Istanbul-Safraga Cruise

[SF_Bill]

Just booked this cruise for next year on Voyager. I see that RSSC books guests into the Istanbul Hyatt Regency for the pre-cruise night, but was wondering what they use for the post-cruise night in Luxor and 2 nights in Cairo. Was also wondering what airlines they're using for this year's flights. I'm trying to decide if I should plan on an air deviation for next year. Any info would be appreciated.

[jhp]

SF Bill, I have no idea what hotels they will use next year. But this year, on a roll call on this board (but you have to go up to sticky area to go there) , Regent is using Sheraton in Luxor, Semiramus in Cairo for their pre-post free land trips that are "included". I usually don't use Regent's "pre-cruise" free hotels for one night before the cruise, take the credit instead as sometimes I like to come in 2 days early. But those 3 Day included pre-post land trips in this area are too nice to pass up. Regent has never disappointed me with "included" excursions like this in the middle of a cruise. Once in Bejiing, we stayed in the Regent Hotel in the middle of a cruise. What a treat. Regent does not cut corners here. Too big a risk to damage their stellar reputation.

Air is up to the Air Department! (I think they have an affinity toward Star Alliance from my experience) I think it depends on where you live. Perhaps your TA will know, if experience with Regent in the past

[Travelcat2]

Regent seems to like using Lufthansa when possible in this area (good airline). I see there is a one stop flight from SFO to IST (short layover in Munich). It's a good bet that you would be booked on that flight.

In terms of hotels, they change hotels quite frequently. We typically book our own hotels and take the $600 Regent credit (for two people). In Istanbul, we found the prices for top hotels to be around the $600/night (surprising). We will be cruising out of Istanbul in April, 2012 so our research is recent. We are taking the 3-night pre-cruise "adventure" and Regent is putting us up at the Ritz Carlton in Istanbul (we get the $600 credit for the hotel because we won't be using it.. .. a bit complicated).