Your "dream Regent ship"

I am posting this question on the different forums of the lines I cruise (in this case about to cruise for the first time) and am really keen to hear what you think. Perhaps some cruise lines will be much more inventive than others, we shall see. So please tell me, what would be added or subtracted from the current Regent ships to create your "dream Regent ship"? I don't mean free cruises, free flights, free anything, or brand new ships and cabins etc every day when you wake. No fantasy stuff. No magic. I just mean tweaks or changes or additions to what is already on offer. A sort of "build your own Explorer" almost!

In another thread about chair hogs, Suite Travels made me realise that I would love to see the creation of a "Table of Shame" for pool chair hogs. After 30 minutes of absentee chair-hogging, your stuff is gathered up and placed on the "Table of Shame" - a table very prominently set up on the pool deck (in full sun so your book page-glue melts and your suntan lotion leaks) where the hogs have to go to re-claim their belongings under the full glare of the fellow travellers' disapproval. ;)

I am still working on the small refinements - perhaps necessitating a grovelling apology, perhaps a loud (but somehow not disturbing to others) klaxon of shame going off as repeat offenders approach the table just to ensure everyone looks over to see them, perhaps community tut-tutting etc etc - Yeah, I know it needs work :D

All in the hope that it would actually soon stop the chair hogging altogether, of course.

So come on, tell me what would you like to see on your "dream Regent ship". Unless, you are a persistent chair hog. In which case, don't talk to me at all. :eek:

Better coffee being served in dining areas would be a bonus.:)

I think that the Explorer is as close to a perfect ship (that exists today). Almost everything that I was hoping for was there.

In terms of the Table of Shame, IMO, it was just something funny on the Regent board - not anything to be taken seriously. While it would probably work well on mainstream or even some premium cruise lines, it would not work on Regent or other luxury cruise lines where guests are treated as adults and many would find this an affront (or at least a joke). If someone's belongings are left for a certain period of time, a Regent crew member should be notified to remove it. This is done quietly and usually without embarrassment.

One thing I would like to see Regent go back to is having more computers with printer access. It doesn't need to be in a computer room necessarily but enough computers so there isn't a line-up when everyone is trying to print boarding passes on the same day (note: some airlines are charging to print boarding passengers which is another reason to have computers available).

I would like to see all Regent ships have the type of smoking area that is on the Explorer.

Suites for single guests. The Explorer has small suites but expect two passengers to be in each one. Regent would be the first luxury line to provide true "single suites" (to my knowledge).

Special boarding area for disabled passengers rather than using the same one that other passengers are using. On Oceania's Riviera, disabled passengers are able to use the crew entrance (much lower on the ship with easier access). Also, the crew would be much more understanding and helpful than some of the guests I've seen using the regular stairs/ramps.

Although all of us would have something to say about food and drinks, this area is so subjective that a change would make some passengers happier and others (that may be happy now) unhappy. Having properly made tea for some passengers would be a great addition.

Mainly, I would not want to see a ship larger, noisier or have anything that will detract from the subdued luxury of Regent. There are plenty of larger ships with more things to do, lots of loud music, more shopping, etc. I would keep the "Regent Experience" as close to what it is as possible - especially treating every guest onboard with equal respect - whether they are in the smallest or largest suite. To me, that defines luxury.

I hadn't really given this a lot of thought, but it's an interesting exercise.

I agree that a nice "Cigar Lounge" would be a plus - comfy leather chairs, dark woods, and no cigarettes. I'd enjoy that.

Motorized drapes/blinds! Especially with beds facing outward, it would be cool to be able to see the view outside without getting my lazy butt out of bed. Push a button and, poof! Instant view!

Maybe augment the TV with a set of VR headsets for a more immersive (and private) movie experience.

A few more USB ports.

Enhanced lighting in the cabins. At a minimum, motion activated night lights in hallways and bathrooms, maybe some dimmers on the bed lights, or even customizable LED lights with color and intensity options.

How about iPads or at least enhanced cocktail menus in the bars...or one more modern, 'experimental' bar with interactive cocktails?

I know most of these are technology related, which I guess is good...apparently Regent already hits a lot of the luxury buttons.

Our 'ideal' mix would be:

- Voyager 'basic' suites

- Mariner PH & Horizon suites (with shower rather than shower/tub combo)

- Mariner Pool Deck and Public Areas layout

- Improved visiting performers

- Food & Drink: generally as is but make sure plenty of NZ Sauvingnon Blanc on board (sometimes missing from the included wine list :mad:)

- In suite: larger safe; addition of a bathroom night-light; addition of USB sockets & UK sockets

- No 'wire-man/woman' sculptures in the lift shaft......So spooky :eek:

Note: We have not had the pleasure of sailing on Navigator or Explorer (yet)

Bill, liked your list but don't think you would like a light in the hallway that is motion activated (but in the bathroom it would be good). Having a bright light come on in the middle of the night could be disturbing. On the other hand, a small motion activated light would work fine. I mentioned that I purchased a $10 motion activated LED light for the bathroom that was magnetic (but the walls on the Explorer will not hold magnets). Anyway, I tested it in the bathroom in my home. The test lasted 15 minutes as my cats kept repeatedly activating it (at least I knew that it worked).

Flossie, you will be happy to learn that the safes on the Explorer are so large that, rather than taking my wallet and passport out to put it in the safe, I just put my large handbag in. There are also USB ports next to the bed on both sides.

I would do away with some of the Veranda suites (all categories) for two passengers, resize them and turn them into single suites. These are simply not going to be popular suites as evidenced by the fact that our November cruise has been almost 100% booked for months but there is still Veranda suite availability. Alternatively, if the suites are still available when final payment is due, allow single travelers to book them without a supplement for the second person. It is a shame that single travelers (many of whom lost their spouses) can no longer afford Regent.

Our 'ideal' mix would be:

 

- Voyager 'basic' suites

 

- Mariner PH & Horizon suites (with shower rather than shower/tub combo)

 

- Mariner Pool Deck and Public Areas layout

 

- Improved visiting performers

 

- Food & Drink: generally as is but make sure plenty of NZ Sauvingnon Blanc on board (sometimes missing from the included wine list :mad:)

 

- In suite: larger safe; addition of a bathroom night-light; addition of USB sockets & UK sockets

 

- No 'wire-man/woman' sculptures in the lift shaft......So spooky :eek:

 

 

Note: We have not had the pleasure of sailing on Navigator or Explorer (yet)

While we agree with most of Flossie's comments (and are not familiar with NZ sauvignon blanc), we're "bath" people, so we would like to have separate bath tubs and showers in every stateroom. The bathtubs on the Mariner are too low and narrow, but we don't think that eliminating them in most rooms was a good choice. That leaves us with a very narrow selection of rooms with tubs.

The lowest categories on the Explorer were believed to be singles when the ship was in planning. They should have stayed as singles. And, as evidenced by our comments above, we don't like the fact that the three least expensive categories are ruled out because they don't have bathtubs.

An ideal ship would have noisy areas in the same portion of the ship on each level (i.e., stacked), so that no cabins are above or below showrooms, casinos, or the pool area. (Actually, our ideal ship would, like Disney, have no casino; but that would be an unpopular choice.)

Our ideal ship would have better art work. Regent is many cuts above Holland America in most respects; but the art work on HAL is much better than Regent, and often has a common theme for much of the ship's art.

Regent food is pretty good, but not perfect. The buffet area should be redesigned with better flow of passengers.

Obviously, the ideal ship should not have the vibration problems in the rear of Navigator and Voyager.

These are minor quibbles. Regent is terrific, but there is still room for improvement.

Regent food is pretty good, but not perfect. The buffet area should be redesigned with better flow of passengers.

 

Obviously, the ideal ship should not have the vibration problems in the rear of Navigator and Voyager.

 

These are minor quibbles. Regent is terrific, but there is still room for improvement.

Hi Joan and Joe;

You'll be happy to learn that La Veranda's buffet area is completely redesigned on the Explorer and handles the flow of passengers very well. Also, the new Compass Rose menu is wonderful - many more "every day" choices that are delicious! I'm fairly certain that the Mariner will have a redesign of La Veranda but am not sure about the Voyager (and do not think there is enough room on the Navigator to have the buffet layout that is currently on the Explorer).

Jackie

My favorite Regent ship would have:

650 - 700 pax

50,000 GRT

550 - 600 crew

Outside viewing areas adjacent to Observation Lounge (like Mariner)

Rear facing lounge with outdoor seating area with bar service (like Mariner)

Good seating in theater balcony (for those that would like to enter or exit)

Trivia/games three times a day (like Jamie used to run)

Whisky tastings at least once every cruise (i.e., as often as wine tastings)

Complimentary wine list based on customer request (sure miss Coppola)

A crew that is empowered to satisfy customer complaints (especially applies to excursion desk)

General Managers who have leeway to ensure proper training and firing of crew members (too much is under control of front office)

I guess I am asking for the Mariner in Regent's heyday.

Marc

Bill, liked your list but don't think you would like a light in the hallway that is motion activated (but in the bathroom it would be good).

TC, guess I wasn't clear on that...definitely low-level night lighting in the hallway, just enough to get to the closet or bathroom without annoying your SO.

All of the above...plus a functioning brig to be used for "time outs" for passengers who are rude...or for the duration of the cruise for those passengers and crew who do not wash their hands after visiting the restroom...

All of the above...plus a functioning brig to be used for "time outs" for passengers who are rude...or for the duration of the cruise for those passengers and crew who do not wash their hands after visiting the restroom...

Not quite sure where you are coming from but, as mentioned, there are sinks to wash your hands prior to entering La Veranda. People that do not wash their hands after visiting the restroom will likely not change their habits.

Regarding other comments, I strongly suggest withholding judgements until you actually sail on the Explorer. While some people can determine by the suite sizes/layouts that other Regent ships would better suit their needs, most Regent cruisers will find everything they want (and more) on the Explorer.

For those of you that like the suites on the Voyager (do not disagree), this mistake will never happen again. The mistake made by Radisson's owners was having the same size suites for all categories until you reach PH (and, on the Navigator, even those suites are the same size). If you think about selling suites that are the same size and have the same amenities but are priced differently, you will understand the challenge that Regent faced.

While I do not like the "concierge" suites that have different amenities, I understand why this was put in place. Regent needed to do something to differentiate the lowest category suites. First they (Pacific Cruise Holdings) decided to make the more expensive categories mid-ship with the less expensive categories far aft or forward (a big deal if you are on the Voyager or Navigator). When they still were not selling enough mid-level suites, they introduced the "concierge program" that gave more incentives to book the higher level suites (even though they were the same size).

I agree with most of what NCHL did on the Explorer. The lowest categories were no longer the same size as the concierge suites which was a good move (IMO). The only area that I feel that Regent fell short was not building suites for single travelers. It seems from current bookings that the lowest categories are not selling well. Had they designated the lowest category for "single travelers", without a single supplement, they likely would fill up immediately. Again, just my opinion.

Did you miss the emoticon, Travelcat2? But many a truth is spoken in jest. The "perfect ship" would have no rude or unsanitary passengers. What's not obviously true about that?

Did you miss the emoticon, Travelcat2? But many a truth is spoken in jest. The "perfect ship" would have no rude or unsanitary passengers. What's not obviously true about that?

Guess I did take your comments too seriously but definitely agree that in a perfect world what you posted is 100% true:)

And I, for one, am very glad we don't live in a perfect world...as I'd be banned!

For those of you that like the suites on the Voyager (do not disagree), this mistake will never happen again. The mistake made by Radisson's owners was having the same size suites for all categories until you reach PH (and, on the Navigator, even those suites are the same size). If you think about selling suites that are the same size and have the same amenities but are priced differently, you will understand the challenge that Regent faced.

 

Radisson may have made a "mistake" which Regent found as a "challenge. However all Seabourn suites are the same configuration and size--except Penthouse and Owners' suites; pricing is based on suite location. It doesn't seem to have been an error on Seabourn's part as occupancy levels and loyal guests can attest.

For those of you that like the suites on the Voyager (do not disagree), this mistake will never happen again. The mistake made by Radisson's owners was having the same size suites for all categories until you reach PH (and, on the Navigator, even those suites are the same size). If you think about selling suites that are the same size and have the same amenities but are priced differently, you will understand the challenge that Regent faced.

 

Radisson may have made a "mistake" which Regent found as a "challenge. However all Seabourn suites are the same configuration and size--except Penthouse and Owners' suites; pricing is based on suite location. It doesn't seem to have been an error on Seabourn's part as occupancy levels and loyal guests can attest.

 

 

Agree completely about Regent having difficulty selling certain suites. I'm happy that Seabourn does not have the same issue. However, until the announcement of the new smoking policy on Seabourn, many Regent passengers (including ourselves) would not consider Seabourn. Now, unfortunately, it is too late as we will be approaching "Titanium" level on Regent within the next 18 months. Had Seabourn changed their smoking policy earlier, we would have tried it but now would prefer the Titanium benefits on Regent.

This dream ship thread I have read on other cruise lines. I am going to take my second Regent cruises in 2018.. i picked for the fact i can go RT Mia-Mia to S. America. I booked direct and then gave to TA. i booked my PH based on n a bathtub. i wanted one. i am also booked on the newly redone Oceania this feb. .i am upset that for 30 days thee is no bath tub.. some cabins should have them or not -like AZ did.

I think all cabin bathrooms should have a night light like the "S" ships.. AZ redid every bathroom and did not add that and took storage space away.

as far as smoking goes i wish it would leave more ships. at least it only in one room now. most cruise lines are going only outside.

i have heard negative stories on LD on more than one line.

i do hope they have UBS ports.. food was good when i went. shows do not remember at all

We can't all, always sail on the Explorer; I think the question was a little more broad than that. I'm with Marc, the Mariner in its 'heyday' was very close to the perfect ship. My husband was short and obese, he had no problem with the tub/shower thing. I hate showers, so whoever took all the tubs away wrecked my ideal ship.

Jackie, I know you are enthralled with the Explorer, you have made that very clear. But even that ship has quirks that irritate me, and I haven't made any plans to sail on it. I'd like to be able to hop down to Ft Lauderdale (we ARE talking about "ideal", right?) and sail on my perfect ship for as many days as that particular itinerary happened to be. Explorer, as far as I know, isn't going to be sailing out of Miami all that often and I doubt there will be round trips.

So I'll stick with Marc and Mariner back in the day.

We can't all, always sail on the Explorer; I think the question was a little more broad than that. I'm with Marc, the Mariner in its 'heyday' was very close to the perfect ship. My husband was short and obese, he had no problem with the tub/shower thing. I hate showers, so whoever took all the tubs away wrecked my ideal ship.

 

Jackie, I know you are enthralled with the Explorer, you have made that very clear. But even that ship has quirks that irritate me, and I haven't made any plans to sail on it. I'd like to be able to hop down to Ft Lauderdale (we ARE talking about "ideal", right?) and sail on my perfect ship for as many days as that particular itinerary happened to be. Explorer, as far as I know, isn't going to be sailing out of Miami all that often and I doubt there will be round trips.

 

So I'll stick with Marc and Mariner back in the day.

I have posted a couple of times about the lack of single suites on the Explorer (which I believe is a big issue). I have noticed that some of the smaller suites have been the last to sell and thought it would be a good idea to sell them as "single" suites on any sailings that still has availability in the small suites after final payment is due.

IMO, the Explorer is not perfect (well, maybe except the amazing bathrooms) but is absolutely gorgeous. The Voyager was our favorite ship because the suites on the Mariner are too small (until you get to the PH level).

So, my ideal ship would be having all but the lowest categories on the ship (up to the PH level) be like their current "concierge" and F1/F2 suites on the Explorer. IMO, they are the best of any of the Regent ships. Then, if there were a way to have the two lowest categories as "single" suites (no single supplement) but could also be booked for two people (with the price going up accordingly) it would be ideal.

Okay, I'll grant that we never sailed in a standard suite on Mariner; the first time we were in Seven Seas Aft, then the second time there was an upgrade fairy who went slightly insane and pushed us waaaay up. So I have no opinion on those smaller suites. But we did sail in standard verandah suites on Navigator and loved those; we didn't think we would, but decided to take the plunge (we had been sailing in larger ones there, too).

But even if they sold the smaller suites on Explorer as solo suites with no supplement, they only have showers; for whatever reason, I seem to nearly drown when I take a shower. I guess I'm like a turkey, too stupid to keep my head down enough.

My Azamara cruise is next week; I am getting really excited, but still sad because it isn't a Regent ship. Between the responsibility of my mother, and running the business that I'm not supposed to be running, my ability to leave town for more than a few days is very limited. My new reality isn't as great as my previous reality, and I don't like it. Maybe I'll get used to it one day, and sail on Explorer.