Inadequate Focus on Chocolate

[Bfson]

Earlier today we got off of the Voyager after our first Regent cruise. Lovely in most aspects EXCEPT this was to be a focus on chocolate cruise. Hardly. There was only 1 lecture and only one chocolate tea/cake/ice cream event. No events at all for the first 3 days of this six day cruise. No cooking demos, no component tastings. Given the lavish description of the planned events given us by Regent this fell FAR short of the standard they set. Regent greatly failed to meet our expectations on this aspect of the cruise.

[chrislcruise]

I am sorry the cruise did not meet your expectations regarding the chocolate, but was anxious to know how the rest of the cruise was.

We will be on the Voyager starting on the 18th after drydock and would love any information.

Thanks

[Bfson]

Had it not been for our disappointment over the lack of chocolate events I would give them an A

Superb service, food and staff. Lovely spaceous cabins even at G level. Only other issue was that the public rooms were either too hot or too cold. Reportedly to be fixed in drydock.

[Island Cruiser]

Bad bad marketing on Regent's part IMO. They ALWAYS to a chocolate tea service at least once on a cruise regardless of the "focus." So the only add-on you got, if you can call it that, is one chocolate lecture. Really BAD form. We have done one "focus" trip, wine, and it was excellent. In addition to the winery tours in France there were three wine tastings, all very well done, and several supplemental lectures. THAT is what a "focus" trip should be.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Suggest you or have your TA (for economy of scale impact) write Regent and express
your dissatisfaction with this portion of your cruise...may help prevent Regent from
this pithy marketing approach in the future..r/wes

[RMS Olympic]

I did a chocolate cruise a couple of years ago on the Voyager and it was fabulous. There were dicussions, lectures and tastings. I mostly remember tasting the different type of chocolate beans and then the final product. It gave me a much greater appreciation of the types of chocolate from beans of differnt regions but the amount of fat that went into different product grades. The differentiation was similar to that of wines.....
I believe there were at least 2 chocolatiers on board and were very educational.
Now if they only has a steak cruise...I'd book in a heart beat.
Sorry, your experience was low.
Having just sailed the maiden voyage of the Celebrity Solstice......I am ready to get back on Regent.......I hope when I board Naviagtor in Nov for the crossing of the "pond", my fond memories of that ship are not dashed.......

[jina]

thanks for starting this thread Bob and I hope you and your wife had a safe trip back west. We got in late last night.

I will be posting a full review in a few days - I can't believe after years of raving about how much I love Regent I am going to be posting such a negative review - the lack of chocolate was just one issue we had. We do want to give Regent one more chance and are looking into 2009 sailings, but we will not have the kind of expectations we had prior to this last sailing. Very very disappointing compared to what we are used to with Regent- and pretty much every past Regent guest I spoke with on board agreed.

As for the lack of chocolate focus, within 10 minutes on board on day 1, I had spoken to a woman who had gone on a previous chocolate cruise and she had mentioned one night the Compass Rose had a special menu where each course had a dish with chocolate chocolate soup - yum!). So I then asked the maitre-de (sp.) about this on day 1 because I wanted to make sure I did not have specialty restaurant reservations for that night and she had no idea what I was talking about - and instead of just saying no such meal was planned, I came back every day to ask her again until I finally just gave up asking - she was wonderful otherwise in all other aspects of the cruise - I just could not get a clear answer on this one question. They did have a chocolate dessert each day but to be honest, I don't see that as any different from past cruises other than they pasted in a "spotlight on chocolate" icon into the menu.

I agree that the chocolate tea was nice but as another poster mentioned, they have that on all Regent cruises (at least on the 2 prior sailings I've been on) - in fact I think other than the GuyLian chocolate samples they put out on deck 5 during the final 2 days there was actually LESS chocolate available - now given they could not even GET the GuyLian chocolate on board until like day 4 of the 6 day shortened cruise, it became the running joke on board "where's the chocolate?". Also, we kept asking about "where's the Valrohna chocolate" since that is what was advertised and was told "it" was coming - but no one ever told us Valrohna had canceled and that it was actually going to be Guiylian chocolates until we saw the GuyLian display set up - and by the way, you could not actually buy gift boxes of it to take home for friends - no space in the retail shop on board apparently.

But what was most frustrating and consistent with other experiences outside of the chocolate disappointment is the overall lack of communication and clear expectation setting we found throughout the ship. Everyone tried really hard and each individual staff member was very nice nad did their best but it was almost as if they all were in their own isolated bubbles and had no idea what was going on outside of their bubble, and did not know how to ask other bubbles to get the right information, if that makes sense. It's as if the different staff members do not speak to each other. For example, we finally found out the last full day (at sea) after the GuyLian speaker, not a Regent person, had explained how/why the chocolate had not "made the cruise" and how they had to express ship it to 2 different ports and was not made available to guests until day 4 (which was a single GuyLian seashell per person on our pillows instead of the Regent branded chocolate that is usually distributed). Up until then when we had asked about "where's the chocolate" we'd hear answer like "oh, it's coming!" or "just you wait!" -getting a simple honest answer would have been ideal so we could get on with enjoying our cruise (like "the program has changed a bit - instead of Valhrona we will have GuyLian chocolate and will have displays set up later on the cruise and a lecture" - and maybe throw in a "we're sorry" - instead lots of people were getting lots of different unspecific answers and we just had to look in our Passages each night to try to see if maybe there would be something chocolate related the next day - met with disappointment day after day until the final day at sea when we saw the 1 hour lecture scheduled. It just makse me think no one on board really knew what was going on and they just played it by ear day by day - all for something that had been advertised at least a year ago as a "spotlight on chocolate" and which had a sold out ship full of chocolate lovers looking for answers, and chocolate.


Mind you, we were by no means miserable on the cruise- there were high points and we met some great people- but we were let down big time compared to our experiences in the past on the Mariner and the Navigator - I am not used to ever feeling so frustrated during a vacation from basic miscommunications with the staff. Something was very "off" this week and I pray it was a one time fluke - I would hate to have to find another line to sail with- if all goes well we have another 40-50 years of cruising ahead of us and until this trip I had assumed they would all be with Regent.

[G&S2C]

This was our first Regent cruise. I spent much time and research trying to find a smaller but nice ship for my husband and self. We have previously sailed the QM2 in both Princess and Queen's grill. Regent appeared to me to have the service and style that we enjoy but with a more intimate ship feel.
Many aspects of the "6" day trip were great. We stayed in a Penthouse A suite toward the aft. We were aware of the vibration issues but accepted the only room available in this style (the vibration was constant and I doubt will be remedied during dry dock). Our butler, Lesley, was very professional and made the trip special.
From the beginning of the trip I kept hearing disappointment from previous Regent cruisers. Something was amiss. The spotlight on chocolate became a joke. What little "spotlight" there was seemed to be a token to keep the guests from becoming too restless.
Part of the overall problem could have been that the staff appeared exhausted. Getting a drink poolside often meant getting one for yourself. One employee told me that the extra sea day during the Crossing put an extra burden on the staff. The staff was always cordial but tired.
The food in the specialty restaurants was exceptional. Sorry to learn of Lattitude's closing. The wait staff was excellent. The other restaurants were good but not exceptional. Great ship but apparrently an off cruise. :confused:

[davidandsusan-nj]

I too just got home from this cruise and will be posting a complete review in the next several days. Regarding this one issue, I have to agree that the spotlight on chocolate was a joke - not at all what we were expecting. The fact that all cruises have one "chocolate tea" makes it even more disappointing. The one lecture provided was by a major food company executive and not a chocolatier.

[cruisebugbit]

Good grief! Hell hath no fury like a choco-holic scorned!

[AFriendlyCruiser]

My wife and I were also disappointed first timers on Regent. We were in a Penthouse A but had a very poor (but cordial) Butler. We saw him the first day when he told us that all the specialty restaurants were booked and twice at about 5:15 when he brought us our snack. He gave us the same cheese plate 3 days in a row! He literally did nothing and was almost never seen.

Our dinners were very good to excellent. The best part of the cruise. Breakfast and lunch buffets, however, were lacking (except for the Mexican and the French steak and lobster grill which were both very good). The breakfast and lunch buffets and Aqua Spa Cafe on our 2 cruises on Celebrity Infinity were far superior.

We were also surprised that there was no photographer on board for the cruise and that there were no Christmas decorations so close to Christmas.

Finally, my wife's tour on Key West was so disorganized that they actually lost some of the participants. We assume they made it back to the ship!

[JaneBP]

This was our first Regent cruise. I spent much time and research trying to find a smaller but nice ship for my husband and self. We have previously sailed the QM2 in both Princess and Queen's grill. Regent appeared to me to have the service and style that we enjoy but with a more intimate ship feel. confused:

Perhaps the staff will be rested after dry dock, but some of them work harder, counting glasses, etc. I assume there were no holiday decorations because of the same issue, as well. I do know the crossings are very hard on the staff and the delay may have contributed to that. We join the ship on the 18th and hope all will be remedied. This is our first Regent cruise.

Have you checked out Seabourn? The new Odyssey will launch in '09. However, many of us adore the smaller 'sister ships' that carry 206 passengers and everyone knows your name, just like 'Cheers'.

[DebbieH103]

Last year, I was on Navigator (as were Col. Wes and Beth and Crys on this board). I think it was December 14 - 18, and the decorations went up during our cruise. I am sure they would not want to put them up right before dry dock when they are redoing all of the public areas. Also, I have been told by staff that they do not like to put up decorations too early so as to not offend those not on the ship to celebrate Christmas. I don't agree with it. I know when I was on Carnival before Thanksgiving, they had fully decorated by then.

[LindaandJeff]

We, too, were disappointed. As I can only eat limited chocolate but enjoy making it and cooking with it, I was counting on the "chocolate demonstrations". I also feel that it felt like a "Spotlight on GuyLian" rather than a "Spotlight on Chocolate". It is curious that all mention of this particular cruise being a choclate cruise has suddenly disappeared from the RSSC.com Web site. I did, however, print it off the Web site while on board to show the cruise director, so I still have it. It really appeared to me that they didn't know it was a chocolate cruise and punted to make the best of a bad situation. More later...

[VIRGINIA ARTIE]

I was on the chocolate cruise on Voyager last year and this year. Last year a representative of a swiss chocolate company gave lectures and tastings, and chocolate deserts were everywhere. This year the chocolate was a poor quality, no dark chocolate at all, and very few chocolate deserts. I hope everyone mentioned this on the information form to let Regent know.
One day at lunch, some of us at different tables started talking, and we realized that we all owed Colonel Wes for our quick change in travel plans.
Cruise Critic certainly has an impact.

[Paris182]

I have been reading this (and other threads) on Cruise Critic and I was surprised to know that Guylian Chocolates were the only type onboard. If I am not mistaken these are the same type that show up in my Dollar Store at Christmas., Acceptable for a buck, but not on an expensive cruise, with a spotlight on chocolate. Then my mind wondered back to a previous thread about wine onboard and the fact that many excellent wines offered as complimentary have been eliminated and Yellowtail offered in their place. Again fine as an inexpensive choice from the market when I want something with my grilled chicken, but.....So it seems that in attempt to maintain profit, RSSC is cutting expenses. That said it makes me very tempted to cancel my 8 day TA and switch to Oceania (have done two with them) or perhaps Windstar or Azamara which are longer if not all inclusive. Any thoughts? from anyone?
Paris182

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Paris, really do enjoy Regent..however have sailed SS & Regent multiple times and would never considering doing a TA on the Navigator (have sailed on her twice)...she only offers two dining venues (we just did the TA (23 Nov-2 Dec) on the Voyager with four dining venues (like
Oceania)) and I would not want to sail on the Atlantic with the Nav due to the limited dining venues, seaworthiness (vibration and tendency to roll more than the Voyager/Mariner in rough sea conditions)..moreover, on the last leg of her discovery cruise (within the last 7 seven days) she lost power, listed (dishes broke)...I would sail on her in the Caribbean but not TA...altho I have not sailed on Oceania, this would be my choice...am waiting for Regent's 2010 itineraries and will book instantly the Voyager if she does a fall crossing...good luck!

ps Virginia Artie...Thanks very much for your sentiments, please am owed nothing..CC is a wealth of shared cruise information that we wall aspire to give out..was just glad to have helped...r/wes

[Charsie]

Paris, my buddy and I kept saying "aren't these the waxy seashell chocolates that we buy at Dollarama?". So I cracked up when you actually posted that. It's true, I didn't know whether to eat them, or spread them across my upper lip and rip out unwanted hair. Spotlight on Chocolate? Not!!! Regent Cruise? NOT!!! I felt so, so bad for those people who had a) booked a special "Anniversary Cruise" on a luxury liner, or b) convinced their friends to finally try out the "luxury liner" that cost twice the usual amount for them. I felt so, so bad for these people.

I'm still laughing!! My favourite part was where they put on all the new (comfortable!) chairs and furniture in advance of the carpet and drapes, giving the Voyager a fabulous "Barnum and Bailey" atmosphere.....it was dizzying, the colour scheme. One couple we were travelling with were convinced they'd accidentally boarded a Carnival Cruise ship - but had been ripped off for the slide................... (forgive me, Carnival..)

[PaulaJK]

We have sailed Voyager previously and very much enjoyed our cruises although the interesting ports were an essential part of our enjoyment.

We are on the 12/29 cruise. This is post drydock and hopefully the Barnum and Bailey look will be corrected.

However, I seem to be reading more negatives about Regent recently and I am concerned about this. I really don't want to hear about the economy as the New Years cruise fares are far from economical. Regent should heed the negative press it is receiving as much of it comes from fans or previous fans.

[Charsie]

Paula, I too am hoping (soooo hoping...) that this cruise was a "one off". I'm taking into consideration that we were on a 7 day (well, 6 day) cruise "post trans Atlantic and pre dry-dock". I am booked on the Mariner next year, and will make final judgement about the Regent product at that time. Hopefully, this is just a company in transition, and things will return to "normal".

Old Radisson/Regent normal, that is.

But if service doesn't return to "old Radisson/Regent" normal, all the dry dock decorating in the world won't make a difference to me. Perhaps this was just MY experience, but I would say that I had to walk up to the bar and get my own drink 80% of the time on this cruise...and it wasn't because the staff were lazy or miserable (they weren't, they were lovely and charming), it's because they didn't seem to be there! I would see one or two crew members working a room like "Horizon Lounge" at tea time on a sea day..... I never once had anyone approach me on the pool deck, I had to go to the bar every time without fail.

But before everyone panics completely, again take into consideration it was a strangely timed cruise, post TA and pre DD. And let me add that the food was fantastic - I don't know if it was this particular Executive Chef (Mike from Germany?), but the food was the best I've ever had on a regular basis on Regent. Also, the entertainment was great! And Lorraine W the Cruise Director (who is probably about on anti anxiety pills this week after fending off the angry mob) was just lovely, I can't believe what SHE faced last week, and took it with a smile. It wasn't her fault there wasn't any chocolate on board!!!!

Speaking of chocolate, cruisebugbit....you should have seen it, it was hilarious. When they finally had a "chocolate tea" (which as every Regent passenger knows, is normal, standard, and this wasn't anything specific to a Spotlight on Chocolate Cruise), it was the 2nd last day, and by then the people who had boarded specifically for this "theme", went CRAZY. They were grabbing at anything that looked like chocolate, they were breaking down the "Eiffel Tower" decoration and eating it - the crew were trying to tell them "No! No! Put that down - it's GLUED together, it's poison, stop it!". I honestly am just rolling around on the floor laughing just remembering all these things.

It may not have been the best CRUISE I've ever had, but with all the hilarity and above mentioned type antics, it was one of the best holidays I've ever had!!!

[cruisebugbit]

It does bring to mind a scene out of a Mel Brooks movie.

It's too bad so many people were let down. I too hope this is one of those "weeks from hell" we all go through once in awhile and Regent can get back in the saddle again.

We really enjoyed our cruise on Voyager in October (booked again for next year). As you can see, we are relative "cruise rookies" so can't really compare to earlier "Radisson/Regent days" or other cruise lines besides one ship in one other line. We had a great butler (Fedelito) and stewardess (Ann Marie) who were very helpful and friendly. Food during our cruise was excellent. Even the wines for the most part were not bad. We did have go to the bar on our own at the pool deck a couple of times, but hey, even on vacation, ya need some exercise!;)

[parisbully]

Now for a very different perspective of the above negative reviews. We too just returned from the "chocolate" cruise. While the lack of chocolate was a concern. We thoroughly enjoyed everything else. This was our 8th Regent/Radisson cruise and our 2nd on Voyager. We did hear some grumbling, but most of our interaction with other cruisers was positive. Maybe we just were surrounded by different people.

We were prepared for the soiled/damaged carpet and did not find it even worth mentioning - it is being replaced because Regent is aware of it. Most of the crew that we talked to were very friendly and eager to please. Of course there were a few exceptions, but why let them sour your cruise?

We had the very best Compass Rose waiter. His name is Christian and we waited for one of his tables every evening. He was in Veranda for breakfast each morning and always eager to serve our special requests of mimosas and eggs benedict. Ate once in veranda for dinner and we felt the food was exceptional. We saw him in Cozumel one afternoon and he joined us for a beer and entertained us with stories about his home and family in Romania.

We also noticed the new outside furniture and rather than feeling Barnum and Bailey we appreciated the look and comfort. Guess we are just the
cup half full, rather than cup half empty.

[Charsie]

Parisbully, I'm glad you had a great cruise. I wasn't trying to write a review, much less a negative one. And in my comments I did mention that the food and entertainment were the best I've ever had on ALL my Regent/Radisson cruises (on the Paul Gauguin, the Diamond, The Navigator....this was the best). And like you, I also loved loved loved loved my Head Waiter Jason, and all the Compass Rose staff (especially the sweet Anna, who should be a full Maitre D in my humble opinion, she's great). And Lorraine W had my deepest admiration for her handling of the situation with the Chocolate etc - everytime I saw her, someone was accosting her! She was a great Cruise Director (and Amanda and all the Entertainment staff worked so hard, and were appreciated by me). More positives - front desk staff, Marco in the Computer room - very knowledgeable and helpful. Marcel in the CR. And the people eating wax and glue at the chocolate tea cracked me up!!!!

Having said that, absolutely I felt they were totally short of servers on the pool deck and in the lounges. I'm not particularly lazy (and was in the gym every day working out), I've just never had to go get my own drinks before (seriously!), much less 80% of them. The staff that WERE serving were charming, lovely, wonderful....but they were overworked for sure. Never before have I seen them have such large areas to cover.

The clashing furniture I was mentioning, though, was all inside....I didn't notice the outside furniture, where was that? I found the 5th floor/atrium dizzying with the mismatched colours, all the lovely new comfy furniture clashing with the carpet and drapes? Regardless, as I also said, I'm hoping it was a "one off" cruise...I'm hoping it was just because it was post Trans Atlantic and pre Dry Dock that this all happened. I'm booked on the Mariner Alaska next autumn, will keep my fingers crossed that it returns to the "Regent of Old", other wise, I'll just quietly switch over!

[JoAnne B]

Just off the transatlantic on my third Voyager crossing, I'll be gald to be back on the Navigator next spring. I don't think the Chocolate cruise was one-off, because I had a high level of dissatisfaction with the crossing. There were high points, but more low points. I found that service staff was less attentive and observant than on past cruses. They seemed to be staring off in space. My room stweardess was in such a hurry to finish the rooms that it felt intrusive. Day after day I had to run down waiters, especially for drinks. It didn't seem like there was as much staff as in the past, especially at the breakfast and lunch buffets Bar waiters were the most lacking, not in service but in availability. I looked forward to the caviar and champagne Sunday breakfast, but there was no caviar when I arrived and it wasn't replenished for almost 40 minutes. Every time I asked I was told they had "gone for it". When I finally complained the head waitress insisted that they had just run out because she had served some ten minutes before. Yet I had been watching for somebody to bring it and seen people standing around waiting the entire time. By the time it finally arrived, I had finished eating and was ready to leave. Out group Cordon Bleu dinner in La Veranda was less than ideal because they had not set up for the group and the couple arriving last had to sit at a separate table. And even though we were the first tables to arrive, we were the last served our main course, two hours after we ordered. Some people left before the main course arrived.

But the big problem was in the service and quality of food in the Compass Rose. I was not served one pasta that was edible. Because I don't eat red meat I frequently have pasta as a main course. It seemed that the sauces had sat around to the point of becoming gummy. My tablemates raved about the fish they had ordered on the earlier leg, but the fish I ordered was dry and full of bones to the point of being inedible. I had to ask for fressh ground pepper, not only with every meal, but every course. It was seldom offered routinely. Those choosing simple steaks or meat dishes were the most pleased and I heard many negative comments about the food. I only had breakfast in the Compass rose once. The eggs benedict were a mess, the eggs overcooked and the strange bright yellow, almost orange, sauce gummy. The bacon was consistently overcooked in both venues, leaving it dry and tasteless. And the coffee tasted burned. I sent it back and it was replaced by a cup that wasn't much better. After that I just had room service or went to the buffet.

I understand there was a personnel problem with the regular maitre'd on the previous leg. The one filling in on my cruise was at best incompetent. He made a big production about finding a place for a solo traveler...the first time I have ever been made to feel uncomfortable about traveling alone. He didn't seem to know how to fill tables, something that also had never occurred before. So a half-full table would wait and wait for the table to fill, finally be pressured to order, then others would join the table and the whole meal would be out of sync. It didn't happen once, but every night. It was most problematic on Thanksgiving when people came early and lingered longer. I finally gave up and had room service, a real let-down.

Some of the special activities I look forward to on crossings never happened. Thanksgiving would have been the perfect day for the spectacular luncheon, but it was among the events that never occurred. It seemed like there were fewer activities during the day, no noon games, etc.

For the second time, I couldn't use up my AmEx cruise credit. The shops had little to offer, especially in logo items. The selection of jewelry was slim as well and never restocked. I would have spent it on upgraded wine, but never saw the sommelier all week. The 2010 itineraries weren't out, so I couldn't even apply the balance to those crossings.

Lots of other small frustrations, but there were bright spots as well. Lorraine the CD was very personable. The holiday parade was great fun. The Cordon Bleu class was great fun as well. Lattitudes was the best meal of the week..hate to see it go.

I know that with the ships full all summer, the staff on the fall crossing is often exhausted. But that didn't seem to be what was going on. I hope this isn't the start of "cutbacks" that impact the quality we have come to expect from Regent.

[parisbully]

charsie, Wasn't really directing this at you. Just trying to give a positive review. I did feel like there were a bit too many negative remarks. Sorry, didn't mean to offend or argue my points. I guess I misunderstood a earlier remark about the furniture. I thought someone had said the outside - not inside. Guess I still have jet lag - and recuperating from 6 days of too much alcohol.

[Island Cruiser]

I've read enough about this cruise, including comments from someone I know well and fully trust, (not that I don't trust other posters, just don't know them personally) to believe this crossing was in a different quality league from the Voyager crossing we experienced last year. That was a quality experience from beginning to end. Sorry to see this happened. I do so hope it is the exception to the rule. The follow-on cruise to this was a "chocolate focus" without chocolate. Not good either. Having a quality experience on an expensive Regent cruise shouldn't be a game of chance!

[Charsie]

Paris, I was not at all offended by your comments.....in fact, I just wanted to ensure that I had been clear on the positives as well as the negatives, just wanted to make sure I wasn't coming across as TOTALLY negative, because I'm not!! I'm genuinely pleased that you had such a good time, and I didn't want to sound like Eyore - LOL!!!!

STILL looking forward to my Mariner trip in the Autumn!!!!

[cruisebugbit]

Now for a very different perspective of the above negative reviews. We too just returned from the "chocolate" cruise. While the lack of chocolate was a concern. We thoroughly enjoyed everything else. This was our 8th Regent/Radisson cruise and our 2nd on Voyager. We did hear some grumbling, but most of our interaction with other cruisers was positive. Maybe we just were surrounded by different people.

We were prepared for the soiled/damaged carpet and did not find it even worth mentioning - it is being replaced because Regent is aware of it. Most of the crew that we talked to were very friendly and eager to please. Of course there were a few exceptions, but why let them sour your cruise?

We had the very best Compass Rose waiter. His name is Christian and we waited for one of his tables every evening. He was in Veranda for breakfast each morning and always eager to serve our special requests of mimosas and eggs benedict. Ate once in veranda for dinner and we felt the food was exceptional. We saw him in Cozumel one afternoon and he joined us for a beer and entertained us with stories about his home and family in Romania.

We also noticed the new outside furniture and rather than feeling Barnum and Bailey we appreciated the look and comfort. Guess we are just the
cup half full, rather than cup half empty.

You know, parisbully, we're with you on the half full rather than half empty. Sure Regent is alot more expensive than other lines and thus warrant raised expectations in terms of food, wine and service quality. Heck that's why we booked them for our Med cruise instead of other less expensive lines.

We had glitches in service i.e. had to go to the bar ourselves, can't remember any specific atrocious meals or (to paraphrase) that cheap, lousy Yellowtail wine, but I'm sure we had it.

I'd love to hear from the other 550 or so passengers who were on that ship. No doubt the majority if not all had some negative experience. Question is how many of them accepted it as part of the adventure?

In the last 5 years we've had two friends and business associates killed in a helicopter and plane crash separately. Another acquaintance died about 6 months after retiring from 35 years of work he enjoyed.

Life is too short. I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. I won't let a botched "Focus on....." cruise ruin my impression of a product until I personally experience that product again and then I'll make my own judgement.

Happy sailing people.

[Bfson]

Other than the chocolate issue (and one amazingly arrogant woman smoker who seemed to believe she could smoke everywhere) we had a lovely cruise. No other important issues, no other problems.

[Goofyisme]

We did the Grand Crossing and had a wonderful time.

Food was good to excellent with only a couple of dishes missing the mark while most were spot on.
Service was very good no significant issues. Only had to get up to get our drinks once on the pool deck and this was while they were openning up the bar. Was officially closed but we asked the bartender if he could pretend he was open and he smiled and said sure.

Entertainment was great. Best we have seen at sea.

Guest lecturers were for the most part informative and entertaining.

The furniture put in place at Funchal did clash a bit with the existing decor but that is understandable as they try to ease into the drydock.

Only had one dining room issue, with the Matre D' who took much to long to seat us but other than that service in all dining venues was good to near perfect.

Room attendants were wonderful and did everything to make us comfortable and at home. Guess we are low maintenance as the butler kept asking us if there was anything more he could do for us.

Le Cordon Blue classes were excellent and Chef Phillippe is marvelous.

Lorraine is a great CD

Really am sorry for those who followed us that had their cruise shortened and then no chocolate is totally unacceptable and Regent should do something about that.

From past experience I know that a cruise following a crossing can have glitches and after doing our first crossing can understand why the crew may be a bit exhausted after observing 8 full days of continuously going out of their way taking care of a full ship. Shouldn't be an excuse though and Regent needs to find someway to make the transition more smoothly. Wish I had a suggestion on how to do this.

Overall a great experience that we will love to do again.

Best wishes for a happy holiday to all cruisers.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Goofy, we're with you 100 percent..was our first crossing and the Voyager exceeded our expectations. The Voyager truly has the hardware (seaworthiness, variety of dining venues, entertainment/lounge choices, fitness facilities) for a crossing......Lorraine (CD)was exceptional--especially the Capt and her reaction to our extra day at sea; speciality restaurants (even Latitudes) were gustatory treats...LCB cooking workshop (my wife loved it (was in same group as Jo, above) can't
wait to do it again) in fact when the 2010 itineraries come out, we will be the first
to book the Voyager fall crossing in November, Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale. r/wes

[Goofyisme]

Wes,
Sorry we didn't get a chance to link up on board given our common backgrounds. We met Ida and hoped to meet you but seemed everytime I had a chance you had disappeared. Over 30 years in the army teaches you a moving target is harder to hit.
Glad you feel as we did and enjoyed your time on board.
We are looking forward to doing it again someitme in the future although don't know when as other trips may take priority.
Take it easy and enjoy retirement, I know I have. Say hi to Ida for us.
Keith

[parisbully]

Other than the chocolate issue (and one amazingly arrogant woman smoker who seemed to believe she could smoke everywhere) we had a lovely cruise. No other important issues, no other problems.

bfson, was she also the one that was first in the buffet line and went back several times? Ate and smoked at the bar in the non-smoking area?

[Bfson]

I didn't see that behavior but it sounds consistent with my contacts with her. She was frosted dirty blond, small boned, high cheek bones, looked like she might have been a model. I think she might have had an British accent. Late 40s early 50s. Friends of ours had the cabin next to her on 6th deck. Said she smoked in her room (you could smell it in the hallway) and on her balcony (you could smell it on their balcony) On the day of the lobster BBQ, she sat down at the table just upwind of us and lit up. Waves of smoke engulfed our table. When we told her she was in the non smoking area, she smiled and said, "I know" and kept on smoking. We had to get the head waitress to come over and confront her.

As we got up to leave, I just looked at her and shook my head. The woman traveling with her, I presume her mother, told me "Don't shake your head at her. That's disgusting." I turned and in a firm voice, told them that the smoker was arrogant and inconsiderate. Didn't seem to phase them a bit. They seem to believe the rules never applied to them.

Later when waiting at the Reception Desk she was ahead of me in line.(picking up her passport a day late) After she left I told the crew of her behavior. I suggested they check her cabin carefully because the next guest would likely be overwhelmed with the smells from her smoking.

I'm told that one one of the shore excursions she bragged that she smoked wherever and whenever she wanted.

[cruzndiz]

That smoker was so out of line.....but I can't believe the crew never addressed the situation??

[RachelG]

The smoker sounds horrible. I confronted a woman once about smoking in a non-smoking area (not on a ship though), and she turned and blew a whole mouthful of smoke straight on me.

As far as the other issues, one idea is that maybe they should have gone into dry dock right after the TA. Just a thought, but maybe for future reference.

[PINEY10]

We were on the "chocolate"cruise and I don't know if it is the same woman, but the woman in the cabin next to us (we were in 840) was told to leave the ship for smoking. I know since there were occupants at the beginning of the cruise but no one after about the 3rd day.

[jina]

I was going to mention this in my upcoming review but we also had a problem with a smoking neighbor (we were on the 6th deck midship). We had complained to our stewardress Maria probably on day 2 or 3 as well as reception several times. Maria thought it was the folks in 653 (?) who were "contractors" working on the ship which made it sound like there was little that could be done. My husband has a really bad smoke allergy so this was a huge problem for us - especially the final at sea day when we were sitting in our suite with the balcony door open and the room was suddenly engulfed in smoke. My husband leaned over the balcony and saw our neighbor smoking and demaned he put it out since it is not allowed. The smoker said he had no idea he was not allowed to smoke in the suite or balcony even though we had complained about it numerous times and Maria said she had spoken to her supervisor about it plus our numerous calls to reception. My husband finally spoke to the guest relations manager that final night and again during disembarkation who told us that was the first he had heard of the issue and he did mention they had kicked someone off in Cozumel for smoking. The one thing we've learned from this is from now on if we ever have an issue which is not being resolved, we need to go to one of the ships officers and bypass everyone else.

I found all in all there was less smoking than the cruise I went on in 2007 before they changed the policy which was nice although I sure wish they'd ban smoking in the Voyager lounge. We could only last a few minutes during karaoke night due to the horrible smoke and would have loved to go dancing there every night - instead we ended up in the Horizon or Observation lounges which are fortunately smoke free :-).

[Bfson]

We were told that the woman put off in Cozumel was European, had been on board for the TA and then back to back onto the chocolate cruise. She had been warned repeatedly about the smoking. When one of the staff had to confront her yet again she became so angry she threw a drink onto the staff member's body/face. That is what got her put off.

Sadly for us, she was not the passenger who was so arrogant and insensitive with us.

[PaulaJK]

Bfson.............Wow! two like this!

Every restaurant, hotel, cruiseline,etc which has a no smoking [here or there] policy needs to have enforcement procedures in place. Last year
[Navigator]I overheard a woman telling a male smoker that he was smoking in a no smoking area. Luckily for her, no liquids were involved....but he did proceed to tell her in rather definite tones that certainly he had paid for his cruise and was entitled to smoke. The man in the cabin next to ours smoked his cigar on the balcony each day. No, I didn't call...which is my fault....but I didn't want to get into ugly confrontations on a vacation.

[LindaandJeff]

Hi all -
We joined bfson and his wife for lunch that fateful day...one of several memorable meals...usually, a meal with bfson and his wife was a recipe for good discussion and good wine...but this particular day was quite memorable for different reasons. The smoker was our next door neighbor (actually we were on deck 7) and after the lunch confrontation we found one of her butts had mysteriously made its way to our balcony. The next day she left a cigarette burning in the ashtray with the door open and the drapes blowing ...yikes! The ashtray was full of butts and no one did anything. When I called the front desk they said they would send someone up but I never heard anyone come. I heard one of the people she was hanging out with exclaim that he didn't feel this cruise was any better than a Carnival cruise. Bfson....we miss you and your wife and look forward to getting together in the future.

Re: Chocolate Tea...although I was there, I guess I missed the destruction of the Eiffel Tower...too bad, it would have been fun to watch...

Re: GuyLian - I know Charsie kept saying she could get GuyLian in her local dollar store all cruise, so its interesting to hear someone else say it on the board. I haven't seen it anywhere in the midwest at any price.

Charsie - Watch out...I've been practicing my bocce skills and will be ready for you next time! I miss you and W; it was fun having an ongoing activity rivalry. Did you ever exchange your world journal and tokens? Any more word on the discontinuing the tokens in 2009?

[Bfson]

Found the chocolate on Amazon for about $14 a box.

http://www.amazon.com/Guylian-Belgian-Chocolate-Shells-Perles/dp/B000CN9MNQ

[PINEY10]

They sell it at our grocery stores--I don't see it as anything special.

[Zoolander]

So, am I hearing that it is only the TA cruises that Regent is having a tough time enforcing the newer smoking policies?

Sounds like people are just daring the captain to make them walk the plank!

I am not sure why the staff is doing such a bad job of overseeing this...at no time should a guest have to deal with poor policy adherence.

We have cruised Regent twice and have the Alaska cruise coming up next May. I see the importance of having numerous ports...so the policy breakers can just be escorted off the ship (instead of being shark bait..where blowing smoke in their face would be of no consequence :)).

[Bfson]

No-our amazingly inconsiderate/arrogant/angry smoker was on the Western Caribbean cruise.

[Goofyisme]

Had no issue with smokers on our TA

[JoAnne B]

Didn't notice any smoking violations on the TA, either.

I want to reiterate that there were a number of positive kudo's on the Voyager. Lorraine was very professional and friendly. Her willingness to don a short, tight outfit and twirl baton (while climbing the stairway) for the Thanksgiving parade was great fun! The other passengers were for the most part great. There was interesting conversation and many new friends made. The way the one-day delay was handled was exceptional. I only heard one family complaining. They lost very expensive business class tickets and could only get on Southwest on disembarkation day. They had no pressing reason to get home, and I'm sure that Regent would have put them up for the night so they could get business class seats the next day. It's not the first time I've experienced a delay on a TA, and probably won't be the last, and and this was the best handling I've experienced. Very open communications, and as a result, almost everybody was kept happy. Heck, an extra day and a future cruise credit...why get upset about that. (Sorry folks who lost a day). The asst CD was also pleasant, as was the social hostess. The Cordon Bleu chef was great, great fun while still teaching complicated technique. The speakers were very good. The satellite black out was expected and of short duration thanks to the Voyager's updated equipment. There were a lot of other plus factors that we just take for granted.

The Voyager is a great ship. It pulls together great cabins, oops suites, a variety of dining venues, and an effort to please. Those of us who have sailed over a number of years notice the little differences and lapses. She is where the Navigator was a few years ago, and she really pulled things together, so I'm sure the same will happen on the Voyager. We don't see the back of the house problems, such as losing the Maitre'd on short notice or staff cutbacks, just the impact. Not about to bail on Regent!

[Bfson]

One week ago today I had a long talk with a woman in the Customer Relations department about the failure to provide anything close to what had been promised about Chocolate. She promised to get back to me. I have heard nothing. Given the holidays, I will call her in another week and see what is happening to my complaint.

[Charsie]

Thanks, Bfson, I haven't had a reply to my email yet either, but it IS early days. Keep me posted, as I will you.

[davids]

My only frame of reference on a "luxury" (6 star) line is Silver Shadow from Fll to Barbados 2 years ago. We enjoyed the Voyager cruise, but it does not compare in any way with our SS experience. The crew were lovely, but the service in general was weak. It was often difficult to get a drink almost everywhere, but esp at lunch near the pool. The tables were not cleared in that area promptly at all and it was often not east to get cutlery.

The food at dinner was good, but some menus may not have been for everyone's tastes. I thought the specialty restaurants were fairly good, but over rated but preferred the main dining room. Reservations at those restaurants was a mess. Couldn't get in easily, but we visited at dinner time and it was obvious that people were not keeping their reservations, but they said they were ful. Later in the cruise they changed that a bit.

Buffet lunch, in my opinion, may have been the worst I have had on a ship which includes multiple cruises on Celebrity and Princess. (I did love the French fries). Poor selection, food often not hot. Specialty lunches on the deck often involved lots of lines and they were placed in a cramped area.

I am a chocaholic. There was no emphasis on chocolate at all. The chocolate they did have was terrible and I didn't eat it after trying it once. The billing was totally misleading.

[parisbully]

One week ago today I had a long talk with a woman in the Customer Relations department about the failure to provide anything close to what had been promised about Chocolate. She promised to get back to me. I have heard nothing. Given the holidays, I will call her in another week and see what is happening to my complaint.

bfson, have you heard anything back yet?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Just catching up with this thread. We did the chocolate cruise on Navigator two years ago. It was no big deal, I felt. But better than what you guys had. Charsie, you were on that cruise, right? Valrhona chocolatier, special dessert menus, Valrhona chocs on the pillows at night, chocolate tea. The one lecture that I went to was very good, I learned lots of about chocolate, and I think there was one cooking demo as well.

[Charsie]

No, Wendy, I wasn't on the Chocolate Cruise that you were on - it sounds absolutely fabulous compared to the one we were just on - you even got some chocolate!!

Loved your PG updates, Mike and I want to go back on the PG again we've decided. Lots of travel plans for the next 2 years, though, so it will either have to wait, or be "squeezed in".

[Wendy The Wanderer]

So which was the cruise we met on? I thought it was Navigator, December 2006.

Glad to hear you'll be back on the PG!