In spite of a bit of jet lag, I thought it would be good to write now when I have a chance at remembering some details. We were on the Rome to Nice trip on the Voyager. As usual, one's experiience on a cruise is related to the people you met aboard.
We met so many wonderful and interesting people and developed a strong friendship with another couple In fact, we hit it off so well that we wished to book another cruise together on the Paul Gaugin for next spring. Like a previous post, we tried to discuss this with the cruise consultant. What an experience! She was clearly too busy for us. When we asked for information, she told us to read the brochure.."it's all in there." THEN..she asked us to return the brochure because she was in short supply. Was she kidding? There are four of us standing there ready to spend around $20,000 and she wants the brochure back.

Boarding:
I thought the embarkation was seamless. We arrived around 2:00 p.m. and were warmly greeted and wisked through registration. We had lunch on deck and had a chance to tour the ship. When we arrived at our cabin an hour later our bags were already there. You could not ask for a better introduction to Regent.

The cabin was fabulous. The cost for this size cabin on any other line would be much more expensive. I found the bed and linens to be plush and there was no need for egg carton topping. Having the mini bar was great but I am still confused about the set up. We had only water, soda, and beer. No wine and no liquor. When I inquired, the cabin steward said that was all that is placed in the fridge unless you are in a butler's suite. We did not pursue this any further...there was plenty to drink.
The service in the cabin was adequate but we really din't put them to the test...Other than breakfast in our room a couple of mornings(arrived on time and hot), we were pretty easy.

Food
I would say that the food was the greatest disappointment. The Compass Rose needs a complete review of the menu choices, the service, and the attitude of the waiters. I couldn't believe that lackluster choices, the poor preparation, and the presentation. One night they served Weinershnitzel (sp?). It was inedible. The entire plate looked beige! I thought I could revive the dish with some fresh tomatoes on top rather than sending it back. This seemed to be a difficult request for our waiter. He should have immediately offered to bring me another entree. By the way, others at the table ordered the same thing and were equally disappointed. The waiters' inquiries about how we were enjoying our meal were perfunctory....they really didn't care to please.
On the other hand, the staff and service in La Veranda were excellent. What a delight..they actually cared if we liked out food (which we did). They were enthusiastic and friendly.
The food in Lattitudes was very good and interesting with beautiful presentation. The service there was top notch...and friendly and smiling.
Signatures was fine with good service and food.

The buffet lunch and breakfast was just okay. I really thought there would have been more choices and better quality.

There is no question that having an all inclusive wine and liquor policy made it easier. The quality and selection of the wines was very good. We enjoyed every one.

While I think another meal/buffet late at night is ridiculous, it would have been nice to have a nibble while at the bar late at night. At the very least they could have replenished the pretzels. (Nuts would have been more elegant). I guess we could have ordered from room service but we didn't want to return to our rooms.

Entertainment:
The main show was okay for a ship its size. I enjoyed the company of our fellow passengers more. The Voyager lounge was the most vibrant of all the lounges. I thoroughly enjoyed the duo in there and the atmoshphere. There was one bartender who was by far the best staff person on aboard. The Horizon and Observation were beautiful with music for dancing. They would have had more ambience if more people filled the room. We were often only one of 4 to 6 couples.
Connoiseurs Club had no wait staff and no atmosphere.

I was surprised that music was played around the pool on only one afternoon. I am glad that there wasn't music everyday all afternoon long, but a bit more would have added something. They need more staff around the pool to move lounges and serve drinks.

So...overall we had a good time on a beautiful ship with some wonderful passengers. I have sailed on other lines including Crystal. I know there are many references to Crystal on this and other sites. They are very different experiences. Crystal is a bit bigger, more formal with set dining times. I enjoyed the informality of Regent but thought the food was better on Crystal.

I think Regent needs to guard against one thing that I heard a few people mention. They have so many loyal repeat cruisers who are familiar with the ship and the crew, that newcomers can feel like they are not part of the club. This is probably a natural feeling when everyone else knows everyone on a first name basis. The crew needs to make everyone feel special, not just those who take multiple cruises.

I hope this wasn't too long. I wanted to give my impressions of a first cruise on Regent.

Huh, interesting observations. I've never felt like the atmosphere was clubby, i.e., that there were so many loyal cruisers that I felt left out. (But then again I do enjoy re-meeting staff members that we've seen on another cruise.)

The food though, wow! That's certainly not the Voyager that I remember (only been on her once), at least not Compass Rose. Sounds like the dining room staff was having a bad week!

As for the nuts, didn't they have the ubiquitous little white narrow-necked things that looked like vases on the tables? There were always nuts in them.

Thank you for your observations. We just got off the Voyager and did not have the issues with the Compass Rose that you had, but obviously, something must have gone amiss. This is disappointing. I am glad to see that Lattitudes has maintained its flair. It was, at one time, the least interesting of all of the restaurants, and was a favorite this time. They finally got it right. I could see how you felt the clubby atmosphere. We got past that, as we didn't know the staff on this ship, by joining some of the games on the ship. However, that is a good comment and I hope you put it on your comment card.

It is interesting in this and all the recent reviews that, no matter who the most recent cruise consultant was, his/her performance was lackluster. I hope that Regent is getting the message.

firenz, I surely hope you filled out your comment card both mid-cruise and at the end! Your comments about the Cruise Consultant, food and other things will surely be noted by staff on-board if you did.

I am not a "foodie"....rather an eat to live sort of person, but I am careful about ordering in CR and often go to the "Simplicity" menu for old stand-by's that are tried and true from many cruises I have taken. Latitudes is fun for a night, with a change of pace and no stress of making menu choices. Glad you liked Veranda and Signatures as well.

Totally agree with your comments on entertainment, it is "okay" most of the time, not often enough to keep me from choosing Voyager Lounge instead.

I guess I had been on Regent at least 4-5 times before I even gave note to who the officers and staff were, so long as I was getting good service with a smile. Now, after many more, I still don't know most of the staff when I board a ship. So don't feel that all loyal past passengers feel like they are part of any club either!

Will you cruise Regent again?

Firenz, enjoyed reading your review of your first Regent cruise. Of course not everything will appeal to all so hope your opinions were mentioned on your comment card. Funny you mentioned the Weinershnitzel in CR. While on the World Cruise we ordered this all the time (or special ordered it sometimes) and loved it!! It was very popular at least when made by Chef Tobias.

Thanks for taking the time to write your review.

Hi Firenz,

I found your first Regent cruise report to be very interesting and informative. You went on this cruise with a "fresh set of eyes." I do hope that you have expressed your assessment and comments on your Regent comment card and areas of improvement and focus are reviewed and if need be, corrected.

Thank you for taking the time to post a well-written review.

I was on the same cruise and agree with the comments re: the cruise consultant. She was very poor. We ended up making a booking to hold the discount, but the process was extremely tedious.

On Weinerschnitzel night, we tried to go to La Veranda instead of CR, but it was full at 8:30. So, we went to Latitudes for the second time and enjoyed the food as much as the first time around!

Hi Firenz,

Thanks for your report. It has some very interesting comments.

Did you ever book the PG cruise with your friends?

The cruise consultant sounds abominable!

Haven't been on Voyager, but do you recall who was the head chef? Our 2 RSSC cruises turned out to have the same chef (Navigator and Mariner) and were not up to standards I read about here!

Thanks for writing the review, Firenz...it seems that overall you enjoyed the Regent experience, save the couple of things you pointed out. I get the feeling you were pleased enough that you would go soon on another one (the PG?).

I really do hope the Regent lurkers are taking note of the cruise consultant comments...how can this be allowed/tolerated!!

Was the Exec Chef Quinn McMahon?

Hi Firenz,

Thank you for your report.

My husband and I were on the Voyager crossing several cruises before yours, and it was also our first Regent cruise. We have cruised numerous times on all of the Crystal ships. In our opinion, the food on the Voyager in all venues was fantastic and equal to Crystal. (But we did not have the Wiener schnitzel.)

On our cruise, the staff was friendly, provided great service, and we felt that the wait staff in particular added to our dining experience. They appeared genuinely interested in us, made good suggestions when requested, and in several instances even remembered us towards the end of the cruise.

We do agree that the cruise sales consultant was a little abrupt, appeared overworked, although she was efficient. Yet, when we met her later at the Captain’s party, she was very personable and friendly. She greeted us warmly, called us by name, took time to chit-chat, and after kissing my husband on both cheeks (on the face), all was forgiven. It has been said somewhere (?) that we remember how others make us feel, long after the details of the interaction are forgotten.

I’m sorry that your experience was a little lackluster, and hope that like us, you do not judge Regent based on that one experience. We have another Regent cruise booked for this year, and are considering several others for 2008.

Linda, thanks for the laugh!

Hi again,

I have to admit that when I wrote my review I was a little afraid to post it because of the reaction Imight get from all the loyal Regent folks. I really appreciate your kind responses. Once again, you all prove my point that one of the best things about Regent is its passengers!

In answer to some of your questions..
Sorry, I don't know who the executive chef was on our cruise.

Yes, I would book another Regent cruise. I loved the informality, the ship and the cabin. I can't even imagine traveling again with 3 evening gowns. I was tired enough after packing casual clothes. Actually, I don't want to stand in my closet deciding what to take and matching shoes, evening bags, etc. I make enough decisions in my job and this is supposed to be a relaxing experience.
I would book it based on the passengers. Thank God there were no drunk twenty-somethings running around. Everyone we met was truly lovely and interesting. Personally, I think that's what you pay for on an upscale cruise line.(Of course, it's no guarantee, but I think Regent attracts a mature and well heeled and well traveled bunch. Yes...that's all of you!)
The no tipping and all inclusive policy makes life easy...I loved it.

We are considering PG. What's your opinion on that cruise for someone who doesn't swim, snorkel or partake of water sports?

Yes, I did fill out the comment card. I hope they listen. I also hope the other passengers who had similar concerns filled out their surveys.

Rosemary

Rosemary - Hope we cruise!! I loved your review - and I love Regent !!!

I am white as a lily, dont like being in the sun, burn like crazy, cant swim, used to snorkel, (with life vest) but dont do that any more. I love Tahiti. Been mulitple times.

It is so stunningly beautiful and there is plenty for a non water person to do. Renting a car and driving around Moorea and Bora Bora is absolutely delightful. Takes you back to a simple way of life.

I do like the day on the Motu though. The scenery is spectacular. I put on a ton of sunscreen, huge hat, a large Tee Shirt so I dont burn and wallow in the water drinking my fancy drinks out of coconuts.Then onto the incredible barbeque and lounge in my deck chair with umbrella eating mango off of leaves offered by the Gauguines. Then my husband takes for a canoe ride around the island, I dont use my paddle just sit like a princess and enjoy the secenery.

Life does not get much better than this, the PG truly is in paradise.

Rosemary, we are considering going back on the Paul Gauguin for a 4th trip some time next year. Although I adore the water and love to snorkel, my husband does not but he still is addicted to this ship and destination. If you like a tropical environment with gorgeous scenery and beautiful people, you will like French Polynesia, whether you go in the water or not. The ship also is very relaxed, with attentive service all around, and good food. The islands are culturally interesting, so you can choose some excursions involving land. And on the motu day, you don't have to go in the water!

Rosemary,

One of the most pro-active things you or anyone can do is fill out comment cards. I work in the hotel industry, and each and every guest comment is reviewed and taken very seriously. Hopefully, Regent does the same and will take the necessary steps to resolve on-going issues cited by their valued guests.

A lot of elements go into our vacation/cruising choices. We have found Regent to be uniformly excellent in most areas.

I have appreciation and respect for your honest assessment and candid review, despite the fact that so many on LCT are devoted to Regent and are completely satisfied with their cruising experiences. LCT is a forum of honest and open discussion. Your review added an important element. Thanks for taking the time to do so.

I was on the PG for 3 weeks, Brisbane to Tahiti. Never did a snorkel mask mask my face. I used to love to do it, these days relaxing is just too tempting. You would love the PG sans any of the water activities. The ship is more relaxed, much more, but with stressful jobs, we really enjoyed that the best. Rented vehicles and just enjoyed the paradise that is FP. Ngaire is correct the Motu experience cannot be described. We have been twice, once with the old Renaissance and lastly for 3 weeks with Regent. When the lottery money hits, it will be my first call.....

Great review. Just a couple of comments. In the past couple of weeks I've read negative comments about Cruise Directors (Mariner and Voyager) -- just want to post a strong positive comment about the Cruise Director on the Navigator. Daniel was amazing -- greeted us in the hallway by the suite # we'll be in next year (and he helped us pick the suite).

We also had some difficulty with food on the Navigator -- it was just an "off" time (their head chef was on leave due to a death in her family). Glad to hear that you're thinking about PG -- really a lovely ship -- great food and service. The water is gorgeous -- even if you don't go into it.

Since everyone seems to have taken a dislike to the current cruise consultant on the Voyager, I will put my two cents worth in. I think she would be put to much better use as a social hostess. /that is where she seemed comfortable, when she was dresssed up and schmoozing with the passengers.
Lynn

I have noticed that the food doesn't seem quite as good as in the past, but I'm really surprised at the comment about the wait staff. That would really hurt, if it weren’t an isolated incident. Personally, we’ve both thought the food on Voyager inferior to Mariner and Navigator, which we attribute to the flashy but shallow chef on Voyager. On the crossing last fall, I asked him (personally) for Pears Helene, but he claimed never to have heard of it, and then said he didn’t have the ingredients when I told him what the were: pear halves with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! How hard is that? I even think I’ve had it before on the Voyager. Bad attitude for a senior staff person!

The comment about the cruise consultant is old news - she is cute but dreadful, and dreadful is the part that tells in this case.

All said and done, a candid, clear and not so complementary review. Hmmmm . . .

Rosemary - thanks for writing and sharing your experience with us. We've cruised a number of times on Regent and each trip seems to have its own rhythm. We also mix up our travel with land trips and occasional cruises on other lines. We keep coming back to Regent as it has so many of the amenities and atmosphere that appeal to us. We now feel like we are coming to a second home when we board the ships. I'm glad you are booking another trip and hope to meet you on the seas.

Several of your comments resonate with my experiences. Like you, it's the passengers that have made our trips so special that we keep coming back. We've had trips filled to the gills and so empty it was like a ghost ship. The lack of sameness keeps the cruising experience fresh and interesting for us. Sometimes La Verandah is the best-kept secret for dinner and sometimes it is simply out of sync. Same thing for Latitudes. Food quality and selections do vary on the trips, from good to excellent. We've had the same cruise consultant be great on one trip and seemingly not on our wavelength on another.

Out of ten trips, I can honestly say only one was more disappointing than fantastic. That seemed to be the perfect storm of a recently changed over senior staff, three (count 'em, three) incentive groups representing about 80% of the passenger population, maintenance problems and a bad time for us to be away, making it harder for us to roll with the punches. We had booked that trip to get a quick blast of warm weather and to see if we liked that particular ship, all at a 60% discount. It wasn't for us, but it sure worked well for the 80% who brought their friends aboard.

Perhaps half of the cruises we've enjoyed could be described as having a "clubby" atmosphere. I've experienced the same thing on other cruise lines. On Regent, it's been most apparent to us when (a) it's a later leg of a grand voyage or world cruise; (b) it's the pre- or post- Panama Canal trip for the World Cruise on the Voyager; or (c) there is a large incentive group on board. In all but the one case I described earlier, we did feel the staff gave us opportunities to get to know them better if we wished it. I like to know at least a few of the staff members, so I seek a reason to introduce myself. They have largely been simply delighted to know how to make our trip special. Not all passengers are comfortable with taking the initiative, though, and as a result may feel left out.

It does all boil down to expectations. I've sure learned there's a wide range of what fellow passengers think fine service means and what they expect. Ngaire has taught us the very helpful mantra "different strokes for different folks". I'm impressed by how many of the staff succeed at knowing us well enough to deliver great service that's not intrusive in the process. A very few times, I've had (or seen) a staff member completely blow a service opportunity. I do constructively address the concern with a senior staff member when that happens. If that doesn't work, I will take it up with the hotel director. If it's still unresolved, only then does it go on my comment card. We also try to mention as many of the sterling service providers by name on the comment cards, using the theory of "catch people doing something right" to help motivate them. Most of our fellow passengers, too, are terrific. We usually make a few new acquaintances every trip who add to our overall vacation experience.

On the other hand, there are also a few passengers aboard who are downright rude to the staff, the other passengers and disruptive. Fortunately, I usually see the senior staff step up and deal with those passengers. There's just no excuse for harassing the staff, especially junior staff, in my opinion.

The best part about returning to Regent is recognizing friendly faces (staff and passengers) from prior voyages. At this point, if Ngaire & Ken offer an escorted trip, we seriously consider it if the itinerary is of interest. Those have been uniformly to our liking and wonderful events.

Cheers, Anne

Anne, does this mean that you and Gary will be sailing with us on B2B in between CAMEL and ROAR II? ;)

Marc - you tempt me! Wouldn't that be grand?

Cheers, Anne

Thanks for posting this Rosemary and I'm so glad that you had a good first experience with Regent overall. We were on this cruise with you and are continuing on until Dover. I have to agree with your comments about the food at Compass Rose. It has been very uneven in terms of quality. Everything we have had at the other three restaurants has been excellent however. I have not yet had any experience with the Cruise Consultant and after reading these comments I'm not sure that I want to do so! All of the other staff has been great though. I can understand a little of what you are talking about with regard to the "clubby" atmosphere just because so many passengers have sailed with Regent numerous times before and it probably seems at times as though we all know one another and the staff, but we have enjoyed getting to know a number of first timers on both segments.

Hmmmm, perhaps this is an opportunity for those of us who cruise Regent frequently, and often with an LCT or escorted group, or with several others that we know, to remember that there are new cruisers onboard and try to remember to look for opportunities to meet some of those newer passengers. I'm not saying that the people on this board are not friendly or such, LCT'ers are the greatest people around, just that when we cruise with a B&K group, or several others that we know, its easy sometimes to just stay within that circle and thus other passengers may get the wrong impression, that Regent cruisers are "clubby".
Our only complaint on the 7 day Monte Carlo to Rome portion of WINE in 2005, was the number of large groups onboard, who stayed within themselves and were not very friendly at all and thus we didn't really meet anyone on that segment, whereas we met several people both from LCT, and not, on the first portion - there really weren't any large groups on the Dover - Monte Carlo portion, so it seemed people mingled more and were friendlier. I don't know if being part of a group causes that or not, that was just our experience.

Just my two cents worth. :)

Anne - so give in to temptation. Would love a chance to meet you and Gary.

As always I come back to the same thing I always say. Different Strokes for Different Folks along with "Creating Consistency" is probably one of the hardest things for any company to acheive. It should always be the goal a company strives for but there are so many variables every step of the way. There are things the ship can control and things they cannot control.

Also expectations and simply individuals likes and dislikes play a huge role as well. The people you meet, the experiences on shore and weather play a bigger role in our enjoyment of a trip than we realise.

My best example is an entertainer on the Song of Flower. Week one: STANDING OVATION. Next week we stayed on, it was raining the weather was not good, HE BOMBED. There was not one bit of difference in his performance. The weather changed, the mood of the audience changed and the result was incredibly different for the exact same performance.

I cannot count the number of times I have been on the Regent ships and they have not all been created equal. Overall most have been great, or I would not keep coming back and focus my energy on Regent.

The worst experience with food and service was the Paul Gauguin on PIP. The ship had just been taken over by Grand Circle and there was a tremendous slip in many ways. I really stopped selling the ship completely, I was not comfortable with the product. Once Susan went and reported it was "back" we started to suggest the PG again. Fortunately this has now been completely rectified and is again getting rave reviews.

There were times the Diamond was in dire need of refurbishment, the Diamond lacked many things I consider basic needs but the ship was SO popular. It was always my least favorite ship but that was not the reality for many people who absolutely adored the Diamond.

Then the Song of Flower, crawling over the toilet to get to the bathtub, vibration in dining room - remember! I loved it, as did many others but some did not like the ship at all.

I must admit my best memories go more to the people that were on trips and the experiences that we had more than the food and service. Although food is important to me I have simple tastes, so of course rack of lamb, dover sole and some fresh berries coupled with some good steak, nice salmon, and I am a pretty happy camper. So I am really not a good judge for the "foodies" of the world. Ask Fred or Eugene!

My last trip on the Voyager, was on April 30 and personally I felt the food and service was outstanding. The Chateaubriand I had on the last night was incredible, in fact all my meals I was tickled pink with in Compass Rose. Ken was raving about the pasta and soups on this trip to the point I actually ordered some pasta and it was great. So I was surprised to read Rosemary's post but I also know that for some unknown reason things can change or where you sit, the waiter you have, the items you order this can indeed affect the experience.

Whatever anyone experiences and reports is their reality and perception. It was 100% true for that person. I always say that you throw out the "it was perfect" to "it was awful" and the truth for the majority of the people rests somewhere in the middle.

I hope your next trip Rosemary meets your expectations for the food and service you anticipated. I am glad you are considering the PG it is a wonderful ship, very warm and friendly and the best way to see Polynesia.

Firenz,

Thank you for your thoughtful review. We are relatively new cruisers (started in 2004) and have taken 5 Regent voyages with our sixth in just two weeks! I have noticed that it is important to some of the guests to make friends with the crew members. However, I think the reverse may also be true. While on an "escorted" voyage last June, we had dinner with several crew members. (arranged by our wonderful travel agent) We enjoyed ourselves immensely, but were absolutely astonished when one them approached my husband at the Seven Seas Society party four months later, remembered us and invited us to dinner. I think the crew members miss their families and perhaps repeat guests can provide some degree of support.
Cheers, Pam

PS I agree JoAnn, we definately need to be aware of the new cruisers on board when with an LCT group!

Ngaire,

My guess regarding the food might be the change of executive chefs after the WC. Tobias was terrific and your crossing was probably a "left-over" from his time on board.

We thought the food was excellent but had a friend who was unhappy for the whole trip. No accounting for taste.

I haven't clue who's on now so can't comment.

There was alot of chatter about full cruisers vs "segmentists" to quote Mark Russell, I'm told it has always been like that.

Some new cruisers (I'm thinking Marcie)have NO problem meeting people. Others who are shyer have a more difficult time. I fall into the 2nd category.

Just my opinion.

Peggy

:)

I had to chuckle when I read Ngaire's post. Don't let her fool you! She obviously has discriminating tastes. I may like fancier sauces on occasion, the opportunity to taste more unusual and exotic ingredients, and I love good desserts, especially dark chocolate ones, but I'm happy with rack of lamb, salmon, etc., if it is well-prepared.

I was struck by the recent LCT poll in that the quality of food came in with the highest score, albeit followed closely by other characteristics. Yet, I doubt very many of us really cruise because of the food.

Our first Regent food experience was superb on the PG in 2003. In 2004, our Mariner Alaska cruise had food that was good, but nothing special (except in Signatures). Our 2005 Mariner Sydney-Auckland cruise was outstanding; it was a food and wine special cruise. Our 2006 PG cruise had good food, but not as good as 2003. We're looking forward to the Mariner for Panda, and next year we plan to try both the Voyager and the Navigator.

I guess my point is that our experience has varied not only across Regent ships, but also on the same ship at different times (and presumably with different chefs).

----------------

Eugene

Eugene,

I suspect that when there is a Food and Wine themed cruise, they use different quality of food (some - not all) and the best of the best chefs are in charge. I have noticed a difference along those lines.

Hi Rosemary,
Thanks for your honest review. We sailed the Voyager on April 30 for 2 weeks. Most of our food was excellent in Compass Rose and most of the waitstaff was also excellent. We had one waiter who was terrible, so we made sure never to sit in his section again. It is dissapointing to me when the food and service is "just fair" on a cruise, as this is one of our most important cruise criteria. We have never been dissapointed on Regent. I will say however, that almost all the desserts needed help. Not their strong point.-But that didn't keep me from eating them and gaining weight! Hope you will try Regent again. It's our favorite line. Helaine

Everybody has different expectations - if you are a "foodie" (us) then you want creative combinations, more exotic flavors, hope to be sometimes dazzled and are open to experimentation. If you are more of a "eat to live, not live to eat" person then you want more consistency and good standbys you can count on. If you are a dessert aficionado (not me) then you have other priorities. We coffee addicts have long been looking for better brew on board, while others don't care.

Everybody wants good service, but again there are differences in perception. If you are enjoying an evening with a group of friends and the meal drags on that is usually fine (as long as they bring the wine...) If it is just two of you and you're tired and/or want to get in and out quickly so you can make the show, etc. then serving time is more of an issue.

As Ngaire says - different strokes for different folks - hopefully Regent (or any cruise line) will be able to satisfy the varying needs of their passengers and respond to suggestions for improvement.