Navigator - Live, June 8:SDYC Addict On First Regent Voyage

[wapato2]

Most of the Staff you will meet will be working in the Dining Rooms. The best are from the Philippines, always gracious and smiling. The surly ones are from Romania or Poland, or at Reception or Destinations. Otherwise it's usually a happy ship.

[frequent traveler]

Skagway – Part 2.

 

A couple of responses to earlier posts.

 

First, we are having a great time. Notwithstanding my personal belief that senior management needs to take a refresher course (well more than one, maybe a whole semester) in hotel management and customer service, we are in Alaska – how can you beat that?

 

And we haven’t had one instance of surly service. Lack of service, neglect, yes – but never surly service. And I don’t fault the individual servers – to me it’s a management issue. Someone has directed these individuals that they only have certain jobs – and that’s ludicrous. .why a cabin attendant can’t take away dirty room service plates and it has to wait for a butler who has 10 cabins besides mine? Why a wine sommelier can only clear wine glasses, not water glasses. This morning during peak service in the Verandah, instead of making individual servings of syrup available, the waiters all had to share a couple of common syrup pourers. So people had to wait and servers had to chase the syrup down to pour on pancakes/French Toast/waffles. Just plain stupid.

 

Yes, the Misty Sky excursion costs less if you buy directly from vendor. As to Regent’s representations re price on excursions – I don’t have a problem with Regent marking up any list prices – they get a commission, part of covering the Regent overhead. Every cruise line does the same with every excursion you book through them. That’s just the business model. If I am familiar with an area or have trusted referrals I know I can book separately cheaper. But I’ll pay the more expensive ship price if I don’t have time to do my own homework – I know the ship won’t leave me if there is a problem with a ship excursion and I know the quality will be at a minimum acceptable. Since we didn’t go on the Misty Sky excursion, I can’t tell you that they are the exact same excursioins – the represented length of time was the same, but there are multiple vendors, and the prices listed on the dock/visitors booths were identical. I posted the cheaper price in case any one was interested in booking directly. Frankly, I am a bit frustrated by the whole time slots Regent allots and my inability to do two tours in a day in certain ports, but I was also too busy (lazy) to do my homework to book individually and didn't want to incur a lot of additional cost beyond what we are already paying Regent.

 

We are the only ship in Skagway today – that was fantastic and ZQ Vol has advised this will be the case for Sitka tomorrow. Yippee.

 

Weather was fantastic today in Skagway and it was great port. We did the Chilkoot Hike and Float and it was an excellent excursion. Again, another great guide – all have been good. And for once, actually got my heart rate up for bit on the uphill climb. It was beautiful in the forest and we saw pretty fresh bear droppings but no bear. Heard the railroad excursion was also good. Ate lunch locally – at the Stowaway Café, was recommended by our guide. It’s the 2nd restaurant on the easternmost dock (I hope its east – I’m sure ZQ Vol will correct me later if I’m wrong). Its painted blue and has the best sweet potato fries – crispy and coated in Cajun seasoning. Accompanied by a mixture of barbeque and tartar sauce (sounds weird but is delicious). I had halibut tacos – the fish was so fresh it was swimming and ZQ Vol had a grilled salmon sandwich. And fresh salmon grilled looks different from any in the lower 48.

 

After that went to the Red Onion – the former bordello. If you don’t want to take the ship’s Good Time Girls City Tour – the Red Onion has a $5.00 tour on the half hour. It also has a great bar – 4 draft beers were only $16.50 – and we are talking IPA and a broad assortment of Alaska beers. I don’t know why we have to sail at 4:30 – oh yes, if we didn’t, I think we’d run a risk of leaving half the ship there.

 

. .

Sailing away now – off to the great views from my balcony.

 

FT

[frequent traveler]

En route to Sitka

 

Just finished a great dinner in Compass Rose.

 

Started out with escargot, then had viches . . . ah heck, cold potato and leek soup, you can fill in the fancy French term that I can’t spell. And the entrée was Dover sole. Topped it off with no sugar added Chocolate fudge ice cream and a decaf Irish coffee (again a lot of “Irish”).

 

Amazing service tonight, even though wait team was slammed. Had the only maitre d who was hustling the entire dinner service – first one I’ve seen the entire week – plus the first one who actually came by and spoke to us, asked us about our day . . . , and cleared plates, etc.

 

I love the soups on this ship. No salt added and fantastic flavour. As much as it pains me, Regent beats SD on the soup and the no sugar added desserts. And when will SD add an expresso/coffee/lattee self serve machine on deck 5? Please, please

 

Finally, after several requests, got the mini bar re-stocked. Still no daily paper or the liquor requested on the initial request form/internet and no explanation of reason for failure. Tired of requesting. Regent does not win any awards for communication. Do like the offer of free pressing of 4 items on the first day. Too bad I forgot to take advantage of it. Hot tub has been out of service the past couple of days. Don’t know why or when it will return.

 

Heard the evening whale watching trip in Juneau was amazing. Lots and lots of whales, including a couple who liked to play tag with the boat. So again, it sounds like Regent picked a winner. If you are going to pay for it, at least you are going to get a get result. Also heard that the helicopter landing on a glacier was a “bucket list experience” including bear sightings . . . we still haven’t seen bears .. . heard there are a lot in Sitka, hope I don’t encounter them on my bike tomorrow! Not sure if the sun is going to go down before mid night tonight, but its up by 4 – so going to try to get some sleep, more tomorrow.

 

FT,

[mariners]

Is your butler new to the position? I do not understand why, even if he has ten suites, that you would not have received the newspaper or the liquor of your choice.

On a previous cruise, I found out that the pool bar staff is only responsible for a specific section on the pool deck. The other section was the responsibility of the Veranda staff. It wasn't until the pool bar staff got to know me that they would come to the section where I was sitting as I was in the Veranda section.

In the Veranda, at breakfast, I could never tell who was supposed to take our order, who was to fill the coffee cups, and, once the order was taken, I was never sure that an order had made it to the kitchen as the person who took the order seemed to disappear. On the Navigator, room service breakfast was by far the best choice. I had to state that I wanted "soft" poached eggs or they would come with a hard yolk. I'm not sure that this would work for you because of the issues with the butler service.

It's wonderful to hear that Alaska has not disappointed you but it is disappointing to hear what you have experienced onboard the ship. I join the others in hoping that Regent is paying attention to what you have written.

[mimito4]

Ft, I'm so glad that you've heard the helicopter landing on glacier is a "bucket list" experience. We did spring for that even though I had to sell my first-born grandchild to pay for it!

 

And this is the second time I've read about the evening whale watching excursion. I don't believe that is offered on our Aug. 31 sailing. I wonder if that is one I can pick up at the port when we dock?

 

Finally, you, the great lover of SeaDream soups, is passing the award onto Regent? Unbelievable. Them must be some great soups!

 

You two kids carry on with your fun. Kiss a whale for me.

[vandrefalk]

FT, am really interested in your reports -- must say some of your comments make me a bit nervous, especially after just coming off 11 days of pampering on SD. Some of the issues with service would never happen there! But, as you have noted, just being in Alaska will be breathtaking! I'm interested to see how it compares to the Norwegian fjords -- which were beyond words. Will have to be a bit smarter about layering than I was in Norway :) but will be prepared for 20+ hours of daylight -- does your cabin have those drapes that block light?

 

What is the difference between the "included" excursions and the ones you have to pay for? Is it difficult to get on the "free" ones?

 

WhatNot and we will be on in June next year, so thanks much for being our scout :D

 

Vandrefalk

[frequent traveler]

Sitka - GREAT DAY!

 

Sail in was glorious. We were accompanied by two bald eagles and a number of Arctic terns. Had to tender in. The only port we’ve used the tenders. Now I understand what people mean about going to the Lounge and getting tickets. You exchange your excursion ticket for a laminated number. My number was 11. A member of the excursion staff calls out numbers and then leads the way to the tenders. Of course with a bigger ship, the tenders are bigger (as compared to SD). Both coming and going I was able to snag a seat by the entry way so I got fresh air and didn’t feel closed in. It was only a 2 minute ride anyway.

 

Once you get to the dock – someone holding a sign with your excursion takes your laminated number and off you go. I loved my excursion – it was the combination bike ride and walk. You take a short ride – about 10 minutes max past Whale Point and get your bikes and helmets. Good explanation of how to use the combo beach/mountain bikes. You then ride a couple of miles to a trail point – there is a hill and you have to go past beautiful water view on a two lane road – so don’t get distracted! There is very little traffic, so don’t worry – the drivers on these stops seem very pedestrian friendly – even stop to let you walk in cross walks.

 

Because the group was pretty fit – we were able to add on a bit of distance to our hike and go to Heart Lake, beautiful flora and fauna along the way. No bears – just bald eagles, red tailed squirrels and some pretty big “banana slugs”. Again, another great guide. Even our escort on the bus was very interesting. I really recommend this tour. We were given water bottles and a chocolate bar made on the Island as parting gifts. This vendor also does dives (yes, scuba and snorkel trips . . . )

 

ZQ Vol struck out on the guide on his tour (the Raptor Rescue Center, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and the Totem Pole Center at the National Park. The guide actually stated “the other guides are jealous because I get the most tips”. He just dropped them off at the Park and let them wander for an hour- no tour or information. At the Cathedral, he announced that he was a minister of a certain religion and then got his Orthodox religion information wrong.

 

We ate lunch across from the docks based on a local’s referral. It is the “Market” – again, another great grilled salmon burger and I had the special of the day – macaroni with Dungeness crab. And it was loaded with crab. I don’t know to describe eating salmon that has never been frozen, but it is completely different than anything we get elsewhere. I don’t care what any restaurant says about how or where it gets its fish, but when it has just come off the boat that morning – its unbelievable. The clam chowder, while not as good as Annabelle’s, was also excellent. Huge clams and chunks of potatoes and bacon. We also got a referral to the “absolutely the best sushi you will ever eat” – Tokyo . . . something – I’ve already forgotten (must have been the $4.00 amber draft beers), but it is just down the street to the left – on the same side of the street as the Market. Because the last tender is at 3:30 we did not come back to the ship until we were done. After lunch I walked down to the National Park – its half a mile from the Pier and the Raptor Center is half a mile from the National Park. So you can easily do the totem poles and the Raptor Center on your own if you want to do another excursion in the morning. I really recommend taking the Totem Pole Walk also. The markers along the way explain the history and the battle between the Russians and the Klingit tribe in 1804. At the end where there is the final totem pole and a brass marker (I won’t spoil the outcome here) in an open green grass circle it feels very sacred. While clearly not within the scope of Gettysburg or the age of Stonehenge, I was there by myself and I got goosebumps and chills down my spine.

 

You pass a museum and the Archbishop’s house (He’s now a Saint in the Orthodox religion) on the way to the Park (take a right after leaving the dock). The town is small so you can cover it easily. However the natural beauty is so tremendous, I would love to overnight here. I’d like to sea kayak - found out there are single kayaks available (don’t ask me about double kayaking) and go salmon fishing. Remember, in addition to your excursion fee when fishing you have to have a license – an additional $20.00. Some guests apparently hadn’t read their literature today.

 

Brings me to my grumble of the day – guests who don’t think the disclosure language applies to them. We had a gentleman the other day show up for a canoe trip/walk in dress shoes, dress pants and button down shirt. Thank goodness the trip did not live up to level 3. Or guests who think when the start time of a trip is 9:50 that means they leave the breakfast table at 9:50, go to the cabin, change clothes, get their stuff and show up at the bus at 10:15 thus making the rest of us late for the rest of the day. Or the guest who thinks that getting on a raft at a glacial lake won’t be cold, involve getting wet and that the bus ought to take her back to town even though its 30 minutes away. Guests with no excursions today but who make a big deal out of the fact that the guests with excursions take first priority on the tenders between 8 and 9:30. Gosh a mighty, Sitka has 8,000 people, 12 bars and 12 churches – what was your rush? Scared you were going to miss the session at 4 on how to prevent aging? Wait a minute, last tender back was 3:30 so that couldn’t have been the reason. The good thing about being on a ship larger than SD is you don’t have to see those people very often (I’m sure the same is being said about us somewhere on this ship!).

 

Another wildlife moment today – as the tender was getting ready to leave the pier to come back to the ship a sea lion popped up at the first dock finger next to us. We were having fun watching him go fishing when an expedition boat determined to get in had to zip between us and the sea lion. No sight since.

 

I am going to put in a product plug here. I am usually mosquito bait. They love me. However this trip I have not suffered one bite. I am wearing a wrist band repellant that I got at REI along with a long sleeved shirt containing some sort of repellant (also purchased at REI). Yesterday on the walk and river float, the guide mentioned that people always ask him for insect repellant due to mosquitos and today a guy on our bike ride had 3 bites on his head and several on his hands (not from here but from prior stops). So don’t forget your repellant. I love not having to reapply and having no chemical smell.

 

The gentleman at the excursion desk who was investigating my question regarding the cost of the train trip from Seward to Anchorage did get back to me today in the Lounge prior to boarding. He stated that the home office had authorized a credit for the difference. That was very good and I thanked him. He also indicated that beginning as of the next cruise the price for all passengers would be $179. I just wonder if any other guests paid the $179 that I did in advance when on board passengers are being charged $149. If I hadn’t raised the issue – I would not have received the credit.

 

Sail away is going to be starting soon and I want to be out on deck for this – so more tomorrow. $5 per hand black jack tonight between 5 and 7 . . .

 

On the soups, Mimi, I think I really like SD’s taste better, but my favorites are loaded with salt and they kill me. Regent’s no salt added soups are fantastic, great flavour, wonderful presentation and don’t have the salt that kills me for two days.l

 

whatnot, we got on every free excursion we wanted. some not until we got on board, but as far as I know, everything except maybe the Guide's Hike in Juneau had openings. One note - I've been reading about Concierge service kicking in and that is not in effect on this voyage. I don't know what impact that will have. Butler service is useless - as he doesn't do anything for changing excursions. And yes, cabins have curtains that block light.

 

One last comment (at least for this posting) – I love Regent’s super luxurious bath sheets – oversized and absorbent. Another wish for SD.

 

FT

[whatnot]

Thanks FT for your very detailed reporting. At this point I'm still OK with having booked Regent for next June. At least at this point I know what to expect. I still think that if you want a relatively small ship that is somewhat all inclusive (and maybe in the luxury category!) I don't know where to go but Regent. I still don't want 2,000 passengers. I am so sorry the service has been poor at times, but it also seems it has been decent on other occasions. I keep seeing little gems that keep me thinking that this will still be a good cruise - the cabins, the soups, the balconies, the towels, and most of all Alaska itself! Luckily we did not book a butler suite!

 

Keep up the good reporting!

[tallship]

We are so enjoying cruising Alaska again with you

[OrpingtonT]

We are loving sharing your experiences with you. Sitka was our greatest surprise in Alaska. A great place and you described it so well.

 

Butlers don't offer a great deal extra but it is nice to have one around when you want something.

[Hambagahle]

FrequentTraveller -

 

Is there an iPad in your suite? I ask because supposedly Regent has started putting these in the Butler suites and the daily paper is supposed to be "delivered" on them...at least this is my understanding of the new policy. And some people on other threads have reported having an iPad supplied in their suite. Doesn't explain the liquor problems though. If I were you I would tell the Executive Concierge or the GM. It is their job to sort these things out so they are correct.

 

Pool deck service - in january it was great on the Nav. But I have to think it varies depending on who is managing the deck at the time...

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks for the advice about mosquito repellant tactics. I too am mosquito bait, and since we have a summer home (I'm at it right now), mosquitoes are a significant part of my life in the early summer. So, off to the REI website I go!

 

The food sounds wonderful. Yes, I remember the fresh salmon in B.C., so am looking forward to that, although we do get fresh salmon in the markets here, it's not as fresh as that!

[tallship]

Wendy -

I also bought some wipes with DEET at Shopper's - very handy as they pack well and are lightweight

[Hambagahle]

I have an even better cure, Wendy! Sail with me... I have travelled to Norway, Alaska and South America duly armed with mosquito repellant. But have never used it. It seems that when they see me they run a mile! Quite amazing, really...

 

and another thing that I found to work really well - before our Alaskan cruise friends gave us some wonderful rain ponchos. A really thoughtful gift. And so I dutifully take them on all our cruises and have yet to unwrap them because we haven't been rained on either (or not enough to warrant a poncho!!!)

[loulou942]

It is making me nervous to read all these negative comments about the food and the service. This is our 1st cruise with Regent. We have 20 cruises with Oceania. It makes me wonder why I choose Regent. I quess it was to try them out. Not only that but I am missing out on all the perks we had with Oceania. You would think that FDR would allow recognition of the cruises we had with Oceania.

 

Just my opinion.

Louisa

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Not only that but I am missing out on all the perks we had with Oceania. You would think that FDR would allow recognition of the cruises we had with Oceania.

 

 

And I'd hope for a reversal. I'd love to see the frequent cruiser benefits apply between the lines too. I am far more likely to book on Oceania over Regent for future cruises because of the included excursions.

[frequent traveler]

No the only I pads in our suite are the ones we brought with us. And we have seen a couple of other papers delivered to other cabins. Not ours. Getting ready to encounter Hubbard glacier in a bit.

 

Ft

[frequent traveler]

Its 7:45 am and we are cruising towards Hubbard Glacier – I have snagged my place at the back of Galileo and its filling up fast. Got here way too late yesterday pm as we sailed away from Sitka. Place was packed – inside was afternoon trivia and tea and I believe, a “upcharged caviar event”

 

Now 11:45 and post Glacier – For SD cruisers, definitely lower your expectations, here’s the definitive example. At 8:30 this morning a waiter came out from the Galileo bar (they were serving continental breakfast as we were sailing into a fjord) and asked if I would like coffee (first time ever in all the times I’ve been out on deck) and when I said yes, I’d love an Irish coffee – the response was, sorry – the pool deck bar doesn’t open until 10:00. Then just before 9 as we were in front of the glacier (see more below) and a freezing wind was blowing off the ice, I asked the same waiter very politely, would it please be possible to get an Irish coffee at 10 when the bar does open – he responded yes, you can get one if you go to the pool bar. Remember Galileo is a bar and there was service there – including coffee. So at 10:30 I walked down the stairs in a blowing pouring rain to get my Irish coffee. NEVER EVER ON SD.

 

We found out why it takes so long to get a latte in the Verandah in the morning. The waiters have to go out on the pool deck to the same machine that the other diners use and wait in line. So I brought my own to breakfast this morning. We have not been able to have breakfast at the Compass Rose on this trip due to our early mornings off the ship and its opening at 8 or 8:30. Today, we were in the fjord when it opened and wanted to be on deck, however we’ve heard it was excellent. I’ve found its impossible to get crispy bacon on the buffet in the Verandah, but the fitness breakfast at the pool grill has very crispy bacon so I grab my bacon there. No chocolate croissants here – so not tempted by the pastries.

 

Back to dinner last night – menu at Compass Rose was a real hodge podge – couldn’t discern a theme. Enjoyed the garlic leek soup, but the rest was non-memorable including the corvino. Weird to have liver, sliced turkey, lamb curry, and lasagna as the other entrees.

 

Hubbard Glacier was magnificent. The Captain was able to get us close- apparently the ice flow has grown and shifted recently. It was overcast, so no obvious seal sightings. One couple was in their cabin and just happened to see one out the window, but other than that haven’t heard of any. Hubbard is the largest tidal basin glacier in North America. It joins with another glacier. The cruise director gave a number of facts (much better than the guest speaker) – all very interesting.

 

We are now headed on to Seward and disembarkation tomorrow. Suitcases are on the bed. BTW, the slots definitely play tighter and tighter the deeper you get into the cruise. Either that or I am extremely unlucky and get worse every day. Should have stopped after day one.

 

In Sitka, heard that the Sea Otter excursion and the one where the boat goes round the island were fantastic and saw lots and lots of wildlife. The boat one saw a brown bear going “fishing”. Kayaking only saw bald eagles but was good. The submersible was only OK.

 

Pool water has been clear for the past two days. So much for the statement that it’s the glacier water that turned it green – Glad I didn’t get in.

 

FT

[Responder]

It is making me nervous to read all these negative comments about the food and the service. This is our 1st cruise with Regent. We have 20 cruises with Oceania. It makes me wonder why I choose Regent. I quess it was to try them out. Not only that but I am missing out on all the perks we had with Oceania. You would think that FDR would allow recognition of the cruises we had with Oceania.

 

Just my opinion.

Louisa

 

I don't think you will have any worries on your cruise. In fact, you may become hooked on Regent.

 

We are old timers and unless something really disastrous occurs, that's the line we choose to sail on. We've been on all 3 ships numerous times and except for a burp here and there, have never had a bad cruise.

 

Don't get frightened with the negative posts...can't please everybody, but looking at Regent's performance, they certainly do a good job of pleasing most.

 

As an aside and for my edification, exactly what perks do you get on Oceania? How do they compare with those on Regent?

[juli2020]

Its 7:45 am and we are cruising towards Hubbard Glacier – I have snagged my place at the back of Galileo and its filling up fast. Got here way too late yesterday pm as we sailed away from Sitka. Place was packed – inside was afternoon trivia and tea and I believe, a “upcharged caviar event”

 

Now 11:45 and post Glacier – For SD cruisers, definitely lower your expectations, here’s the definitive example. At 8:30 this morning a waiter came out from the Galileo bar (they were serving continental breakfast as we were sailing into a fjord) and asked if I would like coffee (first time ever in all the times I’ve been out on deck) and when I said yes, I’d love an Irish coffee – the response was, sorry – the pool deck bar doesn’t open until 10:00. Then just before 9 as we were in front of the glacier (see more below) and a freezing wind was blowing off the ice, I asked the same waiter very politely, would it please be possible to get an Irish coffee at 10 when the bar does open – he responded yes, you can get one if you go to the pool bar. Remember Galileo is a bar and there was service there – including coffee. So at 10:30 I walked down the stairs in a blowing pouring rain to get my Irish coffee. NEVER EVER ON SD.

 

We found out why it takes so long to get a latte in the Verandah in the morning. The waiters have to go out on the pool deck to the same machine that the other diners use and wait in line. So I brought my own to breakfast this morning. We have not been able to have breakfast at the Compass Rose on this trip due to our early mornings off the ship and its opening at 8 or 8:30. Today, we were in the fjord when it opened and wanted to be on deck, however we’ve heard it was excellent. I’ve found its impossible to get crispy bacon on the buffet in the Verandah, but the fitness breakfast at the pool grill has very crispy bacon so I grab my bacon there. No chocolate croissants here – so not tempted by the pastries.

 

Back to dinner last night – menu at Compass Rose was a real hodge podge – couldn’t discern a theme. Enjoyed the garlic leek soup, but the rest was non-memorable including the corvino. Weird to have liver, sliced turkey, lamb curry, and lasagna as the other entrees.

 

Hubbard Glacier was magnificent. The Captain was able to get us close- apparently the ice flow has grown and shifted recently. It was overcast, so no obvious seal sightings. One couple was in their cabin and just happened to see one out the window, but other than that haven’t heard of any. Hubbard is the largest tidal basin glacier in North America. It joins with another glacier. The cruise director gave a number of facts (much better than the guest speaker) – all very interesting.

 

We are now headed on to Seward and disembarkation tomorrow. Suitcases are on the bed. BTW, the slots definitely play tighter and tighter the deeper you get into the cruise. Either that or I am extremely unlucky and get worse every day. Should have stopped after day one.

 

In Sitka, heard that the Sea Otter excursion and the one where the boat goes round the island were fantastic and saw lots and lots of wildlife. The boat one saw a brown bear going “fishing”. Kayaking only saw bald eagles but was good. The submersible was only OK.

 

Pool water has been clear for the past two days. So much for the statement that it’s the glacier water that turned it green – Glad I didn’t get in.

 

FT

 

You would not find this (lack of service) on Silversea or Seabourn either.

[Responder]

You would not find this (lack of service) on Silversea or Seabourn either.

 

What is it that I am missing...

 

I posted a while back that we sailed on the Navigator Mar 29 2011 Fll-Fll.

 

For us, since we live in the South Fl area and having been to the Caribbean way too many times, we considered the ship our destination.

 

I don't understand how a ship could have deteriorated as described in these last few months.

 

We had a glorious time. The food was outstanding in every respect....I ordered what I liked and it was excellent. We love room service for breakfast and each day it was as good as it gets. In fact, when the server delivered the order which came a few minutes before the scheduled time, he checked what was ordered against the tray to see if it was complete. One day they forgot one juice...I suppose this was grounds for a compalint to the GM.

 

When they ran out of the wine I particularily liked, the head sommelier, Daniella(Romanian , certainly not surly) who was with us on a previous cruise, took a wine she knew I liked off the premium list and gave it to me for the remainder of the cruise. Can you do better?

 

One of the features for us was our included duplicate bridge program with Larry Cohen, a world class teacher and lecturer. I mention this only because our card room was across from the coffee bar and when we went to the counter to order a drink during our games, the bar server insisted that we go back to our game and he would deliver it to us.

 

Our room steward was by far the best ever, and we have had some great ones. And on and on...

 

When we wanted an additional night in Prime 7, we simply asked the dining room manager and got it right away.

 

Although we are Gold, without showing any credientials, we boarded about 11:45 and a soon as we finished lunch, went to our prepared cabin. We were in F category.

 

Nothing to complain about....

[Travelcat2]

Responder: You would have to be on an Alaska cruise to understand. It is mostly newbies. Most newbies like Regent, but, the summer Alaska cruises can be challenging for many. The ship is filled to capacity (beyond 490) -- there are extra beds in the suites for the kids. . . . the staff can become quite stressed. We have done two cruises in Alaska -- one on the Mariner -- one on the Navigator -- both in May. We would not take a "free" cruise in June/.July and the beginning of August on the Navigator. IMHO, Regent is not equipped to handle it.

 

However, it bears repeating. . . . passengers trying a luxury cruise for the first time will probably love it. "frequent traveler" has a history of sailing a VERY small luxury cruise line with personalized service. I feel that she has done amazingly well given the circumstances.

 

We have also sailed on the Navigator (twice) in the Caribbean. There is no comparison between the experience there and in Alaska.

[zqvol]

Quick question - well first, this is Frequent Traveler logged in under ZQ Vol, I am packing and didn't have time to connect my laptop.

 

What size hand luggage will fit on the train from Seward to Anchorage? Is a small backpack doable? I don't really want to check it - but the disclaimer is a bit scary and I've gotten a bit of conflicting information from cruise staff.

 

and thanks Travelcat2, but no offense taken at other postings. I clearly understand I may define luxury different from others - as I said earlier - my minimum is 4 Seasons equivalent for $10k per week. Regardless of what line I am on. I've wondered if running a Navigator program for children has directed staff elsewhere or if the long daylight hours mean longer rotations and thus fewer staff during peak hours. I do know that several waiters (and when they have time, we have gotten to know a number of them) has expressed gratitude that there are no large charter groups on board staying up to all hours running them ragged. No surly staff on this voyage.

 

By the way, had lunch in the Compass Rose today - wonderful wonderful sweet potato and bacon soup as well as another terrific hamburger. Didn't go down there with the ideal of getting one but that was the most appealing item on the menu. Have to say it again, this ship makes one of the best hamburgers out there - land based or otherwise.

 

Back to packing.

 

FT

[tallship]

Actually - TC2 - our Navigator Caribbean trip in December of 2009 was the worst experience we have ever had - but we chose to try Regent again - twice since then and have been mostly very pleased

[Responder]

Responder: You would have to be on an Alaska cruise to understand. It is mostly newbies. Most newbies like Regent, but, the summer Alaska cruises can be challenging for many. The ship is filled to capacity (beyond 490) -- there are extra beds in the suites for the kids. . . . the staff can become quite stressed. We have done two cruises in Alaska -- one on the Mariner -- one on the Navigator -- both in May. We would not take a "free" cruise in June/.July and the beginning of August on the Navigator. IMHO, Regent is not equipped to handle it.

 

However, it bears repeating. . . . passengers trying a luxury cruise for the first time will probably love it. "frequent traveler" has a history of sailing a VERY small luxury cruise line with personalized service. I feel that she has done amazingly well given the circumstances.

 

We have also sailed on the Navigator (twice) in the Caribbean. There is no comparison between the experience there and in Alaska.

 

My memory cache just opened and I remember we were on the Mariner in May 2005. Sailed from L.A. to Alaska with Theater at Sea group.

I honestly don't remember about children, but this early in the season in those years they were probably still in school. However, the cruise I do remember was delightful...and I believe it was before all inclusive...maybe was still Radisson then.