New from the Voyager

Hey all. Wel finally made it onboard! Only a year in the planning. Met up with everyone at Sailaway. Great dinner tonight with Denise/Alan, Bob/Maria, Jerry/Peggy. We finally had to leave the dinig room and move to a bar so the waiters could do their thing. Lots of laughs and much wine.

Now here in the computer center, Peggy, Denise, Maria and me.

Looking forward to sleeping in a bit tomorrow and a facial before arriving in Barcelona.

Great to read the first CROSS Sea Mail JoAnn. Have a great time!!!! :woh:

Glad to hear you've upheld the LCT tradition of closing the dining room. Have a wonderful trip, CROSSers!

Cheers, Anne

Hi evrybody,

I'm also here. We had a great meal with JoAnn, Peggy, Denise and their DHs. Everything it's great. This might come as a shock , but peanuts are now going for $140,000/ peanuts batch. I know, it's weirs but it's what it is so jsut suck it up.

PS. I had a lot to drink but this is a true story!

Ciao, adios

Hi JoAnn!! Give Peggy, Denise and Maria a hug for me!!

Hi

Had a super sailaway. Voyager is fantastic.

Wow, all inclusive is terrific. However, peanuts cost big-spender Jerry $140,000! Drinks free. Peanuts will cost an arm and a leg. No more cruises for Peggy and Jerry as he spent their last dime.

Way too much to drink for us all and these posts may be very, very off-center!

Hurry and get here, Sue and Tom.

LCTers should not be allowed to post under the influence!

OH so excited to get your seamail JoAnn and hear that all is well with the Crossers - it'll only keep getting better!!!!! Editing thanks for ALL seamail - obviously having a ball!!!!! :app: :app: :app: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Agree, no more posting while CWI (Cruising Under the Influence) - we defintitely consumed our share of wine tonight.

We are really having a great time!!!

CWI let's not forget that one - love it!!!!

Hi Denise...we will be there SOON!!! We can't wait...just one more week!!! :hug:

O.K. I can tell you CROSSers are already having too much fun!!!!!
Thanks for checking in, ladies. I can't wait for more posts, CUI or not!!! Oh Yeah, and maybe you could add a few photos, Please!!!!!

CWI - what a great way to begin your journey. And it will make your seamail all the more fun. Keep on sipping.

Of course, I would never do that myself. :D :D

So much fun to read your 'loopy' seamail but what's with the peanuts? Send us some pic's!

Love the CWI!!! Thanks for the posts and can't wait for tomorrow's installments!

Sweet dreams, Nancy

Can't wait for the SeaMail. Have a great time.
Lynn

Y'all are definitely having fun! BUT - must relate the $140,000 peanut story!!!!

Jerry dropped $140,000? It must be the noontime tomato juice. Is this a BWI (booking while intoxicated?) incident? <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />

Cheers, Anne

Morning, all.

We went to bed in the wee hours of the morning. So much fun. We closed down CR and then drifted into the lounge.

Very rocky seas in the early AM. Magnifcent day today. PM private touring in Barcelona - Gaudi today. Private walking tour tomorrow in the AM.

Dinner for us possibly tonight in Barcelona at Set Portes w/Maria/Bob, JoAnn/Frank.

Good morning all. Well I just re-read my post and it needs to be changed, I meant to write CUI (Cruising Under the Influence), guess I was!! :D :D Denise and are here in the Computer room, I'm going for a facial in an hour. Haven't seen anyone else yet this morning.

Cruising along the coast on our way to Barcelona, we are due to arrive at 1:00. Plan to just exlpore on our own and then we have dinner reservations at Porte Setes with Bob and Maria, and possibly Denise and Alan. Weather is sunny and bright with a light breeze. More later.

Thsi is JoAnn, Maria forgot to log off!!

This is Peggy--don't know if this will come up with my avatar or someone elses. It's the cold light of day and fortunately I waited to post until things were a little more "sober". Regarding the peanuts--it was all a joke from the waiter. It's one of those things thats a lot funnier at the time, if you know what I mean. Anyway, Alan wanted some peanuts and there weren't any on the table so he asked for some. The waiter said they only serve peanuts from 6-8 pm and other times you have to ask for them. He brought the peanuts and a bill for $140,000. The comment was: "The drinks are included but you have to pay extra for the peanuts." Like I said, much funnier in the wine fog. Almost to Barcelona, more later...

Aha, it was Joann that didn't log out. I'll do it for her. Peggy

Great hearing from you guys!! Your posts are a riot....like Betty said, keep on sipping!! :app:

Fantastic touring day today with Priscilla/John, Peggy/Gerry. Our guide and driver were superb. Another half day with the guide tomorrow and then lunch before heading back to the ship.

Weather has been outstanding.

Time for CR with Priscilla/John. Food and service have been first-rate.

Thanks for checking in, Denise. Hope dinner is delicious. :yummy1:

Great seamail! You guys crack me up. Glad you are having a grand time! Enjoy! :pass:

Miriam - great new avatar picture.

So glad our CROSSers are having a wonderful time!

Keep up the reporting. Cheers, Anne

Sounds like you guys are having a blast! Keep sending us Sea Mail!

Did I miss tonight's CWI (Cruising While Intoxicated) posts? I saw the post about cruising into Barcelona - but anything else? Anywhere? From anyone?

Deleted - I double posted.

Nothing to my knowledge Todd. They have either been out on the town in Barcelona or have already returned to the ship - maybe crawling. With this group I don't think we'll ever hear the entire story. Inquiring LCT minds need to know.
I hope they haven't made a pack of what happens on the Voyager stays on the Voyager! :D

Good morning. Its Momday, and we are still docked in Barcelona. Some of the others have already left for their tours.

Yesterday after we arrived in Barcelona Frank and I just took the shuttle into town and walked around a bit, stopped at a Tapa's bar and had a few. Today we will do much of the same, just walk around on our own and we definitely plan on hitting the Boqueria and the espridille store. Frank is so excited for all this shopping that he is still sleeping in preperation.

Not a lot of CUI (Icorrected that yesterday) to report as everyone did different things last night. We went off ship with Bob and Maria, luckly for us Maria speaks fluent Spanish which was very helpful with the cab driver and waiter. By the time we got back, they went on to bed as they had to be off the ship at 7:00 this morning for their train to somewhere. We checked out the lounges which were all quiet and then just had a last drink at the Observation Lounge.

Tonight is Captain's welcome aboard and I'm sure things will liven up. We are scheduled for dinner with Kathy, Frank, Fred and Pat for Kathy's birthday tonight.

BTW my facial was wonderful yesterday !!! :D :D

More later.

Thanks for updating us, JoAnn. The posts have been great - especially the CUI's :D

JoAnn, thanks for the reports. Say hi to Kathy, Frank, Fred and Pat and happy birthday to Kathy.

I am glad to hear the facial was great. Did they try to sell you anything?

So good you're having a great time!! We love Barcelona too. Have a wonderful dinner tonight....HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHY.

We love your posts, CUI or otherwise! Keep that seamail coming.

OMG this is hysterical!!! Keep posting, UI or otherwise!!

Its Tuesday, so we must be in Valencia!! I wouldn't know, as I have been up since around 4am sick to my stomach. Frank went on our planned tour, but there is no way I could have been that far from a bathroom. Oh well, happens sometimes. Feeling much better now, after sleeping till around 10 and taking a long hot shower. Since we are here only till noon, just decided to do some laundry and such.

On to last nights CUI. It was Captain's night so things definitely livened up. We had a fun dinner with Kathy, Frank, Fred and Pat, with Denise, Alan, Maria, Bob, John and Priscilla at the next table. Kathy had ordered a special appetizer from Lattitudes, but instead of the one she ordered, we got the entire appetizer plate from there. Needless to say it was devoured. After dinner Frank and I went to the casino for a bit, didn't take long for the slots to suck up my money and Frank played some blackjack, coming out behind. From there we moved to the Observation lounge and found everyone else enjoying Frankie and his guitar music so we hung out there for awhile laughing and carrying on. Fortunately none of us made it to the computer room to try and post! :D :app:

To be continued.

Sounds like you are having fun.

I really enjoyed the Lattitudes appetizers, especially the shrimp thing and the spring roll. Sounds yummy.

I am sorry you are sick and hope things have improved considerably on that front.

Hello,

It took me two days to recover from the first evening's CUI. Now my body has adjusted to the levels of limoncello, so I should be coherent from now on.

Today was Valencia which we had to see on the run as we were only there for 4 hours. Took the ship's shuttle to the city center and walked and saw the main sights. My favorite was the Central Market, which has everything from fish, meats, produce, bakery, etc. To me it seemed bigger that La Boquería in Barcelona. We bought some Jamón Ibérico to have later in our balcony with wine.

We sailed away at noon and they had a great tapas and paella lunch on deck. With sangría, of course.

I'm now going to change for a walk on deck with Denise. Have to burn those calories!

Hasta luego,

JoAnn, Sorry to hear you have been under the weather, but recovering.

Maria, Love that limoncello, especially the creme.

You all continue to have a great time and thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

Oh JoAnn I hope by the time you read this you are feeling so much better!

We have NOT even started to pack and we leave in 2 days - I am so bad about saying I will pack early and then I never do it! :b:

Feel better soon JoAnn, it's no fun to feel sick on the Voyager!

Another beautiful day! We toured Valencia this AM. Lovely city. Wish we had more time there. To cap off the visit, Alan and I stopped into Valor and had hot chocolates served with churros. Incredible!

Regent outdid themselves for lunch today. The Paella was first rate. Sangria capped it all off. A vast and beautiful array of Viennese pastries served with tea during trivia. Superb! Our team - Peggy, JoAnn, Frank, Charlotte, Wayne and me upheld the LCT tradition of winning those coveted tokens.

Dinner tonight in Latitudes with Priscilla/John.

Tomorrow, Maria/Bob, Priscilla/John, Peggy/Gerry, Charlotte/Wayne, Alan/me are off for a full day's private touring of Alhambra/Granada.

The weather has been so magnificent.

This continues to be a FANTASTIC cruise with wonderful friends!

Keep having a great time. We'll be thinking of you. Tom and Mona.

Also wanted to mention meeting Shirley (greystuff) and her lovely sister, Sandy. Two beautiful and fun-loving gals. Also had the pleasure of meeting Jan and Fred, who are delightful to be with.

Thanks for the wonderful reports Crosser's! JoAnn, hope you are feeling better.

Nancy

Oh no JoAnn!! Get well soon!!

JoAnn hope you are better today! Thanks for all the reports - sounds like you all are having a wonderful time - isn't it great to have perfect weather for your touring! I have loved Jan and Fred's seamail so much - no surprise Shirley and her sister are lovely ladies and fun loving! Shirley is a fun poster -

Congrats on the Tea Time Trivia Tokens, y'all. :woh: All those brains on one team......

Sounds like you guys are having a blast! CUI or CWI (cruising while intoxicated?). None of us on PANDA ever did that ;)

Keep up the great seamail!!

Hi all,

JoAnn is now feeling fine, I saw her drinking sangría and sporting her beautiful new espadrilles during sailaway from Valencia :) .

What I would like to know is : Where is everybody at 11:30 PM????? After a lovely meal with Peggy/ Jerry and Charlotte/ Wayne, Bob and I went to hear Frankie with his guitar at Observation lounge. We are now here because we can't find anybody . Once I logoff we'll try the other bars but I don't hold much hope ;) . Could it be because we have to wake up early tomorrow???

The casino was empty, can't bring myself to use my chips tonight.

Talk later,

Hey Maria...I think maybe everyone is in bed sleeping! :pass:

Oh no, now everyone is MIA, another CROSS acronym. Keep 'em coming!!! :D

Darn Maria - wish we were there we'd be looking for you and Bob!!!!

Thanks for the great reports, CROSSers! Keep them coming!

Dena

Need Help. - Please we need to get in touch with Emmy W.- Emmy got on Nov. 3 and we left for Aruba Nov. 3.

We will be getting on the ship Dec. 6th and meeting Emmy for the Chocolate cruise. She has our Aruba Cell number and that was how we would stay in touch.

There is something wrong with our Aruba Sims card, at this point we do not have a number and if they can't fix the card our number will change.

I have emailed Emmy to explain, but I don't think she is checking it. If someone on the Cross knows Emmy, please tell her.

Emmy is a tall, beautiful English Lady, traveling alone. If Patrick is still in the Dining Room he will point her out to you.

My email is valeri_inc@usa.net

Thank you.

Valerie and Jim

Glad you are feeling better, JoAnn.

I'm loving the reports and having fun vicariously through all the CUI adventures.

Valerie & Jim

I just copied your post and will personally hand it to Emmy or give it to Patrick to give to her for you.

Last night, we dined in Latitudes with Priscilla and John. The food was wonderful; the service A+; the company the best! We called it a fairly early night because we had a full day ahead in Granada.

We had a marvelous day today. Priscilla/John, Maria/Bob, Peggy/Gerry, JoAnn/Frank, Charlotte/Wayne, Alan/yours truly, spent the day touring the Alhambra with a fantastic private guide named Rosa. The day went along beautifully. Alhambra is MAGNIFICENT! You must visit/see it to appreciate just how incredible it is and hear of it's fascinating history.

After touring, we went to a wonderful restaurant for tapas lunch and some great Spanish wine to compliment the terrific food.

Tonight, dinner in CR with Peggy/Gerry, Priscilla/John, Charlotte/Wayne. We're all very tired after a long day; however, this is a great way to cap off such a tremendously enjoyable day.

Tomorrow, our group is off to privately tour Casablanca.

We've been so fortunate to tour with some wonderful, knowledgeable private guides and have such fantastic and fun companions to tour along with us!

Edited to add....Capt. Hansen has just announced that we will be able to view the Rock of Gibraltar at about 9:30PM tonight, on the way to Casablanca! Can't wait!

We did the Rock last year and I am so excited to see it again. Since we did the Alhambra last year, we cabbed it with Fred and Pat to Mijas and then to Malaga for a tapas lunch. We've visited all the Mercados, the tour in Valencia was interesting. Yesterday, we came back and had a spa afternoon, Facial, Body Scrub and Hot Stone Massage. There went my winnings from the Slot Tournement - I won on my birthday. Nice present since there were a lot of entries! After that spa day, we decided to have en suite dining, a bottle of wine and catch up on movies. That is something we rarely do, but we have a great candlelight dinner (sans candles!). We walked about a zillion miles today and have a zillion (27 MB's) worth of photos which I haven't even uploaded from my memory cards to the computer! I think I am in heaven!

Thanks for the sea mail...it sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time! :)

I'll post more later, as we are off to cocktails and dinner with Maria/Bob and Kathy/Frank in La Veranda.

Alhambra was wonderful - just amazing. Great tour with the above mentioned group, lots of fun and laughs on the way and great lunch Maria ordered for us in Spanish so we had no idea what was coming until it came - I think it was quickly consumed!!!

As I said more later.

Thanks, CROSSers, for your updates! I'm loving hearing about all your fun. Sure would like to see some...hint, hint!!! :)
Keep having fun, and keep telling us about it! Please!

YES we'd love some.....hint hint!!!!! Should be plenty of fun nights (CUI) and pixs on your sea days

Tried to keep things going last night but after dinner, we all went outside to see the Rock of Gibralter and from that point couldn't find anyone. Well actually we did go up to Observation lounge with Bob and Maria for a bit, but then they left. Maybe there is a message there. Anyway, we went to the casino for a bit, the slots happily ate my money again, then Frank and I went to Voyager Lounge hoping for some company, but finally just decided to call it a night. Gained an hour, so that helped.

Today we should be docked in Casablanca, however it is very foggy outside and we are cruising around trying to see if the fog will lift so we can get into the port. If not, guess they will just decide to make it an unexpected sea day. We had a private tour with the group, Denise/Alan, Peggy/Jerry, Wayne/Charlotte, John/Priscilla and Maria/Bob - so will have to see how that plays out.

As to pictures, I have no clue how to go about that, sorry guys, I'm totally challenged on that part. I'll see if anyone else knows how, but we actually haven't taken a lot of pictures partying that I know of. I have some from Kathy's birthday and a few from the Captains party. Maybe Kathy knows how and can download them off my card.

KAREN - should this thread be moved to Seamail?

We are facing difficulties this morning attempting to dock in Casablanca, due to extremely heavy fog. Our captain is attempting to dock, if at all possible, by 10:00AM, Morocco time. At this point, it looks quite doubtful.

I had arranged a half day of private touring and just spoke with the touring company, here in Morocco, to give them a head's up on our situation. I will need to call our guide should Capt. Hansen determine that we can dock, safely and we are able to take our tour with him.

JoAnn, I will move it to seamail after the cruise is over, I am afraid if I move it now, it will confuse all the posters!

Denise, I hope the fog goes away!! Fog is one thing I don't associate with Casablanca!!!

Kathy, I saw some of your pics from other cruises from the site I think I found in an old post or your profile or somewhere. You have quite a gift. I am glad you won money on your birthday. In my tournament, I came in 6th out of 7!!!

I am surprised nobody is in the lounges, on my cruise, people stayed in Voyager Lounge until one or later every night.

It sounds like the tours continue to be good. I am pleased with how Regent does tours except they don't point out or plan in bathrooms!

I'm happy to report that the fog lifted and we made it to Casablanca. We saw the mosque , which was the highlight of the tour . Quite impressive.

The ship is DEAD after 10:30PM. I keep hoping to find dance music that is not ballroon dancing or kareoke style entertainment. Other than that we are really enjoying everything.

The casino hasn't been kind to me . Maybe tonight will be the lucky one!

Later,

The fog had given way to beautiful skies and warm weather. Voyager docked in Casablanca and we were able to tour an hour later than anticipated. Our guide and driver were there to warmly greet us and we were off to tour Casablanca. The Mosque is magnificent and a must see. Our guide was excellent and so informative. We then toured the rest of the city. The city is bustling; however, holds no real appeal with the exception of visiting the Mosque.

Ice cream social before trivia tea this afternoon. SSS party and then Signatures tonight with Maria/Bob, Priscilla/John.

So glad to hear that you were able to dock and get to your tour of Casablanca.

Continue having a great time and enjoy dinner this evening.

Nancy

Wow, Maria. That is amazing. Is the duo still in the Voyager lounge? Ask Terry to have a dance party. They had them every night last week and karaoke twice in a week. It was mobbed both times, and once the dance party was so full they had to move it to the atrium. Since 40% of the people stayed on board, it must have been us non ballroomers that departed.

The gentlemen hosts, Harvey and Mark are still on board and are teaching ballroom (you probably already know it) and Mark actually joins the disco/pop if he thinks it isn't too loud.

I believe someone mentioned dance hosts on a different thread and for the life of me I can't remember....but, my sister and I are traveling together and it would be great to be able to dance once or twice while on the cruise.

How do you meet these gentlemen?

TB, yes I did...here is the thread (from Regent
topics)

http://www.luxurycruisetalk.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004323.

If I recall on SS, the hosts are ubiquitous--especially in the common areas, and naturally where music is played. On seadays they also
give ballroom dance lessons (e.g.,foxtrot, tango, etc)

r/wes

If you go the singles cocktail party the 1st night, the GHs will be there. If you miss that, believe me, they will find you. Just sit in the lounge. I'm guessing, but I think they get a list of the single women onboard.

Hi,

We had dinner with Denise/Alan , Priscilla/John at Signatures and it was very enjoyable. We then went to the show with a lady pianist that has played the theme songs in a bunch of movies. It was very good.

Then Bob and I went around , once again, looking for everybody. I thought JoAnn had said after the show meets us at the Observation Lounge. Nobody there. Then I thought , maybe it was the Horizon lounge. Nope. We stayed and had a couple of drinks anyway.

The good news is that they announced tomorrow is 60/70/80's show and then it will be a dance/party at the atrium! Could this be it???? My feet are getting restless!

Tomorrow Agadir, I think that's where we will see the goats on the trees!

There are many solo events. The cocktail party the first night is the first one. It was at 6:30 after the lifeboat drill and the block party. Then about every other day, they officially have a breakfast and about every other day they officially meet for cocktails the days they don't do the breakfast. People come anyway on the times it isn't scheduled, and others usually come but not as many.

Also, the guys have to do ballroom dancing during those parties if anyone wants, and then they have to go back at 9:15, so they never get to have dessert.

They decided to do a lesson at the aerobics room one day, and 6 people came and were dancing that night. Mark teaches dance at home. They are staying on till Ft. Lauderdale.

María, how I wish Greg and I were there with you and Bob. We definitely like the nightlife on our cruises. We don't ever go out at home, so while on vacation, it seems a travesty not to. Hopefully once the rest join for the crossing, you will have LOTS of night-time company! :)

I figured it was about time for me to tell everyone how much I am enjoying the posts. Glad you got to see Casablanca. There is always a bit of a let down if you have to miss a port, so I am glad it worked out.
Kathy, you are the photo guru, anything fun to post in the picture department?
Lynn

A wonderful tour today with the group to Touradant. We saw the tree goats, and after a "Mr Toads Wild Ride" we finally got to Touradant. Toured the souk, went to the place where they make all the oils and creams from the Aragon nuts and had a wonderful lunch at a very nice deluxe hotel.

Tonight we are dining with Jan and Fred and their friend Gabrielle. They have special ordered a german feast.

We had dinner with Peggy/Jerry, and Wayne/Charlotte last night, then Peggy, Jerry and us went to the Voyager and danced, I stopped at the casino and deposited my money again.

Tonight we are all looking forward to the Atrium dance party, hopefully Maria will get her restless feet moving. Maybe some real CUI will get started. :banana: :3smile:

Another wonderful day touring Agadir/Taroudont with our very efficient and knowledgeable guide. So many goats in trees. The driver stopped, permitting us wonderful photo ops. We wandered the souk and then had lunch at a lovely hotel. Food and service were very good.

Taroudont is exactly what I envisioned Morocco to be like. So glad we got to experience it first-hand.

I too love reading all the great reports! It sure sounds like fun! It sounds like on this sailing more people are going to Observation Lounge and fewer to Voyager Lounge?? On our cruises it was just the opposite. Anyone having any luck in the casino?

Hi everyone! Finally I am getting a chance to post. You've gotten the scoop on our previous excursions, and today was a fun day in Taroudant. It felt like a step back in time going through the souk. A very interesting experience. We definitely didn't want to get separated from the group, with the way the alleyways went on and on and around and around. We had a very good guide, and a good driver too, but OMG! He was passing cars and trucks constantly, going around bicyclists, honking, etc. Again, a real experience! I feel as if I've seen the real Morocco, or at least a little portion of it.

You may have noticed the lack of John's and my names in the first postings. That's because we had a mechanical problem with our plane on our overseas flight and had to land at a military base in Goose Bay, Labrador. We stayed on the plane for about five hours in Goose Bay while AA sent a new plane and crew from New York. Needless to say, after all that, we missed our connection to Nice, so we flew directly to Barcelona to meet the ship on the second day. Even got here in time for our first tour! So it all worked out.

Well, I'd better go get ready for dinner. We must keep eating, you understand. The food has been very good in Compass Rose, and we loved Latitudes the other night.

More later ....

Priscilla, it's so good to hear from you! What an ordeal on the military base, I would be be biting my fingernails!

WOW Priscilla! So glad you made it OK. What a terrible, unexpected ordeal!! If I had to stay sitting on the plane going no where for 5 hours I would have gone absolutely Biserk!!!

AWESOME day in Lanzarote today. Alan and I took the camel excursion and had a blast!

The landscape in the southern area of Lanzarote is surreal.

Our weather continues to be incredible.

Tomorrow, a full day's private touring of Funchal with Priscilla and John.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sue and Tom.

Denise, we need more ship news! How has the food and service on your sailing?

Hi,

I'm happy to report that the Atrium party was a success and warmed us up to continue dancing for a while. I wished thay would have kept the live music going for longer but I guess they were concerned about keeping the 80% of passengers that go to sleep early awake with all the noise. My restless legs did get moving finally :) ! We shared the dance floor with JoAnn and Frank which are great dancers and very lively!

JoAnn asked Lorraine, the cruise director, if they could do this at least 3 more times while we are on the T/A. I hope Lorraine takes JoAnn's advice.

Karen,

For us the service has been very good. One day there was some slippage of wine serving ( half our table didn't get wine for what seemed like a long time), but other than that we have been very happy. Have not eaten on Latitudes yet. On Sinatures I had the duck which was excellent, but Bob had the rack of lamb which was tough, not that great.

More later,

Shoot--I posted a long missive about the service on the Voyager (or lack thereof) and it went poof. In addition to other shortcomings, the internet has been frustrating--in and out, in and out. In short--food's been great, service (particularly in Compass Rose) has left a lot to be desired. I've never, ever had to ask for more wine before on a Regent cruise--nor have I ever had to wait over 10 minutes to even get a menu. I'm probably a little critical because we just got off the Mariner and can't help but compare. Mariner was definitely much better this go around. But hey, it's a cruise--so what's to complain about????

Karen,

We have found the food and service to be excellent. Chef Cornell Rhouland (sp?) has put together some outstanding selections. One afternoon, we had a Viennese tea.

Off to chocolate tea and trivia.

Karen,

We have found the food and service to be excellent. Chef Cornell Rhoulan (sp?) has put together some outstanding selections. One afternoon, we had a Viennese tea. Dinner in CR has been outstanding. Service there spotty, only one evening. The staff at LV is impeccible, as is the staff at Signatures and Latitudes.

Off to chocolate tea and trivia.

Thanks for the reminder about the dance hosts. We'll definitely give it a try!

I'm so glad to hear that the service and the food are excellent. It's a key factor for us in choosing a luxury line :) .

Keeps the posts coming!

Guys I am just checking in. Glad to see that everybody is having such a good time. I am sorry that we are going to miss joining you in Funchal, but many of you know about my dad, so it really ended up being a blessing in disguise. I have really enjoyed reading all about what is going on. Keep the Seamail coming.

Blessings to all!

If you Cross'ers read this please be sure to do the toboggan ride in Funchal because it is a BLAST!!!

Thanks for all of the updates - with a cruise just 30+ days away I need to get back into anticipation mode.

Peggy, I know what you mean about finding service just a "beat" off. You just know when it's not working as planned. Sounds like it's hit or miss, hope it gets better for you.

Happy CROSSINGS!

I remember on Mush waiting ages for menu and even longer for wine - just one night BUT we had newbies from here with us and it was frustrating - I had told them you will never look for wine it just appears and service is perfection - this was an OFF night -

Margo, you must be excited about the new builds for Seabourn! as I know you love this line. I think we all will have so many more choices with SB and Silversea with new ships, and hopefully Regent as well! I'm sure you will have a great holiday cruise!

Margo where and when???

Finally getting around to reading LCT and the reports from the Crossers. Nice to hear from everyone. So glad Priscilla made it what a mess that situation was for her. Goats in trees is such a great sight I am sure that made the day.

Look forward to more posts.

Peggy - you got anyone playing pooch yet. Lots of sea days ahead.

Hi all - well its Sunday and we are docked in Funchal. The most beautiful view from our balcony yet - its charming. I'm meeting Lorraine for coffee in 1/2 hour and then we will take the shuttle into town and just do our own thing.
Last night we had an impromtu "farewell" get together for Wayne and Chalotte - they are the neatest couple and we had such fun with them on our tours and just in general. Then on to dinner with Bob/Maria, Fred/Pat and Jennifer and Eyler, two of the stars of the shows. We closed down CR, in the LCT tradition. It was great fun and we really enjoyed Jennifer and Eyler. Later just hung out in and around the casino with Bob and Maria and Denise and Alan.

Tonight of course is the welcome for Tom and Sue, we are having everyone to our suite for a welcome aboard party, then we will dine with them along with Priscilla/John and Denise/Alan. I'm sure we will uphold the CR tradition. :D :D

Will report in later tonight.

Glad you and Tom made it, Sue. I'm anxious to hear more about the toboggan ride.

Sorry to hear there are still a few service issues. I was blasted somewhat on CC for mentioning any. I guess I made too big a deal of it.

I am glad the atrium party was a success. Did any of that move to Voyager afterward? Is the duo singing there?

We are in our suite as I type this! The Voyager is so beautiful! Boarding was so painless...we got out of the taxi, presented our papers to the folks at the end of the gangway and they welcomed us. We walked up the gangway to be given a glass of champagne and then were given our room "keys".

We are invited to a cocktail party this evening given by JoAnn and Frank and look forward to meeting everyone!

Yippee Sue! I am glad you finally made it on board!

Have a wonderful time Sue and let us hear from you! Debbie we really had the "one" snafu on Mush for dinner in many many nights with Regent - I think it came through loud and clear you loved your trip! Someone mentioned certain issues are important to some and not to others so very true - getting my wine asap and refilled at dinner is an issue with me!! Regent has come through 99.9 % of the time

Joanna, getting my wine refilled is important, too, and I mentioned when getting something different from the pour of the day that it poured slower. Nobody got bent about that, only that I didn't like my embarkation. I don't know why that upset the diehards on CC. I would say for me, they came thru at least 95 - 97%. If I was on Voyager now, it would be my hot tub time.

Sue, all the best.

Where have Jan and Fred gone?? They have not been keeping up their Sea Mail thread nor have they started a new one. I hope that means they are having a good time. I am missing their stories. They give a lot of interesting detail. Jan, are you reading?

Today, Priscilla/John, Alan/yours truly spent a full day touring magnificent Funchal. We had a fantastic private guide who took us to the many picturesque, beautiful, off-the-beaten-paths of this lovely island. Our first stop was riding the cable car to Monte. We sampled Punsche, a mixture of rum, sugar cane, lemon and honey, at a little bar, catering to the locals. Then off to tour the more remote areas, affording some breathtaking views. Lunch was at a very remote and beautiful resort hotel in Santana.

So many wonderful experiences in Funchal, veering off from the tourist spots. The beaches and peaks are sights to behold.

We capped off segment 1 of the crossing in glorious fashion! A perfect day with our wonderful friends, Priscilla and John!

Now, we CROSS!

Denise, So glad you enjoyed Funchal. It sounds like a lovely place. Enjoy your CROSS.

Thanks, Beth.

All the planning and preparation have really paid off in awesome experiences with fantastic private guides and wonderful, agreeable, fun-loving friends/ touring companions. Our RSSC excursion yesterday in Lanzarote was fantastic. We toured each and every day and savor everything we did. Now we can relax and CROSS our way to FLL. So glad we chose the Fall crossing. Relaxation during the 2nd segment and we gain hours! Weather has been perfect. Capt. Hansen just announced that he anticipates a smoothe crossing. Who could ask for more?

What a great trip Denise and yes your wonderful research has given you some fantastic excursions - combination of weather, friends, meeting new people, good food/wine, what a super 16 days you will have experienced!!! But you are missed on LCT :hug: :hug:

Denise,
Thanks for your report!!! Everything sounds absolutely wonderful!!! I'm so happy that you are having such a great cruise! Keep having fun!!!

Thanks all you CROSSers for your SeaMail! Wish we were there with you!!

Here's to extra hours on your return and smooth sailing, CROSSers.

Anne

All of you are going to love the realxing CROSSing. And there is still so much to do on the ship. Isn't Maderia the best? I could go back there often.
Sue, I know you and Tom are so happy to finally be onboard. Everyone enjoy!

So glad you are all together now! Welcome aboard Sue & Tom! So glad all the planning worked out so well, Denise. Many happy CROSSing experiences ahead for a great group :)

Great to hear from you all; continue to have a great time and don't forget us!

Where do I start??? This is so wonderful finally getting to meet everyone. JoAnn and Frank hosted a cocktail party in their suite to welcome us on board - that was so nice of them!

To finally meet and hug all the wonderful LCT friends is beyond words. Tom and I gave each couple at the cocktail party a little momento for the CROSSING(an Aflac lifeguard duck) and Maria lost her duck at dinner! Oh my what a dilemma seeing Maria stressing over her lost duck and searching CR for her duck. Lo and behold she was told to go to Reception and retrieve her lost duck!

Well now we are making our way to the Voyeur (no I am not spelling it incorrectly we have just changed the name) Lounge for some evening festivities...you know we party an extra hour this evening!

More later... :lct:

Wonderful hearing from you Sue!!!! MORE MORE!!!

Sue, thanks for your posts and so glad you are now with the Crosser's.

Have a great rest of the evening.

Nancy

What can I say, Funchal was fantastic. The sailaway with beautiful weather and 99.9% humidity ( :( ) was great. Bob and I didn't do the baskets, or whatever they are called, I'll let other comment on that. We spent some time on the Botanical gardens, walking through town, and having porto wine and beer at a cafe.

Tonight JoAnn and Frank hosted a very nice party at their cabin to greet Sue and Tom who joined the cruise. We followed with dinner at Compass Rose where, I'm happy to report, service and food were excellent.

I recovered my duck( present from Sue and Tom) , and he's safely tucked away in the cabin for the night.

After a disappointing virtual DJ who never showed up at Voyager lounge, JoAnn and I decided to come up here to post.

Good night,

Well we totally enjoyed Funchal today. Maybe the prettiest port we have done yet. Got off late, took the tram up to Monte, rode the toboggan down, it was a hoot to say the least.

Tonight started out our CROSSing in typical LCT fashion. Had everyone in for cocktails which was loads of fun - then on to dinner with Tom/Sue, Denise/Alan, John/Priscilla, with Maria/Bob and Peggy/Jerry at the next table. Maria lost her duck, who managed to find his way to reception all by himself and Maria finally found him.

After, went to the Casino where I made my nightly contribution while the people on each side of me were winning like there was no tomorrow.

Looking forward to tomorrow's excursion, which Denise has set up - we have to be on deck Z at 7:00am for the "Walking on Water" tour, which is totally complimentary. :D She has planned several tours this week, but claims that Sunday's will be the best one, since it is the last day.

I would say we are off to a great CUI start!!! We gain an extra hour tonight, thank heaven.

Much more to come - stay tuned everyone.

Looking forward to details about the "Walking on Water" tour!

Masaki

Great to hear from you all, PLEASE keep the seamail coming!!!

Great seamail. Glad you are having a wonderful time. Enjoy! Relax! Laugh! May you be blessed with calm seas!

Okay, now there are probably going to be some onboard activities where SOMEONE can share some pictures? Remember on TAP when you got all those Derby Day pictures (aside from the pix from kaoreoke and other parties). Oh, I remember, we had KEN aboard then!

May you all continue to have the great weather with which you've been blessed, and many good times to fill those extra hours you will gain on the way westward!

Editing to say :mad: to Regent for not having DJ in VL (especially on the first night at sea) if it was on the schedule! Website says they were bringing along extra musicians on this crossing? It is a Regent Experience Spotlight cruise! On TAP, we had great H/W duo in VL every night (that I remember) at sea.

Olivia, you remember very well. We were there every night to listen (and even did the Karioke (I don't know how to spell) one night. It sounds as if they are going to have as much fun as we did on TAP. And Yes, POST SO"ME """"PIX. The computer guy would probably show you how.
Lynn

Yes, Lynn, there are so many lct people aboard that I think the computer guy/gal will help someone with a camera! However, we don't want to take away from your "onboard" experience! Just enance it to the next level!

Denise is a wonderful organizer.Her excusion plans are usually flawless. I often ask her for advice. Sounds like a wonderful time is being had by all. Enjoy the crossing. Be safe and have fun!

OK, you all. Be leary of Denise's "Walking on Water" tour..... Have life perservers handy!!!!! Great seamail. Glad y'all are having a fun time.

I don't knwo what the deal is with the DJ, but when they just put music on the computer no one dances. The duo is onboard and they are great and fun to dance to, but they usually stop at 11 or midnight. I thought there was wsupposed to be a big band from England, but unless they are part of the orchestra, haven't heard or seen them specifically, although they have ballrooms dancing in the Horizon every night, so maybe thats it, but we are usually still having dinner.

The "walk on water" excursion went very well. It was a little difficult at first, but we finally got the hang of it. I'm having a massage in an hour to ease my pain.

Tomrrow is water skiing behind the ship!

We are having dinner with Lorraine, the CD tonight along with Jan and Fred and the lovely lady who invited us for the German dinner the other night, Gabrielle.

So far pretty smooth sailing. Lots of activies going on today and even though Wayne and Charlotte are gone and we have to fill their spots on the trivia team, we are hoping to win some more tokens.

Debbie,
We are still here...everyone else has been posting so I've been lazy. I'll write up our adventures and get it posted.

We did the Sledge in Funchal..it was a lot of fun! Twice they stopped us and "greased" the skids because we weren't going fast enough! I thought we were going just fine!

Met Sue and Tom last night and we love our duck!

Jan

Whew...we made it through our first LCT dinner. We had a wonderful time with everyone.

This morning we hit the gym for 30 mins of treadmill time and then on to CR for a light bkfst. We both have spa appts at 11 so that will be a nice and relaxing time.

There is so much to do I hope we can fit it all in!

We have the best next door neighbors; Priscilla and John! Priscilla's smile just lights up the room and makes you feel so good inside. :)

I will try to send Karen a pic of our One Sole shoes with the cruise ship tops.

Whew...we made it through our first LCT dinner. We had a wonderful time with everyone.

This morning we hit the gym for 30 mins of treadmill time and then on to CR for a light bkfst. We both have spa appts at 11 so that will be a nice and relaxing time.

There is so much to do I hope we can fit it all in!

We have the best next door neighbors; Priscilla and John! Priscilla's smile just lights up the room and makes you feel so good inside. :)

I will try to send Karen a pic of our One Sole shoes with the cruise ship tops.

Yes Olivia, :mad: is right for the lack of a real DJ at Voyager Lounge! Frank tried to use his engineering background to figure out the computer but couldn't. The virtual DJ was playing Merengue music which I love, but I found no takers.


This deal of gaining an hour is great! Tonight we gain another one.

I missed the Walking on Water tour. I wonder if they give refunds?? ;) .

Our sailaway out of Funchal was beautiful. We then made our way over to JoAnn and Frank's for a wonderful pre-dinner, meet & greet Sue & Tom cocktail party. So great to finally welcome sweet Sue and Tom aboard to join our group. Sue gave each of us the cutest Aflack ducks.

We then made our way to CR. Unfortunately, we needed to split into two tables, as our group was so large. Spreading the frivolity into two sections was a good thing. Our group was having so much fun - we drove out the people at the table behind us. The laughing was getting to them big time. The laughing reached a fevered pitch when Maria became frantic at the loss of her duck. The waitstaff advised her that her duck had been taken to Reception for safe keeping until the rightful owner claimed him. The ordeal was hysterical! Who would have thought in just a few hours, Maria and her duck would have forged such a bond?

The Walking on Water tour began the second portion of our tour-intensive schedule. Alas, a few couldn't sustain the intensity and the survivors held a burial at sea ceremony. Needless to say, the burial at sea was not in the itnerary, so everyone who participated will have to cough up some extra $$$$$$$$$. A more formal memorial service will be held tonight in the Observation Lounge.

Today, being our first sea day, has gotten off to a great start. Alan and I had breakfast on the deck joined by one of our guest lecturers and his wife. Fascinating discussion.

The weather continues to be brilliant. Smoothe seas and sunshine!

Seafood BBQ today for lunch. Ah, life is good!

Yes, Sue there is so much to do. This cruise hasd been near perfection. Not even time to process the 1000+ photos I took this last week.

In Taurodant, the driver and guides stopped for the Tree Goats and when we got off of our van, the goat herder handed me a baby goat. Oh my...they are affectionate and that baby kept following me. The Guys took photos. We ended up at the same spot that Denise's group did for lunch.

We had a great guide in Funchal and we went to Cabo de Camera - a fishing village with colorful boats to photograph, Up to the top of Cabo Girad and then to Monte for a sledge ride, a drive through various parts of the island and then the botanical garden.

The deposits that every one else has made in the Casino have been found...they are in my little purse and tucked safely in the safe in my room along with the sparkly Tahitian Pearl and Diamond pendant that Frankie bought me onboard for a birthday present.

We had a Cordon Bleu Cocktail party last night, enjoyed Jan and Fred, and Peggy and Gerry's company and then off to Latitiudes with Fred and Pat. They changed the menu. Last week's was spectacular but this week was like Chinese Take out. Cornell asked us to critique it for him, since we know him from last year's Cordon Bleu. We have our first class jsutafter lunch.

We are now Gold and we were given new key cards today. Whooptie Do! And we can have our local paper delivered daily to our room via satillite.

Haven't uploaded any photos or read the boards much or even posted - internet too slow on my laptop in the room and even dropped the connection here in the computer room too. Everyone else is doing a good job of posting.

Well, off to the Slot Tournement. Have to retain my title of First Place Winner. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Our first sea day! We gained an hour last night and so our sleeping "late" today actually wasn't so late. We had a leisurely room service breakfast -- my first order of eggs benedict -- and finally here I am at club.com to post.

We enter the crossing segment with great memories of our last week's touring. Denise had done a marvelous job of organization -- no surprise there -- and we had really great guides at every stop. It was truly a fabulous learning experience to a part of the world, especially Morocco, that was entirely new to us. Madeira yesterday was absolutely beautiful and a real treat. Our driver took us on some little roads to small villages that were very charming, and we had lunch on the deck of a restaurant overlooking a serene and beautiful bay. Couldn't have been a better day. Last night, after the fun party and JoAnn and Frank's and a good dinner at CR, we fell into bed tired, but this morning we are rested and ready to go for the next week. We will try to keep up with Maria and JoAnn for the night life now!

Our new neighbors, Sue and Tom, are the best! We're so glad they have joined us. Truly, we have the most lovely group on this cruise. It is making everything beyond wonderful.

I forgot to say -- people were stopping us in the hallway last night about the Aflac duck we got from Sue and Tom. It yells "Aflac" when you squeeze him, and people were cracking up. Hysterical! And finally Maria and her duck were reunited -- she went to reception and said "I think you have my duck." You can imagine the hilarity.

Off to a lecture about marine life we may see. Later ....

Glad to hear from everyone. Thanks for posting, Jan. I've got to check out Funchal and a crossing for the future!

It sounds like several people have met the charming Gabrielle. Is she still dressing up? On my last night, she had on a gown. She always looks beautiful.

I wonder what happened to the DJ. He played into the night on my cruise until they shut down, I think, but I was always there till 12:30 or 1 a.m. Ask Terry or Lorraine. I hope Terry is smiling more. She seemed to be unhappy a lot. She had come back after a 2 year absense and wasn't getting a visit home to Canada until December. She seemed down a lot.

Posting these for Sue:

Thanks Karen, I will tell Sue the onesole tops are posted. Since no one in our group has a clue as to how to upload pictures to LCT, which is why you haven't had any, we were talking today at lunch about taking some tonight and then sending a few to Karen and having her do it for us.
Is that OK with you Karen?

Great day so far, my massage was perfection. Now its time for an after lunch nap. ;) Wine taste this afternoon and then trivia, then Captains night and all that goes with it.

JoAnn, I would be happy to but it really is easier for YOU if you just create a free Photobucket account! Photobucket does everything for you, including giving you the link to paste here! Or you can upload them to the Ofoto Kodak site, that is easier than resizing and emailing me pix, too!

But do whatever is easier for you, if you are more comfortable mailing me pix, go right ahead!

It's so wonderful to hear from everyone. It sure sounds like a great time is being had by all. We do wish we were there with you all. Continue the good times and the great seamail...it is the perfect start to my day.

Jan & Kathy, Good to hear from you both. You two have been having too much fun to post seamail.

Sue, Love the cruise onesole tops. They are just great.

Loving these CROSS excursions. Water Skiing Behind the Ship!!!!! Can't wait to hear what tomorrow's is.

The fun continues! We had a lovely BBQ fish lunch with Denise/Alan, John & Priscilla. We did a dance class learning the Swing. It was so much fun (Tom and I have two left feet) and we will certainly try it out this evening on the dance floor.

After dance class we headed over to wine tasting with JoAnn, Frank and Alan (Tom hung out but had a beer). Then on to more serious "stuff" of tea time with cheese cakes and trivia. I felt honored to be a part of the LCT trivia team and best thing we tied for FIRST place...my first token!

Resting up for the block party and then to Signatures for dinner and after dinner dancing.

Life is good!

Great to hear from you Sue and all; I totally understand Maria's distress as I love the AFLAC duck!

Sue, I assume Harvey and Mark taught it. Tell them I said hi and that you've "known me" for years. They will know who I am. I am delighted you went to their class. I wish I had, as the others were out there the same night and looked great.

Sue, LOVE those shoes. I think that toboggan ride is a blast. We loved it. Keep the posts coming.

OK, I am lost. What is the "walking on water" tour. By the way, Denise doesn't even have to be there to organize a fantastic tour. She gave me contacts in Istanbul and Ephesus and they were the best. It sounds as if you are all having much more fun than TAP, and I didn't think that was possible. Congratulations!
Lynn

Greetings from the ocean! Oh my last night we dined at Signatures and it was truly fantastic. We had so much to eat we never made it to dance last night...we were so full that we went back to our room and crashed!

Debbie the lessons are being given by dance champions Kristen and Travis (wonderful young couple). Today we learn to Salsa...I just wish we had more than 45 minutes because Tom and I sure need more, but you know what...I am so happy to be able to move my legs again (after having leg and arm weakness for 3 yrs from taking Lipitor) that I don't care how silly we look I am just so thankful for having strength to finally do things that I have longed to do! Harvey is on our floor and a few doors down. He gave us some pointers in the dance lesson and then we talked to him last night at the block party.

Ngaire these OneSoles shoes are wonderful...I just change the top and have a whole new shoe. I wore them last night with a dressy black strap and they were wonderful for formal night.

We continue to have so much fun with all the LCT folks - what a great bunch of people. :lct:

We start the day out in the gym because we sure are eating way too much food. I keep hopping on the scale to make sure I am working my calories off! :)

I have enjoyed reading all the posts so very much! Sounds like you are having a fabulous time on the cruise and with one another :) .

I know our first Regent experience will be really great - only 30 days to go. Wahoo!!

Keep the posts coming.

That is great about the dancing, Sue.

I checked those shoes out the time you posted the link. I think they seem like a great bargain and a really neat idea.

I see the disadvantage of a mostly sea itinerary is you have to motivate yourself to exercise. That is a good thing if you do it. I didn't have to do that since I walked for miles in the port. I felt like I was missing out on the gym, though.

Hi all,

This is such a great cruise!

Lasty night we had a great dinner with Alan / Denise and they introduced us to their favorite team of servers which were a lot of fun . Denise complimented the sommelier on the choice of white wine ( Dry Creek, Fume Blanc), and when we returned to our cabin we had a bottle there, waiting for us! What service!

I'll be following Sue and Tom's example and going shortly to the gym to work off the lunch calories as the Chef informed us that tonight there is weiner schnitzel (sp?) on the menu.

Dancing has picked up on Voyager lounge . We are awaiting Sue and Tom's Salsa demonstration! :)

Again I missed the excursion of the day, " Jet ski on the ship's wake" . I hope nobody was lost!

Hi everyone. I have been reading messages on this thread and on the Mariner world cruise with great interest because we will be taking half of the Voyager world cruise next Feb.

So often I see that you have taken local guides such as at Funchal. You seem to have individual guides. While I can find local tour operators I haven't had any luck with individual guides and would appreciate your suggestions.

Well, I won (came in 3rd) in yesterday's slot tournement. Hoping I can keep it up in today's Blackjack tournement. Took bridge lessons this morning, followed by a cooking demonstration (or more like a comedy team composed of the Executive Chef and the Corporate Chef). One of the couples lives in our area that was in the Bridge Class and we had lunch with them so we are going to continue the lessons at home together. After the blackjack tournement, we will tea and trivia. One of the ladies on board who is a headliner pianist (she was a student of Stravinsky and did some major playing for the studios) and I struck up a conversation. She was a classmate of my mother's from Grammar School to High School. What a small world. They lived on the same street. We have met some wonderfully interesting people on board ship.

There is not enough time in the day so much to do with 25 hour days!

Graham, for private guides, it's probably best to look on the private guides section of the board here. Tell us where you are going and we can suggest guides to use that we have experienced. Sometimes it's best to even do a ship's tour depending on the time in ports or even to grab a taxi and do something on your own.

Woo hoo Kathy, baby needs a new pair of shoes! ;)

Beware of Denise and her elite social director excursions :p She went hog wild on TUSH! :pass:

Sounds like everyone is having a great time. Keep the posts coming! Congrats Kathy, keep it up and the trip will pay for itself!
----------------
Helen

Yes, jet skiing was exciting - a little cold though. However everyone made it safely back to the ship.

Had dinner last night with Lorraine, the CD, Fred, Jan and the ever delightful and charming Gabrielle. After everyone met in the Horizon for what was supposed to be big band swing dancing, but it really wasn't. I don't know what happened to the advertized big band from England, the this was a Quintet of 5 guys in their 20', who were good, but they tended more toward jazzy type songs that were hard to dance to. Bob, Maria, Frank and I then adjorned to the Voyager Lounge and did a little dancing to the DJ and finally called it a night.

Yesterday our trivia team won for the 2nd time, since Wayne and Charlotte left, we have filled their spaces with Sue and John (Priscilla's husband). Very good choice as we also won again today!! whoohooo!! :app:

Graham,

I do very extensive research when seeking out guides. I am sending you a private message giving you the email of the company I used for our private touring in Funchal. Our driver/guide was excellent. We spent a full day touring and got to see so many wonderful sites on this lovely island. I strongly recommend this company. They were first-rate and reasonable. We had a beautiful day.

Alan and I attended a fun cooking demonstration this morning. This afternoon, pizza and pasta buffet on the pool deck. It was so good!

Off then to take a tour of the bridge, which was really interesting. I asked Capt. Hansen if he could make a stop in the Caribbean for a few days before reaching FLL. He said I'd really have to make that detour worthwhile for him to do so, as he needs his pay and would surely loose his job! Oh well, no harm in asking!

We then attended a lecture on Albert Einstein.

Another great sea day, capped off by our team's 3rd trivia win! What a great team! We're having a blast!

Tonight, dinner in CR with Priscilla/John, Maria/Bob. We've taken a real liking to Eric, Felix and Felino's area. They treat us royally and love to have a great time joking with us. CR dining has been absolutely the best. After commenting on how much we enjoyed a wine served with last night's dinner (Dry Creek), bottles were later sent up to both Maria/Bob's, Alan's/my suites.

I never thought I would ever say that sea days are fantastic. The Energizer Bunny is finding lots to do and loving it!

Smoothe seas and sunny days have blessed us! Great company and fun times are the icing on the cake!

More fun times this afternoon...our team really is doing well in trivia (I am not sure how much help I am, but it is a lot of fun).

We attended the afternoon dance session. The instructors are very kind to Tom and I. I think before we try our dance skills out on the Voyager dance floor we will get some private lessons at home or they may think we are the new comedy act for the ship! :eek:

We will have dinner this evening with Chat Kat and Frank in CR.

A pic is on the way to Karen of our winning trivia team!

Sue sent this picture of the winning trivia team :)



John, Sue, Peggy, Frank, JoAnn and Denise

Sue; Don't be bashful about getting out on the dance floor. Just keep time with the drumbeat and have fun. That's the name of the game. The more you do it the more fun it gets to be.

Thanks Sue, for sending ...Thanks Karen, for posting that great photo!
Boy, don't they all look like winners!!!!!

Great picture of the winning Trivia team!!

Denise, so glad that the energizer bunny is enjoying her sea days!

Nancy

Thanks Sue and Karen - yes a winning picture!

Come on, someone.....explain the walking on water tour. PLEASE
Lynn

Love the reports and pictures. The Trivia team looks so dignified and knowledgeable. I want to see the dancing ones!

Dinner this evening in CR was great. Kathy and Frank were wonderful dinner partners and we had a lovely meal (wiener schnitzel).

After dinner we enjoyed a night of dancing in the "Voyeur" Lounge; JoAnn/Frank, Maria/Bob, Tom/I and then we were happy to see Priscilla/John come in later on. Oh we danced our hearts out! Maria would win a Twist dance contest hands down! We had so much fun singing and dancing! :banana:

By the way...Priscilla won the daily Voyager quiz! :app:

Maria can win any dance contest! I was with her on NINJA when she learned to do a Greek dance via the guitarist onboard (Frankie was is name!), and she brought the house down, with Linda from BK in tow! Wish I knew how to post it on this MacBook.

Have to agree with the above, we had a great eveing of dancing last night, which followed dinner in CR with Peggy and Jerry. Maria is a great dancer. The guitarist onboard is Frankie, wonder if he is the same one that taught Maria the greek dance, I will ask her. Lots of laughs, wine and dancing.

Lynn - the "walk on water" excursion was just something that popped out one day, I think on the Aigidir tour, we were joking about all the sea days and Denise was commenting on whether there was going to be enough to keep her busy, and I said something about what day was she organizing the "walk on water" excursion and from there it just took off. This morning was climbing the smoke stack, which Frank and I missed. I think tomorrow is walking the plank, and Denise has assured us that she is saving the best for last - that Sunday's excursion will be one to be remembered, but she's keeping it a surprize until then.

Weather is still great, although this morning I'm noticing a little more rocking, its still great. I think Frank and I are going to join Tom and Sue at dance class today - CHA CHA.

Far better to win Voyager Quiz than bingo, Priscilla :D

We bowed out of joining the others in the lounge last night, opting for some alone time.

There are some interesting lectures on-board today, which we hope to attend:

Groundfloor Investments - SoukMart-Coming to a Town Near You

Camel Drool Stain Removal Techniques

Life Jackets - Not Just For Daywear.
Meet at the Muster Station and learn how to accessorize life jackets for those special evenings. Black pearls, cultured pearls and diamond embossing demonstration to give your life jackets that personal touch.

Trivia Token Investment Opportunities

A very special excursion is planned for our day of disembarkation.

Hi,

Regarding the dancing, there are many "modest" dancers here. JoAnn and Frank and Sue and Tom to name a few. We all kept Voyager alive last night.

Olivia, you are too kind , but I still remember that greek dance too :) . I think Linda was leading as I had never done it before ( or since). That Frankie is our Frankie here as well. Frankie "Dahling" Holiday ( He calls everybody "Dahhhling"). Maybe I'll ask him for a repeat but I need somebody that knows the steps!

Cloudy today but it will not deter the fun.

Wonder if we have an excursion this afternoon? Maybe Dolphin encounters on portside?

Editing to add:

Priscilla, congrats on your win! I know how hard you worked on it! ;)

Denise, thanks for offering these lectures . They are the best kept secret around here, but we want to keep it that way, don't we?

That is so funny Denise I wish I could attend some of those lectures. You gave me a good chuckle this morning.

Yes our Maria is quite a twister and I also remember the Greek Dance. Tell Frankie "blondie" said hello --- he probably calls ALL the blonds "blondie" so he wont have any idea who you mean!!!

Surprise...we didn't make it to dance class today! :eek: We danced so much last night that I decided to do something different so we went to a Fab Abs class and boy was that a workout, but a lot of fun.

At lunch we had front row seats for the ice-carving demonstration which was fantastic...so much talent in these people!

This afternoon I hear my book calling me to read and nap a bit and then on to the spa for a "satin skin" treatment and after that trivia time and dinner with JoAnn & Frank.

The fun never stops - the service is truly impeccable in every area of the ship and the LCT company is priceless! :)

Sue, Denise, JoAnn and all.......keep having sooooo much fun!!! We all LOVE hearing from you!!!

Aaaahhhhh, sea days! I can't believe we ever wondered whether we would be a little bored. No chance! This crossing is absolutely wonderful. I haven't been this relaxed since I don't know when.

After our fun dinner last night in Compass Rose with Denise/Alan, Maria/Bob (with our favorite server team Denise mentioned -- Eric, Felix and Felino) John and I went up to the observation lounge to listen to a talented pianist/singer (I've forgotten her name) and then the guitarist Frankie Holiday. We had a good visit with Fred and Pat, then decided to see if any LCTers were lighting up the dance floor in the Voyager lounge. Sure enough, JoAnn & Frank (good dancers!), Sue and Tom (ditto!) and twist queen Maria with Bob -- need I say more? We had loads of fun. Then as we approached our cabin we saw a note on the door and yea! -- I had won a token for the daily quiz on my first day! This softened the blow from losing Bingo when I was oh-so-close -- ha!

Tonight Latitudes, which should be a nice change. We loved it last week. The menu has changed for this week, and I hope it's as good. Whatever, we will enjoy dinner, I'm sure. I'll report back, I'm sure!

Fun is definintley being had by all. The swells are much heavier today and while in dance class I had to leave to take a pill. After not much for lunch, I went up to lie down and Frank went to afternoon dance class alone. Now he is running and I am feeling myself again.

Another of Denises planned excursions is the "tour behind those CREW ONLY doors. Many of us are anxious to see where that leads. :D Yet to come today is of course trivia, then dinner in Lattitudes with Tom and Sue.

Priscilla, forgot to congratulate you on your win yesterday! The token count is going up. Frank got one in golf chipping this morning. Elda calls triva "World Token War."

More later. Guess you LAMBers are getting excited, your turn coming up.

JoAnn - hard to think about LAMB when I'm enjoying all the CROSSer's seamail. You all sound like a much more active group than we were on TAP.
Priscilla - Great Win! Congratulations. Only a token, no free cruise? :D
And Kathy sounds like she is cleaning out the casino.
Hope none of you forget to make an onboard next cruise booking. But I bet you won't.
And I loved the onesole shoes.
We still need lots more pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Betty, you're right, especially in the daytime! Lots of energizer bunnies aboard. Love hearing all the activities!

Thanks for recent seamail - doesn't sound like sea days have been a problem - just sounds like a great trip with such a fun group

Oh my what a lazy day, but a great one! I have taken 2 naps today and still feel sleepy! The waves are getting a bit larger, but it isn't real bad.

My satin skin treatment in the spa was wunnerful! :D

Thanks again ladies for your reports. Your cruise sounds divine!!

Sue, how wonderful that sounds.... a restful day at sea, a spa visit. Sure beats the heck out of my day. Starting to plan and shop for Thanksgiving and a group of 13, or 16, or maybe 18. I don't know!!

Anyway, I'd rather be on the Voyager with all of you!!!!! :)

Betty, I'm with you with about 20, but next year, SAMBA on the Navigator for Thanksgiving, I hope!

Hi all - well I am the only one that opted out of the show, its some jazz thing, which Frank loves and I don't, so everyone else went, we plan to meet up at Voyager Lounge later. Will be interesting to see who actually comes - but hey I will be there.

Yep, Kathy is the Casino queen, she always does well, and gets all the good stuff.

Anyway, fun dinner tonight with Tom and Sue in Lattitudes, and Denise,Alan, Bob, Maria, John Priscilla were only a table away.

Trivia today was a bit harder and someone actually had the nerve to sit at our usual table!! :p But we managed a pretty good showing, we were second I think, we had 12 and the winning team had 13 - so not bad, team is still doing well, at least I think so.

Seas are still a littly rocky, but weather is warm and sky is sunny. Took a couple of nice sunset pictures from our balcony.

Sorry we aren't putting more pictures up, but truly no one knows how to do it, and we really don't want to put that on Karen, although that is how we've done a few - so you will just have to live it in your minds from our descriptions.

JoAnn, I think you and Maria are the Queens of the Nightlife on this cruise! Sounds like everyone having a ball. Did you do the tour behind those CREW ONLY doors?

Thanks JoAnn for your post.

Good for you, Kathy! I love that she is winning in the casino. You guys are having so much fun!

Olivia, I would like to go with you next Thanksgiving...

Joann, thanks for the explanation of "walk on water. I agree with Betty and Olivia that your group is much more active in the daytime than we were on TAP. Wish I were there.
Lynn

Good morning all. Well the tour behind "CREW only" doors was very exciting and took us to many secret places - however we have been sworn to secrecy and are not allowed to reveal any details. I will say though, that there are lots of CREW behind those doors. :D :D

Frank, Maria and I were the only ones in the lounge last night, and even Maria finally left - there were other passengers though, there is quite a lively group that goes there everynight - and finally Frank and I decided to just go and have a glass of wine on our balcony.

Still rocking this morning, but its sunny and beautiful out, and it doesn't seem as much. Lots of things on the agenda today and tonight is SSS night. The days are winding down, slowly but surely - hard to believe a week from today is Thanksgiving!!

To add pics into the text, you just upload them to any photo sharing site. Then when you come into this thread, where you might normally do the quick reply, click the full reply form and then click the image button. You type in the link for wherever your specific photo was uploaded and click OK and then type a bit of text in the reply box to describe it and click Add Reply.

Hi,

Once again I missed the special tour set up by Denise. Starting time is too early for me!

I had to crash "early" last night but we gained an hour again so I feel pretty rested and ready for the line dancing class. I hope to see Sue/Tom and/or Frank/JoAnn there!

Denise -

There's the ever-popular late night watching the submarine races with your sweetie event. It's a sellout every time. Up periscope ...

Continue to have a great time .. we sure are reading your posts!

Cheers, Anne

The Cordon Bleu class did have a tour of the Crew Only area of the ship along wit hthe Galley Tour. We had the Cordon Bleu dinner last night for our LCT Cordon Bleu Chefs and Peggy and Gerry, Jan and Fred, Frank and I had a good few laughs with the Corporate Chef, Ronald. What a character he is! Dinner was fantastic. Then after cleaning up at the casino in Round One, we went up to have drinks with Fred and Pat and Peggy and Gerry and then we joined by Frankie Holliday. Frankie is trying to convince my Frank to change his hairstyle to match Frankie's. Additional Bowling Ball Polishing required. My Frank will now be hiding from the Norelco Shaver.

Then I went back to the Casino and quadripled my winnings. We have a great Casino table group and are having a lot of fun at the table playing team blackjack. Ummm...diamond special in the boutque today...or maybe I ought to consider an onboard booking.

There is so much to do today. The Gold Event is at 11:45. We are all supposed to meet in the atrium and then I think we will be having cocktails somewhere - I think on the bow of the ship as we did with hot cocoa on MUSH. Frank is at Bridge Lessons and I am here in the computer room with a few of our LCT'ers. The Cordon Bleu Chef is doing a demo today, there is a Slot Tourement in half an hour, a Diamond Talk by the boutique, a lecture on the state of Politics for the 2008 elections, music and the Olympic Eating Team demonstration in La Verandah at 12 noon.

Dinner in Signatures is on schedule for tonight with Joann and Frank.

Frank asked me if I was ready to come home. Ha ha ha. Maybe there is a cabin I can stow away in when we get back to FLL...

Hi all! Another glorious day. The sea is calm --the ship is rocking less than yesterday -- and the sky is sunny. No problem with sea days at all, Betty. Any little worry/wondering about that definitely was off base. I haven't been so relaxed in forever. I would say this cruise has exceeded expectations.

Last night Frank and JoAnn and Maria had to hold down the fort as far as late-night activities. Something at our Latitudes dinner had me knocked out tired -- I suspect it was the sweet drink with rum! Oh well, tonight is another night.

Uh-oh. I've been visiting and now am about to head off for a lecture. More later.

JoAnn, feel free to send me pix, you know how we thrive on them!! We LOVE seeing your smiling faces!

Last night's dinner with Maria/Bob, Priscilla/John was so enjoyable. We then went to Constellation to hear a very talented jazz quartet. Off then for the submarine races; a very private excursion.

Another GLORIOUS day today! Alan and I had a beautiful breakfast on La Veranda deck. Who could ask for a more wonderful place to start the day? We then walked off our breakfast under incredibly clear sunny skies, and smoothe seas.

Attending a lecture for some mental stimulation at 11:00AM. Cordon Bleu cooking demo. German buffet this afternoon. Crepes at tea time trivia. Hopefully, a win today. Dinner tonight with Fred/Pat, Sue/Tom in CR. Attending the brilliant Pearl Kaufman piano performance tonight. She's played piano for more film scores and TV shows than I could possibly list. Ms. Kaufman just left the computer room. We've spoken with her numerous times and she's such a lovely woman. I requested that she repeat the theme from "Exodus." She will.

I have a confession - I thought sea days would drive me insane, being the Energizer Bunny. Sea days have been so welcome and relaxing (yikes - I said the "dreaded R word!). We are loving it. Lots to do. The option of great friends to join us, or treasured alone time for just the two of us. Each day is a joy! This is such a special cruise. A great way to rejuvinate our bodies and souls!

So happy you are enjoying the sea days Denise - I just forwarded your comments to Tony as he is an energizer guy who is not sure of all the sea days on Lamb!! We have loved all the seamail and it is pretty obvious this is a special cruise - keep having fun and RELAXING!

Denise, if YOU like sea days then maybe there is hope for me!! I sure hope we have your weather for our crossing!

Joanna,

Tony and I are soulmates when it comes to energy.
He's going to have a great time on LAMB!

DID YOU HEAR THAT, TONY????????? :D

I've so enjoyed all the seamail. Denise, with your day's itinerary, where's the rest and relaxation :ohmy: . How I envy your energy.

Anyway, I don't get to check in here as much as I would like. You're traveling with such a great group. Keep having fun!

Back on track today with both dance classes under our belts - line dancing. Maria was there so we were all sweating together! A few ladies who were in attendance didn't want to sweat and ruin their makeup, so unfortunately they had to leave.

A whale was sighted this morning off the port side - I got to see the tail! A few flying fish off our balcony this morning, too.

Dinner in CR this evening with Denise/Alan, Fred/Pat which we are really looking forward to.

Today has been a beautiful day - it must be about 80 and so sunny. Not too much rocking of the seas.

We hope to win in trivia today, but if we don't we still have a good time!

Joanna,

I highly recommend for Tony the line dancing class! After that, he'll be ready to join you for a nap! :)

Tom/Sue and I took both classes today and it was a hoot! No need for aerobics afterward!

Could pole dancing lessons be coming up next ;) ???

Kathy, I should probably take black jack lessons from you ( or join your table if there is space). I have done terrible in the Casino!

What do you do with the tokens? Get to buy Regent merchandise????

Therese, I only have only won one token :) in all my cruises so I have never actually exchanged them but yes, you can get Regent merchandise with them.

Last I "cashed in" tokens, they offered things like hats, etc. I got a visor.

Are the old tokens with the harp on them still good? I have a couple left over from a previous cruise, and thought I'd use them on next year's DC trip--I figure with 71 days, I'm bound to stumble on a few more.

Speaking of tokens; we didn't win at trivia today, but we had fun!

We had a wonderful dinner in CR with Alan/Denise, Pat/Fred...what great dinner companions! After dinner we all hurried to the spectacular piano concert by Pearl...what an accomplished lady and so gracious!

Tomorrow there is a country fair - maybe we will win some tokens! I have two so far!

Maria and I have a great idea for pole dancing - perhaps tomorrow there will be some pictures of it! ;)

Your dinner with such terrific characters must have been a laugh a minute, Sue! High fives, to ya! Now, we're on the edge of our computers waitin' for the aforementioned pole dancin' escapades!! CROSSers are heatin' up!!

You can still use the old tokens with the lyre on them and it doesn't matter if they're the green, dark blue or light blue. There are some new items now. Check out the beige canvas cary bag for 7 tokens, they're stronger than the old white ones and a laptop fits in perfectly.
Jim

We had a wonderful evening last night. Dinner with Fred/Pat, Sue/Tom was really enjoyable. Dining choices included Rack of Lamb and Dover Sole! Ngaire would have been in Nirvana! I must say that each and every dining experience on Voyager is superb. Alan and I can't recall a sailing with better dining than on CROSS. We want for nothing.

After dinner, we saw the last performance by Pearl Kaufman. What a marvelous, accomplished pianist.

Our group then moved into the "Voyeur" Lounge. So much fun.

Today, more enrichment lectures to feed our relaxed brains. Country Fair at 2:30. Ice cream tea and trivia at 4:00. Busy and wonderful day ahead.

Weather gods continue to smile upon us.

Tonight, dinner with Nini and Bud. A pleasure meeting them and we look forward to a very enjoyable evening.

Time to grease a few poles!

A lively night last night. After our dinner in Signatures with Kathy and Frank they headed off to the show. Frank and I elected to check out the casino, I actually came out ahead last night. Then after the show we met up with John/Priscilla, Denise/Alan, Shirley/Sandy, and Bob/Maria for "big band" dancing which was lots of fun. After we convinced everyone to move on to the Voyager lounge for awhile and a little more dancing. There are actually pictures of people dancing!! Finally called it a night around 1:00. Everyone is saying this morning that we had a storm last night, but you sure couldn't prove it by me.

Beautiful sunny day this morning. Country fair later in the afternoon, dance class is Rhumba, Frank wants to go, so we will. He had Kristin the dance instructor showing him how last night - of course she knows what she is doing!

Trivia was tough yesterday and we got 11 - I think the two winning teams tied at 12.

Dinner tonight with Sandy and Shirley and another single lady we've met Collete. Frank is in heaven with the idea of dinner with four ladies and him.

Part 1 of 3: Greetings from CROSS on day 14 of our cruise. I haven’t posted because I haven’t had the time. We have been burning the candle at both ends and loving every minute of it. I plan to post a cruise review when I get back home. It will be boring because I have almost nothing but superlatives to offer. This cruise has met or exceeded all of our high expectations. The LCT folks we have met are stellar people all. The weather has been mostly clear and sunny with lows in the upper fifties and highs in the mid seventies. The seas have been largely calm. The food and service have been sensational. The ports stops have all been interesting leaving us, in most cases, wanting more. The on board entertainment and other diversions have been quite good. Voyager is in great condition. I am a happy camper and I think most passengers would say the same. I would echo most of the posts you have already read. Here are a few random aspects of our particular experience to date.
We loved our two days in Nice prior to the cruise. On our second day in Nice, we asked our private guide to take us to several of the traditional stops in the mountains surrounding Nice. But we made one deviation and we are ever so glad we did. We scheduled a stop at a local goat farm located a mountain north of Nice. Fred found it on the internet. Our experienced local guide had never heard of it. Our plan was to find the farm, meet the farmer and his goats, buy some goat cheese, and have a nice picnic on our drive back down the mountain. We drove up up up a narrow winding road for thirty minutes. By this time, our guide and at least one of the four of us had begun to have doubts about the sanity of this venture. Those doubts vanished when we stepped out of the car to a breathtaking view of Nice and the full Mediterranean coastline from a farm located on the second highest peak in the mountain chain to the north. Paragliders soared overhead as we were greeted, of all people, by an attractive American college student from Portland who was taking a sabbatical from her studies at Reed College to be a French goat farmer. She walked us up a hill where we met about four dozen of the world’s most personable goats and their equally personable farmer-dad. Along with a dozen Norwegians who were visiting that day, we were given an interesting cheese making demonstration, shown the milking barn, introduced to a friendly and inquisitive male goat who was being nursed back to health after an unfortunate encounter with hostile dogs, and taken to several picnic tables for a cheese tasting. We were expecting a few pieces of cheese on toothpicks. To our surprise, we were offered a full lunch which included a pitcher of local wine, a tasty fresh salad, freshly made French bread, and eight varieties of goat cheese including one that had been made that morning and a dessert cheese. Goat cheese never tasted so good. This was an experience we will never forget and one that most folks who visit Nice never enjoy. It isn’t for everyone. But for us, it was the highlight of our pre-cruise experience.
We like to strike out on our own when in port and we did so during our day and a half in Barcelona. This was a mistake. We should have engaged a guide for the day or taken a couple of the ship’s tours because Barcelona is so congested it is quite hard to get around. We had planned to see the city by using the on and off tour bus. This is an excellent and inexpensive way to visit lots of cities and we expected it to be so in Barcelona. Not so, at least in early November. The problem is there are more bus customers than bus seats. We noticed quite a long line by the kiosk where we purchased our bus tickets and asked the clerk about it. He said “That line is nothing. It often stretches way around the block.” As we stood in that line, three buses pulled up and loaded before we got on one. We also noticed lots of people cutting in line ahead of us. We finally boarded a bus and then saw lines at each of the stops the bus made before we exited. We left lots of people behind at each stop because our bus was totally packed. I have little patience for standing in long lines, particularly during a brief port stop. So we ditched our bus tickets, took a cab to lunch, and then caught the shuttle back to the ship. To be continued... Pat

Part 2 of 3: Over the years, we have had consistently good experiences consulting the message boards for recommendations and then engaging private guides at port stops. On this trip, we had a close call at our day-long port stop in Agadir, Morocco. We had found a tour agency based in Casablanca that planned for us a half-day trip in Casablanca and a full-day tour in Agadir. The Casablanca tour went well in spite of the fact we landed two hours late due to fog. But when we left Voyager at the port in Agadir there was no car waiting for the four of us. The port agent informed us the car had arrived at the ship and then was turned back by Agadir security for lack of the “proper papers.” He was on his cell phone trying to make arrangements for the car’s return when a fellow hopped out of a nearby tour mini-bus that had been sitting there all the time waving a pre-printed sign that read “Carol Williams/Fred Steffan.” Fred is the “Fred Steffan” part of that odd sign. The fellow welcomed us onto the mini-bus and said, “We will wait for the Carol Williams party of four and then tour Agadir.” Red flags! Fred immediately switched into French and firmly informed the fellow we had booked a tour for a party of four, not eight, and a tour to Taroudant, not Agadir. When the fellow saw that we were serious and would likely bow out rather than accept alternative arrangements (actually, if the Carol Williams party had ever shown up and had wanted to see Taroudant, we would have welcomed them on board, as there was plenty of room on the mini-bus; but Fred wisely didn’t let him know this in order to maintain our bargaining position),the guy produced a friendly smile and a “No problem. No problem.” He and the driver proceeded to take us on the tour we had planned. While we had to insist that he take us to “our restaurant” in Taroudant rather than “his,” the day was otherwise uneventful and delightful.
Our stop in Lanzarote was brief so we booked the south Lanzarote ship’s tour based on positive comments posted on the message boards. I found this tour absolutely sensational. Volcanic south Lanzarote is fascinating, a photographer’s dream. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Our guide was terrific. Tourism is ninety per cent of the Lanzarote economy and they do it really. The bus, thanks to Regent’s tour policy, was only half full so everyone who wanted one had a window seat. There were no “difficult” passengers on board. And the tour included a camel ride that was delightful. We had memorable experiences at all of our port stops, but for me this was the best of them.
By the way, Voyager is full and, according to our Cruise Consultant, ninety-five percent of the passengers are repeaters.
Previous posters have told you how wonderful this cruise experience has been, so I won’t repeat the accolades. I agree with them. But I will share a couple of experiences wehave had dining on board.
For the first time ever cruising Regent, Signatures, the alternative dining restaurant, disappointed us. During the first segment of the cruise we dined at Signatures with Kathy and Frank Rappaport. While the service was perfection as usual, some of the food we were served was off. Two of us found the escargot and the rack of lamb really weak. And all four of us found the seafood bisque way too salty to eat. All four bowls of soup went back to the kitchen. We later learned during our cooking class tour of the galley that each day the executive chef and his top staff meet to review all of the” happenings” of the previous day. They take the negatives very seriously and make appropriate corrections immediately. It was therefore no surprise to us that circumstances in Signatures had changed when we returned a couple of days ago. There was a new menu. And the quality of the food was back to the standard we have come to take for granted at Signatures. It is marvelous experience this kind of responsiveness throughout the ship.
To be continued... Pat

Part 3 of 3: A lot of you reading this post have cruised with Regent’s marvelous guitarist Frankie “Dahling” Holiday. For those of you who haven’t, you have a treat awaiting you. He is a brilliant musician with a unique and fetching personality on stage and off. Fred and I had the good fortune to dine with Frankie and Karen, his girlfriend who is sailing as his guest on this trip, in Compass Rose a few nights ago. We tried very hard, and I think with success, to avoid engaging them with ship talk on the assumption they must get oh so bored with it. Instead, we talked cooking and food. Frankie gave us a fascinating and animated description of his approach to preparing his signature dish, Hungarian goulash. Clearly the man cooks with the verve and gusto that he exhibits on stage. With Fred and Karen and Frankie all talented cooks and food enthusiasts, the meal which featured a delicious osso buco and a less than stellar anis squash soup (you can’t win ‘em all) passed by all too quickly. But the best thing about the evening was our entrance to Compass Rose. We arrived early because Frankie was playing at 9:00 p.m. The room was nearly empty. As we walked to our table waiters converged on us from multiple directions sporting broad smiles and a consistent message: “Welcome, Dahling.” We learned they genuinely love Frankie as much as we do. I’ve never seen this ship’s staff so animated. Over a number of Regent cruises I’ve enjoyed dining with officers and staff on a number of occasions. But the memories of most of those meals have faded. I am certain my fond memories of dinner with Frankie and Karen will linger over the years.
Patrick

Pat, thanks so much for the wonderful postings! It sounds just amazing, thanks for all the details, hope Voyager is still in good shape 4 weeks from now!

Pat, thanks for the detailed reports. I thought when I met you guys and Fred went into French how handy that must be. It surely would have helped me along the way with 3 days at various places in France.

I mentioned to you guys at that lunch that the seafood bisque and the halibut were too salty at Signatures and I sent them back uneaten, and you all said that was surprising. It's in my report, too to talk to the chef. I guess we all have to see, but other people I met said the same thing and even of sauces (but nothing I ever ordered HAD a sauce). I think they could fix this without changing the menu, but a variety is good.

I could tell from meeting you and Fred and Kathy and Frank that you all ove unique and interesting experiences and will go out of your way to find them. I am delighted that this trip has met all of those types of your expectations. Continue to sparkle and enjoy life, and we will await your commentary and Kathy's pics. I hope we all meet again for longer than a couple of hours. Take care.

Yes, Debbie, we love living life and the adventures with our friends especially. We'd do a transatlantic again in a heartbeat. We booked a 2009 itinerary and 2008 will be two weeks on
Oceania. We want to do a bit of land travel and will slow our cruising down just a smidge. As I've cruised more, I find that I need less security in travelling via ship and wandering in port is very comfortable now - even if we do not speak the local languages.

As for CROSS, we did Signatures again - this time with Frank and JoAnn, and thought it'd be better than the week before, and I can honestly say this cruise food in Compass Rose has been the best for this cruise. Our first meal in Latitudes was exceptional but this week's menu is like Chinese Take Out and not as good. Nothing to note of interest as was the Garlic Galangal Chicken of last year and the year before. Lamb in Signatures was a bit overdone, but still flavorful.

Pat's report is spot on. It's been a perfect cruise we've enjoyed. Service is excellent. Not a blip anywhere. Most of the passengers have been lovely - this group is a bit older but that was what we expected with a 16 day itinerary.

The ports have been terrific, the seadays, even with today's storm - plenty to do. The Country Fair was moved until tomorrow because of the rain. Naps a treasure. We've made a few new friends and treasure the old. We're dining with Priscilla and John tonight. Today was our last Cordon Bleu class - we (Peggy, Jan and Fred, and Freddie) had a lot of good laughs and fun doing the program. I have a feeling we will see disembarcation paperwork tonight or tomorrow. Two full days left. They will have to pry me from the ship I think.

Kathy,What foods did you prepare for the Cordon Bleu and who was the chef? I tried registering a long time ago and am on a waiting list.Sure hope they add a second class like the time I did it before. So happy you are having such a great cruise and can hardly wait for Auckland ,

So glad to hear from you Pat. You both usually post so much I was beginning to wonder if you were onboard. Made me smile to read your post. That goat farm sounded really great. Frankie is a personality and I have sailed with him many times. I too am starting to like these crossings and look forward to the cruises I have booked in 2008 with lots of sea time.

The ship is still rocking a bit, but not bad. I hope the weather tomorrow is better so they can have the Country Fair (it was called off for today).

Dinner this evening in La Veranda was fabulous. Tom had lobster and I had egg plant parmesan. We are eating way too much, but loving every minute of it.

We didn't do well at triva today, but we had a lot of laughs which is great!

Tomorrow night is the dance party in the Atrium and we are looking forward to that.

I never ran across Maria today, so no pole dancing pics! Maybe tomorrow! :banana:

Pat loved your informative well written post - ahhh the goat farm - how special - thanks so much - Joanna

Pat, I just LOVED your post! Gives me the reason to go back to Nice, and arrive early!

Pat - thanks for sharing your trip. Goat cheese at the source .. what an inspired idea. Good heads up about Barcelona. Give our best to Fred.

Cheers, Anne

Thanks for the great posts, Pat. It's so hard when you're having fun on the ship to take the time to write and I do appreciate it. The visit to the goat farm must have really been something.
Unique experiences like that are my favorite. Enjoy the last few days of your cruise.

Well we got thru the storms yesterday, but it is still rocking, in my opinion a lot. Frank and I were having dinner with Shirley and Sandy last night in LaVeranda, when I finally had to just give up and leave the table, take a pill and lie down. I was so upset to miss the gnocchi in sage butter which I love, and eggplan parmesean. I finally started feeling better around 10 so we went down to the casino for a bit and I did ok. Then wandered up to Observation where we found just about everyone and had a couple of drinks with them. Then just came back and I took another pill and went to bed.

Feeling better this morning and I will just keep ahead of it by staying on the pills and not trying to make it on just ginger. Frank went to the dance class this morning, I've given up even trying to go into the aerobics room where they hold it, its just too rocky. Haven't seen anyone this morning except Kathy and Frank whom we had breakfast with.

Formal night tonight, and atrium dance party. Looking forward to it. Dinner will be with Bob, Maria, Peggy and Jerry.

Started organizing our packing this morning and did a quick load of laundry - so come tomorrow it won't be too bad.

This has truly been a wonderful cruise and we've had so much fun with the LCT group. Our trivia team is doing ok, second place again, and Tom had to fill in for Peggy as she didn't get out of the cooking class on time. We had 12, would have had 13 if we hadn't changeed one of our answers - lesson learned, first instincts are usually right!!!

As the days go by we get lazier and lazier. Today we haven't done the gym and we skipped dance class, too! :eek:

So far we have not gotten seasick, but we take a meclizine each day. As JoAnn said it seems the storm has passed, but we are still rocking a good bit. I hope the weather holds out so we can attend the Country Fair - I am sure it will be a lot of fun.

We are looking forward to the Atrium Dance Party this evening. :chicken:

The rain yesterday didn't dampen our fun. Lectures, eating, computer time, eating, visiting with friends, eating, trivia, eating, bingo, eating filled our day.

The ship has been rocking since yesterday, but. happy to say, Alan and I haven't been affected.

Alan and I had dinner last night with Nini and Bud. We had a really wonderful time and were the last to make our way out of CR last night. We then headed to the Observation Lounge to meet up with everyone. Frankie was playing the guitar, which added to the enjoyment. Fred told me, the previous evening, that Frankie is Hungarian and that's all I needed to hear, being half-Hungarian. I introduced myself on Thurs. night to Frankie and we discussed all things Hungarian, as we will be visiting Hungary next year. When we entered Observation Lounge last night, he began playing Hungarian/Jewish songs on his guitar. He's wonderful.

Today is sunny and beautiful. Had an international lunch out on the pool deck, which was outstanding. In fact, dining during this entire crossing has been superb. Regent has outdone themselves for those of us fortunate to be on this cruise.

Country Fair at 2:30 today, which should be a blast. Our trivia group is hoping for another win this afternoon, to make it 4 wins.

Tonight, Priscilla/John, Maria/Bob, Alan/yours truly have been invited to dine with Capt. Hansen, after Captain's Farewell. A great evening is anticipated.

I am hating the thought of this cruise coming to an end. It's been a fabulous time with really wonderful, congenial and fun-loving friends!

Part 1 of who knows how many:

Okay, Okay, Ngaire, dearest – I am in fact not dead or absent from this cruise, merely slothful. When one has mojitos and caipirinhas to drink at the pool bar (made by Alfonso, whom we have renamed “Mojito Boy” in view of how much some of us enjoy watching him make those labor-intensive drinks - calm down, Karen, we will give no further prurient details), long breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and, of course, marvelous dinners, to eat, and many languorous naps to take, there seems to be little time to spend at the keyboard of our laptop. Nevertheless, I will not let the side down and will crank out a few comments, observations, and other more-or-less relevant bits from my somewhat hung-over stream of consciousness. Pat has already posted much about our impressions and special memories. I will try to supplement those messages somewhat, perhaps adding my own addled spin to them.

As you may have guessed from Pat’s posts, in our memory banks this trip will certainly be renamed, “GOATS”. Unless something overwhelmingly dramatic occurs before we land at FLL in a couple of days (i.e. iceberg collision a la Titanic…), our two adventures with goats will remain the unusual highlights of the trip. That encounter with dozens of sweet and affectionate chevres, followed by the delightful feast outside the farmhouse while looking across the hills to the sea, was right out of the pages of “A Year in Provence”. We will long savor the visual and gustatory memories of the large wicker tray heavily laden with that bounty of goat cheeses. By the end of the lunch, it was in fact far less heavily laden – hey, if you have to choose one of the seven deadly sins in which to indulge, gluttony is one of the most fun, no??

The second goat encounter, the tree-climbing goats on the Road to Taroudant (I’m thinking of writing a song about the “Road to Taroudant”, if I can convince Willy Nelson or some other over-the-hill Moroccan C&W crooner to sing it…), was equally memorable, if not quite as satisfying culinarily. The image of Kathy being handed that baby goat by the goatherd is a memory as sweet as the recollection of Pat’s aghast expression when the goatherd offered to let him inspect one of the excreted argon nuts is hilarious. The gentleness and amiability of the tree-climbers was utterly (and udderly) entrancing. It is a bit unfortunate that another group of LCTers who also visited the goats were a bit less engaged with the goats, based on some concern that they might bite (ah, city folk just don’t seem to understand the innate friendliness of goats). As it turned out, they (the goats, not the LCTers) may have tried to nuzzle us to death, but never bared their teeth even for an instance.

Many people on the ship have complained that Regent should not even make stops at Agadir, since it is such a dreary city. Of course, our hardy group of LCTers who do their “due diligence” know that while Agadir is indeed a city of scant appeal, there are exotic delights within a moderate drive, such as Taroudant, whose old city is a real view into Moroccan markets, not to mention the opportunity to see the tree-climbing goats on the way there. Our lunch at the hotel Palais Salaam, the former palace of the Grand Pasha of Taroudant, was a whimsical respite from the heat and dust of the old city, as we wandered the cool gardens and ate beside fountains whose tender music banished all of the noise and bothersome details of life outside the high walls of our little haven of flowers, fountains, tile, and carved marble. As Groucho Marx said in his famous book of advice on living well, “If you got to choose between being a Pasha and a pauper, go for Pasha every time!!”

(Time for the Country Fair on the Pool Deck – to be continued) Cheers, Fred

Part 2 of ???:
Back from the Country Fair. It’s a cute event, if you are fond of crowds of screaming passengers on the pool deck, rather silly games, lots of forced jollity, and seeing the bartenders and dancers in tight cowboy outfits (hmm, upon reflection with regard to that last feature of the party, maybe it wasn’t such an unfortunate event…). Moving right along to less lecherous topics, we consider the camel rides on Lanzarote.

Some passengers did not take the tour which included the camel rides because they understandably thought the camel ride would be something like riding the ponies in a circle at the zoo. In fact, it was quite artificial, not remotely authentic, and an absolute hoot!!! Just watching everyone hold on for dear life as the camels lurch to their feet and then make a similarly ungraceful descent at the end of the 20-minute camel ride is worth the price of admission. We were fortunate to not have had the pleasure of having the camel behind us drool all over our shirts, as did several other passengers. Oh well, I’ve had it on quite good authority that camel slobber is an excellent fabric softener. Without reservation we would recommend the tour of South Lanzarote with the camel ride, even though we have most assuredly removed camels from our list of potential housepets.

Funchal – a city of great beauty. Further, the occasion to get a magnificent bouquet of proteas and orchids for our cabin, along with a lovely bouquet for our cabin attendant – priceless. For everything else in Funchal, there’s MasterCard.

Yikes, almost time for Trivia, which has been a bit frustrating as some of the Trivial Pursuits answers are simply wrong (i.e. stating that the first U.S. president to visit the USSR was Nixon, not FDR – our answer). But we will continue to try to outwit or out-dimwit the competition.

(To be continued, depending upon the supply of Macallan single malt scotch…) Cheers, Fred

Ah Freddie dearest now I am content. How could you be on a cruise and we at home not get the delight of reading your incredible posts! I am all smiles. :app:

Great report Freddie, all this talk about great food and cocktails is getting us very excited for our Dec 7th Voyager cruise, I will have to drop a few pounds so I can load up on all the goodies, especially with the Focus on Chocolate.

FV

Freddie,
I loved..loved...LOVED your posts! Your description of the camel ride left me in stitches! Thanks!!

I have so enjoyed all the posts - hard to believe this trip is ending - thanks for taking us along and safe trip home to all!!!

Freddie,
You must have the same trivia writer that we do. There is usually 1 wrong answer per day (we google them after to verify.)
Jim

Ahh, Freddie. I've been waiting for your reports. Love the humor. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Fred and Pat,

The seamail is now perfect. Fred....please, please write a book of your travels... I might just laugh until I can no more.

Thanks for posting, Freddie. I loved your animal stories. I will not let Todd read this thread, as I booked a desert safari on our Dubai trip in a couple of weeks ago (even though he wasn't for it), and he says he is NOT riding a camel (which of course he is)!

I hope you guys have some pics of the tree climbing goats and the camel, along with some other experiences. The trip sounds magical.

What a sunny - lovely Sunday morning on Voyager. We attended the church service and then went on to bkfst in CR. I splurged and had blueberry pancakes that were really good.

Back-tracking a bit we had a great dinner with JoAnn/Frank, Peggy/Jerry, Jan/Fred in CR. After dinner we went to the Observation Lounge and then down to the Atrium Dance party which was a fun experience.

Coming back to our suite after bkfst we found the dreaded Bon Voyage blanket on the bed waiting for us to pack. :lct:

Sue, I can't believe your wonderful trip is coming to an end!! We have all loved hearing from you and the CROSSers! We'll all go through a bit of withdrawl!

Safe travels home!!

This has been a wonderful thread! Thanks to all for posting during this cruise. Can't wait to be on Voyager in just a few short weeks for my first Regent cruise.

Everyone have a safe trip home and we'll be looking forward to lots of pics!!

Thank you CROSSers, for all your posts. It was fun just to read them--you all clearly had a wonderful time. Makes me look forward to future sailings with LCTers. What a great bunch!

Oh NO....CROSS seamail will be ending soon :(

Thank you to all of you for such wonderful news of life at sea (and shore). I'd love to meet the goats, the camels and all of the LCT shipmates (not necessarily in that order!)

Wishing all of you a safe journey home and many wonderful cruises in your future!

Don't worry Margo, in a few weeks you will have some real yackers on LAMB!

Thanks Karen....I'm relieved to know I won't have to go "cold turkey"!

LAMB mail should be VERY interesting!!!!! ;)

I wish everyone a safe trip home, and thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Thank you all, CROSSers for the wonderful, fun SeaMail!!
Enjoy you last hours on the ship, and have a safe trip home.

Thanks CROSSer's for the wonderful seamail which I will very much miss. Enjoy your last day on board.

Have a safe trip home.

Nancy

As Sue said, its a beautiful sunny day with smooth seas. We are packed for the most part and finishing up this evening.

Trivia is planned for later, Franik and I will try Baggo again and then we plan on a group dinner together in CR, minus those going to the Cordon Bleu graduation dinner. Maria, Bob and I have special ordered filet of sole - missed it the other night.

Its said to be leaving all our friends, but we will look forward to another cruise soon and more friends. This has truly been so much fun, we have laughed so much and just generally had a great time with our LCT friends. Our tours organized by Denise were wonderful, our camel ride was hysterical, the toboggan ride was so fun, seeing the Rock of Gibralter was amazing and our eight days at sea have just flown by.

Looking forward to LAMB seamail.

Thanks, CROSSers, great seamail. Have a safe trip home, everyone. :hello1: Rest, relax and get those photos posted for us.

I have so enjoyed the "virtual CROSS" that y'all have given us! It almost makes me want to consider a crossing...maybe in 2009.

Mark and I will be on the Navigator 11/26-12/7, so even though our ports will be far less exotic, I'll do my best to make them seem exciting.

Our time in paradise can't last forever. I've got a case of the last day blues, but on the flip side I am so grateful to have had this wonderful vacation. Many fabulous memories, both on the ship and in our land touring -- and of course with the great group of LCT friends and other fun people we have met.

Last night's dinner was a huge success. The lobster with angel hair -- with lobster on the menu I never have a hard decision -- was fantastic, and everyone said their choices were excellent. The captain was lots of fun, and a treat for John and me was to be seated next to Terry Kushner, the social hostess, who is a dear person with whom we have sailed several times, going back to our first cruise on the Song of Flower. We had a good time reminiscing -- no, I won't subject you to SoF rhapsodies again -- and catching up.

I can't sign off my last seamail post without mentioning the great group of LCT people on this cruise. I won't go though everyone individually at this point, but suffice to say we have enjoyed each and every person and feel we have made some real friends.

Sob, sob ....

Say it isn't so! How could our sea days have flown by so quickly?

Have a last shebang and safe travels home, CROSSers.

What new trips (if any) did you sign up for on board?

Cheers, Anne

I hope names will be changed to protect the guilty!

The LCT trivia team will leave CROSS as winners! We won today 14/15 correct! :woh:

Congrats, CROSSers on your trivia win! Do tell, what is the final token count for this cruise? What are the goodies at the Regent token store?

JoAnn said they won one token the first week and then this week we won 3 tokens. Had we gotten a perfect score today we would have gotten 2 tokens for winning with a perfect score.

I had 3 tokens and got a book mark and a magnet/memo holder.

We had a great time in CR for dinner. Lots of wonderful talk about our great times on CROSS and then the sad part was saying good bye to everyone. Hopefully, we will cruise again sometime down the road! :hug:

This has been a marvelous cruise for all of us left at home! Thank you, ALL the CROSS'ers for including us in your fun! What a "ride" we had along with all of you. Safe travels home to everyone!

Just catching up after being gone 48 hrs. and am sad that CROSS is ending, but sounds like all had a wonderful time, including the "energizer bunny" Denise! Safe travels home to all!

And Freddie, can't wait for your song "Road to Tourandant, sung by Willie Nelson or some OTHER MOROCCAN over-the hill C&W singer!!!" And the camel story; all I can say, our Inimitable Fred scores again! :lct:

Been a great cruise to share with the crossers. I have had some emails from the ship and it is obvious this was one happy bunch who really had a great time together.

I just love sea mail and really miss it when we dont have a cruise going on with posts sharing the fun.

Thanks to you all for taking the time to keep in touch - I enjoyed "sailing" with you.

I'm sitting here at my desk remembering what it's like in the early dawn as the ship approaches the Port Everglades Cruise Terminals.

All the hustle and commotion on the docks, the passengers leaning out from their verandas to get they firsts views of land in many days. They sip a cup of room service coffee as they enjoy their last few moments of cruising. Some are worried about how quickly they can get off the ship and to the airport. Others are wondering why they should ever leave...to cruise on, always my dream! How does one stowaway???? OK, got to snap out of this, it isn't even my cruise!!!!!

One last request for our CROSSers, let's see the photos soon! We've loved your tales of adventure and will enjoy seeing the visual memories you brought back in your cameras. So do the pics first, the luggage can wait!!!!

Welcome back...sorry about the wet welcome to sunny south Florida.....thanks so much for the wonderful reports, safe travels home

Hi everybody,

well, the dreaded day has arrived..... All good things must come to an end.

Thanks for traveling with us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks CROSSERS for taking us along on such a wonderful ride! What a great cruise. I'll miss your seamail.

Welcome home! I have enjoyed your trip but love having you all back on LCT full-time!!
:app: :app: :lct:

Thank you, CROSSers, for taking us along! It was the next best thing to being there. Good friends, great seadays, CAMELS, GOATS & more GOATS! Love it! Welcome home!

Thank you for the great trip. I've enjoyed every minute of it...only thing that would have made it better would have been my traveling with you all. Um this is Arlene...

We got home about 4:30 this afternoon. We were lucky and caught an earlier flt back to ATL. We are unpacked and doing laundry. We leave on Thursday to go to Tennessee for the holiday weekend, so we have to get things washed and repack.

I hope everyone makes it back home safely; it looked like DFW was having problems and I know Denise/Alan were flying thru there.

I woke at about 5:20 this morning and sat out on the balcony watching the sail in to the port - it was really a wonderful and quiet time. A great way to spend some time reflecting on a wonderful-wonderful vacation.

It took a long time for the ship to be cleared and then once they started to allow us to disembark the escalator broke so we all had to take turns waiting for the ONE elevator to get to our luggage (they would not allow us to walk down the escalator). It was ok how it worked out - believe me I am not complaining. ;)

Tom and I had the most relaxing and fun trip. I would not hesitate for a moment to do another crossing. Meeting all the LCT friends really made it special. :lct:

Sue, glad you and Tom are home safe and sound! It really was a great trip....even for us! Hopefully the others will be arriving home soon. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Hi Sue and everyone! We are home also, and dragging, but also smiling about our wonderful memories of a near-perfect vacation. I hope the rest of the CROSSers have made it home or will get there soon. DFW had a power/computer outage this morning, we heard, so all incoming and outgoing flights were delayed. Sue, you mentioned Denise and Alan. They were on our flight and last I saw them they were sprinting off the plane to get to their ongoing flight. Hopefully all went well.

Back to reality. In the mountain of mail was a notice that one of our credit cards had been compromised and therefore was canceled. The new cards were in the mail and I now have activated them. For dinner we scrounged in the freezer, wondering aloud where Eric, Felix and Felino were to serve us. Sigh. Tomorrow laundry and other chores beckon.

One great bit of reality is the excitement with which our two dogs greeted us, spinning and jumping and barking and generally making us feel terrific. Even the cat dropped his aloof demeanor to say hi. Couldn't be a better welcome home!

Oh Priscilla how wonderful to read you and John are home safely! Also, from your post it seems Denise/Alan should be well on their last leg of the trip home.

We miss you our suite (sweet) neighbor! No egg salad sandwich, no crepes, no flambe, no trivia...but oh the memories! :hug:

Sue, funny you should mention the egg salad! As we were looking for something edible while we waited at the airport, we were laughing about how great that egg salad was. That was so funny with the rush to the tea table for egg salad -- of all things -- after Peggy mentioned it. Honestly, that was the BEST egg salad I think I ever tasted!

Well, sweet suite neighbor :) , I also was watching from our doorway as we sailed into Ft. Lauderdale early this morning. The last peace and quiet before the storm of activity on a travel day. A good time for contemplation, as you said.

Hi,


We made it home a couple of hours ago after our flight was delayed due to snow in NJ. I feel more jetlagged that when I flew to France!
We saw JoAnn and Frank at our terminal and they told us of the Dallas airport problems. Glad to hear that the plane left and hopefully Denise/Alan were able to catch their connection.

Last night I sat at the balcony for an hour, watching other ships in the distance . It was so warm!

I was lucky that my parents are home and my mom had cooked dinner for us :) . If not I would have been saying "Where is the menu"????

It was a great trip and it was so nice to meet everybody. I would do another crossing in a heartbeat, westbound is the best!

Enjoyed hearing about the cruise. Does it seem like it is over already? I know I get a little down after all the planning and the countdown until we leave. As soon as we get home I start planning another trip. Keeps me going and getting me through work for another year. Happy Thanksgiving and welcome home! Judy & John

Maria, you have to start a campaign for another westbound crossing in the future! I would love to do that, except I am on that Africa crossing Ngaire has planned for next year!

Maria it is great to read you and Bob are home safe and sound! What a wonderful trip we had and I was so happy you were able to stay on for the crossing...you certainly brought a lot of spirit to each day!

I loved it when we were in dance classes together! :)

Is 2012 too far off?? :) (that's when my daughter graduates from HS!). People were already booking 2009 cruises, so it's just 3 more years!

Sue,

I can't even fathom getting off that ship in Funchal, that would have been depressing!

You guys were more courageous than me! I just did the line dancing!

Hey, Maria, if I am still alive at that time, I will be with you! Know what it is like to have the children at home. Glad you were able to take care of it this time.

We made it home about an hour ago, stopping at In N'Out Burger for a quick dinner. We were craving "skinny fries." Was wondering where Eric, Felix and Felino were!

What a FANTASTIC cruise with such fun and wonderful people!

Will elaborate further when more time allows. Just unloading our suitcases. Back to work for me tomorrow.

Good to see our fellow CROSSERS made their way home safely. Sure do miss you all! Maria, we are on for 2012!

Loved this crossing and would do it again if the ports changed.

Your new avatar is beautiful, sweet Sue!

Thank you all for your seamail! Loved following along!

Masaki

Glad everyone made it home safely. Alan and I love crossings. Perhpas 2012 will be the year for a repeat.

Sue, the new avatar is great!

We too made it home finally. Our flight was on time, but then we had a slight runway delay in IAD. Finally got home about 6 and Frank sprinted off to the kennel to pick up Shelby. Made do for dinner with some stuff from the freezer and did some unpacking, finally just crashed into bed about 9:30. Today we finish the unpacking. Our daughters and three of their kids will arrive around 9:00 tonight, then the sons in law and one other granddaughter tomorrow, along with my Dad. Off to the market this morning.

We absolutely loved this trip and the wonderful group of LCT'ers onboard. So many memories, laughs, time together, it was really special and we were sorry to see it end, but life does go on.

Sue - love your new avitar!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE. <img src="http://smileys.sm...53Fi%253D8%252F8_5_1/image.gif">

How nice to wake up to read Denise/Alan and JoAnn/Frank are home safely!

I sure miss y'all! Thanks for the avatar compliments!

2012 certainly sounds like a plan for us and we will be there for the full trip not just the actual crossing! :D :lct:

Glad to see that Denise/Alan, JoAnn/Frank made it ok.

It's a little chaotic here , with unpacking and trying to get ready for Thanksgiving but I wouldn't change anything!

Glad to see that we have a few more takers for the 2012 crossing. Soon we'll be able to start a roll call! And I'm not kidding! :D

Sign us up!!!!! If we get to cruise with the great CROSSers again, we'll be there!!!

Agree Maria, hectic trying to unpack, shop and start organizing gor Thanksgiving, but I wouldn't change a thing either.

Think I'll make some egg salad sandwiches. I'll probabaly add one too!!! :D for John! Anyone want "skinny fries"? <img src="http://smileys.sm...%253D12%252F12_4_16v/image.gif">

"Skinny fries"!!!!!!!

Thanks JoAnn for reminding us about special order and taking care of it. It was one of the best meals. Then we had cinammon ice cream and I can understand now why Arlene likes it so much.

I have tears in my eyes reading your post JoAnn as I sit here and laugh! Our little anecdotes will keep us smiling for a long time - won't they! :lct:

JoAnn, I'm laughing too, and I just told John you are making egg salad. He doesn't know what he's missing! :D He says hi to Frank a/k/a "Gaylord" for his Broomhilda buzzard buddy coup.

Sue, GREAT new avatar! And in one of your zillions of cute outfits, too. Maria, the 2012 crossing sounds like a wonderful plan!

Okay, I've got a list of chores and had better get busy. At least the grocery shopping is done. Small steps ....

Hard to believe that it's come and gone already, but the pile of laundry and empty suitcases say it's so. It was lovely to meet those we hadn't met before. We really enjoyed our time with new friends we'd not met on prior cruises.

Our flights were great (I'd do AirFrance Business Class again - WOW!) and the 1st class section on American had some of the best service I'd experienced on a plane. The crew was incredible and obviously liked what they did for a living. I'd have thought I was back on the Voyager! The Captain landed the plane and we were all waiting for that bump - but we never felt the wheels hit the runway.

The service on board was wonderful, the food seemed a bit off to me in some of the venues but was excellent in others, the ship is in good shape. Our last day we had lunch with Lorraine and caught up with one another since our 2004 New England Cruise and then we had dinner with Cornell Rueland, the Executive Chef (and Fred and Pat and Peggy and Gerry). The Cordon Bleu graduation dinner was probably the best meal we'd ever had on board ship - EVER. It was a really nice way to cap off a cruise followed by nightcap in Observation lounge. Then off to say good bye to the nightly group I had fun with at the casino. We had a blackjack table where the same players came out each night and we really had a team play going - a lot of fun for all of us.

My observation is that it's all there if you want to ask and they are just not as generous as they were even in December. Portion sizes are smaller (not a bad thing) and you have to ask for the better brands of liquor now that they are AI. The wines poured at dinner were not as good on the brand side as last year. The variety of entertainment was nice. The Dance Party in the Atrium was nice. Of the shows we saw we really liked Pearl Kaufman. Frankie Holiday was a fun entertainer (My Frank will get a Norelco Shaver for a holiday present ;-0) We only did three ships excursions and they were okay - I like hiring a cab in the various ports often over the ship excursions and better to hire a private guide in most ports when you have friends to share with you. Freddie arranged our private tours and they were all excellent - with the Goats being the obvious thing we will remember. And for my annual holiday party, I will be making Chocolate Lava Cakes courtesy of the Cordon Bleu program. too bad we can't get that good cinnamon ice cream to serve with them!

Nice to read you are home Kathy. We enjoyed our dinner with you and Frank! :)

Welcome home safe and sound, Kathy!

I have not sailed voyager since it went All-Inclusive, I am a little confused regarding Premium wine's and spirits. For example would a Grey Goose and Cranberry be covered by the All- Inclusive? Or perhaps a Todd Cosmo with Grey Goose and Cointreau.

FV

Yeah what about the Todd Cosmos??

Yes, a GG & Cointreau Cosmo is included - you must ask. I like Grey Goose Orange for my Cosmos and they don't have it in all of the bars. So it's Absolute Mandarin or GG plain...Observation Lounge has a limited selection now of premium liquors that are AI.

Hi Kathy,

Enjoyed meeting you and Frank. Maybe if I had sat at your Black Jack table my luck would have been different :) . After the second time I was wiped out and never went back!

I have loaded our pics from Funchal on the Kodak website. Login is cruise@yahoo.com and cc for password.

I hope to have the cruise photos up soon, too.

Enjoy

Welcome Home! Have enjoyed all your adventures and posts. Denise, you cracked me up - Leonard and I usually make an In-n-Out stop upon arrival, too. Hope you all enjoy the reality of laundry,etc. Glad you are home safely!

Sue: The photos are GREAT! Thanks for sharing them.

OK, Sue, now I am really curious about the country fair. Do give more details.

Thanks Margo.

Debbie the country fair was held one afternoon and the ship employees (each area i.e. dining room staff, chefs, room stewards/stewardesses) put up booths with a theme. They all put a lot of work in to the planning and making of the booths. Each booth was a type of game you could play i.e. ring toss, wet sponge toss, elephant racing, cookie tasting to name a few. You played the game and if you won you were given a ticket. At the end of the fair they had duplicates of the tickets in a bucket. If your ticket matched the winning ones you got some sort of Regent prize (no one that I am aware of on LCT won).

It was a great time because you could see how much the employees were enjoying themselves...they all work so hard and should have some fun mixed in there! :)

Great to hear everyone made it home safely.

We also made it home to Denver on time and in good shape. Again, just in time for snow!

We enjoyed meeting so many on the LCT'ers face to face and hope we get to sail again with any and all of you!

Shipped luggage not here until next week so my laundry room will be busy then!

Jan and Fred

Hi Jan; glad you and Fred got home safely. What a big change in weather from sunny seas and sunny FL to snow! :eek:

It was wonderful to be able to meet you two and have drinks and dinner! :)

Sue,
My duck has a special place all his own...thanks for such a neat surprise!

Jan

Your pix were great, Sue.

Jan and Fred, So good to hear from you and that you arrived home safe and sound. It was a pleasure to have met you and Fred. Hopefully, our travel paths will come together sometime in the near future.

I just added several people pix on the Kodak Gallery site. When more time allows, I'll add other photos.

OH you girls did great job of people pixs!!! Obvious how much fun was had by all!!! Thanks for posting XXOO

Denise...are those "twin" red Ferrari being delivered to California?

Thanks for the great people pics!

Denise & Sue,
I love your pictures. Everyone is having such a good time! Loved the few of precious little Emily too...isn't she a doll!
Such beautiful places you visited with such beautiful people!

Kathy, did you take a lot of pictures too? Hope you post them. I never did see the ones from MUSH.

Who are the gorgeous ladies in black with Alan???

Margo,

Those hot little Ferraris are sitting in our garage. They are taking a breather from our long jaunt along the French Riviera! Bob and Maria picked up a Ferrari, also, as you can see Bob standing in front of theirs.

The two lovely ladies with Alan are Shirley and Sandy, Joanna.

Loved the pictures! Always fun to see LCT'ers at play. Drooling over that car ;)

Great photos, thanks for sharing them! Love the camel ride photos - must do that some day...

Dena

Loved the pictures and all the shots of EMILY one of my absolute favorites on the ships.

Happy bunch of people!!!

Me too Ngaire and boy can she dance!!!!

Elda was on board with us. In fact, she was the first one to greet us upon embarkation. It felt like we were coming home to family or a very close friend. We had a really nice lunch with her. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera to take a photo of her. She's a favorite crew member of ours.

She disembarked in FLL and was headed home until the world cruise starts.

We were seated at the Captain's table, along with Priscilla/John, Maria/Bob, another couple (not LCT), and Terry Kushner on the Capt.'s Farewell evening. Really nice time!

We always requested Eric, Felino and Felix's area when in CR. They're fantastic and so much fun.

Regent crew continues to shine!

Welcome home Jan and Fred.

Sue, that sounds interesting on the fair. That picture of someone that looked dressed up with something all over their body was the one I was wondering about. I looked at those at 2 am, so I don't want to be as stupid as the spam comment, but...

but what Debbie??? don't leave us hanging -

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jan & Fred:
Sue,
My duck has a special place all his own...thanks for such a neat surprise!

Jan [/QUOTE

Jan you are very welcome! :)

Not sure what pic you are referring to...the one booth the folks were dressed up like the Addams Family - is that the one? The other booth they were dressed like cowboys.

Denise what nice pics - I loved the one of JoAnn and Frank (Gaylord) on the camels! :D

Denise & Sue, I have just looked at your photos.
I am so jealous.You guys had such fun times you will never forget! Loved seeing the pix.!!Thanks!

Just about to go looking at your photos. Judy

Yes, Addams Family

Sue/enise - whats the link? I can't find the pictures.

Kodak Gallery

Sign in is cruise@yahoo.com
Password is cc

Thanks, found them. Great pictures Sue and Denise.

Love all the photos. Again, it looks like I missed another fun LCT crusie. Next year this time, I'll be SAMBAing.....