Karen...there's still that wonderful automated machine as you walk down the hall from Starz to Club.Com. I visit there early every morning.

Oh good, Margo!! I get pretty good at sneaking down there without anyone seeing me! The coffee from the machine is soooo much better than room service coffee and I can have a double decaf latte!

Loving your reports and photos, Margo! Good to hear that Tom is feeling so much better, too!

Margo,

Silly questions: does the gym have fitness balls? treadmills? who are the entertainers? ARE YOU HAVING SUFFICIENT FUN?

Cerinda


[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

Margo,

Thanks for the report and glad you are enjoying the newly redecorated Mariner. I really enjoyed seeing the photos!

Cheers, Pam

Thanks for the pictures, Margo. I love the new colors and I'll definitely be a frequent visitor at the coffee bar!

Cerinda...there are lots of balls in the gym - and 6 treadmills. I haven't had any problem getting on to a piece of equipment - not much a crowd in there this cruise.

Some of the entertainers change from cruise to cruise. The lounge entertainment includes Jordan Heppner on piano, Guitarist Cesar Paucar and a duo, Shelly and Sharon. They seem to rotate between the the lounges The Peter Grey Terhune Singers and Dancers include Christopher Blair, Natalie Ramirez, Rebecca Cesario, Aaron Seyfert, Kiri John, Christopher King, Geraldine Rojas, Lauren Sprance, Tabatha Spangler and Yilmaz Mahmut. They are doing Thoroughly Modern Broadway - their first performance was posponed because of rought seas earlier in the week. I'm not sure when we'll see them now.

Margo

Margo your pics are wonderful - I love the new color scheme on the Mariner.

The rainforest pics were really lovely...all those flowers! :)

Thanks for taking the picture of the Disney Magic; we sail on her next May through the Panama Canal.

Thanks for the great pictures and reports, Margo. Roberta wants to make sure the coconut cookies at the coffee bar taste as delicious as they did-she tried tried them several times daily just to be sure that quality control was adequate while we were on MUSH.

I'm a little confused at Margo's 8 pictures.
Is this remodeling right next to the entrance to the computer room where the movie selections were?

LATER:
I went back and looked again.
Picture #1 shows the computer room front desk in top right portion of picture. Right?
This picture is where there use to be some computers outside the room and also part of the library Correct?

Hi Jim...yes, the area where there were several computer desks and the DVD selections is gone and this is now called the "Coffee Corner" - there is a coffee bar and buffet area where there used to be all the cabinet with the movies - they are now back in the library area on the forward wall. There are 3 computer desks in the "hallway" area between Starz and the Horizon Lounge.

The Coffee Corner is very popular and if you have your laptop you can sit there and do your email - still no wifi in the cabins.

It was a wonderful day today in St. Barth! I did an Island Overview Taxi drive this morning. The roads are so narrow and steep that I would definitely recommend this choice vs renting a car. The driver gave us a very "accented" account of what we were seeing. It's a very prosperous place.

This afternoon I did the "Leeward Sail with snorkeling". It was a great tour - the 2 crew members were very personable. We cruised to the northern coast for snorkeling and then sailed south and then back to Gustavia - 16 passengers - lots of fish - fun time.

This evening was the Seven Seas Society Party - we didn't go - met friends in the Mariner Bar instead - drinks are everywhere - I think people aren't as motivated to stand in line for a party. Anyway, when we returned to our suite we found a leather covered photo box - I guess it's a gift for "gold" level passengers, but there was no note - so I'm not sure.

Tom and I both agree, we're having a great time - there are a few wrinkles, but find me a cruise without that....still no sign of wifi - my major complaint - so I guess you could say, "Life is Good!"

Margo

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

Margo, I have been enjoying every word you write! You reports are the next best thing to being there.

Enjoy your posts so much Margo. By the way there is no one reading this board that is not very frustrated with computers and internet at some point. We all share that agony. Nothing worse than composing something and then losing it. So that is PERFECTLY allowable to gritch about the internet. I have been known to let the computer and internet gremlins get the best of me from time to time.

That was a nice story about the magnifying mirror and night light. They do try to accommodate as best they can.

I always ask for that magnifying mirror as soon as I board.

In fact I cannot wait to board the Voyager. My last trip was in November on the Mariner and it been since last June since we have been on the Voyager. We are definitely excited and ready.

Margo,

Your reports have been so welcome and enjoyable. Sorry to hear your frustrations with the internet persists.

I hope you both continue to have more wonderful days! Happy Easter to you and Tom!

Margo,

Thanks so much for your delightful and detailed posts. You've made this last week fly, rather than drag! Did you remember to leave us some chocolate? Off to the airport now...

Happy Easter and safe home,
Cerinda

The coffee bar area looks great - how is the coffee though? I know its a personal preference, but when you prefer strong coffee, like Starbucks, its hard to go for the mild, less flavorable stuff.

Margo,

I too enjoy your posts - you have a terrific writing style that is such a joy to read.

A trick I use when I am sending a long email is to compose it in my word processing program and save it as a document. Then cut and paste it into the email program (can do it for LCT too).

So when it goes poof - it's not lost - just minor irritation.

Margo,I am reliving my cruise again through your deliciously,talanted journal.Also loved seeing the new coffee Bistro Bar.Thank you for letting us enjoy your cruise.

What an amazing afternoon it's been. First I was sitting in the Coffee Corner reading all of your messages when a young man comes by - walks past me and then turn to say hello and ask if I was Margo - you know how much those little avatars look like the “real” article!

Anyway I had the delight of meeting Dave and his father Herb. Many of you have cruised with Herb and his wife, Marilyn (Marinergal). Herb asked me to pass along his regards to Ardis – I’m not sure she’s reading this thread while on the Voyager but he has some wonderful stories and memories of their time cruising and playing trivia together.

He told me about how Marilyn became ill on their way to the Grand Pacific Voyage. He has made many friends among crewmembers in the Regent family and we talked about those we knew in common.

He is sharing this voyage with his son and granddaughter. I’m so happy we had a chance to meet. While Herb never posts on LCT he wanted me to tell you he visits here many times each day and enjoys reading what we all have to say.

After that wonderful meeting I went off to the theatre to see the screening of The Queen. We’ve had some very good “Big Screen” movies during this cruise.

After the flick I wandered into Trivia – I haven’t played very often feeling a bit dim when it comes to most topics but today was our day – our team won! It was a comedy of errors – the questions were old ones and the crowd kept shouting out “we’ve had that one!” Kiri kept going and found 14 questions that no one remembered hearing before! The 15th question was a repeat but at that point we were all laughing so much it didn’t matter.

Tonight Crew Capers will be done during the Captain’s Farewell Party – we’ve been much like Cinderella on this cruise – off to bed long before midnight so at least this show will be one we can enjoy!

Thank you to all of you for your notes – I enjoy writing about cruising – I appreciate it when others do the same.

Cerinda – I promise there are some chocolates left!!!!! I just wish we could stay onboard to join you.

Leslie...the coffee is wonderful - very strong - they also make all the lattes etc. to order. I think you'll be happy with it.

Margo, one more wonderful post for all of us at home to enjoy! I guess that young man would never recognize me from my avatar!

Come out come out where ever you are O!!!!

Yesterday I was so delighted to meet Herb that I neglected to report on Grand Turk.

We arrived at 7 AM at what appears to be a very new pier with a cruise ship shopping terminal near by.

Some of you have been here because I remember photos of the pool at Margaritaville. The terminal is filled with duty free shopping and assorted souvenir and T-shirt shops.
Everything is shiny and clean, just what the average cruise passenger want to see.

I had selected the reef snorkeling tour that started at 8:30. I wasn’t so sure about flippers in the water at that time of the day, but it wasn’t too cold and everyone jumped right in! We visited two reefs. The first was beautiful coral – it looked so perfect I wondered if it was fake. Yes, sorry, after the cruise terminal I was a little skeptical. I’m sure it was the real deal but there weren’t many fish in the area, most of them very small. Perhaps the “big” ones didn’t get their wake-up call before we arrived.

The second location was selected to send us home talking about Grand Turk. As soon as we arrive a stingray started to circle our boat, next a barracuda swims up and schools of fish appear everywhere! This time they don’t have to encourage us to jump in – we are there as soon as the ladders go down.

One of our guides was feeding the ray and the rest of the fish are “standing in line”! This snorkeling area is a horseshoe shaped reef with less coral but lots of fish waiting for a handout. I brought along my underwater camera but discovered that shooting through a mask and plastic camera casing while swimming AND breathing can be a challenge! Every time I thought I had a good one the fish was gone before I could snap the shutter!

We spent about 40 minutes at this area and then it was all aboard and back to civilization. As we approached the cruise pier the driver slowed the boat to explain that there is a 7,000 foot trench on the edge of Grand Turk – we could actually see it’s location, the water changes from a beautiful turquoise blue to a deep sapphire color. Divers come from all over the world to dive the wall.

While I’m not ready for those depths, I’m glad I saw the first few feet under the waves of Grand Turk. It was a fun time visiting the “locals”.

Today is our last sea day before Fort Lauderdale. There will be lots of activity, some reluctant packing ;( and many sad farewells :hug: .

For now I’ll leave you with another pillow chocolate saying – one I believe sums up the feelings of many at LCT….

Happy Easter,

Margo

Margo - thank you for your fantastic travelogue! I've just caught up with your sailing adventures. We should meet up some time on board. I love the snorkeling expeditions, too, so appreciate the inside info on what to expect and the quality of the snorkeling locations. I'm glad Tom recovered so quickly and you did not get ill.

We haven't been on Mariner in some time, so it's good to get an update on her services and conditions. We'll sail her again on Panda in the fall.

The internet drives me nuts, too. This is not an apples-to-apples comparison, but after using the internet on SeaDream (very reliable and lickety-split fast), I'm way less patient with the answer "we're working on it".

Have a safe journey home. We've missed you and Tom.

Cheers, Anne

Happy Easter to you and Tom and thank you for satisfying our appetite for seamail! Yum, it was good. We liked Grand Turk in January and have plans to return for a land stay and explore the adjacent islands.

Margo, we will need you to spice up the sea mail during the first week of TAP...all sea days. Keep writing.....you are great!
Lynn

Good Morning! Well it is that moment in the cruise that we dread the most. We’re about one hour from Fort Lauderdale – it feels as through the ship is barely moving but we know it’s inevitable – the end!

Yesterday the Atlantic Ocean was a smooth as a pond. In the morning it was a bit cloudy but by mid afternoon the conditions were the best we’ve had in 10 days, perfect! All the folks returning to northern climates were putting the finishing touches on their suntans.

There were lots of other activities to occupy us too. The children had an Easter egg hunt, there was a cooking demonstration, a lecture about forensic science, trivia, bingo, a chocolate tea, art auction, religious services, etc. And of course time for packing.

We said many goodbyes during dinner. Our luggage was in the hall promptly at 11 and a smiling young steward was there to whisk all of the cases away.

It’s hard to sleep well on the last night – a mixture of excitement and disappointment seems to crowd my brain and I kept waking to see if we were there yet.

I met the usual cast of “early risers” in the coffee corner this morning as we enjoyed our last cups of coffee together.

It’s been so much fun. Can’t wait to do it again. Tapers…..I’ll be waiting for your seamail!

Fondly,

Margo

Margo,
I am sad too, that your cruise is over. No more wonderful SeaMail, from Margo with my coffee! Thank you so much for taking the time to report. I truly enjoyed reading every single word.
Welcome home! So glad you and Tom had such a nice time!

Margo, it can't be over already! You and Tom need to cruise more often, I really loved reading your reports and I am going to miss them.

I've loved your seamail, too, Margo. Hate to see your cruise coming to an end. You'll just have to plan another one :D .

Hello from HOME!

We had a very lenghty disembarkation from the Mariner this morning. Someone failed to appear before the custom agents and the entire ship waited as the woman was repeatedly paged. Tom suggested she come to the atrium so we could give her an appropriate salute - obviously that didn't happen.

Many passengers were concerned about catching 11 AM flights - the first off left at about 9:45. Hope they made it!

We were driving home so we let the crowds clear a bit before we went off. Best part of that idea - our luggage stood alone in the "Grey" area. We stopped in Naples for a snack and arrived home at 2 PM.

I've started uploading and sorting some photos - there are too many, but if you're patient and would like to take a look they are at www.ofoto.com. You know the login: cruise@yahoo.com Password: cc

I hope to get them better organized tomorrow.

There's no place like home!

And....one last quote from the pillow chocolates:

Don't you just hate it when a rude passenger does that? Thank you Margo, for keeping us land-locked sea lubbers amused and informed during your cruise. You are so lucky to be home so soon after it had to end! I hate that process of airports and driving when it is over! I'm glad you were blessed with mostly perfect weather, and not too many seas during your days on the ship.

Welcome home, Margo. Sounded like a great trip.I have never had the pleasure of driving home from a cruise. Must be a much more relaxing end to a vacation then rushing to make that flight always is!
-----------
Helen

Helen, like minds.....(as we were posting simultaneously!)

We had one held up on the Diamond because one couple
did not report. After many announcements security went and knocked on their cabin door. They seemed unconcerned that they were causing a big problem.

Like Margo said, the rest of us would like them to come to the atrium for the appropriate salute! Oft times, it is that they can't hear, or just didn't pay attention to what they were supposed to do. Dealing with some elderly relatives lately, I see how this can happen, but not if you are under 80 and don't have a reason!

Margo,
Have followed your cruise since you left. Have really enjoyed it and just looked at the photos- great.
It is amazing that a ship of 700 pax that they can't find 1 person to get off. But then you have the 3000 pax and they are off that ship by 7:30. They really need to change something with that issue- we normally get that 11:00 flight and that would have been too close.

welcome home,

We had that situation on the Panama Canal Cruise. It was the very good looking Cordon Bleu Chef and his girlfriend. They kept paging and paging them. It was obvious why they did not answer and they were quite redfaced while all of us were waiting to clear.

Welcome home, Margo and Tom! It's been great fun following your cruise, thanks!