Live from the Explorer - The Caribbean Reunion Tour!

[Hambagahle]

18 hours ago, orvil said:

Just got off Explorer.  The Osso Bucco was the only bad meal that I experienced.  The Osso Bucco was so salty that it was inedible.  It was perfectly tender.  Conversely, the risotto Milanese had zero salt.  We ate with another couple traveling with us on another night in Sette Mare and one of them ordered the Osso Bucco.  It was perfect.

 

We ordered an off the menu special meal for my GF and DF spouse.  The chef did a fabulous job.  Otherwise, he is limited to salad in Sette Mare.  It was a simple grilled chicken breast with a lemon caper sauce on GF pasta.  It looked really good.  He was thrilled.  We made certain to speak to the chef and thank him profusely for his efforts.

 

You win some and you lose some.  What was a loss, turned into a win.

What is "GF" and "DF" . ??

[kjbacon]

22 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

There are always a few of those, aren't there?  FYI, if you encounter a few more, just ask a crew member for a chilled melon baller - I've found that's the best and most comfortable way to gouge out your own eyeballs

Evidently I am very immature and probably a bad person as well because when you went the route of the chilled melon baller, I laughed hysterically.... when you then referenced the eyeballs, I realized that I had misunderstood where you were going. Oops.

 

Aruba is gorgeous and unusual with the cactus, sort of the desert meets the beach. Our excursion was good but too large for our taste. It was a catamaran sail and snorkel. With that many people, it takes forever to get in and out of the water.

 

 

No lunch pictures today but instead, a suggestion for an issue that needs improvement. Our tour of approx 75 hungry people returned to the ship at 2:30. It looked like at least one other tour returned in that time frame. The only place to eat that was still open was the Pool Grill and it was a total crowded mess ... not enough tables, not enough plates, couldn’t keep the food stocked. La Veranda should have stayed open a little later with tours running through lunch and arriving back late.

 

18 hours ago, Mudhen said:

Hi Everyone,

We've been enjoying your blog and comments immensely as we'll be aboard on the April TA.

Question: Can you tell me who might be tending bar in the Observation Lounge? What about the pool bar? We've enjoyed Mario through out the ship and are hoping to see him again. Is he on board? Since it looks like you guys are enjoying the lounge scene, is there anything special, drink wise, that might be new, different, otherwise notable? I'll be taking notes.....haha!

Mario appears to be on his break but there’s lots of good bar staff. We have found Sanja to be especially helpful and she has been keeping us honest on our vodka taste off! We are mostly red wine drinkers and the few cocktails we enjoy are martinis and some of the after dinner fare like White Russians. Trying the different spirits head to head has been fun yes, but it’s also been quite interesting!
 

Fellow passengers seem laid back, relaxed, and friendly. There is a more casual air about this sailing than our last with most guys wearing an open collared shirt at dinner.

 

We had a private dinner on our balcony with just our friends overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. We were able to enjoy some favorite dishes like Steamed Clams.

 

 

 

Today is Curaçao and we look forward to another great day!

 

[Hambagahle]

Last time I was in Aruba - admittedly a very long time ago - the desert area was full of Heineken bottles (empty ones...) . just tossed on the ground.   Very odd.  Hopefully you didn't see any of those.

[Kwaj girl]

5 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

What is "GF" and "DF" . ??

Gluten-free and Dairy-free IIRC

[Hambagahle]

16 minutes ago, Kwaj girl said:

Gluten-free and Dairy-free IIRC

Thanks.  I would never have guessed in a million years!  So what is IIRC . ??  Sorry to be so thick but I am Swiss after all!!

[Kwaj girl]

11 minutes ago, Hambagahle said:

Thanks.  I would never have guessed in a million years!  So what is IIRC . ??  Sorry to be so thick but I am Swiss after all!!

"If I Recall Correctly"

😉

[Mudhen]

16 minutes ago, Hambagahle said:

Thanks.  I would never have guessed in a million years!  So what is IIRC . ??  Sorry to be so thick but I am Swiss after all!!

Don't feel bad, Hamey, I didn't know what any of it was either!.....and I'm American....old, but American!!! (giggle!)

[Hambagahle]

That is a VERY useful thing to know!!  Merci vielmal as some say around here!!

[orvil]

14 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

What is "GF" and "DF" . ??

Gluten Free and Dairy Free.  You Swiss need to get out more😀

 

DH (Dear Husband) is so thrilled with the specialized food service that he has received on Regent, he is refusing to try Seabourn because he is afraid it will be 10-12 days of misery.  It makes such a difference to me when he is happy.

[Hambagahle]

Thanks for the kind advice!  Actually we Swiss get all over the world but English is not one of our four national languages nor are we up to date on American abbreviations!!

[kjbacon]

Huge changes fleetwide starting today ... no more self serving at the buffets. Infection control in full swing! My best wishes to the crew as I suspect this could be a difficult transition.

[kjbacon]

Had a wonderful day in Curacao yesterday and hope to double back with pictures. Couldn’t wait to post this delicious picture of Caviar Sunday for now though!

 

 

It was as delightful as it looked. Looking forward to Bonaire and Super Bowl Sunday!

 

 

[Mjflowers]

Caviar must have been served in La Veranda. No caviar in CR this morning. Also, no Grand Buffet in CR next Sunday. Precautionary, I was told.

 

[mrlevin]

25 minutes ago, Mjflowers said:

Caviar must have been served in La Veranda. No caviar in CR this morning. Also, no Grand Buffet in CR next Sunday. Precautionary, I was told.

 

 

Precautionary?  Or, just plain stupid?  Are they trying to make passengers feel better in that they are taking "precautions" or are they just insulting the intelligence of the passengers that realize that what is happening half the world away, and to a very limited extent in places around the world, should have no impact on their onboard experience.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Marc

[kjbacon]

Yes, the caviar was in La Veranda. The crew is really working hard with the new set up of serving all the food. There’s been some problems but hopefully they will work the kinks out. 
 

The ABC Islands delivered! We thought each island was magnificent and the snorkeling was fabulous. If you’ve never been and you’re not sure ... yes, go!
 

 

Snacks continue to be quite good at cocktail hour with Ross. This bite was a Smoked Trout with Caviar, delicious.

 

 

We enjoyed a second night in Sette Mari and my pictures weren’t very good but the Gnocchi with Creamy Pesto and the Orichette with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Anchovies were marvelous. Veal Maršala, Eggplant Parm, and Rack of Lamb were all quite good.

 

 

Last night we enjoyed drinks and canapés on the balcony before going to the Super Bowl Party.

 

 

 

The Super Bowl Party was not their best but we still had a good time. Today is Grenada and dinner in Chartreuse.

 

 

[Mudhen]

Snacks on your balcony looked fabulous! What wonderful Super Bowl yummies!, Ours sure didn't look like that....and there was no one to clear away the "wreckage" after it was over...haha! Glad to hear you're having a wonderful time.....

Looking for more! Who is the bartender in the Ob. Bar?

[jagoffee]

On 2/2/2020 at 10:00 AM, Mjflowers said:

Caviar must have been served in La Veranda. No caviar in CR this morning. Also, no Grand Buffet in CR next Sunday. Precautionary, I was told.

 

I had breakfast in the La Veranda yesterday morning and missed it.  I hope you wrong about the Grand Buffet next Sunday as I was looking forward to the experience.  

On 2/2/2020 at 10:28 AM, mrlevin said:

 

Precautionary?  Or, just plain stupid?  Are they trying to make passengers feel better in that they are taking "precautions" or are they just insulting the intelligence of the passengers that realize that what is happening half the world away, and to a very limited extent in places around the world, should have no impact on their onboard experience.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Marc

The precautions that have been implemented have not really impacted the overall experience.  Not a bad idea to have servers in the buffet areas.  I have seen this implemented at times on other ships/cruise lines.  Next Sunday might be a different situation.

 

Count us as two cruisers who appreciate Regent being cautious.  It certainly does not make it easier for The Regent staff.

[Hambagahle]

Oceania always serves guests at the buffet restaurant, the Terrace AND at their gala Sunday brunches.  I have always thought that sharing spoons, forks etc when serving oneself was not very hygenic...so am delighted by this new policy even though it may well be temporary.   It just takes time for staff and passengers to get used to.   ANYTHING is better than letting this virus spread. 

 

Love the "food porn" - but weren't those lamp chops rather over-cooked or was it the sauce?

Edited February 3, 2020 by Hambagahle

[kjbacon]

3 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

Oceania always serves guests at the buffet restaurant, the Terrace AND at their gala Sunday brunches.  I have always thought that sharing spoons, forks etc when serving oneself was not very hygenic...so am delighted by this new policy even though it may well be temporary.   It just takes time for staff and passengers to get used to.   ANYTHING is better than letting this virus spread. 

 

Love the "food porn" - but weren't those lamp chops rather over-cooked or was it the sauce?

The lamb chops were a perfect medium rare and my husband said they were delicious. Most of my pictures came out very dark that night and I’m not sure what I did wrong. Might have just been that it was dark out. Will certainly try to get better pics in chartreuse tonight.

 

We are in agreement about the improved sanitation steps. Having been in the food industry all my life, I know enough to know those risks! Admittedly, they are having some struggles with it and it doesn’t seem they were as well prepared as could be. Some passengers have been rather unpleasant about it. We very much appreciate their extra caution!

On 2/2/2020 at 9:28 AM, mrlevin said:

 

Precautionary?  Or, just plain stupid?  Are they trying to make passengers feel better in that they are taking "precautions" or are they just insulting the intelligence of the passengers that realize that what is happening half the world away, and to a very limited extent in places around the world, should have no impact on their onboard experience.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Marc

 

I prefer not to “argue” but I will make mention of something. We are in Grenada and there is a beautiful sailing ship that interested us enough that we googled it. It is here and one of its recent ports was Thailand so I’d say it’s not stupid at all and much needed.

 

6 hours ago, Mudhen said:

Snacks on your balcony looked fabulous! What wonderful Super Bowl yummies!, Ours sure didn't look like that....and there was no one to clear away the "wreckage" after it was over...haha! Glad to hear you're having a wonderful time.....

Looking for more! Who is the bartender in the Ob. Bar?

 

Our balcony snacks were from the canapé menu, sooo good, and not the Super Bowl Party. In the spirit of fairness, the food spread at the party was not good. 
 

The bartenders have been rotating around a lot. There is a bartender named Sanja who has been really great and she is our favorite.

 

We were not jazzed at all by Grenada so we are happy to be back here on our home away from home enjoying the shady side of the pool deck with a blueberry pina colada. We were only off the ship for a half hour when we agreed that we wanted to leave.

 

I am trying to behave better today since I am gaining way too much weight. The food is so good!! My healthy breakfast was delicious and so was my lunch. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of my light and healthy tossed salad with just fresh lemon and the Grilled Shrimp Skewers. The shrimp skewer was perfectly done, loved it, and would order it again.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 3, 2020 by kjbacon

[Hambagahle]

If the lamb was how you wanted it - no worries.  Just that we eat lamb very rare here... but I suppose it can be cooked that way too.    Re the food service - "Mr Levin" is just plain WRONG.  You cannot get flu from a flu shot (as I think he said) and "this epidemic" is not and will not be "limited".  Might be good to think so - but that isn't going to happen.

 

We see things VERY differently here in Europe I suppose.   Love your breakfast and keep on taking the photos AND enjoying the cruise.  We are all (all of us on this planet) going to have to deal with this "pandemic" for some time to come.  You do what you must.  And do not bury your head in the sand...

[liptastic]

I am pleased about the new buffet service measures in place. It’s good proactive practice. Anything that minimises risk factors have to be welcomed.  Thanks for keeping us updated and the great food photos.    Jean.

[crusin7]

Mmmmmm Blueberry Pina Colada!!!  Did it taste as good as it sounds?? 

[kjbacon]

13 hours ago, crusin7 said:

Mmmmmm Blueberry Pina Colada!!!  Did it taste as good as it sounds?? 

Yes, light and fresh, made with real fruit!

 

Today, the shout out goes to Chartreuse that went from good last year to positively amazing this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dishes included Beet Salad, Foie Gras, Crab Salad with Melon, Coquilles St Jacques, Roasted Lobster Tail, Chilean Sea Bass, Dover Sole, and the best Cheese Trolley in the universe. One of us also had the Escargots but I missed that picture. It was the best meal we have had yet and that is really saying something. Service was impeccable.

 

We also had another wonderful cocktail hour with the sensational Ross on the piano. Last night’s snack was a Thai Poached Shrimp that was delicious.

 

 

Today is St Lucia and we are looking forward to a full day tour by land and sea with lunch on the island. Tonight, our first dinner in Compass Rose.

 

 

 

 

 

[kjbacon]

And one more quick post, the perfect breakfast ... Huevos Rancheros in St Lucia.

 

 

[Mudhen]

Oh, how nice! That first dish has zero calories as indicated on top!

Sounds like  a great cruise is continuing!

Carry on!