We just returned from our first cruise on the Navigator, May 26-June 2, which started in Athens and visited the ports of Kusadasi, Santorini, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Monte Carlo. This was our first trip to Europe, and it far exceeded our expectations, both the ports and the ship itself. Our only other Regent cruise was on the Paul Gauguin, and we suspected that the PG is an apples to oranges comparison within the Regent line (we were correct). So this was our first “larger-ship” Regent experience.

We used Regent’s air and hotel program, and flew from Palm Springs-Denver-Munich-Athens on United & Lufthansa. On the return, we flew from Nice-Munich-San Francisco-Palm Springs. It was a long trip but well worth it. We got to sample both business class and economy on Lufthansa, and both were fairly comfortable with overall excellent service (the food was so-so).

We were traveling with another couple who we’ve shared several Silversea cruises with but had also not been to Europe yet, so it was such a treat to discover it all together.

We spent two nights precruise at the Grande Bretagne, which included private car transfers, butler service, and free breakfast. This hotel is amazing! We scored a deluxe suite which was very large and exquisitely appointed, with separate bedroom, den/business area (each with its own plasma TV), oversized bathroom with double vanity (and plush washcloths the size of hand towels!), and a balcony which ran the entire length of the suite with three sets of French doors (two from the bedroom and one from the den). The only thing missing from this suite is the view – no Parthenon for us, but from what we heard, the rooms facing the Parthenon were quite a bit smaller. I’d rather have the space, and then enjoy the view from the bar/restaurant upstairs! We also had a dedicated concierge for our floor (6) which gave us private check-in and check-out.

We enjoyed Athens very, very much – enjoyed a gyro or two, along with a complete authentic Greek meal at one of the tavernas around the Plaka. We had the great fortune of meeting a lovely couple who were originally from Athens but now live in Vermont, and they took us to a wonderful restaurant where we experienced the full spread. Our favorite was the octopus!

Unfortunately, it was overcast the entire time we were in Athens (very rare), and sometimes we had to dodge rain drops. That was the only downfall! The hotel is in such a great location – within walking distance to the Plaka and the Acropolis. We enjoyed our walk up to the Acropolis with a stop at a small taverna for snacks and their homemade wine.

After two glorious days in Athens and one last “Frappe” (instant coffee that’s whipped up to a froth and served cold – yum!), we received our private car transfer (same driver as before!) to the Navigator.

Embarkation was a snap. The Navigator is absolutely gorgeous. It’s similar to Silversea’s Whisper and Shadow, but somewhat larger. The main elevator is glass – what a great feature! We had suite #1018, which was ideally located on the same deck as the pool. We’d originally booked #731, a regular balcony cabin, but then took advantage of an RSSC special where we could upgrade to a butler suite and even receive a small refund.

Everything on this cruise, from the food to the service to the ports to the ship itself, exceeded our expectations. We dined twice in the Portofino (reservations only) restaurant, and the remaining nights in the Compass Rose. Both were superb. Regent’s food definitely edges out Silversea’s. In fact, nearly everything about this experience on the Navigator slightly outweighed our recent Silversea voyages. The only thing I give Silversea the nod for are its beds, which are seemingly more comfortable, and I have to admit, I did miss the large fluffy down-filled comforters of Silversea. Not that the beds in our Navigator suite didn’t enable us to sleep like babies!

There were only a couple of “imperfections” – one being a miscommunication/misinformation about the Regent shuttle service location while we were in Taormina and trying to return to the ship (luckily my husband figured out where we needed to be while I, of course, panicked) and the other was a cruise consultant who did not wish to be bothered by us (which I am sure is very unusual).

Service was reminiscent of our previous Regent experience on the Paul Gauguin – everywhere we went, we were called by name, and the bartenders would already be pouring our favorite drink upon spotting us walking up to the bar.

The captain (I believe his name is John McNeill) was omnipresent! He was incredibly friendly and mixed so well with all of the guests. What a 180 from Silversea. I don’t know if I ever saw the captain on any of our 4 SS cruises.

All of the ports were amazing. We did have lots of clouds while in Athens, Kusadasi and Santorini (highly unusual, they said), although we managed to dodge most of the raindrops. Rome was a strange mixture of full-on sun and extreme downpours! We didn’t let the weather put a damper on our vacation, although I am sure many of our pictures would have turned out better with blue sky and sun. Oh well, another reason to return!

Speaking of pictures, we have a ton – Greg is sorting through/naming them and we hope to have them posted within the next few days.

Well, this was supposed to be a couple of paragraphs but it’s turned into a novel, so I shall sign off for now – any questions, I’d be glad to answer!