Voyager - Singapore-Hong Kong, 2/20-3/7/17 - Wes, Rachel & Rumor, LIVE!

[WesW]

Skyfall lantern and Shifen waterfall pics:

 

 

 

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[RachelG]

March 4, 2017--Keelung Taiwan

 

A nice smooth night's sailing brought us to Keelung, which is the port near Taipei. It was very overcast and decidedly cooler, with temps in the low 60s and a chance of rain.

 

The port is very large, but in the middle of town so that you can walk off the ship and be right in the heart of things. There are fairly high hills overhead with trees all around. One side sports a big KEELUNG sign written in letters like the sign in Hollywood. On the opposite side's hill is a park with a large pagoda and a big white Goddess of mercy statue. The buildings are for the most part older, grubby, and pretty nondescript, with shops on the lower floors and apartments above; however, there is a huge multi level new looking shopping mall towering over everything.

 

We walked off the ship into a warren of activity. Motor scooters going everywhere, all sorts of shops selling everything you can imagine. Some were pretty shabby, but then right next would be a very upscale shoe store or a fancy wedding store.

 

We wandered into a pedestrian street lined with street food vendors. I wouldn't dare eat anything off the street, but it was interesting to say the least. Hot pig blood soup, spicy intestine, mounds of sticky looking fried rice, cut to order sashimi, and much more were on offer.

 

We played it safe as George had a hankering for McDonalds. The chicken wings were really spicy and pretty good.

 

Our afternoon tour took us to Yehlei geo park. This is an area of unique geologic formations on the coast that are formed from the salt and water etching into sandstone. There are all different shapes and sizes. The most common variety looks like a huge morel mushroom. There are some that look like lit candlesticks, one that looks like a sandal, and the most famous which looks like a woman's head.

 

It is a very large park, so George and I took off and covered pretty much all of it. Being a Saturday, it was crowded near the entrance, but the further you went in, the more the crowds diminished. At the very end, no crowds at all. Walking back, I was escorted by two large black dogs that apparently wanted me to adopt them.

 

We then went to the Chung Chang Park, which is where the big pagoda and statue of the goddess that I saw from the ship are located. It was a weird Chinese mixture of arcade games, cheap souvenir shops, and a Buddhist temple. There were lots of families with kids. The highlight for us was a huge drum which you could strike with a large suspended wooden mallet.

 

Our guide today wasn't nearly as funny or engaging as our guide yesterday, though his English was better, probably because he had been in the Taiwan army and was sent to learn English at the language school at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. This wasn't really the type of tour where you needed a great guide, so he was perfectly adequate. Plus he bought us these really good black skinned peanuts.

 

Tonight we are having dinner at Sette Mare. I walked over 6 miles between our morning exploration and the tour, so can eat what I want.

 

Then there is another show that I have not yet seen called Tuxedo. I am looking forward to that for sure.

[RachelG]

Tried to post some great pics but they will not load now

[BarbarianPaul]

Hi Guys....

Just wanted to say I've absolutely loved all these amazing pics and commentaries! Thank you so much for taking the time throughout your amazing adventures to tell us all about it!

 

 

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[ROLLTIDE2]

Rachel, your written descriptions are so vivid that pictures aren't even needed. Thanks for bringing us all along with you!

[Travelcat2]

Agree!

[WesW]

Thanks Barbarian Paul, all; we are happy to share of photos of this outstanding cruise. Echo Rolltide's Rachel Kudos for her exceptionally well written cruise day summaries--helps me relive every day :)

 

Good Morning from the South China Sea as we are enroute to our last port, Hong Kong.

 

Also, this will be our last sea day on board so, it will be chock full of fun activities (e.g., ultimate officer vs guest challenge, enrichment lecture on China by Lew Simons our Smithsonian lecturer, and Krew Capers (entertainment provided by Regent Seven Seas Voyager crew).

 

The President of Regent, Jason Montague posted a few pictures on his Facebook page of the 600 Philippine family members that visited the Voyager when we were in Manila earlier this week. So, wanted to share these pictures since we missed this heart-warming, tear jerking family event. Kudos to Regent for sponsoring this!

 

 

 

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[RachelG]

Thanks for the kudos! Going to try and post pics again.

 

First, the scary street food.

 

George hitting the giant bell

 

A beautiful butterfly

 

 

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[RachelG]

Photos of Yehlei geo park

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

Thank you again for the amazing photos. We saw a Food Network program on Taiwan food last night. Your term "scary" is a perfect description!

[Mr Rumor]

Good morning! Glad to see my fellow bloggers have already posted today. Rolltide, right on about Rachel's writing. Rachel, your accounts belie the old saw that a picture is worth a thousand words. Still, I love your photos, too, and I'm glad you were able to post some.

 

Had my fifteenth and final workout in the gym early this a.m. (I'm taking tomorrow off). Afterwards I saw Cruise Consultant Bruce, another early bird, by the Reception Desk. He is always cheery, but was especially so when I asked him how the bookings have gone this cruise. He responded that they were more than twice the figure he uses as the benchmark for a successful cruise. He added that the number of bookings tend to reflect how well a cruise has gone, not only in terms of itinerary but also weather, sea conditions, and whether a port or ports had to be cancelled.

 

I'm also guessing that the fact that this cruise has skewed more toward veteran Regent cruisers savvy about the benefits of onboard bookings has had something to do with the number of bookings as well. Bruce enthused several times during the cruise about the fact that there are 25 Titaniums aboard. The rest of the passenger breakdown is as follows: 41 Platinum, 174 Gold, and 275 Silver.

 

Ginny and I booked this itinerary mainly for the Vietnam and Philippines ports. Little did I expect then that two of my three favorites excursions would be Kaohsiung and Keelung/Taipei (Corregidor/Manila was my single most favorite). I've written about our "Sacred Fokuangshan" tour in Kaohsiung. The "Best of Taipei," out of Keelung, was more ambitious at eight hours, which included a very good lunch served traditional Chinese style on a Lazy Susan at Shin Yen.

 

The tour got off to a great start at the Martyrs' Shrine, where we arrived just in time to witness the hourly changing of the guard. It was a fun photo op.

 

After that, it was the day's highlight, a visit to the National Palace Museum, repository of 2972 crates' worth of ancient Chinese imperial treasures--the "best of the best," according to our guide, Mr. Cheng--spirited from China by Chiang Kai-Shek in 1949. Mr. Cheng led us on a briskly paced 90-minute tour of the museum, galleries of which are organized according to material, i.e. jade, glass, bronze, porcelain and ceramic, and painting and calligraphy. It was a pleasant surprise that we we were allowed to take photos, after reading in the Regent literature that photography in the museum is not allowed. According to Mr. Cheng the photo policy changed effective this year.

 

Following the tour, we had a half an hour to shop in the museum's amazing gift shop. I took one look at the vastness of it and decided this was not a shopping situation where I could afford to sit on the sidelines while Ginny was overwhelmed. So I volunteered to scout the back half of the long room while DW focused on the first half. I was a good shopping soldier, returning with a small shopping basket's worth of possibilities that delighted my DW. My payment in return: Hubby Points!

 

Lunch followed, after which we drove on to our next stop, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. From outside the hall, which is staffed by two guards in a statue-like pose flanking a bronze sculpture of Sun Yat-Sen, we had a good view of Taipei 101, the 1,500 feet tall skyscraper that for a brief, shining moment (2004-8) was the world's tallest building. The tour continued with a drive to another Taipei 101 viewing spot, after which we headed back to the port.

 

A word about Mr. Cheng, a retired Air Force colonel (1983-2011). He had a pleasant, unflappable (even when shepherding us through the museum) style, spoke excellent English and was very engaging with his commentary. In short, he was first-rate.

 

Back on the ship we had very nice early dinner at Sette Mare with Rachel and George. Rachel, Ginny and I then shared the front-row-center three-seat mini-couch for the Regent Production Company's performance of "Tuxedo," described as a "fresh take on the music of the Rat Pack, the Great American Songbook and the music of legends such as Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra and many more." It was great--really enjoyed this cast--and I was inspired to carry on, musically speaking, by making a rare late-night appearance in the Observation Lounge for "Name That Tune" with Resident Pianist Deborah. The '60s-'70s theme was right up my Tin Pan Alley, and I helped our team to a perfect score AND ten Regent Rewards Points--just in time for the Regent Rewards Prize Redemption this afternoon. We're guaranteed more stuff--maybe even that Regent sweatshirt that Ginny has been coveting--than the Regent bookmark we managed with our meager rewards last cruise!

 

Rich

 

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

Rich, I have loved this blog but have craved "words". Photos are great but words paint a picture that, IMO, goes beyond anything that can be photographed. After all, photos are flat while words are only limited by one's imagination. Your descriptions have been a feast for the mind. Guess that I'm just not a visual person - I need to hear, feel, smell, etc. Perhaps this is why I am such an avid reader.

 

I'm curious if you and Ginny booked the Japan cruise. If so, does it concern you that internet will be difficult at best? Perhaps it is only those of us that read "live from......." blogs that are concerned that we will not read about that cruise until it is completed. We had a great interest in that cruise but that waned very quickly. Japan is wonderful but it is a place that we will likely return to by land rather than cruise ship.

 

One more question....... how would you rate the food on the Voyager compared to the food on the Explorer?

 

Thank you so much for your contribution to this amazing thread.

[Ka Honu]

Apropo of not much of anything, as I recall from living in Taipei in the early-mid 70s the National Palace Museum has about 700,000 items and I'm told they can only display (now, after several expansions) about 3,000 pieces at a time. If they still change displays about 4 times a year, it takes well over 50 years to get through the whole collection.

That's a pretty impressive load of really neat stuff! I guess if I go back in 10 years I may see some of the same exhibits I saw all those years ago.

[Mr Rumor]

That was some scene at the Regent Rewards Prize Redemption. Production cast members Logan and Claire take a moment to mug before the redemption began, while Ida gives the first-in-line thumbs up.

They didn't have any sweatshirts in Ginny's size, but we were happy with our haul (mug for Gin, hat for Shauna).

 

 

 

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[RachelG]

March5, 2017--at sea, enroute to Hong Kong

 

Another smooth night's sailing. The temperature today is slightly warmer than yesterday, in the low 70s. Sunny with a slight haze overhead. Wind is less than yesterday as well. As the day wore on, the haziness increased substantially, and by mid afternoon you could not see the sun at all. By, 5 pm, the ship was pretty much socked in the fog/smog. I think it is smog. It felt like when we were in China 3 years ago.

 

I began my day with my final massage. I am happy to see that Canyon Ranch has taken the tip line off of their bill. Since tips are included, having a tip line there was deceptive and something my husband fell for more than once.

 

There were lectures and games also on the morning schedule. I did my walking out on the deck. Very grey skies and not much to see.

 

Lunch at the pool grill was American themed. They had something listed as Oklahoma fried potatoes. They were soggy potato wedges. Anyone from Oklahoma would be embarrassed to serve them. If they had been crispy, they would have been good. I ate a big salad instead.

 

We received landing cards for Hong Kong in our suites. A face to face inspection is required tomorrow morning.

 

Very lazy afternoon doing a bunch of nothing. The rewards redemption for regent points was before trivia. Now to trivia. It is in the theater due to the large attendance.Margaret, the CD, and one of the performers or the assistant CD David alternate in asking question. Today it was Margaret and David.

 

Margaret asked the first question. David takes the mic for the second question, and there is this loud squeal which emanates from the mic. He makes some comment about what is wrong with the mic, then asks his question and passes it to Margaret. She asks her question without incident. She passes the mic back to him, and immediately there is a loud squawk. This goes on and on with every question he tries to ask. There is a squeal, a bumbling sound, a squawk, a sound of a stomach gurgling, and it gets worse and worse. Finally a sound of passing gas. Everyone is laughing and laughing. Finally David, who is leaving the ship tomorrow for the explorer, gets the idea that a joke is being pulled on him. Sure enough, behind the curtain are the social hostess and a couple of performers with balloons that they are using to create sound effects. It was hilarious!

 

Crew Capers, the crew farewell show, was tonight. It was great as usual. The theater was completely full. Some of the crew are so talented, and they really put their heart into this show.

 

Dinner tonight in chartreuse then there is a pianist/violinist duo performing.

[Mr Rumor]

Krew Kapers was wonderful as always tonight. The Voyager edition features songs and dances I hadn't seen/heard before at KK, including a delightful Voyager lyric sung to the tune of "We Go Together," from "Grease":

 

 

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[Emdee]

Apropo of not much of anything, as I recall from living in Taipei in the early-mid 70s the National Palace Museum has about 700,000 items and I'm told they can only display (now, after several expansions) about 3,000 pieces at a time. If they still change displays about 4 times a year, it takes well over 50 years to get through the whole collection.

That's a pretty impressive load of really neat stuff! I guess if I go back in 10 years I may see some of the same exhibits I saw all those years ago.

 

 

My DH had the pleasure of being a guest of the Government of Taiwan and was taken behind the scenes to see the hidden treasures. When I visited at a later date I only saw what was in the museum.

[WesW]

Ka Hanu/Paul, Emdee; thanks sharing for the Taiwan National Palace Museum information and Rich thanks for capturing the happy moments of the Voyager points exchange.

 

Good Morning Hong Kong!

 

Well we have arrived at our last port of call Hong Kong.

 

Today Ida has a ship's shopping excursion planned this afternoon. I will take a Tai Chi and Dim Sum excursion this morning that features a demonstration by a Tai Chi Master then participation by guests followed by enjoying Dim Sum (Chinese Dumplings). We will also finish packing for our last nite on board.

 

First, tho would like to share a few pictures from yet another outstanding dinner in the French restaurant on board, Chartreuse with Rachel and George, Steve and Joanna and us. Also, wanted to share a picture of our favorite bartender on board, Niven (works the Horizon Lounge in the evening)who provides exceptional intuitive service. Often he has our favorite drinks ready (he sees us coming down the hallway) before we arrive at the Horizon's Lounge bar.

 

 

 

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[Travelcat2]

The weather in Hong Kong should be in the upper 60's for disembarkation day. I see that you overnight in Hong Kong. We've been there a few times and find it one of the easiest cities to do on our own (even going to outer islands via ferry). Much better than crowded Regent tours IMHO (although Hong Kong is incredibly crowded).

 

Thank you so much for taking us along on your cruise. We can book flights for our similar cruise in May (hoping to do Cathay Pacific nonstop from Hong Kong that will leave 1:00 a.m. on the day embarkation. This would get us home almost before we leave..... on the clock!) I've learned a lot from your descriptions and now have a pretty good idea of what we want to do as well as what we would prefer not doing.

 

Safe travels home!

[forgap]

Wes, have a great time in Hong Kong, one of my favorite places although I haven't been there in ages. Your pictures are great! I envy the age group on your cruise. I can't say the same for our cruise! 😬

[Mr Rumor]

A fun moment in Compass Rose last night, post main course. Executive Chef Dino visits our table and asks how dinner was. I praise all of the fresh fish entrees I've enjoyed on this cruise, including last night's black grouper. Dino pulls out his iPhone and shows me the photo of the grouper. He had personally purchased it the day before yesterday at a Kowloon fish market within walking distance of where we had docked!

 

Jackie, a quick answer to your question regarding the food on the food on the Voyager compared to that on the Explorer: I'd rate it a toss-up. Offhand I can only think of one entree on this cruise--a filet mignon in Compass Rose that was cooked medium rare as ordered but just wasn't as juicy and flavorful--that didn't meet my Regent expectations. The expanded CR menu was a big hit with passengers who hadn't experienced it, and it's still a big hit with me. Also I want to mention the fresh fruit that we always hit hard on a Regent cruise: delicious, and not put out until it was ripe and ready.

 

I've continued to compare Explorer and Voyager in other ways. Voyager has two big pluses over Explorer: 1.) a Deck 12 outdoor forward viewing area 2.) a fully functional theater design with a ramp instead of steps on the main floor (I've commented, as others, on the bad balcony sight lines on Explorer, and other Explorer theater design flaws). But Explorer has the clear edge over Voyager with its great Concierge suite design. Each is a beautiful ship.

 

There are 11 excursions offered in Hong Kong today. As we are on the Jewels of Hong Kong post cruise tour (along with 141 other passengers, by the way), I read the tour descriptions carefully, so as not to pick a tour with stops that we will be making post-cruise. We decided on the seven-hour Lantau Island Monastery with an $89 upcharge. So did Rachel and George, so we're looking forwarding to experiencing Po Lin Monastery and its Giant Buddha with them.

 

Rich

 

 

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[Mr Rumor]

Docked!

 

 

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[smg4412]

Rachel, Wes and Rich...just want to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading your informative and entertaining blogs. I feel I've really gotten a "sense" of the places you've visited as well as the daily life on board the Voyager.

 

My wife and I have been on six previous Regent cruises, primarily in the Mediterranean, South Pacific, Alaska and the Panama Canal. This June we'll be on the Explorer in the Baltic. Asia had not been on our radar, however after following you guys the last two weeks, we booked the "Shanghai to Tokyo cruise in March 2019.

 

Just a suggestion... but rather than Regent continue to mail out their daily flyers and solicitations we all seem to get (and throw away), they may want to consider utilizing your services, as you are all much better at closing the deal!! Anyone reading this blog can't help but feel excited and grateful to have the opportunity to sail with Regent!!

 

Again...much appreciated. Best Wishes and Safe Travels home..

 

Steve and Deborah

 

 

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[Mr Rumor]

The view from our room. Not bad!

 

 

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[BarbarianPaul]

Not bad at all!

 

 

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