Can it possibly be May already? Time has passed so quickly.

Beijing on May day and Golden Week was astounding. We left Tianjin in the rain and feeling very let down. We could just picture visiting the Great Wall in the rain but the closer we got, the nicer the weather got and by the time we arrived the sun was shining and it was beautiful. We were taken to lunch at a Chinese restaurant where the food is served family style on a lazy Susan. Good food and very enjoyable. We were then taken to the Regent Hotel. It appeared very new and I think the basement was still being contructed. It was lovely. There was some confusion as we were told we had our choice of four restaurants but there was nothing in writing to tell us what each restaurant covered. Some people wanted the Chinese restaurant but because our bus was one of the later ones (out of 10) all reservations were filled and there was some complaining over that.

The second day we visited the Forbidden City with its tens of thousands of people. It had all been renovated for the Olympics and was beautiful. The previous time it was dusty and gray and not attractive. This time it was great. This was followed by the Square and then to lunch and back to the ship. The large busses had only about 12-15 people on board and we could not understand why. It seemed an unnecessary waste of money. Lunch again was Chinese style but the food was not as good as the first day. For example, the shredded duck with vegetables was 95% vegetables and we had to hunt for the duck. Mike, the chef, Heather, his wife, and Mark Conroy were all on our bus so we had a lot of interesting conversation.

Today we are having the usual town hall meeting followed by lunch in Signatures for the full cruisers. Tonight is a special dinner - Japanese Kareoke (that is not spelled right) and we were told one dish was a fish fondue. Just not our cup of tea.

Mark said the Voyager problem is hitting Apollo hard but did not go into details.

Ardis

Any news from Mark Conroy now that he is on the ship. Anything of interest in the town hall meeting.??

Karaoke, I always have to look it up, Ardis. A hard word to spell, for me!

Your visit to Beijing reminds me of the BK (PANDA) group cruise there last year, except if we wanted to get to the Square, it had to be on our own, other than a drive-by the next day. You did get to the Great Wall,right?

I thought the Regent was a beautiful hotel.

I'm sure most of us here are interested in the town hall meeting, if MC is aboard. Can you tell us anything more about it? Have no doubt the Voyager problem is a drain on Apollo in every direction. What else was asked? I've only been to one town hall meeting , and MC takes on any questions. I'm sure the world cruisers on this one were no more forgiving than the one I attended before! Only thing more stressful that I've seen was them putting Kenny Smiles in the "hot seat" on a cruise!

Interesting Olivia - sure Mr Conroy is nice gentleman - answering questions in town hall meetings must be stressful and would bore me. As passenger I would assume they give corporate yada yada talk - I want real information, the bottom line - PRICE PRICE PRICE very important to us -

There have been town hall meetings with Mark Conroy (and when Christian was with Regent, as well as other Regent corporate people and Captains)on quite a few cruises we've been on. I appreciate the fact that you can ask most any question, don't recall any topics being off limits and we got "what appeared" as straight answers, not always what we wanted to hear !!

BTW Ardis, I hear good reports from friends who joined the Mariner after the Voyager pod disaster. Sounds like things are still going great on R of F. Have you heard any updates on the repair of the Voyager?

The Mariner is out of Internet range while in Japan - some new Japanese rule - so don't expect any messages for about a week.

I also heard that there were few hard questions at the Town Hall meeting. To paraphrase, someone posted on his blog that even the complainers kept their mouths shut.

Peggy, is that blog in the public domain? I would love to hear the details! I know there were several on the WC, but don't think anyone has posted one for R of F.

http://www.jetsetway.com/ring-of-fire

http://bittleringoffire.blogspot.com/

Here are 2 . . . the Bittles got off in HK but the other couple are on "all the way".

Thank you, Peggy! It's been a bit quiet around here lately, with the WC over, and only Ardis now on RofF! So I need some good armchair adventures! I don't have another cruise until October, having withdrawal!

According to Mark the repairs on Voyager are going according to plan but will be very expensive, something like $3,000,000, BUT the bottom line for the company is doing very well. Not as well as last year but acceptible. Mark is tired, very tired, and it shows. There were no hard-ball questions. People on board, including the refugees from Voyager, are very satisfied with all that is being done. The atmosphere is up-beat and pleasant. Repairs on Voyager are expected to be done on schedule and the May 21st trip will go on as planned.

Japan has treated us very poorly and we are upset about that. In Nagasaki crew and guests had to go through a lengthy immigration period - pictures, temperatures, finger prints, passports, etc. Our internet time is limited since it is felt that our guests will put out PORN and they don't want their people exposed to it. For the next week or so we have internet only when we are out of Japanese waters. Today we have it for about twelve hours. You should have seen the rush to the computer room when it was announced that internet was up! They also "insulted" us by saying that at six o'clock last evening officials would come aboard for a welcoming ceremony with a twenty minute presentation by a Japanese drum band. The intelligent people in Japan sent the ship an email telling us to cancel the ceremony - not thinking that we had NO email. It left a bad feeling. We learned of the cancellation about five thirty that afternoon.

Our weather has at times been quite bad with fog and light rain. Nagasaki was gloomy which did not help. Tours went off as planned.

Several people have commented on the good feeling on Mariner. There seems to be so much less infighting, cliques and criticism so prevalent on Voyager.
.
Two days from now, in Osaka, is turnover day and we will have about four hundred passengers. In Seward we will have 660 passengers and some of those from Voyager will have to leave.

Terry Breen returns in Osaka after spending four days in a monastary! Doesn't that just sound like her?

Our fabulous Balinese people are going to repeat their Kecek Dance tonight for the new guests and Mark Conroy. One of their performers went on vacation and they trained another person to take her place.

I'll try to get back on from time to time but until May 11th internet time is unsure.

Ardis

Olivia,
Here is another family that is on for the entire RoF.
http://worldwideweldens.blogspot.com/
And here is one for a couple that moved from Voyager to Mariner when they arrived in Rome. (They post pretty far after the fact, so they have not started posting Mariner experiences yet, but they are onboard.)
http://harv116.wordpress.com/
Debbie

I wonder if it's because of A(H1N1) that the Japanese treated you like that on entry. But fingerprints? Wow, that's horrible, wonder if this happens every time.

And the internet, that's just absurd, sounds like the kind of protectionism that Japan had several centuries ago.

Wendy, We went through similar in Japan. After wasting hours before passengers were allowed off the ship (Capt. Dag was NOT happy) they finally cleared everyone. At the rate they were screening, interrogating, taking temps one person at a time we would have run out of time and no one would have gotten off the ship. I don't recall cutting off the internet...sounds like something new (and very absurd!)

Ardis, thanks for posting, you know how we love seamail.

Japan now requires photographs and fingerprints of all foreign nationals entering the country. I don't know what the US requirements are but I don't think they are that strict.

The internet ban sounds strange to me. Seems like someone at Regent needed to push the Japanese a little harder on that one. Tom.

We left Japanese waters late yesterday afternoon and it is a relief to have internet back on.
we are headed for Petropavlovsk and the weather channel says there is a possibility of SNOW. For those of us from warm weather places (Arizona) it does not sound pleasant although I have liked the city in the past. Yesterday in Hakodate the high was about fifty-two degrees which was bone chilling.

John has so very many events planned for us. I will report on them as they happen. Tonight is our special Dinner and a Show with a performer I do not know but that is not unusual since we do not get out much.

Captain Felucci is such a wonderful man. He radiates joy and pleasure. His English gets somewhat tangled at times but that will straighten out in time. Captain Philipe returns in Seward, I think, and my opinion is that both captains are of top quality both in skills and personality.

Terry Breen has returned from her four days at a Monastery and has tales to tell! Her spontaneious delivery and personal excitement add so much to each lecture.

Ardis

Yep - to get into the US, I have my photo and fingerprints taken and they really look over my passport. I have no idea what you have to go through to get in here.

The information about Japan is a bit off-putting as we're heading that way in September!

Lee

We are now at Petropavlovsk and it is COLD and MISERABLE outside! At the moment the temperature is about 35 degrees and foggy. The tenders are just getting ready to take people ashore for tours.

Don't let Japan's attitude put you off about visiting. We were treated royally after the first day except for not having internet. The people are a delight, so polite. The young girls dress is such extreme styles such as tiny miniskirts, black stockings with a garter belt and three inches of skin showing between the garter belt and skirt.

John arranged a full production show for yesterday afternoon and it was good. The production staff put their all into it and we had a lot of fun. It was called "Breaking Up is Hard to Do."

Ardis

Lee - are you staying on to Osaka?

Betty: Yes we've decided to stay on board. Do I remember you saying you'll be on board too?

The flight home from Osaka was a big deciding factor for me (10 hours as opposed to 24) but Michael felt it was a bit late in the season to see Alaska properly. Hope we've made the right decision as I probably won't get another chance. Michael spent five years working in Tokyo and I visited him a few times so have seen a lot of Japan. We both love the place so it won't be a hardship returning. Of course if I had the money and time, I'd stay on until Sydney and then I wouldn't have to worry about flying home!!

I have no idea what we can expect in the way of ports - have you? The only thing Michael said was he wanted to do a helicopter flight at the Russian port which made me freak out!! What is he thinking? I wouldn't fly to Moscow when in St Petersburg - I value my life too highly!! I hope I haven't been politically incorrect in posting the above!!

Lee

Lee: NO NO not politically incorrect BUT I say go for all the experiences possible at our age - why not? Have fun as I know you and Michel will have wonderful trip -

Hey Lee, Alan and I are on from Vancouver to Singapore. Looking forward to seeing you and Michael again. With all the deals (which is why we added Vancouver to Osaka to our original plans) sailing all the way to Sydney might be doable. You never know.

We're looking forward to this itinerary. All new ports to us except Hong Kong. And, we might luck out with beautiful weather in Alaska. We took a Tauck Canadian Rockies Tour one fall, last minute decision. Every day, the tour guide would say, "I can't believe we're having brochure weather again today." Perfect for the whole time.

Hi Lee
Yes - I'm on from Vancouver to Osaka. In another week I'll have time to book excursions & pick a hotel in Vancouver. I'm using Regent air to fly home. I need to decide quickly if I will spend an extra day in Japan to see Kyoto. My non-traveling husband has actually been there and says it is a must see. And I have all summer to work out the I don't own any warm clothing issue.
And BTW - yesterday I booked the 2010 Ngaire escorted trip from Sydney to Auckland. Hoping to stay on to SFO. BUT I definitely intend to climb that bridge. Hope you'll come watch me totally freak out. I hate heights - but I AM going to do this. Think of the great pixs you can get to post on LCT! :ohmy:

Betty, Sydney to Auckland and beyond? I'm jealous. Tried to enlist Alan. He has desire to try SilverSea in 2010. Need to give in every so often :) :) . I am so glad he doesn't read this board!

Joanna: You have no idea how much I hate flying!! The words "Russian Helicopter" just don't do it for me! Apart from that, I totally agree with you.

Betty: Kyoto is a definite must! Even a more 'must do' than the Harbour Bridge! It's really a lovely place and you must see the Golden and Silver Palaces. Having said that, I hope they're palaces and I hope they're in Kyoto! It was a few years ago! I also loved the 'Something or Other Walk' - gee I'm a great help! It was either poets, Philosophers!! or something along that line. I shall ask Michael on the weekend. Maybe your husband will be able to help.

I'd love to have a pow-wow about what clothing to take. Because the only way to get home from Osaka is with Jetstar (a Qantas cheapie), I'm limited strictly to 20kg which makes life difficult!

Congratulations on booking Sydney to Auckland. I thought about it (the group is going to be fabulous) but I have serious misgivings about sailing that lovely stretch of water in the Navigator. I may have been talked into it had it been the Voyager (but I really don't think I should push my luck with hubby). The last time I sailed that stretch put me off cruising for 40 years and it goes without saying, I can't not cruise for another 40 years! I do hope I get to meet all the LCTers when they arrive in Sydney - dinner on board? Hint, hint?

Michael has me booked on London to Monte Carlo next September, so I think I had better be happy with that.

Donna: I would have loved to stay on until Singapore as it is much easier to get home from there but unfortunately Michael can't get any more time off work. Apart from that, my daughter will be crying out for help as her twins arrive mid-July! I feel guilty enough already for disappearing on her.

I haven't looked up your ports after we get off but if you have the chance, try to see Hiroshema - it's very moving and worth seeing.

Lee

Ardis, you are making me so homesick for Japan! There are some benefits to Tokyo that aren't found anywhere else in the world. :D

Why didn't you tell us that part, Marc? Take a cold shower.

Ardis

Marc: Your partner in crime loved your comment :app: :hug:

Marc - how do you say Heidi in Japanese? :D

Cheers, Anne

I thought her name was Bambi. I guess I'm behind times.

Anyway, today we arrived back in the United States, Dutch Harbor, which has a fascinating history from World War II. It was here that a Japanese Zero crashed, practically in tact, and helped our forces to make major improvements on our planes. The weather is partially sunny and is getting warmer.

Most people are involved in packing since all must be out on the night of the 19th. The hard part is knowing what to keep out for the following week and being sure it will all fit into the luggage you keep with you.

We expect a complete turnover of guests except for the world cruisers. We are being taken on a sight seeing boat ride, with lunch, for about six hours and when we return the newbies will be on board. Some of the refugees whose planes leave Anchorage late at night are also coming on the boat ride.

Most of us are exhausted from losing six hours time in five days. Our bodies just are having trouble adapting. I thought it was just those of us with more years, but John said he had to go back to bed one morning. To make it harder, this morning at seven a.m. we had an announcement in our suites to report to Constellation for immigration! Our bodies should be back to normal very soon.

We are looking forward to Alaska, especially the New Archangel Dancers in Sitka. Regent has it included in a tour but no tour is needed since it is about five minutes walking distance from where the tender leaves us. Also the Lunberjack show is very well done in Ketchikan, I think. It has the authentic sports that the lumbermen do but sort of mess it up with clowning around.

Ardis

Ardis: Love your reports. What tours (if any) would you recommend for Petropavlovsk and Dutch Harbor? Sorry to hear the time changes have made you tired - I know the feeling well! How long are you on board altogether? Lee

Both these towns are extremely primitive. In Petropavlovsk we enjoyed going to a "farm" outside town where they trained sled dogs and ate lunch on wooden planks with unlimited vodka. Many complaints about the bus transportation and condition of the road but this is Russia! Dutch Harbor had no tours. There is a shuttle bus into town taking something over an hour with five stops. Some people took it to the end and then walked back stopping to see the church, cemetary, military museum, etc. The weather has cooperated and the day was pleasant and cold with many, many bald eagles circling the sky. Stan and I are on for the four months and are ready to go home but also looking forward to Alaska. I plan on buying genuine smoked salmon, not lox.

Ardis

Say HI to John B for us - one of the nicest and most talented CD's we've met -

Lee - I signed up for something called Rustic Picnic at 'The Farm" at Petropavlovsk.
I am disappointed that all the tours in Osaka seem to be sold out. I should be packing that day anyway. Probably will be pooped by then. Doesn't look like I'll get to Kyoto this trip. Have a fairly busy tour schedule for the other Japan stops. I'm working on Alaska tomorrow, although I am doing the Russian Tea thing in Kodiak. I'm very much into all things Russian. Wish I could also do the wood carving. Too many things to see, so little time.

Betty, Osaka is already sold out? We have done nothing about scheduling tours. Guess we better get busy. It would be pretty bad if we were already locked out of the "free" tours. Perhaps they should be limited to one per day per client until all are served?

Donna - they don't say sold out. It would let me book every city but that one. Maybe you will have better luck since you are staying on. I'm not going to panic yet. In fact I only looked to see if they offered a way I could get to Kyoto when I discovered it. I was able to get all free tours except one that I don't mind paying for at all. Those that are charging seem to have meals attached with them. So far only spent $79.

Betty: Michael said you must see Kyoto and wondered if you were interested in going by train with us and then sharing taxis. He said he would rather go back there than 'do' Osaka. You mustn't waste that port - throw your clothes in at the last minute - you're only going home! Let me know.

Sorry Ardis - I hope we haven't hijacked your thread!

Lee

Lee - yes, that would be perfect! Clay will also be thrilled I get to do this. We'll "talk"!
Sorry from me also Ardis. We'll take it to the PM site.
We do want to hear all about your adventures in Alaska because we'll be going there also.

Kodiak is a picture from a calendar with brillient sunshine on snowcovered mountains. Lovely.

You would think that with the cruise running down the energy level of the ship would too but John is keeping us busy with more and more excitement. Liars Club was the best one yet with the Brits being unfamiliar with "cockamamie" and coming up with the most outrageous definitions. John was rolling on the floor at one point and later tried to hang himself with his tie. We had a World Cruisers event the next day which was Broadway Tea Time in the Constellation in the afternoon. All the tiny tables in the theatre were covered with a white cloth and had petit fours and tea on them. Barboys came around also. Entertainment was all from Broadway shows and was done so well. John sang two songs. His voice is very good. Heather also sang as well as singers and dancers from the PGT. It was a very fun afternoon.

LCT has not done well in Trivia lately but the fun has multiplied! There has been so much laughter by all of us at some of the dumbest things. Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II was alive in 1602? Or that a Black Russian drink is made with Tia Maria, vodka and COKE? Horizon is full each afternoon we have so many Trivia teams.

The Mariner is so full of vitality, energy and good spirits. We will miss our "refugees" who leave tomorrow.

Captain Felici leaves in Seward and will be sorely missed because of his good nature and competence in handling the ship. He is an excellent addition to the Regent group. Of course, Philipppe is another excellent captain with a great personality. Neither one is cliquish or plays favorites but treats all guests with good humor and equality.

Ardis

Thanks for your continued reports, Ardis. So much fun to read. We'll be taking this itinerary in reverse this fall. Can't wait to see "picture-postcard" Kodiak.

Donna, are you waiting for "that Kodiak moment"?? :D