First Regent cruise, looking for a little friendly advice, please

[chelseabelsea]

Hi everyone! We are new to RSSC, and are booked in a concierge suite this fall on Splendor. Reservations for dining open up in late August. I’m curious about how this works for a 14 night cruise, how many reservations are we allotted for the restaurants. I think there are only three that require reservations…any special tips or insight you could help me out with would be most appreciated. We have experienced around 20 Oceania cruises, so we know how their system works- I assume it’s similar, but felt it prudent to ask all of you for advice.

Thank you! 😁

[GOARMY]

Every guest is offered the opportunity to secure one reservation (no additional charge) at a specific time at each of the three specialty restaurants.  (None required the fourth--Sette Mari at La Veranda.)   Beyond that--you can always inquire for a second round.  Folks do cancel.   Also, chances for a repeat visit improve should you be flexible as to seating time(s) and willingness to share a table.  How "sharing" will work out with others not in your immediate family is somewhat murky at this time due to  COVID-19 protocols which may--or may not--apply.  

 

There are other more-subtle nuances to the above.   (Example: many favorite dishes on a specialty restaurant's menu are also available at Compass Rose.   But, this is the basic set-up.   

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

 

[Caroldoll]

Just my opinion, my husband and I prefer Compass Rose on the newer ships like Splendor and do not like the specialties that much.  

[ronrick1943]

Also, depending on how many days your cruise is—-for us after a few days of eating a large dinner, we cut back on the courses, then we end up with a very light dinner via room service.  Even something simple isn’t when your Butler gets involved.  (Just an opinion)

[Gilly]

We usually make the advance reservations as permitted and then "go with the flow" once on board.  Perhaps we'll meet someone for dinner and stop by one of the speciality restaurants to see if there's a table?  Or call the reservations on a whim that morning and see what's what?  The first few cruises we took on a Regent ship, we were quite careful to plan and to organise.  Nowadays, less so!  We know that whatever happens, whether we dine in a speciality restaurant or in Compass Rose, dinner will be fabulous!

[RetiredandTravel]

Keep in mind there is an Italian restaurant "Sette Mari at La Veranada" which is not a "specialty" restaurant, no reservations, offers diversity from Compass Rose.  Its important to get there when they open (6:30 I think) to get in unless you eat after 8. 

 

On our last cruise (Mariner) Prime 7 had excellent food and service and Chartreuse had poor food and service.  The most expensive suites can eat at the specialty restaurants as many times as they wish so its difficult to get a second reservation.  Honestly I agree with Caroldoll above and wouldn't put in the effort to eat in the specialties more than once each.

 

Unless its a change concierge suites don't have Butlers.

 

 

 

 

[DeepFreeze63]

We were on the Splendor's TA - adored the ship and the experience.  We've done 5 cruises on the Explorer (Splendor look-alike). You asked for some dining hints!

 

We are fans of Pacific Rim - all-female, elegantly dressed  staff and a wide range (mild to spicy) of Asian cuisine. Usually easy to get reservations the first night at the hour of your choice (we usually eat at 7).

 

Great lunches (light fare and different than dinner menus) at Prime Rib and Chartreuse. At least one is open (first come - first serve) every day except embarkation day. Luncheon in elegance!

 

The no reservations Setti Mari dinner is very popular. Early arrivals are awarded with the opportunities to sit across from the kitchen's grills (interesting and not smoky) or on the large aft deck (under the stars or in one of the wind-protected "tea houses").

 

There is a very useful restaurant reservation help office on Deck 5 where you can determine availability of specialty dinner reservations beyond those you've gotten prior to boarding.

 

Having said the above , our favorite dinners have been in Compass Rose at a shared table for six with new found friends.

 

[chelseabelsea]

You are all so kind to share your experiences and advice- thank you so much!

[TomTN]

When are you able to make reservations for restaurants and shore excursions?

[flossie009]

3 hours ago, TomBeckCruise said:

When are you able to make reservations for restaurants and shore excursions?

 

Shore Excursions may be reserved online 300 days before your cruise sails, or 365 days for guests eligible for Concierge Amenities (or SSS Silver & above)

 

Dining reservations may be reserved online 75 days before your cruise sails, or 90 days for guests eligible for Concierge Amenities (or SSS Silver & above) - one advance reservation for each Speciality Restaurant

 

(From Regent website, FAQ section)

[TomTN]

10 hours ago, flossie009 said:

 

Shore Excursions may be reserved online 300 days before your cruise sails, or 365 days for guests eligible for Concierge Amenities (or SSS Silver & above)

 

Dining reservations may be reserved online 75 days before your cruise sails, or 90 days for guests eligible for Concierge Amenities (or SSS Silver & above) - one advance reservation for each Speciality Restaurant

 

(From Regent website, FAQ section)

Thank you.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Hi, Chelseabelsea!  We are also new to Regent's and will be on Splendor in a concierge suite this fall.  Doing the TA from Barcelona to Miami (fingers crossed), late November!  Are we on the same cruise?

[Ladys Mom]

5 hours ago, Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin said:

Hi, Chelseabelsea!  We are also new to Regent's and will be on Splendor in a concierge suite this fall.  Doing the TA from Barcelona to Miami (fingers crossed), late November!  Are we on the same cruise?

Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin and Chelseabelsea:

We are on the same Splendor cruise as you are, except that we are sailing from Athens to Miami.  By now, you should be able to choose your shore excursions.  Some of them have been sold out or waitlisted for a long time.  You still will have an opportunity to get off of the waitlist once we are onboard.  You  will be able to chose you dining dates and times for the three specialty restaurants in late August.  Again, once you are on board, there should be additional opportunities to obtain additional dining times especially if you are flexible.  We look forward to meeting you on the ship.  By November, Meet and Mingle events should be on again.

Norma and Mitch

[Silver Sweethearts]

On 6/26/2021 at 3:27 AM, DeepFreeze63 said:

Great lunches (light fare and different than dinner menus) at Prime Rib and Chartreuse. 

 

Sorry - It's a slow day or we wouldn't have bothered mentioning that while their prime rib is great, the steakhouse restaurant is Prime 7 and not Prime Rib.

[douginct]

While on the topic of restaurant reservations, what is the process if we wish to make an advance reservation to sit with another couple who will be onboard the cruise?  Does one couple make the res. for all four people?  Thanks.

[thomastoo]

1 hour ago, douginct said:

While on the topic of restaurant reservations, what is the process if we wish to make an advance reservation to sit with another couple who will be onboard the cruise?  Does one couple make the res. for all four people?  Thanks.

One couple makes the reservation, but they need the booking number of the other couple.

[douginct]

1 hour ago, thomastoo said:

One couple makes the reservation, but they need the booking number of the other couple.

Thanks.