papaflamingo

For the record I was a Coast Guard Pilot. We'll have to get together and share "sea stories," And just in case you're unsure of the mission of the the Coast Guard, 😜

Sounds like a plan. One thing I'm good at is "giving advice." First and foremost though... always remember "how can you tell if a pilot's lying? His lips are moving." 😜

We got a "buyout" offer last March for our Navigator cruise. We were in an E cabin so a bit upgraded for position on ship. Long story short, we had a pipe burst on Christmas 2022. We had made final payment so had to keep the cruise. Four days before we sailed (we were all packed and ready to go), we got an email from Regent with the buyout offer. Of course we jumped on it as we were in the middle of repairs to our house. The offer was for a similar itinerary (10 night Caribbean) but at the end of Nov. or beginning of Dec. on Mariner, not Navigator, and an upgrade to Penthouse (GREAT DEAL if you have seen Mariner's Penthouses), and an amount back that was about 20% refund. So we really lucked out. But the buyout is "first come, first served." We got the last Penthouse and turned out it was a Penthouse A so a HUGE upgrade. So, don't know how many others were offered buyouts or how many took them, but for us it was a fantastic deal especially considering our house repair situation. I'm a retired Pilot, and as all Pilots know "luck is better than skill any day." 😎

Thanks for the info.

You know, I was going to point out that the definition of "accuse" is "claim that (someone) has done something wrong." And that the poster did state that "Regent have been very devious" is definitely an accusation and adding "I suspect, mis-selling the cruise" would also fall under the definition of a "claim" of wrong doing. But heck.... since you say I'm wrong and "owe an apology," well ok then, here I go. I officially apologize for interpreting "Regent have been very devious and, I suspect, mis-selling the cruise" as an accusation of wrong doing as opposed to a mere "suspicion" with "no evidence" of a wrong doing. My bad.

Thanks. I was curious because others have said in the past that if they ask for a lounger the cabin steward would bring one. Just wondering if that still worked. Not sure if my balcony will be big enough, but if so, I may give it a shot.

Did you ask for a lounger when on board? Wondering because we are in an F-1 in Feb.

I was on Navigator for 40 nights last year. Loved the ship and cruise, but we also upgraded (Deluxe E) to get forward on the ship. Navigator does noticeably vibrate in the stern. You are making a good choice.

If you read MY post you'll see I didn't comment on you "criticizing" Regent, I said you shouldn't accuse them of committing a crime. And I did "bother" to read your post. You said " Regent have been very devious and, I suspect, mis-selling the cruise." CLEARLY stating that they are purposefully committing fraud. I don't care if you criticize, go for it. But to actually accuse anyone of purposefully committing a crime is uncalled for. So if you are going to challenge me to "read your post," perhaps you should be sure to read MY post. Perhaps you found my comment "If you were offered a full refund, why are you making both an issue of the itinerary change and a baseless accusation? What more, than a full refund, do you want." Maybe... but still wondering... if you get a full refund, why are you complaining? They changed the itinerary,. you were able to cancel for a full refund... what's the problem?

You really believe that Regent changed their policy simply to "irritate the customer?" 🤣 Perhaps it had more to do with the fact that people would book cruises years out then when final payment came about they'd cancel. Meantime the cruise was waitlisted and the best cabins were held out of inventory for a year or more. Maybe they figured that by charging $100 non refundable non FCC that people would only book cruises that they fully intended to sail on. I don't know... just a thought.

My point, the accusation of "bait and switch" is constantly made on these boards. That is blatantly illegal in the U.S. and I find it very irresponsible to accuse anyone of committing a crime with nothing more than your "suspicion." There are lots of reasons that cruise lines EVERY cruise line, changes their itineraries, especially so far in advance. If you were offered a full refund, why are you making both an issue of the itinerary change and a baseless accusation? What more, than a full refund, do you want? By the way, if you had brought legal action in the U.S. you would have wasted your money. You accept, by contract, the right of a cruise line to make itinerary changes. This is also standard across the industry.

1. What I meant was it's a standard fee industry wide with few exceptions (actually quite low in the industry). 2. Have you contacted your TA to see if he or she can work with Regent to transfer your deposit, including the $100, to a new cruise? Often they can be "convinced" by a good TA. 3. Everyone better get used to the fact that itineraries change all the time for many reasons on EVERY cruise line, especially in these times of potential world upheaval and record weather events. So if someone isn't willing to accept this, maybe cruising isn't the right vacation, or make sure to get "cancel for any reason" travel insurance.

That's a very serious charge and would certainly lead to some serious legal action in the U.S. if it can be proven. Can you back this up or are you just throwing it out there?

That's a standard administrative fee to cancel a cruise prior to final payment. From the Regent website: "For cancellations made from the date of deposit to 121 days prior to cruise sail date, an administrative fee of $100 per person for suite categories MS-H will apply."

I believe that Regent charges exactly what it pays for any airline seat. So if they can get it for contract rate, no up charge. If they can get it for contract rate plus $1000 then there's a $1000 up charge. I can't imagine they'll "eat" the $1000 because a TA wants them to. On the other hand, a TA might be more than willing to pay the up charge for the right customer.

My solution, rather than stay away from warm weather cruises, is to spend quality time on my balcony with a bourbon and book...oh yeah and a lot of "studying the inside of my eyelids."😎

Not on Mariner in Dec. that I saw nor Navigator last year.

We always get our TA to authorize us to talk directly to Regent Air, but I think that's no longer necessary and someone either on here or Facebook said the same. So I believe we can just call as we wish.

I had a bottle on our Dec. 2 Mariner cruise and it was no "mini." A liter bottle and it was well used. 🥃😎

I have found that the cost on line is the HIGHEST cost you'd pay. We've done 3 Regent cruises, cancelled off a 4th for Covid, and have 4 more booked, so booked a total of 8 cruises EVERYONE came in a bit cheaper than I expected from on line cost due to various discounts that will be applied. So what I do is find a cruise I'd like to do, and contact my TA to put a "7 day hold" on the cruise. That way I know the actual cost including any discounts for the loyalty program or b2b cruises, any OBC that is applicable, and lock in both the rate and cabin choice. If I choose not to do the cruise I can simply let the hold expire or email my TA and let her know. Also if you are within the shore excursion selection date, you can enter the booking number and look at available excursions. You can't book them until the deposit is paid, but at least you'll have an idea what excursions are still available. Bottom line, your "starting point" is the published price on the website which does include the advertised discounted rate. Your rate will possibly go down from there depending on the discount program.

La Veranda and the Pool Grill are basically "serve yourself buffets." Since they offer "made to order" options, how would you suggest they get those items to you? The only other option would be to stand in line waiting for your order to come out like other cruise line buffets.. I'd much rather give them my table number and sit at the table and enjoy coffee or wine (at lunch) than stand in line. Plus it has the advantage of having a table and drinks ordered before you get your food so you don't have to wander around with a plate of food looking for seats. If you want full service, Compass Rose is open. Always good to have options.

Can't speak for Regent's website in Canada, but on the U.S. website it states : "Fares below reflect all Featured Special Offer savings. 2-for-1 All Inclusive Fares include flights, hotel and transfers, where applicable. 2-for-1 All Inclusive Cruise Fares include applicable credits for guests arranging their own flights, hotels and transfers." The offer may combinable with other discounts, so maybe what you are getting is the advertised discount along with other discounts.

Thanks.... I sort of thought that, but didn't actually know. Appreciate the info.

You only lost 2 ports as Puerto Vallarta was added along with an overnight in LA. Considering the political climate and crime threats in the ports lost, you wouldn't want to necessarily wander the port cities or go on any hikes by yourself. You might want to read the State Department Travel Advisories about the ports cancelled.

It's a violation of Cruise Critic rules to name Travel Agencies. Simply google "Regent Cruises" and a number of travel agency sites will pop up.