GOARMY

All: As I am want to do, and bear with me as I wander again off the path of a Thread to offer an analogy from myth, literature, and film with some application to our present situation. Bearing in mind, as Saint Thomas Aquinas opined--All Analogies Limp: Anyone else from my (our Baby Boomer generation) recall Stanley Kramer's 1965 movie--"Ship of Fools"? Do a Google. Sort-of a cult film based on an earlier best-selling novel. So-many Stars both well-set in the Hollywood and European firmament; and the up-and-comers. My favorites: Lee Marvin and Jose Ferrer. And, of course, Elizabeth Ashley. Why did those people get on a passenger ship in the late 1930s from a South American Port with one-way tickets to Hitler's Germany? Because they felt they needed to; had the means; and were searching for something--or someone to make sense of a World already spinning out of control. Well, enough heavy lifting and musing. We are not fools; we have made "rational" prior economic and life decisions--more or less--putting us in a place allowing participating in high-end cruise experience(s). And as to my Post #16 as to vagaries affecting itinerary changes: continue to track recent volcanic activity on Iceland which may, or may not, "impact" our upcoming Splendor cruise. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming. Stay safe. GOARMY!

As usual, Pcardad's Post #13 cuts to the chase as to why Demand continues to chase Supply. Post-WWII economic theory presupposes actors--us customers/consumers--make rational decisions as to allocation of a "scarce" resource (US or Canadian dollars, Pounds, Yen, Deutsch Marks, whatever) to chase, and secure a tangible product or service. But, of course, that is where advertising comes in. Convince a consumer he/she really, really wants and NEEDS a good or service that they really, really DO NOT NEED to survive. Hence, deluge of cruise lines brochures, emails, and "limited time" promotions. Guilty as I charge myself by paying for two additional 2024 and 2025 Regent cruises. Trying to be rational. Realize my cruising days are more in the past than future. So, while continuing to SKI (Spend the Kids Inheritance), accept this inevitable reality. Time, health issues, political turmoil, wars, let-alone volcano eruptions and hurricanes/cyclones will probably change many itineraries from what was advertised, and paid-for by many of our fellow CCers. The future cruise segments we picked have itineraries which, hopefully, will limit exposure to these vagaries. But, one never knows. In the meantime: Await Splendor at London (Southampton) this June. GOARMY!

Whinenowine: My head is spinning. Economics 101 (Paul Samuelson, circa 1950); OR is it Adam Smith, circa 1776? SUPPLY and DEMAND turned on its head. Trying to reconcile why it is that consumer demand--us guests--for high-end cruising, which should DECREASE as the price of cruising increases, seems not to. Quite the contrary. And, as prices rise, producers, in this scenario cruise companies, build MORE ships to gain more profits. Now, that reality (or conundrum) is more Samuelson than Smith. Eh ghads. In the meantime, just-gave Regent more of my scarce money for two MORE cruises! Guess I am part of the drama. GOARMY!

SWFLAOK: FWIIW-- For this June's Splendor London (Southampton) to Iceland segment. Utilizing Regent Air. We booked this segment only a few months ago which was, for us, rather late in the game. The air itinerary was coordinated via our TA. Regent's initial air itinerary would not have been on any direct flights from SEA to LHR; rather intermediate stop and change of planes at either Chicago or New York. Thus, a long day and late June 20th arrival at Regent's London hotel. Did our homework, based on previous itineraries. Had our TA request the Regent Air rep. put us on a N/S British Airways, Business Class, Red-eye on night of the 19th; getting us to Heathrow, and, hopefully, to Regent's assigned hotel early morning on the 20th. Allowing time to unwind and venture out during the Summer day. TA worked this out with a Regent Air rep in less than an hour. Got the BA flight we wanted. No deviation fee (Platinum); but it did require a $500.00 pp upcharge. Well-worth it. Less strain and worry about luggage; change of planes, and so-on at either O'Hare or a New York airport. Regent advised getting our seat assignments both to Heathrow; then, on Iceland Air, Saga Class, N/S when returning to SEA on July 5th. Went on BA's website about an hour later to confirm same. Nice seats. No need to request a change. But, during periodic rechecking, we still have the option of changing our seats. At this point--very few decent ones are left in Business Class for either the BA or Iceland Air fights. Summer Season, no-doubt. GOARMY!

Gilpon: In light of your Post--perhaps a One-Off may have become a Two-Off as to Crew, at whatever level, touching guest stuff to remove same detritus to a Table of Shame. Hopefully, many more "offs" in the offing. Guests must continue prodding Management to designate that Table of Shame. GOARMY!

mrstanley and Gilpon, and whomever. For whatever reason, today's original Post--by me--was reposted, again. Whatever. Gipilon: Specifically recall a 2014 Voyager cruise--Sydney, via Indonesia to Singapore; then Malaysia, and beyond. There WAS that "Table of Shame" established adjacent to the Pool Bar. Such was announced in "Passages" about three days into the cruise. No-doubt resulting from guests' concerns as to Chair Hogs. The "Reunification Table." And, this series of cruise segments was certainly in hot, and humid locations. In typical corporate fashion, referred to, rather euphemistically, as a spot to facilitate "reuniting" lost "orphan" stuff such as books, hats, glasses, or other detritus with their parents. How fitting. What a hoot when, on occasion, observing these heartfelt reunifications--from a safe distance. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis had it best when opining that: "Sunlight is said to be the best disinfectant." Context way-back in 1913 regarded advocating free expression of opinion to expose bogus (and potentially dangerous) utterances. Public Shaming in the sunlight of tropical cruise segments concerning our current and certainly First World situations remains the best disinfectant to boorish behavior. I do not know what entity removed said items from Lounge Chairs to the shaming table. Crew? Guests? Sea gulls? Bottom Line: It worked. Maybe just a one-off. Corporate liability concerns as to yet another law suit may preclude any Crew member, or Officer not having at-least three stripes from touching anyone, or anything during a cruise. GOARMY!

mrstanley: I have commented on chair hogs before on a Post posted long, long ago. Well, maybe five years ago. From the perspective of witnessing this boorish behavior; followed by the intended, or unintended consequences when a guest has removed such "contraband" from a hogger's lounge chair. Bad outcome for everyone. The chair hogger and the guest who removed the hat, book, or whatever--got into first, shoving back and forth; followed by punches and kicks, which landed. Staff did intervene to break it up when both guys were on the deck--still screaming and punching each other. And, of course, at that point, their respective spouses were also yelling. A ship's Officer (Voyager, as I recall) arrived on scene. Both combatants were ordered back to their Suites. Another guest and I advised the Officer what we had observed. We were asked to write down what we saw and provide him with the info. Which I did. Later the afternoon--comes the Captain via a general announcement over the ship's Intercom asking guests who observed "a situation" at the Pool Grill/pool area earlier that afternoon to report same to him, personally, or to a ship's Officer. The Captain also advised the individuals involved had been restricted to their respective suites. Comes the Morn: A Captain's message in "Passages" advising the individuals involved in that "situation" would remain in their suites until arrival at the next Port with an airport. At which time they would be offloaded. Also, they would not be allowed to book a future passage on any Regent ship. I would bet this prohibition had (has) been extended to any NCL ship. Just a cautionary tale. GOARMY!

mrstanley: I have commented on chair hogs before on a Post posted long, long ago. Well, maybe five years ago. From the perspective of witnessing this boorish behavior; followed by the intended, or unintended consequences when a guest has removed such "contraband" from a hogger's lounge chair. Bad outcome for everyone. The chair hogger and the guest who removed the hat, book, or whatever--got into first, shoving back and forth; followed by punches and kicks, which landed. Staff did intervene to break it up when both guys were on the deck--still screaming and punching each other. And, of course, at that point, their respective spouses were also yelling. A ship's Officer (Voyager, as I recall) arrived on scene. Both combatants were ordered back to their Suites. Another guest and I advised the Officer what we had observed. We were asked to write down what we saw and provide him with the info. Which I did. Later the afternoon--comes the Captain via a general announcement over the ship's Intercom asking guests who observed "a situation" at the Pool Grill/pool area earlier that afternoon to report same to him, personally, or to a ship's Officer. The Captain also advised the individuals involved had been restricted to their respective suites. Comes the Morn: A Captain's message in "Passages" advising the individuals involved in that "situation" would remain in their suites until arrival at the next Port with an airport. At which time they would be offloaded. Also, they would not be allowed to book a future passage on any Regent ship. I would bet this prohibition had (has) been extended to any NCL ship. Just a cautionary tale. Now---- back to our regularly scheduled program GOARMY!

All: Really, really; How valuable is your time? (As to completing that end-of-cruise Survey.) Surely, situations occurring earlier in that particular cruise segment which were problematical would have occasioned taking the time to discuss and/or fill out a mid-cruise form requesting response and action of some sort by the General Manager; Cruise Director; Housekeeping Manager, or whomever. CC Boards are replete with narratives about responses from Management to guests' concerns. These are read, and acted upon. Ours have been; often by a request for a follow-up personal meeting with the appropriate manager. Few and far-between need for such by us. But, they have occurred. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Specific mention of Crew members in an end of cruise Survey from those literally sweeping the decks (Deck 12, in particular in the early morning hours), to bartenders, Suite Attendants/Butlers; and those at various restaurant venues DOES have an impact. Promotions. A little-extra time-off. A "pat on the back" from a supervisor recognizing a job well-done. Spouse and self do not consider this an excessive burden. GOARMY!

CruisetheCs: There is an opportunity for a more detailed response upon return to residence. We have utilized this alternative to praise--or offer constructive comments--after "sober" reflection. That being reaching out to Jennefer Teegen, Director of Guest Experience & Loyalty. Results have been to receive feedback-- And action. Specific example: Prodding Regent to offer one opportunity per cruise segment for military veterans to gather for an informal get-together. NOT a cocktail party. And, not necessarily limited to a date coinciding with a significant historical event such as "D-Day" or the American Memorial Day. Simple meet and mingle for a pre-breakfast or lunch gathering, then break bread at designated Compass Rose tables; or meeting at a Lounge for pre-dinner drinks and conversation. Such venues posted in "Passages" as to time and location. Positive result over the past several years. We have attended each gathering, often hosted by the Cruise Director. And this includes both pre, and post-COVID cruises. Most-recent example was on Mariner's January-February '24 World Cruise San Francisco via Hawaii to French Polynesia segment. There were two such gatherings. Soos-- First, an actual written letter. Address: Jennefer Teegen Director of Guest Experience & Loyalty Regent Seven Seas Cruises 7300 Corporate Drive Miami, FL 33126 Second would be email. jteegen @ rssc.com. Our on-board completion of the Survey always includes incorporating a thank-you to Regent management and the Cruise Director for continuing this practice. --------- And, a quick edit to my earlier: Title is "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". An additional great line from that movie: "Water is precious, more precious than gold!" Thanks again to Bogart and Walter Huston, amongst others. GOARMY!

NYC-London: Reasoning? Reasoning? Regent don't got to give you no stinkin' reason! Apologies to that classic 1948 film--"Treasure of the Sierra Madres".. But, seriously-- I have never gotten a coherent explanation for the change. What we have done--and we ALWAYS do--to complete that Survey while onboard is to utilize Regent's desktops--or your own tablet or phone to "log in". "Passages" provides guidance and the log-in address. Simple log-in code, usually a one-time 5-digit number as simple as, literally, 12345. You won't be saving it. If you get into trouble, see the IT guy. Our good fortune is to have benefitted from those IT guys on many cruises who patiently provide work-arounds and guidance. GOARMY! .

TS: Echo Marylebone37's above comments, and experience as we were also on this San Francisco-Hawaii-Papette segment of Mariner's current World Cruise. Rough waters off Hawaii's Big Island prior to the long transit to Nuku Hiva precluded another planned stop. Abrupt "wake-up" bump at the breakwater about 0615H. Soos, another sea day while enroute to Hiva. Service, as always, was top shelf. Having been to French Polynesia on three prior cruises--during the "dry" season, having several stops/excursions canceled due to cyclones was not that big a deal to us. Mariner became our desired destination. Given the circumstances, that was the only Port during many stormy days at sea. We booked this segment about a year ago knowing full-well risks as to weather. You pays your money; you takes your chances. Priorities at this point in 25+years of cruising are long crossings and sea days. We certainly received both. And, would do it again, as long as we would be on a relatively larger ship. ---------- pappy1022: Two of those earlier cruises were in the late 90's were aboard Seabourne's "Legend"--one of that Line's "triplets". All since sold to, I believe, Paul Gauguin. Perfect smaller ship well-suited for French Polynesia. Languid days either at anchor in lagoons; and/or able to dock and partake in shore excursions. GOARMY!

1982CruzStart: That's Jennefer Teegen, Director of Guest Experience & Loyalty. jteegen@rssc.com. Very helpful to us on several prior occasions. GOARMY! .

Nachosdelux: Opps. Thought I had corrected this. Obviously, not. GOARMY!

lprp: Recent experience utilizing RSSC Air. Splendor, June 21-July 5 segment--London(Southampton) to Iceland. Coordinated by our trusted TA, of course. Regent offered NO non-stop SEA to HLR flights when this was booked in early January. Were only offered an intermediate stop in USA via either Delta or Virgin. Result would have been late June 20th arrival at HLR. This would have left little time for enjoying some relaxing time at Regent's hotel and surrounding downtown London area. So--took advantage of being able to "deviate"--without a fee. Accepted a Business Class BA Non-Stop leaving SEA in early afternoon of June 19th, with arrival at HLR 0700H on the 20th. Ample time for stay at hotel and another visit to some of our favorite London spots for a nice lunch and dinner. "Air differential" cost: $500.00 pp. Well-worth it. Have taken BA on three other pre-COVID Regent cruises either going to, or returning from, London. All were N/S. In those days, BA utilized 747s. We always chose upper deck seats. Quiet. Those days are, of course, gone. Will be on a Boeing 777. BTW: Return from Reykjavik will be Icelander Air, Saga Class, N/S to SEA. GOARMY! .

Just competed 18 days' on Mariner. Regent management had no control over the weather; result: numerous cancelations of shore excursions. Given time of year and itinerary for this particular segment of the World Cruise, not surprising. Our Suite was well-maintained. No plumbing issues. Same for Public venues. Heavy rains and high winds resulted in some "leakage" in aft stairwells in Decks 12 and 11. Fans were deployed. Consistent professional service on every aspect and customer interface. Compass Rose stood out. Food that was supposed to be HOT, was; food that was not supposed to be HOT, was not. No gaps in service provided by dining staff at any venue. Looked forward to each meal. Friendly and caring are the best descriptors of Staff demeanor up and down the line. Top-notch presentations by Speakers Terry Bishop and Dr. David Plourd. GOARMY!

When, but only on rare instances when CC comments wander a bit off the path of comity, recall the following which I used in previous "lives" when MCing a retirement event for an Army colleague; or at a similar venue for a Postal Inspector: Life is short, and we do not have much time to be a blessing to those who travel The Way with us. . So be swift to love, and make haste to be kind. ---------- True confession. My dear wife usually delivered the above "benediction". Too emotional for me. See some of you in a few days continuing along that Way aboard Mariner; and, a few months later on Splendor. GOARMY!

mtadk: One other nuance to consider in the vetting process would be asking that prospective TA as to his/her prior experiences actually sailing on Regent ships. And, not just on two or three day "Orientation" cruises which Regent and other 5+ Lines offers from time-to-time to TAs as a promotional incentive. It has been our good fortune--even with the vagaries associated with the COVID hiatus--to sail 14+day segments with our TA (and the spouse) and/or members of the TA's staff on various Regent ships. Those staff folks are often the ones assisting in the booking process. From past experience, it was problematical when we dealt with a TA who, basically, ran a one or two person operation. Illness; family issues, other travel, and such detracted from ability to obtain assistance and timely feedback resolving or clarifying cruise matters. This has not been an issue for the past 15 years . There has always been a designated "backup" ready to step in. And, reinforcing a previous comment: we were referred to our current TA by the folks who occupied the Suite next to ours those many years ago while on a long trans-Pacific crossing. We have maintained friendships with both to the present. GOARMY!

crusin7: Sure that was a dummy? Or, an overworked Engineering maintenance guy taking a break from his toils keeping the toilets flushing on time. Joining the happy World contingent in less than a week at San Francisco. GOARMY!

Jim B: Short answer: Yes. This, based on experiences, one of which was way-back in 2014 when aboard Explorer when docked at an east coast Australian Port. "Live" in Theater. Game was played in New Jersey, local "Joirsey" time around 1700H. Our "local" time was around 0800H. Great game. Seahawks won. Fun time munching popcorn in Theater. Then, later that evening--for the benefit of those going on excursions, a replay on Suite TVs. Sworn to silence not to relate final score to my brother and his wife--who were visiting the kangaroos. They are not Seahawks fans. GOARMY!

As I never tire (but, my spouse does following about 25 years' repeating same on Radisson/Regent) when opining about escargot to the waiter while ordering same on our first Compass Rose night-- that escargot will soon be "escargone". Response(s) have ranged from a blank stare and awkward silence; to a wink of recognition. In most every case, an immediate apology to Wait Steff from my long-suffering wife. Five for me; one for Sue. Only order it once (oh, maybe twice) on a cruise segment. Too rich. GOARMY!

Marylebone37, EagleScout66, crusin7: Two more tag-alongs (Jim and Sue) will join you World Cruisers at San Francisco. Only a few more days to go. GOARMY!

Referencing among the plethora of comments/gripes/praises and self-reflections on this Thread: Lack of expert commentary during the Canal transit. Following is based on about four (or maybe it was five) previous crossings, all but one of which have been on Regent segments over the past 20 years. Two others canceled due to COVID; next eagerly anticipated one will be in almost-exactly one year when on Grandeur--L.A. via Canal to Miami, and beyond. Expert commentary on every one. Pre-transit Theater presentations two or three days before beginning that day-log segment given by Subject Matter Experts who had been there before, and done that. Each and every one utilized the seminal source providing historical accuracy and context: David McCullough's book, "The Path between the Seas: the Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914". That heavy volume remains front-and-center on my bookshelf. Presenters gave full attribution to McCullough when utilizing photographs (and paragraphs) "lifted" from his book. Then, during transit, on the Bridge, together with another local "Expert" particularly versed on the mechanics of each Lock. Modest Proposal to those planning upcoming segments involving the Canal: Do some homework and READ THE BOOK! Take some notes to bring along with you. It is a heavy volume to pack in one's luggage; but in this modern age, can probably download (not pirate) the text on whatever device. And, a big nod of appreciation should be given to The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps was tasked by Teddy Roosevelt to pick up the remnants of the failed French effort; solve the horrible mosquito problem which, as much as the terrain, brought the French to ruin; and construct the mighty Lock system which has continued to function for over 100 years. Ah yes, Teddy. As he famously (or infamously, depending on one's perspective) opined: "I stole Panama. Fair and Square." Just a thought. GOARMY!

Roxydog15: Hmmm. As to non-passengers on board. Yes, such is, and has been "allowed" going back throughout our 25+years aboard various Radisson/Regent ships. Depends on Port. Folks are often family members of Crew who board for a bit of time with a brother, sister, father, mother--spouse. Bonding. It has been a refreshing, and heart-warming experience when observing these interactions. BTW: Have seen similar situations during travels going back to 1994 to the present when aboard Silversea, Seabourn, Holland America, Cunard, Crystal, and Princess. Thus, not unique to Regent. Rather, a travel industry practice totally driven by realities of our wonderful capitalist-driven economic system. Bottom line, literally, is COMPETION for a relatively small number of folks in certain economic situations in their respective countries now in high-high demand to "man" and woman posts on all cruise lines. Or, to return to such service following the COVID situation. Supply and demand. Simple Basic Economics 101. What a great way to bond a particular Crew member running the gamut from below-deck laundry attendant duties to a Staff Officer with two or three stripes on the uniform-- with close family. Basically selfish economics. Promote loyalty to Regent--or any other Line--to encourage signing up for often-six to eight month contracts. So-many key cogs in the cruise industry machinery were disrupted by COVID with attendant circumstances to abandon sailing on the seven seas from March, 2020 well-into 2021. This is not hypothetical or from the grandstand. Spouse and self were at San Diego on March 12, 2020 at Regent's assigned hotel anticipating boarding "Splendor" for a cruise through the Panama Canal to NYC. This, in conjunction with our 50th wedding anniversary. Nope. Cruise cancelled that afternoon. Back to the airport the next day for return to Seattle. Two other Regent, and one Uniworld River cruise in France, likewise canceled. Key cogs in the industry continue the recovery process. Result: paying customers expecting to continue delivery of 5+service in return for paying a premium price-- carp and complain when such service level has not been delivered on a particular cruise segment due to "new, inexperienced servers". And, a host of other similar comments. Why the surprise? Same experience at sea experienced on land when disappointed at service levels at that particular favorite local restaurant. O.K. Much more-often have observed very-well attired retinue of Travel Agents invited at that particular Port to board the latest Regent ship. Attended by Regent Staff. Spend a special late morning and early afternoon being, literally, wined and dined at a restaurant venue. VIP tour of the ship. Why? Strictly revenue-driven. What better way to enlist these "ambassadors" to sell the Regent brand to current, or prospective clients. Have often spoken, in passing, to these "guests". My preference has been to exchange pleasant conversations with Staff and their family members. These are opportunities to express our appreciation for the high level of service received on that particular ship; and our understanding the toll on family life which must obtain due to long separations. Trust me on this one. Been there, and my family has experienced same. In much more difficult circumstances. Oh. BTW: Hope to see some of you folks when we board Grandeur in less than a year! GOARMY!

At Concierge ( or below) level: Ask your Room Steward during that initial first afternoon introductory meeting in the Suite for the list of "included" wines and spirits. Wide selection. Select two. They will be delivered that evening. And, replaced throughout the cruise segment, as needed. Want a soft drink not in the fridge? Just ask for a replacement. As to "any liquor"-- that might require ordering something from the Reserve List--which is wide selection--using OBCs or a charge on your CC. Just like if you order from that Reserve List at a dining venue. Great way to use OBCs. Penthouse Level and above: Long-before cruise, guests go online using the Booking Number to access that segment. Go to Butler. Preselect those wines or spirits, along with fruit bowl variety, pillow type, and several other amenities. They will be in the Suite upon first-day arrival. GOARMY!