Reflections from Camp Regent SS Navigator

[JaneBP]

Yes, figured I would share this, for posterity; in case someone asks about the differences.

 

It was a delightful 12 day trip and interesting to be away over Christmas. I flew down to Florida and stayed at the Hilton on the Beach in FLL; on the 18th we boarded the Voyager. I must add, that for a chain hotel, the Hilton was delightful and had not only a lovely dining area overlooking the ocean and pool, but great food. I was pleasantly surprised. Santa left us cookies and candies and a lovely passport folder. Many suite doors were decorated. One suite was apparently done to the hilt.

 

Having never sailed on Regent, Voyager, just out of a major dry dock work was to be under my scrutiny. Because I am so ‘wedded’ to Seabourn, I couldn’t imagine that it could be as nice. Different and good, but not as nice. Well it was in many ways.

 

Embarkation was a breese and I was given a wheelchair assist through the process. I did not need one once onboard. Disembarkation was a mess attributed to the slowness of the luggage handlers off-loading. We got off early, but later, I understand it was a zoo as all colors were called at once.

 

The decor and layout of the ship was very good, lots of nooks and crannies for reading, napping, and card playing. We did all three a lot. The top deck with the pool, jacuzzis and Veranda Cafe and Pool Grill were very crowded on sea days and to be avoided. However, on the port days, I didn’t get off (except for a brief trolley tour in Curaco and it was ok.) The ‘show theater’ had a balcony and i even watched ‘Mama Mia’ in it. Always cold, the best entertainment was the Crew Capers the last night. The crew is mostly from the Philippines and performed folk dances and singing. I found out my favorite crew member (Manny of Room Service) was the star and choreographer. Otherwise, the entertainment was pretty poor and to be avoided. Christmas Eve there was carol singing in the atrium and a holiday show that was ok, including the numerous children on board who sang carols. Actually the many children had onboard programs and were not annoying to me at all. I even found the team in the scavenger hunt trying to find 4 crew to pose for the YMCA logo quite amusing.The dumb parents who took toddlers in diapers in the hot tubs were just that, dumb. I did see cool towels being passed about in the afternoon.

 

There were lots of activities, always a tea time with music and a ‘quiet tea’ in another spot. Nice idea. I played Trivia once. It was difficult and the first day, came in second with a score of 6. the winners got 7/15. I mean, who knew that Melanie of the Spice Girls was the first to put out a single record? Besides, the afternoon time, 4:00 was inconvenient to my nap times. I am looking to the blood sport of Trivia on the Legend Crossing in November. The library was very good and belatedly I found out I could have gotten the NY Times delivered daily (for a fee, of course). There was a huge computer room and a coffee nook as well. While there were DVDs available, there was a large on-demand selection of movies of which to avail. () The TV channels left much to be desired. FNN, CNN, ESPN, and TNT. Never set foot in the spa, gym, casino, or boutiques. Listened to one of the enrichment lecturers on TV replay, interesting about Obama and the challenges he faces nationally; missed part II of the international dilemmas. Smokers seemed rare and there was a cigar room. Never went in there, either.

 

The food was very good, varied with lovely presentations. The main dining venue is the Compass Rose, large and serving all 3 meals. Two specialty restaurants, Signatures which is to be ‘cordon bleu’ and Prime 7, a steak house. Both were smaller and more intimate. We ate at both twice and were pleased. On time we joined a table of 6 others and that was fun. Room service is always my favorite, breakfast with a great omelet was the treat. Bar service at the pool was fine, but they can’t make a BBC like Nelson on Seabourn. I switched to the Blue Hawaii, a drink from my past, and a virgin Madras, which I learned was cranberry and grapefruit juice without the vodka.

 

The weather was lovely, soft bouncing on some nights. People complained, but I had two balsa angels on a narrow shelf and they never moved, nor did the apple perched atop a narrow dresser top. Speaking of the dresser, the layout of the suite with a balcony was delightful. Bigger than Seabourn (not including the balcony) and with a huge walk-in closet and bathroom with both shower and tub. And, the sofa was large enough to stretch out and actually nap comfortably. It did, however, lack a comfy throw to ward off the a/c chill. The table was enlarged with a plastic top for dining. That was a bit wobbly, but we managed. The bed was great, with a comfy duvet and I actually had real ‘Turkish’ towels!

 

The itinerary was ok, because I have been to most of the islands and to me they are all alike and with not much to buy. My partner wandered off in most ports and in Aruba found a grocery store and we had good Edam cheese on which to nibble. He found St Lucia grim and the others fair to poor. Many of the tours were more vigorous than I could do or care to. The one trip, deep sea fishing, was closed before the cruise started. Embarkation was a breeze as was disembarkation, after the hour wait because of slow teamsters unloading the luggage. We had a car waiting, and were charged some extra time, but it helped to make our early flights. From checking out of the ship (9:40) to my gate at FLL was 40 minutes. But we were off in the first crush.

 

I did not book another cruise onboard, but with the right itinerary, would certainly go again.

 

ABOVE ALL, WE FOUND THE COURTESY AND FRIENDLINESS OF THE STAFF TO BE 5*****

But, aside from our stewardess, no one knew my name......

And am counting the days until 10/31 and boarding the Legend in Citavecchia!

[Travelcat2]

JaneBP: Really enjoyed reading your well written, balanced, review of your Voyager Christmas cruise. When I think of someone who loves Seabourn, the first thing that comes to mind is that Regent is so much larger, less personal, etc. It is good to hear that you can appreciate Regent -- even if it is a bit different:)

[crystal808]

Jane:

 

So glad you had a good time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

I was on the Voyager (then Radisson) in 11/04, after my very first cruise (on HAL), and before my first SB cruise. I was impressed by the Voyager (being so much more "intimate" than the Oosterdam); well, you know what happened when I got on board the Legend! :D (Guess it happens to all SB-first timers!)

 

Hopefully I'll see you next November, but not until Lisbon!

 

A happy New Year to you & yours!

 

Paul :)

[johnnycruise]

Jane,

 

I had been checking the Regent boards looking for your review - glad you decided to post and I enjoyed reading your positive report. Voyager has some very appealing itineraries coming up and I like the nicely appointed (i.e. large) staterooms (suites). I will have to try her out sometime.

 

johnny

[dd@sea]

Jane,

I had been awaiting your review of your Regent trip. Thank you so much for a thorough objective review. We too, have over 75 days on Regent with all three ships and if I were to write a review of those times, it would have been very much like yours. Regent is a very good product and if you find a sailing to your liking it can be most enjoyable. However, on our last trip, December a year ago, we found the dining experience to be rushed and a little off compared to previous trips. Our heart is as yours, wedded to Seabourn because of the feeling of family and fine service that spoils one to no end. And yes if there were to be new ports offered i.e. Japan in depth, Korea, Cuba we would reup. Enjoy your Seabourn crossing.

Hoping one day to sail with you. Again, thank you for your ongoing "Camp Reports". I have loved everyone of them. Maybe when we do Istanbul to FLL on the Odyssey in October, I might attempt a 'Mini Camp Report' but will pale in comparison to yours. Happy New Year!

Deanna

[JaneBP]

Thanks, Deanna. I have read and heard similar issues on Regent as well. I just did not find that many service issues and certainly none that had not occurred on Seabourn. Yes, occasionally the soup is tepid and someone gets the wrong serving, but it's not enough to lambaste an entire line or it's experience.

 

Paul, can't wait to sail with you again, fingers crossed!

 

Did I mention the Intermezzo avacado sorbet?