On Voyager to Barcelona.

[neviboy]

After two days at sea we arrived at Bermuda to clouds, wind and a chilly (for us, anyway) 65 degs. Impressions so far, after a year away from Voyager.
With the new TV screen and DVD player, there are no lighted clocks. What people are doing is to leave CH. 1 on, covered with a blanket except for the botton 2 inches where the time is shown. We should have taken our luminous travel clock.A small, subtle change in one less item in each category of the menu in Compass Rose..
The Captain's party is located at the entrance to c,Rose and the Voyager lounge instead of the Constellation theatre.This is a great idea for better socialising.
The casino slots are from a new company. Everyone has agreed that they are a total swindle. If they were in L>Vegaswith these horrible odds, the Commission would close them.
I play $1 dollar video poker. Losing $50 in 'fun' , lasts for about half an hour of play. These machines have costed me $50 in 6 minutes, playing the same way. The manager shrugs his shoulders.
The two shows that we have seen are the best ever. There are 12 very pofessional dancers, 4 superb singers, and a production worthy of Las Vegas, with a great 10 piece band.
A great "coktail music type' pianist from 10.30 to noon at the observation room, is excellent.
We had alecture from Lyn Farmer who used to write a restaurant column in the Ft.Laud. Sun-Sentinel. His lecture on various rums was extremely humourous
Everything else is up to the usual high standards. Capt. Knut is highly visible, at most popular areas and always smiling.
There are 510 passengers comprising a higher than normal %age of UK guests.
Tonight starts 4 days at sea before arriving at Horta.
Au revoir.

[NCCruzQueen]

Thanks for the Voyager update, Neville. If you get a chance, please take a photo of the dinner menu and post when you get a chance. Would like to see the changes. Who are the cruise director and hotel manager onboard right now?

Happy Seas! Beth

[comettgirl]

thanks for taking time to post.... what suite are you in?

[neviboy]

We are in 727. An original poster supposedly on this cruise has disappeared. Name "Danl" from Highland park, IL We are 5 C.Cers except this chap

[Travelcat2]

Really enjoying your posts -- learning a lot. I haven't played slots on our cruises -- was thinking of doing so (until I read your post). I'm one of those players that can play for a couple of hours -- hoping to not lose too much (no real expectation of winning a lot either).

Please let us know about the changes (I'll be on the Mariner next week and am really interested). Also, how is the condition of the Voyager? I haven't heard anything negative -- just checking. Oh, another question. . . do you have a sense of how full the ship is?

And, the choices that remain on the menu -- is the quality up to par?

Looking forward to reading more!

[comettgirl]

you say there are 510 out of 700 passangers? that is a lot short...... hmmm..... that seems like a low number. Wonder why it's so low.

[neviboy]

Marco, our resident computer whiz kid,tells me that most Eastward transatlantic crossings are 2 thirds full. First, the weather is quite chilly for the many blokes and Scots on board. Downright freezing for us S.Floridians.
The pool has not been opened, and it is impossible to engage in activities around the pool and upper deck. Can't putt in a cold wind and a slightly rolling ship.
The food is at the usual standards, although we are small eaters and cannot be a good guide. However, we joined a couple whom we met on a previous cruise, and ate at Latitudes last night. We found it to be terrible, and in all of our cruises on Regent and SS, this ranks among the worst. I cancelled a future reservation.
Remembering VE day, yesterday at breakfast on La Veranda,9 a.m., a table (s) was set aside for veterans. Four attended. One Vietnam, one Korea and two from WW2 including myself. We told some funny stories. Don't remember any of the other type !! Although just in passing it was remarked that we lost 40,000 soldiers in one Bulge battle whereas 4,000 have been lost in 3 years or so of Iraq.
The jazz music show was another 1st. class production. As on the previous night, there was a standing ovation and a demand for an encore. The tunes have memories for those of us over sixties.
I play video poker for fun. If I win, then that is a bonus. But I like a run for my money and a big win for a big bet. But the odds are so low as to preclude enjoyment for a reasonable period of time. Yes, I hear you. "So don't play"
Well I shan't !!!
Last night at 7 p.m. Capt. announced that we had slowed to 5 knots to try and fix a steering problem. He now steers manually until we can get it fixed in Horta, in 2 days from now.We did not lose time or distance which had us concerned. We do want to get off the ship for a change !
We are having a Captain's reception for society members on this formal night. and we are dining with Knut, also. Until tomorrow.

[canadagal]

Great post! Good to hear you are enjoying your crossing Neville. I too hope someone can take a copy of the menu so we can see what has been eliminated. Also, would like to know if the vegetarian selections on the back page have also had one item taken off.....as it wasn't that huge a selection to start off with.
Pat

[petlover]

Neville,
I just got off the Voyager April 30th. I didn't notice anything missing from the CR menu ??? Not sure what you're talking about. Is Mike still the chef?
Sorry for the disappointment in Latitudes...we didn't eat there but others said they too were disappointed.
I think the crossings going East are never full. You keep losing time. At least crossing West you get to add hours to your day yet those are rarely full either.I enjoy crossings though. Hope your weather improves!

[Iamboatman]

Crossing are almost never full. There are only a certain number of folks that like many days at sea, are tolerant of ship movement, and don't mind changeable weather. Low fares only attract so many.

I am very curious about what has made Latitudes so poor, and apparently consistently so. Is there a chef issue, a menu issue or a preparation issue or a combination?

Thanks for the interesting updates. Obviously they are very interesting and appreciated.

[RachelG]

Enjoying your reports, Neville. Thanks so much. I have never done a crossing, but it is on my to do list for after retirement.
Also thank you so much for your service. My son is currently a US Marine, and we very much appreciate what you guys have done.

[neviboy]

When Marco and i can get together, tomorrow, we will send the CR menu.
Right now it's quiz time and I am in euphoria. Won 2 tokens for sinking a70 ft. putt. i need 3,248,365 for a Corvette.

[canadagal]

No pressure Neville but anxiously awaiting the CR menu. PS. Great putt!
Pat

[neviboy]

Yesterday was our 4th. and last crossing day. The sea was very calm and the temp. hit 70. We have had sun every day and Capt. Knut remarked that it was one of the best crossings in years. The pool deck was full, yesterday (Wed.) The crew put on a "country fair" with ten booths that they set up.
It was hilarious and so much fun. Pie tossings, etc. I sat on the balcony in short sleeves, for the first time.
Today we arrived, on time, at Horta. We were supposed to tender, but a last minute decision provided us with the only dock. 2 miles from town !!!
But good Regent organizing has provided a shuttle bus starting in an hour (10,30) Weather is 65 degs. sunny but a bitterly cold wind.
On all of our cruises I do most sightseeing by making my own arrangements. It is cheaper and more convenient from my point of view. This has been discussed many times over the years. I mention it because with the Euro at U.S.$158, taxi rides at approx. 20-25 euros per hour are on a level with Ship excursion prices. Of course, doubling up still make it less costly, but not by much.

[neviboy]

Yesterday was our 4th. and last crossing day. The sea was very calm and the temp. hit 70. We have had sun every day and Capt. Knut remarked that it was one of the best crossings in years. The pool deck was full, yesterday (Wed.) The crew put on a "country fair" with ten booths that they set up.
It was hilarious and so much fun. Pie tossings, etc. I sat on the balcony in short sleeves, for the first time.
Today we arrived, on time, at Horta. We were supposed to tender, but a last minute decision provided us with the only dock. 2 miles from town !!!
But good Regent organizing has provided a shuttle bus starting in an hour (10,30) Weather is 65 degs. sunny but a bitterly cold wind.
On all of our cruises I do most sightseeing by making my own arrangements. It is cheaper and more convenient from my point of view. This has been discussed many times over the years. I mention it because with the Euro at U.S.$158, taxi rides at approx. 20-25 euros per hour are on a level with Ship excursion prices. Of course, doubling up still make it less costly, but not by much.

[neviboy]

Yesterday was our 4th. and last crossing day. The sea was very calm and the temp. hit 70. We have had sun every day and Capt. Knut remarked that it was one of the best crossings in years. The pool deck was full, yesterday (Wed.) The crew put on a "country fair" with ten booths that they set up.
It was hilarious and so much fun. Pie tossings, etc. I sat on the balcony in short sleeves, for the first time.
Today we arrived, on time, at Horta. We were supposed to tender, but a last minute decision provided us with the only dock. 2 miles from town !!!
But good Regent organizing has provided a shuttle bus starting in an hour (10,30) Weather is 65 degs. sunny but a bitterly cold wind.
On all of our cruises I do most sightseeing by making my own arrangements. It is cheaper and more convenient from my point of view. This has been discussed many times over the years. I mention it because with the Euro at U.S.$158, taxi rides at approx. 20-25 euros per hour are on a level with Ship excursion prices. Of course, doubling up still make it less costly, but not by much.

[neviboy]

PLEASE do some editing. The computer went haywire with "time expired " "This page cannot be displayed" Marco's fault.

[comettgirl]

Thanks so much for posting!

[neviboy]

ALL THIS DONE BY MARCO. Courtesy manager Lauren.
Just left Horta.

[canadagal]

Thank-you for the menus. I see what you mean......it looks reduced to me too. I'll be stalking you at the manhole cover. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Pat

[neviboy]

Canadagal, Marco and I have been fiddling but cannot increase the size. A magnifying glass should do the trick.
Today at sea is another sunny day. We have a cocktail party at 11.30 for all gold and platinum cruisers. Funchal tomorrow.

[canadagal]

I was able to read most of the menu but I was referring to the reduction in choices offered........looks like they have been reduced too as you earlier stated. I'll be watching the webcam tomorrow morning when you hit Sorrento. Make sure you and Hannah are waving and I sure hope no one else is hogging your spot for our viewing. Editing to add the link for anyone that wants to join the stalk of Neville on Saturday morning at about 10:30 a.m. EST.
http://www.sorrentoinfo.com/webcam.asp
Pat

[SusieO]

Loving your reports Neviboy - thanks much! Our crossing last year from Funchal to FLL was just about sold out if I remember right.

[Island Cruiser]

Love these posts! It is amazing how much the chef matters in the specialty restaurants. A couple of years ago, we dined in Latitudes on Voyager and had a wonderful dining experience. Our next cruise was on Mariner. We dined again in Latitudes. The menu was identical to that on Voyager--word for word. The meal was poor. On our last Voyager cruise, we experienced bad, and I mean really bad, food in Signatures, so atypical! Before that cruise ended they had worked out the problems in Signatures and the dining experience was back to outstanding. What a difference the chef makes! Pat

[neviboy]

Canadagal. We are not at the Sorrento site. We will be at the Funchal site.
There are several cameras, two of which will show Voyager. Karen's helper has the details !! I will post tonight around 6p.m. EST. 11 p.m. our time.
Forecast is for sun and 70 degs.

[dfb]

Pat,
The menus look the same to me as they did in March. The link below shows the menus on Mariner for January and February. You can click larger to view as full screen.
http://journals.aol.com/dfriia/circle-south-america-2008-aboard/
Also, the following link is from Voyager in January 2006 and again the number of choices appears to be the same to me.
http://journals.aol.com/dfriia/WestwardWorldCircumnavigation200/entries/2006/01/11/compass-rose-menus-jan-02-to-jan-09/215
Not trying to disagree with anyone, but it looks like to me from the menus over a couple of years that the format with the number of choices offered has remained constant.
Debbie

[canadagal]

Ooops. Thanks for the correction Neville or I would have been looking at the darn wrong web cam. I see a ship in port now at Funchal. Camera 4 shows the ship shot.
http://www.madeira-web.com/camera/cam-03.html
Pat

[canadagal]

Debbie, thanks for posting your links to menus. I did need a magnifying glass to read the ones that Neville and Marco posted.....even then it was hard to read and yours does seem to have more listed then the ones above.
Pat

[neviboy]

I have many apologies to make and my embarassment is great.
I tried to send notes at 8 a.m. but the comp. was so slow that I had to give up.
First, my timing was off for the webcam, and second, I found that the webcam 'spot' was about a 20 minute walk in the park. I did not feel right about spending an hour of our drivers. time and the other couples' money, and so we did not get there. In addition, we were at the park at 3 p.m. and Voyager sailed at 4.30.
The site, by the way, is www.madeira-web.com. Our ship can be seen at #4 and5 right now 16.38 local time. Sailing in 30 mins.
Funchal and Madeira has to be one of Europe's secrets. The scenery is awesome and the views from the several high peaks are overwhelming. Everything is so clean and neat and tidy that one would want to spend a holiday here. We used a driver recommended by "Chatcat" one John Pereira. Joining with another couple makes the cost extremely reasonble.
We learned that Madeira produces and exports bananas. The groves are mostly on the hillsides, which makes for much greenery. They also produce rum from the sugar cane which is unusual from the type of 'moderate' climate of the island.
I sampled some dry Madeira wine. It tasted like sherry and is an appetizer wine.
This was the port which we had looked forward to, and it far exceeded our expectations.
Posters mentioned the transatlantic crossings from E.to West, THESE are the ones well booked, not the reverse voyages such as ours.
As we have passed the first 8 days, passengers have become more friendly as they have mingled more - and imbibed more of the "social" liquids.
We have a day at sea, tomorrow, Sunday, and the ship is trying to appease the many football matches of England's Premier league clash, by showing live on TV. The many crew members are clamouring for it.
That's it posters.

[regent traveller]

We were on the crossing from Athens to Ft.L on the Voyager. We ate in Latitudes 3 times. The first two times the chef was from LaJolla and the food was spectacular. I think the problems with the complaints had to do with the age of the average World Cruiser(82). We are just 60 and thought the menu and especially the presentation was great, very inventive. The third time we ate in Latitudes the menu was Indochine. We loved the food and wished Regent would serve more interesting menus but I guess the executive chef has to cater to the tastes of the WCers.
We ate in Signatures twice and it was great. We are doing B2B on the Navigator this September and are hoping that since the average age of the cruisers will be younger maybe the menus will be more exciting.

[neviboy]

Today, Wed. is our last day. We were fortunate to have friends to see in Malaga, on Mon. They sailed twice with us and Capt. Knut and so he invited them aboard for breakfast. We toured the city and lunched at a Parador with the highest views of the area. The weather has again been perfect.
The 5 CC couples all dined at C.Rose, as we did on embarkation day. There was much picture taking, which will be posted in a few days, and some joke telling which produces much hilarity.
Those in attendance :- Graygypsy, Jeff and Susan, Oldgrump, Gurvis and Martha, Cruisingg, Gail and Bill, Waynegoat, Tom and Peggy, and Neviboy,
Hannah and Neville (that's me). We all toasted to future physical and pecuniary health so that we may meet in the future.
Ship docks at Valencia at 3 p.m. !!! and leaves at 9 p.m. Too little time to visit the architectural marvels of this great city. Most are staying on board to pack. All will debark since Porsche has chartered in Barcelona.
PERSONAL summary :-
Regent is still tied with Silversea as my choice of lines. We were very satisfied with everything and found no complaints. The TV came back with Fox and BBC and Euro news, which was our initial fault. The unlimited internet was a bonus as well as 2 hours of phone. We probably only used 3/4ths.of an hour.
Again, personally, 12 days is my capacity. My ideal is a day at sea and a day in port. Others hardly ever got off the ship for the 14 days. Thankfully, we all have different ideas.
We now must dash to the airport to get an 11 a.m. flight home.
Au revoir.
neville

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Neville, welcome home. I have a question about the eastbound crossing. How did you cope with the daily time changes? Others seems to prefer the fall crossings because it's easier to cope with that. But I'd love to do a crossing some day, and a fall crossing just might not be possible for us, at least not until my husband retires. So just wondering how it was. I've often thought that if you planned a post-cruise trip in Europe, that it would be great to arrive totally relaxed and not jet-lagged.

[neviboy]

The time change did not bother me since I am an early riser.
We arrived at the airport in Barcelona at 9.30 after the ship cleared at 8 a.m.
in plenty of time to get our 11 a.m.flight to JFK. We had 90 minutes to connect to our Miami flight, in the same terminal.
Arrived home at 9 p.m. local time or 3 a.m. our clock time. It has taken 2 days for my body to get used to my routine.
I would not spend 4 full days at sea. Just my opinion. I got too lazy !
My pants zipper broke while I was dressing, and being one of the first to debark, I found our bags and changed in a toilet. Unfortunately, my business card folder, one of about 50 that we have collected from cruises, probably fell out of my back pocket. It contained my camera disc with about 125 shots, mostly of Funchal and Malaga with great shots of the ship from the highest spots. Also the last dinner party photos of the 5 CC couples.
Any way, I called lost and found and E-mailed Marco to the ship. He promised to make search. Maybe it will turn up.
And so to golf and the weekend.

[NCCruzQueen]

Thanks for your Voyager updates. Glad to hear you are home, Neville. So sorry to hear about your camera disk. I know they were lovely pics. Hope you do get it back. Rest, relax and golf!

[neviboy]

Now that a C.Cer is back from the cruise, how can photos of the group be shown on the board ?