judi666

7 hours ago, poss said:

What was the "amazingly negative post"?     I didn't especially feel that any of the recent posts were negative, let alone "amazingly negative."    Just curious.

One was opining it may have been my fault for complaining. Poster did apologize as misstated what they meant.

On 11/16/2019 at 6:55 PM, Kwaj girl said:

We are on Explorer now....very slow internet compared to our experience on Navigator 2 weeks ago.  We have also lost all external TV service though closed circuit has worked most of the time.  Bridge cam doesn't work so if you want to hear announcements you have to open your suite door.  No music, movie, tv show channels. CD just announced cedar that miami is in the process of reloading software so corruption may have been an issue

I am also on your cruise. Internet connectivity has gone from bad to terrible.  It is like something from the 90’s.  Where is the “luxury”

in not being able to connect with family and friends about urgent matters or posts. Perhaps they could have spent some of the millions on the atrocious art ( which looks to be bought by the sq ft in some warehouse) on having a modern communication system.  Every other cruise line, even tiny Windstar has been better.  It’s a shame as lovely ship. We have had luck with our Skyroam hot spot while docked. I’m expecting we will just disappear for days off the net while crossing the Atlantic. Will not be booking again until some improvement is made.

On 11/18/2019 at 4:55 PM, poss said:

I'm getting pretty worried about this "can't keep up" thing.   Like others, I always check carefully the difficulty rating (thanks for the reminder to check again when on board), but I've found that those ratings are often "off" (in both directions).   I know how angry some people get when someone can't keep up — there's sure been plenty of talk (venom, almost) about that on the Regent board —  and I worry a lot about inadvertently becoming one of the "monsters."    Indeed, I've found cruising a bit less fun since we're no longer able to participate in the kinds of activities we used to most prefer.    Still feel very lucky to be able to take a cruise, but since we're not the stay-on-ship kind of people, it's definitely not the same.   But then what is?    

I agree. There has been so much vitriol about the excursions, I have tried to be ultra careful. It has definitely taken some joy out the activity. Regent is a very nice cruise line, but not quite the heaven on earth that many who regularly post would have you think.  I think for many people ( myself included ) private small

tours are a better answer.  It’s too bad the excursions are not an option, as are several other things, like the BC air, precruise hotel and transfers etc.  

On 11/17/2019 at 10:53 PM, ronrick1943 said:

I agree, without letting Regent know, they can't correct it.  Always (within reason) you should let Regent know, now if everything is wrong it may be you and not Regent.  Just saying...........

What an amazingly negative post!  I explained in detail and mentioned a Regent rep was with us and I did talk destination desk.  I wanted to have the best info so as not to be an inconvenience to others. BTW I have been on several other excursions since that one. 3 were rated a 2 walker and I had no trouble with them. Today I did a 3 walk rated tour, as was a 4x4 excursion. I drive a 4x4 vehicle and could not see anything in the description or video that would cause a problem.  The tour itself was very good and never left paved roads. The walking involved was less than 1/3 mile.  The only small issue I had was there was no mention of a very high step to get in the vehicle. I’m only 4’10”

so it was a bit high. The driver had a stool

and helped me in and out. I wasn’t the only one and I’m sure I didn’t inconvenience anyone. My issue is with not being able to trust the rating system.  

2 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

 

2 years ago our suite (same one we're in now) had a terrible whistle.  All is silent now!

 

What a CRAZY night last night...rock and roll....shower door slammed everyh time the ship rolled one way or the other.  Could not figure out a way to jam it/stop it.  Others had sliding closet doors doing the same thing.  Still rolling today but not nearly as bad.  Capt says the weather forecast is steadily improving.

Did not have that issue. Could you put a towel down on both sides?. I did almost fall on my face on the last 6 ft to the bathroom door. Nothing to hold on to.  It was pretty rough!

I read so many complaints from people about passengers going on excursions that were too physically taxing and holding others up. I tried to be careful in choosing ones I thought I could handle.  Some of the descriptions have changed since I originally booked them, and have new ones now that I am on board Explorer. 
First one I did was a 2 and just very slightly difficult for me. I told the guide I was walking back to the bus at the meeting point instead of waiting for the whole group to return.  I noticed a few others did this as well.  No problem at all except, there were people late as usual. My FitBit tracker clocked in at 2.3 miles of walking.   Fast forward to the next  excursion rated as a 1.  First there was an over 1/2 mile  walk to the bus.  Getting to the destination with our absolutely incoherent and rude guide we walked 1 3/4 miles thru narrow streets at a fast pace with basically no stopping or narration on what we were seeing. It was a beautiful place with many photo opportunities, but if I paused to do so, was falling behind. Several people seemed frustrated and were struggling.  We had a Regent rep with us and to her credit, she did try to slow him down. Not that he paid the slightest heed.  We get back to the beginning of the walk and the guide starts going around again for round 2. Not every one noticed this, but those of us who did, mutinied.  Explanation was we had to go back and see something we missed.  So another 1/2 mile. The “thing” was closed and we stood around for 20 minutes while the “guide” argued with someone. Back to the bus... the rest was ok.  The total as per my Fitbit ( with another half mile from the bus to the ship) was over 3 miles of walking.   I can do it, but not every day.  If that was rated a 1, I’m unclear what to do about the rest of my included tours.  I have talked to the destination services, who were not exactly helpful about what I can expect. I don’t want to hold others up, but feel that considering the cost of the cruise, something should be available for those who find difficulties in walking considerable distances.

It has been too cold to use the outdoor area in the Coffee Connection.  But it seems nice. Blue lights on the theater stairs are very visible. In our Concierge suite, the sliding glass door has a very loud whistle if completely closed and locked. We have to leave it very slightly open to stop it.  I thought this problem was to be addressed?

2 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

The "wardrobe malfunction" was an American woman, sitting on a bar stool with a tee shirt that revealed about ALL.   It was slipping off her arms, her "bosoms" and everything else.  VERY bizarre.   So was she...

I just watched the 4th episode and the shirt was still holding on!  I wouldn’t want to insult anyone, and if she felt beautiful wearing it, that’s ok.

 Thanks for the photo of the farm environment, TC.  

10 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

The issue was the people dining in the buffet in shorts and jeans.  Unlike Regent that has an outside dining venue (pool deck) where you can dress in this way, you cannot walk around the ship or go to lounges unless you change.  Because of this, on our two Oceania cruises, we saw shorts and jeans (even overalls that looked like they belonged in a farm environment) all around the ship after dinner.  Such a sloppy look for such a lovely ship (we were on Riviera).   While "Elegant Casual" is fine, sloppy jeans and shorts at night seemed to bring down the cruise line quite a bit.  

To be honest, I really haven’t noticed this.  The R type ships are pretty small and perhaps a different vibe.  It’s entirely possible it just passed me by, if it occurred.  We have a nice dinner and very rarely go to a show or sit in a bar or lounge.

 I’m usually just too tired and ready to read and sleep.  I’m not looking for badly dressed people around me. But I’m often a bit oblivious.

Having once taken a work related cruise on Disney, the dress was certainly varied and sometimes hilarious.   

Im happy to be on vacation and pretty much ok, drunken rude obnoxious people are the exception.  

Have you watched the 4 part UK series on Explorer?  People seemed a little daunting in quite elegant dress even in the daytime.  One lovely lady had such a low cut top I was fearful for a wardrobe malfunction! 😄

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

Forgot to address one issue - the dress code (NOT trying to turn this into a dress code thread - just reporting on Crystal).  Crystal's dress code is similar to Regent's except that they allow "dress jeans" - something that some Regent passengers would like.  I saw first hand what a slippery slope allowing jeans was on our cruise (also saw it on Oceania but they are not a luxury cruise line).  

I was quite surprised to see backyard type jeans (no holes - just faded from old age and not fitted well).  One table decided that, in addition to non-dress jeans, they wore matching t-shirts to dinner at the Brazilian restaurant).  The manner of dress that we saw on Crystal reminded me more of what we saw on Celebrity.  Yes - we were in Alaska but Regent's dress code is thankfully in effect everywhere in the world that their ships sail to.  I applaud Regent for holding the dress code to the current level.

 

In terms of Explorer's theater, that was a mistake.  It seemed that no one we spoke with during the christening were pleased with how it turned out.  When we boarded, there was a table and two chairs directly behind a post (it has since been removed).  While there is plenty of seating with good views of the stage, the balcony and areas around the posts have difficulty seeing the stage.   Regent's other ships have lovely theaters and the Splendor will as well.  

We have been on 12 Oceania Cruises. For a total

of over a 185 days. True was only on the small ships and the last was 18 months ago. Unless something has changed regarding the dress code, jeans were not allowed except in the buffet. The website still gives the following info:

“In all evening dining venues, we request that guests adhere to the appropriate country club casual dress code. Shorts, jeans, T-shirts, athletic footwear and sandals are not permitted in the Grand Dining Room or specialty restaurants.”

1 hour ago, ClefsDor said:

I must say after watching episode 2 that I came away with the impression that the sommeliers on board are a little on the under experienced side. Now this may have come across like that due to creative editing by the directors but if that is indeed the case then I'm a little surprised. Our experience has only been with Crystal and all the sommeliers on board are extremely knowledgeable and experienced and equal to any sommelier we have had in very good restaurants on land. I'm enjoying watching the shows but do wish they would stop with all the price tag information. 

There definitely is an attempt to create some drama ie:  the nervousness of the cruise director and the dancers, the corked segment etc.  I would assume the sommeliers are quite knowledgeable. I’m sure a bit cringe worthy for them to watch.

2 minutes ago, judi666 said:

Thank you for the links! So enjoyable.  Will be on the Explorer in 8 weeks.  I can’t wait!  Are there more episodes coming?  I thought perhaps just two, as they completed the voyage.

Oh, reading thru the thread I see #3 is coming up.

It is a bit annoying with the constant banter about it being the “most expensive” etc.  Still after years of working in the entertainment sector, there has to be a hook to get people interested enough to watch.  Very much in the vein of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous type shows.  

Thank you for the links! So enjoyable.  Will be on the Explorer in 8 weeks.  I can’t wait!  Are there more episodes coming?  I thought perhaps just two, as they completed the voyage.

We have done the French Polynesia and Cook Islands twice with the R size ships (identical), that were originally built for the Renaissance line (defunct)one with Oceania and another with Princess, who owned that R type ship

at the time.  I think it is the Oceania Sirena now.

 The size was perfect for this itinerary.  They remain our favorite cruises out of many.   We are fond of the R type ships, but have grown out of the smaller cabins. You really need a penthouse category to be comfortable. Unless something has changed in the last 18 months, the Oceania Concierge is the same as the standard veranda cabin, only more amenities are included.  If you really want to save money and feel the cabin would be ok ( after looking at photos etc) book the lowest cat veranda cabin, it will be identical in size.

We will be on our first Regent cruise in November, on the Explorer and the difference in the Concierge cabin on the Regent ships and R type Oceania ship is huge, both in size and other considerations in the research I have done. 

Whatever you decide, it is a wonderful cruise itinerary!

55 minutes ago, snorkle lover said:

Thank you Cool Cruiser it seems like there are sooo many choices of hotels 

in Barcelona. It is almost overwhelming. I do like the idea of breakfast being included

.

47 minutes ago, snorkle lover said:

Thank you Cool Cruiser it seems like there are sooo many choices of hotels 

in Barcelona. It is almost overwhelming. I do like the idea of breakfast being included

.

On 7/4/2019 at 11:51 AM, Travelcat2 said:

Looking forward to hearing about your trip.  Hard to believe that there is graffiti everywhere in the world.  

On 7/4/2019 at 11:51 AM, Travelcat2 said:

Looking forward to hearing about your trip.  Hard to believe that there is graffiti everywhere in the world.  

On 7/4/2019 at 11:51 AM, Travelcat2 said:

Looking forward to hearing about your trip.  Hard to believe that there is graffiti everywhere in the world.  

On 7/4/2019 at 11:51 AM, Travelcat2 said:

Looking forward to hearing about your trip.  Hard to believe that there is graffiti everywhere in the world.  

There is actually some really cool and beautiful graffiti and murals on abandoned warehouses, in Reykjavik. We were there 8 months ago.  The pictured one was not one of the best.  We had fun driving around and getting photos.

The HOHo bus covers 3 routes and is fun to do.  You see many things you would not on a typical city tour.  Inexpensive.

7 hours ago, Master Echo said:

 

TC2, agree entirely with your comments on the (as you phrase it) smaller Oceania ships’ ‘standard’ cabins. 

 

Please bear in mind the ethos of Renaissances Cruises, for which the ships were designed, was a younger, more active passenger, judging from the shore trips that were offered.  A younger target client base would probably be less concerned with cabin size and, to be fair, when these ships were new, the cabins were typical in overall size.  The larger mini-suites and suites are modest in size in comparison with their modern equivalents, such as Explorer.  20 years is a long time in terms of cruise ship design.

 

Sir and Madame were invited to a private tour of Explorer last June and were hosted by Regent’s UK Marketing Manager.  She provided the information about the planned changes to the colour palate, because of passenger feedback.

 

Neither Sir nor Madame made use of any of the spa facilities, except for the gym.   Dennis is quite correct regarding the excessive chlorine in the infinity pool, although Madame did not use it, it was too small for swimming, but the chlorine issue was the same in the Deck 11 pool.   

 

 I agree with TC2’s comments on the spa.  One further point is, to my mind, the waste of space with the long and very wide approach to the spa on Deck 5.  Equally, the entrance to the gym from its Deck 6 entrance (it is on that deck) is very poor and looks more like an emergency exit.  On Sir’s first visit via Deck 5, he thought the exit from the gym on Deck 6 was an emergency exit because of the type of wide, push-down handle; very odd.

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

My first cruise on an R ship was the maiden voyage of the R8 in 2000ish.  My husband and I were by far the youngest people on the ship at mid 40’s and 50’s.  My husband was often mistaken for a crew member!  The predominant age was 75 plus.  The excursions were in line with most others we have taken on other lines. Certainly not strenuous... The cabin seemed very nice ( standard balcony) the bathroom was minuscule.  We really did not have anything to compare it to. We did one other cruise on REN, before bankruptcy and was similar in age of passengers.  We did two more cruises on R type ships in French Polynesia, when 2 were taken over by Princess.  We have also taken 7 cruises on R ships with Oceania, the last was 2017 on the Sirena, which had been lovingly refurbished. We no longer book a standard cabin, but find the PH and above to be comfortable.  The PH bathrooms are particularly nice on Sirena, with glass walk in showers.  Obviously, we love the size of the ship and the overall esthetic. It probably isn’t for everyone.  Looking forward to our cruise in November on Explorer!

On 3/6/2019 at 12:53 PM, Travelcat2 said:

We did a lot in Cabo today (no excursions).  When I find a restaurant/cantina/lounge that we want to visit I go to all lengths to find it.  Fortunately, as I may have mentioned, the owner of "Happy Ending Cantina" emailed me directions.  It was quite a walk (used a cane -- just to help with my hip and not falling again).  Sometimes we simply enjoy going to "dive bars" with silly signs, incredibly low priced drinks (2 beers and 2 double shots of tequila for $5 but I think I'm repeating myself).  No - we did not go there for shots or for beer but each had Don Julio margaritas made with fresh juice, etc. for $6 each.  Dennis wasn't hungry but had one chicken taco (soft) and I had two steak tacos (crunchy) for $2 each which included beans,  It was great having authentic Mexican food!  A couple photos will follow eventually.

 

On the way back to the ship we stopped for a "fish spa".  We tend to do this all over the world.  Dennis took a couple of pictures of the fish nibbling on our feet.

 

I did make a purchase of some Hermetise facial products but have no idea if we were scammed.  Time will tell.  For now, it makes my eyes look better and they need all if the help they can get.)

 

Since this is a tender port, and we had been out for several hours (my first step off of the ship since Costa Rica,) Dennis suggested canceling our "Salsa and Salsa" excursion that begins at 2:45 p..m. and ends at 6:15 p.m.  A shower and a nap sounds pretty darn good right now.

 

The cocktail party that we attended last night was "interesting".  More later.

There certainly is no shortage of dive bars in Cabo!  Once they got an Apple store, I felt anything authentic had jumped the shark.  But one can still get a good margarita! As you get outside of Cabo and up the transpenisular hwy, it’s expat world.  Walmart’s, Costco’s, high end hospitals ( for hip and knee replacement, plastic surgery) and dental services. Every franchise you see in the US is pretty much available.   I enjoy the fish spa, but lately gotten a bit squeamish....

2 hours ago, Master Echo said:

Regarding  fish feet tanks, in many places , even in the UK, these have closed down due to potential patrons' being concerned about hygiene.  I was reassured that TC2 said her feet were disinfected prior to immersion in the tank.  

 

Anyone considering this treatment needs to feel assured about the hygiene standards.  In Cambodia I did not observe any disinfection before feet were put into the tanks.

 

On a separate note, there was quite a turn over of  F & B staff in Acapulco, whilst the Fitness Manager was swopped over in Cabo.  

 

It is also evident that a few new passengers joined in either Acapulco or Cabo, because we now have a young child onboard.

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

There is a fish spa in San Jose del Cabo, I used each time I went there.  I looked for one in LA, but they were closed down. My feet looked and felt great.  After reading several articles, I haven’t done it lately.  I felt sorry for the fish, although the tanks were very clean. 

1 hour ago, Master Echo said:

Big Apologies!!

 

The ship which blocked our view on arrival was NOT the "Escape" but the Norwegian Star.  My brain is addling in the heat, had just read a report of the "Escape" being caught in a 115 mph wind shortly after leaving NYC, now docked safely in Florida.

 

Explorer has now been joined by the HAL's Volendam!!  Any more and and we will have more people on the ships than the population of Cabo!!  So reminiscent of the West Indian islands these days unfortunately.

 

Vegasdriven -  I am glad that you found my posts interesting and thank you for your kind comments.  At the risk of blowing their cover - I have to tell you that Sir & Madame are lizards, but I am in a category of my own, being an Ipadologist!

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

 

 

 

 

Much nicer than Cabo, is San Jose del Cabo, an artsy colonial town about 30 miles away. An easy cab ride or there are buses. We have a time share at the beach and go several times a year. Cabo has been ruined by tourism for years.  There are some pretty beaches etc.but just not worth it.  

16 hours ago, RachelG said:

Mine do too as they all go to the cloud.  But that only happens once a day, during the night, so if you want them to go over sooner, you have to use airdrop.

Mine go several times a day.  Often within minutes. Of course, devices at home are constantly on WiFi.  On vacation that may not be the case.  As others have mentioned both devices have to have Bluetooth activated to do the instantaneous AirDrop.

Mine is not available either and it’s just 12 days before the date for reserving. I did download the ones I wanted from the port by port excursion section.  Hopefully they will be the same. There is one port with no excursions... I would assume they would have something by Mar. 17.

10 hours ago, flossie009 said:

If you are more comfortable using your iPad you can very simply transfer the photos from iPhone to iPad using "AirDrop" (Bluetooth)

 

My iPhone photos automatically go into my iPad or vice versa.  I set it up that way years ago, so know it’s not because both are newer. If you go to settings>photo> upload to my photo stream.  It will upload to your Apple devices. Of course both have to be on WiFi.  This is done in the background, nothing you have to do.  It just does it when it they are connected.