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2 hours ago, Motorman23 said:

Hello, I’m hoping someone has some helpful suggestions for a decent hotel with a bar/restaurant in Rome that is kind of mid range price (up to $200 usd per night) in Oct

Believe it or not, it's kinda' late in the game for finding a hotel priced less than $200 (~€187) per night in October.  I would be happy to check my usual sources if you provide your exact dates.

54 minutes ago, ChucktownSteve said:

 

As you're walking by next time, why not move their "reserved" items to loungers in the sun? Then continue on. You can't be accused of stealing anything. 😁

The lounges in the photo do not appear to be located in the covered, shaded area.

10 minutes ago, edgee said:

Does the Chase coverage include pre existing conditions? I have heard it does not.

You're correct...see below.  Here's a link to the Chase Sapphire Guide to Benefits.

You're referring to the Chase Sapphire cards.  There are two that include this feature...Sapphire Reserve and Preferred.

We've had to collect once on a claim and I have to say it was much easier than dealing with the travel insurance company.  The $20,000 offered by Chase reduces the amount you need to purchase in travel insurance.

InsureMyTrip.com, SquareMouth.com, and TripInsuranceStore.com are all good. However, Steve Dassos at TripInsuranceStore.com offers a lot of value added benefits in the way of information and advice.  I would recommend you call Steve for his recommendation.

On 4/1/2024 at 2:28 PM, Kellyann said:

We are not allowed to post the names of tour companies but it has "Green" in the name of company. 

There's no policy against posting the names of tour companies.  It's done all the time.

On 4/6/2024 at 6:37 PM, moondoggie said:

We are doing a Transatlantic prior to UK docking at Southampton, so I wouldn't want it to start till we are there, not useful on the Atlantic crossing.

You can download and install an eSIM and activate it when you're ready to use it.  Check out the eSIM Database for a listing of just about every option. I've used Airalo and found it very easy to use.

3 minutes ago, Shoreviewgirl said:

So, my next question is, would someone recommend a responsive Travel Agent/Company for cruising?

Can't do that here on CC...not allowed.  That's why I suggested you speak with fellow cruisers.

A good TA will likely know more about cruise line offerings than those who work there in customer service.  If you find a good TA, she will get back to you with the answers you need...and others at her agency can serve you if she is busy or out of the office.

48 minutes ago, Shoreviewgirl said:

Our tour isn't until February 2026.  We aren't using a TA for this.  On all but one of the many cruises we have taken across a variety of cruise lines, it has just seemed easier to work with the cruise line directly.  

You might want to ask fellow cruisers on your next cruise about what their TA offers in value added benefits.  By dealing directly with the cruise line you may be missing out on discounts, rebates, OBCs, and other benefits.

I book only cruise travel with our TA.  Everything else I book myself.

This email address has worked well for me:  specialrequests@rssc.com

1 hour ago, alainciao said:

One exception.  The smaller pier by the World Center.  Regent ships could be there.

That area is currently closed to cruise ship traffic.  See the following published on TravelPULSE:

Last updated: 7:35 PM ET, Thu October 12, 2023

Currently home to Europe’s largest cruise port, the popular Spanish city of Barcelona is restricting port access in an effort to mitigate the impacts of overtourism, an issue that continues to overwhelm many sought-after European destinations.

Following an agreement with local authorities to relocate cruise ships further from the city proper, officials have closed Barcelona’s northern port terminal to all cruise traffic. Passenger cruise vessels will now be required to dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, situated furthest from the storied city center. 

There is one cruise port in Barcelona with one long pier.  No need to know which berth.  Your taxi driver just needs to drive down the pier until he sees your ship.

10 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

If it's not clear on their website, just email them and ask.

if you’re referring to RomeCabs, yes they do drop off and pick up at the ship within the port.

We have used RomeCabs for airport and port transfers for years and have always received excellent service.  They are well regarded by many on this forum. 

2 hours ago, wcsdkqh said:

Ridiculous to compare two ship’s internet service if they aren’t in the same location.

It's not a scientific analysis...just an observation.

1 minute ago, The Hudson Co. Landlubber said:

Bummer!  I was hoping it would be operational for my trip in May.  Thanks for the information though, I can plan accordingly now.

Don't be bummed if Starlink isn't up and running in time for your cruise.  As I previously mentioned, internet speed on Splendor was about twice as fast without Starlink than on Grandeur with it.

1 hour ago, edgee said:

So on a different note, from your point of view, are the walls on Grandeur so "thin" such that you hear conversations and tvs from neighboring cabins?

When we cruised on Grandeur in January and February we could very rarely hear muffled conversation, but never the TV...

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

So now I know. Something else to look into, maybe a new travel credit card.

Living in the US and dealing with a Canadian TA opens up a whole new set of issues apparently.

My suggestion would be to obtain a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees such as the Citi Costco card which is free...there are other free and paid credit cards.

Also, consider a Schwab debit card for free ATM withdrawals worldwide.  It's the best way to obtain foreign currency.  Any fees incurred are reimbursed to your account at the end of the month.  Can't say enough good things about Schwab. 

This may or may not be readable...

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I just emailed hotel smeraldo and was told they dont have rooms for my 4 dates, 14 months in advance. I couldnt get their site to work for even closer in dates

If your dates are May 26 - 30, 2025, I'm seeing plenty of availability.  Try this link.

4 hours ago, Jeeden said:

Definitely open to alternative hotels if anyone has recommendation

The last time we were in Rome we stayed at Hotel Smeraldo which we will likely do again in 2025.  We stayed in a two bedroom although there were just two of us.  We enjoyed the extra room including two bathrooms.

The hotel is right across the street from L'Antico Forno Roscioli for great takeout dining.  Roscioli has a number of various food locations within a short walk...all excellent and interesting.  We did their wine tasting at Rimessa Roscioli and it was over the top...highly recommended.

16 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

The evidence is that they do not enforce it. Don't you really think Regent would be all over the GM's if Regent WANTED this enforced? The GM's are doing exactly what Regent wants done.

I agree; however, if what you say is true why do they publish the following in Passages?

DECK CHAIRS & POOLSIDE ETIQUETTE
Complimentary chaise lounges and extra-large towels are provided for the use and enjoyment of all guests on board and are available on a first come, first served basis. As a courtesy to your fellow guests, we kindly request that you refrain from the practice of reserving chaise lounges and day beds with personal items. If your personal items are left unattended for an extended period of time they will be sent to Reception for you to collect at your leisure.

41 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

I am 100% certain that Management on the ship enforces the rules they are told to enforce.

This is, unfortunately, not the case.  Below is a portion of an email I received from Mike Moore, Vice President eCommerce, on January 4, 2004 before he left his position at Regent:

Thank you for the email, that is in fact the policy, so we'll be sure to ask all of the ships to reference this policy in both Passages and signage on the pool deck in hopes to remind all guests to use common courtesy.

We were on the Grandeur for 32 days in January and February where there was no enforcement of the above referenced policy.  Written comment on the mid-segment survey and a request at the front desk for management to contact me elicited no response.

Company policy was not followed.  By all appearances they just don't care.

I wonder why Starlink's DL speed is being restricted on Grandeur.  Starlink's website advertises the following.  I certainly don't need 40 Mbps, but a speed above 20 would be very useful.

3 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

That's great! You are the first I have heard this from....I have about 30 people at 4 give or take 2%

Here's a typical test result while on Splendor...