Just off Regent Navigator with kids.

[Baronent]

If you have any questions about this ship or Alaska, fire away....

[dsstasz]

Which excursions did u go on and did u like them? How much did u pack and how much did u really need? My husband and I are going in August.

Thanks,
Sue

[colomom]

Did you order room service? Comments? How many kids? Which stateroom(s)? What did you think about the food? Comment on the "vibration"? Did you find any good shopping? Where?

I would also like to know which excursions and your opinion.

Thanks!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

So, how was it?

[ChandyMan]

P7 - did you go? Your thoughts. La Veranda, is it so uncomfortably small? Look forward to hearing LOTS of details of the cruise !

[caity27]

What was the dress code for dinner - the brochure pics show evening dress but the web site says smart casual - please help

[rallydave]

What was the dress code for dinner - the brochure pics show evening dress but the web site says smart casual - please help

The web site is correct. Evening dress is worn by some but, not required even on the Formal Optional nites. Your cruise documents along with the daily dress descriptions on your itinerary page will confirm this.

[Travelcat2]

I noticed when we were on board last month, that passengers tended to dress up more for the nights of the Captain's Reception (2nd night) and the Captain's Farewell (2nd to last night). Jackets are definitely not required - but, about 40% of the men wore them.

[Baronent]

We did four excursions. Zip Line (DO IT), Crab Feast (so-so), Gold Mine tour (DO IT), and the Ocean Raft adventure....(We lucked out on this one as my wife and I were the only people to show up for our time. Strange as they were "overbooked".) Do the ocean raft adventure if you have a strong back. We were EXTRA lucky as we found a pod of Killer Whales! We sat with the pod for almost 40 minutes!

We packed a bit wrong. We thought we would be able to do some laundry on the ship as we had 2 small children with us. WRONG. Almost all the washers and dryers were being used, on all floors, at all times. When we did FINALLY have access, because we did not sit with the clothes, people rudely removed our wet clothes from the washer before they were finished and we had to start over. There were almost fights in those laundry rooms. Advice, stay away from washing clothes on the ship. Pack accordingly.

We were in #600. If you have kids, this is THE best cabin as far as I am concerned. Almost the size of 2 cabins. We had room service about 4 times a day as there are NO kids activity's for kids age 2. Room service food was decent, but most the time they "forgot" an item. We asked for a turkey burger that was not on the room service menu and we were denied, but overall, they are decent.

Do not bring kids on this cruise. We knew that going in, but wanted Alaska and wanted Regent. On almost every other line out there, there are activities for age 2 and up. At least a play area if no activities. This ship had a conference room with nothing in it. They did have some activities for "older" kids, but I strongly advise against bringing anyone under the age of 18 on this ship until they make some changes. $25/hour for babysitting IF they have someone available. The "free" excursions cost a lot for us... So did dinner every night. Any time we wanted "alone" time, $25/hour. But, we knew that going into it. So if you know and you are ok with that, go for it.

When you think about this ship, you think of it as small. Until you actually SEE it, you have no idea. WAY smaller than I thought it would be. The layout was great. VERY easy to get anywhere at anytime. Loved the small amount of guests as many times, we felt we were alone. A small ship= movement. This ship rocks and rolls. I read all about the "vibrations" on these boards. No idea what anyone is talking about and I am AMAZED I did not read about the actual ship MOVEMENT. UP AND DOWN, SIDE TO SIDE. I loved it, but my wife got a bit sick. Normally, on a larger ship, you do not feel that type of movement unless you are in a large storm.

Gym: Wow, now THIS place is small! Good luck joining any "classes" unless you sign up right away. And good luck getting an exercise machine unless you find the "quiet" times. They only had a few "bikes" and one of them was actually out of order. And 3 of them you can not use until 8am.

La Veranda was small, but not too small. It felt like a nice, relaxed space.

Dinners were amazing. Food was outstanding. Make sure to go to Prime 7 at least one night. Dress code was confusing to me. I had slacks to wear every night after 6pm. Did not realize I could wear Kaki's as many did. Should have brought some. Saw some kids wearing jeans after 6pm and sandals. No tux's. Most everyone wore nice upscale casual attire. I never wore a jacket.

One of the coolest things about the Alaska trip, other than being 5 feet from killer wales, was that it did not get dark until around 11pm. And even then, it was sort of twilight. Then the sun would come up at 3:30am. Never saw total darkness for a week. Loved that.

[mariners]

Baronent, you chose Regent knowing that your children were too young for the Club Mariner program and wanted to cruise Regent anyway. Given what you have written, I am not sure why as your review certainly lets the reader know that you were not OK with what you knew you were getting.
One thing that people can get from this review is that if they are looking for a cruise line to babysit children while they cruise/go on shore excursions, Regent is definitely not the cruise line.
Regent can work, and works well, for those people who are looking for a youth program for children over five. That being said, the children will still need to spend the majority of the time with the people who are taking them on the cruise. Hopefully, travel agents/cruise agents will convey this message to their clients.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Sounds like you quite enjoyed the cruise, except for the lack of facilities for children, which, as you said, you knew going in.

I also don't recommend Regent for people with children much at all, although I have heard that the Ambassador of the Environment programs are very good and well-run for mid-aged children.

[Baronent]

Baronent, you chose Regent knowing that your children were too young for the Club Mariner program and wanted to cruise Regent anyway. Given what you have written, I am not sure why as your review certainly lets the reader know that you were not OK with what you knew you were getting.
One thing that people can get from this review is that if they are looking for a cruise line to babysit children while they cruise/go on shore excursions, Regent is definitely not the cruise line.
Regent can work, and works well, for those people who are looking for a youth program for children over five. That being said, the children will still need to spend the majority of the time with the people who are taking them on the cruise. Hopefully, travel agents/cruise agents will convey this message to their clients.


Maybe you should read it again. This cruise line, no matter how much you try to convince yourself, is not designed for kids. Ask your 14 year old or 18 year old if he would rather experience Regent or let's say a Celebrity line, my guess most will choose Celebrity, or even Carnival. Having been on many cruises as a "kid", I would say Carnival would be more fun. Thanks for your 2 cents.

[Baronent]

Sounds like you quite enjoyed the cruise, except for the lack of facilities for children, which, as you said, you knew going in.

I also don't recommend Regent for people with children much at all, although I have heard that the Ambassador of the Environment programs are very good and well-run for mid-aged children.

YES Wendy, thank you. LOVED it.

[colomom]

Thanks for the reply, perfect, just what I needed to know.

~setting aside money for laundry~

[Island Cruiser]

Baronet, you are absolutely right. Regent isn't designed for kids. Never was and never will be. The large cruise ships are designed to include kids and Disney is designed for kids and their parents. There is no mystery about this whatsoever. So Regent's kids cruise almost free promotion is somewhat misleading. They DO accommodate kids to a certain extent. And some kids can have a marvelous time on board in spite to the lack of available kid's options. But bringing kids on a Regent cruise is pushing the envelope for many kids. Let the buyer beware. We would be hugely reluctant to book kids on a Regent cruise. Wouldn't say never. It would depend on the kids and the circumstances. But IMO most other cruise ships sailing in Alaska are more appropriate for kids than Regent. One can't have it all!

[Travelcat2]

Baronet, I too, am pleased to hear that you enjoyed the cruise. The Navigator is a beautiful, small, ship. I've said what is being posted on this thread over and over. As a result, posters think I hate children. It's good to hear from parents that there are better cruise lines for children than Regent. Another recent poster felt that parents with children under the age of 6 should not even consider Regent. Perhaps sometime in the future, your parents/inlaws can watch the little one and you can try one of Regent's larger ships -- it can be very romantic (stay away from summers and school breaks;))

[Groover]

How was the debarkation and what time were you off the ship with all your luggage in hand? Was this in Vancouver or Seaward? Thanks!

[mariners]

Baronent, I should have read your previous posts before replying. I did not realize that you were travelling with 2 year old twin boys. I am sure that you thought when you booked the cruise that you were going to have a different environment and services than the Navigator offers and/or that other services would be available if you were willing to pay for them. I think that it is really important that people booking a Regent cruise realize that this is not true. Your post will definitely help parents make an informed decision.
Like TC2 said, if you were to take a cruise on Regent without your children, I think you would find that the cruise line would be an excellent fit. You obviously enjoy good food, a small ship atmosphere and the active shore excursions.

[ronjo]

I read on this thread that the Navigator has unusual movement " Up and down side to side". I also read that it has a flat bottom and vibrates. Is the movement on the Navigator more so than the other ships in the fleet ? We are concerned since we are about to book the Alaska cruise on Regent.

[RachelG]

Maybe you should read it again. This cruise line, no matter how much you try to convince yourself, is not designed for kids. Ask your 14 year old or 18 year old if he would rather experience Regent or let's say a Celebrity line, my guess most will choose Celebrity, or even Carnival. Having been on many cruises as a "kid", I would say Carnival would be more fun. Thanks for your 2 cents.

Actually, my boys have sailed on both Celebrity and Regent (Regent many times) as teenagers, and they definitely prefer Regent. I wouldn't take a kid under about the age of 12 on Regent, but a teenager, esp if they are used to eating in nice restaurants and interacting with adults, will have a great time.

[Travelcat2]

I read on this thread that the Navigator has unusual movement " Up and down side to side". I also read that it has a flat bottom and vibrates. Is the movement on the Navigator more so than the other ships in the fleet ? We are concerned since we are about to book the Alaska cruise on Regent.

The side to side movement is felt in the forward suites. The vibration is felt in the aft suites. The middle is just fine. Yes -- there is more movement on the Navigator than on the Mariner or Voyager (although there is an aft vibration on the Voyager). Ships are prone to these type of issues. Even Seabourn's new Odyssey has a vibration. As a general rule, select suites that are on the lower decks -- mid-ship. Also, Alaska waters are typically pretty calm.

[rxlowry]

We were on the same cruise as you! I'd agree it isn't the cruise of choice that I'd pick for a child under five. However, my daughter who is 7 had a blast. She says it is was her favorite of her nine cruises so far. The kid program was great!

[Cattravel10]

Also heard the kid's Mariner program was fantastic. Actually I never saw any children much as from what I understand they were kept very busy and even were invited to make cookies down in the galley. What a wonderful cruise!

[alaskabound2323]

Our kids spent a lot of time in the conference room, which was the kids club. They had a lot of fun. They were over 12. Maybe you could go as young as 10, but only if your kids are outgoing enough to mix it up in the kids club.

The ship rocked, sometimes quite a bit. The first day my niece was sick, and I was nauseous. After that we were fine.

Laundry.... get out your gloves! One lady sat down in the laundry room the whole time we were cruising Hubbard glacier.. and it was a beautiful day, the crew was even out taking photos! Finally we coerced her out of the room. I did get most of my laundry done, and no one was rude. It just took a lot of checking on the machines.

One thing people with kids should think about with Regent is that the excursions are not geared for little kids. So it is not just the ship, many excursions would either be boring or inappropriate for small children.

I did not think the food was outstanding. I thought the desserts were not very good at all, but they were pretty. Prime 7 was darn good though.

LaVeranda was never crowded when I was there.

[ededmd]

We were also on this cruise.
I agree I would not have been happy if I had brought 2 yr old twins on this cruise.

However, my 7 and 5 year old boys had a great time. The 7 yr old spent a lot more time in kids club than the 5 yr old who prefers hanging with his parents and staying in his "room" and thoroughly enjoyed the BBC Planet Earth loop.

We selected excursions which were child friendly - Sitka Sea Otter excursion, Skagway WP&YR train in the am and gold panning in the pm, did our own thing in Juneau due to the Gold Mine tour being cancelled for lack of participants, private fishing excursion in Ketchikan.

When directly questioned regarding Regent versus Disney, both declared Regent the winner. Reasons included "the food" (much better on Regent), "the room" (enjoyed their own space in the Navigator suite), and their butler Trevor. They loved him and our chosen "regular" waiter, Alberto who understood how to pace a meal with (especially the 5 yr old) children.

As an aside, we parents were complemented several times both in Anchorage, post Grandview train, and on the cruise and excursions about our children's behavior. My children are in no way perfect but we actively manage their behavior and do not let them run amok and infringe upon other guests, unfortunately not something all parents did.

[Jack Aubrey]

Just to chime in with another perspective, my daughter really enoyed this cruise 2 yrs ago as a 7 yr old (The Mariner did the route then). She enjoyed the kids club but didn't love it. She liked our shore excursions best. Really liked panning for gold, driving up into the Yukon and her number one highlight of the trip was dog sledding on the glacier. (I LOVED the helicopter ride back from the dog sledding, amazing to swoop over mountains, and down along the contours of the glacier). I would recommend Regent for people with kids that are below average on the "rambuctiousness" scale.
With regard to cruising with 2Yr old twin boys, I can't imagine how that would be a "vacation" on any line. My 2 yr old nephew is here this weekend, and he exhausts me all by himself:)) He's napping or I wouldn't be typing!

Finally. an earlier poster mentioned unusual motion on the navigator... I've sailed navigator in the carribbean and pacific (but not alaskan waters) and never felt any "weird" motion at all. Yes, normal motion of the ship, but nothing odd. Never heard of anyone getting sick on my cruises, but again, no big storms. I did feel quite nauseous on a trip on a bigger ship during a storm in the Med, so I'm not imune to seasickness either....
Hope that's helpful.

[Travelcat2]

Finally. an earlier poster mentioned unusual motion on the navigator... I've sailed navigator in the carribbean and pacific (but not alaskan waters) and never felt any "weird" motion at all. Yes, normal motion of the ship, but nothing odd. Never heard of anyone getting sick on my cruises, but again, no big storms. I did feel quite nauseous on a trip on a bigger ship during a storm in the Med, so I'm not imune to seasickness either....
Hope that's helpful.

The unusual motion we were speaking of only occurs in forward suites 601/602, 701/702, etc. The back and forth movement as well as side to side movement is typical of forward cabins. To add to this, we were on deck 10. . . . . the higher you are, the more you feel the motion. While I did fine. . . . my DH was in bed for a day (because he didn't take precautions before he started to feel sick). IMO, it is always better to pick a mid-ship cabin.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

Deck 6 forward had more motion - the ship was built to be a Russian Ice Destroyer - not a passenger cruise ship. Those first cabins do accentuate movement but their size is worth that disbomfort for those who can deal with motion. I've stayed in 603 and would do that again in an instant.

As for kids - we have hashed that about so many times. If you bring them, you need to prepare to entertain and care for them yourselves. I could not imagine 2 year old twins on that (I have twin granddaughters) and even on Royal Carribbean with their great kids program, it wasn't entertaining enough for them when they were 8

[AZCATSFAN]

Yes, Regent cruises are more adult than child oriented but, that said, the experience for them can still be spectacular. Over the past 5 years we have often taken two grandsons (now 9 and 6) without their parents on cruises on all the ships and various itineraries from 1 week to 1 month. They love the Club Mariner program and it really works for us, too, because it gives us a break during the day and evening. Of course, we modify our shipboard routine to accomodate the kids when we have them with us as contrasted to the voyages we take without them. We do not turn them loose to run around the ship on their own so they are always supervised and not bothering other passengers. We pick excursions with them in mind ~ shorter and activity based. By now many of the crew/officers on each of the ships know them and the kids enjoy the personal recognition. I would recommend Regent for children 4 or 5 or older who can behave in public and who can be left in superivsed programs without parents/grandparents being there.

We did take them on a Disney cruise and they loved that, too. Very, very kid friendly. Probably wouldn't do it again because it felt like chaos all the time with the other chldren being out of control. We'll let their parents take that on.

[BLJ1977]

If you have any questions about this ship or Alaska, fire away....

Thanks for all of the info on this--I leave on July 14 and I am wondering if the offer bingo for adults or bridge lessons. Since you had the kids--did you visit the casino at all? There's an avid blackjack player in our group. Did either of you visit the spa? I was looking forward tot he fitness center and it sounds tiny. Also, what was the weather like? We cruised Alaska July 2001 and it was chilly enough for jackets in the evening. Thanks for your great update! I am so excited.

[ededmd]

Thanks for all of the info on this--I leave on July 14 and I am wondering if the offer bingo for adults or bridge lessons. Since you had the kids--did you visit the casino at all? There's an avid blackjack player in our group. Did either of you visit the spa? I was looking forward tot he fitness center and it sounds tiny. Also, what was the weather like? We cruised Alaska July 2001 and it was chilly enough for jackets in the evening. Thanks for your great update! I am so excited.

Not the quoted person but here's my take:
Bingo (for all ages, though adults have to buy the cards).
Bridge? Not my game so can't recall.
Husband went to casino several times but never got a chance to play as the same 4-5 people on the one blackjack table during nearly all open hours. Poker tables available, some spots at the roulette and mini-craps table.
Friend and dtr visited spa for facials. Watch the suggestive selling upcharges but otherwise they were pleased with the experience.
Fitness center is tiny but if you can hit off-peak hours it is fine.
The weather was nice June 23-30. For the most part a long sleeve T shirt and a fleece pullover with cargos was my "uniform" during all outdoor adventures. It was windy and cool a few days while on the ship but if not on open decking (with the wind) it was sunny enough to be warm.
Happy travels!

[JoAnne B]

The up and down/side to side movement in the forward cabins, especially 600 and 601 is typical....it is when you add diagonals in storms or high wind that it gets interesting.

[Skallywag]

We were originally booked on the disney Wonder for their first trip to Alaska next June but on thinking about this seriously and being concerned about their change of itinerary which did not include the inside passage we jumped ship so to speak and are now booked on the Navigator sailing from San Francisco to Alaska and return to Vancouver next May.

Am a bit concerned as I have read about the bad vibrations in the rear cabins and this is what we have chosen and think perhaps we should reconsider this.

We have been getting disappointed with Disney although we have sailed with them 4 times. We decided against their cruise to the Baltics last June and instead sailing NCL and were definitely not disappointed by them as the food was much better than Disney give. We chose the Navigator as being all inclusive can budget better and wonder if anyone has some tips about this and best trips to do.

[Travelcat2]

Am a bit concerned as I have read about the bad vibrations in the rear cabins and this is what we have chosen and think perhaps we should reconsider this.

.

I would suggest changing to a mid-ship suite as there is an aft vibration. Since you are doing the cruise from San Francisco (great itinerary -- we've done it twice), there is a possibility of slightly rougher seas than if you were only sailing in Alaska. The vibration can be fairly strong -- some people have no difficulty with it, others can't sleep from the noise of things rattling. Also suggest selecting a cabin on a lower deck. Many people were getting seasick (even those who are not normally affected by the movement of the ship) on the upper decks.

Since you have sailed on Disney cruises, I assume you have children. You should be aware that Club Mariner is not running in May. In fact, there were no children at all on our May, 2010 cruise. Just something to consider.

[Skallywag]

Thank you so much for your reply and we have changed to room 625 as we did not wish to have things banging around all the time.

We only have grown up children and Disney were the first cruise we ever went on.

[Travelcat2]

Thank you so much for your reply and we have changed to room 625 as we did not wish to have things banging around all the time.

We only have grown up children and Disney were the first cruise we ever went on.

Good location! You will enjoy the cruise very much:)

[byrds_eye_view]

We were originally booked on the disney Wonder for their first trip to Alaska next June but on thinking about this seriously and being concerned about their change of itinerary which did not include the inside passage we jumped ship so to speak and are now booked on the Navigator sailing from San Francisco to Alaska and return to Vancouver next May.

We have been getting disappointed with Disney although we have sailed with them 4 times. We decided against their cruise to the Baltics last June and instead sailing NCL and were definitely not disappointed by them as the food was much better than Disney give. We chose the Navigator as being all inclusive can budget better and wonder if anyone has some tips about this and best trips to do.

Hi, Scallywag. I remember you from the DIS board. Sorry to hear your DCL cruises have not been up to par. We just completed the Baltics w/ them & also did the EBTA a few months back -- with Regent in Greece in between!

We still have wonderful times with DCL & have been fortunate to have great meals & great service with DCL, but...... I think it's safe to say that you will love Regent's food more! That is where the difference for us was most notable -- all that "kid friendly" food on DCL! lol Although we did find food to be on the bland side w/ Regent, we found the service equally great - the same willingness to offer choices & options.

Have a wonderful time - it's a very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere!!

[kabukijuul]

I am so glad that this thread was posted! We were about to book Navigator for a 2011 Alaska cruise with our 3 and 5 year old sons. The agent on the phone made it sound like the cruise would be very child friendly...after reading these posts, I think that a larger cruise line would be a much better choice.

[Travelcat2]

I am so glad that this thread was posted! We were about to book Navigator for a 2011 Alaska cruise with our 3 and 5 year old sons. The agent on the phone made it sound like the cruise would be very child friendly...after reading these posts, I think that a larger cruise line would be a much better choice.

You may want to get a travel agent that has more experience in booking cruises:o Hope the find dthe right one for you and your family.

[ededmd]

I am so glad that this thread was posted! We were about to book Navigator for a 2011 Alaska cruise with our 3 and 5 year old sons. The agent on the phone made it sound like the cruise would be very child friendly...after reading these posts, I think that a larger cruise line would be a much better choice.

I took 5 and 7 yr old boys. They had fun. With your sons' ages, I would be more concerned about the 3 yr old than the 5 yr old but even 5 is "iffy" and child dependent.

Disney will be sailing its first season in Alaska starting in 2011. If you haven't already sailed DCL, you will be pleasantly surprised at how many snippets of "adult" time you can have on the cruise because children in general really like the kids clubs. I would include them in your expanded search as a "good bet".

Best wishes!

[RachelG]

Time to find another travel agent if they are recommending Regent as child friendly. It is ok for older kids who are the type that can entertain themselves with a book, but definitely not for 3-5 yr olds.

[Queasy Cruiser]

We were on the same cruise as you! I'd agree it isn't the cruise of choice that I'd pick for a child under five. However, my daughter who is 7 had a blast. She says it is was her favorite of her nine cruises so far. The kid program was great!

Our kids, then ages 8 and 13, both had a fabulous time on our Mariner Alaska cruise. The Ambassadors of the Environment program was wonderful. And the ship was the perfect size for us to feel comfortable giving our young teen some freedom to hang out and have fun with her new friends. Maybe it would have been different for them if they'd cruised on more kid-oriented ships before, or if they weren't used to dining in nice restaurants and behaving accordingly. But we all had a fantastic cruise and would do it exactly the same way again.

[Travelcat2]

Our kids, then ages 8 and 13, both had a fabulous time on our Mariner Alaska cruise. The Ambassadors of the Environment program was wonderful. And the ship was the perfect size for us to feel comfortable giving our young teen some freedom to hang out and have fun with her new friends. Maybe it would have been different for them if they'd cruised on more kid-oriented ships before, or if they weren't used to dining in nice restaurants and behaving accordingly. But we all had a fantastic cruise and would do it exactly the same way again.

It's great that your children had a good time on the Mariner in Alaska. The Alaska cruises are more or less set up for families. The rest of the year, however, there are basically no children on board and no programs for them. On our November Regent cruise, there was one child (about 5) on the whole ship. It was sad.