We are regular small to mid ship cruisers - not loyal to any particular brand, more itinerary - Singapore to Dubai (Singapore, KL, Penang, Phuket, Rangoon, Cochin, Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai, Muscat, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai). We were interested in a 'taste' of each port - yes there were some we would not return to - but the that's the benefit of cruising you can always return to base. The 'free' excursions were an attraction - warning - make sure you have your tours booked early (i.e. before embarking as most tours are fully booked with wait lists). We also took advantage of the pre-cruise tour to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat - sensational (it was hot 40+ C which made it quite uncomfortable at times - but we survived and saw some amazing sights & sites).

Before embarking we found it time consuming & difficult to get answers (at the time no Australian office - I imagine the opening of same will make communication easier & quicker), but once in the Regent group all our questions were answered. One concern we had was the average age of passengers - we'd been told Regent attracted an older group - that info was correct, but it wasn't long before we'd found a group of like minded mobile passengers that stayed up past 10pm. I know it sounds a little selfish, but it was frustrating when the tours marked 'not suitable for mobility impaired' actually had many people on the tour that found it extremely (physically) difficult, which of course slowed everyone down considerably, as it was between 38-42C everyday - standing around waiting for others was just tough.

As others have mentioned the ship is tired, but clean, we chose a Penthouse A and had no complaints - we actually had an amazing butler - Abi (seriously wanted to bring him home!) The first night the bar staff were running around like rabbits in the headlights trying to cope (yes, a lot of grizzling by all the cruise experts!) - by the second night all had settled. We found all the restaurants to be very good; food, service, wine etc. The shows were good without being outstanding. The casino was a little quiet (comparing to other lines - maybe due to older passenger group) but didn't stop us! Opposite the Casino there is a bar with live - music - dancing - singing etc. If I had a complaint it would be that the gym equipment is far too old - it should be replaced immediately, absolutely no waiting for the refurbishment, however the fitness guru Marco was delightful & motivational and ran good classes. The Spa - Canyon Ranch - offers a wonderful range of products and great staff, but is ridiculously overpriced - have mentioned this on another cruise line. Read more