Pcardad

1 hour ago, Wizpharm2 said:

 NCL has been using a similar program for years.  We travel both lines depending on location and others traveling with us (ie younger family members). We have used the program with NCL and find it a good offering.  However, I find it an odd program to be offered by a higher end cruise line with a higher rate of occupancy.

There is massive pressure on all companies to maximize profit as they are under huge debt from Covid. If we get 200 to 250 basis points of rate cuts, it will help but the lines took such a hit for 2 years that it is a miracle they are still in business.

Just now, mrstanley said:

How can u upgrade your suite when you’re on a cruise that is waitlisted or the category suite u want is waitlisted or unavailable? This offer is probably for cruises that are not selling.

This is the same as what happens now - when there are unsold suites or upgrades, guests are notified. The new program will offer guests the chance to select what they are willing to pay for the upgrade...or ignore the email altogether. 

Just now, irishwitchy said:

So the TA is no longer involved, either when upgrades are offered? 

It says eligible guests will get an email so I am certain Regent will copy their TA on any communication.

9 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

Interesting.  Royal Caribbean has offered this program for years.  It'll be interesting to see how it goes. Guess all the massive price raises are catching up to them.

My guess is that this will automate the process and save them money. They currently have people working this upgrade process...now software can do it for them as the guest is providing the time to input the data.

1 hour ago, Dolebludger said:

Yes, this whole story makes me want to re-think my future travel plans. In my mind. If I  had a contract with Regent to a certain port, and if that port were changed for any reason, I think that Regent has a duty to get us to that port. If Regent feels otherwise, I need a new cruise line — or maybe just stay home??!!

The cruise contracts for all lines, ASFAIK, allow them to change ports. They could have done a better job, in terms of Customer Service, in this case. No idea what they were thinking.

9 hours ago, kahuna21 said:

Confusing. 16 nights or more, 2 formal nights? 15 nights or less, zero  formal nights? Correct?

Here is the dress code that applies to all nights (with very limited exceptions). On a Formal - Optional night, more people will dress up but no one is required to.

 

Attire ranges from Casual to Formal Optional. Casual wear consists of resort-style outfits; some examples are jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime both on board or ashore. Casual wear is not appropriate after 6:00 PM. On the night prior to disembarkation, guests may need to pack their luggage early due to morning flights the next day. With this in mind, on the last night of every voyage, we will relax the dress code for dinner to Casual.

Otherwise, the recommended onboard dress in the evenings is Elegant Casual. Dinner dress for ladies includes a skirt, or slacks with a blouse or sweater, a pant suit or dress; slacks and a collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Casual wear is not to be worn at dinner. Ties are not required.

On sailings of 16 nights or more, Formal and Semi-Formal attire is optional on two of the evenings. On the two Formal Optional evenings, guests are welcome to dress as per the elegant Casual dress code or opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with tie for gentlemen.

3 hours ago, fizzy said:

I believe you and this is repulsive.

The CDC "rules" are in the link below. It is EXTREMELY interesting to read and more so if you see what is SUGGESTED vs. what is REQUIRED. In short, unless people are dying, it seems the CDC doesn't consider this an issue any longer.

https://www.cdc.gov/port-health/php/maritime-guidance/guidance-for-cruise-ships-on-management-of-acute-respiratory-illness-ari-due-to-viral-infection.html

3 hours ago, Port Power said:

I still do not understand why men carry their wallets around on a ship? You cannot use cash and don’t need anything else from a wallet.  Key card is it!

 

But your post about being friendly with crew members and relating to any other person is spot on.

When you do something everyday for 60+ years, it becomes a habit...

7 hours ago, captn337 said:

On a cruise that encompases Christmas and New Years. Have done neither before. How are these nights handled? Any difference?

Same dress code but more people dress up.

19 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

Pcardad, thanks!  I still cannot believe that NCLH/Regent would still be selling 18 months of cruises on Navigator including two Grand Voyages if they have already agreed to the sale.  Its not like they could just drop the Prestige into Navigator's sailings.

At this point, I don't know. NCLH senior management says no ships are going to be sold and ANdrea isn't selling ships without their permission. That photoshopped picture sure looks like Navigator though.

12 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

I have over 700 nights on Regent; have never tipped; and continue to get fantastic service.  I know all bar staff extremely well and over 150 nights with a number of the bartenders.  Great service at all times and never the expectation of a tip.

Agree 100% - you have nothing to be concerned over. I am at 500 and have booked over 5,000 and never heard a negative reaction from a crew member about a tip. The staff is Regent's greatest asset, they are utterly incredible.

1 hour ago, kevingastreich said:

This was our first Regent cruise. We just got off of Splendor.  We tipped our room stewards generously and they were VERY appreciative.  We also gave a few dollars here and there to bar/dining staff just because that is what we are used to doing on other lines.  One of the dining staff gave us a look as though he felt shorted but for the most part, tips were warmly received.

If you put any gift in a sealed envelope and hand them out discreetly, you can minimize the chance of any issues with optional tipping. Also, mentioning crew by name on the mid-cruise survey or end-cruise survey helps their careers. You can also donate to the crew fund. 

Or perhaps pricing was not available at time of printing...

6 hours ago, mrlevin said:

Pool grill is scheduled to return in evenings early 2025.

In all ships or just Mariner as announced for the WC?

Quote from Blue World Voyages Founder..."Our timeline is the following. The ship is presently operated by a luxurious brand of one of the top three cruise lines. We will take possession of the vessel at the end of 2025 and refit her to be in operation in the second quarter of 2026, starting in the Mediterranean Sea."
 

5 minutes ago, jjs217 said:

Praise is subjective too!  I would never tell anyone not to read those who only have superlative opinions.

I would suggest that any complaint comes with it a follow up comment on what Regent did to address the issue when the guest brought it to their attention. If the guest only complains on the forums and doesn't give Regent a chance to make it right then it is all drama IMO.

12 hours ago, kcl491 said:

Thank you all so much.  I've only cruised "mass market" lines before where tips are not necessary, but are expected at the end of the trip.  Really looking forward to Regent.

You can move "refundable OBC" into the crew fund from your account.

What they should have done is given you a list of alternatives that could be ordered from room service....rather than saying no. Saying no to guests spending $2,000 per day is the kiss of death.

6 minutes ago, drkitkat123 said:

Can you give us some examples please

I have ordered a number of off-menu items including pigs in a blanket, hots dogs, popcorn, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. (I get the munchies at 2AM when leaving the bar). They are not going to say NO to such a simply request...not at $1,000 a day.

I've been there a few times and doubt you will be close enough, or in your cabin enough, for it to matter. 

BC does not typically appear domestically. This is a special which includes FC air to these domestic locations (the Caribbean and North America are typically considered Domestic for these purposes)..