SeaBunny

When it comes to passengers/crowding, the key is more space for more passengers, then crowding is not an issue. Proportional space is VERY important.

We went on an Azamara ship that had the same passenger capacity as Mariner, but was 20% underbooked. However, inside public space was jammed! In the bar area where they held trivia, people were packed so tight, the waiters just stood on the edges looking sad, unable to reach anyone to serve them. In bars before meals and in the coffee area all the time, it was always SRO. And, remember, it was 20% underbooked.

It also took far longer to disembark -- there was only one station for that final card reading and it kept malfunctioning because it was not a permanent location and the extension cord kept getting knocked lose by passenger carry-ons.

When we got home, I looked up the size difference -- Mariner is 30% larger for the same maximum passenger count. Now we look at total space on the ship as well as passenger count.

It's the relationship of physical size to passenger count as well as smart ship design that makes for crowding or lack there of.

The benefit of a smaller passenger count is a better chance of making friends. The most crowded we've ever been was on that AZ ship, but we also made friends we continue to see.

The article says the season premieres Sept. 15, which is a Thursday. Am I missing something?

Guess my eagerness was showing -- I was reading that as August 15. Clearly says September. Sorry.

Also, here's a nice update on many of the past winners/faves:

http://www.ew.com/gallery/project-runway-where-are-they-now

It's back!

If this article is correct, PR is moving to Mondays.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/08/project-runway-season-15-premiere-date-cast

Ha ha indeed, me too! Thanks for the good comparison. And even though the results of the researching can be great, it's so much easier to just spend that 15 minutes, isn't it?

 

As long-time Regent and Paul Gauguin cruisers, we have seriously considered HAL for New Zealand. Any idea which you would choose on that itinerary? I can't remember the bottom line details, but I suspect with the deals Regent has on Business Air these days, it would win out (for us).

Are you going around NZ or to NZ? It's all so subjective. The thing is, since you love Regent, you'll likely be disappointed with HAL. It's just the nature of things.

Actually, we are looking at a trans-Pacific cruise to NZ on Crystal, then doing NZ via land. We either take cruises for relaxation (this upcoming one) or to check out places we're not sure about (which would be the West Africa one). That's why there are no Mediterranean cruises in our past or (probably) future. Port time is usually just too short.

If we were going to NZ, we wouldn't cruise (except maybe to get there). I'm a massive LOTR fan and would want to go everywhere they shot, visit WETA, etc. Plus see what normal people would want to see, too.:D

I forgot to address excursions.

We only take Regent excursions because they are included, but we have found them no better or worse than any other ship excursions we have taken (which, I admit, number about 4 in total). With Regent, we spend about 15 minutes considering and booking excursions.

On HAL, we figure out our own things to do -- usually with fellow CCers on the Roll Call. That means hours of researching for me. However, the results are usually far superior and far less expensive than what the ship offers, so it is worth the time.

But DH would curl up and die if I skipped "included" ship excursions on Regent to pay for something else. ha ha

As HAL and Regent are our go-to cruise lines, I believe I can give a very unbiased and fair assessment.

We're value shoppers (as opposed to bargain hunters). And both lines offer solid value but for different reasons.

Regent is exceptional. The food is delightful. The crew wonderful. Having everything included is great -- no little scraps of paper to sign whenever you want a beverage. Also, no huge bill at the end because drinks, tips, premium restaurants, excursions, and (sometimes) wifi are included. Nothing wrong with having all suites with balconies, either. It is pretty wonderful, but people seem to be a bit dressier all the time so pack accordingly.

We've also had some absolutely wonderful trips on HAL. Their food is better than any other line we've been on (except Regent) -- including the oft touted Azamara. We've always had wonderful service, with every need taken care of sometimes before we knew what they were.

We usually just book an outside cabin on HAL (ergo the value), because DH doesn't use a balcony but loves sitting on the HAL promenades where there's the chance to talk to other passengers. (Regent suites are nicer, but we spend little time in our rooms) The on-board activities on HAL are more diverse and there are more of them. BTW, formal night has been downgraded to something vague, so no worries about that anymore. I do think the premium restaurant on HAL is lousy.

Neither line is great for families. I believe Regent has nothing. HAL does have kid and teen programs but on the two-week or longer cruises we prefer there are virtually no participants.

We've never felt crowded on any ship of either line, regardless of size (see below for details). We love them both. While the price structure for these lines is very different, we find the atmosphere and passengers to be quite similar.

Our upcoming cruise is our 30th anniversary. That's why it's on Regent: it's more pampering. But that isn't always our biggest consideration.

We're more about where the ship is headed than anything else. So when we book our SA cruise around the Cape, we'll probably go with HAL, but our west coast of Africa cruise will be Regent. All that said, we have a great time on any cruise and would go back on most lines we've tried. And we look forward to trying new ones. It's all about your expectations and your spirit.

We're going to be there in Sept. We are going ashore for a daytime excursion. We are NOT taking anti-malaria drugs. But we will be using the strongest insect repellant we can get our mitts on.

The malaria risk is low to moderate. We're only ashore a few hours. We're not risk takers (we certainly took the meds for our Tanzanian safari), but I like to avoid drugs if possible.

Appreciate the compliment from sunpsyche.

Ashamed to say I have only seen Graham Greene-based films. Am saving up episodes of "The Night Manager" right now. Maybe I should take him on our next cruise? I was planning a John Updike "Rabbit" marathon. But...

Embarrassed. It's John Le Carre. duh

I snoozed through the last several shows.

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure that Miriam and Dorothy (from "Avenue of Mysteries") post here on Cruise Critic!

 

The best thing John Irving ever wrote, which is recurrent in several of his novels, is that you should read Graham Greene.

Appreciate the compliment from sunpsyche.

And, too funny about Miriam and Dorothy!

Ashamed to say I have only seen Graham Greene-based films. Am saving up episodes of "The Night Manager" right now. Maybe I should take him on our next cruise? I was planning a John Updike "Rabbit" marathon. But...

The first thing I do after picking a cruise is pick out the books to take -- read 'em and leave 'em is my policy when traveling, so usually used paperbacks.

Hooray for Dom!

But I thought all three collections were really great -- for different reasons (just like the make-up lady said).

Obviously, Ken's was the most wearable. Lots of nice cruise wear options there. Dom's was most on point for the challenge and innovative. Kini's was exuberant. Lots to love in all three.

My favorite thing -- no last minute panics. These three had their acts together. How often does that happen?

Plus, incredible work in four days.

And, I always smile when I see Chris March.

When I saw the show was longer than usual, I knew there would be some added on competition.

Ken was on his best behavior this episode. Positively charming.

My favorite outfit was what Zanna wore for her workroom visit. Loved everything about it and I never like prints or plaids. Somehow that one worked.

Which explains why I wasn't personally a fan of anything on the runway but agreed with the judge's takes.

BTW, I heard the prize was "an opportunity to design a print for a case" not "we'll use this design for a case." The former was stated twice but the judges acted like it as the latter.

Ken's dress was cool, but it seems the designers are getting away with a lot this season. He had no hem and other finishing touches were undone.

It's telling that the scores put Sam in the bottom two. Alyssa and Georgina were negatives and I'm thinking Boy George scored the dress lowish before the story telling. (I guess that's when the scores are given? Prior to story time?)

Sam could sent his model out wrapped in a beach towel and it would be Isaac's favorite look. ("So chic!")

Thought Dom's look was fantastic. But probably more haute couture than avant garde.

Would wear a slightly toned down version of Emily's outfit.

Oh. My. God.

They HAVE to be keeping him around for the "show" of it. (Last night's outfit wasn't really the worst of the bunch. At least it was summery. Missed the mark on "badass", though.)

 

 

Seriously, though? A hunk of white fabric held on with a belt was safe? C'mon!

Dude looks like he doesn't even want to be there, standing there with a "shoot me now" look on his face.

 

~SMH~

Agree completely!

And another jumpsuit!

Plus, the judges kept calling the white outfit a jumpsuit though you could clearly see the top tucked into the pants.

I think both the two you referenced are being kept around for "show."

I'm glad Kini got a win but I loved Dom's outfit.

How would you describe that Touch line by Alyssa (as seen on the models at the beginning)? Yawn? Snore? Haven't you been in a mass merchandise store in the past 10 years? ha ha

Sam is lucky to have such a strong cheerleader.

I adore fairy tales. I have a big collection that includes many cultures. I sometimes worry that kids today just know the Disney versions, which I admit sometimes improve on the original (like the Little Mermaid getting her prince instead of turning into soulless foam on the ocean), but still...

I was disappointed that only Kini and Dom did something cool that still reflected their characters (Alice and Tinkerbell respectively). The other looks could have been for anybody anywhere.

They've sure been hyping "Finding Neverland" on the various Runway shows.

My posts keep getting deleted. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

I was happy about the person leaving.

And, there are far too many jumpsuits.

I appreciate the helpful responses.

We'll pack a sports jacket and a tie. And the Guayaberas, because it's going to stinking hot in Mexico/Panama in Sept. I suspect.

My question is not about jeans or what is allowed but what is most commonly seen at night for men.

With luggage restrictions what they are, and hating to pay those outrageous airline charges, we try to pack as light as possible. Tuxes, suits, and sports jackets are all bulky items. For that matter, so are jeans, so we never pack them. DH has been leaning more towards Guayabera-style shirts recently, which are considered formal wear in many tropical countries.

That said, what do men commonly wear on the formal optional nights on Regent? Not the outliers but the majority?(btw, it's an 18 day cruise; it seems length of cruise impacts the dress code for formal optional)

Thank you.

I did.

 

It's also not unusual on these kinds of shows to have an award for fan favorites - don't recall if they did on other Project Runways - maybe I'm thinking about Top Chef.

They have had fan favorites in the past. When Christian Siriano (my all-time favorite) was on, he won fan fave and the top prize. They've had it other years, too, but not sure if every time.

I have purple hair...:o

My DIL just went minty green with hers. It looks fabulous.

BTW, she's planning on applying for the next season. Her forte is cosplay (won 2nd for her female Captain America and 1st for workmanship on some anime character I've never heard of -- two different conventions), but she did make a five piece collection for a fashion competition here.

I know she has both the sewing and design skills, but am not sure she can handle the slap-dash way they put things together on this show. When I told her not to bother with Hong Kong seams on something she is making for me to wear around the house she was shocked, and refused.

I think size 12 is considered plus size in the modelling world. :rolleyes:

 

My biggest complaint with larger sizes is that they make the whole thing bigger, not just the body. Before menopause I wore a 12. After I gained to 16, but my arms DID NOT grow 6" longer!!!! :rolleyes:

What gripes me is the size of the armholes in plus size outfits. They're big enough for my ample thighs! I would still wear sleeveless tops but those huge openings reveal pretty much the whole side of my bra if my arms aren't plastered to my side.

I don't think clothes are actually designed for plus size, they just blow up the regular patterns in all directions, ergo too long sleeves, huge armholes, etc.

What Nina said (and I think this is almost word-for-word) to Ashley: "I'll be talking to you soon about your spread in Marie Claire."

Could be taken at face value. I'm just so cynical.

Yes, I was looking forward to seeing that too.

 

As for Ashley's collection, I don't know if it was the clothes or the models that I enjoyed more. They seemed joyful! I loved the colors and the styling of the hair and makeup. So beautiful and sexy.... plus or not.

 

Why do high fashion models have to look like such zombies on the runway? I know that the purpose of the runway is for the clothes to be the star, but can't the models at least look like they enjoy wearing them? :confused:

Me, too.

I've been wondering about Nina's comment regarding talking to Ashley about being in "Marie Clare." I have a hard time imagining that fashion magazine using plus size models. Especially since most of their models are closer to zero size. Think they'll take the clothes but down-size them? Make it more of an editorial piece rather than a fashion spread?

I believe that the judges actually hurt Edmond and Candice with their critiques. Both their collections became too much like what you could already find in a store -- even in a fashion-backward place like my hometown, Memphis. (I Love my city, tho.)

I especially felt bad for Candice. She should have stuck to her guns and had a wow show at least. It might have seemed more cohesive, too.

Remember how they said Kelly's outfits looked cheap? She actually cheapened them up more with the glitter. Good for her. I would have given her the win -- it was ambitious in the detailing, easy to wear, fresh, and there are tons of women that would want to wear her looks.

Noticed Ashley didn't add in the prints the judges were pushing for. She removed a couple of headdresses -- her only concession. Good for her. She put out a very cohesive, inspired collection. I do think her commitment to plus size was a factor in the win, but have no problem with that.

Every time the judges tried to tell a designer (mainly Candice and Edmond) who they were, I cringed. Who are they to think they know the mind of the designer better than the actual person?

So glad I recorded. That truly was a 1 hour show with 1 hour of other stuff.

Will not be watching the cat fest.

Ashley isn't doing Carmen Miranda with the flowers, she is doing Frida Kahlo and she's nailing it.

Absolutely! And, remember this was supposed to be a spring collection so the colors are appropriate. Her collection made the most sense, especially the styling. I personally hate both lace and pastels but try to step out of my personal space when looking at runway shows.

I was angry at the judges for saying to Edmond/Candice that they wanted the "real" Edmond/Candice back. That's exactly what they had up there! As opposed to designers scrambling to come up with something overnight that fit the goofy challenges and somehow reflected their personal esthetic. Grrr.

And since when is a form-fitting black dress (Edmond's) not sexy? All heads would turn and you would know instantly the wearer was a bad, bad girl. ;)

As to Kelly, I liked her collection. Again, nothing I would want. But it was a fresh take and very true to itself and her and I could see a lot of trend-setters wanting it.

Candice is always so full of herself. Her collection is totally her, too. But I mean that a bit negative. tee hee

Edmond? Well, we haven't really seen much. What's in those bags? And why diid he come with so much work left to do?

The best thing -- four designers with distinct points of view -- if the judges don't beat them all into the same mold.