On the way to Alaska -- what is really going on with Regent?

[Travelcat2]

Spoke with Stewardess -- yes, they provided it for our bed (immediately). Really. . . the service is amazing on this ship!

 

Block party was fun. One of the performers stopped by -- everyone really friendly.

 

The space between the front of the bed and the wall is tight -- the closet area is fine.

[NCCruzQueen]

Speaking of the wife, she was VERY impressed with the fitness person, Bebi. She ran a very non-intimidating fitness center. So often they are young 20's and completely buff, but Bebi is at least mid 40's and not very buff, but very fit. The ladies loved her.

 

Doc47, Bebi was on the Navigator in December and January. Though I didn't take any of her classes, she was very personable.

 

TC2, Thanks for your reports. Continue to enjoy your cruise.

[canadagal]

Spoke with Stewardess -- yes, they provided it for our bed (immediately). Really. . . the service is amazing on this ship!

 

Block party was fun. One of the performers stopped by -- everyone really friendly.

 

The space between the front of the bed and the wall is tight -- the closet area is fine.

 

Thanks Jackie! My husband found the mattress just fine but I would have liked something a little softer, especially for a longer cruise, so good to know that you were able to get an egg crate cover. I should have asked while onboard myself but was too lazy. I agree the space between the front of the bed is too tight and also hubby and I kept doing a dance right in front of the closet door beside the bed....around the vanity area and closet.

Pat

[canadagal]

Jackie, does your current cabin have the Shower stall only or the bathtub combination? If it's just the shower stall.......could you take a picture of it please. I've done a search on CC and can't find a picture.....nor anywhere else. I would like to see the difference between the two as we have always had the tub combination.

Thanks, Pat

[TedC]

My wife likes the tub and I like a shower. Neither of us had a problem but I can see where tub height could be a barrier for some.

 

What "caught my eye" was the large wall mirror behind the tub in our Mariner D suite. We know what we look like and don't need a stark reminder as we're about to bathe or shower!

 

Perhaps it's a subtle - or not so subtle - message to think how much we really want to consume at our next meal. By not adding to our "bottom line," may add to Regent's

[Travelcat2]

Why does this happen on Regent ship? The post just disappeared. Okay -- here is a short version.

 

Regent did discuss bath products -- will be making changes.

Regent execs. will not discuss most changes -- they want to keep them as surprises for now. Do know that new ship will have larger suites, more dining venues.

Latitudes is amazing (food, staff, etc.) Breaking my rule about not talking about food.

 

Mariner is smoothest ship we have sailed on to date.

 

We have a shower suite -- will take pictures -- to post after we get back. The mirror that makes people look fat is still there. Size does matter . . . . . .. having suites 50 sq. ft. less than Voyager. . . . takes some getting used to.

 

Dining with Mariner food and beverage manager this evening. . . . have a focus group tomorrow afternoon with Regent (V.P. or Manager?) in charge of loyalty programs. Although I feel their program is tops in the luxury class, I do have some suggestions. . . .

 

Oh --- did I mentioned that there are a LOT of French and European servers -- more than I have noticed in the past.

 

Above typo's are not my fault -- this keyboard is strange.

 

More tomorrow!

[Iamboatman]

Sounds like there are many improvements and that some of the things that irked me (inconsistent food and non-European waiters being two) are being addressed/put back the way they were. Good Stuff!!!:)

 

BTW, most cruise lines keep their improvements/changes close to the vest, so that is not unusual.

 

I can't resist this:D : Since when was France not part of Europe?;)

[jhp]

TC, suggest to them that they reinstate the policy of automatic 5% SSS discounts on EVERY cruise! That was a big take back, in my opinion, especially with the rise in pricing!

[ChatKat in Ca.]

They also took back the SSS Spa Treatment - the had a special package of a body scrub, facial and massage - the massage was 1/2 hour and you could bump it up to an hour but they no longer offer it - only for Silver and Above. Of course laundry was also changed for SSS Members.

 

Olivia - they raised the pricing more than 5% across the board. On the crossing they have over 500 SSS members out of 700 passengers. They don't need to attract us at the moment. They are already close to capacity without enticement! But let's keep the phone and internet as is...what would really be a benefit would be to expand the SSS program across to Oceania too.

 

Editing to add that they have also eliminated many of their lesser priced repositioning cruises. Very little presence in the Carribbean, Panama Canal etc. Now more Australia/NZ, South America and Asia

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I'm all for discounts and 2-fers. But that won't happen until the market softens. Then suddenly they will want us back. That's my thinking at least.

[RachelG]

You are right Wendy. As long as they can sell the cabins at a higher price, they aren't going to be interested in filling them with us at a lower price.

I just booked the 2010 Norway cruise, at very little discount. Our favorite suite were already booked. The agent talked with RSSC and apparently this cruise is filling up fast. So they are very unlikely to offer it at a higher discount. Granted, it is a unique cruise, which is why I bucked up and paid more than I usually would have.

[cruiseluv]

I wasn't aware that 2010 schedules were out! Are they published anywhere ?

[Island Cruiser]

I totally agree with Marc's take on the PG. It does well what it was designed to do. I understand it gets higher customer approval ratings than any of the other Regent ships. But it doesn't fit the Regent model. It is a bit of a let down if you are accustomed to other Regent ships. Yet Regent markets it as if it was within their model. The few negative reviews you find about the PG tend to be from folks who board expecting to experience Regent quality and find it missing in various respects. Pat

[Iamboatman]

I totally agree with Marc's take on the PG. It does well what it was designed to do. I understand it gets higher customer approval ratings than any of the other Regent ships. But it doesn't fit the Regent model. It is a bit of a let down if you are accustomed to other Regent ships. Yet Regent markets it as if it was within their model. The few negative reviews you find about the PG tend to be from folks who board expecting to experience Regent quality and find it missing in various respects. Pat

 

Well said! Consistency across the brand is very important.

 

Personally, I am more concerned that after Regent's involvement the product may be of a lesser quality, but you just never know what ship owners and cruise lines have in mind.

[Travelcat2]

You got me on that. . . . I try to remember that the U.K. is not considered to be part of Europe -- although Southern Ireland is -- as well as France and the rest of Europe.

 

When we boarded the Mariner on Friday, the pool was drained and was repainted and refilled by sailing time. Today (Tuesday), the balcony rails are being varnished.

 

According to food and beverage manager, La Varanda , Latitudes and the pool restaurant are in for big changes (to be completed by the time the Mariner leaves dry dock in January, 2009.

 

I will discuss SSS benefits at our focus group this afternoon. So far, it seems that many changes are in the priocess of being done. It must be challening to do with a fully loaded ship -- but they manage to make it look effortless - passengers are hapy -- ship does not "feel" crowded -- no lines to get into Compass Rose.

 

For those who are interested, I'll post what I learn this afternoon tomorrow. For those on the May 27th trip -- don't worry -- it's almost impossible to not like the ship and the service on The Regent Seven Seas Mariner:-)

[OrpingtonT]

You got me on that. . . . I try to remember that the U.K. is not considered to be part of Europe -- although Southern Ireland is -- as well as France and the rest of Europe.

 

 

Really?????

 

Is it possible you are confused with the fact that the UK has retained sterling (otherwise known as the British Pound) as the currency of the nation. Otherwise the UK is a full member of the European Union, just as France, the Republic of Ireland and " the rest of Europe"

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I wasn't aware that 2010 schedules were out! Are they published anywhere ?

 

Yeh, if there are 2010 scheds around I'd sure like to see them!

 

As for the Norwegian trip, I would love to do that, but the price is just a killer. I'm probably going to do the Hurtigruten instead.

[RachelG]

I wasn't aware that 2010 schedules were out! Are they published anywhere ?

 

 

Sorry, I am obviously operating in the wrong year. I meant next year, 2009!

[Travelcat2]

Really?????

 

Is it possible you are confused with the fact that the UK has retained sterling (otherwise known as the British Pound) as the currency of the nation. Otherwise the UK is a full member of the European Union, just as France, the Republic of Ireland and " the rest of Europe"

 

Sorry -- the post you referred to had to do with a question from Iamboatman. Of course, the UK has retained sterling...... AND iis a full member of the European Union. This "misunderstanding" had to do with a post I made that most people would not have misunderstood.

 

Having been on the Mariner for 4 nights and having met with management from both the Mariner and Regent, I think it's time for me to stop repeatedly challenging what those of us who choose Regent already know.

 

If you go with the supposition that both Silversea and Regent have inconsistent food. . . . and, all the other negative things posted on the Regent boards............. I strongly suggest you book with Seabourn.

 

I can no longer waste my time challenging facts. One fact, in case there is any interest, is that the PG is history. Accept it ........ or not. There is too much enjoyment on this cruise to be had to waste time on those who "wish the truth were different":( :( :( :( :( :(

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I hear you about the PG, but as someone else has said, twice in the past the PG has been "history", and someone has changed their mind in the interim. But this time perhaps it's the real thing.

[canadagal]

Thanks Jackie, I'll look forward to seeing the pics upon your return and after you are caught up of course. Enjoy the rest of your cruise,

Pat

[Hambagahle]

"I do love the ship -- it is in fantastic shape -- probably the best service we have ever had. I do feel, however, that space is not utilized well on the Mariner. La Varanda -- very small space for people to walk around the buffet. Other areas (like the lovely coffee room) is open and quite roomy. I'm using the computer outside of the coffee area (by the window) instead of inside the computer room. To me, this is the best area of the ship. JMO."

 

JMO - I don't see why at the next dry dock they don't take half (or more) of Stars Nightclub and enlarge both the coffee bar section and especially the computer area! Also close off the staircase to the Casino. I don't stay up very late, but have never seen Stars used much at all except for "private functions". We had such a one there in January - Circle of Interest on the Falklands. Our excellent lecture was marred by the noise coming from the Casino above. And this was at 3pm, mind you!! On our segment of the South American cruise getting a computer terminal was difficult most of the day, and finding a table to sit at in the coffee area was too!!

[Iamboatman]

I just read on another site (not a message board) that Regent said Mark Conroy when just speaking at "the UK Cruise Convention in Southampton, he said an announcement could be made as early a next month." concerning the new ship.

 

TC2, do you know if something changed from submitting the proposal to the Apollo board in September has been moved up to June? :confused: Can you find out.

 

BTW, although you last post sounded very frustrated, the changes and promises of improvements (seemingly significant ones at that) are great news. To me it sounds like the changes made a few years ago that some of us were not too happy about are being addressed quickly and that the top flight product may be returning.:)

 

Nothing is going to please everyone and I am sure Regent is focusing on how to differentiate itself from the other lux lines, so it is all very interesting.

[Jancruz]

TC2, do you know if something changed from submitting the proposal to the Apollo board in September has been moved up to June? :confused: Can you find out.

 

.

 

FYI the plans will not be submitted to the Apollo board at all..it will be submitted to Prestige Holdings.

Jancruz1

[caviargal]

Do you know when the upgrades are scheduled to commence? Were there any specific details as to what was being added/enhanced? And was there any specific about Navigator mentioned?

 

thanks!