Concierge Level or Steerage?

[MICone]

G'Day All: I haven't been on a Regent Cruise since Oct/09. It would seem that since then, they have increased the number of concierge/butler suites and provided a number of perks for these higher margin rooms.

Have these changes effected the cruise experience for those passengers in Categories h, g f and e? Do they miss out on popular tours, dining times etc?

I truly get the concept that those paying more money are entitled to more, however, I get the sense that Regent is creeping toward a degree of segregation that may be detrimental to those passengers in the lower categories. Any thoughts?

[ChatKat in Ca.]

I think you've missed the threads about being a two class line. It's a sore a subject as smoking.

[rallydave]

G'Day All: I haven't been on a Regent Cruise since Oct/09. It would seem that since then, they have increased the number of concierge/butler suites and provided a number of perks for these higher margin rooms.

Have these changes effected the cruise experience for those passengers in Categories h, g f and e? Do they miss out on popular tours, dining times etc?

I truly get the concept that those paying more money are entitled to more, however, I get the sense that Regent is creeping toward a degree of segregation that may be detrimental to those passengers in the lower categories. Any thoughts?


The answer is we don't know yet. The new program doesn't start until April 2012. Many of us are concerned regarding missing excursions and not getting speciality reservations when we want them while others are taking a wait and see position. No one knows for sure. The other perks are tied to the more expensive suites people book and that part is fine. Pay for perks. As far as your comments regarding increasing concierge/butler suites: there haven't been concierge suites on Regent until this new program goes into effect and no changes that we know about to the number of butler suites.

We have heard rumors that the final concierge program will be changing from what has already been announced but, nothing has been substantiated as yet.

[DaveFr]

The answer is we don't know yet. The new program doesn't start until April 2012. Many of us are concerned regarding missing excursions and not getting speciality reservations when we want them while others are taking a wait and see position. No one knows for sure. The other perks are tied to the more expensive suites people book and that part is fine. Pay for perks. As far as your comments regarding increasing concierge/butler suites: there haven't been concierge suites on Regent until this new program goes into effect and no changes that we know about to the number of butler suites.

We have heard rumors that the final concierge program will be changing from what has already been announced but, nothing has been substantiated as yet.
Good analysis, Dave. I'm in the wait and see camp myself. We should see how the Concierge Program works in August when excursions open up for Concierge suites on Mariner and Voyager cruises in April 2012.

As for butler suites, there has been an increase. I believe that through 2009, Penthouse C suites and Horizon C suites did not have butler service. In 2010, butler service was added to those suites.

Dave

[jhp]

MICone, I'm sticking with Regent, and sticking with "steerage". Your label not mine. I've always booked G and H, (last cruise in February and next in October) and have never felt less than special on any of them. In fact, I am considering back to back cruises on the Mariner (in G, my favorite cabins on Mariner now) in April 2012 when this new Concierge policy takes effect bringing along two of my children and their spouses, each for one segment. I can't imagine a better family vacation with my adult kids. I get to decide where we go, where we eat, and where we stay. I'll let them plan the rest ;)

[MICone]

Thank you everyone for the info. I will dig through some earlier threads and review the comments. JHP, I meant no offence to anyone booking the non butler categories-that's where I always book as well. Referring to them as "steerage" was meant to underscore Regents attempt to segregate the classes.:)

[hondorner]

I'm also in the "wait and see" category, largely because I don't think anyone will actually notice much of a difference. I'll still book the lowest cost categories possible, largely because I don't think any of the Concierge (or above) perks or space are worth the extra money.

[Travelcat2]

MiCone: Seven Seas Society Gold members and above will not be included in the new policy. This is one reason that some people do not care about the policy. Those affected by the policy will try to book excursions in October. The upper class will book in August. As mentioned above, this is a very hot issue on the Regent board. Suggest you do a "search" for the Concierge Program. You may be surprised at the responses you see on that thread. I agree strongly with the last sentence of your post.

[jhp]

JHP, I meant no offence to anyone booking the non butler categories-that's where I always book as well. Referring to them as "steerage" was meant to underscore Regents attempt to segregate the classes.:)

I could not be less offended, and surely did not mean to make you feel defensive either. You've been away for awhile from the Regent boards and there as been, well, some "stuff" on this subject. I am in the camp that thinks Regent will continue on as before, and we will all be happy. The previous poster apparently does NOT. Of course, there will be disappointments in dining reservations, as there are now. I'm just not getting upset about any of it even though I have never heard anything official about Gold and above, as the previous poster mentions...

As I said before, I am hoping to book the first two European cruises in April 2012, and will be glad to report

[debijaynes]

We booked an October 28, 2011 cruise this week (changed from April 2012) and I got every excursion we wanted! Can't wait as we have not been to Bermuda and are looking forward to Charleston and Savannah in cool weather. This will be our first time with Regent after many years with HAL.

[Responder]

I thought a while back we put this topic on hold until it comes to fruition.

Why keep conjecturing on issues that haven't yet been resolved?

It's evident that the preponderance of posters and cruisers who have sailed on Regent really like the line, so why express doubt to potential cruisers.

We've all had our say..many times...so why not wait and see.