Regent vs Crystal

[RonnieL]

I am posting this on both boards as we are hoping to book either Regent or Crystal for the Med this summer.. So any comparisons are welcome...

 

Thanks!

Ronnie

[Responder]

I am posting this on both boards as we are hoping to book either Regent or Crystal for the Med this summer.. So any comparisons are welcome...

 

Thanks!

Ronnie

 

You just opened Pandora's Box.... :D:D

[RonnieL]

I know that they both have their plusses and minuses... really interested to know that the food is fresh fish and the entertainment... I have already sailed on both but it was quite some time ago... any opinions are welcome!

[wripro]

Perhaps you might try doing a search. I'm sure there are hundreds of threads with comparisons.

[AWED23]

You are about to be deluged with great opinions of Crystal on their board along with derogatory opinions of Regent...On this board the reverse will happen. We have been on both Crystal ships, Symphony round trip from Los Angeles to Hawaii, 14 days and a 16 day cruise round trip from Copenhagen up the Norwegan coast and North to Spitzbergen and back via Iceland. That was 3 years ago. For us there is no comparison due to the passenger demographic. People who cruise Regent are, for the most part, much more down to earth and pleasant to travel with than the Crystal crowd who seem to feel a bit more classy than the rest of us because they are on Crystal....But that is only my opinion of course...Objective comparisons are really hard to get. Regent does provide larger and better thought out cabin spaces...Now sit back and enjoy what pops up from Pandoras box! :D;)

Edited December 29, 2013 by AWED23

[RonnieL]

I am prepared for that but thought I might also get some useful information...thanks!

[rallydave]

I am prepared for that but thought I might also get some useful information...thanks!

 

And, do consider the source of some of the responses you are sure to get. Some of the most prolific of the Regent cheerleaders have never set foot on Crystal however am sure within a short time they will tell you all the things that are wrong with Crystal in their humble opinion and how everything is perfect on Regent notwithstanding all of the recent reports of issues within PCH including Regent and Oceania.

[nana541]

Originally Posted by jazzbeau

 

Crystal's new smoking policy is much more restrictive than Regent's. This is a big Crystal plus for us.

 

I posted this on Crystal's board not sure how I did that but here it is :)

 

I am extremely sensitive to smoke and have had cruises ruined by inconsiderate smokers. This is one of the many things that I love about Regent. Never have I ever encountered a smoking issue on a Regent ship.

 

 

 

Wondering what could be more restrictive than what Regent has been doing very well for a very long time? If I'm not mistaken you can only smoke inside the ship in two places, the Casino which maybe that's banned now too, and the Cigar Room (forget what they call it) other wise there is one area by the pool and I think on the Aft Deck outside of the Neptune Lounge (?).

 

 

 

We actually had an Aft cabin directly one deck above this area and never smelled a thing.

 

 

 

Really wondering what is a more restrictive policy??

 

 

 

Walking the plank... Ok that could be a bit more restrictive :)

[nana541]

Another one I posted over on Crystal... Guess I'm losing it :)

 

 

Have never sailed Crystal but have priced and compared it to Regent often.

 

The larger cabins and all the inclusions, together with casual dress code and open dining cause me to say Regent was best for us....

 

We do however inspite of included excursions book some "private" tours for very special cities....Rome was one!

 

 

 

Our very best excursion in the Med was an "included" excursion in Florence. We had about 20 on a huge bus and Luca was the best guide we ever had.

 

 

 

JMHO

[Travelcat2]

There are certain facts that does not require a person to cruise on a ship. For instance:

 

Regular suites are considerably smaller on Crystal than on Regent's Navigator or Voyager. To upgrade to a suite that is equivalent to Regent could mean paying more $$$ for your cruise (that is the case when going to a penthouse suite on Crystal)

 

Crystal does not have true open seating. You are assigned a table. According to CC reports, you usually can make a reservation for a table at the time that you wish.

 

If you wish to dine at a specialty restaurant more than once, there is a charge of $30/person. There is no charge on Regent but second reservations are not guaranteed - particularly when the ship is sailing full.

 

Reviews of Crystal and Regent indicate that the shows and destination lectures are better on Crystal

 

P.S. nana, no smoking in casino on Regent.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Travelcat2

[nana541]

 

P.S. nana, no smoking in casino on Regent.

 

Kinda what I thought, the comment on the Crystal board was that Crystal's "new" smoking policy was more restrictive than Regent's??? I was hoping that someone might enlighten me as to the difference. As smoking is one of my deal breakers!

[Responder]

There are certain facts that does not require a person to cruise on a ship. For instance:

 

Regular suites are considerably smaller on Crystal than on Regent's Navigator or Voyager. To upgrade to a suite that is equivalent to Regent could mean paying more $$$ for your cruise (that is the case when going to a penthouse suite on Crystal)

 

Crystal does not have true open seating. You are assigned a table. According to CC reports, you usually can make a reservation for a table at the time that you wish.

 

If you wish to dine at a specialty restaurant more than once, there is a charge of $30/person. There is no charge on Regent but second reservations are not guaranteed - particularly when the ship is sailing full.

 

Reviews of Crystal and Regent indicate that the shows and destination lectures are better on Crystal

 

P.S. nana, no smoking in casino on Regent.

 

Amazing how some insist on offering comments and opinions about cruise lines they have never sailed on.

 

Let those who have first hand information speak!

 

Sometimes listening is a virtue.

[nana541]

Amazing how some insist on offering comments and opinions about cruise lines they have never sailed on.

 

Let those who have first hand information speak!

 

Sometimes listening is a virtue.

 

Is asking questions acceptable??

[Bodogbodog]

Really wondering what is a more restrictive policy??

 

They could start with banning the use of electronic cigarettes in any areas that cigarette smoking is prohibited. Reading the Regent smoking policy they allow electronic cigarettes to be used anywhere except in dining areas. I find the odour from electronic cigarettes can be quite pungent and would like to see them subject to the same restrictions as tobacco cigarettes.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Bodogbodog

[Travelcat2]

Electronic cigarettes would definitely be a consideration for people who are bothered by them. I have not noticed any on board but they are certainly permitted on Regent.

 

It is sad to see posters on this thread whose sole purpose for posting seems to be to belittle and/or harrass others.:mad:

Edited December 30, 2013 by Travelcat2

[Swyre]

Have to stick up for TC here. I would say she's sufficiently dispassionate in her posting above to not warrant a rebuke. In any case TC is a lady of strong opinions which livens up the board and as far as I'm concerned she's more than welcome to express them!

 

As regards smoking, I've been on Voyager and Mariner and I would say "smokers' corner" is in a better location on Mariner. Occasionally there's some "leakage" into the lobby on Voyager.

 

Smoking is a deal breaker for me otherwise I'd feel inclined to try Seabourne who's product looks similar to that of Regent.

 

R

Edited December 30, 2013 by Swyre

[Bodogbodog]

It is sad to see posters on this thread whose sole purpose for posting seems to be to belittle and/or harrass others.:mad:

 

Fortunately they (singular) are in the minority and healthy discussion among other CC members is alive and well - ignore them - I do :D

[Suite Travels]

Really, it is your choice to evaluate what will work for you. Just be glad you have choices of two luxury lines. No line is perfect but can come pretty close.

 

Electronic cigarette smoke is nothing but water vapor to think you are smoking. The nicotine is in the filter which would not bother anybody. We know a few people who have quit smoking using these electronic devices and there is no secound hand smoke. You will not smell a thing.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Suite Travels

[AWED23]

Amazing how some insist on offering comments and opinions about cruise lines they have never sailed on.

 

Let those who have first hand information speak!

 

Sometimes listening is a virtue.

Remember the three monkeys, especially the one in the middle with his hands on his ears....But then, of course, his mouth is shut....

[nancygp]

Amazing how some insist on offering comments and opinions about cruise lines they have never sailed on.

 

Let those who have first hand information speak!

 

Sometimes listening is a virtue.

 

+1!!!

 

Also, the OP has stated (either on this board or on the Crystal board) that he or she has sailed on both lines previously but it was 10 years ago on Regent/Radisson and 20 years ago on Crystal...lots of changes on both over the years.

 

Happy New Year.

 

Nancy

[Bodogbodog]

Electronic cigarette smoke is nothing but water vapor to think you are smoking. The nicotine is in the filter which would not bother anybody. We know a few people who have quit smoking using these electronic devices and there is no secound hand smoke. You will not smell a thing.

 

You must be talking about a different type of electronic cigarette than I am. The ones I'm familiar with do allow for flavourings to be added (and liquid nicotine I if the user wants) - depending on those flavourings the smell can be quite pungent. There's no secondhand smoke but you most certainly can smell them if certain flavourings are used

 

Anyway the good news is that Crystal Guest Services have confirmed the same restrictions apply to electronic cigarettes as apply to conventional ones

Edited December 30, 2013 by Bodogbodog

[juli2020]

Kinda what I thought, the comment on the Crystal board was that Crystal's "new" smoking policy was more restrictive than Regent's??? I was hoping that someone might enlighten me as to the difference. As smoking is one of my deal breakers!

 

New 2014 Smoking Policy For Crystal:

Crystal Cruises kindly asks all guests to observe the non-smoking areas on board, which have been created for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone. Effective with the first cruises in 2014, indoor smoking is permitted only in the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge. Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor areas of the ship including all other public rooms, lounges, corridors and restaurants, as well as all staterooms, suites and verandahs. Please note, if smoke is detected in a stateroom or suite, a cleaning fee of $250 per incident will be billed to your account. Outdoor smoking is allowed in a limited number of designated spaces as follows:

 

Cigarette smoking

Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity

Seahorse pool area, port side only

Promenade Deck

 

Cigar & Pipe smoking

Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity

 

Smoking Policy for Regent:

In light of continuing legislative changes in smoking policies around the world as well as the comfort, health and safety of our guests and crew, both in terms of the proven dangers of second hand smoke and the fire hazard that smoking presents, smoking is prohibited in all suites, staterooms and balconies fleet-wide.

 

In addition, cigarette, electronic cigarette or cigar smoking is not permitted in any enclosed dining areas, whether it be the ships' main dining rooms, the alternate dining venues or the outdoor dining areas. Electronic cigarette smoking is permitted throughout the ship with the exception of the dining areas mentioned above. Cigarette smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the outdoor pool area and the following public rooms:

Seven Seas Voyager: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge (Outdoor one side designated area), Pool area (Designated area opposite side of the Pool Bar)

Seven Seas Mariner: Connoisseur Club, Horizon Lounge (Outdoor one side designated area), Pool area (Designated area opposite side of the Pool Bar)

Seven Seas Navigator: Connoisseur Club, Galileo's (Outdoor one side designated area), Pool area (Designated area opposite side of the Pool Bar)

 

Cigar Smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club and the designated area on the opposite side of the Pool Bar.

 

Pipe smoking is only permitted in the Connoisseur Club. Pipe smoking in open deck areas is considered an extreme fire hazard and is not permitted.

 

Failure to comply with this ban will result in guests being asked to leave the ship at their expense, without refund or credit for the unused portion of their cruise.

[nana541]

I have sent an e-mail regarding this issue, from my perspective only an idiot would think that smoking should be banned, but e-cigs is fine???? Not well thought out and I will NOT under any circumstances pay for a cabin that has been "smoked" in. I don't care how much I love Regent!

Edited December 30, 2013 by nana541

[xrvlcruiser]

Smoking has not been allowed in the cabins on Regent in years . . . far longer than on Crystal.

[Bodogbodog]

Smoking has not been allowed in the cabins on Regent in years . . . far longer than on Crystal.

 

Correct but isn't it more relevant to look forward rather than into history? - from tomorrow ie 1/1/14 - smoking on Crystal will be limited to only one indoor location dedicated to dying pastime of smoking (tobacco or electronic versions) and on Regent guests will be able to smoke electronic cigarettes anywhere indoors except in dining areas and that includes cabins.

That's a clear differentiation between the two lines policies - effective tomorrow

Edited December 30, 2013 by Bodogbodog