Is Regent Canceling the Ephesus Concerts?

[Donaldm]

Regent recognizes that the Ephesus (Turkey) concerts are special and unique events. They advertised the concerts as "not to be missed" and "never to be forgotten." The Ephesus concert just two months ago was the ONLY Mediterranean shore event mentioned in a special news release issued by Regent. They promote the concert on their website and in mailings. This concert was a significant factor in our decision to take the cruise which includes Ephesus (Kusadasi).

It appears, however, that Regent is having second thoughts about the concerts. Several months ago a number of passengers tried to sign up for the concert on September 14, but were told that it was sold out or oversubscribed. On June 23, Regent reversed its position and wrote me: "nfortunately not enough passengers signed up for the event and we had to cancel the event." Regent has removed the concert from its Kusadasi-Ephesus tour list, but it still advertising it on other parts of its website.

I understand Regent has the right to cancel any tours, but when a tour is promoted as much this concert, I would hope that the reason is better explained.

Have other passengers encountered similar problems regarding the Ephesus concerts or tours?

[Travelcat2]

I have been watching this thread being ignored. Perhaps it is because no one has the answer except Regent. Suggest you have your TA call Regent (that is what they are there for). However, if your TA is confused -- you could call Regent and get an answer. It is doubtful that you could get a response from CC this early in the summer.

 

Hope it isn't cancelled!

[PaulaJK]

Perhaps others are like myself.........not exactly ignoring the post.......but uncertain as to the answer regarding this. I must say that combined with a TA's comment about Regent's problems in Alaska, I didn't feel a 'happy face'. But I have read some very postive pax posts re: Alaska sailings and will await clarification/explication on this. Re: the concert in Ephesus ....I don't think that anyone is in the mood for more of the feeling of being seduced and discarded [as soon feel re: OBC]

[Travelcat2]

Perhaps others are like myself.........not exactly ignoring the post.......but uncertain as to the answer regarding this. I must say that combined with a TA's comment about Regent's problems in Alaska, I didn't feel a 'happy face'. But I have read some very postive pax posts re: Alaska sailings and will await clarification/explication on this. Re: the concert in Ephesus ....I don't think that anyone is in the mood for more of the feeling of being seduced and discarded [as soon feel re: OBC]

 

I probably used the wrong choice of words. "Ignored" was only meant to mean that most CC posters would not have the answer to the question. There have a been a couple of questions in the past few days that only Regent or a TA can respond to.

 

Regarding OBC, while I'm not happy with Regent's stand, this isn't new information. I have a friend (currently on board the PG) that started a couple of threads on this very subject a few months ago. From what I hear, it mostly affects people with American Express platnimum cards. Not exactly sure how that works. Still, if Regent is willing to pay most or all of our excursions, they pretty much have a right to put limitations on our OBC. IMO, Regent is being more than generous in this difficult economy (free air, excursions, etc.). Guess we can expect to receive everything and give nothing:confused:

[PaulaJK]

Trust me, Travelcat...I'm on the record with 'no free lunch'..so I don't expect to get everything and give nothing ---what ever that means with regard to purchasing a cruise. They sell a package...e.g. cabin level w. included whatever plus $500 OB credit...and we buy. If people can't utilize or redeem their $500 OB credit, which was part of the package they purchased, they are likely to be very unhappy.

 

Additionally, I don't think that the problem is limited to those with Am Ex credits [although that would still be a $300 issue] ....but captures many others when the line offers a special promotion either directly or through your TA. It is my understanding that many on board have credits in excess of $300.

 

The inclusion of excursions and the current 'special offers' seem to have brought this to the fore. I am not asking the line to give me anything more than what they have enticed me with and promised and sold to me. One solution that would answer many but not all parties is being able to utilize the OBC for excursions [even if you have pre paid these] and OB bookings. And why not the casino; how is that different from the spa?

 

I do hope that Regent is able to resolve this sticky issue.