Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
On our way
The amazing thing about this trip has been the organization and the punctuality.
In a few cases due to weather the ship has had to dock in a different place as it has been too rough to tender to shore. However, alternative arrangements meant no tours were compromised.
It has been the same with disembarkation. The ship docked before 7. Our car was waiting and whisked us off to the Nice airport in 25 minutes.
There were no lines. We checked in, paid for the extra bag and went through security without a problem. Now waiting for our gate to be announced.
Backing up to last evening, the staff show was excellent. The demographics on the ship are very interesting:
Guests: 98% Caucasian
Staff: 35 countries with many from Philippines, Indonesia, india and Eastern Europe.
We questioned a number of staff members and many have been with the company 10 or more years. They work about 9 months a year and get 2-3 months vacation.
The entertainers generally were American Broadway wannabes. They were excellent and I hope they make it.
All in all, a great trip. We will definitely cruise with Regent again!
In a few cases due to weather the ship has had to dock in a different place as it has been too rough to tender to shore. However, alternative arrangements meant no tours were compromised.
It has been the same with disembarkation. The ship docked before 7. Our car was waiting and whisked us off to the Nice airport in 25 minutes.
There were no lines. We checked in, paid for the extra bag and went through security without a problem. Now waiting for our gate to be announced.
Backing up to last evening, the staff show was excellent. The demographics on the ship are very interesting:
Guests: 98% Caucasian
Staff: 35 countries with many from Philippines, Indonesia, india and Eastern Europe.
We questioned a number of staff members and many have been with the company 10 or more years. They work about 9 months a year and get 2-3 months vacation.
The entertainers generally were American Broadway wannabes. They were excellent and I hope they make it.
All in all, a great trip. We will definitely cruise with Regent again!
The last day
The Liguria area is stunning. It was raining when we arrived but then it stopped.
The cooking class was fabulous. He made both a filled tortellini like pasta with ricotta, parmegiano reggiano, and local wild herbs. The sauce a walnut pesto, with pine nuts, garlic and two cheeses.
The second pasta was little pinched pieces of dough without eggs with a local wild basil that is much more delicate than we are used to.
We got to eat the pastas and then a raspberry crostada.
For some reason they scheduled was too long for the cooking class and we were all anxious to get back and pack.
The guide called for our bus to come an hour early but we missed the ferry from St. Margherita to Portofino so a bunch of us took a local bus instead. It was pretty funny as we were crammed in like sardines with no chance of falling as we were propping each other up.
Got back to the boat and the packing went fairly smoothly. The swag bag definitely took the pressure off our other suitcases.
Just like camp for "big kids" there is a staff show before dinner. Ship docks at 7 AM tomorrow and we'll be on our way to the airport by 7;15 AM. ETA 4:30 PM.
Gina may drop Rudy off but otherwise no pets until Sunday.
The cooking class was fabulous. He made both a filled tortellini like pasta with ricotta, parmegiano reggiano, and local wild herbs. The sauce a walnut pesto, with pine nuts, garlic and two cheeses.
The second pasta was little pinched pieces of dough without eggs with a local wild basil that is much more delicate than we are used to.
We got to eat the pastas and then a raspberry crostada.
For some reason they scheduled was too long for the cooking class and we were all anxious to get back and pack.
The guide called for our bus to come an hour early but we missed the ferry from St. Margherita to Portofino so a bunch of us took a local bus instead. It was pretty funny as we were crammed in like sardines with no chance of falling as we were propping each other up.
Got back to the boat and the packing went fairly smoothly. The swag bag definitely took the pressure off our other suitcases.
Just like camp for "big kids" there is a staff show before dinner. Ship docks at 7 AM tomorrow and we'll be on our way to the airport by 7;15 AM. ETA 4:30 PM.
Gina may drop Rudy off but otherwise no pets until Sunday.
Portofino and Liguria
Best of Broadway show last night was amazing. We'd seen every show. Chorus work, dancing, costumes and orchestra had everyone on their feet applauding by the end.
My favourite was the medoly from Les Miz and "Memories" from Cats sung by Melanie who is Broadway bound for sure.
Contemplated taking the day off to get organized before we travel but glad I didn't.We took a ship's tender to Portofino and then another boat to Sainte Margherita.
Beautiful seaside town. All the buildings are in pastel stucco with trompe d'oiel shutters, columns and other detail.
Then we were bussed to Recco where we are sitting listening to the rain and watching a chef demonstrate home made egg pasta stuffed with herbs, ricotta and parmigiano reggiano; foccacio and pesto.
Yummy. Then we get to eat!
My favourite was the medoly from Les Miz and "Memories" from Cats sung by Melanie who is Broadway bound for sure.
Contemplated taking the day off to get organized before we travel but glad I didn't.We took a ship's tender to Portofino and then another boat to Sainte Margherita.
Beautiful seaside town. All the buildings are in pastel stucco with trompe d'oiel shutters, columns and other detail.
Then we were bussed to Recco where we are sitting listening to the rain and watching a chef demonstrate home made egg pasta stuffed with herbs, ricotta and parmigiano reggiano; foccacio and pesto.
Yummy. Then we get to eat!
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