Diappointing World Cruise News

[larry1365]

Capt. Dag is leaving the Voyager in Cape Town. What a bummer.

This information started as a rumor about 10 days ago and has been confirmed in individual conversations with various officers and staff. I had hoped (and advised so) that there would be some public confirmation, but as of yet there has not been. The reason given in those private conversations is simply that Capt. Dag’s current contract is up. However, the situation has not been well received by a large number of the passengers. It was fully expected by many that he would be our captain for the entire four-month voyage. And in my conversations that view was also held by of some of the senior crew.

I believe Regent has a PR problem brewing. Mark Conroy, the president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is scheduled to get on the ship in Mombasa, Kenya. I expect he will be getting an earful from disappointed (angry) passengers.

Personally, I think it is an unwise move by Regent or Prestige Cruise Holdings/Apollo and is one that could have been avoided through better crew management (scheduling) or advance communications.

I am sure there will be more to report on this situation.

[Travelcat2]

We apparently have two threads, started within minutes of each other, on the same topic. If Host Dan is around, perhaps he will combine them.

Thanks.;)

[freddie]

Larry & Jackie - With all due respect, why is this such a major event? Skippers do indeed take time off and also sometimes move to other lines. Dag is not the only good skipper in the Regent fleet, contrary to the opinions of the members of the "Cult of Captain Dag", who consider him the only worthy master in the whole fleet. Frankly, we have vastly preferred Captain Knute, who was extremely sociable and loved talking about "boats" with passengers but did not have such a dramatic sense of his own star persona.

If Dag goes to Seabourn or any other line, will he bring passengers with him? Why would anyone choose one line over another because of the skipper of the ship, when there is generally very little interaction between the skipper and the passengers? It seems quite extreme to suggest that Dag (or anyone else) moving to another line would have any measurable impact upon either line. It certainly is preposterous to suggest that such a move is a measure of the decline of Regent. Geez, folks, let's put these things in a reasonable perspective, no??

[Travelcat2]

Larry & Jackie - With all due respect, why is this such a major event? Skippers do indeed take time off and also sometimes move to other lines. Dag is not the only good skipper in the Regent fleet, contrary to the opinions of the members of the "Cult of Captain Dag", who consider him the only worthy master in the whole fleet. Frankly, we have vastly preferred Captain Knute, who was extremely sociable and loved talking about "boats" with passengers but did not have such a dramatic sense of his own star persona.

If Dag goes to Seabourn or any other line, will he bring passengers with him? Why would anyone choose one line over another because of the skipper of the ship, when there is generally very little interaction between the skipper and the passengers? It seems quite extreme to suggest that Dag (or anyone else) moving to another line would have any measurable impact upon either line. It certainly is preposterous to suggest that such a move is a measure of the decline of Regent. Geez, folks, let's put these things in a reasonable perspective, no??

While I do not disagree with you too much (:)). . . . . and, while I enjoy Capt. Dag, I am not an avid follower as many Regent loyalists are. I do think that he has endeared himself to many guests during his annual hometown visits. While I do not necessarily feel that Seabourn is superior to Regent, there is some dissatisfaction with changes that have occurred over the past year or so. IMO, it would not take muich for a Regent passenger to follow a person who has made them as comfortable as Capt. Dag apparently has. It is really a shame that Regent is not being more forthcoming with information regarding this change.

[chuckw]

We've never sailed with Capt Dag but have never felt shorted. In fact Capt Kunte is a real personality. I felt he really about cared about the crew and passengers. Our last cruise was on the Mariner, Alaska 2008, and will return to the Navigator in Auckland December 1, 2010. We have had nothing other than wonderful experiences on Regent/Radison. I think some of us have unreasonable expectations. I maybe a bit older, but the days of cheap labor, and expected deference, may be a thing of the past.

[cruisebugbit]

Larry & Jackie - With all due respect, why is this such a major event? Skippers do indeed take time off and also sometimes move to other lines. Dag is not the only good skipper in the Regent fleet, contrary to the opinions of the members of the "Cult of Captain Dag", who consider him the only worthy master in the whole fleet. Frankly, we have vastly preferred Captain Knute, who was extremely sociable and loved talking about "boats" with passengers but did not have such a dramatic sense of his own star persona.

If Dag goes to Seabourn or any other line, will he bring passengers with him? Why would anyone choose one line over another because of the skipper of the ship, when there is generally very little interaction between the skipper and the passengers? It seems quite extreme to suggest that Dag (or anyone else) moving to another line would have any measurable impact upon either line. It certainly is preposterous to suggest that such a move is a measure of the decline of Regent. Geez, folks, let's put these things in a reasonable perspective, no??

Well said freddie. Our first Regent cruise was with Captain.... umm I can't remember his name. Might have been the "some Italian Captain" referred to in another post by a current passenger. Our second was with Captain Dag. Both got us through the cruise safely. That's the main thing. Never met either, nor had any burning desire to. We didn't choose Regent for our first cruise because of the Captain, and we certainly don't look for who's going to be Captain for any future voyages. The cruise is bigger than the Captain.

No question Captain Dag has a wonderful reputation and following and has many friends among the passenger lists. But perspective is indeed needed here.

[cruzndiz]

Here I am putting in my two cents again ;)

While I do not think the majority of cruisers pick a ship based on who is piloting said ship, I have to admit I was saddened when I learned that Capt. Delavault is no longer with Regent and would not be having him on my upcoming trip.

What is of greater concern to me, however, is that so MANY of the wonderful crew that I met on my last Regent cruise are now working for Seabourn. I don't know how it is in the cruising industry specifically, but I know in the traditional business world here in New York you certainly do get a lot of employees moving from company to company....BUT if you see a significant number of recognizable employees leaving company A to go work for company B I think that DOES say something not quite pleasant about company A.

[cruisebugbit]

Here I am putting in my two cents again ;)

While I do not think the majority of cruisers pick a ship based on who is piloting said ship, I have to admit I was saddened when I learned that Capt. Delavault is no longer with Regent and would not be having him on my upcoming trip.

What is of greater concern to me, however, is that so MANY of the wonderful crew that I met on my last Regent cruise are now working for Seabourn. I don't know how it is in the cruising industry specifically, but I know in the traditional business world here in New York you certainly do get a lot of employees moving from company to company....BUT if you see a significant number of recognizable employees leaving company A to go work for company B I think that DOES say something not quite pleasant about company A.

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and ask how you know that so many of the crew you met are now working for Seabourn?
Also, what is "the traditional business world in New York"?

[cruzndiz]

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and ask how you know that so many of the crew you met are now working for Seabourn?
Also, what is "the traditional business world in New York"?

Q1: because so many of our cruise critic & other chat site "friends" told me where all of my favorite people are currently working

Q2: I guess I meant private sector corporations on land, in brick and mortar buildings, as opposed to "floating" buildings ;) What I was trying to say, as an example, we have two local companies ~ Empire and Time Warner ~ both have a customer service department for which the employees of each have similar skill sets. Empire has a large turn over rate, many of whom have gone to work for Time Warner. Over time, the public is aware of this fact and it is commonplace to hear that Empire must not be a very pleasant place to work ergo their local 'approval' rating is lower than TW.

[cruisebugbit]

Q1: because so many of our cruise critic & other chat site "friends" told me where all of my favorite people are currently working

Q2: I guess I meant private sector corporations on land, in brick and mortar buildings, as opposed to "floating" buildings ;) What I was trying to say, as an example, we have two local companies ~ Empire and Time Warner ~ both have a customer service department for which the employees of each have similar skill sets. Empire has a large turn over rate, many of whom have gone to work for Time Warner. Over time, the public is aware of this fact and it is commonplace to hear that Empire must not be a very pleasant place to work ergo their local 'approval' rating is lower than TW.

Re:Q1- makes sense. Thanks.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Re:Q2- so TW is buying customer perception?http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Travelcat2]

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and ask how you know that so many of the crew you met are now working for Seabourn?
Also, what is "the traditional business world in New York"?

If you read CruiseCritic, and many industry publications you would have read the announcements.

[cruisebugbit]

If you read CruiseCritic, and many industry publications you would have read the announcements.

Sorry.. higher priorities on the reading list, I guess.

[cruzndiz]

Re:Q1- makes sense. Thanks.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Re:Q2- so TW is buying customer perception?http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

LOL! yes, exactly :p Remember, we're living in the world of the 3 second infomercial.....people pick up bits & pieces of news and then make snap decisions based on that. You start imagining employees' dissatisfaction and the next thing you know, your brain starts processing it like "boo, boo, bad company, shame, shame!":D

[hondorner]

The "Italian Captain" who is taking over from Captain Dag may well be Captain Igor Bencina, who took over from Captain McNeil on Navigator in January,and who spent many years with Silversea. They do move around a bit...

[cruisebugbit]

LOL! yes, exactly :p Remember, we're living in the world of the 3 second infomercial.....people pick up bits & pieces of news and then make snap decisions based on that. You start imagining employees' dissatisfaction and the next thing you know, your brain starts processing it like "boo, boo, bad company, shame, shame!":D

So true. And so easy to avoid. (Spoken as a business owner.)
Always enjoy your posts cruzndiz. Me thinks you'd be a hoot to cruise with. (Insert small picture of frozen tropical drink here for 3 seconds. Fade to black.)

[OrpingtonT]

Capt. Dag is leaving the Voyager in Cape Town. What a bummer.



Does "leaving the Voyager in Cape Town" necessarily mean leaving Regent altogether?

I have cruised twice with Dag and found him a courteous and pleasant gentleman. Because of mobility problems we did not always go on ecursions and were around the ship more than most and if he saw us he would often come over and chat. So he was more than approachable.

However, I have to say that other Captains also had these qualities. I particularly liked a French Captain, I think his name was Guillou, shy of the formalities of office but a good mixer. Also Captain "Alfa" Romeo, who always introduced himself on the tannoy with "Hello, It's me from the bridge". I would like to think he will be the italian taking over in Cape Town.

If Dag is leaving Regent , I wish him the best of luck, but I shall not follow him to another line, at least not solely because of his presence.

[xrvlcruiser]

THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT CAPTAIN DAG IS LEAVING REGENT. PRESTIGE CRUISES HAS A 3 MONTH ON/3 MONTH OFF POLICY.

Dag boarded the Voyager on January 12, in San Diego.

The Captain who will replace him is Captain Mario (I'm sorry, I don't remember his last name) He was on the Voyager through the Panma Canal both before the beginning of the 2009 WC and the 2010 WC. I don't know specifically when he boarded before this year's WC but I assume it was some time in mid-October.

[Observer]

[QUOTE=xrvlcruiser;23780167]THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT CAPTAIN DAG IS LEAVING REGENT. PRESTIGE CRUISES HAS A 3 MONTH ON/3 MONTH OFF POLICY.


Please do not confuse this thread by bringing in facts, corporate policy (quite reasonable -- three months is a long time away from family), or other realities.

Facts such as the one you cite destroy the fun of making lots of speculations and drawing conclusions about the demise of Regent, the PR problems for the CEO, etc., etc., based on rumor/supposition.

It may be that the sky is not falling after all. Nonetheless, I do feel sorry for the poor WC passengers who thought that they were entitled to Capt Dag's services for as long as they were aboard.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I guess I'll add my two cents. Just a few points.

It seems that the parent company has changed lots of procedures. Some of these are not consistent with the "cult of the captain" of the past. They also seem to have done away with dining with senior staff, for the most part.

I can't understand why the world cruisers would feel so betrayed, really. Although it's probably bad PR to do this, they should at least leave the captain alone for the WC, probably.

We currently have no proof that Dag is leaving Regent, do we? Even if he does, yes I was sad to see Knute leave, but people move on, retire. Plus ca change, that's life.

He crashed the ship twice! (I know, I know, it wasn't his fault--these things happen.)

I did notice that there doesn't seem to be a 14-day fjords trips on the schedule for 2011.

We enjoyed Gianmario Sanguineti in December on Voyager. But I really don't care much who the captain is, as long as he is technically superior and safe.

Now, if Regent is screwing up and not treating its staff well, so that they are leaving, that would definitely be a concern.

[larry1365]

(I am posting this on both threads regarding this subject to hopefully ensure that the following correction is heard and understood: I did not say, or mean to infer, that Capt. Dag is leaving Regent. That was a complete misinterpretation of my original post.)

Whoa!!! I apologize for the furor I created while enjoying the day at a beach resort here in the Maldives.

All I said was that Capt, Dag is leaving the current world cruise in Cape Town because his current contract is up. I certainly did not mean to infer that he is leaving RSSC.

xrvlcruiser is correct. RSSC captains are on a 12-month contract. They work 3 on and 3 off...or otherwise 6 months a year and get paid for 12. Some people say there were some RSSC publications that said Dag would again be the master for the 2010 WC. I don't recall whether there were any or not. However, he has been the exclusive "driver" for all of RSSC's Voyager World Cruises. Therefore, the "expectation" that he would be doing so again this year was understandable.

We currently only have about 425 pax onboard and the vast majority are full world cruisers; thus, many have sailed with Capt. Dag for years. So, even though I usually agree with Freddie’s posts, I don’t in this case. If some people don’t care who the driver is, then it shouldn’t be of concern to them that others do.

IMHO, a good captain has to fulfill three main responsibilities:
1. Be an excellent seaman.
2. Be an innovative, firm and compassionate leader for a diverse crew (in this case, of 450).
3. Be a visible representative of the cruise line who mixes well with passengers and is concerned that they are getting the best value for their money.

In effect, the captain fulfills the role of a CEO while on the ship.

In my view, Capt. Dag performs all these functions in an excellent manner. And he does a better job of it than any of the 11 captains I have sailed with on 4 cruise lines.

I really apologize for getting everyone so energized. That’s why I mostly lurk rather than post.

[RachelG]

While I like Captain Dag very much, no one can (or should) work all the time without a break. Seems to me the same rumor of Capt Dag leaving Regent was swirling around last year, when actually he was just taking his normal time off.
There are many other very capable captains in Regent's employ. I am sure everything will be fine.

[Travelcat2]

THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT CAPTAIN DAG IS LEAVING REGENT. PRESTIGE CRUISES HAS A 3 MONTH ON/3 MONTH OFF POLICY.

Dag boarded the Voyager on January 12, in San Diego.

The Captain who will replace him is Captain Mario (I'm sorry, I don't remember his last name) He was on the Voyager through the Panma Canal both before the beginning of the 2009 WC and the 2010 WC. I don't know specifically when he boarded before this year's WC but I assume it was some time in mid-October.

When did Prestige Cruises go to a 3 month on/3 month off policy? As Larry mentioned, Capt. Dag has been the "exclusive driver" on all of Voyager's WC's. This year is a noticeable exception. Perhaps the early departure combined with Mark Conroy joining the Voyager (not sure if this will happen at the exact same time), does bring up questions.

Just a quick response to your last sentence. . . Capt. Dag typically leaves the ship around the 2nd week of October and returns in January for the WC.

[petlover]

I appreciate those that are currently on the World Cruise for reporting in and it would be tragic for unfound rumors to begin because Capt. Dag is disembarking in Cape Town. I have not heard any word whatsoever that he is leaving Regent. I certainly hope not, he is a fabulous Captain and the perfect person for the WC. Please DO NOT jump to any conclusions or start unfounded rumors!

I think it is difficult for those who have never lived on a cruise ship for 4 months (this is what a WC is) with the same staff and crew to understand the cohesiveness and bonds formed. It is unlike any 2 or 3 week cruise that you may be comparing it to.

I do not ever remember a Captain leaving during a WC. If my memory serves me correct from doing 2 full world cruises as well as going on the last segments only...Capt. Dag was always on until the end and would begin his vacation the day the WC ended.

The Capt. who would be replacing Capt. Dag for the crossing would come on board several days earlier but the actual "changing of the Captains" didn't happen until the LAST day.


To those currently on the WC, Thanks for reporting in We really appreciate it.

[Travelcat2]

I appreciate those that are currently on the World Cruise for reporting in and it would be tragic for unfound rumors to begin because Capt. Dag is disembarking in Cape Town. I have not heard any word whatsoever that he is leaving Regent. I certainly hope not, he is a fabulous Captain and the perfect person for the WC. Please DO NOT jump to any conclusions or start unfounded rumors!

I think it is difficult for those who have never lived on a cruise ship for 4 months (this is what a WC is) with the same staff and crew to understand the cohesiveness and bonds formed. It is unlike any 2 or 3 week cruise that you may be comparing it to.

I do not ever remember a Captain leaving during a WC. If my memory serves me correct from doing 2 full world cruises as well as going on the last segments only...Capt. Dag was always on until the end and would begin his vacation the day the WC ended.

The Capt. who would be replacing Capt. Dag for the crossing would come on board several days earlier but the actual "changing of the Captains" didn't happen until the LAST day.


To those currently on the WC, Thanks for reporting in We really appreciate it.

Thank you for post -- it was enlightening. Still, considering what you said, when will Regent cruisers learn the reason for Capt. Dag leaving the WC before the end?

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Hi Marcie, thanks for adding your WC expereince wisdom & reason.

[rallydave]

Thank you for post -- it was enlightening. Still, considering what you said, when will Regent cruisers learn the reason for Capt. Dag leaving the WC before the end?

Regent is a business and has the right to run the business as they see fit. Yes, we are guests and will only stay guests if we are satisfied with Regent's services but, it is not incumbent on Regent to provide reasons for personel decisions be them from the person themselves or from the company.

Should Regent choose to inform guests of the reasons for Capt. Dag's leaving of the ship in Cape Town, consider it a bonus. Who knows, the reason might be personal and subject to HIPPA regulations which most of us know as unreasonable withholding of information to relatives and reasonable withholding of information to others.

In other words, it really is none of our business and possibly illegal for Regent to divulge. So, consider it a plus if Regent informs us of the reasons but, don't expect to be informed.

[Travelcat2]

Regent is a business and has the right to run the business as they see fit. Yes, we are guests and will only stay guests if we are satisfied with Regent's services but, it is not incumbent on Regent to provide reasons for personel decisions be them from the person themselves or from the company.

Should Regent choose to inform guests of the reasons for Capt. Dag's leaving of the ship in Cape Town, consider it a bonus. Who knows, the reason might be personal and subject to HIPPA regulations which most of us know as unreasonable withholding of information to relatives and reasonable withholding of information to others.

In other words, it really is none of our business and possibly illegal for Regent to divulge. So, consider it a plus if Regent informs us of the reasons but, don't expect to be informed.

HIPPA? Sorry, but your post was quite funny. Let me give you the "formal" definition of HIPPA:

http://media.techtarget.com/digitalguide/images/Misc/sdef_definition.gif - HIPAA is the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. There are two sections to the Act. HIPAA Title I deals with protecting health insurance coverage for people who lose or change jobs. HIPAA Title II includes an administrative simplification section which deals with the standardization of healthcare-related information systems. In the information technology industries, this section is what most people mean when they refer to HIPAA. HIPAA establishes mandatory regulations that require extensive changes to the way that health providers conduct business.

Just didn't want this situation convulated any more than it already is. What you are probably referring to is the fact that Human Resources will not reveal the reason for an employee going on LOA (leave of absence) or the reason for a person leaving the company. I don't think anyone knows if that is applicable in this situation.

[rallydave]

Just didn't want this situation convulated any more than it already is. What you are probably referring to is the fact that Human Resources will not reveal the reason for an employee going on LOA (leave of absence) or the reason for a person leaving the company. I don't think anyone knows if that is applicable in this situation.

Agree we shouldn't convolute this any more than it already is. tc, you are partially correct. And I agree with what you said but, there is more; should something be physically wrong with Capt. Dag (and I'm not saying, implying or anything else that anything is wrong with him) no one is allowed to provide health information about that person per HIPPA.

So, I remain steadfast that we may never find out why Capt. Dag is leaving the ship in Cape Town or even if he is leaving until the new Captain is in charge. That was the point of my post, to not expect any announcement by Regent and to not blame Regent for the lack of an announcement.

[larry1365]

Thanks Marcie for addiing something I should have.

Hopefully this is the end to my original posted thread.

Host Dan are you listening?....If you can't end it, could you at least correct my spelliing error in the thread title? I couldn't figure out how to do it. Thanks.

[cruisebugbit]

Thanks Marcie for addiing something I should have.

Hopefully this is the end to my original posted thread.

Host Dan are you listening?....If you can't end it, could you at least correct my spelliing error in the thread title? I couldn't figure out how to do it. Thanks.

This is an interesting thread. I get a sense of the whole "WC cruisers versus the Segmenters mentality" in Marcie's post. You think I can't form a bond with people over a two week period in close quarters?

And Larry, I have really enjoyed reading your blog of the WC and living it vicariously, but with all due respect to a fine gentleman, to start a thread and now ask for the Host to "end it" after it takes on a life of its own? Maybe you should have typed out that opening and emailed it to yourself, gone to dinner and then read it.

Sir, I mean no disrespect.

[PaulaJK]

And I apologize if I ruffled feathers by saying it was an 'Italian Capt.' That was the quote given to me. I asked if it was Capt Romeo, the only name I knew as I am not in the cult of the captain group, and was told no. Didn't mean to do anything more than add information.

[larry1365]

This is an interesting thread. I get a sense of the whole "WC cruisers versus the Segmenters mentality" in Marcie's post. You think I can't form a bond with people over a two week period in close quarters?

And Larry, I have really enjoyed reading your blog of the WC and living it vicariously, but with all due respect to a fine gentleman, to start a thread and now ask for the Host to "end it" after it takes on a life of its own? Maybe you should have typed out that opening and emailed it to yourself, gone to dinner and then read it.

Sir, I mean no disrespect.

Cruisebugbit...Thanks for the kind words on the WC blog. It has been fun and I am glad you are enjoying it.

I only asked that the thread be ended beacuse it seemed to be delving into all sorts other issues and taking off in different directions...such as HIPPA, company human relations policies, etc. A subsequent thread that my initial posting spawned was taken down...I assume because it violated CC rules re: personal attacks (not about me, but others).

I agree with you about writing drafts and then sitting on them for awhile. It is a good practice. However, with the intermittent satellite service and slow transmission speeds we have been experiencing on this side of the world...you upload when you can. I think I'll just stick to my own blog for time being.

Cheers.

[Paint Horse]

Don't worry about it Larry. The Regent board has become increasingly weird over the last year. This thread being just one more example. I may stick to sailing only with Crystal just to avoid having to keep up with the posts here, he says on only half jest.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Hi Larry, your CC posts are welcome, entertaining and enjoyed by many..thanks
for taking the time/resources to post when u can...your blog is wondeful too.

[Travelcat2]

I only asked that the thread be ended beacuse it seemed to be delving into all sorts other issues and taking off in different directions...such as HIPPA, company human relations policies, etc. A subsequent thread that my initial posting spawned was taken down...I assume because it violated CC rules re: personal attacks (not about me, but others).




When you started this thread (at the same time I started another one), I did a post asking to either combine the threads or take one down. To my knowledge, there was no violation of CC rules on that one. There does seem to be many strong opinions on this subject. Do hope that you will let all of us know if there is an announcement made when Mark Conroy gets on board.

[Hambagahle]

When we were on Mariner in Jan/Feb 2008, on a segment of the Latin American cruise, the Captains switched in Buenos Aires - Captain Alfredo Romeo "its me from the Bridge" left and Capt Philippe Delavaux arrived. I don't see any difference from this procedure on the Latin American cruise vs the World Cruise... People need their leave, if that is where Dag is going, and people change jobs, if that is what he is doing. So why fuss?

IMO there are much more serious things to fuss over - the weather, the food, the champagne (or not?)

[JPR]

Precisely! It's not like they've hired a Captain Queeg or Bligh!

[WC11]

Well said Larry, why do people get so bent out of shape? Had to spend a couple of days in hospital. Capt. Dag came down and set up a TV in my room. What Captain on any other line would do that? Now if anyone wants to take a shot at me for saying that it will take Host Dan all of 5 seconds to delete this tread.

[freddie]

Warren - I do not for a moment want to suggest that Captain Dag is anything other than an entirely competent, caring, and charming skipper. He is all of those "c"-things and more. What I had meant to say, obviously inartfully, in my earlier post was that I could not quite understand why passengers would be "angry" about the matter, rather than merely "disappointed". I comprehend fully the latter but do not grasp the former.

Wishing you fair seas (without evil pirates). Cheers, Fred

[cruzndiz]

Well said Larry, why do people get so bent out of shape? Had to spend a couple of days in hospital. Capt. Dag came down and set up a TV in my room. What Captain on any other line would do that? Now if anyone wants to take a shot at me for saying that it will take Host Dan all of 5 seconds to delete this tread.

WC (sorry, I forgot your first name :p).....thanks for the laugh: when I quickly read this post I thought it said Capt. Dag came in and set up an EYE-VEE not a TEE-VEE in your room!! I thought, "wow, that is the superlative of full service! :eek:

[cruisebugbit]

Cruisebugbit...Thanks for the kind words on the WC blog. It has been fun and I am glad you are enjoying it.

I only asked that the thread be ended beacuse it seemed to be delving into all sorts other issues and taking off in different directions...such as HIPPA, company human relations policies, etc. A subsequent thread that my initial posting spawned was taken down...I assume because it violated CC rules re: personal attacks (not about me, but others).

I agree with you about writing drafts and then sitting on them for awhile. It is a good practice. However, with the intermittent satellite service and slow transmission speeds we have been experiencing on this side of the world...you upload when you can. I think I'll just stick to my own blog for time being.

Cheers.

Larry

I can understand your concern regarding the direction of the thread. Things do get a bit weird here, regardless of the topic.

We do enjoy your postings.

Still enjoying your blog. I've been sharing your adventures with my wife (as we have a vested interest in the adventures of the Voyager and her passengers and crew) and am inspired to do the same for our upcoming Mediterranean cruise. Although I'll probably just share it with family. I recently posted some pictures of our recent South Africa trip using Picasa based on your suggestion on your blog homepage. You're right, it is very easy.

We look forward to reading about the upcoming South Africa segment of your WC.

Cheers and smooth seas.

[cruise53]

Let the man go home and have a holiday. While you may enjoy 100+ days at sea he probably gets tired of it.:mad:

[Travelcat2]

I know that we will know "the rest of the story" soon (after today's Townhall Meeting on the Voyager). IMO, it is still odd that, in addition to Capt. Dag's sudden "vacation" in the middle of the WC, that the Norway itinerary has been dropped for next year. At this point, I'm just following the clues and will see if my conclusions were right or wrong.:confused:

[rallydave]

I know that we will know "the rest of the story" soon (after today's Townhall Meeting on the Voyager). IMO, it is still odd that, in addition to Capt. Dag's sudden "vacation" in the middle of the WC, that the Norway itinerary has been dropped for next year. At this point, I'm just following the clues and will see if my conclusions were right or wrong.:confused:

Take a look at http://2010voyagerworldcruise.shutterfly.com/299 which is Larry McCracken's blog on the World Cruise with info on the Town Hall as well as his private meeting with Mark Conroy. Not a lot of info but, Mark told Larry that they now have to stricktly adhere to a 3 month on and off for Captain Dag and that is why he is leaving in Cape Town. Nothing about retiring, sick, leaving Regent, just a mandatory vacation that has to be taken after 3 months on board. :D:)

Hopefully more to come from others.

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for the info. Now I'm only wondering why they dropped Norway for 2011:confused:

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

RallyDave, thanks for the heads up.

[lincslady]

Thanks for the info. Now I'm only wondering why they dropped Norway for 2011:confused:

As a previous Song of Flower aficionado (many of Dag's fans date back to this era, when with only 180 guests he knew everybody on board) I have to say that we were hoping he might be leaving to join Seabourn, which is our newer favourite. Many of Seabourn's captains are Norwegian, and Dag is particularly good with a smaller group of passengers. However, it is probably not so!! Time will tell.

[Longhorn1]

Couple of things here: First, I'm sure those on the boards get sick of us Song of Flower nuts talking about how great the ship, Dag, the crew and fellow passengers were! But the fact of the matter is that the Song of Flower was/is the Gold Standard. Simply the best! (had to say it!). Next on Norway being dropped: I talked to Regent a few days ago and the agent I work with told me that in his opinion it is a economic decision. He said the cruise will not sail full---not really close the way he looks at it now. He said, like every business, the P/L is evaluated on a regular basis. Makes sense to me. However, having taken that cruise I can say that the itinerary is wonderful. Surprised there is not great, ongoing demand.

[Travelcat2]

Longhorn1: Wish we had been on Song of Flower. She must really have been something very special.

I was not aware that the Norway itineraries were not running full. I noticed that there will not be a Discovery Collection next year either. We were on a leg of it last year. Although it was wonderful, the ship was not close to full. It is easier to understand Regent changing itineraries due to economics. . . . we just do not want to see the "luxury experience" downgraded.

Just a couple of years ago, Regent would put you up in a hotel if they could not get you to the port in time for embarkation. Apparently this too has pretty much gone away -- only used as a last resort. Instead, you are put on a red-eye flight. This would not have a person arrive at their destination feeling like they are about to have a 6 star cruising experience. While this change is not a deal breaker for us (we'll just deviate), I would much rather have the fare cut a bit and charge us "cost" for the flights -- with no credit for opting out. This could potentially save Regent a few bucks.

Some of you may recall how Regent went out to their customers to learn what we want in a "new ship". Unfortunately, that ship has been put on the back burner. It would be nice to see them ask the opinions of their passengers on how they can save money and still provide the experience we all expect.

Okay -- I'm off my soapbox. . . at least for now.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

... Next on Norway being dropped ... However, having taken that cruise I can say that the itinerary is wonderful. Surprised there is not great, ongoing demand.

But this itinerary was always priced at a premium, at least it seemed so. So not too surprising that they can't sell it.

[Longhorn1]

That's very true Wendy...expensive trip comparitively...

[RachelG]

Last year's Norway cruise seemed pretty full to me. I don't remember the exact numbers, but there were no empty cabins anywhere near us. Glad we did it last year rather than putting it off.

[Paint Horse]

Do I understand correctly that after all these weeks of the world is coming to an end because this captain is _______ - fill in with whatever bizarre speculation you wish - that the only thing that is happening is a normal rotation?

[hondorner]

Uh, yeah. The "new" Regent actually has policies that protect the health and happiness of their Captains and families, and protect the safety of the passengers. And, get this -- they are actually sticking to the policies! I mean, how dare they! ;)