Ss explorer, grand crossing 11/24/17

[noir36]

Friday morning and the weather continues to be poor, cool/cold,rainy. The seas are still angry but calmer than last night. The pool is still closed. Other activities continue. Had dinner at Chartreuse the other night. I still prefer Signatures when it was at it’s best. Just a personal preference. Tasted Chartreuse for the first time. Neither DW or our server liked it. Life is good onboard. Cheers everyone.

[sharon2975]

having a great time here on the Explorer. The food has been really good and the staff friendly and professional. The few ship sponsored shore excursions we took were fine. We turned in our mid cruise comment card and expressed our delight with the cruise. We did have a few suggestions, the pool (when) open, could be a few degrees warmer. The sound system in the Constellation lounge needs tweaking as there is too much echo making it almost impossible to hear the lyrics. We Loved the show John Barron put on and the show Jerri Sager did was fantastic. we are hoping they will treat us to a show featuring them both some night. We have met so many interesting fellow passengers. The time changes granting us an extra hour are a bonus. Yesterday was Bobs birthday and we came back to our cabin to swan towel art, a big banner hanging over the bed and balloons, al that an an extra hour on the clock, a very happy birthday indeed.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

What a wonderful evening we had!

Dinner in Chartruse - was a fabulous dining experience.. last year, I complained that it was not as good as Signatures. Tonight- every course and service was perfect. Appetizers- Herb had artichoke soup. I had coquille st. Jacques.. we shared the cheese soufflé. Main course - rack of lamb for both. Great wines accompanying dinner. Dessert- we went crazy- chocolate napoleon, apple crisp, creme brullee. Best meal so far!

Then we went to the production show- Paradis.. It was one of the best shows on Regent. Great new cast. Some of it seemed familiar and I asked John Barron afterward. Same show as last year, but the new cast made all the difference.

We are so lucky to be able to enjoy such a marvelous evening and a wonderful journey!

Sheila and Herb

[ronrick1943]

Cruise Day #7

 

 

Forgot to mention this yesterday around 7am you'd think someone dropped a 500 pound something on the floor above.* About every 10 minutes or so.* A call to the butler, as we told him about it, wow he must have jump a foot when he heard it.**Many calls later and there working on it. It finally stopped around 11:00PM.* Still don't know what it was, except loud. The General Manager came up apologized.* All is good, things happen and they took care of it.

 

 

So this morning woke up with rocky ship which never let up throughout the day.* This is our 4th crossing and in the past it was smooth like being on ice gliding across the Atlantic.* Oh well, something new to add for the trip experience.*

 

 

Breakfast good at La Veranda.* We haven't made it to Compass Rose for breakfast yet.* Its faster and more convenient for us as we had cooking lessons again this morning.**

 

 

The cooking lessons have been great.* The Chef is very good.* The recipes easy, fun and lots of wine poured!* The problem/complaints we're hearing is that you have to stand for 2 to 3 hours. It wasnt a problem for us!* Yesterday we cooked fish and today was chicken.* It's really fun and something you should consider even if you don't cook.

 

 

Spa (Ron) Yesterday*

 

Canyon Ranch Spas from what I experienced in Tucson, Arizona was luxury and place to be pampered for both men and women.* Yes I realize I'm on a ship so its not going to be the same.* Checked in with a gentlemen who had me fill out paperwork.* After completion he ask for suite card and gave locker key and escorted me to my locker.* Which was a bottom locker.* He states robe and slippers are in locker at end of hall please have a seat and a therapist will come get you.* Okay!* Changed and went to find that seat.* I needed that massage.* There are a lot of amenities there is the aromatic steam room, ice room, and dry sauna.* The pool and outdoor area was closed due to the weather.* So finally just sat and the gentlemen that checked me in was the therapist.* Fast forward:* massage was good.* Have I* *had better yes.* At any rate he said after you put your robe on I'll wait with a glass of water outside the room.* So when I opened the door he gave me water and said you need to sign.* I was in that relax daze low lights dark.* He presented the bill to me!* I dont sign at the front desk.* No, you sign here.* You can leave extra if you want.* I said to him I* believe they include the tip with the 18% added.* No he said thats only my salary, tip is extra.* I don't* think so and just signed the bill and found my way out.*

 

 

Lunch was good in Prime7, service also good.* We spend the day just talking with other cruisers, got my book and read some.

 

 

When back to the suite to find the roof top part of are deck half off and more noise.* Than all of sudden we had 5 crew in the suite moving* to the deck.* 30 mintues later the half deck cover was gone and taken away.* Life goes on, we're re going to Pacific Rim for dinner.* It was very good and of course the service was outstanding.

 

 

After that the Constellation Theater was on the list for tonight.* It was a called "Paradis" brings Parisian nightlight to the stage.* Again I have to say it was very good and entertaining.* From lighting to dancing and everything in between.**

 

 

For those that have asked, on a crossing they have a full calendar of things to do if you want.* You really can't do them all even if you tried.* We're not trying and having a great time without doing all the stuff.

 

 

Just one more detail, the suite stewards, we have Ali and Fredy.* Always happy and always with a smile.* These guys are the happiest people I've even seen.* And working all the time.* They keep this suite perfect at all times.**

 

 

Rick & Ron

 

 

 

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Sent from my SM-T580 using Forums mobile app

[jctdlt]

Cruise Day #7

 

 

Forgot to mention this yesterday around 7am you'd think someone dropped a 500 pound something on the floor above.* About every 10 minutes or so.* A call to the butler, as we told him about it, wow he must have jump a foot when he heard it.**Many calls later and there working on it. It finally stopped around 11:00PM.* Still don't know what it was, except loud. The General Manager came up apologized.* All is good, things happen and they took care of it.

 

 

So this morning woke up with rocky ship which never let up throughout the day.* This is our 4th crossing and in the past it was smooth like being on ice gliding across the Atlantic.* Oh well, something new to add for the trip experience.*

 

 

Breakfast good at La Veranda.* We haven't made it to Compass Rose for breakfast yet.* Its faster and more convenient for us as we had cooking lessons again this morning.**

 

 

The cooking lessons have been great.* The Chef is very good.* The recipes easy, fun and lots of wine poured!* The problem/complaints we're hearing is that you have to stand for 2 to 3 hours. It wasnt a problem for us!* Yesterday we cooked fish and today was chicken.* It's really fun and something you should consider even if you don't cook.

 

 

Spa (Ron) Yesterday*

 

Canyon Ranch Spas from what I experienced in Tucson, Arizona was luxury and place to be pampered for both men and women.* Yes I realize I'm on a ship so its not going to be the same.* Checked in with a gentlemen who had me fill out paperwork.* After completion he ask for suite card and gave locker key and escorted me to my locker.* Which was a bottom locker.* He states robe and slippers are in locker at end of hall please have a seat and a therapist will come get you.* Okay!* Changed and went to find that seat.* I needed that massage.* There are a lot of amenities there is the aromatic steam room, ice room, and dry sauna.* The pool and outdoor area was closed due to the weather.* So finally just sat and the gentlemen that checked me in was the therapist.* Fast forward:* massage was good.* Have I* *had better yes.* At any rate he said after you put your robe on I'll wait with a glass of water outside the room.* So when I opened the door he gave me water and said you need to sign.* I was in that relax daze low lights dark.* He presented the bill to me!* I dont sign at the front desk.* No, you sign here.* You can leave extra if you want.* I said to him I* believe they include the tip with the 18% added.* No he said thats only my salary, tip is extra.* I don't* think so and just signed the bill and found my way out.*

 

 

Lunch was good in Prime7, service also good.* We spend the day just talking with other cruisers, got my book and read some.

 

 

When back to the suite to find the roof top part of are deck half off and more noise.* Than all of sudden we had 5 crew in the suite moving* to the deck.* 30 mintues later the half deck cover was gone and taken away.* Life goes on, we're re going to Pacific Rim for dinner.* It was very good and of course the service was outstanding.

 

 

After that the Constellation Theater was on the list for tonight.* It was a called "Paradis" brings Parisian nightlight to the stage.* Again I have to say it was very good and entertaining.* From lighting to dancing and everything in between.**

 

 

For those that have asked, on a crossing they have a full calendar of things to do if you want.* You really can't do them all even if you tried.* We're not trying and having a great time without doing all the stuff.

 

 

Just one more detail, the suite stewards, we have Ali and Fredy.* Always happy and always with a smile.* These guys are the happiest people I've even seen.* And working all the time.* They keep this suite perfect at all times.**

 

 

Rick & Ron

 

 

 

Sent from my Galaxy Tab A

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-T580 using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

I am with you on spa. I thought tip was built in! Anybody know for sure?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Pamela1]

Pretty bad service on the spa front Ron, not only was it bad practice to deliver the bill whilst relaxing but for the masseuse to actively ask for a tip?....

 

Sorry you are having problems with your suite and hope it's all sorted now.

Glad you are enjoying the food, service and entertainment on board. i have to agree that the cabin stewards are fabulous on Regent.

 

Pam.

[Travelcat2]

Rick, you were "taken" by Canyon Ranch Spa. Our experience with them has not been positive and it saddens me to learn that they took advantage of someone new to Regent. An 18% tip is definitely included in the fee for their services. Hope that you report the person that gave you the misinformation. This should not be happening.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[rcandkc]

And this spa gets prime territory where a rear lounge should go.....

I know I’m opinionated on this. I did use the spa twice on another Regent ship twice for hair services. They did not welcome me warmly or know what they were doing. I have not been back to any Regent spa.

[rcandkc]

And this spa gets prime territory where a rear lounge should go.....

I know I’m opinionated on this. I did use the spa twice on another Regent ship twice for hair services. They did not welcome me warmly or know what they were doing. I have not been back to any Regent spa.

 

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have submitted this. My view but not the focus of this great thread. Thank you Ron and Rick for taking us along your journey.

[Hambagahle]

The Canyon Ranch materials clearly say that 18% tip is included in the prices. This is taken from their brochure for the Explorer:

 

"An 18% service charge has been included in all prices for your convenience. Any additional gratuities for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected."

 

I would definitely report that masseur. He was really out of line to do what he did and should be told to stop.

 

Question about the comment on the cooking course! How do people cook if they don't stand?? I never cook sitting down... Glad you thought the classes were worthwhile. But then the last one I had on Oceania was very good too AND the materials given to take away were better than they had been before.

 

Keep enjoying yourselves. I do hope the roof gets put back on though.

[wishIweretravelling]

My experience today at the salon end of Canyon Ranch:

We had early morning pedicures, which for the past few days had been advertised in Passages as 20% off for those early times. We made the early appointments on that basis. However, it had ceased to apply today. Nevertheless, when questioned about it, they gave us the discount. It was the operator who did the pedicures who checked us out.

 

Since I never trust that service charges go to the employee, since she so readily gave the discount, and since I could not be sure that the discount would not come out of her pay, I put the difference back in as a tip. I’d rather see this lovely, hard-working young woman get the money than Canyon Ranch.

[Pamela1]

Can i ask something?

 

Did you apply the tip before or after the 20% discount and also before the 18% charges that are already in place? Also was this a cash transaction or a charge on the bill?

Thanks.

 

Pam.

[Travelcat2]

My experience today at the salon end of Canyon Ranch:

We had early morning pedicures, which for the past few days had been advertised in Passages as 20% off for those early times. We made the early appointments on that basis. However, it had ceased to apply today. Nevertheless, when questioned about it, they gave us the discount. It was the operator who did the pedicures who checked us out.

 

Since I never trust that service charges go to the employee, since she so readily gave the discount, and since I could not be sure that the discount would not come out of her pay, I put the difference back in as a tip. I’d rather see this lovely, hard-working young woman get the money than Canyon Ranch.

 

You are a more giving person that I am. Canyon Ranch seems to be doing "bait and switch" advertising lately. Many of their specials (on the Mariner) have been for people that book and have the treatment provided on the same day (based on availability). When my DH responded to one "special" it ended up that what was advertised in Passages was incorrect. I cannot imagine that the discounted price would be taken out of the employee's pay and think that 18% is a good tip for services that have such inflated prices. The services that I have today (nails) are approximately 3 times what I pay at home. However, if you want to blow OBC's, it is a good way to do it!

[wishIweretravelling]

Can i ask something?

 

Did you apply the tip before or after the 20% discount and also before the 18% charges that are already in place? Also was this a cash transaction or a charge on the bill?

Thanks.

 

Pam.

I just returned the bottom line to the non-discounted price by putting the difference in the tip line (yes, there is one) and signed it to my room (and thus charged against my OBCs).

[Pamela1]

I just returned the bottom line to the non-discounted price by putting the difference in the tip line (yes, there is one) and signed it to my room (and thus charged against my OBCs).

 

Thank you, i always wondered. I was going to use OBC for the nail salon but when i enquired about the price it was eye wateringly expensive, used it on perfume gifts instead.

 

Thanks for the information.

 

Pam.

[wishIweretravelling]

You are a more giving person that I am. Canyon Ranch seems to be doing "bait and switch" advertising lately. Many of their specials (on the Mariner) have been for people that book and have the treatment provided on the same day (based on availability). When my DH responded to one "special" it ended up that what was advertised in Passages was incorrect. I cannot imagine that the discounted price would be taken out of the employee's pay and think that 18% is a good tip for services that have such inflated prices. The services that I have today (nails) are approximately 3 times what I pay at home. However, if you want to blow OBC's, it is a good way to do it!

 

Having spent a number of years dealing both with the hospitality industry and with workers in that industry (as well as having worked for tips in my early years), I’ve become aware of how often what you think is happening is not. Service charges often do not go to the worker. And there is no assurance that a discount is not taken from the worker’s pay—I’ve seen businesses use a variety of excuses to deduct pay.

 

Yes, Canyon Ranch’s rates are absurdly high. (And their merchandising is crazy. Who puts out a list of services with a $330 facial listed first? It makes you put down the book without looking further.). But their staff work as hard as the rest of the crew and staff on this ship, and deserve a break.

[RachelG]

Tips are definitely included in the canyon ranch pricing. But some, not all—to be fair, of their employees try to make you think they are not. My husband has fallen for this before, so now I remind him every time that tips are included.

[cruise-a-holic]

My wife and I had similar experiences with Canyon Ranch on our Mariner cruise last November so we will not be using the spa on our Explorer cruise in February. It is sad.

[Onkel_Ken]

"An 18% service charge has been included in all prices for your convenience. Any additional gratuities for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected."

 

18% is a pretty decent "tip" especially if the priced spa service is way higher than what is normally encountered in fine spas.

 

My wife and I would feel a little intimidated if it was hinted that we should consider tipping more by staff. This behavior by some of their spa employees will make people reconsider whether it is worth the possibility of being hassled. The whole purpose of a spa is to relax and enjoy the experience not get hassled for a few extra dollars.

 

A bill with a suggestion to tip more for exceptional service is not a hassle but someone directly trying to shame me in person into tipping more is definitely a hassle!

[ronrick1943]

Woke up this morning to a beautiful day and we were gliding along with very calm seas.* Really a nice day, had coffee and toast in the suite.* When out on the pool deck and on one off the loungers.* Had smoothies, pear/berry cold but very good.* Then we had a hot cocoa under a blanket, cocoa just ok, blanket nice and warm.* No lounge hogs near, it's to cold.* As it warms up more people may come out.**

 

 

Went to see the Cruise Consultant but he was busy so I made another appointment with him.* So you'll have to wait to see if we book another cruise or not. Boy this guy is busy.

 

Had lunch a the pool cafe, today feature foods was Asia cuisine.* Sushi, sashimi was good, but we ordered a burger.* Good but not great.* Love the ice cream, I've had my share, maybe more.

 

 

Send out some laundry this morning and it was back before we got back to the suite, they do a great job.

 

 

Had some friends we met on the ship over for cocktails and hor.* Our butler did a great job.**

 

 

After that we all went to Sette Mari for dinner.* Again we had a wonderful evening with really good food.* Ron and I had the veal chop milanease style.* Excellent, but they served it with a iceberg lettuce cup filled with salad.* We asked for arugula and tomato to replace the salad.* All in all a nice dinner enjoying the company that we met on the ship.

 

 

We had planned on going to the show but never made it.* Coming back to the suite, it had been turned down----well it was just too comfy so we watched a movie and stayed in for the night.

 

 

It was a good day on Regent.

 

 

Rick & Ron

 

 

 

 

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[Onkel_Ken]

Ron & Rick sounds like so far so good for your first Regent voyage! Have enjoyed following along with you guys. A visit to the Cruise Consultant is pretty positive. I hope they can coordinate another Regent cruise that fits both of your schedules and interests!

[Travelcat2]

A visit to the Cruise Consultant is very positive. The closer it gets to the end of a cruise, the more busy they seem to become. There has been quite a line to see our Cruise Consultant Lynn in the mornings (first come, first served in the morning - appointments in the afternoon/early evening).

 

As I have reported on my Mariner blog, there are issues with Canyon Ranch Spa here as well as there. Hoping that Regent will look into the tipping issue as well as the "bait and switch" advertising.

 

Rick - let us know what you book!

[ronrick1943]

Great day at sea, a bit rocky but we think the Explorer is handling it well.* Service is still very good though out the ship.* We seem to spend a few hours everyday at the coffee bar.* Today we played bingo for the first time, fun way to pass an hour, even better Ron won blackout.* So I* guess you. An say we're in the money.* After buying our cards (2 sets) at $ 70.00, Ron won $70.68 so we're up 68 cents.* Hey it's better than nothing!

 

 

After bingo it was off to the Sunday Brunch in the Compass Rose we've heard so much about.* It starts 9:30AM to 1:30PM.* We strolled in around 12 noon, and it was still going strong.* Got a table and took a look around.* Lot's* to choose from, cold stuff, hot stuff, everything you'd expect at a brunch and more.* Service again was great, soon as you want up to get something you dirty dishes were taken away.* I would say the Regent Sunday Brunch was as good as any high end hotel restaurant around.* We enjoyed the next hour or so eating and people watching.

 

 

Had dinner at Chartreuse, great service and food.* Didn't do much but enjoyed the ship.* Still so many places we haven't seem yet, but trying.**

 

Rick and Ron

 

 

 

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[UUNetBill]

Great day at sea, a bit rocky but we think the Explorer is handling it well.* Service is still very good though out the ship.* We seem to spend a few hours everyday at the coffee bar.* Today we played bingo for the first time, fun way to pass an hour, even better Ron won blackout.* So I* guess you. An say we're in the money.* After buying our cards (2 sets) at $ 70.00, Ron won $70.68 so we're up 68 cents.* Hey it's better than nothing!

 

 

After bingo it was off to the Sunday Brunch in the Compass Rose we've heard so much about.* It starts 9:30AM to 1:30PM.* We strolled in around 12 noon, and it was still going strong.* Got a table and took a look around.* Lot's* to choose from, cold stuff, hot stuff, everything you'd expect at a brunch and more.* Service again was great, soon as you want up to get something you dirty dishes were taken away.* I would say the Regent Sunday Brunch was as good as any high end hotel restaurant around.* We enjoyed the next hour or so eating and people watching.

 

 

Had dinner at Chartreuse, great service and food.* Didn't do much but enjoyed the ship.* Still so many places we haven't seem yet, but trying.**

 

Rick and Ron

 

 

 

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Dangit! You guys really make me want to be back on board a Regent ship - ANY Regent ship, anywhere. :D

 

Thanks for posting...

[ronrick1943]

Dangit! You guys really make me want to be back on board a Regent ship - ANY Regent ship, anywhere. :D

 

Thanks for posting...

I think you have a booking, and your last cruise posting got us excited about this cruise. Be patient good thinks take time.....

 

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