GOARMY

Gpilon's and Doleabludger's comments need little amplification. This topic periodically resurfaces every two or three years on CC Regent Threads. Old news and posts remain similar to more-current comments. Nothing has changed much related to Miami Port. Having contributed earlier cautionary entries, no repeat other than--based on our three debarkation experiences--schedule NO departures from Miami Airport before 1230H; schedule NO departures from Ft. Lauderdale Airport before 1300H. Our fourth arrival at Miami will be in January 2025 following a Grandeur cruise. No issues there. We are extending our stay three days to stay with relatives residing nearby. GOARMY!

A "Bridge [service cut] Too Far" for us would involve those two evening turndown chocolates on the Suite bed. Should Regent take that particular 'perk away; and we will be away for the duration. Lest one take the above too seriously: consider the context of applying a Bridge Too Far analogy to any contemporary situation. Genesis is Cornelius Ryan's 1974 book by the same title. WWII's "Operation Market-Garden". That particular bridge was at Arnhem, Holland. Had the opportunity to visit that historic site--and travel on a portion of the road leading to it several years ago. Sobering. Do a Google. Let us keep 1st World "things" and problems in perspective. Having cruised on the other 5+star lines on pre and post-Pandemic segments--no second thoughts as to continuing devoting the majority of our SKI (spending the kid's inheritance) dollars on Regent. In two weeks: early at London for a few days before boarding Splendor Best. GOARMY!

chamima: US dollars are fine. GOARMY!

Retired: If you are doing your own flight to Rome, you are responsible for arranging the transfer to Regent's assigned hotel. Once there--Regent will take care of next-day's transfer from hotel to Port. Likewise, you will be responsible for transfer off the ship to airport upon completion of cruise. chamima: Regent will take care of your transfer from Rome airport to Regent's hotel; later transfer van (or bus) to Port. Regent will also handle your transfer from ship to whatever airport you will utilize to return home. GOARMY!

Didogaribaldi: With the caveat that a cruise segment of 16 days or more will have two "Formal OPTIONAL" designated nights: Yes. The tuxes do appear (about 15% of gents, me included, don them). Some guys will actually jump the shark by wearing a sports jacket. Even see a few adding a tie. Ladies seem to exceed their spouses or significant other in dressing in a manner befitting honoring the 5+ star service we have always experienced on Regent ships. That is easy for me to opine, as my wife of 54 years was a model both before and following our marriage. GOARMY!

LoveChops: Did Explorer's Vancouver, B.C.-Tokyo cruise last Fall. This included three-day "Vibrant Tokyo" post-cruise add-on with stay at Hilton Tokyo. Hotel was fine; separate breakfast area venue for Regent guests. Included Breakfast buffet was massive as to choices. Had dinner one night at one of the three specialty restaurants. Best French Onion soup I ever had--to include those enjoyed during earlier stays in France. Convenient location as to other dining options both in adjacent metro area and at the atrium located directly beneath the hotel. One quirk: Our room was on the 22nd (or so) Floor. Learned, in the mornings, to go UP in an elevator before going DOWN to lobby for breakfast; or to a lower floor reception room used to gather, and brief, guests before a morning or afternoon tour. This assured us not having a long wait for boarding an elevator during "rush hours". . We were O.K. with the tours. Interesting sites within the greater (and it is a REALLY greater) Tokyo area. Lots of walking, often up a series of steep steps to a Temple, or Shrine. Guides were fluent in English, kind, and responsive when responding to questions. Explorer was, as usual, in good shape. Great Staff. Top service. Hope this helps. But, as always, YMMV. GOARMY! .

Second DeepFreeze's observations. Yes, cold exterior conditions when jogging on Deck 12. But, could repair to the wonderful, and steamy Infinity Pool; then to the adjacent steam/sauna room. There is no way to predict sea conditions at any time of year, on any cruise. When at sea, "Ship" can happen. Mitigate adverse responses to rough seas by booking a centered and lower Deck Suite. Explorer is our favorite Regent ship. Well, will board Splendor for the 1st time in a few weeks. So--bottom line is the favorite Regent ship is the one I am currently on. GOARMY!

We are experiencing same situation. Our TA contacted Regent yesterday. Response was to check back next week (try Tuesday or Wednesday) when Regent anticipated being able to have resolved this nagging glitch. GOARMY!

We have celebrated significant milestones in our lives when aboard Radisson/Regent. You can't go wrong in ANY dining venue whether Compass Rose (CR) or one of Grandeur's three other specialty (reservations required) restaurants. Want "bells and whistles" if celebrating with friends also-aboard? That would be CR. The CR basic menu features selected entrees from the other restaurants each night. Or, should you want a special meal to go-along with your birthday celebration--give restaurant management at-least 24-hours notice. A quieter venue? Prime 7. Table for two. Special wine. Suggest advising your Travel Agent of this event well in advance of the trip. The "word" will be passed along. GOARMY!

Whistling balcony doors; slamming closet doors; reopened interior doors between common area and bedroom in PH Suites resulting in--more slamming nighttime noises. Yes to all three on Explorer back in 2017 when on a series of inaugural cruises. Engineers were a common sight in hallways vising Suites and making quick fixes. Ours included. Whatever they did solved, more or less, the balcony door issue while allowing us to utilize that area. When last on Explorer in late 2023--no issues with closet door. That jam worked. Silence at night as to sliding balcony door. Nary a whistle heard even in windy, rough weather. Granted, our PH was centered, and lower. Reference 2Sailing nomads Post #5: Still had to confront the interior door issue. "Solution" was keeping doors open at night and placing a heavy chair in the track. Restricted further slamming. When at sea: Ship happens. GOARMY!

A quick addendum to my earlier Post. Our stay--and watching the Super Bowl was in February, 2024. Most important is Wendy's comment as to climate and humidity. Weather the day of our stay fluctuated from driving rainstorms and severe winds to a blazing sun. Our concern was how that might affect our UA flight. Ultimately, it did not. One other memory: Interior hotel hallways were clouded by water vapor. Walls were wet. It was THAT humid. GOARMY! .

mj: You did not provide more specifics as when you will arrive at Papeete. That tempers following remarks. We ended our Mariner WC segment at Papeete on 01/12/2024. Concierge. Utilizing an old-Army "SWAG" [Scientific Wild-*ss Guess]--opine Faaa Hilton Hotel for those Concierge guests arriving a day early in French Polynesia. Our experience. Upon departing Mariner, a short van ride--with others--down the waterfront from Pier to Hilton. That trip took about 15 minutes. Regent had arranged guests leaving Mariner for return to wherever we came from accessing a "day-stay" at Hilton enabling use of Lounge, Pool, and Restaurant prior to onward late-night flights. Ours was back to SEATAC on a UA flight departing shortly after Midnight. So-- We booked a full day Stay at that Hilton. Well-worth the money. That enabled my dear wife to relax in our air-conditioned Suite; take naps; enjoy two delightful meals (lunch and dinner) with me at Hilton's restaurant while-- in the interim I enjoyed watching the Super Bowl Game piped-in to a gigantic Lobby screen. Along with about 100 other folks. Hilton staff provided popcorn and snacks. But, as usual, I digress. Due to propinquity to Cruise Terminal, would put a bet down on that Hilton for your one-night stay prior to boarding. Do a Google. It will show Hilton's location to be, literally, adjacent to the end of airport runway. HOWEVER--also based on past experiences at Papeete on earlier Radisson/Regent and other Lines: There are a plethora of top-hotels available. Not all are as close to Terminal as Hilton. So--as you are Concierge: keep in touch with your TA and/or Regent as your departure date approaches. Cruise documents will show which specific hotel will be your refuge. One other Note: Be prepared for HOT, really HOT and humid conditions. GOARMY!

Well, ladies: I will gracefully fall on my (sheathed) sword. At-least I had the correct family. GOARMY!

Lady Meer: Well, actually, No. The Queen's husband was Prince Albert of Sax-Coburg and Gotha. For obvious reasons, that Cape Town hotel shorted his name to Albert. GOARMY!

Lonedaddy: Quick answer is Yes at the Waterfront as to where our Mariner ship awaited our arrival. Cautionary Note: Our experience was shortly before the Pandemic. So--others might comment as to more-recent post-Pandemic experiences. As to other aspects of your Post: Our additional luggage (those not-taken on the pre-cruise Safari described in Post #7) had been dispatched from Regent's assigned downtown-area hotel where we stayed the night before beginning the Safari to somewhere--I known not where--while we were at Camp Figtree. Whatever--the point being those bags were there for us to unpack when we entered our Mariner Suite. Regent is responsible for luggage you tag at Regent's assigned hotel and leave for pick-up by hotel staff from your room on day of hotel departure. This has never been an issue. An aside: We could see our Victoria & Albert Hotel (see Post #7 for context) at the Waterfront Port upon return from the Camp Figtree pre-cruise Safari and subsequent to boarding Mariner. GOARMY!

Blacklane. Good service. GOARMY!

To throw out another Rome booking option: Consider Morgana Royal Court. Stayed there on two occasions either before or after Radisson/Regent cruises. These were three-day stays. Advertised as a "boutique" hotel. Yes, it is (was), from our experience. Convenient location a few minutes walk from Termini Rail Station. We found it easy enough to walk to many of the most-visited historic/tourist destinations. Including the Vatican. Wonderful, full breakfasts and afternoon tea service. Pleasant staff. Did our own air. TA arranged w/Hotel to have a cab meet us at Rome Airport. Concierge coordinated whatever other local transportation we needed. Concierge arranged for the same driver who showed us around to transport us on the hour and a half (light traffic) drive to Civitavecchia Port. A nice way to begin, or end, a cruise. GOARMY! .

Well: To put a lighter note on the last few Posts: As Mark Twain opined: A difference of opinion is what makes for a horse race--and missionaries. GOARMY!

TS: Having been to Florence twice--once on Regent, the other during independent land travel to Italy, and anticipating we would be at Pisa in two days doing another tour: Selected the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri & Tarquinia Tour. This was on a pre-Pandemic Explorer segment. Wonderful seven or eight-hour tour which began at ancient (circa 500 BC) underground series of tombs carved into a hillside overlooking a valley. Several of the tombs we were allowed to enter (going down steep steps) had mosaic paintings of scenes from the deceased life; or mythological idyllic representations. Great guide providing historical context. Then, to the nearby Museum to observe artifacts. What caught my eye was a strong Grecian influence in the pottery, drawings, and art. Came away with an enhanced appreciation of the Etruscan culture. The Tour's description we reviewed earlier also described stopping at a "working farm" on the way back to the ship for a "light lunch". That was another, unexpected delight. Not "light" at-all. Family had prepared a lavish spread of meats, veggies, and fruits--all from their land. And, fresh breads and cheeses. Courses were paired with local wines. That lunch took about 1 1/2 hours. No one wanted to leave the table early. Of course, there was the opportunity to purchase some of the wines and cheese. That was a memorable repast. So memorable we had a very, very light dinner. Upon return to ship--mentioned to Cruise Director John Barron, he from England--observing those "Tombs with a View". (Parody on British movie titled "Room with a View".). John got the connection. He asked for permission to use that "line" during that evening's Theater Show he would be MCing. Sure. Of course, we attended that performance. John followed-through, with proper attribution. Many in the audience also got the connection. Soos--- Recommendation would be: If not-previously at Florence, by-all means. Just be prepared for the crowds. Second choice--if offered--would be "Tombs with a View." GOARMY!

douginct: Have stayed at both Fairmont Vancouver and Hyatt Regency hotels prior to Regent sailings. Considering you are staying at Regent's assigned hotel that last pre-cruise night--AND, if mobility is not an issue--AND, weather permitting: Advise Regent's representative at the hotel you will be walking the seven blocks (downhill) from hotel to Canada Place cruise terminal. Your baggage will be retrieved from your hotel room by hotel staff beginning at around 0800H for transport to the ship. It will get there before you do. It has always been a pleasant, and hassle-free walk from those hotels to Pacific Place Terminal. GOARMY!

UUNetBill: Just to put one more log on the fire-- You might want to review my posting a few minutes ago on another Thread: "Cape Town-Regent Pre & Post cruise offerings". This concerns Camp Figtree. No need to repeat that text here. GOARMY!

As to pre-cruise Regent offerings at Cape Town: Mariner Pre-cruise. Camp Figtree British-themed Lodge perched high on Zuurberg Mountain above Addo Elephant National Park/Game Reserve.. Do a Google. About an hour's flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Then, a 1.25 hour van ride to Lodge. TA advised us to request "roughing it" [NOT} in one of about 10 tents adjacent to Main Lodge buildings. Some tent. Hardwood floor; luxury carpets; hot shower; 24-hour lights. Hot water and coffee/tea set-ups awaiting us each morning at our tent. Along with great vista views from our perch above the Reserve. Food prepared by Port Elizabeth locals pared with South African wines. Gourmet in every respect. Knowledgeable Guide/Game Wardens assigned to two 6 to 8-person Range Rovers for travel down the hillside to Park. Every detail taken care of. There were many memorable moments when up close to wildlife. One stands out. My wife took a 30-second video of a BIG bull elephant who met us on a dusty side road one afternoon. Range Rover stopped. Warden turned off the motor. The big fella gave us the eye as he softly walked by. Upon review of that video--which due to passage of time [it was pre-COVID] we have not been able to retrieve to relive the moment--he took up the entire field of camera view during that brief, but meaningful encounter. Three days, and many up-close views of Reserve animals later, back to Airport. Return flight to Cape Town; direct van transfer to Mariner to start the cruise. --------- One other thought, particularly relevant if this would be one's first visit to Cape Town. Even if Concierge with a pre-cruise one-day hotel stay: Go earlier, at-least three days early. Again, took our TA's advice. We were booked at Victoria&Albert Hotel located at Waterfront area a few kilometers from center of town. [That area is also where Regent's ships dock.] Wonderful restaurants both at Hotel and nearby. Pleasant stay to take care of jet lag. Concierge arranged visits to the usual tourist spots. Like Table Mountain. Then, to Regent's hotel in center of town on 4th day for the Concierge night before flight to Port Elizabeth. GOARMY!

Second Nachosdelux's recommendation. As to arriving at Vancouver Airport. Get a taxi. Last time prior to an Explorer segment was similar to previous times when arriving a day early for a Regent hotel stay. Plenty of signs showing way to taxi area. Attendant there to expedite process. That 20-minute transfer to Regent's downtown hotel cost about $45.00 USD. That included the tip. GOARMY!

Ah, yes. Salisbury Town and Cathedral. Where, at the Cathedral dwells--on careful display--one of the three original Magna Cartas. The "Great Charter" is small in size; but it had ominous implications back in 1215 for King John. Southampton offers so-many possibilities for day-long trips. These have already been referenced. When on Explorer, had a choice visiting the Military Museum on our own; or Regent's arranged Winchester visit. As an old Army guy, would have opted for Museum; but spouse--a Jane Austen fan--prevailed. There she [Jane, not my wife] reposes. Next time, and there will be a next-time: it will be Museum. Several pre-COVID years ago--at Southampton on Cunard B/t/B/t/B segments. Cunard offered a 'twofer on the turn-around day. Both Stonehenge and Salisbury. It was a full day, but the ship did not sail until late that evening. Weather was perfect. When at Stonehenge, our Guide directed our gaze to the horizon. We could clearly see the tall, thin spire of the great Salisbury Cathedral. Then--on to lunch; and visit to town and Cathedral. It would be a stretch to do both on a Regent cruise when the ship sails around 1800H. Choices; choices. GOARMY!

mrlevin's memory and mine are in alignment on this one. The Winchester Cathedral we visited on Explorer's turn-around day at Southampton is in town of Winchester. About a 1.25 hours van drive from, and then back to, that Port. Wonderful tour. GOARMY!