GOARMY

sita: No change as to Concierge hotel when arriving a day earlier. Which, no matter what--unless one lives within walking (or easy commute from residence to Port) distance--always plan arrival at said Port at-least one day before Embarkation. GOARMY!

Rmrands: Have run-around that pickleball/paddle tennis court area many times when aboard Explorer doing my jogging laps. Never actually set-foot on the surface. That "said": Suggest feedback be sent to: 1. Jennifer Teegen, Director of Guest Experiences and Loyalty. her email is jteegen@rssc.com. You can also send her a letter to the corporate address shown below for: 2. Jason M. Montague, President & CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, FL 33126. His email: JMontague@rssc.com. Have, in the recent-past, been successful in communicating with both via either Snail Mail and email. Hope this helps. GOARMY!

Worldtraveler4727: Most-recent experience observing (but with no need to participate) was October 3rd at the L.A. Pier prior to embarking on Mariner. There were tables set up in the Check-in tent (don't even get me started on what a MESS that was) specifically for the purpose of administering such a test. Actually, during the 1.5 HOURS we waited--along with about 250 others--to complete that check-in debacle (process), cannot recall seeing any prospective passengers making a visit to those tables. But, there they were. GOARMY!

With the risk of stating the obvious: We are not potted plants unable to make simple choices as to caloric consumption--at any meal or any venue. As to Sette Mari: There is no reason to sit there and observe food being delivered to your table which you have no intention of eating. Particularly appetizers. For us: Meatballs, period. Just make that simple statement upon being seated and served with chilled water, or whatever. Take some responsibility for indulging, or not, at any meal. Or, skipping a meal; or at Compass Rose, just ordering a salad and an appetizer. Period. It is really not that complicated. Similar when in a Penthouse as to afternoon canapes. Advise the Butler not to deliver same. GOARMY!

fudge: Appears we will be shipmates again in less than a year. Will also be aboard Explorer at Vancouver for September-October transit to Tokyo. Then, add-on at Tokyo. This will be our fourth try for Tokyo. Previous ones canceled due to COVID. Continued safe travels. GOARMY!

Actually, things often change for the better. There are lots of "things" in life. Been a life experience when doing the cruiser thing not to be a potted plant when a certain aspect comes up short of reasonable--reasonable expectations. Escalate, in a kind manner, to the next supervisory level. That about sums it up. Not going further down the rabbit hole on this one. Stay safe, everyone. And, stay OFF the elevators when on a Regent ship with a limited number of decks. We did so--but still got "the bug". On numerous occasions, observed open elevator doors. Five or six folks crammed inside. GOARMY!

DDDDale: There has been a List of included whites and reds on earlier cruises. Ask, and you will receive. This is not a heavy lift. Same have been posted, on occasion, on other CC Threads. We have never had the need to ask for same upon boarding; or at an initial dining venue. Wines are not-that big a deal for us. But, that is just us. Example: latest Mariner cruise. Great reds and whites presented. On one CR occasion, my wife asked to try a second white. "Of course." Of course. The second became her first. And, by some magic, it was always available to her whether we were subsequently at La Veranda for lunch; or at CR. As to the "other" premium Lines. This goes back a few years, as we have stuck with Regent for the past seven (Plus add-on 17-month hiatus due to COVID.) Unless being aboard Princess for larger Family cruises. (Latest of which was on "Discovery" for a 7-dayer Seattle-Alaska-Seattle back in August.) Vaguely recall my wife asked for such a List on a Silversea segment in the "Med". It was produced, on short order. That is the best I can do. Others, no-doubt (this is CC) will chime-in with more contemporary specifics. I stand adjourned. GOARMY!

DDDDale: Did read your Post. Did share a common experience of testing positive for COVID two days after completing our Oct 3-15 Mariner cruise. Took ALL the precautions--but, did not dodge this particular bullet. (Did managed to dodge many of the other kind in another lifetime.) Fortunately, tested Negative this AM after going through the usual self-quarantine protocol. -------- Interesting when reviewing your Post as to first night at Compass Rose. Another shared experience we had as to rather insouciant service. Soos-- next night, migrated to other side of CR and into the good care of Joseph--whom we had met on earlier Mariner and Explorer cruises. Wish we had seen him on the first night. The consummate professional. He should have been promoted to Head Waiter way-earlier. Joseph mentioned doing three more Mariner segments--then, a vacation back home. With that "said"-- Do not throw the baby out with the bathwater re: eschewing Regent from further cruise consideration. We have cruised for about 27 years--with time out, of course, for COVID. Many Lines, mega- and "premium". It has been either Regent or Seabourne (and one or two Silverseas) pretty-much for the past 15. I am no apologist for Regent. Have offered, when needed, comments and feedback verbally; as well as on mid-cruise comment card, and the end-of-cruse Evaluation. Warts and all. Mostly positive, as to interactions with Staff from top-deck maintenance folks who caution me to "be careful" when running on a slightly-slippery surface; to Room Stewards and Butlers; to Reception Staff; and, of course, wait Staff(s) at CR and specialty restaurants. Food is subjective. Wine preferences are subjective. However, it has been our experience on Regent to simply ask for something reasonable in a reasonable way--and the answer will be: "Of course." This goes for wine. No--we do not expect to get the entire listing of always available and included reds and whites before sitting down for our first CR dinner (or lunch). Have never needed to. Usually--usually, there is a venue on the second cruise morning for a wine tasting opportunity. The Lists have been available. We did not have one of these during our last Mariner cruise. Probably another nod to COVID concerns. If the original wine offered is not one to one's taste--ask for another. My wife, who has a more discerning palate than I in this regard, often asks to sample two or three. That suffices. Staff serve her whatever that preference might be, whenever asked. Just food for thought. GOARMY!

Block Party: Stand in doorway of Suite with glass in hand. Suite attendants are there to pour libation and distribute canapes. Great opportunity to meet with your fellow cruisers in adjacent Suites, and down the Hall. CPT and his happy gang (Cruise DIrector and a video Team in tow) will appear, in due course. The group starts at top deck and moves--quickly through each Deck. A quick "welcome" and, poof--they are gone. Conversations between shipmates often continue. Purely voluntary. We have found this a good way to meet our neighbors. Have developed friendships with several who remain our friends to the present. Often turned-out--folks resided in our same, or a nearby community. Oh, BTW: Plenty of paperwork (duplicate) required prior to October 3rd boarding of Mariner in L.A. A real mess. See my comments in "Meandering Down to Mexico" thread. GOARMY!

And, an extra added attraction at the Berth with the Tent: Should the boarding process be delayed by about 1.5 hours due to a reported Internet "glitch" as it was with ours on October 3rd-- There are Porta Potties located outside the Tent. The extra-added touch. GOARMY!

Reflecting on the above: As has been said--in a slightly-different context (All analogies "limp".) Guess who's coming to dinner. That could also end either with a ! or a ? depending on who or whom--and in what numbers--show(s) up at Compass Rose, specialty restaurants, around the pool, in Lounges, at Tender site; and so-on. Such is cruising. GOARMY!

Had both a Bridge group and that TA group on our October 3-15 Mariner segment. Both relatively-small groups in numbers; but, depending on how Regent management "manages" their access to usually-open venues for "Special Events"--it can be a distraction. Might also note this Cruise included a PBS-sponsored "Spotlight on Hollywood" series. Much larger number of participants. Usual presentation venues were in the Theater. Break-out separate gatherings for chats (and cocktails) with Presenters were well-handled at cocktail Lounges. BECAUSE--those Lounges were also left-open for visits by non-participants during the pre-dinner cocktail Hour. As for the TA Group: A bit-much considering how a small group (around 20-25) can tie-up a Lounge on two occasions. Yes, I understand from other Threads, Regent was a co-sponsor of this Group. Still, poorly handled by Regent. Self and others commented to Regent at the time; I also did so in my "after-action" Cruise on-line Summary. However, considering relative priorities--the itinerary; kind Staff and attendants (and pleasant weather)--the above distraction did not detract from considering this a positive trip. GOARMY!

No Block Party on Mariner's October sailing from L.A. Crew wore masks for first half of cruise; about 15% of passengers did. GOARMY!

Just returned home. Overall--another positive experience. Did not experience any pluming issues (was slightly forward of midships, Deck 8). The Notice which appeared on our front door is similar to ones received on several other occasions over the years--and not just on Mariner. We have received responses to both the mid-cruise comment card; and more extensive near end of cruise Survey. And, specific reference made to both laudatory aspects; and the occasional "issue". This time around, I commented about the sloppy and uncoordinated boarding process on Day 1. Turned in the card. Next morning--telephone call from General Manager explaining the problem--which was a system-wide Port problem on October 3rd affecting several other larger cruise ships as well. As usual, Internet connectivity problems; and loss of access to Cable Networks for extended periods of time. Agree with disappointment about unannounced closing of the very-popular Observation Lounge to cater to the wishes of a very-few select folks. OTOH: Liked the way Regent handled evening get-togethers at Horizon Lounge for Spotlight on Hollywood Presenters to entertain additional questions from guests. The Lounge remained open to others for drinks and conversation unrelated to Spotlight. Spotlight presentations were excellent, particularly an early one on how the original "Pilot" "Frazier" episode was conceived; and put together. Now, must wait a few months before Navigator--at New York. GOARMY!

Nice to know what hotel Regent utilized at Vancouver. We have celebrated several wedding anniversaries at The Fairmont Hotel. One of Vancouver's landmarks. Hopefully, will be "assigned" to The Fairmont next September in anticipation (fourth try) to cruise to Tokyo via Explorer. Depending on the weather--we plan to walk from Fairmont to the Pier. Only a few (7 or 😎 blocks. GOARMY!

labonnevie: Echoing RachelG a bit as to opportunities for evening dining at either Compass Rose, or one of the specialty restaurants, with Regent Officers, Staff, entertainers, and such-- Our two 2021 Regent segments did not include such opportunities, for reasons understood by all. Who knows--when we board Mariner at L.A. next week--there may be a card in our Suite advising an "Invitation" to join with another couple for a dinner with a Regent Officer. Put this at less than 50%. So, Spoiler alert: following history is based on numerous pre-COVID cruises. However, the ark appears to be a slow by steady return to whatever passes as the new-normal. Anyway, circa 2018 and 2019 cruises. Yes, dinner with Ray on one occasion at Compass Rose when aboard Navigator--at his invitation. What an "event", long to be remembered. Ray detailed some of his history-upon-the-stage experiences in England before he decided to seek a more "stable" employment situation as a ship Cruise Director. I could hardly contain my responses to his refulgent details. My dear wife had to caution me on several occasions to stay in my chair. I suggested Ray bottle up this history, and use it upon a Regent stage. On another cruise, my wife noted the Lead Singer whose bio was detailed in "Passages" was a young man who had previously performed in Musical Theater productions with our daughter upon stages at Pittsburgh and Chicago. So--following his initial onboard show--had a message conveyed to him. Response: met him for coffee the next day. How about dinner at Compass Rose? He had to clear this with Regent, so as not to conflict with rehearsal schedules and subsequent performances. Result: a few days later, a very-pleasant dinner with him and the Production Company's lead female singer. Depending on the stars aligning--yes. Such opportunities are available. GOARMY!

And, for further clarification: "Sette Mari" (reconfigured from La Veranda--the routine breakfast and lunch venue on all Regent ships) is not considered a specialty restaurant for the purposes of requiring an advance reservation. Should your group of six decide for dinner dining-- Recommendation: Group show-up on the early side--around 1825H. No problem, again, obtaining a table for six. GOARMY!

Specialty restaurants (one, two, or three, depending on what Regent ship you are on) have tables for six. You need to supply booking numbers for the other two couples when you enter the timeline allowing for making reservations. GOARMY!

Certainly wish everyone on-board smooth seas. Reviewed the latest weather reports. A hurricane of significant (historic) proportion(s) is heading toward the Maritimes. Having been in the tail-end of one of these more than several years ago while en route from New York to Bermuda-- secure everything in your Suite that could come loose, passengers included. Stay safe. Keep us updated if this situation deteriorates requiring significant changes in itinerary and Ports of Call. GOARMY!

Respectfully disagree. Hard copies of "Passages" are very useful as reminders of that day's activities; specialty restaurant availability for lunch; and entertainment options. Also, great to have these as colorful memories to review at home long after that particular segment has ended. GOARMY!

RachelG: When you have the opportunity, extend a BIG "How do you dooooooo!" to CD Ray Solaire from Jim and Sue, Redmond, WA. It has been our good fortune to have traveled with him on several (Pre COVID) Navigator segments. Had a wonderful dinner with him most-recently in 2018 at Compass Rose while enroute from L.A. to NYC. Hopefully--Ray will be aboard Navigator this coming May when we board at NYC for a B/t/B winding back up at NYC. GOARMY!

We went through this process beginning in late 2019, anticipating a Renewal of Vows (50th Wedding Anniversary) when aboard Splendor during its 2020 Inaugural series of cruises. Ours was planned shortly after boarding Splendor at San Diego on March 14th of that Year. That was to be for a Panama Canal transit to NYC. This was coordinated with our TA; it was to be "officiated" by Cruise Director John Barron (no-longer with Regent) attended by dear friends who were present at our wedding; and our TA and TA's spouse who had become our friends. A reception was also planned after the ceremony. Everything arranged, down to the details as to when, and where, on Splendor. (A sea-day.) Alas, COVID intervened. Cruise was canceled on March 13th while we were at Regent's designated hotel at San Diego. Back to Redmond, WA for the Lock-down. Result: Disappointment, of course. However, Regent refunded the funds. Then--totally unexpected: Comes Christmas, 2020. A very-carefully wrapped package arrived. The special bottle of champagne that was to be served at the reception, together with a kind letter from Regent enclosed. We still have that bottle. Await a time in the future when an event of equal importance will occur occasioning opening. Hey, maybe on our 75th Anniversary. Bottom Line: Regent will work with you and (hopefully) a TA who REALLY knows Regent on the details. GOARMY!

From previous experiences at Newark, NYC, and Miami: Blacklane is reliable. GOARMY!

DDDDale: First: We are also on this cruise. Second: Thank you, Dave Fr, for providing a link to a map. Third: Really, really: why should it be this hard to figure out? Lack of specifically affects not-only embarking passengers; but those ending a segment on the day we board. Lastly: Will be flying into L.A. on 10/02 and staying at Regent's designated Beverly Hills hotel. As was done on two prior occasions, Regent will again be responsible for our transportation (on about a 45-50 minute van ride) from The Beverely Wilshire Four Seasons to the ship. We will leave it up to what has always been a competent driver to get us to--on this cruise--Mariner. Previous were on Navigator segments. Frankly, having enbibed in great Hotel breakfasts, I slept most of the way to the ship. Not paying close attention to the route. Most-recently was in 2018. FWIIW: The address for this location is: 3011 Miner Street, Los Angeles, CA 90731. Best, GOARMY!

Reveuse: FWIIW-- Two stays at Athens both incident to three-day stay-overs after first, a Radisson Voyager 2005 cruise; and second, a few years later, again aboard Voyager after Radisson had become Regent. Our former Travel Agent, with previous experience in Athens, booked us at: NJV Athens Plaza. 2 Vassileos Georgiou A' Street, on Syntagma (Constitution) Square. The Bretagne is almost next door. Granted, these were more than a few years ago. Room rate(s) about 1/2 of Grand Bretagne. So-close to Parliament Building(s); two magnificent museums of antiquity (about everything in Athens has that flavor, for better or worse); and best, the Acropolis. Wonderful experiences, complete with noting how the locals paid attention to, and took care of, street dogs at the doorways of even the higher-echelon hotels. The Plaza was certainly in that category. Our endearing memory of Plaza remains one from the initial visit. Were advised that, as the room we had booked was not-yet ready, we would occupy a "room with a view" on an upper floor. That was an understatement. Upon entry, the attendant opened the blinds to our balcony. And there--seemingly within touch, was the Acropolis. Words fail. This proximity made several trips there by foot convenient. And, the night view from our balcony with lights illuminated (often from construction equipment--as significant repairs within the complex were underway) was quite dramatic. All this at no additional cost. Just something to consider. GOARMY!