Block Parties

[rarin2go]

As we are on a back-to-back cruise, we have had two block parties. For those unfamiliar with Regent, these are at 6pm on the third evening of the cruise. Passengers are invited to come out of their suites, wine glass in hand (ready to be filled by the waiting staff) and meet their neighbours while the Captain, General Manager and Cruise Director race around the ship greeting everybody.

 

This is always an event we have enjoyed and most people did seem to attend but on the last two occasions, it has become rather embarrassing. On the first leg of our trip, less than a third of the passengers on our corridor appeared and on the second, there were only 8 of us gathered!

 

This cruise has more family groups on-board than those we have been on before and perhaps this accounts for the low attendance in some way but otherwise I can think of no explanation. Just wondering what others experience has been?

[jklc123]

On our one and only cruise with a Regent, the block party was the first evening. Everyone in our area (stern) turned out and had a great time. It was good to greet our neighbors throughout the trip by name when passing in the hallways or hanging out on the balcony.

[rarin2go]

On our one and only cruise with a Regent, the block party was the first evening. Everyone in our area (stern) turned out and had a great time. It was good to greet our neighbors throughout the trip by name when passing in the hallways or hanging out on the balcony.

 

I think they moved it from the first evening because the lifeboat drill now has to take place before sailing.

[RachelG]

There were quite a few people at ours. None of the family groups are on our hallway though.

[Zqueeze1]

During our Mar 22 cruise onboard the Navigator our block party was on day 2 and it was great! It seems as if everyone showed up and partied as if it were 1999. As we departed the ship in San Juan on the next day, there was a couple waiting for us for their private tour of Old San Juan to be hosted by me. Unfortunately, I had no recollection of offering it nor of having met them. Regardless, we all had a blast and have remained in touch. Can't wait for the next block party!:D

 

Z and TB

[pingpong1]

Hi Folks - As you know, I'm on Voyager right now (Baltic) and we really liked the "block parties". We thought they were fun and really got things off to a festive start. And guess what?! We're now on our next to last day of the cruise and there was NO block party held at all!

 

Wonder Why? Is it totally dependent upon the personalities/wishes of the particular captain and CD for each particular cruise? Just wondering. Regards.

[Anchorbuoy]

Is it totally dependent upon the personalities/wishes of the particular captain and CD for each particular cruise? Just wondering. Regards.

 

We have observed that it is mostly dependent upon the itinerary. It won't be on the first night, as too many people are tired, or unfamiliar with the ship at that point. It won't be on the second night, because that is the captain's reception party time.

 

It also won't be on days when the ship leaves in the early evening, because the captain must be on the bridge with the pilot during sail-away. It also won't be on an evening when most of the guests are on late tours.

 

That leaves it to the timetable of any day that doesn't have another schedule conflict.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Anchorbuoy

[greygypsy]

We were on a Venice - Rome cruise in April on Mariner and did not have a block party. It was a very port intensive itinerary, with stops every day, and we guessed that was the reason, but don't really know. Jeff

[Kwaj girl]

Have always enjoyed the Block Parties.....hope to experience a few during the various segments that occur during our 87-day trip.

[vitacura]

We were on two segments on the Navigator last month in Alaska and the Block Parties were well attended in our area. Always have a good time.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I guess our last block party would have been Navigator Alaska, two years ago. It was congenial as always, but a little stiff. I admit I was never a bit fan, although I have met some very nice people.