poss

Would be interested in hearing from folks who've done Seven Seas cruises-- both before and after the name change. We're in our mid-60's, hadn't thought we'd enjoy cruising, but did the Voyager to the Baltics a couple of years ago and loved it. Are thinking perhaps of a Mediterranean cruise for '07. (But I wish they were longer than 7 days.) Grateful for knowledgeable in-put. Thanks.
(Looking for an "upscale"-- tho not snobby-- cruise line, with good size cabins and king bed-- and good shore excursions)

traveller333

poss, so far Regent has been my favorite cruise line as well. If there is not a longer cruise that appeals to you maybe you should consider doing a back-to-back. There is a Greek islands cruise from Istanbul to Athens which includes 2 free nights pre-cruise in Istanbul (I think it may also include free air) if that is appealing. (total 9 nights) then from Athens it goes on to Venice for another 7 night cruise. I have tried other cruise lines but love having the balcony and the open seating at dinner as Regent has.

poss

Thank you, 333. Good idea abt doing back-to-backs, tho I think it'll be much too expensive for us.
Do you know if things have changed much since the name change? We've only been on Voyager. Are Regent's other ships as fine? (King bed is impt to us, and I think that Voyager is only one with king?) Thanks.

petlover

poss, I think the beds are the same on the Mariner (King). I've spent quite a bit of time on both the Voyager and the Mariner and don't recall any difference in the size of the beds (2 actually pushed together and made up as one). I have never been on the Navigator so not sure there.

We are signed up for the Oct. 6, 2007 Voyager trip from Istanbul to Athens with the 2 night pre-cruise in Istanbul. The price is right! It also includes free air or $1,000 off the price.
http://www.bkrssc.com/07_VOY071006.htm

boom_boom

Poss - Consider Oceania, they have good size cabins, nice verandas, the beds can be made into a king, if you go in any of the top 3-4 categories there is a fridge in the cabin, there is no extra charge for the alternative restaurants, but they do charge (a bit too much I think) for alcohol. Try a Penthouse or above and you get a butler!

Holldoll

Beginning in 2007 Regent cruises include all alcohol (I'm sure not specialty and high end). At least that's true of my upcoming Alaskan cruise with them; can't speak for other cruises, though I believe it will be their policy for all cruises.

poss

Radisson included alchohol back when we cruised in 2005. (Not new?)
I've read that Oceana doesn't have anywhere near the ease or quality of shore excursions. If that's true, we'd want to stay with Regent/Radisson.
Thanks for feedback!

Holldoll

I had understood that until 2007 they included wine with dinner and set up two bottles of your choice in your room. They now include all drinks in lounges, etc. Anyway, that's just my understanding. This will be my first cruise and from what I read on this forum, I think I've made a good choice with Regent.

kfusto

Radisson included wine with dinner (and lunch when I cruised 2x) and will also have open bar in 2007 instead of the bar set up in the cabin.

I am going to the Med in 2007 on RSSC Voyager and in December to the Caribbean (8 weeks from today!). The Voyager and Navigator are going into drydock next month to get the new Regent colors and treatment. They are adding new bedding, carpet, furnishings as well.

I think there are only a few differences and will let you know shortly. I love Regent and have never found them stuffy; have been wanting to try Crystal but if the snobs on the Cruise Critic forum (visit the Regent Board there for lots of good info) are any indication they seem to cater to a pompous, older crowd with a real sense of entitlement.

I think I will stick with Regent!

I am acually a group on Regent Voyager in October in the Med on a wine and food cruise, with pre and post in Venice and Rome. I do groups for a living and have partnered with a wine group on this one. It will be 12 days total and we are going to have a great time!

Brahmama

Couldn't resist answering your post, Poss after communicating with you on the Canada Section.
We just returned from Boston yesterday, by the way.

We are ardent cruisers - although we love a land trip also. We normally cruise on Celebrity, but it's not an upscale like you are looking for. However, our next cruise is on Oceania (or Oceana - found under both spellings) to South American in January and it is the right size ship - 680 people and has a great reputation.

I have to admit that we usually don't take the ships' excursions and find 2 or 3 other couples to share private tours with. So I can't tell you much about that.

But do look into Oceania - it might be just the ticket for you!

Bon voyage - maybe we'll meet on a ship someday!

Carol