JerryAM

I agree with Flossie. When we do our own air with included day before hotel, we have to get from the airport to the hotel on our own. Regent then handles the transfer to the ship on embarkation day. On disembarkation we get our own cab to the airport. Conversely, with Regent provides us both air and day before hotel, all 3 transfers are included.

Our first 2 cruises on Regent were on Explorer and Splendor, which we really enjoyed. Our third one was on Mariner, which we found much more homey and welcoming, and did not miss the glitz. The more personal feel of the ship and crew more than made up for the lack of sparkle. As someone posted above, we were able to request certain food items from the specialty restaurants on Splendor and Explorer a day ahead, with no issues. We just booked a Navigator cruise as we want to experience the feel of that smaller ship. Jerry

For our recent cruise leaving out of San Juan, we had not received the hotel info 6 weeks out, so I booked a room "just-in-case". Regent assigned us to a hotel about a week later, so I cancelled my hotel booking. I thought Regent should have been able to provide the hotel assignment much earlier, as others on CC had received their hotel assignments. Jerry

I was on the same 7-day Splendor cruise that ended this past Sunday. Passages had info as to the link to use for the end-of-cruise survey while on the ship. However, both myself and my wife don't think it worked for us as, at the very end, when trying to submit, nothing happened. As to those crew members, you should email Regent -- I believe there is a guest-relations email address that you can use, although I do not know it.

We were on Mariner in October for a Montreal to NYC cruise. We loved Mariner and would be happy to cruise her again. Our prior Regent cruises were Explorer and Splendor -- so, we "lost" some of the fancy surroundings and Pacific Rim, but in the long run, did not miss that. Mariner feels much smaller and the layout of the public areas are much nicer and more "cozy" than the newer ships. Food was excellent, especially in Compass Rose. My wife disliked Compass Rose on the newer ships as the rooms felt too large and were like being at a banquet hall (in my opinion, she is wrong); CR on Mariner is more "restaurant" like (low ceiling) with plenty of quiet tables for two. Suites are smaller (we were in a penthouse), be we quickly adapted; same for the bathroom with only 1 sink, but a nice shower. Apparently, there were not enough shelves and drawers in the bathroom for all of her "stuff" to be stowed nicely; not an issue for me. The closet, at first, seemed tight, but again, you easily adapt to it. There likely were worn-down portions of the carpet or sofa, but I don't worry about that kind of thing, since I know Mariner is an older ship. I would not hesitate to go on Mariner again if it was going where I wanted to go. Jerry

As to the cabins in O vs. R, my vote goes to Regent. When planning my first cruise as an "upgrade" from Celebrity, I compared costs for a Regent Explorer Concierge D vs. an Oceana Riviera (sister ship of Marina) Penthouse. The cost was close, so we opted for the Concierge D on Explorer (and I am glad we did). Our next cruise was on Riviera, in a PH. Although the size of the cabins seems similar, the layout of the concierge suite on Explorer, including the much nicer/larger bathroom, was much better than on the Riviera PH. Another major difference was the balcony, which was larger and deeper on Explorer. As to food, we really enjoyed Oceania, especially the French and Italian restaurants, which were better than on Explorer. We were disappointed with the main dining room on O, as none of our meals there were anything of note -- just mediocre as to quality and taste. For lunch on O, the Waves Grill (pool grill) was open, although the burgers and other items on Regent's Pool Grill are better. After the O cruise, we went on a Splendor cruise (which was better than our first Explorer cruise) and decided that we would stick with Regent thereafter. We just disembarked from a Mariner cruise last week, which was our best Regent cruise so far. Although impossible to describe, and it being an individual choice, we enjoy the "vibe" on Regent over Oceania. A major bonus, as you mentioned, is that there is no need to show your card when getting drinks on Regent. Jerry

We (wife and myself) disembarked Mariner on October 31st. First time on Mariner and loved the ship. Service was exemplary and we really enjoyed the layout of the public areas over Splendor and Explorer, especially the Mariner and Horizon Lounges. Dinners in Compass Rose were the best we have had on Regent -- I loved my "side" filet each time I was there (perfectly cooked and seasoned). Sette Mari was a disappointment, both as to food prep and service, so we only went the one time. Our first visit to Prime 7 was also lacking, as the steaks were undercooked and served lukewarm; however, we also went the last night of the cruise and all was perfectly cooked and seasoned with great service. Chartreuse was excellent both times we went, especially the Dover Sole. We enjoyed, for the most part, the suggested wines, as we are novices with wine and learned of some new ones which we liked; but no problem getting something else if we did not like those selections. We usually don't go to the entertainment song and dance shows, but ended up catching the second half of a show and really enjoying it, as well as subsequent shows -- a very talented group of singers and dancers. Jude, as CD, was great, although I understand she is no longer on Mariner. The Connoisseur Wine Lunch was a great use of OBC -- superb food and wines, along with great explanations by Joliza, the Head Sommelier. Mariner, of course, is not as "glitzy" as Splendor and Explorer, but we truly enjoyed our time onboard. We would certainly book Mariner again for the right itinerary.

Review of Mariner, Suite 834 (Penthouse C) attached. A great suite with a great location.Mariner CC Rating Template.xls

Her email address is jteegen@rssc.com. She received emails from me yesterday. Jerry

My wife and I were on Splendor in January and found the food to be very good to excellent. We usually eat around 8 pm and would be able to see the evening entertainment, although not in a prime seat. As to Sette Mari, we ate at 630 pm as on our prior Explorer cruise we learned that arriving at 8 or so left much to be desired as to the buffet items (similar to the OP’s experience). Overall the Splendor cruise was much better as to food than our prior Explorer experience (as well as our recent cruise on Oceania’s Riviera). I was extremely pleased with the ice cream and milk shakes at the pool grill — no issues with teaching them how to make a proper black and white shake. Jerry

Attached is review of our PH B on Splendor. Splendor 819 -- CC Rating Template.xls