Mariner Los Angeles to Miami - live comments 9/30-10/15/19

[Travelcat2]

5 hours ago, Henk123 said:

in my opinion, what Azamara is doing is a bit dangerous

 

I know for sure there are a lot more cruise lines (see pictures from  Disney and Celebrity)

or to finsish with a smile. They are doing it the same way as hodghogs having sex.

 

VERY VERY CAREFULLY

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, I love the hedge hogs - so funny.  

 

I have seen the “grills” on Regent many times.  Are you sure that they are fueled by gas/propane or ???  I have a grill at home that makes the food prepared on it taste barbecued but it is an electric grill.   

 

Like many others that were sailing Regent when they had the Le Cordon Bleu classes, the P7 and Chartreuse kitchens did not have anything with a flame.  All cooking is done with induction.  

 

In any case, will check out the grills on the pool deck next month when we are on Explorer (if someone else doesn’t check it out first).  Think that we need to see this first hand.

[fizzy]

To keep this thread flowing nicely, it will probably be easier to state that the photos posted by Henk and the photos posted by WesW taken at a Regent deck party are grills just like the one you have at home. Nobody needs to spend their valuable vacation time inspecting and reporting on a project such as this.

[JC in CA]

Canal day today - WOW!  We were up around 6:30 and all over the ship starting around 7.  Observation lounge was quite full. We really enjoyed the vantage point of the back of la Veranda as the lock gates closed behind us!  We also went down on deck 5 and watched through the window as water filled the lock.  Fill rate is 3,000,000 gallons per minute!  

 

Of note, we are on the Starboard side of the ship, so Panama City was on our side of the ship.  We enjoyed seeing the city from our cabin. 

[JMARINER]

3 minutes ago, JC in CA said:

Of note, we are on the Starboard side of the ship, so Panama City was on our side of the ship.  We enjoyed seeing the city from our cabin. 

If you want to see the new Cocoil lock you need to be on the other side of the ship (west side). When you get to the north end you will get a glimpse of the Agua Clara locks on your side (east side).

 

J

[JC in CA]

Received another invitation to dinner!  This time with the Executive Concierge, William Gomez. 

[UUNetBill]

3 hours ago, fizzy said:

To keep this thread flowing nicely, it will probably be easier to state that the photos posted by Henk and the photos posted by WesW taken at a Regent deck party are grills just like the one you have at home. Nobody needs to spend their valuable vacation time inspecting and reporting on a project such as this.

I don’t know that I’d classify looking at a grill and posting what you see as a “project”.  I don’t see how it’s any different than asking for wine lists or menus or photos of closets...someone had a question and asked the group for an answer.  Isn’t that what this forum is all about?!?

 

🙄

[fizzy]

35 minutes ago, UUNetBill said:

I don’t know that I’d classify looking at a grill and posting what you see as a “project”.  I don’t see how it’s any different than asking for wine lists or menus or photos of closets...someone had a question and asked the group for an answer.  Isn’t that what this forum is all about?!?

 

🙄

If someone were to provide a photo of a wine list in response to a question and someone else were to say that the wine list couldn't possibly be true and needed further research....that would be  similar to the discussion about a BBQ grill where a well regarded poster provided a photo of a Regent BBQ grill and it has been intimated that it needed further research to prove that it existed. In other words, quite incidentally, somebody has already looked at a grill and posted what they saw.

[UUNetBill]

21 minutes ago, fizzy said:

If someone were to provide a photo of a wine list in response to a question and someone else were to say that the wine list couldn't possibly be true and needed further research....that would be  similar to the discussion about a BBQ grill where a well regarded poster provided a photo of a Regent BBQ grill and it has been intimated that it needed further research to prove that it existed. In other words, quite incidentally, somebody has already looked at a grill and posted what they saw.

Well, you’ve got better eyes than me if you can tell what kind of grills those are...could be gas, could be charcoal, could be infrared - I sure can’t tell. So without being sure, you sure can’t just say “it’s just like your grill at home”....the question wasn’t whether there were grills, rather what kind of grills they are.

 

Just because someone wants a bit more information (I’m curious, too) is no reason to be dismissive like that.

[Travelcat2]

2 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

I don’t know that I’d classify looking at a grill and posting what you see as a “project”.  I don’t see how it’s any different than asking for wine lists or menus or photos of closets...someone had a question and asked the group for an answer.  Isn’t that what this forum is all about?!?

 

🙄

 

I don’t get it either.  Definitely not a project.  Also, it doesn’t really matter who took the photos.  Really hope that this is not an argument waiting to happen.  I will have a definitive answer on the question next month and will not post a photo lest it become a subject for criticism.

 

[Hambagahle]

19 hours ago, JMARINER said:

If you want to see the new Cocoil lock you need to be on the other side of the ship (west side). When you get to the north end you will get a glimpse of the Agua Clara locks on your side (east side).

 

J

That is a great piece of information JMARINER -- our suite is starboard too.

[Hambagahle]

16 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

Well, you’ve got better eyes than me if you can tell what kind of grills those are...could be gas, could be charcoal, could be infrared - I sure can’t tell. So without being sure, you sure can’t just say “it’s just like your grill at home”....the question wasn’t whether there were grills, rather what kind of grills they are.

 

Just because someone wants a bit more information (I’m curious, too) is no reason to be dismissive like that.

I think on Oceania and Regent the grills are induction.  No fire but very high heat.

[Travelcat2]

Sorry that this thread went wildly off topic.  Still want to hear about the cruise - especially since it is coming to a close all too soon!

[JC in CA]

We’ve had some internet connection issues throughout the cruise.  Working well this morning. 

 

A sore throat got me a couple nights ago, we skipped going into Cartagena. Had a lazy morning reading in the shade on deck 12. Reports from many that did go ashore said that although the old walled city was amazing - it was very crowded and the hawkers were extremely intense. A number of folks told us we didn’t miss much. 

 

We have heard that a number of crew members are sick, they postponed the production cast show, Blazing Boots, to tonight and moved the magician to last night.  The magician was Great!  

 

Our dinner last last night with the executive concierge was nice. The other couple was a brother / sister pair who have over 500 nights on Regent!  

 

Today is is our last full day aboard, so packing will be the project for this afternoon. Off to breakfast soon and then our last bridge class.  

[liptastic]

Thank you for your live thread posts. Glad you have enjoyed your first Regent cruise. Hope you feel better for your last day onboard. It’s always a low point then those suitcases just appear on the bed to be filled 😞.

Enjoy your last day and evening.  Thanks again Jean.

[JC in CA]

We came back to our room after bridge - and there they were - empty suitcases.....

 

Apparently we are the first cruise (at least on the Mariner) to use the on-line end of cruise survey. The negatives - not compatible with iPad version 1or 2. Which means many folks are having to do it on phones or the ship computers. Additionally, it must be completed prior to disembarking.  One other issue - at least for me- although it says you can come back and change responses/ add comments, there was no way for me to get back to what I had entered other than start over!   Another passenger said he had an issue - but was using his laptop and was able to figure it out. I will keep my notes and send Regent an email post cruise!

 

Prior to this cruise, we have taken a 10 day, two 7 days, and a couple of 4/5 day cruises. We have discovered that 15 days is a bit long for us.  We think 10-12 days is probably our “sweet spot” for cruise length. 

 

We we are definitely glad we took this cruise and can see the benefits of a smaller, luxury cruise line.  Will those benefits always be worth the extra cost, maybe, maybe not!

 

Lessons learned:

-sign up for a meet and mingle - and GO to it!  We met some wonderful people that way and kept seeing them around the ship and on excursions.  Regent does a VERY nice set up for the meet and mingle!

-concierge room- staying at the Regent hotel was another really nice way to meet other passengers.  I was concerned about the busses - having heard the experience called a “cattle call” - we found it to be well managed, we even left the hotel at the time we were assigned to gather!  Is it worth the additional price - would be have to be figured out on an individual basis.  The Beverly Wilshire was an amazing experience for us!

-Book excursions and speciality dining as soon as possible. We talked to a number of people that were wait listed - most eventually got something - but might not have been till morning of that port.  Specialty dining you cannot wait to book - but might have luck getting a cancellation or a shared table. Stop by the reservation desk and be flexible. 

-Regent cruiser are very nice people!  We did meet a few who wanted to make sure we knew they had sailed 200+ nights, owned multiple homes / businesses, etc, but that was only a small handful.  

-Overall we had some really good service but were not totally blown away with amazing service.  Perhaps all that we had heard pre cruise had set up some impossible expectations!  (As a comparison, our last cruise was a “club class” mini suite on Princess; we had some excellent service in the Club Class dining room there.)

-watch your onboard account!  We had 15 minutes ship to shore included - used it and were billed for it!  Supposed to be being taken care of now.

-unless you are planning on using the spa / buy specialty wine, it can be hard to spend OBC- you can not use it (at least not the non-refundable type!) in the casino.  We used most of ours on the extra charge excursions. 

 

I’m sure I will think of more to add, and hope to add some pictures once we are home.

 

hopefully some of this will be helpful to other newbie Regent cruisers!

Jerie

[Hambagahle]

Jerrie -- you need to send your comments on the "new" evaluation form on internet to Mike Moore who is head of IT for the NCL group.   he is very very responsive to comments and a very nice fellow.  

[poss]

Thanks a bunch for all the posts, JC.   You clearly have a positive attitude, you go with the flow, enjoy mentioning positives, don't hesitate to (politely) name negatives.    These kinds of posts are enjoyable to read, and also helpful.

Alas, you haven't increased my desire to do a Canal cruise.  I've been on the fence for a while, i.e. my husband and I would love to see the workings of the Canal, but just can't get enthusiastic about the other ports, especially with the pretty good chance of cancellations of various ports.    Even if ports aren't literally cancelled, I don't think I'd much enjoy seeing lots of armed guards around.    Our itinerary would be 18 days, btw, and like you, I'm not sure I'd be interested in being on board for that long.   Not with so many sea days, which aren't our thing.

 

I hope you're well and will be happy to be home.   And that you might try another Regent cruise.   We do love the cruise line.    (Have never even tried others.)

 

Thanks once more!

[xrvlcruiser]

Gerrie

Do you have an email for Mike Moore?

 

Thanks . . .

 

Peggy

[JC in CA]

Woops - somehow this post did not go through- or maybe it did and I don’t see it!  I’ve been posting from both my phone and iPad. So - sorry if it’s a duplicate. I definitely want to mention the over and above service noted below!

 

Sore throat started last night for me - we stayed on the ship in Cartegena today. Temperature was 86 with a “feels like” temp of 97, humidity less than we’ve had, but still felt it.  The ship was pretty empty- seems like only a few passengers stayed on board. 

 

I mentioned my sore throat to another passenger and she said she’d seen ginger lemon tea bags. I looked for some at a coffee station, none to be found, so I asked a server in la Veranda. He said he would make me some fresh ginger, lemon tea - that it was much better than a teabag. That is the service Regent is known for.  He was right!  

 

We have had a few folks go out of their way to anticipate what we might need /want, and noted their names.  They will definitely be mentioned in our end of cruise review!

 

Last night we went to the magician/comedian show - Bob Trunell.  We enjoyed his show a lot!  He will have one additional show. Apparently he works for Regent often. 

[JC in CA]

1 hour ago, Hambagahle said:

Jerrie -- you need to send your comments on the "new" evaluation form on internet to Mike Moore who is head of IT for the NCL group.   he is very very responsive to comments and a very nice fellow.  

Do you happen to have his email?  I’d be happy to share my experience with him. I know this is something new and will have some kinks!

[Silver Sweethearts]

1 hour ago, poss said:

Alas, you haven't increased my desire to do a Canal cruise.  I've been on the fence for a while, i.e. my husband and I would love to see the workings of the Canal, but just can't get enthusiastic about the other ports, especially with the pretty good chance of cancellations of various ports.    Even if ports aren't literally cancelled, I don't think I'd much enjoy seeing lots of armed guards around.    Our itinerary would be 18 days, btw, and like you, I'm not sure I'd be interested in being on board for that long.   Not with so many sea days, which aren't our thing.

 

Have you given thought to doing a partial Canal transit from Florida to Gate Lake and return?  You could keep your visit to San Francisco (we believe it was) at your convenience and schedule the partial transit at another time when the weather is better for you too.

[Pinksunset]

Thank you, JC, for taking the time to share your cruise experiences with us.  I love your sunny attitude!  Hope you travel with Regent again! ~ Lorraine 

[JC in CA]

WOW!!!   I guess my end of cruise survey did go through- just returned to our cabin - about 3 hours after submitting the online survey and I have a letter saying “want to thank you for your constructive feedback regarding the XXX tour “ applied 25% credit to our account. 

 

In my end of cruise survey  I mentioned that one portion was canceled due to rain and that I would have expected a partial credit; also stated that I had not complained. 

 

Ok Regent - I’m seeing some exemplary customer service - that was EXTREMELY fast action!

 

Thanks to all for the well wishes - my throat is somewhat better, unfortunately looks like it is progressing into a cold.  

 

1 hour ago, poss said:

Thanks a bunch for all the posts, JC.   You clearly have a positive attitude

 

Thank you - I think there is usually some positive to be found and definitely like to point it out.  Equally, when there is negative, I would rather present it constructively- no use moaning and groaning- usually won’t help anything!  Hoping my observations will help others.  I have combed through so much on CC and found fantastic info , I’m grateful for all the info here!

 

The Canal was definitely the highlight of the cruise. Very cool to experience.  Would we do it again - no. (We’ve spoken to folks who have done it 7,8, or more times!) Are we so very glad we did it - absolutely! And we are glad we were on a smaller ship with fewer people!  Would not have enjoyed the experience with 2,000, or even more, people!  I do enjoy sea days - but not tons of them!  Our itinerary was pretty good, with at most 2 sea days in a row.  

[Silver Sweethearts]

1 hour ago, Silver Sweethearts said:

 

Have you given thought to doing a partial Canal transit from Florida to Gate Lake and return?  You could keep your visit to San Francisco (we believe it was) at your convenience and schedule the partial transit at another time when the weather is better for you too.

The computer decided to spell it "Gate" instead of "Gatun", and we didn't catch it until now.  We obviously meant Gatun.

[Hambagahle]

We have done the Panama canal cruise (on the Mariner) from LA to Miami.  It was so wonderful that we are booked again on the Splendor for practically the same itinerary.  (Corinto was not on our original one).  Armed guards ?  Any time you travel in central or Latin America you will see these.  China too.  In the days when I worked in Vietnam that was also the case.  You deal with it. (!)

 

Jerie - send me a mail at thompson  "at"  verbier "dot" ch and I will give you Mike's.  I do not feel free to put it on the boards here though he did that himself some years ago!!

Gerry (the Swiss one!)