I was musing over the day late last night as we were sitting on our balcony, weather rather balmy for British Columbia, sailing towards a ten o’clock sunset. David has already announced more than once that he is probably already spoiled by the Regent Mariner; perhaps it was the lunch service while still in dock, or the cocktail party as we sailed, or even the exemplary dinner service. Our suite, as the cabins are called, is larger than many hotel rooms we have stayed in, with its separate sitting area, balcony, refrigerator, even a closet. It’s all very comfortable.
Embarkation was as smooth as promised. Our bags were taken from our hotel room and taken to the ship. We decided that we had seen enough Vancouver the day before and took the morning to repack, do some internet and relax. After checking out (where David says he saw Uma Thurman checking in), and visiting the Regent Hospitality suite, we took the parking elevator to the cruise ship level, and literally strolled through immigration and ship check-in; the ship opened its doors at noon, five hours before sail and even though there was another ship embarking, there were hardly any lines at all
Since our suite would not be ready until after 2, we were invited to have lunch and chose to do it on the stern deck of the La Verandah restaurant – good food and wine, excellent service and view of a cargo ship pulling into dock.
After unpacking in our suite, and the mandatory lifeboat drill, the ship sailed promptly at 5 pm. We watched from the top deck for awhile, then found our way to the aft Observation Lounge for more views, dead on through the straits around Vancouver Island, and another cocktail. After changing for dinner, we made our way to the Compass Rose, the more formal of the dining rooms. The dinner was delicious (I’m hoping to eat seafood strait through for the week), and again, impeccable service. David is again being spoiled with the all inclusive spirits policy on this ship.
A few suite shots:
View from the Observation Lounge:
Today is an all sail day, as we make our way to Ketchikan – there is a whole list of ship’s activities. We have opted to breakfast in our suite, and may go to the wine tasting later this morning. I think we really have to find the gym, or at least the walking track on level 12. Internet service will be spotty, I’m told, so hopefully some of this will get posted. Spotty and pricey, I should add.
Breakfast in our suite:
Tomorrow, our first port, Ketchikan.
Comments (10)
I'd say you are truly in "the lap of luxury".
Buon Viaggio! Looks like a hard life! Keep blogging and posting photos. I am in love!
Posted by Barb Cabot | June 18, 2009 10:46 AM
Posted on June 18, 2009 10:46
What a suite! That place is huge! Everything sounds wonderful, thanks for the updates and enjoy!
Posted by Annie | June 18, 2009 10:57 AM
Posted on June 18, 2009 10:57
All looks wonderful! Safe sailing!
Posted by candi | June 18, 2009 1:08 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 13:08
Marcia, I'm really enjoying this cruise you're taking! I've never had the least desire to go on a cruise, but this ship looks and sounds wonderful. What a beautiful suite you have.
Enjoy - and thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Posted by Donna in SF | June 18, 2009 3:58 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 15:58
Marcia, I'll be following you along on your cruise. I love seeing all your pictures and your cabin looks lovely and spacious. I look forward to hearing all about your trip and then we can compare notes on Crystal and Regent. Yes, you will be spoiled on the cruise and we are definitely hooked. They have some great deals out there and it's tempting to put Italy on the back burner and do another cruise and, believe me, I never thought I would ever utter those words.
Enjoy!
Posted by Carole | June 18, 2009 8:12 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 20:12
Your suite looks lovely. And such a great view. I've never had a balcony on a cruise, but I would really love to.
Posted by nancyhol | June 18, 2009 10:45 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 22:45
Marci-it sounds like you are having a great time already. The suite is just lovely. I've not cruised before, and I guess I haven't seen enough photos of cabins, because yours is so much nicer than I remember seeing. Have fun in Ketchikan!
Posted by Cindy R. | June 18, 2009 11:01 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 23:01
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful cabin you have! I didn't realize that your trip was happening already. Have a great time!!
Posted by girasoli | June 19, 2009 2:04 AM
Posted on June 19, 2009 02:04
How does one make a printout (for my BW) of this blog for when it gets to the "read further instructions"of the same (continued) thread, it ignores that and goes on to the next thread (if that's what we call it) and totally ignores the continued text AND pictures. So I only print out a partial blog.
Posted by Al Ross | June 20, 2009 4:51 AM
Posted on June 20, 2009 04:51
Uma is in Vancouver filming something called "Percy Jackson & the Olympians..." along with Pierce Brosnan.
Your cabin is fabulous. We're due for a cruise to Alaska....hmmm.
Posted by ChrisV | June 21, 2009 6:13 PM
Posted on June 21, 2009 18:13