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