LIVE: Explorer's First Holiday | Dec. 18-28

[Travelcat2]

It does because it is! We're on the Explorer :)

 

 

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Laughing at myself:D I'm happy that you are on the "most luxurious ship ever built"! She is definitely amazing!

[Mr Rumor]

Amanda, I'm already loving your present of a holiday blog! Thanks to Chefwoody and now you, a part of me feels like I'm still on the Explorer. Wishing you and pops a great cruise.

 

Rich

[doyouseawhatisea]

Hello all! Thank you for the warm wishes of a good sailing and for enjoying my posts thus far! My phone seems to hold our wifi well in public areas so I've been able to keep up with all your comments! Also this is long so I apologize in advance. Make it your nighttime reading. :)

 

We woke up early, took a walk to the boardwalk to try and see the ship annnnnnd we couldn't see it. Since Regent is blessed with Terminal J aka far away from the mega-ships, our view was blocked by Carnival and NCL. Regardless, we ate breakfast and twiddled our thumbs while waiting for an appropriate time to leave. Boarding was at noon. I said "let's get the Uber at 11:30" and Dad said "11:15." We settled on 11:07 (?) because we were too excited. Upon arrival at 11:30, we were met with *gasp* a crowd and a line of about 50. Entire check-in process took about 10 minutes and we were onboard by 11:59.

 

Lunch in Verandah was great but upon walking outside to the pool which we missed upon entering as we came from the back, we found it to be the same food if not better and more options--the pool grill burgers have had a special place in my heart since I was a youngin' and I'm sure I'll have far too many very soon. I think we wished we had eaten there but no mistake, Verandah was still good.

 

So far everything has impressed us. Service had been impeccable, the waiters and stewards are so overly kind and the ship is impeccably clean.

 

We braved the seas and got a G2...even though everyone said it's far too small. Well, it's just fine. The bed area is a bit cramped but the closet, living room & bathroom are great! I'm also coming off of living in a 140 sq ft room with only a porthole from my study abroad program, Semester at Sea.

 

Lifeboat drill was short and sweet and was followed by a beautiful sail-away out of Miami. Also, best canapés I've ever had. We aren't sure what it was...crab, chicken or tuna but damn they were good.

 

Tons of kids/teens everywhere, no problems thus far :) they're all dressed appropriately and well-behaved. Being a former Club Mariner participant for 11 years, I'm sure they will be well-attended to.

 

We started off with a bang tonight and ate at Prime 7. I'm currently trying to get over my food coma while we wait for tonight's show, Broadway In Concert (just singing, no dancing.) to start in a few minutes. Our entertainment staff just boarded today so I think this is their warm-up. I have always loved the shows so I'm very excited. Tomorrow is a day at sea and I'm incredibly excited to relax, tan and eat. For tonight, I'll leave you a picture with our sail-away.

 

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

Lovely picture of your sail away

 

Just want to send you an post about your cell phone (although you are so savvy, you may know this already)....... many people return home from a cruise with $1,500+ phone bills due to not shutting their phones off while on the ship at sea. Please double check that what you are doing isn't costing you bit $$$.

[Caroldoll]

I assume you will still be on? I wish I was there now.

[ElizabethSwann]

Hi Amanda,

 

I'm very envious of you being on the beautiful Explorer for Christmas!

 

I too would be interested in what sort of activities Regent is laying on for children during school holidays (ie are you aware of a kids' club)?

 

I travelled with my 13-year daughter on Explorer in Aug/Sep and she was one of only 2 children on board (the other was around 5 years old). At the time, it was school hols for us (we live in Australia) but not for the UK and probably not the USA either, which would explain the lack of other young passengers.

 

Although there were no child-specific activities available, we were travelling The Med, so our aim was to sight-see & we managed an excursion every day. I'm lucky I have a child who enjoys history & culture! The rest of the time, she was content to read, swim or semi-permanently attach herself to her mobile phone...

 

Enjoy your trip & I look forward to all your posts & photos!

[Travelcat2]

Hi Amanda,

 

I'm very envious of you being on the beautiful Explorer for Christmas!

 

I too would be interested in what sort of activities Regent is laying on for children during school holidays (ie are you aware of a kids' club)?

 

I travelled with my 13-year daughter on Explorer in Aug/Sep and she was one of only 2 children on board (the other was around 5 years old). At the time, it was school hols for us (we live in Australia) but not for the UK and probably not the USA either, which would explain the lack of other young passengers.

 

Although there were no child-specific activities available, we were travelling The Med, so our aim was to sight-see & we managed an excursion every day. I'm lucky I have a child who enjoys history & culture! The rest of the time, she was content to read, swim or semi-permanently attach herself to her mobile phone...

 

Enjoy your trip & I look forward to all your posts & photos!

 

While looking for an answer to your question, I found this on the Regent website (dates of cruises with activities for children): https://www.rssc.com/specials/details.aspx?Id=a7127069-f405-4aba-b125-14e259adb612 . While I'm surprised that Club Mariner isn't on Christmas /Hanukkah cruises, I'm guessing that this is because Regent assumes that families want to be together on this special holiday.

[Zqueeze1]

Hi Amanda:

 

Loving your posts and thank you for including pics. The more the merrier. Enjoy your cruise.

 

Z and TB

[UUNetBill]

Hello all! Thank you for the warm wishes of a good sailing and for enjoying my posts thus far! My phone seems to hold our wifi well in public areas so I've been able to keep up with all your comments! Also this is long so I apologize in advance. Make it your nighttime reading. :)

 

...I'm also coming off of living in a 140 sq ft room with only a porthole from my study abroad program, Semester at Sea.

 

Doyouseawhatisea - not trying to hijack this thread, but what are your thoughts on the Semester at Sea program? Do you have anything posted online anywhere? Just curious - our youngest is leaving on her SAS voyage next month, and to say she's super excited would be an understatement!

 

If you have any insights or pointers you don't mind sharing, feel free to let me know at 'uunetbill (at) gmailDOTcom'. Thanks!!

[doyouseawhatisea]

Doyouseawhatisea - not trying to hijack this thread, but what are your thoughts on the Semester at Sea program? Do you have anything posted online anywhere? Just curious - our youngest is leaving on her SAS voyage next month, and to say she's super excited would be an understatement!

 

 

 

If you have any insights or pointers you don't mind sharing, feel free to let me know at 'uunetbill (at) gmailDOTcom'. Thanks!!

 

 

I have absolutely nothing but amazing things to say about SAS and I could yak anyone's ear off about it. I'll shoot you an email with a link to my blog from my voyage and tons of tidbits/tips!

 

Beautiful day at sea today....more to come :)

 

 

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[VMartini]

Thanks for letting us travel with you...albeit virtually. I have a favorite aunt on the cruise, so I feel I'm practically there with her. Especially with your fantastic pictures! Keep them coming.

 

Waiting for the balance of the 2018 schedule to come out in January...we plan on cruising the Voyager out of Venice. Kickin' it up a notch. Can't wait.

[Host Dan]

Thanks for posting this "live" thread! I hope you enjoy your holiday cruise!

[Thundery]

I assume you will still be on? I wish I was there now.

 

You bet😎 Am trying to organize a meet and greet

[doyouseawhatisea]

With regards to the questions/comments about Club Mariner, I was under the assumption after a certain number of children, they bring on a staff member. I haven't asked yet (but I will) but it's clear they don't have a designated staff or program on this cruise which is VERY surprising to me. But they seem to be fine... most, if not all of the Regent Reward activities (Ring Toss, Baggo, ) are also being listed in Passages as "______ for Youngsters" which is their attempt to get them to participate/have things to do. I didn't go to either but I hope it's working! And it's clear they're making an effort. I'll update you as I know more on that subject!

 

Last night's entertainment was phenomenal. The singers did a concert performance of Broadway Hits, some more popular than others but it was the first time in a LONG time (maybe ever?) that nearly half the crowd was actively singing along and dancing in their seats, clapping along, etc. The singers were all very, very good and even though they have just come on, they're getting their sea legs quickly. I look forward to seeing and hearing more from them.

 

Today has been beautiful until just the last hour or so when the rain decided to grace us with its presence. I'm trying to stay optimistic it doesn't rain tomorrow as we are supposed to snorkel. I woke up and tried to go to the gym, decided I was too exhausted to continue after rowing a bit, and went to eat. Funny how I'm never too tired to eat. Breakfast at La Verandah was pretty good. I honestly don't think the food in that restaurant has changed in 10 years, if not more. That isn't a bad thing, necessarily. Take it as you will :)

 

After breakfast I went to join the Christmas Choir! About 6 or so of us gathered in the Observation Lounge and sang Christmas Carols with Amanda, the social hostess and Tim, the pianist. It was really fun and I think we'll be doing more throughout the trip.

 

Bingo followed at 11:15. I didn't win. But I was close! It was run by Anna and Pasha, the ballroom dancing duo who were good. The singers were in the back taking notes as they were in training to run it themselves.

 

Lunch was a Tex-Mex buffet and it was so windy that most of the food was cold....good, but cold. Not really a fault of Regent considering they don't control the weather so I'm not upset :)

 

As I began to write this it had begun to rain the sun is out now and looks like it might stay that way for a few hours! I'm enjoying sitting on the balcony reading...cheesecake tea time & trivia later...I think I've already gained 5 pounds and it's only Day 2. Yikes.

 

More to follow after Captain's Welcome & dinner :)

Edited December 19, 2016 by doyouseawhatisea

[Travelcat2]

Sounds like a great cruise! When we were onboard last month, Baggo and the other games were quite popular amongst adults and they should work fine for younger people as well.

 

You may want to try a specialty restaurant for lunch. Prime 7 has a very unique and fun dessert option!

 

Really enjoying your posts.

Edited December 19, 2016 by Travelcat2

[JPR]

In order to avoid double digit weoght gains, we generally skip lunch. During days at sea we have a late breakfast or a light one if we decide to eat lunch. Or breakfast and a light lunch like a half sandwich or a salad.

 

Otherwise, after four or five days we begin to lose our appetite. Gotta pace yourself!

[jennybenny]

Loving the photos and the review. Sounds like a great Holiday cruise!

I would love to do that from Florida one year!

[Travelcat2]

In order to avoid double digit weoght gains, we generally skip lunch. During days at sea we have a late breakfast or a light one if we decide to eat lunch. Or breakfast and a light lunch like a half sandwich or a salad.

 

Otherwise, after four or five days we begin to lose our appetite. Gotta pace yourself!

 

We did avoid double digit weight gains on our recent 30 night cruise on the Explorer. Since breakfast isn't my favorite meal of the day, we only had it three or four times. The rest of the time we had toast and coffee in the Café (aka Coffee Connection). Food in Chartreuse was so good that we dined there around 4 times for lunch but didn't have bread or dessert.

 

I also learned to enjoy sugar free ice cream while onboard which cut my dessert consumption by around 75% and my weight gain by 50%.

 

I must blame the weight I did gain on the wonderful group from CC that met at the Pool Bar every morning - they made it difficult to abstain (which accounts for most of my 7 pound weight gain).:D

Edited December 20, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Zqueeze1]

Thanks for letting us travel with you...albeit virtually. I have a favorite aunt on the cruise, so I feel I'm practically there with her. Especially with your fantastic pictures! Keep them coming.

 

Waiting for the balance of the 2018 schedule to come out in January...we plan on cruising the Voyager out of Venice. Kickin' it up a notch. Can't wait.

 

Not to hijack this board, so real quick:

 

From your avatar, I gather you went to the Citadel. I was in I Company, Class of 82. GO DAWGS!

 

Z and TB

[I&J Cruisers]

Amanda I'm enjoying this. We are. Boarding Explorer Jan 15 for an LA to Miami cruise. What a great preview this will be.

 

 

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[doyouseawhatisea]

I definitely don't think I'm going to skip meals because I'm too much of a foodie so I just need to actually go to the gym instead of walking by it. And tomorrow I'm going on a hike in San Juan so that should account for a few cookies, right? :)...

 

SEA DAY CONT. (December 19)

 

Captain's Welcome was EMPTY. I don't think it was more than half full. My theories are because 1) Lots of families with kids

2) Lots of people that have been on for quite some time, like our new friend Sandy aka Thundery on this thread :)

 

Dinner followed at Compass Rose. Per the suggestions of those that have traveled on the Explorer already, we sat in the back. Banyar was our waiter and he was phenomenal. Attentive, quick, and informative. I had poached salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. And a Tanzanian molten caramel chocolate cake. Yes, it was as amazing as it sounds.

 

I tried my luck in the casino and I won $9! Tonight was so far so good.

 

The entertainment tonight was labeled as "The Worlds Only Legal Pick-pocketer." I sat on the top balcony in case it was dull and I needed a quick getaway.....Far. From. It.

 

Bob Arnon (not sure the spelling on that one) is a world-renowned pick-pocketer that makes it not only an entertaining show, but an informative session on petty crimes and how to act in order to avoid being a victim.

 

The theater was PACKED and everyone was completely engaged. He started walking down the aisle shaking hands with men ("I don't steal from women so I can be invited back on this cruise line.") and one he got on stage he pulled 4 or 5 watches and a few key cards and immediately the audience started reacting once people realized that their item was missing. I won't do the show justice but if he is ever on your cruise, DO NOT miss it and do not wear anything with pockets!!

 

Ended off the night with Name That Tune and met golfgirls who were on our roll call & this thread! I played with them and a few others. Our group name was Mixed Nuts and we got 3rd. A great, busy Sea day before our first port, Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos.

 

 

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[VMartini]

Not to hijack this board, so real quick:

 

From your avatar, I gather you went to the Citadel. I was in I Company, Class of 82. GO DAWGS!

 

Z and TB

 

I was a member of The Zoo...O Company, Class of 87. Small world. Great to meet a fellow Bulldog!

[Travelcat2]

Glad that you aren't skipping meals -- the food is too good and you are young enough to work off the calories:D

 

This is the first time that I've heard of the Captain's Reception being empty. Agree that this is because it is a holiday cruise with lots of children onboard. After all, what child wants to stand in a long line (usually) to shake hands with the officers of the ship? Rather dull IMO.

 

We saw the "Pick-pocketer" and agree that he is good. I'm surprised that you were able to see much from the balcony as many of us think that the sight lines from there are fairly poor.

 

Glad that you met Thundery -- she was on our cruise and we're just a bit jealous that she is still on;) We have to wait until March before we board the Explorer again!

 

Let us know what you do in your next port. We love your reports!

Edited December 21, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Caroldoll]

Show sounds fascinating. I always wanted to learn how to make a few extra bucks! LOL.

[doyouseawhatisea]

DEC 20

 

As I lie in bed, I'm determined to staying on top if not ahead on these posts. So here's the report on Day 3!

 

We docked in Grand Turk after an...interesting night at sea. Our room had so many creaks and noises and wobbles it was near impossible to sleep soundly. The waves weren't big but the wind was high. Around 8:30 this morning open tenders were already running and the sun was shining!

 

I had my same breakfast but tomorrow I think I'll skip the bagel...not because there's anything wrong with it but because it's only day 4 and I need to chill out on the carbs. :) La Verandah breakfast service has stood out to me the most, I don't think I had to wait longer than 5 minutes for my omelette and the chef had at least half a dozen egg orders in front of him.

 

My shore excursion, Reef Snorkel, was your standard run-of-the mill 2.5 hour snorkeling excursion. I had heard good things about snorkeling here and had yet to do it!

 

And yes, it was decided that we drew the short straw so we had to tender into Grand Turk. The Carnival Sunshine and Nieuw Amsterdam stole the dock. As the wind stayed rolling, so did the tenders. Yikes. ROUGH seas. I know that's totally unpredictable and the men working the tenders do the absolute best job possible but oh my gosh, watching some people get on was so nerve-wracking and I was certain someone was going to fall and crack their head open.

 

My snorkel excursion was very enjoyable, warm clear beautiful water, coral and tons of fish. We even saw an octopus and a medium sized shark! The snorkeling however wasn't the best I had seen. Never fear! Dad signed us up for 3 more! (.....) After it was over I had about an hour until the last tender so I walked along the beach near the pier where they have beautiful white sand & free chairs. They've also got tons of touristy shopping & a Margaritaville a few feet away but I stayed clear of those.

 

 

(I hope that picture turns out well. We're in the far corner. It was taken from my snorkeling boat.)

 

At the end of my cruise, I'll be compiling a short video of all the footage I've shot so far (trying to pursue a career in video production but so far it's looking like it'll stay more of a passion) and today I got some nice GoPro footage that you'll see soon. :)

 

Lunch was a burger from the grill (the best) and the pool deck was busy with activity as we started to sail away. We planned to leave at 3 pm. Captain blew the OUTRAGEOUSLY LOUD horn (my only real complaint as I think I've partially lost my hearing) at 2:54 and suddenly cabin 1018 was nowhere to be found....Nearly 40 minutes later, we were finally on our way. 362 miles en route to San Juan...!

 

Mixed Nuts received another 3rd place at Trivia, Block Party was tonight & well attended and dinner was in Chartreuse. I had the chicken and it was absolutely delicious--one of the best meals I've ever had. I appreciated the return of the truffle butter that the beloved Signatures had. The service and staff of Chartreuse has impressed me the most thus far. Sarah was our waitress and was delightful. Following dinner I lost all my money at the casino. I don't want to talk about it.

 

(Kidding. I lost my dad's money.)

 

John Barron performed his show tonight and as reported by so many, it was phenomenal and a show-stopper. I'm a huge fan of classic hits and he sang many of my favorites. It's fun seeing him around the ship with his family as I'm sure he's happy to have them aboard.

 

Since we have a late arrival in San Juan I'm sleeping in AND hitting the gym tomorrow before my "El Yunque Rainforest & Long Hike."

 

Whew! A very solid Day 3. Am I writing too much?! Not enough?! Questions?! More pictures?! Let me know. Willing and open to any change wanted by my loyal readers!! Off to sleep now and hoping for less noise from our creaky room. (I guess this is what happens when you get a G2....)

 

 

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