Grandeur live 12/14 - 12/21

[tnm6217]

I absolutely LOVE seeing all the former Celebrity loyalists on this thread! So many of us said we were done, and clearly we've voted with our feet. I have my last Celebrity cruise on Summit in January, which will be fine, but I'm so excited for new adventures ahead on Windstar, Silversea, and Regent!

[briar14]

We disembarked Grandeur on December 9 after 21 days. It was a very good cruise with an excellent staff and crew. If you are unsatisfied with anything, speak with the appropriate person. Regent really tries to make things right. And, if you are looking for a wonderful place to eat in Compass Rose, go to the back right corner and enjoy Denver!

[lorimay]

Things appear to be picking up. After an interesting lecture by Hugh Neighbour on Mexico's history, we went to Prime 7 for lunch. Service was excellent, as was the food. My husband had exceptional shrimp and grits (he even ordered a second portion) and the Cuban fried chicken (a little soggy). I had the fisherman's platter which was very good. The difference in service from last night was like night and day. We are noticing that the quality of the ingredients on Regent is clearly a step up from Celebrity, but I don't notice much difference from Oceania. 

 

Interesting note on the ship. We had rough weather last night and this morning, but we really didn't feel much roll. I was worried since the ship is so much smaller than we are used to. But it was nothing compared to our transatlantic on Beyond last year, where it was so bad for a couple of days that you could barely stay in bed and walking was difficult. We are so very impressed with this ship!

[Georgia_Peaches]

1 hour ago, lorimay said:

We had rough weather last night and this morning, but we really didn't feel much roll. I was worried since the ship is so much smaller than we are used to.

This would be a concern for me as well.  Glad you aren't feeling much of the movement.  I'm following a live review on another thread, which is also impacted by the weather in the Caribbean.

 

Since you mentioned Beyond and are now on Granduer I wonder if you could comment on anything you might miss in terms of ship amenities that are on Celebrity that are not on Granduer..due to size of ship.  I ask because we were so Impressed with Ascent after being dissatisfied with the Celebrity product, that we briefly considered cancelling our Granduer cruise for Ascent for nearly the same itinerary next year.  We decided to keep the booking but I'm just curious if there are things you miss.  For example, I enjoy the casino.  I know the casino is vastly smaller on RSS but are you enjoying the entertainment over all?

[Anon None]

5 hours ago, Camillus112 said:

Also on board in our only second Regent cruise.  Chaos at the Intercontinental Hotel at our transit time of 11am.  The transport contractors did not organize the crowd and we saw and experienced pushing.  I would recommend Regent monitor its contractors, or guests avail themselves of private transportation.  We are very happy with our PH suite and our butler Vishnu.  The food has been delicious!!  Service has been very good, just as expected.  The weather continues awful but we are hoping for a positive change.  We are pool people!

Since it is close to the pier, I may just inform the Regent rep at the hotel that I am going to take a taxi over (so they do not wait on me causing a delay for the group). Hope the weather clears for you.

[CardowMD]

@tnm6217I just booked solo Navigator for $3k less than Veranda suite on Celebrity that didn’t include any packages. On Celebrity,  for solo, they double the charge of cabin, with the package so the $2800 cabin with package, goes to $4500 with a then double that amount.  Of course it doesn’t include drinks, dining experiences, shore excursions, tips…or the wonderful Regent suites and passengers😊

[dabear]

We're also on this Dec 14th cruise. we arrived about 11:20 for 12 checkin & while busloads of PAX WERE ARRIVING FROM THE HOTEL. WE FLEW THROUGH checkin in about 10 minutes. 

We have cruised with Regent before although we've traveled mostly with Celebrity Oceania & Azamara. Service & friendliness of the staff has been excellent. A few minor glitches include, my lobster at Prime 7 was a little overcooked, a baked potato was cool and this am in CR our swedish pancakes were only so-so. Other meals & food have been very good including my dw's filet was excellent. It appears there are a lot of Regent newbies as well as many prior R pax. Overall, cruise has been very good but not outstanding as of yet. Most staff trying. 

One other incident. My wife slipped & fell by the pool today  The medical staff were outstanding. Fortunately, she is fine with just a bruised knee. 

[bitob]

The demographic on a 7 night Caribbean cruise is very different from a longer cruise on regent. The crossing had an older crowd with the vast majority being long time regent cruisers. That was the original inaugural so folks with regent loyalty were able to book the ship first

 

this cruise has a younger crowd with many first time regent cruisers. The feel is very different. Not better or worse — just different 

[Camillus112]

Yesterday was quite a rock and roll day.  Although the ship’s movements didn’t affect me, they certainly affected my DH; he was unable to enjoy the lovely filet at the wonderful Prime 7 restaurant.  Last night’s show highlighted a few music icons.  The dancers were very good but I found the production repetitive and not as engaging as I had expected.  The audience reaction was a bit lukewarm, I thought.  Tonight we will probably do the lounges.

[lorimay]

We went to trivia yesterday afternoon and got on a team with some lovely people. They were all long time Regent cruisers and had been in the ship since it left Italy. They assured us our experience the first night was way out of the norm. Trivia was crowded and a lot of fun. Also found out that they are opening the specialty restaurants at 6pm for this cruise to try and alleviate the crowds. 

 

Went  to CR for dinner last night. Got seated right away although once again we were way in the back, but this time on the right side with waiter Denver. He was great and service was much improved. Food was actually hot when it arrived and delicious.

 

I’m realizing the quality of the ingredients and the individual preparation make a huge difference, unlike the banquet meals they serve on Celebrity. For example, we were on the Equinox earlier this year in lobster night. I asked for a steak with my lobster tail. They are very small tails. The waiter refused to plate the two together, but just brought two pre-plated meals. One of the reasons we ate moving on. 
 

We went to the Icons show last night. It was a strange mix of songs. Dancers are pretty good and very high energy. The singers are trying hard but none is fantastic. One female can belt it out at high volume but doesn’t have much finesse. The other doesn’t project well. One of the males is constantly off tune. However, they are all much more talented than I am!  The orchestra is very good. 
 

We did more wandering around the ship. The casino tables seem to be pretty popular but I haven’t seen many of the machines occupied. 
 

The library is incredible. One of the nicest I’ve seen anywhere, let alone at sea. The culinary arts center is always busy. 
 

Once again I heard the word stunning applied to the decor of the ship. Lots of seating areas and cozy corners all over. 
 

We are supposed to be in Roatan by 1. Right now it’s pouring rain and the pool deck is flooded. We are scheduled on the “Best of the West” tour which includes shopping, an eco tour and beach. I’m wondering what will happen but I have a rain jacket so I’m ready. 
 

Our room attendant Alyssa is just great and no complaints about the room, although we have heard complaints from others about loud noises in their suites because of the rocky seas. 
 

We are hoping to get into Sette Mari tonight. 

[Kwaj girl]

@lorimay 

 

RE: "Went  to CR for dinner last night. Got seated right away although once again we were way in the back, but this time on the right side with waiter Denver. He was great and service was much improved. Food was actually hot when it arrived and delicious"

We thoroughly enjoyed that area for the first 2 voyages as well as Denver's fine service. "Way in the back" is the only place in the CRs (Explorer, Splendor, Grandeur) where you can actually carry on a conversation.  The large/main area has terrible acoustics and way too noisy with loud conversations all around.

 

BTW -ask Denver to tell you how he got his name!

Edited December 16, 2023 by Kwaj girl

[bitob]

22 hours ago, Kwaj girl said:

@lorimay 

 

RE: "Went  to CR for dinner last night. Got seated right away although once again we were way in the back, but this time on the right side with waiter Denver. He was great and service was much improved. Food was actually hot when it arrived and delicious"

We thoroughly enjoyed that area for the first 2 voyages as well as Denver's fine service. "Way in the back" is the only place in the CRs (Explorer, Splendor, Grandeur) where you can actually carry on a conversation.  The large/main area has terrible acoustics and way too noisy with loud conversations all around.

 

BTW -ask Denver to tell you how he got his name!

We had Denver as our server on Splendor. We loved him 

[the_dylaness]

Taking notes for Jan 8th... especially appreciate the tip about the "way back" of Compass Rose. I just don't like loud restaurants and DH has a hard time hearing with a lot of background noise so this is a great tip.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on breakfast experience/items, specifically, if you have time... namely, COFFEE! At home I don't get out of bed without a cup (seriously... my husband brings it to me every morning first thing.  It started as a nice gesture when I was always "trapped" in the bed upon awakening to nurse a baby, lucky me it never stopped... the coffee, I mean...)  

 

All that to say: what are our coffee options first thing in the AM?

[lorimay]

Just got back from Sette Mari. We were invited to join our trivia partners who have cruised Regent many times. Our experience was fantastic. The food and service were great with very nice company. I can see why they prefer it to Compass Rose. 
 

We ended up not taking the excursion. It would have been 5 hours on a bus to be outside in the drizzle. We walked to town instead. Really not much to see. 
 

A few observations: we were a little surprised that there wasn’t anyone on the dock at the end of the gangway helping people. We are used to Celebrity where a crew member assists and welcomes you back. Also no cold towels or cold drinks by the gangway. 
 

Also, I used the bathroom on deck 5 near reception. The first stall had a dirty toilet and toilet paper on the floor. The next one had an empty roll and the wrapper from the new one on the floor. I probably just hit it at the wrong time but you also don’t see crew cleaning all the time like you do on other cruise lines. The ship is spotless, so I think it was just the timing. 
 

Our trivia partners, both couples, who have been on the Explorer and the Splendor, commented on how the Grandeur is the only ship where you can hear conversations from the neighboring cabins. We had noticed this too -especially if you are in the sofa, you can clearly hear voices. You can’t hear from the hall at all. They feel it is a design flaw. 
 

I might have joined the camp that says Destination Services is a problem. We had a phone message saying my husband can’t participate in our Cozumel excursion because he’s too old, even though all the material says he’s below the age limit. Clearly there’s an issue but we’ll see if we can work it out tomorrow. 
 

As for coffee, I’m not a coffee drinker. My husband, who doesn’t like his coffee strong, said the room service coffee was like brown water. He got a nice Americano in Coffee Connection, but we were both surprised there are only machines and not a barista. It just seems a little strange. There is a bar next door so I’m assuming you can get coffee with spirits there. 
 

I filled out my comment card today. It will be interesting to see if we hear anything back. Mostly minor issues of course, but I did document our awful service in CR the first night. 
 

Tomorrow is Harvest Caye and the weather looks good. 
 

 

 

[carolina cruisin]

Wonder what time you were at Coffee Connection.  There is usually someone there most of the days- I believe until around 5 or so.  Hope that hasn't changed.

[rcandkc]

23 minutes ago, lorimay said:

Just got back from Sette Mari. We were invited to join our trivia partners who have cruised Regent many times. Our experience was fantastic. The food and service were great with very nice company. I can see why they prefer it to Compass Rose. 
 

We ended up not taking the excursion. It would have been 5 hours on a bus to be outside in the drizzle. We walked to town instead. Really not much to see. 
 

A few observations: we were a little surprised that there wasn’t anyone on the dock at the end of the gangway helping people. We are used to Celebrity where a crew member assists and welcomes you back. Also no cold towels or cold drinks by the gangway. 
 

Also, I used the bathroom on deck 5 near reception. The first stall had a dirty toilet and toilet paper on the floor. The next one had an empty roll and the wrapper from the new one on the floor. I probably just hit it at the wrong time but you also don’t see crew cleaning all the time like you do on other cruise lines. The ship is spotless, so I think it was just the timing. 
 

Our trivia partners, both couples, who have been on the Explorer and the Splendor, commented on how the Grandeur is the only ship where you can hear conversations from the neighboring cabins. We had noticed this too -especially if you are in the sofa, you can clearly hear voices. You can’t hear from the hall at all. They feel it is a design flaw. 
 

I might have joined the camp that says Destination Services is a problem. We had a phone message saying my husband can’t participate in our Cozumel excursion because he’s too old, even though all the material says he’s below the age limit. Clearly there’s an issue but we’ll see if we can work it out tomorrow. 
 

As for coffee, I’m not a coffee drinker. My husband, who doesn’t like his coffee strong, said the room service coffee was like brown water. He got a nice Americano in Coffee Connection, but we were both surprised there are only machines and not a barista. It just seems a little strange. There is a bar next door so I’m assuming you can get coffee with spirits there. 
 

I filled out my comment card today. It will be interesting to see if we hear anything back. Mostly minor issues of course, but I did document our awful service in CR the first night. 
 

Tomorrow is Harvest Caye and the weather looks good. 
 

I’ve been on 13 Regent cruises, latest last month.  The bathroom issue is very unusual.  Never seen a dirty bathroom.  Also, makes me wonder about the Regent cruiser that thought leaving toilet paper on floor ok. 

I’ve been on 4 of Regent ships and I’ve never heard conversations from adjacent cabin.  Have heard drawers closing.  I find it disappointing that on Granduer this is a possible issue.  Thank you for your reports.,great, good, and hmmm.

 

[bitob]

On 12/17/2023 at 3:47 AM, carolina cruisin said:

Wonder what time you were at Coffee Connection.  There is usually someone there most of the days- I believe until around 5 or so.  Hope that hasn't changed.

It hasn’t. The barista Gennaro is wonderful 

[Jchisley]

Hope he makes a nice decaf flat white ! 😊

[-Lew-]

@rcandkc... It appears you responded to quoted text. It's best to add your reply to the message you quote outside and below the quote box. If you add your response within the quote box, readers do not know where the quote ends and your response begins. 🙂 

[briar14]

9 hours ago, lorimay said:

Our trivia partners, both couples, who have been on the Explorer and the Splendor, commented on how the Grandeur is the only ship where you can hear conversations from the neighboring cabins. We had noticed this too -especially if you are in the sofa, you can clearly hear voices. You can’t hear from the hall at all. They feel it is a design flaw. 

On Grandeur, sitting on sofa, I clearly heard my suite neighbor giving CC information, including home address, while on a phone call. We’ve been on all Regent ships and never have heard voices so clearly.

[fizzy]

9 hours ago, lorimay said:

 

 

I might have joined the camp that says Destination Services is a problem. We had a phone message saying my husband can’t participate in our Cozumel excursion because he’s too old, even though all the material says he’s below the age limit. Clearly there’s an issue but we’ll see if we can work it out tomorrow. 
 

 

 

 

Could you elaborate on the age issues?  I had asked about this some time ago and had gotten a vague answer. Were the age restrictions from the tour operators or from Regent? The tour we had been interested in was something similar to what I do every day at home. I know some people are unable to handle certain things but I do resent paying for these "free" excursions only to find out that we can't use them...especially last minute.  thanks

[Camillus112]

21 hours ago, Camillus112 said:

Yesterday was quite a rock and roll day.  Although the ship’s movements didn’t affect me, they certainly affected my DH; he was unable to enjoy the lovely filet at the wonderful Prime 7 restaurant.  Last night’s show highlighted a few music icons.  The dancers were very good but I found the production repetitive and not as engaging as I had expected.  The audience reaction was a bit lukewarm, I thought.  Tonight we will probably do the lounges.

Today I want to eat my words…DH insisted on the production show and I thought it was so very good!!  

 

[rcandkc]

1 hour ago, -Lew- said:

@rcandkc... It appears you responded to quoted text. It's best to add your reply to the message you quote outside and below the quote box. If you add your response within the quote box, readers do not know where the quote ends and your response begins. 🙂 

Yes, I usually do but somehow messed up in my post.  Thank you. 

[mrlevin]

1 hour ago, briar14 said:

On Grandeur, sitting on sofa, I clearly heard my suite neighbor giving CC information, including home address, while on a phone call. We’ve been on all Regent ships and never have heard voices so clearly.

Jan, I think thin cabin walls was the biggest complaint I heard on Grandeur; followed by theater balcony design.  Overall, the ship was wonderful. 

[-Lew-]

2 hours ago, briar14 said:

On Grandeur, sitting on sofa, I clearly heard my suite neighbor giving CC information, including home address, while on a phone call. We’ve been on all Regent ships and never have heard voices so clearly.

 

That's disappointing for sure.  We sailed on Splendor for 32 days last winter and never heard a thing from our neighbors.  We'll be on Grandeur during January and February in the same numbered suite so we'll be able to compare apples to apples.  Hoping for the same quiet we previously experienced.