1st time Regent- Panama Canal 9/30/19

[JC in CA]

Thanks to everyone here, we have taken the leap and booked our very first Regent Cruise!  We will be sailing through the Panama Canal, departing Los Angeles on 9/30/19.  I have learned so much from reading all of your posts, for instance:

-that there was a price increase coming 1/5/19 - and that it was possible to put a one week hold on a cruise - so I did on 1/2/19- compared prices today- sure enough, price increase had happened on this cruise- so "saved" $100 per person

-about the bathtub / shower combo on Mariner being so high off the floor creating less headroom - husband and I are both tall, so we knew to reserve a suite with a shower

-about different trip insurance companies- in the process of comparing prices now!

-that different travel agents may offer different "amenities" - learned that it is best to check a few different TAs for what they offer on luxury cruises

-all about air deviations - was able to ask my TA informed questions - she is checking prices on air for us

-about the Regent Ambassador program!

 

Now to get to know some other folks who will be on the same cruise.....

 

So - thank you all!!!

-Jerie and Matt

[Zqueeze1]

I hope you enjoy this cruise as much as we did when we transited the canal on the Mariner last spring.  We really enjoy Regent’s service and amenities and the countless friendships we’ve made with fellow passengers and crew.  Mosey on up to the bar and have a few drinks for us while you cruise the warm waters of the Pacific/Carib. 

Z and TB

[JC in CA]

Thanks Z and TB!

We are very much looking forward to it!  Panama Canal has been an idea for awhile - now making it happen!

[Travelcat2]

Jerie and Matt,

 

It sounds as if you have done your homework which is great.  Keep in mind that the "best" Regent TA's are ones that regularly book Regent AND give a percentage back on your cruise (and sometimes on board credits in addition).  

 

It sounds as if you wish to do your own air.  You likely know that Regent provides International Business Class air.  The key to getting the best price (Regent prices are difficult to beat due to the fact that they have contracts on most airlines on certain itineraries) is to deviate 270 nights prior to your sailing date.  While this will cost $175/person, it would likely cost you much more than that to book your own Business Class flights.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Jackie

[JC in CA]

Thanks Jackie!

Yes, we are getting a good chunk of "mail money" as an amenity from our TA; thanks to learning here that some TA's will do that!  She does regularly book clients on Regent and seems to be quite knowledgeable.  I corresponded with 4 different TA's who all said they were cruise specialists prior to picking her.  Hopefully I chose well.....

 

She is checking with Regent to see what the deviation will cost - we are flying out of SJC to Miami and then from Miami to SFO (can't get a direct flight back to SJC from Miami- even though you can get their directly from SJC!).  SJC is not a Regent airport - so she is working up costs with deviation and on our own.  

 

Lots of little details.  So grateful for all who share info here!

-Jerie

[Hambagahle]

As far as I know the flights connected with the Panama canal cruise are domestic.  (We are booked on the Splendour, San Diego/Miami in 2020 and the credit we got reflected a non-use of domestic flights and wasn't much!)   

 

I suppose you will fly SJC/LAX or SJC/LGB to board the ship ?   Then MIA/SJC or as you say, perhaps SFO.  All domestic flights for you.

 

We did the LA-Miami cruise some years ago on the Mariner.  It was quite simply the best cruise we have ever done and that is why we are repeating it in 2020.  the ports are interesting (especially Costa Rica!) and on our cruise one of the lecturers had worked for the Canal Authority for 25 years.  He gave fascinating background lectures and then was on deck during the transit to explain things some more!

 

Have a great cruise - you will love it and Regent!

[DavidTheWonderer]

One of my favorite cruises ever was Mariner from Miami to Lima through the canal. But that experience may serve as a warning for you two.  Miami to Lima was the first segment of a much longer cruise around South America ending up back in Miami.  I was having such a great time I didn't want to get off in Lima.

 

But I had to disembark, and have been feeling so sorry for myself ever since that we've booked a world cruise on Mariner.  It is so much money that when we pay for it we'll be officially broke.

 

So beware, or at some point we may all meet up at the soup kitchen.

[JC in CA]

David,

I am a bit worried that we may like cruising on Regent TOO much! 

hehe

-Jerie

[rcandkc]

I just hope tropical weather behaves itself.  Even if not, Regent will take great care of you. 

[JC in CA]

RC,

Yep, could be weather issues, but this was the only Regent Panama cruise that fit our schedule.

Not a fan of humidity, but, I'll get through it!

[rcandkc]

39 minutes ago, JC in CA said:

RC,

Yep, could be weather issues, but this was the only Regent Panama cruise that fit our schedule.

Not a fan of humidity, but, I'll get through it!

Hair in ponytail 😀

[JC in CA]

10 minutes ago, rcandkc said:

Hair in ponytail 😀

oh yes!

[journeyfan]

I've booked this cruise and I took the air credit since Regent would only book coach as this is a domestic cruise.  You can get much better flights booking yourself ..... especially if you  have frequent flyer miles to use.  It cost me nothing to book my own air.

[JC in CA]

3 hours ago, journeyfan said:

I've booked this cruise and I took the air credit since Regent would only book coach as this is a domestic cruise.  You can get much better flights booking yourself ..... especially if you  have frequent flyer miles to use.  It cost me nothing to book my own air.

We are working through a travel agent and asked her to check into business class through Regent Air for us.  She is going to check both through Regent and booking directly.  Unfortunately no frequent flyer miles for us to use....

[GOARMY]

JC in CA:

 

Having done The Canal transit several times, either from the Pacific to Atlantic; or Atlantic to Pacific--and planning yet-another similar March, 2020 San Diego to Miami adventure aboard the newly-launched "Splendor"--

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Noted your planned Mariner itinerary will include Cabo in Mexico; and port stops at El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cartagena, Colombia.  You might want to review a June 8, 2018 CC Thread.  This is on Page 17.  Title is:  "Navigator to Cancel Ports in Guatemala and Nicaragua." 

 

This Thread began when my wife and I were onboard.  I "took the bait" and posted from time-to-time on our en route experiences which ended in NYC.  Comments as to ports-of-call, onboard venues, service standards, availability of fine wines, and such might be of benefit.  Trust you will eschew dwelling on my tendency to wander off the Thread's path by quoting, or paraphrasing lines from various movies.  Hope the Salsa & Salsa experience is available when at Cabo. 

 

Cut to the chase:  Stuff will, probably, happen as to volcano eruptions and civil unrest at projected stops.  It has happened to us on ALL previous Panama adventures.  These real-world realities have not detracted in one bit from our overall enjoyment of the experience.  The Canal continues to evolve.  Your adventure will, no doubt, enable taking pictures of the final, really-large third bridge.  Should you review that earlier Thread, this reference will make sense. 

 

Following that--let me know if you have additional questions.   And--when in doubt:  simply order the Miso Glazed Sea Bass. 

 

Finally--as to the Miami debarkation point: fair warning.  Based on two previous experiences--we do not schedule any flight out of either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale Airports for return to SEATAC Airport with a departure time before 2:00pm.  Period.

 

GOARMY!

 

 

  

 

 

 

[Zqueeze1]

JC: 

I don’t know if you have read any previous CC threads regarding Panama Canal crossings, but we started one last spring  in which we posted our thoughts about the ports as well as pics. It’s located at https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2533402-live-from-z-and-tb-go-from-atlantic-to-pacific-in-style/?tab=comments#comment-54594397. 

We hope you enjoy your cruise.  

 

Z and TB

[JC in CA]

GOARMY and Zqueeze1-

THANK YOU! And yes, I was yelling - with great appreciation!!!!

Our flight won't be till 6 pm- so we should be fine, thank you for the warning!

My husband and I were just talking about the Salsa and Salsa excursion- it had caught my eye - on your recommendation, it is now top of our list!

Heading over to those threads now,

thanks again!

-Jerie

[GOARMY]

Jerie:  Happy threading(s).   Two random thoughts--

 

1.  Read David McCullough's 1977 epic:  "The Path Between the Seas--Creation of the Panama Canal 1870-1914" before you go and/or pack it in a suitcase.  You will witness what he wrote about--and understand why the initial French effort to replicate the successful Suez Canal engineering triumph came to grief, with great loss of life.  It took Teddy Roosevelt to "enlist" the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and American know-how based on what did, and did not work for the French, to get the job done by 1914.  So-much of the American's successful effort was based on overcoming the indigenous health problems (malaria and yellow fever) which. basically, defeated the French effort.   

 

2.  If you enjoy red wine--hope there is Sokol Bloosser, Oregon Pinot Noir onboard.  Try it. 

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

[JC in CA]

GOARMY-

The Path Between the Seas is our reading material right now!

My hubby is a red wine drinker- will make a note of it- thanks!

-Jerie