jmnapa

Chuck, I couldn't agree with you more. My husband and I were just on the Explorer for 31 days, Tokyo to Vancouver. We have been on many Regent cruises, quite a few Oceania and Silversea. This may have been our best cruise ever. The crew was "over the top" friendly and efficient. Each one of them appeared to really want to do what they could to contribute to the the enjoyability (? is that even a word?) of our experience. Many addressed us by name. We did have to change cabins mid-cruise because someone else had already booked ours for the second cruise. Our butler appeared on moving day and he and his assistant took care of everything. We found both cabins to be wonderful. We are people who do not "sweat the small stuff" but, honestly not much small stuff. We, too, have been puzzled by these reviews.

RE: Global Entry renewal. The site says that they will not contact you but it sounds as if you were contacted with your renewal notice?

This brings to mind another consideration, key word being "considerate." If you have decided not to join the excursion that you have booked, kindly turn your tickets in to Destination Services at your earliest convenience rather than simply not showing up. This allows others to take advantage of your opening. Do unto others...

Great article, Chris - entertaining and educational. After our umpteenth Med cruise this year, we are now looking forward, more than ever, to our first Baltic cruise next year. Going forward, I will seek out your CC articles.