Regent Seven Seas Voyager and Silversea Silver Spirit - Why and How I Write This Blog

The past days have been very busy for me, personally, but also very interesting for me professionally.

It appears that some of my readers, I guess, read this blog because they perceive me as the Andy Rooney (curmudgeon) of the cruise blogosphere.  While I may have earned that reputation through speaking my mind, I want you to understand that I actually do speak my mind and do not rant or criticize just to write or keep up readership.  The Regent Voyager and Silversea Silver Spirit are two cases in point.

Regent Voyager - The Regent Voyager is on a Caribbean cruise and one of its engines has failed.  This has not left the ship without power or services, but required one port to be skipped so that she could arrive early this morning in San Juan so that repairs could be made.  It appears the guests have been kept fully informed, missing Antigua hasn't been a huge disappointment (and, regardless, Regent would have been within its rights to skip the port for a host of other reasons) and it appears that once the part(s) that are needed are installed the Regent Voyager will be on her way...on or close to schedule.

So when the problem occurred I started to receive emails asking me to write about how bad the ship is, what a terrible thing it is that Regent let down its guests again, claiming damage to the ship was clearly as a result of poor management, etc.  Folks:  SHIP HAPPENS!  I won't write any of those things, because I don't believe it is fair, accurate or appropriate.

These emails told me a couple of things: 

- First, Regent still has a lot of work to do.  It has well and truly alienated a very vocal and significant portion of its client base.  (Honestly, I think I probably fit into that category.)  It must find a way - probably though hard work and simply consistently getting it right - to regain the shine of the  previous management's self-declared "Six Star Luxury" moniker.

- Second, people have tagged me as being "Anti-Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line" when that simply is not the case.  I do not get my jollies (sorry, Santa) bashing Regent.  I have, quite vocally, expressed my frustration with so many of the prior management's decisions which - by design, IMHO - were to cheat the guests and make them feel special while picking their pockets.  Its prior incarnation just kept that movie line in my head, "Son, fat, dumb and happy is no way to go through life."

But the new management of Regent Seven Seas Cruises has done much to improve the line, to change its focus to on value rather than the absurd Six Star Luxury fraud (albeit I really hate the find demeaning the "free", "free", "free" marketing approach).  Yes, there is work to be done.  Training still needs to be improved to the point that the curious "I need to dine where X is the waiter because his service is great" is gone (as service should be great everywhere!).  Cuisine needs to be improved to the point where meals are consistently excellent everywhere, not "hit or miss" as reports in Prime 7 and Compass Rose have consistently shown.  There are others, but you get the point.

So with literally every cruise line having an engine problem at some point, I cannot report the present Regent issue to be a disservice to its guests or its handling improper. If that changes I will let you know. 

Silversea Silver Spirit - Why have I been so quiet about the new Silversea ship?  Because I really don't know a darn thing worth reporting on.  I have read the hype, the true marketing and the wishes, but I haven't seen any real information.  As I remain very concerned about Silversea's financial situation and my inside information as to fit, finish and training of staff leave me nervous, I do not want to push a product I am not presently secure in supporting.  But it is my hope and desire that Silversea weathers its financial storm, get is right with the Silver Spirit and that it succeeds, for in this business competition is a great thing.

Consider the changes in luxury ships over the past few years.  Dining options have significantly expanded, spas have become destinations, fitness centers expanded beyond treadmills, entertainment options have improved, unique ports of call are the norm (oxymoron??), passenger space is even greater and suites are truly "sweet".  Without the competition Seabourn would not have committed to building the Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn or Seabourn ???? (enter the contest!).  Silversea would not have the Silver Spirit (or named it so similar to the Seabourn Spirit!).  And Oceania and Azamara Club would not target those that might want a taste of the luxury, but don't want to pay the price...or need a suite....providing a higher level of service, cuisine, amenities and ports than the premium and mass market lines. 

So you can depend on me to say what I think, whether you agree or disagree, and not to say anything when I really don't have anything to say.  But, most importantly, if you are interested in booking a cruise remember that I, as your travel agent, will give you my honest, experienced and impartial opinion...not to push you to particular cruise line, but to assist you in your determination of what is the best cruise line, the best accommodation and the best itinerary for you -whether it be the top suite or inside cabin, a luxury or mass market ship, an itinerary in Asia or the Caribbean.

Seabourn Improving Upper Suite Amenities - Internet

There have been some quiet discussions over the past months about tweaking Seabourn's "all guests are treated equally regardless of accomodation" policy.  It is, to be true, a very important part of the Seabourn Experience. 

While a number of improvements are being considered, Seabourn has announced that the top suites will now receive complimentary internet service.  On the Pride, Spirit and Legend, those occupying Owners and Classic Suites will have this amenity.  On the Odyssey, those in Owners, Grand, Signature and Wintergarden Suites will enjoy same.

These are effective now.

It is not a big in the overall scheme of things, but it does address what has been a sore point for some upper suite guests.

Azamara Club Cruises- Changes Are Coming...And I Like It Alot!

I have always struggled with Azamara Cruises because it had a pretty solid product, but no direction and nothing that made it distinguishable.  Honestly, I have said to its parent, Celebrity Cruises, that with Oceania Cruises having such a solid product with consistently excellent delivery of cuisine, service and itineraries, there was little motivation to select the lesser marketed and unknown Azamara.

That has all changed...and I preface it by stating that Larry Pimental and his staff have picked over Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal and SeaDream and pulled elements from each, tweaking their selected concepts in ways that they believe will provide a far improved cruise experience which touches upon, but does not pretend to be, luxury.

First Azamara is now Azamara Club Cruises.  This is obviously a play off of the "country club" marketing of Oceania and the recent emphasis on "country club casual" by many lines.

Second, they have taken the approach of making the product more inclusive....something I have said was essential to distinguish it from Oceania - who operates identical ships.  So now

1.  Gratuities are included. 
2.  Wines with meals complimentary.
3.  Bottled water, specialty coffees and teas are included.
4.  Shuttle buses will be provided (where available) between the port and town at no charge. 5.  Self-service laundries are complimentary.
6.  Specialty restaurant dining will be complimentary for suite passengers.

These are pretty much the things that Oceania makes money on and (as you know I have told you) can make an Oceania cruise more expensive than a Seabourn cruise if you are traveling in an sort of suite accommodation.

Third, while Azamara has always had solid cuisine, it is, ala SeaDream, incorporating more of the cuisine of where the ship is visiting in its dining menus.  Complimenting that is its emphasis on local wines - some of which are not readily available elsewhere because the vinters either do not have sufficient qualities or simply do not market for foreign distribution.  (The other night I enjoyed a bottle of Slovenian wine I purchased on my last cruise.  It was bittersweet because I know I cannot purchase it here in the U.S. and I want more of it...and it has great memories associated with it.)

Fourth, there will be many more overnight stays.  This, to me, is a tricky one.  For me, other than say Barcelona, Venice or Istanbul, there are not many ports that I - as a seasoned traveler - want to overnight in when embarking or disembarking.  I may be in the overall minority, but there is great value for many knowing that if their flight is late they can still make the ship...and the need to purchase a pre- or post-cruise hotel or a very early private car to the airport on disembarkation becomes a real cost savings.  Also, there will be a beefing up of shore excursions as the additional time will permit more unique and in depth experiences.  (These will be at extra cost, however.)

What is refreshing is the Fifth point:  Prices are going to be higher.  All of this luxury comes at a cost.  While higher prices may make Azamara Club unaffordable to many, the average target passengers are  aged 45 to 60 with a household income of approximately $300,000 per year.  One thing to keep in mind is that the vast majority of the accommodations are cabins with very small bathrooms (and tiny showers).  As with SeaDream (Pimental's former baby), I am sure the focus is on making the rest of the onboard experience at a sufficiently high level as to reduce the impact of this shortcoming.  Note:  I firmly believe that being honest with the market and saying you are raising the prices to make this a more inclusive product is the way to go.  The concept of "free, free, free" added to high prices, ala Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is to many offensive; especially the astute.

There is, alas, a Sixth point:  Children.  As with Oceania, Azamara Club specifically does not encourage children and touts that it has no facilities for children.  However, children are welcome to book and, in a very significant difference, if there are a sufficient number of children on board, Azamara Club will provide youth counselors.  This, to me is huge.  Not only does this open up Azamara Club to many of the demographically targeted folks who have children, it provides a bit of protection for those who do not want to have children onboard with nothing to do disturbing their cruise.

Here is something to think about:  December 14th is the day prices are going to increase.  If you act quickly, you can lock in some really spectacular cruises in 2010 and 2011 that will have all these added amenities...and you can do so at the present lower prices.  It is like receiving a very significant discount for doing today that which you might well do later.

Seabourn Odyssey - Great Video of the Ship...and Thank You From Goldring Travel!

The Seabourn Odyssey recently made its United States debut. For those travel agents who were not invited to the Inaugural Cruise in Venice Seabourn invited them onboard and made a very interesting video.  It tells a very good visual story about the ship.

As a side note:  When you listen to the words of the travel agents in the video, recall that I had the honor of Seabourn flying me to Venice, enjoying the Inaugural Cruise and dining with the Captain at the first ever formal night on the Seabourn Odyssey. 

It was an privilege that I earned by treating my clients (you) in the same manner Seabourn treats them (you) as guests...and, in turn, they (you) bestow the same loyalty to me that is shown to Seabourn. And with that I must say, once again:  Thank You!

Is Your Travel Agent Hyping A Cruise Line? How Do You Know?

I had some very interesting conversations with some clients that recently returned from cruises yesterday.


I also received my certification as being a member of the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates, the IFTTA. The IFTTA is essentially an organization of attorneys and advocates from around the world that deal specifically with travel disputes. As such literally every day I receive decisions from various courts addressing issues such as whether a tour operator is required to disclose that a tour is scheduled for hurricane season or if a mis- or omitted statement as to visa requirements creates liability for the travel agency. (The inconsistency of rulings and the reversal rates are, frankly, incredible...only adding to the confusion as to what one's obligations are.)

Obviously, as a lawyer and travel agent I have great interest in both the business and legal end of making sure that my travel clients receive everything they are supposed to...and that they are well informed about their holiday before they make their final decision. To me this is more of an ethical obligation than a legal one and is why I have never been merely an "order taker" where clients call me up or email me and say "Book this cruise" and I simply reply, "OK." Time and time again, after a brief conversation a better option is settled on.

So what does this have to do with my conversations with happy clients that just returned from their cruises? Good question!

One client of mine (and regular reader of this blog) just returned from a cruise on the Seabourn Odyssey, which she truly enjoyed as her first Seabourn experience. Our conversation sort of ended on the topic of some people probably do not use me as their travel agent because I am so supportive of Seabourn to the point that it sounds like I am hyping the cruise line. I found that very interesting...and readily acknowledged that it probably was true.

The curious aspect of the conversation was that while she now believes Seabourn may not be the best fit for her (feeling it may be a bit too formal for her...at least in Europe) the food and service was not only a "10", but exceeded that which I have been representing to her directly, on this blog and on The Gold Standard Forum. She told me that you actually do receive true small ship service on the larger Seabourn yacht and gave me two examples.

- Seabourn offers smoothies at breakfast. She inquired if mango smoothies were ever made and was advised "occasionally". The next morning Seabourn had mango smoothies. That might seem the end of the story, but not on Seabourn. She didn't make it to breakfast that morning, so what did Seabourn do? Seabourn surprised her by delivering mango smoothies to her suite!

-She was interested in dining a Restaurant 2 when there was an Asian theme. She inquired as to whether a particular dish would be offered. The chef replied that it takes two days to prepare this dish, so it was not a regular offering. However, when they arrived for dinner two days later the special dish was presented..simply as a result of an inquiry.

As you know, if you know me, this blog or Seabourn, these are not actually special exceptions, but the way Seabourn does things. And it is why I am such a firm believer in Seabourn.

Now, relating back to her observation that some people do not book their cruises with me because I seem to be hyping Seabourn, I pause and ask, "How can I be hyping what is actually true?" As I explained to my client, unfortunately, there are people that are taken in by the marketing of Line X or, frankly, are comfortable with the product Line Y offers and don't want to deal with the emotions or concerns of change. While I may never book those individuals on a Seabourn cruise (not my goal!), it is hoped that they take away that what I tell them about any cruise line is truly what I believe and that it is accurate.

I also spoke with another client that just returned from an extended cruise on Oceania. This Seabourn regular was very pleased with his cruise and, in fact, booked another extended Oceania cruise, due in large part to the fantastic itinerary. (Keeping it in context, he has Seabourn cruises booked in between.) He raved that the staff was very good, the food was "a solid 'B'", the alternative dining venues were excellent and the Penthouse accommodations were fine. (They were not of Seabourn caliber, but that was never expected.)

But, as I cautioned him, Oceania is a fine product, but it is not inexpensive. He was actually quite put off by the liquor and wine prices...though he did appreciate that Oceania does allow you to bring your own liquor onboard, but requests you consume it in your cabin/suite. ($10.00 + tip for a Bloody Mary and a bartender's request if he would like a "double" when he ordered a scotch were things that put him off.) He also felt, at times, that the ship was just too crowded; especially at lunch time when not in port. Finally he felt that the gratuities being charged were excessive.

In the end, as I had previously said to him and have said on this blog, the Oceania cruise in a Penthouse suite ultimately cost him more than a Seabourn cruise. He agreed, but said it was worth it for the itinerary.

Was I hyping Seabourn???? Absolutely not. I was speaking the truth. And armed with the truth, he was neither shocked nor disappointed on his Oceania cruise. Honestly, he loved it. And, as I said, he booked another Oceania cruise. Now, if I did not tell him that Oceania was more expensive than Seabourn don't you think he would have been shocked and unhappy? Instead he was pretty darn happy.

By my being absolutely honest and using accurate information about Seabourn as a known benchmark both clients were happy. One was "WOW'd" by Seabourn and the other was thoroughly pleased by Oceania. One purchased an opening booking on Seabourn and one purchased an Oceania cruise.

In the end it is about honesty and integrity. The IFTTA would not exist if travel agents and suppliers provided what they represented. And Goldring Travel prides itself on providing its clients with accurate representations, not hype, as well as excellent pricing and service.

When you call or email me, please remember I belong to both...and the Better Business Bureau too!