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

[PaulaJK]

I may be a bit confused.....but didn't Verandah's rotations include its being a steakhouse or Italian steakhouse?

 

re: Latitudes---- I,too, would enjoy a changing menu which captured local/regional cuisine.

[Iamboatman]

"Jancruz, I'm sure you would have no difficulty looking it up as you are a TA."

 

 

If his name starts with an L, I know him

Jancruz1

 

If it is Mr. L, what is his position? I am confused.:confused:

[Jancruz]

If it is Mr. L, what is his position? I am confused.:confused:

 

He is a sales rep for Oceania.

Jancruz1

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I agree that some local cuisine would be a step up. That's one of the things I love about the Paul Gauguin, and oen of the things I was disappointed about when I first went on another Regent ship. The chef on our European Voyager trip did some local shopping, and that was very nice, but it was a spotlight on food & wine cruise. On our other non-PG trips, there has been very little local cuisine or produce.

[Travelcat2]

"Jancruz, I'm sure you would have no difficulty looking it up as you are a TA."

 

 

If his name starts with an L, I know him

Jancruz1

 

You know him -- nice man -- just overheard our conversation regarding our cruise the following day. ;)

[Travelcat2]

La Varanda is currently an Alaskan Grill restaurant. Latitudes remains the same (at least until dry dock). Stars smells like a Las Vegas casino -- hope no one is forced to be there for any length of time.

 

Don't worry about Tracy Arm next week on a catamaran -- there should be no problem. The Mariner is just a bit large and they did want to take the risk. Have your TA forward suggestions to Regent. Regent seems to be having their executives on many recent cruises -- they want to hear from their customers!

 

Captain's Farewell dinner -- will have to remember to report on this.

 

Another thread talks about posting only positive items regarding cruises. As my previous reviews can attest, I do not do that. However, blasting a cruise line for a misstep or two isn't fair either. There are a large group of people on next week's Mariner cruise that want to know as much as possible from passengers on this week's cruise. I repeat daily that the service is over the top in terms of perfection. Not just my opinion, all passengers we have spoken to have the same opinion.

 

Entertainment is a bit off -- so we don't go there. It may be different next week. . . not a big deal. Not everything is perfect -- but nothing is bad enough to write about -- just some blips. The fact that we are meeting with Regent and the staff of Mariner makes me feel that next week just may be perfect.

 

A group of us are dining with the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director. If I learn anything more -- I'll be back.

 

Almost forgot -- Skagway is a fun little town -- great walking (and shopping). The weather is almost too warm (in the sun) 54 degrees -- clear skies (no ice cubes in the water:-) Not necessarily looking forward to Juneau -- 4 cruise ships in port at the same time.

[Iamboatman]

While in Juneau stop in the Red Dog Saloon for a drink. It is hokey, but fun.

[Cattravel10]

Hi again TC2 - It's actually the Captain's Farewell Party (not dinner) which takes place in the Constellation Theatre and is put on by the crew members. Fantastic!!! Takes place I believe at 6:00 p.m. Just curious what you thought of it.

[BILLP1]

Sounds like it will be easy to get eveyome to agree on the type of food to be served in Lattitudes.

[canadagal]

Hi again TC2 - It's actually the Captain's Farewell Party (not dinner) which takes place in the Constellation Theatre and is put on by the crew members. Fantastic!!! Takes place I believe at 6:00 p.m. Just curious what you thought of it.

 

Are you referring to the "Krewe Kapers". I was blown away by the talent of the crew on this last night farewell on our March/08 Mariner cruise. They have so many talented performers. I really enjoyed this crew show and kudos to them all.........they could give American Idol a run for the money.

Pat

[Cattravel10]

Yes - it is the Krew Kapers. Wonderful isn't it!!!!! Surely not to be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cattravel10]

BTW - Was the song sung(sp?) "To Dream the Impossible Dream". It was sung by a Phillipino guy and the song just sent shivers thru my spine. It was a WOW moment!!!

[Travelcat2]

While in Juneau stop in the Red Dog Saloon for a drink. It is hokey, but fun.

 

We do plan on visiting the Red Dog Saloon!

 

Our only "problem" with this cruise is the weather. We packed for an Alaskan cruise and it was 77 degrees in Skagway today -- similiar temperatures predicted for tomorrow (a great opportunity to shop).

[doc47]

TC2-

 

If you dine with Handre, the asst. cruise director, tell him Steve and Cynthia from the Panama cruise send their best!

[OrpingtonT]

BTW - Was the song sung(sp?) "To Dream the Impossible Dream". It was sung by a Phillipino guy and the song just sent shivers thru my spine. It was a WOW moment!!!

 

I agree. A senior waiter by the name of Roy performs this so well, and he appreciates cruisers telling him so!

[Travelcat2]

I'm looking forward to the night of entertainment that you described. Sounds really nice.

 

Will say hi to the asst. cruise director this evening (just printed the post so I'll remember).

 

We ate at Latitudes for their new menu last night. Still perfection -- so yummy. The staff remembered us from the first time and made us feel especially welcome.

 

A few of you have wanted to know if anything was negative. . . . well, this isn't exactly negative . . . however, in the morning, La Veranda staff seem a bit tired -- slow to remove plates from the table. The quality of the food is fine. La Veranda is not our favorite venue for lunch on either the Mariner or Voyager -- can't put my finger on why.

 

Juneau is beautiful -- we are anchored just across the street from The Red Dog Saloon. Really a fun place to go -- look around, etc. If we were thirsty, we would have had something to drink. Sea planes are landing and taking off right next to the ship (port side) -- beautiful sight.

 

After reading about "ulu" knives, we ended up getting one. The talk at the shop was that it will be confiscated when we got on board and returned at the end of the cruise. The Carnival Spirit is docked near us -- they do not allow them on the ship at all (according to the storekeeper, this is the first time in 37 years that this has happened) Just thought it was endeding.

 

Time for lunch (Compass Rose) ...

 

Cheers

[JoAnne B]

Thanks TC. I absolutely love the new shampoo and conditioner, but probably won't be able to buy any direct if the company only supplies hotels, etc. That won't stop me from trying though! Since I'm not booked on another Regent cruise until the spring 09 crossing, I may have to make do. For me it is a real improvement over the highly scented product they used in the past.

 

JoAnne B

Houston

[Travelcat2]

Lots of things going on.... don't know where to start. First, I sent Assistant Cruise Director Handre Potieter best wishes from Steve and Cynthia -- he said that he "loved you guys".

 

Weather in Juneau, an increditible 80.6 degrees. For those traveling next week-- take some summer clothes -- just in case.

 

Observation: the dress code on board has been challenged a bit this week. Lots of jeans on "country club casual" days. Tonight was "formal" (not fun in 80 degree heat:( ). In the Observation Lounge at 6:30 p.m. there were many people in golf shirts, shorts, etc. In the Mariner Bar -- outside of Compass Rose only people dressed extremely casual, ended up leaving to dine elsewhere (probably La Veranda) Those who wore a tux or dark suit was fine -- also a few men wearing black/blue jackets with tan trousers. It was great fun watching the people stream into Compass Rose -- rather like a parade. Everyone looked great -- even though many tuxedo's haven't fit the person in years -- many styles may have been from the 1950 -- it was looking at their faces -- how proud and happy they were. That's what really counted.

 

Okay -- finally, the PG. At the Town Meeting it was stated that negotiations were under way with the owners of PG but it was unlikely that they would continue under contract beyond 2009. At last night's dinner, the Cruise Director and Asst. Cruise Director said that Regent is attempting to purchase the PG -- even have plans ready to put her in drydock (and hopefully make her look like a Regent ship again. Keep in mind that both statements made this week were from Regent employees -- neither, however, can be verified. This just gives hope to the many of us who do not want to see the PG leave:(

 

The Mariner staff is preparing for a full ship all summer -- around 100 children per sailing. Children apparently love the events/excursions planned for them. They dine in 1/2 of La Veranda and have things such as pizza and hamburger buffets set up for them.

 

Hope the weather stays like this for a while -- not a drop of rain -- full sun -- seas as smooth as glass.

 

Cheers.

[canadagal]

TC2, thanks for posting the name of the Assistant Cruise Director Handre Potieter. I thought this gentlemen was a wonderful asset to Regent and I forgot his name. He really is a caring gentleman that you can see all over the ship and very approachable as we discovered on our March cruise and I have nothing but praise for the fellow. The CD on our cruise was good but the assistant CD was very, very good and was much more visable and for that I give him top marks. He never passed us by without a smile and asking how we were enjoying the day and engaging us in a conversation. I can't say the same about the CD.

I don't know if you have been able to keep up with all of the posts both on CC and the other board but there has been postings about how segment cruisers are treated differently then World Cruisers on the world cruises. I'm sorry that I didn't bring this to your attention earlier when there were Town Hall meetings going on so that perhaps you could have put forth concerns of pax that are segment cruisers and how Regent will possibly deal with these conflicts in the future. The feeling is that World Cruisers get preferential treatment to the detriment of the segment cruisers. I don't know how Regent can fix this perception but it does exist for some past segment cruisers and I for one don't doubt their experience and it does give me and others cause for concern.

Pat

[Island Cruiser]

We read the world cruise logs avidly. Love them. We've decided we'd be really hesitant about booking a WC segment. It's not that the crew sets out to treat segment passengers differently. I'm sure they don't. Or that the WC passengers intend to do so. They don't. But the crew and worldies are together and in close contact for more than three months. There is a bonding there and a level of familiarity there that can't happen to any similar degree with the seggies. The sociology with worldies differs from seggies. (You even see this a bit with Regent regulars like us and passengers who are new to Regent.!) Then there are all the worldie special events. They occupy reserved space and command extra attention from the crew. The worldies, at least some of them, adopt "their tables" in Compass Rose and "their waiters." The cumulative effect of all of this has to make a difference, one that is annoying to some seggies and little importance to others. I don't think it would matter a lot to us. But if we could find a roughly equivalent segment on a Silversea ship that was not on a world cruise, we'd pick that without hesitation in lieu of a Regent WC segment. Pat

[Travelcat2]

We are now at sea and looking at the end of our cruise -- Tuesday, May 27th. There are no more meetings going on. However, after having several sea days on the Mariner, we are rethinking the "segment" of Ring of Fire. PLEASE (yes, I'm yelling) do not take this as any negative statement of the Mariner. This is a wonderful ship -- incredible service, etc. Just don't think we can do that many sea days.

 

The Captain is great -- he always begins announcements with "Hello, it's me"....... many of us call him "Captain Smee".

 

After this cruise, we will look more into the "segment" mentalilty. We are on board with a fairly large group. They have booked up Latitudes twice. . . . don't think this is particularly fair.

 

Still going through heat wave. . . 85 degrees in Ketchikan today. Had to purchase a t-shirt -- way too hot. Friends went on excursions (by sea and air) that ended with a crab feed. Excellent reviews. Since we live in WA, we get all of the seafood we need (fishermen sell it on the docks).

 

Really hope that those of you on the Alaska cruise (May 27th) have a great time. I'll report back on tomorrow's crew show, disembarkation, etc. Then, finally, I can close out this thread. Thank you, Host Dan and CC;) , for allowing this rambling to go on for so long

[HappyCruiser44]

TC2 -

 

Loved your reports. Thank you.

 

hc44

[canadagal]

Jackie, I don't read your remarks at all as a reflection on the Mariner and we too question ourselves about all those sea days as well as a few other things on the Ring segment. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and don't worry about next year for now. Final payment is not until this fall and there is plenty of time to reflect on everything. You are going to love the Krew Kapers! Let us know if the solo song is "the impossible dream" that the other poster asked about. I think it was but couldn't remember for sure. That fellow sure could belt out a song though and the head gal of housekeeping has a terrific voice too. The Mariner crew really are great! It was one of my fave shows on the Mariner.

Pat

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I'm interested in hearing more about your reluctance concerning sea days.

 

Is it something specifically to do with Mariner? The cabin size? Lack of public space? Stability? What would differ between Voyager and Mariner for a typical crossing, do you think? I've done sea days on Voyager and it was very nice, but only 1.5 at most at a time.

 

I've looked longingly at several segments of the Ring of Fire and thought that if they did that route again in 2010, we might go for it. Haven't been on Mariner, and haven't done a crossing, so I'm wondering. It has 5 sea days, but scattered between ports. The route you guys are booked on is basically a Pacific crossing, with some islands in the middle--presumably mild weather.

 

I also have 2 and then 1 sea day on my upcoming PG Marquesas trip, but of course that's in a tropical sea.

[canadagal]

Wendy, below is the segment itinerary that both TC2 and I happen to be booked on.

I like sea days but not 9 days in a row.....which could happen if the ship can't tender into Easter Island. I've done a search on several boards for all various cruiselines and only a percentage......less then half ever make it on shore at Easter Island due to rough sea conditions. Most make it onto Robinson Crusoe Island but if you count the days after Robinson Crusoe Island and if you can't make landing at Easter Island it's a long stretch at sea until you hit Papeete. The ship makes a brief stop off shore of Pitcairn in between but the Pitcairn Islanders come out to the ship ......no one can actually go onshore at least not yet.....I read that the UK goverment has plans for a breakwater around Bounty Bay jetty that will then allow cruiseship tenders to enter safely and disembark pax but that's not going to be built until at least 2009 if even by then. I have fears of getting cabin fever if we were at sea for 9 days straight and I couldn't even imagine if we missed the stop at Robinson Crusoe either as that would be a straight non stop cruise from Valparaiso Chile to Papeete......11 days. Just things to really think about and contemplate as they could possibly happen.

Pat

 

 

Feb 28 Saturday Valparaiso (for Santiago), Chile 23:00

Mar 1 Sunday At Sea

Mar 2 Monday Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile 08:00 14:00

Mar 3 Tuesday At Sea

Mar 4 Wednesday At Sea

Mar 5 Thursday At Sea

Mar 6 Friday Easter Island, Chile 08:00 19:00

Mar 7 Saturday At Sea

Mar 8 Sunday At Sea

Mar 9 Monday Pitcairn Island, Pitcairn Island 08:00 15:00

Mar 10 Tuesday At Sea

Mar 11 Wednesday At Sea

Mar 12 Thursday Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia 08:00

Mar 13 Friday Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia 06:00

Mar 13 Friday Moorea, French Polynesia 08:00 18:00

Mar 14 Saturday Bora Bora, French Polynesia 08:00 18:00

Mar 15 Sunday At Sea

Mar 16 Monday Rarotonga, Cook Islands 08:00 16:00

Mar 17 Tuesday At Sea

Mar 19 Thursday At Sea

Mar 20 Friday At Sea

Mar 21 Saturday Auckland, New Zealand 08:00 22:00

Mar 22 Sunday Bay of Islands, New Zealand 07:00 16:00

Mar 23 Monday At Sea

Mar 24 Tuesday At Sea

Mar 25 Wednesday Sydney, Australia Disembarks