling: The temp was in the low 80s and we had a breeze. The only raindrops fell as we were driving back. Even our included fajitas lunch outdoors at the Club de Vela in Bacalar was a delight. Oh, and we really liked our veteran guide, Alejandro--whose commentary at the ruins was top-notch. My only advisory: It's a two hour-bus ride two and fro Kohunlich, and the ride is somewhat bumpy.

 

Lvtocruize2, I have a staff member working on your staffing question for your Navigator March cruise. I can tell you with certainty that your captain will be Ubaldo Armellino, who returned to the ship in Miami. (Hmmm, I just remembered that he left the Navigator in Miami in early November, at the end of our Montreal-Miami cruise, so he must feel well rested.)

 

Baychilla, thanks for your post. On our iPad, I'll be using the Notes app. Have played around with it a little, and it looks like cutting and pasting will be a snap. I'm typing this, however, in the computer room, enjoying the view of the calm sea and partly cloudy skies as I type.

 

Block party tonight, followed by our first dinner in Sette Mari, followed by comedian Steve Bruner in the Seven Seas Lounge.

 

Rich

Edited February 5, 2014 by Mr Rumor

[RachelG]

I too use the notes app on iPad. Cutting and pasting are very easy.

 

Your tour sounds great, even with the long bus ride. But I am a Mayan ruins junkie!

 

Can't wait to hear about Roatan as we have not been there.

[1teach53]

MrRumor

Many thanks for your reports!! :)

We will be on the Navigator next week & so excited. We are hanging on your every word.

Can't wait for a break from this cold

Thanks again for taking us along!!!