Aloha 1

Sounds more like a move to save $$ under the guise of "wokeness".

looks like a $1 to $2 increase.

Embers on Vista replaces Jacques. Just standard American food.

Thanks, Lynn. I was not aware of that.

was told it was "the new menu".

Very disappointed if they completely eliminate the pool grill dinner option. We were on Explorer in October for a 12 night Med cruise and dinner was served there maybe twice but on days where shore excursions did not get back until late. I would have no problem if that is how it operates going forward. I'd hate to come back after a 12-13 hour shore trip and have to dress for a very late dinner. One thing we were VERY disappointed in was the removal of the King Crab entree in Prime 7. It was DW's favorite.

Correct.

This is a ridiculous idea and will essentially kill the boat industry. Who comes up with these inane ideas?

That is correct. I believe I remember a TV on the lanai.

Foregap; So sorry to hear of your "jail time" due to covid. We were on the same shore ex to Safed with you. In Jerusalem, we spent the day with a friend who is also a tour guide. She said Regent had hired a new company for the Israeli excursions which basically has inexperienced guides and drivers. They apparently bought up a few smaller companies and then low balled their offerings to get ship excursions. Having been to Israel twice before, I was extremely disappointed in the two Haifa excursions we took and made a strong suggestion in the final comment form that Regent should immediately find another agency.

That would actually be 6 or 7 HST depending on the time of year. I loved it when we lived on Maui.

If your calls are while you are docked at a port I suggest you use your phone to open a hotspot using cellular. I use Verizon at $10/day and it works far better than O's wifi. Only will work ion you have a decent signal though.

GM: Andreas Piccinin CD: Dru Pavlov

Currently on Explorer and the Sapori E Amari is listed only from 6 PM to 11 PM

Currently on Explorer, Istanbul to Istanbul : Captain - Luca Morvillo Staff Captain - Marco Nocera GM - Andreas Piccinin CD - Dru Pavlov

I felt the embarkation process yesterday was the absolute worst I 've ever experienced. As Forgap stated , the lines are interminable. We departed the Grand Hyatt by cab at 1:45 PM. The cab drivers are still mostly unfamiliar with navigating the new Galataport terminal. Once our driver found the entrance to the underground area he stopped 3 people to ask for directions and each gave a different answer as to where to go. There are no signs at all pointing to Embarkation, just signs that say "pedestrian exit". You are actually in an underground parking ramp which makes it all the more confusing. As we were passing another set of glass doors with no signage, an employee stopped our cab and pointed to the glass doors. We exited the cab about 12:15 and made our way into the labyrinth that was check-in. I completely understand that Regent is at the mercy of the Port Authority but when you have only 3 people doing the health check and are asking all passengers to fill out vaccination info, the line was the longest I've ever seen. After finally getting through that, we followed the same process of dropping luggage , going into another long line for security, then passport control with only one person doing it, then more long hallways and a line to get our room keys, then the final walk to concourse D to board the ship at 1:20 PM so over an hour from the time we arrived at the right door. Surely there are things that R could do to speed up this process such as on line documentation for vaccination status when you check in. But champagne in hand, we made it!

You had an interesting day! FYI, your details of your flight over mirrored ours. Left Miami 50 minutes late, took the long walk down to Passport Control and then to baggage claim followed by an hour cab ride to the Grand Hyatt. Arrived about 6:30 PM tonite . Wonder what time we'll wake up this AM. DW is putting her money on 0300. Ah, but tomorrow we board!

Great post. Agree about Turkish Air, excellent service. Thanks for the detail on how long it took to get to your ride to the IC ( which is a very nice hotel!) We land Tuesday afternoon at 3:25 PM. I won't expect to get to the Grand Hyatt until 6:30 PM based on your report.

Regent does not sell liquor in the gift shops. However , if you are in a Penthouse or above, you will receive 2 bottles of your choice from a list of wine and spirits - generally liter bottles for spirits. These you may pack in your checked luggage for transport home. anything else you pick up at duty free shops at airports, if sealed in a bag with the receipt stapled to it, can be taken on board. i picked up a Talisker Scotch at LHR this summer because the exchange rate was worth it. Carried on board with no issue and none at CBP upon arrival home.

Yes it is! And we got very lucky with Ian.

We will be on the cruise before you departing Istanbul on 10/19. I'll post the staff list once on board.

Will you be on board for the 2/7 Santiago to Buenos Aires Cruise?

It was a great place to drape wet bathing suits! But a bigger shower trumps that.

Rachel; When you find time, would appreciate your overview opinion of Navigator. Thanks!