Culinary Arts Kitchen

[jrhandy84]

Does anyone know how signing up for the culinary classes works? I asked my TA because my husband would be interested in doing this on our day at sea (short cruise, only one day at sea). She seemed to suggest that the only thing on our cruise that would be available is "napkin folding." Not sure if she was being flippant or if that really is the only class offered. 🙃

 

Is this something we sign up for on board or will we be able to see & register classes offered beforehand?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[1982CruzStart]

if you are on Explorer then yes there are culinary classes.  You should be able to find them in My account similar to how you book shore excursions. 

I am sure someone will weigh in with better details. 

[flossie009]

The "Culinary Arts Kitchen" is only available on Seven Seas Explorer (and will be available on Splendor when launched).

Bookings may be made via the "My Account" section of the Regent website.

 

If you are not on Explorer, then I am sure that there will be plenty of other activities available on your day at sea.

 

Enjoy your cruise 😎

[jrhandy84]

Oh! That makes sense, thank you. We are on Voyager. 🤦‍♀️ I didn’t notice whether the website made that distinction. I’m sure he’ll find something to do! 

[Travelcat2]

2 hours ago, jrhandy84 said:

Does anyone know how signing up for the culinary classes works? I asked my TA because my husband would be interested in doing this on our day at sea (short cruise, only one day at sea). She seemed to suggest that the only thing on our cruise that would be available is "napkin folding." Not sure if she was being flippant or if that really is the only class offered. 🙃

 

 

Surprised that your TA didn't give you the correct information when you asked.  I hope that you are using a TA that regularly books Regent and gives a percentage back on your cruise fare.  Knowledgeable TA's make all the difference in the world.

[jrhandy84]

27 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Surprised that your TA didn't give you the correct information when you asked.  I hope that you are using a TA that regularly books Regent and gives a percentage back on your cruise fare.  Knowledgeable TA's make all the difference in the world.

 

Our situation might be different -- my grandmother booked us a cruise and used her usual TA who she has used throughout the years. It's my understanding that this would have been my grandmother's first time on Regent as well (she used to do more Tauch Tours and Silversea, so it's possible Regent is a new company for her TA). I'm frankly happy to be going at all! 

[Ladys Mom]

3 hours ago, jrhandy84 said:

 

Our situation might be different -- my grandmother booked us a cruise and used her usual TA who she has used throughout the years. It's my understanding that this would have been my grandmother's first time on Regent as well (she used to do more Tauch Tours and Silversea, so it's possible Regent is a new company for her TA). I'm frankly happy to be going at all! 

Even without the cooking class you should have a wonderful time on Regent.  On our cruises that were not on the Explorer the Executive Chef did a cooking demonstration on one of the sea days and gave us a variety of recipes at the end of the presentation.  If you do have a chance to do a cruise on the Explorer or the Splendor in the future, do sign up for a cooking class.  The instructors are informative and entertaining, even for an experienced cook.

[Mahogany]

5 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Surprised that your TA didn't give you the correct information when you asked.  I hope that you are using a TA that regularly books Regent and gives a percentage back on your cruise fare.  Knowledgeable TA's make all the difference in the world.

No, I am not working with a TA who gives a percentage back because that is their policy, not to return the commission. But I wouldn't trade her for anything., since I agree "Knowledgeable TA's ...world".  What I object to is your saying/implying that using one that does is the only way to go.

[Focused1]

4 hours ago, Mahogany said:

No, I am not working with a TA who gives a percentage back because that is their policy, not to return the commission. But I wouldn't trade her for anything., since I agree "Knowledgeable TA's ...world".  What I object to is your saying/implying that using one that does is the only way to go.

Rather than the “only” way to go, perhaps the “best”  way to go is to have a knowledgeable TA who also rebates 10% - 12% of the cruise fare. Very nice, indeed. 

 

[Travelcat2]

18 minutes ago, Focused1 said:

Rather than the “only” way to go, perhaps the “best”  way to go is to have a knowledgeable TA who also rebates 10% - 12% of the cruise fare. Very nice, indeed. 

 

 

Unless something has changed, discussions of percentages is not permitted (for a darn good reason). 

[Travelcat2]

4 hours ago, Mahogany said:

No, I am not working with a TA who gives a percentage back because that is their policy, not to return the commission. But I wouldn't trade her for anything., since I agree "Knowledgeable TA's ...world".  What I object to is your saying/implying that using one that does is the only way to go.

 

Not sure why you object to posters trying to save you money!

[Hambagahle]

My travel agent is one of the top Regent agent's and as such gets information about things that will happen in advance of the public.  She keeps us informed and thanks to her and her agency we were able to get the exact suite we wanted on Splendour for the San Diego to Miami voyage.  Someone from Regent actually came into her office to sort out all the bookings the day that reservations for the Splendour opened.   And in addition to this wonderful expertise and contacts she also happens to rebate part of the commission earned to her clients.  I see nothing wrong with this.  I would use this agency even if I did not get a great deal through them.  But the combination of their knowledge and contacts AND the reward for booking is a truly great one.  It has made a loyal customer out of me for more than 10 years.

[Focused1]

7 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Unless something has changed, discussions of percentages is not permitted (for a darn good reason). 

 

2 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

My travel agent is one of the top Regent agent's and as such gets information about things that will happen in advance of the public.  She keeps us informed and thanks to her and her agency we were able to get the exact suite we wanted on Splendour for the San Diego to Miami voyage.  Someone from Regent actually came into her office to sort out all the bookings the day that reservations for the Splendour opened.   And in addition to this wonderful expertise and contacts she also happens to rebate part of the commission earned to her clients.  I see nothing wrong with this.  I would use this agency even if I did not get a great deal through them.  But the combination of their knowledge and contacts AND the reward for booking is a truly great one.  It has made a loyal customer out of me for more than 10 years.

This has been mentioned many times by a variety of posters on the board. 

[jrhandy84]

So, this is all very useful information for future reference when my husband and I choose to book another cruise with a TA of our choosing (I'll be sure to do a bit of research then). But for my purposes with our current booking -- is there anything that I should be cognizant of that maybe the TA isn't letting us know? 

We're in a Voyager Suite and we've made our dinner reservations, I've booked excursions at each port (mostly the included ones, two Regent Choice excursions), we have our 1st night hotel (no land package or tour set up -- this is something maybe I should address), I filled out our butler request form, and we're awaiting our flight assignments (in a little less than 2 weeks now). Anything I am missing or is there anything else a TA would put into place for us?

 

I personally don't mind doing a bit of the leg work in making a great vacation (I actually really enjoy vacation planning), but I just want to make sure I'm getting full use out of our gift. 

 

Sorry if these seem like tedious questions, first timer on a luxury cruise and I was much younger the last time I did any other kind of cruise. 

[EAGLESLOVER]

On Splendor next February.

Excursions are booked.

I do not see any in "my account" to allow booking of culinary classes.

What am I missing?

 

Thanks in advance

Sharon

[ronrick1943]

You have to keep checking until they post the culinary classes.  It's important has they fill up fast.  We cruise in April and they haven't posted yet.

 

About TA's--I don't know why anyone wouldn't want the cash back--but if someone is happy with who they have without a rebate that's OK.  However we get excellent service from our TA, with a nice rebate and any OBC that Regent gives.  

[Hambagahle]

8 hours ago, Focused1 said:

 

This has been mentioned many times by a variety of posters on the board. 

And for good reason...

[Snore42]

My TA doesn't give rebates, but she does provide significant onboard credits and the service has been incredible.  What my TA's real value has been, is the network of people they personally know around the world, which has been extremely beneficial.  

 

An example, when we stopped in Santorini she spoke to her friend (an owner of a 5 star resort on the island) set us up with pick up/drop off from Fira, a day room and lunch as well as a beautiful bottle of Rose.  It was a magical day, and all we paid for was lunch.   Any hotel we've stayed at through her, she's known personally at least the GM if not the owner, and we've been provided VIP treatment (without asking) each time.   I'd love getting a rebate on my cruise as well, but the cruise to me is only part of what makes our vacation.  Depending on itinerary we tend to arrange private tours, which she recommends and takes care of.   When we had an issue on a tour (Ephesus), she got us a full rebate (we didn't expect or request, just mentioned the issues we had).  

 

So I think beyond the rebate, our TA has shown their value consistently.     Even in dealings with Regent she has come through with making  booking changes that were previously non-cancellable or refundable.   As well as letting us know of upcoming sailings being announced and being able to secure the requested cabin for us.  

 

I get how valuable the rebate can be, but what's the total value of the vacation that your TA is giving?  I'm sure other TA's are offering similar benefits as mine,  but I'm interested to know what the TA's (who rebate) offer outside of the Regent portion of the experience?   I ask this with serious interest.   As happy as I am with my current TA, I have no problem moving my business to someone else if I can get all this PLUS a healthy rebate.   

 

Sorry this thread is getting so off topic from the Culinary reservations.  

 

[EAGLESLOVER]

5 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

You have to keep checking until they post the culinary classes.  It's important has they fill up fast.  We cruise in April and they haven't posted yet.

 

 

Thanks so very much.

We did one on the explorer a couple years ago but could not remember when and how I booked it

[GOARMY]

TS:

 

It is contrary to CC rules to provide specifics--or promote-- a particular TA on a Thread.  Exchange(es) of knowledge when considering shopping around for a TA has to be through other means, such as emails or, while onboard and making new friends, an inquiry.   That is how we got the Lead on our current TA--from a couple who were next-door "neighbors" aboard a Voyager cruise about 10 years' ago.    

 

So, no further on that, other than I second, or third, or whatever, Hambagahle's comments.  Well, we have the same TA. 

 

Again, we are careening off-Thread.

 

So--back on-Thread.  Every Regent (and for that matter, Silversea or Seabourn, or Crystal ship we have sailed on) cruise has had at-least one "cooking demonstration" event hosted by the Lead Chef.  These are particularly featured on long crossing cruises which have many days-at-sea.  A chance for the Chef to show off, for sure.  But, entertaining.  Particularly for my wife, who is a gourmet cook and baker.  (That is one of the reasons I am on the running track almost every day.)   Participated in several while on Explorer back in 2017; and my spouse has signed-up for two during our August-September Explorer segment(s)--Stockholm-London-London.  Same will apply to next-year when aboard Splendor.  

 

For those on non-Explorer or Splendor segments:  "Passages"--the daily paper which provides heads-up for ships' activities--will give adequate info as to when/where that demonstration will occur.  Normally, it is in The Theater.  Sit near the front; better chance of sampling what has been prepared.  

 

GOARMY!

 

[Travelcat2]

Another off-track comment.  Not only do TA's need to give a rebate, they need to be on top of Regent promotions/discounts (which ours is).  Our TA also escorts customers on Regent cruises (on a regular basis) so they know more about Regent than most of us do.  There have been times when a "promotion" looks better than what we booked.  However, our TA usually shows us that there is something missing in the promotion.

 

BTW, we have the same TA as a couple of previous posters.

 

Okay - back on track - I do hope that Regent will assign dates when passengers can book the Culinary Kitchen.  We all know the dates when we can book excursion and dining reservations but also need to know when we can book the Culinary Kitchen.  It would be much easier than continually having to check the website. 

Edited July 11, 2019 by Travelcat2

[ronrick1943]

I agree, one time we didn't know what classes or get to book until 2 weeks before the cruise.  But they really are a lot of fun once you're booked.  Unless you just don't cook much you really aren't going to lean a lot--but you are going to enjoy the few hours in the class. If for some reason you can't book one that you really want, put your name on the wait list---seems they always clear 2 to 3 people once on the ship.

 

[Hambagahle]

I think (tell me if I am wrong) that the same people run the cooking classes on Regent and Oceania?  In any case the titles of some of the courses look remarkably alike to me!   In which case - I have taken several on Oceania and been disappointed by all of them.  I took the Cordon Bleu cooking classes (in both cases a series) on Regent years ago and learnt SO much from those.  The Oceania ones, to me anyway, were more "eating" classes than cooking classes.    I have no problem, of course, in tasting things I am cooking as I go along.  I do that anyway.  But I do not eat between meals and the idea of having to go to dinner with my husband after one of those classes did not sit well with me.  (literally and figuratively!)  I also found the level of knowledge about cooking among the participants to be miles apart - far more so than in the Cordon Bleu series.  In the Oceania classes I took some (most?) were there to eat and not to learn new techniques etc.  And the teacher (I probably had the misfortune to have the same teacher on 3 cruises...) did not stick to the announced outline for the course, plus instead of having us really do a lot of hands on work she pre-cooked dishes with the sous chef and then outlined what was in them and then - we ate them.  (Or the others did...)  I would have preferred to have done 3 dishes with lots of individual work rather than to taste 8 others.    

 

I will sign up for a class on two on the Splendour voyage in March BUT if I find out the teacher is the same I will cancel...  

[Travelcat2]

Gerry - the Culinary Kitchen on Regent is run by the same people as on Explorer.  Chef Kelly (not to be confused with Executive Chef Kelly) heads up the department.

 

For the reasons you mentioned, we only take morning classes as we really do not care if it interferes with our lunch.  As you know, you can eat as little or as much as you care to.  Just a taste is fine.

 

Despite sailing on Explorer since she was launched, we did not want to do another culinary class as we had done them on Oceania.  They were okay but not great.  We did our first Regent class last February and it was done extremely well.  The main difference between Oceania's classroom setup and Regent's is that you have individual stations on Regent and have to share stations on Oceania.  

 

There is really nothing that can be done about the skill level of those that take the class.  Even Dennis and I are at different skill levels (he is quite a good cook and I rarely cook).  We were both able to do our own thing - at the pace that worked for us.  What surprised me the most is that we did the fish class and I read on CC that it was a poor class but we loved it (probably because it was at my skill level🔪)

 

We likely will not be doing a class on our Splendor cruise but will be repeating the pasta class on Explorer in November as I would like to work the pasta machine on my own so that we can do it at home)

 

Jackie

[Pinksunset]

I have learned a considerable amount on this forum from all of you wonderful, kind  seasoned Regent cruisers! We did not receive a rebate on our first Regent cruise, for which we were in a “named” suite.  (Only mentioning this suite because we paid a good amount for the cruise.). Sorry to ask this, but how DO I find the great TA many of you seem to have?