Live: Explorer, Vancouver/Alaska/Japan

[kjbacon]

Great pictures! The osso bucco looks delicious.

[fudge]

Boy, did it rain today!

[fudge]

Caught this image before the rain thankfully

[fudge]

Just now, kjbacon said:

Great pictures! The osso bucco looks delicious.

It was very tasty indeed.

[fudge]

From yesterday

At 4 pm the ship held a “round the world get together” basically, the guests were divided by nations. For example, guests from the UK, Australia and New Zealand all met in the bar on deck 4. Other nationalities met elsewhere on the ship. It was a great opportunity to meet other guests you have not met on the cruise. There was canapes galore and of course lots of drinks.

 

From there we went to Sette Mari, we were asked if we wanted to share a table which we did, we dined with two couples. It was a very pleasant evening indeed. We both had the slow roasted lamb shank which was very tender indeed, it just fell off the bone.

 

We then went for a nightcap in the observation lounge, we were the only folks in there!

 

At last, we have reached land!!  We have never been to Japan before so looking forward to that, unfortunately the captain has already warned of poor weather conditions and has already cancelled one port which is a shame because we had an excursion booked there.

 

I know I keep going on about it, but this is probably the worst cruise we have ever been on for poor internet. Every time we meet someone it gets mentioned. While Mr and Mrs Fudge are not massive users, some folks are still working on board and are having real difficulties. In this day and age, you would think the technology is there to provide super-fast internet. Didn’t we put men on the moon all those years ago, they were talking to earth.

 

Time changes: Once again we had to put our clocks back 1 hour, this is at least the 5^th time, it really throws your body clock all over the place, it feels like we have sailed half way around the world, just a minute….  we HAVE sailed half way around the world, it seems a life time since we entered the long line at the cruise terminal in Vancouver.

 

Here we are in Kushiro, Japan. An unsung gem in eastern Hokkaido, historical Kushiro offers an attractive balance of culture and surrounding natural beauty. In the city the Kushiro city museum is the place to visit. Other top choices are food, there is a bounty of fresh seafood on offer at the Washo market, try donburi, a rice bowl dish topped with fish, or sample renowned Hokkaido crabs.

 

The town has roughly 200,000 in southeast Hokkaido, sometimes shrouded in fog however, if you are lucky you may get to see the revered Japanese crane, also known as the Japanese red crowned crane a prized symbol of longevity. If you want to wonder further you can visit Akan national park where you see volcanoes, lakes and hot springs.  Lake Mashu is reportedly the clearest lake in the world.

Unfortunately, the rain gods have followed us to Japan, the forecast is raining all day and tomorrow which is a shame however, Mr and Mrs Fudge will carry on regardless.

 

We had the breakdown of guests on board. 377 Americans, 97, Canadians, 87, Australians, 77 form the UK, and others from all over the world. A grand total 672 guests on board. You wouldn’t think it when we were the only guests in the observation lounge at 21.30?

 

 

[fudge]

Not snails again! The ship cannot have many left!

[traveljkkk]

We only sailed Regent one time and the internet was/is a major disappointment and should be an embarrassment to them.  We frequently cruise on Viking and their internet is great for everything.  People face-time, watch sports, listen to podcasts, play games and transmit and receive anything all day and night.  Other than the flights it is the only other part of our next trip that I do not look forward to.

[fudge]

Have you ever seen a more handsome loving couple enjoying a gin and tonic.

[fudge]

Another poor experience! To comply with the Japan border control everybody has to have their fingerprints and photograph taken, consequently to prevent a huge line Regent are asking people to go to the theater by deck numbers, this in itself has caused real problems, the line is huge, stretching from the theater to the Compass Rose restaurant! We were hoping to get off around 09.30, not a hope in hell, 11am and they are only on deck 8!! Its pathetic, you would think the Japanese don’t want tourists?

 

In addition, I checked with Paul the cruise director, apparently lots of guests ignored the deck numbers and just went to the theater, how selfish is that!!!

 

The rain is belting down so overall not a good start to our Japan experience, I doubt we will leave the ship before lunch, a waste of a morning. Stuff like this just puts a dampener on the whole cruise, obviously not Regent’s fault but frustrating none the less.

 

I hope I am not sending out negative vibes, if so, I apologise. The day got worse, we final left the ship at 12.15, destination services gave us no information where to go off the ship. We wondered around for 45 minutes, no shops, nothing of interest, nothing. We got back to the ship had lunch at the pool grill. The heavens then opened, thunder and lightening like you have never seen!!

 

Thank heavens for the fitness centre, no one in at 2pm, it was so dark you couldn’t see the pier! We are staying here overnight because of the weather system, oh well, more food more alcohol.

[fudge]

We went off the ship for an hour, we found a local supermarket, they were selling kids, buy one get one free, we bought 6, 12 in total, they are now on deck two waiting to grow up to join the production team!

[fudge]

Help!!  I woke up today, Mrs Fudge has grown a mustache, never mind, she can go to the spa and have a shave for 96 dollars!!

[rcandkc]

3 hours ago, fudge said:

Another poor experience! To comply with the Japan border control everybody has to have their fingerprints and photograph taken, consequently to prevent a huge line Regent are asking people to go to the theater by deck numbers, this in itself has caused real problems, the line is huge, stretching from the theater to the Compass Rose restaurant! We were hoping to get off around 09.30, not a hope in hell, 11am and they are only on deck 8!! Its pathetic, you would think the Japanese don’t want tourists?

 

In addition, I checked with Paul the cruise director, apparently lots of guests ignored the deck numbers and just went to the theater, how selfish is that!!!

 

The rain is belting down so overall not a good start to our Japan experience, I doubt we will leave the ship before lunch, a waste of a morning. Stuff like this just puts a dampener on the whole cruise, obviously not Regent’s fault but frustrating none the less.

 

I hope I am not sending out negative vibes, if so, I apologise. The day got worse, we final left the ship at 12.15, destination services gave us no information where to go off the ship. We wondered around for 45 minutes, no shops, nothing of interest, nothing. We got back to the ship had lunch at the pool grill. The heavens then opened, thunder and lightening like you have never seen!!

 

Thank heavens for the fitness centre, no one in at 2pm, it was so dark you couldn’t see the pier! We are staying here overnight because of the weather system, oh well, more food more alcohol.

So, no excursions?

[rcandkc]

We have this cruise booked in reverse and beginning to have worries. 

[fudge]

Just now, rcandkc said:

So, no excursions?

Yes there are however, when we went to book on line all the best excursions were all booked, we got wait-listed, no joy. We were on a good one on the next stop but we not going there now 🙂 

[fudge]

Just now, rcandkc said:

We have this cruise booked in reverse and beginning to have worries. 

Please dont, when I write a blog I say it how it is warts and all, some folks would rather I didnt, we are low maintenance people and dont ask for much however, some things  just push you over the edge sometimes, thats life I guess?

Edited October 6, 2023 by fudge

[fudge]

Him in the very warm infinity pool at sail away, three long blasts from the captain and we are away.

[fudge]

More from yesterday

The silly games continue, 5 points today, 3 from Mr Fudge, 2 from Mrs Fudge, good stuff.

We have not had any TV for two days? Satellite problem apparently.

We ate at the Compass Rose last evening; the service was a bit slow but we got there in end. Mr Fudge had a huge rib eye steak, Mrs Fudge had the pork comfit which she was not impressed with, her first disappointing meal of the cruise.

 

After dinner we went to the theater, the production team were really on form, the show was called Divas and Divos. Celebrating a selection of the world’s greatest singers and songwriters of the last 7 decades. Enjoyed it very much, a remarkable production team accompanied by the Regent Signature orchestra.

 

During our meal last evening the captain apologised for making an announcement during dinner. We were staying in Kushiro until 3.30 pm however, we cannot get a pilot at that time so we are now leaving at 12pm, we were going to explore the town this morning, that put pay to that!

 

Up with the lark today, Mrs Fudge demands we hit the fitness centre early, yes boss said Mr Fudge

.

The weather is a lot calmer this morning, almost clear skies, let’s hope it stays that way when reach our next destination. I don’t think it will last, we got back to our room, the vanity mirror had been moved under the table, the plant is on the floor, the table light is missing? The bottles of drink are on the floor also. Everything on deck 11 is bolted down, looks like we are in for a rough ride!

[fudge]

When we left Kushiro the weather went downhill rapid, so much so we couldn't leave our suite, we called for in suite dining, here is the picture, top of the range dining.

[rcandkc]

1 hour ago, fudge said:

When we left Kushiro the weather went downhill rapid, so much so we couldn't leave our suite, we called for in suite dining, here is the picture, top of the range dining.

Sometimes, pizza is required. 

[TheShag]

Good day. Curious as to what is the latest news about the people who contracted Covid?

[fudge]

Its been kept very quiet to be honest, all the non serving crew are not masked but the officers are. The two ladies on our floor have now been "released" from their suite and we dont know of anyone personally who has it. Lots of coughing and sneezing going on so we avoid those people.

[fudge]

Only three days left of the cruise, it seems to have flown by, our butler was asking if we wanted to dine in one of the specialised restaurants, he will try for us, no big deal if not. Plenty of other places to eat.

 

We have in the main stayed away from the buffets, they get a bit samey, also the utensils are handled by everyone, so with COVID on board we are taking extra precautions. The crew say they change them every hour, that’s all right then.

 

Yesterday a few people cancelled their tour because of the weather however, some ventured out to the fish market, forest and crane sanctuary. We met some friends who went, they came back soaked to the skin pore souls.

 

For the second time only, we ate at La Veranda, we ate outside, there were a few tables, our routine is to order a drink before we eat, we don’t drink water, for fish and plants only, the waiters cannot get their head around this!

 

 So, we waited, and waited, and waited, still no drinks. Mr Fudge finally got up and chinned the head waiter, when the waiter finished wiping the blood from his nose, we then got 16 bottles of wine and eight bottles of champagne, now Mr Fudge has a sore wrist!!

 

We managed to find a list of prize goodies for winning the silly games. Waterproof playing cards, what’s all that about, do you play cards in the shower??? Golf balls, I have about 2,000 at home. A tote bag, we have 8 already, flat water bottle, what is that? Polo shirts, oh well, it was fun, we got to meet some lovely people.

 

As soon as we left for our next destination the rough seas began, really rough, it’s a good job we don’t have a restaurant booked we are not going anywhere! Its so difficult to even stand up in the suite, however, not to be beaten Mr Fudge donned his life jacket and managed to get a white wine from the fridge, have you ever tried holding a glass of wine while on your hands and knees in the nude, not a pretty sight I have to admit!? Mrs Fudge was in fits of laughter.

 

Two pizzas it was then, with a fresh bottle of cheap and cheery white wine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim Avery]

Haha, when the seas are that rough it's best to drink wine from the bottle....😳

[fudge]

Its a shame Regent dont supply a pack of those drips you get in hospital, they would be perfect!😁 

[Sunprince]

2 hours ago, fudge said:

our routine is to order a drink before we eat, we don’t drink water, for fish and plants only, the waiters cannot get their head around this!

Now that’s the best line I’ve read in a while!