First Time on Regent—Boarded Explorer Today

[Gpilon]

Just now, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Well, yay!  I hope we will get an opportunity to meet if you do book it.  We are excited to see Montreal and Quebec City.  Thanks for the offer of info.  We might have questions about excursions later.  

Both are beautiful cities with so much to do and sensational restaurants. Quebec City is like being in Europe and we still have lots of family and friends up "North" and get back often. Could also give you hints on French expressions to NOT say!

 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

3 hours ago, WNcruiser said:

@GeorgiaPeach51Thank you again for all of your posts and time taken from your vacation. We are leaving for Miami this morning after our test. Your blog and photos have really built up our excitement for boarding tomorrow! 
 

Can you stay on for another 12 nights? I would love to do a blog with you 😀
 

 

@WNcruiser I am excited for you!  I surely wish we could stay on for a back to back and would love to blog with you!  You are in for such a fabulous trip!  

[Gpilon]

3 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

@WNcruiser I am excited for you!  I surely wish we could stay on for a back to back and would love to blog with you!  You are in for such a fabulous trip!  

Will echo what @WNcruiser says....terrific job of taking us all along on your cruise. It makes Thursday's embarkation that much more exciting for us. Safe travels home. 

[rkaratsu]

Hi @GeorgiaPeach51.  Before they need to call security to forcefully drag you screaming and kicking from your cabin to disembark, I also wanted to thank you for your lovely trip report.  Having been on the cruise before yours, it certainly was great to relive my cruise through your experiences! 😀

 

(And I did want to make one comment on something you wrote about, drawing the analogy between your husband's fishing excursion and your horseback riding adventure.  I immediately thought "what a terrific person".  Such empathy/understanding/perspective).

 

Safe travels home (and I might see you as they drag you off of your Vancouver to Tokyo cruise since we will be boarding the ensuing Tokyo to Tokyo trip!)

[GeorgiaPeach51]

@rkaratsu I feel like you know me!  I had to laugh at your perfect and pertinent word choices...calling security, dragging me off screaming and kicking....don’t forget wailing!  I am Scarlett in Gone With the Wind today....I’ll think about it tomorrow!

 

And what a sweet comment, thank you.  🥰. I hope we meet in person some day!

 

Here is a photo of a first....we came back to the room after the stewards had been in and found our luggage out and ready.  We have always been on our hands and knees fishing around with the bed linens in our face trying to find the handles and muttering to ourselves.  So while the task of filling said suitcase is odious, THAT part of the process was made easier to get to....and to start.  It’s easier when they are just RIGHT THERE, so I got it over with and only sniffled a little.

[ChucktownSteve]

On 3/8/2022 at 9:18 AM, UUNetBill said:

@Not a Georgia Peach - I don't want to hijack this thread but how did you like the LA - Miami Panama Canal crossing?  We're booked on the upcoming one in January.  Did you write it up anywhere that I could get your thoughts on it?  Thanks!

Bill, we'll be on that cruise too. But first we have to do an east coast to Montreal and AK from Vancouver to L.A sailings.  By then we'll have our own Regent experiences to report.

We're formally Charleston transplants.  I appreciate your contributions throughout the various threads. From what I've read here and other Regent threads, I believe we'll become Regent transplants as well.

 

I hope to run into y'all.  We now return you to the regularly scheduled exceptional thread.  TYVM @GeorgiaPeach51

 

Edited March 12, 2022 by ChucktownSteve

[Yankeeclipper1]

Sorry for the bolding - could not get the editor to turn it off on my cut and past from GDoc.

I’ll add a few comments - I am on board and IMO this has been a cruise that has met most if not all of our expectations vs. our previous SilverSea Cruise NOT meeting most of our expectations.  I’ll caveat that we have experienced several Seabourn, Crystal, Oceania cruises -  and most recently a SS cruise.  To quote my lovely wife - “don’t bother booking any other line - maybe Seabourn if it's a great deal) and I told you so.”  Also for us - cruising experience is food centric. 

 

Dining.  I did NOT have the F&B manager on speed dial.  The menus - in every venue - were more to our liking - than on other lines  There were no real misses - of course we enjoyed some meals more than others but all culinary encounters were excellent.  Part of the excellence - besides menus and kitchen staff/chefs - is the procurement system.  Evidently, Regent has some excellent procurement supply chain contracts in Miami.  Fruits, vegetables etc. noticeably better  - seemed fresher, riper and more selection than other experiences on other lines. Fish always cooked properly - never dried out - and importantly seasoned well.  In fact all the food (IMO) was seasoned well - first time I did not see my wife reaching for salt and pepper shakers.  

 

The bread was a little blah but the pastry chef is a wunderkind - cronuts that are better than 9 out of 10 stateside bakeries.   I was “ordered” to retrieve 1 each morning and a cup of French Press from the Coffee Connection so my DW could start her day.  

 

Cheese - they rotate the cheese selections each day and you can order whatever they have in the cheese fridge. I like gooey quintuple cream smells like socks cheese and very sharp hard cheeses - fulfilled.  For example I prefer Pecorino Romano with my pasta (very different flavor).  I asked - they had it - just had to order with my pasta order and there it was a small bowl of fine grated Romano.

 

Wine selection - always able to find included wines that we enjoyed.  We make our own tastings when we first board.

 

Drinks - great cocktail menus and different in some locations - excellent bar tenders.

 

Staff - every single member of the crew we met were top notch - truly seemed to enjoy their job. 

 

Cabin - Superior Suite - great - perfect size - did snag one of the extended veranda Superior’s.

 

Shore excursions - we thought they were more than adequate - the airboat was fun but we saw more wildlife sitting at lunch dockside in Harvest Caye.  IMO alert  -  The only waste of a port visit (IMO) was Santo Thomas de Castillo.  We only took the trolly ride - for some dumb reason I was expecting to be taken out of the commercial port to some small version of Antiqua - NOT.  It was a waste of time.  To be fair to the port stop - I imagine that the stop is mainly used as a stepping off point to Mayan ruins and jungle tours etc.  We don’t like driving 2 hours to get somewhere and 2 hours back type of tours.  

 

On board - my wife went to every culinary arts kitchen class - I got all my money back since it was still demonstration only - she actually preferred that and learns more that way.  We thought there were enough onboard activities - for us.

 

Entertainment - for a 750 passenger ship - EXCELLENT - in context to the size of the ship and passenger numbers.  The live music, and live orchestra was greatly appreciated - but I have to comment on the talent and production value.  Evidently Regent invests in productions.  The production numbers were a notch or two above the other Lux lines.  The theater is a very high tech (expensive) two story theater with state of art sound and integration of high definition background screens - that eliminates set changes and gives an infinitely greater variety of sets and changes. I was amazed at the sheer number of quick costume changes alone and most of the performers seemed to be proficient as double threats - dance and sing. This is not a 2000 seat theater on a 5000 passenger ship - so looking at the amount of investment in the entertainment was appreciated. 

 

Ship - best way I explained to my daughters (not on this cruise but on the others).  As far as decor - Regent is Ritz-Carlton, Seabourn is Four Seasons.  The fit and finish on the ship is amazing.  Everywhere you turn is a sensory feast of woods, stones, fabrics, leathers - and fabulous artwork.  Every wall is covered.  Ceiling work is amazing  - a pet peeve of mine is restaurants, ships, etc. that don’t finish the space when you look up and you see just tiles or on ships - white steel. On this ship even the outside pool deck is finished off in every inch - including the ceiling in the shaded areas - the barbecue serving area and bar are beautiful.   It's hard to describe - but you just have to see it.  Design thought went into every inch of this ship - design specialists with an overall master designer pulling it all together with top finish materials.   Even the passenger suite decks have vintage pictures on the walls every few feet  - of beach scenes from the 20’s - 60’s.  We actually walked all the decks bow to stern - just to look at them.  

 

Best cruise we have ever taken - just booked two more - Buenos Aires - Rio in December 22 and Miami - Montreal May 23. 

[ChucktownSteve]

On 3/11/2022 at 10:52 AM, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

We were supposed to stop in Costa Maya today but an announcement woke us around 8 a.m. to inform us that we were having to skip the port due to difficulty docking at the pier. 

 

Don't feel bad about missing that port.  The Mexican politics is not good there.  The first time on Celebrity there, we were held by armed Federales for 45 minutes because we were on an independent excursion many years ago before being allowed to resume the excursion. 

 

Then we were there last month on Celebrity Apex and felt I was actually slight of hand ripped off by a merchant but couldn't prove it. However I did recognized the technique too late.

[wishIweretravelling]

5 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

 

November 19, 2022    Barcelona to Miami on the Splendor

 

May 5, 2023    Miami to Montreal, Navigator

 

I look forward to meeting you on both those cruises!

[Travelingwithstyle]

7 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Okay, we risked melting our charge card and booked two more Regent cruises.  That gives us three to anticipate.  Here is what we are doing, simply so that if anyone has been reading this if we have the good fortune to sail with you in the future, we will have a chance to meet!  Let me know if you are on any of these and would like to meet for a drink!
 

November 19, 2022    Barcelona to Miami on the Splendor

 

May 5, 2023    Miami to Montreal, Navigator

 

September 20, 2023   Vancouver to Tokyo, Explorer

 

A big thank you to @UUNetBill for his supportive comments and his very helpful cabin review spreadsheet.  We used it to book on all three of our upcoming cruises and it is so much better to not have to try to pin the tail on the donkey blindfolded.  You only have to have a cabin one time under the pool deck where people apparently jump up and down in place while holding maracas, followed by barrel racing horses and the roller derby contingent to appreciate the beauty of suite reviews.  Just sayin’.

Is there additional discounts or benefits while on board?  Thank you for sharing if there is any. 

 

Thank you for all your wonderful posts.  Very helpful.    We will be new to Regent June 2022 on the Navigator 94-day Grand Voyage.  We are super excited.  Safe travel!!

[Travelingwithstyle]

Just now, Travelingwithstyle said:

Is there additional discounts or benefits while on board?  Thank you for sharing if there is any. 

 

Thank you for all your wonderful posts.  Very helpful.    We will be new to Regent June 2022 on the Navigator 94-day Grand Voyage.  We are super excited.  Safe travel!!

SORRY.  I missed a few words ...is there additional discounts or benefits for booking a new cruuse while on board?

[ronrick1943]

6 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

@rkaratsu I feel like you know me!  I had to laugh at your perfect and pertinent word choices...calling security, dragging me off screaming and kicking....don’t forget wailing!  I am Scarlett in Gone With the Wind today....I’ll think about it tomorrow!

 

And what a sweet comment, thank you.  🥰. I hope we meet in person some day!

 

Here is a photo of a first....we came back to the room after the stewards had been in and found our luggage out and ready.  We have always been on our hands and knees fishing around with the bed linens in our face trying to find the handles and muttering to ourselves.  So while the task of filling said suitcase is odious, THAT part of the process was made easier to get to....and to start.  It’s easier when they are just RIGHT THERE, so I got it over with and only sniffled a little.

Nice, have a safe trip home and thanks so much for letting us tag along with you—-you really captured what a cruise is all about—so glad you had a good enjoyable time.

[GOARMY]

GeorgiaPeach51:

 

See you at Vancouver either on September 19th at the hotel; or on 20th aboard Explorer.  This will be our fourth attempt to get to Tokyo--either as the terminus, or start of a cruise segment.  All previous efforts fell victim to COVID-19-related cancelations; or complete changes in itineraries (and ships).  

 

With Radisson/Regent going back many, many years. 

 

Explorer has been our go-to ship since enjoying a series of 2017 Inaugural cruises.  Last aboard:  October-November 2021, Barcelona-Miami.  So-many of the cuisine offerings your photo montages captured brought back positive memories--without the negative calory effects.   

 

Re:  Navigator.  A smaller, more-"intimate" ship.  Very, very dedicated Crew.  Have done a variation of your itinerary--but our two while aboard Navigator were the "Fall Foliage" segments--back-and forth, NYC-Montreal; or visa versa via Bermuda.  Alas, one of our many COVID-canceled cruises was to have been yet-a third, similar sailing.  Yep:  addicted, but in a good way. 

 

Hope Ray Solaire will be Cruise Director!  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

4 hours ago, Travelingwithstyle said:

SORRY.  I missed a few words ...is there additional discounts or benefits for booking a new cruuse while on board?

Yes.  You do get additional benefits.  Our experience is that it is worthwhile then transfer to your TA for additional benefits. 👍🏻👍🏻

[GeorgiaPeach51]

6 hours ago, wishIweretravelling said:

I look forward to meeting you on both those cruises!

That makes two of us!  👍🏻👍🏻

[GeorgiaPeach51]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Ray, @Yankeeclipper1 on the ship and asked him to add to this blog.  His comparisons vs Seabourn, Crystal, Silver Seas and Oceania are valuable.  The fact that he so enjoyed this cruise is valuable, compared to our experience where this is our first top tier line.  Thanks, Ray!  We enjoyed meeting you both.

 

I. encourage all others who are willing to post their critiques or observations as soon as you can.  

[califsealion]

Thank you for the photos and report!  I have thoroughly enjoyed following along on your trip!

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Last evening.  A few photos.  A few observations. 
 

Forgot to note that there are three full length mirrors in our suite.  One in the closet.  One in the foyer.  One on the back of the bathroom door.

 

Had a wonderful last evening.  Drinks in the Observation Lounge.  I wanted to note the attention to detail...

 

the swizzle sticks are gold and silver, perfectly reflecting the colors of the lounge.  ❤️❤️

The canapés tonight in the O lounge

 

The Voyager with swizzle stick.

 

a few photos of the beautiful glassworks in the main foyer.

 

potato leek soup.  Yummy.

 

Ceviche.  One of the best I’ve ever had.

 

The empty compote that featured the palate cleansing sorbet for tonight.  Apple with Calvados.  👍🏻👍🏻

 

An additional editorial comment...a plain old red wine glass.   But can I share with you that we went on a HAL cruise in October and red and white wines were served in the exact same glass.  It just bothered me no end.  I am not a wine snob, but sheesh, even I have different wine glasses at home for red and white.  What can I say?  It just pained me.  Can’t we at least pretend to a little special-ness?  Regent doesn’t pretend.  It just delivers.

 

A table setting in Compass Rose.  Elegant chargers.

 

After dinner treats in CR.

 

Chocolate mousse with mango sauce.

 

Sambucca in the theater.

 

 

 

 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

I previously stated that I had heard no positive comments about Santo Tomas .Castillo, Guatemala.  Well, I heard some today.  I spoke with a couple who loved their tour and had nothing but compliments.

 

They also mentioned that cruise ships are new to this economically struggling port.  They are so thrilled to have cruise ships come.  So, I encourage you to investigate a brand new port and decide for yourself.  
 

We did not get off the ship...my husband has been working on this cruise, and it was a day off for him.  But the LAST thing I would want is for any comment of mine on this blog to negatively impact a hopeful Guatemalean entrepreneur who is thrilled to see a cruise ship come to his or her struggling community.  If you had a positive experience, please share and others can support the dreams of these struggling communities.  

[GeorgiaPeach51]

@GOARMY I will be so happy to meet you!  I followed your blog of your last trip and loved it....I got so much out of it, it was one of the reasons I did this one!

[rkaratsu]

Virtual hug! 😀  May our cruising paths on day cross!  

[NCCruzQueen]

14 hours ago, wishIweretravelling said:

I look forward to meeting you on both those cruises!

@GeorgiaPeach51 Ditto what @wishIweretravellingsaid.  I am on both cruises.  We are travel buddies.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

1 hour ago, NCCruzQueen said:

@GeorgiaPeach51 Ditto what @wishIweretravellingsaid.  I am on both cruises.  We are travel buddies.

@NCCruzQueen  Fun!  Looking forward to meeting you on both!  

[GeorgiaPeach51]

We enjoyed the comedian last night then called it a night and tangoed with our luggage to get it in the hall by the requested 11:00.

 

This morning is remarkably sedate.  We had coffee in the room and again in the Veranda.  Plenty of seating available unlike some Celebrity mornings where it was tough to find a seat.  Granted, this is far from a full ship.

 

BTW I have heard no word of any Covid issues onboard.

 

We were supposed to disembark at 8.  It has been pushed back to 8:45.  Due to the weather in Miami we changed terminals snd that has delayed the luggage which has delayed the passengers.  We take off at 11:45 so we will still be ok.  Hoping the same for everyone else.

 

So, thank you all for following along, for adding your suggestions, for your supportive comments.  I hope to meet you in future travels on Regent.  If you get home and have additional thoughts, feel free to pop on here to add them.  I will probably do that myself.  

Here is the final photo of breakfast.  
 

It has all been just grand and the best ever.  No question, Regent leaves the others in their wake!  Will see you again on the Splendor in 8 months, November, 2022.  Safe travels to you all.  🥰

 

Joanie

[travelwell]

Love, love, love your blog and the input from others on this cruise. After having 4 Regent cruises canceled due to Covid we booked a Seabourn cruise for next year. That being said your blog was delightful and makes me want to book another Regent ASAP. Maybe the 5th booking will be the charm. Safe travels back home to very cold Georgia.