New guy on the block here.. looking for insight and input on first Regent Cruise, yet to be selected. The big hold back is my Partner happens to think that such a price is for such a vacation is unwarranted. So I plan to book possibly for 2007 Paul G. in Tahiti or an Alaska trip. Any tips for better than advertized 'best' fares, if available to the general public, would be appreciated. I look forward to reading in depth all comments posted.

Hi, and welcome to LCT. I think the first luxury cruise is the hardest, because the expense seems wildly unjustified. Our first was on the Paul Gauguin, and it was the South Pacific that justified the cost for us--that unattainable dream location. So maybe that should be your choice.

As for deals, the way Regent generally works I think is to put out the lowest fares early (capacity controlled), and then pull these specials as the ship fills up. These can be 2-for-one (unknown on the PG I think), free airfare, percentage discounts, etc. For the Paul Gauguin, the best discounted time of year is right now, February through April. That's because it's "summer" in Tahiti, and a bit warmer and wetter (but still lovely.)

Sometimes there are last minute specials (if a ship is not full). The best idea to get news of these is to register on their website for emails of specials. You also have to poke around to find specials--often, going to the "specials" section does not tell the whole story.

Hope it works out for you.

Welcome Bo! I love your name so much! (have a wonderful cat named Bo!) I know the feeling of spending that kind of $ for a cruise vacation. Like Wendy said, the first one is the hardest to "justify". You're not getting the past cruisers or onboard booking discounts which will follow on later cruises.
Although there are many excellent TA's around, many really aren't Radisson (now Regent) specialists. Please feel free to email me and I'll discuss my findings and comparisons with you. Many of us on this great board use the same great gal! She's the BEST!

Bo,

Welcome to LCT.

I've done both the Alaska and the PG. In comparing them, they are completely different experiences. While the PG is an unique cruising experience, that we loved, we felt that the experience for luxury and a better sampling of the real RSSC was on the Mariner. Food and Service were better. The PG is managed by RSSC but not owned by them. The real draw if that Tahiti is extraordinarly costly and the cruise takes the place of a luxury hotel. It was a terrific experience in an ideal remote beach setting.

Alaska has it's natural magnificence. We've chosen to to go again after only 5 years. Actually about 80 of us that post here are going on August 30th. We call that cruse "MUSH" so you will know what we are refering to.

The Mariner is my favorite ship of the 3 RSSC ships I've sailed (athough I will be on the Voyager very soon and then I can give a real comparison of all the ships).

Bo,

Just wanted to say welcome to LCT. You are getting great advise from the posters above.

Betty

Welcome to LCT Bo - you will find some wonderful folks here. I am still a newbie, yet always have felt like one of the gang...everyone is so warm and welcoming! :cool:

Welcome to LCT, Bo. You'll learn a lot here. And have fun, too!