We just returned from our first cruise on the Navigator, May 26-June 2, which started in Athens and visited the ports of Kusadasi, Santorini, Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Monte Carlo. This was our first trip to Europe, and it far exceeded our expectations, both the ports and the ship itself. Our only other Regent cruise was on the Paul Gauguin, and we suspected that the PG is an apples to oranges comparison within the Regent line (we were correct). So this was our first “larger-ship” Regent experience.

We used Regent’s air and hotel program, and flew from Palm Springs-Denver-Munich-Athens on United & Lufthansa. On the return, we flew from Nice-Munich-San Francisco-Palm Springs. It was a long trip but well worth it. We got to sample both business class and economy on Lufthansa, and both were fairly comfortable with overall excellent service (the food was so-so).

We were traveling with another couple who we’ve shared several Silversea cruises with but had also not been to Europe yet, so it was such a treat to discover it all together.

We spent two nights precruise at the Grande Bretagne, which included private car transfers, butler service, and free breakfast. This hotel is amazing! We scored a deluxe suite which was very large and exquisitely appointed, with separate bedroom, den/business area (each with its own plasma TV), oversized bathroom with double vanity (and plush washcloths the size of hand towels!), and a balcony which ran the entire length of the suite with three sets of French doors (two from the bedroom and one from the den). The only thing missing from this suite is the view – no Parthenon for us, but from what we heard, the rooms facing the Parthenon were quite a bit smaller. I’d rather have the space, and then enjoy the view from the bar/restaurant upstairs! We also had a dedicated concierge for our floor (6) which gave us private check-in and check-out.

We enjoyed Athens very, very much – enjoyed a gyro or two, along with a complete authentic Greek meal at one of the tavernas around the Plaka. We had the great fortune of meeting a lovely couple who were originally from Athens but now live in Vermont, and they took us to a wonderful restaurant where we experienced the full spread. Our favorite was the octopus!

Unfortunately, it was overcast the entire time we were in Athens (very rare), and sometimes we had to dodge rain drops. That was the only downfall! The hotel is in such a great location – within walking distance to the Plaka and the Acropolis. We enjoyed our walk up to the Acropolis with a stop at a small taverna for snacks and their homemade wine.

After two glorious days in Athens and one last “Frappe” (instant coffee that’s whipped up to a froth and served cold – yum!), we received our private car transfer (same driver as before!) to the Navigator.

Embarkation was a snap. The Navigator is absolutely gorgeous. It’s similar to Silversea’s Whisper and Shadow, but somewhat larger. The main elevator is glass – what a great feature! We had suite #1018, which was ideally located on the same deck as the pool. We’d originally booked #731, a regular balcony cabin, but then took advantage of an RSSC special where we could upgrade to a butler suite and even receive a small refund.

Everything on this cruise, from the food to the service to the ports to the ship itself, exceeded our expectations. We dined twice in the Portofino (reservations only) restaurant, and the remaining nights in the Compass Rose. Both were superb. Regent’s food definitely edges out Silversea’s. In fact, nearly everything about this experience on the Navigator slightly outweighed our recent Silversea voyages. The only thing I give Silversea the nod for are its beds, which are seemingly more comfortable, and I have to admit, I did miss the large fluffy down-filled comforters of Silversea. Not that the beds in our Navigator suite didn’t enable us to sleep like babies!

There were only a couple of “imperfections” – one being a miscommunication/misinformation about the Regent shuttle service location while we were in Taormina and trying to return to the ship (luckily my husband figured out where we needed to be while I, of course, panicked) and the other was a cruise consultant who did not wish to be bothered by us (which I am sure is very unusual).

Service was reminiscent of our previous Regent experience on the Paul Gauguin – everywhere we went, we were called by name, and the bartenders would already be pouring our favorite drink upon spotting us walking up to the bar.

The captain (I believe his name is John McNeill) was omnipresent! He was incredibly friendly and mixed so well with all of the guests. What a 180 from Silversea. I don’t know if I ever saw the captain on any of our 4 SS cruises.

All of the ports were amazing. We did have lots of clouds while in Athens, Kusadasi and Santorini (highly unusual, they said), although we managed to dodge most of the raindrops. Rome was a strange mixture of full-on sun and extreme downpours! We didn’t let the weather put a damper on our vacation, although I am sure many of our pictures would have turned out better with blue sky and sun. Oh well, another reason to return!

Speaking of pictures, we have a ton – Greg is sorting through/naming them and we hope to have them posted within the next few days.

Well, this was supposed to be a couple of paragraphs but it’s turned into a novel, so I shall sign off for now – any questions, I’d be glad to answer!

Hey, Kristin,

Thanks for the quickie report. We're headed to Athens in a few weeks and we do love the Navigator. Capt. McNeill could be the next Capt. Dag - he's very personable. I am guessing you experienced some Bagpipe music!

Yes! In fact, as we were leaving Rome, the bagpipes were playing, we were passing close by another (larger) ship, all of us waving to each other, INCLUDING the Captain. And he was waving to everyone on the Navigator balconies with this great big smile. What a guy!

And I would LOVE to meet Capt. Dag someday!!!

Great report Kristin, thanks so much. We have been to a couple of your ports on our first Europe trip in 2005, and we are going to some of the others in May of next year on B2B. I was especially interested in your comments on Athens, as we are spending two pre-cruise days there, but we are staying at the IC.

Your comments on the Cruise Consultant were interesting as there have been a few comments somewhere on another thread in the last few weeks. What is going on here I wonder? The main part of their job is to "consult" and help passengers book future cruises and keep them coming back. Very strange. I hope you let RSSC know your thoughts on the comment card, and that they figure out what the issue is.

Anyway, enjoyed your report.

Great report. Really felt I was there.

Thanks Kristen enjoyed your review - how neat to have experienced it with your friends - we also enjoyed Athens and the GB!! What a great hotel - J

Kristen, what a wonderful review! After all your SS cruises, I think the Navigator was a good introduction to the larger Regent ships. I have loved my three cruises on her.

Kristen,

What a great review!! We too, love the Navigator and crew. I am so looking forward to your photos. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience.

Kristin & Greg welcome home and thanks much for the great report!

Loved your review! The Navigator is the only Regent ship I've been on so far, 5 cruises so I like reading about an old friend :)We form attachments to certain ships that bring on a nostalgic smile when mentioned. Sailing on the Voyager in 2 weeks so I'll be making comparisons.

Terrific report, Kristin! So glad you had a good experience seeing Europe. Welcome home & we look forward to seeing your photos. Captain McNeil sounds cool!

Loved your review Kristin! Sounds like you had a great time. One of these days we'll make it on the Navigator!

Thank you, all, for your kind remarks! It is true what you said, Olivia, about the Navigator being a good intro to Regent's larger ships. The four of us all agreed that we're ready for the Voyager or Mariner. Someday!!!

Thanks for posting your review Kristin. I do love the Navigator. She is a lovely ship. Everytime I go on that ship I remember how much I like it. I have not met this Captain but I hear he is a really special. Welcome home!

Thanks for the report, Kristin! Glad to hear you enjoyed the Navigator and the wonderful ports you visited. What an itinerary!

We have been on the Navigator only once, several years ago, and had a similar experience. Your comment about the staff greeting you by name, and the friendliness all around, brings back warm memories. In my opinion, the Navigator's smaller size, as compared to the Voyager, permits a little more intimate atmosphere between the crew and guests. At least that was our experience.

Interesting about the cruise consultant attitude. Considering some of the recent comments, this certainly appears to be an area -- one of the very few -- where Regent needs to focus some attention on personal service.

Welcome home, Kristin. I enjoyed reading your report. It's been a while since we've sailed on Navigator and we really need to cruise on her again in the near future, as it's Alan's favorite ship.

So good to hear that your trip went so well! Looking forward to seeing Greg's photos.

Super report Kristin, you always do such a great job on your reports.

Kristin,
Thanks for the great review!
Only comparisons here, Navigator/Mariner, I definitely felt Navigator more friendly.

Do you recall name of Executive Chef?

Thanks everyone! Kathy, unfortunately, I don't recall the name of the Executive Chef. But I can certainly attest that his creations were scrumptious! The presentation, as well, was beautiful. I loved how they carved distinct little crab figures out of beets as garnishes.

I also forgot to mention the pool grill, where we took lunch a couple of times. The service and selection were excellent! Our friend Scott swears the bleu cheese burger is THE best he has ever had.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with us! I agree with Joanna ~you brought back such great memories of Athens and the GB! If you have time, please tell us more about Kusadasi. I wanna go :D

Kristen,

Thanks for the great report. We did a similar cruise last fall on the Voyager and loved it.
Cheers, Pam

Bonnie, we loved Kusadasi! We went on a Regent-sponsored tour of Ephesus, and it was incredible. Our tour guide was excellent! Afterward, we enjoyed their local beer ("Efes") at a tavern on the water and had a good time making conversation with the staff there. One thing I discovered and was amazed by, is that most everyone knows at least some English. But it was also great that Regent provided brochures for each tour which listed several commonly used words, translated to the language of the country we were in. Another "kudos" to Regent!

Bonnie..Kusadasi was wonderful...we'll go back with you anytime. It made the ruins in Athens look like nothing!

That's good to hear..we will be in Kusadasi in just over two weeks....

Kusadasi is one of my favorite ports ever.....magical really.

Hi Kristin,

It was great to read that you liked your first cruise on Navigator. I love that ship!

Glad you weren't left behind in Taormina ( although that's not a bad place to be left behind! ;) )

Oh Maria to be left in Taormina :) :) when the timing is right!!!

Joanna,

I share your sentiment.I love it there.

Loved your photos, Kristin & Greg! I started to write down the # for the ones I especially like, but there were too many! What a great cruise! Love the ones with you close up smilin'!!

OK, I will admit I am tired, but where are the photos!!!! Kristin, would love to see them!

A very kind and wise friend directed me to your pics Kristin. How wonderful!!!

Thank you all! And I agree, Taormina would not be a bad place to be stranded!

Thank you for the great report, Kristin. You have whetted my appetite, as my husband and I are following the exact same itinerary, departing on the Navigator June 23rd. We leave June 20th, to have a little extra time in Athens. You've made it seem so real! Thanks!
Love, Elena

Thanks for the report. I'd like to get on this ship. I've been looking for an itinerary that meets our available timeframes and haven't found one. I'm looking forward to the pics, also.