Need updated info. on the Navigator......Any recurring problems?? We're supposed to confirm our trip this week and I've heard garbage/plumbing odors are prevalent? Anyone know? My husband has asthma and I'd appreciate comments.....We've never traveled on Navigator. Thanks.

We have been on Navigator four times and haven't had that experience. When is your trip?

Thanks for the response. The trip is in April, but I need to book now. I've been on the PG, but never Navigator. I was reading on cruise critic about the odors and got nervous. Some very negative reviews.......I was thinking of changing to HAL. We've been on that and had no problems.

Navigator is going in for an extensive drydock in October or November, so she will be even better after that. We are booked on her again in May.

Nana, ditto what Pam said, also we just completed a cruise on the Navigator last month. No problems that you mention. I would not be concerned in the least. Rod

Thanks sooooooo much. You've alleviated my fears. After reading cruise critic's reviews I got nervous. I should have known better!!!!!

Nana, yes, there have been some problems reported on cc lately about the Navigator (I've read them just like you), some of them links to rather dubious sources, unfortunately. I also have four cruises on this ship, in 2000, 2001, 2005, and 2008. Most of the problems in the reviews you mentioned have been mechanical. Personally, I have been very lucky and had no cabin problems, but there have been a couple of them reported to me from friends. I am certain (I am an optimist, yes) that these issues will be taken care of in dry dock.

Most of my Navigator cruises included my favorite itineraries (Alaska, Baltics, and Norway) ever on a ship, so it holds special memories for me.

I think the main thing, if it has to do with ANY dissatisfaction you have, is that you report this immediately to the manager in charge of that area on the ship right away. They will surely try to resolve it. I am eager to return to the Navigator one of these days after the dry dock, as I'm sort of "booked up" until after it comes out!

Thanks JHP! We went to Alaska last year on HAL and it was perfect! From the room, to the butler service and all the amenities that went with it. Also, we've been spoiled ever since our PG cruise a few years ago to the Society Islands, which was my most favorite. I was just concerned since Regent took over Radisson and then reading the reviews made me wonder if we should go back to HAL for the Caribbean cruise. That said, even on HAL we noticed plumbing/garbage odors on some of the lower decks. Had we been on those decks, we would have had to be moved to a different location or leave, as I'm certain it would set off my husband's asthma!!! But, fingers crossed, the Navigator will be OK, especially after dry dock. We don't sail until April. It's for 11 nights, so hopefully all will go well. Thanks for the input!

Regent is the same as Radisson. It was only a name change. Management is still mostly the same. Apollo - the holding company also owns Oceania but Regent/Radisson Management is the same as it's been since 1999-2000 when Navigator was launched. Mark Conroy is/was and has been President of them all these years.

Thanks ChatKat......I didn't realize it was just a name change. I guess I should pay more attention to the bizillion brochures I get from Regent!!! :)

Navigator is smaller than the other ships, and may be my favorite.
We have booked a third cruise on her for this February.
Elena

Nana, I was on the Navigator for the lengthy Discovery Collection cruise last year and, yes, there were plumbing problems (no garbage smell though). I believe that part of the plan in the dry dock is to deal with those issues once and for all. I have to say, though, that I loved every day and night on that ship, and miss being on board. And am signed up for a cruise on her next year.

I so appreciate all the comments. My TA assures me that it's top notch and not to worry. The PG has been our favorite so far, so we'll see. Of course the PG was the Society Islands cruise and was my favorite cruise of all......even with a few issues like losing power in the middle of the night for 3-4 hours and some rusty water folllowing:( but all in all it was our favorite! I like the smaller ships compared to HAL and NCL, eventhough our accommodations on those ships were wonderful. Thanks again everyone. Love Luxury Cruise Talk!!!!!

If you love the PG you'll probably love Navigator, despite any warts. It's a wonderful, intimate ship. Doesn't have quite that special PG ambience, but it's great.

Hi Hillorama
When in feb? We're sailing feb 19..we are refugees from the nov drydock.

Is Regent managed by Apollo now?

There is so much confusion over all of this I decided to post the basics here.

Carslon Companies that owns the Radisson Hotel chain used to own the cruise line. They first used the brand name Radisson, then later changed the name to Regent. With that name change NOTHING changed but the name.

Apollo Holdings, a hedge fund, bought the cruise line from the Carlson. Apollo owns many different types of companies. The division that handles the cruise line investments is Prestige Cruise Holdings. The Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings is Frank Del Rio. THe cruise line holdings are Regent, Oceania and a portion of NCL.

The President of Regent is Mark Conroy. The day to day operations are managed by Regent and the most of the same top executives are in place as they were when Carlson owned Regent. The Executives I work with the most in Fort Lauderdale are all still there.

Of course Frank Del Rio is very involved in all aspects of the cruise lines within Prestige Cruise Holdings.

Hope that helps.

Thanks Ngaire for the clarification :)