ON cruiser

Greetings; my wife and I are looking forward to this cruise, now in less than three months time! Does anyone know if Ray Solaire will be the Cruise Director for this voyage? He is such a multi-talented man. Is there a way to find out if Ray is on board? Many thanks.

Perhaps the original poster or someone else on this cruise can clarify if the offer was L 150 per person or per couple; and if this was in addition to the hotel credit or not, as well as if any OBC was actually offered, or just assumed to be offered. Depending on these answers, we can all judge the offer as fair and reasonable or not. Either way, it should not have been so late coming. This situation (a purported hotel shortage) should have been known to Regent long ago.

People have the right to point out issues, concerns, and share their perceptions. Doing so is not an accusation of fraud. Indeed, nobody in their relating their on board experiences used the “F” word. Yes, concerns and frustrations were expressed. And seemingly for good reason. But that’s not an accusation. If some choose to perceive it otherwise, so be it, and so what.

Hopefully I’m not muddying the waters further with this response. In Compass Rose, the main dining room, you can get tables for 2 at any time on request of the Maître’d. Usually by 8, there’s no wait. As Labonnvie noted, the food selection there is awesome. Food of excellent quality, too. Here’s a secret: have the bar-tender in the lounge you’re in call the dining room as you sip and savour to verify availability and to advise when a table is available. Worst (rare) case, have another drink as you comfortably wait. Specialty restaurants, you get one reservation each—print your confirmation and have it available in case (I’m a detail/oriented guy). You can check for a second ( or third) visit with the Maître’d of that place or with the dedicated person who manages such reservations. And again, you have a choice for a sit down experience at breakfast and lunch—with a table for 2 if you prefer.

Cove point cruiser, I hope and expect you will enjoy Regent. We were on the Mariner for 17 days last late November-early December for a Caribbean back-to-back. We’ve sailed Seabourn on two occasions (pre-Covid), but prefer Regent. You have the option to book specialty dining in advance—easy to do when contemplating the itinerary. Yet, depending on your dining time, you can also try “walk-ups”. As later diners we often got an impromptu table, and if you’re willing to share it improves your odds. Our experiences show staff interaction with passengers via games (“passengers vs. Crew”, which included the Captain and other senior staff). Hosted tables are also available at times. Breakfast and lunch available daily in a sit down restaurant; and the main dining room at night, Compass Rose, will spoil you for choice. The included wines are decent and there is a choice—if you find one you like, just ask for it. Included liquor upper shelf. While we have good memories of Seabourn, and “ never say never”, currently Regent ticks all the boxes for us. What puts us off Silversea is the idea of paying a significant premium for some specialty dining. At the high cost per diem, it all should be covered—as it is on Regent. At least for now. I hope you report on your impressions of Regent post-cruise (probably best on the Regent board for that). Bon Voyage!

As a scotch drinker, I’m fine with those currently included (Chivas Regal; some “younger” single malts).

I agree with Mr Stanley re Biz class air. Before Covid I could take the air credit and do my own, roughly equivalent. Nowadays, no chance of that! Even with paying the deviation fee, the included Biz class air to Europe and destinations even further out is a nice perk with much value. I would not want to give that up. As for included hotels, sometimes it’s worth it, other times not. Depends on the itinerary. Yet it’s definitely nice to have a “worry free” all included trip, especially for those on their own or who need/ welcome the assistance. In summary, all these inclusions (or credits in lieu) are a big part of what makes Regent, Regent. It’s in their branding. Anyway, we find these inclusions valuable so would be sad to see it watered down. Short-term savings may ensue but at what cost to the brand? Accountants hate it as it’s hard to quantify, but “goodwill” has value.

Interesting, and thanks for the link; other than the first reviewer who was surprised that families with children were on board at new years (!), the reviews were generally positive. As experience is gained and “tweaks” are made, they (Explora) could be genuine competition (along with other new and established luxury lines). In my view, competition is a good thing—it usually compels everyone to up their game. Here’s hoping for that, rather than cutbacks!

In fact, with all due respect, cutbacks are not universal amongst all luxury lines. There are several new entrants, very well capitalized, who offer competition for the established players in this niche. I am thinking of Ritz, and especially of Explora Journey, a subsidiary of a highly successful shipping line (and related to MSC). If Regent starts cutting in ever more noticeable ways, we will certainly explore Explora (sorry for my cheap pun) and others. We much enjoyed our recent Mariner cruise last November-December. Yet considering the price paid, I could not cost-justify accepting less for the same, or worse, less for more. Cheapening the product in noticeable ways (cutting back on better brands of liquor, surcharges for what was previously included, etc.) can have unintended consequences. After all, most in business know that there are serious risks when trying to “shrink one’s way to greatness”.

On January 16 we received a Regent survey. The first tranche of questions asked us to rank (1-5, most-least important) how important it was for us for certain items being included in the fare. Items included Biz class air, unlimited beverages, laundry included, mini-bar replenishment daily, included gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, 24 hour Room Service, etc. As most if not all items are important for us as being included, we attempted to rank these all either 1 or 2. The follow up question then tried to compel us to select the 5 most important inclusions in the fare, ranking from 1-5. In our view, the listed items were all “most important”, thus all # 1, but the survey would not permit that answer. We would have to rank some items as less important, even though that is not our view. So, we quit the survey. Our impression, however, based on the questions, is that Regent is looking for areas to cut. From our perspective, cutbacks in any of these areas would be a mistake. We like Regent precisely because of the all-inclusive nature of the experience—including Biz class air to Europe, which would, for us, otherwise be unaffordable given air costs nowadays. We also like the current Regent onboard experience of “No signing”, including no extra charges for specialty dining. In that regard, Silversea is a big turn-off with extra charge specialty dining, considering the high per diem costs. Does anyone else who received this survey share our concerns? I truly hope we’re wrong, and that cutbacks in these areas are not in the offing.

As always, I am enjoying and thank you for your evocative recounting of your daily adventures. Just one comment: considering all the business you have loyally given HAL, please don’t lower your very tolerant and reasonable standards. Rather, encourage them to give you breakfast (and other meals) as you order and prefer them to be. Have them rise to the occasion!

Interesting re the entertainment. On our cruise ending December 12, there was a pianist in the 5th floor bar (the one with the lovely Xmas decorations on a table). He also played at the observation bar pre dinner I am surprised that Regent isn’t providing that—perhaps someone on board should have a word with the CD.

Thanks Caps lock! Was not aware that we could use that lounge (Delta’s website makes no mention of it). Good information to have!

Thought my recent experience might be of interest to some. We are on the June 3rd Navigator sailing out of Monte Carlo. So, that means flying to Nice and ground transportation from there. Our plan was to leave Toronto May 31, arrive June 1, two days early (one day on us, one day on Regent as we’re in a PH). 210 days out, after doing my research (and, on my own, finding many undesirable flights connecting in CDG, Frankfurt, tight connections, etc.), I called the Regent Air Concierge number. Of the two decent routings I identified, one was a significant up-charge, and one was simply unable to be booked by the air department (the fellow said if I wanted that route to take the credit and “DIY”). So I asked what he could do without a charge beyond the $175 PP. Happily, he found us a very decent route on SAS, via Copenhagen, a relatively calm airport, with a two hour twenty minute layover; all Biz class albeit SAS doesn’t allow advanced free seat selection (same as BA). Return a few days post-cruise from Amsterdam is non-stop on KLM…great, all set?? Actually, nope. SAS scrubbed the May 31 flight out of Toronto; it became a very different itinerary: Leave yet another day early (May 30), via Stockholm, longer layover. My TA put that on hold with Regent as a placeholder. As I still work, leaving another day earlier was not ideal. Last Wednesday I called the Air Concierge—as it was an existing not a new air reservation, one presses the corresponding number ( 2, if I recall); and I got right to an agent. We reviewed a few options which I dug up for May 31–all were available yet at an extra charge. So, again, I asked what she had. She tried a few things, then she found us a nice routing on Delta: leave Toronto 11:10 AM (so, not at the crack of dawn) to JFK. A longish layover there of 5 hours, but as we’re 1st class on that initial segment and Biz class the next, we can go to the Sky Lounge at JFK. Also, if we’re late leaving Toronto or are awaiting a gate at JFK, we’ve got “wiggle room”. Second segment non-stop JFK to Nice, no European connection needed. Also selected seats right away (unlike SAS), and looking at the Delta seat map I could see our selected seats occupied by us. Regent agents were very pleasant and helpful both times. Hopefully no other major schedule changes ensue ( minutes here or there ok), but that is up to the airline, not Regent. Given SAS is in some form of protection as it leaves Star Alliance for the KLM-Air France orbit (that group is purchasing SAS, pending approvals), I prefer the stability of Delta. So it seems to have all worked out well in the end. Happy holidays to all!

Glad all seems well for those who boarded when we left on December 12. It appears that, other than some “transient toilet issues”, which we also occasionally experienced (and, on other ships and lines, too), the more serious problem was resolved with the maintenance work done last week. At least, I hope so! Even with an occasional toilet issue, we would readily return to the Mariner. Our cruises were just great, albeit I noted when putting on a pair of pants today that they shrunk whilst we were away. I hate it when that happens! 😀 Anyway, hope those currently on board keep us updated; and that they also enjoy their Amazon cruise!

Now you will just have to take another Regent cruise😀. Seriously, you could sit at a table inside at La Verandah, and give your “pool grill” order to one of the servers. No need to order outside unless you wished to do so. By the way, the Ahi tuna burger is to be enjoyed! And, now you know the enhanced Room Service options. “Next time”… We prefer the quiet atmosphere of Compass Rose at many a lunch—the burger there is also excellent ( as are the pork ribs at lunch!). My wife and I were on your cruise, and are continuing until Tuesday. Thanks for your review. Perhaps we shall meet the next time.

Good Saturday morning from the BVIs. As I noted, the CD apologized, speaking on behalf of all management. As did the Captain later. Obviously, I cannot say why someone else did not comment. Other than stating that maintenance would be done, per my prior post, no explanation as to what caused the problem was, as far as I can recall, stated. Personally, I don’t care “why”. I care about the fix or cure lasting. So far, it is.

So, an update re the plumbing issue further to my above post. Two apologies were issued yesterday: first from the cruise director and secondly, in his port departure announcement, from the Captain. Captain Aivo also informed all that further maintenance would be performed between midnight and 2AM. So far this Friday morning, there have been no further plumbing issues of which I am aware. Last night at the Horizon bar, several couples on different decks noted they had had intermittent problems. So, hopefully the more focused maintenance overnight fixed the problem. we’re on board until December 12. If there are any developments I will check in, and hopefully other posters currently on Mariner will do the same. After, hopefully Flossie can report on her on board experiences and what she hears when she joins the ship. In the meantime, after a nice breakfast, I’m booked for a massage this afternoon ( gotta use those non-refundable credits!). We continue to enjoy our time on this lovely ship.

So, getting back to the present experience on Mariner, my wife and I have been on since the November 25th sailing, continuing until they force us off on December 12 (so, a back-to-back). First, if I had a continuously problematic suite, as the poster in 761 reports, I’d be insisting on a move if space was available or some other solution. By no means am I minimizing those experiences. This morning in Dominica the ship’s toilet system was non functioning. In our PH (9th deck) suite, toilet operation was restored in less than 45 minutes. It may well have been longer in other areas. Other than today, with the occasional “delayed flush” as I’ve experienced on many ships (non Regent), our toilet and the public toilets have, from my perspective, operated normally. Others may have had different experiences. This morning’s general failure was inconvenient yet, for us, would not preclude our return to Mariner. Presently, after a delicious Ahi Tuna burger, I’m lounging by the pool. I’ve been approached by at least 4 servers, and just ordered another iced tea. We find the food here to be the best of any of our Regent cruises ( this second leg is our 6th; we turned “gold” this cruise). Service throughout is excellent, our PH suite was in very good condition (my wife finds the sofa extremely comfortable for lounging); the bed is comfortable, and the only dislike is the bathtub-shower combo. On our next Mariner cruise (Amazon, November’24), happily we’re in a shower only PH suite. Entertainment is the usual, Destinations staff friendly and helpful as are the vast majority whom we’ve encountered. Embarkation on November 25 easy: arrived at port 12:30, sitting in La Veranda by 12:50. Cabins ready on both segments by 1:30, nice and early. Certainly, on board and shoreside personnel should address those passengers suffering with recurrent plumbing or other problems. Systemic issues, such as these are or may be, should be addressed sooner rather than later. Yet so far we are having a great time on board, and will be sorry to leave on December 12. Hope this perspective helps. Again, this is just our experience.

Hello GP; you may recall that we were on the Navigator with you to Montreal last May. I entirely agree with your comments in your first post in this thread. Dare I suggest that your sister and brother-in-law owe you and Rolfe a nice dinner on your return😀. Despite the differences from Regent, wishing you an ongoing nice cruise. Thanks for doing this thread. Most informative as well as entertaining. As for us, we board Mariner in just over 2 weeks for a combined 7 & 10 day Caribbean cruise. As we’re experiencing sleet this evening in Toronto ( all the southerners can look up “sleet” then join us in an empathetic shiver), we are looking forward to some warmth and sunshine. 😀

Hello Jim; perhaps a quiet word with either Maître d, or executive concierge? In my past experience doing so can help. Hope it works for you!

Thanks for the input, all. Did not intend to come across as “entitled” as we’re definitely not “to the manor born”. Rather, the flight info from Regent specified getting us to Monte Carlo’s airport, which is not served by scheduled airlines; it’s primarily a heli-port. So, I wondered, and asked. Perfectly fine in a limo or shared van. We’re not doing our own air as the cost of Biz-class is prohibitive. Hopefully we can deviate into a decent flight itinerary from Regent’s air department…TBD.

Hello all; next June we’re starting a cruise (Navigator) from Monte Carlo. We’ve got the included hotel for the prior night. If you’ve done this before, please describe how Regent got you to Monte Carlo. I understand that commercially one flies to Nice. No commercial/scheduled service to Monte Carlo. Does Regent then use chartered helicopters for the last leg? Or are we all on a bus in the notoriously bad traffic from Nice to Monte? If a helicopter, is the luggage delivered to the ship by truck? Any relatively recent information about this is much appreciated. Thanks.

A most enjoyable read; thanks for taking your vacation time to share this with us. Safe travels home!

It seems to me that it’s not just the money for Golfess; and it wouldn’t be just that for me, anyway. Of course, in the circumstances of the original poster, it is entirely appropriate that they were refunded for what they paid for but did not get—an anticipated nice holiday. That this refund came from insurance, since they prudently had it, is fine as far as that goes. Yet in my view, as Regent selected their flights, which obviously did not work as they couldn’t make the cruise, Regent should own their customers’ disappointment. After all, their customer did not deal with the airlines; they dealt with Regent. Regent gave them an itinerary which Regent must have known was a gamble at best. After all, it’s not Regents “first rodeo” booking flights. Legal-schmegal, “within minimum connections”, etc., this does not matter when the customer reasonably relied on Regent to get them to the ship, especially as no other option (air credit, deviation) was allowed at this purchase close to sailing. Yet Regent still accepted their purchase of the cruise, even close to sailing and without making any other options available. In hindsight should Regent have even sold them this cruise, knowing the likely transportation challenges? As they did, shouldn’t the original poster reasonably rely on Regent to select and pay for (“all inclusive”, remember) an itinerary that will be more likely to work, rather than plop them onto “minimum connections”, cross their fingers, and hope for the best? Remember, “hope is not a strategy”. So, the original poster got their monies back from the insurance. Great. But am I the only one who believes that, in these circumstances, Regent should have also “made a gesture”? In my view a future cruise credit of some amount, applicable to a cruise booked in the next 24 months, sailing in the next 36 months, would have gone some distance to assuage the understandable disappointment that the original poster likely felt when they knew that their cruise was not to be. The amount would not have to be ginormous; perhaps a percentage of the price paid. It also should have been accompanied by a sincere apology to those customers for the loss of their vacation. If something along those lines had been done, I suspect that some customer goodwill might have been retained. In my view, Regent missed an opportunity to make amends for what it didn’t do right in these circumstances.