Live from Voyager

[DebbieH103]

Here are the pics so far. I am getting off soon to go into Marseilles.

 

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/debbieh103/

[DebbieH103]

This morning I watched movies in the cabin while I uploaded my pics.

I went into Marseilles on the ship shuttle. I wish I had taken the Aix en Provence market tour that Jeannie went on. I tried to get on the bus going there. I went all the way up to the St. Charles station, but I didn't find it.

 

I bought some nougats and caramels and chocolates at a local shop. I also bought soaps and spices. I walked until I couldn't stand it, and I made my way back to the shuttle bus that was waiting right there for us. I had rode the bus over with the lecturer from Custeau. I heard he was his grandson but didn't ask. Bryan G was on the shuttle, too. He was telling of whereall he performs. Sounds like he is Venice based and does a lot of RCCL.

 

It is pretty cold today and extremely windy. I went and got two DVDs and ordered room service. I had interesting dishes. Ordered appetizer portions and had spaghetti with pesto, green salad, shrimp cocktail and curry vegetables (minus tofu). The curry was choke a horse hot the way I like it. I ordered champagne, also.

 

I will have to be hungry again later for Signatures. Others that booked online had trouble with their res, but I didn't and I got a reminder card today.

[DebbieH103]

For anyone doing the Crossing, they have fixed the sound system, so we are getting the Broadway show tonight, and they will have shows next week.

[tennisbunny]

For informal nights on Voyager would cocktail dresses be appropriate or perhaps a long skirt?

 

I don't want to over-dress but would like to fit in with the overall feel of the ship since we've not been on Regent before. :)

[wingit]

Yes, I too would be interested in a brief overview of how women are dressing for informal and formal nights. Am enjoying your reports very much. Thanks.

[AngieS]

Hi Debbie..Angie here who had to cancel this cruise as our son became ill and had to be hospitalized. I am torturing myself every day reading your blogs on the trip and absolutely loved looking through the pics. I am living this week vicariously through you! The Corsica pics were amazing - some looked like postcards. I should quit looking at your blogs and stop torturing myself as every day is becoming a pity party here for my hubby and me! We would never have been able to go and relax with the situation here so we did the right thing. Enjoy and keep the blogs and pics coming!

Angie, Southlake, TX

[neviboy]

I just had to comment on the personal diary, especially when unjust criticism concerning cruise lines is presented .

We have experienced 4 Regent's, 3 Silverseas, 2 Princesses, 1 Costa, 1 Celebrity,and 1 Grace, in the past ten years. There is no such thing as perfection, although most cruise lines strive for it. The more one pays the greater the effort to please.

 

Regarding check-in. Silverseas state that 3 p.m. is commencement, in most voyages. In Barcelona, recently, we arrived at 1.30 p.m. and waited at a nearby hotel until 3 p.m.

 

Regent will allow earlier than noon embarkation, but don't expect the usual welcome, or to be able to get into the cabin.

 

The champagne and smoked salmon is served, usually, by suite personnel, who are given a break between 3 and 5 p.m. during the voyage. The welcoming is done as 'overtime.' If one boards at the customary time then expect service to take one to the suite, etc. etc.

 

Most crew members speak basic English. Chardonnay in the fridge is incomprehensible without an interpreter.

 

Unless we are watching for whales or other ships at sea, binoculars are hardly used. I really cannot appreciate their value at sea.

 

On the subject of 'turndowns' all that is required are a couple of chocolates and the next day's activities. What could be missing ?

 

We never had time to watch the movies, but there are many DVD's which we missed and would like to have seen.

 

Regarding wine with dinner (and lunch), if we did not care for the selection, there are many alternates to choose from. Our favourite is a Pouilly Fuisse, which is a 'regular.' On SS and Regent, the glass is bottomless !!

 

We always have breakfast at the buffet and at lunch when not in port. One gets to meet such interesting people. There is always other dining or in suite available .

 

I can state, categorically, that we have enjoyed every cruise that we have taken. There have been a couple of 'errors and omissions' but nothing to spoil the 'adventures.'

 

Always think positive. Don't look for shortcomings. ( unless you are paid to write a critique.) Remember that you are on holiday so enjoy it !!

[chick geek]

Yes, Pouilly Fuisse -my favorite as well. I also don't get the binoculars, except for Alaska and the like.

[easy dad]

On our two Regent Voyager cruises (one last year and one just this October), our check-in experience was nearly identical. We boarded Voyager about 1 pm and did not expect our room to be ready because we read our documents that say rooms will not be ready until 3 pm. We were handed a glass of champagne right after the welcome aboard pictures and before checking in at the tables. After check-in we were invited to La Veranda for lunch. Each one of the staff we met in La Veranda greeted us with a sincere "Welcome" and a smile. After lunch we walked around the ship, familiarizing ourselves with the location of areas where we would spend most of our time. We never expected a crewmember to give us a personal tour of the ship, it's just something we expect to do on our own. About 2:30 an announcement was made that rooms were ready. We took the elevator to our floor and were met by several room stewardesses. We were asked what our room number was. We replied "746" (note: this is a regular room, not the Master Suite). One of the stewardesses said "Oh, Mr. & Mrs. H......... (pronounced correctly!) please come with me." She obviously took time to memorize her customer's names. What a nice touch! This happened both times we have cruised Voyager. And we are booked for two more cruises

[JDRMYS]

We have boarded Regent ships early several times. We have dropped our carry-on bags in the closet of our suite (after seeking out and receiving permission from our stewardess) and have gone up on deck to have lunch. Since we boarded early, we did not expect anyone to give us Champagne and to escort us to our accomodations -- we found our own way around. If you arrive during regular embarkation hours, you can expect to be escorted to your suite. If you arrive early, you can't expect the same service.

[AtA]

For informal nights on Voyager would cocktail dresses be appropriate or perhaps a long skirt?

 

I don't want to over-dress but would like to fit in with the overall feel of the ship since we've not been on Regent before. :)

"

Some do wear cocktail dresses, but that would also work for formal nights. Matter of fact for formal nights I saw more cocktail dresses than gowns. For informal nights, a simple skirt or pants, dressy top and a shawl or nice jacket would work fine.

 

What I do now is bring one black skirt and one pair of dressy black pants. I interchange the skirt and pants for informal night and wear the pants with a dressy top and an embroidered silk jacket for formal nights. I never felt underdressed. For informal nights I have a beautiful black and white cotton blazer that I wear.

[goldenrod]

We have sailed on Regent 3 times twice on the Navigator and once on the Mariner. We just returned from a 17 day TA crossing on the Emerald Princess and I can tell you the Emerald Princess to me was like a striped Ford the Regent line was like a top end Lexus, yes it cost more but you get so much more. As long as I can afford it I will be on Regent or Silver Seas which we have sailed once. The TA cruise was fun but all the nickel and dimeing of Princess drove us nuts. Plus the service and rooms on Regent are far Superior to the mini suite we were in, and over 3000 people just too many!

Jerry

PS we are not taking the trip posted below today we switched to Seven Seas Voyager leaving Aug. 30th 08. instead.

[dafne]

It is interesting to me how Regent Board Members do not like to hear anything negative about Regent Cruises.

 

We sailed on Silversea this past June and it was fabulous! It was perfect!!!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=576414

 

We had friends who were on a Regent Cruise also this past summer and they had some negative experiences on their Regent Cruise- but don't post their thoughts on boards. After talking to them about their cruise we felt Silversea

was superior.

 

However, on Silversea some people do post negative comments.

 

Why do you think this is?

[Travelcat2]

It is interesting to me how Regent Board Members do not like to hear anything negative about Regent Cruises.

 

We sailed on Silversea this past June and it was fabulous! It was perfect!!!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=576414

 

We had friends who were on a Regent Cruise also this past summer and they had some negative experiences on their Regent Cruise- but don't post their thoughts on boards. After talking to them about their cruise we felt Silversea

was superior.

 

However, on Silversea some people do post negative comments.

 

Why do you think this is?

 

I have been reading Silversea posts for the past couple of months (considering a cruise next year on SS) and agree that there are a lot of critical posts.

 

While we have been Regent fans, the reviews we have made on the Voyager and Navigator (under the "Review" section of these boards) did include the negative with the positive. There are continual posts on Regent boards about vibration/noise on the Voyager and Navigator.

 

Some of the SS posts have been in response to claims that the food has been declining the past year or so as well as the fact that Silversea has apparently been advertising/targeting non-U.S. markets. There was an interesting post a couple of months ago regarding how "service is perceived by Americans vs. Europeans. If it is true that Europeans prefer very formal service and Americans prefer elegant yet a bit friendlier service, it would be challenging to achieve a level that makes most passengers happy. Some companies (Saga, for instance) a company that has both land and cruise itineraries completely left the U.S, and is now based in the U.K.

 

This was a rather long way of giving an opinion about negative statements on SS boards. When/if I do take a cruiseon Silversea, I'll do my best to be objective -- these are both highly rated luxury cruise lines -- they are not suppose to be identical twins and glitch's do occur. At the end of the day, I'll probably always love Regent. . . but hope to enjoy every minute I spend on SS or Seabourn. JMO

[TedC]

Some of the SS posts have been in response to claims that the food has been declining the past year or so as well as the fact that Silversea has apparently been advertising/targeting non-U.S. markets. There was an interesting post a couple of months ago regarding how "service is perceived by Americans vs. Europeans. If it is true that Europeans prefer very formal service and Americans prefer elegant yet a bit friendlier service, it would be challenging to achieve a level that makes most passengers happy. Some companies (Saga, for instance) a company that has both land and cruise itineraries completely left the U.S, and is now based in the U.K.

 

 

I believe Saga has always been a British-based line. I recall reading years ago that Brits claimed Saga stood for: "Send A Granny Away."

[wripro]

It's not that people do not post negative things about Regent. They do. But when they do some other posters rush to the defense of the line as if their grandchildren had been attacked. This also happens on the Crystal board. Not so much on Silversea. They are all great lines and each has its positives and negatives, both of which should be listened to with equal interest.

[Travelcat2]

I believe Saga has always been a British-based line. I recall reading years ago that Brits claimed Saga stood for: "Send A Granny Away."

 

You could be correct. Saga was very active in the U.S. in the 90's. . . then, after "9/11", there were some "problems". Shortly thereafter, Saga no longer had tours/cruises departing from North America and they stopped advertising. Guess I assumed incorrectly (it is fun to learn what "Saga" stood for". . . )

[OrpingtonT]

In case anyone is interested, cruising is only one part of a big Saga organisation. The following is their account of the origins of the company.

 

The Saga Group has it origins in the 1950s, when the late Sidney De Haan OBE identified three critical factors for the company's future success which continue to underpin operations today.

These involve concentrating exclusively on older customers, marketing to them 'direct' and offering value-for-money.

Saga's ongoing commitment to trust, quality, dependability and value is the foundation on which their reputation rests for looking after the needs and interests of older people.

Today they say they remain fully focused on understanding and responding to the changing demands of the older target market, the fastest growing demographic group in the UK that is forecast to increase from 19m to 25m by 2015.

Timeline

1948

Sidney De Haan buys his first seaside hotel in Folkestone.

1951

Sidney De Haan operates his first holiday exclusively for retired people, realising that many would appreciate a quieter off-season break by the sea. The cost of that first Saga holiday in 'old money' was £6 10s, including travel, full-board and three excursions.

1957

In a pioneering move, Sidney De Haan charters his first train from British Rail to bring holidaymakers from the north of England to south coast resorts.

1959

Sidney De Haan originates no-passport day-trips to France. Flying passengers from Lydd airport to Le Touquet, Saga ventures overseas for the first time.

1960

Sidney De Haan pioneers tourism in the Algarve, establishing the Aldeia do Mar Turistica Holiday Complex at Albufeira.

1966

The Saga Club is launched with members receiving Saga News, forerunner to the hugely successful Saga Magazine.

1970

Saga expands, offering holidays to Romania, Spain and Yugoslavia.

1975

Saga offers its first ever world cruise and begins to build a portfolio of cruises.

1979

The first long-haul holidays to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok are included in the Saga Holidays brochure.

1984

Saga Magazine is launched, going on to win numerous major publishing awards and ultimately establishing itself as Britain's biggest subscription-only magazine.

1984

Sidney De Haan retires and son Roger is appointed Chairman.

1985

Sidney De Haan awarded an OBE for services to tourism.

1987

Following successful pilot schemes, Saga Services is established to provide insurance, investment and other services for Saga customers.

1988

Sidney De Haan awarded the ETB (English Tourist Board) 'England for Excellence' award for 'Long Term Contribution to Tourism'

1993

Saga introduces its first all-inclusive holidays in Europe.

1996

Saga buys its first cruise ship the Saga Rose, quite literally the flagship of the Saga Group.

2000

PrimeTime digital radio is launched. Saga Radio wins its first regional FM licence.

2001

Saga Radio is awarded its first FM licence for the West Midlands.

2002

Saga adds to its cruising capacity. From May 2003, Saga Pearl complements the existing programme currently offered by Saga Rose.

2003

Saga purchases its second, wholly-owned cruise ship Caronia.

Saga Radio launches its second FM station for the East Midlands.

2004

Saga’s third FM radio station goes on air in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Saga Insurance Co is established in Gibraltar, enabling Saga to underwrite motor insurance policies for the first time.

Roger De Haan announces his retirement. Saga Group is sold to a management buyout backed by Charterhouse, with Andrew Goodsell as CEO.

Roger De Haan receives the CBE for services to business, education and charity.

 

If you are over 55 years old here in the UK, you receive insurance quotes, travel literature, magazines, investment opportunities etc, quite regularly from Saga and their products seem to be well thought of, though I have never availed myself of them.

[goldenrod]

Hi, would like to hear from anyone currently on or recently on the Voyager as to the condition of the room furniture, carpet etc, ? The reason I ask is we were on the Mariner a couple of years ago, the cruise was great but our suite had a badly worn out stained couch and the carpet was badly stained, we were told they were about to refurbish the suites but it was not done yet, the rest of the ship looked fine. We were given a $500 room credit because of the condition of our suite, just wondering how things look on the Voyager in the suites, we will be on it next Aug 30th. We are not taking the Princess cruise listed below, and have decided to go back to Regency:)

Thanks Jerry

[dougburns]

Just got off Voyager in mid-Sep. The condition was excellent. The entire ship got all new soft goods( bedding, matresses, etc.) last Spring.

[goldenrod]

Just got off Voyager in mid-Sep. The condition was excellent. The entire ship got all new soft goods( bedding, matresses, etc.) last Spring.

Thanks for your reply I see you are also from Phoenix were out in Surprise. This will be our forth cruise on Regency, glad to hear the Voyager is in tip top shape.

Jerry

[AtA]

Hi, would like to hear from anyone currently on or recently on the Voyager as to the condition of the room furniture, carpet etc, ? The reason I ask is we were on the Mariner a couple of years ago, the cruise was great but our suite had a badly worn out stained couch and the carpet was badly stained, we were told they were about to refurbish the suites but it was not done yet, the rest of the ship looked fine. We were given a $500 room credit because of the condition of our suite, just wondering how things look on the Voyager in the suites, we will be on it next Aug 30th. We are not taking the Princess cruise listed below, and have decided to go back to Regency:)

Thanks Jerry

 

Hi Jerry, I was on her in January and the new soft furnishings looked beautiful. You will have nothing to worry about. :)

[AtA]

Thanks for your reply I see you are also from Phoenix were out in Surprise. This will be our forth cruise on Regency, glad to hear the Voyager is in tip top shape.

Jerry

Um I believe you mean Regent and not Regency. ;)

[DebbieH103]

I am not sure why everyone thinks I boarded early and that things were not regular. When I found the constellation lounge and was not greeted, it was 2:56. I could have stood in the call 4 minutes, but I was still there at 3, and there were only a dozen people in there and at least 15 staff, all just doing nothing.

 

Regarding the dress, they added an informal night, so thus far we have had 3 casual and 3 informal. Many are not following the dress code and are dressing formally on informal nights and informal on casual. Last night there was a lot of evening gowns. There is a group here with West Park that is being supported by them to buy collector's art, and some have bought 16 or 18 pieces into the millions.

 

Binoculars would have been lovely in the Bealeric islands and some of these other places off shore.

 

People on this board are so sensitive. I am posting how things have been just as facts. I met with the hotel director for 30 minutes, and he informed that he knows the service is not up to par and that he knows his guest to staff ration (1.6 to 1) is not high enough. This is a special cruise with VPs of Regent and whatnot and they are meeting with guests, etc.

 

I don't think I should be blasted because I like chardonnay in the room or because I would have liked binoculars or the now and then Godiva SS gives. I don't like caviar, but it is free on SS.

 

On the other hand, these guys always serve you in a glass, even at the pool, no plastic, and they try to have the local foods when they can, and I thnk they do a better job on that than SS. However, they need to tell you that you can order foods, and many have been told they have to order what is at the restaurant they are at, while SS is not that strict. Yes, staff at SS might look sour when you ask but will do it. Here, you can order room service from Compass Rose or vice versa and wine from the others (though it has been the same at all venues on this cruise), you can't order anything else. Say you can, but several guests have been scolded in my presence. Fact, there are 700 people on here, it is NOT the same experience as SS. It is a fabulous cruise and a FABULOUS experience.

 

Other than not telling people where bathrooms are on tours and not waiting for people when they find them on their own even when none has been offered, the tours have been exceptional. Except the one day, they have been escorted, and those with special needs have been considered without inconveniencing other guests at all. The only complaint is the tour desk doesn't know anything about the tours. This hasn't bothered me but has bothered others.

 

Entertainment is good and varied, casino is bigger and more exciting, lounges are very nice, social staff is nice (though they seem depressed).

 

The stewardesses on this deck know English well. That is not the issue. Also, the girl can't get that if 9 is too early 3 days in a row, it is too early the 4th and if I am getting ready for dinner at 6:30 3 nights, the 4th and 5th I am getting ready. Last night, she saw me wet and almost running to my cabin at 6:05 and 4 minutes later wanted to do my cabin.

 

I am just commenting on the things that would take the experience over the top. I will have a long review in a couple of weeks stating factually by category how things are. You will find almost all things will be reported as being quite wonderful.

 

Next post will go back to the diary.

[Charsie]

Debbie, I'm a little late in reading this thread, and I'm confused. Mind you, I just came home from a long nightshift, maybe I'm just over-tired. I'm unwinding from that long nightshift, relaxing before going to bed, and have been enjoying reading this thread...and now I'm re-reading things trying to find the posts where you were blasted, and people were being sensitive (hate to miss the interesting bits - LOL). Do you know...did they get deleted?