wristband

Mysty & Others, does Shadow have a separate specialized coffee bar (similar to Baristas on Oceania and Coffee Corner on Regent)?

Personally, I was sad to see Jason's migration away from an active oversight role. He has a long and enviable history in the cruise industry and at Regent. His experience and interaction wth crew, guests and the press is admirable. The point about billions in debt and how that will impact Regent's cost control strategy and operational execution is one guests might be mindful of.

If one looks at Mariner's monthly schedule, Mariner is booked straight through and up to the 26 WC save for one week (perhaps a corporate buyout?). To undertake the necessary repairs and basic refurbishment without going into "major" work, I can't see when that work could occur. Bookbabe: Why are you sure an extensive drydock is scheduled? Or a quick several weeklong one will occur? Mariner requires significant work in every area imaginable - plumbing, electrics, capex, staterooms, public areas. Not a simple process to schedule. The CEO was repeatedly pressed on this very point two weeks ago by those booked on WC 2025 & 2026 who were onboard Mariner (we cancelled both). Those guests were understandably concerned about the lack of assurances and specifically what they did not hear from Andrea. Andrea waffled and hedged. She refused to commit publicly dry dock would - or even can - occur prior to WC 2026. Plans can change and this might happen. But if the CEO won't commit on this critical point, that is an answer itself. Others present in the Theater might share their thoughts as to what they heard.

I have posted recently on CC as a passenger onboard Mariner for the World Cruise and as a long time Regent customers. I won't repeat my criticisms but I do agree with some of the concerns voiced. Personally, there is a considerable amount of work needed on Mariner and with Regent Miami on its administration to justify the prices charged and to encourage us to sail again with Regent. The cruise consultant (excellent) onboard stated Regent is raising prices every quarter. The CEO's "Town Hall" on Mariner went over like a lead balloon - she seemed unprepared and appeared surprised at the frustration and disappointment voiced by passengers publicly. Purchasing a Fabrege egg for $1,000,000 for Grandeur while Mariner lacks basic functionality and appearance was a big contrast! As for that pesky banana peel, I can't comment on that one! But we will not return to Mariner until we can be assured basic updates and repairs (and attitudes) change.

Yes, the key is price paid versus value received. After almost 150 days on the Mariner World Cruise, that critical equation is out of sync. In my opinion (and others, but not all, onboard) there is a large gap between what was promised vs what has been provided, between our expectations as long time Regent customers and what we have experienced for the past five months. That large gap between price paid and value received is considerable. Not for the better. Mariner is an aging ship with obvious difficulties that can't be surmounted by steam cleaning cabin carpets, fixing toilet and water problems. These need to be done pronto...among other basic tasks. Mariner's experienced staff - emphasis on "experienced" - is wonderful as always. But their sunny outlook does not compensate for other challenges passengers have had to face. Again, just my opinion as a long time customer of Regent presently on board.

We have been long time customers of both "brands' now owned, as you know, by NCHL. We see little difference except for the all-inclusive nature of Regent. But there is no free lunch. What is "included" is not free - those features are factored into the fare. Tours "included" on Regent are essentially the same as O (they use the same tour operators and employ the same description). Crew members are interchanged between the lines. One pays for O tours which we have avoided in favor of private day tours with other passengers. Personally, due to the mediocrity of many Regent tours, I prefer O's model where tours are pricey but a la carte - you can pick and choose if you want to participate on a O tour for a fee. Regent passengers have the sentiment "I paid for tours so why pay for private day tour?." Roll Call CC offers a good opportunity for O passengers to book privately a small group tour. In my experience, that alternative has been better then sitting on a Regent tour bus with 30 others, coping with an uniformed guide reading from a script. My observation is shared by other Regent passengers, others disagree. Unless you enjoy drinking booze all day, personally I prefer buying a beverage package or specific wines on O. Regent's "free" and O house wines are $8-10 choices available at Total. Not great, not terrible. I have seen little difference in the quality of food. The specialty restuarants on O better than at present on Mariner. Jacques & Toscana are far superior to Prime 7 and Chartreuse (menus never change). Of course, others will disagree. But that is my assessment after cruising extensively on both lines for many years. There is no free lunch in life and there are trade offs. Good luck on your choice!

Decide for yourself. We are onboard now on the World Cruise ending shortly. We have cancelled all our booked future Mariner cruises. We would be very very reluctant to book Mariner again due to the poor and prevalent condition of an aging ship and ragged staterooms on a five month sailing. Look at Mariner's schedule 2023-2026 - its booked solid (except for 1-2 weeks). When is it feasible to take Mariner out of commission to undertake the necessary refurbishment and updating in any meaningful way over the next three years? Big gap between the cost of the cruise on Mariner versus Regent providing what was promised.

PhD: there are other disappointing aspects of Mariner I won't address here (such as service levels and food quality and food shortages) but you asked about repairs. Based on my experience: One elevator (out of three) has not worked for several months. A second is periodically taken out of service. 12 of us were stuck in a third elevator which failed to open or move. Internet service has been unreliable and inconsistent - at stretches not available - throughout the entire cruise. Culprit claimed are "parts missing." Unacceptable and frustrating. Our stateroom and others visited have frayed & soiled carpeting, furniture is worn & in need of replacement (sofa pillows offer very little support making it a struggle to raise oneself up). There is mold on the balcony door base along with chipping and rust on the balcony interior & exterior door and railings. There have been ongoing water issues - ours lacks cold water in the shower which, on a hot day in port, is unwelcome. As noted, toilets have separate issues. Maintenance crew are kept busy! Mariner is obviously not a new ship but it has sentimental value as it has been in Regent's fleet for some time. But it needs considerable repair work and significant updating in the staterooms and public areas. It is nowhere near the condition of Voyager and Splendor. For the substantial fare charged by Regent - prices are increasing every three months - caveat emptor. Above are my observations & opinion based on 5 months onboard. Others interested should consult CC passenger trip reports so you can consider the views of other passengers who may or may not agree with my assessment.

I am on Mariner now and would advise anyone - irrespective of paying for a segment or the entire World Cruise - to carefully evaluate reports on the ship's condition. Personally, Mariner is dated and in dire need of repairs, updating and refurbishing staterooms & public areas. Another problem we are experiencing is chronic understaffing and incompetence in the service levels in the restaurants. I can say those who joined us for one of the seven legs reported to me little problem getting on tours. While most of the tours they wanted were "sold out" in advance they were placed on the "waitlist" and in the final moments were, at times (but not always) granted access to a tour. Not ideal. But it seemed to work for some, but not all, of the tours they wanted to join. Dinner reservations were not an issue. I have not sensed an "us versus you" attitude among World Cruisers and single leg passengers at bars or activities. Far from it - most WCers are welcoming and happy to engage with you. Frequently, WCers have joined single leg guests for dinner and lunch. In a group situation, of course, a minority unfortunately are difficult personalities. Their problems are not yours and will not spoil your cruise. I hope my observation offers reassurance.

I suggest you supplement any insured policy with membership in MedJet to cover unexpected serious medical problems that require evacuation. MJ is about $360 annually and has a good reputation. Agree on the comments on the VISA cards coverage. If you are interested, I suggest you obtain insurance and great advice from an independent insurance agent. Steve Dassos from the Trip Insurance Store has had several "town hall" here on Cruise Critic with excellent tips - you can easily find the Q&A transcript using the search function on CC. Steve and others offer different policies from CSA, Travel Guard & AIG/Allianz without being tied to only one carrier - same as other indy agents. Plus, you can compare on the web site different policy terms and policy costs without having to directly speaking to Steve or his team. Check it out so you are better informed if you want to obtain insurance for your cruise.

It depends on where your sailing is based and headed. If you are to be in the Carib or Western Europe, no problem changing big bills. On board Mariner right, its impossible to get change in small bills ($1s and $5s) at either reception or the casino. $20 no prob. I have had no luck in foriegn ports requesting small denominations at banks or vendors. Again, depends on the itinerary.

I am currently on Mariner since Miami in Jan on the World Cruise and have a numerous Regent cruises under the belt. I agree with BBWC's comments above but add.... The ship is understaffed and service has suffered in the dining venues and bars. As noted, inexperienced staff has been rolling in since Taiwan and Singapore - some never worked on a cruise ship before! - which has greatly taxed captains and the remaining experienced staff. Food in my opinon is fine but better on Oceania - lots of repetition in menu items which is disappointing. The experienced remaining staff are great and work very hard. The Internet, as you have read on CC, has been unacceptable throughout the past 100+ days. Our stateroom is also in need of new carpeting and furniture replaced - sofa cushions are very thin.

I am a long time cruiser on both lines and currently on Mariner for the 2023 World Cruise. The food is not as nearly good this cruise as I have experience don Oceania. As for cabins, in comparing just Mariner to Oceania's Riviera and Marina...O staterooms are far more impressive and maintained than staterooms on Mariner. However, Mariner is an older aging ship. Mariner has been chronically understaffed on this sailing in the restaurants and bars which has extended the time for dinner well beyond what I would consider acceptable. This is not just my impression but those of others on board, including crew. One major difference in my opinon: "included" excursions on Regent have been mediocre at best, poor in many instances, disappointing overall. I prefer Oceania's business model which allows one to choose to pay for a ship tour (or make your own arrangements via CC Roll Call with interested others). Regent guests "paid" for tours (yes, I know, there is no free lunch) so most are uninterested in organizing private port tours in advance or while onboard. My comments are cruise specific to Mariner and my past experience with both lines over 20 years. That said, after 100+ days on board in 2023 including today, my personal perspective of both may provide you insight - or it may not.

I find it hit or miss. For example, a prior cruise had stops in Chile. Several cruises later (which I was on), we had an overabundance of Chilean wines but zip South American beers like Cristal from Chile. On the other hand, on Regent cruises in Asia, the Carib and Europe, I have been pleasantly surprised "local" beers were offered. I remember Thailand's Singha, the Filipino San Miguel, Red Stripe from Jamaica, a Vietnamese beer, Peroni from Italy and, of course, a delicious Belgian Chimay. I think much depends on the need to replenish inventory, the ease of bringing local alcohol onboard in certain ports and the beverage manager's desire to expand beer offerings. An odd quirk: sometimes specific beers were only available at certain bars (such as the pool bar) - so do ask around!

So don't. That is why I said - talking about me here - I understand the food onboard is "mildly or under spiced." I prefer otherwise. So I am happy to adjust without imposing my preference on others.

Ask for Indian dishes! Particularly southern Indian or Keralan dishes. That is where many of the ship chefs come from (bar staff hail from Goa which is another story). The chefs have consistently and happily provided tasty and interesting Indian entrees - not tandoori oven items, of course - upon request. Basmati rice is always available along with curries, such as fish or veg curry, for staff. I like very spicy food so I request a side of sambal. Rice and sambal are available in large quantity for staff meals so its no issue when passengers ask. I find food onboard is mildly or under spiced for understandable reasons - fine by me - but I prefer to add much more spice to Indian curries.

I agree with "meh" about Casablanca - its a relatively new and boring city. The gaudy overblown Hassan Mosque is only 20 years old, seemed to me to be an absurdly expensive Las Vegas hotel lobby hosting the present king's granddaddy. The city is unlike other Sunni cities and sites of interest. I don't think you will gain anything about Morocco if your day is limited to C. There is so much to take in [enjoying hubbly bubbly with kif at a cafe!]...but only if you make the effort to get off the tour bus. I heartily recommend ditching Casablanca for an easy Regent day tour to Rabat or even Fez. Morocco is part of the Maghrib & those two Imperial cities enjoy great historical and religious importance going back 1,000 years - Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very different in size, sensibility and heritage (and cleaner) than Casablanca. Go to Rabat - the Kasbah alone is unique and worth the trip.

My advice - as you will be a visitor in a foreign city - do not accept anything at any time from a hawker or seller on the street or in the souk. They will insist you bought it at an absurd price. If you want an item, be friendly but haggle and haggle hard. If a fake Fendi or cheap wallet is put into your hands or if you pick it up, guess what? The cultural norm is...the tourist bought it. As for taxis, negotiate upfront. Be firm when they try to be "creative" about price at the destination. For many in the Levant, cruise passengers are walking ATMs.

That link is still not there for the Jan. 2024 Grand Voyage (excursions open to book in 30 days). Regent telephone agents have no idea when or if the link will be available. The only alternative is to individually download the excursion list for each specific port, then print that out. Not fun.

As Flossie suggested, go to the Roll Call page for the specific cruise. Hopefully, you will get the feedback you are looking for.

How about embarkation in Miami? The cutie pies taking luggage before checking in are port employees. With palms outraised up, demanding a tip. Last cruise, I did not tip for one small suitcase. Delivered to our room, the lock on my suitcase was smashed and the suitcase had been stomped on (not done at the airport, we spent several nights pre-cruise in Miami). I reported this to the front desk and showed the broken lock. Told Regent had no oversight as the bag handlers are port employees. A nasty bunch, nasty experience. No tip from me ever again at the Miami port.

Schwab. No bank fees, no foreign charges. All ATMs world-wide get 0 none no fees imposed on either side of the cash w/drawl transaction . The exchange rate is great - I compared my ATM with drawls with AmEx and VISA exchange rates for transactions on the same day. Slight advantage Schwab. Don't exchange on board - terrible rate for the convenience.

I hope Regent has eliminated the cumbersome covid paperwork done at embarkation last month. We pre-registered online all required information (documenting covid vaccinations) but then watched desk staff handwrite out on paper dates and manufacturers of our four shots. A duplicative and time consuming process - could be efficiently handled otherwise. Hopefully it has.

One meal at Toro Toro in the recent past was one meal too many. Skip it, go elsewhere.

Too close for comfort. Having been through Heathrow several times in the past two months, its not worth the risk. The airport itself is enormous and, as Jimmcdaniel notes, if you change terminals that is an added layer of complexity & risk along with long lines if you are economy class. Add in possible flight arrival delays due to weather or late departures (not uncommon).