Live from the Grandeur by a Newbie to RSSC

[eroller]

Another fairly large design change between EXPLORER and SPLENDOR/GRANDEUR is the atrium.  The direction of the stairs was reversed and it's a more open design on the latter ships with more of a single stairway.  Mind you the atrium on EXPLORER is absolutely stunning, it's just an updated design on the two later ships. 

 

First pic is EXPLORER and second pic is GRANDEUR. 

 

 

[GMIAC]

We'll be sailing on Explorer in March, 2025, after having been on Grandeur twice. Looking at photos and videos, it looks like the suites have bedspreads, which look a bit dated. 

[SusieQft]

Our suite on Splendor has a very bulky bedspread that the room steward removed the first evening and then it filled up the cabinet under the counter on the other side from the refrigerator.   It has not gone back on the bed since.  It was just for show on embarkation day.  We moved ours to the top shelf in the closet so we could put our own stuff in the cabinet. 

[GMIAC]

2 minutes ago, SusieQft said:

Our suite on Splendor has a very bulky bedspread that the room steward removed the first evening and then it filled up the cabinet under the counter on the other side from the refrigerator.   It has not gone back on the bed since.  It was just for show on embarkation day.  We moved ours to the top shelf in the closet so we could put our own stuff in the cabinet. 

Good to know. Those things are bulky unnecessary. Thanks!

[papaflamingo]

12 hours ago, eroller said:

 

 

Constellation Theater differences. 

 

First pic EXPLORER and second pic GRANDEUR. 

 

 

I have not been on Explorer, we go in 2 weeks so it'll be a great time to compare.  But I'd like to say two things I found.... we really liked the hot tubs in the aft on Grandeur.  We would go out there around 5 pm with our friends and there'd be hardly anyone there so the 4 of us would have one of the tubs all to ourselves.  If anyone else was there, having 3 tubs, one very large, allowed for groups to be in their own tubs and lots of space.  We really loved sitting there and "hot tubbing" after a shore excursion, watching the wake.  

The second comment, and this is really, for me, the biggest issue.  Looking at the picture of Explorer's theater, it appears the "sofas" behind the chairs are straight where on Grandeur, in most rows, they are curved.  Looks nice, but I found that the curve of the "sofa" made it quite uncomfortable and I would move to a straight "sofa" or chair. I personally think the straight "sofas" are a much better idea. 

Edited February 6 by papaflamingo

[taxman1]

We attempted to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the Observation Lounge but it was completely full.  Not to worry as we made our way down to the Meridian Lounge where we were met with a smile, beautiful apps and live music.  Amen. The decor at Meridian is outstanding down to the ceiling tile design and what I believe was a velvet wall covering.  Dry January had really got me out of shape as that first bourbon really catapulted me into the evening festivities. My wife really enjoyed the Star Martini!
 

Prime 7 was a joy last night.  We were delighted to receive a table at the very back of the house next to the window.  We enjoyed the Caesar and Wedge salads before thoroughly enjoying the small plate of the seafood sampler. The Sancerre matched well with our small plates however the sulfite head banging at 3am was rather disturbing.  I miss my filters.  
 

Service was good for the first night and only expect it to improve. 
 

After a quick breakfast we are perched in our loungers for what looks to be a fabulous weather day.  For those interested I have not seen any tracks of chair hogs.  We walked on deck at 10:30 with plenty of chairs available in the sun and shade.  I was pleasantly surprised considering the Captain announced 800 passengers on board.  More to come later I need to break the spine on my new bourbon magazine.  

[GMIAC]

5 minutes ago, taxman1 said:

We attempted to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the Observation Lounge but it was completely full.  Not to worry as we made our way down to the Meridian Lounge where we were met with a smile, beautiful apps and live music.  Amen. The decor at Meridian is outstanding down to the ceiling tile design and what I believe was a velvet wall covering.  Dry January had really got me out of shape as that first bourbon really catapulted me into the evening festivities. My wife really enjoyed the Star Martini!
 

I have no scientific evidence about other sailings, but The Observation Lounge was busiest on the first night of our sailing before dinner; other nights, not too bad. It's also a nice place to wait if you put your name in at Sette Mari and have to wait for a table; they'll call up to the Lounge when your table's ready. Just let them know when you order your drinks that they'll receive a call at some point.

 

I do love Meridian Lounge as well. Beautiful room, not nearly as busy as Grandeur Lounge before dinner. 

[Mahogany]

13 hours ago, eroller said:

Another fairly large design change between EXPLORER and SPLENDOR/GRANDEUR is the atrium.  The direction of the stairs was reversed and it's a more open design on the latter ships with more of a single stairway.  Mind you the atrium on EXPLORER is absolutely stunning, it's just an updated design on the two later ships. 

 

First pic is EXPLORER and second pic is GRANDEUR. 

 

 

Thanks, eroller, for all the comparison photos. I've been on Explorer, will be on Splendor this summer with 2 couples (family). Thought I'd have them check the sample menus on the website just to get the gastronomic juices moving. Hope the sample menus compare favorably with the menus served onboard now.

[eroller]

2 hours ago, GMIAC said:

We'll be sailing on Explorer in March, 2025, after having been on Grandeur twice. Looking at photos and videos, it looks like the suites have bedspreads, which look a bit dated. 

 

 

You will love the EXPLORER.  She was my favorite until GRANDEUR but GRANDEUR just edges her out a bit.  I would happily return to EXPLORER though any time. 

 

There are bedspreads on both EXPLORER and GRANDEUR.  I'll be honest it's something I'm happy Regent does.  It adds just another touch of detail.  Frankly I'm so sick of the white duvet with bed runner that every cruise ship and hotel have from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the line.  Its been done to death.  As someone else mentioned the bedspread is generally removed after the first day ... so it's more for that first impression which is important. 

 

Attached are pics of our Concierge Suite on EXPLORER and the same on GRANDEUR.  Bedspreads present!  LOL 

 

 

Edited February 6 by eroller

[eroller]

17 minutes ago, Mahogany said:

Thanks, eroller, for all the comparison photos.

 

 

You are welcome!

[eroller]

59 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

 

The second comment, and this is really, for me, the biggest issue.  Looking at the picture of Explorer's theater, it appears the "sofas" behind the chairs are straight where on Grandeur, in most rows, they are curved.  Looks nice, but I found that the curve of the "sofa" made it quite uncomfortable and I would move to a straight "sofa" or chair. I personally think the straight "sofas" are a much better idea. 

 

 

Here is another pic I took of EXPLORER's theater.  For sure all the banquets appear more straight.  I know sightlines are supposed to be improved on SPLENDOR/GRANDEUR but I had no problems with the theater on EXPLORER.  In fact I really loved it as blue is my favorite color! 

 

 

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, taxman1 said:

Dry January had really got me out of shape as that first bourbon really catapulted me into the evening festivities. 

U made it through Dry January...you're a better man than I!  How is the bourbon selection on Grandeur?  Do they also have premium choices for an upcharge?

 

[Winemaker_1]

2 hours ago, taxman1 said:

The Sancerre matched well with our small plates however the sulfite head banging at 3am was rather disturbing.  I miss my filters.

What kind of filters are you referring to?   Sulfite cannot be filtered out of wine.  At wine pH, sulfite is mostly in the HSO3- form - a molecule way too small to be filtered.  Perhaps running wine over an ion exchange column could remove sulfite but that would completely ruin the wine as countless other compounds would also be removed.

 

It's unlikely that sulfites are the cause of your headache.  Sulfites are produced in your own body at about 1000mg/day.  Yeast also produce sulfites naturally during fermentation.  Additionally, white wine grapes, like the Sauv blanc in Sancerre, are usually harvested at lower pH than red wine grapes, meaning that less external sulfite would be needed for most white wines than for reds to achieve the same level of protection from spoilage and oxidation.  Typically, wine has 60-80mg/L of sulfite or <10mg per glass.  True sulfite intolerances are life threatening and extremely rare.  If you have ever eaten a dried apricot without a problem, you've ingested far more sulfite than you'd ever encounter in a wine.  

 

 

[SellaVee]

We're due to join Splendor in July.  It will be our first time sailing with Regent, so I'm looking forward to your posts.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Also following!  We are slated for Panama Canal on Grandeur next January!  I can hardly wait!  Our first Regent's cruise was a TA on Splendor.....one of the best cruises EVER for us!  I am now eyeing Explorer for AUS/NZ in 2026.

[taxman1]

Winemaker-1 — checkout ullo.  I swear by it.  

[boblerm]

On Grandeur, in the Observation Lounge, the forward windows are tinted. I do not recall that being the case on Explorer or Splendor.... but then again, I don't always recall everything correctly. 

 

At 6PM the side windows 

 

 

The forward windows 

 

 

Suboptimum. 

[taxman1]

I was saying to my wife yesterday how smooth the ride has been considering the amount of whitecaps on the water.  Well last night we rocked and rolled.  Not sure if we increased speed, the weather worsened or a combination of both. I slept like a baby and my wife not so much.  Dinesh our cabin attendant also provided me with another pillow type yesterday so maybe that also contributed to a great night sleep. 
 

Yesterday on the pool deck was fabulous.  Weather was great and plenty of attention by staff with water and cocktails being delivered at a regular pace.  We opted to have lunch on our balcony as it was 2pm and we ordered from room service.  It was incredible!  Photo provided below.  
 

After lunch I did a little work as my wife perused the voyages for 2025/2026. Not yet committed but the meter is certainly trending in that direction.  
 

As it was the Captains welcome party last night we were alerted by many of our fellow posters that CR is very busy so we decided to attempt Sette Mari.  We arrived a few minutes before 6:30 and there was short line of about 10pp.  We were lucky enough to be seated at a table for two by the window.  The service was very attentive but felt a bit rushed in an effort to turn over the table.  Appetizers served family style were very good and a great idea to serve as such.  Neither one of us are put on the feed bag folks so passed on soup and the pasta round.  From appetizers we went to chicken cacciatore for my wife and veal Marsala for myself.  The chicken dish lacked flavor and was luke warm.  The veal was good.  Dessert was a pistachio tarte that was exploding with flavor. We were in an out within 1:15.  We were both disappointed as our expectations and excitement for the venue fell short.  Maybe a bad night and we give it another go later in the trip. 
 

On the positive side we had all this extra time before the show with Patty Dess.  We secured our first round of Super Bowl squares at the casino.  They were almost filled on the opening board and expect to start another one today.  From there we started playing this crazy slot machine which have you opportunities to win extra pulls for cash rewards.  We thought we had it al figured out as the tally exceeded what we had contributed to the machine only to find out just how dumb we are after reaching into our pockets 3 extra times.  We did have a blast and laughed a bunch.  If only the casino was a 501c3 organization!

 

From the casino we decided to give the Observation Lounge another try for a cocktail before the show.  It was empty!  We had a Buffalo Trace on ice and an expresso Martini.  Great drinks!  Whinenowine I attached photos of the bourbon selection at the OL.  Buffalo Trace and Woodford had been in the various lounges.  The EC has been offered in a couple.  I think the list is fine and certainly satisfies my tastebuds.  The up charge list was very disappointing. I would have hoped for selections not very easy to find in your local liquor store.  Again - I am just fine with what is being offered on the regular menu. Yet again we were blown away by the decor details in the OL.  From the ornate chair design to the tiled floor and lighting fixtures is just a delight.   The feeling is such that it is very residential and not commercial. A snap of the OL is attached.  
 

From the OL we went to the show.  Wow wow wow.  Patty Dess has a velvet voice and a personality to match.  Her singing is effortless without any screaming or crazy runs. She stays true to the music but adds a piece of her to its interpretation.  We loved her show and look forward to her again in a couple nights.  
 

Ok - I think I am caught up for now as we pack for another pool deck day.  I have on today’s agenda a classic watch magazine.  Which reminds me - the shops onboard are very well done.   The jewelry shop carries some fine Swiss watch makers at the expected market rates.  However, they do have models which are not readily available state side.  And even the design of the shops are gorgeous.  In the jewelry shop that have what you think at first glance are paintings but are real plants and small branches of trees from all over the world placed in picture frames.  Absolutely stunning.  
 

 

[briar14]

13 hours ago, boblerm said:

On Grandeur, in the Observation Lounge, the forward windows are tinted. I do not recall that being the case on Explorer or Splendor.... but then again, I don't always recall everything correctly. 

 

At 6PM the side windows 

 

 

The forward windows 

 

 

Suboptimum. 

We found the tinted windows suboptimum also. Similarly located windows are also tinted in Chartreuse and Prime 7. Design choice to preclude the need for fabric window coverings? Have a wonderful cruise!!

[GeorgiaPeach51]

@taxman1  Next time you go to Sette Mari try their filet mignon, offered with different sauces night to night.  We found those steaks to be one of the best things offered on Splendor, and Explorer and Navigator.  Perfection every time.

[GMIAC]

8 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

@taxman1  Next time you go to Sette Mari try their filet mignon, offered with different sauces night to night.  We found those steaks to be one of the best things offered on Splendor, and Explorer and Navigator.  Perfection every time.

I'm a pasta fanatic/snob, and make it all the time at home. I can spot a fake Eye-talian pasta a mile away. The pastas at Sette Mari are exceptional. We did half portions on our first meal there, and they were so good that the next time we went I ordered three half portions, a pasta tasting, if you will, as my meal, coursed from lightest to heaviest. Pure heaven, each one better than the last. 

[Whinenowine]

4 hours ago, taxman1 said:

Whinenowine I attached photos of the bourbon selection at the OL.  Buffalo Trace and Woodford had been in the various lounges.  The EC has been offered in a couple.  I think the list is fine and certainly satisfies my tastebuds.  The up charge list was very disappointing. I would have hoped for selections not very easy to find in your local liquor store.  Again - I am just fine with what is being offered on the regular menu. 

 

 

@taxman1--thanks so much for this; very helpful!  I have to agree that the Connoisseur's list is quite disappointing, at least for the bourbons. Not even a Blantons, Knob Creek 12yr or Weller on there (even Celebrity has those!). I hope that changes over the next 9months!

 

Also thanks for all the wonderful comments and pictures--all very nice!  🥂

[vistaman]

1 hour ago, Whinenowine said:

@taxman1--thanks so much for this; very helpful!  I have to agree that the Connoisseur's list is quite disappointing, at least for the bourbons. Not even a Blantons, Knob Creek 12yr or Weller on there (even Celebrity has those!). I hope that changes over the next 9months!

 

Also thanks for all the wonderful comments and pictures--all very nice!  🥂

I did 3 Regent cruises last year -  and I noticed very few connoisseur's  drinks were ordered

The same with the wine .... maybe it is depending on the itinerary ? 

[taxman1]

GMIAC and GeorgiaPeach - thank you for the suggestions.  They are great ideas and we plan to use them in our next try.  Tonight will be our first attempt at CR.  
 

For those interested we did not get to the pool until late afternoon and had no issue finding a chair.  Please note - it was not the premium shade chairs, however, we wanted to baste for a couple hours.  
 

Lunch was fabulous today at La Veranda.  Since we had a late breakfast in our room this morning we did not make our way to lunch until 1:30.  Great timing.  Today was Greek offerings and they were outstanding!

 

we poked around the ship after lunch.  We attempted to utilize the self guided art tour and ran into technical difficulties after the 4th piece.  Not sure if the ship was having WiFi issues or user error.  We snapped a couple photos while poking around.  One of the attached is when walking into Prime 7 the wall has what looks to be old straps or belts.  I also attempted to get a closer picture of the intricate floor covering at the entrance of Prime 7. Again - it’s the details.  

[asnaleah]

I’m really enjoying your commentary and photos! We will be on Splendor in July so your review is especially helpful for us. Enjoy every minute!