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Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192162 05/14/08 10:24 PM
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FFMilesJunkie Offline OP
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It's 3am and Tonya & I are getting ready to head the airport in a couple hours where we catch our flight to San Francisco. We are trying out Virgin America's new non-stop service from Dulles to San Fran. Tomorrow we board the Mariner for our cruise up the Pacific Coast and onward to Alaska. I will try to keep up with Sea Mail and photos.

I'll post photos up on my site:
www.worldflyer.net/alaska

For our fellow LCT'ers: See you on board!


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
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Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192163 05/15/08 01:43 AM
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jhp Offline
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John and Tonya, have a great time in Alaska. Wish I could be there for the Bon Voyage!

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192164 05/15/08 02:50 AM
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Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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:bv: This is a wonderful cruise...enjoy it and please send Sea Mail!


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192165 05/15/08 03:07 AM
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Betty K Offline
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John & Tonya,

I'm jealous! Larry and I did the Pacific Coast a few years ago on the Mariner. Our cruise only went to Vancouver, and we loved that cruise. You will have so much fun! cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192166 05/15/08 03:19 AM
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Nancyp Offline
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Bon voyage John and Tonya.

Nancy

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192167 05/15/08 03:32 AM
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Wandra Offline
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Have a great time! Will look forward to reading about your trip.


Wendy
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Booked: Uniworld Egypt, 2015
Tauck Amsterdam to Budapest, 2016
Paul Gauguin, Societies & Tuamotus 2016
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192168 05/15/08 05:06 AM
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pammy Offline
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Give us your insight on excursions. We will be on in June with our whole family. I know you will have a great trip. We love the Mariner

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192169 05/15/08 05:46 AM
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John and Tonya, have a super time! Alaska is great, I'm sure you will love it.

:bv:

Dena

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192170 05/15/08 06:50 AM
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Have a wonderful time, and let us know what to expect on the cruise after yours (5/27). 11 days until we leave for Vancouver!

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192171 05/15/08 07:10 AM
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Gatowoman Offline
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Have a great flight over to SF!! it's going to be hot here, don't be surprised (a little heat wave going on). The sail out should be spectacular!

Let us know how Virgin compares to jet blue...I'm curious!


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192172 05/16/08 07:59 AM
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Fogmalkin Offline
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Had a great day yesterday with John and Tonya and had the pleasure of meeting their friends Jay and Sue who I had heard so much about. Now I know it is all true...

We had record high heat, 98 degrees, and today looks like it will be another scorcher! I am off to meet the foursome at their hotel and then it is on to the Mariner. Just the afternoon for me, but what a treat!

Here we all are at the Ferry Plaza wine bar...
[Linked Image]


Suzanne
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192173 05/16/08 09:04 AM
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robert Offline
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Great shot, S! Thanks for posting. Have a great cruise J & T. Seamail please...


Robert

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.
-Thoreau
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192174 05/16/08 09:34 AM
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Beth Offline
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Looks like a good time, Suzanne. I enjoyed meeting Sue and Jay at the DC GTG a few years back. Enjoy your afternoon on the Mariner.

I was looking for that webcam we used years ago to stalk Margo and Tom on the Mariner leaving SF. Can't seem to find it. Anyone know of a good cam to watch John, Tonya, Sue and Jay leave today?

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192175 05/16/08 09:57 AM
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Bon Voyage, John, Tonya and friends. Looks like you had a great SF tour guide. Happy Sailing.


Donna

I write about active travel for baby boomers: www.myitchytravelfeet.com
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192176 05/16/08 10:18 AM
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cruisinfanatic Offline
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Have a great cruise all. Looks like your evening in SF was great.


JoAnn
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192177 05/16/08 03:55 PM
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Suzanne called me today from the ship. All parties were in great form for a wonderful cruise, I can tell you! I hope they got her off the ship or John and Tonya will be sharing cabin space!

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192178 05/16/08 04:45 PM
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Here is the cam SF Bay cam .

I just got home and called John's cell to wish them a final (final) bon voyage. He had it turned off (rats) so I had to solo "Time to Say Goodbye" which has now undoubtedly fried his cell.

I briefly saw John Barron. He was leaving the Mariner today for vacation. And, sniff sniff, the love of my life, Francisco, also left. Alas, ships passing in the night...

Had a quick drink with Chuck and Valerie who send a special hello to Michele and Don.

John and Tonya on deck, day 1, Bay Bridge in the background, Pinot Grigio at hand. (We did a PG 'lap' as it was way too hot to do our normal mile).
[Linked Image]


Suzanne
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192179 05/16/08 09:49 PM
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FFMilesJunkie Offline OP
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Quick update:
We had a such a wonderful time with Suzanne in SF. On top of that, Suzette even stopped by to say "howdy". It was so hard to say good-bye on the docks. But of course, it's never "good-bye" with the faithful LCT crowd; it's always "until next time!!
Suzanne, Jay & Sue, Tonya & I had a perfect afternoon on the Mariner. The Pinot Grigio was flowing and the stories of cruises past were flurishing. After our farewells we had an extensive muster drill, and then our sail away party. What started out as a hot afternoon quickly turned into what felt like gale force winds as we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. We quickly found the layers we were eagerly shedding just hours earlier! It was incredible. I will post pictures later.

We now head to bed on our first night. Tonya and Sue closed down Stars Lounge as Jay & I stole from the casino (I'm up $15 and Jay up $5!!).

Until Later!!


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
Our Photo Gallery

Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192180 05/16/08 11:17 PM
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Mrs. Marc Offline
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Have a really wonderful cruise. Send lots of sea mail! :bv:


Arlene
Adventure before Dementia!
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192181 05/17/08 03:58 AM
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Ngaire Online
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I saw Chuck in back of that last picture of John and Tonya. These posts have really made me wish I was there. John and Tonya always have a great time and are wonderful company, as are their friends, Jay and Sue. When you discuss going down cruise memory lane I have some really fond memories of a cruise we all took together.

There are some other really nice people on this sailing too so I hope they all meet and have a fantastic time.

I have a plan to get one picture from each LCT cruise that captures the spirit of that particular trip and hang them down the hallway in my office. Never seem to have the time to work on that project. Instead of the Hall of Mirrors B&K could have the "Hall of Memories".

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192182 05/17/08 04:19 AM
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What a great idea Ngaire - Then you could just relive those memories every day.


JoAnn
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192183 05/17/08 05:25 AM
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FFMilesJunkie Offline OP
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Good morning from the Mariner. I have posted some photos on my site:

www.worldflyer.net/alaska/day1

Having a wonderful time already. Today is a sea day as we sail up the N.Calif. coast. Looking through our Passages, we see a wine tasting at 3pm! Our schedule will have to revolve around that. Hopefully the competitive Baggo at 2:30 will finish in time for the wine tasting!!


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
Our Photo Gallery

Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192184 05/17/08 06:49 AM
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John, so happy that you, Tonya & Sue and Ray are off to a great start! It's great that Suzanne could visit you and get to come on board for the day. I love to visit and to have visitors on the ship!! EVERYONE looks fantastic!! Great Valerie & Chuck are on the same cruise too.

Ngaire, love your idea of "Hall of Memories"....and you and Ken sure have MANY. Looking forward to more seamail John!


Marcie

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192185 05/17/08 09:15 AM
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Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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Great pics John...enjoy your sea day...we love Sea Mail! cheer


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192186 05/17/08 11:16 AM
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Betty K Offline
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Love the SeaMail and the photos. Isn't it absolutely awesome cruising under the GG bridge?
Keep having fun and sending SeaMail!!!
cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192187 05/17/08 11:25 AM
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Hi -- we are also on thie sailing. Haven't met John and Tonya yet -- suppose to meet at 11:15 a.m. . . . . many people in Observation Lounge -- didn't recognize anyone. Hopefully we can meet up later (going to wine tasting at 3:00 p.m.)

There was a "Town Hall" meeting with some Regent execs. this morning. I asked whether or not Regent will have a ship in French Polynesia beyond 2009. They are negotiating -- but, do not feel positive that this will continue beyond 2009.

Comments were made regarding "Regent brand" bath products. They look into it all the time.

Someone questioned the all-inclusivity of Regent when you don't drink. Management responded that the majority of Regent cruisers do not want to be "nickled and dimed" and are happy with all-inclusive.

Some discussion of Oceania, NCL and Regent sharing ads, etc. One passenger stated that Regent is a unique, luxury product -- that we want it to remain separate. This was the only message that was met with applause from the audience.

New ship: they are going to the "Board" with plans in September, 2008. Expect to have it approved. Will be built in Europe (despite Korea stating that they could a great job).

Everything at this meeting was quite positive. I have some quesions/issues with inconsistant treatment of returning guests -- will hopefully discuss this in a focus group.

If anyone has somethisn they would like addressed, please let me know on this thread.

Seas are calm -- sun is shinning -- life is great!!!
Travelcat (Jackie)

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192188 05/17/08 12:07 PM
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FFMilesJunkie Offline OP
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Sorry we missed you Jackie. The 4 of us were at the bar with our mimosas until about 11:45, but then the scent of grilled fish beckoned from poolside.
Look for us at the wine tasting. I'm wearing a dark blue shirt and Tonya has her pink fleece on. Looking forward to meeting you and Dennis.


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
Our Photo Gallery

Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192189 05/17/08 02:35 PM
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John -- didn't read your post until after wine tasting. Not sure what deck you are on. There is a block party at 5:45 (we're in 932). Anyway, tomorrow is another day (hopefully as beautiful as this one).

Still have lots of days to meet :rolleyes:

Jackie

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192190 05/17/08 05:42 PM
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jhp Offline
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Jackie, look at his photos and you will see what they look like! You can't miss them, as they are probably the youngest people on the ship! (having cruised with them before, I know this!)

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192191 05/17/08 07:17 PM
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The youngest passenger would probably be the female just behind Tonya's head in the 2nd shot I posted. They may be the 2nd and third youngest...


Suzanne
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192192 05/18/08 12:18 PM
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The weather has been incredible. We live in the Pacific Northwest and rarely see such perfect weather (sunny -- but not too hot).

We're noticing that the service on the Mariner is exemplary. Probably the best we have had on Regent. This is really a lovely ship -- looks great, etc. Transitioning into a much smaller suite has been a challenge for Dennis. . . I am so tired by the time we get into our suite, it just doesn't bother me. We are in a "shower" suite -- really nice (once you figure out how to turn it on:-)

There are many guests from Australia and England on board. A really nice group of people.

Looking forward to Alaska!

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192193 05/18/08 04:34 PM
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FFMilesJunkie Offline OP
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Having a wonderful time. Astoria was great. The people there are so friendly and proud of their town. It felt like they rolled out the red carpet especially for us. Regent put on a special Seven Seas Society event at the Maritime Museum. The food and wine was provided by a local restaurant and a local winery (Wine Works Oregon). The wine was really nice. The highlight of the event however was a private tour of a Coast Guard Cutter followed by an incredible demonstration of a Sea Rescue. What a day!!

Here are some photos:

http://www.worldflyer.net/alaska/Astoria/


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
Our Photo Gallery

Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192194 05/18/08 04:41 PM
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Great pixs John - thanks!!!!!


Joanna
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192195 05/18/08 04:44 PM
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Great photos, John!

We loved Astoria too!
cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192196 05/18/08 04:45 PM
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Oh, I forgot to add that we have finally caught up with some LCT posters on board. We met Gayrie (Splish) last night and finally met Jackie and Dennis (TravelCat) today. We look forward to sharing more time and travel stories with them throughout the cruise!


John aka FFMilesJunkie
www.worldflyer.net
Our Photo Gallery

Aug 9, 2006 Dover to Monte Carlo on the Navigator.
April 30, 2007 "TAP" Spring Crossing on Voyager
Sept 2008 ROAR II
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192197 05/18/08 05:15 PM
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John, I enjoyed your photos! Give us more pictures of Splish and TravelCat! Looks like you had a great day!

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192198 05/18/08 05:34 PM
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My sister and brother in law are on this cruise. This is their first trip on Regent. They have taken Silver Seas to Alaska before. Anyway their names are Idell and Otto. If any of you happen to bump into them tell them that Bette and Marty said hello.You guys are sure lucky to have such great weather. We took a cruise to Alaska a few years ago and thought that we were going during the month of best weather (July)Well we froze.

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192199 05/19/08 05:57 AM
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Great pictures John!! Keep 'em coming :banana:


Marcie

Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192200 05/19/08 09:38 AM
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Love the great photos, John. Can't wait to see more.


Donna

I write about active travel for baby boomers: www.myitchytravelfeet.com
Re: Pacific Coast to Alaska Cruise May 16 - 27 #192201 05/19/08 01:53 PM
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Is John taking secret pictures of us and posting them on LCT :D ???

Went on the Boeing tour today -- really a well done tour. Regent apparently was afraid that we would all starve (we got back late) so they kept food out for us on the pool deck. I remain constantly amazed at the service on the Mariner -- absolutely perfect!

Tonight we will dine will a Food and Beverage Manager (don't recall his position). Tomorrow we're part of a focus group with an Regent executive in charge of "loyalty". We have a few suggestions and comments in this area (and would be happy to discuss any others you post on LCT).

Got to run -- in desperate need of a shower! Greetings from "almost" sunny Seattle.

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