SSS Gold & Above to Get Priority Excursion and Dining Reservations

[mrlevin]

A few months back, DREPS posted an email he received from Mark Conroy that stated that Gold and above SSS members would enjoy the same priority for excursion bookings (240 days vice 180) and dining bookings (120(IIRC) vs 75) as Concierge Level cabins. [I tried posting to same thread but it is locked.]

The first cruise with Concierge level benefits is the 02 Apr 2012 Mariner Med cruise. Those in Concierge Level cabins can make excursion reservations starting 06 Aug 2011; next week. We still have not heard from Regent regarding the update of SSS benefits. In fact, my 2012 cruise still has the 180 and 75 day windows.

Regent needs to make the change ASAP or valued SSS members on that 02 Apr 2012 cruise may be adversely impacted. The first Voyager cruise impacted is 16 Apr 2012 with excursion bookings as early as 20 Aug 2011.

Regent, please get this done already!

Marc

[rallydave]

Geeze Marc, they have until a week from tomorrow.:D Do you really expect Regent to start communicating and keeping their promises now that they have a new PR Agency under Contract?

Actually, I do hope Regent does improve their communications as well as what they promise in their advertising.

And, what about valued Regent customers who haven't reached Gold Status as yet and may not based how they are being slighted. And, should they actually keep Mark's promise, the Concierge Program won't be very exclusive as more than 75% on average will have the benefits.

[Travelcat2]

While I would really like to believe this, Mark Conroy has sent messages to Dreps twice stating that this will happen. When we see it in writing from Regent, I'll believe it.

[nana541]

Why doesn't someone with Mark Conroy's e-mail address just contact him directly and ask him to honor his commitment!

[Eager2Travel]

Is it possible that Mark Conroy doesn't have the power to make this happen even though he would like to? I would hate to think that this longtime Regent CEO is not respected by those he reports to.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Well gee Marc, I guess we'll know by August 6th if you've been allowed to book your excursions, right?

I think it's jumping to conclusions to assume that Mark Conroy is somehow powerless to make this happen.

[tallship]

Didn't you try to convince me that this would not impact my ability to book excursions?

[mrlevin]

Didn't you try to convince me that this would not impact my ability to book excursions?

Yes, and I still hope that is the case. It will be interesting to see availability on the 2 Apr cruise at the 180 day mark.

[Travelcat2]

Just to put everything into perspective, according to my research, "Dreps" posted (on another board) the essence of Mark Conroy's email on April 21, 2011. That is quite some time ago. While he did state that Gold and above would not be affected by the concierge program. . . . one would logically think that it would have been done (or announced) by now if it were going to happen.

Although some feel this is some kind of fairy taie, Mark Conroy made his Regent responsibilities clear in his speech in February, 2011. Although I wish he had the final word on everything Regent, it appears that he does not. I am still trying to figure out why this thread was started since I am unable to find anything NEW on this subject. Mr. Levin, please let us know if there is, in fact, something new.. . . or,if this thread is simply restating what was said in April. Thank you!

[mrlevin]

I am still trying to figure out why this thread was started since I am unable to find anything NEW on this subject. Mr. Levin, please let us know if there is, in fact, something new.. . . or,if this thread is simply restating what was said in April. Thank you!

Travelcat2, I started this thread because I wanted to start this thread. After exchanges of email with Laura, I learned why I have a problem getting posts deleted. I made sure my post did not violate any of the rules.

We all hope that Regent and PCH personnel read these boards. I am hoping that Tim Rubacky might see this thread and realise that something has to be done in a hurry. I, with a positive outlook on life, just think they forgot that the impact comes this August and not next year.

So, Jackie, I explained to you why I started this thread. Thank you for your understanding.

[Travelcat2]

Travelcat2, I started this thread because I wanted to start this thread. After exchanges of email with Laura, I learned why I have a problem getting posts deleted. I made sure my post did not violate any of the rules.

We all hope that Regent and PCH personnel read these boards. I am hoping that Tim Rubacky might see this thread and realise that something has to be done in a hurry. I, with a positive outlook on life, just think they forgot that the impact comes this August and not next year.

So, Jackie, I explained to you why I started this thread. Thank you for your understanding.

Okay -- thank you for answering the question. Now I understand!

[Hambagahle]

Why doesn't someone with Mark Conroy's e-mail address just contact him directly and ask him to honor his commitment!

I just did. Bit not to "honour comittments" - I asked him please to clarify what the SSS benefits would be in this regard.
Gerry

[rallydave]

We all hope that Regent and PCH personnel read these boards. I am hoping that Tim Rubacky might see this thread and realise that something has to be done in a hurry. I, with a positive outlook on life, just think they forgot that the impact comes this August and not next year.



Hi Marc,

Saw where Gerry send an e-mail to Mark. Here is Tim Rubacky's e-mail if you care to send him an e-mail as well.
TRubacky@prestigecruiseholdings.com

Thanks,

Dave

[mrlevin]

Hi Marc,

Saw where Gerry send an e-mail to Mark. Here is Tim Rubacky's e-mail if you care to send him an e-mail as well.
TRubacky@prestigecruiseholdings.com

Thanks,

Dave

I don't email or call Regent unless I have an issue that needs immediate attention that cannot be addressed by my TA; in other words, I don't call or email Regent. I don't have a dog in the fight as my 2012 cruise is not until November. On the other hand, I have no qualms using msg boards to contact those cruiselines that choose to monitor various boards. For example, Azamara has a Chief Blogging Officer who tracks issues and responds; maybe Regent needs the same; maybe that is within scope of Tim's job.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...I don't have a dog in the fight as my 2012 cruise is not until November.

Ah. Forgive me for mis-reading your post to construe that you were going on the April cruise. So, we'll just have to wait until somebody speaks up and tells us if they got to book early.

I suspect, btw, that Regent is doing this, but quietly, no press releases or anything.

[Travelcat2]

Ah. Forgive me for mis-reading your post to construe that you were going on the April cruise. So, we'll just have to wait until somebody speaks up and tells us if they got to book early.

I suspect, btw, that Regent is doing this, but quietly, no press releases or anything.

I hoped that this would happen, however next year's excursion booking dates for Category "E" and above do show 240 days. Everyone else -- including Gold and above -- show a 180 day booking date. Marc is on the same cruise we are in November and I believe they show different dates for booking excursions. They would/will need to fix the computer program for Gold and above.

Regent definitely does read these boards -- no question about it. It might be a good idea for Gold and above to periodically check their dates for booking excursions to see if they change.


P.S. What date do you show for booking restaurant reservations?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

P.S. What date do you show for booking restaurant reservations?

I presume you mean the P.S. for Marc, since I'm not involved in this directly.

[Travelcat2]

I presume you mean the P.S. for Marc, since I'm not involved in this directly.

Yes -- sorry to be confusing.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Have discussed the role Bill Leiber (Chief Blogging Officer) performs now on CC's Azamara board with Prestige Cruise Holdings, Director of Communications, Tim Rubacky a few months ago. Tim has worked directly with Bill when they were w/other cruise lines before moving on to Azamara and Oceania respectfully. If I recall correctly, Tim believes his current limited participation on CC (Oceania and Regent) is sufficient.

[mrlevin]

Jackie, 26 Aug 12.

Wes, I don't go to CC Azamara board but Bill Lieber did reply to a post of mine on another forum I visit more frequently. I don't need Tim to post as much as I think it worthwhile for him to read. Any of us can be PM'd if he needs to contact us individually.

[Travelcat2]

Jackie, 26 Aug 12.



Not sure why, but mine is 11 Aug 12. Could it 60 days instead of 75? I don't recall what the concierge program states in terms of dining reervations. In any case, Regent will retain the loyalty of many long-time guests if they grandfather Gold and above.

[tallship]

In any case, Regent will retain the loyalty of many long-time guests if they grandfather Gold and above.

The problem with this will be that most of the ship will then receive Concierge benefits thus reducing the distinction for those in higher category suites

[mrlevin]

The problem with this will be that most of the ship will then receive Concierge benefits thus reducing the distinction for those in higher category suites

The only benefit we are discussing is advanced booking of excursions and dining reservations. All the other Concierge benefits will only apply to those in Cat E and above (Cat D on Navi).

[Travelcat2]

The problem with this will be that most of the ship will then receive Concierge benefits thus reducing the distinction for those in higher category suites

You're right. I wonder how many Gold and above customers they have. For me, it's the excursion and dining reservations that is the issue. They can give Category "E" and above anything they want to -- perhaps discounting excursions (with a charge) 50%. No matter how long I think about it, there is no way that delaying reservations is right. . . . not for new customers or old. I understand that it is done on non-luxury lines. But, that doesn't make it right. Unfortunately, I feel this will hurt Regent in the long run.

Disclaimer: I love Regent and the Regent experience and look forward to our November cruise. Negative comments on this thread relate only to recent and new policies set forth by PCH.

[tallship]

TC2 - now you've confused me

In the long thread on the Concierge program you stated repeatedly that you were against this because of the class system it creates. Is that no longer the case?

[cwn]

......No matter how long I think about it, there is no way that delaying reservations is right. . . . not for new customers or old. I understand that it is done on non-luxury lines......

TC, What non luxury lines do this...we leave on the Amsterdam for Alaska in a few weeks. We are in a full suite and had no preference for early booking of shore excursions and dining reservations. On board the Concierge will handle these bookings for us, but that is no different than what the butlers do on Regent ships.

[Travelcat2]

TC2 - now you've confused me

In the long thread on the Concierge program you stated repeatedly that you were against this because of the class system it creates. Is that no longer the case?

Will try to explain my thinking. Currently, Penthouse and above suites can fill out a Butler Requst online and order the type of alcohol, soft drinks, snacks, pillow, duvet/blanket they want. These are things that do not affect the rest of the passengers on the ship. I do believe that it is okay to receive extra perks when you pay more money. So, giving concierge level passengers a coffee maker (or whatever the heck they give them), binoculars, a discount on wine and excursions does not bother me.

Waiting to board or waiting to make excursion/dining reservations does affect the quality of the passengers Regent experience. They may be blocked out of some limited excursions, and not be able to get a dining reservation for the date/time they prefer and the # of persons per table. I believe that they pay for excursions in their fare (as I recall, Regent fares increased after the "free" excursions were implemented.)

The reason I'm confusing the issue is because I'm stating that I don't like the concierge program which is not totally true. The part that will make Regent a 2-class cruise line (reservations) is really the part I will never be able to accept -- even though we do book PH suites. This isn't about what I do, it is about everyone who sails on Regent. Someone at Prestige Cruise Holdings wants Regent to follow the policies that Oceania has. I strongly object to this. When/if Oceania competes in the luxury cruise market, they may understand that it is not the same as the premium or premium plus market. And, finally, it seems that the Regent executives that were running Regent are in their positions in name only. While I am happy that they are there, I wonder how they can last in an environment of what seems to be a dictatorship (sorry -- I like FDR but feel he has tunnel vision).

Wow- this sounds so serious. This is what is wrong with the written word. If I were having this conversation with someone, it would be calm and both sides of the issues would be heard. When I rant like this, I sound like the dictator. Sorry.

[tallship]

Thanks for explaining... I guess..:-)

[Hambagahle]

Jackie - I think we have all been around and around on this before. Your position was made clear on the other thread when the Concierge Level was announced and clearly it hasn't changed! I don't agree with you, as you know... or at least you would know if you had read my posts on the other thread. And my position hasn't changed either!!

All this to say that I think we have to wait and see what happens and I also still think that it isn't going to create a two class system and even if it did, so what? When we are all on planes there is a two and even three class system where people who pay more get more, including the ability to choose seats in advance, lounge access etc etc. I do not see the difference.

And I think we all have to wait and see how it pans out!!

[Travelcat2]

Jackie - I think we have all been around and around on this before. Your position was made clear on the other thread when the Concierge Level was announced and clearly it hasn't changed! I don't agree with you, as you know... or at least you would know if you had read my posts on the other thread. And my position hasn't changed either!!



Sorry, but I reiterated my position at the request of Tallship. I do not believe that anything will be done about the program at this time. Additionally I believe that SSS benefits will change before April, 2012 (not necessarily for current customers). Not being negative -- just following the indicators put out by Regent.

[mariners]

I had decided that I would not post until all of the new policies were implemented because the facts would speak for themselves. However, just because a class system is acceptable to some people, it is definitely not a "so what" to me.
I think it would be interesting to determine how many passengers posting that they do not have a problem with the concierge system will be travelling in the suites designated concierge.

[Responder]

I had decided that I would not post until all of the new policies were implemented because the facts would speak for themselves. However, just because a class system is acceptable to some people, it is definitely not a "so what" to me.
I think it would be interesting to determine how many passengers posting that they do not have a problem with the concierge system will be travelling in the suites designated concierge.

I'm in the "so what" category, and as Hambagahle wrote, we already exist in a class system in our every day lives. Why remove cruising from this equation.

We always opt for the lowest category on the Mariner and Voyager and the lowest balcony on the Navigator.

I also am confused with all the rhetoric about butlers. Except for the one time we got a free bump to a butler suite, we would never pay for one. Why?

All the postings about what a butler can or should do for us is not necessary...for us... I have always either picked up the phone or visited the venue I wanted and have always gotten a seat. Sure, maybe not at the precise time or day, but life is like that...at least for me.
Some will always be first and some will always be last...no matter what the categories dictate and no matter where in the heirarchy you may reside.

As has been said a few times..."The Sky is Not Falling." :)

[Travelcat2]

I had decided that I would not post until all of the new policies were implemented because the facts would speak for themselves. However, just because a class system is acceptable to some people, it is definitely not a "so what" to me.
I think it would be interesting to determine how many passengers posting that they do not have a problem with the concierge system will be travelling in the suites designated concierge.

I strongly agree with your post. And also wonder why, when we post a view against the new policy, people seem to think we are saying "the sky is falling".

For those of you that approve of the policy, there is obviously not a problem. Those of us who disagree with the class system will continue to make ourselves heard as long as we deem it necessary.

[nana541]

DH and I are booked on the Mariner April 2 2012 sailing and as we are booked in catagory F we can not book excursions until Oct 5 so I am of course very interested as to how all the folks who can book earlier are going to fill up the excursions I would want to book....
Frankly, if they fill up before we even get a chance .....well I hate to actually even think it, but we may need to look to other cruise options where you have a fair shot at booking along with everyone else! I am trying to stay upbeat and hope that all works out in the long run.....:eek:

[mariners]

Responder, In response to your question: “we already exist in a class system in our every day lives Why remove cruising from this equation.” the only brief answer that I can give is that the class system, regardless of how prevalent it is in every day life, is wrong. I will happily discuss our opposing views if we ever chance to meet.
I do realize that there continues to be a class system. In some areas, such as flying, we have no choice but to participate in the system. In other areas, such as cruising, we can choose not to participate in the system or to minimize how we participate in the system.
I believe that the new Concierge Program will be warmly embraced by those passengers who wish to be “elite”. If the program includes passengers who are gold and higher, many of those passengers will also likely embrace the program because they will continue to get what they already receive and will not be placed at a disadvantage. We only have a few more days to wait and see if they are included in the program.
Because we have so many fabulous memories of every Regent cruise we have taken, I still have “wishful thinking” that Regent will discard the parts of the program that I find offensive. If they did, I’d book another cruise on Regent in a heartbeat.
To the OP, I hope that everything works out for you and others who are counting on Regent making this change.

[jhp]

I am so glad I will be on the first cruise with the new policy. Our group has a Platinum, a Gold, a Silver, and 2 "no status" cruisers. At least one of them gets an extra $200 OB credit for the referral plan as a first timer.

So I'm a "wait and see", as well. I am so hoping this is a tempest in a teapot, but really won't know until we get on the ship, as all the inventory is not made available in advance. When I figure the difference between what I would pay for extra fares to be at the Concierge Level, it was a no brainer. Would have cost $4,200 extra for my group. And to go to PH level, $22,800 more with the air upgrade BACKED OUT! So, happy to be in steerage, whatever it brings.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

If someone who has cruised roughly 125 days or more on Regent at a minimum average per diem of $500 to $1000 per day and has spent $125,000 average minimum per person ( so $250,000 approximately) to do that is not a valued customer as much as someone who has just sailed and paid a slightly higher fare to do that and get priority boarding, reservations and excursions, then there is a message there.

So Marc, what does your Travel agent say? And has she spoken to Regent?:confused:

[Eager2Travel]

Today I decided to call Regent and speak to someone in the Regent Seven Seas Department about the upcoming changes. I was looking at a pamphlet that came in today and thinking of booking something for the Spring of 2012. I was going to ask about any variations in booking excursions for gold and above as has been discussed on the board. How naive am I?! You can no longer talk to anyone in that department or guest relations. You can only email them and hope for a reply. In my opinion this is not a luxury cruise line. What happened to customer service? Yes, I am able to email them but that is not the issue. Even Princess takes phone calls. This is all useful information to me as I decide on my future cruises. I do miss Radisson and what the line once was. I would gladly trade in the free shore excursions and alcohol for the corporate culture of the past.

This is just my opinion and my disappointment in not having what once was. I do know "change is inevitable" but I don't have to like it..

[Responder]

Responder, In response to your question: “we already exist in a class system in our every day lives Why remove cruising from this equation.” the only brief answer that I can give is that the class system, regardless of how prevalent it is in every day life, is wrong. I will happily discuss our opposing views if we ever chance to meet.
I do realize that there continues to be a class system. In some areas, such as flying, we have no choice but to participate in the system. In other areas, such as cruising, we can choose not to participate in the system or to minimize how we participate in the system.
I believe that the new Concierge Program will be warmly embraced by those passengers who wish to be “elite”. If the program includes passengers who are gold and higher, many of those passengers will also likely embrace the program because they will continue to get what they already receive and will not be placed at a disadvantage. We only have a few more days to wait and see if they are included in the program.
Because we have so many fabulous memories of every Regent cruise we have taken, I still have “wishful thinking” that Regent will discard the parts of the program that I find offensive. If they did, I’d book another cruise on Regent in a heartbeat.
To the OP, I hope that everything works out for you and others who are counting on Regent making this change.

If you have read what I posted in reference to a class system, I think you would see that I am opposed to it. However, no one or anything can relegate me to a particular class. There is no chance of my being appointed to belong to a class....I don't buy it.

Again....we are the customers and we can do whatever we choose to do if we can afford to do so. As we move along and Regent or any other experience does not please us, we vote with our dollars. Why should I worry about what might occur in the future. When we book travel with a company and the results don't please us...we move elsewhere.

If this board didn't exist and we had nowhere to voice our opinions, that's exactly what we would do..

Who really cares, except for a very few, how Regent interacts with Oceania? This is class thinking of the highest order. If economy of scale allows Regent and Oceania to become more efficient, so what?

And although we love Regent, if they falter, I guarantee you that there will be many others to replace them, albeit with different names..

[mrlevin]

DH and I are booked on the Mariner April 2 2012 sailing and as we are booked in catagory F we can not book excursions until Oct 5 so I am of course very interested as to how all the folks who can book earlier are going to fill up the excursions I would want to book....
Frankly, if they fill up before we even get a chance .....well I hate to actually even think it, but we may need to look to other cruise options where you have a fair shot at booking along with everyone else! I am trying to stay upbeat and hope that all works out in the long run.....:eek:

Since you are on the inaugural Concierge cruise, I will be interested in your excursion availability on 5 Oct. To be honest, you really need to try to book at midninght CDT to really see impact.

[plan2travel]

I too am interested in the first cruise under this new policy. I've been reading about the concierge debate for some time now and had decided to take a wait and see approach once the changes were implemented.

I travel with friends and we booked prior to the concierge announcement. It was disappointing, to say the least, that even though we are traveling together, to find out that we can end up in different pre-cruise hotels and potentially on different excursions because i am not concierge level. At the time of our bookings, this was not an issue. As I said, I am waiting to see what happens in a few months but i can't see how this can work out well for people who are traveling together but who are not all in concierge level. Any words of wisdom?

[jhp]

Marc, since I am a night owl, I will be sure and be up on October 5 to "test the waters". However, I don't expect miracles. Sometimes things are tangled up on the first day, as the excursion department does not release the proper number of "spots" and takes a few days to straighten it out.

[nana541]

Since you are on the inaugural Concierge cruise, I will be interested in your excursion availability on 5 Oct. To be honest, you really need to try to book at midninght CDT to really see impact.

Marc, you bet I will be online at exactly 12 CDT even though I will be at Disneyland with grandkids...it will be interesting to hear from others who are
able to book sooner if some tours are sold out ...
Will have to keep my fingers crossed as there is not anything else
I can do!

[hlett]

I emailed Conroy (not hard to get his address) and 'he' replied that one of two people would respond. Heard nothing for four weeks an re emailed with NO response.

Incredible that PR is sooo lame.

A few months back, DREPS posted an email he received from Mark Conroy that stated that Gold and above SSS members would enjoy the same priority for excursion bookings (240 days vice 180) and dining bookings (120(IIRC) vs 75) as Concierge Level cabins. [I tried posting to same thread but it is locked.]

The first cruise with Concierge level benefits is the 02 Apr 2012 Mariner Med cruise. Those in Concierge Level cabins can make excursion reservations starting 06 Aug 2011; next week. We still have not heard from Regent regarding the update of SSS benefits. In fact, my 2012 cruise still has the 180 and 75 day windows.

Regent needs to make the change ASAP or valued SSS members on that 02 Apr 2012 cruise may be adversely impacted. The first Voyager cruise impacted is 16 Apr 2012 with excursion bookings as early as 20 Aug 2011.

Regent, please get this done already!

Marc

[tallship]

I seriously think that doing this will open up a can of worms for Regent

[rallydave]

I seriously think that doing this will open up a can of worms for Regent

Actually think the can of worms was opened when they included early excursion and restaurant reservations as part of concierge program. Many people canceled cruises because of this issue and certainly appears that the promise from Mark Conroy won't be kept as we are beyond the opening of bookings for the April 2 Mariner cruise and the deafening silence from Regent continues.

While we still need to wait another 60 days or so to see the true effect on this first cruise under the new program, am confident there will be long time Regent cruisers who will be disappointed due to not getting reservations for their chosen excursions and dinner reservations. And, no, I'm not saying the sky is falling. Some people won't be disappointed and some won't care but, how long do loyal customers need to put up with unkept promises and Regent's deafening silence??

The answer is actually pretty simple. Until they get fed up as some have already or until they find another cruise line or vacation program that satisfies the customer and doesn't just care about thier bottom line.

For the most part, Regent is a quality company but, as it is said, one awe s%^&t cancels all the attaboys.

[nana541]

Rallydave.... You hit the nail on the head! Sad but true :(
Seems they no longer follow CC or worse still, don't give a damn....I will wait until I am able to book excursions for my Mariner April 2 sailing and decide if I have been screwed or not....then its up to me whether to walk with my check book to another cruiseline.
Until then I guess its what and see - hope for the best!

[Travelcat2]

I too am interested in the first cruise under this new policy. I've been reading about the concierge debate for some time now and had decided to take a wait and see approach once the changes were implemented.

I travel with friends and we booked prior to the concierge announcement. It was disappointing, to say the least, that even though we are traveling together, to find out that we can end up in different pre-cruise hotels and potentially on different excursions because i am not concierge level. At the time of our bookings, this was not an issue. As I said, I am waiting to see what happens in a few months but i can't see how this can work out well for people who are traveling together but who are not all in concierge level. Any words of wisdom?

Really wish there was some wonderful answer for you. I know someone who had to pay for her mother to be in the same hotel as the mother was not booked in a Penthouse or above suite. As you may or may not know, the hotels have been different for Penthouse and above for several months -- this is not specific to the concierge program.

You can book an excursion and hope that your friends will be able to book the same one. It is important to note, however, that they are stuffing as many people on excursions as possible. This means that there could be multiple buses going to the same place. The odds of you getting the same bus is fairly slim (even if you show up at the same time to get your tickets).

For those of you who do not like the new program which separates families and friends, you really need to let Regent know. IMO, the customers are the ones that can make management change this misguided policy. There are some who claim that the sky is not falling (no one said it was). However, this policy does not work for many, many people -- for various reasons. I urge you to use your voice and your pocketbook to make this unfair policy change.

[blue whale]

We are thankful that we will be on the 72-night circle South America this coming winter—Jan, Feb, Mar—before the new policy is to be implemented. We have a cabin in the 700s. If the new policy were to have impacted this cruise, we would have chosen another line. By the time we complete this cruise, we will have about 225 days with Regent—so we have a rather good history with the line, going back to the days of Song of Flower and Diamond. But if I could not be sure we would be able to get the tours we wanted, we would have made a different choice. I did go on line 180 days before the cruise start date, and I got all the tours we desired.

Let us hope that Regent rethinks its policy.

[rallydave]

Really wish there was some wonderful answer for you. I know someone who had to pay for her mother to be in the same hotel as the mother was not booked in a Penthouse or above suite. As you may or may not know, the hotels have been different for Penthouse and above for several months -- this is not specific to the concierge program.

You can book an excursion and hope that your friends will be able to book the same one. It is important to note, however, that they are stuffing as many people on excursions as possible. This means that there could be multiple buses going to the same place. The odds of you getting the same bus is fairly slim (even if you show up at the same time to get your tickets).

For those of you who do not like the new program which separates families and friends, you really need to let Regent know. IMO, the customers are the ones that can make management change this misguided policy. There are some who claim that the sky is not falling (no one said it was). However, this policy does not work for many, many people -- for various reasons. I urge you to use your voice and your pocketbook to make this unfair policy change.

While the majority of the above post is absolutely correct, the last sentence of the second paragraph is absolutely incorrect. There is no change to the portion of the excursions where you exchange your excursion ticket for a bus ticket and if you all show up together or even if one person brings all the tickets to the lounge where the bus tickets are given away, you will all get on the same bus. Not sure what the OP was trying to say will cause you issues but, getting on the same bus is as simple as I described above and recommended by Regent to keep parties together on excursions.

I do second tc's suggestion to use your voice and wallet to let Regent know how unfair the reservation portion of concierge is and how much you want it to be eliminated. While I believe Regent won't listen or make any changes, I've been wrong before and hope I am wrong about this.

[Travelcat2]

While the majority of the above post is absolutely correct, the last sentence of the second paragraph is absolutely incorrect. There is no change to the portion of the excursions where you exchange your excursion ticket for a bus ticket and if you all show up together or even if one person brings all the tickets to the lounge where the bus tickets are given away, you will all get on the same bus. Not sure what the OP was trying to say will cause you issues but, getting on the same bus is as simple as I described above and recommended by Regent to keep parties together on excursions.

I do second tc's suggestion to use your voice and wallet to let Regent know how unfair the reservation portion of concierge is and how much you want it to be eliminated. While I believe Regent won't listen or make any changes, I've been wrong before and hope I am wrong about this.

On our January, 2011 cruise when there were multiple buses, there were staggered times on the ticket to report to the theater. Are you saying that someone with a 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. report time can turn in their tickets and get on the same bus?

[rallydave]

On our January, 2011 cruise when there were multiple buses, there were staggered times on the ticket to report to the theater. Are you saying that someone with a 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. report time can turn in their tickets and get on the same bus?

Sure, why not. Sure the destinations folks wouldn't have any issues. And, you could go to destinations before the excursion and ask to be at the same time to share the bus. Lots of solutions.

And, have never seen different times for the same excursion; watched them simply go to the next bus number once one bus was full.

With all the issues we have with Regent, we don't need to bring up ones that have simple solutions and in most cases won't occur.

[jhp]

With all the issues we have with Regent, we don't need to bring up ones that have simple solutions and in most cases won't occur.

Well that's for sure. I've cruised twice this year, with friends on both of them. There was never a problem getting on the same bus, just send one person with all the tickets and you will be on the same bus. We did this day after day. Never remember staggered times when there were multiple busses, and if there were, we still didn't have a problem.

plan2cruise. Can't help you with that hotel problem, except that your group could take the hotel credit of $600 per couple and book your own hotel where you can all be together. I usually come in 2 days before a cruise if it is in Europe or Asia, and opt out of the hotel anyway.

[mrlevin]

I really think this whole issue amounts to turning a mole hill into a mountain.

2012 sales are so poor that booking excursions at 180 days before cruise will not be an issue.

[Travelcat2]

Sure, why not. Sure the destinations folks wouldn't have any issues. And, you could go to destinations before the excursion and ask to be at the same time to share the bus. Lots of solutions.

And, have never seen different times for the same excursion; watched them simply go to the next bus number once one bus was full.

With all the issues we have with Regent, we don't need to bring up ones that have simple solutions and in most cases won't occur.

Guess I'm just the type of person who follows the times given to me (or will cancel if they don't work for me). I'm rather surprised to hear that you haven't experienced staggered times. This was supposedly created to stop what appeared to be a cattle call for excursions.

I must laugh to hear you defend Destination Services. Won't argue. You see lots of solutions. . . . I simply do not see that. If excursions had such simple solutions, many of them would not be the mess that they are and people would not be complaining about them. As I recall, you were incensed over your excursion mess in China for months -- now you don't think this issue should be brought up?

P.S. Was just reading this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458372 . Rallydave, you may want to reread posts 8 and 9. Post 9 is what you typically post regarding excursions Just saying. . . .

Marc Levin brings up an interesting point. . . . but, IMO, it is a poor excuse for accepting the fact that Regent will not be 'grandfathering' Gold and Above in their poorly designed "Concierge Program" (which, by the way, is no longer front and center on Regent's web page.) Suddenly the program is okay because many sailings next year are not selling well so everyone may get the excursion they want? What about the sailings that are "full"??? Are we not suppose to not care about them? REALLY?

I will no doubt be bashed for my opinion. So be it!

[plan2travel]

Thank you. I appreciate your replies. I have expressed my concerns to Regent. Still have a long time until final payment is due. Will be waiting and watching...

[Responder]

Sure, why not. Sure the destinations folks wouldn't have any issues. And, you could go to destinations before the excursion and ask to be at the same time to share the bus. Lots of solutions.

And, have never seen different times for the same excursion; watched them simply go to the next bus number once one bus was full.

With all the issues we have with Regent, we don't need to bring up ones that have simple solutions and in most cases won't occur.

We took our kids last year and had no trouble asking to be on the same bus.

[Responder]

Guess I'm just the type of person who follows the times given to me (or will cancel if they don't work for me). I'm rather surprised to hear that you haven't experienced staggered times. This was supposedly created to stop what appeared to be a cattle call for excursions.

I must laugh to hear you defend Destination Services. Won't argue. You see lots of solutions. . . . I simply do not see that. If excursions had such simple solutions, many of them would not be the mess that they are and people would not be complaining about them. As I recall, you were incensed over your excursion mess in China for months -- now you don't think this issue should be brought up?

P.S. Was just reading this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458372 . Rallydave, you may want to reread posts 8 and 9. Post 9 is what you typically post regarding excursions Just saying. . . .

Marc Levin brings up an interesting point. . . . but, IMO, it is a poor excuse for accepting the fact that Regent will not be 'grandfathering' Gold and Above in their poorly designed "Concierge Program" (which, by the way, is no longer front and center on Regent's web page.) Suddenly the program is okay because many sailings next year are not selling well so everyone may get the excursion they want? What about the sailings that are "full"??? Are we not suppose to not care about them? REALLY?

I will no doubt be bashed for my opinion. So be it!

Just curious....

Do you actually spend every waking moment worrying about every aspect of your life as you do with Regent?

You seem to have an answer for everything.

[shawsie]

OK I can solve the problem - Separate restaurants,excursions and entertainment for each category of room. H gets beer and Master gets Dom.:p
When will folks stop accepting treatment like this. I cannot believe there is any advantage to Regent other than they think this program will fill the higher priced rooms. To alienate your clientele like this seems counter productive to me but perhaps the results justify it.
We are travelling in November but will reconsider any future cruises with Regent.

[rallydave]

I must laugh to hear you defend Destination Services. Won't argue. You see lots of solutions. . . . I simply do not see that. If excursions had such simple solutions, many of them would not be the mess that they are and people would not be complaining about them. As I recall, you were incensed over your excursion mess in China for months -- now you don't think this issue should be brought up?

P.S. Was just reading this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1458372 . Rallydave, you may want to reread posts 8 and 9. Post 9 is what you typically post regarding excursions Just saying. . . .



Well tc, the post you referred me to is still how I feel about destinations but, this is a different case. Of course I could be wrong but, don't see any reason everyone who brings in excursion tickets can't be on the same bus. Have given the scenerios. Don't for a second think that my opinion of destinations has changed. While there are things that they do that don't make sense or don't help the customer, everything they do isn't bad. It's simple to complain about everything but, in most cases everything isn't bad. Other than the incompetents in Miami running the department and the few bad staff member on board, there are things they are doing right and getting groups together on busses just happens to be one of the few things they do right.

Just like no one is perfect, no one is perfectly bad! Too bad you can't see the good with the bad and comment about both.

[Travelcat2]

shawsie: Great post! Could not agree more.

Rallydave: If you look back a bit on this thread you'll see that I was discussing people with excursion tickets indicating different times to report to the theater. Obviously Regent has figured out how many people can fit on each bus. While some accommodation can be made for changes, is it reasonable to think that anyone could show up and be able to board the bus at whatever time they want?

Posters don't like when we repeat ourselves.. . . however, sometimes it really is necessary. The following procedure is what Regent currently has . No other cruise line has "included" or "free" excursions, so comparisons don't really work. Regent has a hundred or so guests report to the theater at the same time. There may be four or five excursion groups in the theater. Someone has to get in line and exchange the tickets for a bus ticket with a number. At the same time there are waitlisted people also checking with Regent for information. When your number is called, you get into another line . . . this one to get off of the ship and on to the bus. We have waited in long lines for this step (specifically on the Mariner on a FLL to Lima itinerary).

Destination Services is dealing with:

1. Customers who are there on time and simply want bus tickets.
2. Customers who don't show up and the waitlisted people are there.
3. Last minute cancellations.
4. Customers who want to be with their friends on a different bus (I've seen people hold up the bus because they see their friends on another bus).
5. A theater full of guests with related and non-related questions.

When you have free/included excursions, 80% of the passengers could be booked on one or more excursions that day.

Getting back to the original subject. . . . with excursions being booked 240 and 180 days in advance, there will be friends and/or family members that are scheduled to go on a different/later bus. Can you fix it? Yep -- just gives Destination Services more to do.

Dave, you know that I have much more positive than negative to say about Regent. As much as I feel that the way excursions are handled is crazy, we have been on some good excursions (usually the ones you pay for. . . but a few free ones). In terms of the the parts of the concierge program that force people to the end of the line for dining and excursion reservations, there is not one thing that I find right about it. I find it objectionable on every level.


Disclosure: We love the Regent experience as it exists today. The ships, the incredible service, the food, the suites. . . . . especially the staff. Any negative comments in this post refer to some recent and future policies set forth by Regent/PCH management.

[HanL]

4. Customers who want to be with their friends on a different bus (I've seen people hold up the bus because they see their friends on another bus).


We were on the Mariner Black Sea trip (1 month ago). We found out that as long as you register together with your friends in the theater you will be on the same bus. Even of you have different times on your ticket. Actually people in the theatre announce it that way. "Come forward together, so you can be on the same bus."

[Travelcat2]

We were on the Mariner Black Sea trip (1 month ago). We found out that as long as you register together with your friends in the theater you will be on the same bus. Even of you have different times on your ticket. Actually people in the theatre announce it that way. "Come forward together, so you can be on the same bus."

Thank you for sharing that. Hope this is something new that will be applied to all cruises. On our last Regent cruise, we were not even permitted to change times (unless there was room).

[jhp]

As I said before, this is not new. Did same thing in January, and again in Feb/Mar. No need to harp on a problem that doesn't exist.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Getting back to the original subject. . . . with excursions being booked 240 and 180 days in advance, there will be friends and/or family members that are scheduled to go on a different/later bus. Can you fix it? Yep -- just gives Destination Services more to do.

TC, buses aren't assigned until you turn in your ticket in the lounge, so this should not be a problem. Now, getting the same excursions might be, of course.

[Travelcat2]

TC, buses aren't assigned until you turn in your ticket in the lounge, so this should not be a problem. Now, getting the same excursions might be, of course.

I'm merely giving my experience from this year. Excursions had to be broken up into smaller groups (perhaps the buses were smaller than expected). You could not change your time. Several people tried. We ended up giving up our ticket because, although we have signed up for a morning excursion, we were moved to an afternoon one.

Apparently there are different experiences (not surprising). There are only so many seats on a bus.... I suspect that if your group is too large, you may have to be sent to a different bus.

Just because one person does not have a problem certainly does not mean that the next person won't. It is the same with those who have never had an issue getting an excursion. There is a newbie on one of the Alaska threads who was not able to get any of the excursions they wanted.

Wendy, not meaning to take this out on you. There are some people who insist on telling posters what they can and cannot talk about (based on their personal views). You are not one of them:-)

[Responder]

I'm merely giving my experience from this year. Excursions had to be broken up into smaller groups (perhaps the buses were smaller than expected). You could not change your time. Several people tried. We ended up giving up our ticket because, although we have signed up for a morning excursion, we were moved to an afternoon one.

Apparently there are different experiences (not surprising). There are only so many seats on a bus.... I suspect that if your group is too large, you may have to be sent to a different bus.

Just because one person does not have a problem certainly does not mean that the next person won't. It is the same with those who have never had an issue getting an excursion. There is a newbie on one of the Alaska threads who was not able to get any of the excursions they wanted.

Isn't this very much like life's experiences? Some succeed, some don't.

Wendy, not meaning to take this out on you. There are some people who insist on telling posters what they can and cannot talk about (based on their personal views). You are not one of them:-)

I don't understand what you mean by this.
I don't read posters telling anyone what or what not to talk about.
Maybe they mean saying what one has to say once and then resting. IMO

[Hambagahle]

It seems (according to someone I can trust for accurate info at Regent) that an announcement about enlarged benefits for SSS members re excursions and dining reservation will be made in a few days...

Now we wait! And see!

[mrlevin]

It seems (according to someone I can trust for accurate info at Regent) that an announcement about enlarged benefits for SSS members re excursions and dining reservation will be made in a few days...

Now we wait! And see!

"Beware the ides of August." ;)

[Responder]

"Beware the ides of August." ;)

Or in this case, the tides. :)

[jhp]

Hambagle, give a short comment you made some time ago, I'm going to trust you on that :)

[Hambagahle]

Thanks, jhp - that's right!
Gerry

[TedC]

Thanks, jhp - that's right!
Gerry

We're all trusting - or, at least - HOPEFUL!

[mrlevin]

Or in this case, the tides. :)

Actually, today is Assumtion Day; a good day to make assumptions regarding Regent's plans. :D

[Travelcat2]

Actually, today is Assumtion Day; a good day to make assumptions regarding Regent's plans. :D

Since it is Assumption Day, I suppose no one will bash me if I assume that nothing will happen (based on the prior several months).

[Hambagahle]

No specific date was given - just "in a few days". Certainly not a specific "Ferragosto" date. (Assomption).

[TedC]

A Regent expert who is in the know reported today an announcment would be made in a week or so. I know her name but can not state it here because she's a super TA who sometimes posts useful information on CC.

[journeyfan]

A Regent expert who is in the know reported today an announcment would be made in a week or so. I know her name but can not state it here because she's a super TA who sometimes posts useful information on CC.
True, but the "super TA" is reporting that she has no idea what the announcement will include. It could be unfavorable for SSS Gold+ members.

[rallydave]

True, but the "supeI TA" is reporting that she has no idea what the announcement will include. It could be unfavorable for SSS Gold+ members.

As an educated guess would think journeyfan is correct. After all, aren't we about 3 weeks past the first 240 day reservation and by the time they provide this announcement, at least 3 cruises will have been reserved by the concierge people. Would hear a howling of discontent from the SSS Members if the policy is changed after they would have been able to book.

If the announcement is about SSS members getting concierge priviledges, what took so long from Mark Conroy's e-mail stating that they made an error in not including gold and above. If we were betting, would bet that this is a change to the SSS benefits and doesn't include the concierge program. Sincerley hope I am incorrect but, we shall see in a week or so if this so called super ta is correct about any announcement.

For those who do know who this ta is, she has posted this info on her forum which I can't name.

[Travelcat2]

Trying to get back to the subject for a moment, no one apparently knows what will be announced next week (or, if they know, they can't say). Don't think there is any harm in guessing. My prediction about changes in the SSS benefits is due to the way the "concierge" benefits are written. It isn't a negative or a positive for most of us. Most CC members on the Regent board will not be affected by the grandfathering of "Gold an Above" -- if it does happen. In any event, it will be interesting to hear what Regent has to say.

[MightyQuinn]

Hi everyone :) I'm back from my two week trip to The Kimberleys in Western Australia. Was nice and warm.

Ron Brannon, I did that trip in reverse in December. You can read about my experience here - http://www.robynlakeman.com/blog/?p=85#more-85
Scroll down to Day 5. This excursion was worth every penny. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

lonig, I put up some places of interest in Australia about a page or two back. As for New Zealand. I recommend the Milford Sound-Queenstown-Dunedin trip. Have a look at the other excursions I did last time on the link above.

For Napier it's really easy to just walk off and do your own thing in the town. It's a gorgeous art deco town. In Tauranga you can do the same and there are tours you can take to Rotorua there that are cheaper than the ships. I thought it was really worthwhile going to Rotorua. If you don't want to go far in Wellington do the cable car and gardens.

My next trip is one week in Queenstown, New Zealand in October and then it's the cruise in November :)

Robyn

[Travelcat2]

As one of the strongest opponents of the Concierge Program, I would like to share the other side of the story. As many posters know, we have always booked "E" or above. Today we booked a pre-cruise excursion for our April, 2012 cruise. As Concierge level passengers, we saved $360 dollars on this excursion (for two people) over what non-Concierge level passengers will pay. So, there are definitely benefits to the new program. Does this change my mind? Definitely not!

[cruiseej]

Jackie, could you clarify... I thought the concierge program just gave you the ability to book your excursions 90 days before non-concierge travelers. How did being concierge-class save you $180 per person? Is this because you're confident the excursion will fill up, and people later will have to pay out-of-pocket for a non-Regent tour operator to do the same trip? Or did being concierge-class give you a Regent excursion for free which non-concierge people will have to pay extra for?

-- Eric

[Travelcat2]

Jackie, could you clarify... I thought the concierge program just gave you the ability to book your excursions 90 days before non-concierge travelers. How did being concierge-class save you $180 per person? Is this because you're confident the excursion will fill up, and people later will have to pay out-of-pocket for a non-Regent tour operator to do the same trip? Or did being concierge-class give you a Regent excursion for free which non-concierge people will have to pay extra for?

-- Eric

Sure -- happy to explain. I should have called it a pre-cruise "land adventure" rather than pre-cruise excursion. "Land adventures" are available to book any time. This particular "land adventure" includes 3 nights hotel, flight to Cappadocia in Turkey, excursions and transportation. There are two options for this adventure. The least expensive option is available to concierge level only. The premium option is offered at the following rates (copied from the Regent website)

PRE CAPPADOCIA - PREMIUM
Price: $1,799.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

PRE CAPPADOCIA - PREM (CONCIERGE ONLY)
Price: $1,619.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

A week from today the regular excursions will be available to book (concierge only). I'm wondering if two prices will be shown for the excursions with price tags. Will report back on this thread.

[rallydave]

Sure -- happy to explain. I should have called it a pre-cruise "land adventure" rather than pre-cruise excursion. "Land adventures" are available to book any time. This particular "land adventure" includes 3 nights hotel, flight to Cappadocia in Turkey, excursions and transportation. There are two options for this adventure. The least expensive option is available to concierge level only. The premium option is offered at the following rates (copied from the Regent website)

PRE CAPPADOCIA - PREMIUM
Price: $1,799.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

PRE CAPPADOCIA - PREM (CONCIERGE ONLY)
Price: $1,619.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

A week from today the regular excursions will be available to book (concierge only). I'm wondering if two prices will be shown for the excursions with price tags. Will report back on this thread.

Actually tc, there are two different pre-cruise land adventures and each of them offers the 10% discount for concierge passengers. There is the adventure you show above and another one where I believe the price is $100 less for non-concierge and $90 less for concierge. Only difference I could see was a different hotel.

To more fully answer the OP's question, there are quite a few differences that concierge passengers get, early bookings are only 2 of them. There are discounts on excursions and adventures, suite extras, discounts on fine wine and extra cost liquor, etc. The full extras are described on the Regent web page under news. Think the following link will get you there:

http://www.rssc.com/news/details.aspx?newsid=ffbc2a0f-60ca-4428-9bd7-58a7292065ef

[Travelcat2]

Actually tc, there are two different pre-cruise land adventures and each of them offers the 10% discount for concierge passengers. There is the adventure you show above and another one where I believe the price is $100 less for non-concierge and $90 less for concierge. Only difference I could see was a different hotel.



I must be blind. Just looked again and only saw one price (copied and pasted below) for the standard pre-cruise adventure:

PRE CAPPADOCIA - STD (CONCIERGE ONLY)
Price: $1,529.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

Where are you seeing the other price?

[DaveFr]

Jackie, could you clarify... I thought the concierge program just gave you the ability to book your excursions 90 days before non-concierge travelers. How did being concierge-class save you $180 per person? Is this because you're confident the excursion will fill up, and people later will have to pay out-of-pocket for a non-Regent tour operator to do the same trip? Or did being concierge-class give you a Regent excursion for free which non-concierge people will have to pay extra for?

-- Eric
Eric,

One of the Concierge Program's features is "10% off pre- or post-cruise Hotel or Land Program." Hope this helps.

Dave

[rallydave]

I must be blind. Just looked again and only saw one price (copied and pasted below) for the standard pre-cruise adventure:

PRE CAPPADOCIA - STD (CONCIERGE ONLY)
Price: $1,529.00 per guest based on double occupancy.

Where are you seeing the other price?

Don't know where you are getting your info and it may be where I can't get it since I'm not on that cruise so I simply went to your cruise on the web and then looked at Hotel and Land programs as I copied below. There are two Land of Fairy Chimneys pre cruise adventures. They each have links and the non-premium for concierge is $1529 while the premium is $1619 For non-cincierge, they are $1699 and $1799 repsectively. The concierge discount is 10% on both. The adventures appear to be the same except the premium stays at a more expensive hotel.

Go to the rssc site and don't log in and you will see what I am saying.

Hotel & Land Programs
Adventures Ashore
Adventures Ashore for this cruise are not yet available, please check back regularly for programs that will be offered.


Pre/Post Land Adventures

Cappadocia - Land of Fairy Chimneys Pre-Cruise (http://www.rssc.com/cruises/landhotelprograms.aspx?VoyageId=MAR120412&DisplayType=Program&Id=ISTL20|True&TimeType=PR)Cappadocia (http://www.rssc.com/cruises/landhotelprograms.aspx?VoyageId=MAR120412&DisplayType=Program&Id=ISTL23|True&TimeType=PR)

Land of Fairy Chimneys - Premium Pre-Cruise

[Travelcat2]

Thanks Rallydave! Not sure I like the idea of not being able to see everything simply because I am signed in. Obviously it was a computer error that I was able to see both prices for the "premium" option. Appreciate the time you took to provide the info.

[cruiseej]

Thanks, Travelcat and Dave. I misread her original post that this was a pre-cruise excursion, and thought it was an excursion during the cruise. And with all the back-and-forth in the forum about the priority for booking excursions and dining, I had actually forgotten that there were also discounts for some types of excursions as part of the concierge program.

-- Eric

[Travelcat2]

This is an update to my earlier posts regarding our April cruise (the second cruise on the Voyager when the concierge program is in place).

Prices are now available for excursions -- can be viewed by anyone (April 23rd Istanbul to Venice cruise on the Voyager). I am a bit blown away with the prices of some excursions (even with our 10% discount that does not show at this point). Regent has added lunch to a couple of tours and raised the price ($322 for 2 people for a 5 hour excursion). We selected excursions based on a similiar cruise this year. The ones we selected cost (with discount that I calculated) $1,244. We are not booking an excursion in three ports. . . so, this cost is for six ports.

We are going to review everything before we book on Friday. Do wish we did not have to pay for this 240 days in advance.

[Hambagahle]

Have just the "fine print" posted on the Concierge programme. Seems to me that in choosing a Concierge level suite one can actually save money IF one plans to take a couple of paid excursions...

Still waiting, like everyone else I suppose, for the promised announcement from Regent on Gold and above SSS members...

[PaulaJK]

TC, I read your post with great interest........and trepidation for our future on Regent. I realize that I may not be in the majority, but I have a lot of
ambivalence and some plain olde dislike for the current tour situation...and mind you, I'm not even including what is or is not to come w. all of this concierge 'stuff'. Now it's exorbitant add-ons to 'free' tours. [Incidentally, I don't object to add ons for tours that include very special items such as flights,etc]. Regent's advertising claims need a reality check, if not a legal check.

We are booked on the New Year cruise. I gather those free, included tours opened up for booking on 4/27 but I missed the boat and only attended to booking in early summer. So I am waitlisted for two of my 'free' and 'included' in my fare, tours. This never fails to blister me...and no, we have not always broken the waitlist on previous occasions. Paula

[Travelcat2]

I'm still blown away by the increased cost of excursions on our April, 2012 cruise. Here are some examples:

Corfu by 4x4 ( 5 hour tour) - $$116/person
Santorini -- cooking class and lunch -- 5 hours - 143/person
Ephesus -- 5 hour tour with expert - $161/per person
1/2 day Venice tour & Gondola ride - $99/per person


Comparing this to our 11/28 tour in the following places:

Haifa, Israel, 10 1/2 hour tour including lunch at a Kibbutz. No cost

Jordan -- 14 hour tour through Petra and Wadi Rum. Lunch at restaurant -- dinner n Bedouin tent. Cost: $209/person

Hotel overnight stays in Luxor and Tel Aviv -- provided by Regent (no cost).

[mrlevin]

I sure hope they get this excursion pricing fixed by November 2012 for GRAND PRIX. It is first cruise after my upcoming CANADA cruise wherein I got all my excursions for free save one which I will rebook with shipboard credit once onboard. As I have said, included excursions have worked well for me; however, if all excursions now have a price, that is not the case.

As for European excursions, I would hope that Regen assumed an exchange rate of around $1.60 per Euro to cover exchange rate risk. The exchange rate is main reason excursions are so cheap in Asia, Israel, and Jordan (I know all are in Asia) compared to Europe.

[DaveFr]

I sure hope they get this excursion pricing fixed by November 2012 for GRAND PRIX. It is first cruise after my upcoming CANADA cruise wherein I got all my excursions for free save one which I will rebook with shipboard credit once onboard. As I have said, included excursions have worked well for me; however, if all excursions now have a price, that is not the case.
Have no fear, Marc. All excursions do not now have a price. I took a look at the excursions on TC's cruise next April. There were 48 excursions on the cruise. 34 excursions were included at no extra charge and 14 excursions had an extra charge. I compared a few excursions with their 2011 counterparts and the 2012 excursions had decreased in price by a few dollars.

Hope this helps. See you on CANADA.

Dave

[mrlevin]

Have no fear, Marc. All excursions do not now have a price. I took a look at the excursions on TC's cruise next April. There were 48 excursions on the cruise. 34 excursions were included at no extra charge and 14 excursions had an extra charge. I compared a few excursions with their 2011 counterparts and the 2012 excursions had decreased in price by a few dollars.

Hope this helps. See you on CANADA.

Dave

Dave, thanks. That will teach me to believe Travelcat without independently verifying the information.

See you in less than eight weeks!!!

[jhp]

Thank you Dave. I'm glad the sky is not falling ;)

Times are tough, and there are parts of the world that are hard to sell to the apprehensive. While I would welcome another cruise in the mid-east had I not already been on a similar cruise through the Canal (and enjoyed on Silversea), I'm thinking Regent would rather sell a cabin for a whole cruise than to tack on additional charges for excursions on this itinerary, as tourism has drastically been curbed. As I remember, some of the same ones were no charge for the aborted Voyager itinerary including Israel last year.

[rallydave]

Our biggest irritant with the extra cost Regent excursions is the complete inconsistancy in how they determine the extra costs. Totally understand that the suggested retail prices are totally bogus but, would think that they would be posted and charged consistantly.

That is, set a value, not matter how nebulous that excursions are free at that value or less. Have been told that is $150. Then the extra costs would be the bogus retail value less the $150 "free" excursion value. Regent doesn't do that. For instance on tc's cruise, there are two excursions in Venice, Venitian Palaces at a suggested retail of $249 with an extra cost of $179 while Historical Venice and Gondola Ride shows a suggested tetail of the same $249 and an added cost of only $99.

The above is a real big difference and most aren't that far apart but, certainly an indication that the people who put together the bogus retail prices and then the extra charges to the passengers have no clue what they are doing. Even with bogus pricing, would be much happier to see some consistance along with realistic and consistant suggested retail prices as well as realistic and consistant additional pricing.

We all know that Regent makes a significant profit on the extra cost excursions, and if we the customers agree to pay, that is fine but, we expect consistant pricing when we go to the store or the mall, why shouldn't we get the same consistancies from Regent??

[Travelcat2]

I hope Laura and Dan will allow this post to stand. I'll try to state my views within the guidelines of CC as I definitely respect your guidelines.

Mr. Levin seems excited to dispute and discard my email regarding the cost of excursions. He, as well as other opponents of my posts may have a bit of tunnel vision. We have not taken a Regent cruise since January, 2011. Our basis of comparison is 2010 We loved our Regent cruises in 2010/11 and also our Silversea cruises in 2010/11.

When it comes to our recently booked cruise in April, 2012, we are truly in "sticker shock". We have not seen this many excursions with pricetags of $100+ since we began sailing with Raddision in 2004.

Let us state upfront that we have no problem paying for excursions. In fact, we always are in hope that these excursions will have smaller groups and will be more intensive. The shock factor comes from price points on 4-5 hour excursions that have a cost of an 8 hour excursion. What happened? Also wonder why. In terms of this particular cruise, we are already paying of $3K for the pre-cruise visit to Capaddoccia and question whether or not we want to pay another $1,000 plus for excursions in cities that we are not that excited about.

As JHP mentioned, there are extremely reason excursions for our late November, 2011 cruise. This is no doubt because no one wants to go there. Still, IMHO, currently the Istanbul - Venice cruise needs more passengers. Really hope this happens before we have to commit to the excursions at 11:00 p.m. on the 26th of August.

[rallydave]

tc, you brought all of CC down with your above post. Tried to responsd and the CC server would not respond right after I got the e-mail with your latest post.

Now, tc, hope you are sitting down. I agree with you totally and believe my comments in the post immediately before yours supports that belief. On our last cruise we paid $199 pp for an excursion in Japan that was for 5 hours. That is even higher than any you mentioned and believe higher than any on your cruise. Wrote to destinations on board and compared this absurd charge to another excursion a few day later still in Japan that was a 10 hours excursion that went to more than twice as many sights and had admissions about triple the $199 one and I got back their canned response that the excursion was well received. Totally ignored almost all I wrote. All I asked for was a partial refund and the b^&*rds kept every penny I gave them.

Only reason we are going on one more Regent cruise is our TA is not port intensive and I researched the excursions and there is only one extra cost excursion and if the price is too high we can simply not book it in a month. Sincerely believe that Regent has really ticked off a lot of customers who would continue to cruise with them if it weren't for their unrealistic pricing, absolutely stupid concierge program and other marketing screw-ups.

Will be very interesting to see where Regent is 6 months to a year from now.

[jhp]

Rallydave, happens often, a momentary lapse or glitch in getting on CC.

Not sure why you signed up for that excursion in Japan if you already knew in advance what it would cost. Japan is expensive, no doubt about it, just like Europe, but can't figure out what you are talking about here with an excursion later (?) that cost 3x the cost of yours? Best deals are in places like Malaysia, Vietnam, and other such ports in Asia, especially for independent excursions arranged on your own. I am checking on private tours pre- and post-cruise in Barcelona and Istanbul, and finding wide difference in pricing.

I'm on a cruise on the Navigator in 52 more days, the East Coast from Canada to Florida. All excursions booked, all free. Less than 6 months. On another one in April, just after 6 months. I think Regent will still be "standing", and for now, I can't book excursions until October 5. But I don't like those fare prices either until I check the luxury competition. Nobody does. Especially when we look at what the market is doing ;) Sort of puts you in a "mood".

I'm sure your experience with Regent was frustrating (I have read your posts about it), and I think it was your first and only cruise? Glad you are giving them another chance.

TC, have you checked out the competition for your cruise in April? I did before I booked 3 cabins for mine. We both enjoy Silversea. While now SS has introduced a $1,000 onboard credit for cruises under 14 days (Crystal doing similar) in answer to Regent's "all inclusive" (excursions) concept, I still don't think you will find a better value. I for one am going to be quite happy with the "included" (not free) excursions we hope to do, except for the ones I'd book with our on board credits. None of the ones you mentioned with the charges appeals to me at all. And, you don't really have absolute deadline or anything for August 26 for a cruise so far away. You are "Concierge", and if that cruise is not selling well anyway, I'm sure you will get anything you want, and you final payment not due for months.

[Travelcat2]

Definitely checked out the competition prior to booking our April cruise. Regent is the best value -- no question about it. As I've mentioned previously, we are not a fan of "included excursions" as we have found some (not all) to be extremely crowded with long lines getting off of the ship. I am continuing to do research that will include checking out half day private tours. If the ship remains as empty as it appears to be now, we may do a couple of included excursions.

Fortunately we still have time to make decisions.

[DaveFr]

Definitely checked out the competition prior to booking our April cruise. Regent is the best value -- no question about it. As I've mentioned previously, we are not a fan of "included excursions" as we have found some (not all) to be extremely crowded with long lines getting off of the ship. I am continuing to do research that will include checking out half day private tours. If the ship remains as empty as it appears to be now, we may do a couple of included excursions.

Fortunately we still have time to make decisions.
TC,

Don't automatically think that a private tour will be less expensive than the same or similar Regent tour. As expensive as the Regent tours may be, private tours may be even more expensive. With the dollar in the tank, Europe is an expensive place these days.

Out of curiosity, I took one of the excursions you mentioned earlier, the Venice tour and gondola ride, and tried to find an equivalent private tour. At http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/Venice-Europe-Excursions-p/euvchisgond.htm, I think I found the company that operates the Regent tour. As you can see, a similar private tour from the company is more expensive than the Regent tour and does not include transportation to and from the Voyager and St. Mark's Square.

Good luck with your research.

Dave

[rallydave]

Understand your confusion as I did not post a cohesive thought and noticed it right after this thread went to hell and too late to correct. Also all the bad posts after mine (that were quickly deleted) gave me no impetus to explain later but, will try to explain within the quote below:

Rallydave, happens often, a momentary lapse or glitch in getting on CC.

Understand that and was simply joking with tc at that point. It was a strange situation at that point in that the CC server was not even responding and my computer thought that I wasn't connected to the internet although other sites responded just fine. Problem was with all my browsers and another computer as well. Was not the often delay in responding. The server was definately down for about 10 minutes.

Not sure why you signed up for that excursion in Japan if you already knew in advance what it would cost. Japan is expensive, no doubt about it, just like Europe, but can't figure out what you are talking about here with an excursion later (?) that cost 3x the cost of yours? Best deals are in places like Malaysia, Vietnam, and other such ports in Asia, especially for independent excursions arranged on your own. I am checking on private tours pre- and post-cruise in Barcelona and Istanbul, and finding wide difference in pricing.

OK, here is where I caused your confusion. We did 2 extra cost excursions in Japan. The $199 one for 5 hours and another 2 days later for $109 that spent 10 hours on tour. The $199 tour sounded great in print but, in fact, it was nothing special. The 3X refers to admission charges on the 2 excursions. The $199 excursion had admission costs to the sites of about $15 US. The $109 excursion had admission costs to the sites of about $45 US. The $109 excursion was excellent and well worth it, went to about 8 sites/attractions while the $199 only went to 2 sites/attractions. Both included nice lunches and the $199 used about an hour and a half with lunch or 30% of the tour time such that the actual sightseeing after removing the bus time was about 50% or 2 1/2 hours. Fully understand Japan is expensive and without the other excursion, might not be so upset but, the comparison was glaring in that almost double the cost and less than 50% the value.

I'm on a cruise on the Navigator in 52 more days, the East Coast from Canada to Florida. All excursions booked, all free. Less than 6 months. On another one in April, just after 6 months. I think Regent will still be "standing", and for now, I can't book excursions until October 5. But I don't like those fare prices either until I check the luxury competition. Nobody does. Especially when we look at what the market is doing ;) Sort of puts you in a "mood".

I'm sure your experience with Regent was frustrating (I have read your posts about it), and I think it was your first and only cruise? Glad you are giving them another chance.

Not our first Regent cruise; did a 10 day Baltic on Voyager the year before and everything seemed reasonable regarding Destinations and we had no complaints. We are not inexperienced cruisers as we have done close to 20 cruises all over the world on mostly mainstream cruise lines where we paid for all excursions. Our issues are that while we expect the cruiseline to make money on excursions, we don't expect to be fleeced and we expect consistancy in pricing neither of which did Regent do last year. Would not do a port extensive cruise with Regent and doubt we will do any more Regent cruises unless the long awaited announcement from Regent makes changes to concierge. We were planning on booking another cruise on board our last cruise but, the bad taste in our mouth after the poor Destinations response to the overpriced and under delivered tour plus the Beijing disaster and virtually no response caused to to reconsider. We then reconsidered again and decided on our TA and expect to have a great time with a lot of great CC people. Hope to be able to sail Regent again but, it is up to Regent whether or not that will happen. Communications MUST improve.

TC, have you checked out the competition for your cruise in April? I did before I booked 3 cabins for mine. We both enjoy Silversea. While now SS has introduced a $1,000 onboard credit for cruises under 14 days (Crystal doing similar) in answer to Regent's "all inclusive" (excursions) concept, I still don't think you will find a better value. I for one am going to be quite happy with the "included" (not free) excursions we hope to do, except for the ones I'd book with our on board credits. None of the ones you mentioned with the charges appeals to me at all. And, you don't really have absolute deadline or anything for August 26 for a cruise so far away. You are "Concierge", and if that cruise is not selling well anyway, I'm sure you will get anything you want, and you final payment not due for months.

[Travelcat2]

TC,

Don't automatically think that a private tour will be less expensive than the same or similar Regent tour. As expensive as the Regent tours may be, private tours may be even more expensive. With the dollar in the tank, Europe is an expensive place these days.

Out of curiosity, I took one of the excursions you mentioned earlier, the Venice tour and gondola ride, and tried to find an equivalent private tour. At http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/Venice-Europe-Excursions-p/euvchisgond.htm, I think I found the company that operates the Regent tour. As you can see, a similar private tour from the company is more expensive than the Regent tour and does not include transportation to and from the Voyager and St. Mark's Square.

Good luck with your research.

Dave

Thanks for the link! Now I'm even more blown away. I cannot imagine paying that much for that particular tour. BTW, did you enjoy the tour of Venice and gondola ride? I'm obviously not in touch with today's tour costs and should not be comparing excursion prices in the Middle East with those in Europe.

[rallydave]

TC,

Don't automatically think that a private tour will be less expensive than the same or similar Regent tour. As expensive as the Regent tours may be, private tours may be even more expensive. With the dollar in the tank, Europe is an expensive place these days.

Out of curiosity, I took one of the excursions you mentioned earlier, the Venice tour and gondola ride, and tried to find an equivalent private tour. At http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/Venice-Europe-Excursions-p/euvchisgond.htm, I think I found the company that operates the Regent tour. As you can see, a similar private tour from the company is more expensive than the Regent tour and does not include transportation to and from the Voyager and St. Mark's Square.

Good luck with your research.

Dave

While you are correct about the out of pocket price for the private tour for 2 being higher, the privated tour for 2 is still less than the Regent suggested retail for the group tour. And, the tour for 10 is $109 PP. And less for larger groups.

Yet, Regent is charging an additional $99pp for this excursion. In other words, Regent is ignoring the "free unlimited shore excursions" and charging the passenger the full cost of the tour and not deducting what they would provide as a free tour.

Dave, based on the pricing you found, this excursion should be one of the "free" excursions and not one with an up charge and not one with a $99 surcharge. Again, understand Regent attempts to make money on extra cost excursions but, this one clearly fits in the "free" category yet they are charging $99pp extra. Realize these prices don't include the transport from and to the ship but, that can't possibly be more that $25pp even in Europe. With 40 people on a 55 person bus, that would be $1,000 for the bus and more than enough.

Have no way to prove this but, would expect a cruiseline selling this exact excursion would probably charge $150 or so pp which Regent should still call a "free" excursion. Talk about excessive profit and false advertising????

[Travelcat2]

To be fair, Regent does have a "free" gondola ride http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120423/VCE/VCE-002/portsexcursions.aspx#Excursion . The way they price their excursions can be confusing. Since this particular excursion is not high on my list, we will book the included one.

It pays to read the excursions thoroughly (as I'm learning). For example, there are several excursions in Ephesus -- only one of which has a cost (coincidentally, that was the one we were interested in. . . . but are looking at the choices again).

I have inadvertantly taken this thread a bit off subject. Hope that some of our observations will be helpful to others. If this were a full cruise, I would wonder whether we would be able to get the tour that is limited to 20 participants (if we were not concierge level).