WORLD CRUISE 2024

[crusin7]

Our tour today was Wellington Harbor & The Storm Coast 4 hours.  Scenic drive along the shoreline to Pencarrow Station, New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse.  I was surprised after driving for one hour we were not allowed to get off the bus for photos.  Only drive by pictures.

Two Lighthouses.  
 

We then continued our drive to Pencarrow Lodge/ Farm.   We were served a proper tea with sweet and savory items.  It was very nice.  Then the owner Tom told us about the farm and his sheep and dogs.  

Lady on the left is the Before 


After Photo 

Besides the wind…which Wellington is famous for, we had great weather.  We say goodbye to beautiful New Zealand and take our chances with the Tasman Sea.

[crusin7]

New view of Lighthouses after sail away.

Good night New Zealand 

[flossie009]

Hi Crisy,

Loving your blog.

Were there any special measures taken before entering New Zealand waters to avoid the debacle that a number of cruise ships suffered last year with biofouling issues ?

 

 

 

[crusin7]

4 hours ago, flossie009 said:

 

Were there any special measures taken before entering New Zealand waters to avoid the debacle that a number of cruise ships suffered last year with biofouling issues ?

 

Hi Sue.  I don’t think so.  I will ask someone who might know and get back to you.  So far the Tasman Sea is listening to my prayers.  It’s not worse than what we had in the South Pacific.  I looked yesterday and Sydney is supposed to be in the nineties when we arrive…98 to be exact.  I don’t care for that.  Has anyone done the excursion Aussie Wildlife??  Is it worth braving the heat??

[crusin7]

G’day Sydney!  We had a beautiful sail in.  Only bad part it is 96°.  
 

Crew enjoying the Bridge

The ship cleared about 2:30.  We had to go through immigration. There was a computer glitch so it took awhile.  
Our excursion was Aussie Wildlife. It was an hour of driving each way.  But we got this picture!

Beautiful evening shots!

 

Hi Sue.  I asked about cleaning to enter New Zealand and was told the hull was cleaned extensively!

[RJ2002]

Beautiful shots of Sydney harbor!

[EagleScout66]

Beautiful. Throw another shrimp on the barbie for me

[crusin7]

Today we had an excursion to Bondi Beach and the Opera House.  We left at 0830 so we hit traffic. 
Bondi Beach 

 

We got to the Opera House about 1045.  The bus has to park a fair distance from the entrance.  There are many steps.  It’s gorgeous inside.

Drink menu during performances 

Window washers

Leaving soon.  More photos to come!

[Fun Redhead]

The Opera House is worth seeing, it's really beautiful.

I spent hours to see every room

 a few years ago.

Have fun on your continuing cruise. I just landed in Fiji for my 3 hour layover home

 

It was nice meeting you. Keep on posting your gorgeous pictures.

Rose

[crusin7]

2 hours ago, Fun Redhead said:

The Opera House is worth seeing, it's really beautiful.

I spent hours to see every room

 a few years ago.

Have fun on your continuing cruise. I just landed in Fiji for my 3 hour layover home

 

It was nice meeting you. Keep on posting your gorgeous pictures.

Rose

Hi Rose.  It was wonderful to meet you!  Safe travels to you. The sailing out of Sydney was superb!

 

Bridge People 

 

Ferris Wheel 

Tonight’s Fish macadamia nut crusted Baramundi with a lemon cream sauce . Delicious!

 

[crusin7]

Good Morning Newcastle!

 

[crusin7]

Look what is on the menu for the Pool Grill Dinner tonight.  Who’s in??

 

 

 

 

 

[kjbacon]

How much fun is that, a local feast out at the pool grill? Your pictures and stories have been fantastic, thank you!

[crusin7]

36 minutes ago, kjbacon said:

How much fun is that, a local feast out at the pool grill? Your pictures and stories have been fantastic, thank you!

Thank you so much.  I know what an adventurous diner you are.  I’ll save you a seat for you tomorrow!  Ella said it was jam packed.  Very popular.  They are repeating it tomorrow.  We also have the Sunday Brunch tomorrow. 
Butternut Squash Ravioli…Excellent!

 

Fresh Grilled Local Trout…Delicious!

[crusin7]

Today we had another amazing Grand Buffet.  No Caviar this time but they made up for it with Oysters!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[crusin7]

We had 210 new guests join us in Sydney.  I heard many are first time Regent cruisers.  Today is the Captain’s Welcome.  It is starting at 9:20 PM. He will introduce the Senior Staff.  At 9:30 PM the entertainment starts.  This happened last segment also.  I was told it was because of rough seas.  The Tasman Sea is very calm today.  Yippee!  Is this happening on the other ships??  
Francisco, the absolute best!

[Port Power]

On 3/2/2024 at 11:32 AM, crusin7 said:

Look what is on the menu for the Pool Grill Dinner tonight.  Who’s in??

 

 

It’s a great menu.  I do hope the food items were actually authentic?  On Silversea a menu stated “Australian meat pie” but what was served was a cottage pie (mince in a ramekin with mashed potato on top).  Delicious, but most definitely not as advertised.  
 

Presumably a typo and not on purpose, lamingtons are very popular cakes. Very light sponge.  Did anyone drink their coffee through a Tim Tam?

[Jlhalldc]

I understand that enrichment speaker Brian Unger and his wife Wendy are joining you for this leg of the WC. He's very entertaining as well as informative. The best speaker I've ever had at sea. Don't miss a lecture and if you do, be sure to watch over the in-house TV. Enjoy!

[EagleScout66]

Is John still the cruise director?  Will he be staying on for the entirety?

 

say Hi to Francisco for me. agreed, the best😃

[crusin7]

Good Morning Coral Sea!

 

I will ask about John the CD but I believe he will be on the entire cruise. Massimo and the Captain will be departing in Singapore.  Franck Galzy and Captain Aivo Palm will replace them. 

[GOARMY]

crusin7:

 

Your Post #366 with Francisco.  A favor.  Send Francisco our best.  We were on the San Francisco-Hawaii-Polynesia WC segment.  Time with Francisco goes back more than a few years.   

Just mention Jim and Sue, Table 14, Compass Rose.  Always there at 6:25pm.  (Unless he arranged an extra night at Prime 7.)

 

Absolutely the best representative for the Regent brand.  

 

GOARMY!

Redmond, WA

 

 

[Travel Lady in CT]

Just wondering what travel insurance people purchased for their world cruise?  I'm not sure the cruise line coverage would be adequate.  If you could let me know the names of the insurance carriers, that would be great.  Also, were you able to purchase the additional insurance 2 years prior to your WC?  Thanks.

[crusin7]

6 hours ago, GOARMY said:

Just mention Jim and Sue,

Hi @GOARMY.  That’s all I had to say and he knew exactly who you were.  That’s what we all love about Francisco.  He sends regards back.  

[crusin7]

11 hours ago, Port Power said:

 

It’s a great menu.  I do hope the food items were actually authentic?

I just spoke to Nino, the Food & Beverage God.  Yes, @Port Power it is the Real Deal! I took a tiny bite of Kangaroo.  It sure was gamey! 
Kangaroo on Left, Beef, Venison Kebab 

[Port Power]

5 hours ago, Travel Lady in CT said:

Just wondering what travel insurance people purchased for their world cruise?  I'm not sure the cruise line coverage would be adequate.  If you could let me know the names of the insurance carriers, that would be great.  Also, were you able to purchase the additional insurance 2 years prior to your WC?  Thanks.

I’m using my platinum credit card insurance, which activated when I paid my deposit.  Allianz is the insurance company.  It covers me being overseas for up to six months.  Some cards only cover for one month, so you need to read the PDF.  
 

I don’t need any warnings, please.  I have had to claim on card insurance four times when cruising, including death overseas, missed connections, replacement flights, hotel accommodation and meals.  I am under 80 and have no medical issues, but would only need to pay extra if I did have pre-existing medical conditions.