Haven't heard much from the Navigator of late. Does anyone know if Fabrizzio is still aboard as Hotel Director? Also, who are the alternating Captains? Is Giuseppi(sp) still aboard? What about Gerry, Danilo and Mona Lisa; are they part of the crew? They are all part of the old Diamond crew. Also, Mohammed was aboard last time we were. Does anyone know where he is now?

We had Jarl Jarlsen as captain in February. Fabrizzio was still aboard, but Guiseppi wasn't. Mona Lisa sang in Portofinos. I don't know about the others, sorry.

From what I understand (and have experienced cruising the Navigator at different times..) Giuseppi and Fabrizio alternate as Hotel Director. Fabrizio is on right now, and Giuseppe goes back on board May 18th. Jarl Jarlsen and John McNeil alternate (John McNeil goes back on May 18th). Gerry and Roberto and Monalisa and Alex were all still on in February, as well as Gilbert, Monalisa's husband. Gerry was alternating his entertainment duties with another fabulous singer named Pietro. Danilo left the ship last year, he's working in Italy, not as an entertainer. I'm sorry, I don't know Mohammed. Pedro the bartender and Roger (the old sommeilier) and Danny are also still onboard, and of course, "Elvis", as well as Miki the Maitre'D (but I've missed him my last two cruises he was on break). There are a LOT of the old Diamond crew on board! Which is why it's so fantastic!

Thanks Charlene. We're not scheduled until 2008 and a lot can change, but just wanted to get an update. Were Gerry and Mona Lisa playing in Stars or Galilleo after Don Vito, as they used to play in the Club on Diamond?

Gerry was in The Stars Lounge a couple of nights, after Portofino's (the new "Don Vito's) closed. Other entertainers were there at different times (the house band, some other singers, etc). They still have their "Beatles/British Invasion" pub night (in Stars Lounge) with darts, etc. Loads of fun. Gerry also played in the coffee lounge on the 6th deck one morning, about 10:30 - just softly strumming his guitar, it was lovely. I must admit I never saw Monalisa except for in Portofinos, which is a darn shame. She sings like an angel, and she is such a lovely person.

With the exception of perhaps Giuseppe and Fabrizio moving on or retiring, I can't imagine toooo many changes in the future. They all seem pretty darn happy working for Regent, and they're so close knit on that ship. Anybody that I met that was an "add on" (not post-Diamond) were really lovely as well. Regent does find them - just fantastic staff, from the top on down. When I met John McNeil I thought "wow, unbelievable, they did it again". In fact, my new favourite head waiter, Arnold, wasn't on the Diamond that I recall, but I wouldn't want to sit in any other section!!

I'll always miss Neil Broomhall, though.

What cruise are you going on in 2008?

Charlene

Charlene; Right now we're booked from Mumbai-FLL in Nov/Dec '08, but we'll probably just do one leg or the other and most probably Cape Town-FLL. There's quite a price difference between the two legs. Even though we just did FLL-Cape Town on this year's WC, we could easily do it in reverse and be quite content. We want to go see our close friends in Cape Town and we love sea days. We too miss Niel Broomhall and hope the 2 new Captains are half as good.

Ah - our darling Neil. But I digress. I didn't spend much time with Jarl J the week we were on with him - I don't know why! He seems lovely, appears to be very gentle and quiet. Bocci and shuffleboard tourneys must have interfered with my socializing.

I had more of an opportunity to interact with John McNeil on our last cruise (November). This was his first Regent sailing on his own. We both found him to be very outgoing, he loves to mingle, was happy and personable, extremely bright and charming, just great company on the occasions we had to speak with him. You'll be pleased, Doug. Wendy and I looked forward to seeing his smile every day.

I wonder if the head waiter you mention is Arnold from the old Song of Flower days, and more recently the Voyager (if remember correctly). If so, he's the best, along with Edwin!

Arnold is quite a character. He was on in December, and he had us in stitches a couple of times.

We really liked Arnold on the Navigator. He is great!