Norway/Russia/Scotland

[threeforthree]

Just off a 3 week cruise on the Navigator. It was our first time on this ship.

 

Let me start by saying that overall it was a great cruise.

 

Two complaints though:

 

The Navigator has a poor ratio of space to guests. This was manifested several ways:

 

1. We had to wait at the main restaurant to get a 4 top table. I have never had to wait to get a seat in a main dining room before. When there was a 600 show, we would have one of our party get to the restaurant before the show ended, else we might have to wait until some of the earlier diners were done.

2. There wasn't enough tables or chairs for trivia. People were getting there 30 minutes ahead of time just to save a seat!

3. Lunch at the Veranda was crowded, cramped, and often caused us to have to wait for a 4 top. We 'solved' this by eating lunch in the MDR. When we did eat at the Veranda, it felt very crowded and noisy.

4. The coffee lounge was similarly way too crowded and cramped at popular times.

 

We had a major problem with cigarette smoke. Every night, one of our 'neighbors' would have a smoke at 1130. In addition, there were times during the day we had a strong smoke smell in the room. They tried to pass it off as some issue with the AC filters, but that was not the problem. They never solved it. They claimed it was not possible to smoke in the room without the smoke detector being set off, but there are no detectors in the bathroom. This is a serious problem that needs fixing.

 

The cruise itself was excellent. Great ports, very good tours. The food was mostly excellent, a few misses here and there, but overall the food and menus were excellent. Service was excellent, especially our stewards. Ray Solaire was a fine CD and quite entertaining as well. We don't do the 'standard' shows, so I won't comment on that here.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

We just got home after the same cruise on the Navigator.

It is a cozy and intimate ship. Passengers were so friendly and we had many interesting conversations along the way.

Never had a problem getting a table in Compass Rose. If no four top available, ( which we never saw), take a six top or enjoy a table for just two.

Was able to eat in Prime 7 three times.

We are not a fan of buffet so we don’t eat in the Veranda. However, after a tour, sometimes, we went out back, had a quick salad and enjoyed sailing out of the port.

Also, when we returned from a tour, we either grabbed a quick bite on the pool deck or ordered Room Service.

Ray Solaire was very friendly and helpful.

The production shows were the best we have seen on Regent. Most of the other entertainers were good.

Wherever we were on the Navigator, it was never crowded except when going to the theatre to get the bus tickets for the tours. Although, for the most part, is was fairly well organized.

Most of the tours were wonderful. We were able to change some tours easily.

Our butler and room steward gave us warm and personal attention.

Needless to say, the service and food in the dining rooms were great. If we wanted anything special, just asked for it. Mixed and matched every night off the regular menu.

After dinner and before the show, we sat in the lounge and listened to great music with Alan Roman. We always got a seat there.

Never saw the Coffee connection crowded, whenever we passed it.

Although, we had so many obstacles on this journey, no clothes for me, credit card hacking, falling on a tour, losing a wallet, etc., we remember now why we love Navigator.

Sheila and Herb

Edited August 22, 2018 by Bellaggio Cruisers

[Travelcat2]

threeforthree - thank you for taking the time to review your recent Navigator cruise. I must say that our experience on the Navigator has been the same as yours - too crowded (especially in restaurants). I understand that the Navigator has pretty much of a fan club and it is nice for the passengers that enjoy it. For us, we simply avoid the ship - problem solved!

 

P.S. It seems that there are never enough seats for trivia any more - on any Regent ship. The saving seats, etc. became such a pain that we also stopped doing trivia. I don't want to complain too much because they have occasionally held trivia in the theater and, In my opinion, that is worse than being crowded.

[xrvlcruiser]

Sheila,

How are you?

Peggy

[threeforthree]

We just got home after the same cruise on the Navigator.

It is a cozy and intimate ship. Passengers were so friendly and we had many interesting conversations along the way.

Never had a problem getting a table in Compass Rose. If no four top available, ( which we never saw), take a six top or enjoy a table for just two.

Was able to eat in Prime 7 three times.

We are not a fan of buffet so we don’t eat in the Veranda. However, after a tour, sometimes, we went out back, had a quick salad and enjoyed sailing out of the port.

Also, when we returned from a tour, we either grabbed a quick bite on the pool deck or ordered Room Service.

Ray Solaire was very friendly and helpful.

The production shows were the best we have seen on Regent. Most of the other entertainers were good.

Wherever we were on the Navigator, it was never crowded except when going to the theatre to get the bus tickets for the tours. Although, for the most part, is was fairly well organized.

Most of the tours were wonderful. We were able to change some tours easily.

Our butler and room steward gave us warm and personal attention.

Needless to say, the service and food in the dining rooms were great. If we wanted anything special, just asked for it. Mixed and matched every night off the regular menu.

After dinner and before the show, we sat in the lounge and listened to great music with Alan Roman. We always got a seat there.

Never saw the Coffee connection crowded, whenever we passed it.

Although, we had so many obstacles on this journey, no clothes for me, credit card hacking, falling on a tour, losing a wallet, etc., we remember now why we love Navigator.

Sheila and Herb

 

We were travelling with another couple, which made 2 tops out of the question. We did eat as 6 several times.

[forgap]

Threeforthree, I agree with you about the public spaces on Navigator. I found the coffee connection/computer area particularly disagreeable and often wondered why the casino occupied so much real estate when I rarely saw anyone in there.

 

I think Regent needs to look at what venues get the most traffic and plan accordingly when they take the ship into dry dock. This is really evident in bad weather.

 

We never had a problem getting a four top, put we tend to eat later. All this being said, we booked an identical cruise for 2020 as the itinerary trumps the ship. Explorer was doing a cruise in Norway as well but not to the arctic. In my book, go for the gusto while you can!

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Sheila,

How are you?

Peggy

 

Hi Peggy

Thanks for asking. We flew home yesterday. Haven’t unpacked all my clean lovely clothing, which I received two days before the end of the 20+ day cruise. Most issues have resolved themselves except my leg and hip which are pretty banged up. Fortunately, nothing is broken. Herb won’t let me do anything for a few days until I heal up some.

Still, Regent was so helpful with all the issues.

But, it’s good to be home.

Sheila

[xrvlcruiser]

Sheila,

I'm glad that basically everything is OK - no broken bones is a GOOD thing!

Regent/the Staff/Crew is wonderfully helpful - they really stepped up to the plate fro me a number of years ago.

I'm glad you're home.

Peggy

[GrJ Berkshire]

Agree with forgap, the casino is often very underused on Navigator, where as the piano lounge and cafe are tight for space.

However I doubt that Regent will make that change !!

[threeforthree]

It looks to me that they already took over some of the space from the casino for that awkward small seating area. They also have some empty strange chunks of real estate near some of the elevators. Yes, the casino could be made smaller, but I don't think that will solve the overall space problem.

[JMARINER]

Regarding the smoking issue. Was it possible that they were smoking on the balcony?

 

 

 

What cabin were you in?

 

 

FWIW, the ship did have issues with the air intake filters, they were serviced in Amsterdam. Whether or not that was what you smelled, at least that part of their story was true.

 

 

J

[threeforthree]

Regarding the smoking issue. Was it possible that they were smoking on the balcony?

 

 

 

What cabin were you in?

 

 

FWIW, the ship did have issues with the air intake filters, they were serviced in Amsterdam. Whether or not that was what you smelled, at least that part of their story was true.

 

 

J

 

I was in 708. Zero chance, and I mean zero, that it was some intake filters. It was a very consistent, clearly tobacco smell. And it happened every night between 1130-1200, when the smokers returned from their evening activities.

 

I don't think they were smoking on their balcony. Of course I went out to see if I could smell the smoke there, but no.

[rcandkc]

I was in 708. Zero chance, and I mean zero, that it was some intake filters. It was a very consistent, clearly tobacco smell. And it happened every night between 1130-1200, when the smokers returned from their evening activities.

 

I don't think they were smoking on their balcony. Of course I went out to see if I could smell the smoke there, but no.

 

I would have insisted someone come to my room at 11:30 so they could smell it. We were on a cruise on Navigator years ago that a couple was told if they smoked in their cabin again they would be put off the ship at the next port...their expense. I don’t know how they were “caught” smoking. They finished cruise, so I assume they stopped.

[Travelcat2]

I would have insisted someone come to my room at 11:30 so they could smell it. We were on a cruise on Navigator years ago that a couple was told if they smoked in their cabin again they would be put off the ship at the next port...their expense. I don’t know how they were “caught” smoking. They finished cruise, so I assume they stopped.

 

We would have done the same thing. Regent claims to have no tolerance for smoking in suites, balconies or anywhere else where smoking is not permitted. Supposedly if you are warned and continue to smoke you will be put off of the ship at the next port.

[wristband]

I was on this cruise and agree (smoking neighbor aside) with 3for3's assessment. The ship is showing its age apart from being cramped - paint peeling & blistered on our balcony & wood table, shower tile caulk mold, cabin carpet frayed.

 

Staff & service were consistently excellent - except for the 2 specialty restaurants. Food at dinner was spotty, definitely not 5 Star - some entrees arrived cold, fish dry, orders mixed up. We were surprised several reasonable requests would not be accommodated - no BLT sandwich at lunch in the MDR ("not on the menu"), not able to remove cheese baked atop the special of the day fish entree at dinner (fish with cheese, what's up with that?), less salt in the soups which were oversalted. Overall, we found MDR pleasant but nothing special food-wise.

 

For us, Veranda & Sette Mari were a mess. Too cramped, too frenzied, feeding time at the zoo, pax freely serving themselves food with bare hands at the buffet. Shouldn't staff handle the food to avoid unpleasant sanitary problems?

 

Sette Mari when it opens is immediately slammed as there are no reservations which would stagger seating and service challenges. Which means the kitchen quickly backs up with many orders at once and the floor staff are overwhelmed. We ate there twice - entrees both times came out cold or overdone. I personally prefer an informal buffet at dinner, esp after a long day of touring, but appreciate space is very limited. Converting the casino is a great idea!

 

Prime 7 was the worst meal on a cruise we have had in years - we are Regent & Oceania long time cruisers. Steaks ordered med rare = hockey pucks, returned twice, gave up on the third try, the meat was flavorless and tough, veg way way overcooked, service staff was visibly stressed and our meal had a long wait.

 

We often had a table for 2 at dinner in the MDR - but we arrived 6:30 prompt. Every night when we left, there were guests outside waiting for a table to open...which means you must time arrival for dinner to be there as MDR doors open or prepare to wait for a 2 or 4 table top.

 

The odd part about arriving on the dot for dinner for us - absence of live music in the bars until after restaurants began dinner service. It would be nice to enjoy a cocktail and listen to live music without being rushed to go to dinner but that was not in the cards.

 

Coffee Connection was lovely - Milgram did a great job serving lattes etc with charm, patience and professionalism - we always had a seat in the morning, during the day and for his masterful cocktails before dinner.

 

Agree on the Trivia limited space. Our team was shut out twice for lack of seating space but there seems to be no alternative.

 

Lectures by Maya and Michael were a strange brew.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

I was on this cruise and agree (smoking neighbor aside) with 3for3's assessment. The ship is showing its age apart from being cramped - paint peeling & blistered on our balcony & wood table, shower tile caulk mold, cabin carpet frayed.

 

Staff & service were consistently excellent - except for the 2 specialty restaurants. Food at dinner was spotty, definitely not 5 Star - some entrees arrived cold, fish dry, orders mixed up. We were surprised several reasonable requests would not be accommodated - no BLT sandwich at lunch in the MDR ("not on the menu"), not able to remove cheese baked atop the special of the day fish entree at dinner (fish with cheese, what's up with that?), less salt in the soups which were oversalted. Overall, we found MDR pleasant but nothing special food-wise.

 

For us, Veranda & Sette Mari were a mess. Too cramped, too frenzied, feeding time at the zoo, pax freely serving themselves food with bare hands at the buffet. Shouldn't staff handle the food to avoid unpleasant sanitary problems?

 

Sette Mari when it opens is immediately slammed as there are no reservations which would stagger seating and service challenges. Which means the kitchen quickly backs up with many orders at once and the floor staff are overwhelmed. We ate there twice - entrees both times came out cold or overdone. I personally prefer an informal buffet at dinner, esp after a long day of touring, but appreciate space is very limited. Converting the casino is a great idea!

 

Prime 7 was the worst meal on a cruise we have had in years - we are Regent & Oceania long time cruisers. Steaks ordered med rare = hockey pucks, returned twice, gave up on the third try, the meat was flavorless and tough, veg way way overcooked, service staff was visibly stressed and our meal had a long wait.

 

We often had a table for 2 at dinner in the MDR - but we arrived 6:30 prompt. Every night when we left, there were guests outside waiting for a table to open...which means you must time arrival for dinner to be there as MDR doors open or prepare to wait for a 2 or 4 table top.

 

The odd part about arriving on the dot for dinner for us - absence of live music in the bars until after restaurants began dinner service. It would be nice to enjoy a cocktail and listen to live music without being rushed to go to dinner but that was not in the cards.

 

Coffee Connection was lovely - Milgram did a great job serving lattes etc with charm, patience and professionalism - we always had a seat in the morning, during the day and for his masterful cocktails before dinner.

 

Agree on the Trivia limited space. Our team was shut out twice for lack of seating space but there seems to be no alternative.

 

Lectures by Maya and Michael were a strange brew.

 

Strange. Were we on the same ship?

We do not enjoy buffets or Seti Mara on any of the ships except Explorer. We ate dinner almost every night in CR. We usually drifted in about 7pm. We never had to wait for a two top in the section we enjoyed, except once, when we showed up at 7:20 pm and we were immediately seated in another section. Always saw availability at four tops. CR seats 350 people. That’s a lot of tables.

We had the opportunity to eat in Prime 7 three times, but love CR. We would special order dishes we liked the night before, especially the mussels. Had lobster tail, Branzino and mussels as an appetizer several times. Everything was tasty and always hot.

I agree that Navigator is old but it’s is definitely not shabby. Losing the credenza over the desk was a bad design. Need the storage space.

But, it would never affect my decision to sail on her again. ( especially all we have been through on this sailing).

Sheila

[threeforthree]

We would have done the same thing. Regent claims to have no tolerance for smoking in suites, balconies or anywhere else where smoking is not permitted. Supposedly if you are warned and continue to smoke you will be put off of the ship at the next port.

 

We had them come to our room several times. They didn't question us after the 3d or 4th time, they knew someone was smoking, but couldn't find them. They did say penalty was expulsion.

[Travelcat2]

We had them come to our room several times. They didn't question us after the 3d or 4th time, they knew someone was smoking, but couldn't find them. They did say penalty was expulsion.

 

It is really a shame that this happened. It seems that Regent's crew are afraid to enforce their policies - whether it be people wearing jeans, shorts, or smoking in their suite/balcony (the worst offense in our opinion). Hope that reading this and realizes that it is may be better to lose 1 customer that cannot abide by the guidelines rather than losing more passengers for the same reason.

[rcandkc]

It is really a shame that this happened. It seems that Regent's crew are afraid to enforce their policies - whether it be people wearing jeans, shorts, or smoking in their suite/balcony (the worst offense in our opinion). Hope that reading this and realizes that it is may be better to lose 1 customer that cannot abide by the guidelines rather than losing more passengers for the same reason.

 

I agree totally. If I encounter smoke in areas that it is not allowed and if nothing is done...I’ll be very unhappy and not book future cruises and maybe cancel future ones I have booked. Yes, this is a strong statement. COPD from smoking killed my mom, my brother is now suffering, as is my brother in law. I have never smoked but grew up around it and very sensitive to it and worried about second hand smoke. So...if you sail with Regent, obey the rules or don’t sail Regent. Like wise I don’t complain when you are smoking in allowed areas although I wish you weren’t.

[RachelG]

The smoking thing is really alarming. I would have been all over this as well, as I absolutely can’t tolerate cigarette or cigar smoke.

 

It sounds as though the ship was sailing full. Otherwise, I would have been demanding a new cabin.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

It is really a shame that this happened. It seems that Regent's crew are afraid to enforce their policies - whether it be people wearing jeans, shorts, or smoking in their suite/balcony (the worst offense in our opinion). Hope that reading this and realizes that it is may be better to lose 1 customer that cannot abide by the guidelines rather than losing more passengers for the same reason.

 

This is about smoking policy. Why include the clothing policy again? Smoking is not a guideline — it’s my life!

We were on this sailing and were in 925. Fortunately, I never sensed the odor of cigarette smoke. I would certainly reported it and done everything possible to locate the guilty party.

However, the situation should not be tolerated by anyone. I have COPD and use a POC ( portable oxygen concentrator) 24/7. It is very dangerous for everyone. I am always very careful around anyone smoking anywhere. That person could cause an explosion or set a fire on the ship. Anyone smoking should be located and put off the ship.

Sheila

[threeforthree]

The smoking thing is really alarming. I would have been all over this as well, as I absolutely can’t tolerate cigarette or cigar smoke.

 

It sounds as though the ship was sailing full. Otherwise, I would have been demanding a new cabin.

 

We didn't ask for a new cabin, but were tempted to do so. I do think the ship was full; whether that means there were ZERO cabins, available, or not, I am not sure. I would guess they need to keep at least one vacant, in case of a flood or other calamity that makes a cabin totally unlivable.