Let’s start at the top

I know that many friends are curious about this “most luxurious ship ever built” so I thought I’d take you on a tour, deck by deck.  I couldn’t fit all of that in one post, so this will be the first of a few and hopefully, by the time we get off in Miami, I will have captured most of it.

On the other ships we have sailed, this top deck is usually free of deckchairs and suchlike, but here,on all four sides, overlooking the pool, there are the comfiest sunloungers, dressed with terrycloth covers looking very inviting indeed – were it a few degrees warmer.

In the corners are these circular sun beds with canopies which fold back/open up.  Very luxurious – were it not for one thing.

On this deck is also the jogging track.  Please know that I risked life and limb walking around to take these photographs!  People who use the track are serious about their step count and woe betide anyone who gets in the way!

Or goes the wrong way round (several do!)  For me, using the loungers on this deck would be far from relaxing, for not only would the thud-thud-thud of passing traffic become annoying, I’d want to assume the role of controller and say “excuse me, did you realise you were going the wrong way?”! 

Also on this deck is a net for ?golf? practice.

A shuffleboard court with equipment

and instructions!

There’s an enclosed court of some kind – for a variation on tennis, perhaps?

and putting greens for mini golf.

which go all the way around to the other side of the ship.

Here, there’s a Bocce green

and back where we started, a table tennis set up.

Also on Deck 12 are a few suites (including ours!)  There is actually one deck higher still, Deck 14 (there is no Deck 13) where there are a few more suites including the much hyped “Regent Suite”: the one with the grand piano and million dollar hand made bed is to be found. You can read all about that elsewhere!

So that’s one deck done…meet me later and hopefully, the internet will allow a second post about Deck 11.  Right now, I’m off to learn about the news from Central America, from Harry Chittick, our on board lecturer and ace speaker.

Salsa, Salsa

We were not due into Cabo San Lucas until lunchtime today, so we spent a lazy morning doing not very much. 

At some point, however, we heard something going on outside and looked out to find the boats being launched.  We were going to be tendering ashore in Cabo and three of the ship’s lifeboats were being lowered into the water.

As we watched the goings on, the Captain waved from the bridge and our neighbours looked out from their balcony.  It’s always interesting arriving in a new port, especially one we haven’t been to before.

There was added interest here too, because the Seven Seas Navigator was anchored there too.  We’ve not sailed on her before, but have an adventure booked for next year.

Anyway, for those who like a map (that’s me and my Hero, needless to say) this is where we were today.  One of the excursions was to Lands End, though we had chosen something a little different

The view from our verandah was quite interesting and not feeling terribly hungry (it didn’t seem long since breakfast, after all), we decided we’d order a couple of sandwiches from room service for our lunch.

And so, it was with a view of party central that we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed a light lunch chez nous.  We seldom eat anything in our suite, normally preferring one of the various restaurant options, but seeing a full size table and chairs on our verandah, we thought we’d give it a try.

We could hear the goings on over the water, but couldn’t quite work out what was happening.  Still, we’d be over there soon and be able to see for ourselves.

Our tour wasn’t until 1.40pm, so I did a bit of needlepoint before going down to the theatre to collect our tickets for the tender.

As we made the journey over, we considered how the scheduled number of passengers could be squeezed onto those uncomfortable little boats in an emergency.  OK, I guess we’d not care in those circumstances, but oh my, the lack of legroom makes us very glad indeed when we arrive.

Now, we’d heard of Cabo from watching American TV shows and we always pictured it as a classy sort of place. 

I’m sure there are indeed classy resorts here and there, but in the downtown area it was much like seaside resorts the world over – cheap and tacky souvenirs and T shirts alongside the million dollar yachts moored in the harbour.

We drove for maybe fifteen minutes to a restaurant perched high above the ocean, to spend the afternoon learning Salsa and Salsa –a bit of cooking, a bit of dancing and a lot of fun, we hoped.

Everything was laid out ready; the ingredients and tools all set out for each of us to work in pairs.  Oh, and just to get the ball rolling, Margaritas were handed round. Ayyy!

Now these three had their work cut out, warming everyone up and getting their class into the spirit.  The “ole” bell was their call to order, because when it sounded, we were all supposed to call “ole!” – but this was not a party group at all and to begin with, their efforts fell on stony ground.  I’m sure the hen parties and the groups from downtown are more easily coaxed into letting their hair down that this one and the idea to get everyone to conga around the restaurant was not altogether successful!

More Margaritas needed then!  The ingredients for two different drinks were on our tables and we quickly followed the instructions to create a fresh Lime Margarita.  Mmmm….tasted good and yes, with two drinks inside, most of us were getting into the spirit.  (I was glad we’d had those sandwiches!)

By now, things were getting a little louder and by the time Barbara was asked to measure some Cointreau for a Strawberry Margarita, the fun had begun. 

 

So creating of three different salsas to taste with a variety of bits and pieces (tortilla chips, quesadillas and chicken corn rolls) went more smoothly, because needless to say, glasses were filled on request and those margaritas just kept flowing for those who had the head for them.

Having completed the salsa cooking lesson with another three, less complicated salsas, it was time for the “other sort”.  Fifteen minutes of “uno dos tres, quatro cinco seis” and the majority of the group were dancing some kind of salsa, though whether or not it would be recognised as such by anyone else is questionable.  Still, it was a giggle and a fun way to spend the afternoon!

The sun was setting as we drove back to the harbour, to make the tender crossing back to the ship.  The Navigator had already left, so there was just one, beautiful white ship there in the bay waiting for us.

A beautiful evening, too, to make a Margarita-fuelled sail away towards our next destination, Acapulco, the day after tomorrow. 

The strange thing is…

Just when I think I’ve seen all of the ship, I stumble across another place; one I haven’t discovered so far.

Today it was the library. 

We were at sea today, sailing from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, where we’ll arrive around lunchtime tomorrow.  We had nothing much planned, though I had arranged to meet friends this morning, to go to the needlepoint session and begin a new project and would go to listen to one of our favourite lecturers this afternoon, to learn about the Maya.  Meanwhile, my hero would learn one or two new songs for his choir schedule this term.

Oh, and then there was Trivia, of course.

So, we pottered about, chatting to people here and there, discovering people from the East Riding who speak uncannily like I do and meeting some near neighbours of Mary’s, too.  But when I was on my way to the needlepoint group, I spotted a rather lovely, sunny spot which I’d not seen before.  I stepped inside to take photos, admired the books and the artwork in there and made a mental note to come and sit in one of these peaceful, comfy chairs some time and spend a while looking at some of the gorgeous books in here: weighty tomes on fashion, travel and art.

I pottered about a bit, taking photos and generally marvelling that such a nice space was completely empty, when I heard a cough!  Sure enough, in the far corner, a chap was sitting reading quietly.

I guess he’s found his favourite spot already!

Normally at lunchtime, we’ll go to the pool deck, for burgers or grilled fish and salad.  Today, though, I spotted that the French restaurant Chartreuse was open for lunch and taking a quick look at the menu, we decided to give it a try.  How glad we did, for who should bring the menus over to us but Darle, a sweet waitress from Myanmar, who we’ve known since she first started on board Regent ships.  How lovely to see her again!

Delicious leek and cheese quiche!

Of course, the thing is, after a nice lunch with a couple of glasses of wine, going to listen to a lecture in a darkened theatre has inevitable results.

We both fell asleep.

Thankfully, we had woken up in good time for Trivia and with our new found team, we did rather well…

We won!   (Definitely down to the team, however – I mean, we’d never have known Kris Kristofferson wrote Me and Bobby McGee -  would you?  Thankfully, our team mate Don did!)

This evening, then, we were relaxed.  I’d drunk my Aperol Spritz before I even thought to take a photo.  But we miss Gusti and his amazing Hendricks Gin and Cucumber, for sure.

We ate dinner in the steakhouse, Prime 7

where my wish for just two king crab legs as a starter was fulfilled – they were perfect, as was the steak and affogato dessert which followed.

 

Returning to our suite after a funny show in the theatre (comedy + magic, very good indeed) we found our travelling companions have a new little Regent friend.

Sweet!

In San Diego today

We woke as we sailed into San Diego this morning.  I couldn’t resist peeping out, then rushing back to get my camera to capture that lovely sky, but soon went back inside when I realised we had the company of a couple of small boats alongside.  I didn’t want to get caught déshabillé ! 

Our travels around the world have introduced us to some wonderful friends here and there, two of whom were waiting for us when we got off the ship this morning.  What a great way to spend the day – conversation, laughter, great food, blue sky….life is good.

Our first stop was just across from our ship. Unconditional Surrender is a bit of a landmark and very cute, especially set against the backdrop of the USS Midway.

Adjacent to that is this great collection of bronzes, in tribute to Bob Hope.  The characters are so well depicted and have so much personality.  Love it!

Again, the USS Midway provides a fitting backdrop.

I especially liked the young woman doing a pencil sketch of the comedian though actually, each figure had considerable charm.

Our next stop was over the Coronado Harbour bridge, past the huge Naval base and to the Hotel Del Coronado, usually known as The Del.

A grand place, this, with plenty of history within its (wooden) walls.  Some Like it Hot was filmed here, so there are pictures of Marilyn and other timeless images here and there.

I could easily have spent the day here, looking around and admiring the beautiful details which make somewhere like this so special.

Clever, smart decoration details like these umbrellas, hung in cases behind the cloakroom desk (or whatever).  There were several similar cases here and there – something to remember for when I have an exhibition wall to fill!

The star of the show, so to speak, was the Crown Room.  All wood, the ceiling was something to behold, so enormous was it!  Terry told us of her high School Reunion which had been held here and it was easy to imagine all kinds of lavish events taking place beneath those wooden rafters.

The Crown motif was here and there throughout the room, most clearly in the chandeliers.

Outside were some smart gardens, peaceful places to sit and enjoy a cocktail or two, for sure.

But just through another door lies the beach; a broad, sandy expanse, beautifully maintained (of course) though a little chilly on this January day.

The Sandcastle Man was here, sitting beside his latest creations.

And on this Martin Luther King day, there was a special construction in honour of the man.

Apt words for these days, don’t you think?

Anyway, Terry and Tim had reservations for lunch in nearby La Jolla, so our next stop was a table with magnificent views, high above the ocean and overlooking the rocky coastline.  As soon as Terry suggested we might see whales out there, I knew that I’d be on the lookout.  In fact, I had to stop myself peering out over there into the blue and focus instead on the great conversation going on around me.

But just a minute!  I grabbed everyone’s attention to the water spout just over my hero’s shoulder.

Sure enough, a pod of whales – we thought about four or five – made their way past us, on their way to Mexico (just like us).  Well, either that or Terry paid some people with big snorkels to put on a show for our benefit

Lunch was grand, so good that we needed to walk it off by taking a stroll down there by the cove where the seals were basking in the sunshine.

For the second time today I had to steel myself and be brave in the presence of huge birds nearby.  (This morning, whilst enjoying breakfast on deck, someone lost a slice of bacon to a passing seagull!)

Here, the seals were providing great entertainment both in and out of the water.

The coastline is prettier than it smells, believe me.

Yes, we know who’s to blame, too!

Kind of annoying when you put on your best pose, only to find the camera has focused on the bracken in front of you, though!

We stood for quite some time, watching this rock and wondering if any of those argumentative seals would push one of the others off – but though they crawled over one another and seemed to be quite aggressive, all of them stayed dry.  I think new arrivals would get short shrift though.

No, you look nothing like the Little Mermaid – though you are probably around the same size!

Of course, people will do whatever they can to get as close as possible to these creatures, occasionally risking life and limb in these rough and rocky places.  The lifeguards made announcements and called out to those foolhardy souls.

From here, we had a great view of our lunch spot, right up there under those umbrellas. Wow.

We also had a great view of some pretty stupid people too.

As we walked along the pathway back to the car, we spotted this curious green lifeguard box.  Clearly a piece of art, we had no idea of the significance until coming back and googling.

The Lifeguard Box is a tribute to lifeguards everywhere and seemed to be in a most appropriate place!

Our last view of La Jolla was of the “Children’s beach” where the seals had almost completely taken over – well, it’s clear who’s in charge here! 

After a really memorable day with Terry and Tim, it was time to return to the ship.  We drove through the San Diego beachside towns, getting a clear understanding of why this university is so popular!  Who wouldn’t want to spend a few years in such a lovely place?  (Answer: those who’d rather study at University Party Central Santa Barbara )

Saying goodbye to our friends by the dock entrance, we counted our blessings yet again.  Such a lovely day filled with fun and laughter – and yet another pair of friends who’d stowaway in our closet given half the chance!

Adventure Part Two

Having had such fun over the last few days, it was hard to say goodbye to Los Angeles.  But it was time to move on to the next part of our adventure, so this morning my hero returned our rental car whilst I did the last bit of packing up.  Around lunchtime, we were there ready for the transfer to our next transportation: Seven Seas Explorer, trademarked as “the most luxurious ship ever built”.

Hmm.  we’ll see!

The fun part was that Mary and Ellis were joining us for lunch on board and having travelled independently, they were there already, waiting for us on the pool deck with cool drinks in hand.

We had caught our first glimpse of what will be home for the next couple of weeks as we drove through the Port of LA. 

By the time we’d progressed through customs checks and embarkation processes, we could see up close that there were quite a few changes from the sister ships we know and love.  Rather spiffy deck furniture for a start.

Dropping off our bags before going in search of our friends, we were struck by the differences in the design of our suite.  This is altogether a new concept ship and though it’s the same size as those we are more familiar with, there are so many changes and new developments that it’s hard to relate one to the other.

We headed right to the outdoor restaurant at the back of the ship, normally involving a climb of several flights of stairs but this time, our suite is on the deck above it. How lovely to see Ellis and Mary again – maybe we could persuade them to stowaway?

Having had a bite to eat, we began to explore, starting at the very top.  More photographs will appear as the week progresses, but for now, why not come back to ours and see what “home” is like for now.

Our suite is on deck 12 and opening the door, the first section of the room is a small galley area.  There’s a coffee machine and a bottle of gin there – all the necessities, eh?  Underneath is a fridge, stocked with wine, soft drinks and beer, plus several empty cupboards for….who knows?

Turn left and you are in the bedroom area, filled with a huge bed and separated from the rest of the suite by a double sided partition with a TV on each side.

The sitting room area is furnished with comfy seating and a coffee table, though in the galley area, there’s a round table for two at which meals could be served.

There’s a smallish closet, fine for our purposes but rather small for a lengthy journey, I’d imagine.

And last but not least, the piece de resistance, the bathroom.  This is huge with a large shower with several shower heads and sprays (fun to work out which tap works which, I can tell you – especially turning on the overhead rainfall shower by mistake when standing beneath it!)

There’s a separate loo to the left of here and double basins with plenty of storage underneath.  Actually, storage is my one issue: there isn’t really a desk as such, so nowhere to put my art kit and the few bits and pieces I brought with me.  sure, there are empty cupboards and drawers here and there, but none of them are in the right place or in the right format for my pens and paints etc. 

Whilst I think on this little issue, the safety drill bell rings and we have to gather our lifejackets and learn what to do in an emergency.

I hope we won’t need that knowledge!

(and no, Ellis and Mary didn’t stow away but are safely back at home with a copy of the brochure to book their next cruise   We miss them already)