DeepFreeze63

1 hour ago, NCCruzQueen said:

I am watching now with a bubbly cocktail!

I watched with a glass of wine - loved the event!

No requirement for a jacket but most will wear a sport coat on the 2nd night ("Captain's dinner"). No "Formal Optional: on a 12 night Regent cruise. Indoor venues will be cool (to frigid) so I always wear along sleeve shirt at dinner often with either a light sweater or a sport coat.

Bill: Please input.

Grandeur 608, E, DeepFreeze63, Nov. 23, Port, Forward,

big balcony, 1, shower/tub, None, ABSOLUTELY, easy access to forward elevators, forward elevators go 3 to 14.

Grandeur 662, E, DeepFreeze63, Nov. 23, Port, Aft,

big balcony, 1, shower/tub, None, Yes, aft elevators only go 5 to 11.

Thanks, Jim C.

Friday, last day before Miami - beautiful about 79 F. Did the Spa jacuzzusi ( the large central rectangular). Much better than "infinity pools on Explorer and Splendor. Heated to 97 to 103 F. Limited to 20 persons; would fit 10 nicely. Great stern view. More than gentle roll with ship (in calm seas).  Very nice sauna, cold room and specialty showers. Lovely private shower.

Grandeur is docked for 2nd day at Kings Wharf, Bermuda. GREAT cruise continues. Even with a cold, overcast, blustery day, DW and I did putt-putt on Sports deck 12.  Like rest of ship, Sports deck's colors and "decor" are stunning! Nine-hole putting  has "traps"  and "hazards" - fun time. 

Lots of lounges (covered and uncovered) on Deck 12.

Had a "Liars Club" event yesterday afternoon. The CD, the comedian and the Captain each tried to convince us that he was telling the true meaning of an obscure word (did 4 rounds) - GREAT fun!  Amazing for me was how glib the Captain is in a second language.

12 hours ago, Whinenowine said:

The 12/6 Caribbean cruise on Grandeur, as it marks a milestone birthday for me. I'd prefer a longer cruise, but I feel strongly about celebrating on the actual date, so.....it is what it is  Having said that, this cruise was included in the Black Friday Sale, so not only did they knock a bunch of money off my Category D cabin, I also got $1,000 of OBC (hence my questions about the connoisseur list). Having said that, other than the Champagnes, there wasn't much on that list that excited me...so I may be a couple of bottles of older Bordeaux/Barolo to enjoy.

Did the same. Yes, a 7-day cruise is normally too short for us and the Caribbean isn't our "cup of tea" - but deal was too good to pass up. We plan to buy off the extra cost  wine list; enjoy the ship and the sun. 

Had lunch in Chartreuse for 1st time this cruise - 2 "misses" and 2 hits! The croque monseiur (sp?) has been replaces by a "Monty Christo" (a sunny-side  egg on top) and the quiche is now a "pear and walnut" variety - neither to our taste! Replaced by a RARE steak and pecan dessert - both marvelous.

On 11/26/2023 at 12:46 PM, Roxydog15 said:

Hi DeepFreeze, wondering about the nightlight you mentioned.  That blue entryway light, is it really bright?  Like, bring an eye mask bright?  Is it automatically/permanently on, or do we have the option to turn it off?

Thanks,

Ellen

Yes, it's bright but around the corner from bed. Can turn it off of either night stand.

In a September press release Regent bragged about " 8 deliciously authentic new hot appetizers" at  Sette Mari. They didn't fib (except maybe about hot)!  Had my "dinner" last night at a table directly in front of the Sette Mari Grill and FEASTED on appetizers from the buffet table. Terrific combinations of vegetables, cheeses, sea food, and freshly-shaved Italian cold cuts, with Chianti of course.

Did my daily walk through the inside passages. Took the  opportunity to research the Launderette situation.

Deck 6  - 3 pair washer/dryer; iron/board; separate detergent dispenser (ECOLAB); baskets; small folding table; detailed instructions; TV (always on "Grandeur Today"); telephone; and 2 chairs.

Deck 8 - like Deck 6.

Deck 9 and Deck 12 - 2 pair of washer dryers; otherwise like Deck 6.

Deck 7 - bare bones - only 1 pair washer/dryer and no TV

Decks 10, 11 and 14 - no Launderettes

Was there before 7 AM and all Launderettes were open

We are in Concierge 662. No noise even from foot traffic to gym, Suite 644 is forward of aft elevator so should have even less foot traffic past cabin. Seas have been very rough; lock on verandah door was noisy but fixed promptly.

One nit - only 1 USB port at each night stand; power to shipboard portable phone takes up one of these in Concierge suites. Lots of US and GRB receptacles.

Semi-nit - walk-in closet seems narrower than on Splendor; less full hanging space; probably due to expanded "cubby-holes".

Just finished a tour lead by CD, ACD, and SH using the new Regent app, "Art Experience" - terrific entertainment (using one's phone; not IPad "yet"). Starts in Atrium and progresses as you visit the specific art piece (Phase1 has only 12 of the 1600pieces on the Grandeur as of now). As you scan the art, a few-minute film is brought up highlighting the artist, the process of creating the art, and its inspiration - very well done! Was enthalled with the magnificent tapestry ('The Enchanted Tree") in Atrium. 

Took Regent Choice excursion to Sevilla. Pricey but worth it to DW and I as a great 1st visit. Nice bus; 25 guests, good guide (on the talkative side); scrumptuous multi-course lunch at nice Tapas Bar (with free flowing wine)  on a cool, cloudy, long (8 hours) day.

Of course, the venue is magnificent!!! Eye candy buildings and decorations everywhere. Walked at 10,000 steps but only a few vertically.

As usual, the terrific Regent beds let me recover so no aches (legs or head) this AM.

15 hours ago, Whinenowine said:

@DeepFreeze63--Thanks for all the great first hand info, I'm loving the details!  To the extent you can tell, do you think this is what we can expect over the next year on the Grandeur...or is it just a 'pulling out all the stops' strategy for their first few cruises on their newest flagship?

 

We're not sailing her for another year, so I'm curious.

I expect my 2 Grandeur cruises in 2024  to be even better. The workmen will be gone; the "nits" fixed. The film crewS have already departed and the Card Room once FILLED with video/camera/equipment is now a lovely room that is FILLED with puzzles and games.

The Fabrege Egg has not yet appeared and its pedestal in the Reception area looks like a prop from a Tom Cruise spy film,

The new Production Cast numbers are permanent and the new menus are being "rolled-out" across the fleet.

Had a great time on our unexpected seaday! Two lectures (morning and afternoon) by Dr. Sherry _______, a cultural preservation expert and a GREAT presenter.  Also watched another of the new Regent/PBS videos on the suite TV - there are 12 - essentially  very interesting and educational travelogues.

Had lunch in Prime 7 and tried one of the new "decadent" (Regent's adjective) courses - the best fried chicken that I've had in a while - comes with creamy mashed potatoes topped with bacon specks and leeks. Prime7 decor is different than that of Splendor - more inviting and relaxing for me.

Trivia in OL which handles crowds very well and chairs not as heavy as on Splendor and Explorer.

Our team got "skunked"; suffered a multi-part question (and points) about Shakespeare's plays!

Attended the 4th of the four new production numbers - another WOW! The cast of 4 singers and 8 dancers is, for me, the best in our 25 Regent cruises. Also they have been rehearsing these numbers for 4 months.

Automatic doors from Pool Grill to La Verandah appear to be fixed; not sure about doors to restrooms. Suite clocks "Haven't yet arrived" - not a big deal for me as I could never read them at night. In addition to the blue nightlight in the entryway, the suite bathroom now have an under-the counter light (subdued but adequate)that remains on when the suite is powered - very helpful for late night visits.

Just got a seaday as Marseille was cancelled - VERY high winds and boiling seas. Good test for a new ship. many workmen on board; focus seems to be automatic doors on Deck 11 and restroom doors.

At Thanksgiving inner last night, I had delicious turkey (light and dark), sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, terrific stuffing, and wonderful pumpkin pie. DW (a carnivore} says "Regent has upped their game on food". Have been trying many of the new courses announced in their press release/video - had a spectacular halibut entree in Chartreuse.

PS- clothing REQUIRED  on aft Spa deck BUT is optional in the Men's (and I assume Women's) special showers and saunas. 

In Ajaccio, Corsica - a very nice port of call, especially on a sunny, cool November day as the only (and last of the year) cruise ship! Very French, very Napoleon - oriented , with lots of nice shops (even had "Black Friday" sales) and terrific cafes.

Ate lunch on aft deck with mountain ring as a backdrop; many peaks had some snow - postcard photo ops. Fixed seperaters (the "Tea Houses" on the Splendor} are gone; now, remotely operated, vertical blinds available for wind protection of middle tables. Banquets are gone; all tables have very nice deck chairs. Half of the tables under cover. Seem like many more tables than on Splendor.

Yes, the infinity pool on aft deck of Spa is gone. Now  there are 3 jacussi (spell?) - a long, rectangular in center and a normal size (but curved to fit ship's stern shape) on each side. Loungers half in sun and half shaded.  Haven't tried water yet; maybe this PM as day is warming up.

3 hours ago, eroller said:

My guess is that for breakfast and lunch there will be panels that slide open to reveal the windows and ocean views.  At night for dinner they will be closed as nothing to see and it will create a more formal atmosphere.  Just a hunch.  

Good hunch!

Just had breakfast in CR (sea day); sat on sunny side - vertical, adjustable, remotely operated blinds as shades. We had sea views and comfort.

Ps: my nits (above post) are now fixed.

13 hours ago, rcandkc said:

No, reports of onboard?

Am on board. Ship is a SUPER WOW! MY favorite ship was the Splendor (3 cruises) but now is the Grandeur - after 2 days! 

CR is like a fairy tale setting and food has been outstanding.

Several workmen aboard  fixing things as Grandeur gets accustomed to the seas. My specific nits are : door bell inoperative and toilet is finiky.

First night we had one of the 6 new production numbers  - high energy pirate theme - terrific.

Internet AOK but we're in Kotor and surrounded by mountains.

Regent website today issued a press statement (Press and News section) that they have taken possession of the Grandeur.  "Cruise Ports" tracking shows her still in Ancona.

We're packed and, volcano willing, will leave Thursday PM for Venice and Saturday transfer to port of Trieste. We've been on Explorer and Splendor (including the inaugural cruise) and are "anxious" to experience the Grandeur.

2 hours ago, RELS said:

You can get some amount of U.S. cash from the main desk for no fee. It goes onto your shipboard account, then gets charged to your credit card as a purchase at the end of the cruise. I don't remember how much, but it is more than $100.

It has been $200 per passenger per segment.

"We met a couple on the tour we did in Athens who are on for 33 days.  She said they were in one of the specialties and waited 45 minutes for their entrees.  At that point they stood up and left.  She said “no one cared that we left” and staff just stood and watched them go with no comment, interest or apology.  I find that pretty shocking.  We are relatively new to R but I honestly can’t imagine that happening on an R ship, based on our experience, which is that they would be full of consternation and fully stressed to have their guests walk out.  And if it did occur, I am positive that you would receive a call of apology.  This couple did not."

Last year on the Splendor, my wife didn't feel well but I persuaded her to join me for soup in CR.  She had soup and we started to leave. The CR staff were all over us! What was wrong? What could they do?  After my explanation, my order was delivered to our room. Way to go Regent.

11 hours ago, mikemcan said:

Curious to restart this conversation and ask if those who went the deviation route were able to book non-stop flights to their destination.  In our case, we would be flying out of Washington Dulles to Rome and there are 4 non-stop flights available.

 In the last 2 years, we have been able to deviate and fly non-stop, Regent Business out of Dulles to Southampton (Heathrow), Lisbon, and Copenhagen without an up-charge. From Stockholm to Dulles, we had to connect in Frankfort. Up-coming cruise, to Venice (Trieste) we could only get a connection; we chose Munich (without an upcharge).