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Safari + 29 days onboard Mariner starting 11/21/2015

Travelcat2

By Travelcat2,
in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Zqueeze1 "Live from...." Rare

Zqueeze1

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From TC2: I've been talking about this dish, native to Durban, South Africa for months. The cost of this yummy, very spicy, curry dish is around $4. This one consists of potatoes and chicken in part of a bread loaf that has been scooped out.

 

0f1b4e89c41ed4e1d61c0dce25f8b192.jpg

 

Z and TB

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Zqueeze1 "Live from...." Rare

Zqueeze1

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Thanks for helping with the pictures "Z" - they're absolutely amazing! We are excitedly looking forward to our very first safari in just more than a week! :) :)

 

 

 

~Benita

 

 

No worries. TC2 and her DH are knocking it out of the park with their pics. I'm thinking of hiring her to be my official photographer. :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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irishwitchy

irishwitchy

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My grand daughter (2) thought the animals in the Museum of natural history looked great last week - I rather see the version that you saw. Keep up the great pics and stories - I forsee me going on this trip sometime in the future. The bunny dish looks "hot" is it?

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Travelcat2

Travelcat2

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My grand daughter (2) thought the animals in the Museum of natural history looked great last week - I rather see the version that you saw. Keep up the great pics and stories - I forsee me going on this trip sometime in the future. The bunny dish looks "hot" is it?

 

Yes - the dish is "hot" but it does not linger in your mouth and you can taste the many flavors in the curry (and can see the little curry leaves). The white bread helps with the heat. When we got on the shuttle bus to go back to the ship we learned from the bus driver that there was a store that we passed that had packages of the curry spices - already mixed. Had it not been for the fact that there would not be another shuttle for two hours (lunch time), we would have gone back for the spices. Will see what we can find during the rest of our time in South Africa.

 

BTW, the people that we have met at all of the port stops have been so friendly and gracious. This is the same experience we had when we were in Cape Town and Walvis Bay, Namibia last time. There is something about Africa that most people fall in love with -- we are surely smitten.

 

There are two people from Cape Town on board -- one is a server and the other works in the Boutique. We last sailed with Genevieve in Norway. She worked in the Boutique and that was the cruise where we didn't have luggage for 10 days so she saw a lot of us. She taught me a little about the "political correctness" in the U.S. vs. Africa. When she made reference to being "colored", I questioned her as this term can be considered derogatory in the U.S. She knows that but doesn't understand it. There are black people, colored people (mixed race) and one other that I cannot think of now. People here do not seem to get in an uproar about simple things such as what they are being called.

 

When we saw a group of school children yesterday, they were different races - everyone hanging out together - no big deal. Sorry - not trying to get political. It is simply refreshing to be in a country where it appears that everyone is accepted (and I do realize that perceptions are not always reality).

 

One hour until we visit the Nautica. I don't want to overwhelm Z with pictures - particularly since he is working and not able too post until at night. I'm sure he would much rather be with his family and pets than posting on CC, but I do appreciate his assistance. I'll be sending photos of the ship and the tribe but may see if I can post them before I send them to Z.

 

Tomorrow, as I've said too many times, I ride the elephant. I've waited a long time for this:D

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pierrem

pierrem

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"Z" - you are amazing ...... thank you so very much for posting the pictures. That will save me hours of sitting at the computer and getting nowhere!

 

I just learned that the Nautica was in Richard's Bay today and could not get out (and we could not get in). Weather can do strange things. Not certain what port they missed.

 

There is a controversy going on with Mozambique tomorrow. Will explain later. There are many of us that will not get off of the ship there (for various reasons). While we are more than anxious to get off of the ship, we will stay onboard in Mozambique. Really looking forward to our overnight in Durban. This is where we will go out and find a place for the best "bunny chow" (not what it sounds like). It is definitely worth under $5 to have curry in a cut-out piece of white bread! The second day we have an 8 hour excursion (will take pictures if it is interesting).

 

We are looking forward to East London for two reasons: 1) We will visit Oceania's Nautica that will be docked with us and; 2) We will visit an authentic village (that may make up for what we missed today).

 

The people onboard are really delightful. We met many CC'ers at the event and a lot of guests that were in the safari camps.

 

At the end of this cruise, the Captain, Cruise Director, Assistant Cruise Director and Executive Chef (plus others that I am not aware of) will depart the ship. IMO, this is important information to share because there are changes on every voyage. This why our experience onboard may not be the same as someone else's.

 

Speaking of experiences, I am a bit surprised that there are no reports from the Voyager. They are doing an itinerary very similar to what we did (India, etc.). This is one cruise that I am thrilled that we did but would not do again. Very hot - very tiring.....great food.

 

As I told someone that I met at the Meet and Greet, today I feel like a cat...... sleeping many hours..... waking up to eat and sleeping again. What a wonderful life!

 

Hi TC2,

Could you please expand on the Mozambique visa problems. We are currently on the Voyager and will be arriving there in not too long. It would be helpful to know what we can expect.

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Travelcat2

Travelcat2

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Hi TC2,

Could you please expand on the Mozambique visa problems. We are currently on the Voyager and will be arriving there in not too long. It would be helpful to know what we can expect.

 

This may be a sensitive subject with Regent but I will tell it like it is. We were told that we must have a Mozambique visa - whether or not we went off of the ship. We learned from the crew that Mozambique is not a port that is very nice (not horrible - just not great). The crew stays on board. Then we learned that you do not have to pay the $169/person if you do not leave the ship. So, we went to Reception and told them that we were not leaving the ship and do not want a visa (note: we had to fill out a form on board indicating whether or not we want a visa for Mozambique - we should have said "no").

 

My DH spoke with someone at Reception and was told that it was being taken care of. The day after we left Mozambique we were charged for the visa. He went down there yesterday and was questioned as to whom it spoke with, what day, what time, etc. Finally they saw the note and refunded us the visa fee. So, if you want to see Mozambique, you will need a visa. If not, go to reception and let them know ASAP.

 

Today we visited Oceania's Nautica...... what a gorgeous ship. We made arrangement through headquarters over a month ago. We had to be escorted off of this ship, escorted by port security to the Nautica and then escorted on a tour of the ship. It is an amazingly beautiful ship. I've sent "Z" some photos to post when he has time.

 

Then we went to a local tribe where we were entertained by singing and dancing which was followed by discussions of their lives -- one discussion for men - another for women. The men had to sit in the hot sun near a grave site - sipping tiny tastes of brandy and homemade beer while the women were inside a hut listening to stories of what women go through prior to having babies.

 

The men visited the circumcision hut where boys/men at the age of 18 are circumcised. While this is likely a good thing for men, the mutilation of women is no longer done. However, men are definitely in charge of the tribe - women are second class citizens. Over 40% of men still have more than one wife. If a woman cannot have a child, the man will leave them. While there is education for the children, it will be a while before things really change in this tribe. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit them. They did put out food for us which we happily tasted (there were some passengers to afraid to taste it).

 

My only complaint is that there were two busloads of people which was too many for the tribe to accommodate. Even though women were separated from men, they had to bring in extra seats for the women. There was not enough room for everyone in the hut where snacks were served. IMO, Regent needs to stop sending too many people on excursions. This is being discussed by other passengers and it sounds like some wonderful excursions have been ruined by having too many others at the same site at the same time. One long time Regent loyal guest is ready to switch cruise lines over this issue.

 

My long awaited excursion to ride elephants is becoming a nightmare. Still trying to work details out. In this case I am taking my concerns to the G.M. rather than bashing Regent online (which it may sound like I am doing here but I'm really not....... I am very upset with the situation and hope that it will be resolved to the satisfaction of ourselves and other passengers).

 

The one thing I will say is that Destination Services is clueless and appears not to have the ability to help anyone. They can only quote the standard line which is basically that they can do nothing!

 

Still, we are enjoying the cruise and, after tomorrow, there are thankfully few excursions. I do not understand how such a wonderful cruise line could have so many problems with excursions. BTW, the food continues to reach new highs - absolutely amazing food - great service - great crew on board....... they just need to send Destination Services far away where Regent guests can no longer contact them:mad:

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Zqueeze1 "Live from...." Rare

Zqueeze1

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Jackie: Don't worry too much about taking up my time since posting is a piece of cake and we are more than glad to do it. I was able to post early today since I'm playing hooky in order to resolve car collision repair issues with an insurance company that uses a lizard as a spokesperson. As soon as we straighten it out, I will go back to USAA. Therefore, send more pics if you want them posted today.

 

Z and TB

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Travelcat2

Travelcat2

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Roberto - I did send more pictures earlier but they may be held up in space somewhere. Have to go to bed now because we have an early excursion - finally riding the elephant bareback. Can't even express how excited I am.

 

Hope the lizard takes good care of you!!!!!

Jackie

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Zqueeze1 "Live from...." Rare

Zqueeze1

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Roberto - I did send more pictures earlier but they may be held up in space somewhere. Have to go to bed now because we have an early excursion - finally riding the elephant bareback. Can't even express how excited I am.

 

Hope the lizard takes good care of you!!!!!

Jackie

 

We definitely need a pic of you riding the elephant!

Z and TB

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rayjames7

rayjames7

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Sadly, the Nautica still looks dated and tired. The last photo is of the library...while that was a beautiful room it didn't have a selection worthy of a cruise line of that caliber. Even the travel guidebooks had not been updated in years and thus had outdated info. The only plus for the line was its two specialty restaurants (not the main dining room) and it's amazing pool bar.

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pierrem

pierrem

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Jackie,

Thanks for your explanation of the visa problem.

Shame about your frustrations with Destination Services. Their counterparts on the Voyager are doing better so far. We have had a couple of fairly lame excursions but some very good ones as well. The work by Destination Services has been efficient. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

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Travelcat2

Travelcat2

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Today is one of the best days ever -- I finally rode an African elephant. I will be sending Z some photos when I go upstairs. The experience was absolutely amazing. It was said that African elephants are not trainable. This is not true. While these elephants roam in the wild, they come when called and amazingly, when you say "truck up", they move it up and open their mouths. This enabled us to feed them directly into their mouths instead through their trunks.

 

Due to weather issues, we took a van instead of a plane to the elephant site (about 120 km). There were 10 of us on the tour and they have 3 elephants that were saved from Kruger National Park when they had too many elephants and began culling (aka killing them). They saved these three that are in their 20's (live until their 60's at least). All three are male. The "handler" was on the elephant and my DH and I sat behind him. There was only a blanket on the elephant. The only thing to hold onto was the belt of the handler. It was a bit rocky and more uncomfortable for men than women. We rode the elephant for about 40 minutes and then returned to the starting point.

 

From there we had the opportunity to have some one on one time with our elephant before walking to the place where we would have lunch. These wild gentle animals need things to be the same every day. So, when walking, we could not walk ahead of them. When they stopped to eat, we stopped walking. They know that there are treats at the end of the walk so they did not stop for too long.

 

During the walk a truck came by and it was obvious that Duma (not sure of spelling but his name sounds like "do" "ma") tensed up. We could feel the muscles on his back shiver a bit. When the truck went by, he relaxed. "Duma" likes to think that he is the head of the the three (he isn't) so, when guests are riding, he is in front. However, when going to feed, he is in the middle. One elephant likes to lag behind and walk fast to catch up. They have distinct personalities. It is hard not to fall in love with them.

 

I have a lot of photos but will ask Z to post a few of them. There are no words to describe how amazing this day was.

 

This evening we had dinner with Captain Felice Patruno. He is really delightful - loves to talk with guests and may be the most approachable Captain that we have met.

 

We are very tired tonight after the long day. Thankfully we have two sea days before reaching Walvis Bay, Namibia.

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