Kids are welcome on all Regent cruises and the standard additional charge to put them in the parent's cabin is pretty negligible. This is more marketing than a big savings.
When things, and people, get older they are weaker and more prone to failure. I am certain this is a planned repair in the future but, for now, the issue has been solved.
True - the shipyards are different but the toilet systems are very similar and Regent doesn't have a history of skimping on maintenance. Its like getting hot water tank from different plumbers - the systems they use can all be the same. The shipyard does not make all the parts installed in a ship....they build (assemble) the ship and source most parts/subsystems from 3rd parties.
Manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and Voyager isn't having the issue. When a system is mis-treated, it places additional stress on the system.
They are 23 years old - seals dry out over time. Mariner is in for a few nice upgrades next year and there might just be a surprise or two coming this WC as well. I am in NO way affiliated with Regent.
I know that the WL is not always first come-first serve...but I have never heard of the person releasing an actual position on the WL simply because it can change.
You might be surprised. Regent is aggressively making offers to booked guests on cruises that have deep waitlists in order to sell more cabins on other cruises.
It absolutely was blocked by a person who flushed an article of clothing to "hide" it. This blocked the system and caused the rupture of other seals which had to be identified and replaced.
In $5,000,000 worth of bookings, I have never had Regent admit what position a person is on the WL. Only 1 person runs the list and they will not discuss it. This news is very interesting - perhaps policy has changed.
It was absolutely the guest's fault but having 23 year old plumbing didn't help. There are a number of surprises in store for Mariner including staffing changes, itinerary changes (coming very soon) and huge plans for her drydock next year.
Sorry if you don't agree but not only was I told what the cause was, it was also told to the guests on board as well as having a special message in Passages addressing it.