Live from RSSC Voyager sailing July 15, 2022

[mdunne48]

Day 5 - Killybegs, Ireland

 

Definite change in the weather this morning. Temperatures in the 50’s with substantial cloud cover with the threat of rain showers. A typical Irish morning I am told. 

 

Killybegs is a deep water seaport in county Donegal, the northwestern corner of the Republic of Ireland. It was noted for its fishing industries in past years but in recent times that has not been true as evidenced by the number of trawlers docked in port. 

 

Today we went on the tour, A walk in the Blue Stack Mountains. A 30 minute bus ride through the lush green Irish countryside brought us to the beginning of our walk adjacent to a soccer pitch. Up, down and around the Blue Stacks for 2.5 miles with expert commentary by our Irish guide, Moira. She was the proverbial fountain of knowledge concerning Irish history and folklore. Her specialty is in Neolithic civilizations, not necessarily Irish. Listening to her explain the connection between Ireland and the Ukraine was fascinating. If you are ever in this port on Regent I highly recommend this tour. 

 

Back to the ship by 12:15 and a light, by Regent standards, lunch in LaVeranda. 

 

Rain started at 1:00 p.m……but very light.

 

All is good aboard RSSC Voyager.

 

[mdunne48]

Ship’s executive concierge insists there are 529 paying passengers on board this segment. Now does Jason Montague and family count???? He asked if I thought there were any stowaway’s on board and I told him, YES!!! I even gave them a name and bad photo of the perpetrator, Bill alias UUNetBill.  Last seen at all bars simultaneously!!!

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks mdunne48 for your pictures and commentary. I am really enjoying joining you on your trip. We had a similar itinerary booked for next month but were forced to cancel due to DH's health. 

Have a super trip. 

[never2home]

23 hours ago, CruisetheCs said:

Everything is free on Regent--free excursions, free laundry, free drinks, free weights 😀  

 

I get that, but it doesn't answer my question!  I am referring to the gym and whether there are weights, 5#, 10#, etc.! 

[never2home]

20 hours ago, mdunne48 said:

Here they are but they do have some associated costs$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 🙂

Perfect, thank you for the picture.

[CruiserFromMaine]

13 hours ago, DeepFreeze63 said:

Interest sight, MANY wind turbines arriving for installation;

We were there in 2018 and there were stacks of wind turbine blades then, too. 
 

Fascinating to see them up close and on their sides, they weren’t immediately recognizable. 

Edited July 19, 2022 by CruiserFromMaine

[GeorgiaPeach51]

I’m really enjoying reading your review!  Thanks for taking the time to do it!

 

Joanie

[mdunne48]

Day 6 — North Atlantic or “Rock ‘n Roll all night”. No Gene Simmons was not performing last night on board the Voyager. Mother Nature however was…..let’s call this act “heavy seas” or “shake it up baby”’ which happened to be the last song played last night by the Mersey Beatles, a full Beatles replica cover band. How prophetic!! BTW, they were pretty good. 
 

This morning as we speed along with the sun shining, since 4:10 am or thereabouts, we are still enjoying a roller coaster ride. There are not that many whitecaps visible nor do the swells look particularly large. We probably are running against the current causing the “commotion on the ocean” ( stolen from Ben Woodwind).

 

Should I venture out for coffee or wait a few hours until breakfast.? Decisions decisions……. I think coffee wins over safety or sanity….later

[mdunne48]

Before moving day 5 to the memory lane a few items to revisit. 
 

Last night’s dinner at Compass Rose was excellent.  The best of the cruise so far. DW had the filet mignon with mushroom sauce cooked to a perfect medium rare temperature.  I had the cod filet also perfectly seasoned and prepared. Sides were spinach and potatoes for DW.

 

food porn…..

 

Today we have the wine connoisseur’s lunch in Chartreuse…I’ll try to take lots of photos of both the wines and food presented. 
 

Need a 2nd cup of coffee or a martini. Wouldn’t need to shake the martini as the ship is providing quite the stir…..

[mdunne48]

Some pictures from the decks this morning.

 

All the pool deck chairs stacked away. Deck 12 is roped off this morning. Temperatures probably in the upper 40’s. Wind is NNE @ 33 knots with partly cloudy skies. Welcome to the North Atlantic Ocean!! 

 

 

A view from the observation lounge. As you can see the seas are not that turbulent.

 

[DeepFreeze63]

I feel like my call sign - it is cold and windy! I brought thermal underwear and gloves which I am about to break out.

Very interesting speakers this AM - " Young Churchill" and " Sea Birds Outside Your Window".

[UUNetBill]

22 hours ago, mdunne48 said:

Ship’s executive concierge insists there are 529 paying passengers on board this segment. Now does Jason Montague and family count???? He asked if I thought there were any stowaway’s on board and I told him, YES!!! I even gave them a name and bad photo of the perpetrator, Bill alias UUNetBill.  Last seen at all bars simultaneously!!!

Okay, now that's funny.  I guess my reputation precedes me.  I sure hope the photo you provided wasn't my 'brother, can you spare a dime' pic that's been floating around cyberland...

[Ladys Mom]

UUNetbill:

Why don't you take two aspirin and call me in the morning!!

 

[UUNetBill]

41 minutes ago, Ladys Mom said:

UUNetbill:

Why don't you take two aspirin and call me in the morning!!

 

It's gonna take a lot more than that, doc...  😂

[mdunne48]

The connoisseur lunch was superb. 6 pairings were prepared for this well attended event. The time invested was about 2 1/2 hours.

 

Pictures to follow.

 

 

[mdunne48]

[mdunne48]

The half full decanter is a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac. I believe it was being sold at the luncheon for $85 a half ounce. Yes there were takers!!!! 

[macbest]

Enjoying your blog. We join next week in Iceland after the three day Regent precruise. 
 

What has the attire been on the excursions? All bundled up?

[mdunne48]

1 hour ago, macbest said:

Enjoying your blog. We join next week in Iceland after the three day Regent precruise. 
 

What has the attire been on the excursions? All bundled up?

The excursions in Killybegs brought out some heavier wear. Our excursion, a walk in the Blue Stacks, was quite pleasant with only a windbreaker. No gloves, nor ski caps needed. Yesterday on board ship there were a lot of winter jackets being worn by those that ventured outside. A lot of wind and temperature in the mid 50’s. 

[mdunne48]

Day 7 - at Sea…

 

A very calm ocean all night into this morning. The weather looks like it will be a sunny day well at least to begin. 
 

The entertainment last night in the main theatre was Shimi Goldman. He is a tenor based in London. What a voice!! He put together a great 45 minute show that received a standing ovation. 
 

I have to say that Regent upped the entertainment quotient for this 30th anniversary cruise. There have been 4 headliner acts so far and all have been excellent. We are also going to have an Icelandic soprano aboard for the last evening. Can’t remember her name but she is internationally known. 
 

Since we did the excellent wine connoisseur lunch we decided that dinner was to be a simple soup and sandwich in the suite. Can’t rave about either but the dress code was very relaxed :-)
 

Regent also provided each suite with a set of commemorative Waterford tumblers in recognition of the 30th anniversary. Photos to follow later today. Glad we came with a half empty suitcase. Definitely going to need it. 
 

Deck 12 beckons this morning.  I’ll layer up as it is hard to tell what the outside temperature is. 

I think Bingo is on today’s agenda and the Pearl 30th anniversary celebration this evening in the atrium hosted by CEO Jason Montague. There is also a pre-dinner show tonight with another headliner, pianist Chris Hamilton. So much to do and enjoy!!!

[mdunne48]

Here is the tumbler (set of 2) that everyone received.

 

 

[mdunne48]

What was partly sunny earlier this morning has turned into a solid high overcast. Temperature is probably mid to upper 50’s but there is little to no wind. 
 

I had the walking track to myself, well at least in the beginning. Not a soul on deck 12 besides me, peaceful!!! The ocean is like a calm lake this morning, hardly a ripple. At sea your eyes play a trick on you thinking that there are mountains in the distance. In reality it is the combination of the curvature of the earth and the overcast skies that deceive you. 
 

Waiting on breakfast to be delivered. Our butler, Suresh, has been right on time every morning. Speaking of crew ……

 

Everything that most people expect and cherish about Regent has been happening on this cruise. The attentiveness, the politeness, the touches of class that elevates Regent to a higher level then most luxury crew lines is back in abundance. It is a friendly warm service.  Hopefully it is not just because of the 30th anniversary cruise designation or that the CEO is onboard. We will find out as we continue on the Voyager after Reykjavik.  

[rcandkc]

I agree..Suresh is the best butler we have ever had.  He must have been very busy last night because we also ate in cabin.  Sometimes you just want alone time and to recoup. We were tired after all the rolling and shaking on the previous night.  Last night was smooth sailing and great sleeping. 

[DeepFreeze63]

Terrific Speaker Series, this AM. First, "The Indispensable Man - Churchill"; second, "Narwahls".

Walked all hallways in lieu of deck walk. Noticed that all laundrettes, other than on Deck 6, are still fully functional - two were in use. Deck 6 was converted to "Entertainer" cabin.

Captain just announced "calm seas and 54F" now and but deteriorating weather tonight.

[dvalentine823]

Thanks for the postings. We will be embarking Voyager in Copenhagen on Aug 10th. Not sure if you will still be on, but if you are, say hello to the black couple. We will be one of the few 😃, and I will almost always have a camera in hand!