I must admit I thought this TGIFridays thing was a joke when I first read about it. I just don't understand why anyone would take a restaurant like Latitudes which serves fine Asian cuisine (and the ship happens to be in Asia) and turn it into a low-end sports bar.

I eat a Friday's a lot at home. But I wouldn't want to eat there when I'm traveling on a luxury cruise ship. Tom.

Personally, I think that it detracts from the luxury experience. I would be very disappointed to have that theme onboard when I was cruising. I can eat at Friday's at home. The food at Latitudes has always been special.

Kathy, I agree, TGIF ambience has no place on a luxury cruise. We're lucky here in Toronto to be able to avoid chains like that, although I have happily eaten there in Baltimore and Dover, Delaware. But the whole idea of a Radisson dining room done like that makes me shudder. Not trying to be a snob, I cherish the little bit of luxury we get on these occasional cruises. Same reason we would avoid large ships--if we want to go to a mall, we can drive to the suburbs, no reason to pay big bucks for it!

But there are four restaurants on Voyager.

Marcie, halfway through her world cruise last year, mentioned that passengers were looking for something a little closer to home cooking. I am not saying that Friday's makes the best meatloaf in the world (I don't know if they even have meatloaf) but I think this is a great trial run for the middle of the world cruise.

On the LA to Hong Kong segments, Latitudes went through three changes...first it was the normal Latitudes. Then, it was a Polynnesian Brang Diner serving Polynnesian food, decorations to match and entertainment by the Gaguine's. In Australia, it was turned into an Outback theme complete with tents, cookfire and wood shavings on the floor. They served grilled steak, chicken, sort of cookout food. I thought it was a cute setting and enjoyed simple food, for a change. You either liked it or hated it. Of course when people don't like something the gossip and rumors begin to fly. I know of some people who cancelled reservations based upon the gossip. I think they are just trying to offer the World Cruisers a little variety.

Latitudes was never one of my favorite dining venues BUT others loved it - if I were on full WC it might be fun to have a TGIFriday for a segment - I am very happy with CR and La Veranda - if I want a cheeseburger, fries and beer Radisson already has restaurants, pool area and room service offering "that" menu - - Donna I can imagine the "havoc" created from this addition - Joanna

I feel for Patrick as he tries to implement these new ideas, particularly if passengers stay away based on gossip. Latitudes with an Asian fusion menu has always been my least favorite, but that's just me. For my son it was the favorite on his first cruise. WC'ers make such close friends, and if the gossip is negative, then people might make decisions for the wrong reasons, as food is so subjective. What one might hate, another might welcome as a change of pace.

PF Changs would have been a good idea for the Asian portion of the WC.

I'm for PF Changs! Love their food and it would be great if Latitudes based a leg on that.

I don't think Carlson owns PF Changs, does it? I never heard of them, but googled it. I am in the boonies for the newer franchises.

It beats me why any cruise line would think that guests would be so hungry for "Americana" that they would desire a "themed" fast food/mediocre-at-best chain restaurant...

I will be extremely disappointed if this idea is resurrected for our 2007 WC....

Larry

Cross branding, I guess. Though I agree that the concept is somewhat lost on me ... why do a chain restaurant on a luxury cruise line when you can special order anything that you want in the dining room? If you want meatloaf, you could get it without bringing in TGIF. Still confused about the whole thing.

Masaki

The internet has been up and down and I keep missing it, so here is a short reveiw so far. Hanoi was wonderful, colonial architecture, tree lined streets, parks and lakes. Visited all the sights and enjoyed a little shopping. The ride there and back was 21/2 hours each way through rice patties where the women were bent over for hours planting the new crop, conical hats on their heads. The farmland was green and fertile. Beautiful children lined the road on their way to and from school. The Voyager is as fabulous as always. La veranda is now Casa de Angelo, a Ft. Lauderdale rest. that we are familiar with so we plan on trying it Monady. The seas have been rough last two evening with the waves breaking over the windows in Compass Rose as we sat and had dinner with 6 friends the first night. We were very comfortable. Last night we were in Signatures in the heavy seas and didn't feel a thing. The captain was two tables away from us having a great time. The food has been great in all the restaurants. There have been a few docking problems but we don't mind missing the second day in Hanoi due to the tides. We enjoyed the day at anchor with all the activities on board. Yesterday we had to change docking because of the rough seas and the captain did a fabulous job of docking us in Da Nang, it was very windy and took a few tries. We spent the day in Hoi An, charming untouched town, friendly people etc...This morning the sun is out for the first time in over a week so I'm headed to the pool, more later

Oh, Doris, you are making me homesick! When Capt. Dag announces, "This is your driver speaking," he really means it! Thanks for reporting in. Keep having a fabulous time.

Thanks Donna, I hate to think that our trip is half over already. This is just the best ship sailing, with a crew that can't do enough for you. They are incredible. No one can understand how we feel until they expierence the Voyager!

Doris:

Did you go with private guides for both Hanoi and Hoi An? Did you feel that you were able to see more in Hanoi being on your own? Were you able to see Hanoi Hilton?

thanks,

The internet has been up and down, mostly down so here's a short reveiw. La Veranda is now Casa de Angelos a Fort lauderdale rest. that we are familiar with so we will try it later this weeek. The reports are mixed at best. The trip so far has been great, the weather cool and cloudy until yesterday. Vietnam is facinatng. Hanoi was a 21/2 hour ride there and back through rice patties filled with women bending over for hours planting the new crop. The city is lovely with colonial archicture, lakes, parks and tree lined streets. Hoi An is a charming untouched town with the friendliest people. Today we are in Saigon. The cruise up the river to reach the port is very interesting and really shows life on the river. The city is busy, cars and scooters everywhere, great shopping and again beautiful childern with smiling faces. The ship is the greatest with a crew that just can't do enough to please everyone. Tomorrow we will leave Saigon at 4 and cruise the river and another sea day follows. Compass Rose has been excellent, as has Signatures. The Voyager lounge has not been busy in the evenings, last night was the sss party and formal night. After the show we wandered into the lounge and it was empty. Tonight is a Bar B Que on the pool deck and then Vietnamese dancers. We have met some really nice people, most are on for the entire trip, and we're busy every night. More from Bangkok.......The cruise is half over, I can't believe how fast is going.

Marc, Yes to everything. The ride to Hanoi was an hour shorter by private car, we saw the Hanoi Hilton only on the outside. Hoi An was fabulous. We took a cyclo for an hour and we were able to see everything. I have some great pictures but we are having trouble posting them on our journal. The internet has been out so much of thye time that I'll fix the journal when we return home and I'll keep trying to post a little on it each day of the trip. So glad that your posting again,

An announcement was made by Captin Dag at 9AM this morning telling all that the name change is in effect. I did see some faxes come through with the Regent logo this afternoon. No party, no nothing.....we were quite suprised at how quietly it was done. I have also been told that the wc for 2007 is 90% sold out and they will only take reservations for 3 or more segments. More when we return, this trip has been fantastic, little or no internet so have not been able to post.