srb
June 16th, 2004, 12:43 PM
Hi,
Just back from the Regatta Dover to Stockholm trip and as promised, here are some thoughts (see pre trip posting from end of May ‘expectations”). First off, we had a great trip. Thank you to Oceania for doing a great job. The ship is excellent both in size and staffing. We found the food, cabin, smoking policy, facilities, and cleanliness to be completely as advertised. We had splurged for a vista suite and found it remarkable. Butler service was attentive and responsive and the space itself was expansive and luxurious. We were on the six-floor front and the only downside is the bass sounds from the Regatta lounge entertainment directly below and the vibrations and noise during early morning dockings. Not sure much could be done about either. We did use the fitness facilities and the Spa and found them of excellent quality and they compared very favorably to other cruises we have taken. The Oceania at Sea was available, pricey but efficient. We were always able to get on a computer and check our emails. We only used destination services for one tour to Gdansk. The tour itself was fine. The ship destination staff had warned of potential problems finding a taxi into Gdansk however it turn out that a number of taxis were available if we had chosen independent tour (which we would have preferred).
The port intensive itinerary for this cruise was exceptional and in most cases the docking locations were very good. We ran like crazy every day and made the most of our time in port. A word of thanks to all the people who provided information on the various web boards, we found it most useful. We structured our port activities based on your information and it went perfectly. To wit: Bruges Taxi Service was waiting, sign in hand, when we arrived; Berlin Sightseeing Co had a car and driver waiting to take us to Berlin and we picked up an English speaking guide who gave us a excellent whirlwind tour of the city; DenRus Tours was waiting at immigrations on the dock with a car and driver and their wonderful guide Elena gave us three interesting, informative and exciting days in St. Petersburg. For Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm we went directly from the ship to the local tourist information office and secured all- inclusive day cards which provided free or discounted entrance into sights and museums, unlimited use of public and semi public transportation (including on/off buses, ferries and canal boats) and discounts at specific shops. Combined with their maps and booklets we truly enjoyed a comprehensive one-day view of each town. Tallinn required no card and our Rick Steves self-guided walking tour fit the bill perfectly.
Cannot really comment about the entertainment on board, as we never attended any of the shows. Spent too much Casino time I guess. However there was certainly a variety of entertainers and music on board and at the docks. While we never attended the enrichment lectures we did find ourselves watching them on the TV in the cabin and other passengers did comment on their quality. The port talks were less informative and more geared toward selling tours rather than broadly explaining about the ports. However, with a single exception (which I think is quite remarkable) we found the entire staff to a person to be friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in servicing our needs. From wait staff to cabin staff, from embarkation staff to officers, from casino dealers to maitre’ds, everyone was friendly helpful and made us feel special. The one bad actor stood out for his poor performance compare to the rest of the people working for our benefit. So for a quick snapshot we had a great time on an excellent craft, met interesting people, saw exciting ports (it sure “wasn’t Kansas anymore”) and spent two weeks focusing on unique towns, interesting local customs and foods, pampering ourselves and not thinking about work and obligations. We found our trip to be both a great learning experience and a darn good time from morning to night. If I get a chance, I will write a follow up with day-by-day activities and information but for now I must get back to the real world. If any of you have any specific questions about the ship, and the cruise, I will watch the boards for the next few days and will try to respond.
PS: we are booked with my mother and adult children for the December 21st southern Caribbean aboard the Regatta. Expectations stated and met.
Stephen and Elizabeth
Just back from the Regatta Dover to Stockholm trip and as promised, here are some thoughts (see pre trip posting from end of May ‘expectations”). First off, we had a great trip. Thank you to Oceania for doing a great job. The ship is excellent both in size and staffing. We found the food, cabin, smoking policy, facilities, and cleanliness to be completely as advertised. We had splurged for a vista suite and found it remarkable. Butler service was attentive and responsive and the space itself was expansive and luxurious. We were on the six-floor front and the only downside is the bass sounds from the Regatta lounge entertainment directly below and the vibrations and noise during early morning dockings. Not sure much could be done about either. We did use the fitness facilities and the Spa and found them of excellent quality and they compared very favorably to other cruises we have taken. The Oceania at Sea was available, pricey but efficient. We were always able to get on a computer and check our emails. We only used destination services for one tour to Gdansk. The tour itself was fine. The ship destination staff had warned of potential problems finding a taxi into Gdansk however it turn out that a number of taxis were available if we had chosen independent tour (which we would have preferred).
The port intensive itinerary for this cruise was exceptional and in most cases the docking locations were very good. We ran like crazy every day and made the most of our time in port. A word of thanks to all the people who provided information on the various web boards, we found it most useful. We structured our port activities based on your information and it went perfectly. To wit: Bruges Taxi Service was waiting, sign in hand, when we arrived; Berlin Sightseeing Co had a car and driver waiting to take us to Berlin and we picked up an English speaking guide who gave us a excellent whirlwind tour of the city; DenRus Tours was waiting at immigrations on the dock with a car and driver and their wonderful guide Elena gave us three interesting, informative and exciting days in St. Petersburg. For Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm we went directly from the ship to the local tourist information office and secured all- inclusive day cards which provided free or discounted entrance into sights and museums, unlimited use of public and semi public transportation (including on/off buses, ferries and canal boats) and discounts at specific shops. Combined with their maps and booklets we truly enjoyed a comprehensive one-day view of each town. Tallinn required no card and our Rick Steves self-guided walking tour fit the bill perfectly.
Cannot really comment about the entertainment on board, as we never attended any of the shows. Spent too much Casino time I guess. However there was certainly a variety of entertainers and music on board and at the docks. While we never attended the enrichment lectures we did find ourselves watching them on the TV in the cabin and other passengers did comment on their quality. The port talks were less informative and more geared toward selling tours rather than broadly explaining about the ports. However, with a single exception (which I think is quite remarkable) we found the entire staff to a person to be friendly, helpful and genuinely interested in servicing our needs. From wait staff to cabin staff, from embarkation staff to officers, from casino dealers to maitre’ds, everyone was friendly helpful and made us feel special. The one bad actor stood out for his poor performance compare to the rest of the people working for our benefit. So for a quick snapshot we had a great time on an excellent craft, met interesting people, saw exciting ports (it sure “wasn’t Kansas anymore”) and spent two weeks focusing on unique towns, interesting local customs and foods, pampering ourselves and not thinking about work and obligations. We found our trip to be both a great learning experience and a darn good time from morning to night. If I get a chance, I will write a follow up with day-by-day activities and information but for now I must get back to the real world. If any of you have any specific questions about the ship, and the cruise, I will watch the boards for the next few days and will try to respond.
PS: we are booked with my mother and adult children for the December 21st southern Caribbean aboard the Regatta. Expectations stated and met.
Stephen and Elizabeth