DeepFreeze63

On an early 2023 Explorer cruise, I complained about the many missing tiles at the infinity pool. GM told me that due to a "design flaw" the infinity-pool was a maintenance headache and would NOT be included in the Grandeur.

boblerm posted: " As for the other ports, for me, they ranged from, “pretty, but not especially inspiring” to “why is it that I am here, exactly???” Years ago, on a Regent cruise, we stopped at Rio Grande. After our excursion, I asked the Mariner's CD why we stopped there. He responded: "Jim, if I only had one day to live, I'd want it to be in Rio Grande - it would seem like forever!" Thanks for the great photos

DW says "thanks goodness, nobody eats them".

After our 3/28 TA on Splendor, we are staying for 3 days at Hotel Avenida Palace on Avenue Liberdade. It is upscale, central, and on a flat areas with Metro just outside. When we get back on 4/13, I'' write up the cruise and the post-cruise stay.

Thanks! Hope you will post whenever you see us "amateurs'" not fully grasping something nautical.

We don't usually take a suite with a butler but the 3 times we had a butler we enjoyed his services. Yes, they deliver late afternoon canapes to the cabin; we'd much rather have canapes and drinks later in the Observation Lounge with friends and the pianist. BUT our butlers: tracked down our dressy attire at the laundry and expedited it for a big event. prepared a cocktail party for us (when we had an "Explorer" cabin) and 6 new friends. We had a great time; left with the guests; and, returned to a pristine cabin. delivered a special late-night dessert to our grandson throughout a 15-day cruise. had the ship's carpentry shop cut a board to specification for me. routinely checked on availability of reservations for Prime7 restaurant. Pretty anything you want them to do.

We've had terrific regular Regent excursions in Kirkwall and Belfast. Kirkwall archeology tour is NOT to be missed (but very cold and windy) and the Titanic Museum in Belfast is wonderful (but crowded). Regent's contractor did a great job; I don't think a private guide would have added much for DW and I.

Thanks Flossie We're on the Grandeur "inaugural(s); DW is an expert photographer so I'm determined to have that capability during those cruises.

Above is me "learning how to add photos to my posts!

Jim & Mary

See you there; I'll wear my Splendor "Inaugural" cap (if I can find it). Jim C.

DW and I will be with you. We haven't been on the Splendor since its inaugural TA. I did the special showers and infinity pool then - terrific experience!

Just heard from two sets of friends; they just received the Regent postcards that we "mailed" on the Voyager on 12/02/2022 in Namibia - well, the Regent cards are attractive (pictures of their ships) and "included". Also, a fun topic of conversation.

As a long-term, ardent Regent cruiser, I have to say: DO NOT take a cruise "to see" Alaska! Very small boats can be MAGNIFICENT for whale watching, getting close to glaciers, etc. We did Tauck's "multi-generational" land tour (with air over Denali and 2 small boat trips) with 15 -year old grandson - the bonding of a lifetime!

Who (and what position) was (is) "Andy"? Thanks

Interesting. My issue has been that cabin clock DOESN'T glow enough at night that I can read it in the dark (did 66 nights on Voyager in 2022).

Thanks Flossie. I don't recognize anyone of these names (despite 23 Regent cruises). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the staff and crew performance during your cruise, in light of all the previous drama about the NZ and Aussie cruises. Enjoy, Jim C.

I agree. I don't even count being inside of airports as "places that I have been".

Mariner is definitely my favorite (Regent) ship in rough seas. I also LOVE the public areas. My draw back with her is the smaller standard cabins and I will NEVER again take the standard cabin with tub!

AAh! Memory is returning about Sagrada Familia. Yes, take your TICKET, receipt may not be sufficient; they let us in with only the receipt but we had an extra 15-minute wait (with lot of uncertainty). We took the guided tour. Good, but probably much better with a guide or maybe even by yourself. Take binoculars distance camera lens. - lots to see higher up or afar - magnificent detail

Not quite normal as of December. "Non-licensed" staff (CD, ACD, GM, etc.) could eat in any dining venue with Passengers. Production cast and speakers couldn't be invited to dine in restaurants that needed reservations. No dining with Captain, Staff Captain or Medical Staff.

If you do Sagrada Familia get reservations in advance and KEEP the receipt.

Ann, Mary and I made Titanium in December. We got a private transfer at the end of that cruise to the airport (plus very nice champagne, delicious candies and beautiful flowers in our cabin). Looking forward to the private transfer to our hotel in Lisbon upon disembarkation in April. Best, Jim & Mary (from our very first Regent cruise on Mariner a while ago)

Thanks (a bunch) for the photos!