It's all good on board the Splendor!

[wcsdkqh]

Pretty much in full agreement with your assessment of the shows. The Bohemian Soul and Diamond Run shows were the most ridiculous, disjointed, lacking semblance of a story line shows I’ve ever subjected myself to. Many folks leaving the theater for these two were shaking their heads and muttering what the hell was that? Perhaps someone turned the volume down on Andrew’s mic since November 😂.

[Gpilon]

We did not attend any shows last week on Splendor after reading so many "not great" reviews. The Bride visited the Casino often (will count up her losses to determine exactly how often she went there!) and I enjoyed the various lounges onboard. We thought music was adequate for background playing for our conversations. A special goes made an appearance in Splendor lounge one night and performed with David Nevin....sensational. 

[boblerm]

Service

Simply stated, with one small quibble, the service delivered by the crew on this cruise was every bit as good as has been on my previous Regent cruises.  Every crew member that I encountered was pleasant and welcoming, and although their smiles were not visible behind their masks, you could see it in their eyes.  Everyone was eager and anxious to please, and to go the extra mile to make my experience as pleasant as possible.

 

My suite attendant kept my suite immaculate, and every request was promptly fulfilled.

 

The ship was meticulously maintained.

 

The Destination Services staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

 

The bar staff was friendly and for the most part very efficient, which leads to my quibble- it was sometimes difficult to get a drink in the Splendor Lounge in a timely manner.  But the reason for this is that the Lounge was often crowded, more crowded, I would say than is typical, so the bar staff was overwhelmed at times.  I think that management needs to take into account the popularity of the lounge performers when planning staffing.

 

 

alsotheydidawaywiththe RitualoftheBreadBasket  😔 .

[boblerm]

Ship

I think that this is a gorgeous ship.   In all of the venues, and just walking down hallways, I just love the atmosphere here. To me,every nook and cranny is stately and opulent.  I recall that when Explorer first launched, most people loved its look, and some found it a bit over the top and gaudy.  I would say that if you love the interior look of the Explorer, you would love this as well, and it you didn’t you won’t.

 

I have already shown the interior of the restaurants, here are some shots of other areas.

 

 

 

Splendor Lounge

 

 

 

Meridian Lounge

 

 

 

Observation Lounge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Library

 

 

 

Casino

 

 

 

And as if if all this isn't enough- touchless automatically opening restroom doors, outside and in!

 

 

 

 

[UUNetBill]

12 minutes ago, boblerm said:

The bar staff was friendly and for the most part very efficient, which leads to my quibble- it was sometimes difficult to get a drink in the Splendor Lounge in a timely manner.  But the reason for this is that the Lounge was often crowded, more crowded, I would say than is typical, so the bar staff was overwhelmed at times.  I think that management needs to take into account the popularity of the lounge performers when planning staffing.

I agree with pretty much all of your observations.  I believe that another contributor to the backlog at the bars is the new Signature Cocktails they serve.  Most are pretty damn good, but they're ALL labor intensive.  If they plan on keeping those on the menu they'll probably need to add an additional bartender during busy times.

[boblerm]

I have one final observation to make, and then I’m out of here like the Road Runner out ahead of Wile E.

 

As best as I could tell, Covid 19 was psychologically absent from this cruise.

 

Note that I am not suggesting that Covid 19 was absent; I have no way of knowing this.  All I can say is that there was no talk of any quarantine, anyone being ill, or any other such issues.  However, once on board, there was no testing required, so if, in fact, there were any positive persons, we would not know about it.  But from a mood, or vibe standpoint, the passengers on this cruise seemed to be acting as if we were in a bubble.  As I mentioned earlier, masks worn by passengers was as rare as hen’s teeth, few people seemed to be a bit concerned about social distancing, with the exception of a tendency to avoid crowding into elevators.  But, of course, we were not in a bubble.  People were free to come and go as they please, the only port that did not allow for independent touring was Dominica.  FWIW, Jeannie and I self tested 5 days after returning home and were negative.

 

I am not taking a position as to whether what I am reporting here a good thing or a bad thing, only stating that it is a thing.  I think it is important to report about this, because I know that there are still those that are on the fence as to whether or not to resume cruising, some because they are concerned that restrictions are being lifted too rapidly and practices too lax, and others because they do not wish to cruise until they can resume a “normal” cruise experience.  I think that this was as normal a cruise experience as we are likely to see for some time to come, with the exception of the crew being masked. (I will take a position on this one, I would like to see that come to an end sooner rather than later).

 

I should also point out that I can only say what  was happening on my cruise only.  I cannot say what may or may not be happening on other ships, or other cruises on this ship.  And I cannot predict what may or may not happen if and when  disease statistics fluctuate, or what practices may change when the ships cross the Atlantic.

 

 

 

I would like to thank all of those who have been reading this report, and especially to those that took the time to respond, and to correct some of my dopey errors!  And to those that have been following this seemingly never ending thread from the beginning and are still here, my sincere appreciation to the both of you!  To my Crystal friends who may have been reading this, I hope that I have been able to provide you with some info as to whether or not Regent may be a good fit for you.

 

I wish everyone happy cruising, and in the words of my friend WesW, fair winds and following seas.

 

Bob

[Gpilon]

9 minutes ago, boblerm said:

I have one final observation to make, and then I’m out of here like the Road Runner out ahead of Wile E.

 

As best as I could tell, Covid 19 was psychologically absent from this cruise.

 

Note that I am not suggesting that Covid 19 was absent; I have no way of knowing this.  All I can say is that there was no talk of any quarantine, anyone being ill, or any other such issues.  However, once on board, there was no testing required, so if, in fact, there were any positive persons, we would not know about it.  But from a mood, or vibe standpoint, the passengers on this cruise seemed to be acting as if we were in a bubble.  As I mentioned earlier, masks worn by passengers was as rare as hen’s teeth, few people seemed to be a bit concerned about social distancing, with the exception of a tendency to avoid crowding into elevators.  But, of course, we were not in a bubble.  People were free to come and go as they please, the only port that did not allow for independent touring was Dominica.  FWIW, Jeannie and I self tested 5 days after returning home and were negative.

 

I am not taking a position as to whether what I am reporting here a good thing or a bad thing, only stating that it is a thing.  I think it is important to report about this, because I know that there are still those that are on the fence as to whether or not to resume cruising, some because they are concerned that restrictions are being lifted too rapidly and practices too lax, and others because they do not wish to cruise until they can resume a “normal” cruise experience.  I think that this was as normal a cruise experience as we are likely to see for some time to come, with the exception of the crew being masked. (I will take a position on this one, I would like to see that come to an end sooner rather than later).

 

I should also point out that I can only say what  was happening on my cruise only.  I cannot say what may or may not be happening on other ships, or other cruises on this ship.  And I cannot predict what may or may not happen if and when  disease statistics fluctuate, or what practices may change when the ships cross the Atlantic.

 

 

 

I would like to thank all of those who have been reading this report, and especially to those that took the time to respond, and to correct some of my dopey errors!  And to those that have been following this seemingly never ending thread from the beginning and are still here, my sincere appreciation to the both of you!  To my Crystal friends who may have been reading this, I hope that I have been able to provide you with some info as to whether or not Regent may be a good fit for you.

 

I wish everyone happy cruising, and in the words of my friend WesW, fair winds and following seas.

 

Bob

Bob….agree wholeheartedly with your post. We saw maybe 3-4 passengers wearing masks on our Splendor cruise we disembarked from yesterday. It “seemed” like COVID did not exist, except for the fact staff are still masked up. It was definitely a feeling, for us at least, that we are finally returning to a “more normal” life. A few times on elevators, people more or less packed in but aside from that, I think the vast majority of our passengers this past week displayed proper protocols around the ship. We never heard of an infection onboard and we also brought self tests that we did on day three which were negative. We had lots of “craic” (a tip of the hat to St. Pat’s Day and the fact we also lived in Dublin for 5 years) the entire cruise. Met some of the most gracious and friendly staff. Now……to just get rid on those chair joggers. I think I have an issue with them….huh??

[vegasdriven]

Catching up! Thanks both Bob and Cruzstart for lounge tips. Believe me, I will be sampling many (not all at once) of those Meridian cocktails. Will give Observation a try, but we tend to like the smaller, cozier lounge spaces(Voyager was our favourite on Voyager). Hopefully 16 nights will give us ample time to indulge. 
So enjoying all the eye candy you have provided us with, Bob. Can’t wait till Dec.   

 
Debra

[seasickphil]

3 hours ago, boblerm said:

I have one final observation to make, and then I’m out of here like the Road Runner out ahead of Wile E.

 

As best as I could tell, Covid 19 was psychologically absent from this cruise.

 

Note that I am not suggesting that Covid 19 was absent; I have no way of knowing this.  All I can say is that there was no talk of any quarantine, anyone being ill, or any other such issues.  However, once on board, there was no testing required, so if, in fact, there were any positive persons, we would not know about it.  But from a mood, or vibe standpoint, the passengers on this cruise seemed to be acting as if we were in a bubble.  As I mentioned earlier, masks worn by passengers was as rare as hen’s teeth, few people seemed to be a bit concerned about social distancing, with the exception of a tendency to avoid crowding into elevators.  But, of course, we were not in a bubble.  People were free to come and go as they please, the only port that did not allow for independent touring was Dominica.  FWIW, Jeannie and I self tested 5 days after returning home and were negative.

 

I am not taking a position as to whether what I am reporting here a good thing or a bad thing, only stating that it is a thing.  I think it is important to report about this, because I know that there are still those that are on the fence as to whether or not to resume cruising, some because they are concerned that restrictions are being lifted too rapidly and practices too lax, and others because they do not wish to cruise until they can resume a “normal” cruise experience.  I think that this was as normal a cruise experience as we are likely to see for some time to come, with the exception of the crew being masked. (I will take a position on this one, I would like to see that come to an end sooner rather than later).

 

I should also point out that I can only say what  was happening on my cruise only.  I cannot say what may or may not be happening on other ships, or other cruises on this ship.  And I cannot predict what may or may not happen if and when  disease statistics fluctuate, or what practices may change when the ships cross the Atlantic.

 

 

 

I would like to thank all of those who have been reading this report, and especially to those that took the time to respond, and to correct some of my dopey errors!  And to those that have been following this seemingly never ending thread from the beginning and are still here, my sincere appreciation to the both of you!  To my Crystal friends who may have been reading this, I hope that I have been able to provide you with some info as to whether or not Regent may be a good fit for you.

 

I wish everyone happy cruising, and in the words of my friend WesW, fair winds and following seas.

 

Bob

Bob

As best as i could tell, Covid 19 was psychologically absent from this cruise.

 

That may well be true but here in the UK the BBC  has just reported that there are 1 million more cases of covid than last week. We are hoping to board Voyager on the 5th April but with having to contend with Heathrow Airport the flight to and 1 day in Barcelona and having to take 2 covid tests before  boarding is doing nothing for my stress levels, psychologically or otherwise.

Edited March 25, 2022 by seasickphil

[May B]

On 3/19/2022 at 10:08 AM, Gpilon said:

Our Costa Maya port of call today is cancelled. They claimed it was because of high winds and swells but it seems that the last few CM calls were also cancelled. So another sea day….works for us. 

On this past Tuesday, Brilliance of the Seas was docked there with nobody across the pier. The seas were dramatically high! They went up and over my deck three window. For a while, nobody could disembark or return. After a little while, they timed guests’ returns, in between the swells! And very carefully helped them up the gangway.

 

After lunch, a Carnival ship appeared across from us and it suddenly became totally calm, after the Carnival was secured. And if you want to see a sight, there were two OTHER Carnivals, on the perpendicular pier. Yikes. 

[May B]

On 3/20/2022 at 1:02 PM, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I wonder if that's changed since the hurricane that swept the docks away a few years back?  We were there before that with no problems.

I’ve been there (Costa Maya) twice with no problem as well. Not sure when the hurricane was. 
 

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks Bob for those great shots of the ship!  I can't wait to see it on person.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

3 minutes ago, May B said:

I’ve been there (Costa Maya) twice with no problem as well. Not sure when the hurricane was. 
 

 

2007 apparently.  Hurricane Dean? Unless there was another one later.

[May B]

On 3/22/2022 at 9:08 AM, boblerm said:

Our final port of call was St. Barts.

 

Not.

I’m sitting here in my t-shirt purchased in St Barts on my Crystal cruise to celebrate my 70th birthday. Actually have been there twice, perhaps another Crystal? Nice stop, although quiet. Trying to remember which beach we walked to. Neither one I’m thinking of was as nice as what you got to visit.

[boblerm]

13 minutes ago, May B said:

I’m sitting here in my t-shirt purchased in St Barts on my Crystal cruise to celebrate my 70th birthday. Actually have been there twice, perhaps another Crystal? Nice stop, although quiet. Trying to remember which beach we walked to. Neither one I’m thinking of was as nice as what you got to visit.

Hi May B! If you walked to a beach in St. Barts, it was Shell Beach.

 

If this link is not working I am trying to reference post # 31.

Edited March 25, 2022 by boblerm

[May B]

2 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

2007 apparently.  Hurricane Dean? Unless there was another one later.

Ahhh, I was definitely there way after that. Way way after!

[May B]

Yes, Shell Beach, absolutely;  and I love seeing a great family cruise for Jeannie’s special birthday. Now I have another great trip report to enjoy! Heck, what’s almost as good as cruising? Enjoying somebody else’s.

 

The other beach I was confusing with Shell Beach (for absolutely no reason except we were there on the same cruise, and it’s not a common island to visit) was at Guadeloupe, according to Mr. B. 

[Gpilon]

22 hours ago, Gpilon said:

We did not attend any shows last week on Splendor after reading so many "not great" reviews. The Bride visited the Casino often (will count up her losses to determine exactly how often she went there!) and I enjoyed the various lounges onboard. We thought music was adequate for background playing for our conversations. A special goes made an appearance in Splendor lounge one night and performed with David Nevin....sensational. 

That should have read a "special guest".

 

[Gpilon]

Three months post cruise….dust has settled and now want to make a few more comments. Splendor was beautiful and staff great, for the most part. Our suite, 1201, was terrific except for strong vibrations at night in the bedroom. From, the ship. Dining for the most part ranged from “not so good” to “very good”. Pacific Rim was exceptionally disappointing with no sake served and mediocre food.  It did not help that a server spilled a plate of food on our table. Our favorite was Sette Marie…..consistent, excellent food and service. Certainly can not say the same for other dining venues. CD Nevin was AOWL virtually the entire time. Did we get our money’s worth in a Grand Suite? Not at all. One bartender, Vita, stood out and was sensational. Will we cruise with Regent again….for sure. But not in one of the “named suites” as we just don’t see the value attached to them for price charged. Costa Maya POC cancelled due to apparently rough seas. No credit given. 

[coljack]

Thank you for posting!  We will be on Splendor in Oct/Nov and are really looking forward to reading of your adventures aboard!

[Camillus112]

On 6/7/2022 at 5:52 PM, Gpilon said:

Three months post cruise….dust has settled and now want to make a few more comments. Splendor was beautiful and staff great, for the most part. Our suite, 1201, was terrific except for strong vibrations at night in the bedroom. From, the ship. Dining for the most part ranged from “not so good” to “very good”. Pacific Rim was exceptionally disappointing with no sake served and mediocre food.  It did not help that a server spilled a plate of food on our table. Our favorite was Sette Marie…..consistent, excellent food and service. Certainly can not say the same for other dining venues. CD Nevin was AOWL virtually the entire time. Did we get our money’s worth in a Grand Suite? Not at all. One bartender, Vita, stood out and was sensational. Will we cruise with Regent again….for sure. But not in one of the “named suites” as we just don’t see the value attached to them for price charged. Costa Maya POC cancelled due to apparently rough seas. No credit given. 

 

Hi Gpilon, this is your Syracuse secret friend who would have shared this cruise with you.  Thanks for your thoughts and impressions!  After many SS and SB and a few Crystal cruises, we have only one cruise in Regent Explorer under our belt.  We agree that we were underwhelmed by Pacific Rim...but somehow we never ate at Sette Mari!!!  We did enjoy Chartreuse and Compass Rose.  We are Penthouse people, and, although not Crystal, Regent's were very good.  I would recommend if you try Regent again.  

[Gpilon]

22 minutes ago, Camillus112 said:

 

Hi Gpilon, this is your Syracuse secret friend who would have shared this cruise with you.  Thanks for your thoughts and impressions!  After many SS and SB and a few Crystal cruises, we have only one cruise in Regent Explorer under our belt.  We agree that we were underwhelmed by Pacific Rim...but somehow we never ate at Sette Mari!!!  We did enjoy Chartreuse and Compass Rose.  We are Penthouse people, and, although not Crystal, Regent's were very good.  I would recommend if you try Regent again.  

Hey Dino!  You, but nobody else will get that. Well, we just put a hold on an Explorer cruise for Oct. 19, and in an Explorer Suite. After a few SS cruises, we still were not all that impressed, so we will do Regent again. They just match up best with our personalities.