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.

If a cruise is booked directly through Oceania and then transferred to my agent, is the agent's  commission reduced?

When we canceled an Oeania cruise this week, our TA was advised that Oceania is currently taking approximately 90 days to process refunds.

My husband and I have enjoyed frequent Canyon Ranch spa services on all of our Regent and Oceania cruises.  Depending on the length of the cruise, I will have 3+ shampoo/blow drys, occasional manicures and pedicures.  He will have 3+ 90 minute deep tissue massages.  Yes, the prices are steep (and I don't expect that to change) but we've always been pleased with the services and he has been especially impressed with the quality of most of his massages. I have had occasional hair products suggested and a polite 'no thank you' has worked just fine.  Neither of us have ever been solicited for tips.  In fact, a number of hairdressers have gone out of their way to make sure that I understand that the gratuity is included.

I realize that I am in the minority, but just my opinion.  Oh, and the CR Buffalo Chicken salad on the room service menu is delish!

1.  I second UDSpud's 'daily sheet' suggestion.  A favorite hotel in Sausalito does this and it's a nice touch.

2.  Non-beef or pork breakfast sausages, such as chicken, turkey or plant based.

Jay23 - Would you comment on which of Oceania's excursions you took and enjoyed?  Thanks.

Thanks, Flossie!

Can someone provide the link that will guarantee that your donation is matched by NCLH?

Regent finally reached its target audience (albeit a little late, in my opinion).  We are on the Dec 17 Rio to Miami cruise on board Mariner with stops in St. Lucia and St. Kitts on the return.  A couple of days ago, our TA forwarded a notice from Regent informing those passengers of the requirement for Yellow Fever vaccinations or waivers.

Regarding the MDR closure during lunch is troubling.  Reducing services while increasing fares seems short sighted.  We average two to three cruises per year.  Started with Silversea and now cruise exclusively on Regent and Oceania.  Our favorite ships are Marina and Explorer and we prefer the larger suites because we enjoy our time on the ship as well as in port.  We will oftentimes stay on the ship while in port if we've been there or have no interest.  So, it really doesn't matter to me how many passengers have left the ship.  We've always enjoyed the MDR at lunch.  One of the things that we've enjoyed on Marina is having so many options and so being forced to dine at a buffet, to me, is no longer a luxury cruise experience.  We have two back to back cruises booked on Marina next year in Europe for a total of 22 days.  This issue could be a deal breaker.  Explorer does not serve lunch in the MDR but either Prime 7 or Chartreuse, or both, serve lunch daily which is lovely.  We enjoy alternating cruises on Regent and Oceania but if Oceania continues to close the MDR on port days, it may be time to consider Crystal or Seabourn as an alternative.