CJANDH

This is a pretty good FAQ page. Pity that they don't promote it more clearly on their website.

This is good advice. You may have the financial strength to absorb the loss of a trip cancellation or trip delay, in which case paying a premium to cover that potential probably will not be a good investment over a long period of cruising. However, the cost of a medical emergency while travelling overseas, especially if it involves evacuation, could be catastrophic. We are in that position. We purchase an annual plan from Allianz that provides high coverage for medical and evacuation and only token amounts for non-medical losses. It is very inexpensive (around $500 p.a.) compared to the thousands we used to pay each year to cover individual trips with coverage for all risks.

Agree. Well past its use-by date. We were on the Christmas cruise too and there were toilet issues. The vacuum tubes leaked on a couple of decks and the toilets wouldn't flush. Problem fixed in a couple of hours. But still a sign of an aging ship.

We use Allianz Travel.

You may recall that there were some issues with fireproof insulation not being up to spec at Fincanteri. Maybe the substitute material was not as soundproof.

For me, losing the money paid for the cruise would be painful, but not catastrophic. Having to pay for major medical and perhaps evacuation would be a disaster. So we buy an annual insurance policy that covers nothing much more that medical and evacuation. It costs only about $500 a year and covers all the trips we take each year. If I had to suck up the losses from a cancelled cruise, it would be less than I have saved from not insuring every cruise individually at thousands at a time.

Getting out of Miami airport takes quite a while, especially if the inter terminal train is still not running as it was over the holidays. However, traffic will be light at that time of night so I would guess you will be at your hotel by 10:30 pm.

And share drinks?

I never questioned that you were being truthful. I simply pointed out that your experience seemed to be different from most posters.

Great!

Have a great trip. Looking forward to any observations you can find the time to share wit us. We board Grandeur in June for a Greek Isles cruise. Anticipation!!!!

I would advise that you read the comments/reviews of Explora 1 on the Explora Journies board before making that decision. The one posted here by vistaman is by far the most negative one of all I have read. While not all the reviews are 5 star, they are generally positive, especially about the food and ths service. A common complaint is the size of the bathrooms, but not much else. I am boarding Explora 1 for the first time in March and am expecting a superior experience versus the Christmas cruise I just did on Mariner, which was a major disappointment.

Does the $30 upgrade also give you access to a better wine selection at lunch and dinner?

If you buy the $30 a day premium drinks package do you get better wines at lunch and dinner plus unlimited drinks at the bars?

That's the attitude that makes any cruise a great vacation. 😁

Sorry. My bad.

Agree. We stayed there for two nights in December. We booked an ocean view on the club floor with access to the lounge for breakfast and evening canapes. The lounge was closed for renovations so they gave us free breakfast in the dining room and $100 food and beverage credit for drinks, etc. Pretty generous I think. We are booked again for a March cruise pre-night.

These are guests from Texas. Regent offers business class for US guests.

Thanks for that Paul. I have been trying to get information via My Account website. It lists the details of our booking but the links to destination services, etc. are not working. I have now contacted Explora to get that activated. Hopefully, I will get the help I need. Now, thanks to you, I at least know what I am entitled to: car from airport to my hotel in Miami and car from pier to my hotel in Bridgetown. Thanks again for your help. Chris.

I am booked in a Cocoon Residence in March. I haven't heard of the airport transfer. Did you know about it before you boarded? I am about to book a car for my transfer on debarkation and don't want to if I am to get this perk. Thanks for your honest review.

Good for you. Have a great voyage.

Really? Regent provides business class air in their fare. The amount they will give you for declining Regent Air is unlikely to cover your cost of purchasing independently. You might want to do the math before you commit.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a car and driver to transfer from the port to a hotel and then hotel to airport a few days later. Need a decent size car to manage two of us plus luggage. I understand that most taxis are small cars.

Most of the Regent cruises I have been on ending in Miami have offered, at no charge, a post debarkation tour ending at the airport for cruisers whose flights are leaving after 4 PM (I think). There may be a charge if you haven't booked your air though Regent. If that doesn't meet your needs, you can always book a private tour that will get you to the airport at the best time for you. Google "Miami cruise port excursions" and you will get a bunch of options, most of them customizable.

Yes. And very well organized. This is one inclusion that really sets Regent aside from competition.