I have heard from a good friend that Regent have changed the Destination Specialist setup. In that wonderful people like Sandra and Terry, who add more to a cruise than just the best place to eat or shop, will not be employed any more. Instead, their invaluable roles will be changed to the "free cruise with expenses" basis same as the less entertaining business and shopping "experts". This is another sign of the Regent move away from its previous high standards. The very things that use to set them apart and above the rest.

What a shame! I have always enjoyed Sandra, not only was she informative, but fun to be around. I never cruised with Terry, but I have heard nothing but good things.
Lynn

Yes, we really enjoyed Sandra Bowern on our MC-Dover cruise in 2006. Too bad.

Our recent experience of the "get a free cruise and speak" on the PG was not so good. Mark Eddoes, the amazing archaeologist who is often on board was not--they have an art historian who specializes in Paul Gauguin instead. Everybody seems to love her, but I did not. But I'm still trying to figure out what subject I can lecture on that will get me a free cruise!

Really, if they were all like Mark Eddoes, I would have no problem.

There are constant rumors flying around but I am not sure that I would believe or get too upset about any of these until we know for sure.

In the last three months I have heard all kinds of things. Supposedly from "upper management on the ships who know for sure" or a "really reliable source" However, one after another they all proved to be not true just rumors that take on a life of their own.

On most of the cruise lines most of the speakers are on that program now. I believe that has been the case for quite a long time. I remember at least four or five years ago that Silversea changed their program to charge speakers a daily fee when previously there were on free for their services. We had dinner with one of the speakers and he was upset at the daily charge.

To the best of my knowledge Terry and Sandra have been employed directly by Regent for years where all the other speakers were not permanent employees like these two superstar ladies. I know Mark Eddows is still around, he is another speaker that is probably employed the same way Terri and Sandra are employed. He is booked for a segment on the Mariner cannot remember which now. He may have been on vacation Wendy. I also heard that Art Historian some time back when we were in Tahiti. Nice lady we spent some time with her but no one can compete with Mark Eddows he is in a class by himself as a story teller. On our trip they were both speaking.

I have heard this rumor about Terry and Sandra for about two years now that they wont have their contracts renewed, even before the Apollo changeover. They were always worried about having their contracts renewed but so far they are still around. Terry was on our cruise last month.

I am not saying it is not so, just until we know for sure not to take it too much to heart.

Terry Breen recently posted her 2009 schedule on her blog. (It's a public website, so I hope it's OK to post the link...)

Of course anything can happen, but I think this is a good sign.

26 January - 25 March Fort Lauderdale to Sydney Seven Seas Mariner - “Ring of Fire”

07 May - 17 October Osaka to Alaska back to Hong Kong Seven Seas Mariner - Ring of Fire, Alaska, Grand Asia Pacific

21 November - 11 January Cape Town, Panama Canal Seven Seas Voyager - Discovery Collection, Panama Canal

Terry\'s 2009 Schedule post from her blog

Terry\'s Website

Dena

Wow - it looks like Terry will be on the Mariner for our May 20th Alaska cruise! We'd love listening to her on our July 06 Alaska cruise. :banana:

just got his infomation from Terry's January
newsletter...fyi


If you have enjoyed hearing about my many adventures around the world, now you can join me! I am getting ready to launch new projects along with an exciting new website; included in my plans is the formation of special cruise departures hosted by yours truly as well as pre and post land programs!

Over the years I have received an overwhelming number of requests to host trips to Denali National Park or up to Machu Picchu; now I am getting ready to start doing just that! Each trip will consist of advance reading material and maps to ready you for the experiences ahead; followed by onsite seminars held by local experts; there will be lots of learning but I also guarantee lots of fun with special meals and an introduction to local markets.(Yes, that means shopping!)

Ever since I saw how enthusiastic guests were to explore off the beaten path, I yearned for the time when I could invite everyone to experience the world the way I know it - rich in texture and full of life! Traditional tours are geared for the mainstream, a sampling that appeals to most people. You, my friends - are not “most people!” Well educated, well traveled - you want more, you expect more. If this kind of travel appeals to you - let me know. In the next few weeks I’ll be putting together proposed itineraries combining both land and sea programs - FUN!
For information please contact me at: storyteller@cruiserfriendly.com

Thanks for posting, Wes. We had such fun with Terry on two segments of the DC this fall. The stories she told were so adventurous. Sounds like a good time.