Travelcat2 Posted September 6, 2009 #1 Share Posted September 6, 2009 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 More sharing options...
OrpingtonT Posted September 6, 2009 #2 Share Posted September 6, 2009 A long, long flight and I hope you are fit to take advantage of all Voyager has to offer when you board tomorrow. Happy Cruisin' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisewoman79 Posted September 6, 2009 #3 Share Posted September 6, 2009 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 More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted September 6, 2009 #4 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Jackie, hope you manage to sleep on your long flight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVE@CRUISE Posted September 6, 2009 #5 Share Posted September 6, 2009 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 More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted September 6, 2009 Author #6 Share Posted September 6, 2009 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 More sharing options...
Anna B. Posted September 6, 2009 #7 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Jackie, Have a wonderful time on your cruise.....we'll be thinking of you both. Enjoy those chocolate martinis. I'll drink a toast to you on the Mariner.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted September 6, 2009 #8 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Have a great cruise. You will need to make sure the ship is ready for me in 2 weeks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted September 6, 2009 Author #9 Share Posted September 6, 2009 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 More sharing options...
shua22 Posted September 7, 2009 #10 Share Posted September 7, 2009 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 More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted September 7, 2009 #11 Share Posted September 7, 2009 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 More sharing options...
ededmd Posted September 7, 2009 #12 Share Posted September 7, 2009 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 More sharing options...
neviboy Posted September 7, 2009 #13 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Have a wonderful cruise. We will be on Voyager Dec. 4th. from Rio. Looking forward to your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVE@CRUISE Posted September 7, 2009 #14 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Schua, No ...my Francisco is definitely a waiter! In Compass Rose. The best of the best (followed closesly by Albert.) There must be another on board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulaJK Posted September 7, 2009 #15 Share Posted September 7, 2009 TC, We're W-A-I-T-I-N-G!!! Appreciate that your focus will be on comparisons as there have been some rather disappointing posts recently. I hope that you will have a great cruise! Paula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mariners Posted September 7, 2009 #16 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Have a wonderful cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Island Cruiser Posted September 7, 2009 #17 Share Posted September 7, 2009 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 More sharing options...
DebbieH103 Posted September 8, 2009 #18 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Cruisewoman79 and Jackie, thanks for posting, and I hope you get some adrenelin to get ready for your exciting trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Posted September 8, 2009 #19 Share Posted September 8, 2009 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 More sharing options...
ChatKat in Ca. Posted September 8, 2009 #20 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Hi Jackie, Hope you and Dennis have a wonderful cruise...looking forward to your reporting on your sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted September 8, 2009 Author #21 Share Posted September 8, 2009 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 More sharing options...
Anna B. Posted September 8, 2009 #22 Share Posted September 8, 2009 So glad to hear from you, Jackie! We're off to your neck of the woods in about 20 minutes! Glad things are looking good - hopefully they can step up the attitude a bit! Bon Appetit! Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted September 8, 2009 #23 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Isn't it possible that Regent hires more than one person named Francisco? Funny, I was thinking the same thing--we had a Francisco last year on the PG, and he was wonderful, ran the pool bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shua22 Posted September 8, 2009 #24 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Isn't it possible that Regent hires more than one person named Francisco? Of course it's possible - and it's even more likely that if they did, they are both fantastic!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shua22 Posted September 8, 2009 #25 Share Posted September 8, 2009 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 More sharing options...
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