Mariner - Bangkok to Hong Kong, 2/19 -3/19/19

[forgap]

9 minutes ago, Mr Rumor said:

 

Hmmm, we’re sitting in the car and I just tried a dummy post, with a photo I took of our fresh snow this a.m. and another I took just now, and each posted where I placed the cursor ( below a line of dummy type).  Puzzled!

So, are you using “click to choose files” or “insert other media”?   Let me try again.  

(Apologies to all who have to wade through these pictures!)

 

Oh, boy I think I understand!  You upload the pics, then place your curser, then tap the plus symbol!  

Rich, you’re a tech genius!  Merci beaucoup!

[flossie009]

The pictures are great, wherever you place them 😁

Such good memories of Bangkok

[Gilly]

I agree with Flossie.  Thanks for persevering - I understand (and share) the frustration at times but bravo Jennifer, you've got this sorted!

Edited February 24, 2019 by Gilly

[forgap]

Our second and final day of our pre-cruise tour had us visiting a royal residence which was very interesting.  It was filled with SE Asian antiquities in a lush garden setting.   The compound consisted of a series of elevated teak buildings, each with a different function.   

 

We then went on to the Jim Thompson House.  The house is located on the banks of a canal in a lush jungle setting.  

 

Jim Thompson was a trained architect and businessman who established the Thai Silk Company Limited in 1948. He was a major collector of Southeast Asian art, which at the time, was not well-known internationally. His house was designed in a traditional Thai style but with western conveniences such as indoor corridors and an indoor staircase.  It was stunning!  

 

I found the demonstrations of manufacturing silk to be particularly fascinating.  

 

 

The koi pond was stunning.

Edited February 24, 2019 by forgap
Text editing

[Gilly]

I loved both of those houses - I hoped they would be part of your plans.  What a lovely way to spend the afternoon!  (and oh, the colours of that silk )

[Hambagahle]

Was the "palace" you went to called "Vimanmek" ?  If so we went there and I couldn't bear to leave.  What a place and what a collection of beautiful things!!   Loved your photo of Wat Arun (temple of Dawn) which is another of my favourite places to go to.

[RachelG]

Jennifer, I love the pic of the cat with the green eyes.  Just outstanding.

 

as far as oriental massages, I too have had one where I felt that I was a chicken being deboned, but I did feel really good afterward.

[RJ2002]

Beautiful pictures and commentary.  Get ready to board the wonderful Mariner!

[forgap]

On board and unpacked and muster is in 7 minutes. Look what was waiting for us.   I whined endlessly during champagne -gate and Regent took notice!  Thank you, Jason Montague! Our favorite champagne! 

[Hambagahle]

b y now the Muster is over and you have opened the champagne!  Bon Voyage to you both!!  I LOVED your reports from BKK.  Brought back so many wonderful memories of times there and now I think I shall have to go again!  But just for BKK and not on a cruise...

Gerry

[forgap]

We have been onboard for a little over 12 hours and my first impressions are good.  We have a very friendly group of passengers.  Daniel Green is our Captain.  Our cruise Director is “John” (hoping it is the famous John Barron with whom we have not yet sailed).  

 

I have to confess we did not explore the ship yesterday.   I had been awake since 2:30 am as jet lag continues to kick my butt.  So, after unpacking and a short nap, we decided to get a drink in the observation lounge and a quick dinner on the pool deck and call it a day.  There was a sail away party with live music on the pool deck, and lots of people already dining.  We weren’t in the frame of mind to party down so we went to Sette Mare which was empty.  We sat on the terrace and had a perfect meal of small plates.  Then off to bed at 8:30!!!!!  I am happy to report that I slept 9 hours (first time in a week) with the help of a benedryl. 

 

Here are my first impressions.  This is our first time on Mariner and our 8th Regent Cruise.  It feels like coming home in many ways.  So, Mariner is familiar yet different enough that it feels like a dream where known settings are just a bit off.

 

Pool Deck:  I like the spaciousness and layout much better than Voyager and Mariner.  The placement of the pool bar and tables is perfect and I already plan to use the double loungers for star gazing at night. 

 

Observation Lounge:   I love the entrance and the placement of the Piano.   The pianist was playing soft light classical which was perfect for cocktails.  I also like the vertical windows rather than the diagonal windows on the other two ships.  And there is also outside space on either side for walking, lounging or just observing the seascape go by.

 

Sette Mare/La Veranda:  The outside area is much bigger than on the other two ships.  I liked it a lot!  

 

The Cabin:  the difference is noticeable.  It’s like they put the cabin in the dryer and it shrunk everything.  The bathroom and closet are pint size and fit one person at a time.  The side tables and space at the foot of the bed is smaller and the living area is equally dainty.  The balcony is the same, I think.     All that being said, it is comfortable and spacious enough that we found homes for all of our things. 

 

We are in Ko Samui today.  Signing off for now!  

 

 

[greenolaker]

I am enjoying following along with you on your trip. We will be on our first Regent cruise  in December when we embark on Voyager Singapore to Singapore cruise. Some of our ports are the same as yours so I am looking forward to hearing what shore excursions you took and your impressions. 

[forgap]

32 minutes ago, forgap said:

much better than Voyager and Mariner

Meant to say much better than Voyager and Navigator!   We haven’t yet sailed on Explorer.

 

sunrise:  

[ronrick1943]

I think you'll like the Mariner, we were on it last year-it's a great ship.  We'll be on it again this April and looking forward to another great cruise.  We've cruised the Explorer also (people don't agree with me on this one), however I like the Mariner better.  To me it seems like your cruising cruise liner of the past, but really dated.  So take care of her has we join the ship April 27.....Happy cruising! Rick

PS:Thanks again for the tip, we'll try the spa in Bangkok.  Enjoying your post and photos.

[WesW]

Jennifer & Georges, so glad you both r enjoying the Mariner.  Hope you like the coffee connection so much more space than the voyager and centrally located too.

 

If u have time please give Ida and my warm regards to both Capt. Daniel (u may see him in the Gym daily) and John.  Atlanta near 60 and sunny--spring is coming fast!

[forgap]

Wes, I ran across John Barron today and gave him your warm wishes.    He sends back greetings to you and Ida.  

 

I took a speed tour through the ship this morning.  I have to say, the public areas are beautiful. Each lounge has a different atmosphere and the coffee connection is spacious and and well laid out.  These public area are designed much better than on  V and N.  

 

The only horrifying thing I've encountered is the mirror in the shower.  I believe I will need extensive therapy after this assault on my self esteem and body image.  The only redeeming value is that the mirror quickly steams up!  

[RachelG]

The mirror in the shower is a bit scary.  I turn on the shower with the heat high before getting in so it pre-steams!

 

I love your explanation that they must have placed the cabin in the dryer and shrunk it.  This is what the G cabins on Explorer feel like as well. 

 

And tell John hello for me as well.  I really miss having not sailed with him in a few years.  Best CD ever in my book.

[Gilly]

It sounds as though Mariner is in good shape and in capable hands too. That's good news to those of us looking forward to our turn on board!  I'm with Rick on the order of favourites though find each of the ships has an individual feature which endears it to us.  That means, whatever ship we happen to be on is our favourite for the duration of the cruise 

 

Have fun in Ko Samui!

[ronrick1943]

7 hours ago, Gilly said:

It sounds as though Mariner is in good shape and in capable hands too. That's good news to those of us looking forward to our turn on board!  I'm with Rick on the order of favourites though find each of the ships has an individual feature which endears it to us.  That means, whatever ship we happen to be on is our favourite for the duration of the cruise 

 

Have fun in Ko Samui!

 

I agree I enjoy all the ships when I'm on them.  However I really like the Mariner.  PS: I said it's dated in my post - wanted to say "UPDATED". Sorry!

[EAGLESLOVER]

16 hours ago, forgap said:

Wes, I ran across John Barron today and gave him your warm wishes.

Am enjoying your posts.

Do you know how long John will be on the Mariner?

We board on 3/28.

[forgap]

We had a long but enjoyable day in Koh Samui today.  Our tour included lunch and visits to a rubber making venue, a coconut factory, an animal park, and a stop to see the golden Buddha.  

 

Koh Samui is a tender port and, this being the first excursion day, check in was a bit chaotic.  Once the new passengers figure it out, it should calm down.  The ride to shore took about 20 minutes but it seemed longer.  Once ashore, we were ushered to mini vans in groups of eight.  The vans were new and the AC worked very well!  Our guide, Nicky, was funny and charming so the visits to the coconut factory and the demonstration of rubber tapping were much more interesting than I expected. 

The highlight was the visit to the animal park where three baby elephants bathed in a pool.  We got up close and personal with them too, brushing their backs and trunks and generally playing with them. 

 

 

We then had a and a cooking lesson in how to make green papaya salad.  We were all hungry at that point so the salad was particularly delicious.  

 

We were then then off to lunch in a seaside restaurant.  The setting was beautiful and the food was just OK as the heat/spice level was dumbed down for the sensitive palates and no hot sauce was provided for those of us who want a more authentic experience. 

 

 

Coming home, Regent decided to employ local boats to take us back to the ship which was much more pleasant than the claustrophobic tender ride.   Imagine sitting forward, top deck, gentle breeze, puffy clouds in a blue sky with mountains and islands in the distance.  Perfection!  

 

 

Can I deviate from my usual positive vibe for a moment?  I have a hard time understanding the behavior of my fellow passengers.   Isn’t it impolite to carry on a LOUD conversation in a small van while our guide is doing her best to explain the sites?  Isn’t it ruder to carry on a LOUD cell phone conversation?  Isn’t it inappropriate to scream at the destination staff in the main lobby?   I stumbled upon that bit of drama so I don’t know what the issue happened to be, but the destination manager had to step in and set limits which appeared to escalate the situation to the point she called in reinforcements up the chain of command.  It seems like some people need to re-learn manners and take a class in conflict resolution 101.  OK, rant over!

 

[greenolaker]

Thanks for sharing. Except for the rude passengers sounds like a great day. 

[ronrick1943]

Yes it is rude and Un called for at anytime.  The way I look at problems during a trip/cruise, just remember it's not the end of the world.  Their are bigger problems in life, let's wish these people will just go away and stay in their cabin and be miserable my themself not disturbing others.

 

Your trip looks great soon far with beautiful photos, can't wait until April to on the ship..........Thanks again for taking the time. Rick

[WesW]

Beautiful post Jennifer--terrific pairing of words and photos; even with your polite rant. 

 

btw; Ida gave me a kitchen pass and in about three weeks head to Singapore for (another line) cruise with four days in Myanmar--can't wait.  

Edited February 27, 2019 by WesW

[forgap]

We sailed into Sihanoukville at about 10 am after a leisurely breakfast “en plein air” at La Veranda.  Our morning tuk tuk ride was cancelled due to a scheduling snafu by Destinations which was probably for the best as we were tired and needed some down time.  I went on a kayaking trip in the afternoon - Georges opted out in favor of a nap.  

Sihanoukville is not exactly an attractive city.  It is dusty and a massive construction site.   The Chinese have invested heavily in the town in an attempt to make it a resort destination.  There are currently 90 casinos in Sihanoukville, none of which the Cambodians are allowed to visit.  

 

Unemployment is low in Cambodia but wages are below poverty level so everyone must have multiple jobs.  Infrastructure is primitive, roads are a disaster and garbage litter is everywhere. 

 

We traveled about 40 minutes to Ream National Park to the kayaking site.  It was a lovely paddle with thick mangroves on each bank of the river.  

We ended up at the Hidden Spa and Resort which sounded fancy and was owned by an expat Brit.  It was really a ramshackle series of cabins on the river.  We were greated with freshly hacked coconut juice and were soon on our way to a beach about another 40 minutes away.  We were hot and tired but the guides are given a precise schedule to which we had to stick! 

 

The beach was beautiful and the water was warm.  Some swam, but I got squeamish about the drainage pipes going from the resort to the ocean.  After all, if garbage collection is non existent is there such a thing as sewage processing?  

 

We finally tried the pool pool deck venue for dinner.   The concept is great but the food was already cooked and overdone so I didn’t really care for it.  

 

We now now have two sea days so we can finally sink into cruising rather than touring.