Navigator - Live 8/12/2022 Amsterdam to Barcelona

[mdunne48]

Day 6 / 34 —— 

 

Another sea day tomorrow!!! We have not left Bordeaux and the captain announced that we would be skipping our next port, Saint Jean de Luz, (Barritz).

 

This is due to forecasted weather in that area. Bummer!!!! Bummer!!!! Bummer!!! 
 

This was going to be a tender port so I guess it makes sense if the weather is going to be that poor. 
 

Late breakfast 😊😊😊

[RachelG]

I do love St Emilion.  But there are definitely some steep cobble stone streets there.  No flip flop sandals should be worn--i learned the hard way.  

[mdunne48]

 

Day 6 / 34 - Last entry

 

Before leaving Bordeaux last night I was experimenting with my camera. I hope that you like the results. This is the Pont Jacques Changan Delmas which the Navigator will sail under.

 

Daytime view

 

At 10:00 p.m. — level

 

 

At 10:05 p.m — 10%

 

 

At 10:08 p.m. — 25%

 

 

At 10:10 p.m. — 50%

 

 

At 10:12 p.m. — 75%

 

 

At 10:15 p.m. — 90%

 

 

At 10:16 p.m. — 100%

 

My favorite:

 

 

[mdunne48]

Day 7 / 35 - At Sea 

 

A partly cloudy morning with temperatures in the upper 60’s, low 70’s. We are sailing east to west across the Bay of Biscay. The seas are rolling but not rough. Pretty strong winds from the east are buffeting the Navigator. 

 

Our next port of call will be Ferrol, Spain. This is located in the upper northwest corner of the Iberian peninsula. We have never been there so a new adventure awaits. 

 

We will be arriving about 4 hours earlier than planned due to today’s cancellation. Hopefully that will give us some more exploration time. We are finding that adventures on our own work better for the two of us. 

 

I think it is time to visit the onboard cruise consultant.  We have already booked for 2023 & 2024 but 2025 just came on line 😊😊

 

Last night was the pool grill. DW had the lamb chops (slightly overcooked) while I had the very unimpressive special hamburger. But we found a very nice Shiraz wine to enjoy the rest of the cruise with. Back to CR today for great meals. 

 

Later everyone……..

 

[liptastic]

Great photos especially the bridge . We were on deck watching was quite a sight and a lovely night .  Jean 

[Gilly]

@mdunne48 we explored that part of Spain earlier this year so I'm looking forward to seeing where your explorations of Ferrol take you.   Thanks for great photos!

[mdunne48]

Day 7 / 35 (continued)

 

A bit of housekeeping…..

 

There are 394 passengers aboard this segment. That equates to about an 80% occupancy rate. 
 

We were surprised Regent added crew in Bordeaux. We counted at least 6 onboarding. 
 

The prohibition against crew dining with passengers seems to have ended as the captain hosted 4 couples at his table in C R tonight. Also the cruise director had dinner with guests as well.

 

Crew are still wearing face masks whenever they are in contact with guests. 
 

So being a sea day not much happened!  We enjoyed doing nothing. Cards, games, etc filled our day until, of course, dinner time. Then the fun began…….

 

A ship with two souls can best describe the Regent Navigator. The dinners, food quality, in Compass Rose have been consistently EXCELLENT!!! The presentation has been EXCELLENT!! There should be nothing to complain about……however.
 

The service has been lacking unfortunately.  

 

In both LaVeranda and CR the service just hasn’t been what we have grown accustomed to a Regent vessel. We actually timed it at lunch today and it took 20 minutes before a drink order, for water, was taken. I know a first world problem……The Voyager was on the ball…. The Navigator is behind the ball.

 

Service at dinner was equally non-descript. Long waits between courses but outstanding food once it arrived….

 

The DW gad the miso glazed sea bass…..

 

In her words a get again TONIGHT!!! 
 

 

I had the fettuccine pasta :

 

 

Followed  by the soon to be forgotten Caribbean Seafood and curry dish:

 

 

The DW chose well!!!

 

For desserts the chocolate soufflé for DW and the NY style cheesecake for me.

 

Again the DW chose the better…..

 

 

Not bad but not great:

 

 

All in all a good sea day. We are looking forward to a full day tomorrow in Ferrol Spain. Adventures on our own or A-O-O-O!!!

 

Enjoy your evening wherever you are….

[briar14]

We departed the Navigator on August 12 and did not experience any lapse in service. For the 20 days we were onboard, service, staff, and crew were the best we have had on 16 Regent cruises. I hope it improves for you. 

[Gilly]

Absolutely!  Fully agree with @briar14 here.  In fact, I'd go as far as to say the service on Navigator was what made it so special.  We too disembarked in Amsterdam and noted there were some staff changes, which perhaps made the difference?  But I believe most of the key people are still on board which makes it all the more surprising.  

[mdunne48]

Day 8 / 36 - Ferrol, Spain

 

Good morning Galicia!! Entering the estuary leading to Ferrol. Enjoy!!!

 

 

 

What a gorgeous morning!

 

 

 

So many beautiful vantage points

 

 

Entering Rio de Ferrol

 

[mdunne48]

52 minutes ago, Gilly said:

Absolutely!  Fully agree with @briar14 here.  In fact, I'd go as far as to say the service on Navigator was what made it so special.  We too disembarked in Amsterdam and noted there were some staff changes, which perhaps made the difference?  But I believe most of the key people are still on board which makes it all the more surprising.  

Maybe we are being too critical? Both of us feel the same way. The service on Voyager was hands down better than we have received on Navigator, a noticeable, measurable difference. In any other environment it would probably be judged as very good but our vantage point is a comparison to the service provided on Voyager last month.
 

However and again it is unanimous, the food on Navigator, except for the pool grill (DH), has been much better on Navigator. 
 

We sit and linger over every dinner….I think this sums it up best. The DW, while we were at lunch yesterday, remarked “I wonder what’s for dinner tonight” priceless….

 

Off to see Ferrol…….
 

 

 

[Gilly]

5 hours ago, mdunne48 said:

Maybe we are being too critical?

Never!  Sometimes, it jusr doesn't gel - and perhaps we struck lucky?  We sat on tables with a variety of staff members, with Milo, Ralph, Mario, Jackson and others, and know Binu, Vishnu and Shambu from previous cruises.  Elsa, on "the point" steered us in one direction or another each evening and we didn't argue (though she may say otherwise 🤣 )  We did have a couple of slowish lunches and a very slow breakfast one day but didn't mind that too much - perhaps I overlooked those?

 

I agree that every dish was great - we also enjoyed two "special menus" with friends - Indian one evening and Asian another.  They were spectacular!

[mrstanley]

We disembarked in Amsterdam.

I thought the service was great!

The crew was some of the sweetest people.

 

Occasionally our food was not hot but everything we had tasted great.

 

We were  not happy with any of the red wines. The white were better.

 

The service in the lounges was great.

 

My favorite entree was Beef Wellington!

 

[2012_Alaska_bound]

@mdunne48 are you seeing a difference in service in all venues, or just Compass Rose? There were a couple well deserved promotions that took place on Friday the 12th in CR, so maybe they are adjusting a little. If anyone is lurking...?

 

Because I agree that all service July 23 - August 12 was superb!

Any GVers notice a difference?

Edited August 19, 2022 by 2012_Alaska_bound
corrected

[mdunne48]

31 minutes ago, 2012_Alaska_bound said:

@mdunne48 are you seeing a difference in service in all venues, or just Compass Rose? There were a couple well deserved promotions that took place on Friday the 12th in CR, so maybe they are adjusting a little. If anyone is lurking...?

 

Because I agree that all service July 23 - August 12 was superb!

Any GVers notice a difference?

My comparison was to the service received on the RSSC Voyager.  IMHO, There have been lapses at the pool grill, LaVeranda & at CR when compared to the Voyager. Nothing dramatic, just noticeable. 

The food though has been GREAT!!! Well worth the occasional wait. Today I got the perfect hot dog at the pool grill when I asked the chef to really BURN it!!! Superb!!!!

[cwn]

3 hours ago, Gilly said:We sat on tables with a variety of staff members, with Milo, Ralph, Mario, Jackson and others, and know Binu, Vishnu and Shambu from previous cruises……

I am so glad to hear that Vishnu and Shambu are still with Regent. We spent 137 days with them as our waiters in 2018.  They along with Big T and Mario made our meal! They are great!

[mdunne48]

Day 8 - 36 Ferrol, Spain

 

Ah!!! A beautiful day awaited us this morning, clear blue skies with moderate temperatures promised all day. It did not disappoint!

 

The view from our balcony. Not shabby in the least.

 

 

We used the shuttle bus from close to the pier to the Center of Ferrol, right next to the Naval museum. Not more than a 5 minute ride. Then on foot from there to explore. 

 

Okay why is that bagpiper practicing, and poorly, OMG!!!!

 

🤣🤣🤣

 

It was this local group, warming up, who are now serenading the Navigator. An excellent end to today’s visit and it is steering my blog off it’s intended course…. 

 

 

Outstanding!!

 

Wikipedia to the rescue!!

 

A Galician “gaita”, a form of bagpipe, is very popular throughout this region of Spain. Here is the full group in their colourful costumes.

 

Bravo Regent for a wonderful addition to this segment. The little things count!!! 

[Gilly]

2 hours ago, cwn said:

am so glad to hear that Vishnu and Shambu are still with Regent.

We were delighted to see them both on Navigator each with extra responsibilities as well.

[mdunne48]

Day 8 - 36 Ferrol, Spain

 

We used the shuttle bus from close to the pier to the Center of Ferrol, right next to the Naval museum. Not more than a 5 minute ride. Then on foot from there to explore. 

 

Ok where was I when I was so pleasantly interrupted by our musical send off?
 

Oh yes, today in Ferrol.

 

I’m sure that Ferrol is a great city. However it is August and that means vacation time in Europe. A lot of the city was closed. 

 

After getting off the bus we headed straight to the central market and we were not disappointed. You see immediately the difference in life here. People buy their food for today and maybe tomorrow. They don’t have the large refrigerator that are a common appliance in America. On our journey today we saw an appliance store and got a first hand look at their selection of appliances.

 

A vegetable stand upon entering:

 

 

Great eggplant:

 

 

Heirloom tomatoes 🍅 

 

Some dried fish:

 

 
Lobsters:

 

 

Pigs feet:

 

 

Everyone’s favorite: 

 

 

Yes you guessed it, pigs ears……

 

Mussels, more mussels, and a lot more mussels…

 

 

The market was clean and fresh. I’m sure we looked out of place but no one said a word as they went about their work or shopping. 

 
 

We walked Rua Real from one end to the other. This is the main shopping street in Ferrol, not much open. We crossed over to Rua Magdalena for the walk back and even less was open.

 

 

We did manage to see the sights nevertheless. A pagoda with great iron work around it and on the top.

 

 

Another view:

 

 

A fabulous fountain down by the Naval Museum. Ferrol is a large vase for Spain’s navy. 

 

 

Statues to bygone leaders

 

 

Churches and more churches…….

 

 

People going about their daily lives regardless of our intrusion. 

 

Not sure if he was part of our send off band!!

 

 

Where did 7 hours go? 

 

A few park benches beckoned us to rest the weary feet. 

 

A great send off as we sailed pass this “fort” and were serenaded a second time with a 3 gun salute!!

 

The captain forecasted a great sunset….unfortunately it will not be occurring due to a wall of clouds on the horizon. 

 

The best I can offer…..

 

 
On our way to Oporto, Portugal

[golfgirls]

Not sure how many days you have left on your cruise but please ask for Mukesh’s section next time you dine in CR.  He is outstanding and if Cyrel is still the sommelier working with him, you will be very happy campers.  We too were on the Copenhagen to Amsterdam leg and were spoiled rotten in terms of service.  Can’t understand why you are having issues but if you can, please try this section.   Hope it works for you.  

[2012_Alaska_bound]

7 hours ago, mdunne48 said:

IMHO, There have been lapses at the pool grill, LaVeranda & at CR when compared to the Voyager. Nothing dramatic, just noticeable. 

 

 

So not only in CR, which is what I was worrying about. Sorry it is anywhere though!

[mdunne48]

Day 9 / 37 - Porto (Oporto), Portugal

 

Another beautiful morning greets us as we enter the Porto harbor. Sunny skies and mild temperatures will be on today’s menu.

 

The trip into this harbor berth is rather short, probably less than 500 yards to the outer sea wall. 
 

This is the cruise ship terminal.

 

 

Reminds me of the Guggenheim “flower pot” museum in NYC.

 

We are doing the Porto hop on hop off excursion today. We will be concentrating on the Old Town area as we only have 6 hours here. Too rushed in my opinion.  Looks like a great city to invest some time in.

 

Later…..

 

 

[mdunne48]

Day 9 / 37 - Porto (continued)

 

Another first world problem. Went to the reception desk to break a 100€ Bank note. They do not carry €’s on this trip only $$.

 

Why!! This segment is almost entirely inside the EU. Why wouldn’t they have €’s….

 

Just the little things but they add up…..

 

Later…enjoying cheese, crackers and port on the balcony in PortO!!!! 
 

🤣🤣🤣

[RachelG]

2 hours ago, mdunne48 said:

Day 9 / 37 - Porto (continued)

 

Another first world problem. Went to the reception desk to break a 100€ Bank note. They do not carry €’s on this trip only $$.

 

Why!! This segment is almost entirely inside the EU. Why wouldn’t they have €’s….

 

Just the little things but they add up…..

 

Later…enjoying cheese, crackers and port on the balcony in PortO!!!! 
 

🤣🤣🤣

That is weird.  I have definitely gotten change in euros onboard 

[2012_Alaska_bound]

For some reason, Regent decided to only carry USD on this Grand Voyage. We thought it was strange last segment too, since we needed DKK, NKK, Pounds, and Euros.

 

On April TA they had euros available (at a terrible exchange rate, but at least you could get them).