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No shoes on our shopping list …………….. and David refused to carry any more purchases 😉

COK-003 Tranquil Backwaters is also worth considering A very good selection of meat & vegetable curries were on offer, including all the accompaniments. However they were not spicy; probably dumbed down for us tourists. David went in search of something to liven up his meal and found a lady with some small bowls that he heard her say was “spice”. He applied some to his food with very little effect so tasted some with a spoon …………….. It was sweet rice pudding for dessert 😮 David had misheard “rice” as “spice” 🙄 🤣 Most things in Goa are quite a long drive from the port, so we opted to just enjoy the ship.

Then it was off to Colaba Causeway through some very heavy traffic. We were looking for a Mall that had been recommended by the local representatives on the ship this morning, but we never found it. However the street market was OK and we managed to find some very good value light cotton scarves and a pair of strong reading spectacles to replace those that I use for sewing; the pair I brought with me having broken yesterday. Now we had the challenge of finding a taxi driver who understood enough English to get us back to the port gate. Most we tackled wanted to take us to the Airport rather than the commercial docks where Navigator is berthed. Eventually we found one who appeared to understand and he safely delivered us to the right spot. Good timing as well since after we had got through the port gate security we saw the shuttle bus being push started (!), ready to take us back to the ship The shuttle bus stayed running …………….., ………… and soon we saw Navigator It was a successful self exploration. We got everything on our shopping list apart from Pav Bhaji - an Indian street food that David wanted to try having seen it on “Rick Stein’s India” TV series. He had to make do with the curries on offer in La Veranda when back on board

We decided to do our own thing in Mumbai today. Armed with a shopping list, a stash of rupees and Google maps we set off mid morning. Coming out of the terminal building (warehouse shed) we were hassled by taxi drivers who wanted to sell us a city tour or charge us $5 just to go to the port gate. We fended them off, took the port shuttle and once outside the port had our pick of taxis. We found one to take us the short ride to Crawford Market for 100 rupees (about US 80 cents). In fact all three of the taxi rides we took today totalled 250 rupees ($3 or £2.40) On the way to the market our driver pointed out the iconic architecture of the GPO building and Victoria Station. Once in Crawford Market, we had a good look around and purchased some spices.

Today we are in Mumbai (Bombay); our last port in India. The Captain warned us last night that he would have to withdraw the stabilisers due to sailing in proximity to fishing fleets and not wanting to snag any nets. As with all of this cruise it was very calm seas; sometimes we wonder if we are really on a ship. This morning the Captain again came over the PA to say we might have a late arrival due to port congestion. In the event we were only a few minutes later than scheduled and the authorities cleared the ship very quickly. Weather is hazy, but very hot & humid

Please explain the “callous treatment” Did 0.1% of guests receive different treatment? Your cruise was delayed due to an unexpected technical issue. What exactly are you seeking from Regent, other than an apology and maybe a pro-rata refund/FCC/OBC for the lost cruise day? It is your prerogative as to what cruise line, if any, that you use in the future. Others will decide for themselves Hope you get over your angst and enjoy the rest of your slightly foreshortened cruise

Today, in Goa, we decided to have a lazy day on board the ship. It was good to see a number of crew had their families visit them on board Navigator. As well as the normal delicious dessert offerings for lunch in La Veranda there was also a tray of Indian confectionery

In the centre of the market was the bus station, which interchanged with the local tuk-tuks As we walked back to our bus we passed by many flower sellers, with the beautiful blooms sold in garlands

After the tranquility of our visit to the old house (an oasis in the middle of Mangalore), the market was a bustling cacophony with diverse sights & smells Wet fish Dried fish Fruit & veg Street food

The cook was very chatty

Thursday April 18th - Mangalore We had a noisy and colourful welcome on our arrival to the port of Mangalore. Our excursion took in a visit to an historic house, then on for a look around the local market. Arriving at the house we were met by the 85 year old mother and one of her sons. The property has been in their family for five generations. They supplied us with drinks & snacks as we toured the house & garden

It was then off on a boat ride to have a look at the Chinese fishing nets, famous in this area After our return another fisherman tried his luck with a hand thrown net. He only caught a few small shrimps We then adjourned for a delicious & leisurely curry lunch, with a lovely cooling breeze from the adjacent lake. Then it was back on the Tuk-Tuks to rejoin our bus back to the ship. A highly recommended included excursion if you are ever in Cochin.

Once on the island we were then shown various crafts, including the many uses of the coconut from cooking to rope making Pottery, on a potter’s wheel Spice grinding Weaving roof thatch panels Making coconut milk Cigar rolling After having coconuts prepared for us to have refreshing drink, this skilled tree climber went up to retrieve the alcoholic sap from the coconut flower bud which we were able to sample - very strong & sweet

Wednesday April 17th - Kochi (Cochin) As this was our first port of call in India we had to have a face-to-face with immigration officials in the terminal building. Some delays to the first excursions while the Indian officials and Regent purser’s department got themselves set up. Good information over the ship’s PA kept a smooth flow, avoiding congestion. Although it was another hot & humid day, we thoroughly enjoyed our tour (COK-004 Kumbalangi Island) After a half hour coach drive we transferred to a fleet of Tuk-Tuks for the final leg of the journey onto the island; a bumpy & sometimes nail- biting ride

Tomorrow, I will try to catch up on our last two ports of call ……… but here are a couple of things that caught our attention today in Mangalore. This sign on our bus was straight to the point This cat obviously found a bag of lentils on a market stall to be a shady & comfortable spot

Colombo has a huge cargo port, which is being expanded When we look at all these containers we always wonder what they contain and where they are coming from or going to

There were also some interesting ceremonial masks

Having visited the tea plantations in Sri Lanka on a previous visit, we opted to look at the city of Colombo with a shopping trip First to a gem store, then handicrafts and finally a seven storey shopping mall. The handicraft store was probably the most interesting, but this part of the world does have an obsession with one type of animal

Only on the newer ships; and a completely different menu to the evening service.

We are still blessed with a packed & varied programme of evening entertainment in the theatre on Navigator (one of the best auditoriums in the Regent fleet) Visiting entertainers on board now are: Zlwin Chew - Malaysian magician Nicola Ward - British singer Both have done one show with second performances to follow in the coming days. Last night the pre-dinner show was CD, Ray Solaire. A packed house and a standing ovation at the conclusion of his Les Miserables medley (c/w a puppet for his “duet” with the inn keeper’s wife) After dinner the ABBA Dance Party, originally scheduled for the Pool Deck, was brought inside to Galileo’s to avoid the forecast rain showers. Tonight is another show by the very talented Production Cast

You could be missing out on some interesting dinner companions

I think that is the idea, isn’t it 😉

We have one scheduled for this evening on Navigator

Today we are docked in Colombo, Sri Lanka The day’s schedule & opening times below:

Sorry for the financial hit you incurred due to your cancellation of the cruise that had to be re-routed by Regent because of issues outside of their control. Your previous posts back in October 2023 indicated that you and your TA knew that you had no redress against the cruise line but you were confident in making an insurance claim on medical grounds. I assume that did not work out in your favour. You are right to warn other guests to check carefully their entitlement before taking the decision to cancel.