Another Regent Shore Excursion Question

[pappy1022]

If a Regent port excursion is cancelled by Regent for any reason, including an itinerary change during the cruise, does the passenger get their money and/or shipboard credits refunded? If shipboard credits are refunded can they be immediately used for another ship or excursion activity? I would assume that for private shore excursions that you can’t provide 24 hours notice of cancellation, your money is forfeited.

[Portolan]

If your excursion was booked through the ship and the port or excursion are cancelled, you get your payment refunded.  As I mentioned in another thread, Regent has made the process of how OBCs are handled much easier in that if the excursion cost was in non-refundable OBCs, they will be applied against any other expenses on-board which you may have used refundable OBCs or new money for which, in turn, will be refunded in cash or to your credit card.

 

If you book a private shore excursion, you are on your own unless the operator is sympathetic or, possibly, any travel insurance trip interruption coverage might apply.

[Boatmans Lady]

We had our French Regent choice excursion cancelled and were refunded but it took 6 weeks to hit our CC. 

[Timeflies]

On 9/22/2022 at 12:23 PM, pappy1022 said:

If a Regent port excursion is cancelled by Regent for any reason, including an itinerary change during the cruise, does the passenger get their money and/or shipboard credits refunded? If shipboard credits are refunded can they be immediately usOver the yearsed for another ship or excursion activity? I would assume that for private shore excursions that you can’t provide 24 hours notice of cancellation, your money is forfeited.

Over the years had a few cancellations and the money has alwasy come back to the credit card we used to book, without asking and usually within a few days.  Only once have I had to chase up RSSC and then it came through the next day or so.

[Portolan]

The cost will be refunded to your shipboard account.  Then it gets a bit tricky because if it was the only use of some non-refundable on-board credits (OBC, like those from a Regent promotion), then if not reused it'll be lost at the end of the cruise.  If you've fully used all your non-refundable OBC not including this excursion (i.e., you paid for it with new money at some point) then it will be refunded to the original form of payment at the end of the cruise.  Regent has made this much clearer in their on-board accounting within the last couple of years.  Your account (via the suite TV) will list the running total of any unused non-refundable OBC...those are the use or lose $$.  Ideally, you want to have that amount = $0 at the end of the cruise.  Any on-board expenses (shops, spa, fancy wines...anything other than the casino) will reduce the non-refundable amount.

 

There is no provision to carry it over to another cruise.

 

Edited April 6, 2023 by Portolan

[mrstanley]

We were notified yesterday by a email from Regent that our shore excursion in Kodiak ,

Alaska was canceled. We immediately called Regent. The other shore excursions are sold out . Regent agent would not waitlist us for the other excursions as he said there were too many passengers on the waitlist. We were told to go that morning in Kodiak and perhaps someone will not show up for their excursion.

 

Needless to say very annoying!

 

Regent needs to make sure that ALL passengers have the ability to book a shore excursion! 
 

 

[pappy1022]

Agree, totally unacceptable. Regent needs to make this up to you and to all the people who are waitlisted and won’t be able to get an “included” excursion. 

[mrstanley]

It’s unacceptable to go to ANY port where the infrastructure is that bad where there is not enough tour operators or tours available to a ship with 700 passengers.

Don’t tell your passengers to figure it themselves! 

[cwn]

We have been to Kodiak on Seabourne. There were very few tours offered to book through the ship for a fee of course. We did it on our own. Hired a car in port that day and explored. There isn’t a lot to see but interesting non the less. Sort of like Dutch Harbor. Regent can’t create tours, only use what is a available in each port through a third  party. We have been to many ports with Regent where there were very few if any tours offered. The ports were just too small. We research each port and figured out what to do with or without Regents tours. I wouldn’t have missed most any of those ports as we enjoyed each day. Regent offers many included tours on each sailing. But I don’t believe they guarantee  a tour in each port for each passenger. Just like they don’t guarantee  that they will actually make each port on the schedule. If you need that kind of guarantee Regent is probably not for you. 

[GOARMY]

Agree with cwn.  

 

Got the same email from Regent.  Will be on this Vancouver, B.C.-Tokyo Explorer segment in about five months.  Our (included) Russian Tea Tour at Kodiak was canceled. Somehow, somehow, will deal with this without going off the deep end. Just have more tea at tea time at either a local establishment; or onboard, or both.  

 

Personal experience (based on previous Federal Service) was spending some time on Kodiak back in the day (over 30 years ago) when conducting a criminal investigation. Interesting place. Might just go back to the Post Office which was the center of that investigation.  

 

Do not wander into the woods on one's own without backup.  There really are bears by the same name out there. 

 

Stay safe. 

 

GOARMY!

 

 

  

 

 

[fudge]

As you may remember we are on the same cruise, maybe we could hook up and do something together? Just an Idea.😀

[pappy1022]

I side with Mr Stanley on this one and I don’t think he’s gone overboard with his expectations and response. Regent cruises include port excursions and he was able to make a reservation based on Regent’s options provided to him. When that option was cancelled and no other excursions were available, I think he has the right to some form of compensation, maybe shipboard credits at least. We pay for excursions even if they are called “free” by Regent. In my mind, Regent made a promise to provide a tour. Yes, stuff happens out of Regent’s control and I understand that being flexible is important but Regent collected his money and they aren’t paying a supplier to provide a service in this case, so it should be refunded in some form. It’s peanuts in the big picture but it would be a great customer service gesture on Regent’s part. 

[papaflamingo]

19 hours ago, mrstanley said:

It’s unacceptable to go to ANY port where the infrastructure is that bad where there is not enough tour operators or tours available to a ship with 700 passengers.

 

I disagree.  We have been in a few ports where there was little to no excursions, Nuka Hiva and Fakrava come to mind.  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and they were among our favorite ports.  That’s the beauty of small ship cruising, the ability to go where few go.

it would be sad to miss those just because they have no tour options.

[cwn]

If you feel that Regent owes you money if there is no available tour at a port then the Regent style may not be for you. They are not guaranteeing a tour in each port or call.

Yes, for the most part Regent is all inclusive and you can book one of their cruises and not spend a dime more than the up front cruise cost and have a wonderful cruise.
Flights, maybe an extra night at a hotel, Liquor, wine, soft drinks, laundry, crew tips and many choices of tours are included. Many people like that package deal. A few big ticket items have a small (in proportion to actual cost) credit if you don’t use (air and hotel) most  don’t (laundry, liquor, tours, tips). As I said Regent does not guarantee you a tour in each port. If you are unhappy with this method of operation, sail with someone else. 

Edited April 7, 2023 by cwn

[cwn]

16 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

I disagree.  We have been in a few ports where there was little to no excursions, Nuka Hiva and Fakrava come to mind.  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and they were among our favorite ports.  That’s the beauty of small ship cruising, the ability to go where few go.

it would be sad to miss those just because they have no tour options.

Totally agree. We have been to these two on Regent and before that on HAL. Also Fanning Island comes to mind.  They are beautiful Pacific Islands and we have enjoyed walking along the beach and meeting the people. We have also been to a couple of other ports in Asia and Africa that did not have organized tours. Wouldn’t have missed the cultural experience for the world. If you are willing to cruise you need to be willing to expect the unexpected.

Edited April 7, 2023 by cwn

[Timeflies]

14 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

I disagree.  We have been in a few ports where there was little to no excursions, Nuka Hiva and Fakrava come to mind.  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and they were among our favorite ports.  That’s the beauty of small ship cruising, the ability to go where few go.

it would be sad to miss those just because they have no tour options.

I agree with papaflamingo.  You could say goodbye to most South American and African ports if that were the case, and there are several islands in the Caribbean and around the Mediterranean that would also disappear.

[GOARMY]

cwn: 

 

Way back in the days when Seabourn's "triplets" sailed the South Pacific--

 

Nuka Hiva on Legend.  Two tours were offered.  The one we took was a horseback trek (with guides) up in the hills to the base of a volcano.  Then, up a side trail to the lodge near the top. There to enjoy the panoramic view; take pictures; have a cold drink; and ride back down to the ship.  Wife and self signed up for this 3.5 hour or so outing.  The caveat was that it would be hot, involve riding on a narrow trail, and again HOT.  Therefore, admonition was that it would be beneficial if participants had some prior experience with horses and extreme heat. We had both.   

 

Sooos--at dinner the night before, the Cruise Director comes up to inquire if we were serious.  Yes.  Well, we were the only ones going; so, protocol was that someone from the ship had to go with us.  He had drawn the short stick, so he would accompany us.  The guy cautioned that he had little familiarity riding horses.  Not to worry, says I.  The horse he would be riding would have no intention to fall off the trail. 

 

It was an interesting excursion.  Glad we went.  The CD did not enjoy it so-much, as he insisted in clinging to his horse's neck most of the way.  The guides were tolerant; the gods smiled on us; horses cooperated; and all returned intact.  

 

The heat/humidity promised did not disappoint.  We, literally, had to peal our salt-encrusted clothing off upon return to the suite.  Then, long showers and more liquids.  That night was a "formal" one.  What a change in attire!

 

Ah, those were the days---

 

We returned to Nuka Hiva aboard Regent about 10 years ago.  Looked to see if a similar excursion was available.  It was not; and I cannot recall if there were any shore outings offered at that time.  But, there was the volcano; there was the heat/humidity.  

 

GOARMY!

 

Edited April 7, 2023 by GOARMY
context

[cwn]

GoArmy, What fun. I do miss the little tripets! Those were the days. They were wonderful ships! Sailed through Gulf of Aden at the height of the pirate threat on the Pride. We sailed in convoy blacked out with a French and US escort.  Exciting!!! Not all people are meant to cruise, at least I think so. It is not a perfect world out there.

[mrstanley]

My main complaint is being notified 2 weeks before a cruise that a booked shore excursion has been canceled. Not the fault of Regent but unfortunately it’s too late to book another for that port as they are sold out. Shore excursions are booked a year in advance… they book out.

 

We have been cruising with Regent since 2001 and are experiencing more excursions being canceled for a variety of reasons.

[cwn]

The world has been though several very unsettled years. Things are not yet right side up.Things just aren’t what they used to be. We all have to adjust. We had a tour canceled on us the day before the port on the ship in Dec. Nothing was left that I could do as my walking is limited. So we just hired a cab for a little drive around and stopped for a bit to eat. You have to be flexible especially right now or you will be an unhappy camper.

[Beachgirl224]

My husband and I have our first Regent cruise scheduled for January10, 2024.  Purchased a mid-level cabin.  Went online March 16 at the appointed time and could not get six shore excursions we wanted.  Traveling is in the south Pacific sure we have any options

[pappy1022]

I get sick of people saying if you don’t like it go somewhere else. That is a shallow argument and to me a very immature response. We pay for shore excursions and when Regent allows us to book an excursion we expect to get one and if something happens to change that specific excursion they should offer alternatives and if none, they should offer something like a nicer bottle of wine or something. That is called customer service. 

[Beachgirl224]

Traveling to small islands in the South Pacific. I’m not sure we have any options.  Wrote a letter to the president of Regent three weeks ago and have had no response.  We have travelled with Viking and never had any problems.  We thought this was a luxury cruise, but I guess we were wrong-no service.  We will probably cancel and go with a better competitor.

 

[papaflamingo]

13 hours ago, Beachgirl224 said:

Traveling to small islands in the South Pacific. I’m not sure we have any options.  Wrote a letter to the president of Regent three weeks ago and have had no response.  We have travelled with Viking and never had any problems.  We thought this was a luxury cruise, but I guess we were wrong-no service.  We will probably cancel and go with a better competitor.

 

If that is how you feel then you are right to cancel.  Sounds like Regent would not live up to your expectations.

Edited April 8, 2023 by papaflamingo

[rallydave]

On 4/7/2023 at 11:52 AM, cwn said:

They are not guaranteeing a tour in each port or call.

Ah but, they actually are.   "Free Unlimited Shore Excursions" which is plastered all over their advertising without any caveats.  .

Edited April 9, 2023 by rallydave