“Live From” Z and TB’s Tapas and Sangria Tour

[Zqueeze1]

Good Morning!  It is another beautiful day on the Atlantic.  We are two days away from San Juan and getting closer by the minute as we sail in a westerly direction. I woke up early (insomnia) and decided to watch the ship wake up and the sun rise.

It was utterly spectacular and very humbling.  

 

I started thinking about the intro to a recent bio I just read, “In 1967 at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium, a young guitarist played a blistering solo that announced a prodigious talent. Two years later he played a historic set at Woodstock, and the world came to know Carlos Santana by name.  Carlos describes his life and music as striving to attain the Universal Tone.”  Those last three words makes one want to strive to attain them after watching the miracle of a sun rise. Where the heck did all that come from?  It’s as if Jim Morrison is speaking through me via his Horse Latitudes song.  

Back to reality. I’ve already mentioned the country fair and all the fun we had.  The pool is unbelievably perfect and refreshing.  We spent a lot of time outside yesterday enjoying the weather.  

These are the ingredients to my favorite drink. The only thing missing is the OJ. 

So far, it’s been the calmest and warmest crossing we’ve ever had. The Boss is walking two hours a day and I’m having two drinks an hour. 

We had a nice evening last night at the Meridian Lounge to taste their mixology drinks.

 

Today: more sunshine, pool, and rest. 

Z and TB

[Zqueeze1]

 

We had another lovely meal in Compass Rose last night

We started with some chicken and veggie egg rolls (pass)

Ceviche 

Escargot 🐌 

Filet and lobster (me)

Broiled shrimp

Striped sea bass

 

 

Z and TB

[GOARMY]

BNguy:

 

Reference your Post #195--

 

As related to San Juan stop, stopped by Destinations Desk a few minutes ago.  As has been Regent's past practice when the final stop before disembarkation at Miami is San Juan, there will be a Passport clearance check.  Our last time at San Juan that procedure was conducted inside the Terminal building.

Will report on Thursday's experience which may involve additional health screening protocols.  

 

GOARMY!

 

[hockeyken]

My son, it is good that you are providing so much info and photos for all of these fine people who have been following along.

However, I do detect the ugly spectre of "Gluttony" raising it's head. Therefore, I suggest you cut back on the porkchops, and increase your intake of rum. Otherwise, you have done a fine job.

Just remember, in the morning while getting dressed : yellow in the front, brown in the back.

Wishing everyone reading this review smooth sailing and  well shaken drinks.

 

K&N

[Zqueeze1]

4 hours ago, hockeyken said:

My son, it is good that you are providing so much info and photos for all of these fine people who have been following along.

However, I do detect the ugly spectre of "Gluttony" raising it's head. Therefore, I suggest you cut back on the porkchops, and increase your intake of rum. Otherwise, you have done a fine job.

Just remember, in the morning while getting dressed : yellow in the front, brown in the back.

Wishing everyone reading this review smooth sailing and  well shaken drinks.

 

K&N

Lol. You sure do speak purty. 
Z and TB

[Zqueeze1]

Another night of little sleep. I got up at 0400 and started to walk around the ship looking for coffee which I found from a machine st the Coffee Connection.  Since these past six days have been sea days, they are a jumble of mixed up memories. So, I thought I would entertain yous with some background info of my best friend Max. We have been friends since we first met sophomore year (1979) at The Citadel.  We’ve been stationed together in the Philippines and in NW Florida.  Max got me in trouble in Korea and I had to get flown out of the country the next day.  During Desert Storm, I used to ship him booze in shampoo or mouthwash bottles. He also talked me out of stealing a beautiful painting from the Maxwell Air Force Base Officers’ Club.  He made me take it back and I told the bartender that I caught some schmuck with the painting outside the club. We had free drinks all night. 

Here’s a pic of my best friend getting ready to go out on a date with TB’s best friend who he eventually married:

Some thoughts about Max:

-The best way to describe my best friend Max’s physical appearance is that he is in his second trimester. 

-The reason he doesn’t have any baby pictures is because the wide angle lens hadn’t been invented yet. 

-His waistline owes more to the vineyard than the gymnasium.

-His lack of talent is worthy of scientific investigation

-He is an avid student of who he considers to be a great southern American philosopher, Foghorn Leghorn, who once said, “I keep my feathers numbered in case of an emergency.”  

I admit it, I am a little bored and sort of loopy. 

Z and TB

Edited November 10, 2021 by Zqueeze1

[Zqueeze1]

Last night, we had dinner at Charteuse. Although I am not a fan of this restaurant, we really enjoyed dinner. I had the honor to be accompanied by this beautiful woman:

And had a nice table next to the window. 

 

 

Their breads are amazing

We both had the crab salad

The excellent mushroom soup

TB had haddock

and I had lamb chops

Dessert was the famous opera cake 

 

Today: we are going to a party at Jacque and Dennis’ suite and more swimming. 
Z and TB

Edited November 10, 2021 by Zqueeze1

[FengShui@Sea]

Your dinner companion certainly was beautiful ~ lucky you!

 

I was curious about the number of times you have been able to dine in the specialty restaurants.  On our one and only Regent cruise we were allowed our one reservation in each restaurant and were not able to get a second reservation, even though we stopped by the desk and asked every day.  I am assuming that your access is tied to the level of suite you are in?  Would greatly appreciate if you could confirm this, or if I’m not correct please share your secret!  

[Huggsy]

20 minutes ago, FengShui@Sea said:

Your dinner companion certainly was beautiful ~ lucky you!

 

I was curious about the number of times you have been able to dine in the specialty restaurants.  On our one and only Regent cruise we were allowed our one reservation in each restaurant and were not able to get a second reservation, even though we stopped by the desk and asked every day.  I am assuming that your access is tied to the level of suite you are in?  Would greatly appreciate if you could confirm this, or if I’m not correct please share your secret!  

I was thinking exactly the same 🤔😊

[wcsdkqh]

If the ship is half full, then then you have more opportunities to eat wherever you wish.

[GOARMY]

As to multiple access to specialty restaurants:  

 

The longer the cruise segment, the more opportunity for multiple visits.  Upper tier (particular w/Butler) makes the process simpler.  One has to be flexible as to reservation time and willingness to share a table. The usual routine is to check in periodically with the representative occupying a separate office adjacent to the Cruise Consultant's office.  Or, with the Matre'd at that particular venue.  

 

Our experience has been--no problem getting a second visit--for dinner.  But, with the great variety of offerings at Compass Rose; and Sette Mari, we often do not seek a repeat.    

 

Lunch is another matter. On this cruise with so-many sea days, we have visited either Chartreuse or Prime 7 every other day.  

 

----------------------------------

 

Now--on to a completely different matter.  I believe this Explorer segment ending at Miami in four days will be the first time (post-COVID shut down) for a Regent ship to disembark passengers in Mainland USA.  In preparation:  last night was furnished a notice ("Letter") with the following guidance on protocols covering our departure.

 

" , , , all guests are required to have two negative antigen test(s) over 2 to 3 days at least 24 hours but not more than 48 hours apart before we arrive in Miami. . . This is a mandatory requirement.  Medical staff will be performing tests in the Observation Lounge. . . We recommend you take a photo on your cell phone of the QR code at the top of this letter . . . Test results will be emailed to you, and a printed copy of the final test sent to your suite . . . We will call guests by deck to avoid waiting too long."

 

So, for this cruise, First test on November 11th between 4:00-6:30pm; second test November 13th between 9:00-10:30am.  

 

"The above antigen tests are complimentary, as it is a requirement for all guests on board."

 

The above procedure may serve as a model for subsequent Explorer segments in the near future.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Interesting that you have to test for Miami, but not for Puerto Rico?  PR is the first time you enter the US, yes?

[Zqueeze1]

2 hours ago, Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin said:

Interesting that you have to test for Miami, but not for Puerto Rico?  PR is the first time you enter the US, yes?

Yup.  I think every requirement should have been met before arriving in PR since it is the US. 
Z and TB

[GOARMY]

Hot off the Press:  

 

Notice posted to all Suites--

 

"in preparation of our arrival to San Juan on November 11 . . . All guests are required to present themselves to US Customs & Border Protection Officials in person upon arrival.  This mandatory inspection will take place inside the terminal . . . 

 

Starting time:  Approximately 10:45 am.  

Please have your Passport with you prior to proceeding through the inspection . .. 

 

And so-on.   

 

In other words, just as we experienced in 2018 when returning to Miami via Puerto Rico on our Amazon River Navigator cruise.  

 

------

 

Another observation:  Laundry service is the best we have had on any Regent ship.  Turn-around time has been from 8 to 10 hours.  Often, same-day.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

Z…

keep those foodie fotos coming! Makes me drool until December 8th…

thanks.

sheila

[RachelG]

Tell TB she is looking beautiful.

[irishwitchy]

Love TB’s pearls and hair - very nice.  

[Zqueeze1]

7 hours ago, irishwitchy said:

Love TB’s pearls and hair - very nice.  

 

14 hours ago, RachelG said:

Tell TB she is looking beautiful.

What can I say, I married up.

Z and TB

[Zqueeze1]

Happy Veterans Day!

For the first time in any of our cruises, I don’t have much to say. I don’t even have any pics, so my apologies. I had to skip dinner last night for the second time this cruise, which, for those who know me, is a freak of nature type of event. 
Yesterday was another beautiful day and we spent it by the pool and napping. Regent had their build a floatable boat contest which I failed to get pics from the event. 
We went to Jackie and Dennis’ suite last night for a pre dinner party. They did a wonderful job with their canapés and drinks. Dennis had us at the edge of our seats telling us his life story.  What an amazing man to arrive to America with basically nothing and make it to the top of his career field in support of our space program. 
After a great evening we went to Sette Mari for dinner and this is when things went south. I started getting burning hot as soon as I sat down and felt claustrophobic. I bowed out of dinner and went to the cabin where I put a fan on me and cooled down. After an hour or so, I felt back to normal.  I suffer from anxiety and may have had a little bout of it. 
Today is a big day for me. My family is from PR and I am excited to be back although we won’t be seeing any relatives (that’s another story). My family’s story is similar to Dennis’ in that they also went to America in the 50s and put down roots in Manhattan. The first generation worked hard and made many sacrifices so that my generation would be educated and assimilated.  They are mostly back on the island enjoying their golden years and looking at us to do better. Hard to beat folks that sweated and sacrificed for us. 
Z and TB

[Zqueeze1]

Quick preview for today:

El Morro fort

 

 

 

Z and TB

[nfcu]

What happens if you test positive prior to Miami?  Are you then not allowed off the ship?

[Sheltieluv]

Z, thank you for your service, and Happy Veteran's Day to all who served, including my husband--U.S Marines, Vietnam vet.  Thinking of all of you who sacrificed so much.🇺🇸

 

[GOARMY]

Reference Posts #205, 214, and 217:

 

Late last night, Regent announced no need for the first November 11th COVID Test procedure.  Why?  Have not a clue.  But, that decision was prescient, and appreciated, due to what was just-experienced while conducting the mandatory US Customs & Border Protection (C&BP)  clearance procedure at San Juan.  

 

How can four persons who cannot be accounted for slow down the Passport Check procedure for an additional 1.25 hour?  450+ guests left to sit, walk around, or grouse in the Terminal until Regent could confirm O persons remained on the ship, regardless of nationality; who had not presented themselves to C&BP.   No one allowed to reboard until ALL could be accounted for.  

 

Again--this was NOT Regent's fault.  C&BP mandates at Puerto Rico, no-doubt mandated by the COVID situation dictated such.  

 

Bottom Line:  As in life, in general, in any situation involving a group, one can count on about 10% either not getting the Message; not reading it; or not willing to conform, messing the matter up for the remainder.  Regent's written instructions, and numerous announcements piped into each suite earlier this day clearly advised EVERYONE had to participate, whether or not they held a US Passport.  

 

Anyway--back on board in time for a great lunch at Chartreuse.  

 

Regent had a second Military Vet's gathering at 0900H at the Coffee Connection's "Cafe" venue outside Deck 5.  More folks showed up than the earlier one.  Trumpet sounded Taps. Nice touch.

 

Now, two days remain at sea until Miami.  Await that first, and final COVID testing procedure on Saturday.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

[BBWC]

That is actually not related to Covid. Zero passenger count has always been the rule in most U.S. ports. And yes, I have seen several instances where someone didn’t get the memo.

 

I still don’t quite understand why you need a test before docking in Miami. The U.S. rule for testing only applies to arrivals by air. I have not heard of other cruise lines doing such testing.

[BNguy]

GO ARMY, thanks for your insight and experience in San Juan.  I still have to ask, what exactly was done for the “health clearance”?  I ask this because of the cruise my wife and I will be on (leaving Miami on December 8. ) has a note in the stop for San Juan that a “health clearance check” will happen at San Juan.  We both are just curious about that since no other port states that.  That quote is below:

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Guests must carry their proof of vaccination.
• All guests must undergo a health clearance upon arrival.
• Guests can go ashore independently or on shore excursions organized by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Again thanks to you and also to Z for the running commentary on your current cruise