I typed a novel while minutes were ticking, and the LCT site went down at that time. I knew to hit copy but didn't since it was going so well. Now I logged off and am typing first and will then paste after I log back on. I would have send earlier mail from my Blackberry, but I did not know my password, and the lost feature never sent it to me. Anyway...

The trip from Houston to Rome was OK. I had some glitches in Gatwick. One bag does not mean a bag and a purse. I ended up schlepping my 17 inch laptop across the entired airport and checking my other bag. I was relieved when I saw the bag in Rome.

The Hassler's driver was there to greet me. He chatted to his friends the entire ride in Italian and ignored me, but we did get there fine.

Check-in was a breeze. They knew who I was when I walked in the door. I had been told on the phone that no single rooms had city view, but from my sleeping area, I had half a view, and from the bathroom, I had the other. I had sweeping shutter type windows that I left open almost all the time. I was behind the church bells. My room was just around the corner from the terrace, so I went over there a number of times.

I walked for hours and saw many things. I don't know what most were, but I have a lot of pictures. I saw churches, fountains, etc. I enjoyed seeing all the cafes and gelati places. I had a late lunch at a little pizza house. They weighed my marghareta pizza by the kg and gave me white wine. All told, cost was 5.8 Euros for 2 slices and the wine.

Later, I had dinner at the Hassler rooftop. They give the romatic tables to couples. There was everything from casual slacks to mink coat and dress on ladies. Men were in jackets with ties. I had fois gras terrine and sea bass. The fish was incredible. The did not tell that the water was 9 Euros. Everywhere, water is more expensive than wine. Even still water. The petit fours were to die for. I had the best ricotta I have ever had, also, and the chef brought out some sort of pumpkin appetizer with different colors and tastes in the same bowl. Two courses cost 101 Euros for one person.

After that, I had a nice steam at the gym and then went out to see the steps at night and walk the town at night a bit. Bought some wine and strawberries for my room. Again quite cheap. Had the strawberries for breakfast.

Went to scheduled steam bath. Gym and spa are a first rate operation at Hassler. Had a bubble bath in room and felt I was ready for another long walk. Could not endure the steps, so I walked to a park and some more churches. The art at the top of the steps is amazing. For 50 Euros you could buy amazing things. I did not do that. I bought a few cheap souveniers.

I had lunch at the top of the steps at Hassler's spaghetti place. Anything Hassler was pricy. They streets are interesting and cheap. Anyway, I had wonderful spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and basil and a lovely green salad. I was seated near a water wall and had a lovely view.

It is amazing to watch the crowd on the steps grow with the time of day, and people in Rome just walk, and most are not going anywhere in particular. I loved that.

I saw the coloseum but only from the car. I was on top of it pretty much.

The train station for Spagna is right there at the hotel, so you could figure this out if you were so inclined.

At 1:30, my ride came for the ship. This was another Mercedes, and this driver was pleasant and giving a tour. We arrived in one hour One . It took longer to get out of Rome than to go down the highway.

A young Italian said to leave my large bag. I schlepped my own carryon that was quite heavy up the gangplank. At no time was I offered assistance. At the top, I was not shown where to check in, only told where it was. I went there. Was not offered champagne, had to ask. They don't have the nice smoked salmon and things like SS. Also, I had to ask how to get to elevators, and I got lost and staff just laughed. I mad
e my way up to my deck, and a nice Filipino giggled and took me to my cabin. Again, no assistance or anything, and she just left.

Minutes later, another girl came and said she was my stewardess and showed me the room. I asked for chardonnay for the fridge. She seemed perplexed, but before bedtime she brought it. They do not have juice in the fridge like SS.

Closet smaller than SS but lots of hangers and very workable and nice setup. Bathroom is marble. No choice of amenities like SS, but the Avedo ones provided are quite nice. The couch is bigger than SS, and the whole living room is larger since the closet is smaller. This works nicely. Bedding is not as nice as SS, and I need to get some firm pillows today. TV is in a better place than on either SS sized ship. No binoculars like SS. Next time I need to remember to bring my travel ones.

Turndown was nothing special, though they left the Regent pin and a chocolate. The Passages don't give the next day's menu like SS. They do have movies going, but they end at midnight or earlier, which was when I was ready to watch.

The white orchids in the abin and around the ship are very nice.

I was told lunch was on deck 11. I found that and went up and had lunch with a nice lady and her mother. I had salad with baby shrimp and some fruit (yes my 2nd lunch). We had delightful conversation. This was when I was going to use the hot tub, but I will get to do that a lot.Some were sunbathing, and it was warm enough and lovely enough.

Service took a while there, but once they figure out you are there, they wait on you.

I gave myself a self tour of most of the public areas. I came back to my cabin and saw my large suitcase outside the door. Key did not work, so I had to get it redone, then schlepped my own bag, unlike SS where they are waiting for you and you don't touch it ever. Unpacked large bag, but before I got the small one unpacked, it was time for the lifeboat drill. This was very painless. After that, they have a block party vs. a sailing party. I met everyone on this hall. Quite a few Texans but none from my neck of the woods.

The demo on this ship is like SS, all ages, but as stated many places, it trends younger than SS.

I finished unpacking and went to the solo traveler reception and dinner. Most were 55 and up, and I was the only one in my 40s. There were enough of us for two tables, and we had a lovely time at dinner. One gentleman at my table has over 200 nights with Regent and over 100 on Voyager, and he said my experience in checkin was worth telling the hhotel director about so they will know. It was a mediocre (3 out of 10) half hour that left a bad first impression. It has all been nice since. Service is far less personal than SS. This is understandable to some degree since there are up to 700 passengers. One lady on my hall at the block party was rather nosey and snotty about single passengers being discouraged and whatall. Many of the solo travelers are married or widowed and here because spouse couldn't come and they are like me just here to take it in as it comes. We paid plenty, so I hope that will not be the typical attitude. I doubt it, and I imagine she did not mean it like she sounded.

Anyway, some people were dressed up more than others. It was country club casual. The men at our table had jackets, but 2 of the 3 were hosts, and the other was being a self host.

We had an exceptional dinner and a delightful time. I was able to get delightful choices. The lady next to me had the digestation menu. She was very happy with it. I had mussels, shrimp and king crab (two appetizers), spinach salad with egg and bacon and some wonderful balsamic. I had a yellow squash soup that was out of this world. I had the sea bream, and it was delightful. Most of us did not like the daily pour for white, a savignon, but they filled the whole glass, then we all got whatever other choices we could get. Those with the red liked it. They did not offer to switch to red, and the service was rather casual but efficient enough. The petite fours were brought out along with the dessert menu. I had a nutty one and did not order dessert.

We finished dining at 9:35. I went straight up to the show. She sang Gerschwin and Cole Porter. Then I went to Voyager Lounge and they sang a wide variety of tunes. I left when they quit. I didn't know the disco was starting.

I came to my room and perused the in-room movies. All were about half over. I read the next day's passages. They do not give the next day's lunch and dinner menus like Silversea. Is there a way to get these? I like to post them and save for a souvenier.

They have daily quizes, sudokus and crosswords like SS, and they have team trivia during tea at 4:15. Cabins have DVD players, and you can get two DVDs a day. I imagine if you have teens and turn them in, you can trade for two more.

The time changed this morning, like the old US schedule. It doesn't change in the US until next week. The clock changed automatically on the TV, a nice touch. Well, since this got deleted and I had to start over, we arrived in Livorno and I missed my stretch class. Now I may go sit in the hot tub. I think I will mosey to breakfast first once I figure out where it is.


My tour today is at 2:15 to Lucca to Maionchi Vineyard. I am looking forward to that. I may not leave the ship before that.

The weather is incredible.

I will try to get some pics up at some point.

Thanks Debbie for the seamail! Always interesting to hear about the differences with SS. Embarkation on RSSC is always a little different when we do it but I always get offered champagne and usually get offered to be shown to my room (though we never take them up on it). I would agree that your experience should be brought up on your comment card which they'll hand out to you or bring it up to the hotel director like they recommended.

Don't know about the menus - you could always ask if you could get copies from the dining room afterwards. I've actually gotten copies that way before but don't know about getting copies beforehand. The menus are generally available for that day posted in front of each restaurant and in the lounges.

Hope to continue to see more postings from you onboard!

Masaki

Debbie, You can get menus delivered to your cabin the evening before. Ask the person at the desk where you walk into Compass Rose. We finally get them delivered after talking to Patrick the dining room manager in CR. You can of course always ask the waiter serving you if you can keep your menu after ordering as well. We did have to ask a few times before we landed in the delivery schedule, but be persistent because they will do it. Good luck.

Voyager and Mariner at least used to post the day's menus on one of the channels on the TV. Haven't been on either for a while, so not sure if they still do.

When we returned from the Seven Seas Society "Day in Rome", I notice that the new passengers were lined up at the Reception Desk and that no one was there with champagne. At the time I thought it was highly unusual, as I've seen welcome staff there late into the night.

Debbie, we are on the Voyager right now and hope to meet you soon. I'll private message you our suite number!

Jan

The menus are on the TV, and I will try to get copies. I like to keep them. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I just came back from the Lucca wine tour. The countryside there is nice, and they just greeted us with When the Saints Go Marching In and champagne. I was moved to tears!

Jan, I replied to your PM.

Debbie, Glad to hear you had a nice day in Lucca. Sounds like your Regent Experience is improving! Please continue to share your cruise with us.

Today, I went to breakfast at The Verandah. I had berries and scrambled eggs and tea.

Next I went on deck and spent time between grazing in the sun, soaking in the hot tub and chatting. I skipped lunch.

Then I went to the steam room and sauna.

Next I got ready for my tour.

I enjoyed it. It was an hour each way. We saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa from the distance each way.

It is almost dinner time.

Today's differences with SS: they don't direct you to a table, don't tell you what you can order from a waiter, don't take your plate, etc. Selection more limited but great quality. SS serves you. Regent you serve yourself.

SS all tours are escorted, while Regent is not escorted.

Pool deck - drinks yes, no mist, no fruit or ice cream circulating. You can go get it yourself. Food, go get it yourself, SS you are not allowed to do your own order. They take it and serve it.

They are still playing that song. The Florence people must not be back yet.

This was a glorious day. I don't get to see hillsides and fall colors at home.

Debbie - I am so surprised. I have never been on a Regent tour that didn't have a tour guide AND a Regent staff member as part of the group.
Hope you enjoy dinner.

Debbie-

Try Compass Rose for Breakfast or Lunch if you like to be served - For breakfast I generally order Room Service - and for Lunch - if on the ship I will always opt for sit down service, with a menu. Try it - I think you'll like it. Oh and they escort you to your table and give you menus.

I have to agree here. Usually someone from the staff or entertainment goes along.

I don't remember ANY Regent staff member being on a ship sponsored tour while on FJORDS.

When we were on the Navigator this summer, Sam Perry made a comment that the entertainment staff was going to focus more on their craft and not be as "available" to the passengers as in the past. It seems the role of the entertainers has changed. I always enjoyed chatting with the PGT singers and dancers.

Suzie: I don't think we did any of the same tours but I can remember having a staff member on at least one of ours - the only reason I remember him is because he was an Aussie. It's sad how quickly I've forgotten things! Lee

All of our ship tours on PANDA were escorted by Regent staff, FWIW. I agree that it can get confusing as to what can be ordered from a waiter in La Veranda as opposed to picked up from the buffet line. For instance, PANDA was our 4th RSSC cruise and I finally figured out that you could order pancakes and waffles from the waiter in La Veranda for breakfast. :rolleyes:

As Todd said, Compass Rose may be a better choice if you're looking to get full service at breakfast and lunch. Usually I'm in too much hurry to bother with table service for those meals ... I need more sea days! :p

Masaki

Sometimes becausze they are social hosts or entertainment staff, they tag along and you might not know they are staff.

Thanks for the Sea Mail Deb! :)

Last night, I joined the social hostess, Terry and one of the Distinguished Gentlement and the later from Britain I met the night before (Glenda), along with another guest, Bob. Glenda is 75, and Bob is 84. We had dinner at Compass Rose. I had tomato soup with fresh basil (not bisque), a small portion of linquini with clams, greens with walnut vinaigrette and osso bucco. Again, I ordered no dessert. Unless you order the fish, the mean portions are ENORMOUS.

After dinner, Glenda and I tried the Bryan G show. It was not our cup of tea. He was doing Bevis and Butthead impressions and other things.

I found Bob sitting at Voyager Lounge, and we watched the karoake. Some were excellent. Some were just having fun. The social hostesses stod where they blocked the screen so many of us could not see the words, but some of us knew a lot of them.

After that, We stayed for the dance party. Bob left at close to midnight. I left at 12:30. I got to bed at 1 a.m.

My tour started at 7:30. I tried breakfast in the room, but evidentally, I am mistaken about boiled eggs, as I found out a 4 min egg is not a fully cooked one like I amused to. Oh, well, I had the cantaloupe and got ready. I was SO tired, and I'd had an odd dream about my mom and I getting bitten by a vampire! Too many caves yesterday!

I met Jan and Fred on the tour today. We did the Overland Ajaccio tour in Corsica. This went from 7:30 to 1. We had the most spectacular views. We saw some churches and things. We stopped halfway for some refreshments. They offered many coffee type things, sodas, and juices.

We headed on and eventually ended up at a spectacular spot where they had cured meats, cheese, and local award winning wine all laid out for us. There was nice bread and pickles, also. It was spectacular to sit out there. We joined the ship at 1 pm.

Some walked into town, but we had a little mini tour. I went up to join the grilled fish bbq on the pool deck. I had sea bass, grilled zucchini, some salads, and some cherry ice cream, along with ice tea. They had a great display and presentation, and I think earlier, they had live music.

Now I am watching Georgia Rule in my cabin.

Today's tour was given by a local guide (as was yesterday's). We did have a Regent person today.

I may join team trivia today.

The captain's welcome is today. I am supposed to meet Glenda there. She went on whatever tour was leaving when ours arrived. We are supposed to go to La Verandah tonight, but it is lobster in the Compass Rose, so I hope she will change. Tonight, it is informal.

I could easily fall asleep.

By the way, my 6:30 wakeup call came on the minute, and my 6:30 room service came at 6:33.

To answer the question that ChatKat and I were debating about what time you leave the ship in Nice if it overnights there...you get your choice of departing between 8:15 and 9:45. There are 4 times. My ride is coming at 9:45, so I think I will pick 9:15. I have to decide by 6:30 tonight.

Tonight's performer is a comedian.

Hi Debbie,


Thank you for your reports. Very informative.

I think if "Bryan G" is still there next week I'll skip his performance. That kind of humor is not my cup of tea either. Sounds like something my 13 or 18 year old would enjoy.

Hope you enjoy the lobster tonight. Keep us posted!

I felt bad for the entertainer that a lot of people walked out. I am sure he was good at whatever it was supposed to be. I know someone heard him rehearse Johnny Cash, but he did not bring out anyone that we could have related to early in the show, and some of it was offensive. He had Morgan Freeman up on a video screen with a woman's hairdo imposed over it and some strange person done into Redd Foxx.

I don't know if Glenda will be up for the lobster tonight or what. If not, that is alright. I cannot believe how tired I am. Had I not committed to her, I might not leave my room.

Maria,

That means you can close Compass Rose the night that he performs and miss the show. Many memorable nights that way onboard.

Debbie, Good information to know about debarking the ship.

What I found out about Bryan G is that he has never performed on here before. We were supposed to have a production show that night, but there is something wrong with the sound system, so we may not get any. They are going to try to give us the Broadway show before we get off if they get it fixed. Because of this, they are scrounging for entertainment. This guy was on Navigator, and when the ships were side by side, he came over.

Last night we had another fill-in. He did British comedy and magic. Glenda laughed and snorted so much and then she went up to his Liar's Club game, but I konked out. He is Mark Wahrgun or something. He was pretty good, big improvement. Some that work for the production company also thought Bryan G was inappropriate, at least his material. He will be in a variety show tonight, and I suspect (hope) that he has been slightly adapted.

The captain's party was after the repeat guest party, and it was just an intro of officers. I met Glenda and Jeannie there. We discussed the difference in tours. All of us agreed about how good the tours have been.

We went to dinner and all had the lobster. Glenda and I had the essence of pheasant soup. I had a salad. Jeannie and I had creme brulee (not on the menu), and Glenda had a passion fruit frozen thing that she repeatedly said was delightful. I asked for a Bourdeaux and got Phully Fuse. They were a bit stingy with it but did repour.

I am uploading pics to share and am starting with the Corsica ones since I figure less people have seen that. It includes Golfe de Porto and the whole overland of Corsica and Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon. I will post any links in the picture board.

We are in Marseilles now. I am going to take the shuttle later when I figure out what is what.

I posted this in the pic forum, but some of my pics are at http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/debbieh103/

This morning I watched movies in the cabin while I uploaded my pics.

I went into Marseilles on the ship shuttle. I wish I had taken the Aix en Provence market tour that Jeannie went on. I tried to get on the bus going there. I went all the way up to the St. Charles station, but I didn't find it.

I bought some nougats and caramels and chocolates at a local shop. I also bought soaps and spices. I walked until I couldn't stand it, and I made my way back to the shuttle bus that was waiting right there for us. I had rode the bus over with the lecturer from Custeau. I heard he was his grandson but didn't ask. Bryan G was on the shuttle, too. He was telling of whereall he performs. Sounds like he is Venice based and does a lot of RCCL.

It is pretty cold today and extremely windy. I went and got two DVDs and ordered room service. I had interesting dishes. Ordered appetizer portions and had spaghetti with pesto, green salad, shrimp cocktail and curry vegetables (minus tofu). The curry was choke a horse hot the way I like it. I will have to be hungry again later for Signatures. Others that booked online had trouble with their res, but I didn't and I got a reminder card today.

Loved the pictures. Thanks.
Sounds like you continue to have a good time.

Great pictures.
Thank you for sending them to us! :app:

Great to hear from you and see pics, as well. Enjoy the rest of your cruise, Debbie!

Thanks, everyone!

The sound system is fixed, so we get to see the Broadway show tonight.

I am having dinner at Signatures. A warning, if you book on the website, confirm your res and read it, as the choices were table for 4, 6 or 8, and since it knew I was one person, I thought these guys would know on the ship they were picking the others. Now they are scrambling to do something with me.

Also, they had the boullabaise at lunch, not dinner, so most people missed it. These are the reasons it would be nice to not have to watch TV or run to the restaurant to see what they are having!

Well, we all know you can't make it to everything!

We are going thru the Gulf of Lions. It is supposed to be rough to Barcelona.

I found out the reason I never found the bus to St. Charles is that it is at the train station, and I went to the bus station.

Thanks for sharing your pics. Those of Corsica are lovely. Another location to add to my "Must See" list.

Yes, Corsica was lovely, and I a SO happy I did the overland tour.

Next installment:

Well, I did have trouble with my res because they thought I had 8 people, not that I wanted seated at a table for 8. The maitre d said this happened to all the online bookers for the last two cruises (the ones that weren't lost). Anyway, they set me alone, and I was sad, but they got a couple for me that also had wanted to sit with others. We had a delightful time.

I had lobster salad (slices of lobster tail on top of mango). I ordered crustatian bisque and halibut, but they were too salty for me, so I moved those around on the plate. The creme brulee came as a slice type thing with strawberries and pistacion cream. It was devine. Service at Signatures was very nice, and the presentation was excellent.

We went to the Lullaby of Broadway show. They had tunes from Westside Story, Cats, South Pacific, 42nd Street, Les Miserables and one or two others. The boat was rocking, and those girls still danced it up on the high heels. The voices on these people were fabulous, and they got a standing ovation. In two days, we get the pop tunes show from them.

Next, I went in and listen to the duo sing. They are so good and so talented. Then I went to bed. There was a Texas Hold Em tournament going on, but I don't know how to play.

This morning, I attended the session with the officers about comments and concerns and such. They indicated that by year's end (and likely the middle of November), they are changing out the TVs to flat screens. They will have interactive TV with many more channels, and you can get to movies on demand, as well as content such as the menus. They said several times that anyone that wants to take their current TV home to please do so!!!!

Complaints or future wishes were about level of service off the ship on the land programs (knowing about them, amenities during them like bathrooms and so on), saltiness in food, repetitive movies, lighting in cabins, need for a comfortable reading chair, size of shower and more programs for Brits.

I met, along with Glenda, my frequent compainion, witht the hotel director for 25 min. afterward. I brought up the confusion about getting less salt at Signatures since it says the menu can't be alterned. I mentioned the mixup about the dinner reservations and also the embarkation issues. I also told that service should be more personal, and he acknowledged this as true and as a big training problem and lack of enough staff since he doesn't have enough crew beds. Glenda brought up need for more consideration for solo passengers with a cane and the need for notice of when they need and where they might need assistance. I also discussed the printed menu thing. We did tell the loveely things, as well like the good show and good singers and the nice cabin. Oh, lots of complaints were made by others about the dressing table size and need in the new cabins for bigger ones in a better place. They indicated the new ship would be about 60,000 tons but take no more guests and that cabins would start at around 450 sq ft. I also mentioned the desire to know what can be requested at meals and that even $5 Chinese restaurants seat guests.

For lunch, they are having a grillabas and paella event on deck. I had mixed berries and bacon and eggs with a few other guests this morning.

My Gastranomic Tour for tomorrow got cancelled.

Tonight they are having Scaraoki for Halloween.

Deb thanks for the sea mail - it sounds like you are having a really nice time. I hope the seas don't get too rough on the way to Barcelona!

Thanks for your reports, Debbie. I'm glad you mentioned the salt issue. I had forgotten that so many times I find my food too salty on cruises. I've resorted to ordering from the no-salt portion of the menu in Compass Rose. That helps.

Recent seamails have voiced frustration with lack of bandwidth on Regent's ships.

Has there been any discussion as to Regent rectifying this problem?

Cheers! Ray

Ray,
I asked Theresa (computer gal on Mariner) the same question and she said that the band width could be doubled,but the company doesn't want to spend the money. If enough people mention this in the comments perhaps we may get some relief.
Jim

Thanks for your reports Debbie. It's amazing to me how many comments I see on various cruise boards about flat screen TV's in cabins, like that's really going to affect your enjoyment of the cruise.

The same thing happened to me when I made an on line reservation for Signatures. I booked a table for six thinking Regent would know we were two people and the reservations system would fill the table with others who wanted to sit at a larger table. Luckily, I checked upon arrival on the ship and found out that I had a table for six and they thought I was supplying the remaining table mates. So I had time to fill the table.

And what's with some passengers wanting more programs for Brits? I never felt they were US-centered but perhaps they are. Tom.

Scaraoki sounds like fun. Hope you can post some pics.

I will put scaraoki pics up in a little bit and also Ibiza and Majorca. I enjoyed all of those.

The flat screen with interactive will help because last night's show got cancelled due to rough see and also I never sleep more than 5 hours, and if you are by yourself or if you just like movies and also the teens really like a movie now and then. Since we are Netflixers, I have seen about all of these movies.

I am not sure where I left off, but I read about Jan's and Fred's experience in Ibiza and also their L'Atitudes experience. I'll comment on my days on both. I think I told the overland story on Corsica where I was on their tour. I am glad to see they enjoyed it as much as I did.

In Ibiza, I went to the south of the town tour. As Jan said, there isn't much to see right now. The guide struggled with finding material, but he was nice, and I ended up seeing sunset on the beach, so a nice hour of that sunset walking on the sand was nice.

That night (night before last). I dined at L'Atitudes. That was the best meal I have had on the ship. I loved it. I was seated with two couples (since the reservation was straightened out). One couple was on their honeymoon (not first marriage at least for him).

The appetizers were good - spring rolls, the crisp ones and also another type, beef satay, ribs (my least favorite, but I am not a big meat eater), and some delicious crunchy shrimp triangle. That would have been enough there, but we carried on to a broth based soup with a shrimp in it and then a citrus salad with grapefruit and oranges. Next, they had lobster, chicken thighs, and tenderloin. I had only the lobster. The dessert was a lovely presentation with coconut sorbet in a crispy chocolate handle and some other stuff.

They finally changed out wines on the ship and have now been serving other whites besides that one awful savignon blanc.

The Three Divas were very nice. I enjoyed them immensely. They trained together 25 years ago, and I believe they said it was their first time to perform together.

Next, I went to the scaraoki party. It was PACKED. The main singers from the production company were there and at the casino in costume and many guests and all of the social hostesses were dressed up. We saw a cigarette girl, a lady bug, a ghost, several dead people, including a dead bride and some people did cowboy or just goofiness. Many of us did nothing and just wore the glow rings they passed out. I started a balloon pass in the fog, and we were doing Monster Mash and others like Thriller in the fog. First they did a short karaoke and then a dance party. Fun fun.

My tour in Palma (gastronomic tour) got cancelled, so I joined the Chopin tour yesterday in Majorca. I knew nothing about it at all except it was supposed to be good and had space since they had added a 2nd bus to accomodate those of us that had nothing to do now.

So, I thought, why not? What a good decision. We went up the mountain to the monestary where Chopin lived for some time. We toured all the rooms and saw the piano and many other things on him and George Sands. Next, they took us into a little restaurant in the town where our tour included sangria, orange juice, coke or water. I had sangria, of course, and they passed out cheese, cured meat, chicken crouqets that were wonderful but didn't taste like chicken, and Spanish omelets. We also had chips and olives on our table.

Next, they had a short Chopin concert for us. Although it was All Saints Day, all the shops in the little square there were opened. Many bought the man-made pearls. I didn't but liked them. I bought some deck shoes and a bag to bring my extra stuff home in. They had animal skins, glass, porcelin, lots of lace and many other items like leather jackets, shoes, etc. and then at the monestary they had calendars, Chopin CDs, etc.

That tour went from 9 to 1:10. Afterward, I had lunch at La Verandah. I had veal picatta and mussels, along with some mango mousse.

Next, I hung out in the hot tub since it had turned sunny.

By 4, I went to get my passport (those debarking in Monte Carlo had to do so by 4:30). Then I went to trivia and bingo (not free, but there were cash prizes).

I got back in the hot tub, but it was really cold and super windy on deck by then. Water was absolutely sloshing out of the pool. They had it drained two days and probably have it drained now.

I went to the crew show at 6:15. That was very good. They did a few moving numbers, I'll not give too much away.

After that, I had dinner with Jeannie (whom I met on CC) and the two distinguished gentlemen. We had a nice time. I ordered bisque. Again too salty but not nearly as salty as that soup at signatures, which was inedible. I ordered sea bream, surprised they are already repeating the menu in only 5 days. For appetizer, I had fois gras, which was lovely and then I had a chocolate from the petit fours. Jeannie had chateaubriand. I know Mark had two soups, and he also thought the bisque was salty.

They cancelled the show due to the rough seas (the pop show), so they said we would have it tonight. However, they now are showing that we are having Bryan G again.

Last night, they had Wild Hogs instead, and I am 2/3 sick from the wind in Marseilles, so I didn't want to sit in there till midnight watching a movie. They had a dance party in the atrium, and it was just the social staff singing.

I played roulette for a while and more than doubled my money. Everything in there works in USD. I more than doubled in 12 min., so I cashed out and chatted in Voyager Lounge for some time and went to bed by 11.

I've been having my pre-dinners at Horizons. I have been listening to the pianist there. I have not been before or after dinner to the Observation Lounge. Obviously some other guests are enjoying that.

Right now, I am going to watch Live Free and Die Hard while I upload pics so I can get them caught up.

I seem to be extremely allergic to that Aveda body cleanser because I used the soap on my face and the cleanser everywhere else, and my face is the only thing not broken out! I need to read the ingredients on that!

Well, watch the pic link for more stuff. The Majorca ones should be good.

By the way, those of us debarking have to have our bags out by 11 tonight, and we received black tags if we have independent arrangements. From what I can tell, as long as we are out of the cabin by 8:30 and off the ship by 9:45 if we have black tags, we are fine.

I am looking forward to Monte Carlo and Nice.

Debbie, Loved seeing all your pictures and your seamail. It sounds like you really enjoyed your cruise. Did you place an on-board booking for another Regent cruise?

Deb the Majorca pics look like it is a really pretty place.