Hello, we are Jim (72) and Kathryn (65) from the San Francisco Bay Area reporting on our first cruise roundtrip from Miami to the Western Caribbean. So, there was cross-country flying involved and several nights at the Four Seasons Miami (which, by the way, was mighty fine). We eschewed the Regent air and hotel offerings as they were insufficiently attractive which was surprising considering the self-proclaimed luxury appellation.

Embarkation was smooth and easy. Greeted onboard by staff proffering scant half-flutes of sparkling wine (? really, half a flute?!) followed by lunch on the pool deck which was a poor choice but what did we know? Then to our master suite which we adored and would not consider cruising in lesser accommodations, space matters. Very comfortable digs although veranda seating not optimal. Butler and stewards marvelous.

Ship condition ... not great. Stained carpets everywhere, clunky furniture, crowded pool deck, insufficient deck chairs in shaded areas, no toilet near Prime 7, Sette Marie (sp?). Afternoon tea crowded and uncomfortable and accompanied by electric guitar music, geez. Tea bags, not pots of tea. Tawdry famous painting reproductions in the main dining room (Compass Rose) where service was stiff, formal and uncomfortable. Read more