Regal Empress Mardi Gras Cruise Opinions Needed

[Ronzie]

Just read about an interesting cruise involving an older ship, the Regal
Empress, early in March of 2000, out of Manatee Bay, Tampa, Florida. It
gets to two spots I've always wanted to see -- New Orleans and Key West --
spots I've never had the opportunity to visit.

The ship received conflicting reviews: some loved its older design; others
decried its lack of -- for want of another word -- pizzazz.

Hey, I just want to spend a few days at sea and check out N.O. and Key
West. Anyone been aboard this vessel and would you mind offer a critique?

Thanks all.

R.A.

[Claire]

I'm a little biased because the Regal Empress was the first ship I ever
worked on, and I love it dearly!

It is an old ship, and has none of the "flash" of the megaships. But
sometimes small is beautiful. It has a great atmosphere, especially since
many of the crew have been there for years and consider it "home" (as I
still do!)
There are no 2-hour lineups- although it can hold maybe 1000 pax, I've
sailed on it with as few as 400, so there's a far more personal service.
Accomodations are a little basic but comfortable. Be sure to check out the
bridge- wood & brass! You don't see that any more!

Cruising isn't my "thing" at all, and I've cruised on some of the hottest
new ships and itineraries, but I would love to go back to the R.E. for a
vacation. I'd actually pay for it!

I haven't been to New Orleans :-(, but Key West is great!

Claire
Ronzie <ron...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
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