Live From the Navigator, 29 Dec - 8 Jan, Western Mexico

Saturday, 30 Dec, At Sea:

Well, here we are, back on our favorite ship, and I have to say, she is looking absolutely gorgeous. The overhaul they did on her last year (I think that’s when it was) is amazing. She looks almost new inside (I say almost because the carpet in the cabins is fairly light and is already showing some stains, in our cabin at least). I am very impressed with how they lightened up the colors throughout the ship, and added more lighting to Compass Rose so you can actually see what you’re eating now! Seriously, the Navigator is just beautiful now.

We did a first for us yesterday and flew into the port city (LA) the morning of the cruise departure. Luckily, Southwest was on time and we had no problems (except God awful LA traffic) getting to the port very much in time. In fact, we were early (11:30) so had to wait to check in. And here is where I discovered that change that Regent has recently implemented regarding higher cabins having boarding priority. And it was handled HORRIBLY.

First off, a woman (not associated with Regent; I assume she was a port employee) made an announcement that we would be boarding based on cabin category. She then proceeded to single out the people in each of the higher categories and explained to them (in front of everyone) how they would check in (with the highest going first, then the next highest going second, and so on). She then announced that after the highest categories boarded, the Titaniums would be next, followed by the Platinums. After that, everyone else would be “allowed” to check in. When it was finally time to check in, she again in a very loud voice singled each of the higher categories out, and directed them to the check in desk, followed by the Titaniums and Platinums. When all those people were finally out of the check in line, the rest of us were allowed to line up.

Now here’s why I have a problem with this. I don’t mind the separate line for the higher cabin category guests and Titanium and Platinum guests (it was clearly marked with a large sign by the way). But the loud announcements singling out the various guests were just plain tacky and quite frankly, I’d have been embarrassed if I had been one of those guests. We all had to sign the medical forms at a table before entering the check in waiting area...it would have been so much better if the agents there had just quietly asked each guest if they were in one of those cabins, and if they said yes, tell them that they should use the separate line when check in opened up. Then have a couple of dedicated agents to check just that line in. That way, the higher priority guests would still get checked in much more quickly, but it wouldn’t be so darn obvious what was going on. To make matters worse, after all of us who had been waiting were finally in line, that same woman would ask any new guests who came in what category cabin they were in...and they had to answer right in front of everyone in the line! In my opinion, it was none of her damn business what category they were in...she could simply have asked them if they were in one of the priority cabins, and if they said yes, she could have directed them to the separate line. Oh my, it was just a terrible way to start off a cruise, and so unlike the normal Regent experience. Now in all fairness, it wasn’t Regent employees doing this, and the port employees are probably used to the class structure in the mass market lines and so are used to singling out the “special” passengers. But someone at Regent should have done a better job of explaining to them how to handle Regent guests.

But enough of that...this cruise has been too fabulous so far to let something like a tacky check in procedure ruin it. For starters, the crew is amazing as usual. We were greeting by Viktoria when we boarded, and she remembered us from our Amazon cruise on the Mariner...she gave me a big hug and that was the best way possible to start our journey. Then we went to the pool bar and Sonja from the same cruise was there...she ran around the bar and hugged both Mike and me. It’s so much like returning to family whenever we board a Regent ship! Paul Reynolds stopped by to greet us, and he was so personable as well (a vast improvement over when he was the CD on our first Regent cruise, when he seemed a bit out of sorts). We gave him your message by the way, TravelCat and he said to return the greetings. Then we saw Mark, the assistant CD who was also on our last cruise, and he too remembered us (kind of hard not to remember the klutz who fell down, twice, and busted her face and broke her foot!!!). Anyway, my point in all this is that the staff onboard is great, and the service is impeccable as always.

The food has been fantastic as well. Admittedly we’ve only had the one dinner, but it was really, really good. We like the new menu, where you can either order the “set” meals, or you can “build your own” with the various meats and seafoods accompanied by whatever sauce and sides you choose. Mike usually isn’t a fan of

Compass Rose, but he said he thinks we’ll eat there every night now, thanks to the menu change.

While we don’t watch much TV when cruising, we were very disappointed to find out that the ship does not carry ESPN and supposedly has no way of getting the feed in for the college playoffs on Monday. I know that on the Mariner several years ago, they set up a TV in the card room and ran the NFL playoff games, so I’m pretty sure there must be a way to work it. But no one on the ship is willing to give it a try, so we’re going to have to try to find a sports bar in Cabo and watch the first game (I’m a Georgia grad and was there in 1980 when they won their last national championship, so there’s no way I want to miss their playoff game on Monday). It’s a shame...I so wanted to watch it on the Navigator.

The passenger demographics are a bit different on this cruise than any other we’ve been on. There are several children as well as young adults on board. It’s nice to see the young people really enjoying themselves.

Tomorrow is another sea day and I’m looking forward to it, as 5 very busy port days follow. Heck, if every day was a sea day I’d be happy!!! Just loving it so much being back on a Regent ship!!!! Even if our suite is considered steerage!!!!

That check in sounds absolutely horrible! REGENT RETHINK THIS PROCESS PLEASE.

What was RSSC thinking regarding the check in procedure??? Glad to hear the ship is in great condition. Look forward to your further posts on excursions, activities, ports etc. Does the redesign of the coffee connection work? Hope you enjoy your holiday cruise. I suppose the ship is full?

Check sounds awful, not acceptable! But otherwise, once on board, back to normal wonderful! Enjoy your cruise!

This is why I was complaining so loudly. However, it must be said that priority boarding for the Navigator was worse than in Miami as there were no announcements - simply a line that could be entered by Seven Seas suites and above. On the other hand, they are now recognizing Platinum and Titanium which is a good thing. While I am against priority boarding, at least Regent is recognizing their valued loyal customers.

TahoeTraveler - thank you so much for sending Paul our regards and it is good to know that he is back to being his excellent self!

In terms of ESPN, I thought that Regent had decided that it was too expensive to include that channel. However, I believe that they are paying for Super Bowl to be broadcast on the ships.

Continue to enjoy your cruise and share with us when you have time:)

This check in sounds too much like I’m sitting at DFW getting on AA. Ok for airline....not Regent.

Just have separate lines that are marked. That’s it.

Thanks Tami & Mike for a (finally, live) Regent cruise critic thread. Concur, the boarding process as u exceptionally well describe sounds atrocious. I copied your post (good and not so good) and sent to the President of Regent (Jason Montague--who replies in a timely manner) via Facebook Messenger, hoping this boarding process was the result of an over exuberant Regent land staff employee vs. the new normal.

More importantly keep enjoying your Navigator cruise and even more importantly, have a Happy, Healthy, New Year.

Tahoe Traveler: We will be boarding for the WC at the end of your voyage. Yes, we will be virgin Titaniums at that point but do not like this new boarding process at all. LIke TC2 we believe that all Regent passengers are first class and should be treated as such outside the suites. Will report our experience when it's our turn on 1/8.

What was RSSC thinking regarding the check in procedure??? Glad to hear the ship is in great condition. Look forward to your further posts on excursions, activities, ports etc. Does the redesign of the coffee connection work? Hope you enjoy your holiday cruise. I suppose the ship is full?

I’ve been told the ship is full. And yes, the redesign of the coffee connection seems to be rather efficient. However, we’ve only been on the ship for a bit over a day, so give us some time to fully experience it!!!! Having a blast regardless and will post more as we continue on our journey.

Thanks Tami & Mike for a (finally, live) Regent cruise critic thread. Concur, the boarding process as u exceptionally well describe sounds atrocious. I copied your post (good and not so good) and sent to the President of Regent (Jason Montague--who replies in a timely manner) via Facebook Messenger, hoping this boarding process was the result of an over exuberant Regent land staff employee vs. the new normal.

 

More importantly keep enjoying your Navigator cruise and even more importantly, have a Happy, Healthy, New Year.

Thanks Wes. I had planned to write a letter to Regent on our return, to explain how the distinction (which I do not disagree with) could have been better handled, but you probably beat me to it!!! If you hear anything at all, please let me know...otherwise, I’ll pen that letter when I get home. Please don’t get me wrong...I am not meaning to complain. But Regent stands for so many things, not the least of which is an exceptional passenger experience. And those of us in “steerage” most definitely did not get that on check in for this cruise. It was just handled badly. And Happy New Year to you!!!

This is why I was complaining so loudly. However, it must be said that priority boarding for the Navigator was worse than in Miami as there were no announcements - simply a line that could be entered by Seven Seas suites and above. On the other hand, they are now recognizing Platinum and Titanium which is a good thing. While I am against priority boarding, at least Regent is recognizing their valued loyal customers.

 

TahoeTraveler - thank you so much for sending Paul our regards and it is good to know that he is back to being his excellent self!

 

In terms of ESPN, I thought that Regent had decided that it was too expensive to include that channel. However, I believe that they are paying for Super Bowl to be broadcast on the ships.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise and share with us when you have time:)

TC, I absolutely agree that Platinum and Titanium members should have priority...I doubt we’ll ever reach either of those levels, but darn if we aren’t having a great time trying!!! Loyalty should be recognized, and we were not offended at all by that part of it..just that it was so obnoxiously advertised (no fault at all of the Regent guests). As for the Super Bowl, I’m sorry but for many, many passengers, the college football playoffs are more important than anything the NFL could ever do. It is simply ridiculous that Regent could not spend the money to get the college playoff games broadcast (especially given the current view of the NFL). There are so many people on this ship who are asking for the college games to be broadcast. Seriously...it’s crazy. Bad, bad move on Regent’s part. We will attempt to find a sports bar in Cabo where we can watch the game...but it’s really a shame that we have to do that.

We will attempt to find a sports bar in Cabo where we can watch the game...but it’s really a shame that we have to do that.

Can you stream the game on the ESPN app or website?

Can you stream the game on the ESPN app or website?

You can't stream on the ship.

Relax, it's all included. Including the lines and waiting at check in.

Can you stream the game on the ESPN app or website?

On our recent Mariner cruise, we were able to stream local news coverage of the California wildfires (one was near our home). It was spotty at times, but we were able to do it.

With regard to ESPN app, I believe you need to log on through your home cable provider. Just FYI.

On our recent Mariner cruise, we were able to stream local news coverage of the California wildfires (one was near our home). It was spotty at times, but we were able to do it.

 

With regard to ESPN app, I believe you need to log on through your home cable provider. Just FYI.

Mike pulled it up on his phone yesterday and it worked...sort of. It kept stopping and restarting, so watching a football game on it is going to be painful. It’s okay...we’ll figure something out.

Sunday, 31 Dec, At Sea:

It’s another beautiful day in paradise! The weather finally warmed up (it was so cold and overcast yesterday that people were wearing sweaters, jackets, etc. for most of the day) and the pool deck is full. There are numerous events planned for New Years, although the “Big One” is being held at 10:00pm, to coincide with the New Year arriving in New York. There is supposed to be a special menu tonight as well, and hats and horns were delivered to all suites last night, so it should make for a fun celebration.

Last night was the Captain’s Reception, so the menu was a bit fancier than normal (food was great, again). It was also the first opportunity we had to see what the NCL performers were like (on our last cruise, the entertainers were with Jean Ann Ryan). I have to say, we were not disappointed, and in fact thought these new performers were much more entertaining than anything we ever saw with JAR. For one thing, they didn’t all look alike (tall, thin and blonde). They were very diverse, and I believe this added to the character of the show. Admittedly, we didn’t think their synchronization was quite as good as the JAR performers, but perhaps that is just because they don’t all look alike so any differences in their movements are more marked. They also featured several “lead” singers, rather than just the one main couple we used to see. That made for more variety in the show, which was nice. However, we have noticed that these performers are not as personable to the guests as the JAR performers were. We used to get to know all the JAR entertainers, and really enjoyed our enteraction with them. We have yet to have a conversation with any of these folks...but the cruise is young so there’s still time.

The casino was packed last night, and as usual just took my money. I did win $350 the first night on a slot machine, but that’s not going to last long I’m afraid! However, I had a blast playing blackjack (it’s such a social game) so I guess I just consider it paying for my entertainment.

Tomorrow is Cabo and an early tour...will try to update on that port after we get back onboard.

Tami, please see President of Regent's note regarding your embark experience:

Hi Wes,

Thanks for forwarding this to me as that is obviously not how the check in process should be handled. Wishing you all the best for an amazing 2018 and look forward to you joining the Mariner in a few weeks.

Regards,

Jason

Tami, please see President of Regent's note regarding your embark experience:

 

 

Hi Wes,

Thanks for forwarding this to me as that is obviously not how the check in process should be handled. Wishing you all the best for an amazing 2018 and look forward to you joining the Mariner in a few weeks.

Regards,

Jason

Thanks Wes. You just saved me having to write a letter to Regent!

Tami

Just a quick note on check in for this 12/29 cruise. We are on too. Got to port a little late, about 1:39pm. No lines. No announcements. Walked right up to counter and were checked in very quickly. Straight onto the ship and lunch in Veranda. Suites were available at 2:20 pm.

Just a quick note on check in for this 12/29 cruise. We are on too. Got to port a little late, about 1:39pm. No lines. No announcements. Walked right up to counter and were checked in very quickly. Straight onto the ship and lunch in Veranda. Suites were available at 2:20 pm.

I think I will follow this technique on Friday when we start our cruise out of Miami. I have no great need to be the first in line so I can order lunch and then wait for 2 hours for the room.

I think I will follow this technique on Friday when we start our cruise out of Miami. I have no great need to be the first in line so I can order lunch and then wait for 2 hours for the room.

We absolutely would have done the same if we had somewhere to go after landing at the airport at 10:00. We will try to plan better in the future.

Tuesday, 2 Jan, La Paz:

Sorry for no update yesterday...the internet went down just as I was hitting the post button, and it didn’t come up until this morning (for us at least). Yesterday was a lovely day in Cabo...the last time we were there was 11 years ago, and it has really changed. The port area has been completely modernized, with restaurants, shops, etc...but if you venture a block or two off of it, you’re back to what Cabo looked like all those years ago. We had planned to take a tour, but after a VERY entertaining New Years Eve, we decided that getting up early for the tour was not for us.

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, I have to say the staff here on the Navigator really went all out. The place was decorated beautifully with black and white balloons, and there was a 2017 ice sculpture in the Seven Seas Lounge which they switched out to 2018 right at midnight (as well as dropping a load of those balloons on everyone in the lounge). We don’t normally celebrate New Years, but that was just an amazing night for us. Can’t say enough good things about how hard the crew worked to make it that way.

So, after a day of just walking around Cabo (and finding a bar in which to watch the first half of the Georgia/Oklahoma game), we were ready for an early night. Nope. Too much good stuff happening on this ship. The Broadway show was really, really good...Mike almost never sits through those things, and he was entertained the whole time. After the show, I went to the Stars Lounge to have a cocktail (thinking Mike would join me, but he ended up asleep on our sofa!!!), and met Lewis, one of the dancers. He and I talked for a while, and I found out that many of the Jean Ann Ryan performers jumped ship (pardon the pun) and left JAR to work for NCL just to stay with Regent. I discovered that his roommate for years in London was Sam, one of the dancers on our last cruise on the Mariner, and that Sam and many of the other performers that we became friends with on that cruise had moved to NCL. So, my opinion is a bit changed from when I first got on the ship regarding how personable the entertainers are...the ice just needs to be broken a bit and I think you’ll find them every bit as engaging as they were with JAR. And they are certainly very, very talented and entertaining.

Today was La Paz and we opted for the Santos Todos tour. It meant an hour and a half drive there and back, which was a bit tiring, but well worth it. La Paz itself is much larger than I expected, but the port is way outside of the town (about a 20 minute drive), so a tour is almost a must here. It’s a beautiful little place when you’re on the malecon...but as with most coastal Mexican towns, it becomes a bit run down and less modern the further you get from the waterfront. Santos Todos was very touristy, but we got there early so beat most of the crowds. There are lots of artists there and we got to meet several of them on the tour. We went to the Hotel California (yes, the one of Eagles fame, or so legend says), and truthfully were quite unimpressed. The lunch they gave us was terrible (cold enchilada, a so called burrito that was more like a taquito, and a tamale that tasted like sweet potato), and it’s obvious that the Hotel California is now a tourist trap. We opted to go across the street in our free time and have a couple of margaritas at Tequila Sunset...the folks there were super nice and the margaritas were fantastic. Not only that, but they were showing a replay of the Georgia game (since the internet was down on the ship we couldn’t stream it when it was live last night) and I was able to see the Dawgs win the game and secure a spot in the National Championship game against Alabama. Hopefully Regent will consider using Tequila Sunset for the lunches on future tours...the food looked great and the people were wonderful.

We’ve gotten some really great pictures (one of the sunset in Cabo was nothing short of amazing), and I will try to post them when I have more time. But we’re about to sail away from La Paz, and then it’s trivia at 4:30, so that’s all for now!!!

Thank you for bringing us along on your cruise. Enjoying your posts.