It is Tuesday April 8, 2014. We are still docked here in Laem Chabang. Today is embarkation/disembarkation day. Last night was quiet on the ship as some of the tours did not return to the ship until after 9pm. And around 600 passengers are leaving today. Some had to leave the ship very early this morning. Like 3:30am. That is not what they thought when they signed up for the extension tour. I guess Regent will be getting lots of letters of complaint.
We swam for an hour this morning and talk about a quiet ship. When we went to breakfast in La Veranda, there were only four other couples there. Most everyone has left either to go on a tour or off the ship to go home. They offered two tours for those folks who were staying on the ship but we did not want to do either of them.
Victor, our cabin steward, is going home today. But he had to work this morning. So we said good bye to him and wished him well. While he made up the cabin, we went down to the coffee connection and finished watching the finals of the NCAA tournament. Yea for UConn. Good game. There we spoke with Ray.
I went outside to the dock area where they have set up some tents with stuff to buy. I did buy two shirts for me as I really did not pack all that well. You would think I would have packing down by now, but I do much better with the night time outfits and forget about how hot it is in this part of the world. If the shirts fall apart after a few wearings so what. They were cheap.
They are having an issue with one of the pods on the ship so our stop in Ko Samui, Thailand has been cancelled. The office is sending someone to work on fixing the problem and will arrive in Singapore so we are heading right for Singapore so we will have two sea days instead of what was scheduled. This just means we will travel slower than we need to go in order to get to places on time.
This afternoon we have a muster drill and then the sail away party. We are having dinner in Prime 7 with Marilyn, Bob, Fred, and Susie. Should be a good dinner. Bob and I think we will have the lobster once more but this time I only want one tail. They always give you too much food.
Dinner was great. We sat at a table for 8 with Marilyn, Bob, Susie, Fred, Dave, and MaryAnn. Dave and MaryAnn are friends of Susie and Fred. They met on a cruise a few years ago. They are from San Diego. Great conversation and food. I had one lobster tail, a chopped salad (which I did not finish) and berries for dessert.
Back to the cabin to sleep.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Sea Day and Then Laem Chabang, Thailand
Sunday was another sea day like most of the rest. We started by swimming for one hour and then down to Compass Rose for breakfast. I had my first omelet of the trip.
Back up to Observation Lounge for needlepoint. The group is fairly small. At the beginning of the segment lots of ladies come up for the free projects. And then they never come back. But I keep on joining the group.
Then back to the suite to work further on my needlepoint. We were having lunch with the Kashia and Boogie. They are the duo who play in the Voyager Lounge. They are from Poland and Marilyn arranged a Polish lunch for the six of us.
We met up with Boogie and Kashia at 1pm and had stuffed cabbage rolls and a soup for lunch. All good. Was cooked by a Polish chef. But it was too much food.
Back to the cabin where Bob napped and I went back to needlepoint. Myra was invited to have dinner with the Captain so Vivienne asked what we had planned. So I invited her to eat with us. During dinner Vivienne is to host the single travelers, but only Myra joins her.
It was formal optional tonight so we dressed up. We opted not to watch the crew show so we started watching a movie called "Escape Plan". Staring Sly Stallion and Arnold Swartzaneger. Something like that. At any rate, we watched about half of the movie and then headed to Horizon Lounge to meet Vivienne. We sat at a table next to Ian and Di from Australia. So the five of us had dinner together in Compass Rose. Dinner was good as was the conversation. Turns out Di was a former minister in the Australian Government. And Ian was a Mining Engineer.
Back to the cabin and lights out.
Monday we spent the morning at sea. Docked in Laem Chabang at around 11am. We are not at the best location. The Queen Mary 2 is in the better spot. They have lots of shopping in the terminal where the QM2 is located. We are at the container port. Oh well.
We swam this morning for one hour and had breakfast in Compass Rose. It is nice there but I think you don't have any control on the amount of food put on your plate.
Not sure if we are going to take the shuttle or not. We are about 2 hours outside of Bangkok so we will not be going there. They do have a shuttle that takes you to a beach resort town. Will see. At any rate, we will stay here overnight and tomorrow is embarkation/disembarkation day. And today we get a new Captain as Captain Daniel Green's tour is over.
The weather now is hot. So staying on an air conditioned ship has some appeal.
Back up to Observation Lounge for needlepoint. The group is fairly small. At the beginning of the segment lots of ladies come up for the free projects. And then they never come back. But I keep on joining the group.
Then back to the suite to work further on my needlepoint. We were having lunch with the Kashia and Boogie. They are the duo who play in the Voyager Lounge. They are from Poland and Marilyn arranged a Polish lunch for the six of us.
We met up with Boogie and Kashia at 1pm and had stuffed cabbage rolls and a soup for lunch. All good. Was cooked by a Polish chef. But it was too much food.
Back to the cabin where Bob napped and I went back to needlepoint. Myra was invited to have dinner with the Captain so Vivienne asked what we had planned. So I invited her to eat with us. During dinner Vivienne is to host the single travelers, but only Myra joins her.
It was formal optional tonight so we dressed up. We opted not to watch the crew show so we started watching a movie called "Escape Plan". Staring Sly Stallion and Arnold Swartzaneger. Something like that. At any rate, we watched about half of the movie and then headed to Horizon Lounge to meet Vivienne. We sat at a table next to Ian and Di from Australia. So the five of us had dinner together in Compass Rose. Dinner was good as was the conversation. Turns out Di was a former minister in the Australian Government. And Ian was a Mining Engineer.
Back to the cabin and lights out.
Monday we spent the morning at sea. Docked in Laem Chabang at around 11am. We are not at the best location. The Queen Mary 2 is in the better spot. They have lots of shopping in the terminal where the QM2 is located. We are at the container port. Oh well.
We swam this morning for one hour and had breakfast in Compass Rose. It is nice there but I think you don't have any control on the amount of food put on your plate.
Not sure if we are going to take the shuttle or not. We are about 2 hours outside of Bangkok so we will not be going there. They do have a shuttle that takes you to a beach resort town. Will see. At any rate, we will stay here overnight and tomorrow is embarkation/disembarkation day. And today we get a new Captain as Captain Daniel Green's tour is over.
The weather now is hot. So staying on an air conditioned ship has some appeal.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Continued
We stayed here overnight. Last night when we got back to the cabin, there was a bottle of Champagne from Nick and Gail that was supposed to be delivered on our anniversary. And also a box of Belgium Chocolates from Connie, her way to say she was sorry she messed up.
We swam for 45 minutes before breakfast. Then breakfast in La Veranda. It is fairly quiet at that time as the tours have already left for the day. To coffee connection while Victor makes up the suite. We will be taking the shuttle into town again today to do some shopping. Prices here are very good. Not like Hong Kong or Shanghai.
Took the 11 am shuttle and did our shopping in record time so we caught the 12 noon shuttle back to the ship. Lunch in Compass Rose and then our nap.
At 3:45 pm they had a sail away party for the Titanium, Platinum, and Gold members. It was held on deck 12 forward. When we arrived, they gave us all a balloon and then we released them as we sailed away from Vietnam.
Bob was a little late in taking the pictures of the balloon release. The ship had to get special permission and the balloons were biodegradable.
The wind took most of the balloons over land.
But it was pretty.
The Duo played music during the sail away. Since it was up front, it was very windy.
Blue shirt is Bruce, future Cruise Consultant, Donald, the food and beverage Manager, and Franck, the General Manager.
Traffic on the River.
So windy the speaker blew over.
Myra, an English lady, who got on the ship in December with Viviene, the Social Hostess.
And me. So windy it straightened my hair.
Later, we dressed for dinner and went to the Horizon Lounge for our cocktails. We sat with Marilyn and Bob. Then we went to the Conference Room for a special dinner for the Grand Voyagers. It was a fondue dinner. We were seated at a table with Marilyn and Bob with Elda as our host. When the fish, shrimp, meat came to the table, Bob S. decided he could not eat like that and left the table. Then Marilyn said she was too hot so she also left. Strange. At any rate, we stayed with Elda and had a nice time.
Back to the suite to read and lights out.
We swam for 45 minutes before breakfast. Then breakfast in La Veranda. It is fairly quiet at that time as the tours have already left for the day. To coffee connection while Victor makes up the suite. We will be taking the shuttle into town again today to do some shopping. Prices here are very good. Not like Hong Kong or Shanghai.
Took the 11 am shuttle and did our shopping in record time so we caught the 12 noon shuttle back to the ship. Lunch in Compass Rose and then our nap.
At 3:45 pm they had a sail away party for the Titanium, Platinum, and Gold members. It was held on deck 12 forward. When we arrived, they gave us all a balloon and then we released them as we sailed away from Vietnam.
Bob was a little late in taking the pictures of the balloon release. The ship had to get special permission and the balloons were biodegradable.
The wind took most of the balloons over land.
But it was pretty.
The Duo played music during the sail away. Since it was up front, it was very windy.
Blue shirt is Bruce, future Cruise Consultant, Donald, the food and beverage Manager, and Franck, the General Manager.
Traffic on the River.
So windy the speaker blew over.
Myra, an English lady, who got on the ship in December with Viviene, the Social Hostess.
And me. So windy it straightened my hair.
Later, we dressed for dinner and went to the Horizon Lounge for our cocktails. We sat with Marilyn and Bob. Then we went to the Conference Room for a special dinner for the Grand Voyagers. It was a fondue dinner. We were seated at a table with Marilyn and Bob with Elda as our host. When the fish, shrimp, meat came to the table, Bob S. decided he could not eat like that and left the table. Then Marilyn said she was too hot so she also left. Strange. At any rate, we stayed with Elda and had a nice time.
Back to the suite to read and lights out.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Ho Chi Minh,Vietnam = Second visit
Friday March 4th found us docked in Ho Chi Minh City for the second visit this trip. So we did not sign up for any excursion.
Up early and swam for 45 minutes. The water is a little cool but heats up as the weather now is hot.
We decided to take the shuttle into Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 30 minutes to get into town. Then we went into the Tax Shopping Center and Bob bought some camera stuff he was looking for. Cost about 450,000 dong. Sounds like a lot but actually it is not at all. We then walked around and this is the Opera House.
This statue was at the end of the road. Not sure who he is.
And this is the entrance of the Times Square Saigon Hotel.
Another view of the Opera House.
And we ended up at the Rex Hotel. My back was killing me, as you can see in this picture. That is me in the blue shirt.
The park out side the hotel.
They were holding a convention at the hotel. We had lunch in the lobby as the lady told us it was too hot upstairs on the roof. Later we found out they have an inside restaurant that is air conditioned. So we got some bad information. I had a bowl of Pho and Bob had a Tiger Shrimp dish. All good.
Our usual lunch is in Compass Rose. It is very quiet there and we enjoy it.
Just another view of Compass Rose without all the people.
After we returned to the ship we took a short nap and then I did my needlepoint on the balcony as we are in the shade right then. We dressed for dinner and attended the pre dinner show in Horizon Lounge. It was a singing show of show tunes by Loren. Her voice is okay at lower ranges but gets a little sharp at the higher notes.
Dinner at Seti Mari which is the Italian Restaurant in La Veranda at night. I had the veal and when I was finished, I felt sort of sick, so I left and returned to the suite. I did not want to make a scene but later I was okay. Not sure what was going on, but I am fine.
I read some and then lights out.
Up early and swam for 45 minutes. The water is a little cool but heats up as the weather now is hot.
We decided to take the shuttle into Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 30 minutes to get into town. Then we went into the Tax Shopping Center and Bob bought some camera stuff he was looking for. Cost about 450,000 dong. Sounds like a lot but actually it is not at all. We then walked around and this is the Opera House.
This statue was at the end of the road. Not sure who he is.
And this is the entrance of the Times Square Saigon Hotel.
Another view of the Opera House.
And we ended up at the Rex Hotel. My back was killing me, as you can see in this picture. That is me in the blue shirt.
The park out side the hotel.
They were holding a convention at the hotel. We had lunch in the lobby as the lady told us it was too hot upstairs on the roof. Later we found out they have an inside restaurant that is air conditioned. So we got some bad information. I had a bowl of Pho and Bob had a Tiger Shrimp dish. All good.
Our usual lunch is in Compass Rose. It is very quiet there and we enjoy it.
Just another view of Compass Rose without all the people.
After we returned to the ship we took a short nap and then I did my needlepoint on the balcony as we are in the shade right then. We dressed for dinner and attended the pre dinner show in Horizon Lounge. It was a singing show of show tunes by Loren. Her voice is okay at lower ranges but gets a little sharp at the higher notes.
Dinner at Seti Mari which is the Italian Restaurant in La Veranda at night. I had the veal and when I was finished, I felt sort of sick, so I left and returned to the suite. I did not want to make a scene but later I was okay. Not sure what was going on, but I am fine.
I read some and then lights out.
Sea Day
April 3rd was another sea day. As we are traveling south, the weather is not getting warmer so we will be swimming in the morning before breakfast.
We did 45 minutes in the pool. We were joined by a few other people. I loaned my gloves to one lady and now she is ready to order them from Amazon.
Breakfast in La Veranda but now I am eating Total. Going for whole grains.
Then needlepoint and back to the suite to ready for lunch. Seems we go from one meal to another. But we eating fairly good. No desserts.
The afternoon was like any other. Needlepoint, tea and then ready for dinner. I got a message from Gail regarding a bottle of champagne she and Nick sent to us for our anniversary. Well we never got it but I was able to track it down and we will enjoy it on another night. Thank you Gail and Nick for remembering our special day. Great friends.
Tonight we went to the show before dinner. It was Ray. He is a wonderful entertainer. And it was a great show. Then we headed to the Horizon Lounge to meet with Marilyn, Bob, Susie, and Fred. It is Marilyn and Bob's 38th anniversary. Susie and Fred were on our Circle South America cruise. They live in Vienna. But are Americans.
Then back to the Horizon Lounge and Beatles Night. We stayed for a bit and then headed to the suite. A good day.
We did 45 minutes in the pool. We were joined by a few other people. I loaned my gloves to one lady and now she is ready to order them from Amazon.
Breakfast in La Veranda but now I am eating Total. Going for whole grains.
Then needlepoint and back to the suite to ready for lunch. Seems we go from one meal to another. But we eating fairly good. No desserts.
The afternoon was like any other. Needlepoint, tea and then ready for dinner. I got a message from Gail regarding a bottle of champagne she and Nick sent to us for our anniversary. Well we never got it but I was able to track it down and we will enjoy it on another night. Thank you Gail and Nick for remembering our special day. Great friends.
Tonight we went to the show before dinner. It was Ray. He is a wonderful entertainer. And it was a great show. Then we headed to the Horizon Lounge to meet with Marilyn, Bob, Susie, and Fred. It is Marilyn and Bob's 38th anniversary. Susie and Fred were on our Circle South America cruise. They live in Vienna. But are Americans.
Then back to the Horizon Lounge and Beatles Night. We stayed for a bit and then headed to the suite. A good day.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
On Deck BBQ.
The other night they had a BBQ on the deck. Bob and I ate in Compass Rose but after our dinner, we went up to deck 12 and took lots of pictures of the affair.
The party was held on deck 11 and we took the pictures from deck 12. This shows how they decorated the deck for the party.
Most of the folks went to the party.
They had ice sculptures and a variety of foods from Vietnam and Asia.
Lots of seafood to be enjoyed by all.
The boat was filled with shrimp and mussels. They made the staff wear the silly hats from Vietnam.
And the pig for good measure.
More food.
Had a little flare up when the sausages were placed on the fire.
Several of the cooks who work behind the scenes.
This is Rina. She is a wine server and we really like her. Have had her on several of our cruises.
Chef Kelly. He is from Vancouver.
At the end of the evening, they had a parade of all the staff. The pick shirts are bar people, the gray shirts are head waiters.
The yellow shirts are the waiters and waitresses.
Some of our favorite men.
This couple is from Poland. We are to have lunch with them on Sunday.
Mark and Lorrine did a great job of keeping the party going.
This is Mal and Milie. Mal has done over 10 world cruises. Milie is a professional photographer and rooms with Mal. Not sure of the relationship. But it works for them. This way they avoid the single supplement.
And this great looking couple from Florida.
Elda, the assistant cruise director.
Vivvian is the social hostess. She is from Ireland but lives in Florida with her Mom.
Christian is head waiter in Signatures.
Gami is the restaurant manager. He is over all of the restaurants on the ship. A really nice fellow.
Ray, the cruise director. In his kilt but he is English and not Scottish.
And a nice couple we met who are from Belgium.
The party was great. One of the first nights we did not go right back to the cabin.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam - Second Visit
April 1, 2014. And here we are in Ha Long Bay once more. Ha Long Bay is made up of 1969 islands of various sizes. There are two kinds of islands, limestone and schist. This densely concentrated zone of stone islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Ha Long Bay, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Due to a medical emergency, we arrived early and so when we passed monoliths, we were all asleep. So the picture is from the first time we visited this area.
We did not schedule any tour this time around. We were going to do Hanoi but we did it the last time so we decided to take the shuttle into the town of Halong.
We walked around the town and then took the shuttle back to the ship. Lunch in La Veranda.
This morning I had a session with the Fitness Trainer. He is going to assist me in my quest to lose weight. An uphill battle but he is ready for the challenge.
Later on today they are having a BBQ up on the deck so they have closed the deck so no swimming today.
We will probably go to Compass Rose as we do not like to fight for a table. And it is buggy here.
The next two days we are at sea heading back to Ho Chi Ming City.
Due to a medical emergency, we arrived early and so when we passed monoliths, we were all asleep. So the picture is from the first time we visited this area.
We did not schedule any tour this time around. We were going to do Hanoi but we did it the last time so we decided to take the shuttle into the town of Halong.
We walked around the town and then took the shuttle back to the ship. Lunch in La Veranda.
This morning I had a session with the Fitness Trainer. He is going to assist me in my quest to lose weight. An uphill battle but he is ready for the challenge.
Later on today they are having a BBQ up on the deck so they have closed the deck so no swimming today.
We will probably go to Compass Rose as we do not like to fight for a table. And it is buggy here.
The next two days we are at sea heading back to Ho Chi Ming City.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)