Live from Voyager

[neviboy]

Charsie, she refers to my experiences which was not deleted since I did not "blast" anyone. She seems to continually compare Silverseas with "these guys" (whoever they are). This takes away the pleasure of cruising, in my opinion, unless I was a TA and wanted to give clients a different perspective of various cruise lines.

To enjoy any type of travel one should have an open mind and just relax.

It matters little to me whether I have Godiva's on my bed or M & M's. (they are so hard to peel especially after so much champagne.)

[canadagal]

Charsie, the posts are in there but I wouldn't exactly call them "being blasted"......more in disagreement with th OP. You will have to go back and re-read everything when you are not sleep deprived.

To the OP, I have really enjoyed your review and thought it was balanced and fair and interesting. You did what most people fail to do and that's discuss the shortcomings with the Hotel Manager. Good for you! I also wish that Regent would accompany on the shore excursions. I found it reassuring when travel as a solo female with my girlfriends on SS to have the escort shoo away people that were bothering us. Something our husbands would normally do.

There is something comforting about having one of the ship's staff on the bus etc. and ready to intervene if there are any hiccups or problems. Also, I'm saying this with a smile......please don't lump all Regent board participants into the category of "Cheerleaders" that don't want to hear anything negative as that's simply not the case. Sure this board has cheerleaders like all of the boards but I would hazard a guess that the majority want to hear both the good and the bad......at least I do. Thank-you for the review.

 

Pat

[seahorse]

Charsie, she refers to my experiences which was not deleted since I did not "blast" anyone. She seems to continually compare Silverseas with "these guys" (whoever they are). This takes away the pleasure of cruising, in my opinion, unless I was a TA and wanted to give clients a different perspective of various cruise lines.

To enjoy any type of travel one should have an open mind and just relax.

It matters little to me whether I have Godiva's on my bed or M & M's. (they are so hard to peel especially after so much champagne.)

 

I totally agree. Constantly comparing her cruises, IMO, seems to be deminishing her experience. As a TA I am finding this not helpful. It is just one person`s perspective.

 

I say relax and enjoy.......forget about SS for now;)

[PaulaJK]

We have sailed Regent, SS and Crystal. Upon boarding we always

try to promise ourselves not to compare and contrast as we find relentlessly doing so tends to sour our experience..and mood. When

we falter in our resolve, we regroup and try it again.

 

Of course, that doesn't mean that we can't compare & contrast

our experiences or that we don't have preferences and views...informed

both by our experiences & personalities.

 

The few disturbing items I have read in this topic include

--the ratio of 1.6 to 1 crew/pax.... Isn't this lower than usual? than as advertised?

--Pax being scolded? for asking for special items? Could you elaborate please!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

The website says "1 to 1.5 guest to crew ratio". Sounds like somebody got it backwards.

[Goofyisme]

I'm sorry but I find it impossible to believe that a Regent crew member "scolded" a passenger. Lot's of other things I am taking with a grain of salt as maybe the OP just doesn't understand the concept (like the multiple dining options with their own menus).

But, these are of course the OP's opinions based on their background and experience and they are certainly entitled to them. I, based on my own experience, choose to be a bit skeptical.

As I have said before, and I think the OP will agree, either line is a wonderful experience.

Hope you enjoy and relax.

[canadagal]

This is the quote the OP made at the beginning of the thread:

 

Quote: I don't want to offend the Regent lovers, and I am having a wonderful time that will give memories of a lifetime, but I do know many like the SS comparisons. Forgive me if I offend anyone. End Quote.

 

I don't see anywhere in this thread that the OP has said that she is not having a good time on the cruise. Sure she posted things, that in her opinion were not up to snuff and she also did something about it too........she reported it to the hotel manager so that Regent is aware and can make any needed changes.

 

She also listed her reasons for the comparison in the review...."because many on this board like to hear comparisons. "

It's all in the eye of the reader as to whether or not it's helpful. The OP is entitled to her opinion and review. Some may not agree but that's what makes life grand.......differences! Hopefully we all read these boards with a grain of salt and don't try to limit what people are saying just to cheerleading posts.

Pat

[mp8shnt]

People do ask on this and other boards - Can you compare Regent and Silversea? If I like one will I like the other? What are the differences? etc. - what Debbie is doing is trying to help - and as others have posted - she did make this quite clear in her original post.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Strange thread. I think it's human nature to defend our choices. Few are willing to admit that the brand of car they bought is not the best, for example.

 

Comparisons are good, keep them coming. (I have nothing to compare Regent to, as yet.) I like Regent, I admit it feels like home when I get on one of their ships. But we certainly have voiced criticisms about specific problems in the past.

 

Can someone point me to where a passenger was allegedly "scolded"? I can't find that in the thread anywhere--give me the phrase and I can do a search, thanks.

[borntocruz]

Hi Wendy,

Post #49, paragraph 6.

 

I for one have found Debbie's comparisons helpful and think she is presenting them well. She has made it clear that she is enjoying the cruise. I don't know why folks feel the need to tell her to relax and enjoy. Seems rather condescending to me, but I have a notoriously thin skin! haha

 

Jacki

[minxtabb]

Actually , I too have been "scolded" by a Regent restaurant waiter when requesting a creme brulee for dessert that was not on the menu, but is available 24 hours a day from room service. We also had an issue with another menu item that we had requested earlier in the day, only to be told it was not available when in the dining room in the evening (when in fact, it was). We have sailed on Silversea and this would never have happened.

 

Roz

[Pam]

We are so very well trained by RSSC; when we don't want stewards coming in to work on our suite, we hang out the "privacy please" card. When we leave to go out morning or evening, we hang out the "service please" card.

 

I think most of us find our "comfort zone" and compare everything else to that. Our comfort zone is definitely RSSC, and I have a feeling that if/when we sail on SS we'll be comparing. It's human nature. If I have a favorite person to deal with in a place of business and, for whatever reason, that person is replaced, I regard the new person with great wariness until I am adjusted to his/her presence. Human nature.

 

Debbie, I hope your cruise continues happily.

[Travelcat2]

For me, this would be easier to digest if it did not feel like every item was being compared during trip. I'd rather see the Regent cruise just be "experienced" and enjoyed -- then, at the completion of the cruise, you could reflect back and more clearly post the Regent vs. Silversea experience.

 

Since we are planning to possibly cruise Silversea in 2009, we are very interested in the differences. I look forward to the "review" from this cruise. In the meantime, the day to day events on board, are very interesting to read.

[Iamboatman]

I am truly enjoying the dialogue and the comparisons. Having been on well over 20 cruises, you invariably compare...and you know what you like and what you don't.

 

I don't like putting out a Do Not Disturb sign when getting ready for dinner. (An afternoon nap, OK). Why, because I don't like to feel that I need to instruct someone. Most steward(ess) do it just fine without warning signs.

 

I have been told No to changing wines, ignored when asking for cheese, etc. It happens. It doesn't ruin my cruise, but I like to hear about it to see if it is a consistent problem.

 

Mentioning those things doesn't mean the OP is having a bad time or is looking for problems. They are mere observations. I posted a number of "observations" when I returned from the PG, but concluded it was one of the best cruises I had ever taken.

[neviboy]

Comparisons are fine as long as major items are considered. What if a glass breaks around the pool ? Surely it is better to use plastic glasses from these guys. Maybe Silverseas has good insurance coverage for accidents !! Basic issues such as vibrations, lack of tender arrival facilities in Monte Carlo, inability of reception personnel to answer questions, etc. etc. are what future cruisers are concerned with. Bookings with specialty restaurants, internet connections, and so on, have all been discussed on boards, and welcomed as good information. Reports from ships contain first hand current information from cruisers, and I certainly read up on any future ship that I have booked. Discussing menus is pointless since they change with every cruise, and I couldn't care less what my friend had for dinner . Maybe I will get lucky on lobster night, who knows ?

[Iamboatman]

If you don't care, don't read it. Reading complaints about reading it...I think I will skip them from now on.;)

[planner8]

these posts seem rude and Eric you are a TA?? nasty

[Travelcat2]

I am truly enjoying the dialogue and the comparisons. Having been on well over 20 cruises, you invariably compare...and you know what you like and what you don't.

 

I don't like putting out a Do Not Disturb sign when getting ready for dinner. (An afternoon nap, OK). Why, because I don't like to feel that I need to instruct someone. Most steward(ess) do it just fine without warning signs.

 

I have been told No to changing wines, ignored when asking for cheese, etc. It happens. It doesn't ruin my cruise, but I like to hear about it to see if it is a consistent problem.

 

Mentioning those things doesn't mean the OP is having a bad time or is looking for problems. They are mere observations. I posted a number of "observations" when I returned from the PG, but concluded it was one of the best cruises I had ever taken.

 

 

You mentioned posting your "observations" when you "returned from the PG" -- this was the point of my previous post. At the conclusion of the cruise, you could look back at the whole experience.

[Iamboatman]

I just am not one to post often when I am cruising, so I post when I get back. My thoughts, though, are as I cruise along. To each his/her own.

 

I am enjoying the contemporaneous thoughts...and look forward to a retrospective when the OP returns.

[Breezes06]

Thanks for the great, detailed description of your cruise. I've enjoyed every observation. I don't feel you have been in the least negative, and it's valid to post during the cruise when everything is fresh on your mind. It's obvious that you are having a wonderful time, and it's understandable that one would make comparisons between the current and past experiences.

 

It appears Regent has some weaknesses, and hopefully they will be corrected before my next cruise.

[DebbieH103]

Thanks Canadagal and all the others for the defense.

 

I am a TA also and sorry the TA doesn't find it helpful. I paid a whopping sum, so I am entitled to my OPINIONS. Read on, and you will see the cruise director won me over.

 

I have been moved by the entertainment. It is better than SS since they still have the production shows and SS got rid of them. I love the different dining menus, but I still love the dining on SS so much. Also, since the demo is slightly younger here, they are not afraid to make things spicy sometimes.

 

The 1.6 as I said is a number they said they knew was too high but they can't find people and also they have some bed issues.

 

Stating hard facts to the HD was helpful to HIM, and the hundred or so that met with the VP and other higher ups that boarded this cruise to hear opinions actually took notes. At that meeting, I did not say a word or make a comment. I met privately. The frequent guests had plenty to say but like me said it was overall fabulous.

 

If you read my old reports on SS, I also gave fair accessments. I will have a proper review here in a few weeks that I will send to Laura, and I hope some will enjoy.

 

Majorca was beautiful. Everyone I talked to enjoyed that a lot. That, Corsica and Rome have made this trip memorable.

 

And then yesterday, I had not arranged anything, so I walked all the way around the harbor and up the hill far down. Saw the casino and walked thru a carnival. What an interesting thing. Some booths they were shooting the guns (like we do for stuffed animals) for Wii, Ipod, stereos, etc.

 

I went to a grocery store and bought some Italian and French chocolates and a bottle of Bordeaux for 9.71 Euros.

 

I had to pack before dinner.

 

I had a lovely dinner at La Verandah with Jeannie from Cruise Critic. We really enjoyed the change of pace, and we were seated at a quiet table with a harbor view.

 

Oh, I did squeeze in my hot tub hour to try to boil out my sinuses.

 

The hotel director sought me out personally last night to give me his card and asked me to write him personally. He knew I had not turned in my comment card and I promised to write when I got home. Classy.

 

Also, a big pack of menus arrived on my door and Glendas as well. Nice.

 

I attended the 60s thru 80s pop show. They had so many costumes. I enjoyed that, and they even shot off fake fireworks in there.

 

I went to Voyager Lounge and exchanged a few addresses.

 

Then, thanks Jan for posting live or I would never have known how pleasant Observation Lounge is at night. Wow. Glenda and I went up there and chatted with some people until almost one while we viewed the SPECTACULAR harbor view of Monaco. Money cannot buy those moments like that. Then we had a trip to her cabin and I copied off her pics, so I will have a link in a couple of days, but I can't promise they will be labeled. They are beautiful, but I don't know where half of them are.

 

So today I am meeting ChatKat (from Cruise Critic/LCT) and her bunch at 11:30 at La Perouse and having lunch with them in Nice. I am excited about that.

 

BTW, regarding scolding, that was perhaps too harsh if people are looking to criticize my review. People were told, " you have to go to the proper restaurant for that or everyone will want that". "It is after 2, too late for soup" when it is 2:03. Now, if you get in before 2, they warn they are packing it up.

 

I had lunch at La Verandah yesterday, and service was nice.

 

I attended the Nice/Canne/Monaco lecture, and he offered to send all lectures from onboard free for the asking if an address was presented. Nice touch.

 

I am sure I am going to cry when I get off the ship, and that is when I know I had a good cruise. One lady last night while we were staring at Monaco all lit up said, "How could you ever capture the emotions of this view on film"?

[DebbieH103]

Had lunch at La Verandah, service nice yesterday. Also attended the lecture, which was very informative

[canadagal]

Debbie, no thanks are needed! I would have done the same for any other member on CC under similar circumstances. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Pat

[seahorse]

What would have been "helpful" to me is the OP`s expectations of her first cruise on Regent and if they were met. Comparisons to another line that perhaps cruisers have not been on, IMO, is not as helpful to me.

 

I don`t see where anyone had to come to her "defense" I don`t see that she was attacked by anyone, including me. I gave my opinion:rolleyes:

 

I am enjoying her blog and her opinions:)

[canadagal]

Seahorse, I like your tongue in cheek humour. Made me laugh! To be clear though, it was not I, that used the word defense.....I just tried to clarify what the OP had already written in her own words.

Have a great day!

Pat