Day 25 - NAWILIWILI, HAWAII

 Date: 1/30/2024     Day 25                       Port: NAWILIWILI, HAWAII

Description: Discover the Garden Island of Hawaii at Nawiliwili Kauai, with its magnificent, diverse and extreme landscapes, from the nearly inaccessible Na’apali Coast to the wettest place on earth – the Alakai Swamp, to the colorful yet barren and beautiful Waimea Canyon. Take it all in with a helicopter tour. Then, settle into the natural beauty to enjoy the cuisine, the shopping, and the very essence of the Aloha spirit. Stroll over to Kalapaki beach for shopping. Look for the famous Nihau Shell Leis made on the island of Nihau by native Hawaiians. Enjoy the amazing locally grown tropical fruit in drinks, salads or over fresh grilled seafood in this exquisite, natural garden paradise.

Planned Excursion: WAILUA RIVER CRUISE & FERN GROTTO

3.5 Hours            Light Activity      # NAW-001: Free

Cruise one of Hawaii’s few navigable rivers, a gorgeous stretch of water.  Listen to Hawaiian musicians perform at Fern Grotto, a natural amphitheater.  Walk toward Opaeka’a Falls for a clear view of the spectacular cascade.

Notes: After a long 5 days a sea we arrived in Hawaii.  It was a cool 68 degrees with some overcast skies.  Forecasted high was to be in the upper 70's with afternoon rain showers.  We luck out on our excursion and had no rain until we nearly arrived back to the ship.  The stop at the falls was on the way back to the ship.  We stayed on the bus since it was raining pretty steady.  It's a small island and the nearby town was similar in size.  Once back to the ship we decided reboard, have lunch and relax.  

Click Here --> Today's Pictures

Videos

Click Here --> WAILUA RIVER CRUISE Part 1

Click Here --> WAILUA RIVER CRUISE Part 2

Click Here --> (Part 3) to be uploaded soon please check back

Day 23 - CRUISING THE PACIFIC OCEAN

 Date: 1/28/2024     Day 23                       Sea Day: CRUISING THE PACIFIC OCEAN

This is our 4th sea day of the 5 day crossing to Hawaii.  Seas are rough with 3 meter (9 ft) seas.  Cathy had bout of sea sickness last evening and missed dinner.  She is doing much better today.  Ed, Cathy and Pat attended a massive Sunday Bruch (10 AM - 1 PM) .  Joe stayed behind to watch the NFL football playoff games.  He did go to the Bruch at the half-time break. 

Current position - Jan 28, 2024 at 12:30 PM

Click Here --> Bruch Photos

Day 22 - CRUISING THE PACIFIC OCEAN

 Date: 1/27/2024     Day 22                       Sea Day: CRUISING THE PACIFIC OCEAN

We're on our third day of the 5 day crossing to Hawaii.   We sailed into some rough seas last night and it was a wild ride all night.   Cathy is doing much better and I am hopeful she finally getting her sea legs.  

So you might be wondering what are we doing for 5 sea days cruising towards Hawaii.  Unlike our many Atlantic and Pacific crossing on Royal Caribbean there's plenty of things to do here on Regent.  The daily schedule is packed with games, talks and movies in the main theater.   The library has a huge number of card and board games along with a dedicated table for puzzles.    

As for myself I have had plenty to do processing pictures and videos.  I still have many pictures to process and post over the next couple of days.  I may go to the movie in the main theater this afternoon.   I've upload copies of today's agenda.  Hopefully they are viewable to you.  

 

Day 19 - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

 Date: 1/24/2024     Day 19                       Port: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Description: From the first Spanish Mission founded by the “Sacred Expedition” in 1776, to the rip-roaring days of the Barbary Coast and California Gold Rush to rising phoenix-like after the great earthquake of 1906, San Francisco never ceases to please the eye, the heart and the palate. With such iconic sites as Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Victorian architecture of Pacific Heights, Union Square, colorful trolley cars, Muir Woods and the surrounding vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley, the “City by the Bay” is always a must-see on any visitor’s list to the West Coast.

Planned Excursion: ALCATRAZ AND SAUSALITO

5.5 Hours            Moderate Activity            # SFO-003: $89.00

Take the ferry to the infamous federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island.  See the Spartan cells and hear how the inmates were treated.  Pause at Vista Point, an ideal spot to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge.  Spend free time shopping in artsy Sausalito.

Today Notes:  Unlike the previous day which was a beautiful sunny day, we woke to a heavy rain on our balcony.  All day we had off and on light rainy on our trip out to tour Alcatraz.  After returning from the rock we had about an hour to walk down to Fisherman's Warf.  Our trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito was interesting although the rain ruled out sightseeing and picture taking.  

Click Here --> Todays Pictures

Videos

Click Here --> Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary Tour Part 1

Click Here --> Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary Tour Part 2

Day 18 - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

 Date: 1/23/2024     Day 18                       Port: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Description: From the first Spanish Mission founded by the “Sacred Expedition” in 1776, to the rip-roaring days of the Barbary Coast and California Gold Rush to rising phoenix-like after the great earthquake of 1906, San Francisco never ceases to please the eye, the heart and the palate. With such iconic sites as Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Victorian architecture of Pacific Heights, Union Square, colorful trolley cars, Muir Woods and the surrounding vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley, the “City by the Bay” is always a must-see on any visitor’s list to the West Coast.

Planned Excursion: VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO

4.5 Hours            Light Activity      # SFO-002:Free

See San Francisco’s marquee attractions, pausing every so often for photos.  Take in the sweeping view of the bay area from atop Twin Peaks.  Stop at the remains of a massive historical swimming facility at the ocean’s edge.  Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering wonder even today.

Today Notes: Our arrival to San Francisco was on a beautiful sunny morning passing under the Golden Gate Bridge at approximately 8 AM.  Once docked and cleared to leave the ship we took our first excursion.  We boarded a coach bus to see the highlights.  That evening we added an additional excursion to see the city at night.  

I have completed processing and uploading the first video.   I will be also uploading pictures very soon.  So check back often.  

Click here for the video -->  Our Arrival passing under the Golden Gate Bridge

Click here for --> Today's Pictures

Day 17 - SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

 Date: 1/22/2024     Day 17 ⚓                   Anchor Port: SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Description: While perfect weather and the dramatic beauty of the Ynez Mountains are obvious attractions, it’s California's ‘Queen of the Missions’ that draws international acclaim. Settled in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, Old Mission Santa Barbara remains an active parish church and a critical element of the town’s Spanish colonial heritage. Foodies will be challenged to pick from the city’s array of restaurants – incredible tacos abound – and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers 40 acres of native flora.

Planned Excursion: Santa Barbara Highlights Cancelled due to rough seas

2.5 Hours            Moderate Activity            # SBA-001: Free

Stop at a still-operating Spanish Franciscan mission that was founded in 1786.  Note the Spanish architectural elements of the 1929-built courthouse, another landmark.  Browse the shops during free time in the pedestrian-only section of State Street.

Todays Notes: We were due to set anchor and launch the lifeboats for rides into town.  At 8:05 AM the captain made the decision to cancel our stop today.  Weather conditions are forecast to worsen through the day and he was concerned about bring folks back on board.  This morning there are small craft advisory's out.  

So, I will have a sea day before arriving in San Francisco tomorrow and will be able to process yesterday's pictures.  I should have updated notes and pictures for our stop on Day 16 in San Diego.  

Day 16 - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

 Date: 1/21/2024     Day 16                       Port: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Description: The focus of San Diego seems to be ever changing, and each change adds to the city’s complexity and attractiveness. The city began as a remote Spanish mission and later came to be dominated by navy and marine bases. More recently, San Diego has established itself as a leader in scientific research and as a near perfect place to live, retire, conduct business or visit as a tourist. Its year-round perfect climate also helps lure people to its historic attractions.

Planned Excursion: SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

6.0 Hours            Moderate Activity            # SAN-003: $89.00

Spend nearly four hours browsing the zoo at your own pace.  Linger at the exhibitions that house your favorite animals.  Discover creatures that you may have never seen or even knew existed.

Daily Notes:  The day started off as a dizzily rain.  It was expected to continue off and on throughout the day.  We don our rain gear before setting off on our excursion.  Before we could board our bus we needed to talk with Customs and Immigration.  With our passports out we walked up to the customs officer.  Without looking at our passports he wanted our photos.  So he took one of each of us and confirmed who we were.  That's all there was to it, thank you and have a nice day without any further questions.  

We were met my Christina who not only worked for the tour company, but also worked as a volunteer at the San Diego Safari Park.   On our 50 minute bus ride to the park she told about the park and the best routes to take walking throughout the park.  Since it was a rainy day she thought that attendance would be lite.  Normally on a Sunday the number of people visiting the park could be up to 10,000.  We later learned that the official attendance was 1,187.   We had the park to ourselves early on.  

We arrived at the park at about 11 AM.  We had until 4 PM before meeting the bus for the return trip.  It lightly rained off and on for the first 2 hours.   Then the sun came our briefly on and off and started to dry things out.   By then more people arrived in the park, many with their kids.  The only downside was that most all eating places were closed.  When we stopped for lunch at 2 PM.  All we had was a cheese burger, fries and a soda,  $52. 

It was a lovely day even with the rainy periods.  Many of the animals were not out during those rainy times and did not come out until the afternoon.  No video today, just some photos of what we could see.  Some of the netting and fencing made it hard to get good photos, especially the Bald Eagles.  Those pictures were not usable.  

Click Here for Today's Pictures

Day 14 - CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

 Date: 1/19/2024     Day 14 ⚓                   Anchor Port: CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

Description: Twenty years ago Cabo San Lucas, at the southernmost tip of Baja, was little more than a fishing village occasionally visited by itinerant Californian surfers and sport fishermen with the means to sail in or fly down. In recent years, however, it has rapidly become the focal point of Los Cabos, the catch-all term for the beaches and resorts ringing the toe of the peninsula. Condos have sprung up, palms transplanted, water piped in and everything is kept pristine.

Planned Excursion (Ed & Joe): BEACH HORSEBACK RIDE

3.0 Hours            Strenuous Activity            # CSL-007:Free

Ride a horse along one of the most spectacularly scenic beaches in Cabo San Lucas. Revel in the sensory experience of riding a horse along a secluded beach. Shop in the ranch’s boutique and explore the vernacular architecture of the outbuildings.

Planned Excursion (Cathy & Pat): LAND'S END BOAT AND CABO VIEW

4.5 Hours            Moderate Activity            # CSL-004:Free

Cruise to iconic El Arco, the naturally formed arch at the end of the Baja Peninsula. Observe the sea lions that typically frolic on the rocky shoreline.  Watch artisans ply their craft at a glass-blowing factory.  See the historical mission in nearby San Jose del Cabo.  Take in the spectacular view of the bay while enjoying a drink at a clifftop restaurant.

Daily Notes: We had another time change overnight setting the ship’s time back one hour.  So, we had an added hour of sleep this morning.   We woke to a clear sunny day in the mid-60s.  By midday it was a very nice 78 degrees. 

Again, today we traded tickets, Ed and Joe attempted to go horseback riding and Cathy and Pat took the second tour.  After arriving on the pier and signing the release form, Joe and I were told we were too old, I 73 and Joe 78.  They would not allow us on the horseback ride.  Instead, we were offered to ride on a Camel.  We agreed to the switch, it could be fun and certainly a different experience.   

Cathy and Pat really enjoyed their excursion.   Cathy wasn’t to so sure at first since it required more boat rides.  This was a tendering port where we had to take a life boat ashore and back again to the ship.  They both enjoyed both rides and bus tour.  Joe and I agree they likely had the better tour.

Today's Photos

Today's Video - Camel Ride

Day 13 - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

 Date: 1/18/2024     Day 13                       Port: PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Description: Immerse yourself in International style and old world charm in Puerto Vallarta, tucked within the sparkling Banderas Bay, embraced by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. Once in Old Town, follow the sound of the bells to The Lady of Guadalupe Church; they ring every 15 minutes. Admire the carved interior and exceptional architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets to the park-like setting of the Rio Cuale. Outdoor vendors line the river with colorful wares. Look for fine silver jewelry, designer clothing, leather goods and hand made pottery. Enjoy the flavors of Mexico from fresh seafood, grilled meats, café de olla, and tempting sweets.

Planned Excursion: COUNTRYSIDE HORSEBACK RIDE Cancelled

4.0 Hours            Strenuous Activity            # PVR-005:Free

Ride horseback through the countryside, following a trail along the Mascota River.  Pause at the halfway point to swim in one of the river’s natural pools.  Relax in a hot spring, if you like.  See how various tequilas are produced at a country estate.

Special Note: I cancelled this excursion to spend the day with Pat and Joe who were released from quarantine a day early. 

Daily Notes:  We spent the day walking into town and did some shopping at Walmart to pickup a few things.  Pat and Joe were exhausted walking nearly 4 miles off the ship after being kept in their room for the past 4 days.  They were happy to finally get out and about again.

Cathy and I got up early before meeting Pat and Joe for breakfast.  We talked with a single segment cruiser, Maimi to San Francisco, who her and her husband also caught Covid and was quarantined for 4 days.  No fever’s just extremely sore throats.  They were fully vaccinated, as are we all, with Covid, Flu and RSV vaccines.  Their combined onboard medical bill was more than $6,000.  She was hoping their travel insurance will cover it.  Pat and Joe being on the World Cruise, all their expenses down in Medical are covered 100%.  They report that the medical department was extremely well equipped and had good experience with all the staff. 

Day 10 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

 Date: 1/15/2024     Day 10                       Port: PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA

Description: Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country's colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvillea-draped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes. Travel to famed Lake Atitlan and step back in time as you encounter the indigenous people in all their finery still living along the lakeshore. Whether you opt to explore the ancient Mayan history of the region or it’s more-recent colonial past, its architecture, culture and locals are sure to inspire.

Planned Excursion: COLONIAL ANTIGUA 

8.0 Hours            Moderate Activity            # QUZ-003:Free

Walk through Guatemala’s original capital, a treasure-trove of colonial buildings. Understand why UNESCO declared Antigua to be a World Heritage site. Learn the devastating effects of a 1773 earthquake that Antigua eventually overcame. See the historically important buildings that were rebuilt following the earthquake. Browse the Jade House and discover how the Mayas used jade for tools and weapons.

Daily Notes: We have visited Antigua on our previous Panama Canal cruise in 2018.  On that visit we only had 2 hours to explore the city on our own or hire a local guide.  We chose the later.  So we only saw the highlights.  Today's tour was a very much different experience.  It was a guided more immersive one.  We walk about 5 miles around the city visiting the different locations.  

When we boarded the bus for the one and a half hour ride to the city, we both were disappointed.  Although it was a coach bus it had extremely darken tinting to the windows.   It made for poor sightseeing as everything looked brown, no pictures from the bus.  Once we arrived at the city we boarded smaller buses to take us into Antigua.  Being a UNESCO World Heritage site all the street were the original cobblestone streets and we had to be careful when walking around.   We were getting more than half tired by the time we made it to lunch at 1:30 PM.  

Today's Photos

Although the Internet onboard is stable, it's slow uploading data.  It takes an hour to upload a 10 min video.  I am keeping all video clips to 10 mins or less.  

So check back often to see those pictures and video on our previous ports-of-call. 

Day 8 - PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA

 Date: 1/13/2024     Day 8             Port: PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA

Description: Puntarenas, which means "Sandy Point" in Spanish, is the capital and main city in the province Puntarenas, Costa Rica, at the Pacific coast. The oddly-shaped province has its largest section in the South, far from the capital. A mountainous country, Costa Rica ranges from sea level to peaks as high as 13,000 feet and a succession of white, sandy beaches follow one another along the Pacific Coast. The country was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Planned Excursion (Ed): HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURE 

4.5 Hours -- Moderate Activity --  #PNT-004:Free

Ride a horse along a gentle trail through a beautiful rural landscape.  Take in the sweeping views from El Faro, the area’s highest and most scenic point.  Follow the trail through a virgin forest and on to a mango plantation.  Hear enlightening commentary along the way.

Planned Excursion (Cathy): SABANA ADVENTURE SAFARI

7.5 Hours -- Moderate Activity --  #PNT-014:Free

Ride through a savanna in an adventure park full of wildlife indigenous to Africa.  Watch for animals such as zebras and ostriches from the open-air safari vehicle.  Hand-feed carrots to the giraffes if they approach.  Drive deep into the surrounding jungle and relax at two magnificent waterfalls.

Daily Notes:  We both had a nice day.  Cathy was ticketed to go on the horseback riding excursion.  She instead went with our friend Pat Rawson on the Sabana Adventure Safari.  Pat's husband Joe was going to go with me on the horseback ride using Cathy's ticket.   He was not feeling up to going out and stayed back.  It was best that he did. Later today he went down to Medical at 6 PM.  He tested positive for Covid.  He and Pat are now confined to their cabin for 5 days.  We'll learn more about their experience with the Ship's Medical services later.  Initial report was very positive.

The horseback ride was a lovely ride through the rain forest near a major river.  Not what was billed above.  I still enjoyed the ride very much.  

For Cathy and Pat it was a long bus ride to and from the Adventure Safari.  Cathy didn't like it much in that the animals, especially the giraffes, poking the heads into the vehicle they were riding to be feed.  

Today's Photos

Videos (I am getting better at editing, cutting and splicing video clips)

Horseback Riding part 1

Horseback Riding part 2 (look for the incidents)

Horseback Riding part 3

Day 6 Panama Canal Transit East to West

 Date: 1/11/2024     Day 6             Sea Day: PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT

The Panama Canal is a constructed waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama. It is owned and administered by Panama, and it is 40 miles long from shoreline to shoreline. Ships can cross going in either direction, and it takes about 10 hours to get from one side to the other.

Daily Notes: We woke to a sunny warm and humid day.  This is my third crossing in the same direction.  My first was in August of 1970 aboard the USS Kansas City AOR-3.  That crossing and my second on Royal Caribbean were cloudy and missy rain at times but not to today.   It was hot and humid as the day wore on.  We entered the first lock a 8:05 AM and exited the last lock, on the Pacific side, 4:35 PM 7 hrs 30 mins total transit time.

The first two ships just fit through the locks.  I remember on the USS Kansas City that at times as we rose in each lock that I could simple step off the ship on to land.  It couldn't have be no more than 6 inches of clearance.  Today our ship Regent Seven Seas Mariner had plenty of room, easily 3+ feet on either side.  

Special Note: I (Ed) and our two travel companion's have contracted a colds.  It was just getting started when I video recorded the crossing.  The day after hit me hard and was not able to process the 86 video clips that was recorded. As I write this update I am feeling a 100 % better.  However, I will be going on an excursion this morning.  Tomorrow is another sea day so hopefully I can get caught up on my videos and pictures.

Today's Pictures

Videos

Part 1 The Approach

    Part 1a

    Part 1b

Part 2 Entering first lock

    Part 2a

    Part 2b

Part 3 Cruising the lakes

   Part 3a

   Part 3b

   Part 3c

Part 4 Final locks

Part 5 Exit the last lock

Day 5 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

 

Date: 1/10/2024     Day 5             Port: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Description: Take a scenic drive through the residential area of Manga, and admire the beautiful mansions built in Republican-style architecture at the end of the 19th century. Explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure built in Latin America. Enjoy a boat ride to the Islas del Rosario, 26 coral islands located off the coast of Isla Barú, and continue to the island of San Martín de Pajarales to visit the aquarium. Enjoy a spectacular dolphin and shark show and other marine attractions there. Board the beautiful Spanish Galleon, a replica of a 17th-century sailing ship, for a cruise of the inner bay of Cartagena.

Planned Excursion: CARTAGENA & NAVY MUSEUM

4.0 Hours            Moderate Activity            #CTG-002:Free

Visit a centuries-old monastery atop the highest point in Cartagena and a museum with a collection of remarkable pre-Columbian gold artifacts. From a distance, the hill that La Popa monastery perches on resembles the stern of a galleon. Upon closer inspection, you will find that monks still live in the 17th-century monastery, which is rather modest other than its ornate gold-foil altar. You will pause atop another hill for photos of San Felipe Castle, the largest Spanish fortress in the New World, before descending into the Old City. Highlights here include viewing the encased remains of Saint Peter Claver in his namesake church and stopping in leafy Bolivar Plaza. A regal statue of Simon Bolivar on horseback overlooks the plaza and the Gold Museum, where you will browse exhibits of pre-Columbian gold jewelry and distinctive ceramics. You may also discover how the ancient Zenú people build a sophisticated system of channels to control flooding and irrigate crops.

Today's Pictures

Videos - Check back often  - I have many videos to process and post over the next couple of day

 Peter Claver Church Part 1

 Peter Claver Church Part 2

Artists demo

Second Church Tour

Daily Notes: We had a enjoyable day exploring the old city.  It was a very warm and humid day.  It was a short stay arriving at 7 AM and departed at 2 PM.  This is to get in line for our Panama Canal Transit crossing tomorrow.  

Day 3 & 4 Sea Day

 Date: 1/9/2024       Day 3 - 4             Sea Day: CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN SEA

We had smooth sailing yesterday as we cruised around Cuba.   However, last night as we entered the Caribbean Sea the seas grew rougher.  Not to bad during the evening show and when we went to bed.   Cathy has been using the new ReliefBand with good results.   I have my sea legs back :) and I am doing well without the aid of any drugs. 

The seas grew rougher during the night.  This morning the seas hitting the ship broadside causing a lot of rocking.  

Day 2 - Port: MIAMI, FLORIDA

 Date: 1/7/2024       Day 2             Port: MIAMI, FLORIDA

Description: Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experiences are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the "Gateway to the America's."

Planned Excursion: EVERGLADES AIRBOAT ADVENTURE - 3.5 Hours - Moderate Activity

Take an exhilarating ride through the Everglades in an airboat.  Watch for alligators, iguanas and water birds.  Browse the national park on your own during free time.

Daily Notes: We rose to an early start at 6:00 AM as Joe and I were to leave on today's excursion at 8 AM.  Cathy stayed on board to finish unpacking and to caught up on our landry in the ship's free laundromat.  We went up to have breakfast at the buffet.  I was taken aback by the full table settings, linen and all.  Before browsing the buffet staff insured we have our coffee and juice.  

Rain was forecasted as we set off for our excursion, taking a 45 minute coach bus ride to the Everglades Airboat Adventure located in the Everglades National Park.  We had a wonderful boat ride.  Thankfully it didn't start to misty rain until returning to the dock.   We left the park at 11:15 AM and arrived back to the ship at 12 noon in time to get back on board before the ship left Miami at 1 PM.

Videos

EVERGLADES AIRBOAT ADVENTURE part 1

EVERGLADES AIRBOAT ADVENTURE part 2

Day 1 - Jan 6, 2024

 Morning: We had a lovely breakfast and walked around the hotel and grounds. Regent has taken our bags and will be picking us up at 11:45 AM for the trip to the ship.  

Here's a few photos.  The Biltmore Hotel Photos

Videos

Jan 5 2024 - Biltmore Hotel Stay - Front area

Jan 5 2024 - Biltmore Hotel Stay - Back area

Jan 5 2024 - Biltmore Hotel Stay - Pool area

Night Before the Cruise

 This is going to be short update. We transferred from the Intercontinental Hotel to the The Biltmore Hotel today.  Wow, what a beautiful historic hotel.  I have a lot pictures and video to process when I can get some time.    We'll be transferring to our ship tomorrow morning at 11:45 am.  

This evening we had a meet and greet cocktail reception.  We met some wonderful folks soon I am sure to be good friends. Tomorrow is the sail away party for just the 98 world cruisers.  The following day Sunday Jan 7th the remaining cruisers board for the first segment Miami to San Francisco.  

We have two sea days to reach our first port-of-call. I should then have the time to go through all the pictures and video to post here.  

Arrival in Miami

We landed safely in Miami and waited on the tarmac for about 20 mins before taxing to the gate.   Deplaned to an extremely busy airport.  We're not big fans of the Miami airport and only wish we where not having to travel out of it on the way home.   

Logged into the Lyft app and tried getting a ride to the hotel.   The second driver finally found us and we were on our way to the Intercontinental Hotel.  We booked the extra two nights here because when we booked the cruise two years ago,  Regent was using this hotel for the included night before the cruise accommodations.  They have since moved to another hotel further from the cruise port, The Biltmore Hotel.  We kept these reservations at the Intercontinental because it was close to shopping that the Biltmore was not.  

We were EXHAUSTED once getting to our room after flying all night and into the next day.  Cathy went into the bathroom to freshen up only to find it dirty with long black hairs in the counter top.  There was other evidence of a poorly cleaned room.  We went back down the to front desk to report it.  They told us to return to our room and be ready to move to another room.  The bell hop will be up shortly with replacement room keys.

After about 10 minutes the bell hop arrived and took us to an upgraded room overlooking the cruise port.  Wow, what a view from the 12th floor.  It was getting late. We freshen up and headed out looking for dinner.  We found a wonderful pizza place across the street from a Walgreens drug store.  After dinner we stopped a Walgreens for a few toiletries, we couldn't take on the plane, and headed back to the hotel. 

We went to bed early  around 8 PM local time.  I woke up a few times during the night and got up at 6:15 am the next day.   

As I write this entry at 7:45 AM Cathy is still sleeping.  She must still be on Alaska Time 3:45 AM.  Opened the shades to the room and found a beautiful day.  The one cruise ship has left and found 3 more in port this morning.  I am going to try to get Cathy up and going. I need to get some breakfast and start exploring the shoreline Park just outside our hotel.