They were not crew. They could be special entertainers on board or they simply could be young clients. Regent is affordable by many these days. I think it is more likely that stupidity caused the banana peel, not maliciousness. Either way, client error, not the ship.
But it does change the argument. It stops being about Regent falling short and now becomes all about if the client wants to cruise at all in the current environment. I've been on 6 cruises post-Covid and the differences are real but minor. Get on excursion waitlists - most will clear. Worst case - go to theater and ask for tickets when 25% go unclaimed. Best case case - you don't have to go to the museum your partner wants and you can spend the day drinking by the pool and working on your tan.
This is now common across all cruise lines....not just Regent. Capacity (excursions, port access, certain foods/drinks) is down across the board and sometimes the big ships win and sometimes the high-end ships win. Welcome to the post-Covid world.
If they asked about a banana peel it is because they found one. No way of knowing which cabin it came from other than it was "upstream" of where they found it. This is a perfect example of guest error vs. problem with ship. And not to be argumentative but if they "asked" you then didn't "accuse" you...the difference is huge. They need to know who did it so it won't happen again. Sewage water is no joke.
Re: Training....many employees were lost to Covid and every ship has new people...including Explorer and Splendor. Who can blame them....they can't sit around with no income for 2 years. I am sorry your cruise was not up to your expectations...I warn all my returning people that although most things are the same as pre-Covid, they may see some changes that will take time to correct. The large amount of new people is the most obvious.
Highlighting Regent's spending habits when they are being crushed with debt and cutting back non-fuel expenses by 15% doesn't seem to be a wise move...but what do I know.
I had to look it up - it is based on room type.
As a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience, we would like to offer you an up to $750 USD Future Cruise Credit (FCC) per guest to put towards a future Regent booking. Suite Category Future Cruise Credit (per guest) Distinctive Suites RS-SS2 $750 USD Penthouse Suites A-C $500 USD Concierge Suites & Below D-H $250 USD
I will say this again...make sure you and the tech are agreed on what service and price you want BEFORE sitting down. We had two cases of thinking it was one service and being charged more for a different one.
It is possible to get a sewage smell on ANY cruise ship - no matter the age. All it takes is a single person flushing something not intended for the system. I think Mariner's next drydock is later this year but I am sure someone knows for certain. She is a great ship - they all are.