Many of you that were on FROLIC remember Kseniia, the Crimean Assistant F&B. She is in same role here. The 35 bar staff (bartenders and bar waiters) all report to her. She is fantastic. In the last few days I learned a bit more about how the bars are staffed (we had dinner with Stephane last night among other sources). First, I learned that only Europeans could be "Bartenders." Asians could be Assistant Bartenders but not Bartenders. Their career path would be to learn the skills to be a Sommelier. I was a bit upset about this as Joseph has been one of our favorite bartenders both here on Voyager and in past. Well, the info I learned was only partly true. From now on, only FEMALE Europeans can be bartenders. Iuri and Catalin are grandfathered but no more male bartenders either Asian or European. (Anivash, Indian, is Head Bartender, he is also grandfathered).

The other thing I learned is that none of the F&B staff (around 300 in total onboard) work for Regent. F&B is a "concession;" they all work for Apollo; the same group that used to own Oceania and Regent. I guess the fact that the staff actually work for Apollo is immaterial; I am still on the fence regarding European female bartenders only; Alesksandra and Cy Cy are both fantastic; but so are Catalin and Joseph.

We didn't make it to five in a row at trivia; came in second but followed it up with a win the next day.

Had a Cognac/Armagnac tasting the other night; the first sighting (by me) of an obnoxious passenger; off now to a Whisky tasting.

More later . . .