Figured we'd start this new thread as the ship sails on Sunday and we, and many fellow LCT'ers are already in Rome or other parts of Italy enjoying the political shenagans close up. The "strike" today was a big boo hoo, with no major closings or other travel issues. We made a big rush to change our travel plans over here to a day early, just in case, and, well, better safe than sorry. We did get an extra day in Rome, and the Hilton ended up upgrading us big time, so all is well!! I think my touring itinerary today was a bit tough on Susan (at least her feet)but enjoying ourselves immensely and eating very, very well. With the extra day now we don't have to push ourselves that hard the next couple of days.
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We have also met some other cruisers (albeit not LCT'ers) and it looks like we have some fun passengers (including, of course, the LCT'ers!) Let's hope the weather continues to hold and everyone makes it over here safe.
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Looking forward to meeting everyone soon.

YEAH!!!! More seamail.

Thanks for checking in Susan & Jeff. Good to hear that Rome's issues aren't effecting your fun. Enjoy Rome and the Med, then relax on your crossing!

I am looking forward to this seamail! Here's to smooth sailing!

Good to hear things are going well and you are enjoying Rome, my favorite place. If you have a chance check out a couple of restaurants you might enjoy, sure the hotel Concierge can help with reservations. Not sure how close they are, but again I'm sure the Concierge could tell you.

Alla Rampa - by the foot of the Spanish Steps, face the steps, go to your right about 1/3 of a block and turn left and then bear to the left and you will see it. Yummy yummy food and a nice atmospher off the main street and less noisy and crowded.

Pier Luigi - a really wonderful small place our hotel recommended, but again not sure how close it might or might not be, its near the Campo di Fiori area.

Have fun.

Susan & Jeff,
Enjoy your fantastic cruise...and always remember how much we love seamail !! You can never go wrong with Rome!

Oh we love Rome - have a great trip!!!!

Well, guess this is the not quite at sea mail, but we should be sailing tomorrow. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations - we have had some wonderful meals so far and have reservations this evening at Il Bacaro near Piazza Navona. Best meal bargain was lunch today in Trastevere - 16 euro for wine, water, individual pizzas (delish!) and coffee. Otherwise prices have been - well - pricey. Can highly recommend Sora Lella and Vecchia Roma (what a pretty place!). The Hilton is out of the way, but they do have a shuttle bus that drops you off at Piazza Barberini, which is within 1/2 mile of the Spanish Steps, and a bit farther to shopping, fountains, etc. We finally figured out today that the best option is to take the bus into town in the AM, and then enjoy your day and don't hassle about getting back (especially if you are down by the river) and just grab a cab. Although, apparently, a lot of folks wait until the afternoon to go into town. This time of year it is dark by 5 p.m., so prefer to be back by then and getting ready for dinner. Susan now has her next Furla (she always has to be one Furla ahead) and we were pleased to see that their prices have actually come down in the past year (while so much here is more expensive). We happened to pass by the government house yesterday when the new PM was exiting after getting his second confidence vote and was being interviewed by local and CNN TV. There weren't any demonstrations, but the police presence was very high. In speaking with some of the locals (who spoke enough English to talk to us) it appears they have a rather laissez-faire attitude about the whole thing, which is really unfortunate since I do believe they will need to make major structural changes to their economy or we will all suffer the consequences. Of course, one could make the same arguments about our economy, but even though things are still difficult back home for many (particularly young families who bought homes 3-9 years ago), I believe most southern Europeans would be thrilled with a 9% unemployment rate and a 2.5% increase in GDP. As much as Monti and his new cabinet seem to have substantially more gray matter than Berlusconi, I still won't be buying Italian government bonds anytime soon. But boy do they make great pasta!!
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Anyway, as much as it was a hassle to change our flight arrangements and get here a day early, it also gave us one more day in Rome, and really, what's the harm in that?!!
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So, dinner tonight, sleep in, have Bob's Limos pick us up at 11:30 a.m. and then off to the Mariner. Until then....Jeff

Have a great trip. I will be following along. Hilton in Rome really is nice, if out of the way. And I agree about taking the shuttle into town and a cab back.
Also agree with Susan about always staying a handbag ahead!
Tell Tom and Barbara hello for me. They are a lovely British couple, she in a wheelchair, who are sailing with you. They are such sweet people.

In Heathrow right now waiting for our plane to Rome. We travelled Coach for this flight when we normally travel business. I was dreading it but it was not all that bad we did have someone in our row next to us and we survived. Actually I liked the meal (pasta) better than the meals in business they try to be fancy and the food is not as good. Of course my taste buds are different to the rest of the worlds. A plain jane. Tonight we are eating in PRIME 7 with Kathy and Al looking forward to that!

Have a great trip, everyone --wish we were there. Regarding staff, I'm still trying to track down Florian (F&B Manager)--if you see him, let me know :)

Hope everyone got there on time and you are on your way!

Can confirm all made it safely aboard. Met most LCTers at cocktails last night and everyone very nice. Susan at her first spa appt while I play with comp iPad. Captain says choppy seas tonight for welcome reception and lobster tail. Jeff

Finally checking in.....better late than never I guess! It's great to be back on the Mariner. So nice to see Jim and Jan again last night and to meet many new people.....so now can put faces and names together. Wonderful Prime 7 dinner with Ngaire and Ken - you can't beat that!

So glad to hear everyone made it onboard and checking in. Maybe there won't be too much rockin' & rollin' tonight!!

This has been our first chance to meet LCT'ers after many years posting and reading on the Board. What a great group! We had a wonderful Observation cocktails/Compass Rose dinner last night with Jim, Jan, Ngaire and Ken, after a fabulous day exploring Barcelona. We seem to be coming in right after the rain in every port, which leaves the air clean, cool and breezy...perfect for sightseeing! More to come...

PHOTOS FROM SPLASH - Monte Carlo, Monaco:


St. Paul de Vence, built in the 9th century.


A cafe on the way.




Sculpture made from horseshoes.




Beautiful turning colors.


Leaving Monte Carlo.

I wrote a long post yesterday and LOST it you would think by now I would be trained to type it in word first.

Monte Carlo - we loved St. Paul de Vence been there before of course but almost NO ONE was there on this trip. Empty streets is was so delightful. I bought a sweater, as you know I seldom shop but I loved this and took the plunge. The weather was perfect in the morning but by the time we got back to the ship the wind was howling. It was so strong we were delayed leaving the dock until the wind settled down.

Barcelona we were lazy and stayed on the ship. An overcast day but it did not rain.

Valencia - we have been here once before and really just visited the Americas cup village as the races were taking place. This time we took the shuttle into town and walked around. What a beautiful town, the buildings are beautiful and the Aquarium and adjoining facilities world class. I want to come back here.

Malaga – every intention of getting off but amazingly it was a very busy day and so we simply ran out of time. We have been here before.

Seas a little choppy at times but nothing significant.

Life is good on the Mariner, the key staff, Captain Stan, Davor (GM) Luis (F&B) are all absolutely fantastic. We had a great evening last night with the BK cocktail party and the final drawing for the free cruise. I think Kathy did not believe it had happened. Ken and were thinking that everyone who has won except the very first couple have been on Safari or are presently booked to go on Safari! Maybe the African witch doctor has cast a spell. There were a ton of names in the bucket this time.

Trivia – not won yet but close. EVENTUALLY it will happen. Tim (Ajax) Penny, Jan, Jim, Ngaire, Ken, Al and Kathy have been playing with some sitting out at times but we have talked Jeff and Susan into joining us today – two teams of five will be better than one team of six. Increase the odds for a LCT win.

The ship did a cute Thanksgiving day parade this morning. Ken will post some pictures eventually. Tonight they have a traditional thanksgiving day meal in Compass Rose that will also be available in Prime 7 and Signatures on request.

Okay off to trivia today MAY be the DAY

We don't like losing posts! Even easier than typing it in Word is to type your post as usual at LCT and before you hit enter, highlight and copy the post. If you lose it, you can always repaste it into a new post.

I can't wait to see the parade pix!

Love the fall colors picks of St Paul de Vence. Have been there in summer, but it looks really so much nicer with the turning leaves and no crowds.

Great to hear from you, Ngaire - we really loved Spain (Valencia, in particular) and would love to return. Love your pics, as always, Ken. A very blessed Thanksgiving to all of you!

I can just picture Kathy's shock at the announcement of the free cruise - sweet as she is. She'll be pinching herself for quite awhile! So happy for you two, Al & Kathy!

Jeff and I are having a great time...it's really been fun to meet all the LCTers. I was sitting with Kathy when the free cruise winner was announced - it was priceless as I don't think she could believe it!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Susan

I am waiting and waiting to see a post by JimB, who was the most excited cruiser before it began! Jim, I hope you and Jan are having a great time!

Sorry Olivia. Just been way to busy. (doing nothing.)Sea day today so will get after it.
Got to go meet Ken. Jan is having a computer lesson. :D :lct: :hug:

The FREE CRUISE Winners For 2011 are Alan & Kathy St. Vincent, Congratulations!!!


Davor - General Manager, Ngaire, Kathy, Alan, and Captain Stan de Lacombe.


Susan, Jim, Jan, Kathy, & Midge.

What an exciting but exhausting trip! We are glad to have a sea day. We started in Rome at the Parco de Principi hotel which was very nice. It was a bit out of the center of activity but didn’t really make any difference for what we were doing. We went on a private tour with Francesca who spoke excellent English. We told her to take us to the places she thought were the best and by the end of the day, we were so happy we had our original trip rerouted and ended up in Rome instead of Barcelona. Rome is historical and we wished we had more time. Of particular interest was a door with a key hole that we could look in. We were in Rome, looking though the Knights of Malta independent state which was very green with foliage to the end which was the Basilica at the Vatican, also a separate state. This little keyhole was such a surprise. Still the ruins were very interesting. Francesca had a book which showed how the area had looked (supposedly) and then you could pull off the transparent page and see how it looked now. For visual learners, this made such an impression as it was clear what we were looking at.

The next day Tim (Ajax) and Penny showed up and we had Francesca take us to the Vatican. She gave us a clear advantage as we got to bypass the lines. She explained things and we didn’t need to read anything so we moved right along. Even though the Vatican is a sight to see, it didn’t seem to be better than the day before which was educational, exciting and interesting.

Don’t worry about the driving in Rome as long as you are not the driver. They don’t seem to have any rules or at least rules we could understand. Cars are everywhere. Yet, we didn’t see wrecks. Everyone seems to be a very defensive driver.

We then hit the ship and headed to Monaco. We went to Eze, France which is a small town on the mountain. Living there will keep you in good shape as people have to walk quite a ways to get to the houses – all up steps. The concerning thing is that the brochures clearly point out which trips have extensive walking and could be difficult. Yet, people with compromised walking are on the trips. It is so difficult for them. We have seen that this whole cruise. It seems like there should be better oversight. When people have canes or can barely walk up the bus steps, how can they walk up the 500 or so steps on a mountain?

All we have is good things to say about Monaco and Barcelona. Valencia was such a good stop as we didn’t really know much about it. They have a science and art center with an opera house, aquarium (blue watery style building), I-Max (that looks like an eye – sort of if you have an imagination), and others. Although the economy is troubled, building of churches and arts seems to continue. We stopped at a giant market which had products we had never seen. We went to the Museum of Fallas. It took us a few minutes to catch on as everything was in Spanish. Each year neighborshoods make huge (several stories high) plastic statues – more like Macy’s floats. There is a big contest and over a million people visit the area. Once there is a winner, the statues / floats are all burned except for one very small character which is put in the museum. Our tour was shocked at the toxic fumes that would be put off by the fires but the tour guide just ignored the comments. We couldn’t take pictures so we can’t show the incredible display which was quite intriguing. I don’t think we would have ever gone to this museum on our own so am glad they added it to the tour. It was easy to see and very quick.

Malaga was a surprise and again way more than we expected. There is old town like Barcelona has and suddenly we walked onto Main Street which had marble streets and decorations and upscale stores. It was like an indoor mall but was outdoors. Their unemployment is 30% which is 10% higher than the average in Spain yet it didn’t feel that way.

Spain is so clean and people are so nice. We would have no problem coming back.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. The Mariner Thanksgiving Day Parade just started the day off with a smile. I think Ken is going to post some pictures. It was so funny and festive. For dinner, we had a very good traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner. Then we were disappointed that we would pass the Rock of Gibraltar around 10:30pm and so we figured we wouldn’t be able to see it. However, we checked it out with a small crowd in the Observation Lounge and there is was! It was so close and easy to see. Once we figured that out, we went to our balcony where there was less light and a better view and sat there for at least an hour. So – overall Thanksgiving Day was a day to be thankful for and so is this wonderful trip.
Jim and Jan

Great to hear from you, Jan - and wonderful pics. Wonderful shot of the City of Arts & Sciences. Santiago Calatrava is THE best architect ever, IMO! Still so proud of our Milwaukee Art Museum that he designed.

You are bringing back such great memories, we did a similar cruise a couple years ago along the coast of Spain - and like you, Gibraltar was late at night. Darn that we never did see it (I think we passed it more like 1:00am)

Love hearing from you all!

We also passed Gibraltar at night, about 10:30. Got a good view of it. I tried to take pictures, but they didn't turn out.

I think this may be the last time we see you for a while!

BEAUTIFUL day in Funchal today. Perfect temperature, bright sunshine and glistening water. We have been here before and always loved it and n the past taken a tour or hired a taxi and driven the island. We did the toboggan with Andi and Doug on one trip. So this time we decided to walk the town. So pretty, the walkways are in designs that look similiar to pebbles in white and black. There are a lot of trees, sidewalk cafes and nice shops. A lovely walk on a perfect day.

Last two nights had nice dinners with two couples on their first escorted trip, Pete and Emily and Jeff and Susan. Really nice people look forward to travelling with them again.

Tonight we are in Prime 7 so that is always a treat.

Then seven days at sea. Not many pooch players on this trip so not sure we will play but I always enjoy sea days and I always seem to be super busy and the days just fly by.

Ahh, Funchal. And the Beerhouse is right there (the tented restaurant that you see on the pier) - they make their own brew which is really good, if any of you have the chance to stop by and have one. I imagine you'll be sailing out soon - hope the seas are smooth for the week!

Lovely day at sea today. Seas calm and the sun is shining. They are have a carbohydrate feast on deck today, pasta and pizza. Today we are eating lunch in Compass Rose.

We had a nice dinner in Prime 7 last night. Their crab legs just cannot be beaten they are fantastic.

Marc, Mary and I are playing scrabble in the morning and you are missed we both say it is not the same without you! Kathy has joined us to take your place (not that anyone could take YOUR place) but we are happy to have her play with us. Even Al came along this morning he may play also.

Internet has been better than I ever remember it and we have a full ship. Of course not as fast as at home but a big improvement on the past.

Trivia not going so good. LCT has to hang our heads in shame we have not won yet, been close but no win. There are some very strong teams and the questions have been fairly hard. We are playing with AJAX - Tim and Penny and they are both very good. MAYBE a day will come we can reign supreme but I am must admit I am not holding my breath.

Ngaire, glad to see the scrabble game is going strong. That east to west crossing is one of the best itineraries with wonderful European ports followed by relaxing sea days. When will you have the Country Fair?

sounds like a wonderful trip. rest and enjoy

Part 2 -----

Funchal, Madeira was interesting in that it is a volcanic island sprouting up in the middle of nowhere and it is a city with lots of people and roads and apartment buildings. It just seems strange. How did they get all this stuff here?

The excursion was fine but not to the level of the Spain excursions, although I admit I am biased. We stopped at a wine tasting and embroidery shop and then onto a market. This particular market was very close and the vendors kept cutting fruit and pushing it at us to eat. They would not take no for an answer. I am not really a picky eater related to food tastes but am really picky about who fixes my food and where it comes from so this about put me over the edge. I had to go outside although I wouldn’t have minded checking out the fish and fruit that were new to me. We jumped on the bus so we could visit and climb 157 unusual rock steps to the requisite church visit. Then we went off to the Sled Ride – Basket Sledge Ride. What a hoot! The sled is wicker and appears to be like the Vermont horse sleds but smaller and sitting to the ground. Two men start to pull the sled and the next thing you know you are sliding down the asphalt street and the men are riding on the back skids. They jump on and off depending if you are sliding the wrong way or if there is a corner. They tell us it lasts 15 minutes but it felt like only 5. I would do it again just for fun. Apparently this is how the winemaker sent wine down the mountain and one day he wanted to get down faster so they put a seat in for him and a new method of transportation was born. We got out of the port a few hours late as there was some inspection that held us up. We still had the sail away party as planned so just carried on like there was no inconvenience.

Last night we were at Signatures and it was a nice change although I am a Compass Rose fan. The Crème Brulee was the best. It has just a bit more texture at Signatures. Even if it is just presentation and just in my mind, I can’t get enough. I don’t eat many desserts but I never pass up Crème Brulee.

We are traveling a more southern route than planned due to some weather changes. This route will be about 40 nautical miles longer but the swells are less so we can go faster. If this is how it is going to be, the southern route is fine with us. We feel like babies in a little rocker and sleeping is wonderful.

Today we went to a tour of the stage and behind. We all got up on stage and they pulled the curtain and announced our show just so we could see and feel what the performers see and feel. We checked out the miniature dressing rooms. Tight squeeze for that many people. The performers answered questions about how they got the job, what other tasks they have, what their future plans are, etc. It was fun and we were glad they were so accommodating and took the time for us.

Now we are busy all afternoon doing nothing but yet the day is flying by. Then we are off for our first dinner at Prime 7.

Jan and Jim


Tim and Penny on the sled


See -- it is just the asphalt road


Funchal on a perfect day

Love that our fellow LCT'ers are posting all these great pics. Quite amazing weather continues - think I might actually have to wear sunscreen today. An LCT team did tie for first at the Liars Club last night - but we lost the tiebreaker, but we are hopeful it bodes well for trivia the next few days. Enjoyed our dinner with Ngaire and Ken and have made many new friends on the ship. By far the best internet we have ever had at sea!! Whatever they are doing to improve the service - keep it up!! Jeff

Daniela Ovesea did a great job today on a wine class pairing wine with food. This is the second class for us - first was Blind Tasting. She is very personable with the crowd and most educational.

The weather is perfect and expected to be that way for at least the next couple of days.

We plan to go to the show tonight - Swing - if we can stay awake that long. This rocking makes it so easy to sleep all the time.

Denver Broncos were on last night which made Jim's day. It didn't look so good and then suddenly they started playing like they should and the game ended up in overtime until 12:50a.m. Yippee - we won. Good thing we got to set our clocks back an hour. We will do that again tonight.

Today we stopped by a Diamond Class by Bipin on our way to lunch. He, too, does a good job interacting with the audience. Jan won a pair of earrings - lucky - and we really weren't even planning to be there.

Jim and Jan

What a bonus about an East to West crossing - setting the clocks back almost every night! I would never book a West to East!

PS - Yay, Timmy Tebow!

So, apparently Regent has made a deal with their Sat provider to show various NFL games on one of the ship's TV channels. Not exactly sure how the games are selected, but we seem to get one early game (1 p.m. Eastern), one late game (4 p.m. Eastern) and then Sunday and Monday night games. Of course, trying to keep up with what time that is wherever we happen to be, especially when we are moving the clocks back almost every night makes it a bit hard. Anyway, it's a great benefit if you are a fan and can keep odd hours. Of course, if a ship is somewhere around North or South America, it's a bit easier to figure out the time!! So, as the Broncos move ahead, my Bears, well....maybe we can all begin to appreciate Jay Cutler a bit more now. As for the cruise, also attended the wine pairing today and agree quite enjoyable and very professional presentation. Came in second again in trivia - well, at least it's a consistent pattern. Putted quite poorly in the putting contest - of course it didn't help that the winds were coming off the port side, the golf course is on port - also using a lefty putter as all righties were taken, so I guess shooting par wasn't all that bad (but no holes in one, alas!). Dinner in Compass Rose has been quite good and bar service has improved. I'm told that my blue cheese stuffed olives can now be found in all the bars, so they no longer have to run over to Horizon to get them for me (and anyone else who requests them now). I did Karaoke a few nights ago and have to admit I was supposed to do it again tonight, but, alas, as Jim says the ship's motion, plenty of alcohol, and the fact that we are gaining an hour every day (so I seem to wake up earlier and earlier...) made it impossible for me to stay up for it tonight. They have started the dinner and a show at Signatures, and have reservations on Wednesday, so will post after that to report on how it went. Our second Prime 7 dinner is tomorrow night. Wonder how many LCTers took advantage of the double credit night promotion on "Black" Friday. We did - booking the escorted SF - Vancouver via Alaska cruise in 2013. That will put us over into Gold. The other nice thing for us is that it is a west coast cruise for a change. We do have some issues with the enrichment lectures being offered on the cruise, both boring and British-centric (not that I mind that too much, being an English major in college - but really "Hanky Panky in the English Country House" = GET REAL!! Anyway, our lovely balcony calls and I shall now go to enjoy it. Later, Jeff

Love all your seamail!!!!! Keep enjoying wish we were with you XXOO

I think a win in Trivia is not to be. We were more respectable today with a score of 11 but someone got 14 - hopes dashed! However hope springs eternal we keep trying.

Been playing scrabble in the mornings with Mary, Al and Kathy and teaching them my way of playing by focusing on seven letter words. They are doing great and Al got two seven letter words today. Marc we ALL wish you were here.

Crossing still smooth there could be some weather ahead but the Captain said he is sailing more North to avoid it - at least I think that was the plan.

I do like crossings they are so relaxing particularly when you are sharing time with people you really enjoy. Good food, good wine what else could you want. I know "a win at trivia".