Big Discounts Galore (Ships Not Filling Up?)

[rallydave]

Well, have gotten at least 3 e-mails today including Regent and Oceania with significant increased discounts fo cruises later this year and into 2012. Appears contrary to some posters and Mark Conroy who keep stating that booking are doing well and the ships are cruising full.

If the above were true, would not expect to see increased discounts and promotions. Perhaps the economy isn't doing as well as the politicians are telling us. A thread on the Oceania board is currently discussing this identical issue along with comments that the new Marina may not be what Oceania thought it would be as about 50% of the discounted cruises are on the Marina.

Would expect more discounts soon and who knows, for regent, they may be due in part to the new concierage program which certainly does have people who are unhappy with it and there are those who have cancelled their cruises due to this new program.

[Travelcat2]

Think there may have been a lot of cancellations for various reasons. We have a Middle Eastern cruise on hold while we do some research. I read that many people were cancelling tours that included Egypt. It is probably the perfect time to go. Have to decide before we leave on our next cruise (on Monday). Some good offers out there!

[seattlesloop]

We, too, have been receiving lots of outstanding deals via emails and mail. I do believe that there is a very long way to go before we are out of this deep economic crisis, despite government and economists stating to the contrary. In addition, the unrest in the middle east and other countries throughout the world, as well as the devastating crisis Japan is experiencing. These events are making people more cautious when booking travel abroad. IMO, I think there will be deals to be had for some time.

[teemsum]

Both of these cruise lines changed their itineraries significantly due to the unstable environment in Japan & the Middle East.

There were probably a lot of cancellations because of this and now they need to fill the ships.


Cruisingly Yours

[baychilla]

Well, have gotten at least 3 e-mails today including Regent and Oceania with significant increased discounts fo cruises later this year and into 2012. Appears contrary to some posters and Mark Conroy who keep stating that booking are doing well and the ships are cruising full.

If the above were true, would not expect to see increased discounts and promotions. Perhaps the economy isn't doing as well as the politicians are telling us. A thread on the Oceania board is currently discussing this identical issue along with comments that the new Marina may not be what Oceania thought it would be as about 50% of the discounted cruises are on the Marina.

Would expect more discounts soon and who knows, for regent, they may be due in part to the new concierage program which certainly does have people who are unhappy with it and there are those who have cancelled their cruises due to this new program.

From what I've heard Rome to Southampton* is now fully booked on the Voyager. So things must be going well.

*After TAs were given near 75% discounts

[rallydave]

From what I've heard Rome to Southampton* is now fully booked on the Voyager. So things must be going well.

*After TAs were given near 75% discounts

A very strange statement. One cruise being fully booked after discounts of 75% does not make going well sound true. In fact, it makes my original comment that cruises are not being booked valid.

As to the 75% discounts to TA's, my understanding is that regent's price for a cruise is the same no matter which TA you book with or if you book direct with regent. Found the cruise and they are still taking bookings at 2 for 1 plus a $3K discount. None of the categories show a 75% discount. Some lower categories show around 65% discount and many categories are taking reservations on a wait list basis.

Would really like to know the real story?? Discounting even 66% certainly does not indicate things are going well.

[Responder]

Think there may have been a lot of cancellations for various reasons. We have a Middle Eastern cruise on hold while we do some research. I read that many people were cancelling tours that included Egypt. It is probably the perfect time to go. Have to decide before we leave on our next cruise (on Monday). Some good offers out there!

We are still booked on the Voyager Nov 12 Safaga-Barcelona....since last September, but haven't seen any price reductions...even though the ship shows as nearly empty. No indication of any price reductions. I'll almost bet they will completely revise that route but I can't see what would be practical.

We're pretty sure that for us it is not too comfortable going into that area with what is happening. Also, they have changed and cancelled too many ports which was one of the reasons for going on that sailing.

We put a deposit on Venice-Rome-on to Ft Lauderdale on the Mariner Nov.10...I'm sure that's where we'll be sailing then.

[Travelcat2]

We are still booked on the Voyager Nov 12 Safaga-Barcelona....since last September, but haven't seen any price reductions...even though the ship shows as nearly empty. No indication of any price reductions. I'll almost bet they will completely revise that route but I can't see what would be practical.

We're pretty sure that for us it is not too comfortable going into that area with what is happening. Also, they have changed and cancelled too many ports which was one of the reasons for going on that sailing.

We put a deposit on Venice-Rome-on to Ft Lauderdale on the Mariner Nov.10...I'm sure that's where we'll be sailing then.


We have the 21 night Barcelona-Dubai cruise on hold. Discounts came out today. Not concerned about the ports -- whether or not they change them. People who have recently been to Egypt have found the people welcoming and lots of security (they did remove Cairo from the itinerary but are scheduled to go to Luxor, Jordan, etc.) We are only on the November 20th Rome-FLL cruise because our Voyager cruise was cancelled. We have been to all but one port the Mariner will stop at.

Many 10 night European Regent itineries cost $24-26K in a - Category B Penthouse with Business Class Air. This one will come in under $30K with the same accommodation and Business Class Air for 21 nights. Our only issue is leaving our feline family for so long. We'll decide tomorrow.

[mimito4]

Crystal is also showing substantial discounts, and several of their upcoming voyages are sailing far from being full. I don't know the real reason, but I would speculate that the reasons are a combination of:

* the pricing went up too much, too fast for the "true" economic conditions

* people are a bit shaky with all the recent natural disasters

* so much political uncertainty/unrest in many parts of the world

Who knows, but there are some decent deals to be had right now.

[xplrcrzn]

People are still extremely cautious with their money and increasingly skeptical of high luxury cruise pricing.

[poss]

I don't have much (any?) know-how about how to find deals/discounts, etc.
I'm wondering: From whom do folks get special e-mails about discounts-- and why? E.g. does that happen when one gets to a certain "level" with a cruise line? Do TA's send out notice of sudden deep discounts?
I called up the Regent website and didn't see anything different, i.e. no new reduced prices (I only looked at 2012, summer). Am I looking in the wrong place? Etc!
Thanks!

[turtlemichael]

We are still booked on the Voyager Nov 12 Safaga-Barcelona....since last September, but haven't seen any price reductions...even though the ship shows as nearly empty. No indication of any price reductions. I'll almost bet they will completely revise that route but I can't see what would be practical.

We're pretty sure that for us it is not too comfortable going into that area with what is happening. Also, they have changed and cancelled too many ports which was one of the reasons for going on that sailing.

We put a deposit on Venice-Rome-on to Ft Lauderdale on the Mariner Nov.10...I'm sure that's where we'll be sailing then.

We cancelled the Safaga-Barcelona Voyager cruise a week or two ago, after being booked for over a year. We've substituted a much less fraught 28 day jaunt around the Med on Seabourn Legend. It was also a lot cheaper (both in total and per diem) than the Regent cruise but let's not go there. ;)

I am hopeful that the Middle East will be stable enough for all the Regent cruises that touch there to go ahead but I can equally understand the reluctance to book. Indeed, I think that this cruise would have changed even more were it not for the difficulty of moving the starting point (and end point of the previous one) from Safaga. It was the earlier numerous changes to the itinerary that caused us to cancel. I still really want to visit the area but will do it at some point in the future under my own steam rather than on a cruise ship.

As i said I hope everyone gets to enjoy the Middle East and the wonderful destinations it offers.

[turtlemichael]

I don't have much (any?) know-how about how to find deals/discounts, etc.
I'm wondering: From whom do folks get special e-mails about discounts-- and why? E.g. does that happen when one gets to a certain "level" with a cruise line? Do TA's send out notice of sudden deep discounts?
I called up the Regent website and didn't see anything different, i.e. no new reduced prices (I only looked at 2012, summer). Am I looking in the wrong place? Etc!
Thanks!

Have access to a travel agent (or several) who is aware of activity across the luxury market not just for one line and get on the emailing lists of the various cruise lines.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I don't have much (any?) know-how about how to find deals/discounts, etc.
I'm wondering: From whom do folks get special e-mails about discounts-- and why? E.g. does that happen when one gets to a certain "level" with a cruise line? Do TA's send out notice of sudden deep discounts?
I called up the Regent website and didn't see anything different, i.e. no new reduced prices (I only looked at 2012, summer). Am I looking in the wrong place? Etc!
Thanks!

Poss, it seems once you get on the email list, you get the emails, period. But perhaps it's not that simple. I'm on Oceania's list, and Regent's. That includes physical mail and email. I signed up on their websites eons ago.

Here's the text of the latest from Regent, plus an example link. Looks like the new fares have been loaded into the default webpages for each cruise:
http://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR110812/itinerary.aspx?cid=apgemail051211.itin1

For a limited time, you can now enjoy 2-for-1 Fares plus NEW bonus savings of up to $10,000 per suite on all of the following voyages. This is in addition to our all-inclusive amenities of FREE Roundtrip Air, FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions and a FREE Luxury Hotel Package.

With these unprecedented savings, availability won't last. To avoid disappointment, book your suite today on one of these exciting and exclusive voyages to the world's most longed for destinations, all with every luxury you can imagine.

Indulge...it's all included.


ISTANBUL TO ATHENS — New Itinerary
EMPIRES OF ANTIQUITY
August 12, 2011
12 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $5,999 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$10,000 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way
• Specially reduced single supplement of
50% for select suite categories
• Kids sail for $1,499, including FREE
Unlimited Shore Excursions


ATHENS TO ROME — New Itinerary
CIVILIZATION'S FOOTPRINT
October 10, 2011
14 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $7,499 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$7,000 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way
• Specially reduced single supplement of
50% for select suite categories
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $1,500 per suite


ROUNDTRIP FT. LAUDERDALE
PINK SAND AND PALMS
October 28, 2011
11 Nights | Seven Seas Navigator
FARES FROM $3,999 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$4,000 per suite
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $750 per suite


BARCELONA TO DUBAI
SANDS OF ANTIQUITY
November 28, 2011
21 Nights | Seven Seas Voyager
FARES FROM $8,599 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
savings of $10,000 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way
• Specially reduced single supplement of
50% for select suite categories
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $2,500 per suite


ROUNDTRIP FT. LAUDERDALE
IDYLLIC ISLES
December 4, 2011
12 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $4,299 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$6,000 per suite
• Specially reduced single supplement of
50% for select suite categories
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $900 per suite


BARCELONA TO ISTANBUL
MEDITERRANEAN PALETTE
April 2, 2012
10 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $5,599 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$4,000 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way


ISTANBUL TO ROME
ART & ANTIQUITY
April 12, 2012
7 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $4,499 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include an additional bonus savings $3,600 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $1,100 per suite


MONTE CARLO TO BARCELONA
RIVIERA HIDEAWAYS
April 23, 2012
7 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $4,499 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$5,000 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way
• Additional Seven Seas Society savings
of up to $2,400 per suite


BARCELONA TO ISTANBUL
TUSCANY & THE RIVIERA
April 30, 2012
10 Nights | Seven Seas Mariner
FARES FROM $5,999 PER PERSON

Special Offers
• Fares include NEW bonus savings of
$3,600 per suite
• Business Class upgrades for $999
each way

[Travelcat2]

I don't have much (any?) know-how about how to find deals/discounts, etc.
I'm wondering: From whom do folks get special e-mails about discounts-- and why? E.g. does that happen when one gets to a certain "level" with a cruise line? Do TA's send out notice of sudden deep discounts?
I called up the Regent website and didn't see anything different, i.e. no new reduced prices (I only looked at 2012, summer). Am I looking in the wrong place? Etc!
Thanks!

We received an email from Regent this morning with the discounts. We also get emails from Seabourn and Silversea. The discounts look pretty good and the ships are not full (which is a big draw for us -- a bit tired of full ships) -- especially on sea days when some dining venues are crowded (well, crowded by the luxury definition-- not crowded compared to the larger cruise lines:-)

[seattlesloop]

I don't have much (any?) know-how about how to find deals/discounts, etc.
I'm wondering: From whom do folks get special e-mails about discounts-- and why? E.g. does that happen when one gets to a certain "level" with a cruise line? Do TA's send out notice of sudden deep discounts?
I called up the Regent website and didn't see anything different, i.e. no new reduced prices (I only looked at 2012, summer). Am I looking in the wrong place? Etc!
Thanks!

Log onto the cruise lines' sites you're interested in. Each site gives you the ability to sign up for emails and deals. Once you sign up, you'll be inundated.

[TheSeaAroundUs]

1) re TC: "Our only issue is leaving our feline family for so long. We'll decide tomorrow."

Yes, that's very hard for me too, especially with a 21-year-old. But he was just fine when I got home after 24 days away this Feb/March! Even better than when I left him. (We've had some scares lately.)

2) re Wendy: (prices and stuffs)

??? IST->ATH, 12 days, 6 grand a head, with gateway air?? I'm busy in August, but gosh dang would I love to do that ... (esp. after my IST->FLL was cancelled 2yrs ago!) Maybe we are done with price increases for a little while as somebody said (rallydave? can't find it on this thread) ... which should be good for us consumers ... as long as R etc. don't catch too much hurt.
[I have worries for the economy; global, systemic. Appendages crossed.]

[tallship]

Yes, we are now getting into the zone of close to 500 pp/diem per day and that is doable

[Responder]

We cancelled the Safaga-Barcelona Voyager cruise a week or two ago, after being booked for over a year. We've substituted a much less fraught 28 day jaunt around the Med on Seabourn Legend. It was also a lot cheaper (both in total and per diem) than the Regent cruise but let's not go there. ;)

I am hopeful that the Middle East will be stable enough for all the Regent cruises that touch there to go ahead but I can equally understand the reluctance to book. Indeed, I think that this cruise would have changed even more were it not for the difficulty of moving the starting point (and end point of the previous one) from Safaga. It was the earlier numerous changes to the itinerary that caused us to cancel. I still really want to visit the area but will do it at some point in the future under my own steam rather than on a cruise ship.

As i said I hope everyone gets to enjoy the Middle East and the wonderful destinations it offers.


Would this article from today's NYT cause you to rethink going near Egypt??

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/world/middleeast/13egypt.html?=AD02DB533190DE0C1D211140433BB98D

[turtlemichael]

Would this article from today's NYT cause you to rethink going near Egypt??

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/world/middleeast/13egypt.html?=AD02DB533190DE0C1D211140433BB98D

It would if I was going now but I'm not so it won't! :D

[xrvlcruiser]

The Voyager is in Egypt as we speak . . hope all is well. By the way, I think Mark Conroy is on board.

[RachelG]

Got email yesterday with big discounts (some really good deals) from Regent. Got one this am with basically the same from Silversea.
The problem is that unfortunately I have to plan my schedule at least 6 mos in advance and 12 is better. And the cruises I am booked on aren't on the discounted list.

[Threechicks]

I found a cruise listed that I have been looking at but when I did a "test reserve cruise" I found the price was exactly the same as it was last week. Have they not updated the website?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I looked through the offers, and compared it to the printed tour book I still have, and in fact the fares seem to have gone down $1k per person, at least for the shorter cruises that I checked. Too bad there's nothing in a suitable timeframe for us. I'm hoping maybe they'll discount more in the coming months, maybe even our Alaska 2012 trip. You never know.

[Travelcat2]

It is sad to see that Cairo is still in the midst of civil unrest. That is probably why Regent dropped it from it's itineraries. However, avoiding Luxor because there is street fighting in Cairo isn't much different than avoiding San Francisco because of riots in Los Angeles.

Still haven't made a final decision on the Middle East cruise. . . . it's too early Pacific time to even think.

[Responder]

It is sad to see that Cairo is still in the midst of civil unrest. That is probably why Regent dropped it from it's itineraries. However, avoiding Luxor because there is street fighting in Cairo isn't much different than avoiding San Francisco because of riots in Los Angeles.

Still haven't made a final decision on the Middle East cruise. . . . it's too early Pacific time to even think.

However, if one of the most important highlights of our intended cruise began with three days in Cairo...you figure it out...

[poss]

Thanks-- AGAIN!-- for very helpful replies. I do get inundated with brochures from various cruise lines, but I hadn't known about the e-mail thing. Actually I think that perhaps long ago, I may have noticed the place where one can sign up for e-mails-- but I tend always to check the "no" box. But I think I shall sign on for Regent. (And I will hope that I'm not soon back asking where it is, or how to do it!)
(I wish we were doing the Ist-Athens this summer instead of Celtic Charms... But much looking forward to cruising again.)

[Travelcat2]

However, if one of the most important highlights of our intended cruise began with three days in Cairo...you figure it out...

Certainly it's different if Cairo had been a highlight. We have spent time in Cairo, so it does not affect us. Friends are going on a cruise next month where the Egypt ports have been changed. As you know, nothing is guaranteed on a cruise. Rough seas causes of cancellation of ports as well. You are fortunate that you knew in advance that your ports had been cancelled.

[mjobtx]

Booked on 30 March 2012, Dubai to Athens with stops at Luxor, Sharm el Sheikh, and Cairo. Category H & G are waitlisted an are +$500pp from last month so at least in this case it looks like the discounts are going down.

[commodoredave]

We love the cruise prices that are coming our way these days on luxury lines and find it difficult to pass up such great deals. To wit: we recently added an 18-day Regent cruise from Singapore to Sydney to our previously booked 15-day Sydney to Auckland cruise on the Voyager because the price was so good we would have been crazy not to do it.
And, if the deals keep getting better, we will add other cruises in 2011 and 2012. So if any cruise marketers are reading this, please keep sending us great deals!!!! We will even go to Egypt despite what the NY Times says!

[Responder]

We love the cruise prices that are coming our way these days on luxury lines and find it difficult to pass up such great deals. To wit: we recently added an 18-day Regent cruise from Singapore to Sydney to our previously booked 15-day Sydney to Auckland cruise on the Voyager because the price was so good we would have been crazy not to do it.
And, if the deals keep getting better, we will add other cruises in 2011 and 2012. So if any cruise marketers are reading this, please keep sending us great deals!!!! We will even go to Egypt despite what the NY Times says!

Here's another....

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/13/2216179/norwegian-jades-winter-mediterranean.html

[Travelcat2]

commodoredave: I agree with you. We changed cruises because of the discounts and will be visiting Egypt.

For people who are concerned about unrest, fighting, riots, earthquakes, etc. should probably stay away from the Middle East, Japan, Mexico and parts of Africa. There are plenty of other destinations in the world that are considered safer. For us, we want to live life rather than fear it and also feel that Regent would not put their ships, crew and passengers in danger.

[wripro]

Am I the only one worrying that along with all these cuts in prices will come cuts in service and quality?

[poss]

Can cruises be changed when one is fully paid? (I would suppose not.)

[rallydave]

Can cruises be changed when one is fully paid? (I would suppose not.)

Don't see why not; know you can cancel at any time although the cancelation penalty gets steeper the closer you get to the cruise. They might charge for the cancellation or not?? If you are changing to another cruise, don't see why they would charge you but, lately regent has been doing some very strange things administratively so best to call and ask or ask your TA to check with regent. Suggest you get answers from more than one regent rep to make sure you got the correct answer.

regent phone reps are known to give incorrect answers at times.

[Travelcat2]

Can cruises be changed when one is fully paid? (I would suppose not.)

Yes you can. You can transfer from one cruise to another (paid for or not) one time without penalty. However, if you have already transferred the cruise once, the second time will cost you the cancellation fee. The ability to do the "free" transfer is why many people book on board to get the savings and eventually transfer to a different cruise.

[Anna B.]

Can cruises be changed when one is fully paid? (I would suppose not.)

If you are within the penalty phase, whether you are canceling or changing to another cruise, you will be charged the penalty. We switched cruises last winter and were charged 15%.

editing to add: 15% penalty phase begins 120 days before the cruise.

[poss]

Thanks for quick replies. I'm still somewhat confused though.
We're 87 days from embarkation. We just made our final payment, a day or so before it was due. If what Anna B. says is correct (I assume it is), there'd be a 15% penalty. That means it'd make no sense for us to change to another cruise (one of the discounted ones, which I think we'd prefer anyway). I.e., any savings would presumably be eaten up by the cost to change. Plus, we'd have to again pay for air deviation, etc. I haven't done the arithmetic, but I suspect there's no gain to us in changing?

[Travelcat2]

Anna B . is correct. I did not realize that you were less than 120 days. Sorry.

[rallydave]

Thanks for quick replies. I'm still somewhat confused though.
We're 87 days from embarkation. We just made our final payment, a day or so before it was due. If what Anna B. says is correct (I assume it is), there'd be a 15% penalty. That means it'd make no sense for us to change to another cruise (one of the discounted ones, which I think we'd prefer anyway). I.e., any savings would presumably be eaten up by the cost to change. Plus, we'd have to again pay for air deviation, etc. I haven't done the arithmetic, but I suspect there's no gain to us in changing?

Well, if Anna B is correct and it would seem she is and you get the cruise you prefer and it doesn't cost you any more after all the pluses and minuses, wouldn't it make sense to take the cruise you prefer rather than your second choice for the same price.

Would think taking the cruise you prefer is more important than any dollar savings especially since you won't be paying any more than your budgeted amount.

[commodoredave]

commodoredave: I agree with you. We changed cruises because of the discounts and will be visiting Egypt.

For people who are concerned about unrest, fighting, riots, earthquakes, etc. should probably stay away from the Middle East, Japan, Mexico and parts of Africa. There are plenty of other destinations in the world that are considered safer. For us, we want to live life rather than fear it and also feel that Regent would not put their ships, crew and passengers in danger.

Could not have said it better. What kind of deal did you get on your middle east cruise?

[commodoredave]

Am I the only one worrying that along with all these cuts in prices will come cuts in service and quality?
I've seen it happen with the premium lines, but have not yet noticed any decline on the luxury lines.

[nana541]

We received an email from Regent this morning with the discounts. We also get emails from Seabourn and Silversea. The discounts look pretty good and the ships are not full (which is a big draw for us -- a bit tired of full ships) -- especially on sea days when some dining venues are crowded (well, crowded by the luxury definition-- not crowded compared to the larger cruise lines:-)

Boy am I confused....have sailed twice with Regent and have yet to receive a single e-mail, and they certainly have my e-mail address :(
Wondering if these are coming from Regent or from a TA??
Would someone be willing to forward one of these offers to me so I can figure out what list I need to get on?
Send to: nannakathi (at) msn (dot) com
Thanks!

[janisegn]

sent .....

[nana541]

Thanks to all who sent the most recent Regent e-mail offer.....am going to book April 2012 sailing - if Regent would let more people know about the special pricing maybe they would fill their ships!

[lapeter]

When I got the email a week ago, it motivated me to book a 12 night cruise on 12-4-11 on Mariner. We had not cruised Regent in 6 years. Switched to SS and Seabourn. The price was just too good to pass up. $4200 each including air fare from Honolulu (approx $1100 each), hotel night before and transfers (assume that is $300) and free excursions at nine ports (at least $1000). If feels like a free cruise. Emails do work. Keep sending them out Regent. I forgot to add, no tux, no dark suit, no sport coat and no ties, yea!!

[DaveFr]

Boy am I confused....have sailed twice with Regent and have yet to receive a single e-mail, and they certainly have my e-mail address :(
Wondering if these are coming from Regent or from a TA??
Would someone be willing to forward one of these offers to me so I can figure out what list I need to get on?
Send to: nannakathi (at) msn (dot) com
Thanks!
nana541,

If you go to the home page of the Regent website, you'll see a button in the lower left corner of the page that will allow you to sign up for Regent emails. Hope this helps.

Dave

[nana541]

Thank you everyone....just got done booking April 2, 2012 sailing out of Barcelona --- 10 days ending in Istanbul....
Really really excited....

[DRCANDON]

This will be my first time posting to this area of the board being a long time HAL and Celebrity cruiser.

To answer a pp's question, I heard about the decent discounts Regent was offering through an friend who is going through the TA certification stuff here in Canada. I found it hard to believe since I had always heard of the prices - despite the fact that most of the odds and ends that mount up on a cruise are included on Regent.

So, for nothing but curiosity I phoned Regent direct and asked, then when the agent gave me all the details, then I refered that agent back to my TA ( CAA/AAA rep) since I prefer them to handle the stuff...I like a brick and mortar shop..rather then virtual. And to let them hammer out the details.

We have the cruise on hold but are seriuosly considering it ( Dec 4 Mariner Ft. Lauderdale).

To make a long story short - after comparing the actual bits and pieces that add up ( booze, shore excursions, transfers, hotel, tips etc etc etc) and doing an "apple to apple" price breakdown - Regent has now managed to match HAL on compatible cruise..in fact if you consider a HAL premium wine package ( that does not mean premium wines - only more) then Regent comes out on top...this was a shock...

Now for those that drive to Ft. Lauderdale these extras may be a moot point, but for DW and I, the flights from TO is bordering on ridiculous.

Plus on top of that if our local CAA girl can get another couple of folks to go at the same time we all recieve a substantial ship board credit - although for the life of me I have no idea what to spend it on.

So, I am rambling again..maybe it was the fact I inquired on-line and then from a phone call direct - who knows...I am unsure of the trigger, but I am glad we did..

And to address the economy issue, well, your own guru of economy Ms. Orman is still lecturing folks not to presume the worse is over. In Canada we have our own local caustic TV finnacial expert and she is claiming this mess won't even start to recover until the we get in to the second decade of this century..

In reality lets look at how the other mass market cruise lines are doing it - offering relatively cheap cabins to well over 3000 folks and then nicket and diming them to death to dine/drink/whatever in "extra charge" restuarants....

[Wendy The Wanderer]

T...

We have the cruise on hold but are seriuosly considering it ( Dec 4 Mariner Ft. Lauderdale).

I've done this timeframe several times and had a great time, although I haven't done Mariner.

To make a long story short - after comparing the actual bits and pieces that add up ( booze, shore excursions, transfers, hotel, tips etc etc etc) and doing an "apple to apple" price breakdown - Regent has now managed to match HAL on compatible cruise..in fact if you consider a HAL premium wine package ( that does not mean premium wines - only more) then Regent comes out on top...this was a shock...

That's great, although I've read these comparisons before, so not really surprised. I've looked at HAL as a lower-priced alternative to Regent, and have come to a similar conclusion.

Now for those that drive to Ft. Lauderdale these extras may be a moot point, but for DW and I, the flights from TO is bordering on ridiculous.

You mean the flights? I have actually found that the included air versus booking my own is often a wash--I've done it both ways, but when doing a deviation to fly in the day before (always a good idea in our climate in the winter), you have to add the $100 per person, and booking your own sometimes wins. We are now in the happy position of wintering in Florida, so next time we do one of these Caribbean trips, we can opt out of the air completely!

Plus on top of that if our local CAA girl can get another couple of folks to go at the same time we all recieve a substantial ship board credit - although for the life of me I have no idea what to spend it on.

Oh, there's always the spa and the giftshop!


I'm sure you will have a great time if you do this.