Boatie 1

All the blood, sweat ,and tears for NO reason. But we are happy even though lots of $$$ leff somewhere??Now looking  forward to the cruise. Boatie!

Still waiting for our visa's  We leave in 6 days(MAYBE)...very frustrating. 

has anyone received their visas????

Boatie

We are still trying and are so discouraged every day it seems a new issue. We sail on the 10th!!

We have been very loyal to Regent but it seems hopeless!! We were so looking forward to this trip.

My husband has spent literally hours uploading and resending...this shouldn't be. I am ready to throw in the towel!!

Boatie

I guess a lot of us are in the same BOAT!! I can't count the number of emails and phone

calls my husband and I have made. Now it is time for the Online Check-In!!! This 

is extremely frustrating as there seems no solution or person to talk to!!!

Boatie

We still have not be able to get our EVisas for Brazil. We have been uploading and reloading trying

to please the POWERS that be. Regent has been NO help. I thought that this was a Luxury Cruise line and that being a frequent cruiser with them for over 20 years would have some pull but they have washed their hands of this matter!!!

My husband and I are curious as to whether anyone has been able to obtain the EVisa!! 

We would love to hear if so. We have trip insurance but the lack of the required visa is not a reason for reimbursement!!!

Boatie

Totally agree about the carpeting. What were they thinking??? It does look like body fluids! 

Curious as to who the designer was? It is really a shame and I don't think they will be changing anytime soon. Boatie

The Frustration continues...Regent has been NO help except to give us the Visa Central contact costing us additional, but that would be okay if we had a positive result. Finally after 5 different uploads and many hours back and forth with our TA and Visa Central (not that cooperative) my husband, we think, has a visa.  I have been disqualified again as I didn't have round trip air!!! and was using my husband's bank statement. This alone is disconcerting....we now have, our bankers alerted even though our bank statements had all numbers crossed out.  It is so ridiculous. I am disappointed that Regent hasn't been more proactive. We would not book, if we had known all this harassment.

I pray this trip will be worth it. I normally have a positive outlook but I have lost my sense of humor.!!!

Boatie

My husband and I are so frustrated with the Visa app..After being rejected twice we went to Visa Central.com paid the $325. each (our siister in law going with us). We have sent in all the requirements  (now 3 x's even with them the person we spoke very unpleasant so  reuploading bank statements, photos of our passports(too shiny)etc....and now again rejected! Has anyone obtained the Visa. At this rate there is going to be an empty ship. 

Boatie

We have just left  the Splendor. I wish they had been more "up front" about the situation. As we all know that when stories start in the rumor mill they get exaggerated. Our butler was mum as were all those we asked. My husband and I will get tested once we get home. There were many who seemed to have upper respiratory issues not sure if RSV or Covid.....🤨

We are in Heathrow waiting our flight home. We were sad to leave as the ship is beautiful. 

Mainly happy to escape the covid that seems to be brewing on board. All crew wearing masks to prevent further spreading. Those affected remained in their suites(I hope). Curious to see how this next cruise deals with the issue.

I agree ...they were very itchy....the bathrobe  became the blanket of choice!

1. Formal night was a mixture of Sport Jackets, Suits, and a few tuxedo's. Most men I saw had on ties and the gals were dressed up. Those who didn't want to dress I guess dined at Taste or had room service. People seemed please to "play dress -up".

2. Mushroom soup was not available the night we ate at Waterside. 

3.There is a veal chop at Osteria but no Osso Bucco unless Waterside might have it as a special .

But just being back brought enough warm memories....

Muriel

I am in the "same boat" ..no survey has been sent. I have asked my TA she was checking.

Muriel

My husband and I are home and missing having ENGIN deliver our breakfast with his endearing smile and witty remarks. Yes, being back on the Crystal was wonderful. Thomas Wolfe said,"You Can't go Home Again", but he never traveled on the Crystal Serenity!! On boarding in Lisbon we were met by many familiar faces and some new, but all so welcoming and happy to be back on board.

We had Crystal Penthouse 11023 and there were no physical changes in the furnishings, except for a new carpet, which I felt was a very poor choice(color and design). My first negative comment would be the choice of carpeting throughout the ship(I am an Interior Designer and very surprised at the selections).But getting back to our suite the bedding and mattress were all new and perfect as were the bath towels. Our Housekeeper was delightful and kept our space sparkling and comfortable. We did have air conditioning issues (freezing and the thermostat wasn't working) but after 2 attempts of working in the ceiling it worked properly. The TV, WiFi 's and phones had a few glitzes  but we expected this.

We dined(there was three of us as my sister was with us in 11021) 4 nights at Osteria d'Ovidio and the food was very good. Yes, Prego was different. My comment here is that they need to have at least one daily special as the menu is small and can be repetitive. I was amazed that the room was so empty. The last night they only did 16 covers!! Mario, Maurizio, Hisliene were great. A different story at Umi Uma it was much busier but still many empty tables... Ziggie, Alberto and other familiar smiles greeted us. We ate there 3 times and each time was perfect. Tastes was a fun change especially with Jiri delivering some great wines. We were disappointed in our meal at Waterside. 

The entertainment was good but seemed 9:45 a wee late to start. Steve Stevens the comedian was so funny and talented glad he was back. In the past we would have our cocktails on deck 5. Wow this space needs upgrading  The furniture is the old uncomfortable chairs and sofas and they are VERY TIRED. We are not gamblers but the Casino space has no imagination. I feel they weren't sure what to do so little thought went into its design. 

The Captain Vincent Taillard(sp?)arrived on board in Lisbon. His sail away invitation leaving Bordeaux was so appreciated and a great experience.

For us, Crystal is back and we look forward to returning with her in the near future. 

My husband and I feel blessed to be able to show our appreciation for those special folks who go over board to make our journey a pleasure. Our Butler is very special to us and it is our way of thanking him for being the responsible and caring. Our housekeeping staff has been terrific and work very hard so they, too, deserve an extra thank you. We have never been on a cruise where we have not felt the need for giving a gratuity to those who are working hard at their job. Yes I know it is their but JOB but being charitable to others is our pleasure!! We are presently on the Crystal and enjoying being back.

I have tried to hold back my thoughts BUT all this talk about milestone sounds so very elitist and like a good ole boys club...You make someone like my husband and I who only book the Crystal Penthouse when we go on the Serenity like 2nd class citizens. We happen to travel Regent and Crystal and fortunately are able to book the "Big Boy Suites". But we are not bragging about where we stay and all our perks. It isn't flattering to hear all this and it makes some people uncomfortable. I know I am going to hear grief on this but this isn't a closed fraternity. I felt relaxed about dining reservations in the specialty dining rooms since we are booked in the Crystal Penthouse, but now it sounds like we have to have competition with 100 hours folks etc.

I am as excited about the ship being back as most of you are and happy to be sailing again. But it sounds like High School to worry about whether our name was on a plague and who knows who etc..I too have some special favorites on board but don't feel the need to name drop!!

We all should thank our blessings just to be able to sail again. AMEN!    Boatie

Again I am STILL getting nowhere...many phone calls with Crystal and my TA..  So frustrating!! 

Seems they can't fix this glitch!! Keith has been trying. But some many of us our in the same BOAT!!

Keith

Thanks for the email The problem occurs where a red circle appears at "Additional Information". Everything has been entered. My TA called and I spoke to someone they can't seem to find an answer for this problem??

Boatie(Muriel)

Very frustrating not to be able to access the login . I tried on my lap top and felt I had completed it but no success. Then my husband tried on our hard drive same situation. I called and spoke to someone and got a vague response that perhaps Safari had the problem!! Called my Ta and she spoke with them still unable to complete registering. So frustrating!! I hope they can get their act together so far I am unimpressed and I am a loyal Crystaller!!

Keith,

I think you are correct about a lack of response on roll calls. Times have changed since Covid.

As for us we are just happy to be able to experience the NEW Crystal and fingers crossed that it will be like what we experienced in the past.

Boatie(Muriel)

Where are  listings of the Excursions, as we are on the Lisbon to Southampton?

Boatie

My husband and I our foodies any recommendation for the night before the cruise 

for a nice dinner? We are staying at the Lisbon Four Seasons/Ritz.

Boatie

Oh gosh thanks...We have been fortunate  to have spent the last 4 cruises on the Explorer in the Regent Suite. The only negative there is that when the seas are rough you really rock and roll !! But NO Noise. And the wonderful care of the head butler. I was concerned re:967/966,  as it seemed probable that the noise would carry down plus the kitchen odors....

Boatie

OH GREAT AS I WAS CONCERNED..Thanks

SORRY THE EXPLORER....