Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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Blackout plastic on all doors and windows, 6 burley security guards, no stops -- from bad to worse
Wonders of Antiquity Istanbul to Dubai goes from bad to worse. All but 2 of the original ports have been cancelled. No Rhodes, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan or Oman -- instead we cruised the cool, rainy Adriatic coast where nearly everything was closed as it was after the season. We are now sailing from Egypt to Dubai. From sunset to sunup all curtains must be closed. Black plastic has been put over all the doors and windows in public places. We had a code red drill a few days ago to prepare us to take cover in the hallways. Six burley security guards circle the decks. Is this a vacation? NO. This is nothing like the brochure description. It's a disappointing and very stressful situation. Did Regent ever mention any of this before we boarded? NO. Once the war broke out on Oct. 7, we requested a refund or future cruise credit, both of which were denied. My husband and I looked forward to the warmer evenings once we left the cold northern ports. During past cruises, we enjoyed dining and dancing under the stars. Not this time, we are imprisoned in a luxurious box. A crew member told us that usually it's only 2 days of blackout, but this time due to the war, the entire passage from Egypt to Dubai would be under blackout conditions. Regent does not deserve even one star. And we deserve a 100% future cruise credit or refund. No holiday onboard Regent!