OK, I've been reading up as much as I can, but I have a few questions I need clarified.
Is there complementary wine/beer at lunch?
I know you can eat in the main dining room anytime they are open, and that La Veranda and Le Grill require reservations. Do those reservations have specific times, or can you just arrive any time that night?

Thanks,
Jill

When we were on the PG in February, no complimentary beer/wine at lunch. (Back in 2003 they were complimentary.) Whether this will change as Regent goes more inclusive, I have no idea.

The reservations have specific times. The reservations are held for 15 minutes. We had terrific meals at La Veranda (see my review). I heard nothing but complaints about Le Grill.

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Eugene

The complimentary beer/wine at lunch lasted through 2004. Beginning in January 2005 it was no longer included. However, on the motu days you can get free beer and all kinds of tropical mixed drinks for free during the day on the motus.

Like Eugene, we had wonderful meals at La Veranda. We had one dinner at Le Grill on our first trip but skipped it our second time around. However, some people enjoy Le Grill in the evening very much and have chosen to eat there more than once. It all depends on what you like.

Thanks for clearing up my confusion. The lunch change must be why some things I read said that liquor was included and others said dinner only.
It will also help my planning to know we have to pick specific times for reservations.
Thanks to both of you and I will look for your La Veranda review, Eugene.

Jill

Just to clarify, I discuss the meals we had at La Veranda (and some at L'Etoile) as part of the long review I posted after the cruise in the Travelogues and Cruise Reviews section.

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Eugene

RE: Le Grill...

I can see how people's experiences can be vastly different depending upon many things. We enjoyed 3 dinners there during our b2b (late Aug - early Sept). The weather was pleasant. It could be very warm during summer, I'm sure. We enjoyed the Asian inspired food. The tofu was wonderfully prepared. We eat fish, but no other meats. So, we loved the vegetarian options. We also liked the bistro-like atmosphere. We had low expectations given so many people who who have said that they didn't enjoy dining in Le Grill in the evening. But, we wanted to try it. We did. And we enjoyed it. Three times!

Kim

Another vote for Le Grill...we love Asian food and we enjoyed our dinner in Le Grill, though we almost didn't try it because of mixed reviews. I had chicken curry, which is something I like and it was tasty. My husband had some preparation of fish which he liked too. Appetizers were good as well. I enjoyed the open air setting, breezes, and candlelight.

If you like Asian food, consider giving it a try. If you prefer a more traditional steak, lamb or chicken, you'd probably be happier elsewhere. (La Verandah - steak - mmmmmm!!! the best!)

Dena

I also have always enjoyed Le Grill. Expectations a little lower, for sure, but intimate, tropical and romantic.

Do we really need to make dinner reservations for Le Grill in advance, or can we wait until on-board? We did just make a La Verandah reservation.

Thanks,

Steve

OK, what do I need to do to get my images back in my signature?

Thanks

Steve

Hi Steve,

I think you can wait until on board.

I'm sure you won't have trouble, especially in the Grill. I am another Grill advocate, by the way, perfect for a quiet romantic dinner for two. Food not perfect, or up to the other restos, but I have always enjoyed it.

I for one hope these advanced reservations don't catch on. Except for groups perhaps, they don't make alot of sense, and I like to be a bit spontaneous. Oh, and each passenger is guaranteed one booking in each of the specialty venues, as I understand it.

Hi Steve:

Our documents arrived yesterday, so we are set. Spouse is still in the dark. Also, if you are riding 200 miles at a pop, perhaps we should fence off an area near Le Grill and throw raw meat over the top for you to munch on! And you were giving me a bad time about mountain biking!

Cheers,

Dan

Dan, LOL! I have another 200 mile ride this Sat., then (because of the cruise) my season will be over. There are a few events post-cruise, but I suspect the combination of weight gain, lack of cycling while on vacation, and the need to check into an alcohol rehab center when we get back will mean waiting for next year's season.

Congrats on your docs! I'm assuming you gave RSSC your work address so as to keep the wife in the dark. Can't wait to hear her side of the story.

And as far as the Grill, thanks for the feedback everyone. I think we will hold off until we get on board.

Steve