Bangkok & beyond

[flossie009]

We decided to do our own thing in Mumbai today. 
Armed with a shopping list, a stash of rupees and Google maps we set off mid morning.

 

Coming out of the terminal building (warehouse shed) we were hassled by taxi drivers who wanted to sell us a city tour or charge us $5 just to go to the port gate. 
We fended them off, took the port shuttle and once outside the port had our pick of taxis. We found one to take us the short ride to Crawford Market for 100 rupees (about US 80 cents). In fact all three of the taxi rides we took today totalled 250 rupees ($3 or £2.40)

 

On the way to the market our driver pointed out the iconic architecture of the GPO building and Victoria Station.

Once in Crawford Market, we had a good look around and purchased some spices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20 by flossie009

[Gilly]

My favourite place to shop!!   (But did you buy shoes?!?)

[flossie009]

Then it was off to Colaba Causeway through some very heavy traffic.

 

We were looking for a Mall that had been recommended by the local representatives on the ship this morning, but we never found it.

However the street market was OK and we managed to find some very good value light cotton scarves and a pair of strong reading spectacles to replace those that I use for sewing; the pair I brought with me having broken yesterday.

 

Now we had the challenge of finding a taxi driver who understood enough English to get us back to the port gate.

Most we tackled wanted to take us to the Airport rather than the commercial docks where Navigator is berthed.

Eventually we found one who appeared to understand and he safely delivered us to the right spot.

Good timing as well since after we had got through the port gate security we saw the shuttle bus being push started (!), ready to take us back to the ship

 

The shuttle bus stayed running ……………..,

………… and soon we saw Navigator

 

It was a successful self exploration. We got everything on our shopping list apart from Pav Bhaji - an Indian street food that David wanted to try having seen it on “Rick Stein’s India” TV series.

He had to make do with the curries on offer in La Veranda when back on board

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20 by flossie009

[flossie009]

1 hour ago, kjbacon said:

We will take your advice and book the tour that you recommended.

COK-003 Tranquil Backwaters is also worth considering 

 

1 hour ago, kjbacon said:

especially with an authentic curry lunch!

A very good selection of meat & vegetable curries were on offer, including all the accompaniments.

However they were not spicy; probably dumbed down for us tourists.

David went in search of something to liven up his meal and found a lady with some small bowls that he heard her say was “spice”.  He applied some to his food with very little effect so tasted some with a spoon …………….. It was sweet rice pudding for dessert 😮
David had misheard “rice” as “spice” 🙄 🤣

 

2 hours ago, kjbacon said:

We also have Goa on our itinerary so if I may ask, were you just ready for a break that day? 

Most things in Goa are quite a long drive from the port, so we opted to just enjoy the ship.

 

[flossie009]

43 minutes ago, Gilly said:

My favourite place to shop!!   (But did you buy shoes?!?)

No shoes on our shopping list …………….. and David refused to carry any more purchases 😉

[flossie009]

A copy of today’s Passages for the first of two sea days before we arrive in UAE

 

 

A packed selection of events are on offer; hard to choose.

 

Krew Kapers & the last Formal Optional night signals that our highly enjoyable cruise will soon be drawing to a close🙁
 

 

 

[flossie009]

On 4/19/2024 at 5:13 AM, GOARMY said:

Please extend our BIG How do you Doooooo! to CD Ray

Ray returns your good wishes.

Here he is leading the team in the Officers’ Challenge (Baggo) this morning.

 

A close run contest - a tie today. Deciding match tomorrow

 

[lprp]

@flossie009

Your itinerary is very similar to the trip we are doing on Voyager this Christmas, it’s fabulous reading about it, thank you. 😁

[flossie009]

A favourite spot on Navigator - the seating area outside the back of Galileo’s Lounge.

 

 

………. and a reminder to ship designers. This is what the auditorium of a theatre should look like

 

 

Good views of the stage from every seat in the Seven Seas Lounge on Navigator.

Let us hope the designers of the two new ships follow the theatre auditorium design of Navigator & Mariner, rather than Explorer - how did they get that design so wrong? 🤨
 

 

 

[flossie009]

Two nights ago the Production Cast performed “Tuxedo”; their last full show this cruise and the last one of their five month contract.

They are a truly talented bunch of singers & dancers; some of the best we have seen on Regent.
They deservedly won a standing ovation for their final production.

 

Last night in the theatre was one of two new entertainers who joined Navigator in Mumbai - Susana, a Hungarian violinist who played everything from classical to Irish folk tunes; a very talented musician.

 

Tonight pre-dinner is Krew Kapers; then later we have the British singer Karl Loxley. A packed evening with hardly enough time to eat & drink …………. but we will try to fit it all in 😉

 

 

 

 

[kjbacon]

23 hours ago, flossie009 said:

COK-003 Tranquil Backwaters is also worth considering 

 

A very good selection of meat & vegetable curries were on offer, including all the accompaniments.

However they were not spicy; probably dumbed down for us tourists.

David went in search of something to liven up his meal and found a lady with some small bowls that he heard her say was “spice”.  He applied some to his food with very little effect so tasted some with a spoon …………….. It was sweet rice pudding for dessert 😮
David had misheard “rice” as “spice” 🙄 🤣

 

Most things in Goa are quite a long drive from the port, so we opted to just enjoy the ship.

 

That was a true lol for me … rice for spice … ha! I’m not thinking that a good curry benefited much from that sweet pudding! Your blog is so helpful, thank you. I’m a nerd, I admit it, but I’m going to start a notebook because I will never remember all this good stuff. 

[flossie009]

Today CD Ray’s “quirky moment” on his morning show recalled a cruise about 15 years ago when he and guest speaker Sir Terry Waite did a ventriloquist act, with Ray as the dummy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flossie009]

Another glorious day at sea

 

 

Smooth sailing, warm weather and a lazy day on a Regent ship.

What could be better? 😎
 

 

 

[flossie009]

Krew Kapers & crew farewell was excellent last night with a full theatre for the pre-dinner event.

 

 

 

 

Most guests had chosen to dress towards the more formal end of formal-optional for the evening.

 

After a chatty dinner we just made it to Karl Loxley’s performance. He is a very good singer and will be performing again before the end of the cruise.

 

Tonight one of the female singers, Samantha Cashmore, from the Production Cast is headlining her own show supported by the band.

 

 

A good thing about the direction of travel for this cruise is that we gain time. On top of previous time changes we gained 30 minutes last night and clocks will be turned back another hour tonight 🙂
 

 

 

[flossie009]

On sea days, when we are not lazing on deck, eating or drinking, Susan tends towards the craft lessons & needlepoint while David favours the games

 

Bracelets

 

Needlepoint

 

 

 

Baggo

 

 

Tic Tac Toe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[flossie009]

Skittles

 

 

……… and Giant Jenga

 

 

…….. it was all going so well 😧

 

 

 

[flossie009]

We haven’t reported much about food this cruise, but suffice to say we have still managed to pile on a few pounds in a very enjoyable way 😋
 

Last night there were some exemplary dishes

 

Duck

 

Pork belly

 

Pumpkin pie

 

 

All washed down with excellent wine.

 

A memorable dinner sharing with new friends made this cruise. 
So much good conversation that we sadly missed the show.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 23 by flossie009

[flossie009]

Tonight we were in Prime 7

Our table companions indulged in the infamous popcorn sundae 😋

 

 

 

[flossie009]

Goodbye Fujairah 

 

Hello Dubai

 

Ray was walking through deck 6 this morning singing that refrain from Les Mis “One Day More” ………. He is also on his way home tomorrow 😉
 

[Chateaunole-du-pape]

4 hours ago, flossie009 said:

Ray was walking through deck 6 this morning singing that refrain from Les Mis “One Day More” ………. He is also on his way home tomorrow 😉

Do you know when he's returning to Navigator, and who will be running the show in his absence? Thanks!

[flossie009]

15 hours ago, Chateaunole-du-pape said:

Do you know when he's returning to Navigator, and who will be running the show in his absence? Thanks!

No CD required for the next month while the ship sails without guests on its diversionary route around Africa.

Not sure who will be CD for the cruises June to August; maybe John Ekin.

I think Ray is due back on Navigator in September.

[flossie009]

Yesterday morning was packing then a walking tour of old Dubai in the afternoon.

 

Captain Abhi handed over the ship to a new Master yesterday as he is also returning to the U.K. today.

The new Captain took us the short distance overnight to Abu Dhabi.

 

We were off the ship bright & early (06:30) this morning, collected our luggage and transferred to the almost new Abu Dhabi airport.

 

David encountered some unknown issue at Passport Control; but finally resolved and we are now having a coffee in the lounge before boarding the 10:10 BA flight to Heathrow.

We were a little concerned about catching a flight this early but in the event we had plenty of time.

 

 

 

 

[flossie009]

Final round up:

An excellent cruise with an itinerary that took in many of the ports & countries that we love.

Weather & sea conditions were good throughout; albeit sometimes too hot & humid for comfort.

 

Navigator is a small and friendly ship.

Communications during the cruise were the best we have ever had. Captain Abhi was always willing to share information; either direct or through the CD, Ray.
 

 

[lprp]

@flossie009

Safe journey home. Loved your reporting. So glad to see you are flying home from Abu Dhabi as Dubai still seems to be having some issues following the recent floods.

Quick question if I may?

How was your experience in obtaining an Indian visa?

I’m in the slightly concerning situation of needing to get a new passport in July (can’t do it before as we’re shortly off on an Australia trip) followed by the visa for India for our Christmas cruise.

I’m hoping that both processes will be smooth 🤞

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Loved reading about your trip.  Thanks for taking the time and for all the great photos.  I have made notes to help with a cruise we want to take in 2026, and your report was very helpful!

 

Joanie