Explorer Day 1 of 14 day Caribbean Voyage

[JPR]

Apparently the "72 hours" actually refers to the length of time it takes for the beef short rib to pass through your digestive system...

Edited December 9, 2016 by JPR

[Travelcat2]

Apparently the "72 hours" actually refers to the length of time it takes for the beef short rib to pass through your digestive system...

 

Thanks for my laugh of the day ....... really funny:D

[Chefwoody]

Day 5 is an "at sea" day. For us that meant an extended gym workout and lot's of water. I dreamed I was a ravioli last night. One big plump beef ravioli. Smothered in vodka sauce. I think my dinner at Prime 7 and one of the best martini drinks I've had in ages were to blame. I'll never win the battle, but the fight is worth never having to diet (referring to my daily gym efforts).

 

Management wanted to shower and dress before breakfast. We both decided we shouldn't shun the general dress guidelines daily. But again, make me a breakfast worth dressing for and you'll have no arguement from me. Today we did however witness a couple with eggs benedict. And they looked pretty good. I'll be asking about them tomorrow. I'm a stickler for proper hollandaise and a perfectly poached egg. It should burst with bright colorful liquid yolks upon cutting and taste of the hollandaise should be of lemon and butter - thick but not standing, and never never broken. But honestly if you're serving canned hash well all bets off. Will let you know tomorrow. (Jesus do I sound snobby!)

 

Today was also massage day. Now please, let me put this into clear perspective. I have had two massages in my life. Today was the second. I'm rather - no - extremely ticklish and the idea of anyone beyond my wife rubbing oil all over my naked body (very sorry.. please insert pleasant image of something else here) just doesn't sound right to me. And pay HOW MUCH to let them do it!?. Now the balance of my family (3 boys) love massages and religiously give them to each other as needed (demanded?). Management loves them and subsequently I always try to get her one when we cruise. But with all but one boy out of the house, she's gotten kind of clingy and wants me to participate in this kind of thing. I tried reminding her that's the reason we had boys in the first place - to service her needs, but that got me no where. Actually it got me SO no where that I had to sign us up for a double massage on this trip. Thank god for ship board credit and a couple of rum foofy drinks just before hand.

 

Finished the afternoon on the infinity pool deck, so nice. Weather today was spotty with a couple showers, but the captain is doing a great job of weaving around the dark weather areas.

 

A nice couple (of retired doctors we've come to find out) were on both our dive and ATV trips, and have mentioned interest in getting together for dinner tonight. I was easily able to get a four top at Chartreuse for 6:30. Our cabin class only allows one reservation per specialty restaurant pre cruise, and then you can add one more each as available once you board. Turns out you can then continue to add one more each as the days go by. Nice!.

 

I've got to go get all of this oily crap showered off and tell management how much I enjoyed myself. I'll only be in trouble once she reads this and that will be after dinner when I'll want to sleep anyway. Evening summary to follow.

[gnomie1]

I tried reminding her that's the reason we had boys in the first place

 

I didn't realize that one had a choice in the matter!!!

 

My friends have seven daughters and really want a boy - please tell me how and I will pass the news on to them -

 

 

gnomie :)

[gnomie1]

I'm rather - no - extremely ticklish

 

I'm in the same club - I'm banned from the Canyon Ranch spa because the one time I had a pedicure, I could not control myself and made a complete fool of myself

 

When I was in college, I fell and went to the ER because it was thought that I may have broken my leg - even though I was in so much pain, when the technician was touching and moving my leg for the X-rays I started laughing hysterically

 

It is so embarrassing and the reason I never join for friends for mani/pedi day.

 

gnomie :)

[Travelcat2]

Mr. Ravioli, so glad to hear that you are a beef rather cheese ravioli as that is our preference :D Looking forward to hearing about your massage (certainly hope that your stuffing doesn't come out!)

 

Wish that you had been our cruise that ended last week -- you would have fit in with our group perfectly! We were having as much fun as it sounds like you are having. Keep it up.

 

Have you booked another cruise while onboard in order to take advantage of the benefits (plus you would receive another $100 in OBC - not enough for a massage but still nice)?

 

Keep the reports coming. Think I need to go out for ravioli tonight!

[Chefwoody]

Well dinner with our new friends Doug & Cathy was wonderful. Their stories would amaze most (especially us) and their humble nature was refreshing. Dinner at Chartrueus did not disappoint (again for us). I mostly repeated what I had here the last time, Wife and Cathy had the sole and raved. Doug had the lamb chops and liked them very much. He also had the steak tar tar which I'm happy to say was different in all ways from what I had at Prime 7. Our excursion in Grenada is at 8:15 so no gym in the morning (as they don't open until 7am) and no show (yeah, like we'd make it that far anyway) tonight. As usual our room was perfectly "turned down". I mean really, these folks just don't miss a beat. Back at ya tomorrow.

[Silver Sweethearts]

Dinner at Chartrueus did not disappoint (again for us). I mostly repeated what I had here the last time, Wife and Cathy had the sole and raved. Doug had the lamb chops and liked them very much. He also had the steak tar tar which I'm happy to say was different in all ways from what I had at Prime 7

 

In what way was the steak tartare in Chartreuse different from the steak tartare in Prime 7? The last time we had it on the Mariner it seemed to be different than we remembered. Wonder if they have several steak tartare recipes?

[lprp]

I love your posts Chefwoody (my spell checker keeps insisting you are "Chef Wood":D. We are going on our first Explorer cruise on 14 February (our anniversary!) and cannot wait.

 

Whetting our appetite further, we watched the final part of the documentary 'Building the World's Most Luxurious Cruise Ship' last night. It was really interesting and informative. There were only 2 downsides:

 

Firstly they kept referring to how expensive it would be cruise on her (the example was the £8,000 per day for the Regent Suite) and how wealthy and demanding the clientele are - I don't think we are either particularly! We are definitely won't feel as well off as we usually do in the US and Caribbean given the current £/$ exchange rate (we're Brits):eek:

 

Secondly they didn't show enough of the finished product - we'd have loved to see more of the suites and other areas (we have seen the Regent video so have a good idea), but more to explore on Explorer I guess....

 

Anyway, enjoy the rest of your cruise Chefwoody and keep those posts coming

[JPR]

I've never dreamed I was a ravioli or any other food item, but particularly since you're apparently a chef it does bring to mind the mindlessly idiotic mantra "How is your food tasting?" that servers now routinely parrot.

 

This question irritates me no end. "Not at all, I hope, because that would mean that my food is eating me rather than vice versa as I strongly prefer..."

Edited December 10, 2016 by JPR

[rarin2go]

I love your posts Chefwoody (my spell checker keeps insisting you are "Chef Wood":D. We are going on our first Explorer cruise on 14 February (our anniversary!) and cannot wait.

 

Whetting our appetite further, we watched the final part of the documentary 'Building the World's Most Luxurious Cruise Ship' last night. It was really interesting and informative. There were only 2 downsides:

 

Firstly they kept referring to how expensive it would be cruise on her (the example was the £8,000 per day for the Regent Suite) and how wealthy and demanding the clientele are - I don't think we are either particularly! We are definitely won't feel as well off as we usually do in the US and Caribbean given the current £/$ exchange rate (we're Brits):eek:

 

Secondly they didn't show enough of the finished product - we'd have loved to see more of the suites and other areas (we have seen the Regent video so have a good idea), but more to explore on Explorer I guess....

 

Anyway, enjoy the rest of your cruise Chefwoody and keep those posts coming

 

Agree 100% with this! :)

[Pies4u]

They only showed fleeting glimpses! You got an idea of a couple of suites and some of the restaurants, particuarly the furnishings & ceilings. Good views of PM tea in the Obs lounge.

 

It was still an informative & interesting programme. The scale and intensity of the last few weeks of the build were well represented.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Woody, what makes you think the corned beef has is canned? I've always found it very nice. Oh, you mean the beef is canned--but that's the way corned beef hash is supposed to be, to me, what I grew up with. Yes, I've had it made with freshly-made corned beef a couple of times, and yes, it was wonderful, but so is the canned stuff!

 

Thanks for your reports, they're great fun.

[Chefwoody]

Arrived at St. George about 7:30. Sea's were active most of last night, but calming as we pulled in. 1st observation: Color!. So much color. Very mountainous with a diverse selection of colorful architecture. We pulled in to a huge European ship named Mein Shiff 5. Looked into it - a new build ('16) like us. But Big!. Not Royal Caribbean big, more like big Princess big. Kind of weird to be docked across from each other - like 15ft across from each other. Moderately early in the morning, and to Europeans, this is a great time to walk out in the buff. Lot's of interesting couples as well - think Hugh Hefner... 80 year old man with 20 something "girl friend". Either way I don't judge and I sure as hell won't take pictures.

 

Management and I got bumped into our first excursion pick "The Spice of Life". We were so happy as it sounded so good. Spoiler alert... it was. For the most part it really was and that sounds like I should have a negative to throw in there.. but really I don't. Started off at 8:15 and ended about 11:40. The bus ride, no - the driving on this island is CRAZY!. Right side steering, left side driving. Europe, no problem. One lane roads... CURVY CURVY roads that climb and dip all over the place... OMG.. I thought they should rename the excursion the Ride of your life. But overall it was fun. We stopped at a quaint (jesus lord god I am really starting to sound the part!) little shop owned by the Governor(?) of the island (gee, no incentive to stop there), then off to a spice plantation that was just great, then finally off to a Rum distillery. Learned a bit, sipped a bit, returned statisfied.

 

Convinced management that we should tour town and hike up to Fort George. Totally worth it. Had to pay $2 to a sleeping attendant (love that island life). Walked around, photos like crazy, hiked down and after realizing no or very few sidewalks but narrow streets and crazy drivers.. back to the boat for some adult beverages and sun/pool time. Pulling out of port now (5:30) to a beautiful sunset.

 

We have dinner in Pacific Rim tonight (our first of two so far) and we can't wait. Management is calling time out to my post so I'll shower and be ready in 30 minutes... sheesh.. I'm a male for heavens sake.. 5 minutes.. new man!. (Alfred E. by some accounts). Wendy, to leave without answering your corned beef hash question would be wrong. I've loved it since I was a child. Corned beef is by itself an art form. Putting it together with the proper amount and cut of potato is another (too much potato, house saves money, too much corned beef - done well - Chef Woody returns). Seasoned well, not over or under cooked.. Done!. Turn turn plop plop oh out of the can it comes... turn turn plop plop ... (rinse and repeat) ... canned is fine and mostly what you'll get at most breakfast places. And by fine I mean most people haven't had the good stuff enough times to know the difference... but there is a huge difference and I'm always seeking it. As with the eggs benedict I stood on my soap box about earlier. We all have different pallets and they all are very subjective to many many variables. I accept that and only preach here from my own personal pulpit. Dinner to follow later (depending on wine). :). Hey hey, you you get off of my pulpit (could have been a Rolling Stones cover bands next hit!

[sharon2975]

iprp, saw you are on the feb 14th cruise. so are we. first time on regent, very excited. what about you???

[JPR]

Freshly made corned beer hash is best (ideally with very crispy edges) but canned is good,too, particularly with a soft-cooked poached egg on top (and some dashes of Tabasco Sauce).Mmmmm.

 

My second favorite shipboard breakfast is smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon to zing up the hollandaise...

 

I just wish Regent had Jewish rye bread, which I like with marinated herring and my third favorite breakfast, kippers!

[purpleally]

OMG! I'm LOVING these posts!

[petlover]

I'm sure enjoying your posts. I truly love the Explorer.

 

As for the massages...should you hit a port you've been to before or have little interest in seeing you might recommend to "Management" getting a massage on land. My DH and I have gotten massages in ports all over the world for a fraction of what Canyon Ranch charges, we're talkin 90 minutes for about $40 bucks (and of course we give a generous tip)..... then again, if you have so much ship board credit to burn who cares.

 

Keep having a wonderful time. All of us are vicariously cruising through you !

[Chefwoody]

First of all, Travelcat 2 - well said!. Art, food, politics.. they're all subjective obviously. So of course any pro or con counter posts are welcome. But to be fair, those of you with "strong" counter opinions must really try to be fair - think it through. Try to realize others counter points. If you don't agree... (so many forks in the road to this.. but mine is..) move on. Now having said that I realize you're saying Why?!. Well that's fine too. But for those of you doing homework for a future cruise.. due diligence requires you to weigh both sides. Hence I've posted my demographic so as to qualify my viewpoint. My economic background puts me in the middle class with a current working class status of teaching at a culinary school... yet I make suprisingly less then you may think :) LOL!. As an engineer prior to this semi-retirement version of my life, I had lots of time to experience the all expense paid or tax right off-able lifestyle. Mr. Trump has yet to tell us about his taxes. Many others have yet to do less then and all expense paid cruise. Or less then 30 cruises.. or... etc. I find qualifying ones background or economic status a real starting point for someone's viewpoint on a cruise (or house, or car or political stance or...etc). Nuff said! No No really, say no more.

 

Pacific Rim: Expectations were high. Atmosphere was perfect. Service immpecable. Greeted with a infused asian inspired vodka cocktail mojo. Given a full run down of the menu. Food: Mixed. Details: Management: Tuna tar tar (perfect), Seaweed and Wakame Salad (great - per her), Lobster Tempura (great - per her) stir fried asian greens (good). Me: Hamachi Sashimi (wonderful), Duck spring roll (Nice), Pot stickers (great), Tom Kha Gai (chicken-coconut and galangal broth truffle, porcini mushrooms, foils gras soup (fantastic), Aromatic Duck and Regent fried rice with duck, snake beans carrot, egg and soy sauce. Dessert combined a coconut cream cake something with a killer something sauce (sorry.. lost track of taking notes after dinner, and management had a great sorbet.. again - no names allowed to leave the restaurant. But both were great and appropriate to the meals.

 

I love lamb. I love duck. Two of my favorites. The duck in Chatreuse was fantastic. Pacific Rim... over cooked but nicely spiced. It was also hence a tad dry. Yet again I am happy to concede the world does not function on absolutes. A ship or restaurant that gets it right every time is a freak occurance. Yes, they do exist and happen, but to be fair and realistic they are the exception not the rule. We WILL try them again at least once more.

 

Management remained victorious at the casino (two nights in a row) and will eventually pay for the cruise. If not.. well there may be a change in management. Go girl go!. For those hoping for photos, I will indeed post some once the wifi is more consistent or at least post cruise. I also decided to post a photo "what to planf for" for all future f1 & f2 class cruisers. Highlights will include how not to turn the shower head choices (one in front and one above) past each other which provides a blast of extremely cold water from one or the other. And what outlets work in your favor and... well just tune in later.

 

Tomorrow is another early excursion and need for earlier bed. That's something to consider actually. I was and do really enjoy our sea days or days without structure. That's telling about the ship I think. I'd really like a few more back to back sea days just to continue my enjoyment of what's on Explorer. Among the best experiences cruising, again to me, are those sitting on my balcony at night after a great day and great food typing out words of encouragement to folks like you. Wish you could be here now. Good night to all!.

[doyouseawhatisea]

All of these posts are making me so excited to get on the Explorer in 8 days!!! Thank you for taking the time to write them :) It's inspiring me to write my own thread when I board.

[ronrick1943]

I have to say I'm enjoying the post-looking forward to pic's. thanks for taking the time.

[lprp]

iprp, saw you are on the feb 14th cruise. so are we. first time on regent, very excited. what about you???

 

Hi Sharon

It will be our 4th Regent cruise but first on Explorer. We've been on Mariner, which we loved and Voyager twice, which we like less but went for the itinerary.

 

We are really looking forward to it

[lprp]

Chefwoody I am really excited for Pacific Rim - your write up left me drooling! I'm really hoping it is similar in excellence to Red Ginger on Oceania Riviera.

 

Totally agree about Grenada - the colours of St Georges are so amazing

 

Keep 'em coming

[warburg]

Forgot to proof read the last one. Environment.. sorry . And anything else wrong in there.. sorry. STOP:

 

Greetings, Chefwoody, from South Beach. I love your posts! You have a keen sense of humor. True, paragraphs would lighten them up a bit. However, they are very entertaining as is. There are probably very few grammarians aboard, so how about just skipping a line every seven sentences? Who will object?

 

We board Explorer March 26th for her TA. Your descriptions have heightened our enthusiasm for the ship experience. Our only other Regent cruise was on the Navigator, a really adorable ship.

 

Thanks for adding fun to our days, not that life on Miami Beach isn't amusing. There is just something about a beautiful a ship.

 

Mary

[Nicho99]

La Veranda

 

The most superbly designed Lido-type area I ever experienced at sea. A beautiful open type space. Never had an issue with seating even in the busiest of times at breakfast and lunch. Superbly staffed with the friendliest and well train waiters who cater to your every need. The food area has two major buffet lines and three island specialty areas. It just flows. I have to mention Thomas who also serves in Sette Mari at night. He just makes everyone feel so very special.

 

Vladimir (Manager of all the restaurants) stopped by today as he has everyday for casual conversation and an update on our cruise. As he was leaving, he slightly tripped on one of the chairs in La Veranda. We saw this and caught his eye to come back to the table. My wife mentioned that she had trouble navigating around the chairs. The chairs are designed so the back legs extend about 3 or 4 inches. Just enough that if you round the chair closely, you will trip. Vladimir said it was a daily occurrence and one man fell hard yesterday. He asked us to please comment on this to home office. It was a mistake from the get go. And needs to be fixed. He also said the soft white decor of the fabric had necessitated a daily steam clean.

 

Having said all that, La Veranda will be a high-lite of your cruise.

 

Dennis

Edited December 11, 2016 by Nicho99