Explorer

[eliana]

30 minutes ago, boblerm said:

Interesting, this is the first time that I have heard a critical comment about John.  I'm not criticizing, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and no one's opinion is any better than any others.  For my part, I would book a cruise just for the pleasure of sailing with John.

I found him rather smarmy. We have  had much better CDs.

[Mjflowers]

4 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

You are likely correct, however, not sure how much Regent knows about the "classes" in the U.K.  I would be fairly clueless if I was not married to a Brit. 

Please explain the "classes" in U.K. I'm not married to a Brit. So Not familiar with this conception. Been to U.K. more than once. Didn't notice, maybe I missed something. Is this similar to the "farm environment" previously posted by you. Plaid shirts and farmer jeans or plus fours. What is the difference?

[Mjflowers]

5 hours ago, JPR said:

To get back on topic, caviar is also served as part of an appetizer in Compass Rose on (typically) the second night’s dinner menu. (I get a double or triple portion....) In Chartreuse, our favorite steak tartare appetizer is topped with caviar.

 

We have also had a caviar tasting during some cruises, for which (as in the room) Regent charges retail prices but not restaurant prices. 

 

(Btw, I like my caviar with just a bit of sour cream spread on thin white toast (blini is ok) and a squeeze of lemon, along with vodka or akavit straight out of the freezer—which you cannot get them to do on Regent. So Instead I as, for a stirred very cold vodka or akavit martini with no vermouth or olives...)

Blinis for me. Best is just a spoon full on the ivory spoon. Plain, best way to get the true taste of the row. Agree, cold vodka. I will have to ask about the akavit. On board Mariner now. Quality of caviar on board. Paddlefish row, is in my opinion is not caviar. Extra charge for Regents caviar is reasonable, but not high quality.

[Mjflowers]

5 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I am pretty much in opposition to what others feel about the program, however, I will share my thoughts.  Firstly, John Barron is the best C.D. that Regent has (not putting down other C.D.'s - we also love a few others).  It is because of how much John is appreciated by passengers, that he was selected to be on Explorer for 2 years after it launched and will be on Splendor when it launches.  Regent would not select a C.D. for their new ships if he/she were not tops.  One thing that John accomplishes quite well is capturing both British and U.S. humor which I appreciate (as my DH is British and I am American).   Keep in mind that approximately 80% of Regent passengers are from North America and there are differences in terms of what we find funny, what can be discussed openly and what should not be discussed.  I have made my feelings known about how discussing how much something costs (in the right context) is fine amongst many/most people in the U.S.  The series was about the most expensive cruise ship so, how would one prove that without stating costs?

 

In terms of the onboard scenes, what you see in the kitchen and restaurants is just as it is on Explorer.  The decor, of course, cannot not be changed so it is as depicted.  The main thing that is not totally representative of Regent is the upper suites.  Most Regent passengers do not stay in those suites (but it is lovely to see them shown on television as some Regent passengers have not had the opportunity to tour them.  Having said that, the lower suites (except and "H" and "G" suites that should never have been built - they are tiny but there are only a handful of them) are wonderful.  Large walk-in closets - a bathroom with a full bathtub and shower and two sinks (with plenty of storage space).  Balconies on Explorer are larger than any other ship on Regent (and likely larger than most of their competition - based on our sailings on other luxury lines).  

 

I realize that the target audience for the series is the U.K. (and most people in the U.S. and Canada did not see the show unless they knew where to find links on Facebook).  It is my understanding that the "class system" is still in place in the U.K. so perhaps Regent was targeting the "upper class"?!  Another show was filmed earlier this year on Explorer that will air in the U.S./Canada.  It will be interesting to see how different the show is when the target audience is changed.

 

Anyway, these are my opinions - take it for what they are worth.  Regent is a wonderful cruise line (we would not have sailed on their ships 33 times if this were not the case).  Hope that you give them a try.

 

P.S.  We have been to your city and loved it - great food and people!

 

 

Did you read your Monday post? I thought you were done with this thread.

[JPR]

17 minutes ago, Mjflowers said:

Blinis for me. Best is just a spoon full on the ivory spoon. Plain, best way to get the true taste of the row. Agree, cold vodka. I will have to ask about the akavit. On board Mariner now. Quality of caviar on board. Paddlefish row, is in my opinion is not caviar. Extra charge for Regents caviar is reasonable, but not high quality.

Actually, American Paddlefish Caviar isn't bad. It's Lumpfish Caviar that looks and tastes like tiny salty ball bearings....

[Mjflowers]

1 hour ago, JPR said:

Actually, American Paddlefish Caviar isn't bad. It's Lumpfish Caviar that looks and tastes like tiny salty ball bearings....

Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga. In that order is caviar at it's best. IMO. American farmed sourced sturgeon row is getting better every year. Lumpfish. Is that still marketable?

[JPR]

3 minutes ago, Mjflowers said:

Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga. In that order is caviar at it's best. IMO. American farmed sourced sturgeon row is getting better every year. Lumpfish. Is that still marketable?

Yes, in some supermakets. That's where you need to add chopped hardboiled egg and onion.....

[Travelcat2]

2 hours ago, Mjflowers said:

Did you read your Monday post? I thought you were done with this thread.

 

If someone is honest and wants to learn more about anything Regent, I will respond!!!!!