Day 1 – Jan. 7 – Miami Embarkation
After a lovely night at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, we pack the two big suitcases we brought with us, and our two smaller carry-on suitcases and leave them in the room. As we go to breakfast, the concierge staff is picking up our suitcases and taking them to the bus. We have a few hours before we will board the bus, so we talk a walk around Coral Gables.
At noon, we board our bus and are taken to the port to board our “home away from home”. When we arrive in our cabin, we find the four large suitcases we had shipped earlier, as well as the two large suitcases and two carry-on suitcases we brought with us from Chicago. As usual, we brought much more than we needed – will we ever learn?
But first things first -we have to find our sparkly “disco” dresses for the big gala tonight. At this point, only the World Cruise Guests have boarded the ship, as the other “segment only” guests will arrive tomorrow. Tonight we are being treated to a special concert on the ship performed by Kool and the Gang. (Actually, there is only one original band member left, but the performance was outstanding!) Of course, we land middle seats in the front row – perfect for dancing later in the evening!
Day 2 – Jan. 8 – Miami
After the big show, we have a “lie-in” as they say in the UK. (Or sleep-in, for my US friends!) We begin the morning on the back deck, as always, with coffee being the drink of choice this morning.
After breakfast, we head out on a tour of the Miami Everglades, as the new (segment only) passengers board the ship.
It was very cold, and we were given ear plugs for the noise of the airboats. However , even considering the less than optimal conditions, it was a fascinating experience! I’ve never glided over the top of water before and it confused my senses. We saw several alligators in the swamp, some hidden in plain site!
When we re-board the ship, it is time to unpack! Will it all fit? We won’t know today, as we only manage to unpack two suitcases before dinner time. Tomorrow will be the test!
Day 3 and 4 – Jan 9 and 10 – At Sea
I’m combining our first two sea days into one post. I would have hoped that we would be completely unpacked on the first sea day, however as we walked by a movie playing in the theatre, we smelled popcorn and were pulled in against our will. We did manage to unpack everything by the end of the second sea day. Below are some pictures of our cabin after we completely unpacked – personalized to be our home for the next five months!
Of course, we had some other activities during these two days as well. On the first sea day, Regent always offers a wine tasting – so you can taste all of their included wines to see which ones you prefer. While they offer one spotlight wine each day, you can request any that they have. Of course, you have to taste them first to know which you prefer! They have hundreds of wines included, you just have to become friends with the sommeliers to find them! We have been very happy with their wine selection.
Of course, there are three to four lectures in the theatre every sea day. We try to attend all of them. We have three fabulous speakers on this journey – a historian, a scientist, and my favorite – a self professed “expert” in many facets of life. He gave one of the most unusual lectures we have ever been to on a cruise ship – a talk on cricket. After explaining the game, he invited some of the crew members (all from cricket-playing countries) on stage to give an example of a cricket game. It was so much fun watching, and we even learned a bit!
On the second sea day, we experienced another one of Regent’s signature events – the block party. At a scheduled time, everyone comes out of their cabins into the hallway and meets their neighbors. The captain and officers come down each hall, accompanied by our cabin attendants with wine and small bites. It is a lovely way to meet your neighbors!
And finally, as we head to dinner we see this outside of Compass Rose, prepared by the Culinary Team. Wow!
Day 5 – Jan. 11 – Dominica
Our first full port day – we’re excited! Of course, we begin by writing our daily itinerary on the white board in our cabin, along with the date as it’s easy to lose track of time on a cruise ship!
Our afternoon excursion takes us to Trafalgar Falls, twin falls with nicknames of the mama and the papa falls. The papa falls was longer (beginning higher thant he mama falls), but the mama falls was much more forceful! I’m sure that there is a meaning in there somewhere!
The second part of our adventure – wait for it – is braving river rapids in individual tubes! It has been over 50 years since I’ve done this, but I’m sure that it will come back to me as I float down the river. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the excursion, we didn’t have our phone with us to take pictures. To give you a visual of what we did, I am including a stock picture of the same tour – however, with different people.
As we’re exhasuted from the day’s activities, we don’t feel like dressing up for dinner and make the strategic decision to eat in the pool grill. This is after having a few margaritas at the pool bar, which knocked us out! We fell asleep watching the second NFL playoff game on the TV in our cabin.
Day 6 – Jan. 12 – Barbados
Today we haven’t booked a tour as we’ve been to Barbados many times before. Our schedule is simple – we spend the morning walking around Barbados, come back to the ship, have lunch, and attend the afternoon Cocktail Tasting Event. More on that later. First, we explore Barbados. You can see the details with more pictures by clicking on either of the pictures below.
After lunch, we head to the cocktail tasting. Regent Seven Seas has seven ships, and seven signature cocktails. At this event, a bartender shows you how to make each of them, followed by a tasting. You can sample each to find your favorite.
That wraps it up for today – we head to dinner in the main dining room, and then go to the show which is the first production show by the in-house musical ensemble. There are six singers and four dancers, and they are all very good. The show tonight is “Divas and Divos” – a tribute to some of the greatest artists in our lifetime. A great way to end the evening!
Day 8 – Jan. 14 – Devils Island
Devil’s Island prison is a place that lives in infamy. About nine miles from a small coastal town in French Guiana is a group of three islands called the Îles du Salut, known by English speakers as the Salvation Islands.
The islands are mostly overgrown jungle which is slowly covering the remnants of an infamous French penal colony — where over 60,000 men were incarcerated and less than 2,000 survived. The penal colony of Cayenne, more commonly known as Devil’s Island after the smallest and most notorious of these prison islands, was established in 1852 and operated until 1953. However, this island has been turned into a nature reserve, and no visitors are allowed.
We visited Île Saint-Joseph, the southernmost island in the penal colony, where solitary confinement was meted out, and where prisoner guard families lived.
Lots of history (along with monkeys and atoukis) resides here – Click on the picture below to get the story!
Day 9 – Jan. 15 – Cruise Day
Another cruise day! You may have noticed that I am including a picture of our “daily itinerary board” that we keep updated in our cabin. This helps us remember what day it is, and what activities we we have scheduled!
Today, we also celebrate the equator crossing. Some information for anyone who has never crossed the equator by ship: this is a tradition that all cruise ships follow to ask permission of King Neptune to cross into his kingdom. Anyone who has not crossed before goes through a ceremony of getting rubbed with “goop”, kissing a fish, and jumping into the pool (which is then drained and washed)! Of course, this ceremony is on a volunteer basis – most of the victims are crew!
I’m abreviating the description of this silly ceremony, but it is good fun! Pictures follow below to give you a visual perspective.
Day 10 – Jan. 16 – Belem, Brazil
We sail in to Belem Brazil early in the morning, arriving at 7AM! However, as we’ll be in port tonight until late, our tour does not start immediately, giving us time to excercise before having an early lunch. Excercise is so important on a World Cruise, as every day there are new drinks to try with virtually 24 hour food served. Of course, we’ve learned to pace ourselves, but still – excercise is important!
After four miles of walking the track (Melanie) and three miles of walking hills on the treadmill (me) we head out on our tour. Today’s tour brought a wide variety of sites and experiences. Some teasers – Us in front of a ribbon-infested metal fence, and me in front of a flatbed of berries. To see the stories of these pictures – click on any one of them (they all go to the same link).
Day 13 – Jan. 19 – Recife, Brazil
Today we stay in Brazil – stopping at Recife. However, after disembarking our a ship, our tour tour takes us to visit a UNESCO world heritage site, the small city of Olinda on Brazil’s Northeastern coast – renown as one of the prettiest towns in Brazil. Highlights of the tour include fabulous views, a bohemian, artistic community, an amazing Brazilian lunch (for those that enjoyed meat), and an eclectic art collection which included one of the originals of Rodin’s “Thinker” statue.
Back onboard, we enjoyed a drink that “Elvis” prepared for us at the bar. More on Elvis later . . .
Clicking on any of the pictures below will take you to the story of today’s excursion. Enjoy!
Day 14 – Jan. 20 – Maceio, Brazil
We’re in Maceio, Brazil today – an upscale beach town. Everything here centers around the water. The pictures will tell the story – links are in any of the pics below!
Day 15 – Jan. 21 – Salvador, Brazil
Today’s port is Salvador, Brazil, where we experience much more culture than in Maceio. We visited Pelourinho, the city’s center during the Portuguese colonial period, which was named for the whipping post in its central plaza where enslaved people from Africa were publicly beaten as punishment for alleged infractions. Despite the city’s tragic past, the black culture survived and thrived – creating one of the most creative and authentic carnival’s in Brazil. The story continues by clicking on any of the pictures below.
Day 16 – Jan. 22 – At Sea
I am including a sea day in my notes today, as it includes a very special event. During the first part of the day, we do normal activities – work out, attend two talks and of course, eat. However, at 5:45, my favorite event happens – KREW KAPERS! This is where our crew performs for us – we have singers, dancers, and even a special guest! The show begins with an introduction by Andrew, our cruise director.
The show is amazing – everything from hip-hop dancing, Phillipino cultural dancing, and fantastic singing!
My favorite act was the Phillipino Cultural Bamboo Dancing, which I used to do in primary school.
One of our favorite Servers – Rosylin.
Of course, Elvis had to make an appearance. One of our bartenders, whose nametag really shows “Elvis” – (see Jan. 19 blog entry) – performed the grand finale. He even came down to the front row to sing to the ladies!
The other stars of the evening were introduced after the show – our fabulous cabin attendants – Sai, Michele, Elise and Elsa – followed by our fabulous bar servers, led by our favorite Elza!
What a fabulous evening – so much talent in addition to all that they do for us on the ship. Kudos to all!!
Day 17 – Jan. 23 – Buzios, Brazil
We stop at a lovely coastal resort town today – Buzios! We begin the day with a schooner boat trip, which took us to three different bays for swimming. Later, we explore the artistic town and enjoy all of the artistic touches as they prepare for carnival. Click on any of the pictures for the full story (and to see a picture of us practicing our water ballet!)
Day 18 – Jan. 24 – Rio de Janeiro Day 1
We arrive in Rio de Janeiro, a day we’ve been looking forward to! Today, we travel to the top of the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain, taking in the views of the famous beaches. We’re so excited to be here today that we forget to take a picture of our daily schedule! All other pictures can be found by clicking on any of the pictures below.
That’s it for Leg 1! Click on the button above to head to Rio de Janeiro day 2, which is the beginning of our leg 2.