Back to the mailing (Not the one with the DVD, I didn't get that one). I assume no one else found the the brochure dark and depressing, as I did. Yes, I found it void of any usuable content for repeat passengers.

Hi, kirky5.

We seem to have several different mailings that have been brought up on this thread. What mailing did you receive?

Thanks,
Richard

I am astonished at the gorgeous appearance while there is no usable information. Deep sixed very fast.

I thought I would mention that Silversea and Residensea both have these promotional materials with all the pictures and no substance. They use the same piece year after year as an "image" brochure and then they put the "meat" for each year in a separate brochure. Sometimes there are smaller booklets that fit in the "image" brochure for the complete package. They also develop the big brochure that covers all the cruises and pricing.

I remember the first time I saw the Silversea book - I thought "where is the usable information" just as you are thinking now for this new brochure by Regent.

Regent is doing the same thing as the other luxury lines. I never send this type of brochure out to clients, unless it also contains the smaller piece with the details of cruises.

A great man once said that the only reason for advertising is to provide information. There was none in the mailing with the dvd for long time cruisers. We rely on the web site and our travel agent. Bottom line: We like Radisson, now Regent, and look forward to 'all inclusive' next year.
In conclusion I mention a conversation, while on board the Voyager, with people who had taken advantage of a Residensea opportunity. They recounted a tale of real woe. Word of mouth, including this board, may be all that matters.

I certainly agree with Ngaire's method of sending out "hard information" along with "image advertising." I actually think that "hard information" is more needed by first time cruisers (at least as to the line involved) than it is by "veterans." For example, the other day I received an ad via mail for a steamboat cruise of the inside passage in Alaska. Kind of caught my attention, but I had a few questions that weren't answered in the ad. After my second phone call -- getting put on hold and all -- I just threw the ad away and lost interest.

Thanks,
Richard