Need help about Travel agent group onboard newly booked cruise

[Eager2Travel]

I am looking for some upbeat help if it exists.

 

We booked a cruise while onboard the Mariner.  After arriving home I went to the roll call and learned that a travel agent was escorting a group of her clients on this back to back cruise of 21 days.  We were disappointed to learn this as the large TA escorted group on our recent cruise was a distraction in several different ways.  We are now reconsidering the future cruise we were excited about booking.

 

Does anyone have a positive slant or experience they can relate that might encourage us to not cancel this cruise?

 

 

[WesW]

Hi Ann, believe Shel and you should be concerned.  Large groups take over public spaces and sometime result in closure of coveted bars.  You might want to check this Travel Agent's website to see how many folks we are talking about.  If it was me, and the group was over 20, would change my booking.   Glad to share their website in privatge message, but not here.  Good luck!

[ChatKat in Ca.]

I have been on a number of cruises where there are groups - sometimes in the group and other times the outsider.  I rarely have had them impact my personal experience.

[Eager2Travel]

Thanks Wes and chat Kat.  I never like being onboard with a large group and this last experience validated that concern.

 

wes, you are correct.  The size does make a difference..  The most recent was a group of 70 that impacted several aspects of the cruise.

[GOARMY]

Had both a Bridge group and that TA group on our October 3-15 Mariner segment.  Both relatively-small groups in numbers; but, depending on how Regent management "manages" their access to usually-open venues for "Special Events"--it can be a distraction.  

 

Might also note this Cruise included a PBS-sponsored "Spotlight on Hollywood" series.  Much larger number of participants.  Usual presentation venues were in the Theater.  Break-out separate gatherings for chats (and cocktails) with Presenters were well-handled at cocktail Lounges.  BECAUSE--those Lounges were also left-open for visits by non-participants during the pre-dinner cocktail Hour. 

 

As for the TA Group:  A bit-much considering how a small group (around 20-25) can tie-up a Lounge on two occasions.  Yes, I understand from other Threads, Regent was a co-sponsor of this Group.  Still, poorly handled by Regent.  Self and others commented to Regent at the time; I also did so in my "after-action" Cruise on-line Summary.  

 

However, considering relative priorities--the itinerary; kind Staff and attendants (and pleasant weather)--the above distraction did not detract from considering this a positive trip. 

 

GOARMY!

 

 

[NCCruzQueen]

We are currently on Splendor with a family of 65 passengers.  It is sometimes limiting as the group had special Karaoke nights in Splendor Lounge two evenings and large tables are used at dinner.  Sometimes the noise level is up until the entrees arrive!  Luckily, we haven’t noticed many issues with this group.  

[mrlevin]

10 hours ago, Eager2Travel said:

I am looking for some upbeat help if it exists.

 

We booked a cruise while onboard the Mariner.  After arriving home I went to the roll call and learned that a travel agent was escorting a group of her clients on this back to back cruise of 21 days.  We were disappointed to learn this as the large TA escorted group on our recent cruise was a distraction in several different ways.  We are now reconsidering the future cruise we were excited about booking.

 

Does anyone have a positive slant or experience they can relate that might encourage us to not cancel this cruise?

 

 

I have a feeling I know which cruises you are talking about.  I have travelled with that travel agent as part of a group over a dozen times; I don't think at any time we have adversely impacted the rest of the passengers; even when we had over 100 in the group on Mariner.  She will have one cocktail party per segment (I don't know where on Grandeur maybe even card room) that should be prior to dinner.  She will also have one luncheon in a specialty restaurant that would not be opened at all except for the group.  As for large dinner tables; I think most of the group prefer tables for four or six with an occasional eight.  

 

I have to admit that once on Voyager in 2007 part of Observation Lounge was reserved for us sail into Oslo; but we didn't mind others joining us; again, it was only a part of observation lounge.  

 

Not all groups are created equal nor should all groups be feared.

 

Marc

Edited October 22, 2022 by mrlevin

[Eager2Travel]

18 hours ago, GOARMY said:

Had both a Bridge group and that TA group on our October 3-15 Mariner segment.  Both relatively-small groups in numbers; but, depending on how Regent management "manages" their access to usually-open venues for "Special Events"--it can be a distraction.  

 

Might also note this Cruise included a PBS-sponsored "Spotlight on Hollywood" series.  Much larger number of participants.  Usual presentation venues were in the Theater.  Break-out separate gatherings for chats (and cocktails) with Presenters were well-handled at cocktail Lounges.  BECAUSE--those Lounges were also left-open for visits by non-participants during the pre-dinner cocktail Hour. 

 

As for the TA Group:  A bit-much considering how a small group (around 20-25) can tie-up a Lounge on two occasions.  Yes, I understand from other Threads, Regent was a co-sponsor of this Group.  Still, poorly handled by Regent.  Self and others commented to Regent at the time; I also did so in my "after-action" Cruise on-line Summary.  

 

However, considering relative priorities--the itinerary; kind Staff and attendants (and pleasant weather)--the above distraction did not detract from considering this a positive trip. 

 

GOARMY!

 

 

We were on this cruise with you. I am sorry our paths did not cross.  We agree that it was a good cruise and the staff was excellent.  They did their best to compensate for some of the challenges presented to them.  We enjoyed finally being back at sea with Regent.

 

 I appreciate your in-depth response.  Regent did not handle several aspects well.  We too enjoyed PBS.  They do a nice job, inclusive but not exclusive.if Regent co-sponsored the large TA group I guess that explains some of the things supported by them.  

This is exactly my concern as to our newly booked cruise.   I guess it will be up to me to see if I will be able to not be bothered by some of the issues I know will occur.
 

Edited October 22, 2022 by Eager2Travel

[Eager2Travel]

8 hours ago, mrlevin said:

I have a feeling I know which cruises you are talking about.  I have travelled with that travel agent as part of a group over a dozen times; I don't think at any time we have adversely impacted the rest of the passengers; even when we had over 100 in the group on Mariner.  She will have one cocktail party per segment (I don't know where on Grandeur maybe even card room) that should be prior to dinner.  She will also have one luncheon in a specialty restaurant that would not be opened at all except for the group.  As for large dinner tables; I think most of the group prefer tables for four or six with an occasional eight.  

 

I have to admit that once on Voyager in 2007 part of Observation Lounge was reserved for us sail into Oslo; but we didn't mind others joining us; again, it was only a part of observation lounge.  

 

Not all groups are created equal nor should all groups be feared.

 

Marc

Thank you Mr Levin for your very informative response.  It is much appreciated.    I tried to give enough info in hopes of gaining just such feedback as you provided.
 

 I guess being within the group it is difficult to accurately know what the outsiders experience is.  I am basing my concern on my recent just completed Mariner voyage.  In addition we have done many Regent cruises and have been on with large TA escorted groups  that have negatively impacted the cruise.  When  we have the knowledge ahead of time we generally try to avoid this type of experience.   I try to avoid booking a cruise with a known distraction.  I only accidental made the discovery after doing an onboard booking.

[mrlevin]

Fair enough; btw, all save one who have replied on this thread have used the same TA and been part of "the group."  I have had more issues wherein Regent dumps inventory overseas to fill a relatively empty ship without having to match lower fares.  We picked up over 100 passengers in Hong Kong a few years ago; they even added  tours in Cantonese in all the ports.  Definitely impacted the experience.

 

Whether you are on the Splendor or Grandeur, I really don't think you will even notice the group.  

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I've been a member of one of these group cruises, long ago, and I doubt if we had any overall effect on the cruise experience. On the other hand, we've been on a very small ship (the Paul Gauguin, under Radisson management) with a large corporate group, who really did their best to spoil things for everybody on that cruises.  From commandeering tenders, to closing the dining room to 'regular' guests, to dominating the small pool with their trophy wives (sorry), it was a debacle.  But that again was years ago, and on a very small ship. Oh, and the first group cruise was on the same ship, btw.  On that same ship another time, there was a group of 50 (out of 325) celebrating a man's 50'th birthday--all Hollywood types, no problem, they actually were entertaining.  We also had some tour groups from Vantage and Grand Circle over the years on the PG as well, and once we "got over" the feeling they were invading "our" ship, they were fine people, nice to meet. 

[Eager2Travel]

Thanks Wendy.  Bottom line is you won’t know what is going to show up.  I either need to stay home or mellow out which isn’t likely with either option.

[GOARMY]

Reflecting on the above:  

 

As has been said--in a slightly-different context (All analogies "limp".)

 

Guess who's coming to dinner.  That could also end either with a ! or a ? depending on who or whom--and in what numbers--show(s) up at Compass Rose, specialty restaurants, around the pool, in Lounges, at Tender site; and so-on.  

 

Such is cruising.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

[FengShui@Sea]

From personal experience I would avoid any cruise with a private interest group.  All that I have been on have never turned out well.  It definitely changes the dynamic of the cruise.  My advice would be to avoid.

 

 

Edited October 22, 2022 by FengShui@Sea

[Eager2Travel]

We were just on the Mariner with you that is what raised my concern.   Thanks for your input.

[SWFLAOK]

3 hours ago, Wendy The Wanderer said:

I've been a member of one of these group cruises, long ago, and I doubt if we had any overall effect on the cruise experience. On the other hand, we've been on a very small ship (the Paul Gauguin, under Radisson management) with a large corporate group, who really did their best to spoil things for everybody on that cruises.  From commandeering tenders, to closing the dining room to 'regular' guests, to dominating the small pool with their trophy wives (sorry), it was a debacle.  But that again was years ago, and on a very small ship. Oh, and the first group cruise was on the same ship, btw.  On that same ship another time, there was a group of 50 (out of 325) celebrating a man's 50'th birthday--all Hollywood types, no problem, they actually were entertaining.  We also had some tour groups from Vantage and Grand Circle over the years on the PG as well, and once we "got over" the feeling they were invading "our" ship, they were fine people, nice to meet. 

Our 2 worst cruise experience with groups were on the Paul Gauguin in the past few years pre-Covid. One was a group of 45 to 50 French Canadians with their TA. They weren't bad onboard, as they mostly spoke English as well, and interacted with other guests. But the TA was loud and obnoxious, and while she spoke English, she made a big deal about having everything spoken word in every venue being translated to French. The worst experience we had was on an excursion to One Foot Island in Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. On the boat, there were only 6 of us who were not with the TA, and 30 with her. The captain of the boat was very entertaining, and the French Canadian guests were laughing at his jokes. But about 15 minutes into the cruise to the island, the TA realized that he wasn't speaking French, and insisted that he do so. The Cook Islands are not French speaking, and the captain spoke no French. At that point, the TA insisted that he start from the beginning of his remarks, and stop after each sentence so she could repeat it in French. By the time we reached One Foot Island, I was tempted to swim out to sea and drown rather than travel to the 2 additional stops on our excursion. Fortunately, some wine was served with our lunch, and the captain and TA came to an agreement which limited the captain's stories, and the TA's translations to a minimum on the rest of the trip. We had one additional excursion on that cruise with the TA and here group, and were able to switch to another one at the last minute after mentioning it to destination services.

The other one was with a shorter round trip cruise to Papeete. It was a group of people who had received a free cruise for their sales performance. I never found out what business they were in, but it seemed to be a not-for-profit, and most of them had never traveled far from their mid-west homes. They were all in the porthole staterooms, but had 2 of the largest suites booked for gatherings. They all tried to stay together for the first few days, but since they didn't really know each other, they blended into the rest of the guests after that, and were no longer a distraction. We had actually encountered a similar group many years ago when we stayed at the IC Moorea for a week, but they were kept busy everyday with seminars and group meals, and remained annoying for most of our stay.

[Gcto]

23 hours ago, Eager2Travel said:

I am looking for some upbeat help if it exists.

 

We booked a cruise while onboard the Mariner.  After arriving home I went to the roll call and learned that a travel agent was escorting a group of her clients on this back to back cruise of 21 days.  We were disappointed to learn this as the large TA escorted group on our recent cruise was a distraction in several different ways.  We are now reconsidering the future cruise we were excited about booking.

 

Does anyone have a positive slant or experience they can relate that might encourage us to not cancel this cruise?

 

 

Based on comments above it really depends on the group and the size. We just came back from a trip on the Mariner where our TA was "hosting" ag group. It was done very classy to say the least. A get-together at the Stars Lounge at 5 during a sea day to meet and great and then individual lunches with clients etc. Some of the group knew each other and had dinners together, but it was very low key and didn't occupy any space. Well done.  

Then we've been on a trip with a larger group where most people knew each other and hung out together constantly. Was a "rewards" cruise for a sales organization, all drinks included if you get my drift. Not good... 

Then...we were on a cruise where a larger group had all booked together. Most were part of a Baptist Gospel choir and they had fun, dancing in the evening, giving impromptu concerts... it was great. But while "visible" they did not impose or assume that their group had special times etc. We enjoyed it very much because it was a group of great people, not a group of... see above. 

So in short... it can be hit and miss. The hosted trip... if you weren't part of it, you wouldn't even notice. The sales group.....run...don't hide.  The choir.... great. 

It all depends on how the individuals and the "leadership" handles it. 

 

[RachelG]

I have sailed as a member of the mentioned TA group, along with mr levin, many times.  Most people would never even realize a group is onboard.  There is one cocktail party, but that is about it.  We are definitely not obnoxious.

 

incentive groups are a totally different thing, and you should avoid those like the plague 

[Eager2Travel]

Thanks SWFLAOK, Gcto, and Rachel for your input.  I appreciate it can be a varied experience.  It wasn’t the individual people that were a problem it was more the impact of large  numbers moving at the same time and Regents handling the challenge.  Another passenger described it better than I in an above post.

 

My husband and I will need to decide if we can be chill enough to not let long meals and other challenges disturb us.  We feel for the staff as they struggled to provide the usual Regent experience.    The staff was wonderful and tried their best. 

[ChatKat in Ca.]

2 hours ago, Eager2Travel said:

T It wasn’t the individual people that were a problem it was more the impact of large  numbers moving at the same time and Regents handling the challenge.  Another passenger described it better than I in an above post.

 

 

If it is the TA that many of us have sailed with, there are few gatherings that take over. Many of the passengers go their own way and don't partake of the group and there are those who have sailed many times together and look forward to socializing but not as a part of the group.

 

I wouldn't cancel because of this group.

[briar14]

We have sailed with this TA group several times and are about to do so again. I agree with mrlevin and Rachel that most of the group will do their own thing once onboard. The last time we were with the group one party was held mid morning in the Stars Lounge. Not a busy venue at that time of day. However, if we found out an incentive group was going to be onboard, we would look for another option.

[Grandma of Lily]

But how do you find out whether there is a particular group aboard, particularly if (as I do) you use an independent TA?

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

2 hours ago, Grandma of Lily said:

But how do you find out whether there is a particular group aboard, particularly if (as I do) you use an independent TA?

 

That's always been a difficult question to answer--I don't think there is a way really. 

Edited October 23, 2022 by Wendy The Wanderer

[snorkle lover]

5 hours ago, Grandma of Lily said:

But how do you find out whether there is a particular group aboard, particularly if (as I do) you use an independent TA?

 

Yes, I am wondering the exact same thing. Wish we could fine out if incentive group will be on our cruise in May on the Splendor.

[mrstanley]

I was on a cruise in 2019 and I was part of a group of 50 per our TA. We only had one group function during the entire 19 night cruise. The cruise was sold out and there were no issues. We met some really nice passengers who were part of this group and we all had a fabulous time.