Regent is going to be building a new ship now that it is part of the Apollo family. To gather input from future guests of the new ship, they have scheduled a cruise to HELP DESIGN A NEW REGENT SHIP. Regent executives, including President Mark Conroy, EVPs Ken Watson and Christian Saleau, the ship's architect and other key Regent staff members will be on board the Mariner March 14-24, 2008 to hear and discuss our thoughts about the new Regent Ship.

Pat and I have booked this cruise and have come up with a few ideas ourselves. Also, with Ngaire’s blessing, I’ve agreed to gather and organize ideas from other people who post on Luxury Cruise Talk but can’t make the cruise (or will be on the cruise but are shy), for presentation to Regent management during the New Ship forums they will conduct during it. We are trying to come up with as many ideas as we can to make the new ship better for all of us.

To be effective, I suggest we keep all the ideas we present 'ship-related', leaving policy issues/suggestions to a later date and/or different agenda.

Here is what we’ve come up with so far. Please, feel free to add your ideas. If you don’t want your name or moniker used, just add ‘anon’, or send me a note, and you will be.

Preliminary POLL RESULTS: See New Regent Ship poll, posted nearby.
As of 11:59 pm March 4th, 67 had voted, with a 2-to-1 vote in favor of more suites the size of those on Voyager to hold costs down, over fewer but larger suites, which would likely force costs up, and a 4-to-1 vote in favor of two smaller theaters over one larger one. Polls will be open till March 8th, so if you haven’t voted yet, please do so!

GENERAL:
During the Voyager shakedown, Mark Conroy explained that the Mariner was built from the spine out, while Voyager was built from the hull in. That explains the single center corridor on Voyager vs. two corridors on Mariner – clearly a less space-efficient design (given that the second corridor = wasted space). ON THE OTHER HAND, having sailed ±77 nights in Voyager and ±78 in Mariner, we’ve found Mariner to be a more stable, steady ship, less likely to pitch and roll as much. So there may be other trade-offs.

Mark Conroy discussed the new ship design while on the Mariner last year, saying the new ship will be larger to make it more stable. He indicated that larger suites would fill the additional space and keep the max guest load to 700 (or perhaps 750). There will be larger safes, and they plan to use LED lighting in place of the high intensity halogens, for a big savings in energy.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT! Navigator, Mariner and Voyager are quite good, with many outstanding qualities and features; don’t mess that fine record up!

HERE ARE LCT's SPECIFIC IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS:

> Make sure the new ship is vibration-free, all the way to the stern!
> Navigator/Voyager bathrooms – Please, no Mariner-type tubs!
> The Mariner suites are just a bit too tight - for example, no room for the nice rail opposite the end of the bed as on the Voyager, just the place to hang your pants while taking a quick nap!
> Have a clock and nightlight in the suites, but both a bit dimmer than the nightlights on Voyager.
> Make sure the 120v outlet in the bathroom is ‘live’ even when the lights are off, as on the Voyager.
> Put a night-light in the baths; it’s a real shock to get up in the middle of the night and go into those brightly lit baths! Save electricity too, and make the new ship "greener".
> Improve the Internet reception, ship-wide. If necessary, wire the suites. Reception on the Mariner forward of the elevators is poor to non-existent.
Pat & Mike [count_Florida]

> Wire each and every guest cabin. Keeping wireless would be a nice extra for using computers in a public area. Allows for sharing pictures etc. Having some experience with wireless at a hotel property that decided to wire each room I would think that when building a ship from scratch that wiring the rooms would be a no-brainer.
> Many of us carry a plug with extra outlets so adding additional 120 outlets at the desk would be a nice thought.
> Include the larger safes that are currently on the Voyager as contrasted to the smaller ones on the Mariner would be a plus. Would not be a bad idea if they were even a little larger. Something that would allow a laptop and digital camera with lens would be a big plus.
Ralph W.

> I read that the basic suite will be similar to the Mariner penthouse. I hope this is true. I would push for them to use this layout. I think this is the best layout of all the penthouse suits. I love the L shape sofa and the comfortable chairs with ottomans.
> Make the showers bigger. The ones on the Navigator are too small. I like the ones where they took out the tubs on the Mariner.
> If putting in tubs, make them all air jet ones.
> Think about the layout of the buffets. There always seems to be a bottleneck somewhere.
> Figure out a way to have more shade around the pool. There is always a rush to get the lounges that will be in the shade for most of the day.
> Everyone loves the coffee machine. Maybe more than one.
Pammy

> Don't make the smallest suites so large that they will be priced significantly higher than Cat H on Voyager or Mariner. If so, it will be like they have created a totally separate cruise line. Larger suites are fine but the ships should be able to be priced similarly. (see poll nearby)
Marc

> I think that standard suites are just fine size-wise, if anything make them smaller and thus a better value. I do not want to spend any more time in the room than I have too.
Granth

> Leave Connoisseur Club at one end of the ship and add a simpler smoking lounge on the other end. This way, if your cabin is aft and the Connoisseur Club is near the front of the ship, you won't have to traverse the entire ship from your cabin in order to have a smoke.
KarenS

> Include a Marina platform with zodiacs, scuba equipment, kayaks etc. like the PG has would be on my wish list.
Pat – aka Canadagirl

> Keep passenger size about the same, but don't make the minimal suites so big that we can't afford them!
> Make the shower stall just a titch bigger, just a few inches.
> Better acoustics in Compass Rose (gee, a higher ceiling would be nice, I know that's a tough one--I can't help but think of the dining room on Diamond!)
Wendy
SUGGESTION:: Design the ship so that the theater is on the deck just above Compass Rose. Put a sloping floor on the main level in the theater to improve sight lines and also allow a raised ceiling in CR below! Might be difficult or infeasible, but it sure would be nice. Also, bring back the waitresses from the Diamond; they were wonderful! (added by c_F)

Have the walls between balconies like Voyager's not Mariner's. In other words solid with no gaps and hard to look around. We have had neighbors peaking through and around before and don't really appreciate it.
Jim B

When the ships are sailing full or nearly so, there can be a wait for a table in Compass Rose, and trouble finding an open table in Veranda; a bit more space and capacity in each would be a big benefit from the larger ship planned. If the numbers of suites and passengers increases, all of the dining rooms should be increased at minimum proportionately, with at least a corresponding amount of extra space in Compass Rose and Veranda.
Jbittle (and others)

A Sample of Persistent Good Ideas Gathered From Sources Other Than LCT:

I miss not having a wraparound promenade deck for walkers. Not suggesting eliminating the jogging track, there's a need for that, but it would be nice to add a wraparound promenade deck on a lower level. It would have to be on a deck with only public space, such as restaurants, shops etc.
That is one area where another non-inclusive, assigned seating semi-luxury line (beginning with C) really does have a nice advantage - the Promenade Deck is loved by all who use it – it’s shaded and protected from the wind.

===<<+>>===

AND MOST IMPORTANT: What’s it going to take to be invited on the shakedown cruise?

Come on, what are your ideas!

Looks like a very good list so far. First, let me acknowledge that we've been on the Mariner (and the PG) a number of times, but not yet on the Voyager. One thought I have is that while the glass-front book cases are attractive, we end up putting odds and ends (camera equipment, medicine bottles, etc.) in them and use some of that space for basic storage. I'd gladly trade some of that space for more drawer space. Perhaps a flat screen TV could go there, freeing up other space. I think the storage issue would be particularly relevant if Regent begins having more lengthy cruises as its standard.

-------------

Eugene

The fitness room, class schedule and instructor are increasingly important for longer cruises (that presumably include more sea days). A sufficient number of calibrated, working machines is essential for the independent workout folks. The stretch classes, cardio and toning classes are essential for those who benefit from a structured workout.

Based on my last cruise on Mariner, the equipment needs replacement and/or calibration. More importantly, it needs an aggressive schedule to ensure machines are in good condition and working 100% of the time.

Cheers, Anne

I would love a sky bar. This would be a bar located outside on the deck above the pool overlooking the pool deck. This bar would have an unobstructed view of the scenery since you would not be looking through the glass walls that surround the pool. The bar should be a semi circle to encourage socializing. If you have been on Seabourn you will have seen this arrangement and know that it adds a lot to any cruise in scenic areas. Sail away parties are centered in this area and in fact happen almost every time the ship sails from a scenic port. (On Seabourn this bar stays open through the late evening in good weather.)

Merril

Merril, Sky Bar idea sounds fantastic!! BTW, how is it determined who gets invited to go on shakedown cruises??

The new ship should have an observation lounge like the Mariner has.

I second the fully stocked Marina idea (a la Paul Gaugin). And definitely add the coffee area.

What *I* would particularly like would be a main dining room where the ceilings are perhaps a tad higher, and with excellent acoustics. I know they try, but the dining rooms I've been in on Voyager and Navigator are incredibly noisy.

(I remember fondly the Diamond dining room--despite the sometimes vibration in the stern, it was a stunning room. It had windows on 3 sides as well. Not sure they can manage that design in a new ship.)

I love the sky bar idea, although the bar at the very top of the Paul Gauguin is rarely used except for private functions, at least in my experience.

I've not seen Mariner's observation lounge, but I love Voyager's, and it should definitely have this.

Pizza station. My husband misses having a place to get pizza at lunch everyday.

It would be nice if somehow there could be a couple of different sizes of suites in the more "standard" price range. We do spend a lot of time in ours, and would love a couple of really comfortable chairs without having to move way up the ladder price-wise. They could charge more for the slightly larger ones, but not as much as the really top suites.

Lots of good ideas. In addition, I would like to see an indoor driving range instead of the silly nets on the Mariner and Voyager. A wrap around promenade deck would also be nice since I like to walk 5 miles every sea day and sometimes the weather leaves a little to be desired. If they have the space it would be nice to include a pool table (don't laugh, they had one on the Jewel of the Sea that was in use during a major storm and the table top was rock solid). Voyager size cabins would be much better that larger ones to help keep prices down but they shouldn't carry more than 700-750 passengers max.

Lots of great ideas, Thank you! But MikeG, the pool table idea I'd really have to see.

Way back I was an analog computer repairman in the Air Force. After the Air Force phased out analog computers (which measure), in favor of the digital computer (which count) -based SAGE System, the Navy tried installing one of the analog systems (a GPA-37) on a ship. But like pool tables, analog computers must be level to work properly. So the Navy installed them on a gimbaled platform controlled by gyros in the hold of a ship. I was one of the AF guys who got to try and help the Navy make the thing work. We were making some progress out there in the north Pacific, that is until we got into a storm - not a real big storm, but one big enough so the gimbaled platform with the computer on it started rocking and rolling, and began to 'hit the stops' when a big wave came along. It hit the stops with a huge bang and a slamming jerk. And everyone: us, the navy petty officers working with us, even the officer in charge who rarely got on the platform but used to watch from the access port, got seasick. That was messy. Real messy. Messy as in to the computer bays! After that it was a total disaster. We sailed back to Bremerton, and us AF guys got off and would not get back on. We were threatened, and cajoled, and warned, but every one of us said NO, repeatedly. Then one guardhouse lawyer among us found an AF Reg that actually allowed airmen to refuse to serve on ships in some circumstances.

I never did hear what happened to that project (it was classified back then, ±45 years ago), but you could not keep that platform level in any kind of a sea, and being even a little level while your environment (i.e., the ship) was moving around you in three dimensions, in a closed space, was very disturbing to those bodily system(s) controlling the seasickness urge. Extremely disturbing. Sorry Mike, but I can't see how a pool table could be a whole lot different.

I will put it on the list. With reservations.

Check this out:

http://www.stable.no/Billiard.html

They really work! We were in 90 mph winds and people were playing pool. The edge of the table appeared to rise and fall about 2 feet but the top remained absolutely level.

Here's a small request: make at least some of the windows around the pool deck be able to open (slide down, slide back, fold down, whatever). On Voyager, I've found that having lunch on deck was sometimes very hot because there's not a lot of air circulation, especially in the desirable shaded seats around the perimeter under the jogging track. It would be great if some windows could slide open to allow some air movement. It would also help us non-smokers better tolerate smokers nearby.

-- Eric

I appreciate the no obstructed views on the Mariner and do not like the restricted views on deck 5 of the Voyager by the coffee corner. I like to look out and sea the ocean.

I appreciate the no obstructed views on the Mariner and do not like the restricted views on deck 5 of the Voyager by the coffee corner. I like to look out and see the ocean.

OK MikeG, I concede, it looks like it works, and you and the other testimonials convinced even skeptical me. It definitely will be on the list, with specific reference: STable Billiard pool table for those long sea voyages. Lots of things change in 45 years, why can't "general Marine Stabilized Platform technology" be a heck of a lot better than whatever the Navy was able to cob together back then.

Here are a few things I like about Regent ships and hope the company considers when building a new one:

700 passenger limit/I sail with Regent because of this number. And, the larger the passenger load, the less "personal" the service becomes.

Coffee area on Mariner/Fantastic

Voyager configuration with central hall and rooms across from each other

Voyager bathrooms

The larger safes on Voyager

Things I would like to see Regent add or improve:

Water platform

Skybar

Improved exercise facilities/larger and more equipment

More reliable internet service

My desires aren't very original...just want to chime in with others.

We were in a regular F suite for the entire 2007 and found the space more than adequate (though we weren't big shoppers).

We sent six pieces of luggage to the ship and brought airline luggage with us. The closet space was adequate. Though we did store some things like sweaters or extra clothes in a an open suitcase or two under the bed, we still managed to have one empty drawer thorughout the trip.

I don't believe the normal suites need to be any bigger. If the beam of the ship is wider, I would add the space to the depth of the balcony.

Keep all it an all-balcony ship. Stay with the single hallway...so that you have neighbors across the way.

The Voyager-size baths, including the size of the shower stall, are more than adequate.

A little larger exercise room with additonal treadmills and stationary bikes would help.

Agree that a complete, somewhat-protected, prommenade deck would be a tremendous iimprovement -- for those who like to walk, but don't enjoy fighting the wind!

750 pax would be OK...but wouldn't want it much bigger.

Oh good point Larry.
I would like to see the balcony bigger so you could have lounge chairs on them. hard to take a nap in the current chairs and use the little table for your legs.

And speaking of chairs, something a little more solid-feeling on the balconies would be nice.

If anything, I think the message (among all the other amenities things) here is DON'T make bigger suites and charge increased passage accordingly! Regent has gotten to be so expensive in the last two years since becoming all inclusive, I will just leave the line if I have to pay the premium cabin prices and can't have standard anymore! Space is money. Some of these messages are saying give us more, more, more. But you have to realize that few will want to pay, pay, pay, for dreams we hope to fall at our feet for free!

I totally agree with you Olivia:
Regent does not need bigger suites, they are laid out well with plenty of storage. They are getting close to pricing themselves out of there own market.

I would definitely not want to see the passenger load increased. 750 would be the max # of passengers would want to cruise with. Or is that with whom I would want to cruise? ;) Suites slightly larger than the ones on Voyager would be great, with slightly larger closets. The work-out facilities really need to be upgraded with a bit more, and better quality equipment. I would personally love to see a couple of classes devoted to kick-boxing or something along those lines, but that is just me :D Most important is to be able to keep the Regent ambiance. The greater the # of passengers, the more impersonal things become IMHO.

Olivia, I agree with you!

Hi there Susan, not seen you post for a while. Nice to see MooSa on the boards. Think that better quality equipment is a must do!

I have been looking at several different land trips for 2009. Reason - Regent is about to out price me with the itineraries I find appealing. I have one onboard booking left to place with Regent next year, but I don't know if I will make another (onboard) on my only cruise this year - GAME/SAMBA. The 2010 schedules and pricing will not be out by this time - I'm guessing - but I can't see the prices doing anything but rising. I love their product and to abandon them after 9 years would be sad. But enough is enough!
And to stay on topic - the new ship should have the balcony partitions go all the way to the rail as they were on the Diamond!

I'm with you Betty. We have our big-ticket PG trip coming at the end of the year, and I'm wondering if I'd bother doing an onboard booking then. The exception for us would be the "cheap" 2-fer Caribbean itins which remain attractive, and possibly Alaska some day.

Just build another "Diamond" but faster and economical, Add a coffee bar and put the Navigator crew back on it. ABSOLUTE PERFECTION.

I am one of the few that don't like the coffee bars, I guess. I don't like coffee, and the people that went there camped there, and there was nowhere for anyone to really sit.

I'd like to see a recliner or at least a soft chair and footstool in the suites. If they made the proper stand for the new style TVs, I am sure space could be used more efficiently.

A hot tub somewhere up front like Seabourn has would be nice if they'd leave water nearby.

They could use a better relaxation area in waiting for the spa appointments. Voyagers was nothing special at all. The new Navigator one is better. The steam rooms could be a little larger.

IPod docking stations would be nice.

I am all for better chairs on the balconies.

I like suggestion for a pizza station - and then a wrap-around promenade deck to walk off the pizza.

Ipod docking, for sure!

AHHH pizza Ted sounds great as long as it is NY pizza ;) "coffee bar" area on Mariner - it was delightful and I HATE coffee - just fun meeting spot with lots of smiling faces BUT maybe for people who love to mingle for few minutes?? We never had problem with seating - great way to start/end your day..I do not want to pay for better relaxation area in spa as most time I have waited is 10 minutes??? Comfy chairs on balcony - yes - David the Diamond sweet memories!

Sorry, but the list for the Regent cruise has gone to press last night, so that I can bring it with me to FLL later in the week. Many of the comments received today are already on the list, from others, and I will try and remember the other items and mention them during the discussion - and I can fit the I-pod docking station thought, and will do so.

3/12/08: EDITING TO ADD: A new printer forced some re-adjusting, which allowed me to squeeze in a few more comments - but not all. cF

Here is the full list:

Poll Results: NEW REGENT SEVEN SEAS SHIP (76 votes)

1. Larger suites (cost more) OR more like Voyager’s (help hold cost down)
Larger suites (450 sq.ft.) but only 350 of them, for 700 passengers max. (likely increase costs) 30% (23 votes)
More Voyager-size suites, up to 375-400, for 750-800 total passengers (help hold down costs) 70% (53 votes)

2. One theater OR two smaller ones?
One very large theater to hold most or all passengers 25% (19 votes)
Two theaters, one for ±500, the other for ±150 75% (57 votes)

This is not intended as a statistically valid sampling, but rather an indicator of how a key segment of Regent’s guests feel about the size vs. cost issue and the theater question Mr. Conway asked last year. The poll was conducted on Luxury Cruise Talk from March 2nd to 9th by count Florida, who is solely responsible for errors & omissions. cF

IDEAS, FEATURES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW SHIP:
During the Voyager shakedown, Mark Conroy explained that the Mariner was built from the spine out, while Voyager was built from the hull in. That explains the single center corridor on Voyager vs. two corridors on Mariner – clearly a less space-efficient design (given that the second corridor = wasted space).
ON THE OTHER HAND, having sailed ±77 nights in Voyager and ±78 in Mariner, we’ve found Mariner to be a more stable, steady ship, less likely to pitch and roll as much. So there may be other trade-offs involved.
While on the Mariner last year, Mark Conroy discussed the new ship design, saying the new ship will be larger to make it more stable. He indicated that larger suites would fill the additional space and keep the max guest load to 700 (or perhaps 750). There will be larger safes, and they plan to use LED lighting in place of the high intensity halogens, for a big savings in energy. (with thanks to jbittle for his helpful reporting here!)

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!

All the Seven Seas ships are very good, with many outstanding qualities and features
Please, don’t mess that fine record up!

SPECIFIC IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FROM LCT's LOYAL FANS:
Ship Size and Capacity: (THE Hot Topic - many comments on the size/cost issue cF)
>Don't make the smallest suites so large that they will be priced significantly higher than Cat H on Voyager or Mariner. If so, it will be like they have created a totally separate cruise line. Larger suites are fine but the ships should be able to be priced similarly. (see poll results above) Marc
>I think that standard suites are just fine size-wise, if anything, make them smaller and thus a better value. I do not want to spend any more time in the room than I have too. Granth
>Keep passenger size about the same, but don't make the minimal suites so big we can't afford them! Wendy
>When the ships are sailing full or nearly so, there can be a wait for a table in Compass Rose, and trouble finding an open table in Veranda; a bit more space and capacity in each would be a big benefit from the larger ship planned. If the numbers of suites and passengers increases, all of the dining rooms should be increased at minimum proportionately, with a corresponding amount of extra space in Compass Rose and Veranda. Jbittle
>700 passenger limit; I sail with Regent because of this number. And, the larger the passenger load, the less "personal" the service becomes. southernlady
>750 passengers would be OK...but wouldn't want it much bigger. larry1365
>It would be nice if there could be a couple of different sizes of suites in the more "standard" price range. We spend a lot of time in ours, and would love a couple of really comfortable chairs without having to move way up the ladder price-wise. They could charge more for the slightly larger ones, but not as much as the top suites. Pam
>I would definitely not want to see the passenger load increased. 750 would be the max # of passengers would want to cruise with. Or is that with whom I would want to cruise? Suites slightly larger than the ones on Voyager would be great, with slightly larger closets. MooSa
>I have been looking at several different land trips for 2009. Reason - Regent is about to out price me with the itineraries I find appealing. I have one onboard booking left to place with Regent next year, but I don't know if I will make another (onboard) on my only cruise this year - GAME/SAMBA. The 2010 schedules and pricing will not be out by this time - I'm guessing - but I can't see the prices doing anything but rising. I love their product and to abandon them after 9 years would be sad. Betty
>We have our big-ticket PG trip coming at the end of the year, and I'm wondering if I'd bother doing an onboard booking then. The exception for us would be the "cheap" 2-fer Caribbean itineraries, which remain attractive, and possibly Alaska some day. Wandra
>Voyager size cabins would be much better that larger ones to help keep prices down but they shouldn't carry more than 700-750 passengers max. MikeG
>If anything, I think the message (among all the other amenities things here) is DON'T make bigger suites and charge increased passage (fares) accordingly. Regent has gotten to be so expensive in the last two years since becoming all inclusive, I will just leave the line if I have to pay the premium cabin prices and can't have standard anymore. Space is money. Some of these messages are saying give us more, more, more. But you have to realize that few will want to pay, pay, pay, for dreams we hope to fall at our feet for free. jhp (Olivia)
>I totally agree with you Olivia: Regent does not need bigger suites; they are well laid out with plenty of storage. They are getting close to pricing themselves out of their own market. FDV72
>Olivia, I agree with you! KarenS Moderator
>We were in an F suite for the entire 2007 and found the space more than adequate (we weren't big shoppers). We sent 6 pieces of luggage to the ship and brought airline luggage with us. The closet space was adequate, we did store some things like sweaters or extra clothes in an open suitcase under the bed, and we still managed to have one empty drawer throughout the trip. I don't believe the normal suites need to be any bigger. larry1365

Ship Construction and Layout:
>PLEASE insure that the new ship is vibration-free, all the way to the stern!
>What I would particularly like would be a main dining room where the ceilings are perhaps a tad higher, and with excellent acoustics. I know they try, but the dining rooms on Voyager and Navigator are incredibly noisy. (I remember fondly the Diamond dining room--despite the sometimes vibration in the stern, it was a stunning room. It had windows on 3 sides as well. Not sure they can manage that design in a new ship.) Wandra
>Better acoustics in Compass Rose (gee, a higher ceiling would be nice, I know that's a tough one--I can't help but think of the dining room on Diamond!) Wendy
>Design the ship so that the theater is on the deck above Compass Rose. Put a sloping floor on the main theater level to improve sight lines as well as allow a raised ceiling in CR below! Might be difficult, but it sure would be nice. Also, bring back the waitresses from the Diamond; they were wonderful!
>The basic Voyager configuration, with suites across from each other on a single corridor, seems so much more efficient, and makes it easier to get to know more of your neighbors, especially during those great ‘block parties’ at the beginning of many cruises! count Florida (aka cF)
>Just build another "Diamond" but faster and economical, add a coffee bar and put the Navigator crew back on it. Absolute Perfection! englishusa
>Voyager configuration with central hall and rooms across from each other. southernlady
>I appreciate the ‘no obstruction’ views on the Mariner and do not like the restricted views on deck 5 of the Voyager by the coffee corner. I like to look out and sea the ocean. McKeever
>I would like to see an indoor driving range instead of the silly nets on the Mariner and Voyager. MikeG
>Figure out a way to have more shade around the pool. There is always a rush to get the lounges that will be in the shade for most of the day. Pammy

Ship Facilities:
>Leave Connoisseur Club at one end of the ship and add a simpler smoking lounge on the other end. This way, if your cabin is aft and the Connoisseur Club is near the front of the ship, you won't have to traverse the entire ship from your cabin in order to have a smoke. KarenS Moderator ~ ! Call the new smoking lounge ‘Siberia’ - cF
>I would love a sky bar. This would be a bar located outside on the deck above the pool overlooking the pool deck. This bar would have an unobstructed view of the scenery since you would not be looking through the glass walls that surround the pool. The bar should be a semi-circle to encourage socializing. If you have been on Seabourn you will have seen this arrangement and know that it adds a lot to any cruise in scenic areas. Sail away parties are centered in this area and in fact happen almost every time the ship sails from a scenic port. (On Seabourn this bar stays open through the late evening in good weather.) Early Retiree
>The Sky Bar idea sounds fantastic! petlover
>I love the sky bar idea, although the bar at the very top of the Paul Gauguin is rarely used except for private functions, at least in my experience. I've not seen Mariner's observation lounge, but I love Voyager's, and it should definitely have this. Wandra
>My wish list includes a Marina platform: zodiacs, scuba equipment, kayaks, etc. like the PG has. Canadagirl
>The new ship should have an observation lounge like the Mariner has. I second the fully stocked Marina idea (a la Paul Gauguin). And definitely add (include) the coffee area. Gatowoman
>Think about the layout of the buffets. There always seems to be a bottleneck somewhere, and add a Pizza Station. My husband misses having a place to get pizza at lunch everyday.
>Everyone loves the coffee machine. Maybe more than one. Pammy
>It would be nice to include a STable Billiard (or equal) pool table for those long sea voyages. Don't laugh, they had one on the Jewel of the Sea that was in use during a major storm and the tabletop was rock solid. They really work. We were in 90 mph winds and people were playing pool. The edge of the table appeared to rise and fall about 2 feet but the top remained absolutely level. Check this out: http://www.stable.no/Billiard.html MikeG
>A small request: make at least some of the windows around the pool deck be able to open (slide down, back, fold or slide down, whatever). On Voyager, I've found that having lunch on deck was sometimes very hot because there's not a lot of air circulation, especially in the desirable shaded seats around the perimeter under the jogging track. It would be great if some windows could slide open to allow some air movement. It would also help us non-smokers better tolerate smokers nearby. jacobse
>Improve the Internet reception, ship-wide. If necessary, wire the suites. For example, Internet reception on the Mariner forward of the elevators is poor to non-existent. count Florida
>Wire each and every guest cabin. Keeping wireless would be a nice extra for using computers in a public area. Allows for sharing pictures etc. Having some experience with wireless at a hotel property that decided to wire each room I would think that when building a ship from scratch that wiring the rooms would be a no-brainer. RalphW
>Things I like about Regent ships and/or hope they consider when building a new one: more reliable internet service, add a water platform and Skybar; include the Coffee Bar as on Mariner, it’s fantastic! southernlady
Workout & Exercise Facilities: – This area seemed to draw a lot of attention and comment cF
>A wrap around promenade deck would also be nice since I like to walk 5 miles every sea day and sometimes the weather leaves a little to be desired. MikeG
>Agree that a complete, somewhat-protected, promenade deck would be a tremendous improvement -- for those who like to walk, but don't enjoy fighting the wind! larry1365
>The fitness room, class schedule and instructor are increasingly important for longer cruises (that presumably include more sea days). A sufficient number of calibrated, working machines is essential for the independent workout folks. The stretch classes, cardio and toning classes are essential for those who benefit from a structured workout. Based on my last cruise on Mariner, the equipment needs replacement and/or calibration. More importantly, it needs an aggressive schedule to ensure machines are in good condition and working 100% of the time. adrenn
>A little larger exercise room with additional treadmills and stationary bikes would help. larry1365
>Improve the exercise facilities/larger and add more equipment. southernlady
>The workout facilities really need to be upgraded with a bit more, and better quality equipment. I would personally love to see a couple of classes devoted to kick-boxing or something along those lines, but that is just me. Most important is to be able to keep the Regent ambiance. The greater the # of passengers, the more impersonal things become IMHO. MooSa
>Think that better quality equipment is a must do. Ngaire (illustrious leader joins us in Cozumel !)

Suite Layout and Facilities:
>Navigator/Voyager style bathrooms – Please, no more Mariner-type tubs!
>The Mariner suites are just a bit too tight - for example, no room for the nice rail opposite the end of the bed as on the Voyager, that rail is just the place to hang your pants while taking a quick nap!
>Have a clock and nightlight in the suites, but both a bit dimmer than the nightlights on Voyager.
>Make sure the 120v outlet in the bathroom is ‘live’ even when the lights are off, as on the Voyager.
>Put a night-light in the baths; it’s a real shock to get up in the middle of the night and go into those brightly lit baths! Save electricity too, and make the new ship ‘greener’. Count Florida
>Many of us carry a plug with extra outlets so adding additional 120 outlets at the desk would be a nice thought.
>Include the larger safes that are currently on the Voyager as contrasted to the smaller ones on the Mariner would be a plus. Would not be a bad idea if they were even a little larger. Something that would allow a laptop and digital camera with lens would be a big plus. Ralph W.
>We've been on the Mariner and the PG a number of times, but not yet on the Voyager. One thought I have is that while the glass-front book cases are attractive, we end up putting odds and ends (camera equipment, medicine bottles, etc.) in them and use some of that space for basic storage. I'd gladly trade some of that space for more drawer space. Perhaps a flat screen TV could go there, freeing up other space. I think the storage issue would be particularly relevant if Regent begins having more lengthy cruises as its standard.
>Make the shower stall just a titch bigger, just a few inches. Dreps
>I read that the basic suite will be similar to the Mariner penthouse. I hope this is true. I would push for them to use this layout. I think this is the best layout of all the penthouse suits. I love the L shape sofa and the comfortable chairs with ottomans.
>Make the showers bigger. The ones on the Navigator are too small. I like the ones where they took out the tubs on the Mariner. If putting in tubs, make them all air jet ones. Pammy
>Voyager bathrooms and larger safes. Southernlady
>Make provision for an I-pod docking station in suites. Wanda and DebbieH103
Balconies: – Another area with lots of interest and requests – cF
>If the beam of the ship were wider, I would add the space to the depth of the balcony. Keep all it an all-balcony ship. Stay with the single hallway...so that you have neighbors across the way. The Voyager-size baths, including the size of the shower stall, are more than adequate. larry1365
>Oh good point Larry. I would like to see the balcony bigger so you could have lounge chairs on them. Hard to nap in the current chairs, even using the little table for your legs.
>Have the walls between balconies like Voyager's not Mariner's. In other words solid with no gaps and hard to look around. We have had neighbors peaking through and around before and don't really appreciate it. Jim B
>The new ship should have the balcony partitions go all the way to the rail as they were on the Diamond! Betty
>Speaking of chairs, something a little more solid feeling on the balconies would be nice. WishIwerecruisin

AND MOST IMPORTANT: what’s it going to take to be invited on the shakedown cruise?
>By the way, how is it determined who gets invited to go on shakedown cruises?? petlover

The waiting area at the spa doesn't have to be huge. That one on Navigator isn't, but it at least has real chairs Voyager just has that benchish thing. I would imagine that is in the plan.

Regarding the coffee bar, I guess I am agreeing - nice place to sit, I just wish there was enough room to sit. I never once found a seat because people watched that screen there.

Being invited on a shakedown cruise has been, in the past, determined by your number of days on board a Regent (Radisson) ship. When the Voyager came out, it was those with one hundred days or more. Heaven only knows what it could be now! Possibly five hundred?

Ardis

Well obviously they want to reward their most loyal customers, and that's a great way to do it. They are also the ones who will be most tolerant when light switches or plumbing is not quite right yet.

It would be nice perhaps if they included a few of the merely Gold! (Which BTW doesn't include me.)

Some of us Silver would love to go to! :D

We have one request...proper reading lamps over the bed.The current ones leave a bit to be desired, but perhaps they really aren't reading lights at all,meerly "mood" lighting,hehehe.

Oh hey, that's a good one--those little brass things are a bit of a pain. I always read in bed!

I love a nightlight as I read in bed, too. They do need to be moved, though.