Notes from a Navigator Novice: Hong Kong to Singapore

[Hambagahle]

Flossie --  you said above

"Dinner in Prime 7. Food was delicious, with both our steaks being cooked perfectly and all the sides piping hot. However we found this venue on Navigator to be dark and cramped. Hopefully they will lighten the decor during the next refurbishment due later this year."

 

We were on the Navigator before Prime 7 was put there and afterwards as well.  They literally "carved out" the space from la Veranda with the result that now both restaurants are cramped.  Too bad - but on the other hand nice that they do have at least one speciality restaurant on the Navigator...

[forgap]

I always wondered why the casino space is so sacred on these ships.  Dining venues are major players on ships and, in my mind, should have top design priority for space and comfort.  I rarely see the casino with people in it and I have never seen it crowded!  Hopefully, Regent will take not when refurbishing the Navigator.  

 

Love your pictures and reliving the itinerary we were just on! 

[travelwell]

Flossie, How miserably warm was the weather? We will be on a overland tour of Cambodia in 2 years and I know you were on the coast.

[flossie009]

3 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

Flossie --  you said above

"Dinner in Prime 7. Food was delicious, with both our steaks being cooked perfectly and all the sides piping hot. However we found this venue on Navigator to be dark and cramped. Hopefully they will lighten the decor during the next refurbishment due later this year."

 

We were on the Navigator before Prime 7 was put there and afterwards as well.  They literally "carved out" the space from la Veranda with the result that now both restaurants are cramped.  Too bad - but on the other hand nice that they do have at least one speciality restaurant on the Navigator...

As explained in post#17, we did not find La Veranda to be cramped during our cruise.

 

50 minutes ago, travelwell said:

Flossie, How miserably warm was the weather? We will be on a overland tour of Cambodia in 2 years and I know you were on the coast.

Temperature ranged from low to mid 90s F (low to mid 30s C). The humidity was high which was quite draining.

[flossie009]

Sat/Sun, 16/17 March: Laem Chabang, Thailand

 

The itinerary for this cruise scheduled a 2 day, overnight, stop at Khlong Toei (Klong Toey) Port which is on the Chao Phraya river near the centre of Bangkok.

One week before this segment commenced, Regent changed the port of call to Laem Chabang and all previously booked tours were cancelled.

The reasons given were first tides, then river levels, then a combination of the two. We were surprised that these issues could not be predicted earlier and were even more surprised when we found out that the Silversea ship Silver Shadow had managed to dock at Klong Toey on the same date. 

 

The result of this significant change of itinerary was disappointment for guests and a mountain of work for the Destinations department rearranging tours; some to Pattaya (45 mins to 1 hour travelling time each way) and some to Bangkok (2 hours plus travelling time each way).

 

The next challenge was that our stop coincided with “Early Voting Days” as part of the Thai elections so there were some worries about possible civil unrest and also no alcohol could be sold in bars or hotels from 18:00 on March 16 to 18:00 on March 17 (St Patrick’s Day) 😱

 

 

We opted to take the shuttle into Pattaya on Saturday afternoon and then stayed on board for a lazy Sunday on deck on the 17th.

[flossie009]

Pattaya was a small fishing village but grew when used by the US military as an R&R location during the Vietnam war.
Since then it has grown into an enormous tourist resort, but unfortunately has a seedy, sleazy side to some of the entertainment on offer.


Pattaya traffic can be a challenge


An international town; note the Golden Arches at street level and UK readers will recognise the brand at the top


On Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely caviar & champagne breakfast in La Veranda followed by lazing on the Pool Deck, with occasional dips in the pool.
The ship was festooned with green balloons for Paddy’s Day and lunch offerings were in keeping with the day .............. including Irish Stew.

We opted for fish, chips (fries), tartar sauce & mushy peas.

 

Desserts also had an Irish theme:

Who knew the French pastry chef had Irish leanings?


Some guests opted to travel into Bangkok on the Saturday, overnight at a hotel and then travel back to Laem Chabang on the Sunday.
For those returning from their long excursions in Bangkok on the Sunday there was a Regent welcoming party, including the band, on the quayside - always a nice touch.


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Edited March 20, 2019 by flossie009

[flossie009]

Terry Bishop performed an early evening show of Irish songs and humour and the 9:30pm show was appropriately the Irish duo “Five O’Clock Somewhere”.
All very enjoyable.








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Edited March 20, 2019 by flossie009

[Gilly]

@flossie009  I'm sure many of those who enjoyed last year's World Cruise on board Navigator were having distinct feelings of deja-vu on St Patrick's Day!  Still it looked as much fun this year as it was last:  Five o'clock Somewhere were good fun and Terry was, well, he's Terry, isn't he?!  (defies description, really...)

 

I'm sorry about your itinerary change in BKK.  We started a cruise in Laem Chabang one year and I well remember how far it was to drive.  I think we too would have enjoyed a bonus sea day in those circumstances.

 

Thank you for sharing the fun!

[Hambagahle]

Flossie - I did find la Veranda to be cramped when on board after Prime 7 had taken quite a bit of space...  I haven't been on the Navigator now for a long time.  But before the space was re-jigged la Veranda was a lovely place!  Glad you still find it that way.

[UUNetBill]

44 minutes ago, Hambagahle said:

Flossie - I did find la Veranda to be cramped when on board after Prime 7 had taken quite a bit of space...  I haven't been on the Navigator now for a long time.  But before the space was re-jigged la Veranda was a lovely place!  Glad you still find it that way.

That's the problem with finite space.  Add something new, something else has to go.  I was sorry to see the Connoisseur Club removed from Navigator, but some (most?) didn't care.  I'd be fine with repurposing the casino, but others wouldn't.  I'm guessing there's a revenue stream from the shops and the casino otherwise they'd be smaller or gone.  The only real way to get decent sized specialty restaurants on Navigator would be to sacrifice a handful of passenger cabins to donate to public space, but the decrease in revenue would never fly at corporate, I'm sure.

 

I'm fine on Navigator for the itineraries we sail (usually 14 days or less) but I can see where the lack of dining options could be a problem on longer cruises.

[DavidTheWonderer]

5 hours ago, flossie009 said:

...

One week before this segment commenced, Regent changed the port of call to Laem Chabang and all previously booked tours were cancelled.

The reasons given were first tides, then river levels, then a combination of the two. We were surprised that these issues could not be predicted earlier and were even more surprised when we found out that the Silversea ship Silver Shadow had managed to dock at Klong Toey on the same date. ..:

 

Regent has a history of doing this in SE Asia. You’re right that tide tables are available literally decades in advance. 

[rcandkc]

They open the doors to Prime 7 from La Veranda side when the space is needed.  Only time I found it crowded was on embarkation day when it was quite chilly outside. 

[Hambagahle]

4 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

That's the problem with finite space.  Add something new, something else has to go.  I was sorry to see the Connoisseur Club removed from Navigator, but some (most?) didn't care.  I'd be fine with repurposing the casino, but others wouldn't.  I'm guessing there's a revenue stream from the shops and the casino otherwise they'd be smaller or gone.  The only real way to get decent sized specialty restaurants on Navigator would be to sacrifice a handful of passenger cabins to donate to public space, but the decrease in revenue would never fly at corporate, I'm sure.

 

I'm fine on Navigator for the itineraries we sail (usually 14 days or less) but I can see where the lack of dining options could be a problem on longer cruises.

I would be fine (more than fine) to see the Connaisseur Club AND the smoking areas removed from all the Regent (and other) ships.  To me - cigars and pipes are more than disgusting.  Cigarettes I can stand but just.  I also do understand that smoking is an addiction.   But so is drinking and it doesn't leave nasty smells!!

[flossie009]

Mon March 18: Ko Samui, Thailand

 

Ko Samui is a tender port and Regent used Navigator’s own tenders plus some local larger boats.

Due to late arrival on board of local officials, and a downpour, we were about 1 hour late leaving the ship. It was then about a half-hour tender ride to shore.

[flossie009]

Our excursion was a Thai Cookery class.
First it was off to the local market where all manner of delicacies were on sale including live frogs, turtles, eels and catfish (large & small). The meat counters proved the old adage that you can eat all parts of a pig apart from the squeal.
I will refrain from posting some of my photos in case you are reading this over a meal.




Just outside the market (fish should be fresh)


Flower stall selling offerings for the temples



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[flossie009]

The cookery class was held at a beautiful beach resort and was well organised. We prepared & cooked each dish in turn and then consumed our results before starting on the next course. Our food tasted good washed down with local Singha beers.

The three courses we prepared were:
- deep fried crab with pork
- coconut & chicken soup
- shrimp Pad Thai

(Note: We were given our good quality aprons & chef’s hats to take home. Regent take note, as it has always mildly annoyed that they charge extra $$ if you want an apron from the Explorer cookery classes)


The venue for the cookery class


Ingredients for the first course


Crabs prepared before battering & deep frying




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[flossie009]

Ingredients for the soup. Our excellent guide is on the left and our cookery teacher in the background on the right.


The finished soup - delicious


Ingredients for the Phad Thai.
(Sorry no photo of the excellent finished dish - too busy eating, drinking & chatting)



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Edited March 21, 2019 by flossie009

[flossie009]

Our guide for the day, who was helpful & informative throughout


After thanking our cookery teacher we headed off for a quick look at the Big Buddha before returning to the quay to catch one of the last boats back to the ship.




Silver Shadow on the left; Seven Seas Navigator on the right

 

 

(PS: This excursion was a Regent Choice, paid tour, but was well worth the relatively low charge)


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Edited March 21, 2019 by flossie009

[forgap]

Wow!   Now, that’s my cup of tea!

 

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks Susan. Enjoying your pictures and commentary. 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Great commentary and pix, thank you!

[greenolaker]

Susan. I was thinking of taking the cooking class when we are there on our Voyager cruise in December. Just wondering if the room is air conditioned.

 

Also are you doing the Regent post cruise Singapore 3 day shore excursion?  

 

Since we we have many of the same ports I have enjoyed reading about your experiences. Thanks for your informative blog

 

Bonnie

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, greenolaker said:

Susan. I was thinking of taking the cooking class when we are there on our Voyager cruise in December. Just wondering if the room is air conditioned.

 

Also are you doing the Regent post cruise Singapore 3 day shore excursion?  

 

Since we we have many of the same ports I have enjoyed reading about your experiences. Thanks for your informative blog

 

Bonnie

 

We disembarked from Explorer March 9th - took a Culinary Class and the room is definitely air conditioned.  It is an amazing space and I felt like I was on the Food Network (with someone else prepping the food).  It is important to note that, at the moment, the only ship that has a Culinary Center is Explorer.  When Splendor debuts, she will also have a Culinary Center.  

[RachelG]

That cooking class looks great

[flossie009]

1 hour ago, greenolaker said:

Susan. I was thinking of taking the cooking class when we are there on our Voyager cruise in December. Just wondering if the room is air conditioned.

 

Also are you doing the Regent post cruise Singapore 3 day shore excursion?  

 

Since we we have many of the same ports I have enjoyed reading about your experiences. Thanks for your informative blog

 

Bonnie

 

Hi Bonnie,

The Ko Samui  cookery class is held outside in a covered area. Being shaded but open next to the beach it does not get too hot.

 

No, we are not doing the Regent post cruise but have made our own arrangements in Singapore (we took a credit from Regent for the included post cruise)