1st time for Regent cruise.....any advice/tips

[Travelcat2]

I forgot to add.....

At dinner each night the wine steward offers a pour from either the evening's selected white or red - but you don't have to accept that if you prefer something else. For example, I found that the white offered was often a Chablis or Sauv.Blanc, whereas I prefer a Chardonnay. There was never a problem, they just found me a Chard from their stocked complimentary white wine list. All wines were very decent, and I never had to purchase a specialty wine.

 

I did notice that Sauv. Blanc. was offered many nights (too many for me). Once we told the sommelier that we do not care for it he found alternatives very nice alternatives. When we switched to red wine, if we did not care for the choice, we'd ask for Bogle Cabernet. There really are quite a few options.

[charltonkerry]

Thanks, Nanook21, interesting information, I think my / our problem might be drinking the quanity needed to taste all the different wines. My preference is white as red tends to leave me with a head ache the following day. This is going to be some holiday for experimenting with various types of wines which we would not try.

[2old4this]

Earlier we chatted about Italian wines and several on CC felt they had not enjoyed a decent white from that country. I just rummaged around in my local wine dealer and found that the below described wine bottled in 2009 was highly promoted by both the seller and by several wine judging venues. It sells here for about $25. According to Responder the 2004 production of this wine is complimentary on Regent ships, albeit, the differing years may impact quality.

 

Ask for this wine when you go to dinner. You may find it pleasing to the palate and to be headache free, as well. Ask for Santa Margherita 2004 - Pinot Grigio from Valdadige, Italy. Regent claims it has a "Delicately fruity bouquet with lightly refreshing acidity."

 

It is obvious to me that our Regent wine stewards are directed to pour from the two wines that cost the least and are stored in the greatest numbers. And if the dinner guests accept one or the other without question, they are likely not much into wine and any wine will be acceptable. The primary judge of a wine anywhere in the world is you. I thoroughly thrive on the search for that memorable bottle no matter its color or origin. Jack Morris

[Travelcat2]

Earlier we chatted about Italian wines and several on CC felt they had not enjoyed a decent white from that country. I just rummaged around in my local wine dealer and found that the below described wine bottled in 2009 was highly promoted by both the seller and by several wine judging venues. It sells here for about $25. According to Responder the 2004 production of this wine is complimentary on Regent ships, albeit, the differing years may impact quality.

 

Ask for this wine when you go to dinner. You may find it pleasing to the palate and to be headache free, as well. Ask for Santa Margherita 2004 - Pinot Grigio from Valdadige, Italy. Regent claims it has a "Delicately fruity bouquet with lightly refreshing acidity."

 

It is obvious to me that our Regent wine stewards are directed to pour from the two wines that cost the least and are stored in the greatest numbers. And if the dinner guests accept one or the other without question, they are likely not much into wine and any wine will be acceptable. The primary judge of a wine anywhere in the world is you. I thoroughly thrive on the search for that memorable bottle no matter its color or origin. Jack Morris

 

Just wrote that down and will definitely ask for it when we are on the Voyager later this month and will report back.

[Responder]

Earlier we chatted about Italian wines and several on CC felt they had not enjoyed a decent white from that country. I just rummaged around in my local wine dealer and found that the below described wine bottled in 2009 was highly promoted by both the seller and by several wine judging venues. It sells here for about $25. According to Responder the 2004 production of this wine is complimentary on Regent ships, albeit, the differing years may impact quality.

 

Ask for this wine when you go to dinner. You may find it pleasing to the palate and to be headache free, as well. Ask for Santa Margherita 2004 - Pinot Grigio from Valdadige, Italy. Regent claims it has a "Delicately fruity bouquet with lightly refreshing acidity."

 

It is obvious to me that our Regent wine stewards are directed to pour from the two wines that cost the least and are stored in the greatest numbers. And if the dinner guests accept one or the other without question, they are likely not much into wine and any wine will be acceptable. The primary judge of a wine anywhere in the world is you. I thoroughly thrive on the search for that memorable bottle no matter its color or origin. Jack Morris

 

I'm not sure that the vintages or the specific wines on my list will be the actual wines on this sailing..They many times run out of a popular wine and will either go without---acquire more from a port along the way---or supply vintages quite different than what was posted..

 

I wouldn't get too excited about a Pinot Grigio from 2004...That was not a very good year for wines in Italy and a light wine such as this would most likely not improve or stay alive for all these years.

 

For most casual wine drinkers I don't think vintages will matter much..

 

My suggestion with wines is not to drink the label...only use the label to come back and identify a wine that you liked and want to try again.

 

Even the very best and most costliest wines may not travel well on a ship that is in constant motion.

 

And from my experience, the venue...people with whom you are dining or drinking...the food you are eating...will affect the taste of that wine....

 

No one said it was easy...so pour that glass of wine and enjoy...

[nanook21]

I am in total agreement!! Give me a decent glass of wine, some good company and good food, and I have absolutely no complaints. We are so lucky to be able to travel like this, so who can complain??? Can't wait for our next Regent cruise (a whole year away - ouch!).

[jhp]

I'm with Nanook and Responder, not at all particular about wines, as long as it tastes good at the moment. Turned down one or two on my last cruise last month, and they always came up with one that was fine for pouring. Wish I had a more "sensitive" taste, I just don't. Company far more important to me than food or wine!

[2old4this]

Just wrote that down and will definitely ask for it when we are on the Voyager later this month and will report back.

 

Travelcat - If you like it, please feel free to cite me. If not, credit to Commander Whooper Grandstand, an imaginary fellow who frequents the Carnival line. As Responder suggested in an early send, a 2004 white wine can not be expected to have maintained its peak quality 7 and 8 years later. I enjoyed the Santa Margherita 2004 - Pinot Grigio, in January 2011 while on board Mariner and found it full of life. If you find it not up to your taste level switch to another wine immediately and continue your lifelong search for the wine that best suits you. Jack Morris

[Travelcat2]

Travelcat - If you like it, please feel free to cite me. If not, credit to Commander Whooper Grandstand, an imaginary fellow who frequents the Carnival line. As Responder suggested in an early send, a 2004 white wine can not be expected to have maintained its peak quality 7 and 8 years later. I enjoyed the Santa Margherita 2004 - Pinot Grigio, in January 2011 while on board Mariner and found it full of life. If you find it not up to your taste level switch to another wine immediately and continue your lifelong search for the wine that best suits you. Jack Morris

 

Were you on the Mariner from Ft. Lauderdale to Lima?

[2old4this]

Were you on the Mariner from Ft. Lauderdale to Lima?

 

Short vacation Ft. Lauderdale to Guatemala and back. January 4 thru 11. Jack Morris

[gcmv]

Hi Ralf

I think you will find the variety of wines quite interesting. Given that Regent is US owned, I had expected the wines to be dominated by California varietals so you can imagine how surprised I was to be offered an Alsace Gewurz on our first evening - which we returned to more than once! Also found a spectacular Penfolds from Aus - admittedly on the premium list but at a bargain price! Can honestly say that you are sure to find something of interest.

Alan

 

Wow - an Alsace Gewürztraminer sounds very special on an american ship.

The winelist, which was provided by nanook21 (THANKS A LOT! :)) looks great. I like different wines from different countries - the only thing I miss is a german Riesling ... :D

[xrvlcruiser]

2old4 this: you're the person who brought the glasses last year . . right?

[Parlady]

I am looking at a cruise on Regent in January 1212. My only concern is that the excursions may already be booked since I am just now thinking about booking. Should I be concerned about this? Thanks.

[gcmv]

I am looking at a cruise on Regent in January 1212. My only concern is that the excursions may already be booked since I am just now thinking about booking.

 

Is Christopher Columbus onboard???;)

[2old4this]

2old4 this: you're the person who brought the glasses last year . . right?

 

xrvlcruiser - I am the same. 600 eye glasses were dropped off in Guatemala and they are already being worn by adults and children in several villages. You may remember that Regent was fully supportive of the Lions Club effort and invited the visiting Lions members from Antigua Lions Club to board and to enjoy a celebration in the lounge on 12th deck. Mariner staff then gave the visiting Lions a tour of that beautiful ship before visiting with them for the last time on the dock. Regent made the hand over of eye glasses as memorable as possible. In my eyes, Regent can almost do no wrong. The president of the Regent company got fully behind this humanitarian effort and he suggested that we Lions use Regent in the same way whenever we have free eye glasses to deliver.

 

See the website below in which the delivery was made while on Mariner.

 

http://awesome.webplus.net/Eyeglasses/index.html Jack Morris

[BARBYQ]

If the cruise is longer than 10 days , be prepared for fried tofu 3 nights in a row in Compass Rose .

[xrvlcruiser]

Barbyq

 

You're kidding of course.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

If the cruise is longer than 10 days , be prepared for fried tofu 3 nights in a row in Compass Rose .

 

Huh?

[Threechicks]

If the cruise is longer than 10 days , be prepared for fried tofu 3 nights in a row in Compass Rose .

A double Huh??

[Travelcat2]

What:confused::eek:

[BARBYQ]

:confused: We wonder where the people were dining on the Navigator . Our meals were less than lovely , although the galley probably did the best they could with the quality of food provided to them. We did , indeed have fried tofu on the menu three evenings in a row . That's fine if you are a vegetarian , but we are not. We sent more meals back - for various reasons -than we ever have. We stopped because our poor waiter was begining to take it personally.

The wine list submitted a page back was a delightful one , but hasn't been available for several years. The complimentary wines this time were less than mediocre. There were one or two that were drinkable , but NOT "fine" by any reckoning.

We are not newbies to Regent . We have been with a form of the company since 1996 and have achieved "free dry cleaning " status . We are very disappointed with the entire product and will be taking our business elsewhere.

One aspect of Regent , at least on the Navigator , that is superb is the crew . They are the heart and soul of the ship and we will miss them terribly.

We fault Apollo and Frank del Rio in particular for the degredation of the Regent experience.

[2old4this]

:confused: We wonder where the people were dining on the Navigator . Our meals were less than lovely , although the galley probably did the best they could with the quality of food provided to them. We did , indeed have fried tofu on the menu three evenings in a row . That's fine if you are a vegetarian , but we are not. We sent more meals back - for various reasons -than we ever have. We stopped because our poor waiter was begining to take it personally.

The wine list submitted a page back was a delightful one , but hasn't been available for several years. The complimentary wines this time were less than mediocre. There were one or two that were drinkable , but NOT "fine" by any reckoning.

We are not newbies to Regent . We have been with a form of the company since 1996 and have achieved "free dry cleaning " status . We are very disappointed with the entire product and will be taking our business elsewhere.

One aspect of Regent , at least on the Navigator , that is superb is the crew . They are the heart and soul of the ship and we will miss them terribly.

We fault Apollo and Frank del Rio in particular for the degredation of the Regent experience.

 

Barbyq - I think you did all the right steps for bringing your displeasure with the foods and wines to the attention of ship management. I, too, have not been happy with some of the wines and have asked to see others before settling on the wine for the evening. I sent back my favorite dish which included steak and lobster being unwilling to accept sub-standard at a meal I had been anticipating for several days.

 

There is always the risk of giving fellow diners and service staff the impression that we are being overly finicky and choosy in what we eat and drink. Sometimes sending food back and rejecting wines too often does give impressions of never being satisfied. I'm sure you consider these perceptions as I do. But a truly bad meal or a wine that disturbs the tongue and throat on first swallow should not be accepted. As for the perceptions of waiters, they would affect my decision(s) to return dinners and wines at about 1 on a scale of 10. Jack Morris

[esimon]

This will be our 4th cruise - one Celebrity, 2 Holland all great - wondering what I should expect on this one. Is there entertainment, areas for dancing etc.? I know this is more upscale -how are the passengers -- older? just curious - Thanks

[Travelcat2]

This will be our 4th cruise - one Celebrity, 2 Holland all great - wondering what I should expect on this one. Is there entertainment, areas for dancing etc.? I know this is more upscale -how are the passengers -- older? just curious - Thanks

 

Think "smaller" for just about everything (except suites) on Regent compared to Celebrity and Holland America. There is a theater (nice size and lovely) and entertainment as well as lounge entertainment in the evening (with an area for dancing). They also have a small casino and a boutique.

 

It is difficult to answer the question about age with a straight face because we hear that Holland America is an "old folks home". Perhaps more seniors sail because they have the time to do so. And, you will find older people on longer itineraries and when school is in session. The younger crowds are on Alaska and Caribbean itineraries. This certainly is not a strict rule -- there are all ages on all cruises. You will also notice how active most people are on Regent. Once onboard, age really does not make a difference. Many times it is the older folks still wanting to dance into the wee hours of the morning. The guests on Regent enjoy the luxurious lifestyle but are not stuffy -- quite relaxed and fun to be around.

[newlondon]

Travelcat, I know you are a big Regent booster. At the moment we are neutral, having had 2 good Regent cruises; not, however, in our opinion at the level of SS our favorite. I know you are cruising soon and I am anxiously awaiting your assessment of the food in view of the posts by BarbyQ and 2old4this. We will be doing a B2B in SE Asia starting 1/13.