We are hale and hearty here! Still amazed as each day folds and unfolds. Our 10 am arrival into Komoda has just been changed to 12:30 pm and our 2 hour tour is now one! What next...the best meal of our 34 day trip in Signatures tonight...duck and scallops the size of Manhatten! Yummy! Glad I am not top management in Bali on Wed!, life is interesting to say the least! Grateful for scrapes!,,

Anne thanks for those shots - excellent. Those handsome Australian Rugby players now if you could have found out if any of them were firemen (for a certain someone - not me I have my fireman) that certain someone could focus on the important player.

This is the one port shorter is better. Nothing there but the dragons and it will be hot. One hour with the dragons will work! I loved seeing them though they are really really nasty! Hope someone gets some good pictures.

I cannot imagine who that person is that likes firemen. hmmmm. I have heard the dragons are pretty creepy, but would sure love to see some pictures. What a great group of people on that ship. Nothing but positive thinking (im sure you've had your moments).

I am envious of those scallops Mary Elaine! I told David, laundry is done, dry cleaning back, bills paid, caught up on work (sort of), I'm ready to go again!

I'm with Rachel - lethargic is good! Ash led her team to the trivia win yesterday.

2:30 memorial service today for Jackie in constellation theater. What a perfect venue for someone whose life calling was the stage.

Took galley tour (thank you American Express) yesterday. Our #2 chef is from Vancouver and is delightful. For some reason, Ngaire, they didn't let us near the lamb chop section of the freezer. Something about a carnivore without limits on the prior cruise ... but I hope you are channeling Gary at meal times. He's giving you a run for your money when it comes to lamb chops this trip.

Gained another hour last night for sleeping - especially welcome for the crew, I'm sure. Fortunately for me, I can get my longer walk in before the sun is too high in the sky. Coffee machine is back in action, so double espresso is going to make that walk a whole lot faster.

I just heard about the earthquake and possible tsunami near the Solomon Islands. I hope it does not impact any LCTers. You've had an overly eventful trip as it is.

I just checked the location of Komodo Island and New Guinea I think they will be okay in their location. My goodness when it rains it pours.

They'll never forget this cruise!

I thought I would post this so you know what Regent did on this voyage. I received a copy that would go personally to all guests.

Dear

Let me thank you again for your understanding during these last few days and your patience concerning the various issues you have experienced during your cruise with us. I've been in constant communication with the management team onboard and I am acutely aware of how disappointing your vacation has been.

While the events (cyclone Oswald, a crew member's death and scheduled engine maintenance that could not occur because of the weather) themselves were not in anyone's control, we fully recognize the extent to which they have impacted your cruise vacation. To a certain extent, it doesn't matter what was in our control or not and we certainly recognize that.

When a sequence of events such as these occur, and let me say they rarely do to this extreme, I first put myself in your shoes. In this case, given the totality of what transpired, I can imagine how frustrated you must feel.

As such, I have instructed our guest relations department to post a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to your Regent Seven Seas Cruises society account equal to 50 percent of the cruise fare paid for your Sydney to Singapore voyage.

on behalf of the thousands of regent employees, please accept our sincerest thanks for your patronage. I know many of you are past guests and that this cruise onboard the Seven Seas voyager has not lived up to the experience that you have come to expect from us.

We hope that this gesture of goodwill will be taken in the spirit in which it was intended and will allow us the opportunity to welcome you onboard a future cruise to deliver the extraordinary vacation that is the hallmark of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

If you have any questions related to your FCC or any other matters please do no hesitate to contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Guest Relations at 954-776-6123 or guestrelations@rssc.com .


Sincerely, Kunal S. Kamlani
President, Regent Seven Seas Cruies

Very nice of Regent!

Yes Regent always does a nice job.

I'm curious to hear what the passengers on board think of this. The compensation is a FCC. There is no refunding of any money. Tom.

No sea mail since management arrived onboard; did they institute a "news embargo?" :)

We were notified of the future cruise credit prior to the planned management visit in Bali. The cruise consultant on board has never been busier. Management did not join the ship in Bali.

Happy Chinese New Year to our friends who observe the holiday

Seas have been calm and we are proceeding on time towards Singapore.

Ray Solara (? sp) is joining as Cruise Director; Franck will be joining as General Manager.

BOO!
I realize that I have been uncharacteristically quiet during this journey, but we have just been having the time of our lives in spite of the continuing series of unfortunate events. (Must admit... am waiting for the volcanic erruption since that seems to be the only misfortune we have yet to relate)

As I told Michael when we booked the lovely $2000 cruise deposit certificate which entitles us to onboard booking credit once we select a cruise (GREAT idea, Regent, to accommodate those of us who have to scrimp -sp?- and save for this opportunity!) "even an off-kilter voyage with Regent is phenomenal because of the wonderful people we sail with who make up the difference for lost ports!" Our time has been too short, as always, but with the FCC - Keith's 50th birthday cruise has just gotten longer and in a higher category ;)

One thing I must share tonight.... we arrived back in our suite after a fantastic Signatures meal to find unexpected orchids in a heart on the floor, towel swans and orchids on the bed, a banner on the wall, and a bottle of our favourite wine in celebration of our anniversary. Brilliant presentation, thoroughly documented with the camera. Hopefully, with Karen's help, I can share the beauty if you're interested :)

Have learned to play craps with the help of a new lifelong friend ... so it's off to the tables! Already packed today (unfortunately) so tomorrow's sea day will be blissfully relaxed. Hope to post when we return home Tuesday! Until then.... cheers to all and happy days!

Cheers!
Ash

Ash, you have the best reason for being AWOL l and I loved reading your post!

Wonderful post Ash! Good luck on selecting a wonderful cruise for Keith's 50th celebration!

How fun Ash....so happy you're having such a great anniversary cruise and exciting FCC for Keith's upcoming 50th birthday. Keep up the fun times.

We had a wonderful post cruise in Angkor Wat with Regents! Our guide will forever be the face of Cambodis "to us! The temples, Sofitel Hotel in Siam Reap, Angkor Wat and night entertainment were wonderful! Our new favorite country...will be back! Such gentle and kind people! Tks Regents....after Aussir Part Deux it was especially lovely!

I agree. One of those places that exceeded my expectations. Glad you loved it.

Totally agree as well. The people were so lovely, and the hotel the best. Glad you enjoyed it and are back safe and sound! We are making DVD's for you of our shot over river ride!