First Time on Regent—Boarded Explorer Today

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Not sure if this one loaded correctly, but it should be the sink area in the Veranda.

 

The self serve treats in the Coffee Connection.

 

Roses in the CC.

 

In our Concierge cabin, the drapes on either side of the cabin that can be drawn at night, keeping the suite nice and dark for sleeping.

 

In suite coffee maker. By golly, if you don’t get your coffee quota on this ship, ai just don’t know how to help you!

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Visually, I love the Observation Lounge...the Oriental influence, the patterns.  Lovely.

 

so, here are a few of the seating areas.

 

The dance floor, with the geometric lines.

 

Gorgeous glass sphere.

 

The pianist, decked out in his sequined jacket.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Last night’s food extravaganza. We ate in Compass Rose again, a superlative meal.  SO SO GOOD!

 

We started in the O Lounge.  I haven’t mentioned it before, but they bring peanuts, sometimes mixed nuts, pretzels, or chips.  Later in the early evening they offer canapés...last night was a tuna thing we did not order, and guacamole, pictured here.

 

I had a gin drink with rosemary and Rolf had something with prosecco added.  Sorry, I’m not good at remembering all the names of the drinks.  In Compass Rose I had an appetizer portion of the mushroom risotto.  Excellent.  Rolf had his lobster tail and lobster bisque. He also had the branzino.

 

A word about the fish on this ship....it is outstanding.  I had learned the hard way on Celebrity that fish should come with a disclaimer saying “order at your own risk”.  On this ship they have totally mastered the art of NOT overcooking seafood. As all of us who cook fish at home know this is both an art and a science, and takes real culinary skill.

 

Having said that I had the same meal I had the night before....filet mignon with a yummy Madeira truffle sauce, baked potato and spinach.  We both had the lava cake with a scoop of ice cream, and then waddled out of the CR to the casino.  Good grief.
 

One note about the unexpected sea day.  They had an updated daily with activities added and changed to account for the change in schedules.  Very efficient.  The crew presents and unfazed demeanor as they deal with the unexpected, but I’m sure there is much going on behind the scenes to make it happen.  

 

The next to last day blues are threatening and I have warned my long suffering husband to be prepared for me wailing as we disembark.  Softening the blow are the two cruises we hope to book later today.  

[1982CruzStart]

Oh no say it isn't so, you are leaving the ship and we won't be entertained with your wonderful posts anymore. So sad. 

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you made to bring us along with you. It has been wonderful. 

[RachelG]

As UUnetBill mentioned above, we missed Costa Maya in January as well.  I think there is something weird going on there, or else they did a poor job of building that port as multiple other sailings have also missed it recently. 

[Gpilon]

3 minutes ago, RachelG said:

As UUnetBill mentioned above, we missed Costa Maya in January as well.  I think there is something weird going on there, or else they did a poor job of building that port as multiple other sailings have also missed it recently. 

We'll find out next week on Splendor. Supposed to be at CM March 20. An extra sea day would not bother us at all.

 

Edited March 11, 2022 by Gpilon

[steve1191]

55 minutes ago, 1982CruzStart said:

Oh no say it isn't so, you are leaving the ship and we won't be entertained with your wonderful posts anymore. So sad. 

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you made to bring us along with you. It has been wonderful. 

We have really enjoyed your blog and the wonderful pictures and commentary! We had to cancel our Baltic Cruise on Regent this year due to the war in Ukraine and have rescheduled it for next year in hopes that we can see St. Petersburg! We do have a British Isles cruise on Viking this summer and hope that it will be a great cruise.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Lunch today at the Pool Deck.  
 

Lobster nachos and shrimp brochettes for Rolf.  salad and wings for me.  Good, quick, wonderful service.  👍🏻👍🏻
 

Looking forward to the Krew Kapers tonight.  They had something similar long ago on a HAL cruise.  It was a skit with some of the guys dressed up as hula girls and we laughed until we literally cried.  My husband had to haul his shirt out of his pants so he could wipe his eyes.  The whole audience was just bent over laughing.  It reminded me of being at Disney when they do fireworks....if you take a moment to look around you will see every single face lifted up to watch,  and the child in us all showing itself.  Charmed me to pieces.  Lord knows this old weary world needs as much laughter as it can get.

 

Speaking of charming, BTW I still have yet to pass a single crew member or officer who has not gone out of their way to speak.  And the passengers are all great to talk with.  I had the pleasure of meeting Aldor today...she posted earlier.  It has been fun to meet several people who recognized me and asked if I am GeorgiaPeach51.  Every person I meet, I encourage to post and add their thoughts. 
 

I did not get the impression that yesterday’s port, St. Tomas de Castillo, Guatemala was a fan favorite.  Comments I heard ranged from boring to nothing to see to terrible traffic.  I hope some folks who got off the ship will share specifics.

 

[-Lew-]

1 hour ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

A word about the fish on this ship....it is outstanding.  I had learned the hard way on Celebrity that fish should come with a disclaimer saying “order at your own risk”.  On this ship they have totally mastered the art of NOT overcooking seafood. As all of us who cook fish at home know this is both an art and a science, and takes real culinary skill.

 

We agree with your assessment of fish dishes on Celebrity.  On our first and only Celebrity cruise in February 2020 our group agreed that Princess does fish so much better than Celebrity.

 

We're so happy to learn chefs on Regent know what they're doing.

 

Thanks again for taking us along with you...

[minidonuts85]

Absolutely love this post and thank you for taking us along! The pics, your personality, everything. 

We have our first Regent cruise Nov 2023 HKG RT and so looking forward to it. Done many on the larger lines and a few on very small....thinking this may be our sweet spot in terms of what we are looking for. 

[UUNetBill]

3 hours ago, Gpilon said:

We'll find out next week on Splendor. Supposed to be at CM March 20. An extra sea day would not bother us at all.

@Gpilon An extra sea day didn't bother us one bit, either.  In fact, I'd almost completely glossed over the missed port (probably only our 2nd or 3rd one in over 100 nights on Regent) because being on Splendor more than made up for it.  

 

I'm really going to miss @GeorgiaPeach51 and her commentary and photos - it's so refreshing to hear someone else echo our feelings about Regent.  There's so much good about sailing on Regent that the rare misses really get blown out of shape.  Although we just came off Splendor less than two months ago, this thread really has us counting down the days until our next cruise just 9 short months away...

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Afternoon tea.  Little pieces of culinary art, the likes of which you will not see in my kitchen should you ever visit.  I wanted to smack anyone’s hand who dared to touch it and mess up perfection, but I refrained, you will probably be glad to know. 🤔🙄. Just a delight to look at it.  And it is just listed as “international tea”.  We didn’t sample, but I guarantee, based on the desserts we have had so far, that they will all be the real deal, not some chemicals and additives and gelatin and food colors masquerading shamelessly as desserts. 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Oh, my.  They have just announced that a nearby cruise ship has a passenger overboard and that the Explorer will be taking part in the search, and hopefully, a rescue.  Hurts my heart.

 

Years ago we were on a Princess cruise and a couple went overboard, apparently on purpose.  Their shoes and some identification were found on the deck, and they had family on board.  It just haunted me for people to go overboard in the dead of night into that dark sea and watch that ship sail away.  What a depth of despair there had to have been.  
 

The ship is almost at a standstill so we must be in the search area.  

Edited March 11, 2022 by GeorgiaPeach51

[fdnycruiser]

First of all, definitely a sad occurrence to hear and be a part of a search for a passenger overboard. We do hope that person is found.

  We’ve very much enjoyed being a part of your cruise. Your pictures and very descriptive writing has been awesome, and we felt we there. Thank you for taking the time to take us, and everyone else following this thread with you. The good news for us, is that we’re on the Trans Atlantic in 2 weeks. My wife has already decided to try that lobster bisque, with a lobster tail.

Enjoy the time remaining, and safe travels home ! 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

No news on the overboard passenger.  And no details as to what happened.  So very sad.

 

We went to the Krew Kapers tonight.  I highly recommend it.  It was clever and joyful and some parts were impressive and touching.  The theater was pretty full and passengers were vocal in their appreciation.  I got a little teary listening to one crew member do an excellent job on “The Impossible Dream”.  I also get teary when little kids do songs in school programs....so factor that in as you will.  

 

Dinner in Compass Rose.  Are you tired of me saying SO Good yet?  I had the mushroom soup with truffle, and so did Rolf.  It was __ __   __ __ __ __!  (Bet you counted, didn’t you!).
I had the excellent grilled grouper and my husband had.....and I will testify in a court of law...

 

1.  lobster tail

2.  Lobster thermidor

3.  Grouper

 

Honest to goodness, I don’t know where he puts it.  And he is NOT overweight, somehow.  Granted, he didn’t eat the sides and extras, but....  then he had the Baked Alaska and a chocolate dessert with I think mango in it.  I held the line with only one dessert.  🤔🤨. It was excellent.

 

BTW I noted that when the CD came over the PA system, she apologized for a second ship wide announcement, the first being the cancelled port and the second being the poor overboard passenger.  That demonstrates to me how strictly Regent tries to control those intrusions.  Big thumbs up.  👍🏻👍🏻
 

FYI when you go to book future cruises, the afternoons/evenings are by appointment only though he will take walk-ins if space allows.  Mornings are walk ins.

 

Another fine day.  I refuse to designate tomorrow with any words that include last or final or closing or concluding or anything similar, just so you know.  
 

 

[cruisun]

Thank you for the excellent reporting, upbeat attitude and excellent pictures. 
we are Crystal refugees and have been doing lots of research. After brochures, YouTube etc etc your information was best!  We have now decided to try Regent first. 😁

[WNcruiser]

@GeorgiaPeach51Thank you again for all of your posts and time taken from your vacation. We are leaving for Miami this morning after our test. Your blog and photos have really built up our excitement for boarding tomorrow! 
 

Can you stay on for another 12 nights? I would love to do a blog with you 😀
 

 

[Gpilon]

16 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

@Gpilon An extra sea day didn't bother us one bit, either.  In fact, I'd almost completely glossed over the missed port (probably only our 2nd or 3rd one in over 100 nights on Regent) because being on Splendor more than made up for it.  

 

I'm really going to miss @GeorgiaPeach51 and her commentary and photos - it's so refreshing to hear someone else echo our feelings about Regent.  There's so much good about sailing on Regent that the rare misses really get blown out of shape.  Although we just came off Splendor less than two months ago, this thread really has us counting down the days until our next cruise just 9 short months away...

Bill....totally agree with you and we have already been discussing the excursions we have booked for next week's cruise. We have been to all 4 of these ports off call again and none of the excursions jumped out at us as a "must do", so we are thinking we may cancel all excursions and just soak in all Splendor has to offer. Luckily, we are in a "named suite" so sitting in the sun on a huge balcony sipping champagne and cocktails will, for us at least, relieve some of the COVID pressures of the past couple weeks. Tests Tuesday then fly to Miami Wednesday......very much looking forward to cruising on Splendor.

[2012_Alaska_bound]

I hope GeorgiaPeach has inspired everyone sailing next week to start a new thread about your adventures!

GP, you definitely need to sail on Regent again, if only to try the scones at tea time!

Adding my thanks for such a great discussion which reminds me of all the reasons I love Regent.

[PaulMCO]

Many thanks for your blog.  Another Crystal refugee following closely with two future cruises booked.

 

You mentioned the Coffee Connection and saw the self serve machines.  How was the coffee and assume they had a barista making espresso's and lattes???

 

I really hate those self serve machines and they look the same as those on Oceania.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

7 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

Many thanks for your blog.  Another Crystal refugee following closely with two future cruises booked.

 

You mentioned the Coffee Connection and saw the self serve machines.  How was the coffee and assume they had a barista making espresso's and lattes???

 

I really hate those self serve machines and they look the same as those on Oceania.

@PaulMCO  They DO have baristas and excellent service if you hate the machines.  I’ll try to take a photo of their coffee menu and post it for you today.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Okay, we risked melting our charge card and booked two more Regent cruises.  That gives us three to anticipate.  Here is what we are doing, simply so that if anyone has been reading this if we have the good fortune to sail with you in the future, we will have a chance to meet!  Let me know if you are on any of these and would like to meet for a drink!
 

November 19, 2022    Barcelona to Miami on the Splendor

 

May 5, 2023    Miami to Montreal, Navigator

 

September 20, 2023   Vancouver to Tokyo, Explorer

 

A big thank you to @UUNetBill for his supportive comments and his very helpful cabin review spreadsheet.  We used it to book on all three of our upcoming cruises and it is so much better to not have to try to pin the tail on the donkey blindfolded.  You only have to have a cabin one time under the pool deck where people apparently jump up and down in place while holding maracas, followed by barrel racing horses and the roller derby contingent to appreciate the beauty of suite reviews.  Just sayin’.

[Gpilon]

16 minutes ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Okay, we risked melting our charge card and booked two more Regent cruises.  That gives us three to anticipate.  Here is what we are doing, simply so that if anyone has been reading this if we have the good fortune to sail with you in the future, we will have a chance to meet!  Let me know if you are on any of these and would like to meet for a drink!
 

November 19, 2022    Barcelona to Miami on the Splendor

 

May 5, 2023    Miami to Montreal, Navigator

 

September 20, 2023   Vancouver to Tokyo, Explorer

 

A big thank you to @UUNetBill for his supportive comments and his very helpful cabin review spreadsheet.  We used it to book on all three of our upcoming cruises and it is so much better to not have to try to pin the tail on the donkey blindfolded.  You only have to have a cabin one time under the pool deck where people apparently jump up and down in place while holding maracas, followed by barrel racing horses and the roller derby contingent to appreciate the beauty of suite reviews.  Just sayin’.

Nice cruises....we are also looking at Barcelona to Miami cruise o n Splendor and will probably book when onboard next week. Were are originally from Montreal.....so if you would like any suggestions just ask.

 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

@PaulMCO  this is the best I could do with Coffee Connections menu photos.  I can say that we are kind of picky about coffee, and have a Lavazza machine at home.  I found the coffee drinks good, but always added an extra shot of espresso.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

5 minutes ago, Gpilon said:

Nice cruises....we are also looking at Barcelona to Miami cruise o n Splendor and will probably book when onboard next week. Were are originally from Montreal.....so if you would like any suggestions just ask.

 

Well, yay!  I hope we will get an opportunity to meet if you do book it.  We are excited to see Montreal and Quebec City.  Thanks for the offer of info.  We might have questions about excursions later.