Portolan

9 hours ago, papaflamingo said:

Princess Cruises also have the same requirement and on their website it says this is Japan's "protocol." They made the latest post on this on Feb. 14, so only 3 days ago. I would say  it doesn't appear that Regent suddenly placed the requirement on anyone, but Japan did, 

If so, it isn't mentioned on the official Japan entry clearance site I cited earlier.  And, again, I've never read of any country which had testing requirements and will accept self-tests.  Way too many variables and certification issues for these.  I suggest you get your information from go.jp (government of Japan) web sites and not Princess...or Regent.  We have our clearances to enter Japan from the Japanese government.  Do you think they've imposed a higher standard for those leaving Japan?

Many are missing my point here: it isn't about the need to self-test (I bet I've done more of those than most here due to professional requirements).  It's that Regent is imposing a new requirement (no proof of negative test required last month on Splendor) which was not imposed by Japan which requires hundreds (assuming many are doing the pre-cruise program) of us to do this after we've started our program with them.  They could have arranged testing on-site at the hotel and process everyone on arrival or accepting a 72-jour test at the start of the land program.  Like they do on cruises when the ships are arriving in countries requiring recent tests.  If this requirement is to make those on the cruise safer, then it should start when we join Vibrant Tokyo which would also allow the testing to be done prior to departure from home.

This'll be our 5th cruise since things restarted.  We have always gotten a PCR test before departure and will do so again.  No point on getting on an expensive flight if you know you are infected and can cancel the flight for a full refund (of miles in our case).  And then self-test after the Vibrant Tokyo program starts.

1 hour ago, ddsun1 said:

My husband and I will be on Explorer, 3/14 - 28 2023, Tokyo - Tokyo.  We will arrive one day prior to the three day pre-cruise land program, "Vibrant Tokyo."  In order to be cleared for this through Japan, we must be (at least) double vaxxed and single boosted; if not, a Covid PCR or Antigen test 72 hours prior to our flight landing, correct?

Additionally, we must take a Covid PCR or Antigen test 72 hours prior to boarding Explorer?

Thanks!

That's my understanding.  So, for us, no problem with the Japan entry requirements, but concerned about the extra hassle of doing and documenting the antigen self-test 72-hours before boarding.  Finding a local clinic in Japan doesn't make sense.  Seems like Regent should organize something since everyone on the Vibrant Tokyo land program will have the same problem.

Per information received from United Airlines, you can save time on arrival in Japan by registering at the 'Visit Japan Web' at https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/ web site.  We uploaded our vaccination documentation and it was verified.  In return we received QR codes (different for each step) for arrival, customs and immigration which are supposed to speed the process.  So, entering Japan is easier than boarding Explorer!

32 minutes ago, cwn said:

Are you sure this is not something Japan is asking of the cruise line. They have had a bad track record with Covid rules and kept the country closed longer than most.

Testing positive means you are possibly contagious and could spread Covid to others even if you feel fine. Think this is something we will have to live with and keep in the back of our mind. Each country is different and rules can change. I think we will have to deal with the constantly changing Covid rules for some time to come. Just like the risk of being quarantined once on board even though for most, Covid isn’t much of an illness now.

At least they are accepting the home test now.

It's not a requirement from Japan.  They have an app for those arriving in Japan and it requires a test only if you haven't been vaccinated and boosted.  In any case, no country that I've heard of will accept a self-test.  This is a Regent shift back from the policy of last month (literally) when we didn't have to have any test to board Splendor in Miami (but we nevertheless had a PCR test).  Yes, another country, but nothing indicates that this is a Japanese requirement as we've already been cleared for entry without a test (vaccinated and three-times boosted).

Please don't misunderstand: we welcome any and all requirements for vaccination and testing.  Just pointing out that Regent will be already hosting a large number of us when the testing needs to occur and (I believe) should take the responsibility of making this easier for us. 

We received today the COVID-related boarding requirements for our March 14th Tokyo to Tokyo cruise.  I imagine that this will also apply to the other March and April Explorer cruises starting at Tokyo in April.  The key points are:

1. Proof of vaccination, full series but not requiring boosters - this is actually less than entry into Japan requires which includes boosters, so no issue with this.

2. Pre-cruise testing.  PCR or Antigen testing required within 72 hours of boarding (which is not required for entry into Japan if vaccinated and boosted).  We, as no doubt many on this cruise, are doing the included pre-cruise 4-day program so we will already be in Tokyo at 72-hours out.  It would seem reasonable that given a large number of passengers effectively under Regent control for the full testing window, they'd organize something.  Yes, there is a (first-ever?) acceptance of self-testing (see below), but with some documentation including time-stamped photos, but it would still seem much more "luxury" to organize this rather than having hundreds of us sitting in our rooms self-testing and taking pictures.

Regent Email:

Pre-Cruise Testing

For sailings that embark in Japan all guests must provide proof (printed or digital) of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result or a negative COVID-19 Antigen test result within 3 days of embarkation to board the ship.  The test may be administered by a registered test provider or may be a self-test (see below for details).

Registered test provider

Test result documentation from a registered test provider must be provided in English and must include the following information:

·          Your name, which should match the name on your travel documents

·          Your date of birth

·          The result of the test

·          The date and time the test sample was collected

·          The name of the test provider

·          Confirmation of the type of test provided

Self-Testing

Antigen tests may be self-administered. Guests choosing to use a self- administered COVID-19 Antigen test must provide a timestamped photo showing:

·          The negative test result

·          The Antigen test packaging displaying the batch number

·          I.D. (e.g., passport).

On 2/13/2023 at 10:34 PM, irishwitchy said:

Highly recommend a land trip to Denali before or after the cruise, especially if you like hiking.  

And don't ignore the ability to book a land trip to Denali with Princess.  NOT the cruise, but the land tour can be booked independently.  Princess (and Holland America) have special trains for this.  We did it with Princess after a Regent cruise ending in Anchorage, and it was great.  Special train to Denali, three nights in a nice Princess owned lodge at the entrance to Denali, and then return to Anchorage by bus (because of timing).

3 hours ago, irishwitchy said:

Since, one of gifts that Regent gives out with Regent points is a purse hook - lots of people must use a hand bag! 

As RELS said, if only!.  We are inveterate trivia players and the redemption options on our last cruise (and never in the previous 20+) had a purse hook.  We'd opt for one of those (in case Regent is listening).  As it was, we gave away 35 points.  But for us, it's the fun of the trivia competitions (and Mensa).

We were on Splendor last month when they restarted the muster drill.  First, I have no problem with this change for all the safety reasons cited.  However, the crew were checking people in by scanning their keycards and it became apparent that there were issues with the hand-held scanners or possibly in the ability for that data to be collated.  There was an uncomfortably long period of time where they'd call a cabin whose occupants were in the theater and (overheard several times) said they'd been scanned and when they were scanned again it still didn't register.  I expect that this was the first use of the scanning system since, as mentioned earlier by a B2B cruiser, it was the first in-person muster held on the Splendor.  The crux of the issue seemed to be no backup plan for manually collecting the information and integrating it with that captured by the scanners.

We'll be on Explorer in 4 weeks so it'll be interesting to see if it is smoother.  But, again, not complaining about the intent.

4 hours ago, moogwan said:

And let us not forget the little, quirky Song of Flower!

Never sailed on Song of Flower, but passed her in the Baltic in 2003 on board the brand new Voyager captained by Dag who had brought A model of SoF with him which was displayed in the Voyager's forward lounge.

We sailed on the Diamond twice.  Very unusual design which made it super stable and very slow.  Top speed as I recall was about 12 knots.

Three distinct memories:

1. The Grand Dining Room had a high ceiling with a huge window on the stern.
2. Returning to the ship by tender, we were taken up the channel between the hulls.
3. Passengers being invited to the bridge (which was open to us most of the time) to enjoy sailing by Dubrovnik in the early morning.  Some passengers in bathrobes.

And let me stress again that Regent's deal with the airlines allows payments as late as 30 days before the flight.  You will have a firm reservation sometime after (now) 210 days out, but it has never been nor will it be paid for until close in.

Only negative effect that we've experienced is that until paid for, the booking won't show the mileage earning though with United and probably all the others, the basis for mileage earning (cost and status) is well know so I have a pretty good idea anyway.

A problem that some may have is if your TA (or Regent if directly booked) may not have and ensure your frequent flyer number is on the reservation which means it should immediately show up in your FF account with the airline.  It is possible to add it after the fact if you have the booking number (6 characters).

Then for many, you'll be able to see the seat map and choose anything your fare class is eligible for.  If a foreign airline, but a member of one of the alliances where you are a member of their domestic partner, try logging into the domestic airline and you also may be able to select/change seats on the foreign partner.  Going through United to access Lufthansa (both Star Alliance), for example.

Having been able to look at some normally hidden PNR data for a United flight booked through Regent, I could see that their payment date was 30 days out.

Obviously, a different situation on American because we always change our pre-assigned seats (to get E+ on United which we have through status) as soon as they were booked ~270 days out (and per recent emails, now 210 days out).

Did you just get a single, consolidated reservation with both of you listed?  If so, then when you log in to the Regent web site it should show your booking after you manually add it.  Just click on add booking and with the booking #, ship and date, it should show up.  There shouldn't be any issue of linking accounts to be able to book both of you if you are on the reservation.  If your SO has their own account with Regent, they can do the same process to show it there though I'd recommend that you do all the restaurant and excursions from the same login.  Lots of our friends including those with different names and not necessarily married have done this without problem.

If you each have a separate reservation and booking number then I don't know if you can somehow link the bookings.  For the restaurant reservations, you can book tables with others if you have their booking number.  It all really boils down to having a single booking number, not account.

Given that the Regent web site won't even automatically add new bookings (which should be tied to you with your Seven Seas Society number), I'm willing to bet that if what I've described above doesn't fix your situation, it's time to ask your TA to do so or call Regent directly.

Not a "guarantee" unless the higher category says guarantee and I think you can only do this if the higher category is available.  And then you can choose a specific suite from those not yet booked.

Perhaps Coke Zero on some ships/cruises, but it was definitely Diet Coke last week on Splendor.

Also, probably a function of where provisioning is done.  If Europe, then likely Coke Lite.

They still send out the packets as of a month ago.  Some contents may be an issue of status level.  We got the all important the tags to board your luggage with the large deck level.  Also a zippered portfolio case (suitable for a tablet computer), leather bag tags which may be a function of Platinum status.  Our Silver traveling companions certainly got the boarding luggage tags.

Who told you no more tags and where do you live?  There have been reports of variances between US and international travelers.

They certainly have Diet Coke and Coke products which we prefer.  Might also have Pepsi, but I can't recall seeing it anywhere on-board.  No fountain sodas.  All cans.

16 hours ago, European_CruiseGirl said:

I am happy to report that Regent was able to adjust my reservations so that I have now the promotion price included in them. It didn't even require cancelling and rebooking 😊 It seems that at least for those who have booked during late 2022 it might make sense to call and ask for a reprice.

Regent ended the need to cancel and rebook or at least threaten to do so a few years ago.  So, as you mention, you just get an updated version of your booking at the price as reduced by the promo with your assigned suite, excursions, etc. intact.

4 hours ago, dkatzenbach said:

I am new to Regent, and trying to figure out how this promotion supposedly works.  I am trying to book via the website.  I am expecting that I select an F2, and but then I will get charged for the price listed for a G2.  Is that correct?  Every time I get to the final payment page it keeps showing me getting charged for the price that was shown for an F2.  I must be doing something wrong, or maybe I do not understand how this promotion is supposed to work.  Any help would be appreciated.  

No.  Choose a G2 suite and that's what you'll be charged for, but you'll be in an F2.  This is why you really want to use a TA.  Not sure how well this works directly dealing with Regent.

7 hours ago, -Lew- said:

 

Were you checking fares to determine whether rebooking your current category in order to move up two categories would work?  If that doesn't work, how about booking two categories below and keeping your same cabin?

 

Our TA did that for us with the same type of promotion on our January 21st Splendor cruise.

When we do this (pretty much an annual event with Regent), we rebook two cats lower and end up in the same suite at a lower price.  On the Explorer-class ships, we have no desire to move from F1/2 to PH which we view as a poorer layout.  (let the analysis begin)

Interesting.  So maybe moving back to the pre-pandemic capacities: 490/700/700/750/750?

We have 6 Regent cruises booked.  Those within a year would be more expensive under this promotion than we are paying.  Those more than a year out would be modestly less expensive (a few hundred dollars/pp) than when we booked.  None of the cruises we have booked were eligible for the 20% additional savings which are near-term European cruises where I assume they are trying to fill the ships.

While I can't answer this specifically for a cruise ending in Tokyo (maybe Yokohama?...still nearby), our experience has been that they will have at least a couple of transfers where the early one will go directly to the airport and one for those with later flights will do some sightseeing and then go to the airport.  Included if you used Regent air or at a price for those who didn't.  Complicated in Tokyo because of having 2 relatively co-equal airports, Narita and Haneda.

As Mahogany mentioned higher suite categories and/or status provide access to dining reservations earlier, 90 days rather than 75 days.

What was your luck with Chartreuse (since you are on Voyager, you have two restaurants available for advance reservations)?

Share a table.  It's a great way to meet some very interesting individuals in our experience.

As I recall, regardless of when you viewed the video as part of the check-in process, they require that you watch it again within 72 hours of boarding due to maritime regulations.  So, watching it twice has been the norm for us.