“Strenuous” excursions

[knl03]

Hi all, 

Looking at excursions for our splendid spring cruise on voyager next year. How difficult are the “strenuous” excursions? On a typical European vacation for us we’ll walk 5-7 miles a day with 100+ stairs, but I wouldn’t want to climb a mountain or anything. 

 

 

[Gilly]

It's so hard to tell, but generally, I think Regent err on the side of caution in the tour descriptions and make it clear if there are steep slopes or a number of steps to climb.  From your description of the distances you walk, I'd think you'd be ok with any of the three walking man tours offered.  Don't forget that once on board, you can go along to the Destinations desk and check with the staff about any tours you're unsure about (and swap for something more suitable if that's recommended).  I've done this on a couple of occasions and each time have been reassured that I'd be perfectly ok (and yes, I was!)   Not that I've climbed any mountains or anything 😮 

Edited July 28, 2019 by Gilly

[Ladys Mom]

Based on our previous experience, if you can walk 5-7 miles a day with 100+ stairs, you will be very comfortable with Regent's strenuous excursions.  The more strenuous excursions for us are the ones that involve biking or kayaking.  Strenuous is a relative term, and is especially related to the expected demographic of the cruise.

[Gilly]

2 minutes ago, Lady's Mom said:

 The more strenuous excursions for us are the ones that involve biking or kayaking.  

 

@Lady's Mom  yes, a good thought to mention the strenuous biking and kayaking tours - those would be beyond my ability, even though I am happy to walk/climb steps.  

[wishIweretravelling]

At the end of each tour description, there is usually a note that tries to explain the activity level. If something is marked "strenuous" and involves walking, it usually notes if there are long distances, rough surfaces, and/or lots of stairs. That's at least a start of a clue.  "Steep ascent" or "narrow ledges" are my stop signs. It seems that most snorkel/dive/bike excursions get the 3 walking men icon and the note rarely says more than "must be able to swim/ride a bike/ be certified."

 

In the end, if you have any concerns, go to the Destinations Services desk. What I love about Regent being inclusive of excursions is that that desk is not staffed with sales people. It's staffed with people who are there to help you have a good experience.  

[RachelG]

Most strenuous excursions are all that strenuous.  If you can walk 5-7 miles a day, you should be fine.  

[SWFLAOK]

7 hours ago, wishIweretravelling said:

At the end of each tour description, there is usually a note that tries to explain the activity level. If something is marked "strenuous" and involves walking, it usually notes if there are long distances, rough surfaces, and/or lots of stairs. That's at least a start of a clue.  "Steep ascent" or "narrow ledges" are my stop signs. It seems that most snorkel/dive/bike excursions get the 3 walking men icon and the note rarely says more than "must be able to swim/ride a bike/ be certified."

 

In the end, if you have any concerns, go to the Destinations Services desk. What I love about Regent being inclusive of excursions is that that desk is not staffed with sales people. It's staffed with people who are there to help you have a good experience.  

I have also found the descriptions of the excursions to be accurate as to what they describe as the strenuous part of the 3 walking men excursions. I have an extreme fear of heights, and most of the time, I know what to expect from the excursion description. Sometimes I get a surprise, and I just try not to look down and push myself through it.

We have, however, experienced quite a few cruisers who were in their 80's, or mobility impaired, that are attempting these excursions, and over estimate their abilities. Tour guides then needed to find a way back to the ship, or a cool place in the shade for these guests. I wonder how many of them gave the guide a generous tip,  or none at all which we saw in a few cases.

The other problem for those who are fit and capable of strenuous activities at home can be the temperature. In July,  it was hot along the Med. Not "Florida in July or August on a sunny day" hot,  but much more difficult to take on a strenuous excursion if you're from a more temperate climate.

[Travelcat2]

1 minute ago, SWFLAOK said:

I have also found the descriptions of the excursions to be accurate as to what they describe as the strenuous part of the 3 walking men excursions. I have an extreme fear of heights, and most of the time, I know what to expect from the excursion description. Sometimes I get a surprise, and I just try not to look down and push myself through it.

We have, however, experienced quite a few cruisers who were in their 80's, or mobility impaired, that are attempting these excursions, and over estimate their abilities. Tour guides then needed to find a way back to the ship, or a cool place in the shade for these guests. I wonder how many of them gave the guide a generous tip,  or none at all which we saw in a few cases.

The other problem for those who are fit and capable of strenuous activities at home can be the temperature. In July,  it was hot along the Med. Not "Florida in July or August on a sunny day" hot,  but much more difficult to take on a strenuous excursion if you're from a more temperate climate.

 

Agree with you 100%.  Some passengers that take the "3 walking men" excursions cannot handle it and want to slow down the rest of the group.  This has been a complaint for quite a long time but Regent is not comfortable denying a passenger the ability to do any excursion.  In my opinion, tour operators should find a seat for passengers that cannot keep up with the group.  

 

Even though I have a "fake knee" and cannot do a lot of stairs, I voluntarily sit down and wait for other passengers to complete difficult walks.  If the excursion has too many stairs, I book the excursions for my DH and am happy to hang out on the ship and enjoy the amenities!

[forgap]

We have done quite a few “three little men” tours and all I can say is it depends on heat and elevation to determine whether you can do it.  I have no disabilities but I am NOT an exercise fanatic and I could manage all these particular tours.

 

As an example, we hiked Kilauea Iki which was quite strenuous...easy to get down to the crater until almost there when the footing was very difficult.  Hiking across the crater was hot but hiking back up to the car park was very challenging.  I kept whining to the guide “How many more switchbacks?”  Another difficult hike was in Petra.  Easy to get to the site, more challenging coming back due to the heat.   Kayaking in Cambodia was easy;  kayaking in New Zealand was more challenging because fitness is a way of life for the Kiwi’s!  When we are on our own in Europe, we routinely walk 7-10 miles a day, BUT we also stop for lunch, or a beer, or sit in the shade to rest.  A guided tour requires you to keep up!  

 

Hope this helps!

[Hambagahle]

That last sentence is really important and IMO all the tour descriptions should include it.  You MUST be able to keep up with the group.   I remember clearly an excursion in Morocco to Rabat.  Listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.  So what happened - a lady in a wheelchair came along and then complained about all the steps there were to climb/go down in the medina.  She held us all up and we were late back to the ship.  This simply should not happen.

[SWFLAOK]

I agree that tour descriptions should include the phrase that you are expected to keep up with the tour based on the description provided. And,  I think that if someone shows up with a wheelchair when the excursion is listed as not suitable for wheelchairs, then they should not be allowed to leave the ship for that excursion.

On our one and only cruise on HAL, someone was not allowed to do an excursion for wearing flip flops when closed toe shows were listed as required, and they didn't have any of those on board with them. At another port on HAL, an obese mother and daughter could not walk from the dock to shore to take their excursion, and the daily flyer indicated that excursions would leave from the port and no transportation would be available to the port from the ship. They were totally irate and had to be escorted back to their cabin and assured that they would not be charged for the excursion.

I'm still doing my 10 flights of condo emergency exit stairs, 5 times a week, down here in Florida to make sure I can do excursions that require walking something other than flat ground. It worked so well in the medieval cities along the Med, that I'm not going to stop. And during hurricane season, walking up and down 10 flights is sometimes needed, as it was for 5 days after Irma in 2017.

[wishIweretravelling]

I understand the frustration when things go poorly on an excursion. But I hope we can all show a little kindness and understanding toward one another. None of us is as young as we used to be, and learning of new limitations that come with that can be a shock to the person who can't do what s/he once easily did. It's important that we be mindful of what is and is not within our abilities, but I hope we can show some compassion for those who are just learning (the hard way) of their own limitations, or who may not yet be as savvy as CC regulars about how to crack the code on how difficult an excursion might be.

[Travelcat2]

59 minutes ago, wishIweretravelling said:

I understand the frustration when things go poorly on an excursion. But I hope we can all show a little kindness and understanding toward one another. None of us is as young as we used to be, and learning of new limitations that come with that can be a shock to the person who can't do what s/he once easily did. It's important that we be mindful of what is and is not within our abilities, but I hope we can show some compassion for those who are just learning (the hard way) of their own limitations, or who may not yet be as savvy as CC regulars about how to crack the code on how difficult an excursion might be.

 

You bring up a good point.  I do show kindness to anyone that has limitations but sometimes I wonder why kindness is not shown back.  For instance, we will not sit in the front seats of the bus - even when there are no "handicapped signs".  In my opinion, people with disabilities should board the bus first.  However, when it comes time to get off of the bus, wouldn't it be courteous for the same people to allow the rest of us off of the bus?

 

While I am thankfully not disabled, I did sail on Regent after a knee replacement.  I still did not sit in the front seats and made sure that I did not do excursions that were beyond my ability.  To me this is common sense.  If there had been an excursion when there were very many steps, I would advise the tour guide that I will take a seat and meet them wherever they will be after the stairs (note:  I did not take an excursion with stairs but this is what I would had done if an excursion (not rated 3 people) had stairs that I had not counted on.

 

I'm not sure what else Regent can do.  They tell their passengers - in writing - both prior to booking excursions and in the listing of excursions in your suite, what the excursion entails.  Many of them are not for anyone in a wheelchair but quite a few are fine with wheelchairs.

 

While on this topic, I'd like to also address tendering.  I remember when the crew went above and beyond to assist people that were having difficulty walking and/or getting onto the tender.  While I am not exactly sure why this happens less often but assume that it has something to do with safety and liability.  If a crew member is trying to assist a person getting onto the tender and they fall, they may try to sue Regent.  

 

For reasons that I "sort of" understand, Regent does not like to say "no" to passengers.  Whether it be about the dress code, hogging chaise lounges by the pool or going on excursions that they clearly cannot handle.  So, it is important that passengers pay attention to what they can or cannot accomplish on an excursion.  And, if they think they can do it and learn that they cannot, please ask where there is a seat where you can sit down while the others go ahead.

 

Note:  I was told on one excursion that I could not wear sandals as we were going to a dressy restaurant (my sandals were rhinestones and were not beach type sandals).  To be honest, I was not happy but did go back to the suite and put on ugly, closed toe shoes that were not nearly as nice as what I had on previously.  So, Regent will "hold the line" so to speak but perhaps they hold it at the wrong times.

[John182]

What is easy to some is strenuous to others and vice versa. I would think that Regent veer on the side of being cautious. I  just tried to look for an excursion in Stavanger to hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) which I would classify as moderately strenuous and it is not offered by Regent despite it being one of the top attractions when visiting Stavanger. Presumably it is seen as being more strenuous than the ' three little men' category. The conclusion I draw is that if your are reasonably fit and active none of the tours are going to be too much for you.

 

PS it's well worth the effort to do the hike. Sadly when we did it last year the winds were so strong we had to stop 100 metres short of walking on top of the rock itself but the views were still spectacular.

[Mahogany]

17 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

You bring up a good point.  I do show kindness to anyone that has limitations but sometimes I wonder why kindness is not shown back.  For instance, we will not sit in the front seats of the bus - even when there are no "handicapped signs".  In my opinion, people with disabilities should board the bus first.  However, when it comes time to get off of the bus, wouldn't it be courteous for the same people to allow the rest of us off of the bus?

 

While I am thankfully not disabled, I did sail on Regent after a knee replacement.  I still did not sit in the front seats and made sure that I did not do excursions that were beyond my ability.  To me this is common sense.  If there had been an excursion when there were very many steps, I would advise the tour guide that I will take a seat and meet them wherever they will be after the stairs (note:  I did not take an excursion with stairs but this is what I would had done if an excursion (not rated 3 people) had stairs that I had not counted on.

 

I'm not sure what else Regent can do.  They tell their passengers - in writing - both prior to booking excursions and in the listing of excursions in your suite, what the excursion entails.  Many of them are not for anyone in a wheelchair but quite a few are fine with wheelchairs.

 

While on this topic, I'd like to also address tendering.  I remember when the crew went above and beyond to assist people that were having difficulty walking and/or getting onto the tender.  While I am not exactly sure why this happens less often but assume that it has something to do with safety and liability.  If a crew member is trying to assist a person getting onto the tender and they fall, they may try to sue Regent.  

 

For reasons that I "sort of" understand, Regent does not like to say "no" to passengers.  Whether it be about the dress code, hogging chaise lounges by the pool or going on excursions that they clearly cannot handle.  So, it is important that passengers pay attention to what they can or cannot accomplish on an excursion.  And, if they think they can do it and learn that they cannot, please ask where there is a seat where you can sit down while the others go ahead.

 

Note:  I was told on one excursion that I could not wear sandals as we were going to a dressy restaurant (my sandals were rhinestones and were not beach type sandals).  To be honest, I was not happy but did go back to the suite and put on ugly, closed toe shoes that were not nearly as nice as what I had on previously.  So, Regent will "hold the line" so to speak but perhaps they hold it at the wrong times.

So, the sandals ban was for dress code purposes, not safety? There are certainly some excursions where closed toe shoes are safer than flip flops, but denied because you were going to a "dressy" (whatever that is) restaurant? That''s a bit much, I agree.

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, Mahogany said:

So, the sandals ban was for dress code purposes, not safety? There are certainly some excursions where closed toe shoes are safer than flip flops, but denied because you were going to a "dressy" (whatever that is) restaurant? That''s a bit much, I agree.

 

Yes - the shoes were for a fancy restaurant.  I have learned that I need to pack closed toe shoes - whether it be for an excursion or dining in a restaurant outside of Regent.  My feet like to be in open shoes - whether they be dressy heels or flat shoes.  The only time I wear flip-flops is during the day.

 

I really do not know how to describe the restaurant.  We have gone to Michelin star restaurants on Regent excursions and whatever I was wearing on my feet was fine.  This particular restaurant required closed toe shoes (go figure) 

[ArtsyCraftsy]

I have a few conditions that put me in the "physically challenged" category.  I know my limitations and I try to be as realistic as possible.  When in doubt, I'll stay on the ship rather than risk being "that person" who slows down the pace of an excursion for others.  And that's perfectly fine - given the givens, I view the onboard ambiance at least as important as the possible on-shore port visits.  Regent shines in that area -- I can spend a very comfortable day on my balcony watching the comings and goings while we're docked and not feel "deprived" in the least.  I know what I"m signing up for when I book a cruise, and I find ways to enhance the experience when the logistics of a particular port don't work in my favor.  Between balcony sitting and onboard activities, it's all good. 

 

I learned my lesson the hard way on my very first cruise (not on Regent).  I waited until I was onboard before I committed to the excursion, which was rated as "easy."  I visited Destination Services to ask about the proximity of the tour bus to the gangway -- how far, any stairs, etc., none of which were outlined in the description -- all it said was the bus would stop at various scenic points to allow passengers to exit the bus if they wished, take some photos and get back on the bus.  I explained my concerns -- I can't walk long distances without having to stop periodically, and I have to move slowly.  A few stairs are fine -- getting on and off the bus shouldn't be a problem -- but long flights of stairs or steep inclines can be problematic.  "No problem!  You'll be fine.  The pickup is just a short distance from the gangway, a few steps."  Great!

 

The pick-up spot was closer to 1/4 mile away, the last third of which was an uphill climb on a gravel pathway.

 

When I saw the distance involved, I told the cruise line's excursion leader who was marching us to the pickup point that given my limitations, I would not be continuing due to the distance/etc.  I headed back to the ship and had a brief chat with Destination services about what constitutes "a short distance" and "a few steps." 

 

As a result of that experience, I rarely pre-book excursions on ANY cruise line, although I've booked a few for RSSC's 2020 world cruise, but ONLY those with the little "man in the seat" icon, with names that include words like "Panoramic" and "Leisurely."  And even with those, I'll be double checking with the destination folks onboard and paying VERY close attention to the daily bulletins to assess what is involved in getting from the ship to the excursion pick-up point.  The beauty of Regent excursions is that I can pre-book and cancel as soon as I get info that indicates a potential problem without worrying about payments/etc.  I'm more than happy to free up a spot for someone on a waiting list if it just won't work for me.

 

Lana in Bellingham, WA 

 

(just a note: one of the excursions on the list for the World Cruise is a "culinary Hilo" Hawaii progressive brunch: visit 3 homes and get fed at each home, learn about Hilo history and culture, etc.  It's rated as "moderate" in the description.  I took that excursion -- the exact same one (same description, word for word) on my Holland America Hawaii/Tahiti/Marquesas cruise just this past Mar/Apr, where it was rated as "easy."  Even the price is precisely the same as on HAL (it's one of the extra-charges excursions for the RSSC cruise).  The pick up point was about a block walk across a parking lot from the gangway, and we were in 10-passenger vans which required a step up, but at each home, it was truly only a "few steps" from the van to the home.  Still puzzling over why RSSC rates it as "moderate."  I did just fine on that excursion -- never had any issues at all ... )

 

  

[ronrick1943]

Really think people need to use good judgement when making reservation for tours.  You know what you can do or not do, it truly is unfair to others if you can't keep up.  I have a little problem walking, so I know what my limits are and stay within that limit.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

13 hours ago, ArtsyCraftsy said:

(just a note: one of the excursions on the list for the World Cruise is a "culinary Hilo" Hawaii progressive brunch: visit 3 homes and get fed at each home, learn about Hilo history and culture, etc.  It's rated as "moderate" in the description.  I took that excursion -- the exact same one (same description, word for word) on my Holland America Hawaii/Tahiti/Marquesas cruise just this past Mar/Apr, where it was rated as "easy."  Even the price is precisely the same as on HAL (it's one of the extra-charges excursions for the RSSC cruise)

 

It's disturbing that you say that a Choice excursion on Regent has the same price as a seemingly identical excursion on HAL.  The Choice excursions are supposed to be still discounted from what they would be normally, to take into account the fact that included excursions have no charge.

[ArtsyCraftsy]

2 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

 

It's disturbing that you say that a Choice excursion on Regent has the same price as a seemingly identical excursion on HAL.  The Choice excursions are supposed to be still discounted from what they would be normally, to take into account the fact that included excursions have no charge.

 

I just went back and double checked the pricing.  At the time I took the HAL tour, the price was $169.95.  RSSC's price is $160.00, so there's a slight discount there.  However, HAL's current price for this tour is $199.95, so HAL's price has gone up, making the RSSC price of $160 more of a discount.  I will say that it was well worth the cost at the time, but I do question the charge on RSSC.  It was nice, but I would think it would fit in more with the no-charge excursions.  You travel via air-conditioned 10-passenger vans from home to home, where you're served various Hilo treats plus coffee and/or iced tea.  

 

 

 

I'm about 95% positive it's the same tour.  When I took it back in March, our driver/guide mentioned that they're the only company in Hilo that offers a tour like this, and she had owned the company since 1996.  I really enjoyed it and was considering doing it again, but I found a no-charge tour that I think will work and I'll get to see new parts of Hilo.

 

Lana in Bellingham, WA

[Travelcat2]

What could be different (not sure) is what you are served.  Perhaps they will serve Mai Tai's or a rum punch and some nice local fish on Regent's excursion.  

[Floridiana]

It's an excellent idea to check with the destination department about excursion details. However, sometimes they don't know them on new itineraries or when a new excursion was added. Our last ocean cruise was with HAL and their destination department was well informed and honest. They also said that they are not allowed to refuse participation even if the excursion is visibly beyond a passenger's ability. They can refuse wheelchairs on the tender, that's about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Travelcat2]

Thankfully, Regent is not HAL and their policies are likely different than Regent (not sure why HAL keeps coming up on the Regent board as they are not even "Premium Plus" - they are a "Premium" line so there is little to compare).

 

 

[Floridiana]

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

Regent is not HAL and their policies are likely different than Regent

 

Wouldn't you think that all cruise lines with primarily American customers follow the same accessibility rules?  Luxury has nothing to do with it.

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, Floridiana said:

 

Wouldn't you think that all cruise lines with primarily American customers follow the same accessibility rules?  Luxury has nothing to do with it.

 

Only as pertains to SOLAS (although there is leeway there too).  As strict as SOLAS is, Celebrity and Regent perform muster completely differently (Regent is much stricter and makes the process much more comfortable which speaks to how luxury cruise lines may differ from other cruise lines.  

 

Regent, also does not restrict passengers in wheelchairs from boarding tenders.   

 

As as you know, even ships frequented by passengers from the U.S. are registered in other countries. They abide by most U.S. laws but certainly not all of them (for instance, the crew could never work the hours that they do under our laws).  So, therefore, what is done on HAL, Celebrity, Princess or other cruise lines in not necessarily relevant to Regent.