What Regent can do in 2011. . . .

[Travelcat2]

2009 has been an interesting year. There was/is a poor/weak economy. Yet, Regent found ways to fill up their ships in both 2009 and 2010 with incredible "free" promotions. Loyal Regent customers have discussed dress codes and children on board the ships endlessly. There is another active thread discussing suggested changes in the area of entertainment (great thread). Perhaps Regent will be bold enough to really change things up in 2011 (while keeping in mind that whatever they do must be within the realm of "luxury" cruising).

Most Regent passengers prefer Elegant Casual for the "standard" dress code. There is no reason why it has to be that way 52 weeks a year. There can be weeks designated as as "Formal" (maybe during holiday season). Perhaps Alaska can be "Casual" (no jeans/shorts in the evening). IMO, this would be so easy for Regent to do....... it is a matter of a small addition in advertising for the special cruises.

Regent already has special weeks for children and families during the summer. For those passengers who prefer adult travel, why not designate some weeks as all adult?

I'd love to see 2011 be the year of flexibility. This could also help Regent fill some of the cruises that are typically more difficult to fill. "Free" excursions could be run occasionally. . . . . the ideas are endless (just can't think of more at the moment). . . . I'm sure other people would have great ideas for 2011. . . . .

[yarlenna]

2009 has been an interesting year. There was/is a poor/weak economy. Yet, Regent found ways to fill up their ships in both 2009 and 2010 with incredible "free" promotions. Loyal Regent customers have discussed dress codes and children on board the ships endlessly. There is another active thread discussing suggested changes in the area of entertainment (great thread). Perhaps Regent will be bold enough to really change things up in 2011 (while keeping in mind that whatever they do must be within the realm of "luxury" cruising).

Most Regent passengers prefer Elegant Casual for the "standard" dress code. There is no reason why it has to be that way 52 weeks a year. There can be weeks designated as as "Formal" (maybe during holiday season). Perhaps Alaska can be "Casual" (no jeans/shorts in the evening). IMO, this would be so easy for Regent to do....... it is a matter of a small addition in advertising for the special cruises.

Regent already has special weeks for children and families during the summer. For those passengers who prefer adult travel, why not designate some weeks as all adult?

I'd love to see 2011 be the year of flexibility. This could also help Regent fill some of the cruises that are typically more difficult to fill. "Free" excursions could be run occasionally. . . . . the ideas are endless (just can't think of more at the moment). . . . I'm sure other people would have great ideas for 2011. . . . .

There is nothing lovely about formal dress after a day in the tropics. I would really love to see adult cruises too. That is a great idea. I also love Bermuda would love to see more cruises like the one I have booked in April.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

As for adult cruises, I think the way they did it a few years ago worked pretty well. Some cruises in summer had a children's program (i.e., a kid's social director and planned activities), and had good kid prices, or kids sail free promotions. The rest did not. Period. This was enough to dissuade--charge them an adult fare for a kid and they will stay away in droves.

[Caroldoll]

I wish, but I am sure I will be slammed for it. These free excursions..I was on one leg where there were free excursions--a huge number of guests did not show up. Regent is making their fares higher to include free excursions, so some people are bearing the cost for all those people who do not show. I am for more quality in other areas...and we won't go into that again..and less spending on what people abuse.

Enough said. I do like Regent.

[Travelcat2]

As for adult cruises, I think the way they did it a few years ago worked pretty well. Some cruises in summer had a children's program (i.e., a kid's social director and planned activities), and had good kid prices, or kids sail free promotions. The rest did not. Period. This was enough to dissuade--charge them an adult fare for a kid and they will stay away in droves.

I had no idea that Regent had adult cruises in it's past. With the overwelming response Regent has had from families this past summer, it may be time to take another look at the issue. I do like the idea of charging the adult fare for kids during certain cruises or times of the year. Below is the current non-special policy for kids (I copied it from the rssc.com website for reference purposes).

How is pricing handled for triples/quad occupancy?
A: The third or fourth adult in any deluxe or penthouse suite is 50% of the minimum category fare after early booking or 2-for-1 savings has been applied. Third and fourth guests in named suites will pay the minimum category fare. Third and fourth guests do not qualify for free air on free air or What a Fare Deal promotions. Standard air add-ons apply. Children ages 11 and under in any category pay 50% of the minimum category fare.

It seems extremely odd that children as well as third and forth guests in the same suite pay 50% of the minimum category fare. It would seem that they would pay 50% of the category they are staying in.

yarlenna - Regent is always interested in hearing about ports that their passengers are interested in. Bermuda is one that has generated a lot of interest. Personally, I would love if there were more west coast departures. . . . unfortunately, there aren't many places to go except Alaska and Mexico.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

It wasn't that children were prohibited, there just weren't any perks to encourage them. But then I remember our 2004 Diamond cruise where there was in fact a kid's program director. But no kids. Except the captain's. Literally.

[ededmd]

With the overwelming response Regent has had from families this past summer, it may be time to take another look at the issue. I do like the idea of charging the adult fare for kids during certain cruises or times of the year.

It seems extremely odd that children as well as third and fourth guests in the same suite pay 50% of the minimum category fare. It would seem that they would pay 50% of the category they are staying in.

In regard to looking at the issue of the "overwhelming response", Regent's administrative/financial assessment of the situation may be positive, that is to say that they liked it. But we do agree that they should not allow the response to any promotion to "overwhelm" the resources.

If you charge kids adult fares during certain cruises or times of the year, you would advocate charging 3rd/4th berth passengers of any age the "full fare"?

And yes, I think it is interesting (but personally in a positive way) regarding the "minimum fare category" charge.

We admittedly do not agree on the children issue. But don't worry, I don't believe in pulling my children out of school for vacation. So while I hope to meet you in person at some point down the road, it won't be during a school year. :)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I don't advocate charging kids full fare any time. Just the usual third person fare, i.e., the "normal" fare for a third. Obviously an infant is a different matter (i.e., should get charged less, or nothing.) (And no, I've never had a problem with an infant or two on cruises with me.)

[esther e]

It wasn't that children were prohibited, there just weren't any perks to encourage them. But then I remember our 2004 Diamond cruise where there was in fact a kid's program director. But no kids. Except the captain's. Literally.

Ha! No perks never stopped the awful family of parents and grandparents and obnoxious "brats" (and they were!) 6 under age 5 and everyone was on vacation, if you get my drift. They brought in a staff member to cage these kids, but as soon as it was time to get them loose, all hell broke loose. I remember one man yelling at them to "shut up" because he was trying to read in the quiet area. Interesting how the parents and grandparents seemed to be invisible much of the time.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Oh well Esther, there will always be a few like that, of whatever age, won't there?