It's all good on board the Splendor!

[labonnevie]

4 hours ago, boblerm said:

 

 

When we last cruised on Regent, prior to the advent of that-which-shall-not-be-named, Chateaubriand was on the menu, Jeannie had it and said that she thought it was one of the best steaks that she could remember having. We hadn't seen it on the menu so far, so a few nights ago we asked our waiter in CR if it would be on the menu during the cruise. He said that he would check with the chef. When he returned, he said that it would not be a menu item, but that we could special order if it if we chose. So we chose. 

We had it last night and I can describe it in 3 words.  O   M   G.   And how special did we feel to have had the chef prepare it off menu just for us! 

On Explorer in Jan/Feb the chateaubriand was served in CR the third to the last night. It was fabulous. The last night our entire table of six preordered it. It was our best meal of the cruise, including the specialty restaurants. YMMV

[boblerm]

A happy Purim and a happy St. Patty's day to those that celebrate either.  Or both. Wear that green and shake those groggers with pride.

 

Disembarkation was as good as can be, our luggage tag colors were called 15 minutes early.  Loads of cabs available.  Happily, we experienced none of the nightmare situations at Miami International Airport that other posters have mentioned.  When we arrived shortly before 9, the terminal was not at all crowded. TSA check-in line was empty, we breezed right through.

 

We are flying Jet Blue, so whether or not our flight departs before my hair turns gray 😨 is always an iffy proposition.  We are waiting in the Turkish Airlines Lounge which is available with Priority Pass.  It's a small lounge, but is nice.

 

I wanted to post before my flight because I know that you are in pins and needles, waiting with breath for the answers to 2 burning questions, and I do not wish to keep you in suspense for one moment longer.

 

1) I indicated a few days ago that we did not have even one course of one dinner that did not meet our expectations.  So- did it happen?  Is it even conceivable that in 10 dinners in 5 different restaurants, having 3 courses per meal plus an occasional dessert there was not one stinker in the bunch? 

The answer is.......

 

 

 

 

Wait for it......

 

 

 

 

Yes!!!!!!!! This gotta be a new record!!!!!!

 

2) In 6 visits to Compass Rose, and sitting in 5 different sections, we were not once presented with the Sacred Ritual of the Bread Basket.  Stick a fork in it, it's done.

[Gpilon]

42 minutes ago, boblerm said:

A happy Purim and a happy St. Patty's day to those that celebrate either.  Or both. Wear that green and shake those groggers with pride.

 

Disembarkation was as good as can be, our luggage tag colors were called 15 minutes early.  Loads of cabs available.  Happily, we experienced none of the nightmare situations at Miami International Airport that other posters have mentioned.  When we arrived shortly before 9, the terminal was not at all crowded. TSA check-in line was empty, we breezed right through.

 

We are flying Jet Blue, so whether or not our flight departs before my hair turns gray 😨 is always an iffy proposition.  We are waiting in the Turkish Airlines Lounge which is available with Priority Pass.  It's a small lounge, but is nice.

 

I wanted to post before my flight because I know that you are in pins and needles, waiting with breath for the answers to 2 burning questions, and I do not wish to keep you in suspense for one moment longer.

 

1) I indicated a few days ago that we did not have even one course of one dinner that did not meet our expectations.  So- did it happen?  Is it even conceivable that in 10 dinners in 5 different restaurants, having 3 courses per meal plus an occasional dessert there was not one stinker in the bunch? 

The answer is.......

 

 

 

 

Wait for it......

 

 

 

 

Yes!!!!!!!! This gotta be a new record!!!!!!

 

2) In 6 visits to Compass Rose, and sitting in 5 different sections, we were not once presented with the Sacred Ritual of the Bread Basket.  Stick a fork in it, it's done.

We’ll be in our suite by noon. Wearing green and will have first Guinness by the pool.

[boblerm]

1 hour ago, Gpilon said:

We’ll be in our suite by noon. Wearing green and will have first Guinness by the pool.

Happy Sailing! 🥂🍻🍺

[ronrick1943]

Thanks for the report and safe travels home.

[1982CruzStart]

2 hours ago, Gpilon said:

We’ll be in our suite by noon. Wearing green and will have first Guinness by the pool.

If you get the chance would love you to provide some commentary about your trip. Have a wonderful cruise. 

[Gpilon]

2 hours ago, 1982CruzStart said:

If you get the chance would love you to provide some commentary about your trip. Have a wonderful cruise. 

It’s off to a sensational start. From another Canuck (originally) will do my best to update. Just don’t want to give up my pool bar seat f;r the next 7 days…..

[Gpilon]

3 hours ago, boblerm said:

Happy Sailing! 🥂🍻🍺

3 hours in…..I’m pretty “happy” already….

[ronrick1943]

9 hours ago, 1982CruzStart said:

If you get the chance would love you to provide some commentary about your trip. Have a wonderful cruise. 

Me too……..please write😃

[jimbri]

Wonderful review.  Looking forward to the rest.

[maryogreen]

@boblermMany thanks for inspiring my latest blog post! Here's to soaking in the glory 🙂

https://www.themodernpostcard.com/notes-from-home-soaking-in-the-glory-of-travel/

[boblerm]

35 minutes ago, maryogreen said:

@boblermMany thanks for inspiring my latest blog post! Here's to soaking in the glory 🙂

https://www.themodernpostcard.com/notes-from-home-soaking-in-the-glory-of-travel/

Mary, reading your blog posts always makes my day, but this one especially!  I am honored to be mentioned here and to have in some small way contributed to your wonderful travel blog.

 

[boblerm]

@Gpilon, I hope that you are enjoying the cruise as much as I did.  If you can provide some updates as to what is happening on board , that would be great.

 

I am no longer posting live, and while I am happy to try to answer questions, if, for example @HannibaltheCannibal should ask what nice Chiantis are on board to pair with liver and fava beans, I cannot help you.  But perhaps Gpilon can.

[Gpilon]

22 minutes ago, boblerm said:

@Gpilon, I hope that you are enjoying the cruise as much as I did.  If you can provide some updates as to what is happening on board , that would be great.

 

I am no longer posting live, and while I am happy to try to answer questions, if, for example @HannibaltheCannibal should ask what nice Chiantis are on board to pair with liver and fava beans, I cannot help you.  But perhaps Gpilon can.

Bob…..off to a great start. Put in a real good shift at pool bar on day 1, followed by a lesser shift at Observation Lounge then terrific meal at Setti Mari. Followed by a not too bad shift at Meridian Lounge. Suffice to say, a good night’s sleep. After, a final Crown Royal on our forward facing balcony. So far today…..history repeating itself……..

[boblerm]

I would like to begin my unlive portion of this report with our ports of calls and excursions.

 

Our first port was Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and our excursion was “Coconut Cove Authentic Beach Break – All Inclusive”.  It was described as an off-road trip through lush countryside to  Chukka Ocean Outpost on Coconut Cove, including water sports, buffet lunch and open bar.  Given the choice, when traveling in the Caribbean, we prefer to go to the beach when possible.

 

 

 

 We left the ship and had a l-o-o-o-n-g walk along the pier to our vehicles.  We passed a nice garden area with some nice, but noisy birdies along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then had a 70 minute ride, most of which was over a bumpy road.

 

 

We arrive at the breach at about 12:30, and were told that lunch would be available at 2PM.  I was under the impression that according to international law, cruise ship passengers could not be kept without sustenance for that period of time, but apparently, I was mistaken.

The beach was nice, not at the level of some of the more magnificent Caribbean beaches that I have seen, but very pleasant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I saw no waters sports available, and no one using them, but I did not inquire.  Zip lining was  available for $25.

 

 

 

 

Lest there be confusion, that is not me in the above photo.

 

As it turns out, “all- inclusive” is a relative term.  On the bottom is the included drinks, the ones on top were extra. 

 

 

 

 

The lunch was OK,  it consisted of salad, rice and beans, pasta, and barbecue chicken.  Not exactly La Veranda.

 

So, was it worth spending 140 minutes traveling, mostly over a bumpy road with 2  l-o-o-n-g walks along the pier for an “nice” beach and an OK lunch?  Tough call.  For me, the answer is yes, I just love lying on the beach, watching the waves, and vegging out reading, napping, and thinking deep thoughts.  But I would suggest this excursion for genuine beach lovers only.

 

[Gpilon]

12 minutes ago, boblerm said:

I would like to begin my unlive portion of this report with our ports of calls and excursions.

 

Our first port was Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and our excursion was “Coconut Cove Authentic Beach Break – All Inclusive”.  It was described as an off-road trip through lush countryside to  Chukka Ocean Outpost on Coconut Cove, including water sports, buffet lunch and open bar.  Given the choice, when traveling in the Caribbean, we prefer to go to the beach when possible.

 

 

 

 We left the ship and had a l-o-o-o-n-g walk along the pier to our vehicles.  We passed a nice garden area with some nice, but noisy birdies along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then had a 70 minute ride, most of which was over a bumpy road.

 

 

We arrive at the breach at about 12:30, and were told that lunch would be available at 2PM.  I was under the impression that according to international law, cruise ship passengers could not be kept without sustenance for that period of time, but apparently, I was mistaken.

The beach was nice, not at the level of some of the more magnificent Caribbean beaches that I have seen, but very pleasant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I saw no waters sports available, and no one using them, but I did not inquire.  Zip lining was  available for $25.

 

 

 

 

Lest there be confusion, that is not me in the above photo.

 

As it turns out, “all- inclusive” is a relative term.  On the bottom is the included drinks, the ones on top were extra. 

 

 

 

 

The lunch was OK,  it consisted of salad, rice and beans, pasta, and barbecue chicken.  Not exactly La Veranda.

 

So, was it worth spending 140 minutes traveling, mostly over a bumpy road with 2  l-o-o-n-g walks along the pier for an “nice” beach and an OK lunch?  Tough call.  For me, the answer is yes, I just love lying on the beach, watching the waves, and vegging out reading, napping, and thinking deep thoughts.  But I would suggest this excursion for genuine beach lovers only.

 

We will most likely cancel our 4 excursions because we have basically done them before. Not to mention, we have shared similar experiences you mention here. Think we will just enjoy Splendor and all she has to offer. Plus, being a history buff…….suspect I will let my recent history to repeat itself over the next week. 

[boblerm]

On 3/9/2022 at 9:16 AM, islandchick said:

Thank you very much for taking us all along on your journey. We will be joining Splendor April 5 so are eagerly awaiting your reports. If you don't mind could you post the daily passages and dining menus during your cruise ?, if you have time of course. 

@islandchick, I have not forgotten you!

 

I don't think that I need to post dinner menus for Pacific Rim, Prime 7, Chartreuse, or the Always Available menus in Compass Rose, as these are available to view on the Regent web site  here

https://www.rssc.com/experience/cuisine

 

I will begin with the daily special menus in Compass Rose, and will provide the rest in bits and pieces.

 

These menus were taken from my TV screen, and are in daily order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 18, 2022 by boblerm

[Gpilon]

30 minutes ago, boblerm said:

I would like to begin my unlive portion of this report with our ports of calls and excursions.

 

Our first port was Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and our excursion was “Coconut Cove Authentic Beach Break – All Inclusive”.  It was described as an off-road trip through lush countryside to  Chukka Ocean Outpost on Coconut Cove, including water sports, buffet lunch and open bar.  Given the choice, when traveling in the Caribbean, we prefer to go to the beach when possible.

 

 

 

 We left the ship and had a l-o-o-o-n-g walk along the pier to our vehicles.  We passed a nice garden area with some nice, but noisy birdies along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then had a 70 minute ride, most of which was over a bumpy road.

 

 

We arrive at the breach at about 12:30, and were told that lunch would be available at 2PM.  I was under the impression that according to international law, cruise ship passengers could not be kept without sustenance for that period of time, but apparently, I was mistaken.

The beach was nice, not at the level of some of the more magnificent Caribbean beaches that I have seen, but very pleasant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I saw no waters sports available, and no one using them, but I did not inquire.  Zip lining was  available for $25.

 

 

 

 

Lest there be confusion, that is not me in the above photo.

 

As it turns out, “all- inclusive” is a relative term.  On the bottom is the included drinks, the ones on top were extra. 

 

 

 

 

The lunch was OK,  it consisted of salad, rice and beans, pasta, and barbecue chicken.  Not exactly La Veranda.

 

So, was it worth spending 140 minutes traveling, mostly over a bumpy road with 2  l-o-o-n-g walks along the pier for an “nice” beach and an OK lunch?  Tough call.  For me, the answer is yes, I just love lying on the beach, watching the waves, and vegging out reading, napping, and thinking deep thoughts.  But I would suggest this excursion for genuine beach lovers only.

 

One full day in, and the Bride is already getting concerned. They have taken me off facial recognition and put me on Butt recognition to match up with my bar seat. A great cruise thus far. 

[islandchick]

boblerm, thanks for posting the daily menus, very helpful. I had seen mention of special meal in dining room on the second night but from the menus it does not seem so. All the menus look very good though. Certainly no lack of choice. Could you tell me if they did any special events such as deck bbq, special teatimes, or sunday brunch?

[boblerm]

40 minutes ago, islandchick said:

boblerm, thanks for posting the daily menus, very helpful. I had seen mention of special meal in dining room on the second night but from the menus it does not seem so.

I agree that it seems to me that in the past, the second night had some "extra special"items, but I don't think that was the case here.  But no worries, in Compass Rose, every night is special, since the Always Available menu is absolutely amazing.  I would be fine just ordering from that side every night!

 

42 minutes ago, islandchick said:

Could you tell me if they did any special events such as deck bbq, special teatimes, or sunday brunch?

If by "deck bbq", you mean an evening deck party, no, there were none of those.  They only happen when there is an overnight in port, or a very late sail away.  There were, however, several special lunch bbqs at the pool grille, Mexican, Tex- Mex, Asian, maybe a few others.  They are really great in terms of variety of items available and quality, IMO.

 

Pre- you know what, there was always a gala brunch served in CR, but only on sea days, and only, if I'm not mistaken, on the Explorer class ships.  Those have not been resumed.  There is, however, every Sunday, and on all ships, champagne and caviar at breakfast in La Veranda.  Yummy.

 

We are not teatime people, so not sure about that.

[islandchick]

boblerm, thanks again. We are on the Splendor TA in April, first time on Regent, and this information helps immensely.

 

[boblerm]

I had mentioned earlier that the gentleman that soon will turn 100 years of age was interviewed by David and then did some dancing.  I had recorded this, and asked Lee if it was ok to post some of it, and he said that he would be proud.  Here's to Lee!

 

 

[cerise638]

6 hours ago, boblerm said:

@islandchick, I have not forgotten you!

 

I don't think that I need to post dinner menus for Pacific Rim, Prime 7, Chartreuse, or the Always Available menus in Compass Rose, as these are available to view on the Regent web site  here

https://www.rssc.com/experience/cuisine

 

I will begin with the daily special menus in Compass Rose, and will provide the rest in bits and pieces.

 

These menus were taken from my TV screen, and are in daily order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cerise638]

6 hours ago, boblerm said:

@islandchick, I have not forgotten you!

 

I don't think that I need to post dinner menus for Pacific Rim, Prime 7, Chartreuse, or the Always Available menus in Compass Rose, as these are available to view on the Regent web site  here

https://www.rssc.com/experience/cuisine

 

I will begin with the daily special menus in Compass Rose, and will provide the rest in bits and pieces.

 

These menus were taken from my TV screen, and are in daily order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yum

[kjbacon]

Great review and great pictures! Thank you for sharing your cruise with us.