First Time

[ChucktownSteve]

On 3/6/2021 at 1:12 PM, BSR said:

 

 

Enjoy your first Regent cruise.

Edited March 12, 2021 by ChucktownSteve

[Mr. B]

Not to hijack this thread, but another RSSC newbie booked this fall (Navigator, MS Suite -- Montreal:Miami) with some questions:

How difficult is it to get a table for 2 in Compass Rose arriving at 7pm? 
Recommendations for a QUIET lounge/bar (or even a particular place in a lounge) for pre-dinner cocktails?
"Priority check-in" means just an earlier arrival time at the terminal, or is there a separate queue/process for priority guests?
Who schedules "Dinner with Senior Officer"....when...where?
I didn't see anywhere in profile, guest information, or butler request form to specify food allergies. 
Reading in this forum that WiFi speeds are bad. Is there an option to purchase a package with faster speeds?
Possible (or necessary?) to pre-book spa treatments? 
Sette Mari doesn't require reservations for dinner? Same question as above...difficulty getting a table for 2 at 7pm?

[BSR]

9 minutes ago, Mr. B said:

Not to hijack this thread, but another RSSC newbie booked this fall (Navigator, MS Suite -- Montreal:Miami) with some questions:

How difficult is it to get a table for 2 in Compass Rose arriving at 7pm? 
Recommendations for a QUIET lounge/bar (or even a particular place in a lounge) for pre-dinner cocktails?
"Priority check-in" means just an earlier arrival time at the terminal, or is there a separate queue/process for priority guests?
Who schedules "Dinner with Senior Officer"....when...where?
I didn't see anywhere in profile, guest information, or butler request form to specify food allergies. 
Reading in this forum that WiFi speeds are bad. Is there an option to purchase a package with faster speeds?
Possible (or necessary?) to pre-book spa treatments? 
Sette Mari doesn't require reservations for dinner? Same question as above...difficulty getting a table for 2 at 7pm?

Good questions and I'm looking forward to hearing the answers.

[CruiserFromMaine]

54 minutes ago, BSR said:

Good questions and I'm looking forward to hearing the answers.

Ditto! We have our first Regent cruise coming in January 2022, hopefully. Had one canceled last April. Both on Splendor. 

[ronrick1943]

We've never had a problem getting a table at 7:00PM, You may have a problem on the Captain's cocktail party night (SSS).  But otherwise never.

[BSR]

1 hour ago, ronrick1943 said:

We've never had a problem getting a table at 7:00PM, You may have a problem on the Captain's cocktail party night (SSS).  But otherwise never.

What is SSS?  When is the party and can anyone go?

[GOARMY]

Mr. B:  

 

All categories from Window Suites to named Suites will be adhering to new boarding protocols required by COVID.  Regent has gone into some detail in its brochures which continue to advertise 2021 cruises which are very-unlikely to go.  When we do recommence cruising, everyone will be "spaced out" from the time of departure from Regent's assigned hotel(s) [if you are Concierge and come in at-least one day before embarkation] on a bus; off the bus, or van at the Terminal; and when lining-up for the boarding process.  

 

Last time we boarded (Explorer, at Stockholm) in August, 2019, there was a separate queue at the Terminal (if one could call it that) for "Titanium" and above.  However, that was not a concern, as there was no lineup, in any line.  Swift boarding.  

 

Alas--three subsequent 2020 Regent cruises canceled.  So, who knows exactly what the pecking order will be.  I surmise, with your category, some preference may be afforded as to who gets on the first bus.  (You can always get a cab--as we sometimes do--for transport from hotel to Pier.)   Carefully review your Cruise documents at to embarkation time, and plan accordingly.  Also, see below as to this being one of several aspects that can be clarified BEFORE leaving home.  

 

As to "quiet" lounges:  Navigator is somewhat unique as a Regent ship.  Two nice lounges for pre-dinner cocktails.  Noise has never been an issue.  Except, on occasion at the Piano Bar which is opened near the Coffee Connection in the early evening.  We tend to show up at one of the lounges about 1745H; have a cocktail, then repair to either Compass Rose; Sette Mari, or Prime 7 for an early 1830-1845H dinner seating.  Sette Mari (no reservations) tends to fill-up rather quickly as to tables-for-two.  So, we arrive at the "Gate" a few minutes before formal opening.  There are usually two or three couples already in that minimal queue.  

 

You will have a Butler, who can facilitate getting you additional reservations at Prime 7.  Everyone gets at least-one.  Dinner seating around 1900H should not be a problem, particularly if you do not mind "sharing" a table with another couple.  Again, new health protocols may dictate otherwise, unless all are with the same extended family.  

 

You should be able to reserve a Spa treatment time before boarding.  Specifics as to timelines will be found online and in your cruise documents.  

 

Hopefully, you have a Travel Agent (TA) with experience actually being on a Regent ship.  That experience is invaluable as to getting heads-up on various nuances of a cruise which can be taken care of before leaving home.  If not--call Regent.  Ask specific questions.  This SPECIFICALLY applies to food allergies.  Regent is very-aware of these situations.  You need to communicate concerns at-least 30 days before anticipated boarding to Regent, so arrangements/accommodations can be made.  In fact, I would recommend 60 days' out.  Regent Staff is Very flexible to meeting whatever needs are necessary in this area.   Use common sense.  You don't want surprises; neither does Regent  

 

You can request an opportunity for a dinner with a "Senior Officer".  Again--through your TA; Regent Staff, or once-onboard through you Butler.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find that Invitation will be on a Card in your Stateroom upon boarding.  You will be asked to RSVP to confirm.  It has been our consistently positive experience with over 20 years with Raddison/Regent to have at-least one such dinner with Senior Staff during a cruise.  You will be at a table with two or three other couples.  BUT, again, COVID-related spacing requirements may change this aspect.  

 

No-doubt, these protocols will evolve.  Time will tell.  Meantime--we (hopefully) await Mariner at Barcelona on October 31st.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

[mj_holiday]

Welcome.  Navigator is a great ship.  Lounges are open before dinner (check times on embarkation day).  We usually see the same people coming in for a drink before dinner.  The lounges are not noisy, there may be some music, canapes will be served, you can stay to yourselves or talk with other passengers or the bartender.

 

Dinner - we usually head to dinner at 6:30 and don't have a problem for a table for 2.  Some nights will be crowded,  as when Captain's reception lets out.

 

Sette Mari does seem to fill up quickly in the evenings, but if you want to wait for a table, you can give your name, go over to the lounge and they will call when your table is ready.

 

SSS is Seven Seas Society for past guests and there are graduated steps for number of nights cruising.

 

One thing that might interest new passengers is a tour of the galley or the bridge.  Your TA may be able to arrange these or you can go to reception when you board and ask if you can get a tour.  They will get a list going and if they have a tour you will get an invite delivered to your cabin.  We have always enjoyed these.

[Brownie54]

Certain higher level rooms receive invitations to dine with a senior officer as a perk. If this is your case, you will most likely be contacted once you are on board. 

 

There is a way to let Regent know about dietary restrictions. 90 days prior to sailing email rsscops@rssc.com to let them know. Depending upon your situation, someone will contact you once on board about sitting down to talk. I am lactose intolerant, and this usually involves getting a copy of all menus the day before, and needing to select and drop off my choices at one of the breakfast venues the next morning.

 

You can make spa appointments in advance, but the exact address escapes me right now. See below.

 

Finally, there is a lot of information in the FAQ’s (including the answers to many of your questions) found all the way on the bottom of the landing/opening page at rssc.com. 
 

We were all newbies once! Please don’t hesitate to ask more questions, and enjoy your cruise!

[Brownie54]

Spa appointments:

call Serene Spa & Wellness at 1-877-718-4244 beginning 60 days before your cruise.

[BSR]

2 hours ago, mj_holiday said:

Welcome.  Navigator is a great ship.  Lounges are open before dinner (check times on embarkation day).  We usually see the same people coming in for a drink before dinner.  The lounges are not noisy, there may be some music, canapes will be served, you can stay to yourselves or talk with other passengers or the bartender.

 

Dinner - we usually head to dinner at 6:30 and don't have a problem for a table for 2.  Some nights will be crowded,  as when Captain's reception lets out.

 

Sette Mari does seem to fill up quickly in the evenings, but if you want to wait for a table, you can give your name, go over to the lounge and they will call when your table is ready.

 

SSS is Seven Seas Society for past guests and there are graduated steps for number of nights cruising.

 

One thing that might interest new passengers is a tour of the galley or the bridge.  Your TA may be able to arrange these or you can go to reception when you board and ask if you can get a tour.  They will get a list going and if they have a tour you will get an invite delivered to your cabin.  We have always enjoyed these.

So being first time on Regent does that mean we can't go to the SSS dinner?  What restaurant is it in ?

[ronrick1943]

3 hours ago, BSR said:

What is SSS?  When is the party and can anyone go?

It's the Seven Seas Society, since you become a member when you get on the ship-yes you can.  They let you know where it will be on the ship.

[BSR]

17 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

It's the Seven Seas Society, since you become a member when you get on the ship-yes you can.  They let you know where it will be on the ship.

Thanks for letting me know.

[Brownie54]

I thought Seven Seas Society membership was awarded upon completion of the first voyage. I’m not sure first time sailors are invited. If you are invited, you’ll find an invitation in your room once on board.

[Pcardad]

Membership begins when you set foot on board. They don't check ID at the lower levels and they will know all the higher level people by face.

[mj_holiday]

The SSS event is not a dinner, it is more of a cocktail reception in the theater.  It's impact on the dining rooms is that when it is over, many attendees head to dinner and there will be a line.  We have not gone to the receptions, just not our thing.

[wcsdkqh]

The SSS Reception is much ado about nothing. As others have said previously, the problem arises when the reception is over, a couple hundred leave all at once and create a line at dining venues where no reservation is required.  If you must go, then leave early for Compass Rose since the main dining room does generally have a special menu for the evening of the SSS Reception.

[BSR]

Thanks for the information regarding the SSS reception.  Being my first time on Regent, we may attend if invited. 

[wishIweretravelling]

You've received a lot of good info above, but let me add a comment re your quest for a quiet lounge for pre-dinner drinks. I have well over 100 nights on Navigator, so am well-acquainted with her lounges. I have found that each cruise has its own personality, and so which lounge will be quietest at the pre-dinner cocktail time can change each time. There's really only 3, so it won't take you long to scope out which works best for you. 

 

Stars Lounge, which is just outside the theater, often is good for a quiet drink with a pianist in the background. But if the daily trivia contests are held there (which they often are), on some cruises a number of very wound-up trivia players will stick around afterward and well into the cocktail hour, and can get rowdy. (Trivia is often a blood sport on Regent, so be warned....).  Navigator Lounge is small, and can be intimate and quiet or it can be where the partiers (such as they.. or we...are) gather. As I said, each cruise is different. On most cruises, the Observation Lounge is the quietest before dinner, but I've seen cruises when that's where the pre-dinner party forms. Of course, it's the furthest from the main dining room, but nothing is a long haul from anything else on Navigator.

 

Then there's always the pool bar.......

Edited March 15, 2021 by wishIweretravelling
typo

[Wendy The Wanderer]

That's all good advice from wishIweretravelling, above.  All I would add is that Galileo's (the observation lounge) has a wonderful outdoor patio, weather permitting of course.  

 

As for Montreal to Miami this fall, 2021, this is very doubtful.  Canada has closed all ports to cruises until spring of 2022, I believe.

[GOARMY]

As this Thread has opened-up responding to First-time Regent guests' inquiries while anticipating boarding any-any of its several ships--Offer this "inside" comment as rating a Top Secret Classification.   Ergo, Do NOT share this with anyone who does not actually have a "Need to Know".  (Folks with a Military background will get this.)

 

One of the quietest venues aboard Navigator at which to enjoy a pre-lunch or pre-dinner libation (or coffee) is the following which I and spouse have enjoyed on numerous Navigator sailings.  (Including specifically NYC-Montreal; and Montreal-NYC Fall Foliage segments.)

 

Now, the weather must cooperate.  That said:  

 

Keep in mind Navigator does not have any forward-facing Lounges.  Ergo, Galileo's Lounge referenced above view of the sea will be from an aft (stern) venue.  Same as offered here.  But, very-relaxing, quiet, and private.  The only sounds heard are those of the sea and the air.  And--no-one will be spreading cigarette smoke.  

 

With libation of any description in-hand, repair to Deck 10.  Starboard side.  The Pool Deck to your front, proceed along the exterior rail in the opposite direction. 

 

Small but important point:  proceeding along the exterior rail on the Port side WILL NOT WORK.  So, pay attention. 

 

It is a short walk (everything on Navigator is a short-walk from anything else on Navigator) to the stern.  This journey of about 15 seconds will take one to an exterior table and seating area utilized as La Veranda for lunch and Sette Mari for dinner. 

 

Timing is everything.  Time arrival for the 30 or so minutes before either main interior seating venue is open. (When these open--again depending on the weather and sea conditions--the serenity will have to be shared with others as folks will move outside.)

 

During our well-timed visits, never experienced anyone else sharing the ambience.  It is amazing how about a half-hour of reflection as to sounds and views of the ship's wake--and birds of the air, and the occasional dolphin or whale, can put one in the proper frame of mind.  This venue works equally well within a certain time frame window between breakfast and lunch

 

As for lunch--at the appropriate time, we just utilized the sliding doors to "Navigate" into La Veranda for a pleasant lunch.  As when electing Sette Mari for dinner--reverse course to the fore (Pool Grill area).  Short left-turn to entrance to Sette Mari.  

 

Again--mums the word.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Brownie54]

🤫. Got it!
Thanks for the tips. We’ve been on Navigator several times. We “knew” about Galileo’s (most fun there was a very long sail away from BoraBora on the WC17), but the other ideas are equally brilliant!

 

[BSR]

By participating in the daily activities aboard Regent (trivia, etc) do they give you points towards a prize?  How does it work?  Do you have a card that they sign? 

[DarthCruiser]

57 minutes ago, BSR said:

By participating in the daily activities aboard Regent (trivia, etc) do they give you points towards a prize?  How does it work?  Do you have a card that they sign? 

Participation and/or doing well in these games will reward you with points.  The points are given as laminated cards that can be redeemed for items with the Regent logo at the end of the cruise.

 

[BSR]

12 minutes ago, DarthCruiser said:

Participation and/or doing well in these games will reward you with points.  The points are given as laminated cards that can be redeemed for items with the Regent logo at the end of the cruise.

 

Thanks for answering my question.  So you get a card each time you participate in a game?