An Adventure on The Voyager

[DeepFreeze63]

On 11/18/2022 at 10:35 AM, DeepFreeze63 said:

The "adventures" continue; Dakar was just cancelled - an extra day in Cape Verde was added.

 

Other notables:

newspapers are not yet back in the library,

dinners with passengers are allowed for "non-licensed" staff,

Voyager's computer room is spacious with 11 computers, 2 printers, and desk area for personal devices - Nice.

Up-dates

Library now has a copy of at least one newspaper.

Had dinner in CR with 2 members of Production Cast (female dancer and the costume seamstress) - very enjoyable conversations. CR is the only venue the cast is permitted to be invited to but non-licensed staff can join passengers in any of the dining venues.

Computer Room is rarely full and internet has been generally OK.

[DeepFreeze63]

Our third sea day since Sao Tome; seas have been rough and winds been brisk. I have been wearing wrist bands - they work for me. Tropical sun snuck up on me; I'm as pink as my pink shirt.

 

Chef just walked by carrying a ginger- bread house as ship decorations continue. Menorahs on the Destinations and Reception desks.

 

Ship had medical emergency during the night with ship-wide request for A+ blood from male passengers for a passenger needing immediate transfusion - apparently many responded. Reminded DW and I to carry our blood-type cards.

 

[DeepFreeze63]

Update: As of now, John E will be replaced as CD on Voyager by Andy (with Tammy) when ship reaches BsAs; John will go on vacation then.

 

Warm weather gear broken out as outside temp about 63F and winds about 30 knots. Will be late to Walvis Bay as winds are on bow (ship going at max. speed).

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks for keeping us up to date on your voyage. We did this itinerary a few years ago.  Continue to enjoy your trip. 

[Boatmans Lady]

6 hours ago, DeepFreeze63 said:

Update: As of now, John E will be replaced as CD on Voyager by Andy (with Tammy) when ship reaches BsAs; John will go on vacation then.

 

Warm weather gear broken out as outside temp about 63F and winds about 30 knots. Will be late to Walvis Bay as winds are on bow (ship going at max. speed).

 

Thank you. That is a long stint John E has done as he was on before Voyagers first cruise back, but will look forward to seeing him again. 

 

Looking forward to your report from Walvis Bay as we are overnighting there. 

Edited December 2, 2022 by Boatmans Lady
Added to

[DeepFreeze63]

Arrived in Walvis Bay only 1 hour late. Port is large and neatly maintained. Had a very rocky and noisy night - awful seas off the "Skeleton Coat" of Namibia! Beautiful weather - about 70F with light wind upon arrival.

Face to face immigration required of all onboard, both coming and going. Well organized by Regent but time consuming.

We had been here before (more on excursions after I talk to other passengers) so we took the Regent Shuttle to the Dunes Mall. Town is lovely with nice houses, palm trees and wide, paved roads. Mall was terrific - beautiful; fully stocked with all kinds of goods; and the prices were unbelievably low.  Stopped on way back at vendors just outside Port gate (passengers can exit and reenter on foot); lots of wooden African animals, trinkets, a few cloth goods (we negotiated a nice tablecloth from $75 to $35).

We were only cruise ship in port and docked in walking distance of the wharf where tourist boats depart for excursions (Regent bussed people to wharf).

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Really appreciate this trip report.  We are on Voyager next October, after having been only on Explorer and Splendor.  I am a little concerned about suites needing refurbishment.  When you get a chance, can you elaborate a little?  Thanks.

[DeepFreeze63]

3 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Really appreciate this trip report.  We are on Voyager next October, after having been only on Explorer and Splendor.  I am a little concerned about suites needing refurbishment.  When you get a chance, can you elaborate a little?  Thanks.

This is our 10th cruise on the Voyager and its attractiveness has grown on me during this cruise with many sea days. The Splendor is my favorite ship but I like the Voyager's theater and the Horizon Lounge better.

My cabin (711) is sufficient in size but has minimal storage outside of the walk-in closet - insufficient for us on long cruises. The bath is very practical but "dated" in colors and materials. Our cabin sofa and big chair are slightly worn (upon a close look). Positives: attendants keep the cabin immaculate and the bed is wonderful - especially in the rough seas that this trip is experiencing. Both the Voyager and the Splendor will do this itinerary in 2023. I would travel on Voyager again

[DeepFreeze63]

Rough seas again last night and today as we race towards Cape Town.

Had "Top Tier" special event yesterday afternoon - Namibian Youth Choir -Magnificent! About 30 youths chanting/singing/swaying to drum beat for 4 or 5 African upbeat numbers. kudos to CD, CC and GM for getting them through the immigration hurdles and aboard in time for a performance

Beatles Night dance party last evening a WOW event - great participation. The large dance floor in the Horizon Lounge was packed with very happy passengers.

 

[rcandkc]

7 hours ago, DeepFreeze63 said:

Rough seas again last night and today as we race towards Cape Town.

Had "Top Tier" special event yesterday afternoon - Namibian Youth Choir -Magnificent! About 30 youths chanting/singing/swaying to drum beat for 4 or 5 African upbeat numbers. kudos to CD, CC and GM for getting them through the immigration hurdles and aboard in time for a performance

Beatles Night dance party last evening a WOW event - great participation. The large dance floor in the Horizon Lounge was packed with very happy passengers.

 

My husband and I really don’t dance but the Beatles party always gets us out there…along with some wine at dinner for nerve. 

[DeepFreeze63]

It's midnight on the Voyager's last night of the Lisbon to Cape Town cruise. DW and I just closed down the Voyager Lounge - the last bar open at night. Casino is closed as we are in port.

What a great final day! Voyager was expected to be 3 hours late into CT but we got better weather overnight and Captain maintained almost 18 knots and arrive only 1 1/2 hours late. A clear, beautiful day and a wonderful view of Table Mountain (with no "table cloth") as we sailed in (great photo-op).

Immigration was simple (just passports, no mention of Yellow Fever cards) but tedious as all passengers and crew had to be cleared.

Morning included last lecture (14 in total); this one was on the history of diamonds in Africa by Adam Tanner, a gifted historian with a very pleasing voice and whose slides are interesting but not over-whelming. Many went to all 14 talks.

DW and I went to the high tea (Regent excursion) at the Lord Nelson Hotel - magnificent event - lovely venue with champagne, finger food, pastries, choices of many teas (brewed at the table), and a delectable selection from the "cake table" - Wow!

Got back on ship intime to watch the shoot-out of Japan vs. Croatia. Thanks Regent for continuous World Cup coverage.

Had wine and freshly shucked oysters in La Verandah for a light dinner as the High Tea was a meal in itself.

Watched "Top Gun", the popcorn movie in Theater @ 9:30 and closed up the bar

[Lady Meer]

DeepFreeze63

 

Thank you for taking the time to produce a comprehensive report on this trip. It has been really interesting, even more so as we will be on this cruise next year.

 

I just have one question, did you encounter any mosquitos on your shore excursions? Thanks.

 

[cwn]

20 hours ago, DeepFreeze63 said:

It's midnight on the Voyager's last night of the Lisbon to Cape Town cruise. DW and I just closed down the Voyager Lounge - the last bar open at night. Casino is closed as we are in port.

What a great final day! Voyager was expected to be 3 hours late into CT but we got better weather overnight and Captain maintained almost 18 knots and arrive only 1 1/2 hours late. A clear, beautiful day and a wonderful view of Table Mountain (with no "table cloth") as we sailed in (great photo-op).

Immigration was simple (just passports, no mention of Yellow Fever cards) but tedious as all passengers and crew had to be cleared.

Morning included last lecture (14 in total); this one was on the history of diamonds in Africa by Adam Tanner, a gifted historian with a very pleasing voice and whose slides are interesting but not over-whelming. Many went to all 14 talks.

DW and I went to the high tea (Regent excursion) at the Lord Nelson Hotel - magnificent event - lovely venue with champagne, finger food, pastries, choices of many teas (brewed at the table), and a delectable selection from the "cake table" - Wow!

Got back on ship intime to watch the shoot-out of Japan vs. Croatia. Thanks Regent for continuous World Cup coverage.

Had wine and freshly shucked oysters in La Verandah for a light dinner as the High Tea was a meal in itself.

Watched "Top Gun", the popcorn movie in Theater @ 9:30 and closed up the bar

We have done High Tea at Lord Nelson twice, once with Regent and once when we stayed at the hotel. Agree it is wonderful not to missed experience. Great you were able to see Table Mt with out its cloth. That is a really nice sail both in and away.

Enjoyed you reporting, that is a really interesting itinerary. Thanks!

[Lonedaddy]

1 hour ago, cwn said:

Had wine and freshly shucked oysters in La Verandah

wow nice didn't realize that had oysters on some of the cruises - wish we had seen some on our UK/Ireland cruise.

[Zqueeze1]

In fourteen Regent cruises, I have had some spectacular meals and great surprises (I’m easily pleased). But, never have I seen oysters served.  Although I am jealous, I am glad to hear it.  I just love them and can’t get enough of them.  
We have enjoyed your interesting insight and wish you a safe trip home.  
Z and TB

[irishwitchy]

Really raw oysters?   Would love to see those next month in New Zealand instead of those big green cold New Zealand mussels they like to put on the buffets! 

[Lonedaddy]

3 minutes ago, irishwitchy said:

Really raw oysters?   Would love to see those next month in New Zealand instead of those big green cold New Zealand mussels they like to put on the buffets! 

Amen to that - I can eat dozens and that would be my meals DW too!  Actually hope they have steamed mussels one night!

Edited December 6, 2022 by Lonedaddy

[DeepFreeze63]

On 12/5/2022 at 5:33 PM, Lady Meer said:

DeepFreeze63

 

Thank you for taking the time to produce a comprehensive report on this trip. It has been really interesting, even more so as we will be on this cruise next year.

 

I just have one question, did you encounter any mosquitos on your shore excursions? Thanks.

 

I saw no mosquitos (it was a "Trivia" question though) just some flies. We didn't go on any wooded excursions and we were always on the ship about dusk.  As a precaution, I wore  long-sleeve safari shirts and old jeans with shirt, jeans and socks sprayed with Permethin (spell?) - done at home - and put Deet spray on exsposed skin at excursion start.

[DeepFreeze63]

Final day of 1st leg of our B2B, we took "Red Bus" to Table Mountain - NOT TO BE Missed! Get the aerial tram ticket beforehand; otherwise, lines to tram move quickly. Clear, day with slight wind; very cold and windy on tram; but warm and sunny at summit. Easy walking paths, UNBELIEVABLE vistas, good signage, clean restrooms, and nice snack food available. Tram rotates during use so all 60-some get a good view on ascent and coming down.

Second leg began with on deck sail-away. Not as spectacular as the sail-in though both days had good weather. Haven't heard official count but ship seems "empty"; I wouldn't be surprised if total passengers was about 450.

[makai 7]

I can attest to the incredible baked oysters last night at sette mare.  Have never seen anything like this previously on a Regent cruise and it was quite a treat!

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Wow… my DH loves oysters… we will be in the Caribbean on Regent in January. Any chance?

sheila

 

[flossie009]

On 12/5/2022 at 10:19 PM, DeepFreeze63 said:

Had wine and freshly shucked oysters in La Verandah

 

9 hours ago, makai 7 said:

I can attest to the incredible baked oysters last night at sette mare.

 

The oysters have probably been sourced locally on this cruise:

https://southafrica.co.za/oyster-farming-in-south-africa.html

http://www.royalenamibian.com/en/our-oysters/

 

 

[DeepFreeze63]

A poster requested opinions about excursions in Walvis Bay.

On our long day we rented a Regent van for 8 hours; we saw "everything" per a pre-selected itinerary (which we got from a passenger who rented a van on our 1st leg). There were 4 of us and the driver/guide; it could have taken 6 passengers but it would have been less comfortable. Came back after 7 hours as not to miss the return performance of the Nambian (Mascoto) Youth Choir @ 6PM.

 

Taked to 2 sets of "non-birders" who went on the Bird Watching tour - they enjoyed it very much. and even reported sighting a jackal!

 

This AM we went (very early) on the Seals and Dolphins excursion  - Great fun in a 25 passenger catamaran. Shortly after departure, we were visited by: a huge sea gull who "stole" fishes from our guides outstretched hand; then a young seal who was fed as he/she wandered among the passengers; followed by 2 (later 3) LARGE, beautiful pelicans who could be petted and who posed in a lot of selfies; saw thousands of seals close up; and as a final thrill - a whale sauntered by our boat. A Wow for sure. Tasty finger food, champagne, beer and "the world's best fresh oysters" were served in the enclosed cabin.

[Boatmans Lady]

18 hours ago, DeepFreeze63 said:

A poster requested opinions about excursions in Walvis Bay.

On our long day we rented a Regent van for 8 hours; we saw "everything" per a pre-selected itinerary (which we got from a passenger who rented a van on our 1st leg). There were 4 of us and the driver/guide; it could have taken 6 passengers but it would have been less comfortable. Came back after 7 hours as not to miss the return performance of the Nambian (Mascoto) Youth Choir @ 6PM.

 

Taked to 2 sets of "non-birders" who went on the Bird Watching tour - they enjoyed it very much. and even reported sighting a jackal!

 

This AM we went (very early) on the Seals and Dolphins excursion  - Great fun in a 25 passenger catamaran. Shortly after departure, we were visited by: a huge sea gull who "stole" fishes from our guides outstretched hand; then a young seal who was fed as he/she wandered among the passengers; followed by 2 (later 3) LARGE, beautiful pelicans who could be petted and who posed in a lot of selfies; saw thousands of seals close up; and as a final thrill - a whale sauntered by our boat. A Wow for sure. Tasty finger food, champagne, beer and "the world's best fresh oysters" were served in the enclosed cabin.

Thank you. Sounds a great stop and we too have the seals and pelican tour booked. 

Really looking forward to our overnight stop in Walvis Bay. 

[DeepFreeze63]

Yesterday, a sea day, had semi-rough seas (I'm getting use to the rocking & rolling); last night we dined as a party of 6 in Setti Mari -- very enjoyable food, service and conversation. I don't recommend a table for 8 - you have to shout to be heard across such a large table.

Heard "officially" that there are 458 passengers including guest  my activities. Nice vibes among the passengers that we have met - had Block Party again last night, so much fun!