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mrspie

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Posts posted by mrspie

  1. We embarked in Vancouver on August 30th. We had two lovely nights at the Pan Pacific hotel right at the port. The hotel porter came to our room at 9:00am and took our tagged bags so we were free as birds until embarking that afternoon. The next time we saw our bags they were in our suite. Great hotel and easy breezy!

     

     

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  2. Mrspie; Looks like you had a great time and know how to cruise---You didn't go on the ship looking for problems or why you wouldn't enjoy your cruise. Good for you! This just goes to show you every person should think for them self, and enjoy the time you have-you have a great outlook on life. Rick

     

     

     

    It was greaaat!!!! Especially after doing loads of laundry today!

    Enjoy your next cruise[emoji16]

     

     

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  3. I was on this Vancouver/SFO cruise and had great service in the Observation Lounge. My husband and I had cocktails there each night before dinner and always commented on how pleasant the staff was. We've sailed Seabourn many times and have never seen women bartenders, so to have two ladies working the Observation bar was a real treat. Not only were they pleasant, they were competent and interesting! They knew what we liked and always served our drinks with a smile and pleasant comment.

     

    As for food, we had no issues at LV with temperature. Maybe we are from a different side of the buffet? Also, our favorite waiters worked LV and Sette Mari. I think if you form a bond with certain staff it makes all the difference. We preferred Sette Mari to any of the others, even CR. At CR, my lobster was over cooked, but the Chilean Sea bass I ordered the second time there was one of the best. Both times I ordered a side of green beans that never appeared. We found it funny and said if we ate there again (which we didn't) we would keep ordering them and see if they ever came to the table. No biggie at all.

     

    We read the disembarkation instructions, which were quite clear, so I can't comment on other passengers. We kept our minimal suitcases in our cabin the last night and walked ourselves off the ship first thing after a light breakfast in LV, hugs to certain staff, and took a taxi to SFO. We were at the Airport at 8:06 am! Unfortunately our flight wasn't until noon so sat in the Admirals Club for a few hours.

     

    Regent and Seabourn are neck and neck as luxury lines. I think the staff on Regent is friendlier and more plentiful. We never waited or wanted for anything. I feel situations evolve in how a person behaves and/or "sees" the world. After reading WAY TO MUCH on CC I was very apprehensive about sailing Regent. Then, I went into my mental mode of "life is what you make it" and has a grand time from the moment we stepped on board. Nothing is perfect, and if it was, how boring! Go with the flow, be polite, smile and use good manners. A smile and a kind word does wonders.

     

    This cruise was better than I expected and would recommend Mariner without hesitation. I look forward to sailing Mariner again and feel lucky that I can!

     

    I hope all that sail her enjoy themselves. Happy sailing!

     

     

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  4. I agree, I was saying Bart only if something happens. We lived in San Francisco, and when something happened I've seen the freeway closed--and I mean closed for hours. It's always good to have a back up when you can. Rick

     

     

     

    Good tip. I'm a big believer in backup plans. Thank you!

     

     

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  5. Monkey 47 is a great, wonderful, very expensive gin and is from Germany. It has only been available in the US less than three years, so that is why you aren't familiar with it and Regent won't be stocking that anytime soon based on how long it took Hendricks to be on the ship! I agreed with fever tree also and most better stores in the US do indeed carry it.

     

     

     

    Thanks for the info on Monkey 47. I called Regent this morning to request Fever Tree tonic and their rep said he'd request it but we didn't have much time (sailing 8/30). Might have to purchase some in Vancouver to bring on board[emoji12]

     

     

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  6. I'm no expert but there are so many individual smaller brands on the market that many people seem to be turning to and yes as the previous posts have suggested they do require a decent tonic water, if you need the mixer, Fever-Tree being our first choice. Our favourite gin is Monkey 47 with Martin Miller's a close second, but everyone will have their own individual taste. There is a definite resurgence of gin in the UK and I read recently that sales were up about 14 per cent this year. It is becoming very popular in cocktails and to drink neat. Can't wait for my G&T this evening.

     

     

     

    Hello Thameside, well I've never heard of Monkey 47 or Martin Miller gin. Must go shopping for it this weekend. My husband and I enjoy Plymouth. Love Fever Tree tonic and will call Regent today to request it.

     

     

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  7. Just an aside, gin isn't as popular here .... maybe the trend will cross the pond. When I saw this thread I was clueless. Guess we all learn something new every day. I'm curious what top gin brands are "in" there. I have yet to acquire a taste but may try it again onboard next month. Tonic is good for keeping mosquitos away so "G&T" may work well in some ports:halo:

     

     

     

    Actually gin has become more popular in the US. Many bars have increased the brands they offer and even carry some boutique brands. There are even bars that offer gin menus. Fever Tree tonic is the best as far as I'm concerned and was introduced to it when visiting The Plymouth Gin factory in the U.K. many years ago. Haven't looked back ever since.

    I'm calling Regent today to request it. Fingers crossed I'm not to late - only 38 more days!

     

     

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  8. I am sure you will get plenty of good advice on this from the 'Locals' but from a Brit, who has travelled to SF many times in recent years, as my son and his family live there, I will give you my take. Our ship, btw I will be on the same trip, arrives at the newish facility at Pier 27, which is only about 30 mins from SFO, and as it will be a Saturday morning, traffic should be a little lighter early on, although it builds fairly quickly. You are of course travelling away from the city and the traffic will be heavier coming in, so should not to a problem, especially if you disembark fairly early.

     

     

     

    I appreciate your prompt reply. No worries on my end. Will enjoy 'our' cruise. Thanks!

     

     

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  9. My DH and I have sailed numerous times on Seabourn and will have our first Regent cruise August 30th. Can someone tell me what vodka and gin brands are on the included list? Also, I enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco in the afternoon; will that be offered as well? Thank you.

     

     

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  10. Hello, enjoying your daily travelogue. DH and I will be doing your opposite itinerary Aug. 30th. We have sailed frequently on Seabourn and this will be our first Regent cruise. Can you please tell me what you observe most men to be wearing in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants, i.e. suit tie, sport jacket, open collar, etc? He would love to pack light! Thank you.

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