Ss explorer, grand crossing 11/24/17

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Ok - we visited Madrid and Lisbon this last week.

Now we are ready!!

Boarding Explorer tomorrow.

We did this same crossing last year and will let everyone know how they compare.

YAY!

Here we come.

Sheila and Herb

[Travelcat2]

BON VOYAGE!! I'm looking forward to the posts. And like Gilly, I'm not really envious... not one bit....

 

poss, still think that you would like Explorer. IMO, it isn't about the glitz and glamor but rather about functionality and comfort. Many posters continue to complain about lack of drawer space on the Navigator and Voyager (and likely will be the same on Mariner). This is not the case on Explorer. Such a comfortable ship!

 

Hope that you had a great Thanksgiving.

[cruiseluv]

I'll be following your cruise on Explorer. I was lucky to cruise the Transatlantic aboard this magnificent ship last November( where I met Sheila from Bellagio cruisers!), so I would love to tag along and reminisce. Have a great time, Bon Voyage!!

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

I'll be following your cruise on Explorer. I was lucky to cruise the Transatlantic aboard this magnificent ship last November( where I met Sheila from Bellagio cruisers!), so I would love to tag along and reminisce. Have a great time, Bon Voyage!!

 

Hi Maria

Stay with us. We both have fond memories together from last year. Will talk when we get home!

Hugs

Sheila

[tbearaustin]

Hi Maria

Stay with us. We both have fond memories together from last year. Will talk when we get home!

Hugs

Sheila

 

 

 

Gustavo and Tedi are onboard. YEA!!!! Very excited and we cannot stop smiling. See you all in observation lounge after muster.

 

 

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[Zqueeze1]

We are really enjoying this thread and wish you all a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

Z and TB

 

 

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[cruiseluv]

Sheila,

 

How is it going?? I'm here with Bob, we both wanna know! Hope you're having a great time!

[ronrick1943]

The first full night on the ship. First impression! The Regent representive at the hotel, shall we say wasn't the most pleasant person I've ever met-in fact she was rude. I know they hire out for this service, maybe just a bad day. I only asked what time the first bus would leave. We were taking a car service and didnt want to get to the ship after a few buses. Anyway got to the pier, to my surprise check in was really good-in fact one of the best. The greeting as you boarded very nice.

 

 

Again every Regent staff member made you feel like they enjoyed doing their job. Service was far much better than expected.

 

 

As for the buffet, we both hate buffets. The food looked fresh and tasty. Service was outstanding. There was a staff member their to assist in serving. By the way the food was good and we enjoyed lunch--although it still was a buffet.

 

 

We returned to our suite and to unpack. It was only minutes and our butler stopped by to welcome us and explain a few things about our suite. We had requested a few items on the online form from home they couldn't find. We told him not a problem, don't worry about it. He told us it was it was his job to worry about it and they are still looking.

 

 

So far so good. The guests on the ship is a mixed group of people, young and old, there are even children onboard. Met some very nice people. In fact we met a couple at the airport from San Diego prior to leaving San Diego.

 

 

Was going to meet others on Cruise Critic but after the safety drill took longer then we anticipated. We just had enough time to get ready for dinner.

Hope to see everyone onboard.

 

 

Dinner at Prime 7, service was excellent! appetizers okay (Ron has his own opinion) prime rib cut from the cart very good., side dishes cool-not even warm. Not a big deal but should have been hot. They wanted to bring out new, but it would have been too late. They were very sorry, but it wasn't that big of a deal to us. The food we had was more than enough. Overall okay too good!

On return to our suite found our bar set up on the floor as they are expecting a bumpy night.

 

 

This morning the butler brought breakfast and it was cold, pancakes, bacon-didn't eat. Of course the cereal was cold as should be and although I like the coffee on the ship. No, really the coffee is good.

After not having breakfast off to the cooking class ( so we missed the Meet and Mingle cocktail party at 10:30am) why they would do it on first sea day, dont understand and so early with everything eles going on. Sorry we did want to go, but had scheduled this class before the cruise), The class was fun and the chef instructor was very good, and if we do say so, what we cooked was really good.

After our class, we ran down to the Explorer lounge to see if the party was still going on, but it was over.

So off to lunch at Chartreuse, food was very good but the service really bad. Dishes after a course were left on the table, had to ask for additional bread, long (really) wait for a salad, then we sat at the table about 10 mintues before someone cleared the table. We were however asked if we wanted dessert twice, even though we had ordered it. Ron felt as if he was in a new restaurant opening and the staff was going live for the first time. And it's true.

Back to our suite and a few bed linens left on a chair (dirty??). We just got an invite to have dinner with Daniela the Food & Beverage Director and if she asks, yes we will say something.

Now about the ship, Ron thinks it is a bit glitzy and maybe a little too Las Vegas. I like it, so what does that say about me. The suite is nice, the shower is great. Looking forward to the crusie and it is a nice ship. And yes we are having fun. Don't forget it only our opinion, but this is the we see it so far........If your one of the cruisers on the ship, stop Ron and he may have a different story. But if you do besure to have a cocktail in hand.

Rick & Ron

[Hambagahle]

Bon Voyage! Your reports are very interesting and thank you. Was the first night as bumpy as expected? Hopefully the bottles weren't rolling all over the floor.

 

IF you meet anyone in one of the stern Grand Suites I would be very grateful for their report on how they like the suite, the balcony and also how bumpy it was on the first night back there!!

 

Happy sailing.

[Pamela1]

Hi Rick & Ron, thank you for taking the time to post from your vacation and giving an honest interpretation of your thoughts.

Hope things go from strength to strength and maybe you can convince Ron that a it of bling isn't so bad after all.

Have a wonderful evening.

 

Pam.

[liptastic]

Rick and Ron,

Thanks for posting your first impressions. I think this will be a thread which will be most useful for anyone considering Regent, as you are both experienced cruisers bringing their take on a first cruise on Regent.

We didn’t encounter any cool/ cold food ourselves but I so think you are right to mention this to Daniela as that’s not really acceptable.

Looking forward to more posts from you, and have a great cruise. Thanks, Jean.

[noir36]

Life’s good on the Explorer. Check in was quick. Valet service for hand luggage available. Service seems to be better than the service on our last crossing. I liked Pacific Rim yesterday. Not so much last year. Needed some tailoring work today and it was done in a few hours. An ample supply of acceptable house wine available. My only issue is the only Indian tonic water is diet. Bar staff are great. Have not attended any evening intertainment. There’s a new group of singers and dancers performing Broadway in concert tonight. Dennis

[liptastic]

Life’s good on the Explorer. Check in was quick. Valet service for hand luggage available. Service seems to be better than the service on our last crossing. I liked Pacific Rim yesterday. Not so much last year. Needed some tailoring work today and it was done in a few hours. An ample supply of acceptable house wine available. My only issue is the only Indian tonic water is diet. Bar staff are great. Have not attended any evening intertainment. There’s a new group of singers and dancers performing Broadway in concert tonight. Dennis

 

That’s great to hear all going well. Thanks for taking time to post. Oh is the tonic water Fever Tree? Thanks, Jean.

[ronrick1943]

Bon Voyage! Your reports are very interesting and thank you. Was the first night as bumpy as expected? Hopefully the bottles weren't rolling all over the floor.

 

IF you meet anyone in one of the stern Grand Suites I would be very grateful for their report on how they like the suite, the balcony and also how bumpy it was on the first night back there!!

 

Happy sailing.

OK, we will. I can tell you the back Grand Suite is nice, they said less night and this morning were really bumpy, we didn't fill it in the back. Also jusy an fyi, the deck is really big in the back. It goes around the side and back. Has table, 4 chairs, 2 chase loungeers, 2 over size chairs and a L couch. RICK

 

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[Onkel_Ken]

Ron & Rick, Thank you for sharing your impressions of the Explorer, dining, and service so for on-board. There are a lot of us following your voyage and looking forward to further updates as you continue your journey!

[Hambagahle]

OK, we will. I can tell you the back Grand Suite is nice, they said less night and this morning were really bumpy, we didn't fill it in the back. Also jusy an fyi, the deck is really big in the back. It goes around the side and back. Has table, 4 chairs, 2 chase loungeers, 2 over size chairs and a L couch. RICK

 

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THANK YOU! I am so happy we chose this suite for our first Explorer cruise. Will be a long time coming but all the better once it gets here!

 

Hope you have calm seas, sunshine and lots of fun on the crossing!

Gerry:)

[Travelcat2]

THANK YOU! I am so happy we chose this suite for our first Explorer cruise. Will be a long time coming but all the better once it gets here!

 

Hope you have calm seas, sunshine and lots of fun on the crossing!

Gerry:)

 

Hi Gerry - based on your post, I am assuming that you have not sailed on Explorer yet (such a lovely ship). Having stayed in a Master, Grand, Concierge and F1 suites, I highly recommend the Master, Explorer or Seven Seas suite (we have toured all suites on Explorer). Our least favorite suites were the Grand and PH. There are two threads going on for this crossing (the same that we took last year) which is great. I am following the other thread but pop in here periodically.

 

Is the cruise that you are referring to the one in 2020?

 

Jackie

[Hambagahle]

Hi Jackie -

 

you are right! I have not yet sailed on the Explorer. A couple of years before she was launched we switched to Oceania - which we love. Just got off a Mediterranean cruise on Riviera in a Vista suite. Perfect! BUT we want to re-do the Panama Canal cruise we did on Mariner in 2005. AND we want a large terrace so the Grand Suite works well - we have 784 for the March 2020 Miami/LA cruise. Why is the Grand suite one of your least favourites?? It looks lovely to me and given the time of year the large terrace is very inviting!

Gerry

[noir36]

Sorry liptastic, wish the tonic water was fever tree. The regular one is a brand I don’t know. I suspect it is a house brand. The Indian tonic is Scheps Zero, OK, but not 1724 or fever tree. I enjoyed the Broadway show last night. A few of the singers were very good, some of them were drowned out by the very loud band. This was their first show . It’s a sea day today. Whether is nice. The pax on this crossing are a bit more serious and older than last year. Dennis

[Zqueeze1]

That’s great to hear all going well. Thanks for taking time to post. Oh is the tonic water Fever Tree? Thanks, Jean.

 

 

 

I was able to preorder Fever Tree for my recent Mariner cruise and was pleased to see four bottles of it along with Hendricks Gin. As soon as I used up the tonic it was replaced by four more friends.

Z and TB

 

 

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[liptastic]

Thanks for information Z and TB that’s good to know in advance. Jean.:D

[ronrick1943]

Hi Jackie -

you are right! I have not yet sailed on the Explorer. A couple of years before she was launched we switched to Oceania - which we love. Just got off a Mediterranean cruise on Riviera in a Vista suite. Perfect! BUT we want to re-do the Panama Canal cruise we did on Mariner in 2005. AND we want a large terrace so the Grand Suite works well - we have 784 for the March 2020 Miami/LA cruise. Why is the Grand suite one of your least favourites?? It looks lovely to me and given the time of year the large terrace is very inviting!

Gerry

 

Hi, not Jackie but we are in 785 a Grand Suite-I think you'll love it. It's a very nice suite with a super deck you can use most of the time unless a lot of wind. The only thing is the dining area is small, really only for 4 people which is find with us. Other than that I see nothing wrong with the Grand Suite. Rick

[ronrick1943]

Another few days.* We had dinner in the CR with Daniela, nice evening.* Dinner was good and service was excellent (but since Daniela is F&B Officer) you would except that. Although the dining room is nicely done and the table setting very nice the room is just to big for me.* We like the smaller dining rooms.* The food, Foie Gras couldn't have been better, the duck was outstanding,* the dover sole very good but it was served with a garlic butter, I would have preferred a butter sauce.*

 

The casino was next, nice size and pretty fun, I just picked the wrong machine so after a few hours off to bed.* Still everyone said it was rough seas during night, but it wasn't that bad for us--Oh, before I forget the beds are really nice and comfortable.* Great sheets and the pillow menu has everything you would want.

 

Well we took a tour yesterday morning, as you know we don't like big group tours.* We're in Funchal and wanted to do the toboggan down the hill.* We missed that last time we were here.* Just an FYI, it's not a hill more like a mountain with a few turns and pretty fast.* To my surprise Regent did a nice job from start to finish, iit was an enjoyable morning.**

 

 

Believe it or not we had a choice where to eat for lunch on the ship and we picked La Veranda with the buffet (you know we don't like buffets) but I have to say that Regent does this right. I'd say it's a very high end and shouts quality.

 

 

The Cafe, coffee place with snacks.* Very nice, great service and coffee.* Good place if you'd like a snack.

 

 

Next stop was Sette Mari for dinner.* OUTSTANDING! It's small and fills up fast, stays that way thur out the night.* They seated us next to a window which is were everyone wants.* No view, it's night time.* But it really is the best place to be, otherwise your seating next to the walk way to the food.* The service super good, we didn't do the antipasto buffet (you know why) but it did look good.* The food, very good, in fact I had veal and it was the best I'd ever had. Ron had a chicken dish that was good, but not as good as the veal.

 

 

Now it's back to the room for a little bit, I* have to bring this up.* In the living room they have this chair that looks comfortable but useless.* It really looks like a great piece of art, except you really can't sit in it and don't even try to get out of it without help. You really want to know what designer made that purchase?

 

 

Now onto the Constellation Theater for "Broadway in Concert" show.* I can't ever remember the last time we saw a show on a ship, they just aren't that good. Again Regent surprised us, we stayed thur the whole show.* It was Broadway, but the show and the entertainers where good and did a good job.**

 

 

Today is a sea day, didn't get up to early--didn't have breakfast.* Today is thhe big Galley Lunch, so I'll let you know about that later.* Dinner tonight is Pacific Rim. So far so good, I mean nothing is perfect in life, but this is pretty good.**

 

 

Rick & Ron

 

 

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[Hambagahle]

Great reports and thank you for the info on the Grand suite. If you could include photos of the balcony I would love to see them!

 

The chair you mention - sounds like one we had in our Oceania Suite on Riviera several years ago...looked lovely and was torture to sit in. Table for 4 is perfect. We have had a table for 6 and that is a lot of people for dinner.

 

I have to say I was giggling - with very old memories - when you mentioned the sled rides in Funchal. I did that once. 1952 and I was 10. Then it seemed very exciting. Now - having seen them many times - that is way too much excitement for me! Glad you had fun. Hopefully you saw the Botanic Garden too? It is lovely.

 

How many sea days do you have ahead of you right now? Are there lecture series worth going to?

[Boatmans Lady]

Really enjoying your reports.

I am getting slightly worried about people posting about cool/tepid/lukewarm food, and this is across a variety of ships. We will expect food to be hot and as I have said on another thread, if food isn't the correct temperature it is just asking for problems, as bugs love food that hasn't been cooked enough to reach a safe temperature to kill them of, or if food has been sitting around getting cold.

We will, politely ask for a completely new meal if any element is not hot [if it is meant to be hot] and will expect this request to be met.

 

A dose of food poisoning is the last thing we want.