Caviar

[SuzMate]

Did I read correctly - does Regent charge for caviar???

[dorie10295]

Yes they certainly do. We were on the Voyager over the Christmas Holidays and they charged $25.00 for a small portion at dinner. They also had a caviar tasting on a sea day and charged for that. Gone are the days of caviar every night at dinner with no charge.

[dfb]

Suz, Yes that is correct. RSSC does charge for caviar if you eat it when you want it vs. when they are serving it. That said, they do serve it alot! They serve it on eggs on Sunday mornings in Compass Rose. They serve it at the SSS party generally. Sometimes at the Captain's Welcome Reception. Sometimes at the Gala or International buffets on the Pool Deck at lunch time. So, you can have caviar without paying extra if you keep an eye out for it to appear at special events onboard.
Debbie

[dfb]

I just went back and checked our menus. We were on Mariner Circle South America for 4 segments; 60 days from Jan. 4 to March 4. During that time, they served caviar at no charge as an appetizer at dinner 3 times. It was at the Captain's Farewell Dinner every segment, except Segment 3. No idea why except that they served Foie Gras that night! So, on 1/13 they served Osetra Malossol with classic garnish and buckwheat blinis. Same thing on 3/2 during Segment 4. On Segment 2, on 2/2, they served Russian Osetra Caviar Classic served with classic garnish and buckwheat blinis. Also, on at least 2 segment that I noticed as went through them at lunch in Compass Rose they had Crab Deviled Eggs served with Russian Caviar and Parsley. They also had the caviar night in one of the lounges pre-dinner on several evening where they have a selection of caviar for sale by the spoon or by the ounce, but they did not advertise a price in the Passages newsletter and since we don't like caviar, we never went to check it out, so no idea what the price was.

Debbie

[RachelG]

Like Debbie, I'm not a huge fan of caviar except as a garnish, so I don't particularly seek it out and definitely wouldn't pay extra for it. But I have had it at the SSS reception every time and a couple of times in the Compass Rose. Also once at the Captain's Welcome Reception.

[cands]

I think Seabourn is the only one of the luxury lines where you can order caviar whenever you like.
Even Silversea has just started charging.

Steve.

[SuzMate]

I'm glad to hear it is served often. Crystal offers it for free... at least last May they did.

[Suite Travels]

Crystal still serves it anytime. You just request it.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

That's one thing I'm glad I don't give a damn about. Yes, it's pleasant once in a while, usually have a serving at the SSS shindig, but otherwise, don't care. Can't think of an analogy in the luxury food category.

[OrpingtonT]

That's one thing I'm glad I don't give a damn about. Yes, it's pleasant once in a while, usually have a serving at the SSS shindig, but otherwise, don't care.

Same here. Certainly not worth the money charged for those fish eggs.

[Travelcat2]

I would have never thought that Crystal would serve complimentary caviar. . . impressive. Now, if they would only include wine and other types of liquors as well as tipping......

[Ste. Michelle]

I'll choose a balcony over caviar any day.

[dougburns]

When we started cruising Regent in 2002 you could order caviar any time from room service. By 2004 that had all stopped and you could only order caviar when it was on the dinner menu. The reason was that they went thru over 400 lb. of caviar on one 7 day cruise.

[Suite Travels]

Crystal does provide complimentary caviar and most of their cabins are balcony's. Our TA pays for our gratuities plus between the two of us we receive close to one thousand in cabin credits between our agent and AMEX.

Our last cruise of 22 days we still had $150.00 credit left on our account so we went and bought some small gift items in the ships store. You can use your credits toward shore excursions or your bar tab or shops. So in essence our cruise was all inclusive.

[Travelcat2]

Crystal does provide complimentary caviar and most of their cabins are balcony's. Our TA pays for our gratuities plus between the two of us we receive close to one thousand in cabin credits between our agent and AMEX.

Our last cruise of 22 days we still had $150.00 credit left on our account so we went and bought some small gift items in the ships store. You can use your credits toward shore excursions or your bar tab or shops. So in essence our cruise was all inclusive.

Suite Travels, as you have mentioned before, you love Crystal and think highly of your TA. Now we know that he pays for gratuities.... interesting. Unfortunately, the differences between Crystal and the three all-inclusive luxury lines goes beyond pricing (assigned seating, size of ship, size of suites, etc.) Crystal's ratings are consistently high in Conde Nast. . . jsut don't think you'll convert many Regent customers:rolleyes:

[Suite Travels]

Travelcat said, "Now we know that he pays for gratuities.... interesting."
Why is that "interesting? TA's do this all the time. BTW, our TA is a she.

No doubt that Regent has the largest suites. In fact we loved our suite on the Voyager, but that is far as it goes. If you have never tried Crystal or for that matter any other luxury line you are not in a position to compare.

As for all inclusive that is a delusion, you are paying for it one way or another. Regent's fares have gone up quite a bit in comparison to Silver Sea, Seabourn and Crystal. In fact one loyal Regent guest is trying SS for less money.

I am not trying to convert anyone to any cruise line. You spend your hard earned dollars where you want to. Our opinion was that Regent just lacked in several areas of customer service. Just my opinion and nothing more.

We will give Seabourn a try when they launch their new fleet and they should give everybody a run for their money.:D

[Travelcat2]

Travelcat said, "Now we know that he pays for gratuities.... interesting."
Why is that "interesting? TA's do this all the time. BTW, our TA is a she.

No doubt that Regent has the largest suites. In fact we loved our suite on the Voyager, but that is far as it goes. If you have never tried Crystal or for that matter any other luxury line you are not in a position to compare.

As for all inclusive that is a delusion, you are paying for it one way or another. Regent's fares have gone up quite a bit in comparison to Silver Sea, Seabourn and Crystal. In fact one loyal Regent guest is trying SS for less money.

I am not trying to convert anyone to any cruise line. You spend your hard earned dollars where you want to. Our opinion was that Regent just lacked in several areas of customer service. Just my opinion and nothing more.

We will give Seabourn a try when they launch their new fleet and they should give everybody a run for their money.:D


Hmmm, I went back and read your March 16th post (in response to "Tried Seabourn -- DEFINITELY Prefer Regent) in which you gave your TA's name. . . perhaps it was a typo.

You're right -- haven't been on Crystal -- however, even though it isn't our choice (due to items listed above), I have nothing but positive things to say about it -- based on many reviews, articles, etc.

While we have done non-luxury cruises -- mostly non-mass market, our TA did not pay for tips -- we paid our own. In recent years, our TA has used other ways to compensate us for our business.

Also agree that the new Seabourn ship will do extremely well -- at least until the new Silversea and Regent ships are built....

[Suite Travels]

Sorry you are wrong, I never posted on March 16th and I have NEVER posted my T/A's name. Also we have never been on Seabourn as of yet.

[Travelcat2]

Sorry you are wrong, I never posted on March 16th and I have NEVER posted my T/A's name. Also we have never been on Seabourn as of yet.

It was March 19th (listed under your CruiseCritic posts). I understand that you haven't been on Seabourn -- just responding to your comment that you'll try Seabourn when they launch their new ship and your prediction that they will give Regent and Silversea a run for their money.

[LindaandJeff]

Wow -I thought I was on the wrong board with all of this negative banter! The Regent board is starting to look more like the NCL board :eek:

Re: TA paying gratuities for them - Someone mentioned that they have never had their TA pay their gratuities on a mass market line. The reason for that is that several lines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity prohibit TAs from doing that since it is really a form of rebating (also prohibited in the insurance industry). That is not to say that many TAs don't do it away...but technically it is prohibited on some cruise lines. I don't know Crystal's rules regarding rebating so I don't know if Suite Travel's TA broke any rules or not...not my issue...but please don't assume that your TA is taking advantage of you if they don't pick up your gratuity tab. Many TAs find other ways to thank their clients for their business.

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for the explanation. I was not aware of TA's paying for cruise tips -- I wasn't judging the practice -- this is something that is not an issue when you travel on the all-inclusive lines. Arguments to tend to happen when members who do not care for Regent come on the boards. Really hope we don't sound too much like NCL (although they are somewhat a "sister" to Regent).

Thanks again!:D

[SuzMate]

Yikes - sorry I mentioned Crystal on the Regent board - lesson learned :)

[Iamboatman]

Actually most of us enjoy hearing (and learning) the differences, strengths and weaknesses, contrasts, etc. of other lines. There is another thread that really has a good discussion (at last!!!) of those points. Some consider this to be a pro-Regent board when it really is an "about Regent and cruising" board.

BTW, TA's have many ways of giving value back to clients. Crystal (like some other lines) has prohibited directly discounting, so pre-paid gratuities, on board credits (so it is not associated only with paying a gratuity you may not want to leave), gift cards, tours, wine, etc. are becoming fairly commonplace as ways to give clients added value.

On Crystal the pre-paid gratuities is sometimes run as a promotion either directly by Crystal or the various consortiums (Virtuoso, Ensemble, Signature, etc.) and that is why it is relatively common on that line.

[Travelcat2]

Yikes - sorry I mentioned Crystal on the Regent board - lesson learned :)

Folks from Crystal are always welcome on Regent boards.:D Most of the people I speak with admire Crystal -- particularly their food quality and entertainment. Many of us would book a Crystal cruise if it had the same ammenities as Silversea Regent & Seabourn.

There are a very few members that stop by the Regent boards with the sole intent of making negative statements about Regent. The same thing probably happens on other boards. I personally enjoy reading the differences between the cruise line/ships, etc. On this thread, I learned that caviar was served complimentary on Crystal -- I happen to enjoy caviar -- so, they would probably lose money on me;)

[Leejnd4]

I've been reading this thread, because I too am a caviar lover, and I was recently dismayed to learn that Silversea (on which I just booked a 15-day cruise) stopped offering caviar upon request without a surcharge ($60 - OUCH!). We got into quite a discussion on the Silversea board about it.

One topic I've noticed missing from this thread is the TYPE of caviar, which is a pretty big issue considering the variances in price (and, some feel, quality) among the different varieties, as well as the recent substantial increase in price for Russian caviar due to the endangerment of the Caspian sturgeon.

While I have no idea what the cruise lines pay for caviar in the quantities they purchase it, check out some of these online retail prices for the different varieties (all Malossol, all per oz):

American Caviar Varieties - farmed:

Paddlefish: $16
White Sturgeon Osetra: $55
Hackleback Sturgeon: $19.80

Russian Caviar Varieties - wild caught:

Caspian Sturgeon Beluga: $250
Caspian Sturgeon Sevruga: $130
Caspian Sturgeon Osetra: $98

Iranian Caviar Varieties - wild caught:

Caspian Sturgeon Sevruga: $150
Caspian Sturgeon Osetra: $198
Caspian Sturgeon Asetra: $160

Other Caviar Varieties - farmed :

Israeli Sturgeon Osetra: $82.50
French Sturgeon Osetra: $75
Uruguayen Sturgeon Osetra: $75

As you can see, prices vary widely depending on the type of fish, whether it's farmed or not, and the origination. When I did my first Regent cruise, we were able to order a serving of Russian Sevruga caviar, which came in a nice healthy amount, with all the fixin's for $25. I thought that was very reasonable then - and if they're still doing that now, I think it's even MORE reasonable, considering current prices!

When I booked my Silversea cruise, I specifically asked which type of caviar Silversea serves, and was told it was American - well, American what? I subsequently learned that it was paddlefish, which makes their $60 charge seem outrageous, to me. On the other side of the coin, if Regent is still offering fat dollops of real Russian wild-caught Sevruga for only $25 a pop, that sounds awfully good to me!

And if Crystal is actually serving real Russian wild-caught caviar AT NO CHARGE, I may even rethink that crusie line! (Although probably not - their biggest detriment in my book is fixed-seat dining...I really can't stand that.) ;)

Does anyone know what Seabourn serves? And if they are still including it at no charge?

[SuzMate]

My comment on mentioning Crystal was mostly in jest. I just find it interesting how strong the opinions can be. We've sail Crystal twice and are looking forward to our first cruise on Regent in May. We do not have strong feelings about open seating or the all inclusive - we just want a great vacation, with little stress.

LeeAnne, you bring up a really good point. I don't know what type Crystal serves, but I'm glad to hear that if we do order some on Regent it will be good quality.

Which brings me to another couple of questions... does anyone know what brand ice cream is served? And, what cognac is included in the all inclusive?

[Leejnd4]

Suzmate, I haven't been on Regent in over a year, and caviar costs have gone up since then. So don't take my word - things may have changed. I should mention that you used to be able to order a caviar serving w/ accouterments as a Bon Voyage gift - in fact that's what I did for my Mom on our first Regent cruise, so that it showed up at the cabin right after embarkation as a surprise. But I checked online, and it's no longer included in their brochure for Bon Voyage gifts. Don't know what that means...but it bears investigation.

[Iamboatman]

One thing to consider is that cruise lines (and everyone else) is being faced with a real crisis with the sturgeon population. Farm raised may be all that can legally be provided in a year or so.

Sorry a bit off topic, but related nonetheless.

[Leejnd4]

Not off-topic - look at the subject of the thread! :)

That was kinda what I was getting at. Wild-caught Caspian sturgeon may not even be an option in the future.

But if you've ever tried farmed sturgeon caviar, it's really pretty good. This is what I was HOPING Silversea was serving when they said American. (I don't care for paddlefish - I find it has a rather earthy taste, and not in a good way - more like dirt). But I've tried American farmed sturgeon and thought it was perfectly fine, if a bit different from Russian. And...it's sustainable!

[LindaandJeff]

I know DH is really looking forward to trying caviar on our trip. I say trying because he has never had anything other than the tidbits people garnish appetizers with. So, whether we have to pay for it or not, as long as it is good quality I think he will be happy. And, if it turns out he doesn't like it then, oh well...more for me!:D

[Iamboatman]

Believe it or not, paddlefish is under more pressure than sturgeon!

Also, I have always wondered why - when the tastes in caviar are actually quite subtle - people load up condiments like onion and capers. Never made sense to me. I would think that if you approach caviar that way (which, obviously is one's entitlement!) the use of a more responsible type (farm-raised, for example) wouldn't really affect your experience.

And, of course, if farm raised is used on board as it is so much less expensive, the luxury of complimentary caviar should return. I must say that, for example, on Seabourn it is not the actual ordering of complimentary caviar and champagne at 3 AM that gives the feel of luxury, it is knowing that you can do it.

(Obviously there needs to be limits when a passenger abuses "complimentary" caviar as was mentioned earlier. I remember sitting in a dining room on a cruise and had to endure a man at the next table ordering 15 or so shrimp cocktails every night as if he was in a contest to see how much he could get away with. Eventually he was cut off.)

[Leejnd4]

I've heard stories of complimentary caviar abuse. One of the things brought up in a thread in the Silversea forum was to put a per-passenger limit - 1 serving per day or whatever they felt was fair. Don't know how they'd monitor that, but I for one would rather see that then an outright ban on complimentary caviar.

Didn't know that about paddlefish! One more reason to dislike it.

I think the cruise lines could turn this situation to their advantage - publicize how they are switching from wild-caught to all farmed caviar, as a gesture to help save the endangered sturgeon!

[LindaandJeff]

I've heard stories of complimentary caviar abuse. One of the things brought up in a thread in the Silversea forum was to put a per-passenger limit - 1 serving per day or whatever they felt was fair. Don't know how they'd monitor that, but I for one would rather see that then an outright ban on complimentary caviar.

Didn't know that about paddlefish! One more reason to dislike it.

I think the cruise lines could turn this situation to their advantage - publicize how they are switching from wild-caught to all farmed caviar, as a gesture to help save the endangered sturgeon!


Why not? A limit is a good idea. Disney limits passengers to one Mickey Ice Cream Bar a day. They actually track it....so, there is precedent.;)

[johnnycruise]

Obviously there needs to be limits when a passenger abuses "complimentary" caviar as was mentioned earlier. I remember sitting in a dining room on a cruise and had to endure a man at the next table ordering 15 or so shrimp cocktails every night as if he was in a contest to see how much he could get away with. Eventually he was cut off.

There are several "How many lobsters do you eat on lobster night" threads on Cruise Critic. Gluttony is alive and well!

[wripro]

Perhaps we should also be limited to one martini a night, one glass of wine with dinner and one cappuccino a day. Also they should only tip one crew member on our behalf, the rest is up to us. This way they can still say they are all inclusive and not have to lay out as much in order to make the claim.
I say this in jest, but I shudder as I write because I don't want to give them any ideas. Trust me, sooner or later more cuts are coming along with four dollar gas.

[Iamboatman]

That is why I say Regent is "liquor inclusive" and not "all inclusive"; noting also that there is more to a cruise than just eating and drinking.

[Iamboatman]

There are several "How many lobsters do you eat on lobster night" threads on Cruise Critic. Gluttony is alive and well!

I think you are being too kind in calling it "gluttony"!