irishwitchy

Just to add to this. If the pre hotel is the “free” night because you are staying in a concierge suite and above, and you didn’t use Regent Air - you need to do the transport from airport to hotel, yourself. I rather like this, because we avoid getting on a bus with 20 others and all piling into the hotel at the same time.

I had that issue on our last cruise at the wine luncheon, but it wasn’t a dog - it was a woman wearing lots of perfume! Just stay away from the smelly object, the ship isn’t that small.

I did this last year out of Cains. The deck chairs were covered with yuk, but we bought extra towels with us, because my husband went for the ride and his plans was to catch some sun and go on the sub. The sub was so so. I on the other hand, grabbed the stinger suit, flippers and snorkel and was the second person in the water. It was very calm that day and the colors were great. While everyone else was still trying to figure out what size to grab and/or change (wear your bathing suit, folks), I’m checking out the fish and coral. Stayed in the water for 25 minutes and got out. At that point everyone finally got in the water. Lunch was being served and we in line before everything was picked over. I will say the shrimp had to be peeled and many folks had an issue with that. (We didn’t), fried chicken I think there may have been some Indian thing, which adding the shrimp to was very good. It wasn’t the best lunch, but it was ok. I think we got a couple of drink coupons and my husband and I went back to the lounger and had a great conversation with the crusty old man working the slide (which I did). At this point everyone is getting out of the water to get lunch. Time for me to go back in! We have had better and worst excursions, but I got to see some great looking coral, fish and a turtle. I’m also a certified diver. I could have done that, but sometimes it easier to snorkel. I do remember that folks that did the excursions from Airlie were not thrilled, Cains was much better. When in Cains, we can highly recommend Prawn Stars (floating shrimp restaurant). You may see this place on a few other docks. Get the Morton Bay bugs, salmon and a bottle of sparkling wine. Pick up the Tshirt, also.

You should deal with this before you go for other reasons, before they have to cut it off of you.

Perfect, idea. Not expensive either and some of the men may be interested, unlike the needlepoint!

I actually like needlepoint, but I would love to see a paint and sip activity in the afternoon when they close down the one side of the buffet. I have suggested this numerous times, but alas we are stuck with the same activities, that have been going on for 30 years.

We have usually booked the concierge suites because of the additional perks, like first dibs on the excursions, 4 internet ids and diner reservations, as well as a discount on bottles of wine, etc. Room is the same.

Being from NJ, a forced overnight at EWR, is rather terrible.

I think you meant all dogs should be banned, unless they are a guide dog for a visually impaired person. I don’t totally agree with you, there are others dogs that provide a service, but folks do seem to take advantage of this.

We are wine drinkers, not the stuff is free, the wine that you order. We have found, ordering a couple of nice bottles the first couple of nights, seems to set the stage for the rest of the cruise. Sommelier knows us, extra reservations in the speciality restaurants, specials on some wine they are trying to move off the menu because they are down to one bottle, etc. Also, we get the details on the wine or champagne lunch and sign up for it.

I’m guessing you have no families? I can’t image going to this part of the world on Christmas and expecting a stellar day for a tourist.

Looks like the ship is the new Regent baby and looks full. However, saying this I have never waited on a long line, except for Setti Marti when it first opens. Showing up at 7, you may be told to come back at 8. You may also find a line at lunch for the speciality restaurants on those sea days.

What day does this cruise start?

I’m just went zip lining with my kids and granddaughter. I love zip lining and I’m Not in my 30s, 40s or 50s!

Haha, I have better things to do with my time. Glad some of you really got into it, however.

Well, at least hubby found all of this out prior to being on the cruise! Best of luck.

I would love to see more of this, I love an overnight in port. Off for dinner and see what is going on in port overnight.

Communications may be key to getting the great meal and an Ok one. MY husband and I like to take our time, hence we make sure the waiter is very well aware of what our expectations are. Like don’t fire up those entrees until we tell you to, leave the wine on the table, so we can fill the glasses as we wish, need lots of ice, no need for bread, etc. You don’t have to get the seafood risotto as is - ask them to add a lobster tail to that! I want half the pasta or rice and double the protein. You get the idea. The Caesar salad with the salmon on it may be perfect for dinner! The majority of the food will be very good, but the portion size may not be what you expected, so ask questions!

I’m interested in what you are thinking (pine cones with greens, or sparkling glitter, or a poinsettia?) and why this is needed? Just curious.

Unrelated to cruising - join the Park Avenue Club in NJ to combine your love of cigars and drinking!

However, it requires phone calls. These days and for the prices charged, I rather go online and book the services I desire instead of a possible disjointed phone conversion.

Our last trio of cruises have been around 17 days each and we had no issue getting additional reservations. We will be gold on the next cruise and we have been in a concierge suite. I will mention we normally order a bottle of wine and that may help with us getting into a restaurant sometimes and we prefer to eat late.

That is because you are a man.

Feel free to stroll right pass the folks at the desk and go relax!

This has been discussed lots of times. Search a bit and you will find lots of discussions!