Regent inclusive shore excursions along with their many operating problems of the past several years have motivated us to switch to Silverseas and Seabourn.

We do not enjoy tours involving a large bus with 40 passengers. We don't like the rigid schedule, the required stops (some interesting but others worthless and annoying), the difficulty of having informative conversations with a guide and the inevitable late returning passenger(s) who delay everyone and shorten subsequent stops.

As a result, we never take standard cruise line shore excursions in preference for making our own arrangements which are easy to do over the internet, through a travel agent or through the cruise line. Although privately arranged excursions cost more, you can reduce the cost by involving another couple(s). More importantly, you see exactly what you wish and gain far more from the experience through close interaction with a knowledgable guide.

Since we don't take Regent shore excursions, we don't wish to pay for them in the total cruise price. They are not free. To date, we have been very pleased with our trips on Silverseas and Seabourn.

In a word, touring in a large bus or a crowded van is not our idea of "Luxury Goes Exploring."