Living Life Large

@TC2, I agree on the traffic. We were in Vancouver last week We'd-Fri, I was surprised at the go-home traffic around 5PMish. On the upside, the taxi ride from the hotel to the airport was a piece of cake.

 

We are sometimes interested in having dinner in less than 2 hours - typical of the normal dining venues. Does the Sette Mari offer any faster dining than the others or does it take the typical 2 hours or so? Do they have a self serve salad bar there in the evening to help speed things up?

 

Thanks, Rick

The Sette Mari has an appetizer and salad bar for dinner, also menu salads as well. Service was excellent and you can dine as slow or fast as you wish.

We just completed the Anchorage to Vancouver trip a few days ago. I know you are asking about Vancouver boarding, but when we boarded the Mariner at Seward, it was effortless. We literally walked into the terminal, zero wait time, produced a credit card and ID, placed our carry on into the scan machine, walked through the metal detector and onto the ship. It literally took five minutes. Lunch was waiting for us and then up to our suite. All of our luggage was on the bed, and our butler and two stewards were waiting. The smoothest and organized boarding you could ever ask for. It was an absolute piece of cake and made for the start of a wonderful, wonderful Alaska cruise. Not sure what your concerns are with Vancouver are, but hopefully my experience will ease your anxiety. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.

I'm on the Mariner as we speak. My traveling friends received a phone call from their TA less than 48 hours prior to our outbound flight to Anchorage saying Regent offered a Concierge Level to PH house for $300 out the door. They took it, I paid full price for our PH, no idea why they got the call but they hit pay dirt. Good luck.

We are spending our final full day at Victoria and tomorrow morning will disembark at Vancouver where we shall stay a couple of days on our dime. So here are my thoughts an experiences of the last week aimed at those considering Regent as well as to those awaiting your travel date. It will be old news for the seasoned Regent travelers.

First off, Alaska is spectacularly beautiful. If you are blessed to have the virtual 100% wonderful weather we experienced on this cruise, you simply cannot be unhappy with anything Alaska has to offer. Every tour the wife and I as well as our traveling partners partook in was great, well organized and fun. I will comment that the "jet boat" optional tour at Prince Rupert was not really worth the cost of $150@. But nonetheless, it was enjoyable and the venue site was beautiful and the tour staff were great folks.

The Mariner is a wonderful vessel, perfect size with 700 or so passengers. Nothing is overwhelming on this ship, it is easy to navigate once you get the lay of the land. There is nothing over the top opulent on board, it is all simply comfortable to simply elegant (depending what venues you visit), very nice, you will not be disappointed in the least. My favorite cocktail lounge is just outside the Compass Rose and Seven Steakhouse, it is very warm and quite comfortable. I'm not sure when the Mariner is scheduled for interior refurbishment, but it is probably about due. Regardless, I will gladly travel on this tub any day. I will be interested in seeing video and photographs of the new Regent vessel to be launched shortly. But to those awaiting your first Mariner cruise, I trust you will love it as much as the wife and I have.

Every staff member has been nothing less than outstanding. Besides satisfied customers like myself, staff are the greatest emissaries of any company and service organization. Our butler our stewards have been absolutely a delightful and most accommodating in every way. I told all three of them on day one that the wife and I are very low maintenance and there were only a couple of things we asked for each day. All of our requests were on-time and done perfectly. I know tipping is not expected, but I greased all three of them today exceptionally generously and simply thanked them for their hard work and attention to detail. I asked that they use the money to do something nice for themselves or to send home to their spouses for the same. That is how exceptional my service experience has been.

Food as mentioned has been very good, no complaints worth harping on, some meals better than others, but no bad meals. As I mentioned earlier, my only slight disappointment was the Seven Steakhouse, the beef simply was not to par with an actual Prime grade, and Prime beef I know well. In speaking with four other couples, they shared the opinion that the "Prime" beef, "wasn't all that." But it was good, don't get me wrong. Actually, the hands down best steak I had was last night at the Veranda Italian restaurant. They were serving Filet Mignon with shrimp and it was outstanding, I reordered the beef alone, it was that good and the first reorder I had done. We cancelled our reservations at Signatures, only because the French fare they offered just didn't float my boat, but to each their own. BTW, the Compass Rose provides a very elegant venue and menus for lunch, casual dress, very nice. Wished we had dined their more often for lunch, but we were on excursions. The CR dinners were all good to excellent, depending on their menu. The Veranda was always excellent. All of the restaurants offering of wines were outstanding, never a need to venture into the Premium wine list.

I had an opportunity to visit one of the standard room suits, very nice. If it works for you, it is the biggest bang for the buck. We had the Penthouse and we are very, very happy with the room, perfect in every way. So if it fits into your budget, or you are offered an upgrade, don't shy away from a Penthouse room. But you will not be disappointed in a standard room at all. Do your research because to some, size matters, to others, it is irrelevant, to each their own.

Shows were all pretty good. Last night was the "Crew Show," it was a riot and well choreographed. Yes, waiters can sing and dance. Laundromats were great and they even provide the soap along with ironing boards and television, now how cool is that? Fitness gym, excellent, we worked out just about every day. Bartenders are on their game, and don't miss out on high tea, well done.

Ok folks, that's about it for me. To all those before me who helped with my questions and guidance, thank you. This is for those who follow me. I will answer any questions to help. BTW, all the passengers I interacted with were fun loving, down to earth and wonderful people, not one snob encountered.

....................and the date of 08 May onwards for free unlimited Wi-Fi on Mariner is confirmed on Regent's website:

https://www.rssc.com/experience/onboard-activities/internet-packages/

 

If any member of Regent staff advised you otherwise then suggest you politely advise them of their error before you leave the ship

 

 

.......................or is this the penalty imposed for wearing jeans in public after 6pm :eek: :D

THANK YOU so much for your guidance. I called the concierge and advised them of the 200 min clock and I was advised, as you said, we are all to receive unlimited internet usage and my account was reset. I appreciate you taking the time so send me the link.

Thanks for bringing us along on your first cruise on our favorite line. We are doing Alaska in late August on the Mariner and your are adding to our growing eagerness.

 

I think we will try the grilled halibut sandwich at the hotel. It sounds delicious.

 

On another note, after sailing Regent for many years we have never received an upgrade offer like your friends. Good for them! It is not the norm.

As we speak, I am typing on the bus ride back to the ship having just completed the Butchard Gardens High Tea and Garden tour. Stunningly beautiful. This is our last full day before being kicked to the curb.

I thought unlimited Wi-Fi was included on Mariner from 08 May, so you should not be limited to 200 mins. :confused:

I thought the same. But it is 200 min and that's it. Beyond that a very substantial charge for additional time. I think that will soon change to free unlimited.

You don't need to be in a PH to have dinner served course by course. That's the way Regent serves room service dinner. Very elegant and well done. Regardless of whether you're in a H cabin or PH service is the same. The only difference is the butler in PHs will serve dinner. Enjoy.

You are correct, wonderful amenity if one chooses to dine in. I'm still on the learning curve.

Hello all,

Tomorrow we dock at Victoria for the day and then overnight to Vancouver and kicked to the curb.

Tonight we had a wonderful crew production to send us off, it was great! Internet is limited to 200 min and I'm about out of gas. Will provide a full assessment when I eventually get home. But I can say all in all, we had a great time and Regent took very good care of us. Money very well spent, great rate of return and met wonderful folks on this trip. Talk to you later, Kirk out.

Considering you were sitting on the "libido veranda deck" I wonder why you bothered with the Levi jeans, T shirt, etc. ( well, I guess I can understand the socks, it does get a bit chilly in Alaska :))

@Cat, Touché my dear, excellent!

It would be great if you got a PH - the Mariner has the largest and most comfortable ones. I'm not sure if I mentioned that Regent will likely make offers to people on the cruise before and after yours to fill up some suites. In the past couple of years the number of offers we have received has increased. Be sure to let your TA know that you are interested in an upsell.

 

IMO, "upsells" are much more likely to happen than getting a PH when you have booked a "guarantee".

 

Good luck!

I'm on the Mariner now, Alaska to Vancouver. My traveling partners book the Concierge Level, the wife and I booked a Penthouse at substantial additional cost. Two days prior to sailing, Regent offered our friends a PH upgrade for $300. They have full privileges minus the air which we both opted out and booked our own flights. The upgrade is great if you can get it.

Our traveling partners originally booked a Concierge room. Two days before departure, Regent contacted them and offered an upgrade to a Penthouse Suite for...............$300 out the door, not each, total. A big difference from my PH booking. I'm happy for them, but wow, what a difference. Is this normal?

Why two threads?

Oops, having internet problems and initially it looked like nothing posted from this morning so I reposted from a saved file. I just posted a new thread from today at Sitka.

Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. America and all the ships at sea, it's time to go to press.

We just returned from a beautiful day at our second port, Sitka. A beautiful and very clean town that does not feel "touristy" at all. After breakfast was served in our room, we docked in heavy fog that was 400' AGL. The Voyager started blowing the foghorn around 4AM and it sounds every two minutes.

Today's excursion was a three hour ocean wildlife cruise that took us to various channel islands that are the natural habitat for Otters, American Eagles and various other critters. The vessel was clean, spacious with cushion bench seats on the enclosed lower deck and open air seating top side. The fog lifted about an hour and change after departing making yet another beautiful day. By the way, docking for the day boat took place right next to their Mariner. The out of pocket price for this inclusive tour would have been $180 per head.

After disembarking in downtown Sitka, we had a fabulous grilled halibut sandwich at a very nice hotel located adjacent to the harbor (sorry, name escapes me). From the we spent the remainder of the afternoon walking on a beautiful self guided tour of a national forest area on the edge of town and visiting a raptor bird sanctuary, quite interesting and made for a beautiful day.

As we speak, the side thrusters are turning and we are shoving off. It just started to rain, yet I could care less. I am going to poor myself a glass of Cabernet and sit on the libido veranda deck with my beautiful wife and enjoy the view. Tonight, I think we will dine in our suite. For new Regent travelers like myself, the Room Service menu is quite expansive and it is available 24/7. Additionally, we are allowed to order anything we wish from the Compas Rose menu and it will be served course, by course, not all at once. Another reason to select a PH room, if it works for your budget. And the dress code for in room dining is casual, tonight I shall wear Levi jeans, long sleeve T-shirt, white socks and house slippers. All the best to all of you. Kirk out.

Good morning all, broadcasting from the bridge;

Yesterday's trip to Hoonah was a wonderful adventure. We booked two inclusive tours (out of pocket would have been approximately $80 each), one in the morning, one after lunch. The morning tour was a tram ride through a forrest area and to a beach front area, beautiful excursion narrated by a tribal leader. Afterwards an hour or so tribal dance and play all done by local high school students. It was a wonderful show in which the "actors" taught us all of their tribal heritage and traditions that they deeply value. Afterwards I spoke with many of them after making a gratuitous donation to their tip box. I told them I was very proud for them, to be so young and display such cultural pride and manners. I told them to never forget their heritage and tribal pride that was obviously based on humbleness, ethics and honor. I told them they are so far ahead of the game as compared to a segment of morons kids in the lower 48.

After having a wonderful lunch on board the Mariner, we traveled to our second excursion which was basically a nature walk into the forest. Excellent tour, if you are up for a 1.5 mile walk (piece of cake) you will be absolutely delighted.

Dinner at the Seven Steakhouse was excellent. Service was outstanding, cocktails and wine flowed and the variety of food ordered of various steaks and sea food sides was well received, I would rate it at a solid 9. Not Flemings or The Palm quality, but I have no complaints at all and the ambiance and view was spectacular! Yes my friends, i wore those dreadful expensive dress denims, white shirt (without tie) and black Armani sports jacket. I felt quite comfortable and was dressed for success while sipping a Grey Goose martini. However, I pushed my rogeness but one time, tonight I revert to Dockers and a collared golf shirt to fit in with the rest of the crowd.

Room service breakfast each morning of fruit, coffee (1 pot each for my wife and I) and an English muffin has been delivered on time by our butler. A great way to start the day before hitting the gym and then off to the day's adventure. Will check in later as we are now in Sitka. Going rogue and blazing new frontiers while broadcasting live from the Mariner, peace out, Kirk out.

Good morning all, broadcasting from the bridge;

Yesterday's trip to Hoonah was a wonderful adventure. We booked two inclusive tours (out of pocket would have been approximately $80 each), one in the morning, one after lunch. The morning tour was a tram ride through a forrest area and to a beach front area, beautiful excursion narrated by a tribal leader. Afterwards an hour or so tribal dance and play all done by local high school students. It was a wonderful show in which the "actors" taught us all of their tribal heritage and traditions that they deeply value. Afterwards I spoke with many of them after making a gratuitous donation to their tip box. I told them I was very proud for them, to be so young and display such cultural pride and manners. I told them to never forget their heritage and tribal pride that was obviously based on humbleness, ethics and honor. I told them they are so far ahead of the game as compared to a segment of morons kids in the lower 48.

After having a wonderful lunch on board the Mariner, we traveled to our second excursion which was basically a nature walk into the forest. Excellent tour, if you are up for a 1.5 mile walk (piece of cake) you will be absolutely delighted.

Dinner at the Seven Steakhouse was excellent. Service was outstanding, cocktails and wine flowed and the variety of food ordered of various steaks and sea food sides was well received, I would rate it at a solid 9. Not Flemings or The Palm quality, but I have no complaints at all and the ambiance and view was spectacular! Yes my friends, i wore those dreadful expensive dress denims, white shirt (without tie) and black Armani sports jacket. I felt quite comfortable and was dressed for success while sipping a Grey Goose martini. However, I pushed my rogeness but one time, tonight I revert to Dockers and a collared golf shirt to fit in with the rest of the crowd.

Room service breakfast each morning of fruit, coffee (1 pot each for my wife and I) and an English muffin has been delivered on time by our butler. A great way to start the day before hitting the gym and then off to the day's adventure. Will check in later as we are now in Sitka. Going rogue and blazing new frontiers while broadcasting live from the Mariner, peace out, Kirk out.

Captain's Log Stardate 5-27-16

We are on our third day of our first Regent cruise, Seward to Vancouver. Very quickly; Hilton in Anchorage was clean but very tired, but it was sufficient for an overnight stay after inbound flight. Regent Rep. at hotel, very nice and organized. Check-in a breeze and following day check-out equally organized.

Coach trip to Seward about 2.5 hours, beautiful drive. Check-in at terminal to board the Mariner a piece of cake. Lunch was at the waiting and then proceeded to our Penthouse suite. Quite wonderful to say the least. Spacious, well thought out, clean, nice bathroom, wonderful walk-in closet, sitting area very nice, bar stocked as requested, excellent veranda space. I have absolutely no complaints with our room in any way. If a PH fits your budget, money well spent.

Compas Rose, nicely done, food I'd rate at 7.5, service excellent. Setti Mari Italian I'd rate at 8, their lunches are excellent 8+. Tonight Prime 7 Steakhouse, will advise later. Lounges all very nice and comfortable. Staff superb in every way. Today we stopped at Hoonah, our first sore excursions, outstanding. Weather during entire trip could not be better.

Will check in later, ask any questions if you wish, will help as much as I can. Kirk out.

The wife and I have not cruised in over 15 years, now both retired we are taking our first cruise with Regent later this month to Alaska in a Penthouse cabin. As we speak, I have a Viking Ocean Cruise catalog on the coffee table. We did a Viking River Cruise a couple of years ago, all in all, pretty happy with Viking. If anyone has done Viking Ocean and Regent, can you please give me your thoughts? I like the "all inclusive" concept. Thank you in advance.

The wife and I have not cruised in over 15 years, now both retired we are taking our first cruise with Regent later this month to Alaska in a Penthouse cabin. As we speak, I have a Viking Ocean Cruise catalog on the coffee table. We did a Viking River Cruise a couple of years ago, all in all, pretty happy with Viking. If anyone has done Viking Ocean and Regent, can you please give me your thoughts? I like the "all inclusive" concept. Thank you in advance.

Butler is nice, but not necessary. You can get a great room service hot breakfast in any cabin. Or a great cocktail setup if you want. So just book! You will have a wonderful time.

Now we're talking value! I did the PH just to spoil my wife, but your input is excellent. If we can get a nice breakfast in the room, I'm sold. We prefer lunch and dinner with everyone else! I'm not paying good dough for a 5 Star cruise to stay in a room other than to shower and sleep.

We do our own air and take a credit, so for us, the least expensive cabin is totally fine.

Thank you all so very much. Rachel, thank you for the above as well. As with anything in the service industry, TA are a dime a dozen, some better than others. Mine was a complete train wreck, but I was able to fix the issues on my own, her loss.

Having been out of the cruise scene for so long, things have obviously changed and I'm sure the adage of you get what you pay for is appropriate. The regular cabins look very nice and seem to be a great value, although I will have to learn the viability of the different levels once I'm on board. I'm sure the Butler service is a nice amenity, but not all that necessary, however breakfast served in-cabin will be nice as well as a little cocktail party before dinner will be fun. But, I would rather go to the lounge(s) and meet folks and mingle. So experience will tell me if the PH is all that. There certainly is a significant price difference, but your guidance will help me with my European cruise decision. Rachel is getting the biggest bang for the buck.

Thank you Wendy and Rachel,

I guess what I am trying to figure out is as an example; My wife and I are interested in the Northern European cruise of St. Petersburg etc. is it worth the money for a Penthouse because Business Class is included, or do the Concierge or below and pay for the out of pocket for Business upgrade? It is my understanding that at least on the Mariner, below Penthouse, the rooms are pretty much the same and look very nice in the photographs. Do you say its worth the money for a Penthouse because of the inclusive Business Class for European trips and Penthouse amenities, OR save your money, get the regular cabin and pay for Business Class upgrade via Regent because you will come out ahead. Hopefully this will clarify my question. If you experienced folks have the inside track on room categories and air packages, it will help me decide on my next booking.

When I called Regent about the deviation, it was my understanding that it was pretty much, take our package or book your own flight with a airfare credit returned. It worked for me to book my own air because we live in Southern California, we actually obtained a closer airport and better to/from travel times.

My TA has been an absolute train wreck and fired her from all future travels. However, my contact at Regent/Oceania (Andrea) has been the greatest in answering questions. Is there any benefit in regards to pricing or upgrades that a TA can provide over booking directly with Regent?

Reading all the various posts/topics have been a welcomed education. My upcoming Alaska cruise will be my first cruise in 15 years and first with Regent. I am curious the opinion of what really is the biggest bang for the buck. We have booked a Penthouse cabin and our traveling partners are in a Concierge cabin. I like the all inclusive concept. When my wife and I retired a few years ago, we did the Viking Budepest to Amsterdam river cruise with the Silver Beverage Package, money very well spent. Viking is all inclusive and other than tips (not included) we paid for nothing other than a couple of ports that were all day, on your own. From the perspective of value for the dollar, I have no beef with what Viking offered. A river vessel is night and day from what I anticipate on the Mariner.

With that said, it is my understanding that Penthouse and above provides inclusive r/t air, Business Class to Europe. Obviously a larger cabin, the butler service may or may not be all that. I am simply looking at the overall value of airfare and amenities versus Concierge level and below, what is the best value, overall? If I understand correctly, once a passenger closes their cabin door, we are all equals to everything, am I correct?

One thing I was disappointed with in booking, was the after cruise stay over option in Vancouver. I was able to get a much better price at the same hotel by self booking. Regent would not allow for air package extension unless I used their hotel extension package. So we had our airfare credited back and booked our own flights, which was really not a big deal and pricing was a wash. We did a ten day package with Parillo Tour to Italy late last year and another 20 days in France. Parillo booked our return flights with the large extension at their Business Class rate and saved me a ton of money.

Your council is appreciated.