pingpong1

LoneDaddy - Thanks so much for all the pictures and the very informative and interesting review.  We are "very close" to booking our first Splendor cruise.  Although we've done many cruises on the older 3 ships....this will be our first adventure on one of the newer ones!

Looking forward to meeting you next year, as well, on "Navigator" (NE/Can).  Best Regards.

8 minutes ago, MarcyLondon said:

In which restaurant? Sounds delicious 

Marcia

P7

1 minute ago, tango223 said:

We have looked at the travel insurance through Costco which seems like a great price compared to other plans. Does anyone have experience with the Costco plans for travel insurance?

Tango - The biggest advantage we could see (on occasions when we have purchased travel insurance in the past) was that Regent's insurance was not "age-based".  The premium seemed to be only/directly based on the actual cruise fare that was being charged...irrespective of individual demographics or health conditions.  This was the "best deal" for us at the time, when insuring my 92-year old Dad, when he was sailing with us. 

7 hours ago, Cruise Critic Chris said:

There were things I expected from a luxury line that I didn't get on this trip. I noted that there was no greeting with a drink or towel when you come back from excursions. I expected a bigger seafood extravaganza, perhaps with crab legs.

 

 

Chris, I completely agree about the crab legs!  It's inexplicable to me that Crab legs (Especially - "Fresh") on a Regent Alaska cruise (or fresh crab AND fresh lobster/clams/oysters on a Regent New England/Canada Maritime Cruise), would not be available for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner...with "snacks in between" on those itineraries!  😉  Can't they/won't they provision that "fresh and right off the docks" when they're operating in those areas?  Or must it all be ordered/frozen/packed/delivered well in advance of initially getting underway?  Best Regards.  I really enjoyed reading your travel report.  Thanks. 

5 hours ago, CruisetheCs said:

If there was an outbreak of Covid on the Mariner, I am not surprised.  I was on the first Mariner Alaskan cruise in early May.  Very few guests wore masks and there was almost no attention paid to social distancing.  Even on buses very few people wore masks.  The crew was good about wearing masks though.  (But, I have no idea what the situation is in the crew quarters.)

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that even the most scrupulous wearing of masks, whenever and wherever proscribed by Regent onboard the cruise, is NOT going to guarantee you or protect you from possibly testing "positive" for Covid while onboard.  Relying upon mask wearing, by you and others, to "absolutely protect you" from Covid might only provide you with a false sense of security and is probably more "bother/annoyance" than it's worth.

If testing "positive" and/or becoming symptomatic for Covid while cruising, along with the attendant/required quarantining regimen, is worrisome, stressful, or unacceptable to you, then you should probably seriously consider delaying any upcoming cruises until conditions further clarify and resolve themselves.  Regards.

4 hours ago, bayonejoe said:

Thanks for posting the list . We are sailing on Navigator in September.

This will be our first Regent cruise. So, are the inclusive wine lists standard across all ships . Or doe the head sommelier on each ship determine the list.?

Also, is the markup for non inclusive wines reasonable ? 
thanks

 

 

 

Hi, Joe - The standard/complimentary wines offered are very dependent upon whether/if the ships can get restocked in the particular areas where they're operating.  We've certainly never gone thirsty on any of the cruises we've sailed on.  And we've also found there to be a very acceptable selection of complimentary reds, whites, and sparkling.

Of course, it's also very dependent upon where your own individual "bar/standard" of acceptable wines is set at, as well!  😉  We also found that the mark-up for the premium wines was quite reasonable, fair, and moderate, too!  We have only ordered "premium pours" a few times, "just for a fling", and found them all to be quite good and very reasonably priced. Best Regards.

30 minutes ago, PatriciaF said:

Thank you so much for this.  We will be first time RSSC cruisers in March 2023.  So, from reading this and other places, no expectation from the cabin steward that he/she will get an extra tip?  

Correct....No Expectation.

11 hours ago, asnaleah said:

Also inquire about the outlet situation. We are on Voyager and the bedside outlet is European. I brought a converter with me, but maybe the ship can provide one (or two) if you ask in advance.

Asnaleah - Just to clarify...are you talking about needing a "converter" or an "adapter"?  A "converter" actually changes the voltage from European 240V 50Hz down to U.S. 120V (and still remains 50Hz if that's what's coming out of the wall to begin with).  On the other hand...An "adapter" just lets you plug a U.S. (Canadian) plug into a European receptacle/outlet.

Many/most devices that you would (today) need next to your bedside table (like a CPAP/BiPAP) are internally built to run on either U.S. or European voltage (120 or 240).  The voltage conversion is automatically done inside the device itself.  So all you really need is a plug adapter.

A whole "other problem" is that the older ships (Navigator and Voyage) don't have the multiple different-sized receptacles (outlets - U.S./Canadian and European)) at the bedside table.  If an adapted isn't available it sometimes necessitates the need for a long extension cord to reach from across the room over to the bedside.

One of those "first world problems" encountered while sailing on a luxury cruise...but it's certainly an actual "real world" problem to cope with for those of us that need to sleep with a functioning CPAP/BiPap at night.  Regards.

10 hours ago, asnaleah said:

 The steak was supposed to be a filet, but looked more like a thin ribeye. We are going to Prime 7 tonight, so maybe we will have a better cut there. 

Asnaleah - Interesting that you should make that observation.  I experienced the very same thing on Mariner in January....at Prime 7.  I ordered my (usual) Filet Mignon...Something I've done in P7 for the past 12 years...and what I was brought/served was definitely NOT a Filet...either in size (thickness/shape) or in quality (tenderness/flavor).  It was thinner, a little fat in it, and was not what I would consider to be a "Prime Filet".  I've bought/and buy far better beef at my local Costco than what was being served on (at least) that particular cruise.  It did indeed seem to be "some version" of a ribeye or even a sirloin - just "re-shaped" and thinner/less tender.  I didn't let it ruin the cruise....however, I thought to myself at the time (and still do) that "I eat better filets in my own home", than what Regent was serving on (at least) that particular cruise.  It definitely was not the same quality of what normally would be thought of as "Prime grade"...or what I had always experienced in the past.  Regards

2 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

@Cruise Critic Chriswe were on Mariner for 50 days Mar-May and had a few too many "off" wines.....of course a new bottle would  immediately be opened and 99% of the time would be fine.  BUT...the very next glass poured from the replacement bottle, say 20 minutes later or so, would also start to have an "off" taste.   Not all the time but enough that it was something we mentioned to the head sommelier.  May be a storage issue.

 

Hi Kwaj!  😉  You're definitely correct!  It shouldn't happen on any cruise line...and particularly not on one at Regent's price point!  Best Regards.

2 hours ago, Lonedaddy said:

We are booked on the NYC to Montreal cruise and that "Hope" could be enhanced depending on Nov 2nd!

 

We leave on May 17 for May 21 Spendor out of Southhampton.  We are dreading taking a test after we are there on the 18th.  However the UK and Ireland don't give a crap anymore and don't require any of that testing nonsense.  So if denied boarding we will just rent a car or take the train and see some sights in the UK and fly to Ireland and do the same.   Only issue is when we can fly back to the US but there are no quarantine mandates in the UK anymore for having a cold.

Hi Lonedaddy - We'll certainly look forward to meeting you on the Navigator next May 31st ('23)!  If you haven't experienced it before, the evening sail away out of the lower Manhattan cruise terminal and passing by the Statue of Liberty just before sunset can certainly be one of those "Kodak Moments" (Yes, I know I'm dating myself)!  We've done the Manhattan evening departure before on Navigator and it makes this itinerary quite memorable.

It also sounds like your alternative plan this month (if necessary), for the car tour around  UK and Ireland to be a good clear case of making lemonade out of lemons, too!  😄 Best Regards.

18 minutes ago, mrstanley said:

We r planning on spending 4 days in Rome prior to boarding.

We will get tested prior to leaving USA. 
If negative we will fly to Rome. If positive we will stay home.

 

Will need another test in order to board.

We now have to worry about get COVID during those days prior to boarding the ship. This is nuts!

Mrstanley - I completely sympathize with the uncertainty that you and others are now having to (still) deal with for your upcoming cruise/s.

This is why many folks (including us) cancelled our previously-booked spring/summer '22 cruise/s before entering the cancellation (penalty) period.   DW and I (along with 2 other travelling companions) had more than enough of that worry/testing/attestation regimen to deal with, before and during our Dec '21 Mariner cruise - with multiple scheduled ports cancelled after the cruise began and with many added "sea days" to the itinerary once the cruise had actually started.  We're not blaming Regent for any of that, but it still didn't make for a "normal" Regent cruise...and not worth the money that we were spending.

And despite all the pre-cruise testing, masking, social distancing, inconvenience, etc., that we (compliantly) put up with before and during the cruise... DW and I (but not our travelling companions) STILL wound up testing "positive" on the very last day "at sea" day of that cruise (the testing was mandated at the last minute, and was involuntarily imposed on the entire ship by the Health Board of SF prior to our ship's docking).

Despite us having gladly and scrupulously followed ALL required Regent masking and social-distancing protocols throughout the cruise, and having been fully vaccinated and "boosted" before beginning that cruise, we still tested "positive" on that last day of cruising.  And we were completely asymptomatic throughout the entire cruise and even after returned home, as well.  Regent quarantined us in our suite (they and us really had no choice in the matter) for the final 24-hours of the cruise.

Fortunately, being U.S. citizens and disembarking in the U.S., we were able to disembark (well...we were actually kept onboard in our suite until all the "non-positive" passengers were allowed to leave the ship first) and immediately drive (a rental car) home from San Francisco back to Phoenix (where we "self-quarantined").  It was fortunate for us that the itinerary began and ended in the U.S. (our home country).  It would have been a "whole other story" (and far more unfortunate, expensive, and inconvenient) if we had found ourselves "stuck" in a foreign port during that cruise.

As we were (happily) leaving Mariner and driving out of San Francisco/California (as fast as the law would allow), we (unanimously and immediately) decided that we were simply not going to put ourselves through all of "that" (risk/uncertainty/inconvenience) again on an already-booked Navigator TA Cruise this coming August '22 (BCN to NYC).  The money, the overseas travel involved, the long flights, the foreign ports with constantly changing local rules, the constant worry, and the "getting in and out" of foreign countries, accompanied by the whole "shadow of uncertainly" (along with the still/now very real potential for more "positive" test results in overseas locations) would have just simply over-shadowed and ruined any excitement or anticipation we might have had from that next cruise.

In retrospect, and after reading many of the recent experiences that others have had (Covid-related), subsequent to our Dec/Jan cruise....we have absolutely no regrets whatsoever for having cancelled that next booked cruise.

We now still have a May/June '23 Navigator cruise to look forward to (NYC to Montreal) and have the "hope" that with it still being more than a year from now, this whole "Covid thing" will (by then) be treated more like "seasonal flu" or a "winter cold"....than as a pandemic - like it still now continues to be handled (pre-testing, masks, and quarantines).  If the Covid protocols still remain in place by next January '23 (when our final payment is due for the NYC/Montreal cruise), we'll have no hesitation in cancelling that cruise as well, before penalty.  Best Regards to all.

Cindy - I have really enjoyed reading all your reports throughout your first Splendor cruise.  You have a wonderfully concise yet comprehensive style of writing and I looked forward to seeing each report.  You honestly gave us the "good", along with the "not quite so good", in a very even-handed and fair manor.  Thanks very much for taking the time during and after your cruise to "bring us along with you".  I'm also looking forward to "your future cruises" (almost as much as you are), so I can follow along with your adventures.  Best Regards.

"WishIweretravelling" is absolutely correct!  And as much as we love to travel on Navigator (and will be back on her in May '23), the electrical receptacle situation near the beds is one "little problem"...unless you know about it beforehand!  😉  I've attached a picture of the beside receptacle in the Deluxe Veranda Suites (which we always book).  There's only a European receptacle there.  So...make sure you bring adapters with you.  Most CPAP's are multi-voltage.  They can be used on 110 Volts or 220 Volts, but you'll need the plug adapters so that you can plug into the European wall socket, and then plug your U.S. plug into the back of the adapter.  As stated above, the closest U.S. wall sockets are on the dressing table at the foot of the bed and another one, even further away...across the room above the work desk.  To use those (rather than the bedside European wall sockets) you would need to bring some LONG U.S. extension cords with you, at least 8-10 footers.  Having the adapters is the better choice.  Regards

1 hour ago, Worldtraveler 4727 said:

Can anyone tell me if the Navigator still has vibration issues aft? I can't find anything posted recently. I'm being offered category F on Deck 8 or 9. Is this a big enough issue to upgrade to category G? Thanks all!

Worldtraveler - Perhaps I misunderstand, but going from an "F" to a "G" would not be an upgrade.  "F" is a Deluxe Veranda whereas "G" is a Deluxe Window (no balcony).  Do you actually mean, "Is this a big enough issue to upgrade FROM a "G" to an "F" on Deck 8 or 9"?  Regards.

Well then....I really would be in a pickle!!!!  Because in addition to enjoying a good cigar with a fine single-malt...I also enjoy playing the "slots" in the evenings (and mornings, and afternoons, etc.).  Then what would there be left to do??!!  Spend time with DW for afternoon T's and trivia??  Arrrrgh!  🤪

5 minutes ago, UUNetBill said:

PS - find a place to put the Connoisseur Club back in!  Some of us miss it... 

Yes, Bill, Absolutely!!  The loss of the Con Club on Navigator was a real personal blow to me, as well! 

keata - Yes...it works exactly the same way in the Regent casinos.  And it doesn't have to be just for the "redemption" of OBC's.  You can use exactly the same method if you just want to "charge" (or get a cash advance of funds) to your your room, to be paid at the end of the cruise on your final portfolio,.  As you said, there is a 3% service fee for the money that you are being "advanced" for gambling, using this method.  But it's handy if you don't want to use any of your cash/bills in the machines.

If you use a charge/debit card in the "cash machine" in the casino to get money out...I believe the fee is 7%.  So putting your room key into the slots and being charged the 3% is "cheaper" than using the cash/ATM machine in the casino.  Using the "cash machine" in t he casine, the charge (and fee) is placed against your card's bank (or bank debit account),  Whereas using your room key, the charge is placed again your room charges and paid on the final day.   Regards.

16 hours ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

We were on Splendor….December 8th. You are so right. We had a great time but sadly canceled our January and February 2022 cruises…. Today, We know we did the right thing. 
sheila

Sheila - We are on "the same page" with you!  We're giving lots of thought to cancelling our upcoming August Navigator cruise, as well.  No, we're not "blaming" Regent (for the most part)....but any "fault or shortcomings" (if there are any to be had - quite likely) in the overall experience shouldn't fall on us, the paying customer, either!

On 1/5/2022 at 9:18 AM, johng75370 said:

@pingpong1 posted this yesterday from Mariner, which sounded like all guests had to be tested: 

“Now, almost like "magic", we all received letters last night (while we were at dinners) and left awaiting us on our beds, that we are now ALL required to get tests today (Tuesday morning).”

John - You have it correct!  On Tuesday morning (Jan 4) Every repeat Every passenger had to report up to the Observation Lounge (times based upon suite/deck number) for Covid Antigen Testing.  EVERYONE was required to be tested, with results reported to the San Francisco Board of Health prior to all debarkations from the ship on the morning of Jan 5.

If anyone's test results came back "Positive", those folks (along with their travel/suite partner) had to undergo a further PCR test which was carried out in their individual staterooms.  Regards.

35 minutes ago, Pcardad said:

I would call Regent and get an emailed response and bring it with you. Better safe than sorry.

 

Things seem to be changing quickly.

And still, you shouldn't depend on any response you may get.  Things are changing almost by the minute.  On Mariner, heading to San Francisco on Sunday, we were told about a "Health Department of San Francisco" requirement that all passengers were to be tested, IF....IF they were planning on going ashore on excursions or self-guided walk-about's on Monday or Tuesday.  IF passengers chose to say onboard during the entire port time in SF, and just disembark on Wednesday morning....NO testing was required.  I personally confirmed this with Reception.

This was the exact same "message" throughout the day on Monday.

Now, almost like "magic", we all received letters last night (while we were at dinners) and left awaiting us on our beds, that we are now ALL required to get tests today (Tuesday morning)....even for those of us who have dutifully stayed onboard the ship in SF for the entire time and are now just disembarking the ship for good on Wednesday morning.  This, along with the whole "mask thing", is now causing me to seriously ponder if this will be my final cruise with any company to any place in the world.  The stress and anger is outpacing the pleasure.

No further comment at this point.

11 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

 

Masks weren't required when we booked this!  Grrrr...buf who knows if we'll even get there.   Snowing now in Huntsville!

Kwaj - Finger crossed for your safe and successful travel to SF.  It's 0645AM on Monday and we are just now tying up to the dock at the Embarcadero, having passed under the Golden Gate about 30 minutes ago.  We've tried the best we could to leave the Mariner in good shape for you!

"Blazing Boots" show in the theater was great last night, even though we had to watch it sans drinks in hand.  The Mariner management and staff have done all they reasonably/possibly could to make some lemonade out of a bunch of lemons that were thrown their way (the ship's bar ran out of lime about a day ago, but there will be a huge resupply effort going on today and tomorrow).  No point re-hashing it here, but Regent has done everything humanely possible to provide a good cruise for everyone.

The meals have been good and the restaurant, bar, and housekeeping staff have all been "over-the-top" happy and professional.  Andy has been his always-effervescent self.  I'll miss all of them.  Best Regards.

2 hours ago, flossie009 said:

I do not believe anyone has reported from Mariner the number of cases.

 

Flossie is completely correct.  There have been no actual or verified reports or numbers of "cases" given for any particular number of "outbreaks" on Mariner.  We are all having a great time, and as far as anyone officially knows, there are no occurrences of Covid onboard.  Of course, this doesn't stop the "rumor factory".

And as I reported earlier, Andy Heath announced on the public address system this afternoon that antigen testing in San Francisco for passengers is only "required" for people going on and off the ship on Monday and Tuesday as part of organized excursions or self-guided sightseeing.

If/when passengers are not choosing to leave the ship before final debarkation on Wednesday morning (like myself and many others).....No Covid testing is required (per CDC guidelines).  😉

UP TO THE MINUTE CLARIFICATION!!  I just got back from the Mariner Purser's Office.  They will be issuing a verbal clarification announcement around 0900 this morning.

There is ONLY a SF Health Department requirement for people who are leaving the ship on tours, excursions, or independently walking around SF, before the final debarkation morning (Wednesday, Jan 5) to have any Antigen tests.

For people like the 4 of our travel group, who plan on staying onboard the ship until Wednesday morning, there is no requirement, need, or legal authority to have the antigen testing done....That would be contrary to CDC guidance for travelers entering the country by land and sea (no antigen testing required).

If someone first decides to stay on the ship on Monday and Tuesday, but then later decides to go off the ship on their own, they will not be allowed to because they did not get the SF Health Department mandated test (with results reported) today (Sunday) or Monday.

I strongly recommended to the officer on duty this morning that the ship make that further clarification (regarding no need for testing if staying onboard), because the way the "letter" (that was left in everyone's door overnight) was worded, it would have left everyone with the impression that EVERYONE had to get tested, regardless of whether they were staying on the ship or not....which is not the case.  Regard.

And while we're at it...everyone on the Mariner has been vaccinated and in most cases, "boosted", as well.  We have essentially been in "quarantine" from the "rest of the world" for the past 7 days at sea.  Can everyone living in SF make that claim!?