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Sea Mail from ROO #251182 12/11/18 04:01 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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In SFO in the international United/Singapore lounge. Very nice. Lots of cubicles with usb and power outlets, table top and wide seating. Plus a nice dining room, limited options but it included a loaded three egg omelette. Very large lounge on two separate floors. Security and checking was a breeze. So staring off really well.


[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251183 12/12/18 03:38 AM
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Marc Offline
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We are ensconced in a beautiful resort in the Blue Mountains - Lillianfels. We flew over on Virgin Australia; absolutely fantastic. Very comfortable seats; great service; and a quick 15 hours from LAX. Then we took the train to Katoomba; decent intercity train. I am sitting out in garden trying my first new Aussie beer - James Boags Premium Lager; I hear there are over 30 different Aussie beers and I aim to try them all.

Met a couple on plane who are on the Regent Blue Mountains pre-cruise; will be interesting to compare experiences once onboard.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday.

Marc



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251184 12/12/18 10:58 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Singapore new A 350 aircraft was very good. The seats are wide and the back of the seat folds down flat to make a wide comfy bed. The feet angle in on the side which I found a little odd but adjusted. Asian airlines always have a great crew. Food was good. Waiting for connection down to Sydney.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251185 12/12/18 08:31 PM
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petlover Offline
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Happy you've arrived with good flights...let the good times begin!


Marcie

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251186 12/13/18 04:34 AM
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Marc Offline
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Today we went to Scenic World; one of the highlights of this area. It was ok; not fantastic. We walked down to the Skyway and it was a pretty trip although misty. The 52 degree railroad to valley was neat and views were fantastic; great view of Three Sisters. Then, the cableway down to the bottom and walk through the rainforest; truthfully, rain forest in Patagonia was a better walk.

Back to hotel around noon and we have been sitting here in the lobby reading, playing backgammon, and enjoying beer and tea. If you are in the area, this is a fantastic property. Will take train around 11am tomorrow; should be at hotel by 1:30.

Let the festivities begin!

Marc



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251187 12/13/18 09:01 AM
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jbittle Offline
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Cyclone Owen is heading east from the Gulf of Carpenteria across land to the east coast of Queensland and down the east coast of Australia over this weekend. We may have a very wet start to our cruise and, what about excursions in the flooded areas? Stay tuned to your TVs in the hotel.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251188 12/13/18 06:26 PM
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Marc Offline
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Jim, thanks for the heads up; here is the current forecast remarks section:

Quote
REMARKS:
131500Z POSITION NEAR 15.0S 137.3E.
TROPICAL CYCLONE (TC) 05P (OWEN), LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 380 NM
EAST-SOUTHEAST OF DARWIN, AUSTRALIA, HAS TRACKED EAST-NORTHEASTWARD
AT 04 KNOTS OVER THE PAST SIX HOURS. ANIMATED ENHANCED INFRARED
SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOWS A COMPACT SYSTEM WITH A SMALL AREA OF DEEP
CONVECTION LOCATED AROUND THE LOW LEVEL CIRCULATION CENTER (LLCC).
THE INITIAL POSITION IS PLACED WITH FAIR CONFIDENCE AND IS BASED ON A
130947Z 91GHZ SSMIS MICROWAVE IMAGE WHICH SHOWS A PARTIAL MICROWAVE
EYE FEATURE. THE INITIAL INTENSITY OF 75 KNOTS IS HEDGED BETWEEN
DVORAK CURRENT INTENSITY (CI) ESTIMATES OF T4.5 (77 KNOTS) FROM PGTW
AND KNES AND A SATCON ESTIMATE OF 73 KNOTS AT 130947Z. TC 05P IS
EXPERIENCING FAVORABLE VERTICAL WIND SHEAR (5 TO 10 KNOTS) AND HAS A
LIMITED EQUATORWARD OUTFLOW CHANNEL BUT AN EXCELLENT POLEWARD OUTFLOW
CHANNEL. SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES IN THE AREA REMAIN FAVORABLE AND
ARE GREATER THAN 31 DEGREES CELSIUS. TC 05P IS TRACKING EASTWARD
ALONG THE SOUTHERN PERIPHERY OF THE NEAR EQUATORIAL RIDGE (NER)
LOCATED TO THE NORTH. IN THE SHORT TERM THE NER WILL CONTINUE TO
STEER TC 05P TO THE EAST. FAVORABLE VERTICAL WIND SHEAR AND WARM SEA
SURFACE TEMPERATURES WILL ALLOW TC 05P TO INCREASE TO AN INTENSITY OF
80 KNOTS BY TAU 12. AFTER TAU 12, AN NER TO THE EAST WILL BEGIN TO
STEER TC 05P TOWARD THE SOUTHEAST. AN APPROACHING SHORTWAVE TROUGH
WILL ALSO HELP TO ACCELERATE TC 05P TO THE SOUTHEAST. TC 05P WILL
TRACK OVER LAND BY TAU 30 AND WILL QUICKLY DECREASE IN INTENSITY DUE
TO LAND INTERACTION. CONTINUED LAND INTERACTION WILL ALLOW FOR TC 05P
TO REACH AND INTENSITY OF 35 KNOTS BY TAU 72 AND DISSIPATE TO 30
KNOTS BY TAU 96. BY TAU 96, TC 05P WILL SLOW IN FORWARD SPEED AND
BEGIN TO TURN TOWARD THE SOUTHWEST. DYNAMIC MODEL GUIDANCE IS IN
FAIRLY GOOD AGREEMENT THROUGH TAU 36, INDICATING A EASTWARD AND THEN
SOUTHEASTWARD TRACK. HOWEVER, MODEL GUIDANCE DIVERGES AFTER TAU 36.
DUE TO THE COMPLEX STEERING ENVIRONMENT AND THE MODEL SPREAD AFTER
TAU 36 THERE IS LOW CONFIDENCE IN THE JTWC FORECAST TRACK. MAXIMUM
SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT AT 131200Z IS 22 FEET. NEXT WARNINGS AT
132100Z, 140300Z, 140900Z AND 141500Z.//


Won't be much impact on us but I hope forecast is correct in that storm doesn't cross east coast as that could screw up clarity for snorkeling on Great Barrier Reef.

See you later today!

Marc



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251189 12/13/18 09:57 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Marc, you always give us details you are an amazing source of information but what I love the most is the simple comments that sum it all up for people like me.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251190 12/14/18 06:39 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Went for a walk and found the Pitt Street mall. Neat place with performers down the middle of a pedestrian sheet. Complete with outdoor crystal chandeliers. Plus this giant Christmas tree.

Ken has run down to the wharf to take a picture of the Mariner arriving. We were lucky enough to be docking at the Circular Quay wharf. I am watching the Mariner right now and it is just about to go behind the opera house.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251191 12/14/18 06:48 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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[Linked Image]

Last night we had the kick off party. They bought in two koalas, a wombat, a baby joey in a blanket, a python and a baby crocodile. Really fun. Food for over 350 people was good. Not rubber chicken.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251192 12/14/18 07:00 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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From our bedroom window. This new posting method is so easy and fast I love it

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251193 12/14/18 07:28 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]


Well Ken’s pictures are better than mine BUT I did mine in my jammies and did not have to run to the wharf at 6.00 am.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251194 12/15/18 02:32 AM
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J
June Offline
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Love this little guy. This is what you go to OZ to see but to have all those critters at the dinner must have been really something, The baby roo must have been REALLY cute. So glad your dinner was so enjoyable. Good stuff !!

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251195 12/15/18 03:56 AM
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Marc Offline
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It is great to be back on board. First person who recognized us (and we him) was Joseph. Then it was Ronald and Sylvester and then Ray, Kseniia, and Antje. Refurb of ship is wonderful; this is going to be a fantastic cruise!

Edited to add

Rumors of Catalin’s retirement are premature; he is alive and well and bartending in horizon lounge

Marc



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251196 12/15/18 01:31 PM
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C
CvH Offline
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So nice to see Ken this morning as we got off the ship. Very sad we could not join this sailing but we would be replaced at work if we did!
Spent a great day exploring before going to see Shania Twain in concert. Returned to our hotel just in time to see the Mariner sail away at midnight. Not the best quality pictures from my phone, but here they are. Bon Voyage!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: CvH] #251197 12/15/18 03:18 PM
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msmillie Offline
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Simply beautiful? This will be a very special cruise.


mm
Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251198 12/15/18 04:23 PM
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pwolftx Offline
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Bon Voyage! Wish I were there with you.


Peggy
Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251199 12/15/18 05:58 PM
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petlover Offline
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Such gorgeous photos !! It makes me so sentimental seeing Circular Quay wharf.. brings back wonderful memories. I'm so envious but there's NO way the timing over Christmas would ever work for us. Have a FANTASTIC TIME and keep taking us along.


Marcie

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251203 12/16/18 07:46 AM
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Marc Offline
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Kate and I came in first at bridge; perfect score on Mensa quiz; then part of Ngaire’s first place trivia team; a great day. Arlene and I are heading to Sette Mari for a wonderful dinner.

Life is good!

Marc



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251205 12/16/18 08:56 PM
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jbittle Offline
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We had some special guests at the Four Seasons before desert:
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251206 12/16/18 09:56 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Wonderful Jim, understand you posted these with the great new option Kim found. That first picture with Pat holding the Joey is fantastic.

So the swell is too big for us to tender today. So we are pulling up anchor and heading off to our next stop.

Wonderful dinner last night, tenderloin and lobster. Tonight we have Prime 7.

We paid to upgrade to a penthouse when we first booked this cruise. This is the longest trip we have done so decided to splurge. This was probably a mistake as I like it way too much !!!

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251207 12/17/18 12:09 AM
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cruisinfanatic Offline
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yeah agree Ngaire.....we have had PH cabins on the Mariner several times and they just spoil you for sure.....I just love those cabins. Enjoy! I have always wanted one of those Horizon or Seven Seas suites on the aft with the larger deck, but I don't know think those PH's may just be the best cabins ever.


JoAnn
Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251208 12/17/18 11:05 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Fun night at Prime Seven

[Linked Image]


Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251210 12/17/18 03:08 PM
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petlover Offline
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Four of our very favorite people....lookin' good !!


Marcie

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251214 12/18/18 04:19 AM
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jbittle Offline
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We had a helicopter medevac from the Mariner off the coast of Queensland. Nobody allowed on deck so hard to score photos. Maybe Mark has some good ones.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251215 12/18/18 08:00 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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The decoration on the ship is really well done.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251216 12/18/18 08:14 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Jim I think you got pretty good shots. The wind was up and the helicopter had to circle for quite a while. Not an easy situation for the helicopter pilot.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251218 12/19/18 04:26 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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On our tour in Arlie Beach morning tea. Good fruit but no scones.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251219 12/19/18 04:36 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Big drawings tonight at the cocktail party

The winner of the free cruise
The winner of the Regent $10,000 referral future cruise credit
The winner of the Oceania $8000 referral future cruise credit

I am always excited about who is going to win.

Starting in 2019 we will have a short review sheet rating the ship from your recent cruise. Each review is an entry in the drawing. Only one review per person per cruise. The link will be in your welcome home email. We will draw at the end of year for a $5000 future cruise credit for both Regent and Silversea.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251220 12/19/18 05:43 AM
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Marc Offline
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Ngaire, are the reviews for any Regent cruise or just escorted cruises?



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251224 12/19/18 08:11 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Any recent Regent or Silversea cruise booked by Keene Luxury Travel.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251227 12/20/18 05:08 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Went to the Billabong Sanctuary in Townsville today. Got hot at the end but a good day.

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251228 12/20/18 05:23 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251229 12/20/18 05:34 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251230 12/20/18 04:00 PM
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petlover Offline
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Lots of cute photos !!

I like the idea of doing a ship review and getting in the hopper for a FCC. We'll be leaving shortly for the Silver Galapagos and happy to do a ship review.


Marcie

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251231 12/20/18 09:24 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Yes it will be a very easy review. Mostly just star ratings and a short area for overall comments. I like the idea of having drawings for things for our clients. Always fun to see who wins and a nice thing to have on our website as well for new comers to the cruise lines.

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251232 12/21/18 12:59 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Butterfly in Cairns

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251233 12/21/18 02:26 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Pictures from the wildlife park. Mother kangaroo kept protecting the Joey in her pouch with her body.

The lizard stood up and then started to fall off the log but was able to hold on but ran to the far corner and jumped into its small water pool. Obviously shaken by the experience. Wish I had been videoing.


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251234 12/21/18 03:23 AM
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Marc Offline
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Bloody hot; bloody humid; Cairns is beautiful. We have decided to skip our two tours in Cairns; went to mall today; packed with Christmas shoppers. Deck bbq tonight; I have a feeling given the passenger mix Compass Rose will be pretty crowded. Bars are empty at night. For a show last night in Horizon with Orchestra and lead male singer from cast; only 16 passengers. They were ready with two bartenders and five bar waiters; most of which were let go very quickly. After only a half hour set; the singing ended and there was another half hour of dance music with the orchestra; only problem was that they took a half hour break before finishing their set; by then, there were only three passengers in the lounge. Checked out Observation and there were zero guests. Stars had duo so they had about a dozen guests. This ship is dead. "By popular demand," they have started having the shows pre-dinner (okay, not all of them). So, I imagine half of pax will come to take pictures of bbq and then head to Compass Rose for dinner.

Marc

PS For those that remember Robin from this year's South America cruise; we have a "competitor" on this cruise.



Re: Sea Mail from ROO [Re: Ngaire] #251236 12/21/18 04:48 AM
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K
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KLT Cocktail Party & Free Cruise Winners Marc and Arlene:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Marc and Arlene look very happy.

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