Regatta Review

Great times in Alaska!

Review for Alaska Cruise on Regatta
User Avatar
usnagrad1988
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2013
Cabin: Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom

My wife and I decided to go on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, so the first question was, which cruise line? I know someone very high up at Disney Cruise Lines and was looking for a specific date and a limited number of children, since we were looking for a more relaxed vacation and one that was considered a luxury line. He recommended Crystal, Regent or Oceania. After looking into the specific dates we had in mind, we decided upon Oceania and the Regatta.

Having only cruised on large ships (Carnival and Royal Carribean)I was looking forward to see what the differences would be by dropping from 3,000 to 650. They were vast! Due to the limited availability, even though we booked in Feb., our only option was the Concierge level. We flew into Seattle, took a cab to the pier, and it were ushered to the front of the line with no wait to check aboard. The process on Carnival took almost an hour. Since we flew all day (after a very early rise) from Orlando to Seattle, we were hoping for a relaxing check in and no one hounding us for photo ops, selling us drinks, etc. Unlike Carnival, you do not have photographers running around snapping your picture to put up on the "wall of fame" and then trying to sell you add ons. While Oceana is not all-inclusive, most of the little things we wanted came with the room. Our room was 215 sq ft, with a very comfortable bed, verandah, refrigerator stocked with water and sodas free of charge, and there was a free tote bag and bottle of champagne waiting for us.

There are two specialty restuarants onboard, the Polo Grill and the Toscana. Since we were on the conciege level, we could reserve two meals in each dining room. Both were fantastic! Our first dinner in the Polo Grill, we were right up against the window looking out from the 9th level over the ocean. An unbelievable view. Our servers were very personable and interactive. I read a critique questioning why they served Maryland Crab Cakes, New England Clam Chowder, a full Maine Lobster, etc. when the ship was in Alaska. Yes, it was true, but they also had the catch of the day, from that port, which was a tasty red salmon. I was a food service office in the Navy and graduated from the Naval Academy, so I am familiar with both the service and quality of food side of things. Having lived in Annapolis, MD for 6 years, I can attest that the crab cakes were outstanding and a healthy portion. I tried a soup each time we dined and the Clam chowder was better. My wife ordered the filet mignon and she asked for it medium well and it came out medium rare. We brought it to the attention of the manager, who was very attentive all evening and it was quickly whisked away and returned in perfect order. While they didn't need to, after our meal, the manager brought the chef out and he apoligized for it being undercooked. The garlic mash potatoes are to die for and my wife loved the seven layer chocolate cake. I had a dessert the second time we dined there and my wife was too full. The waiter offered to have her dessert delivered to our room and had a second one of my choosing delivered as well so we could enjoy them later in the evening. There is an extensive wine list and if you can't finish it off, they will keep it for you until you dine again.

Cabin Review

Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom

Cabin A2

Level 7 Amidships. Very high end soaps, lotions, and shampoo. The bed was very comfortable with a coach in the room - 215 sq ft. Very nice balcony and perfect location for going down to level 5 entertainment, or up to level 9 for dining rooms and spa. Our room was across from a crew space (room 7038), but there was surprisingly very little noise, if ever, and they were very close to take care of any needs.

1 Helpful Vote
previous reviewnext review

Find a Regatta Cruise from $1,699

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.