LIVE FROM EXPLORER - FEB. 17 - MARCH 9

[rcandkc]

TC, you mentioned your conjunctivitis in an earlier post which is how we all knew about it. It’s interesting that my youngest son spent last week in Seattle on a business trip.  He woke up Friday with pink eye.  Had to find Dr in Seattle.  Illnesses are everywhere unfortunately. 

Edited February 26, 2019 by rcandkc
Correction

[Master Echo]

As a general rule, I do not report on my dining experiences.  In view of the interest shown already on this thread about the Canyon Ranch healthy dining menu, I think some remarks may be apposite.

 

Writing this in Compass Rose during breakfast with today’s Canyon Ranch selection in front of me, one of the items is “Low Fat Yogurt”.

 

During the 1980s, the medical profession lectured us that fat was bad and sugar was okay, and this resulted in people eschewing egg yolks and just eating the whites.

 

Over the last couple of years, the medical profession has done a complete volte face, and now fat is good and the martinets now regard sugar as the devil’s food.  The change of opinion, we are told, is based on the obesity crisis and rocketing levels of Type 2 diabetes.

 

I noticed at breakfast the other day that the packet of granola was “low fat” but on reading the ingredients, found an incredible amount of sugar had been substituted.  Yesterday’s room service breakfast included a plain yogurt which said it was “low fat”.  Again on examination, the amount of sugar was remarkable!

 

I have found that the evening meals in Compass Rose in particular, are salted heavily. This becomes apparent from the daily side order of additional vegetables which positively glisten in the bowl.  Medical advice warns against high salt consumption which can cause high blood pressure and this can lead to strokes and heart attacks.  Sir and Madame now ask for no salt on their additional vegetable dishes.  

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

[cruiseluv]

Sorry, but the animal pictures look depressing. So far , from the descriptions, I dont think I would have liked any of those ports. If Guayaquil is so dangerous, why does Regent go there??

 

Happy birthday to Dennis, hope the celebration is a lot of fun!

 

PS On Sunday I was also diagnosed with conjunctivitis. I havent had it at least in 40 years!

[ronrick1943]

Wishing you a great day and the rest of your cruise.  Wishing Dennis a Happy Birthday with many more adventures to come his and yours way. 
Rick

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, cruiseluv said:

Sorry, but the animal pictures look depressing. So far , from the descriptions, I dont think I would have liked any of those ports. If Guayaquil is so dangerous, why does Regent go there??

 

Happy birthday to Dennis, hope the celebration is a lot of fun!

 

PS On Sunday I was also diagnosed with conjunctivitis. I havent had it at least in 40 years!

 

Thank you and ronrick for the birthday wishes.  I have passed them on to Dennis.  I’ll been posting photos of him and his birthday celebration tomorrow.  No one can believe his age and how he almost runs around the ship (it is really a fast walk).  I can’t keep up with him and I’m 17 1/2 years younger than he is.  His physician wants to be like Dennis when he grows up (he is in his 60’s.)

 

Maria, I should have mentioned that Guayaquil has done a lot in the past few years in terms of safety.  Our buses were not escorted by police this time and the areas outside of downtown have really built up.  I did wonder why Regent visits this port but, like some ports in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the governments seem to try to improve the ports so that they will receive business from tourists and cruise ships.  I admire the fact that they work so hard to make their cities better - both for the locals and for tourists.

 

Hope that your eyes have healed.  I haven’s had an eye infection in as long as I can remember.  However, I did scratch my cornea a few months ago and have antibiotic drops that should cure this quickly.

 

In general, we feel that once you have done South America - there is not a need to return.  Our issues are reallly about the ability of Regent and other cruise ships to source the food that is needed onboard.  We did a wonderful fish lesson in the Culinary Center (highly recommend this).  I could not count the times that ingredients were substituted because they could not source the items in this part of the world.  In the case of Chilean Sea Bass, this switch (from Branzino) it was a good switch and was not an issue other than the thickness of the fish.  At this point, as usual, the ship appears to be low on lemons, red onions and a few other things.  This isn’t affecting our cruise and we understand that Explorer has not been in the U.S. for some time.

 

Time to rest again!

 

Dennis is happy and just wants a rest after a very busy morning.  I have photos to post but will stop with the animals as it depresses us as well.

Edited February 26, 2019 by Travelcat2

[Travelcat2]

A few photos - just got back to the suite and there are balloons and they have begun the preliminary set-up for the party with the Discovery Team tonight.  

 

Going to post two dishes that we prepared.  The first one (this page) was poaching Chilean Sea Bass and should contain olives and capers that I preferred to leave out.  The second one (next post) is a Canyon Ranch item and was yummy.  Recipes available upon request and when I have time (after today I’ll have more time).

 

 

[Travelcat2]

This takes a bit of explaining.  We took an already poached piece of salmon and mushed it up with our fingers and added honey, and other things that I cannot remember at the moment. We took a rice flower wrapper and moved it through water 4 times (only 4 times - it does not seem soft enough it continues cooking while you are plating it.  The we put the salmon and other ingredients on a lettuce leaf (should be butter lettuce but we had to use Romaine) and wrap it like a burrito.  The dipping sauce was amazing.  

 

Just found the recipe.  Added to the already poached salmon is a thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, lemon, honey to taste, dried cranberries that have been soaked in rice wine vinegar, slivered almonds, cilantro, mint leaves and chives chiffonade, the rice paper wraps and butter lettuce leaves.

[Travelcat2]

The internet is cooperating so I’ll post one more dish.  This is not suppose to be a scallop but we are happy that it was.  It is another cooking technique where you use a small pan and have the oil (peanut oil goes 2/3 the way up to the scallop.).  Not particularly good photos but the end result was amazing.  The scallop was dipped in flour, egg and pankko.  Then lightly fried to 120-125 degrees F (Did mine to 130 degrees as I prefer it a bit more done.  It was perfect).

 

 

[Travelcat2]

The culinary kitchen.  Single stations vs. sharing stations on Oceania.  Everyone has their own stove, utensils, etc. but you share a sink with your neighbor.  Most things are prepped for you but you get to slice/dice/cook/plate.

 

The second photo is the demonstration area.  The Chef prepares the dish and you go back and make it

 

Edited February 26, 2019 by Travelcat2

[Travelcat2]

This shows the drawer with your utensils.  You also have a place for dirty silverware and trash.  We cook on convection stoves.  The clean-up is done by crew members.  There was a visitor from Oceania in the class.  He has been with Oceania for 2 1/2 years and is a lovely man.  He assisted with cooking and poured some lovely wine (everything goes better with wine).

 

Two photos of the Tuna Tataki.  A gorgeous cut of sushi grade tuna that we seared (this is Dennis’ - he prefers it a bit more medium). It is served with Ponzu sauce (ponzu, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger juice).  The tuna is topped with white sesame seeds, scallion (not able to source here so we used chives).  

 

Now I’m really taking a rest!

[UUNetBill]

Jackie, thanks for the photos - it brings back great memories from my last Explorer cruise with mom.  What a great time.  I like the photo of the 'tented' fish; I'd never done that before and was amazed with the results.  Looks like Dennis is having a ball!

 

We've always said how great it would be if we only had someone at home to do our kitchen setup and prep...cooking would be SO much more enjoyable!!  Now get away from CC for a while and go enjoy your cruise.

[Master Echo]

 Vive La Difference!

 

TC2 commented previously about her preference for sun in the morning.  By contrast Sir & Madame prefer afternoon sun so they can watch the sunset whilst they dress for dinner.

 

When the itineraries for Explorer were first published that included Santiago to LA, I recommended a port side cabin, which would mean afternoon sun throughout the voyage, and this had worked perfectly.  

 

Agreeing with TC2, Explorer’s cabin A/C has coped faultlessly with the temperatures one would expect crossing the Equator, which we did this morning.

 

The differing preferences between TC2 and Sir and Madame demonstrates the importance of planning your cabin selection and not just leaving it to a Travel Agent, or whatever the cruise line chooses to allocate.  Vive la difference,  because it wouldn’t do for everyone to want the same position.

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

 

 

Master Echo

 

[Hambagahle]

We did a Panama Canal cruise on the Mariner 9 years ago.  It was the best cruise - most interesting, most fun - we have ever done.  And we had a PH on deck 11 on the starboard side so our balcony faced the "Pacific sunsets".  We just loved that.  Saw flying fish from the balcony.  had what in Africa we call a "Sundowner" sitting on the balcony.   In 2020 we are on the San Diego to Miami cruise on Splendour (with Jackie and Dennis and others...)  And again have booked a "sunset side" suite.  With a big balcony.   (Grand Suite 785 to be precise...)  I am SO looking forward to drinks and dinner on that balcony.

 

In 2010 we went through the canal - were up near the Observation Lounge from 0500 on.  Until we could not - literally - stand anymore.  We went back to our PH on Deck 11 and ordered bagels and smoked salmon.  The butler delivered it - and as we ate I said to Ken "we are having lox in the locks..."   We plan to do that again next year!!

 

So - sunrise / sunset - depends on what you like.  For us on the Pacific - sunset is the place to be!!

[UUNetBill]

42 minutes ago, Master Echo said:

Vive la difference,  because it wouldn’t do for everyone to want the same position.

Sorry, Captain, but EVERYONE requested a starboard cabin...

[Master Echo]

Guayaquil the gateway port of Ecuador for the Pacific beaches and the stunning Galapagos Islands, is approximately 45 miles up the River Guayas, to the centre of Guayaquil.  The journey from the mouth to our berth took some time, and was reminiscent of sailing up the Mekong.  The river is quite narrow in some places, and green verdant jungle was seen on our port bow.  Some Sargasso-type weed was also seen in places, as well as pieces of branches and greenery flowing down to the sea.

 

The area was inhabited by Indians when the Spanish arrived in 1538, and the latter named their settlement after the indigenous tribal chief’s name Guaya and his wife Quil.

 

I concur with TC2’s remarks concerning the safety of the city.  In 1997 Sir and Madame took a cruise, and the cruise line changed the port from Guayaquil to Manta! Due to the former’s wild west reputation.  The US government still advises not to take taxis and to do only organised tours. Things have changed in the last 21 years, and the modern city centre is clean and apparently safe.  Gated communities on the outskirts tell their own story, although the cost of the properties are extremely high.  Of course there is extreme poverty elsewhere, because the city attracts people from the outlying areas seeking a better life, and the ability to find work more easily. Like all places thus far visited, there have been an influx of many thousands of Venezuelans who will take any job to eat.  In all these places great sympathy has been expressed, but it is putting a great strain on the countries’ resources.

 

Guayaquil, with a population of officially 3.4 million, is the economic engine of Equador, with Quito as the capital and political hub.  Mirroring Catalunya in Spain, Guayaquil would like independence, but has a similar chance to that of its Spanish counterpart in Barcelona.

 

Reflecting the improvements made by the local Government, which is said to be democratic, electricity and telephone wires have been buried underground along the main thoroughfares.  There was also no evidence of armed police associated with our presence.

 

Our drive took us to Malecon 2000, the year it was inaugurated.  This is in the northern section and is a new waterfront promenade, which boasts, a mall, a small park with historical monuments, and a few old churches, and several areas for children to play in.  Although only driving down Simon Bolivar street,  it certainly seemed a lovely area for a stroll.

 

Like TC2, Sir and Madame visited the historic park, which comprised three distinct zones devoted to local wildlife, flora, traditions and the old urban colonial architecture, with preserved wooden houses.  This was extremely well laid out, but alas with few animal exhibits.  We were told that like Costa Rica, they now take the preservation of their environment very seriously, and the park is always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow the animals to rest away from the clicking of visitors’ cameras.  It was however, opened specially for us, although some animals had been removed.  Sir and Madame were not very happy to witness some of the small wire netting in some of the cages,  but realise it was for our safety, as well as the animals.

 

One must be very careful to make value judgements about places such as this.  Zoos in the US, UK and Australia corral elephants in a space where they have maybe only a hundred yards to roam.  Contrast this to the hundreds of miles that they trek in their natural environment.  The water parks in the US that keep orcas and dolphins in amphitheatre-like conditions in order to provide a spectacle for the public, have been much criticised in recent years.

 

An excellent Ecuadorian lunch was served in an old colonial wooden house, situated within the park environs. 

 

Notwithstanding having strong insect repellant, Sir suffered a cluster of mosquito bites on both shoulder blades through his polo shirt, an area that the repellant would not have been of use.  He was clearly sweet meat for the indigenous fauna!

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Zqueeze1]

Jackie: please give Dennis our warmest regards and happy birthday wishes.  He looks great!  Please feel free to stop at our place anytime and show us what you learned in culinary class. 

Z and TB

[JPR]

TC2: Excellent Pisco Sours can be made at home IF you can get ahold of some Chilean or Peruvian Pisco. Into an ice-filled martini shaker, pour a couple of shots of Pico, 3/4 oz fresh lemon or lime juice (or a bit more or less to taste), a couple of teaspoons of simple syrup (or more to taste), and most important: an entire egg white. (That appeared to be missing from the one in the photo, which wasn’t frothy). Shake very vigorously until frothy. Pour into a champagne flute and dot with Angostura Bitters.... 

[RachelG]

Dennis looks like he s having a grand time.  Happy birthday to him!  Don’t know which day it is exactly, but George turns 65 on Saturday.  I am officially married to an old guy.

[Eager2Travel]

Another voice chiming in from the Explorer.  

 

Mosquitos are a definite hazard in this part of the world .  We dined outside on the balcony of La Veranda the night we left Guayaquil.  My husband was bitten in several places on his hand.  We shouldn’t have been eating out there as evidently there are many mosquitos on the river at dusk.  Us city dwellers lack certain knowledge.  He woke up the next morning with a red, swollen hand.  The med center prescribed three medications.  We hope they work as infection is a risk for him.

 

Otherwise  the Explorer is great.  The ports a little less so but we knew that when we booked.

 

We do wish more had been said about taking precautions about mosquitos as has been done when necessary on previous Regent cruises.

 

My compliments to the bloggers.  It is fun reading their posts describing our experiences.

 

Ann

[Master Echo]

Sir and Madame dined in Pacific Rim tonight, but were unable to wish Mr TC2 Happy Birthday in person, because you were both tucked away in a corner.  They did however join in the birthday sing song.  May you both have enjoyed the rest of your evening.

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

[alexandra cruiser]

I posted this question on another thread,,but got no response...so...can you please tell me if the dancer Jason is back on the ship now? I had asked about him and was told he was med evac d on one of our ports home,,but not sure what was wrong or if he d be back for your cruise?Maybe one of dancers that greet us at theater door might know and you can pass on info.

So very strange because he checked us in on Feb 1 cruise and we talked about the poor singer who tragically died yrs ago onboard a Regent ship,,,,told him to be very careful dancing in possible rough weather.Then heard above,,,and was shocked.Want him to know he was missed and pray all is well.

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, alexandra cruiser said:

I posted this question on another thread,,but got no response...so...can you please tell me if the dancer Jason is back on the ship now? I had asked about him and was told he was med evac d on one of our ports home,,but not sure what was wrong or if he d be back for your cruise?Maybe one of dancers that greet us at theater door might know and you can pass on info.

So very strange because he checked us in on Feb 1 cruise and we talked about the poor singer who tragically died yrs ago onboard a Regent ship,,,,told him to be very careful dancing in possible rough weather.Then heard above,,,and was shocked.Want him to know he was missed and pray all is well.

 

I will try to learn how Jason is.  Give me a day!

 

[Travelcat2]

Master Echo -  hoping that you stop by and say hello - it would be a pleasure to meet your.

 

Ann, so sorry to hear about the mosquito bites.  That is the last thing that you need.  I did get a couple of bites that are not itchy which is nice.

 

Will do a few photos since I am in the theater at a lecture and photos take a bit of down to download.

 

Regent decorates suites when it is your birthday.  When you are in a Grand or Master suite, you can also have a party so we combined the two and Dennis had the best birthday ever.  Below and in the next post will be decorations, food, etc. of this magical night.  

 

 

[Travelcat2]

[Travelcat2]

The first photo (and the one on the next post) IMHO are great photos of Dennis on his birthday(s) - February 20th and February 26th.  

 

The rather dark photo is of Dennis and our wonderful butler.

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2019 by Travelcat2