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Dining Reservations upper Suites


ronrick1943
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When your in one of the upper suites one of the perks state that you get Guaranteed Reservations Each Night in a Specialty Restaurant of your Choice. How does that work, do you get the time you want and the table size? Can you wait and tell your Butler (or who) the morning of dinner?

And should you make the ones on line, or wait till you get on the ship?

Thanks,

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The new policy is based on space availability and is likely subject to the same guidelines of any onboard reservations (may have to dine at a time that is available rather than a time that you want and you may have to share a table). IMO, making online reservations (one reservation per restaurant which, in the case of the Explorer would be three restaurants) is important since you can select the time and table size that you like.

 

With the new menu in CR, we will not be dining in specialty restaurants very much (unlike on Oceania where we dined in specialties every night as we did not care for the MDR or buffet restaurant). IMO, this is one perk that is not necessary and makes it more difficult for passengers not in the Explorer, Grand, Master or Regent suites to get reservations. If I were making the rules (which would be fun), only guests in the Regent suite would be give this benefit.

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TRAVELCAT2

 

I'd hope you are wrong since the copy online and in in sales brochures states "Guaranteed", that only means one thing. That would be poor marketing on Regent's part.

 

Well, it may be guaranteed but I do not think they are guaranteeing the time or table size. Again, I'm not happy with this new benefit but will learn more when I'm onboard next month. Note: We are not in the Grand Suite until November 16th as the Regent offer for the November 2nd cruise did not have a choice of upper suites and we will be in F2 (or F1 - crazy designations IMO).

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We will be in an Explorer Suite in March and I don't believe the guaranteed reservation in specialty restaurants each night is a perk of this level suite - I thought it was master suite and above unless you know something different?

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We will be in an Explorer Suite in March and I don't believe the guaranteed reservation in specialty restaurants each night is a perk of this level suite - I thought it was master suite and above unless you know something different?

 

It's Grand, Master and Regent suites.

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It's Grand, Master and Regent suites.

 

That's what I thought - thanks for clarifying! I believe the wording was "guaranteed" so I would be surprised if the reservations are not, in fact, guaranteed and subject to availability.....

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Thanks for the correction - I wasn't sure about the Explorer suites.

 

This new policy is too "Oceania-ish" to me. While there are benefits that people receive at different levels, this one is a bit too blatant. I can just imagine someone standing in line to make a reservation in a specialty restaurant only to be told "no" while someone in a top category suite gets in. Regent has never been a class-oriented ship and I truly hope that this is not the direction it is going.

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When we were on the Voyager last December, the restaurant manager for Signatures told us that they would hold out a table each night for possible reservations by one of the upper suites. If the table had not been reserved by opening time, Signatures would give it to someone on the wait list or to a walk up.

 

I don't like the guaranteed reservation system because I think it violates the pay more, get more without affecting other passengers system previously in place. Now, most passengers have one less table per night available for booking. Not an earth-shattering change but, to me, it is the class camel's nose under the tent.

 

IMHO, if Regent wants to add a dining benefit to the topmost suites, it would be fairer to allow those suites to order from any specialty restaurant for ensuite dining. This would fit nicely into the pay more, get more system.

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IMHO, if Regent wants to add a dining benefit to the topmost suites, it would be fairer to allow those suites to order from any specialty restaurant for ensuite dining. This would fit nicely into the pay more, get more system.

 

Dave, I absolutely agree with you on this - a great idea.

 

I don't think that class distinction is a good thing to get started on Regent. Maybe it's because I tend to stay in the lettered suites as opposed to the named suites, but that was one of the big things we loved about Regent from day one was the 'one class' feel of the ships. I have no problem with people getting early boarding or earlier reservations, but when you start segmenting out the dining options, that's going a bit far in my book...

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Dave, I absolutely agree with you on this - a great idea.

 

I don't think that class distinction is a good thing to get started on Regent. Maybe it's because I tend to stay in the lettered suites as opposed to the named suites, but that was one of the big things we loved about Regent from day one was the 'one class' feel of the ships. I have no problem with people getting early boarding or earlier reservations, but when you start segmenting out the dining options, that's going a bit far in my book...

 

Once upon a time Regent was going to do staggered early boarding....... the outpouring of negativity (a lot from me) was overwhelming and the "new" policy did not take effect (thankfully). When we sailed on Oceania, there were lines for different categories of "staterooms" or "suites". I hated it (I know - hate is a strong word but describes how I feel about early boarding).

 

Unfortunately, based on some weird new "guarantee" for the upper suites, there may be more than one table held back for those suites. I do like the idea of allowing passengers in these suites to order in from a specialty restaurant (this is also done on Oceania). I was just thinking about how this will affect Navigator passengers since they only have one specialty restaurant (and it isn't that big).

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Once upon a time Regent was going to do staggered early boarding....... the outpouring of negativity (a lot from me) was overwhelming and the "new" policy did not take effect (thankfully). When we sailed on Oceania, there were lines for different categories of "staterooms" or "suites". I hated it (I know - hate is a strong word but describes how I feel about early boarding).

 

No, I wouldn't like different lines for different categories, but I'm sure they could find a way to accommodate the few passengers who shelled out the big bucks for the top suites - I guess my criteria is "If I don't see it and it doesn't directly affect me, no problem."

 

If they started coming through the terminal on embarkation day with bullhorns shouting "All upper suite bigwigs, follow us to avoid the unwashed masses" I'd have an issue with that. But if they discreetly corralled the upper suite passengers and escorted them aboard before the rest of us, it wouldn't bother me in the least.

 

As to dining, if I'm on a 15-night cruise and can only get one reservation per specialty restaurant because the reservations are all taken by upper suite passengers dining there every night, I have a problem with that, too.

 

What's next? Master suite gets bottled water, Cat D only gets brown Navigator water? It's a slippery slope...

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Bill, I don't blame you for being frustrated by the upper suite passengers taking all the extra reservations. I will say when we had an owners suite on Nautica it was terrific to use the specialties every night, but I never considered the implications. MDR was excellent so we should have been more condsiderate.

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When we were booking our cabin for an upcoming cruise, I actually did consider going up a category just for the specialty restaurant guarantee, even though we didn't need the extra space and I liked the layout of the Explorer cabin just fine. I was later much reassured after reading about Travelcat2's wonderful experience with the new, improved Compass Rose menu!

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When we were booking our cabin for an upcoming cruise, I actually did consider going up a category just for the specialty restaurant guarantee, even though we didn't need the extra space and I liked the layout of the Explorer cabin just fine. I was later much reassured after reading about Travelcat2's wonderful experience with the new, improved Compass Rose menu!

 

The Explorer suite is absolutely stunning. The only difference between it and the Grand suite is the location and size of the balcony (oh, and the Explorer suite has a bidet). We were also impressed with the Seven Seas suite (the ones with 1 1/2 bathrooms). I think/hope that you will love it!

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  • 10 months later...

Bumping this thread to see if anyone who has since taken advantage of this Grand through Regent Suite benefit of "Guaranteed Reservation Each Night in Specialty Restaurant of Your Choice" can shed more light into how it works?

 

I gather when the OP asked this question, it was a relatively new benefit as reflected by the answers. I share his questions wondering if you are guaranteed a table at the time you want and the table size? And at what point you must make your reservation?

 

I also see that another benefit is "24-Hour Room Service with Specialty Restaurant Selections During Dining Hours"

 

This sounds wonderful - although 'selections' does sound like a vague term...but I take it to mean that you can order anything from the full menu of any specialty restaurant?

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In answer to your question above, we were in a Grand Suite on our voyage last spring and were thrilled to be able to utilize this particular perk. Prior to sailing we made our three reservations at each restaurant online. Once onboard we decided which other reservations we would like and submitted our request to the butler, who confirmed them for us (table for two, whatever time chosen). Different perks mean different things to people - we didn't take advantage of the hosted in suite cocktail party or caviar service and I don't drink (my husband does), but being able to dine in the specialty restaurants motivated us to book a future cruise in the same category suite. We did enjoy dinner in Compass Rose very much, but given the choice we preferred the quieter ambiance of the specialty restaurants. One other perk that would have been much appreciated would have been either free laundry, or an inexpensive laundry package. Overall we were thrilled with our cruise experience on Explorer and can't wait to return!

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Still predict that you will become tired of specialty restaurants fairly quickly since the food in Compass Rose is so good. Regent is not like Oceania in terms of food. The food in CR is sometimes much better than in specialty restaurants. However, food is subjective. If given the choice to dine in P7 every night, we would likely do one night. If the same offer was made for Chartreuse or Pacific Rim, we may do two nights each (probably only one night in Pacific Rim). Chartreuse and P7 are open for lunch on Explorer and the food is quite similar to what you have in the evening.

 

This is one "new" benefit that not only does not "wow" me but feels as if Regent is putting a toe into the "class oriented)" waters (actually, DaveFr's "camel" comment said it best). Not my thing (and yes - we do stay in upper suites at least 50% of the time). There are plenty of long time Regent passengers that book upper suites and do not need/want to dine in a specialty restaurant every night. And we certainly do not want to see benefits afforded Seven Seas Society members given to upper suite passengers (one exception: passengers that spend $10K per night to be in the Regent Suite on Explorer). Not sure when people booking upper category suites decided that they deserve the same benefits that long term loyal customers have. IMO, this is something that exists on mainstream and premium cruise lines but is not something that luxury cruise lines (for the most part) buy into. This is a "new" trend and one that is, IMO, quite disturbing.

Edited by Travelcat2
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We were not the ones who "decided" we were entitled to the same benefits as long term cruisers. To be honest, the perks offered to long terms cruisers are not on our radar when we book our yearly cruise. Regent made a decision to offer certain benefits to upper suite customers, presumably as enticement for people to book those suites. We were happy to stretch the budget and book one of those suites because a few of those benefits were ones that are important to us. My final comment about the laundry was based on our past cruises on Silversea and Seabourn in which either free laundry or reasonable laundry packages were offered. Not a deal breaker obviously as we are happily returning to Regent, but we would appreciate the option and would certainly choose it over other benefits that were offered to us but we didn't use.

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In answer to your question above, we were in a Grand Suite on our voyage last spring and were thrilled to be able to utilize this particular perk. Prior to sailing we made our three reservations at each restaurant online. Once onboard we decided which other reservations we would like and submitted our request to the butler, who confirmed them for us (table for two, whatever time chosen). Different perks mean different things to people - we didn't take advantage of the hosted in suite cocktail party or caviar service and I don't drink (my husband does), but being able to dine in the specialty restaurants motivated us to book a future cruise in the same category suite. We did enjoy dinner in Compass Rose very much, but given the choice we preferred the quieter ambiance of the specialty restaurants. One other perk that would have been much appreciated would have been either free laundry, or an inexpensive laundry package. Overall we were thrilled with our cruise experience on Explorer and can't wait to return!

 

Mornaeu, thank you for the response. Out of curiosity, do you remember which Grand Suite you sailed in? We have just upgraded from our Penthouse to one of the Grand Suites that was originally an Explorer Suite before the re-categorization. I believe I remember you once posted your Grand Suite was also one of the original Explorer Suites.. Perhaps it's the same one and curious about your thoughts.

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Hi towel-animal and yes, you are correct! We were in Suite 901, originally an Explorer Suite that was re-classified to a Grand Suite prior to sailing. We had a wonderful experience in the suite, although we have opted on our next trip for a Grand Suite on Deck 12. Suite 901 is beautiful, but the deck didn't get much sunshine because of it's location under the bridge. We were not bothered by noise from above at all and I'm a light sleeper. We loved the layout of the living room - spent a lot of time at the nice sized dining table. The bedroom has a slant ceiling and is not very large, but extremely comfortable and well appointed. The master bathroom was outstanding, and it was a great benefit to have a second full bathroom as well. Service in the suite from the attendants to the butler was wonderful. Feel free to ask any specific questions.

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We were not the ones who "decided" we were entitled to the same benefits as long term cruisers. To be honest, the perks offered to long terms cruisers are not on our radar when we book our yearly cruise. Regent made a decision to offer certain benefits to upper suite customers, presumably as enticement for people to book those suites. We were happy to stretch the budget and book one of those suites because a few of those benefits were ones that are important to us. My final comment about the laundry was based on our past cruises on Silversea and Seabourn in which either free laundry or reasonable laundry packages were offered. Not a deal breaker obviously as we are happily returning to Regent, but we would appreciate the option and would certainly choose it over other benefits that were offered to us but we didn't use.

 

I agree with your post 100%. We book because we like the suite, that comes first. Say that any perk that is given is great and just adds to the trip-but that isn't the reason we book Regent (it does help-but it's not the reason).

 

 

TC2 you shouldn't worry about what others get or don't get-you should be happy with what you get. If you don't like eating the specialty restaurant(s) great, don't! If you don't want to use the Butler, don't. But don't tell me or anyone what we should like or should get as a perk----Regent makes the decision on what to offer in pricing, perks, etc--then cruisers decide what they want and make that decision for them self. And yes I think laundry should be a perk, if and when they offer it I'll take it. When someone pays for my cruise then they can tell me what to do, until that happens I'll be just fine picking the cruise company I want to go on. Right now it's Regent for my next 3 cruises. Rick

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