Great sea mail and awesome pictures!! Thanks for taking us with you!

Wonderful SeaMail and photos! Keep 'em coming, please!

GREAT pics and seamail - definitely the next best thing to being there. :lct: :lct: :lct: Everyone looks so happy!!!

A very happy belated birthday to Tom!! :happyb:

Celebrating it at Signatures with wonderful company is the best!! Brings back memories of my fantastic birthday sailing from Beijing :D

I wish I was there too.... :mecry: Photo's are beautiful and everyone looks lovely. Please send me a virtual choc. martini. This cruise looks like a fashion parade...Ngaire and Joanna, love your tops!
Happy B'day Tom!

You can tell everyone is having such a miserable time...WOW are we envious!! Keep having a great time! Love the pictures! Did everyone on B2B eat in Signatures last night?

Did anyone get Viagra ice cream today in Dubrovnik?

Ngaire, it was Sheri who was with us at the sidewalk cafe, not Olivia. Olivia and I did meet for the first time three weeks later in Dubrovnik. I was on the Song's final sailing, she was on Voyager. Emily served us wine in the Song's Observation Lounge. I think we were the only pax on the ship.

Wonderful memories of Dubrovnik...

Arlene and I returned to the infamous spot where the purple ice cream was available on VOF. Alas, they no longer sell it. :(

Dubrovnik was again wonderful; one of our favorite ports. Today is Slovenia, a maiden call for the ship and sure to be a great experience.

Attended a wonderful dinner party for Rod and Cynthia's anniversary last night. We had a wonderful time with wonderful food, great service, and fantastic friends.

Jazz after dinner was also great. Unfortunately, the jazz group is only playing a couple of hours a day; not every day.

SSS party last night. 313 member; most "bronze." There are 15 Gold, 6 Platinum, and 4 Titanium. Our Gold, Platinum, Titanium event is supposed to be a visit to the foc'sle during sail in to Venice tomorrow.

More later...

Great dinner last night for Rod and Cynthia's anniversery, 15 of us. Good was great and I got my fillet of sole Yay! After dinner many went to the jazz thing, as Marc said. I popped into the Casino for a bit and did quite well. Everyone went their seperate ways, we couldn't find anyone on the back deck or anywhere else so went to bed.

Morning at sea on our way to Doper, we have the 1:30 walking tour, not sure I really want to do it, its been so hot and sunny and I don't handle long times in the sun well, but its too late to cancel it now, so guess I will just sunblock up like crazy and suck it up!

So guess its "just another day in paradise"!! Hey someone has got to do it. :D :banana:

We area having such a terrific time. :banana: There is one problem.... too much to do..... too little time.

Susie... I send you a virtual Chocolate Martini every time I order one..... (you have to have felt their affects by now!!! ;) )

I must say the staff on board have gone out of their way to make this cruise special.

Martin, the Matre D in compass rose has literally surprised us every night with something special. He is the best!

We sure miss all of you not with us and particularly all of you who were on VOF. :lct:

You are right Suzanne. After I posted that I remembered it was Sheri. Not had time to go in and correct it.

Got some new POOCH players today, Debbie, Russell, Cynthia and Rod now proudly display their pooch pins. We had a quick game this morning before arriving in Koper.

Off to see the Postojna Caves today. Most visited caves in Europe and you go through on a train.

I hear the port has some welcome festivities planned as this is the maiden call for the Voyager in this port so about to leave and go up on deck to the show.

Yes Arlene....wonderful memories of VOF !! That was our first RSSC cruise and met so many wonderful lifelong friends. I remember Tom thinking I had joined some kind of cult when I signed us up (and that was before LCT) :eek:

Martin is a great Matre'D isn't he? (tell him the Matassa's say Hi) Keep having a wonderful time in such a beautiful part of the world! Love the seamail..

The seamail just gets better and better. I love the feeling of arriving at a port that's new to the ship. The festivities make the trip that more special. Keep having fun. Can't wait to read more about it.

Last year our Gold/Plat/Tit event was during the sail in to Venice and it was spectacular. Great place to take pictures plus the "snacks" were special as well. Hope you have a beautifully sunny morning as you sail in.

Thanks to everyone for posting and pictures.
Ngaire, tell Sandra "The Queen" says Hello.
Also, to everyone from TAP, Captain Knut, Olivia,Ken. Am enjoying the seamail.
Lynn

Sounds like it just keeps getting better - thanks so much for taking the time to check in, all! It will be great to hear about Koper - I agree, it's a special treat when it's "the first time" for a ship to call on a port.

Sounds like you are all having a great trip..... And, yes, There are many echos of VOF in these posts. Great memories as you create new ones.
Someone said that you will be visiting Corfu on this trip. Will Ken be getting a new key ring?

Doug

Koper, another surprising and delightful port. This is a properous area and a lot to see and do here. I loved this port. The little town is quaint and you can see the whole old town in about 40 minutes. Easy to walk to the town from where the ship docks. We managed to tour it pretty well before our Regent tour. There were good tourist information booths on the dock once we debarked.

There are nearby towns of Izola and Pilan that are quaint seaside towns with wonderful buildings and seaside locations. Tony, Joanna and Oliva did this in a van for a fare of 90 euros per taxi. They loved their day.

We were going to do a taxi from the dock to the Postojan Caves but were concerned the lines might be long when we got there so we decided to do the sure thing and book the Regent tour. Cost turned out to be about the same. We really did enjoy the caves the largest we have ever seen.

The countryside is beautiful, vineyards, orchards, small villages, and mountains covered in green forests. REally a beautiful area. Another new port that was a nice surprise.

Tomorrow Venice!!

Great dinner tonight. Choice of Lamb Chops, Tenderlion and Seafood Newburg with Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp. How to chose?? I decided to have all three in different courses. All were fantastic. This is the best food I have had on a Regent ship!

Life is pretty good onboard so glad we are on for two cruises I would hate to be getting off with only one more day to go!

We took the tour to the capital city of Ljubljiana today. Although the tour left something to be desired, we can strongly recommend a trip to this wonderful city.

A great dinner at Signatures with Joanna and Olivia followed by too many drinks....need to get up quite early for our sail into Venice.

Sail in is supposed to be at 0730 but the Gold, Platinum, Titanium event is not scheduled until 0830; if Regent screws this up, I am going to be mad. However, I said no complaining on this trip.

More later...

You went to the capital city of WHAT...WHERE? Could you even pronounce it? ;) No such thing as too many drinks at dinner ;) ;)
A big hello to all and exciting sail in to Venice

Just more tokens for the world cruise right!

They screwed it up, even more than I could have imagined. We are not going to wait for the comment cards to make it to Fort Lauderdale, can someone provide Rose's email address.

First day in Venice - incredible sail in at 7:30 this morning - we did 4 hr "walk the back streets/canals of Venice" - outstanding tour and guide - yesterday, 5 of us took cab to two seaside villages while in Koper - charming - 5 glasses of wine 4 euros!! I am getting ready for my afternoon nap but wanted to say hi - this is a great trip!! But so much to do and little down time - I am either eating, touring, drinking, laughing, talking, shopping, OR relaxing on balcony so barely make it to computer room.... somehow we all manage to meet on Horizons deck for ONE final night cap each night - or two??? Hard to believe we'd be getting off tomorrow if we'd only booked 7 nights!

Msrc: The address I have used successfully is:

RClarks@RegentExperience.com

Amazing, we have a note from Dag telling us that it is against company policy for passengers to be on the bridge when entering or leaving a port!

Hi Joanna, the walking tour of Venice must have been so much fun. I love Venice's twisty, turny streets - a unique sight around every corner. So glad you are having fun. A port every day is challenging. No naps! Thanks for checking in here.

rclarke@regentexperience.com

a correction

Well after a short nap and long hot shower, I feel normal again.

The sail in to Venice this morning was spectacular. I can't imagine arriving any other way, we sailed right by St.Marks square and Sandra did a fantastic job pointing out all the sights.

Took the first boat shuttle to St. Marks and then we just wandered and wandered and wandered, saw the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, etc, etc. Got a little lost, but somehow you end up coming back around. It was a little hot later in the day and of course a gelato was just the thing. Had lunch of pizza, and antipasata at a little place we saw that just happen to coincide with my need to get out of the sun and sit down for about an hour. Met and chatted with a charming couple from Scotland who are on vacation at Lake Cumo and took the train into Venice for the day.

Tonight is dinner in Lattitudedes with Olivia, Tom/Mona and Russ/Debbie - then Tom, Mona and us are doing the Gondola serenade tour and then spend some time hanging out at St. Marks just watching the scene. Tomorrow, Frank and I plan another day of just getting lost, buying a few things for gifts and finding another charming place for lunch. We are contemplating dinner off the ship, but we will see.

Tuesday morning I have booked a private Grand and Minor Canal Boat ride for us, Tom/Mona, Tony/Joanna, and Marc/Arlene - so looking forward to that.

Last night we had dinner in CR with Tom/Mona and Russ/Debbie, then up to the pool deck for the sailaway dessert and jazz, gorgeous evening and we enjoyed it.

This trip has just been wonderful. Its only our third time in Europe and we feel like we walk around with our mouths hanging open, totally being tourists and are just constantly amazed at the sights, the buildings, the architecture and the history. We are such a couple of "newbies". Oh well one day we will feel more experienced. We have so enjoyed all the BK clients and LCT'ers that we are meeting for the first time, such a nice group of fellow cruisers.

Miss everyone, wish you'all were here.

Oh by the way, for those of you who know Elda, she came onboard for the day yesterday, apparently she lives very near by. Lorraine told me later that she took her and some of the staff to her home for lunch and they had an enjoyable few hours off the ship.

Cheers everyone!

I'm curious - what went wrong Marc? It sounds like a fabulous cruise so far!

Thanks for the seamail and pics!

It sounds wonderful...keep sending Sea Mail! :)

We found the "Secret Itinerary Tour" of Doges Palace very worthwhile. You have to book in advance, but I think you lucky LCTers have another day or two in magical Venice. After the tour you're free to explore the rest of the palace.

We're envious!

Thanks for correcting me, Peggy. My eyesight is not what it should be.
Ardis

I am so glad you are having such a wonderful time!! Please enjoy, and remember us with your delightful seamail!!

Ardis, you're welcome!

You guys are having too much fun!

5 glasses of wine for 4 euros!!?? :ohmy: I think I'll have to move there (once I find out where it is...)

Enjoy Venice!!

It is 10 am and ship has emptied 'cept for the lucky B2Bers - some off to Burano/Murano on trips we plan to get 12 hr water vap pass and just go and go - it is hot! Had fun dinner last night in CR 4 of our group left today and Marc and Arlene joined us in our farewell to them - wonderful evening - excited about our next series of ports - we meet in OB L around 6:15 each night for quick get together and rehash of what everyone did that day - great bunch of LCTers and have meet many other couples we have enjoyed - I'm off!!!

Oh, you guys are having so much fun. Thanks for checking in, Joanna.

Peggy and Ardis, thanks for the info. I am planning on contacting her.

Here is the story...

Lynn (cruise consultant) told me early in the week that the Gold, Platinum, and Titanium event would be a chance to view the arrival into Venice from the foc'sle. There were two issues.

First, the official itinerary had us arriving at Venice at 0900. When the invitation came out for the party, it stated 0830. I immediately went to reception to inquire if the time was correct. Then, at 1145 on Saturday the Captain made an announcement that we would pick up the pilot at 0700 and would proceed the transit into Venice at 0730. I again inquired at reception but was told that party was at 0830. Then, the passages stated that Sandra would begin her commentary at 0800. I woke up early. The pilot was picked up at 0700. I went down to reception at that time and was again told that party time had not been changed. They said that they would check with Lynn but I don't know if they ever did; they definitely did not call be back as they said they would. Sandra started her commentary at 0730. Arlene and I raced to deck 12 to watch the show. As we were getting close to St Marks, we raced down to deck 5 where Amanda escorted us to the foc'sle. We made it in time. However, we encountered the bigger problem.

Arlene and I were told by deck hands that we could not go on the foc'sle. We tried the other side where the lines had not been layed and were again asked to move. Then the safety officer came down at the Staff Captain's direction to physically remove us from the foc'sle. The Hotel Department and Deck Department were on different sheets of music. Also, Sandra's commentary was not provided on Deck 6 even though it is a "weather deck."

It ends up we did not see sail in to San Marco Square and could not hear Sandra's commentary; we would have been much better off just staying on Deck 12.

We received a letter of explanation; it blamed the Venetian authorities for requiring us to enter early. This is a bit weak as we arrived and were docked at 0830 for a stated 0900 arrival; seems normal. However, the letter did not address the issue of access to the foc'sle; this was by far the greatest problem. After all, Arlene and I actually made it to the foc'sle on time; it was just a wasted trip.

This is my fourth Gold, Platinum, Titanium event and by far the worst (although dinner on MUSH was almost as bad).

In the staff's defense, they had done this same event last fall; Lorraine said it was fantastic. If so, I do wonder about coordination with the Staff Captain on this trip.

This trip has been wonderful. Lorraine, Amanda, and Louise are a wonderful triumvarate. There is only one staff member with whom I am having problems (not related to this incident but two other incidents) which I cannot write about on the board.

Venice is great! Denise, thanks for the recommendation of Roberta.

More later....

So sorry to hear about this, Marc. Sailing into and out of Venice is a spectacle that we will savor forever. A real highlight when we cruised VOF (as was walking the wall in Dubrovnik with you both!). I hope you get word back from Regent, explaining this big mishap.

Very happy to hear that your walking tour with Roberta was a great choice. We loved her.

I hope you, Arlene, and everyone else, enjoy the remainder of B2B.

So Sorry Marc!! It sure does sound like an unfortunate screw up for the Gold, Platinum, Titanium event. I'm sure there were a lot of disappointed passengers as sailing into Venice is a spectacular event.and would have been the perfect party.

Keep having a great time, glad you have the 2nd week!

Yes, it was a gigantic screw up. All you have told us reinforces my strong feeling that the staff make "happy talk", they tell us whatever they think we want to hear to keep us happy(?) We found this over and over again on the WC.

We guests need to be treated with dignity, not as if we are semiliterate children who can be told that Santa is coming, just wait.

Ardis