How to say this nicely - Regent was a big disappointment as a newbie! It is a very process driven ship and when busy (nearly full) the meal can be an issue. Breakfast at Laveranda filled very quickly in the morning - it fact people started showing up before it opened just to grab a table/seat especially at the window. Lunch could be equally crowded. The key for Laveranda and the pool grill is to see the small metal plate on the table with a number on it. Yep you are at Carl's Jr. and have a table number. It is your responsibility to know and remover remember the number. If you go up to order eggs, French toast, a burger at either location without that number you will not be served. Key newbie tip.
Getting your specialty dining reservation set before you go is key. On a 31 day cruise we only got two reservation at each of the specialty dining areas. However it is was relatively easy to get lunch at these locations even on sea days if you go a little earlier. Sete Maria can be difficult to get a table for diner but we had little trouble at Compass rose but we did dine early - martinis at 1730 and dinner at 1830.
Another newbie tip is that all of the shore excursions start in the show room and it is not a fun process. Go the the auditorium, get in line, trade your ticket for a number, wait, wait, wait till your number is called. Several times we waited for over an hour. Be prepared.