Opinions on Regent --Navigator plz

[MCOgirl]

We are considering cruising on the Navigator for our 15th wedding anniversary...The cruise will be to the Caribbean in Feb2011.

We have sailed on the Voyager to the Mediterranean in 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed everything.

My concern is about the ship since it has been refurbished.How does it look/feel...is it more modern and updated? The Spa is it more spacious?

Are you pleased with the the free shore excursions?Is the quality the same now that they are offering some for free ?
Any info would be appreciated.
Many Thanks
MCO girl;)

[Travelcat2]

Opinions differ on the Navigator as well as included excursions. However, here is my take on it. The Navigator remains a mini version of the Voyager. She looks beautiful and, if you are low and mid-ship, you won't feel what is left of the vibration. Cannot comment on the Spa as we did not visit that area (too busy)

I am not a fan of included excursions. I find that too many people are signing up for excursions -- whether they want to actually take them or not. The quality of the excursions are probably the same quality that they were previously.

[kvisf]

Have not been on Voyager, but sailed on Mariner twice, and on Navigator this April after it was refurbished. Navigator is a lovely ship with a few eccentricities, of which we found the most surprising was lack of a forward observation lounge. That space is occupied by the spa, so for you that may be a great tradeoff, as the spa was sparkling new and looked lovely (we did not utilize the spa, but did use the workout space daily). In other respects Navigator seemed a slightly miniaturized version of Mariner (and I suppose by hypothesis Voyager). Compass Rose, the aft lounge (Galileo's), the theater, and the library/computer area were very nice and felt quite similar to Mariner in layout and furnishings. The suites on Navigator were slightly larger but essentially identical, and nicely laid out and furnished.

The smaller size did seem to give a bit more intimate feeling among passengers and crew as well. It was very pleasant, so if you liked Voyager you will probably like the Navigator.

The discussion about vibration is a point of possible concern. We had very calm seas all days but one, with a slightly stormy night passage. We were aft on deck nine, and there was a definite vibration/slap/thump action over the waves. For a light sleeper it could be a problem in the aft suites. If you want a balcony suite on your voyage, and vibration/movement is a concern, consider midship or forward. Apart from the effect on sleep that one night, it was not otherwise an issue for us.

Have a wonderful cruise.

[Hambagahle]

I have to add that if the seas are somewhat rough, any ship will have vibration. In fact, don't most cars on bumpy roads?

[mcavanaugh]

We just got off Navigator (Sydney to Auckland) and agree with the positive comments posted above. I would like to add that the service was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed all the shore excursions without exception. We have been to Australia and New Zealand previously and in touring some familiar sights we felt Regent did a super job (at no cost to us). I am sure you will enjoy the ship and its smaller size. Entertainment, by the way, was super. (We have also been on Mariner and Voyager this year and believe you will fully enjoy Navigator.)

[MCOgirl]

Thanks all for your informative replies.We truly appreciate you taking the time to respond!;)
We booked yesterday on the Navigator, Feb.3rd, FLL round trip.We booked a Deluxe suite, cat-D..guarantee?Hope that works out okay!
Looking forward to the wonderful service and great food!
Happy Holiday's

[haydenk]

We, too, are booked on the Feb. 3 cruise to the western Caribbean, our 1st on Regent after many on Oceania. Just wondering if anyone who has sailed this itinerary can recommend the best excursions we should be sure to take. We are signed up for a couple of tours of the Mayan ruins.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Mayan ruins are good. We've done this itinerary and are doing it again, this Friday as a matter of fact, on Voyager.

We really liked the VISIT TO Q’EQCHI INDIGENOUS RIVER COMMUNITY in Santo Tomas, so we're doing it again. It's a paid excursion, costs $99.

Really enjoyed Lamanai in Belize too. In both cases be prepared for a windy boat ride. And in the latter case, a bus ride before you get to the river trip.

[MCOgirl]

[quote=haydenk;27116679]We, too, are booked on the Feb. 3 cruise to the western Caribbean, our 1st on Regent after many on Oceania. Just wondering if anyone who has sailed this itinerary can recommend the best excursions we should be sure to take. We are signed up for a couple of tours of the Mayan ruins.[/quote
I am excited for you to try Regent.This our second cruise on this line.Our first was on the Voyager to the Mediterranean...absolutely wonderful,in 2008.

We were also wondering which tours are recommended.We did book the ruins in Costa Maya as I feel that is really what that stop is all about.
We have never been too Belize so would appreciate a suggestion or two.:confused:

[haydenk]

We booked the Lamanai Mayan ruins in Belize as well as the ruins in Costa Maya. We are wait-listed for the archaeological park in Santo Tomas.

[MCOgirl]

We booked the Lamanai Mayan ruins in Belize as well as the ruins in Costa Maya. We are wait-listed for the archaeological park in Santo Tomas.

Thanks Haydenk:We too booked the Lamani Ruins and the Chacchoben Ruins.We are wait-list for the Quirigua Archaelogical Park also.Hopefully this will open up for us before our sail date!:eek: