Anna B.

Thanks everyone. It certainly sounds as if going direct is the best course of action. One great thing about Regent is that I've never really heard "no" as an answer. It might not be exactly what we want, but they'll go out of their way to make the day as special as they can.

 

And yes, we've notified them on our butler request form that it is our 25th...I assume that's sufficient?

How I wish I had seen your post before this. We were on the Mariner last year for our 40th anniversary. I wrote it on the butler's form and just assumed that would be enough.....WRONG! No acknowledgement whatsoever. I hope you have a wonderful 25th even if it's not in Prime 7.

Editing to add: Guess I missed these last few posts. So glad everything worked out so well for you!

Jackie: So glad you have been reunited with your luggage! 17 pairs of slacks, huh? You will be able to wear a new outfit to each meal. Al is wondering if the black dress with the camels made it into your bag this trip. :D

Re: Amex Platinum - it wouldn't hurt to give them a call on the toll free international number. Our bags were lost on the way to Monaco and they were very generous after 24 hours. I was allowed to purchase all toiletries and there was an allotment for purchasing clothes each day until my luggage arrived. Evidently they do not advertise this, but I do think they still offer it. Good Luck!

I don't typically like to share very personal details about my life (except about my beloved kitties) but do want to share a moment we had this evening as it is something we perhaps should all think about. During the show, tears started streaming down my face for no reason (they were singing the theme from Love Boat). It struck me like a ton of bricks that we are so fortunate to be where we are right now -- on Regent -- together. We had a near death experience 6 months ago (with a very happy ending). So, how dare we be upset about losing luggage or being slightly inconvenienced because we have to wear the same clothes or that my hair isn't curled? When we left the theater I learned that my dear husband also cried -- for the same reason. We are blessed to be here and I am blessed to be married to the most wonderful man in the world.

Life is short -- enjoy it!

Hi Jackie,

I was amazed when I read this post. You have shown so many people what very few of us know. You are such a kind, loving and emotionally giving individual. Looking forward to your posts from this cruise. Sorry about your luggage, but if anyone can make lemons out of lemonade it is you! Hugs to you both!

Forgot to add--dinner menu on captain's welcome night has just too many good options. Very hard to decide which to get, so we got more than one. I had my usual wonderful Dover sole, a dish I never get except on Regent as I have never had it as good anywhere else. George had lobster with a side of potatoes. Since he couldn't decide between baked and twice baked, the waiter brought both! And we ordered a rack of lamb for the middle of the table. Can't do that every night or they will have to get wheelbarrows to take us off the ship, but it sure was good. Mixed berries for dessert, which were fresh and delicious (and compensated for the excess previous calories).

Really enjoying your posts from the ship, Rachel. I laughed when I read what you had for dinner! Dover Sole, Rack of Lamb and mixed berries (with whipped cream I presume) can only mean one couple! Please tell them Kathy and Al say hi!

Another "yes" for the America's Cup races. We've done it twice and it's really a lot of fun. I've sailed my entire life and sailing on a 12 meter was still a thrill. Although.....beware of the grinders! It was windy and I was afraid I was going to lose a few fingers!

We too would have loved to have been there. I think about Tom so often and how I wish I could have just one more email from him, or one more message on facebook. He always made me smile. Please give our love to Barbara. My Mom, Midge, who met both of your parents on a Mariner crossing also sends her love and condolences.

I love that you are going on a crossing....how perfect! He would have loved that.

Our best to you all,

Kathy and Al

I was devastated to read this. Sweet Tom and beautiful Barbara, I am absolutely heartbroken! We were on a cruise together a few years ago. Of course Tom told me to look for the old codger pushing his wife in a wheelchair. I bolted into the ladies room one afternoon early in our cruise and ran into Tom and Barbara. I knew immediately who they were and we laughed and laughed about how we met. He added so much joy to my life. I loved his CC posts and was also friends with him on facebook. I will miss him always and my heart goes out to his family.

Rachel, I loved your post. And Colonel Wes, thank you so much for letting us all know. We have lost a real treasure!

Our love to Barbara and family,

Al and Kathy

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I thoroughly enjoyed every day of your crossing, although I did commiserate with some of your rough weather! Wes, as always, your pictures add so much! As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

We recently returned from Rome and used RomeCabs for a transfer for 4 people from the port to our hotel in Rome. We had requested a minivan so luggage would be a non-issue. We also used them the following morning for a transfer for 2 people to the airport. The Mercedes Sedan had plenty of room for our 4 suitcases, one which was quite large, and our carry-ons.

I highly recommend this company. The drivers are friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. The cars are immaculate and the email correspondence has been very prompt and very detailed.

We took this cruise last summer. The weather was beautiful although it was very, very warm. The Black Sea was like glass. If you haven't been to Ephesus the terrace houses are wonderful. Another "don't miss" is the Panorama Museum in Sevastapol. Stalin's Dacha and Sochi highlights was another good excursion. There is so much to see and do in Istanbul, I don't know where to start. The day we spent cruising the Bosphorus Straits was one of our best days ever on a ship. This is a very unusual cruise - have a great time! We took my Mother with us and she loved it.