DH and I just got back yesterday from our Alaskan cruise and some time in Anchorage - and I wanted to thank all of you for answering all of my questions - no matter how silly! We planned to take your advice and board early - just after noon, but first we walked around Stanley Park in the morning - as we were walking the path that circles the park I started to get excited - I could see the Mariner docked across the bay!!! I started taking pictures like a madwoman and jumping with excitement! We went to board a bit after noon, there was a small line at security, and a bit more of a line for passport control, but then that was the last of the lines! (well, almost - one day there was a line to get off b/c they were moving the gangplank from one deck to the other but it wasn't too bad!).

The most exciting thing started after we got back to our cabin after dinner the first night - we had an invitation to dine with the cruise director the next night! I must've checked the envelope a dozen times to make sure it was the right room and names. Why us? I have no idea. We don't know anyone, and no one knows us! We called to rsvp and said yes of course! I was so excited. The next afternoon (as we were enjoying the sea day on our balcony and reading - ahhhh....) we got a phone call. Uh, hello? I mean, who calls us on a cruise (this was the one and only phone call we got)? Anyway, it was the dining room manager saying the cruise director couldn't make it, but would we like to dine with the staff captain instead? Uh, YES! (i had to read up on that - turns out he's second in command!) So, we had a great dinner with Magnus - a great guy from Sweden, talking about his life on the ship, life in Sweden vs the US, all sorts of wonderful things. (I was so happy we had been in his country last year at that time so we had something to contribute!) The other couple at our table was celebrating their 50th anniversary the next night (the same night as our 5th). They were also a great couple to hang out with. So, we have no idea why we were chosen (random?) but we had a great time.

Anyway- a million thanks for all your help. The caffeine free diet coke wasn't in our room when we got there -but one request to our stewardess and we had 5 cans in 5 minutes - and never ran low after that. I was so glad I brought my own toiletries - I couldn't stand the scent of the shampoo and stuff DH was using that they provided - and I usually don't care about scents! I can't remember all the other little questions I asked and you all helped with, but whatever they were - you guys gave answers that helped us have a great cruise! Nothing beats sitting in a hot tub on a ship watching the Alaskan shoreline go by with a fruity drink in your hand! We had a great time in Anchorage, and could have spent a couple more days - lots to do (midnight baseball with no lights anyone?) and we found a couple great locals restaurants.

Now, what's this my DH keeps talking about? Something called work we're supposed to do tomorrow? That confuses me. Doesn't seem right.... Must see what my passages newsletter says about that - can't let it interfere with the chocaholic tea at 4!

:)
Liz

Glad to hear that you had a great time, Liz!

Masaki

Liz, I am glad you had a good time and I love your fresh enthusiasm!! Where to next? :)

Lol Liz, We've all been there....those painful transitions back into reality after a delightful cruise. Good Luck!
So glad you had such a great time!

Liz it sounds like you REALLY had a wonderful first Regent cruise!
:)
I know exactly how you felt when you received the dinner invitation - why us - this is our first time on this cruise line...it happened to Tom and I last year.

During dinner we asked "why did you choose us from all the other return guests" the reply was "we like to make first time Regent cruisers feel welcome and we want you to return, plus we noticed you were celebrating a special occasion."

It is nice to know first timers are also considered to be special because the first time guest may turn out to be one of your life-time cruisers! ;)

Hi Liz, So good to hear that your cruise was all you wanted it to be. It is those small things that makes Regent the top line that it is. Can't wait to hear where you and DH are going next.

LOL,when we switched over from Crystal for our first Regent cruise(Singapore to Dubai) no one welcomed us that way.

KarenS - unfortunately it'll be a long time before we can cruise again. :( We already have a week long family reunion in 2008, plus a trip to Slovenia to visit my parents - that'll be all the vacation time I have (and more probably!). In 2009 we're going to Ireland for the 250th anniversary of Guinness, and our friend's 40th birthday, so no cruise that year. How can I make it til 2010 with no cruise? oh yeah - lurk here and read about them!

Didn't mean to mislead anyone - this was actually our second RSSC cruise - though there was a 5 year break between our honeymoon on the Paul Gaugin and our 5th anniversary last month. DH and I don't think we can make it 5 more years, so we're thinking maybe 2010, but we'll have to see...

Thanks again - I'll still be here lurking, and jumping to answer any questions about Alaska!

:)
Liz

Liz, that will give you plenty of time to pick the perfect cruise and planning is fun, too!