eroller

Carnival wasn’t so “family friendly” back then, yet I don’t recall the bad behavior, fights, etc that you see on Carnival today, nor the need for a large security force. Different times.

Zero need to tip. One of the reasons for sailing an all-inclusive line like Regent is not having to worry about tipping. It’s all taken care of so no need to give it a second thought. Do keep in mind that it’s a different ball-game once you step off the ship, and also if you buy a spa service onboard a tip will be expected there. The Spa is a concession and not run by Regent itself.

I enjoyed a lovely visit with my mom today and she presented me with some things she wanted me to have. Included was this treasure trove of ephemera from a 1986 cruise on the original MARDI GRAS. It’s so sweet she kept it all these years. In those days Carnival presented every passenger with a beautiful water color print of the ship, and the daily program was called Carnival Capers. Chocolates on the pillow every night at turndown too. Those were the days! My first Carnival cruise was actually on the FESTIVALE in 1982 but I remember this MARDI GRAS cruise in 1986 well. Fond fond memories of a bygone era.

This is pretty much how I’ve been feeling looking at the pictures and videos. Some odd color choices and carpets. Kind of amateur feeling and definitely not high style. So far nothing has me thinking “wow that is amazing” like some other new recent ships. Perhaps it’s all better in person and just doesn’t photograph well? Could very well be the case.

Well said. For those of us not onboard, all we can do is go by our perceptions from photos and videos. They may turn out to be spot on, or perhaps in real life totally off base. I'm also not a fan of the Piazza or that video wall, at least from pictures/videos. Something about it looks temporary to me. Almost unfinished. Overall SUN PRINCESS has left me feeling a bit meh, but in reality I could be blown away by the ship. After following the introduction of ICON OF THE SEAS and Celebrity's Edge Class, and even the Carnival Excel Class (similar to SUN PRINCESS), they all seem more cutting edge in one way or another. I still have a desire to sail on SUN PRINCESS and experience her for myself. Like all ships I think it's a tradeoff. There are going to be some things you love, and others not so much.

While I have not been in that particular cabin, I have been in other forward facing cabins. The view forward can be stunning, but I think there are too many other drawbacks. As you mentioned wind can be a problem. The biggest issue for me is that the balcony is enclosed. Meaning solid steel rails. So when sitting down you see nothing. I’ve attached a pic for reference. The other issue with being that far forward and close to the bow is that you will hear the bow thrusters every time you enter and leave port. You may have vibration during the maneuvers too. If the ship anchors, prepare to be awoken by a mini-earthquake in your cabin when that anchor drops! lol. Personally I would pick a different cabin if possible. But that is just me. I’m sure some people live for those forward facing cabins.

My understanding is no. For whatever reason, NCLH is not jumping on the expedition bandwagon.

That looks like an amazing cruise. It’s actually the one I wanted but too many work conflicts. I’m on the sailing prior to yours.

It’s SPLENDOR for the 27’ world cruise and all I can say about the refits is they are major. And who knows, you might also be hearing about a new class of ship being ordered. Exciting things in the works at Regent.

SPLENDOR will do the world cruise in 27. Also MAJOR refits are planned for both VOYAGER and MARINER. We are talking top to bottom overhauls. They will be like new ships. In fact I believe they will be “reintroduced” to the market like new ships.

It's a beautiful day here in Miami and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of one of my favorite ships. She is looking just stunning in the Miami sun. I can't wait to sail on her in just a few weeks, and I hope my embarkation day is as beautiful as today is.

The same is true of pretty much every single cruise line. I sail on a lot of different lines. The message is the same ... pay more and get less. Thankfully Regent is a far cry less than the more mainstream lines, where it is very noticeable. All the lines are still trying to recoup revenue from all the losses during COVID. It's only very recent they have returned to profitability.

Agree completely. ACL is flourishing and I think the same with Viking. Cruise lines large and small are sailing full and at very high yields. If you can’t make it in this environment you are doing something very wrong.

I agree. They are blaming Covid. Easy scapegoat and BS. They basically ran AQV into the ground and bled it dry. They also got greedy. Trying to expand into the lucrative expedition market which they knew nothing about.

I suppose it depends on where you’re coming from. There are inter-Europe flights into SOU the airport. It’s a small airport so nothing long haul. If you’re flying from the US you will be flying into LHR for sure, then taking a shuttle to SOU the port (about 1.5 hours).

That would be my guess. And several AQV executives enjoyed a “preview” at company expense which never got paid. Another possibility is that it’s an expense from Hornblower, the parent company or one of its other brands. They also filed bankruptcy so I’m not certain that creditor list is just from AQV or all of Hornblower? San Diego might pertain to Hornblower as well.

Perhaps that expedition cruise ship they chartered from Sunstone docked there? They were spread thin for sure, and trying to diversify was a huge mistake.

There is space available on the first sailing if anyone wants to jump onboard quick. Some of the top suites.

They are looking to sell the assets at auction to help pay off the debt. They proposed March 27 as the auction date. The sooner the better as it’s something like $300k a week in layup costs for the vessels.

In regards to AQ, I've heard she needs quite a bit of work and there was a lot of deferred maintenance. This is unfortunate as she was truly a gem. Some are saying she is done, and this is the final nail in her coffin. I hope not. Unfortunately she doesn't fit the business model of the other two lines operating on the Mississippi, which are Viking and ACL (American Cruise Lines). Both those lines are all about new and modern ships, and not the nostalgia aspect that AQV promoted. So their fate is anyone's guess. Honestly I'm not bothered about the COUNTESS and DUCHESS as they were converted from other vessels and frankly don't have much charm, but AQ and AE (Queen & Empress) I think are certainly worth saving.

Absolutely. Of course let’s see how quickly the cruise lines develop a work-around to eliminate this practice.

I would also love to see more emphasis on single travelers on cruises. I’m married but I often travel as a single on cruises. The problem I’ve found with the dedicated single cabins on other lines (Cunard, Celebrity, NCL), is that the line jacks up the price so much that it’s more than paying 200% in a double cabin, so no deal at all. Celebrity has taken it even a step farther. Not only do you pay 200% as a single in a double cabin, but an additional surcharge of around 20%. Why? Because of the lost onboard revenue from that second person in the cabin. I certainly hope other lines don’t adopt this practice.

http://*****.com/2n2wmj32

https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/American-Queen-Voyages-has-shut-down

I agree completely. They tried to become an ocean expedition cruise line. Tagging on the explosive success of many expedition lines. Leasing ships but no experience and not known for that niche market. They got greedy instead of just focusing on the core river product which was wonderful and could hold its own.