Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

LIVE from the Voyager

Travelcat2

By Travelcat2,
in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Travelcat2

Travelcat2

Posted
Posted

Well, almost. . . . still have to get to England. However, this is part of the Regent experience. . . . later today we will depart Vancouver and fly direct on British Airways to Heathrow where we will be picked up and driven directly to the ship. This is the first time we will arrive and board the ship on the same day - should be interesting:confused:

 

There are a few CC'ers on this cruise. . . so, there will be more than one opinion which I consider a good thing. The Voyager is our favorite ship. The first time we sailed her was in 2006 the Baltics -- then Istanbul to Venice. Last October, the Istanbul to Venice cruise was the most perfect we have had on Regent. We are looking forward to trying Prime 7 on our first night and seeing all the changes that were made during her refurbishment.

 

My focus on this thread will be comparisons. . . . last year to this year on the Voyager. (This is assuming I can focus while having fun, and, occasionally having a chocolate martini next to me at the computer). I had questions on our last Regent cruise (Navigator) about whether the cutbacks I noticed were real or just my perception at the time.

 

This cruise was "oversold" as have many others this summer. As a result, we were offered an upgrade from a Penthouse B to a Voyager suite at fairly reasonable cost. Since the suite is mid-ship on deck 7 -- a good place to be on the Voyager, we took it.

 

In spite of things I post on CC (which are always truthful opinions at the time they are written), I am definitely a Regent cheerleader. We have come close to booking other cruise lines. . . . but, in the end, Regent is like family -- you may get upset with them once in a while, but you get over it.

 

More when I get a bit settled on board. Looking forward to sharing an awesome cruise with you.;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cruisewoman79

Cruisewoman79

Posted
Posted

Well ALMOST!! is right!

I already started a thread and my focus will be as a newcomer to Regent and the Voyager! We are already here and enjoying our rest at the wonderful Hotel Terravina outside of Southampton. Our BA flight nonstop from Philadelphia was great.

See you soon Travelcat!:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
LOVE@CRUISE

LOVE@CRUISE

Posted
Posted

TC,

You MUST say hello for me to Abigail (head waitress Compass Rose) and Francesco (Compass Rose) UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE, I promise! Also the very best to Luis who has been promoted to head of food and beverages, and Angelo, the new General Manager, who you will love. Guaranteed!

 

Mike and Mary from California, sailed the Baltic with these wonderful people August 14-21. Oh, and I musn't forget Melissa (pool bar on our sailing) and Pedro !!!! Keep us posted! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Travelcat2

Travelcat2

Posted
  • Author
Posted
TC,

You MUST say hello for me to Abigail (head waitress Compass Rose) and Francesco (Compass Rose) UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE, I promise! Also the very best to Luis who has been promoted to head of food and beverages, and Angelo, the new General Manager, who you will love. Guaranteed!

 

Mike and Mary from California, sailed the Baltic with these wonderful people August 14-21. Oh, and I musn't forget Melissa (pool bar on our sailing) and Pedro !!!! Keep us posted! :D

 

Will do! Just printed your post and will put it in my carry-on! We'll ask for Francesco's section in CR. Thanks for the tip

 

Wendy. . . . . think "Ambien" (I'll be fine);)

 

Getting very anxious to leave (will drive to airport in 2 hrs. 15 mins -- but, whose counting???)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Travelcat2

Travelcat2

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Have a great cruise. You will need to make sure the ship is ready for me in 2 weeks!

 

Will leave the ship in great condition (I'll try not to spill any chocolate martini's on the carpet:-)

 

Currently in the BA lounge in Vancouver. BA does have lovely lounges (Club Lounge -- not First Class). It's 3:30 p.m. -- hope that's not too early for a glass of wine.

 

Next communique from the ship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
shua22

shua22

Posted
Posted

Well after just leaving the ship I am sitting in Heathrow in the Virgin lounge and they give you free wifi (and sushi!) Anyway, have the best time and thanks for all of your help and comments along the way.

 

Francisco is the BEST! He was also on the Mariner last summer in Alaska and he was so happy to see us again. He's not a waiter though. He's kind of a roving bartender on the 5th floor. -- you will see him in compas rose, the voyager lounge, casino and Horizon.

 

Also, please tell Linette (hostess) and Ley (queen of the english muffin) that Mr. Josh sends a lot of love.

 

There were so many people staying on today in London and continuing for multiple segments! Anyway, have so much fun and keep us posted!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
RachelG "Live from...." Rare

RachelG

Posted
Posted

Do love the BA lounges--Club World lounge is VERY nice. We are flying Iberia to Venice and BA back from Istanbul, so will be able to enjoy it soon.

If I see any chocolate stains in the computer room, I will know the Cat was there. HEHE

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ededmd

ededmd

Posted
Posted
It's 3:30 p.m. -- hope that's not too early for a glass of wine.

 

Never too early! It's always a "proper" time somewhere.

Hope your flight went well.

Am looking forward to following along with your posts.

Warm wishes for a wonderful cruise!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Island Cruiser

Island Cruiser

Posted
Posted

Jackie, as I write this I am certain you have crashed in exhaustion in your magnificent Voyager Suite having enjoyed a remarkable meal in Prime 7 after a few hours' sleep on BA. Host Dan has kindly rendered your thread a sticky. (Thanks, Dan!). We will be sleepless to learn if your review of Prime 7 is remarkably positive or negative or somewhere in the middle. We've read all of the above reviews from previous posters. We remain your loyal and envious fans! Pat

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rally

Rally

Posted
Posted
Francisco is the BEST! He was also on the Mariner last summer in Alaska and he was so happy to see us again. He's not a waiter though. He's kind of a roving bartender on the 5th floor. -- you will see him in compas rose, the voyager lounge, casino and Horizon!!

 

Isn't it possible that Regent hires more than one person named Francisco?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Travelcat2

Travelcat2

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've been trying to get into CC since last night with little success. I also wrote a Word document that I am currently unable to access.

 

With that said, and a Le Cordon Bleu class in 20 minutes, I'll write what I can and finish later (excuse typos -- no time to spell check).

 

The Voyager is GORGEOUS (I'm a tad prejudice) Okay -- flight to Heathrow "ok" -- flat seats ok -- just a weird configuration. Food "ok" -- not great. Arrived at Heathrow on time. Regent rep said we had to wait an hour for the bus.

 

Approximately 20 of us were on the bus. The very lovely driver had a legal obligation to take a minimum of a 45 minute break on the way to Southampton. Hmmmmm, no one was angry -- just tired. We finally arrived at the ship at 2:30. After a long line at security, (and, yes, we fillled out a medical questionnaire), we were able to go to our suite. Luggage arrived an hour later. VERY long day at that point.

 

Cannot believe how gorgeous "our" ship is. The staff is on top of their game -- so kind and willing to help!.

 

Dinner @ Prime 7. Mixed reviews. My DH felt the ghosts of the last restaurant. In fact, literature still shows the old restaurant (excuse me -- just had lunch and am drinking a chocolate martini -- I loved the restaurant but can't think of its name). Got it. . . Latitudes.

 

Slept well. The Voyager suite is a strange configuaration, but, the extra bathroom makes up for everything. Even a bidet in the master bath. Very quiet -- no complaints here. Oh, stewardess is lovely and attentive.

 

Breakfast at Compass Rose this morning -- okay -- not great, but okay.

 

I have issues with La Veranda on all of our 6 prior sailings. When we arrived there late yesterday afternoon (3:00), we were almost totally ignored. Today at lunch, we were not acknowledged or given water until I mentioned something after 10 or so minutes. When I ordered the martini (and my DH ordered a cosmo -- the server made a point that he had to leave to go to another bar).

 

IF anyone from Regent is listening. The staff here could perhaps do well with an incentive program for service (similiar to what I understand Seabourn has). At breakfast, my DH asked for baked beans and was told that it was available at La Veranda. Okay -- so what was stopping him from going there and getting the beans? I could have done it in 3 minutes. Then, they did not have shredded wheat. . . . . however, it was available elsewhere. Thankfully, he went to get some. Staff does not say "no" -- just indicate how difficult it is to get.

 

So far, the La Cordon Bleu staff have been amazing. Our first class is in 9 minutes so I need to finish this up.

 

This is not meant to be a harsh review -- only an honest one . We are having a wonderful time -- dining with CC members that we have communicated with for several months on Roll Call. We will be back on this ship in a little over two months. I have no plans to post from that cruise. . .. however, if I see positive changes in these areas, I'll be the first to acknowledge them on this board.

 

Was the Voyager better last year. No -- not really. It is more prestine now. Just want to see a little effort put in to service.

 

More later or tomorrow -- whenever I can get on this stupid system.

 

TC

 

P.S. Cruisewoman79, Caroldoll and their hubbies are GREAT!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
shua22

shua22

Posted
Posted
I have issues with La Veranda on all of our 6 prior sailings. When we arrived there late yesterday afternoon (3:00), we were almost totally ignored. Today at lunch, we were not acknowledged or given water until I mentioned something after 10 or so minutes. When I ordered the martini (and my DH ordered a cosmo -- the server made a point that he had to leave to go to another bar).

 

Hey Cat -- so glad to get your perspective, as I sit here in my kitchen and get ready to head back to work...

 

Please introduce yourself to Linette, the hostess at La Veranda (Her husband is Ian, from the butler staff!). Please tell her that Josh from the last trip was raving about her raisin bran!

 

I hope you give them a chance to show you that they can be great up there -- they were fantastic to us!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...