Nachosdelux

yes you can go to the main dining room or the buffet as well

My wife says she would like to go if things don't work out with your significant other. BTW it might be awkward if your lady reads this thread, and ends up going on the cruise with you. Especially since you can't edit posts after a few minutes....

was on it in January and agree with above. Is it "new" like the Grandeur etc? No. Is it in decent shape with excellent food and service? Yes, IMHO. More importantly, I would sail her again - and I am booked on her again in the fall. Navigator, on the other hand - I would not sail her again.

Frankly, Anchorage has few choices when it comes to (quality) Hotels. The Captain Cook is the only large hotel in Anchorage that I would consider "Regent" level, but barely. The Hilton and Marriott are both dated and have service issues. They have both been remodeled, but frankly it was "lipstick on a pig" When there are so few options (like Anchorage and Iceland), there is not much Regent can do. That said, they should have given a much bigger refund/service gesture in the Iceland situation.

you get what you pay for. I have done both and the train is a MUCH better experience

The pull out sofa beds are not very comfortable but they can bring by you a mattress pad which helps. Not much privacy for 3 in a room but I’ve done it and it’s survivable.

while I respect the desires of the OP, you are really limiting your options (and hence your enjoyment) if you won't do the buffet or specialty. I get the whole "don't want to pay more" thing, but frankly it's really just not a great strategy on a main-stream cruise. You pay thousands, but won't pay $100 or so for a really memorable meal? by all means, you do you, but personally I would make an exception to your "policy" and enjoy life. Same goes for the buffet, which costs nothing. You might be surprised and enjoy it. I have cruised on Regent, where pretty much everything is included, but I am still willing to spend extra (on a special excursion, for example) if that's what the wife and I want to do. Why limit yourself? Life is too short.

In the US, building codes require a GFCI in the bathrooms, which is an outlet that is safe to use around water. Automatically shuts the power off if there is a short (i.e. risk of electrocution)

I was on Mariner for the first segment of the world cruise Miami to San Francisco in January of this year. I concur with GOARMY's opinion - the ship was in decent shape, and the food and service was outstanding. Going back on her in August, with no reservations. (well, we have a reservation for the cruise!)

Regent's smallest room (on the newer ships) is similar in size and benefits to a Sky Suite. Using the butler as the comparator is not realistic - service in the basic room (and the entire ship) is excellent and (IMO) butler service is not missed. If that were your measure, then you could not compare Seaborne cruise line to Celebrity, as they do not have butlers. If having a butler is the most important factor, then yes, Regent would be more expensive for the cheapest room that has one.

In this one case, Regent is more expensive. To compare Celebrity Aqua class to any Regent cabin is disingenuous. Try pricing a Celebrity Sky suite. I can find lots of examples where Regent is $700-1000 pp/pd - ALL INCLUSIVE. Celebrity Sky suites are sometimes less, sometimes the same price (pp/pd) but don't include tips/tours/airfare (business class) Frankly, you're not trying hard, or you're biased. I have cruised both lines and there is not really a comparison. (Regent wins)

I am pleased that the service on Regent is so good that pre-tipping is not needed (not that I would do it in any case)

currently NOT required unless you hold a passport from: UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, or Kuwait

Even if you are self-carrying luggage, it is a good idea to fill out the disembarkation form and let them know what time you plan on departing the ship. If for some reason there is an issue with the timing, they will let you know.

Regent has better entertainment than Oceania, IMO. For about the same price, I would take Regent any day of the week, over Celebrity Suite class. I would say that Celebrity has priced suites out of the market, but they are selling well. For about the same price (or less), Regent is a MUCH nicer experience.

why did they "remove" your husband from the ship?

just like the Mexico resorts. LOL. I wouldn't bet my safety on your theory.

Totally depends on the airline and if you have frequent flyer status in that airline. Business class generally 70 lbs but could be 50. Domestic coach generally 50lbs and not free.

my understanding is that the crew gets a much better rate than the passengers. and even if that's not the case, they can exchange off the ship at a better rate.

FYI if you are referring to London Heathrow, it's airport code is LHR

my guess is the last off the ship will be about 9:30 am, so maybe a 10:00 am bus, arriving at airport by 10:30am. Figure an hour to get your bags (off the bus), check in, security, and immigration. Puts you at the gate/lounge well before noon.

just chug all the remaining alcohol on the way to the airport....

Sorry to hear about this. Please remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you WILL get through it.

You can show up when if suits you. As long as they have started boarding, you can proceed. Vaccinations are only required on certain itineraries (Yellow Fever, for example). Covid vaccinations are not required.

Doubtful they will check (especially on the way back). Generally they are only concerned with weight at check-in. I have never seen an agent get out a tape measure.