Swelldame

I too missed having a 110 outlet in the bathroom for my hairdryer. The real problem started when I couldn't plug it in at the vanity either, because of the size of its plug end (the outlet was too close to the vanity top, and the plug's built-in reset/fuse box was too large). I asked the butler for an extension cord, and he came up with a 220 converter for the other outlet. Unfortunately, while it made my plug fit, there was no transformer for the extra voltage and the hairdryer immediately started to overheat. Getting a 110 extension was finally managed by asking reception to check their office area for a "regular" extension cord.

I figured out: The ship has 110 and 220 outlets and was built in Europe. Most of the ship's equipment runs on 220 and has European plugs, so 110 is really the add-on afterthought. And 220 outlets are never allowed in bathrooms for safety reasons, so it's kind of understandable the designers don't think about ladies' hairdryers ever being used in bathrooms.

It would certainly be nice if new-builds would replace the "shaver only" outlets (does anyone still use those??) with 110s.

I recall this point coming up when the Lanai cabins were created. The obvious advantage over an Oceanview was access to the promenade deck, but the reconfiguration of the furniture made for a more awkward layout with less usable floor space. I guess someone at HAL decided the majority would prefer a larger feeling cabin.

How 'bout two empty Chef Boyardee cans with a string attached to them? :cool:

Good idea, Copper! According to this thread, the cans should be readily available onboard: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1881411&highlight=alphagetti :D

On this particular cruise, passengers were extremely rude to the crew. They were also very demanding. Agree that it takes a certain type of person to work in Destination Services.

Something else you can blame on the passengers on our cruise, TC! Sorry to hear that attitude remained on board with "the runs". As a first-time Regent cruiser I had intended to write a review, but it was overwhelmed with the irony complaining about the complainers. It was brutal!

We were recently on the Phang Nga excursion after the waitlist cleared a couple of weeks before boarding.

Pluses:

The scenery is really spectacular, especially for us, having never been to that part of the world before.

The Muslim fishing village was really interesting, however we had very little time there and didn't see much of it.

Minuses:

The bus ride is long and hot. Some of the buses had less than ideal A/C, so if you can, pick a seat on the left side to avoid the sun for the whole trip.

The hotel they used for the restroom stop and the lunch was a bit of a dump. It did seem to be the only choice in the area however, so they picked the best they could.

Some buses were delayed, resulting in a very late and cold lunch. There were 11 buses from the ship, all very full. Those of us on the first buses to leave (or with Andretti-style drivers) were grateful we didn't have to skip the rubber plantation. The main issue is the Phuket city traffic.

Friends took the snorkeling tour and thought it was great, but they did mention the equipment provided was "gross", and wished they had brought their own.

Do not want to alarm you unnecessarily. The Voyager is being sanitized daily. When passengers disembark in Sydney, the entire ship will be sanitized. Many people have colds. Some have stomach issues but not as bad as norovirus.

 

The biggest problem I have seen are passengers coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths. Passengers are currently not permitted to serve themselves at the buffet. We cannot even pick up our plates ... they are handed to us by a crew member wearing rubber gloves. Regent is doing everything humanly possible to control this.

 

Have a great cruise and try not to stress too much.

Hi TC, I've enjoyed your thread very much. Having left the Voyager in Singapore, you've made the withdrawal symptoms a little easier.

The illness was already going around the ship when we were aboard for the previous segment. It was only "the trots", and certainly bacterial; it was cleared up within a day with an antibiotic and Imodium. Heard whispered, "Shhhhh.... don't say anything - you'll be quarantined!!!" So you can imagine why it spread!

My pet peeve about these kinds of things: I really believe the cause of spreading anything is the use of spoons and tongs on the buffet. EVERYONE is told to use them, therefore everyone shares the germs. The virus/bacteria ends up on the entire room's hands, if you're having any kind of finger food, it's transferred immediately to your mouth unless you use hand sanitizer on the way back to your table. (And, there is evidence that hand sanitizer doesn't eliminate viruses, only bacteria.) People look at me like I'm a nutbar for using a napkin to use the communal serving tongs but I almost never get sick. And, what's the harm in using your hands to pick up a sandwich that only YOU will be eating?? (Not touching other food or putting it back of course.) Anyway, end of rant.

Would you do me a favour? Please say "Hi" to bartender Alessandro in the Voyager Lounge, and remind him that he must email Vicki to keep his Ferrari club membership active. He'll get a kick out of that. :) It's his first contract, and he's such a well brought up young man and really made our first Regent cruise a lot more fun.

Safe travels, and keep the updates coming!

On the Noordam last year, I decided I would never get one of those "curvy" cabins. When you're out on the balcony, everyone on balconies mid-ship can see you, above and below your deck. Because they face out-and-forward, or out-and-aft, you're sticking out in full view. No thanks!

I seem to recall a few opinions that the layout makes them seem larger inside. Ruth would probably be able to provide more info on that.

I think this offer signals the end of bringing unlimited wine and possibly even soft drinks on board.

 

We're going to take away your unlimited wine but we're giving you this.

Proven right, Laminator! C'mon over to the Cynic's Corner with me. Although I must warn you: it's getting crowded over here.

He sure is an inspiration! If you only knew some of the stuff that he sends me. There is nothing slowing down in either equator!!!:D

"Winter on my head, summer in my heart and spring where it should be!"? :D

I find it absolutely hilarious that Egon has been accused of driving his scooter too fast! Good for him - let 'er rip! As my husband is 13 years older than I and has to endure more than his fare share of teasing about getting old, he always tells me that when he has to go to "the home" it had better have a garage for his sports car.

Egon is so young at heart, and truly an inspiration.

Beautiful acknowledgement Sam. Thanks so much. I told my husband not to move Lita's ball for a while in the back yard, to just mow around it. I was on the deck this morning as a white butterfly landed on the ball briefly and flew away. Sign?

Yes, sign. :)

Keep smiling through the tears, and treasure the memories and love that will continue. xo

Thanks so much for taking the time to give all the reports on this link. I hope Egon will send in a last report about leaving the ship, etc.

 

Will you be able to keep reporting on his next adventures? Please relay to him how much we enjoyed his blog, and that he was very interesting to read. I hope he can continue his travels.

Seconded! I found this thread only 2 weeks ago, and was up until 4am on two occasions "catching up" with Egon. And then discovered a friend met him on the ship during the last TA portion! Looking forward to a wrap-up, and more adventures from this wonderful man.