I wrote a rather long post yesterday morning – it’s still floating around the black hole of the Internet (thanks to the wonderful connection here on Mariner). Ok….that’s not in keeping with the happy post policy, sorry.

Here are my notes from Friday:

We are anchored at Cayo Levantado on the coast of the Dominican Republic. I elected to do a Cave/Mangrove/Rainforest tour today in Los Haitises National Park. While the tour was interesting there were several drawbacks. We left more than ½ hour late, and we traveled more than 40 minutes each way in an open boat at top speed. You can imagine how wind-blown and sunburned (and sea-soaked on the return) one might be by the time we returned to the Mariner. Because of the late start the 3-hour tour ended at 2 PM – so we all missed the beach barbeque too! :( We barely had time to dash to the Verandah Café, which remained open to accommodate late tour returns.

On the positive side we saw many birds, beautiful limestone cliffs, dense mangrove areas and caves filled with bats, and pictographs. Our guide did a great job of explaining the sights and negotiating our group of 28 through the dark and slippery passageways in the caves.

Now that I’m “home” again on the Mariner I can’t muster the energy to go back to the beach – guess I’ll have to plan on that on our next cruise to this part of the world.

On Thursday we were in Virgin Gorda. Our luck with weather has continued as we enjoyed sunny skies and warm temperatures. Many passengers went ashore to visit Spanish Town or the Baths. We’ve been here before so elected to remain on the ship and enjoy a quiet morning at the pool. We felt like we were on a private yacht. It hard to believe the ship is full. We have never experienced any lines or crowds.

As with every cruise, I find my fellow passengers to be as much a part of the journey as the passing landscape. This voyage is not exception.

Yesterday while playing trivia I heard a wonderful "Regent Experience" story. As most of you might recall - midway through each cruise a comment card is left in your suite. I always have intentions to complete mine but often wait until the end of the cruise. A passenger "new" to Regent decided to share her delight with the experience and wrote glowing things about her impressions of the ship and service. She finished her card with a wish that if only there was a magnifying mirror and a nightlight in her suite it would be perfect.

She dropped off the card the next morning and enjoyed the activities of the day. And when she returned to her cabin....lo and behold - a magnifying mirror and nightlight had been delivered!

She was so amazed by this "over the top" service. I thought you'd like to hear about it too!

I also love the quotes on the pillow chocolates - this message last night on the chocolate mint

Have a great day!

Margo