Regent World Cruises

[HotRoot]

23 hours ago, travelwell said:

Btw, HotRoot I still don’t get the party favors. Can you post photo? Did you buy favors prior? Do people bring things for Valentines Day? 

We buy the favors along the way.  I give mine away so do not have any left.  I will see if I can figure out how to post a photo.  I only know of one person who brought Valentine's Day decorations.  Their door was still decorated from the contest so she put the Valentine's decorations on other people's doors.  We got some.  OK.  I figured it out.  You need to make it big to see the koala on her collar.  

[MalbecWine]

4 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

 

Here in Dunedin Florida I pay about $30 for a cut, from a master stylist, a very good haircut.  Back home in Toronto such a thing would start at $75.  My husband pays $15 with tip here at a barber shop.  But $39 for a good men's cut is not outrageous.

For us Canada would be cheaper with our exchange rate US VS CDN.  Of course a barber shop is much less here but we both go to a salon and $39.00 for a cut shampoo and blow dry is not unreasonable for a cruise ship.

[HotRoot]

7 minutes ago, MalbecWine said:

For us Canada would be cheaper with our exchange rate US VS CDN.  Of course a barber shop is much less here but we both go to a salon and $39.00 for a cut shampoo and blow dry is not unreasonable for a cruise ship.

The $39 was for just a cut.  No shampoo, no blow dry.

 

Wendy - I will answer your question about what we did in Bali but will wait until I can also tell you what we did today.  I will say that many people have cancelled their excursion for today.  The heat and distances to travel yesterday wore them out.  Last night there was a dinner and cultural show excursion.  We did not go but will get a report today.  A lot of the crew went to hotels for the night.  

[Wendy The Wanderer]

53 minutes ago, MalbecWine said:

For us Canada would be cheaper with our exchange rate US VS CDN.  Of course a barber shop is much less here but we both go to a salon and $39.00 for a cut shampoo and blow dry is not unreasonable for a cruise ship.

 

Yes of course, I wasn't bothering with the exchange. And the fact that it's just a cut for that amount is a bit different but then husband never expects a shampoo and blow dry when he gets his hair cut.

[travelwell]

We have booked a Regent overland tour from Bali to Cambodia. I have heard Bali is a crowded and chaotic port but I am surprised to hear it is bad enough that some are canceling excursions. Is it due to the heat? Does your cruise do an overland to Cambodia and if so, can you report on the details when people get back on whether it is worth it. 

 

Thanks for the koala picture, I get it. It would be cute on a wine glass. I am not one to decorate my suite door, I will just enjoy others. 

[UUNetBill]

I’m pretty sure you can book on the CR website prior to sailing but I don’t know how far in advance you can do it.

 

Edit:  Found it - https://www.canyonranch.com/at-sea/regent-seven-seas/

Edited February 26, 2019 by UUNetBill
Added link

[MalbecWine]

25 minutes ago, travelwell said:

We have booked a Regent overland tour from Bali to Cambodia. I have heard Bali is a crowded and chaotic port but I am surprised to hear it is bad enough that some are canceling excursions. Is it due to the heat? Does your cruise do an overland to Cambodia and if so, can you report on the details when people get back on whether it is worth it. 

 

Thanks for the koala picture, I get it. It would be cute on a wine glass. I am not one to decorate my suite door, I will just enjoy others. 

Bali is beautiful but it is best to do it on an extended stay.  We have been there many times and stayed in beautiful resorts.  The climate varies depending on the time of the year.  The food is fabulous and the people, what can I say are so embracing.  I would not say it is hot hot.  They do have a rainy season like we do in Florida but so much to see and do.  Such nice friendly people.  Most are Hindu and kind.  We have never had a bad experience in Bali.  Cambodia is also nice but a very busy city.  We have never seen so many scooters in our life.  So be careful crossing streets.  The food in good restaurants is excellent and most have an English menu with pictures/ descriptions. We enjoyed it but we did have a private tour guide in Cambodia to go with us...highly recommended.

Edited February 26, 2019 by MalbecWine

[Brownie54]

You can book prior to a cruise. There is a Canyon Ranch special number (877-329-1924) to call. Appointments, especially on sea days, get booked fast, especially when there are those of us traveling for multiple segments. The prices will seem expensive, but please remember the prices already include an 18% gratuity. You can see a list of services and fees at canyonranch.com. Look for "At Sea, spa and fitness". Scroll until you see "Regent Seven Seas Cruises".

[HotRoot]

Our overland trip to Cambodia is from Shinoukville,  Cambodia.  No overland trips were offered from Bali.  We had 7 tours to choose from.  We did not dock until noon the first day.  There is only time to do one excursion each day.  The only Regent Choice excursion was $119 and was only available on Day 1.  I have not found anyone who went on it but I do know it did go.  It went to villages, had a dance performance, stopped at a temple and a bird park.  It was 5 1/2 hours including two hours of driving.

 

Also only available on Day 1 was Tribal Dinner and Kecak Dance.  They went to a village, the bird park, and had dinner in an open air area in a park with a dance performance.  It was 5 hours with 1 3/4 hours of driving.

 

We did Bali Terrarces and Ulun Danu Temple.  We drove to a village to see a traditional compound house.  They we went to the temple (they said the most visited place in Bali).  It was in the mountains and the weather was beautiful.  We had a coffee break.  Tour was said to be 5 1/2 hours.  It was more like 6 1/2 hours.  We had 3 1/2 hours of driving.

 

Next was a Balinese Cultural Experience.  They went to a compound house, a wood carver, lunch, and dance performance.  It says 6 hours and has 3 1/2 hours of driving.

 

Today we did Royal Temple and Tanah Lot.  We started at a batik workshop.  Then stopped at the Royal Temple.  Final stop at Tanah Temple.  It was called 5 hours.  It took us 5 1/2 hours with 3 1/2 hours of driving.

 

Balinese Arts and Crafts went to a bamboo furniture factory, wood carving, a village, silver shop, and batik demonstration.  It was 5 1/2 hours with 3 hours of driving.  

 

Last was Colors of Bali.  It went to a different temple, a village with a dance performance, lunch at a local restaurant, and two more villages.  Just realized this is also Regent Choice.  Cost was $159.  Listed as 8 hours with 3 3/4 hours of driving.

Edited February 26, 2019 by HotRoot

[HotRoot]

It is hot everywhere but in the mountains.  They do not have air conditioning.  Most things you see are open air.  Our second stop today was hot.  We had 45 minutes to see the Temple and shop.  We saw the Temple.  It was actually comfortable there because it is on the coast.  But then we had to walk to the bus on asphalt with vendors on each side.  They were not pushy vendors.  It was hot.  In five minutes you were soaked.  Several people needed help walking to the bus.  We actually got on the bus 20 minutes early.  The a/c was on and after five minutes we had recovered.  The field workers work in the morning and evening.  They take the afternoon off.

 

We did not see a resort.  There were no tours offered to any.  Bali reminded us of the Caribbean - junk everywhere.  They have just outlawed plastic bags to try to get rid of some of the trash.  People who have been to the resorts on other trips rave about them.  

 

Buses have good a/c but are not very comfortable, especially when you are riding for an hour.  You need to get up and stretch your legs.  Some men could not stand up on the bus.  The ceiling was too low.  We are glad we took the tours we took but, if we ever return to Bali, we will stay on the ship.  Hope this helps.

[HotRoot]

Two more things.  Just talked to people on the Balinese Arts and Crafts.  They said it was the best shore excursion they have been on the entire cruise.  Also, our hour and forty-five minute bus ride was 17 miles.

[Floridiana]

Thank you for describing the tours. It will be our fourth time in Bali on a cruise. I was afraid that we couldn't see anything new since we spent 4 days touring and must have seen every major temple that can be reached from the port. On our second cruise, we did 2 tours on the 2 days with the same excellent guide. He really made a difference. 

 

Do I understand correctly that only one of these tours is included? If  I am not interested in this particular tour, I have to pay for a different one? Does every passenger get a chance to go on an included tour in each port? Or do repeat Regent customers and high suite categories get first dip and the rest of us may be left out?

[MalbecWine]

The best resorts are in the mountains.  They have two gorgeous resorts in Ubud a Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.  We have stayed at both during our visits to Bali.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

If we decide to stay over for a couple of days, we would definitely head straight for Ubud.  My SIL would give us advice about where to stay and what to do.  I know it's very touristy, but would want to try to get off the beaten track.

 

Thanks, HotRoot, for the tour descriptions and tips.  If we did a ship's tour, we'd definitely try the Balinese Arts and Crafts!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

BTW, anyone playing Mah Jongg on the ship?  (Just learned to play this winter--serious game, but thinking it would be good on sea days.)

[cwn]

Just now, Wendy The Wanderer said:

BTW, anyone playing Mah Jongg on the ship?  (Just learned to play this winter--serious game, but thinking it would be good on sea days.)

On the 2018WC there was one group that played Mah Jongg almost every sea day in the afternoon.

 

Where were a lot of board games set out in the back corner of the dinning. Several groups got together and played various games every sea day. 

 

I was with a craft group that met on the other side of the dinning on sea days both morning and afternoons. I imagine they use somewhere else on the larger ships. 

 

Also there was a little group that meet in the Stars Lounge back in the corner to draw and paint. That was a self-formed group that made after the cruise started. So if you paint or draw, bring your materials with you and make your own group. There will be a least someone that will join you. I took my drawing materials but I got so involved in the craft classes, I didn't have enough time!

 

If you are interested in a private tour in Bali which I would strongly suggest. Read my Blog for the 2018WC and also my Blog for 2015 50th Anniversary round the world trip for our time in Bali. We had a private driver both times and he was very very good.

 

You will have a blast....

Carolyn 

Edited February 26, 2019 by cwn

[HotRoot]

11 hours ago, Floridiana said:

Thank you for describing the tours. It will be our fourth time in Bali on a cruise. I was afraid that we couldn't see anything new since we spent 4 days touring and must have seen every major temple that can be reached from the port. On our second cruise, we did 2 tours on the 2 days with the same excellent guide. He really made a difference. 

 

Do I understand correctly that only one of these tours is included? If  I am not interested in this particular tour, I have to pay for a different one? Does every passenger get a chance to go on an included tour in each port? Or do repeat Regent customers and high suite categories get first dip and the rest of us may be left out?

You can take one tour each day.  That is all there is time for.  The only ones that cost are the two Regent Choice ones.  We are on our second Regent cruise in a window cabin.  For picking tours, that is the bottom of the barrel.  We have had no problems getting our first choice excursions.  Had a problem in Bora Boar.  We wanted to take the catamaran ride.  It only held something like 24 people.  We never made the waitlist.  But, the mast was broken and it became a motored ride so we missed nothing.  The other was a glass bottom boat ride in Rangiora.  I stayed on the ship.  My husband went on stand by and made the boat.  I have not talked with anybody who did not get a tour in any port.  Lots of the World Cruisers do this every year and do not even get off the ship.

 

I am not sure how a private tour in Bali would help you gain any time with the traffic.  Both of our guides were excellent.  Passengers have learned to be on time.  Yesterday someone asked about Ubud.  The guide said you take the same road we were on for over an hour.  Then it is about an hour further.  If you were spending the night, it should be possible.  The crew stayed at a resort 15 minutes from the ship but I have not been able to learn the name of the resort.  They said it was beautiful.

[Floridiana]

So, I can sign up for any tour for free except the Regent choice tours for which we would have to pay. If space is limited like on a catamaran, they probably take the higher category passengers first.

 

I remember the traffic in Bali. It was only surpassed by the traffic in Java where our bus had a police escort to chase cars and trucks to the side of the road. 

[flossie009]

4 hours ago, Floridiana said:

If space is limited like on a catamaran, they probably take the higher category passengers first.

 

No, those who booked first are give preference (from whatever grade of suite)

[Floridiana]

3 hours ago, flossie009 said:

No, those who booked first are give preference (from whatever grade of suite)

 

Excellent!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

22 hours ago, cwn said:

On the 2018WC there was one group that played Mah Jongg almost every sea day in the afternoon.

 

Where were a lot of board games set out in the back corner of the dinning. Several groups got together and played various games every sea day. 

 

I was with a craft group that met on the other side of the dinning on sea days both morning and afternoons. I imagine they use somewhere else on the larger ships. 

 

Also there was a little group that meet in the Stars Lounge back in the corner to draw and paint. That was a self-formed group that made after the cruise started. So if you paint or draw, bring your materials with you and make your own group. There will be a least someone that will join you. I took my drawing materials but I got so involved in the craft classes, I didn't have enough time!

 

If you are interested in a private tour in Bali which I would strongly suggest. Read my Blog for the 2018WC and also my Blog for 2015 50th Anniversary round the world trip for our time in Bali. We had a private driver both times and he was very very good.

 

You will have a blast....

Carolyn 

 

Thanks Caroline, sounds great. I will bring my mah jongg card--learned explicitly for these coming sea days, but love the game. I do paint a little (badly), watercolor and pencil, but I can't imagine lugging that stuff along.  Maybe I can manage a sketchbook and a few pencils.   Ditto crocheting--I can bring my hooks and a few small balls of cotton yarn to make my favourite--net shopping bags.

 

If we did extra time in Bali, we would definitely do private.  Even just for the overnight maybe.  Private is very affordable in SE Asia.  Might do that for our days in Phuket, Penang and KL.  We know Singapore fairly well, so will just bop around there.  I presume private guides in India would be cheap as well.

 

On 2/26/2019 at 6:40 AM, Floridiana said:

...

Do I understand correctly that only one of these tours is included? If  I am not interested in this particular tour, I have to pay for a different one? Does every passenger get a chance to go on an included tour in each port? Or do repeat Regent customers and high suite categories get first dip and the rest of us may be left out?

 

Each port will have a number of "free" excursions, plus some that are "choice", i.e., discounted but for a charge, but you don't "have to" pay for them.  Yes, every passenger usually gets to do the excursions they like, although some do get filled up.  But they do their best to find something for everyone.   The only way in which repeat customers or higher categories get first dip, is that they get access to the excursion lists earlier, sothey  can book them early.  But I wouldn't worry about it too much.  

[Floridiana]

Thank you very much. That sounds reasonable.

[UUNetBill]

On 2/26/2019 at 6:40 AM, Floridiana said:

Do I understand correctly that only one of these tours is included? If  I am not interested in this particular tour, I have to pay for a different one? Does every passenger get a chance to go on an included tour in each port? Or do repeat Regent customers and high suite categories get first dip and the rest of us may be left out?

If you see the little 'binocular' icon signifying a 'Regent Choice' excursion, those will be extra cost (but still usually less than booking it through another line or independently).  Depending on the start times and length of the excursion, you can do multiples in each port if the numbers work.  I've done multiple excursions in several ports over the years.

 

I can count on one hand the number of excursions I've missed because they were full.  They'll do whatever they can to accommodate you.

 

On occasion, I've had to call Regent to speak with a representative to get waitlisted - and they can sometimes tell you where you are on the waitlist and what your chances are of getting a slot.  Also, Destination Services on board can usually hook you up.  I've noticed it's good to be nice to the DS team once you embark.   

[Wendy The Wanderer]

On 2/27/2019 at 1:29 PM, Floridiana said:

Thank you very much. That sounds reasonable.

 

There are also new classes of excursions, that probably also have a charge.  These have just been recently introduced so I have not experienced them.  They include smaller group experiences, and some kind of home visit thing.  Perhaps someone who has experienced these can comment at some point, although they're very new.

 

We spent about $800 in 18 days on Mariner two years ago on three extra-cost Choice excursions, just to give you an idea.  We could easily have just done free ones.  But extrapolating forward to our WC, I would expect to pay perhaps 5 times that, perhaps around $4K or less, not including the "Overland" trips.

[purpleally]

On 2/21/2019 at 4:55 PM, HotRoot said:

 

 

Don't know if I talked about the post cards.  There are postcards of the ship.  They will mail them for free.  I mail one from each port to a grandchild.  Heard there is a contest going on to see who gets the most postcards from Grandma.

 

 

I did that on a Caribbean cruise. Each port. Turns out Regent waited til they got back from Miami to mail them. The grandkids received them all the same day