Live: Explorer, Vancouver/Alaska/Japan

[fudge]

The bumpy night continued, rocking and rolling, the sea sick tablets certainly helps. We woke early again, the bright sunshine pouring through the window, still rocky but at least the sun is shining, Mrs Fudge took a lovely photo even though it was only 05.30.

 

The remnants of the pizza lying in the lounge is never a pretty sight coupled with an empty whisky glass that Mr Fudge tried to disguise, Mrs Fudge used to be a detective, nothing much gets past her.

If things do not change, we are on a tour today, it’s supposed to be 70 degrees fingers crossed.

 

Today (Saturday) we arrived in Sendai, Japan. The largest city in the Tohoku region. Sendai is a sprawling bur pleasant place. It has broad tree lined avenues and a lively downtown district. The city’s castle ruins and history associated museum.

 

Though central Sendai had to be rebuilt after World War two, its streets follow the original grid pattern laid out by Masamune in the 17^th century. The main downtown area are a high-rise district of offices and shopping malls, lies on the east bank of the Hirose-gawa.

 

Matsushima bay is officially designated one of Japan’s three scenic areas. Matsushima roots go back as far as 828. There are 400 yr. old cedar trees and cave shrines in the central avenue. For those not on a tour there are complimentary shuttles from the ship to a shopping mall, Mrs Fudge will be horrified to have missed that!!

 

The breakfast this morning was a complete disaster! We arrived at Compass Rose 8am on the nose, led to our table for 08.02, we ordered breakfast at 08.05. Nothing special, French toast for Mrs Fudge and two fried eggs on toast, with a side of bacon and mushrooms for Mr Fudge, easy right? Now, I am a cook, I can cook this breakfast in less than 15 minutes.

 

We also ordered a glass of champagne; we had a special celebration. After 40 minutes, no champagne, no breakfast! I did ask after 30 minutes what was happening? We were told “its on its way” well of course it is. After 45 mins the plates arrived, no toast with my eggs, Mrs Fudge has a double potion of French toast which she didn’t ask for, then came a buck’s fizz!! All in all, a shocking experience.

 

When you pay the money, you do for a “luxury” cruise you expect them to get it right, not all the time but most of the time.

 

[John Cruise]

Totally agree!

JC

[fudge]

The bumpy night continued, rocking and rolling, the sea sick tablets certainly helps. We woke early again, the bright sunshine pouring through the window, still rocky but at least the sun is shining, Mrs Fudge took a lovely photo even though it was only 05.30.

 

The remnants of the pizza lying in the lounge is never a pretty sight coupled with an empty whisky glass that Mr Fudge tried to disguise, Mrs Fudge used to be a detective, nothing much gets past her.

If things do not change, we are on a tour today, it’s supposed to be 70 degrees fingers crossed.

 

Today (Saturday) we arrived in Sendai, Japan. The largest city in the Tohoku region. Sendai is a sprawling bur pleasant place. It has broad tree lined avenues and a lively downtown district. The city’s castle ruins and history associated museum.

 

Though central Sendai had to be rebuilt after World War two, its streets follow the original grid pattern laid out by Masamune in the 17^th century. The main downtown area are a high-rise district of offices and shopping malls, lies on the east bank of the Hirose-gawa.

 

Matsushima bay is officially designated one of Japan’s three scenic areas. Matsushima roots go back as far as 828. There are 400 yr. old cedar trees and cave shrines in the central avenue. For those not on a tour there are complimentary shuttles from the ship to a shopping mall, Mrs Fudge will be horrified to have missed that!!

 

The breakfast this morning was a complete disaster! We arrived at Compass Rose 8am on the nose, led to our table for 08.02, we ordered breakfast at 08.05. Nothing special, French toast for Mrs Fudge and two fried eggs on toast, with a side of bacon and mushrooms for Mr Fudge, easy right? Now, I am a cook, I can cook this breakfast in less than 15 minutes.

 

We also ordered a glass of champagne; we had a special celebration. After 40 minutes, no champagne, no breakfast! I did ask after 30 minutes what was happening? We were told “its on its way” well of course it is. After 45 mins the plates arrived, no toast with my eggs, Mrs Fudge has a double potion of French toast which she didn’t ask for, then came a buck’s fizz!! All in all, a shocking experience.

 

When you pay the money, you do for a “luxury” cruise you expect them to get it right, not all the time but most of the time.

 

 

The tour:

We met in the theatre at 09.05, things ran smoothly, we were called to our bus number 1 for the tour, Historic Sendai, a free tour. The bus was very clean, comfortable, and spacious, about two thirds full. Our tour guide introduced himself and our driver, off we went. You can get free WIFI on here too.

 

There were three destinations today, a four-hour 30 minutes tour. After 30 minutes we reached the Masamune’s mausoleum. Please note: This stop would not suit those with walking difficulties, those who are infirm or need a walking aid. There are at least 80 steps to climb, and steep too.

 

We had around 50 minutes to explore the site. Our guide was very good, he had a good command of English and was very knowledgeable.  We looked around several small temples, it was basically all the history of the mausoleum. There are bathrooms here which you are encouraged to use.

 

We then drove to Sendai Castle, more steps I’m afraid, its not actually a castle, there were several monuments to take photos of. Also on site are food courts, all fast food, Mr Fudge was going to try the local cuisine however, first mistake, we didn’t take and Yen, I was told they don’t take credit cards, or dollars. A lovely lady off the ship lent me 1000 yen, (3.50 dollars) He thought great let’s try the local food, wrong, now you have to put your notes in a machine to order, Mr impatient Fudge gave up, it was in the “too hard tray”.

 

The last stop was the city museum in a park, we gave the museum a miss, we were only there 40 minutes so we had a leisurely walk around the park.

We boarded the bus for a 35-minute drive to the ship. Now then, there is always a but, here it is. Over 15 buses left at the same time, consequently most arrived back at the ship at the same time. You would think Regent would have had the foresight to think, lots of people arriving back at the same time, no!

 

The line for the gangway was huge as was the elevators.

The only place left to eat was the pool grill, we managed to get a table just, however, folks were wondering around like lost sheep!!

 

We ordered quickly and got drinks not like the debacle at breakfast. In the end we gave our table to a couple and we took our drinks back to the suite. Mrs Fudge has already packed three suitcases, Mr Fudge has to go out tonight without underwear!!

 

[rcandkc]

1 hour ago, fudge said:

The bumpy night continued, rocking and rolling, the sea sick tablets certainly helps. We woke early again, the bright sunshine pouring through the window, still rocky but at least the sun is shining, Mrs Fudge took a lovely photo even though it was only 05.30.

 

The remnants of the pizza lying in the lounge is never a pretty sight coupled with an empty whisky glass that Mr Fudge tried to disguise, Mrs Fudge used to be a detective, nothing much gets past her.

If things do not change, we are on a tour today, it’s supposed to be 70 degrees fingers crossed.

 

Today (Saturday) we arrived in Sendai, Japan. The largest city in the Tohoku region. Sendai is a sprawling bur pleasant place. It has broad tree lined avenues and a lively downtown district. The city’s castle ruins and history associated museum.

 

Though central Sendai had to be rebuilt after World War two, its streets follow the original grid pattern laid out by Masamune in the 17^th century. The main downtown area are a high-rise district of offices and shopping malls, lies on the east bank of the Hirose-gawa.

 

Matsushima bay is officially designated one of Japan’s three scenic areas. Matsushima roots go back as far as 828. There are 400 yr. old cedar trees and cave shrines in the central avenue. For those not on a tour there are complimentary shuttles from the ship to a shopping mall, Mrs Fudge will be horrified to have missed that!!

 

The breakfast this morning was a complete disaster! We arrived at Compass Rose 8am on the nose, led to our table for 08.02, we ordered breakfast at 08.05. Nothing special, French toast for Mrs Fudge and two fried eggs on toast, with a side of bacon and mushrooms for Mr Fudge, easy right? Now, I am a cook, I can cook this breakfast in less than 15 minutes.

 

We also ordered a glass of champagne; we had a special celebration. After 40 minutes, no champagne, no breakfast! I did ask after 30 minutes what was happening? We were told “its on its way” well of course it is. After 45 mins the plates arrived, no toast with my eggs, Mrs Fudge has a double potion of French toast which she didn’t ask for, then came a buck’s fizz!! All in all, a shocking experience.

 

When you pay the money, you do for a “luxury” cruise you expect them to get it right, not all the time but most of the time.

 

 

The tour:

We met in the theatre at 09.05, things ran smoothly, we were called to our bus number 1 for the tour, Historic Sendai, a free tour. The bus was very clean, comfortable, and spacious, about two thirds full. Our tour guide introduced himself and our driver, off we went. You can get free WIFI on here too.

 

There were three destinations today, a four-hour 30 minutes tour. After 30 minutes we reached the Masamune’s mausoleum. Please note: This stop would not suit those with walking difficulties, those who are infirm or need a walking aid. There are at least 80 steps to climb, and steep too.

 

We had around 50 minutes to explore the site. Our guide was very good, he had a good command of English and was very knowledgeable.  We looked around several small temples, it was basically all the history of the mausoleum. There are bathrooms here which you are encouraged to use.

 

We then drove to Sendai Castle, more steps I’m afraid, its not actually a castle, there were several monuments to take photos of. Also on site are food courts, all fast food, Mr Fudge was going to try the local cuisine however, first mistake, we didn’t take and Yen, I was told they don’t take credit cards, or dollars. A lovely lady off the ship lent me 1000 yen, (3.50 dollars) He thought great let’s try the local food, wrong, now you have to put your notes in a machine to order, Mr impatient Fudge gave up, it was in the “too hard tray”.

 

The last stop was the city museum in a park, we gave the museum a miss, we were only there 40 minutes so we had a leisurely walk around the park.

We boarded the bus for a 35-minute drive to the ship. Now then, there is always a but, here it is. Over 15 buses left at the same time, consequently most arrived back at the ship at the same time. You would think Regent would have had the foresight to think, lots of people arriving back at the same time, no!

 

The line for the gangway was huge as was the elevators.

The only place left to eat was the pool grill, we managed to get a table just, however, folks were wondering around like lost sheep!!

 

We ordered quickly and got drinks not like the debacle at breakfast. In the end we gave our table to a couple and we took our drinks back to the suite. Mrs Fudge has already packed three suitcases, Mr Fudge has to go out tonight without underwear!!

 

As I’ve read your posts with much interest …I’ve enjoyed a lot…I think I’m glad I’m booked Japan to Alaska.  I’ll be fresh in Japan. 

[fudge]

From the tour.

[fudge]

[fudge]

[fudge]

[fudge]

The Explorer just scraping under the bridge as we enter the harbour.

Edited October 8, 2023 by fudge

[Stickman1990]

Someone waiting for their Silversea ship reports you’ve arrived in Yokohama 

 

 

[fudge]

21 hours ago, fudge said:

The Explorer just scraping under the bridge as we enter the harbour.

Hi everyone, real problems with my lap top so will update in a few days.. Sorry :(

[fudge]

Hi all. sorry but due to technical issues with my laptop I am unable to update this thread at the present time. Hopefully I can finish it in one or two days.... sorry :(

Edited October 9, 2023 by fudge

[fudge]

On a tour, this place was manic, China town

[fudge]

On a tour, lovely gardens,

[fudge]

Mr and Mrs Fudge win the fancy dress competition.

[fudge]

From the top of the landmark tower, 971 feet!  69 floors, the elevator sped at 750k per minute.

[fudge]

From yesterday

Tonight, it was the Krew Kapers. Volunteers from the crew perform on stage. Although we have seen it before, the crew are outstanding, they quite rightly had a standing ovation for their performance.

After the performance the cruise director sad “by the way, the toiletries in your bathroom may explode at 30,000 feet!!”  Everybody howled laughing, lets hope the 10 bottles of booze we have don’t explode.  

 

From there we dined at Compass Rose, a lovely meal with a shared table. Mrs Fudge had the beef wellington, Mr Fudge had the Japanese curry which was tasty.

 

What about this, before our dinner to went to the Meridian lounge for a drink, we ordered two glasses of champagne, would you believe the barman said, “sorry we have run out of champagne, would you like sparkling wine?” Just unreal, eventually the waiter came with a bottle, he said he had to scour the ship just for us!  

 

We had a nightcap in the observation lounge with friends we have met on the ship, it’s quite sad really to leave nice people but that’s cruising for you.

 

Before we dined, Mrs Fudge went to collect our games prizes at the theatre, all very civilised apparently. We finished with, Regent luggage straps, three polo shirts, baseball cap, a flat-water bottle and a sunhat.

 

A smooth sailing overnight brings us to Yokohama, Japan.

 

Until the mid-19^th century Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. However, in 1883 American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever.

 

The city quickly emerged as an international trading centre, and while today it is overshadowed by Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan’s liveliest and most international destinations. It has microbreweries and international restaurants; the city has a decidedly different feel to from many other Japanese cities.

 

Tokyo is the largest city on earth, packet with some of the world’s best shops, museums and restaurants big and small. Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration, visit Asakusa for the bright lights, the street fairs and temples. It has the largest fish market in the whole world with on-the-spot Suchi.

 

We went on a tour; we left the pier at 09.15 we had three stops. The first stop was Sankeien Garden. The gardens a very large indeed and beautifully laid out, we had an hour there. They were created Sankei Hara, a successful business man who built a fortune through the trading of silk and raw silk

The gardens are 175,000 square meters, there is an inner garden and an outer garden, it was opened to the public in 1906. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour, there were some huge Koy carp in the lake, you buy bread for pennies to feed them, we did that and they swarmed to us.

 

The next highlight was a visit to the Landmark tower, a huge skyscraper over 971 feet at the top, you get in the elevator to the 69^th floor, it travels at 750 meters per second in places but you cannot feel it. Once there are magnificent views of the city and the Explorer in the pier. Top tip, stay with your guide, it gets very confusing with different levels at the start.

 

Our last visit was a walk along China town. A really bustling busy place with literally hundreds of people walking the sidewalks. Us being cat lovers found a cat café, you walk in there, there were at least a dozen cats in there, Mrs Fudge had her “cat fix” until we get home to our ten cats!

We got back to the ship around 17.30, we are trying for Pacific rim tonight, we will camp out until we have a table, we may even bribe the Maître de with a few bucks to get in, failing that I will kidnap him and take him back to our suite until morning.

 

 

 

 

[frantic36]

1 hour ago, fudge said:

Hi all. sorry but due to technical issues with my laptop I am unable to update this thread at the present time. Hopefully I can finish it in one or two days.... sorry 😞

I am hoping the photos you just posted indicate a fix for the laptop. 

 

Thanks for your great trip report. I am doing Tokyo next year on Regent Explorer and have bookmarked this to use to help plan excursions. 

[fudge]

No idea how I got my lap top working, now in the First class lounge in Japan, Maybe its the Japanese technology, who knows?

[fudge]

We did find a table in Pacific rim for our last night, lovely meal, lovely setting. Lovely people.

 

We had some yen currency left, Mrs Fudge decided to change it back to dollars, went to reception, the staff said “sorry, no can do, no internet, no change there then!!  She asked for a comments form, reception gave her a blank sheet of A4 and said “write your comments on there I will pass it to someone!! You really couldn’t make it up!

 

We woke early again, already packed just a wash and scrub up. Mrs Fudge is so good at packing. Looked out of the window, lashing down with rain. We left the ship at 07.40 to the bus park, no crew near the gangway to wish us good buy that’s a first.

 

We got soaked going to the bus, no umbrellas, the Japanese people are so nice the exit to the bus couldn’t have gone smoother.  At 08.10 off to terminal 3 at the airport, its Monday but a holiday so it took just 30 minutes. We arrived at 08.40, no check in until 10.15 never mind.

Checked in first class, a real treat for us, straight to the first-class lounge where I write this. A 15 hour non stop to the UK awaits.

 

Fingers crossed folks, I will work on a summary when home. Until then, thanks everyone for your kind comments, safe journey, enjoy cruising.

 

 

 

[Stickman1990]

34 minutes ago, fudge said:

we are trying for Pacific rim tonight, we will camp out until we have a table, we may even bribe the Maître de with a few bucks to get in, failing that I will kidnap him and take him back to our suite until morning.

 

Interesting - is there a MALE Maitre d in Pacific Rim now? - I thought they tried to maintain a female team out in the Pacific Rim restaurant from the maitre d down

[kjbacon]

5 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

 

Interesting - is there a MALE Maitre d in Pacific Rim now? - I thought they tried to maintain a female team out in the Pacific Rim restaurant from the maitre d down

I saw that too and my understanding is that an all female team in Pacific Rim was a must and not a try. 
 

@fudge safe travels to you and thanks again for taking us along with you.

[Stefken]

Enjoyed reading all about your adventures on board and off. Amusing and informative. Joining Explorer in November, hoping things improve on the catering side, and you’ve left some champagne 🍾🍾🥂🥂
 

Safe travels home. We have a villa in Paphos, Cyprus. Love the island.

 

🛳🛳🛳🛳🛳🛳

[GeorgiaPeach51]

I have really enjoyed your trip report, the pictures and your amusing commentary.  Thanks for taking the time to entertain us!  I looked forward to catching up with you every morning!

 

Joanie

[TheShag]

4 hours ago, Stefken said:

Enjoyed reading all about your adventures on board and off. Amusing and informative. Joining Explorer in November, hoping things improve on the catering side, and you’ve left some champagne 🍾🍾🥂🥂
 

Safe travels home. We have a villa in Paphos, Cyprus. Love the island.

 

🛳🛳🛳🛳🛳🛳

I will second the 'champagne' request as I plan to help Stefken with that onerous task. As well, the single malt, etc.etc!