Mini Blog from the Mariner - 8/30 - 9/8/2017

[Travelcat2]

TC2, I always enjoy your insights whether you're on the ship or not. I assume you are going to supply some details about the current cruise that will put the "weirdness" into perspective. We are getting on the Mariner for the first time in one month, having loved our previous cruises on the Voyager. I'm getting a bit concerned, though, reading the current posts.

 

Thank you of kind comment. I will try to put the weirdness into perspective - likely when we get home.

 

Wendy - it is pretty much about food which is something easily corrected. One tidbit is the beans in the morning (think I mentioned this earlier). Who puts chunks of garlic (barely cooked) in beans that are served in the morning?

 

I did think that the ship looked fine (and still do) in most public areas. It is the suites that are a concern.

 

About my "watch" - it isn't a watch. It is a device that can supply heat or coolness to your wrist which helps cool or heat the body - not a lot - just a bit). I don't want to sound as if I'm advertising the product - I'm simply a beta tester and will return it on Monday. It is called "Wristify". There is a website but not a lot of information on it. Anyone that has an interest can look it up. I really depend upon it now. When it is too warm in one of the restaurants, I use it to cool off. In Alaska, it helped keep me warm. I do plan to purchase one when it debuts later this year (keeping my fingers crossed that it is before our Amazon cruise).

 

We are in Oregon and going to do the Ale Trail tour at 10:20 a.m. (beer at 10:20 a.m. is weird but we are on vacation and it is 5:00 p.m. somewhere). We will do a face to face with U.S. immigration in a few minutes. This will avoid us having to do this in San Francisco on Saturday.

 

Apparently there will not be a Krew Capers on this cruise (another weirdness).

 

More later

[UUNetBill]

We are in Oregon and going to do the Ale Trail tour at 10:20 a.m. (beer at 10:20 a.m. is weird but we are on vacation and it is 5:00 p.m. somewhere).

 

Actually, it would be 5:20 p.m. somewhere. ;p

 

Apparently there will not be a Krew Capers on this cruise (another weirdness).

That would be grounds for mutiny. That's always my favorite show - I'm front row whenever possible...

[Mudhen]

I always thought it was 4 o'clock....or then again, it could be 3.....(haha!)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

We did the Ale Trail in Astoria and really enjoyed it--of course it was pouring rain that day so there wasn't much else to do!

 

And I like garlic in just about anything, although I admit I don't eat baked beans for breakfast--that's so a British thing, like fried bread, yuck!

[poss]

Coming up for a bit of air after what seems like non-stop Irma prep.

Tc and BP-- Thanks much for jacket info. And I feel a little foolish to keep asking questions about a trifle and something that's off-topic. But since it's Tc's thread, and I know she doesn't mind, here's my question: I looked at the Amazon links that BP so kindly listed, but there are so many jackets (women's I'm talking about) that look more or less alike that I have no idea which is the famous TC Jacket. So: kind, ever-ready-to-help Tc--when you have a chance, I hope you can post what the Tried and True jacket is. (I think everyone pretty much knows what the tired and true Jackie is.) Also how it runs size-wise.

 

I wish I were on your cruise instead of in sw Florida! And I'm glad that most of the cruise has been enjoyable. (I'm half-thinking to switch our tentative Explorer Norway cruise next summer to another Alaska cruise instead: would be easier. And I really, really like Mariner. This is assuming of course that our little world doesn't collapse before that.)

[flossie009]

We don't often take breakfast on Regent; we are OK with a kickstart of coffee.

However, on the occasions that we do breakfast in La Veranda, we do not like beans but do wish Regent would serve black pudding (boudin noir) - perfect with a soft poached egg :)

[Zqueeze1]

Jackie: can't wait to read more about the "weirdness" in greater detail. My mom will put garlic on anything if we let her to include inside a meat loaf! Ugh. Just like Poss, we are knee deep in prepping for Irma.

Z and TB

 

 

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[Wendy The Wanderer]

Coming up for a bit of air after what seems like non-stop Irma prep.

...

I wish I were on your cruise instead of in sw Florida!... This is assuming of course that our little world doesn't collapse before that.)

 

Be safe, poss! Fingers and toes crossed for all my Floridian friends!

[UUNetBill]

I always thought it was 4 o'clock....or then again, it could be 3.....(haha!)

Day drinking is not only acceptable on Regent, it's encouraged. :')

[Zqueeze1]

Day drinking is not only acceptable on Regent, it's encouraged. :')

 

 

 

Very true. The Bloody Mary and Margarita Society members met daily at 1100 during the Explorer's transatlantic cruise last November.

Z and TB

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

poss: 90% certain that this is the jacket https://www.amazon.com/Wantdo-Womens-Hooded-Packable-Weight/dp/B0725Z9VB4/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1504818069&sr=1-2&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=Wantdo+women+hooded+ultra+light+jackets . There is one more from the same manufacturer that is about $3 dollars more and I don't know which is which. It is the 'ultra light' that is important.

 

Speaking of jackets, someone came up to me last night - I have no idea who she was but she addressed me as "Jackie" and asked how the thing on my wrist was working. Apparently I am more identifiable in that photo than I thought.

 

It seems that the Ale Trail is a passenger favorite. We were with a delightful British couple that did this excursion last year, this year and will do it next year. They agree with us that May sailings in Alaska are better than September sailings (but the weather hasn't been that bad - IMO).

 

Bill, I asked Paul Reynolds about Krew Capers and apparently it will be held tomorrow night (last night onboard). This did indeed prevent a mutiny but adds to the oddness of the cruise. We always book a specialty restaurant for the lasts night so we may end up missing a bit of the show as well as missing the special items on CR's menu.

 

flossie - not sure how I feel about black pudding. I'm a bit afraid to try it. When we went to lunch with a crew member and he ordered something in "fresh pigs blood", I didn't even want a taste. While I love British and Irish food, it tends to be more in the area of bangers (sausages), stews, savory pies and fish and chips with malt vinegar.

 

Cool Fool: A small comment about Voyager vs. Mariner. IMO, if you sail on Voyager before you sail on Mariner, Voyager will be much better than Mariner. However, Mariner has many followers. We prefer Voyager but enjoy the Mariner to a certain extent. The service is the same on both ships and that is more important to us than the layout,

 

"Z", poss and everyone else in Miami, our thought and prayers are with you. All of us on Mariner are concerned and they have dedicated a television station to keeping track of the hurricane. Some people left the ship yesterday to fly home to Florida. A woman that we met yesterday lives in Miami. She is sailing with her mother. Her husband does not want to evacuate - even though they are in an evacuation zone. She has been in contact with him. Since we have so much included phone time, I encouraged her to call him from our suite rather than from her cell phone. Stay safe!

Edited September 7, 2017 by Travelcat2

[Destin Lover]

Coming up for a bit of air after what seems like non-stop Irma prep.

Tc and BP-- Thanks much for jacket info. And I feel a little foolish to keep asking questions about a trifle and something that's off-topic. But since it's Tc's thread, and I know she doesn't mind, here's my question: I looked at the Amazon links that BP so kindly listed, but there are so many jackets (women's I'm talking about) that look more or less alike that I have no idea which is the famous TC Jacket. So: kind, ever-ready-to-help Tc--when you have a chance, I hope you can post what the Tried and True jacket is. (I think everyone pretty much knows what the tired and true Jackie is.) Also how it runs size-wise.

 

I wish I were on your cruise instead of in sw Florida! And I'm glad that most of the cruise has been enjoyable. (I'm half-thinking to switch our tentative Explorer Norway cruise next summer to another Alaska cruise instead: would be easier. And I really, really like Mariner. This is assuming of course that our little world doesn't collapse before that.)

Poss and all who are in the path of Irma, Mark and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan

[grapestake]

Jackie,

Charlotte and I have followed your blog with keen interest. We will be boarding in SF going on to NY. Sailed the Voyager in December and loved the new decor.

Jim

[Travelcat2]

Mariner - Code Red - Level One! Add one more thing to the weirdness!

1. Menus are paper so that can be thrown away after one use.

2. No salt or pepper on the tables

3. Bread must is provided by your server - not on the table.

4. Petit fours also given to you. by server - not put on the table.

5. Crew can not shake hands or touch passengers.

6. In La Veranda we will likely have to be served rather that select our own food from buffet.

Before anyone asks ...... no, not upset at all - this is one of the things that can happen on cruises. Given the weather, drenched guests, etc. the fact that there are 10 reported cases of influenza (likely more - people do not tend to report illnesses since they will be quarantined) made the CDC (Center for Disease Control) requirements kick in.

Although Krew Capers has been delayed until tomorrow, the menu was the special one that is normally presented on the night os the Captain's Reception. I was a pig this evening starting with caviar (weird dish - not my favorite), mushroom soup w/truffle, lobster risotto and Beef Wellington. Dessert was Baked Alaska (done extremely well).

Have to complete my end of cruise questionnaire which will take some time. I've been gathering names for the last two days as I know how important it is for crew members to be mentioned in the comments. This could affect promotions, etc. Unfortunately, I do have two not so good comments to make but, IMO, it is important to be honest, and, I believe that constructive criticism can help these two individuals.

Side notes: Jim and Charlotte - how wonderful to see you on Cruise Critic. Hope that you are both well and also hope that we cruise together again! You are such a delightful couple!

For those of you with interest in my wrist "thingie", I received notification today that the name will be changed from "Wristify" to "embr Wave". It apparently may launch as soon as the end of the month. Obviously I am thrilled that I will have one for my Amazon cruise.

I expected this to be a totally boring blog but there has been more interest than expected. Will probably post one more time and then will do a final review. Thanks for following the blog - you guy are great!

[BarbarianPaul]

Sounds like a fun cruise, even including weirdness! And I think you've got us all fascinated by the "embr wave."

I keep hearing how Alaska cruises have basically exploded in popularity in the last year or two. Did you notice if your ports were more crowded than usual?

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

Sounds like a fun cruise, even including weirdness! And I think you've got us all fascinated by the "embr wave."

I keep hearing how Alaska cruises have basically exploded in popularity in the last year or two. Did you notice if your ports were more crowded than usual?

 

 

 

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It is a nice cruise and people are taking code red in stride. I joked with a crew member this morning because he touched me on the arm --then I noticed that he was wearing plastic gloves. It must be difficult for the crew.

 

The most crowded port we saw is one where there a Carnival and Princess ship in addition to ourselves. Alaska may be booming but not apparently on luxury cruise lines. The cruise before ours was more than half empty two months prior to the cruise (Regent likely used their powers to lure additional passengers prior to the sailing. This makes sense since luxury cruise lines are expensive for families and there is less to do onboard for children. BTW, haven't mentioned children. There are two that are under 2, one 3 year old and a couple of boys around 11 that we rarely see. One baby is the adorable son of our G.M. (with a wonderful smile) By his own choice his two children become invisible that 6:00 p.m.

 

Back to packing!

[Travelcat2]

There are now 14 people onboard with influenza. In addition to measures mentioned earlier, the puzzle and games have been put away and I do not believe that you can borrow books from the library.

 

Being served food reminds me of the part of Oceania that I don't like. Ordering parts of a salad, for instance, requires a whole new set of adjectives:-)

 

I have mentioned how good the internet is on this cruise. I now believe that it is because this is not a typical cruise (in terms of passengers). Today the internet guru put out a sign that the internet is very slow due to the fact that the maximum number of passengers are using the system (not sure what the maximum number is). Internet connectivity remains better in our suite.

[RachelG]

First, most important, Poss and Z and TB, stay safe. Praying for all in Irma's path! You are in our hearts.

 

Jackie, I am definitely going to look into your gadget when it comes out.

 

As far as the code red, people often wonder why I really don't like shaking hands, and it is just this sort of thing. The precautions they are taking seem reasonable. Awfully early for flu season, but everything is weird this year.

[purpleally]

Re bathrobes on Explorer, the only time I would wear one outside of the room after 6 pm (or otherwise, other than to and from the pool and jacuzzi) would be to and from the Spa, and then from our suite on 7 would walk down one flight to 6, then to the back entrance to the gym and spa, so as not to offend anyone....

Please, don't. Robes should never leave the room IMO

I don't want to see them on the pool deck. I don't want to run into you at the back entrance of the gym

Edited September 9, 2017 by purpleally
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[RachelG]

My husband wears a robe from the spa to our suite, which appalls me as I would never wear one outside our room. But he doesn't listen to me.

[purpleally]

I always thought it was 4 o'clock....or then again, it could be 3.....(haha!)

I go with Its noon somewhere!

[Mudhen]

I go with Its noon somewhere!

 

Wonderful idea! I agree completely! Hey, I'm not driving!

[goldenrod]

There are now 14 people onboard with influenza. In addition to measures mentioned earlier, the puzzle and games have been put away and I do not believe that you can borrow books from the library.

 

 

 

Being served food reminds me of the part of Oceania that I don't like. Ordering parts of a salad, for instance, requires a whole new set of adjectives:-)

 

 

 

I have mentioned how good the internet is on this cruise. I now believe that it is because this is not a typical cruise (in terms of passengers). Today the internet guru put out a sign that the internet is very slow due to the fact that the maximum number of passengers are using the system (not sure what the maximum number is). Internet connectivity remains better in our suite.

 

 

 

Travelcat2 just curious have they also closed the casino when your at sea so people are not handling the same cards and chips and using the same slots?

 

 

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Edited September 9, 2017 by goldenrod

[Travelcat2]

Travelcat2 just curious have they also closed the casino when your at sea so people are not handling the same cards and chips and using the same slots?

 

 

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Good question but I just got home and didn't notice if the casino was open or not. I did check out the laundry rooms and they were closed. The good news (maybe) is that there were no new cases yesterday (Friday) so if there are no new cases today, the code red will be lifted at 6:00 p.m.

 

Will do an update in a day or so.

[Travelcat2]

Weird/Interesting/Different cruise – Review - Vancouver to San Francisco

 

Arrived home after a 2 hour flight from SFO to Vancouver. When we left the ship we were hoping that the code red will be ending tonight. Passengers that wanted to wash their clothes before flying home were likely disappointed that they could not do so.

 

I noticed that the bathrobe situation was being discussed on this thread. Paul Reynolds made it clear that it is completely against the dress code. It likely isn’t mentioned in the dress code because who would think that anyone would wear a bathrobe around the ship? There is no need to spell out that no nightgowns, pajamas or walking around in your underwear is not allowed as it is simply understood that people don’t do this. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, there is clothing made to walk around the ship after going in the pool, the spa, etc. During the day we can wear almost anything – shorts, torn jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, etc. Let’s leave the bathrobes inside of the suite which is where they are meant to be worn.

 

Let me address service on the ship first. It was top notch – excellent (with one exception! I could go on and on about how good it was but would rather mention one area where it was not up to par. A cruising friend that we’ll cruise with in November gave me “homework”. It was to find a good bartender that would still be onboard in November so that we could stop by their bar every night – meet and have a drink. Almost every single bartender was “okay” but nothing special. One was sour one minute and sweet the next and one didn’t know what Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry was and insisted that Regent doesn’t carry it. Finally, at the end of the cruise, a bartender (Alex) that we recognized from a previous cruise was in the Observation Lounge. He was running circles around the other bartenders – not just in making drinks but giving great customer service and smiling (something most bartenders were not doing). I asked why we haven’t seen him and learned that he was in the crew bar. In my final questionnaire, I suggested that they not hide their best “current” bartender. Hope that they listen.

 

Internet – this is part ofthe weird/strange/different part of the cruise that also touches on the different passengers. As I’ve mentioned,the internet was the best we have experienced …… until the last day when people started using it. Then it was as slow as everyone talks about. This is the first Regent cruise that we have taken where people stayed off of their tablets, laptops, phones,etc. Stange! The internet guru did put a sign on his desk on the last day when he was away from the desk simply stating that the internet was slow because of maximum usage. IMO, it was a good to let us know what was going on.

 

The passengers were about half newbies. Many were new to cruising and seemed to have not done much research about Regent . I suspect that this was part of the PBS group. Even Barbara Boxer hadn’t taken a cruise in 55 years (on her honeymoon). People were wandering around without a clue where they were going (we gave directions several times). For the most part they did not attend the shows. Surprisingly, even the lectures were not heavily attended – nor were the Q & A sessions that took place in the Observation Lounge. So, where was everyone? I have no clue!

 

We met a lovely couple that is new to Regent and have sailed “all of the Queens”. Their disappointment was that Regent didn’t have a class system (really – I couldn’t make this stuff up) and there wasn’t enough to do during the day. They did like their suite and the food on Regent. Apparently people on some cruise lines that are repeat cruisers and/or book upper suites want to be treated extra special and be permitted onto the ship before others, given special disembarkation privileges when they disembark at a port, etc. Being both a long time repeat customer and ones that often book upper suites, one reason we love Regent is that any special benefits we receive is in the suite and, once we step foot out of the suite, everyone is equal.

 

As discussed earlier (and in my final questionnaire, the food in LV was consistently bland, dry and lukewarm. Some of their soups were very watery. Favorites that are always in LV was nowhere to be seen (whole turkey or even a turkey breast to carve at lunch – fish and chips – my favorite “Opera” cake).

 

CR had great food but lukewarm side dishes (and one time I had lukewarm and undercooked risotto). However, the food that was good was fantastic (lobster, Beef Wellington, chicken, fish, etc.)

 

We don’t care for Signatures (yes Signatures is still alive and well on Mariner) but totally enjoyed our rack of lamb (twice). P7 is our least favorite dining venue but I had an amazing Filet Mignon and lobster tail. The “American” Onion soup was hot and very tasty.

 

There was someone form Corporate onboard that didn’t seem to talk to anyone – he just looked and walked around. He seemed quite unapproachable. My DH saw him in the sauna and they did chat and was he friendly. To me that is just weird (the whole thing – not just the sauna part). We recognized the gentleman from the christening cruise so knew that he was from corporate.

 

I want to mention the bathtub/shower combo suite which we haven’t been in for years. I decided it isn’t as bad as I thought except that it really is dangerous to get out of. I like the position of the tub (which is pretty narrow) and the shower was fine. We still prefer the shower-only suites.

 

The ship looks okay if you don’t know better. The suites are really in need of refurbishment.

 

Getting back to passengers…….. why doesn’t anyone listen and follow what is being said? We had a face to face with U.S. immigration in the theater (in Astoria, OR). Groups were being called by excursion. We were due to get off of the ship in the first group at 8:00 a.m. There was a delay and all I could see was people getting off of the elevator, cutting into line and they had not been called yet. The exact same thing happened when we were disembarking the ship – passengers whose luggage wasn’t even ready to be picked up (not in the pick-up area) felt that they had to go out there and crowd the fairly small area where luggage was being in set up. Is this because they were new to Regent and didn’t know that they could have arranged to disembark at any time that was convenient for them (if they didn’t have Regent transportation)?

 

While the above does not sound like a big deal, it shows what could happen if there was a real emergency. It would be chaos!

 

Aside from strange passengers, sour bartenders, and the food issues, we had a good cruise. As usual, we cancelled most excursions. We are extremely happy that we cancelled the one in Sitka where the passengers ended up cold and wet. Many became stranded and it took up to 3 hours in the pouring rain to get back to the ship (the road was blocked and they had to be transported back to the ship by boat). It is no wonder that so many passengers became sick.

 

I know that this review is all over the place but it is what it is. We still look forward to our November Mariner cruise but do not plan any further cruises on Mariner. We are confident that the food issue will be greatly improved when Donald, F&B Director, returns to the ship. He would not put up with lukewarm, tasteless food. We can only hope that there will be another executive chef – one that will watch over and taste what is being prepared before it leaves the kitchen..

Edited September 10, 2017 by Travelcat2
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