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Every week "Let's Talk Travel" host Sandy Fenton takes the audience to a different vacation destination with the travel experts sitting in the studios as guest co-hosts. 
Regent Seven Seas President, Mark Conroy - Sandy
Fenton - Regent Seven Seas Sales Manager, Kate Otto
On a recent visit to Central Pennsylvania, Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises was a guest with Sandy Fenton on "Let's Talk Travel with AAA" for a two-part "All-Inclusive, Ultra-Luxury Cruising" show series. Conroy's cruise industry career began in 1974 in the mailroom of Norwegian Cruise Line while studying at the University of Miami and throughout his career he has served as President of both Renaissance Cruises and Commodore Cruise Line and VP of Sales for Royal Viking Line before joining Regent Seven Seas (formerally Radisson Seven Seas) as President in 1992.
1. What exactly does an "all-inclusive" cruise ship mean?
All inclusive is pretty much what it sounds like. The cruise fare includes all meal s , gratuities, soft drinks , mineral waters and alcoholic beverages. Really , the only items not included are shore-excursions, spa & beauty treatments, casino, & gift shop purchases.
2. What is the greatest advantage to sailing RSSC?
I would say our all inclusive policy, luxurious & spacious suites with balconies, personal & attentive service and being one of few guests (490 to 690) versus thousands. We also give our guests the convenience of choices to dine when and with whom they like. We have multiple dinning venues including the only Le Cordon Bleu at sea. Never having to stand in line for anything is another strong point of our cruise experience.
3. What is the greatest misconception about sailing RSSC?
Travel agents and guests think that our cruises are more expensive than they really are. If you take a premium or contemporary cruise in a comparable size suite and then add on all the extra charges they have you will see that total cost of the vacation experience is comparable. I think the other misconception is that our guests are older. Our current average age is 56 and during the summer we have many young people and a great deal of generational travel.
4. What can a first-time RSSC guest expect from their cruise?
Excellent personal services provided by a caring staff - wonderful food and a chance to visit some fascinating destinations totally hassle free. You also have the opportunity to meet your fellow guests who are interesting , well traveled & successful people. Once you sail with us 98% of our guests say they will return for a future cruise.
5. What do you foresee for ultra-luxury cruising in the next couple of years?
We are well positioned. In spite of all the recent negative economic news , our guests are still traveling. As I said, our typical guests are successful - having worked hard and done well and they are enjoying the fruits of their labor.
6. How would you describe a "typical" RSSC guest?
Somewhere between 35 and 70, well travel ed , successful , interesting and active. Most have college degrees and are either professional s , executives or own their own businesses. 85% have been on a cruise before and on most cruises 50% are Seven Seas Society Members who have sailed with us before. Some are retired but many of them are still working and use our WiFi wired ships to stay in touch with their business, their investments and their family & friends at home.
What are your top 3 RSSC priorities?
Keeping our guests safe & happy , retaining our crew ( who are the key to our success ) and continuing to constantly improve our product both the hardware and the guest experience.
8. How has your position as the president of RSSC changed during the last few years?
I really am the chief customers advocate making sure we do the right things to keep guest coming back and also recommending our cruises to their friends and family members . I am also the company spokes person and stay pretty busy dealing with industry issues and state, local and international governments. As president I also play an active role planning future itineraries based on the feedback we get from our guests. And I'm here today telling everyone to sail with Sandy on the AAA Regent Navigator cruise to the Caribbean in February, and it's at a terrific 2 for the price of 1 price. An amazing value and excellent first time Regent cruise.
. 9. How important is the dining experience to your guests and how does RSSC differ from the other luxury lines?
Very important, our guests are used to fine dinning at home and will settle for nothing less when they go on vacation. I think the variety of dinning options and the quality of our food and service set us apart from other cruise lines.
10. What are the "must have" onboard amenities/experiences a RSSC not only appreciates, but expects?
No crowds . No standing in line . Personal & attentive service provided by a well trained caring crew. Spacious suites with fine linens and soft goods . Well appointed spacious bathrooms and of course balconies. They expect excellence and we work very hard to deliver.
11. In this new high-tech, internet age - why do you still feel a travel agent is essential & important?
Our guests are busy people and they are committing their time and money when they book our cruises so they want to make sure they know what they are getting and that they are choosing the right product. They use professionals for tax, investing and legal advice so why wouldn’t they want to do the same when planning their travel. They also want to be in a position to hold someone accountable if the trip does not go well. That being said about 85% of our guests go to our website or other travel sights either before they book their trip or after to obtain additional information.
12. And last...but not least - What is your absolute favorite, kick-back, relax and get way from it all Regent Cruise - and why?
Hard Question, I love the Greek Islands and Turkey and the overall med in general because all of the choices that are available there. Tahiti and the Islands of French Polynesia is paradise and the best way to experiences is aboard the Paul Gauguin. Last but no least the Caribbean, even though I have been going there for 35 years it is still great to be able to board a ship in Ft. Lauderdale and escape. I enjoy it even if I don’t get of the ship in every port.
