All of those 'included excursions'

[PaulaJK]

This topic stirred a memory of three young woman running past all of the passengers walking towards a tour bus. There were 'reserved for handicap' signs on the seats into which they plunked themselves. Several visibly disabled passengers labored past them. If there is a guide or an escort on board I do not comprehend why they cannot indicate that these seats are reserved for handicap. I do understand how individuals doing this becomes much more complicated, even if the behavior seems repugnant.

[Dolebludger]

Unless I misunderstand or have incorrect information, The ADA does apply to cruise ships on lines with headquarters in the US, As I understand it, these lines agreed to be bound by it rather than facing a law suit from the Feds. But forei..gn independent contractors who provide excursions gets us into a very grey area of the law. My opinion is that if a cruise ship guest pays for the excursion separate and apart from the cruise fare, the excursion in a foreign country may not be covered by ADA. But if the excursion is included in the fare of a cruise line headquartered in the US, it is my opinion that the ADA does apply.

[irishwitchy]

I have to agree that some of the included excursions were better than the "choice". Never take the Panama Canal train between two oceans - awful trip. Regent needs to guarantee 150 seats and the TV review of it makes it look great - it isn't.

 

Also, since my husband and I don't have any medical issues, we discovered going near the back of the bus in many cases we could spread out and not have to sit next to each other which is much nicer when the weather is very warm! Also, if the guide decided to keep talking for an hour he couldn't see us and we could ignore him! (I hate to admit, but I cant stand bad guides that talk non stop for an hour with very little content coming from them.)

[Travelcat2]

Good point about the back of the bus. When buses have aft doors, we try to sit near that door.

 

In terms of the ADA, in my opinion, there is absolutely no way that many developing countries could provide vehicles that meet the requirements. And, it is questionable as to whether the ADA even applies to ships registered in other countries. IF it applied, the Explorer would have been in violation due to the lack of accessibility by the aft elevators on deck 5. As we know, taxes and employment laws from the U.S. do not apply to the ships which is another issue.

[flossie009]

The USA is not the only country with strict and comprehensive disability laws, but I agree that tour operators' vehicles will vary in the various ports around the world.

 

It is a great shame that some guests can be so inconsiderate of others.

On a land-tour some years ago I overheard one "lady" say to her companion before we boarded the bus "I always carry this walking cane ........... I don't really need it but it gets me the front seat on the bus and access to the disabled restrooms" ........... some people!!!!

 

 

Although we are both fortunate to be able bodied, we were very surprised at a number of disabled unfriendly features on such a new ship as Explorer.

 

 

Finally, to get back to the main topic of this thread, we enjoy Regent's concept of included excursions and generally find the variety and quality to be good; some excursions are outstanding but occasionally there are those that do not live up to expectations.

[bissel]

Flossie,

Could you give some examples of the unfriendly to disability features on the Explorer? Appreciate it, thanks!

[flossie009]

Flossie,

Could you give some examples of the unfriendly to disability features on the Explorer? Appreciate it, thanks!

Let’s start with the positives for those with limited mobility:

• Explorer is a very spacious ship
  
• The public restrooms are huge and have automatic doors
  
• As with all Regent ships there are plenty of friendly staff around willing to lend a helping hand
  

But the annoying negatives we noted were:

• The aft elevators do not service decks 4 or 12
  
• The space outside the aft elevators on deck 5 is limited
  
• Two of the forward elevators are an awkward keyhole shape
  
• There are two sets of heavy doors between the Pool Grill and La Veranda - cannot understand why these were not made automatic
  
• Steps in the central aisles of the theatre create trip hazards
  
• Gym is inaccessible to wheelchairs
  
• Accommodation corridors are slightly narrower than on Regent’s other ships
  

Some will describe these issues as ‘nitpicking’ but we were just very surprised to find these sort of design fails on a modern ship.

[bissel]

Thank you for your observations. I think many able bodied people would not be as sensitive to these situations that you are. It is helpful to those of us who have some mobility problems.

I have found your postings always very perceptive on many issues. Thanks again.

[Travelcat2]

Thank you for your observations. I think many able bodied people would not be as sensitive to these situations that you are. It is helpful to those of us who have some mobility problems.

I have found your postings always very perceptive on many issues. Thanks again.

 

To give another perspective.....

 

The aft elevators are an issue for mobility challenged guests. There should be a recommendation for passengers with issues to book suites in the front part of the ship. Unfortunately, at least for now, it is up to TA's that are familiar with Regent's ships to make this recommendation.

 

I already stated that there were issues on deck 5 aft by the elevators.

 

The "keyhole" shape elevators are not an issue but are inconvenient. People with wheelchairs or walkers can certainly fit in the elevators but would need to be in the front.

 

The entrance doors into La Veranda are heavy but no more so than on the other ships. There is generally a crew member by these doors that can help. Also, most passengers hold the doors for others.

 

Narrow corridors would definitely not prevent access by anyone (including passengers in wheel chairs).

 

Do not think that the gym is inaccessible for people with disabilities. Perhaps part of the gym is but definitely not the entire gym.

 

Steps in the theater are an issue for everyone - not only people with disabilities. While I cannot recall which ships have steps in the theater and which have a ramp (the Mariner does have a ramp) hopefully this issue will be solved with the new ship. In any case, there are seats that are accessible to people in wheelchairs so perhaps it is easier than for passengers without mobiity issues.

 

Note: We have spent 54 days onboard Explorer with at least that many nights booked. She is our favorite ship (and is also the favorite ship of our friend that is in a "scooter").

 

And, as an aside, we also have sailed three times on Silversea. Explorer is definitely easier for mobility challenged passengers than the Spirit (where you can barely walk between the chairs in their buffet restaurant). I noticed that you typically sail with them and feel that it is only fair to make this comparison.

Edited March 8, 2018 by Travelcat2

[flossie009]

Do not think that the gym is inaccessible for people with disabilities. Perhaps part of the gym is but definitely not the entire gym.

 

From memory, the only access to the gym is by steps down from deck 6 or a spiral staircase up from deck 5. I will double check when we are next on board.

 

 

PS: Regarding the theatre, I failed to mention that many of the seats in the theatre balcony are high bar-stool type, installed in a vain attempt to improve sight lines. Most guests find these difficult.

[flossie009]

The entrance doors into La Veranda are heavy but no more so than on the other ships. There is generally a crew member by these doors that can help. Also, most passengers hold the doors for others.

PPS: When you are on Voyager later this month I think you will find that the doors from La Veranda out to the deck and Pool Grill are automatic sliding doors, rather than the manual swing doors on Explorer. However, if my memory is incorrect, I apologise.

I think Mariner also has automatic doors at this location.

[bissel]

All added comments very helpful. Thank you.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Thanks to everyone for your support for special needs people like me. I can walk a bit but I use my "scooter" to get me to all parts of the ship and for tours. Most people are very kind and helpful.

I agree about the Explorer regarding the steps in the theatre, and the Veranda heavy doors and the ramp leading up to the doors. They are difficult for me. I don't use the gym and don't find a problem with the aft elevators, except they don't go to the 4th deck, where CR and the theatre are located. I think everyone has this problem.

(Kudos to all the staff for always being so helpful to me and my needs.)

However, these issues do not deter me from loving all the ships, especially the Explorer.

Sheila

[Travelcat2]

Thanks to everyone for your support for special needs people like me. I can walk a bit but I use my "scooter" to get me to all parts of the ship and for tours. Most people are very kind and helpful.

I agree about the Explorer regarding the steps in the theatre, and the Veranda heavy doors and the ramp leading up to the doors. They are difficult for me. I don't use the gym and don't find a problem with the aft elevators, except they don't go to the 4th deck, where CR and the theatre are located. I think everyone has this problem.

(Kudos to all the staff for always being so helpful to me and my needs.)

However, these issues do not deter me from loving all the ships, especially the Explorer.

Sheila

 

I was referring to you in a previous post. Having just spent 25 nights on the Mariner, I can attest to how heavy those doors leading from the pool deck to La Veranda are. I suspect that this is needed as these doors separate the outside of the ship from the inside and they need to be ultra secure. What I am trying to remember is the ramp leading up to the doors on Explorer. On Mariner, it is flat from the exit doors to the pool deck to the doors in La Veranda (which are open so that isn't an issue).

 

Trying to remember which ship (other than Explorer) has steps in the theater. It is possible that I am misremembering the steps. In my opinion, lack of illumination on the steps on Explorer is a huge issue. Most people simply cannot see the steps. We tend to sit towards the back of the theater (to make a quick exit if we don't care for the show) and usually negotiate only one step. Hoping that Splendor will have ramps rather than stairs in the theater as this will be helpful to everyone!

[MalbecWine]

We sit n the back for the same reason.

[PaulaJK]

I find the incline into Canyon Ranch to be another 'tricky' location on Explorer. I always find myself also thinking that it is wasted space.

[Travelcat2]

I find the incline into Canyon Ranch to be another 'tricky' location on Explorer. I always find myself also thinking that it is wasted space.

 

Agree. But, rumor (from a good source) has it that Pacific Rim and Canyon Ranch spa will switch places on the Splendor. "The Cafe" will be renamed Coffee Connection (which it should have been named in the first place) - will remain on the same deck but will also move.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

I was referring to you in a previous post. Having just spent 25 nights on the Mariner, I can attest to how heavy those doors leading from the pool deck to La Veranda are. I suspect that this is needed as these doors separate the outside of the ship from the inside and they need to be ultra secure. What I am trying to remember is the ramp leading up to the doors on Explorer. On Mariner, it is flat from the exit doors to the pool deck to the doors in La Veranda (which are open so that isn't an issue).

 

Trying to remember which ship (other than Explorer) has steps in the theater. It is possible that I am misremembering the steps. In my opinion, lack of illumination on the steps on Explorer is a huge issue. Most people simply cannot see the steps. We tend to sit towards the back of the theater (to make a quick exit if we don't care for the show) and usually negotiate only one step. Hoping that Splendor will have ramps rather than stairs in the theater as this will be helpful to everyone!

 

Hi Jackie

I knew you were referring to me and my scooter. The ramp I mentioned is more of a wooden incline, leading to the doors into the Veranda. That's always tough for me to negotiate on the scooter.

All theatres except Explorer have center ramps going down to the seats. However, on the Explorer, there are ramps on either side to get down.

Obviously, I pay attention to these details so I can get anywhere I want to go.

I did want to mention that we are very careful to book excursions that I can manage and I will not slow down the group. When I am on a "walking" tour, I can outpace anyone!

Sheila

[mdunne48]

All,

 

Flossie is correct concerning the gym access on the Explorer for passengers with mobility issues. The access via the deck #6 requires passengers to navigate 3 steps. Access from the spa on deck 5 is via a spiral staircase.

 

Also you might not want to book cabin #684. Everyone accessing the gym via deck 6 goes through 2 doors directly outside that cabin. One door into the gym and one door into the port side cabin hallway.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[docmark]

Title of this thread is "Excursions...."

 

Am I missing something?

[wcsdkqh]

I suppose for some people, a trip to the gym would be an excursion :-)

[Travelcat2]

Title of this thread is "Excursions...."

 

Am I missing something?

 

One thing typically leads to another. Passengers do need to negotiate the ship and the theater to go on excursions

[docmark]

One thing typically leads to another. Passengers do need to negotiate the ship and the theater to go on excursions

 

 

LOL Travelcat

 

I was hoping to see more positive reviews for "free excursions'' ,since I am considering the 2020 World Cruise, and definitely would want to use SOME / A LOT of the free excursions . Certainly not interested in all the "off-subject" posts.... Of course , it happens in every thread that has more than 10 posts!!

[Travelcat2]

LOL Travelcat

 

I was hoping to see more positive reviews for "free excursions'' ,since I am considering the 2020 World Cruise, and definitely would want to use SOME / A LOT of the free excursions . Certainly not interested in all the "off-subject" posts.... Of course , it happens in every thread that has more than 10 posts!!

 

While I am somewhat jealous of you doing the 2020 World Cruise, we have done 30 Regent cruises and were upset when they started including and charging for excursions in the cruise fare. In our opinion, some parts of the world have excellent included excursions (Africa and the Middle East for instance) and some parts of the world are less than desirable (the Caribbean and the Med.). It should also be acknowledged that what some people love, others do not. In our case, we have simply been to the Med. and Caribbean too many times and only like Regent Choice excursions in those areas (mostly for the cuisine that is included when you pay the price for the Regent Choice excursions).

 

We will be in Asia in a couple of weeks and will see what we think of their included excursions (Bali, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.). We have done more land trips to Asia than any other part of the world so it may be difficult to impress us. We have already read that some people prefer the sanitized, pretend, gardens in Singapore to the real ones in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia. I have an open mind and will be posting from the ship beginning March 24th!

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

LOL Travelcat

 

I was hoping to see more positive reviews for "free excursions'' ,since I am considering the 2020 World Cruise, and definitely would want to use SOME / A LOT of the free excursions . Certainly not interested in all the "off-subject" posts.... Of course , it happens in every thread that has more than 10 posts!!

 

Do not be discouraged-- we have enjoyed most of our included excursions. Occasionally, we do a choice excursion but most of the time it is not necessary to spend extra money.

We have traveled by land and sea. Land trips give you the opportunity to explore in depth so much more. A cruise offers you a glimpse of a city or country.

I would love to do a world cruise. DH says no way. Go for it!

Sheila