Navigator - Live, June 8:SDYC Addict On First Regent Voyage

[zqvol]

Grouse Mountain won out today. The bears were out enjoying the weather, even though up there, winter seems to still be in the air. At the top of the mountain there must still be 4 - 5 feet (that is not a typo) of snow. Had some amazing views until the rain came so it was back to town for lunch.

 

FT will provide lunch details later. In the morning we will either take the HOHO around town or go to visit Stanley park, or maybe both before we board.

 

More to come.

[travel with friends]

Stanley Park is huge, allow a lot of time to explore it. When my friend and I went to alaska we boarded the ship around noon, had a bite to eat and once we could go to our room we settled in and then went walking around the gas lamp area right by the port. It was a beautiful day for walking around though.

veronica

[frequent traveler]

Its been a busy day - and whatever weather you want to experience, we've had it today in Vancouver - cloudy, rainy, cold, windy, cloudy again, and now sunny and warm. When we went to the Club Room on 23rd floor for breakfast (more on Pan Pacific later) we saw the Oceania Regatta docked on one side (the west). On the east is a Disney ship.

 

After wandering the docks a bit and watching the planes take off and land on the water, we went to North Vancouver and Grouse Mountain today. There is a complimentary shuttle pick up just outside the hotel (Calling it complimentary is pushing it - after paying approximately $80 CAD for two tickets and and the shuttle is included in the ticket price . . . ) To get there you cut through Stanley Park and across the Lyons Bridge. Riding the gondola up the mountain was a bit interesting, as we were trapped with a class field trip - pre teen age girls who screamed every time the gondola shook just a bit. So we are still deaf this afternoon. Definitely recommend this field trip (just not accompanied by 30 pre teens) . The grizzly bears are very interesting - if you can, talk to the naturalist, the story of how the bears came to the park is sad but encouraging at the same time. Ride the the chairlift to the very top of the mountain and experience the most panoramic view back to Vancouver. Of course the cold wet rain that kicked in shortened our stay. But the clouds were high, so we were able to see for miles.

 

This hotel is a bit confusing -- we are staying on the club floor. I am used to the Club Floor happy hours being complimentary - here though, you pay for every alcoholic beverage (beyond the initial per person "welcome drink") . Additionally, soft drinks and bottled water are complimentary, so long as you drink them in the lounge. Take them back to your room and you are charged for them. Due to a glitch in our reservation, we were upgraded to a "suite". But its not worth paying for, at least not IMHO. Very odd triangle shape. No bathroom or closet in the bedroom - very little space. At night, to get to the bathroom, you have to leave the bedroom and make two left turns, past the minibar and down a hall . . . glad I wasn't drinking last night:D I can't say enough about the wonderful staff though. Everyone is great and has the best attitude. Club floor includes breakfast and free internet access.

 

The concierge referred us to a new Irish pub, Mahoney & Sons which is on the West dock and visible from the windows from the Club room. After coming down off the Mountain and changing out of our wet clothes we headed to Mahoney & Sons for a late lunch - it was fantastic. ZQ Vol had the Irish stew and I had Irish Potato soup and mahi mahi tacos (the cilantro mayonnaise was the perfect touch). Clearly all fresh ingredients. And a great selection of Irish beers.

 

Debating what to do this evening as we have plenty of daylight left . . . oh well, tomorrow brings boarding and the beginning of the "real trip".

 

Having a great time, especially with no fires at the office.

 

FT

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for the update. The weather here was the same (we're only 50 miles from Vancouver). The pub sounds great . . . will have to give it a try. Looking forward to the next chapter of your adventure.

[mimito4]

You can always count on good reporting from FT & Zqvol, and I can see that has not changed. "Regenters," you're lucky to have this couple giving the low down. We'll get a balanced, FUN report from their adventure for sure.

 

I can't wait to read every detail. I took particular note of what you had to say about the club level at Pan Pacific, because I did reserve with that assumption. May rethink that because it doesn't make economic sense. Not being cheap. . .just being sensible.

[zqvol]

This guy was one of a pair. FT will add to the story but they were rescued as orphans when they were just a few weeks old. I'm glad they prefer carrots for breakfast.

 

 

These guys are very impressive. Mother nature at her finest.

 

 

 

This is one of many carvings atop Grouse Mountain;

 

 

A view from high atop Grouse Mountain looking back across the waterway to downtown. Our hotel is at the top left on the far shore. The distance is about 12 km.

 

[Jim Avery]

FT, I just have to say it: "30 pre-teens"??? You are just a kid magnet!:eek::D Have a blast on the ship.

[tallship]

Awesome pics

Thanks for sharing

[zqvol]

FT, I just have to say it: "30 pre-teens"??? You are just a kid magnet!:eek::D Have a blast on the ship.

 

Jim

 

This bunch made the SD bunch look like angels.

[RachelG]

Love the bear pics. Can't wait to hear more.

[frequent traveler]

The bears were each orphaned in different areas of BC and were each found in April the year they were born just a few days before they would have died from starvation. The smaller one, Growler, was found after his mother was hit by a truck . Now they are 10 years old. Since they came out of hibernation on April 29 they are "skinny" at 800 and 950 lbs with 400 to gain before the next round of hibernation.

 

Got a letter under the door today from Regent

Bags being picked up from inside room at 9 this morning. :DWe are to meet at desk at 11:45 to be escorted to ship. Desk was supposedly open yesterday from 2 to 6 but in our comings and goings we didn't see. But then again I am directionally challenged. ZQ VOL even brought along a compass for me to take while hiking!

 

Got a bit of a sticker shock this morning when I opened the final bill. Turns out the initial free drink at the club level is only for beer or wine. And apparently champagne doesn't count. The letter says "welcome beverages" and I chose a split of "POP " champagne by Pommery. That is a $36 plus hst charge. And the free Internet at the club level. In your room, it's only free if you are wired or choose the limited 1 hr lite access. Choose full access 24 hr and it's 9.95. And it's a per machine charge! Perhaps it's just a couple of billing errors but if not I think we may try the Fairmont next time

 

FT

[Travelcat2]

Your experience at the Pan Pacific is a good "heads up" for people who will be staying there in the future. The high prices in British Columbia is why they are lining us to shop in the U.S. (less than an hour away).

 

You must be very excited about going to the ship in less than 4 hours. Hope embarkation goes quickly and you will be sipping champagne, having lunch and waiting for your suite to be ready:D

[vandrefalk]

FT,

Am just off our beloved SD in Bergen, Norway, but very, very interested in your trip as we will do Regent in Alaska next June. Sorry about the kids tour, but as Jim says, you just must be a kid magnet :)

Vandrefalk

[Jim Avery]

ft,

am just off our beloved sd in bergen, norway, but very, very interested in your trip as we will do regent in alaska next june. Sorry about the kids tour, but as jim says, you just must be a kid magnet :)

vandrefalk

 

lol!:d:d:d

[boxguyswife]

Looking forward to hearing all about the cruise. We were on the June 8 sailing, but took the chance to upgrade for Aug 10.....we are wishing that now we were with you....then again, not wishing for the rain and cold, so........

[frequent traveler]

We’ve boarded –

 

But first, I have to give credit to the staff at Pan Pacific, especially the concierge at the Club Room. When I took my bill in this morning, he confirmed that a complimentary upgrade to a suite on the Club floor does not give you access to free internet. However, since I was billed 3 times for the same 24 hours service, he removed them all. He also couldn’t remove the $36 charge for the champagne – even though the letter says “beverage” not just “beer or wine”. However, he did take off a charge for a Scotch from night two. I thought that was very accommodating.

 

Went to Stanley Park this morning. Started out as a gorgeous sunny day. It was a really nice walk to and from via the Sea Walk. If you don’t have a lot of time, we really recommend the horse drawn carriage – really a trolley, with 6 rows able to seat 4, Our guide Julia was very knowledgeable and the horses, Belgium Percherons, definitely have minds of their owns. You get to see the Totem Poles and all the other highlights, including the lighthouse and the gardens. Today, we encountered an otter and black squirrels. The original 16 squirrels, a gift from NYC, have multiplied and are now a plague – no longer seen as a gift.

 

Now to the specifics –have boarded and boy, is this different from Sea Dream. I want to say, nothing is criticism – this is different,

 

First it’s a very long walk to from customs to check in on Deck 6 to the lounge,windinging, but the good news is - its past several bars. Champagne was waiting, but it was a bit misleading. The display was multiple bottles of Mumm, however the pour was Bouvier Brut – and it wasn’t worth drinking, Check in was fast – however, the cabin is not ready at 2:15 (we boarded at noon). Was herded then to the Pool deck, where we have met a wonderful waiter. Melchor is on his next to last contract before heading home after 7 months on board. Apparently the past two weeks on board have been “interesting” as several “charter groups” have been on board, including a group that stayed up to 3 every night (poor bar staff – wouldn’t want to have to be up at 9 after that). Also have Eric who is on his 3rd contract with Regent.

 

Had lunch at the Veranda – clearly the team is shortstaffed, head Sommelier was clearing tables. Watched a woman pitch a fit because she “doesn’t do buffets” and then slam a spoon down in the salads – come on lady, get real. I will say, and I know I will get flamed – food quality was only mediocre in La Veranda, however, it was boarding day, so I don’t expect 5 star. I was surprised that a dirty plate was not cleared after 10 minutes. Heard the sweet potato fries in the pool grill were excellent. There were shrimp on the pool grill buffet but not on the Veranda buffet.

 

Difference from SD – bathroom on pool deck has separate lavatories for men and women but shares a common sink.

 

ZQ Vol commented that pool deck being teak was different from mass markets.

 

We have met some great people from Texas – looks like it will be fun.

 

Teresa. .

[Travelcat2]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you will enjoy the cruise because of your attitude. You really cannot compare a ship of approximately 100 with one of 700. It sounds like you are taking things as they come (unlike the rude woman you described in La Veranda). If it was embarkation day on Seabourn, she would be stuck in a room with everyone with sandwich type snacks and drinks. That type of behavior is quite rare on Regent.

 

You should be hearing the announcement that the suites are ready any time now. Enjoy a glass (or two or three) of champagne while you unpack.:)

[fpebbles]

We're avowed SD fans--but have been known to cheat--and are always glad to hear about your travels--

 

Have a wonderful sail!

[Jim Avery]

Good Morning FT & ZQVOL. T, did you get your first morning Eggs Bennie?? Inquiring minds want to know.:eek:

[ohmiss]

I'm lurking too FT and ZQvol!! I've not been a good poster but I'm a great reader! Thank you for posting, look forward to your adventures!!

[frequent traveler]

Day 1 – cruising the inside strait (no alcohol involved yet, its only 7 am).

 

Sitting on the back of Deck 11, behind the Galileo bar – I think it’s going to be my place to hang out when it’s a bit nippy and I don’t wan to sit on my balcony. For those of you familiar with SDYC, think Deck 4, comfy lounge chairs, cushions and tables – great view of both port and starboard sides.

 

This will be a rambling post – not within range of my Verizon card and haven’t connected to the ship’s internet yet, will post in a couple of days.

First – room impressions. Love the layout – great walk in closet, plenty of space. Bathroom is large – tub is wasted on us. Shower is tiny though. If you think SD shower is cramped, go on a diet to get in Regent shower. Amenities are great – 3 different choices. Between SD and Regent, Regent wins those hands down. At 5 pm last night – had a neat little event – called Block Party – everyone comes out of the suite, staff comes around and pours red and white wine and you meet your neighbors. Captain and certain officers and crew come through and introduce themselves. Of course our cabin is right next to entry to officers’ quarters and I was changing – two minutes late and missed the captain. ZQ Vol has had several conversations with him since meeting him in the hall.

 

Life boat drill was unique. We mustered in the lounge! If there was a real emergency, I wonder how we would all have time to get to the lounge?

 

We were a bit late leaving port yesterday evening. Took a while to get all the supplies on. The Captain did not want to risk a mutiny by leaving before all the wine was boarded. Seriously, there was some difficult loading a piece of equipment. It was a glorious sail out under Lion’s Bridge (misspelled the name in a earlier posting) and past the light house.

 

Had dinner in Prime last night. Staff was wonderful and service was excellent, Presentations were beautiful. Food was fine, but nothing overwhelming. I had clam chowder and surf and turf (surf was two king crab legs). Truffle fries with parmesan were not shoe string as I have had at other places but thicker and a bit soggy. Best for me was the presentation of a small chocolate brownie infused with crème de cassis and topped with blueberries in a liqueur. Presentation of ZQ Vol’s key lime pie was gorgeous and he said it was pretty darned good too.

 

Went to the casino for a short time last night. Was on my way to losing the amount I had set for the night and then cha ching cha ching – won $670 on the slots. Yippee. Good night.

 

Been up this morning since 5 as we have entered in the inside strait. It is gorgeous. Have attempted a couple of pictures with my new binoculars . No exciting wildlife yet, other than some different varieties of birds, large and small. Seas are extremely calm.

 

Discovered the cappuccino and latte machine on the pool deck. Caffeine consumption is going to increase this cruise.

 

There are a number of first time ever cruisers on this trip. I was quite surprised. And some have no idea of what a cruise means or how they should make reservations or handle excursions. A couple have been very upset that all the exercise classes have filled up or that they can’t get the exact spa appointments they want. Last night at dinner a woman a table over from us kept rolling her eyes and making snide comments to her companion every time a male walked by without a jacket. Then when a man wearing jeans actually had the audacity to take a table in Prime, we thought she was going to have a heart attack. Its clear, it doesn’t take much for some people to not have a good time on holiday.

 

Off the breakfast somewhere . . .

 

More, much more later.

 

FT

[galavant3]

Last night at dinner a woman a table over from us kept rolling her eyes and making snide comments to her companion every time a male walked by without a jacket.

FT

 

Thanks for taking the time to post! I love the level of detail!

 

I know that they are not required, but do most men wear jackets to dinner? Ties?

[mariners]

FT and ZQVOL, Thanks so much for posting. I can't wait to read all about your cruise.

FYI, Canadian news just had an update that tonight, and possibly the next few nights, could be good for viewing auroras as there has been a significant solar flare. There are no guarantees and you might have to stay up until close to midnight, but the view from the ship could be spectacular.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks for the great report, sounds like you are set up for a good time!

 

Just for clarification, I believe it's actually the "Lions Gate Bridge".

 

... Seriously, there was some difficult loading a piece of equipment. It was a glorious sail out under Lion’s Bridge (misspelled the name in a earlier posting) and past the light house.

[tallship]

Tip for a great caffeine high is that the best coffee is made by the machine in the Navigator Lounge across from the library

 

I am happy to hear that i am not alone in being underwhelmed by Prime 7

Compass Rose was very good

 

Enjoying your posts