sb44

We had wonderful times on all of these islands. Had private guides through a tour agency that we use all the time. Avoided the crowds and enjoyed each island for the places and sight unique to Greece.

30 minutes ago, cwn said:

That was good that someone got back with you. 
We are driving to the port from home in Dec. Do Regent ships normally use Terminal J. DH wants to park under cover in a protected place. We have had good luck using port parking at other ports.  Really don’t want to have to take a taxi from a remote garage. Are you able to drop luggage before parking? We have sailed out of Miami on Regent before but we use the Regent hotel transfer and don’t remember much about the port except exist check in was a mess.

 

I think they get moved around although J only takes small ships. Normally parking at Miami Port is ok. J is an old pier not near any of the others. You can drop off and then park at any garage. It's a busy place! Hopefully this was a one off. We've met people who parked at hotels and took shuttles. 

On 3/15/2022 at 9:06 AM, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

@sb44 Good grief, what a start to a vacation!  I now regret not posting that we changed piers when we docked.  I wish I had. It never crossed my mind.  It might have saved some hassle for folks like you.  I’m so sorry!  And broken glasses on top of that!  Amazing that they could repair them and thank goodness for it!

 

Be sure to pass on to someone what a mess it made for you to not know about the terminal change.  We have been in ports where they have a large sign at the entrance that lists the ships and terminals for the day.  That would be helpful.

 

We did make it home, four hours later than we anticipated.  I have NOTHING good to say about the madhouse that was the Miami airport.  Truly, I’ve never seen anything like it.  And American Airlines should be nicknamed Always Awful.  If we ever fly with them again I need to have my head examined.  Did you know that it makes a flight four hours late if they have more than a certain number of wheel chair passengers?  If you believe that, let me show you the Hope diamond that I can get you for a big discount. 🙄

 

We hated that airport so much that we are going to check into what it would take to fly into Ft. Lauderdale next time and transfer to the port.  Now that we love Regent so much they come with Miami attached so it is going to take some doing to make me a willing participant in the Miami Mess again, but I may be forced into it.

 

Have a fabulous time....so easy to do!  I’m glad the blog helped, since that was the purpose.  I honestly don’t know how people not on CC do it...how do they figure things out, know where to go, what to do, what to order?  I think I have read that it is a very small percentage of cruisers who are aware of and use CC.  Amazes me, and they miss so much!  The post above from @ChucktownSteve is a perfect example.....

Joanie

10 minutes ago, WNcruiser said:

We did the same thing!  Had to park in G garage as C was closed. We kept asking where the shuttle was and they told us to keep waiting. It never came. 

I hope the shuttle is there at C when we get back to Miami! 
 

 

We received a call yesterday from the head of guest relations (I think head concierge) apologizing for the parking and shuttle debacle.  He said it had been escalated up to the president of Regent and that it should not have happened. Apparently they changed from J to C because of wind. Nobody got an email so we've met others with same situation.  We received $20 that we spent on Lyft as OBC and a profound apology.  That was very much appreciated.  Yes, hope when we return to Miami car will be at J where we are parked or that shuttles are running.  

11 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

@sb44 Good grief, what a start to a vacation!  I now regret not posting that we changed piers when we docked.  I wish I had. It never crossed my mind.  It might have saved some hassle for folks like you.  I’m so sorry!  And broken glasses on top of that!  Amazing that they could repair them and thank goodness for it!

 

Be sure to pass on to someone what a mess it made for you to not know about the terminal change.  We have been in ports where they have a large sign at the entrance that lists the ships and terminals for the day.  That would be helpful.

 

We did make it home, four hours later than we anticipated.  I have NOTHING good to say about the madhouse that was the Miami airport.  Truly, I’ve never seen anything like it.  And American Airlines should be nicknamed Always Awful.  If we ever fly with them again I need to have my head examined.  Did you know that it makes a flight four hours late if they have more than a certain number of wheel chair passengers?  If you believe that, let me show you the Hope diamond that I can get you for a big discount. 🙄

 

We hated that airport so much that we are going to check into what it would take to fly into Ft. Lauderdale next time and transfer to the port.  Now that we love Regent so much they come with Miami attached so it is going to take some doing to make me a willing participant in the Miami Mess again, but I may be forced into it.

 

Have a fabulous time....so easy to do!  I’m glad the blog helped, since that was the purpose.  I honestly don’t know how people not on CC do it...how do they figure things out, know where to go, what to do, what to order?  I think I have read that it is a very small percentage of cruisers who are aware of and use CC.  Amazes me, and they miss so much!  The post above from @ChucktownSteve is a perfect example.....

Joanie

Sorry about AA and MIA. It's the reason we are on Regent as we can drive from home in 5 hours. Last time AA in Miami to meet Wind Surf in St Marteen was 4 gate changes and 9 hours when connection was supposed to be one hour. The pier change was pretty bad though when coming by car. After 45 minutes waiting for a shuttle that never came we grabbed a Lyft driver who was dropping someone off at the parking garage. He did not speak one word of English but I waved a $20 bill and entered Pier C in his Lyft app! Lol. Best thing is we are on board and loving it!

Thanks GeorgePeach51 for your blog and photos. We're on this week and you have given us so many pointers that are helping us feel like we know what we're doing. Hope you made your flights on time.. The change of pier threw us for a loop and gave us a rocky start as Regent really dropped the ball for those of us who drove and had to park. It took two hours to get on the ship because they didn't make proper arrangements for those with cars. That being said, they unbelievably repaired two pairs of broken glasses (mine and DH) within an hour of boarding.  Neither one of us had ever broken glasses before in our lives so go figure! Suite is outstanding,  the crew is absolutely amazing, and we knew exactly what to order in Chartreuse and Compass Rose based on your fabulous photos! Hope you made it home safely and again,  thanks!

4 hours ago, giustot said:

I think you're fine. I'm on the same cruise. My test is noon on Friday. The information Regent sent out about testing has a chart. If you sail on a Sunday, your test should be on Friday.

 

	Covid test taken no earlier than
Cruise Embark Day	Cruise originates in U.S. port	Cruise originates in non-U.S. port
Sunday	Friday	Thursday
Monday	Saturday	Friday
Tuesday	Sunday	Saturday
Wednesday	Monday	Sunday
Thursday	Tuesday	Monday
Friday	Wednesday	Tuesday
Saturday	Thursday	Wednesday

Thanks.  We did not receive this. Takes a load off! Not sure why they don't have this posted somewhere rather than the 48 hours statement online. Have a wonderful sailing!

We are leaving on Explorer on Sunday, March 13th.  We anticipate arriving at Miami port between 1 and 3 p.m., depending on traffic from the west coast of Florida.  The documents say that covid tests need to be within 48 hours of arrival at the ship.  Anyone know if they stick to the 48 hours? We have appointments for our antigen tests at Walgreens on Friday at 11:00 a.m.  Wondering if they will require a new test at the ship.  We were not able to get later appointments that day!  Most cruise lines are number of days prior to arrival.  This is the first I've seen of hours.  Anyone?

20 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

I can tell we’ve found it to be excellent - service outstanding.  We told are Butler what time and that was the time he returned.  It’s best to plan a little, not waiting until the last moment.

Where have you been having lunch? After all, it's all about the food,  right? 😆 

10 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

You may want to add SeaDreams—never, never had a bad cruise with them.

We've been in port with them and they look lovely.

11 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Odds and ends.

 

I have not spoken to a single soul that does not love this cruise....and I’ve talked to a bunch of folks.

 

puzzled as to why 20 year port is an additional charge.  Rolf is accustomed to it being part of the beverage package on Celebrity.

 

we have not taken the time to explore dance options.  Tonight is the night.  Stay tuned.

 

This is day 7 and the sommelier presence is as it began.  They are right there no matter where you are.  
 

The staff is just so charming.  Human Resources on Regent is right on target with their hiring.  I used to hire people, and sometimes I was just praying for a person who made eye contact.  🧐🙄🥴

 

One announcement per day, basically. 
 

And I know I said it before but I love not having poor little photographers begging me to stop for a photo, and most egregious of all, interrupting our dinner to try to get a photo we were never going to buy.

Met a nice couple yesterday.  They did it right.  This cruise is their first.  They started with Regent!  We, on the other hand, meandered through Carnival, HAL, Princess, Disney and Celebrity before realizing the error of our ways.  I want all that money back for a do-over!

Wouldn't we all like do-overs on some of the old lines.  We are old enough to have gone on The Big Red Boat! And some 70s booze cruises. The one I'd give anything to do again would be Windjammer on the Yankee Clipper. That was one gorgeous sailing yacht.

1 minute ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

I am excited for you!  I hope you will report back to us about what you think?  We have met multiple couples for which this is a first Regent cruise.....many coming from cancelled Crystal cruises.

 

I would say about 1/4 sports coats max and the remainder collared shirts.  My husband likes wearing a sports coat, and does.  Your husband will be fine with either.  Rolf usually gets hot with with a jacket but has not on this trip so far.

 

We are enjoying not having formal nights...but I have seen several ladies in long dresses and looking fabulous, so that is ok, too.  It is obvious that no one cares what you wear as long as you are in the very generous ballpark (IMO) of requested clothing.

Thanks so much. Our last two cruises were  Crystal and I think Regent is going to fit us well. Crystal felt a little stuffy but that's probably because we are most comfortable on Windstar's smaller, relaxed, ships and have sailed with them 20 times. We didn't want to fly to the islands this year so these US departures have been great. We'll probably do a TA on the QM2 later this summer. Loved that experience in the past and bypassed 3 formal nights with specialty restaurants.  Years ago we used to go on HA's smaller ships but they just lost our interest with mediocre food and service. I am so excited to board on Sunday and love being able to drive to Miami's Seaport. I grew up on Miami Beach so it's a trip home and then a cruise! Can't wait!

We're boarding on Sunday for Caribbean and looking forward to a new cruise line for us. Please tell me if the gentleman are wearing mostly sport coats at night or casual collared shirts. My husband usually brings a sports coat and winds up taking it off or leaving it in the room because it's Caribbean warm and casual.  Opinion?

3 hours ago, WNcruiser said:

Looking forward to your posts and comparisons. We are boarding on the 13th when you get back, also our first Regent cruise and many cruises with Celebrity. 

 

Have they said how many passengers are on board? We have very few cabins left on our cruise.  

 

 

We're also on the 13th. I think we're going to be pretty full with spring break and no masks any longer. Looking forward to checking out the ship.

Also we brought two pairs of binoculars that were perfect for Eagle and other wildlife  watching from the ship. Celestron from Amazon. They are not expensive, light weight and beautifully made. 

There is absolutely nothing on the Surf that you will not enjoy. The crew, the cabins,  the beauty of the sails. It's a beautiful ship and you will fall in love with her. Enjoy!

On 2/21/2022 at 2:06 PM, cranmom said:

We are traveling end of July and looking for help on what excursions are a must? Have never been to Alaska and 

want to make the most out of this cruise/tour. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you!!!

The zodiacs were wonderful and you need to go on each one. We could not do kayaks but they looked terrific.  The Taku Glacier Lodge was a seaplane and fabulous lunch. We also did flightseeing any time offered and a fishing excursion where we caught fish and had them cooked in a restaurant.  That was Ketchikan.  The tour before the cruise was hectic but interesting.  There was no on our own time except a few hours in Anchorage.  We spent that time in the museum which is really great and informative.  Not sure if any of the itinerary has changed.  We did 2nd sailing, first year. Loved Wrangell. Sitka you can get to eagle and bear sanctuary by cab. We spent a lot on excursions but felt it was all worthwhile.  Enjoy. I would love to go back.  

On 2/22/2022 at 10:11 AM, ridethetide said:

My husband and I did the Windstar Alaska cruises twice and were scheduled for a third Alaska itinerary in July. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of months ago and I cancelled. Definitely do all of the kayak/zodiac excursions. I did the kayaking, but everyone loved the zodiacs as well. Whale watching is a must, but I suggest that you use a private company with small boats rather than the Windstar excursion. We were on boats with a maximum of 6 people and it was so amazing. You are going to have a fabulous time. Alaska is so amazing.

We are so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Susan & Steve

1 hour ago, wcsdkqh said:

If you have seen one island, you’ve seen them all. Enjoy the weather and the ship.

That's like saying in the U.S. if you've seen one state, you've seen them all..Each island is so unique. We have been going to the Caribbean for over 40 years and love the differences in people,  custom and language.  So sorry you missed it. To the OP, shore excursions depend on your interests and your stamina. Do you love beaches, water,  hiking,  art, food ? Read the descriptions of the excursions that are offered. Also go on something like Trip Advisor for each island and look at the things to do. They will have many of the excursions that the ship offers so you can read remarks. And don't be afraid to skip the ship excursion and just do your own thing. The islands are generally safe, lovely people, and just wandering,  finding art galleries, good restaurants,  etc., can be much more fun than riding around in a bus all day. And read the history of the places you'll visit just like you do for other parts of the world. There are similarities but also many differences.

2 hours ago, WNcruiser said:

Just out of curiosity, would you mind asking them if they know what the March 13th cruise % is? It is only showing Concierge and Superior available so I am guessing it is a little higher. Thank you. 

I'm thinking it's fairly full. We just booked last week and it seems like there were only about 4 to 6 suites available on decks 6, 7, 8. Nothing was available midship. Probably more crowded than we would really like now that masks are optional.

Have you been to the fitness center? Other than the pool, is there some nice outdoor space for reading? Afternoon tea? Thanks for the tip on Sette Mari. Going on a new ship is always a bit of a challenge so your posts are great.  Thank you!

So what I have learned is that the 719 balcony is 16 sq ft smaller than the other category E concierge suites. The other locations available to us were not as convenient for other reasons so we are sticking with it. 16 sq ft is entirely a first world problem. 

You do a great job keeping this all straight.  I've emailed the Regent rep who did the reservation to see if we can move to a full balcony. That was the reason we went up a category. We are not big drinkers and the excursions in the Caribbean are not anything we're particularly interested in as we've done them all over the years. It's all about the balcony.  Lol

24 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Looking at the deck plans, cabin 719 is at the end of the hump so it is going to have a larger balcony than those forward (not on the hump), but angling to a bit smaller as the hump ends.  So your balcony will be larger than those forward, but a bit smaller than those aft. 

Looks like if you go farther aft all the E category do have the bigger balcony. So to answer your question, it looks like 719 would be a bit smaller balcony than most the E category cabins. 

Thanks. That's what I'm thinking. The other E's we were offered are much further aft and the elevator doesn't go down to deck 4.  So we opted forward but will rethink it.

I'd appreciate it if someone would tell me what "One of the coveted 'angled balcony' suites" means on the wonderful spreadsheet of suites.  We are looking at Concierge Suite 719 on the Explorer. It appears on the deck plan that the smaller balconies end next door but does that make this one larger than the typical "E" suite?  Thanks!

22 hours ago, pnsnkr said:

Check YouTube.

 

Here's a Superior suite with shallow balcony

 

 

Here's a Concierge D with full size balcony

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much.  We were out of town so couldn't look for videos on YouTube which is generally my go-to.  I think we've decided on the concierge suite. A 2nd internet connection is $30 a day in an F2 so the difference really gets to be less and less by the day.