2 hours ago, rcandkc said:

I try to tip in local currency.  I wouldn’t want to be given foreign currency that I can’t readily spend.  If I go to MacDonalds in Texas and try to pay with Euros it would not work.  Granted some destinations readily accept dollars so no need to exchange so I try to research beforehand. 

true but most places in Europe post covid take credit cards and many tour guides a used to getting USD in tips and accumulate them and exchange at one time for a better rate.  

1 hour ago, papaflamingo said:

BUT the "business class" for a European leg often is simply the middle seat blocked out on a single class plane.  The U.S. carriers don't do that.  If you book business class on a U.S carrier all the way through it'll be first class domestic and business class internationally. 

Though on the European business class you usually get a PDB and a meal/snack even on 1 hr. flights.  Not always the case in US first.

26 minutes ago, ifitfloats said:

Worst airline in America, by far. One man’s opinion. 

I'd say maybe frontier or spirit might take that title.  I can say I have had bad experiences on United, Delta and American.  I have lifetime status on them all.   I'm not sure I'm comfortable flying a UA flight with their hiring criteria today.   The glamourous flying days of Pan AM and TWA are long, long gone.   You fly to get somewhere as least painlessly as possible.  Even the best meal on a plane today pales to what you would get on regent.

On 5/3/2024 at 2:18 PM, edgee said:

AA has put this idea of only allowing miles earning on direct bookings and with preferred agencies on hold. Not sure when it will start but also not clear whether cruise line arranged air will or will not be considered to be "preferred" suppliers such that miles will be earned on bookings by them.

Earning on flights

Book directly with American

Starting with tickets issued on July 11, 2024, the only flights that earn AAdvantage^® miles and Loyalty Points are those booked directly with American, eligible oneworld^® and partner airlines, and preferred travel agencies.

Flights booked through non-preferred travel agencies will not earn miles or Loyalty Points, unless the customer is registered with the AAdvantage Business^™ program or has a contracted corporate agreement with American.

Booking with us provides a better travel experience. You can manage your trip online, receive travel credit for canceled trips and more. Plus, you’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through our non-airline partners and on eligible purchases with an AAdvantage^® credit card.

Eligible travel

You must book directly to earn on flights. ‘Booking directly’ includes travel booked through American or our partner airlines’:

• Websites
• Apps
• Reservations and airport teams
• Ticket sales centers

Find a ticket sales center 

You can also earn miles and Loyalty Points on most flights:

• As an AAdvantage Business^™ member, anywhere you book
• As part of a contracted corporate agreement with American, anywhere you book
• Through our preferred travel agencies

Plus, all flights booked as part of an American Airlines Vacations^™ package will continue to be eligible.

Basic Economy tickets

The only way to earn on Basic Economy fare tickets is if you book through American or our eligible airline partners’ websites, apps, Reservations and airport teams, or ticket sales centers.

Ineligible travel

You’ll no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points on:

• Basic Economy fares that are not booked directly through American or our partner airlines
• Basic Economy fares not booked directly through American as an AAdvantage Business^™ member or as part of a contracted corporate agreement
• Any trip booked through non-preferred travel agencies, unless you’re registered with the AAdvantage Business^™ program or have a contracted corporate agreement with American

Unsure if your trip will earn miles?

For corporate travel, check with your company travel manager.

If you’re booking through a travel agency, check with them once this change begins. We will also have more information about preferred agencies by June 5, 2024.

15 hours ago, GOARMY said:

As an old Army guy, would have opted for Museum; but spouse--a Jane Austen fan--prevailed.  There she [Jane, not my wife] reposes.  Next time, and there will be a next-time: it will be Museum. 

 

 

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

Are you referring to the tank museum Tickets & Prices - The Tank Museum You must see it, even folks on our tour were impressed.  A great exhibit about trench warfare with sound effects as well is there.  Seeing a King tiger and Jagd Tiger that close is also impressive, and you can see why they could be intimidating.   

2 hours ago, carolcp said:

My father in law who will be cruising in June has a very long list of dietary restrictions (heart and kidney disease and diabetes) who and when should he talk to be sure his needs are met?  He will have a room with a butler.

 

Some examples of what he can't have:

tomatoes

potatoes

dairy (milk, cream, ice cream, cheese)

sugar

broccoli

carrots

bananas

caffeine 

sodium

veggies with potassium 

processed meat

 

from the website but let your butler know as well as he brings canapes 

Please advise Regent Seven Seas Cruises of any special dietary requirements you may have 120 days prior to sailing for voyages embarking in the US and 150 days for all other voyages, by sending an e-mail to res.apac@rssc.com. General dietary needs such as low salt or low cholesterol foods can be satisfied onboard the ship just by speaking with the dining wait staff.

8 minutes ago, ddwells49 said:

We are doing the 10 day Venice to Athens on Grandeur.  Since we will be in Italy, Greece, and Turkey we are looking for current customary tipping advice for the tour guides and bus drivers.  I know Turkey has there own currency.  Is tipping in Euros acceptable in Turkey? I'm getting ready to buy foreign currency so looking for advice on amounts per excursion in these countries and proper currency.  We have a little time in Athens also, what is tipping guidelines for hotel staff and dining service?

We tipped in euros in turkey as we were only there a day before the cruise.   Athens is like the rest of Europe service is included in the bill.  If it was excellent you could round up or leave a small amount.  Here is a nice guide Do You Tip In Greece? A Guide To Tipping In Greece (chasingthedonkey.com)

I don't know if I would call it a disaster.  Maybe disappearance.  Was there a schedule change that could mean it needs to be reticketed?  It does happen.  What was the original flight number and airline and date.  Did you also have assigned seats?  But you may have to check tomorrow.  It is good you check regularly - I usually do as well to see if there was a price decrease (miles or $) or a change.  I do have alerts set on Expert flyer so they will notify of schedule or equipment changes.

wouldn't plan on anything tied up in the Belize legal system - worse than Island time....

Cruise port $$ hiccups | Amandala Newspaper

could take the southwestern rail to wool station and hop a cab to the tank museum.  Tickets & Prices - The Tank Museum  .  If you are a history buff this place is not to miss. 

1 hour ago, no1talks said:

I would be quite happy to comply with your proposed dress code revision. However, if Security won't permit the wearing of a rapier, I don't see a reason to bother with the rest. 😆

Sounds like a good idea for a themed cruise, I’m in!  

you can also email the special request pre cruise and if buffalo trace is on their distributors list they may be able to get it.

7 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

 

Qatar  changed to offering "business lite" around 2021 and part of the reduced fare offer is no access to their lounges and no advanced seat selection.  This is available on the Qatar website, so it behooves someone to check it out before accepting bookings on any airlines.  

Again... a good reason to deviate 210 days out.

It is helpful if you get status in the 3 big alliances.  You can use credit card spend and AA shopping to reach AA gold status very easily.  Gold = one world ruby and includes seat selection even on lite fare for BA or QR.  Achieve platinum and any J ticket will give you access to a network of lounges.  

13 hours ago, Breckski said:

 

 

The really funny thing to me is that people can wear antiquated crap and meet the dress code, but folks dressing with a bit of modern flair are potentially criticized. 

 

I'm sure folks resisting changes in dress codes over the years have said similar things to no avail.  Dress changes, as does most things, over time.      

 

We should bring back Hooped skirts corsets and petticoats for the ladies and men should were laced ruff or jabot and lace shirts though it might be hard to navigate the halls in hooped skirts let alone compass rose.    But it would be cool if they had a masquerade night during carnival.  

I think it should be pointed out that when you go on a Regent cruise (or SS SB any luxury line) you expect to have a classy cruise experience and hopefully Regent staff do enforce the rules to make it such for all.  Of course, there are those that don't follow the rules and should be, as mentioned above nicely correct or warned and if they continue then there are consequences.  It is why I choose these lines.  Not looking down on the other lines, but I don't expect the same experience nor clientele.  Don't misjudge me, I can fit in anywhere, from the manufacturing floor to the front office, a black tie affair or a redneck bar.  However, I don't expect to discuss Voltaire at the Icehouse nor do I expect that there might be a bar fight at the Oscars (eye roll.)  

RIP Toby Keith

31 minutes ago, Sketty1616 said:

We are 2 weeks out from our cruise and I was curious as to how full the Nova will be. I didnt see any way to determine this other than clicking through the available suites on the new reservation page. That is showing that there are still 58 suites available, at various levels. So a few questions

1. Is this accurate?

2. Is this a typical number of unsold suites this close to the departure?

3. Does SS ever offer a reduced cost suite upgrade as we get closer to departure?

It depends, you may see several waitlist/guarantee suites in lower categories.  SS most likely will offer upgrades to some or simply put the unassigned people in the unsold suites even if they are a higher category but they will wait to see if they can sell those higher cabins first and usually offer upgrades to elite members at a small or no charge to make room in the lower cabins.    

Think of it like plane seating: when you look at the seat map there are many unassigned Main cabin extra or premium seats towards the front of the cabin and note many at the rear.  This happens because people don't get to choose their seats (basic economy) or there are no "selectable seats left" usually within 24 hrs their FF members and select those premium seats making more of the rear seats available.  Come check-in time those remaining seats will be assigned to the people who haven't had a seat assigned yet.  

I'm sure others can chime in with more details

2 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

Perhaps not.  I am a retired pilot.  My flying skills are my flying skills, whether I show up in my double breasted "Navy" style uniform complete with 4 stripes and Captain's hat, neatly shaved and hair (what's left of it), and well groomed.  OR I show up in flip flops, t-shirt (wife beater type) with some "message" on it, soccer shorts, 5 day old beard and disheveled hair that hasn't been combed or cut in months or more.  I'm still the same pilot.  Question is, will YOU get on my airplane?  And if you say I won't matter to you, I'm throwing up the B.S. Flag!  Of course it matters. The way people appear, including grooming and dress, makes a definite impression on others. It's simply a fact of our society.  

Also,,, and no one seems to mention this, A lot of people feel "I paid for this cruise, I should be able to dress as I wish." Well,  I ALSO paid for the cruise, and I paid for it with full expectation of experiencing the cruise Regent advertises.  So, just like I should have equal rights to a deck chair, no smoking in public areas or balconies,  expect excellent service, cleanliness of spaces, shore excursions, food, and drink,  I also have an expectation of decorum and ambiance.  That includes the PUBLISHED dress code.  I paid just as much with the "promise" that people will be dressed to a certain level after 6 pm.  This is CLEAR (no confusion on my part anyway) and part of  the "experience" I chose and paid for.  So, doesn't matter why I care, what matters is this is part of why I chose Regent.  

 

I'm in violent agreement.  It does matter what people wear and how they behave.  I just don't think dressing affects behavior as it applies to regent. 

Rules set by the ship should be followed AND enforced.  But I don't think the style of dress influences behavior; people can dress up and behave badly we have all seen that.  I don't go to restaurants that don't enforce dress codes or some of the clientele have very bad interpretations of the dress code.   For example, I went to Brenner's on the Bayou and Mastros in Houston, there was so much (flabby) skin on display and clothes that looked like thy came out of dumpster and they had no manners but lots of entitlement.   I lost my appetite. Money doesn't equal good behavior or good dress. Conversely people can be causal (during the day) and behave according to the rules.   

Without being political, I'm glad the senate enforced its dress code and for the respect of the office and institution.    I hope Regent keeps their code like it is and enforces it for the same reasons.  I can choose to dress nice, and I have noticed that if you dress nice the staff appreciates (it another topic for sure.) When I was younger, I had to put on a suit all the time and when I went on vacation - I really didn't feel like dressing up.  Now dressing up is a treat or maybe I should say I'm in for a treat.  There will always be someone who disregards the rules even if you dress them up and that is bad behavior.  You can put lipstick on a pig....

Now would I fly on that plane, well that depends. I assume Delta wouldn't have allowed you to fly it if there wasn't a good reason for instance you were on vacation in St. Lucia and didn't have a uniform, you got a call that one of the Pilots on the flight leaving in 3 hours became ill and they had to get that plane back.   Unlikely but it certainly wouldn't be a pattern.

35 minutes ago, Bossa Nova said:

• What people wear affects how they behave.
• If someone says we shouldn't care what they or others wear, what they really mean is, we shouldn't care how they or others behave.
• It is absurd to tell people that they shouldn't care how others behave on a Regent cruise.

I think that is a bit of a stretch.  I don't think I behave differently if I'm in shorts during the daytime on a shore excursion or a tux at night at dinner.  I think that applies to many on here.  Similarly, I think Will Smith was in a tux when he had his little tantrum at the awards.    Now when chooses to disregard the dress code that is considered in poor taste.  

Fox news posted a story about Noro on a couple of big ships,  Sapphire Princess and Radiance of the Sea.  Noro has been around for years but now the news wants to sensationalize it. The total is just over 3% of the passengers.... Not newsworthy and damaging to an industry recovering from COVID.

2 hours ago, mrstanley said:

Oceanviewer21,

 

Denim skirts and jackets are really unacceptable after 6pm. I’m sure your wife must have something else to wear in all the dining venues. 

Nicely stated!

3 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

Regent contracts for deeply discounted fares.  Since Covid, the airlines are understaffed and oversold.  So contract fares are very hard to find, especially in Business Class.  The only way to get those fares is to fly on the less desirable itineraries.  So it isn't actually Regent "making it bad," it's simply a function of economics 101... high demand, low supply equals high prices. 

American cancelled/cut back on routes this fall due to Boeing's delays on 787 deliveries. 

5 minutes ago, Oregonangelwings said:

Also, if Regent flies people in the morning of the cruise,and one of the flights is late, does Regent take the responsibility of getting the people to the ship?

Can’t answer the first part as I never have but they do have to get you to the ship usually the ships depart in the evening so only a cancellation would usually impact missing the ship on a scheduled morning arrival.

5 hours ago, dawntrdr said:

I've never stayed at a Silversea hotel where they didn't include breakfast, and a very good one too.  I'm unsure what you can expect in Dakar, however.

Probably the Radisson blu on the beach with breakfast.

Might also look at multi city fares jfk-gig lis-jfk

3 hours ago, Gpilon said:

The surcharge on SS for La Dame and Kaesiki are definitely not worth the up charge. Add to that men must dress formal, ie. Jackets…..and for us there is no comparison. We have done 2 Silversea cruises and 5 Regent (with another coming up in July on Grandeur) and by far we prefer food and ambiance on Regent. 
 

Ss has changed their dress code no ties needed just a jacket and only at la dame.   I do agree the up charge especially on ray and nova aren’t really worth it but if you have extra obc la dame over keiseki i would say.  As I said Beforee pro cons for both.  I do like the earlier 630 vs 7 first seating times on regent.