34 minutes ago, bissel said:

Perhaps the original introduction of the concept is unclear. It’s actually a pretty good idea of giving away to the crew unwanted SBCs.

If you have refundable SBC (OBC), just ask Reception for the cash. Then give it as a gift anonymously.

If you have non-refundable SBC (OBC), this poorly released program does not apply to you.

The Crew Welfare Fund does still exist. However it is not being pushed. There is no onboard publication that I can find to suggest it, and zero mention in the daily program to acknowledge it as the better alternative to the new Gift Certificate program. 

This new sales push is baffling in my opinion. 

Apparently Regent has abandoned its longstanding tipping policy and the suggestion to donate to the Crew Welfare Fund. 

The following was published in today’s “Passages” on the Mariner:

Crew Gift Certificate Program 

Our warm and friendly crew always aims to go above and beyond to make you smile. Now there’s another way for you to recognize those crew members that made your experience even more memorable. As a part of a new program, you can reward crew members for particularly exceptional service with an onboard gift certificate. Visit Reception (deck 5) for details and to purchase. 

As an FYI, this can only be done with cash or refundable OBC. 

Non-refundable credits cannot be used. 

1 hour ago, mrlevin said:

Forget invoking the onboard booking price guarantee; price hasn't changed; just the benefits.  Unless your TA can sweet talk Regent you are out of luck.

 

Marc

Not correct. 

Best Price Guarantee applies when another applicable public promotion offers a better price on the cruise guest has selected. Guest will be able to take advantage of this new promotion plus the added benefit of the applicable Onboard Savings by having their travel agent call Regent Seven Seas Cruises to have the new promotion added to their reservation (subject to availability). Should there be a price reduction after final payment has been paid, the difference will be given to guest in the form of a Shipboard Credit, suite upgrade, or a Future Cruise Credit at Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ discretion.

1 hour ago, Anna201213 said:

Can we have the $500 shipboard credit announced today for a cruise already booked? I feel penalized if not

 

If you booked onboard, you can invoke the Best Price Guarantee. 

9 hours ago, 1teach53 said:

 

i am attempting to attach pics but the WiFi isn’t cooperating, maybe later. 

Karen 

Yesterday the Mariner received its previously announced internet upgrade, with the 40% bandwidth improvement. It is still a work in progress.  There are “configuration  issues” that are being addressed. 

When it is running, it is noticeably better.  But there are times it barely works. Overall, we are optimistic that the remainder of the cruise will have improved internet.  It isn’t like broadband at home, but it is a step in the right direction. 

29 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

I thought that Vladimir (F&B Director) just got there.  Strange!  Would love to know who the G.M. and Cruise Director will be on Mariner.  Thanks much.

Vladimir arrived 2 days ago. The GM is now Davor, the CD is now Margaret. 

There is a large turnover of officers today on the Mariner. The captain, General Manager, cruise director, cruise consultant, F&B Director, executive chef, and a large number of staff are leaving today.  

7 hours ago, flossie009 said:

Yes, from our experience, if you have booked a pre or post cruise land package through Regent this includes transfers for the land package (Airport-Hotel-Ship or vice-versa ) even if you have arranged your own air.

If there is no land package, you are responsible for your own transfers.

Simply advise Regent, via your TA, of your flight details and they will confirm arrangements.

Agree 100%. Our current cruise was cruise-only (no Regent air) and transfers were included in the pre-cruise package. 

If you log into “My Account” on Regent’s website, it does not specify the class of airfare. 

Go to your booking invoice from Regent instead. It will say “Restricted Business” under the air arrangements section. 

Rich, thank you for another great collection of Random Notes, commentary, and photo journalism.  It is always wonderful to follow your travels. Have a safe and pleasant trip back home.  Give our regards to Ginny and congratulations on your anniversary. 

To live-blog or not to live-blog?  Thank you for making the proper choice.

Have a great trip and enjoy you birthdays.  Looking forward to your experiences, and sorry we will just miss seeing you on Mariner.

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/20364-regent-to-eliminate-2-million-single-use-plastic-water-bottles-annually.html

Regent to Eliminate 2 Million Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles Annually

The transition from traditional bottled water to premium Vero Still and Sparkling water will eliminate approximately two million plastic bottles annually across the cruise line’s fleet while improving the taste of complimentary still and sparkling water, the company said.

Vero’s onboard purification and filling process will enable the cruise line to purify, chill and serve in Vero luxury glass bottles still and sparkling water on all its ships.

“Regent is committed to providing an unrivaled experience that includes serving our guests the very best tasting water on their voyage,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “In addition, the Vero water purification system helps reduce our carbon footprint and sustains our beautiful natural resources.”

As part of its Sail & Sustain environmental program, Regent will be the first luxury ocean cruise line to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, according to a press release. 

The cruise line also recently eliminated single-use plastic straws.

“We are delighted to be a part of the preeminent luxury guest experience on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said David Deshe, Vero Water founder and president. “It’s truly a privilege to partner with a world leader in luxury cruising and an organization that is committed to pioneering environmental stewardship in the travel industry. Working together, we anticipate preventing millions of single-use plastic bottles from ever being produced, shipped and ultimately ending up polluting the environment.”

Vero Water service will be implemented in two phases during the coming year. Phase One focuses on implementing the onboard water service in suites, restaurants, lounges and bars o board Seven Seas Voyager (by April 5), Seven Seas Explorer (by April 8), Seven Seas Mariner (by June 5) and Seven Seas Navigator (by June 18).

In Phase Two, guests will be provided with their own eco-friendly reusable Vero Water bottle.

Looks like it has happened:

https://www.rssc.com/news

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Will Enhance Guest Experience and Environmental Commitment By Serving Vero Still And Sparkling Water Starting Spring 2019

14 hours ago, forevertravel said:

 Next year we'll be platinum so we'll get one free air deviation a year.

You will get one free custom air on every sailing, not one per year.

You can book with your Travel Agent or by calling Regent 30 days before you get onboard.  You get all of the benefits as if you were onboard.

Hopefully this link will work to explain:  https://www.rssc.com/onboard-savings-program?s

Additionally, they used to have a program called "Welcome Home" which had reduced incentives and discount after you departed a cruise.  I am not sure if this is still available.

5 hours ago, Jason OKeefe said:

 

Yes, both qualify for the SSS Member savings benefit.

Thanks, Jason.  This is great news !!

Regent usually (but not always) operates out of Terminal J at the port of Miami. There is a very convenient covered parking garage across the street from the front door of the terminal building. It is a very short walk from your car to the terminal. Just drop your luggage at the curbside check point, enter the garage and park, and you are on the way. Pricing is $22 per day, paid as you enter. 

Here is a question for Jason:

Seven Seas Society members, platinum and above, have the benefit of discounts on Regent Choice shore excursions. Do the new Go Local or Regent Choice Small Group tours qualify for those same discounts?  

Short answer is: No formal nights. 

Andy Heath returns as of December 6th. 

6 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

 Too bad it doesn't apply to existing bookings..... 🙄

If your existing booking was made onboard, you can ask your TA to request the Best Price Guarantee. You will either get the upgrade or a reduced price. Your choice. We have successfully done both ways. 

You can make the switch to a different cruise at any time prior to final payment for the cruise you currently are holding.  The deposit will be transferred to replacement cruise, less $200.  The $200 will be added to the new booking as a $100pp FCC (future cruise credit), which is essentially a discount equal to the forfeited deposit.

Yes, you will have to pay the full deposit amount on the new booking (usually 15% in the US).  That will be more than the special $500pp deposit you paid by booking onboard.  You will also receive any onboard savings (discounts) on the new booking.

I've heard of a 4400 square foot suite on the Explorer that is $10,000 per night. Now, is that per person or just the rate for the suite?

It is per person per night!

Yet the next sailing on August 14 (10 nights) is $54,999 per person. That is $5500 per day per person. Or $11,000 for the suite, per day.

Scoreboard:

gnomie1 +200

Gnomie:

Welcome back to the Regent boards. We were missing you and your keen wit !