Regent Seven Seas Navigator - Some Details on Her January 2010 Drydocking

There is no question that the Regent Seven Seas Navigator has been the ugly duckling of the fleet for some years now. She has had problems with vibration, air conditioning and plumbing, tired interior spaces and, to be sure, service issues as well.

Prestige Cruise Holdings, parent of Regent Seven Seas, has made a huge commitment to transform this ugly ducking into a beautiful ship both where it can be seen and where it can't. As has been explained to me, during the almost 30 day drydock "the Navigator will be refurbished from stem to stern and keel to mast".

Even in advance of the drydock Regent has undertaken an unexpected, but sorely needed, expedited repair and maintenance program on the ship so that some issues like plumbing, electrical and air conditioning works more consistently...and consistently throughout the ship.

During the drydock the problems with Navigator's electrical problems, inconsistent air conditioning and plumbing (from brown water, to leaks to even the occasional showerhead that falls off) will be fully addressed. What that actually means really cannot be fully stated because until things are well and truly opened up and examined they cannot be known.

For me these are huge issues that can do much to transform a tired ship into a classy one. I know this first hand. During an extended refit of the superyacht MSY Islander I had to address the very same issues and, when accomplished, she went from a laughing stock of the industry to a very successful charter yacht. A nice shower, comfortable room temperatures and lights that work go a long way to making guests receptive to the other good stuff onboard.

The Italian restaurant, Portofino, will be history with the space being transformed into the same sort of casual dining area, La Veranda, found on the Voyager and Mariner.

Prime 7, the very popular (if not truly to my taste) steakhouse will be installed. (I am not sure where at this point, but will let you know when I find out.)

All of the public spaces will receive new carpets and upholstery, marble and wood floors will be stripped and refinished (replaced where appropriate) and cabinetry will be French polished. The pool will even be re-tiled.

The suites, which I have always said are excellent, will remain as they are, but the soft goods will all be replaced.

(I will discuss the positive changes in service, but will do so in another post.)

If all of the foregoing is accomplished I would be more than thrilled. Navigator presently has too many quirks to make her attractive to me or able for me to recommend. When the transformation is completed - and assuming it is done with the same high quality Regent has been using under its new ownership (and I have no reason to believe otherwise) - Navigator will be an attractive alternative due to her modest size, nice suites, more appropriate public spaces and itineraries.

You just might want to start considering booking her for 2010...before the secret of her success is known to all.

Seabourn is Now on Facebook

Check it out and become a fan of Seabourn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Yachts-of-Seabourn/93116185063 .

Record Phone Calls for More Luxury Lines - What Does It Really Mean?

On the heels of Seabourn announcing its busiest days (based upon phone calls and/or bookings) on record, Regent Seven Seas made a similar announcement which is now followed by Crystal Cruises and Silversea...and Regent Seven Seas UK's office. 

This is a good news/bad news scenario. (Remember calls and bookings do not equal gross sales increases.)

It is good because the prices have been so low and the givebacks (onboard credits/free air, etc.) by some lines so high that resistance has been broken.  This does not mean, however, that the luxury ships are necessarily sailing full.  While there are quite a number of cruises that are now sold out or nearly so, it means that quite a few sailings are simply now sailing with higher occupancies.

What I am finding is that there now is a scarcity of upper end suites on these ships.  I had warned you all about this happening and, unfortunately, many did not listen.  As a result, the across the board bargains (the cruise lines generally did not opt to only severely discount only the lower suites) and complimentary upgrades have filled the ships, but at the possible cost of degrading the perceived rarefied nature of luxury cruising. And...ironically...those willing to "pay the piper" just to get on a cruise this summer or fall are finding that it is the lack of suites, not the price, that is keeping them landlocked.

I am a bit concerned with pressure moving forward that the cruise lines not be perceived as "jacking up" prices when all they are really doing is moving toward "normalizing" them...triggered by simple supply and demand economics.  Moreso, I am concerned that many bargain-hunting cruisers who spent their prior years conversing on how they were going to "smuggle booze" onto a ship and protesting even putting on a sport jacket at dinner may adversely affect the cruise experience the lines have been working so hard to maintain (some with more success than others).

With the summer sailing season just about upon us I will be very interested in the feedback from my clients and readers.  I would not, however, weigh too heavily the comments on message boards like Cruise Critic because the views expressed will, for the most part, be from those who have never cruised on these luxury lines before and, thus, will be very pleased with the differences from the mass market lines.  In other words, while many of the new-to-luxury cruisers will see a steep increase in cruise quality I am concerned that those experienced luxury cruisers will see a commensurate decrease.  Hopefully my concerns will be meritless.

There is, of course, the other side of the coin.  There are those new-to-luxury cruising that are going to really appreciate the product...not just the price.  And those are the new clients that both the cruise lines and luxury travel agents are counting on for the future.  There are four new luxury ships coming on line in the next few years (three for Seabourn and one for Silversea).  While Silversea is rumored to be considering retiring or mothballing one or more of its ships, there is no doubt that there will be an increased capacity in the luxury market and berths will need to be filled.

Added to that is the increased quality and new ships in the premium market.  Oceania has a new ship and  Celebrity has its incredible Solstice-class ships.  I am confident there will be a strong demand in this premium class to further up their game as those who have gotten a taste of the luxury market during this weaker market will just not be willing to part with their money for a cruise which is too far removed from that experience.

So with some bargains still out there, but inventories getting tight, coupled with the change in who will be aboard the ships, it is going to be very interesting.

AFAR Magazine - A Travel Magazine That Possibly Understands Travel?

As you know I am not a big fan of travel magazines...and especially the polls and surveys they promote. Well, today in the mail I received a mailer for a new magazine coming out in August: AFAR.

What got me was its highlighted introduction:

"If your idea of travel is staying in big-name chain hotels, touching every attraction in the guidebook, eating what you can eat at home, and being in bed by 9 p.m., we're afraid AFAR might not be for you."

Intrigued, I found the website for this upstart magazine and watched a video from the founders, Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz: Birth of an Idea.

The aspect that I liked the most was that it seems to be a mix between Rough Guide and luxury travel. The philosophy is not so much that you need to get "down and dirty", but rather you need to open yourself up so the local people will open themselves up to you...and you will, therefore, get to truly enjoy what that place is really like.

So, if you take a cruise or a trip solely for the ship or hotel, that's fine, but for me it is finding a great itinerary that allows me to see the "other" places and spend time exploring them that makes the trip memorable. That little back alley cafe in St. Tropez, or the really local wine shop in Sintra, Turkey, or dinner with a monkey in the Peruvian Amazon, those are the things that make me love travel.

I am anxious to read the first issue and, hopefully, speak with the founders.

Seabourn Odyssey V1 and V2 Balconies - The True Story

For some reason, there has been a lot of controversy over the Category V1 and V2 balconies on the new Seabourn Odyssey.  Let me provide you with the accurate information. 

It is a bit different than was originally reported.  I do not know why, but it is what it is...and it is not some horrific situation as some people seek it spin it into.  (And remember, these suites are discounted accordingly.)

The balconies on Deck 5 through Suite 536 will have a partially metal/partially glass windscreen.  Each has a glass windscreen of 11.22 inches (28.5 cm).The actual height of the metal portion from forward to aft differs by about an 1.5 inches (more forward and less aft).  The specific measurements, by suite are as follows:

Suite 502 - 33.07 inches (84cm)
Suite 504 - 32.28 inches (82cm)
Suites 506-536 - Average 31.49 inches (80cm) ranging from 81-79 cm.

Now, let's put this information to practical perspective.  If you are sitting on your veranda your view straight out out will be through the glass not matter which suite you are in.  As a point of reference the average desk height is 30 inches and an American bathroom vanity height is 33 inches and kitchen cabinet height is 36-38 inches.

To be honest, though, it may provide a somewhat less desirable view than anticipated when you are sitting well inside your suite.  While I will most definitely report back to you (and hopefully have photos to post) when I am aboard on June 22nd, I do have a bit of concern that when lying in bed you will not have the expansive view that you would hope fore.  However, for those that have made the erroneous comparison, the view will be far superior to anything like the Queen Mary 2's or RCCL Voyager Class semi-enclosed balconies, for these are otherwise true open balconies.

Gold Standard Forum Technical DIfficulties

I know I have been a bit quiet the past two weeks. Part of this is as a result of some technical upgrading of my sites...at least that is what "they" call it. (I can't publish what I call it!)

In any event I know there is a bit a good bit of frustration for those wanting to post on The Gold Standard Forum. I am advised that Tech Support is now working on correcting this problem.

Thanks for your patiences. I know it is trying mine!

SeaDream Yacht Club - Special Ensemble Travel Sailing on January 17, 2010.

Goldring Travel, as a member of Ensemble Travel Group, is offering a special sailing on SeaDream Yacht Club:  The Jewels of the Caribbean a seven night yachting adventure. The cruise departs on January 17, 2010 from Charlotte, Amalie, St. Thomas to San Juan, Puerto Rico aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream II. 


During the voyage, guest expert Susan Jacques will share her in-depth knowledge of gemology with Jewels of the Caribbean guests through a series of onboard lectures and a complimentary Ensemble Inspired Journeys event ashore, featuring hands-on demonstrations of local artisans designing unique jewelry with native materials. Jacques received a fellowship from the Gemological Society of Great Britain, where she was awarded the Raynor Diploma prize as the outstanding student worldwide. In 1994, she was appointed president and CEO of Borsheims® Fine Jewelry & Gifts by Warren Buffett, chairman of the board of its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway. Jacques continues to nurture her keen interest in rare and unusual gemstones developed at GIA through product journeys around the world.

There will, of course, be a private beach barbeque and, if you like, personal turn-down service on one’s very own Balinese Dream Bed for guests wanting to sleep on deck under the stars.

Ports of call for the January 2010 departure include Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Charleston, Nevis; Little Bay, Montserrat; Marigot, St. Martin; Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many of the land activities are focused on water sports and the spectacular natural scenery including volcanic rock formations in Virgin Gorda and Little Bay and the rain forests in Charlestown.

Other inspired highlights include a $100 per stateroom credit in the SeaDream spa, specially planned farewell dinner, and watersports via the SeaDream Marina. Clients booking Jewels of the Caribbean will also enjoy the personal services of a seasoned cruise host from Ensemble Travel Group throughout the sailing experience.

Prices start at $3,299 per person, double occupancy. For more information about Jewels of the Caribbean and other exciting vacation options, call (877) 2GO-LUXURY or email me at eric@goldringtravel.com.