SeaDreamers on Regent

[zqvol]

I will get a link up to pictures next week (I have only taken 2700 this trip and feel that I have let everyone down), but I wanted to share the view we had this afternoon from on a glacier where we landed on a flight seeing trip.

 

[mimito4]

Wow. Just wow. With that single photo you posted I've become even more "journey-proud" for our upcoming trip.

 

So glad to know that you're both safe and that the earthquake didn't do great damage.

 

Continued safe travels for you guys as you make your way back home!

[frequent traveler]

Mimito4

I am really glad we waited to do our mortgage payment landing on a glacier here at McKinley and not from a ship excursion

[JDF]

Hi Zqvol and FT. We remember you from SD last May from Athens to Istanbul. We were the two guys from New York. Ironically, we're reading your post(s) about Regent and have the same sentiments. Last Regent cruise was a couple of years ago and was seriously disappointed with every aspect from the crew to the food and haven't looked back since. Our SD cruise was so amazing that we're in the process <cough><cough> packing for our next one on July 2nd from Athens to Venice. Oh BTW, we're booked on another SD for Thanksgiving in the Caribbean. No more Regent.

Safe travels.

 

-Jim

[frequent traveler]

Hi Jim,

 

Good to hear from you and envious that you are making the Athens to Venice trip - that was going to be the 2nd leg of a BtB for us this year, until the first leg ended up being chartered, oh well.

 

Regent was selected solely because it was the smallest ship that is in Alaska this season and the ports on this itinerary and the calendar we have to meet due to work commitments. We made a serious mistake by paying the upcharge for a butler suite thinking that would getting us a bit closer to SD service - it didn't. I'm sure when I post my final thoughts on the Regent board, the die hards will try to convince the world that Regent is luxury - but I dont think so. And neither did a number of other couples we met. One woman took her survey card with her because she was writing a letter to management. She said she got better service and better food with a suite on Royal Caribbean . . .

 

So the only way I would ever do Regent again, is for a very specific port intensive itinerary that I couldn't get anywhere else and only if I could get the lowest level (and priced) cabin with a balcony. The ship will not be my destiny and I've also learned that most of the best excursions are "upcharged" and I didn't have luck getting two in each port due to scheduling issues - so that was another overpricing.

 

Please post on Athens to Venice. Love to hear the details, Going through the Corinth Canal on SD is definitely on my "to do" list.

 

Safer travels.

 

FT

[juli2020]

Hi Jim,

 

Good to hear from you and envious that you are making the Athens to Venice trip - that was going to be the 2nd leg of a BtB for us this year, until the first leg ended up being chartered, oh well.

 

Regent was selected solely because it was the smallest ship that is in Alaska this season and the ports on this itinerary and the calendar we have to meet due to work commitments. We made a serious mistake by paying the upcharge for a butler suite thinking that would getting us a bit closer to SD service - it didn't. I'm sure when I post my final thoughts on the Regent board, the die hards will try to convince the world that Regent is luxury - but I dont think so. And neither did a number of other couples we met. One woman took her survey card with her because she was writing a letter to management. She said she got better service and better food with a suite on Royal Caribbean .

 

So the only way I would ever do Regent again, is for a very specific port intensive itinerary that I couldn't get anywhere else and only if I could get the lowest level (and priced) cabin with a balcony. The ship will not be my destiny and I've also learned that most of the best excursions are "upcharged" and I didn't have luck getting two in each port due to scheduling issues - so that was another overpricing.

 

Please post on Athens to Venice. Love to hear the details, Going through the Corinth Canal on SD is definitely on my "to do" list.

 

Safer travels.

 

FT

 

You should have sailed on the Silver Shadow to Alaska. The Silver Shadow carries 108 less people than the Navigator (same size ships). They offer 7 day cruises just like Regent. I found that the service was much better on Silversea than on Regent. Everyone on Silversea gets a butler. I have sailed on both the Silver Shadow and Navigator to Alaska and would not sail again on the Navigator.

[JDF]

Hi FT-

 

Couldn't agree with you more about Regent. My favorite story (on the Navigator) was approaching the 'Cruise Consultant' about booking our next cruise on Regent (this was Day 2 out of 11). He told us he was to busy to help us and gave us the 800 number/reservation number to call, mention his name and we'll still receive the 5% OB savings. Ah, nothing like luxury. Needless to say, we never booked and probably never will. Unlike SD, when booking our upcoming cruise, it was confirmed within 30 minutes.

 

-Jim

 

 

Hi Jim,

 

Good to hear from you and envious that you are making the Athens to Venice trip - that was going to be the 2nd leg of a BtB for us this year, until the first leg ended up being chartered, oh well.

 

Regent was selected solely because it was the smallest ship that is in Alaska this season and the ports on this itinerary and the calendar we have to meet due to work commitments. We made a serious mistake by paying the upcharge for a butler suite thinking that would getting us a bit closer to SD service - it didn't. I'm sure when I post my final thoughts on the Regent board, the die hards will try to convince the world that Regent is luxury - but I dont think so. And neither did a number of other couples we met. One woman took her survey card with her because she was writing a letter to management. She said she got better service and better food with a suite on Royal Caribbean . . .

 

So the only way I would ever do Regent again, is for a very specific port intensive itinerary that I couldn't get anywhere else and only if I could get the lowest level (and priced) cabin with a balcony. The ship will not be my destiny and I've also learned that most of the best excursions are "upcharged" and I didn't have luck getting two in each port due to scheduling issues - so that was another overpricing.

 

Please post on Athens to Venice. Love to hear the details, Going through the Corinth Canal on SD is definitely on my "to do" list.

 

Safer travels.

 

FT

[frequent traveler]

You should have sailed on the Silver Shadow to Alaska. The Silver Shadow carries 108 less people than the Navigator (same size ships). They offer 7 day cruises just like Regent. I found that the service was much better on Silversea than on Regent. Everyone on Silversea gets a butler. I have sailed on both the Silver Shadow and Navigator to Alaska and would not sail again on the Navigator.

 

Is Silversea still formal for dinner? the last time we looked at - it was and that is a non starter for us. Too difficult to pack as it is with my hiking boots, etc and after a long day in port (if its a nice day, I am usually on the last or next to last tender back) I refuse to dress up beyond resort casual for dinner. If Silversea would ever have an option for not going formal, then that would definitely be a consideration for us.

 

thanks

FT

[frequent traveler]

Hi FT-

 

Couldn't agree with you more about Regent. My favorite story (on the Navigator) was approaching the 'Cruise Consultant' about booking our next cruise on Regent (this was Day 2 out of 11). He told us he was to busy to help us and gave us the 800 number/reservation number to call, mention his name and we'll still receive the 5% OB savings. Ah, nothing like luxury. Needless to say, we never booked and probably never will. Unlike SD, when booking our upcoming cruise, it was confirmed within 30 minutes.

 

-Jim

 

 

Here are my two butler stories - which have not been posted on the Regent board yet but which will be in my final installment -

 

in the Regent literature, butlers are sold as being able to help you get dinner reservations and excursion tickets. So when I asked our butler about helping us with a reservation at Prime, he said "the best way is for you to go down there and see if there are any no shows" -- that was the extent of his assistance! And for excursions -- "just go to the desk and they will help you out" (Duh, I can read a map and will ultimately find my way there).

 

On our first sea day, when our butler asked how my day had gone --- I had had a good day and had come just back from the casino so I told him that I had just won big at the slots - he asked how much - I said $670 - he said - "well, I hope you will share some of that with me at the end of the cruise." I was sure I misheard him , but I just laughed and said, the way my luck goes, I'll be lucky to have any of it left at the end of cruise - he then said, "I hope whatever is left, you will share with me.":eek::eek:

 

FT

[mimito4]

Un'effingbelievable, FT! That story about the butler for sure needs to get to top management of Regent.

 

Even more glad now we didn't spring for a butler suite.

[vandrefalk]

Oh wow, FT -- glad you have lowered our expectations for next year! I still think we will enjoy it but sounds like it won't come close to SD. Will email with some other questions. WELCOME HOME!

Vandrefalk

[Sheltieluv]

Hi FT

 

Have been enjoying your Alaska posts very much. Thanks for taking the time to share.

 

We were on the Navigator in April and Raj was our butler. All of our requests (including Prime 7) were dealt with professionally by Raj. Sorry to hear you didn't receive the same and that your experience was less than you expected. I truly hope you enjoyed the vast majority of your cruise. Alaska is amazing, isn't it?

 

I'm posting on the SD board because we have come VERY close to booking a Caribbean cruise with SD. My main concerns are 2---

 

1. We enjoy a balcony and think we would miss having one. We are not anti-social by any means :D but like to have a quiet space to read and just be quiet at times.

2. The size of the suite is much smaller....would love to have a Commodore configuration but I don't think our budget would allow!

 

We are still thinking about booking a 7-night with SeaDream. Are my concerns above unfounded?

 

Any SeaDreamers out there, feel free to comment.

And, FT, having just come off the Navigator, I'd like to hear your opinion. Thanks!

Welcome home!

[Jim Avery]

Hi Sheltie.

I will chip in here as Lois and I are both readers. Our favorite place ever to read on a beautiful day is on a SeaDream Bali Bed. Comfortable, quiet, beautiful view from the top of the yacht. Close to the TOY Bar so bar service (or water) is always around as is being spritzed with ice water and having your sunglasses cleaned. If you do not want much sun, the staff will set up a large umbrella over you. Tough life. :D As far as missing a balcony, can't help there. We don't miss one but after 17 transatlantic crossings and 20 other cruises, we have never had a balcony cabin. I know you feel sorry for us.:eek: Send donations to the Jim & Lois balcony cabin fund.:D

[Sheltieluv]

HA! Jim, you crack me up.:D

 

Thanks for your response. We do like smaller ships so SeaDream has always intrigued us. Just don't know if it's "too" small as far as ferreting out a place away from the maddening crowd....not that SD sounds like it would be maddening or crowded! Do Bali beds have to be reserved? Or is it first-come, first-serve? We never had trouble finding a place to sit on the Navigator--whether it was by the pool, or in a lounge if we wanted to be with people. Of course, we always had the balcony to retreat to, and we used it a lot. (Loved having it in Bermuda especially, as we were docked right on Front Street in Hamilton.)

 

Will do some serious thinking (again) about booking Sea Dream.

 

ps--Will send some Jim and Lois Balcony Fund $ as soon as I save up enough to get us out of Syracuse NY in the winter! ;)

[Jim Avery]

Never had the pleasure of Syracuse in Winter but have heard the stories. Heck, I think it gets too cold here in the Florida panhandle. No rez for Bali Beds. Almost never had any problems getting one when we wanted one unless the owner and his entourage is aboard. Other areas are on the Pool Deck, which we almost never left on our last trip and Deck 4 aft which overlooks the pool deck. The loungers are very comfortable and, as mentioned, umbrellas will be set up as you wish. We have done most of the BVI, ST. Barts, etc. a number of times so we, like the Disney Jens and others view the ship as the destination. Mostly we stay on board and just enjoy.:D Said it before and I'll say it again: No one does the Caribbean better than SeaDream!:D

[frequent traveler]

I'm buried with work and having to head to DC tomorrow for business - but details will follow. Just give me a few more days. Loved Alaska and already planning next trip. My definition of Luxury is not that of Regent Navigator and I think we overpaid for the trip -- however, had we booked a lower level cabin my satisfaction level would be much higher. Price differential is significant for a cabin on deck 11 with a butler v. cabin on deck 6. Not enough to make it qualify as "luxury" but enough to no longer think I was the victim of misleading marketing. I think ZQ Vol would have been just as happy on a mass market ship with a balcony cabin. However, I "require" - and I do mean "require" an all inclusive small ship with a dress code no higher than resort casual - so Navigator was it. As compared to SD I thought the public spaces on Navigator got too crowded and with a pool not that much bigger than SD's would never ever consider Navigator in warm weather point.

 

Only need for reservations for Bali bed on SD is at night to sleep - none for during the day.

 

A lot more details to come --

 

FT

[mimito4]

Jim, I think I am going to start up a fan club for you, if you don't already have one. You're the cutest (and the nicest)! Fun.

 

Sheltieluv, I totally agree with what's been said about SD. I've cruised plenty, both mass and luxury, and various size ships. For sure, SD owns the "barefoot" Caribbean experience. It's awesome. Lack of a balcony won't bother you. I think Jim Avery is the one who says the ship is your balcony. And there is never a problem getting a bali bed. To me laying on the bali bed, with one of the great crew making the rounds to spritz you, clean your glasses, get you a drink was the consummate luxury treatment.

 

I too chose Regent Navigator for our upcoming cruise to Alaska, but I did choose category E (1 step up from the least expensive balcony, and that was only because of what I heard about vibration issues and I'm a light sleeper).

 

I chose Regent for the same reasons FT and ZQVOL did - size and style. Also, we originally had booked Crystal for a similar itinerary and, when I ran the numbers at the time, I saw that Regent was the far better deal when you considered all was included, so canceled Crystal and booked Regent. We love Crystal--they deserve their consistent awards--but we didn't want its formality for Alaska.

 

I'm still looking forward to our Regent cruise. . .I feel the value was decent, and for sure I won't have to deal with a lazy-a** butler sticking his hand out for a tip on a non-tipping (or rather tips included) ship. I do however expect luxury service for what I paid, or for sure we'll be a one-timer.

 

FT, take your time, but just know that I can't wait to see the pictures, and hear my tales of your adventure. Thanks to you and ZQVOL for sharing so much already!

 

PS FT, one of my fondest cruises, and certainly cruise experience, was going through the Corinth Canal on one of the smallest Renaissance ship (only held like 70-80), sipping Ouzo while practically reaching out to touch the walls.

[mariners]

FT, I've really enjoyed reading all of your posts. I am in total agreement with you on your feelings of paying for the butler. I'm looking forward to your next postings whenever you have time.

 

Sheltieluv, We loved our time on SD. I posted a review of our cruise, 11/06, and, although it is a bit dated, I'm sure the same feeling onboard still holds true. We definitely plan on sailing SD again; we just need work and itineraries to mesh.

[wripro]

Frequent Traveler,

 

I have enjoyed your posts about Alaska, having just returned from a cruise there myself, In fact, I'm certain your ship and mine, Oceania Regatta, were in the same ports several times.

 

However, since you "require" an all inclusive ship with a CCC dress code there is only one option, Regent. That's it! So comparing it with another line, SD or anyone else, which doesn't sail to Alaska is pretty pointless imo. If you want to compare Regent to SD in the Med or Caribbean, okay because they compete there. In Alaska it's either Regent for all inclusive and CCC dress code or stay home, Crystal is not yet all inclusive and Silversea and Crystal are both more formal. I am a veteran Seabourn and Silversea sailor and chose Oceania for Alaska because I too like CCC dress code for this itinerary. It was a great cruise and filled all my expectations but I would never dream of comparing it to Seabourn. In truth, I am not a big Regent fan either but if that's all I could choose from because of my "requirements" I'd choose it and not complain. That said, I appreciate all the effort you took to provide us with your point of view.

[mariners]

Next year, there is another option for Alaska, American Safari Cruise. A group of SeaDreamers who know each other could fill the whole ship.

[Sheltieluv]

FT, Jim, Mariners, Mimito4, et.al.--Thanks for your input and information. The Bali beds sound great. Also, there are several islands that we haven't visited, Puerto Rico among them, and SeaDream fits the itinerary bill.

 

Mimito4--Our first Regent cruise was in a Cat. E suite; we were very happy with our choice. On our recent Navigator cruise, we decided to upgrade to a butler suite, which was the same size as the E suite, but wanted to see what the butler experience was all about. While we liked Raj, our butler, very much, next time I won't spend the extra $. Enjoy Alaska---it's amazing. And, I can't imagine anything better than one of the pool deck's cheeseburgers (they're great) and a libation while enjoying the beautiful scenery!

 

Mariners--will read your review. Thanks!

 

Aside to Jim---Would you like to trade houses for a few weeks, in say, oh....February? What? Syracuse in the dead of winter isn't on your bucket list???:eek:

 

Thanks again everyone......I'm going to check out some SeaDream itineraries!

[Jim Avery]

FT, Jim, Mariners, Mimito4, et.al.--Thanks for your input and information. The Bali beds sound great. Also, there are several islands that we haven't visited, Puerto Rico among them, and SeaDream fits the itinerary bill.

 

Mimito4--Our first Regent cruise was in a Cat. E suite; we were very happy with our choice. On our recent Navigator cruise, we decided to upgrade to a butler suite, which was the same size as the E suite, but wanted to see what the butler experience was all about. While we liked Raj, our butler, very much, next time I won't spend the extra $. Enjoy Alaska---it's amazing. And, I can't imagine anything better than one of the pool deck's cheeseburgers (they're great) and a libation while enjoying the beautiful scenery!

 

Mariners--will read your review. Thanks!

 

Aside to Jim---Would you like to trade houses for a few weeks, in say, oh....February? What? Syracuse in the dead of winter isn't on your bucket list???:eek:

 

Thanks again everyone......I'm going to check out some SeaDream itineraries!

 

Ummmm... Syracuse...... I will have to think about that.:eek::eek:

[mimito4]

Sheltieluv, thanks for your encouragement about the Navigator. I'm thinking we'll do fine. I researched quite a bit before deciding and like FT, I wanted a smaller ship and something a bit "higher-end" yet casual. Seems like Navigator was it.

 

Oh, and you can read my review of our SD last December here. You'll love it. Go book. Now.

 

mariners, will have to check out this American Safari Cruises. Not familiar. Have you cruised them before?

[zqvol]

Working on pictures. Scenery was great, cruise was forgettable.

[Sheltieluv]

Teresa--

On the Navigator pool deck, each morning we would visit the small buffet set up there and have fresh-squeezed juice. They would squeeze any combination of juice you asked for---my favorite was orange/pineapple. One of the officers would always ask for carrot juice!

Don't know if it will be possible during the Alaska cruise or not because of weather, but if it is, check it out.

Also, the home-made ice cream was wonderful. Different flavors each day!

Enjoy your cruise!