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!

Reference several just-posted Posts as to availability of Shore Excursions: The only "guarantee" as to availability of "free" excursions is that, as in Life, there is no guarantee except: As Ben Franklin (I think) opined: Death and Taxes. And, from the perspective as a retired (for over 20 years) criminal Investigator for the Postal Inspection Service: Chain Letters, Get-Rich Quick Schemes, and Charity scams. Very-recent experience earlier this PM when going online to "book" excursions on an upcoming Grandeur cruise. And this for a cruise beginning one year from now. Went through the process. "Booked" four shore excursions. By the time I negotiated the procedure to the FINAL step confirming all of the above--Had been put on the "Wait List" regarding the first one on the List. Things happen that fast. No need to panic, or complain. A lot can happen during the next year. So-much depends on a particular Port's flexibility as to onshore infrastructure and ability in expanding transportation and Guide assets. More busses; vans, whatever. Keep checking before, and after boarding. Folks change their minds, and turn in excursion tickets. right up to the moment of showing up at the check-in venue which will be either in the Theater, or onshore near the busses. GOARMY!

So--SFOflyguy: Will you be boarding Mariner at San Francisco on 01/24/2024? Hope answer is Yes. That is when spouse and self will be walking (if there is no rain) downhill most of the way from Ritz Carleton Hotel to the Pier. Hope to see you onboard for segment to Tahiti. GOARMY!

Bruce61: Yes. Formal Optional Nights are delineated on, initially, your "Preliminary Vacation Summary" received directly from Regent and/or via your Travel Advisor. There will be a "F" mark on the far right of "Cruise Itinerary" portion for those Formal Optional Nights. The standard over the past several years has been: cruise segments of 16 or more "at sea" days will have two such "F" designations, irrespective of itinerary. Hot or cold; Atlantic, Pacific, 'Carib, or 'Med. Usually--usually: such are second day at sea on night of Captain's Reception; and on penultimate night, again, usually associated w/"Krew Kapers" and Captain's Farewell Reception. And, there will be reminders posted, appropriately, in "Passages" as there are for each night for appropriate 1800H + attire in public venues and restaurants. ----- the_dylaness: OUTSTANDING!, as we used to say in the Military. We dress to acknowledge respect for Regent's level of service (over these past 20+ years). Good Army wife and self will be so-clothed on the two "F" nights on our upcoming January-February Mariner segment--San Francisco via Hawaii to Polynesia. Have checked my tux; still fits, more or less. Best to all; and safe travels. GOARMY!

Reiterate comments made in Post #11. My wife is a gourmet cook. Have most of the Julia Child cookbooks; she has replicated many favorites over the many years. Have utilized OBCs for cooking classes during several Explorer segments, including the one referenced in Post 11. She comes away with learning a thing or two as to preparation. Her Conclusion: time (and OBCs) well utilized. My conclusion as a consumer--Likewise. But, as always, YMMV. GOARMY!

Constantly monitoring this Site. Extra attention because luggage tags arrived today for next month's Mariner cruise. Have begun noting current, and recent-past cruisers' location on Mariner, as to Suite site(s) experiencing a flushing problem. This brought to mind when last on Mariner. October-November '22. As noted above: on one or two occasions, first attempt hitting the flush button did not work. Second attempt did not work. So--shut door; repaired to Suite contemplating a call to Reception. Magically, maybe ten or so minutes later, heard that delightful flushing sound. Magical. Another form of relief. This scenario was replicated two or three more times over the next two weeks. No rhyme or reason for timing. Never needed to call for assistance, as the situation "cleared up" on its own. Still---- GOARMY!

TS: "Awful reviews . . . poorly managed ship. .." and so-on. We were most-recently on Explorer this last September-October, Vancouver to Tokyo segment. You will be going the other way. Firstly: every cruise segment on every Regent ship--and we have been on all of them except Splendor and Grandeur (Grandeur will be visited in the near-future)--has had a hiccup or two, OR NONE. And, that is the point. We have had our reasonable expectations met on cruises going back to the Radisson days when aboard Mariner. That is over the past 20+ years. Looking forward to boarding Mariner, yet-again, in January. Yes, Regent is well-aware of passenger feedback, to include reviewing mid-cruise "Comments" Management listens. Staff has listed to me on those very-few occasions when we (spouse included) felt the need to provide on-board feedback when something was amiss. Followed up by contacting us for an onboard in-person meeting. Professional. Heard us, and responded--appropriately. Nothing earth shattering. But, important enough for us to comment; and Regent to make the effort to seek us out, and follow up. We don't sweat the small stuff. Just be wary of both the "Home Team" rooters; or-or the "Debby Downer" naysayers who look for every variance from what may not have been experienced on a previous segment. It is interesting to read Post-cruise segment reviews from folks ON THE SAME Cruise who come away with differing opinions. And, I do not mean just what salad dressing was, or was not, available; and, heaven forbid--and overcooked (or undercooked) lobster in Prime 7. We have also sailed on the other 5+star "small ship/all-inclusive" Lines. To include, as have you, several aboard Crystal. (Will give Crystal another try once our trusted Travel Agent advises being comfortable in booking clients aboard another segment.) So---FWIIW; and another bromide: Your mileage may vary. Enjoy your cruise. We plan to enjoy the next three already booked w/Regent. GOARMY!

Several times at Vancouver, BC waiting to board various Regent ships. Most-recent was September 19th waiting to board Explorer the next-day for the segment to Tokyo. Stay was at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street. About a seven block walk to the Pier. Pleasant walk. Regent used two hotels; can't recall the name of the other one. Very-nice. GOARMY!

labonnevie: Not to twist the knife on this, but, "Net, net" as to Regent management attitude could also be considered in the Russian equivalent-- NYET!, Nyet! GOARMY! .

cruisevirgin24: Yes. Your bags (left outside your Suite door the night before) will have already been picked up. Just take yourself and any carryons to La Veranda or Compass Rose. GOARMY!

Georgia: Enjoying your "blow-by-blow" account. Have never been on Oceana. Probably never will, given management's philosophy which is: My (our) way or the highway. Believe we were with you aboard Explorer a bit ago on the Vancouver-Tokyo segment. GOARMY!

The F&B Manager is definitely on top of List for a dinner "partner". Recently (May-June on a Navigator B2B) with F&B Manager Brandon Haylock. Accepted a dinner invitation first-extended by the Head Sommelier during our initial "Welcome Aboard" La Veranda lunch. We have become wary of accepting invitations which, in the pre-COVID days, usually resulted in meeting at a table for six--or even eight. My wife has hearing difficulties which make it challenging to participate in large table conversations. The Sommelier assured us it would just be the three of us. Given that my wife is a gourmet cook who takes almost-every Cooking Class when aboard Explorer--this was a no-brainer. The first dinner at Compass Rose was delightful. I stayed out of the conversation, as Brandon and my wife explored details of certain sauce presentations going best with certain entrees. Way-beyond me. And yes, the Wait Staff was very-attentive, particularly when Brandon sent back a special bottle of red wine which was initially met to go with our entrees. Not-up to his tasting standards. The replacement was delicious. This led to a second invitation during the second cruise phase. Brandon, from South Africa, asked us to join him at a special dinner featuring only South African cuisine paired with South African wines. Yes. Another positive experience. None of those dishes was on the regular Compass Rose menu. Unique courses prepared under his supervision. Now--that is attention to detail. Have had positive experiences on other Regent cruises when dining with a F&B Manager--but none with so much individual attention as that experienced on our most-recent one on Navigator. So--if one has the opportunity, go for it. GOARMY!

Here are examples of shore stops offering excursion possibilities. This is a compilation from several of our cruises. Cadiz, Spain Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain San Juan, Puerto Rico Royal Naval Dock Yard, Bermuda Funchal - Madeira Island, Portugal Gibraltar, United Kingdom Other CCers will probably be able to offer additions. GOARMY!

Stand-by. It would be helpful if you supply name of ship; and departure date from Barcelona. Based on three experiences--one pre and the others post-COVID--either on a TA from Barcelona to Miami or NYC; or on one occasion, from Miami to Barcelona: Yes. Stops at Cadiz, Spain; and Azores, for quick examples. There were more, but I would have to dig through previous cruise files to provide additional specifics. Which I will do, shortly. More to follow. GOARMY!

January, 2025. LA-Canal-Miami. GOARMY!

Very current comment. Spouse participated in two of these Classes during Explorer's just-completed September-October Vancouver-Tokyo segment. She retained the detailed printed materials; and advised Instructor, with Seattle roots, was the best in guiding guests throughout the approximately two hour sessions. One ran a little over; the other was right-on the two hour timeline. My wife, a gourmet cook to which I can attest for the past 54+ years, always looks for opportunities to increase culinary skills. This evening, she replicated preparing salmon similar to that demonstrated--and consumed--during one of those onboard classes. Delicious. Plan to sign-up for similar venue(s) on future Explorer and Grandeur cruises. GOARMY!

flossie: Please pass on our BIG "How do you doooooooo" to dear Ray. Our favorite Regent Cruise Director. We just-missed him when boarding Navigator at NYC in late May. He got off; we got on. Darn it. Jim and Sue Redmond, WA (GOARMY!)

RELS: Quick add-on to Pcardad's cogent comment. Of course, you can, and should, call Regent for clarification and peace of mind. If, for no other reason, to alert of wasted resources. Would be interesting if this was a One-Off. We have never experienced similar during an almost 20-years association with Radisson/Regent, whether with a past, or our current TA. Another thought. Was there no one else at TA's office available to answer, and then respond, to this query? I would be concerned as to a TA association/operation that does not provide a back-up. We always receive an email alert from our TA as to his/her absence(s) from the office either for personal, or cruise reasons. Name and phone number for that office Associate provided. And, we have had the need to utilize that information on more than one occasion. Thus, seamless service. Something to consider. GOARMY!

Edit: Excuse my spelling gaff. That's British Isles. GOARMY

pappy1022: That was unfortunate. We had a wonderful experience (PreCOVID) when on Explorer's 2019 Around the British Aisles segment. "The Boys from Liverpool". A Tribute Band from Liverpool brought onboard for a 5:45pm show. These guys put on a great performance. Recall literally running across the Pier from our excursion bus following an afternoon tour back to ship. Got great side Balcony seats close to Stage. The place quickly filled-up. Packed by 5:30pm. Such venue was advertised in "Passages" beginning about three days' prior to arriving at Liverpool. Trust Regent rebooks this Act in the near-future. GOARMY!