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HappyTvlr

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Posts posted by HappyTvlr

  1. I noticed that the excursions disappeared yesterday as well.  I never received notification of cancellation, and my account showed the deduction of my OBC for the fishing trip. I called and the Regent rep confirmed that the excursion has not been cancelled.  He also confirmed what we all know about the web site being less than perfect.  BTW, the excursions are back on the website.  I am interested in a golf excursion.  I'll keep an eye out, but it isn't ideal to have to keep checking. 

  2. I recently did a 10 day tour with Scenic.  It was beyond amazing.  We did 3 days in BA, flew to the Falls for 3 nights and stayed at the Belmond on the Brazil side with private access as described above, and ended with 3 nights at the Copacabana Palace in Rio with a visit to Christ the Redeemer.  We did have a lunch at the Gran Melia on the Argentina side.  IMHO, there is no comparison.  The Belmond on the Brazil side was epic.  I agree with the person above about over cooking the steaks in Argentina.  It was funny to see the change in Rio where they fall solidly in the rare to blue category.

  3. Just enjoyed a stay at the Biltmore.  Our experience with the bus transfer went quite smoothly.  We had an 11:30 which was the second bus.  Our luggage was picked up from our room at 8 AM, we enjoyed breakfast, and promptly boarded the bus for an ontime departure.  Drive was around 30 mins.  Line for embarkation was short and we were onboard drinking champagne in no time.  I was skeptical about what to expect based on some people having horrible experiences, but ours was great.

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  4. I have to add that I just finished my first cruise with Regent and the steam room and other amenities were a highlight.  I was on Grandeur, and it was fabulous.  I couldn't figure out the aromatherapy option, but the steam was great as was the sauna and showers.  I booked my next cruise on the Navigator, and I was pleased to see they have the same amenities.  Not Grandeur style, but they will get the job done.

  5. I'm considering a Regent cruise that is scheduled to be in Charlestown on 31 Dec (NYE).  Regent's site said there are currently no shore excursions available.  I wondered if it was because of the holiday, and called to get more info.The rep said he had no idea but would try to find out and get back to me.  I looked around for the stop on other itineraries with Regent and couldn't find any excursions for the port.  I've never been to St. Kitts & Nevis, but it seems most of the excursions are out of St. Kitts Basseterre.  Would love info on what is going on with the stop in Charlestown.  Thanks!

  6. 12 hours ago, GOARMY said:

    SWFLAOK:

     

    While anecdotal, hope helpful.  Of course, what follows for your consideration is worth what you are paying for it. 

     

    River Cruises.  Consider Uniworld.  Did two of these, pre-COVID, in France.  Top Class, to include pre or post-stays at Paris in wonderful hotels.  Traversed the major rivers throughout France; back-and-forth on trains to and from Paris to link-up with segments; and opportunities to visit the American Army's "D-Day" Utah and Omaha landing beaches; city of Caen; town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, DZ (Drop Zone) for the 82nd Airborne Division; Military Museums; and, most-important--the Military Museum and Cemetery above Omaha Beach. 

     

    Rows, and rows, of Crosses and Stars of David.     

     

    In late 2019, booked a third Uniworld series to incorporate Normandy, Fall, 2020. This would have included a day-long tour to the British and Canadian (and Polish) "D-Day" landing Beaches at Gold, Juno, and Sword.  But, course, canceled due to Covid. 

     

    No issues in retrieving funds from that booking. 

     

    Based on the above, recommend checking-out Uniworld.  No doubt, CCers with more recent experiences will chime in.  

     

    As to Ritz Carlton (RC):  This "brand" is long, long-established.  Have had the good fortune to experience past bookings at RC's associated Hotels, to include the one at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Again, in conjunction with a Regent cruise. 

     

    Our most-recent RC stay was last month.  Arranged by Regent.  We were at RC's San Francisco Hotel for (unfortunately) only one night.  This was prior to our joining Mariner on January 24th for an interesting World Cruise segment--San Francisco-via Hawaii, to French Polynesia.  

     

    Absolutely great service at RC.  Very-caring Staff, from check-in; to restaurants; to check-out and getting on that bus for transit to the Pier. 

     

    BTW:  This 'Frisco RC site was utilized for several segments within, and without.  That was when filming "Pal Joey".  That's Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth.  Do a Google. 

     

    There I go, again, in nostalgic musings. 

     

    Anyways--

     

    Safe Travels.  Hope to see some of you at London in June prior to Regent's transport to Southampton.  Then:  Splendor. 

     

    GOARMY!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

     

       

    I am a huge fan of Uniworld.  I just did three weeks in France covering the cruise journey you described, and did a 3+ week journey from Amsterdam to Bucharest in 2019 and India in 2018.  The only pre/post covid difference we noted was some staffing shortages with staff being taken from one area to cover another, but otherwise everything was top notch.  Looking forward to Milan to Venice in August.

    Since we're giving recommendations, I will mention that Scenic has excellent land tours.  I went with them for Egypt and Jordan, and recently went from Buenos Aires to Rio to see the Iguazu Falls. 5 star all the way with accommodation and tours. I have not tried them for river because I am a fan of Uniworld.

    I am looking forward to my first Regent cruise this month. My ocean cruise experience is limited to Celebrity which I loved, but I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level.

    • Like 1
  7. I just completed three weeks in France on SS Catherine, SS Joie de Vivre and SS Bon Voyage and spend three weeks on the River Duchess in 2019 (Amsterdam to Bucharest).  I also enjoyed a week on the Ganges Voyager in 2018.  All were wonderful in my opinion, and shared the same high quality.  Room sizes seem to be similar in general, but all are on the smaller side possibly with the exception of higher end suites which I do not choose.  I enjoy being out and about.  Keep in mind you may sacrifice "room"  space for a balcony.  Pay careful attention to the room descriptions and deck plans. Room amenities and condition were all similar, but some were configured better than others in my opinion.  That said, it really is subjective.  I also formed opinions about optimal location of the coffee stations. While this made me like one cruise more than the other, I know to be more selective on room location in the future.  I've heard a lot of people are put off Uniworld because of the opulent decorations.  I enjoy their luxury touches and inclusions and will continue to travel with them.  The simple answer to your question is that in my experience they maintain a high standard regardless of ship.

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  8. 17 hours ago, pooleman said:

    Another option post-cruise might be to take advantage of the airlines' lounges, either as a perk of your flight or to buy your way in. Usually not a bad way to spend several hours pre- flight.

    I agree on the lounge issue, but overcrowding and time limits have put a stop to this delight.  This has been my experience since moving to the US in 2016. The first time we flew out of Orlando we were shocked that we couldn't even check in for our flight and check our bags more than 4 hours before the flight.  Centurion lounges only allow you in 3 hours before first flight and that is if the lounge isn't already full.  The same goes for priority pass lounges that we have been waitlisted on up to 3 hours. 

    • Like 1
  9. I would like to know if anyone has taken the Padua Walking tour with Uniworld.  I am specifically interested in knowing if the tour includes the Scrovegni Chapel.  I am assuming it does not because it isn't in the description, but it seems crazy because this is such a significant place to visit. I guess you can say it is wishful thinking.

  10. 16 hours ago, Shawski said:

    Thanks everyone for all your replies. Sorry it took me so long to get back her after my original post. My friends and I have decided on the Rhône. It just seems more interesting with more of a variety than the Bordeaux area. We’ve decided to book on Scenic and hoping it lives up to its reviews. 

    Looking forward to hearing how it goes.  I traveled with Scenic to Egypt/Jordan and Argentina/Brazil (Iguazu Falls), and they did an outstanding job.  You're likely to have lots of Aussies on your trip which will add to the fun!

     

    • Haha 1
  11. 1 hour ago, capriccio said:

    I was just about to recommend Uniworld's French river cruises.  In 2016 we didn't have enough time to take the "Ultimate" tour but instead did the Grand France tour of the Seine and the Rhone.  Both were excellent cruises, but especially the Rhone if interested in wine. 

     

    One of our favorite excursions was the Truffle Farm & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tasting.  After the wine tasting, the guide said it would take a few minutes for the bus to be ready to leave.  We watched as staff brought out case after case of wine to put in the luggage section of the bus.  When we pulled up to the ship, the entire crew from the 2 Captains to the housekeeping staff were lined up from the parking area onto the ship and proceeded to unload all the cases passing them down the line.  We knew the Uniworld chefs frequently shopped in local markets and bakeries at stops but this was the first time we'd seen anything like this and we were very appreciative.

    That's awesome!  We're already signed up for that excursion.

  12. This October I'm taking the Ultimate France (22 days) on Uniworld which includes Rhone River and Bordeaux as well as Paris and Normandy.  It can be broken down into three separate cruises.  Check out the Uniworld website for details.  I have not traveled with Viking, but I have been on Uniworld for 28 days from Amsterdam to Bucharest and a week in India on the Ganges. Uniworld is more expensive at first glance, but is more inclusive with unlimited beverages and multiple shore excursions most days (AM and PM).  Their wine program was something that stood out to me.  Each night they offered a white and red wine from the region in addition to other options.  I was worried about being in Germany for two weeks with local wines possibly being sweet, but Uniworld did an excellent job showcasing dry reds and whites. I compared daily schedules between Viking and Uniworld, and for the France trip Uniworld offered more wine experiences that were included and other premium experiences at an additional cost as part of their Masterpiece collection.  One exceptional experience I had with Uniworld was in Budapest.  We were there for a couple of days as part when some passengers left after the 15 day journey from Amsterdam and others joined us for the duration to Bucharest.  It wasn't on the itinerary, but they offered those of us continuing a trip to the country side for tastings at two wineries.  One included a delicious lunch and a session where we got into groups and created our own "Bull's Blood".  There was no additional charge for the outing.  They wanted us off the boat while they did their turnover, and it was a great alternative to free time in Budapest because we already had excursions there planned the next two days. 

    As I said, my trip to France is next month and I will post a review.  I thought I would offer information on Uniworld so you can add them to your list of options.  I've included details about their wine program, but will add that their other excursions were also exceptional.  In India for example, we stayed at a hotel where every room had a view of the Taj Mahal. They also took us to both sunset and then sunrise at the Taj Mahal.  Once in a lifetime experiences.

    • Like 3
  13. I'm preparing for the Ultimate France trip in October, and I would appreciate information on some of the Masterpiece options.  In2019 the Ultimate European Journey in 2019 so I know that they provide more information and I can book once onboard, but I am curious about a couple options. 

     

    Rouen – Mont St. Michael – It appears to be an 11 hour trip because of the drive time.  I'd like to know if anyone has done it and what you thought.  I really want to know if you miss the evening Night’s out concert because this looks amazing.

    Honfleur – My husband is going to play golf in the morning, and we are wondering if he will be back in time for the trip to St. Wandrille and Monastic beer in the evening.

    Macon -  I'd appreciate your thoughts on the Chateau de Rully wine tasting vs Beaune and hospices. I realize this is comparing apples and oranges, but would appreciate your thought based on your experience.

     

    Please add any additional thoughts on the excursion options. I am a huge fan of Uniworld because of their excursions, but I find that getting the information in advance is difficult and there were issues on our European Journey with options filling up.

  14. It seems to vary, but on Getaway Veuve was available only by the glass in Le Bistro which they generously poured. Pommery Rose was available by the glass in certain bars such as Atrium and Mixx  as well as the MDR and likely other restaurants.

    Someone above commented on being given Veuve after complaining, and while he was successful my opinion is that this is not the solution.  I don't have an issue with complaining and being compensated, but the compensation will vary depending on the manager and availability and only escalate the outrage if the compensation is not adequate and/or consistent.  A couple on our cruise complained and got a bottle of Veuve.  We could have followed their lead and complained.  How angry do you think we would have been if we weren't given a bottle?  What about the next couple? Slippery slope.  We complained early and often to anyone involved with beverage service that the substitution of Pommery Rose for Veuve was unacceptable with the goal of them reporting back to people with the power to change the system. I also sent a nasty gram directly to NCL because they need to hear it and not just the person with no power on the ship. 

    For those saying it doesn't matter and that it is the itinerary that matters most, imagine your room gets downgraded and you don't have the balcony you paid for and you just get a window.  Perhaps all the port stops in Alaska get cancelled and you have multiple sea days no where near land for views. It is as simple as expecting to get what you agreed to pay for be it wine, room type or itinerary. 

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  15. No way I am hauling wine to the cruise.  To me it's like taking sand to the beach.  We compared NCL's wine list (FAS+) to Royal and Celebrity premium, and believe NCL is better.  That said, our opinion is that it's almost the only thing we liked better about NCL.  I'm working on the overall review, but gut feeling based on overall cruise experience we enjoyed Celebrity better.  I'll wait for the review to rant about the ridiculous smoke coming from the casio.  That's a different topic entirely! 

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