UUNetBill

No need to write a novel...just pick up a phone. 😄

This is precisely why my wife and I only partake in trivia on about half of our sailings - on occasion it gets so cutthroat as to not be enjoyable, which is the entire point of doing trivia if I'm not mistaken. We've met some good people in trivia, and we've also done the first day or two and not returned, so much of it depends on who's playing.

Have you tried calling in? I usually end up having to call an agent for certain excursions, dining reservations, etc. that we can't do properly online.

Yes, it's a sad thing, but although I may have the luxury of cruising on Regent every now and again, I don't have the luxury of unplugging completely for that length of time as both my wife and I are still in the workforce and need to be in touch even when we're away. We had usually limited ourselves to 12-14 night cruises but managed to be gone for a month this year, and without the internet that just wouldn't have been possible. So even being on 'vacation', we still expect to be able to read the news, do our daily games/puzzles, monitor our finances, pay bills, stay in touch with our daughter who is expecting our first granddaughter, and yes, even check in on our dog's cam as well as home security cameras, etc. Actually, NOT having access to the things we're used to would be more stressful for us as we're so used to the non-work aspects of our internet connectivity. It's 2024, not 1984 - for many of us, the internet is a part of our lives, like it or not - so if they advertise internet connectivity, I expect internet connectivity - regardless of whether it's for work or personal use. Rant over...sorry. 🙂

I kind of get the OP's anger toward the entire situation. I've had my issues with Regent off and on over the last 15 years as well (I'm sure many of us have had some disappointments at times) but over time I think we've all come to realize that ANY cruise line is subject to issues like this. IMO, Regent's biggest problem isn't delays or missed ports or changing arrangements, it's communication, plain and simple. From Miami to their agents to the ship's officers to the website to the passengers there always seems to be a disconnect in the info flow which leads to more aggravation for us, the paying customers. Sure do wish someone at corporate could take a look at this and find a way to be more forthcoming when there are issues like this - I think it would go a long way toward minimizing complaints like this. Edit to add: Having said all this, from what I've read about this Voyager issue I think Regent handled it as well as possible...with the exception of communicating with their disgruntled passengers.

If I had to guess I'd think it was due to Navigator being moved from the Middle East to the Med a while back, there was probably a ripple effect on subsequent cruises that required a reshuffling of ports. Unlikely almost a year out, but that's all I got. 🙂

It's not only possible, but probable. 🙂 Thanks for educating me - I only tend to look at wireless options a few weeks before we sail, and since we're not booked again until '25 I haven't bothered (and they'll probably have new plans available by then anyhow). Thanks for posting the screenshot - good info.

I'd heard about this exchange as well (quite possibly also true, and hopefully so): “Lady Astor: "Sir, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea." Winston: "Madame, if you were my wife, I'd drink it!"

Are you sure about that? I was pretty sure that it was closer to $10/day, and they also had a monthly option that was like $89 as I recall. You are somewhat limited on the data side, though.

I agree with most people here that Navigator will feel different if you've only experienced the Explorer-class ships. But in many ways, different is better; in some ways not. I tend to prefer Navigator on the more port-intensive itineraries but she has a certain 'feel' that none of the other ships have. We were booked on Navigator this month but the cruise was cancelled. We don't hesitate to book her, even with no Pacific Rim or Connoisseur Club the smaller ship just seems friendlier somehow. Not as glitzy but still a very nice place to spend a vacation.

Oh, and with regards to the comments about smaller portions on board - we completely agree that the portion sizes seem smaller, and that's perfect, I think! Last year I either felt bloated for overeating or guilty for throwing away food. This past cruise hit the sweet spot - we could order apps, entrees, and dessert and not feel like we needed gurneys to get us back to our cabin, Whether it's a cost-reducing measure or just a stab and keeping us from packing on too much vacation tonnage, I, for one, welcome the change! PS - more calories to spend on hooch. 🤪 🥃

So Z, I've been a week or two behind reading this report and just finished up today. Maybe, just maybe one day we'll manage to sail together - I'm sure it wouldn't be boring. Sorry to hear about your little tummy booboo - hope you get back to normal-ish as soon as possible. Thanks for taking us along with you guys on this trip. We just got off Voyager last month and it already feels like a year. And nothing booked until next August (might have to find an alternative itinerary earlier in the year). We're looking to get to South Africa sometime in '26, maybe on their new build, who knows? Anyhow, I sure appreciate your writeups and pics - it helps with the withdrawl. 🙂

I'll need to try Hall's the next time I'm in Charleston - we have one here in Greenville that frankly leaves me a bit underwhelmed.

If you see Lorraine let her know drinks are on us if she's anywhere near Greenville!!

Or: My Doctor: You're too fat. Me: I want a second opinion. My Doctor: Okay, you're ugly, too. (Sorry, Rodney)