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Joe at TravelPage.com
The food on the Bolero was very good but not much of it, we found ourselves to be hungry and if we ordered anything to our room it was quite insufficient, Overall the value for the Dollar was good. Considering all the Islands we stopped at - I think we went to 7 different places and had a riot on the Islands We always grab a Cabby and pay him to take us around, rather than paying the inflated price on the boat, sometimes you get a great tour this way - we have always had a great deal of luck doing this.
In reply to the gratuities, our brochure did say all gratuities included but we were given envelopes for tips on the final evening of our trip. At dinner an envelope was presented for the Waiter and Maitre'd, and the Cabin Steward presented his envelope personally to us. We had checked prior to travelling and tipping was expected and I believe at the tip the average was approx. 20% no worse than if you go for dinner etc..., Our trip was booked with Regent Holiday's I believe they are a division of Festival. We contacted Regent on our return, they did answer us ... The waiters, Maitre'd etc.. make minimum wage and rely heavily on their tips for survival, as far as being searched, they claimed they had problems the week prior, If I recall correctly - March Break - a very young crowd. During our week it was a very good mixture of age groups raging from 20 to 70, no reason for searches. Regent did send us Gift Certificates for our next trip and apologized to some degree, but we will never travel with Regent again.
I am certain that the entertainment, employees etc.. are changed on a constant basis. I do feel however, for a 1st time Cruise and the cost factor this is a good valued Cruise for your Dollar. As with any holiday it is what you make it, All opportunities that arise have a good outcome if you keep in mind your on holiday's and find the lining.
ENJOY
[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 02-08-2000).]
MV. Bolero is a small ship at 16 000 tons but very comfortable. She was built in 1968 as the Starward for NCL and refurbrished in 1995 when acquired by Festival?First European.In the winter months she is chartered to Regent Holidays a Cnadian Co. a subsiderary of Air Transat. Cruises are package deals priced in Can. $ and an excellent value. This was my 19th cruise but first on Bolero or with Festival.1) Air to ship transfers were the best I have experienced. Lugage was checked in at Toronto Airport and was delivered within a few minutes of arrival to my stateroom. On arrival in Santo Domingo there were no customs or immigration procedures. Flights were on Air Transat L1011s. Buses were on the tarmack and one de-planed boarded the busses and were driven to the ship where boarding was immediate.The ship was spotless clean at all times and is exceptionally well maintained. She does not look her age and looks like a ship as compaired to some of the newer models. Staterooms are small but comfortable. Deck, Engineer and Pursing Staff Officers are Greek, rest of the crew is internation and all are exceptionally friendly and gave excellent service. The Captain is new this year and is an exceptional ship handler. He backed off the dock at Santo Domingo without tugs and had to go stern first down a dog leg of the harbour before sailing out. All of his dockings this trip were without any 'kissing' of docks. Before leaving a life boat drill was required of all passengers. Porst of call were Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Martin and Virgin Gorda.At Dominica the Capt had the assigned crew man all port side life boats, lowere them to the sea and sail them arounf and recover them. Meals while not as spectacular as on larger ships were excellent with 4 or 5 choices at dinner. Lunch and Breakfast were available in the Dining Room or Buffet style in the Signals Cafe on the boat deck. Entertainment was good but again not as spectacular as on larger ships. There were many repeat passengers on board and I would repeat. While in Dominica Festival's brand new Flagship Mistral (of about 50 000 tons) was in and is a very impressive ship. Tipping on Bolero is included in Regent's price but most tipped their Cabin, and Table Steward and Busboy. Disembackcation was also excellent. Boarding passes and seat assignments were given out on board so that one departed by bus and at the airport immediately proceeded to the departure lounge, bags were checked on board ship and did not have to be claimed until arrival in Toronto. This is an excellent cruise for the money.Anyone with specific questions can contact me at ik0065@adan.kingston.net
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