Karen, I couldn't help myself. I guess when in Ephesus...

Today was Mykonos - had a really good time taking pics and shopping. I will have to take some photos of my purchases - let's just say I've bought more jewelry this week than I have in the last 5 years!

I have had an absolutely fabulous time. This trip is ranked up with one of the best vacations ever. The sights, the ship, and especially the people - which is why I have decided that the Spanish Isles can wait - we are going on TUT! Ngaire is working her magic and I will sign onto the roll call with a cabin # when I know it.

Have to get ready for dinner, but here are a few shots from Mykonos.

Andrea - YEA!!!! So glad you have decided to join TUT, its going to be a great trip and how fun to get to see you again.

Love the pictures of Mykonos, we too loved it and are looking forward to going back. TomG posted a very funny seamail that day from B2B, he said "Today I learned my first Greek work, its Mykonos, which means the island of many jewelery shops!" I laughed and laughed over that one.

Ken, what to say, as always your pictures are amazing.

Arlene - so glad you have found a new drink, although I do remember how much you liked those chocolate martini's - you shared some of yours with me on night and I had to admit it was quite good - maybe you will like them better on the Voyager.

Mitch - sounds like all is well now that you are over the plane trip. I can sympathize with Gail and Bert, as I don't sleep on a plane either, just sort of doze on and off. I'm usually a zombie by the time we arrive, but then before too long I get my second wind and am ready to go, I never look forward to those overnight flights, but always look forward to arriving in Europe the next morning.

Hi, Sea2Sea-ers! Enjoying the sea mail and gorgeous pictures.

Was wondering whether the onboard credit could be used to prepay transfers from the ship to our hotel? As you are disembarking soon, perhaps this information will be available. Would appreciate it very much if you would look into this and report back.

Mitch and Bert, Eugene and Gail: Our flight to Copenhagen leaves this evening. We'll probably be checking into the Marriott around 11pm on Aug 20. Enjoy the beautiful weather, Accuweather reports morning thunderstorms for Aug 21! :eek:

2bits,
Before Julie sorted out our "pre-paid transfer" issue the Destinations Desk had said that we could use our shipboard credit to pay for tranfers to the airport (so I'm guessing hotel would be OK, too).

We are sailing into Istanbul today! Seas have been like glass!

I do not know about paying for transfers with shipboard credits, but we were able to use it to pay for our Turkish Visas. I was also able to use it for a beautiful new sapphire ring!

We had so much fun at pooch last night. All 12 of us at 2 tables and none of us had to get up for early tours this morning so we had fun, fun, fun. :banana:

I was so happy to hear that Bert & Mitch and Eugene & Gail have made it safely to Copenhagen and are ready and waiting for us. We'll be there tomorrow guys!

:lct:

We should be in Istanbul in a few hours, just enough time for pooch at 11 and lunch. Currently we are packing for the move to the Voyager.

The fireworks, Olivia, were from Santorini. THe Captain kept the ship late so that we could see them. They recreated the eruption of the volcano, so there was lava flowing down the mountain and explosions out the side. This only happens once a year so we were very lucky.

Seas are calm and the weather is beautiful

Russ posted more pictures from Mykonos last night. I think all the girls had a great day shopping there.

Susan

BIRTHDAY DINNER FOR CYNTHIA:


SUSAN, CYNTHIA, ANDREA, CAPTAIN AAGE HODDEVIK, SHAWNA, NGAIRE, & ARLENE.

Russ & Susan have been keeping a log and pictures of Sea to Sea on IWeb. Here is the link for those of you that want to travel with them for both weeks. Enjoy.

http://web.me.com/susanghall/Site/Welcome.html

Oh my, captain looks like a happy man.

He certainly does!!!

By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cynthia. I think its pretty obvious you had a great one.

wow! Happy birthday Cynthia .. and thanks for keeping the El Capitan in such a good mood for us!

Cheers, Anne

We had two glorious days with Mitch and Bert in Copenhagen. Not a cloud in the sky. Good (and expensive) meals. Hop On/Hop Off bus was very useful. We're now on the ship and the gang from Istanbul arrived safely. Met Russ and Susan and were happy to see Marc and Arlene again (and of course Ken and Ngaire).

The weather changed overnight and now it's fairly overcast. The gang from the first segment was happy to have cooler weather. We all had lunch by the pool and we're now waiting for our cabins to be completely ready so we can unpack.

Mitch is racing me to post, so I'm going to stop for now.

-------------

Eugene and Gail

Happy Birthday Cynthia! Lucky Captain! We boarded the Voyager around 12:30 and met up with Eugene and Gail, Susan and Russell, Ngaire and Ken, Marc and Arlene for lunch-Marc was happy that they had steak sandwiches (although no baguettes). The ship looks spectacular. Eugene is in front of me on another computer so I will try not to duplicate his post. We enjoyed Copenhagen and got to see most of the city. We also had spectacular weather for the past 2 days though it clouded up and became quite humid today. We have already become acquainted with the launderette and will go back to unpack. Next issue-checking out wine options! Maybe time for a nap before our meeting in the Voyager longe before dinner at Prime 7. Wish you all were here-

We are so glad to be in cooler climes. After a 5:20am (4:20am Copenhagen time) wake up call, a 6am bus, and 9am flight, we are safely esconced on the Voyager. I had special duty to perform today; I was a inter-ship courier for a love missive [sp]. Unfortunately, no photos, but the duty was performed with the help of Russ, Susan, and Arlene and Luis (Dining Room Manager) and a stewardess who all of a sudden found one of her flowers "appropriated."

Tonight is Prime 7. I understand that not all pax on last cruise were able to snag a Prime 7 reservation so I probably won't try to get a second. Maybe I will just set up my own table in the Promenade and order "take away." :D

This is very port intensive; even more so than last week. On the second day in St Pete we will have over 13 hours of excursions. I hope we can fit in enough eating, drinking, and pooch along the way.

More later...

Unfortunately, we had to disembark the Navigator today, but didn't get to go to Copenhagen with everyone else. We are here in Istanbul until Sunday, and still enjoying the hot, hot weather.

Again, the first part of Sea2Sea was simply wonderful.

Yesterday I did a tour of Panoramic Istanbul - going over to the Asian side, visiting the Blue Mosque and of course having some shopping time at the Grand Bazaar. Here are a few photos:

I'm loving the SeaMail and beautiful photos from all of you. Wow! By all indications, you all are having a great time.

Happy Birthday, Cynthia. Don't think I have to ask if it was happy!

Glad to hear that all of the 2nd seggies of Seas2Sea made it safely and on time to Copenhagen. Marc, you, et al were certainly playing cupid today. How fun for you and the lucky recipient.

Andrea, Great photos of Istanbul. Enjoy your days there.

Now a second week of partying and cruising begins for lucky sea2seaers - Andrea your pixs are wonderful enjoy Istanbul - Marc your long days filled with excursions would do me in but know you and Arlene up to the challenge - have fun :hello1: :hello1:

Andrea - once again beautiful photos. I'm so happy you get to stay in Istanbul until Sunday. Otherwise, if I were you I would be very sad.
And to those on the Voyager - enjoy, enjoy. One of my favorite parts of the world.

Andrea, I am glad to see that I am not the only one who takes animal pictures.
It has been fun reading everyone's sea mail and all the gorgeous photos.
Now comes my cruise that I just was on a few weeks ago. I had cool temperatures and lots of] overcast and drizzly days, but still a wonderful cruise.
Enjoy
Lynn

Had a wonderful dinner in Prime 7!!!!!

Ken, Ngaire, Eugene, Gail, Mitch, Bert, Arlene, and I tried everything on the menu (well, almost). Many Maine lobsters gave up their lives so that we could enjoy our dinner. Veal, lamb, prime rib, pork, and steak also graced our table. We couldn't decide on side dishes so we tried them all. Wine was good (Marcie, finally had a chance to try Avalon), service impeccable, and we had a great time catching up with friends that we had not seen in a while.

Ship is not quite as full as last week so we may try to snag another reservation. There are around 670 on board and Prime 7 can serve 120 each night (only 90 booked for last night).

Arlene is off soon for a Faberge Egg lecture. We are going to skip our excursions today and tomorrow so that we can save energy for St Petersburg. Actually, real reason that we are cancelling our excursion today is so that I can get a steak sandwich! :D

Luis is every bit as good as Martin as Dining Room Manager. Even before we had checked in he asked if there were any requests we had. He repeated his offer again when we were up on deck having lunch. Oh, this is going to be a wonderful cruise. :lct:

First day of Baltic Sea trip on the Voyager and getting ready to sail. Had to do a little browsing first, though.

[

After dinner at Prime 7 last night most of us went up to the Observation Lounge and had quite a boisterous time with the guitarist, Jerry Vasi (Guiseppe). He was amazing. He played Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle, Righteous Brothers, Roy Oberson, etc., but did all types of sound effects with trombones, and other horns, harmonica, duets with himself, etc.--really extremely good and a great sense of humor. I thought he was one of the best entertainers we've seen on Regent.

We danced up a storm--Ngaire and Bert dancing together was a particularly memorable scene, which Guiseppe even commented on as we were leaving. We also sang along with most of his songs. (Gail felt it necessary to apologize to a quiet Swiss couple sitting by us when we left.)

Went to the Faberge lecture this morning, which is interesting. Now we have to have an early lunch because our tour of Medieval Visby leaves at noon. Of course, we just at breakfast at 9:00. Weather is actually clearing and seas are very calm so Captain Dag does not expect the tenders to be a problem.

More later.

-------------

Eugene

Unfortunately I missed the revel rousing last night but hope to make up for it tonight! Dinner in Prime 7 was the best I have ever had on a ship bar none!

Fransisco is aboard and as accommodating as ever! We are having such a wonderful time. I have already been shopping for egg necklaces on board. Russ always seems to take my picture shopping... I don't have any idea how he manages to do that! :ohmy:

Joanne ( :hug: ), I am doing my best to keep up with Marc and will be even better prepared after a few chocolate martinis tonight! :3smile:

We have met some new LCTers who are wonderful additions to the gang. I will let them post if they want. FINALLY got to meet "2bits" and she is a doll!

Off to lunch so more later...

Did you try the "onion rings" at prime 7? That is really the only reason for prime 7....

Loving these reports! Prime 7 sounds just fabulous. And now that you're on Voyager, Marc gets his steak sandwiches and Arlene gets her chocolate martinis! :app: You'll have to let us know who makes the best drinks. Last time we were on (almost a year ago), Michael from Germany was best. I wonder if he is onboard now. You can't miss him - he is about 7 feet tall and has a very strong accent. (Here I go again, me and my bartenders! :rolleyes: :D )

Love reading about your trip. It sounds like everyone is having such a good time....it's so fun to live vicariously through the seamail. It's the next best thing since we can't be there!

Please tell Capt. Dag the Matassa's send their greetings and wish we were onboard.

The reports and pictures are wonderful. Your fun is contagious. I love sharing the enthusiasm, even if I'm at my desk and you are on the cruise.

Arlene, keep up the jewelry shopping. Sounds like you're making good use of those onboard credits.

The Baltic was my very first cruise (and first Regent cruise). You are bringing back fond memories.

Keep having fun.

Marcie, we are dining with him tonight and will pass on your greetings.

Grant, I cannot believe it! The ONLY side dish and I mean the ONLY one we did not try were the onion rings. Now I am bummed! I figured onion rings are onion rings are onion rings. We almost assuredly will not get to go again this trip so I will have to wait almost a year to try them now.

We finally won at trivia today! Alas, they have a new system and we are the first to win under it. (Of course it would be LCTers!) No more tokens will be given. Ever. Beginning with this cruise, they have little cards (similar in size to an index card) for the winners. They are green and marked with a "1" for one point. Evidently they have others with a "5" and "10" for 5 or ten points but those are only given out for special, more difficult games such as Liar's club, etc. Only the cruise director and asst. cruise director can give them out (the 5 and 10 point ones), or so we have been told.

Now Marc has a quandary. He has approximately 350 tokens at home and cannot redeem them after December. Will anyone be at HO DOWN in November who is cruising before the end of the year? Anyone who would volunteer to redeem them?

Anyway we are having a great time. The staff are all so wonderful and eager to please, the ship is beautiful, the food is delicious. What more could one ask for? I cannot think of anything except to have more of you LCTers with us.....

Hi guys and gals!!

Visby webcam

And bye! :hello1:

Just lost this complete post. So I’ll do it again—first in Word. Bert, Mitch, Gail, and I just returned from our Medieval tour of Visby. We lucked out again. The weather was wonderful. We saw a lot of ruins and did a lot of walking, including a pleasant stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

Our guide was very good. She was also a school teacher, which probably accounted for all the detail she provided—probably a little too much for my taste, but I was off taking pictures—some of which I hope to post.

One of our last stops was the Cathedral of St. Mary’s, and after descending about 75 steps we came to the church just as a Swedish bride and groom were coming out. Talk about timing.

We don’t have much time to get ready for the Captain’s Welcome Reception—we’ve never met Captain Dag before. After dinner is Karaoke Night, and after last night I’m a bit apprehensive.

I’m going to post this and try to upload a few pictures.

Tomorrow bright (I hope) and early (I know) is our excursion in Tallinn, Estonia.


Eugene

Eugene is correct-Karaoke night promises to be a night to remember (or forget as the case may be). We are all having a fabulous time but wish more of you were here to share. Time to get gussied up for the Captain, besides, Eugene is so quick and complete that there is little else for me to add. I think there may be a rack of lamb in my immediate future...

Went to shore today with Ken, Ngaire, Marc, and Russ to look around. Weather was perfect, especially after long, hot sweaty days in Turkey. Pretty town with lots of nice, friendly, (and Russ says good looking) Swedes. Russ and Ken took lots of pictures. Here is one at the botanical gardens. Lots of local kids playing in the area with one girl chasing the ducks. I guess kids are about the same everywhere you go. I can remember my two doing the same. Somehow the duck always get away just before the child catches it.

Our team made a respectable showing at trivia this afternoon, getting 17 of 20 correct. Arlene was most pleased to know an answer that Marc did not, however we used Marc's answer anyway (imagine that). If we had listened to her, 18 of 20. Arlene also won a game of Pooch, so we think today is her lucky day. Ken scored high with 132 points the second hand. We think this might be a record, anybody know for certain.

Just came back from a wonderful evening. We never made it to karaoke; Jerry in Observation Lounge was fantastic. Arlene is drunk in bed and I am posting while having my midnight snack from room service.

Dinner with Captain Dag was fantastic; it was great reminiscing about past cruises. They had salmon prepared "Norwegian style" that was great. After that, we headed upstairs. Jerry is amazing. Joanna, let Tony know that there were a couple of Heidis (I don't know how to say Heidi in Italian) but I could not get their picture without being obvious. I have some pictures of LCTers partying and Bert and the Captain "negotiating" but I will have to wait to upload.

We were smart to cancel our tour tomorrow. We will take the shuttle in the early afternoon to see Tallinn and then come back to the ship for the Gold, Platinum, and Titanium wine tasting, Seven Seas Society Party, B&K Party, and hosted dinner all in quick succession. Then we get ready for three days in St Petersburg.

Cruise is wonderful; people are wonderful; ship is wonderful; and staff is wonderful.

Voyager after drydock is better than Voyager before drydock...

...but....

....still not as good as Mariner. :D

More later...

Thanks for the seamail, seems like both cruises have been a success.

Can you comment if there have been big groups of kids onboard? I have read some disturbing reports of up to 200 kids on Mariner in Alaska! We are booked for a summer cruise next year and would hate for that to happen.

Enjoy the rest of the cruise!

PS:Marc, love your signature!

:D Marc, wait until Arlene wakes up, you're in trouble!

I think an additional piece of jewelry NOT covered by the OBC will be coming Arlene's way. :app:

Looking forward eagerly to the reports from St. Petersburg. Fantastic city!!

Try to convince (i.e. bribe, K.O., hijack, blackmail, or hammerlock) your guide to make a stop at the small arts & crafts market across the street from the Church of the Spilled Blood. It's the best place (IMO) in St.P. for Russian souvenirs. Ngaire is familiar with it, as I recall. Many guides don't like to stop there because: 1. There are sometimes gypsy beggars around; and 2. (much more powerful reason) they won't get commissions on the stuff you buy at that market.

Have fun. Na zdrovya!! Fred

Thanks to all for your wonderful posts and pixs- sounds like sea2sea has been another wonderful trip. Marc, Tony is so sorry to have missed Heidi viewing with you - keep enjoying and keep posting!!!

Maria, lets hope those reports are 3rd or 4th hand about children! I haven't read more than one or two bad reviews about children, even on Mariner this summer on either this board or cc from people actually on the cruises. Most reports are from people who are as much concerned with the "numbers" which includes the children, but from people who are not on the ships. Your choice whether to go on them with yours, who are certainly not at the "run around the pool" age. It really is late in the summer on this cruise, especially for an international cruise. If there is a "problem with children", I'm sure on this particular cruise to the Baltics, I think we would have heard it from Marc.