Day 81 - CRUISING THE ANDAMAN SEA (Cruise review to date)

 Date: 3/26/2024     Day 81   Sea Day: CRUISING THE ANDAMAN SEA

The Andaman Sea, also known as the Burma Sea, is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean.02 It is bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and separated from the Bay of Bengal to its west by the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. Its southern end is at Breueh Island just north of Sumatra, with the Strait of Malacca further southeast.

Today's Update:  Today is a sea day before we arrive in MALE, MALDIVES tomorrow.  We will have two days there and are looking forward to this idyllic location.  Cathy and I are really looking forward to the second day.  We'll be spending the day at Adaaran Vadoo, one of the prestigious Maldives Resorts.

Today I am going to reflect on our World Cruise thus far.  

Now after  spending 81 days on Regent Seven Seas Mariner it feels like home and has for some time now.  It's going to be hard to consider cruising with any other line after this experience.   Everyone from the Captain on down to our room steward's are so friendly, helpfully and make you feel as family. With this much time together many staff know us by our first name's.  

The ship is small in comparison to many of the popular cruise lines.  With it's size it is able to visit places many of the bigger cruise ships are unable.  It's not for families with children as there would not be much for them to do.  Excursions, daily planned activities and talks about the places we will be visiting, are tuned to us older adults.  Sea days are filled with games and those talks.  While the ship is old, completed March 8, 2001, it is well maintained.  The crew is constantly, cleaning, painting and repairing the ship keeping it looking like new.  One example is the carpet in our stateroom was completely replaced along with cleaning and re-grouting the tile around the tube.  Minor repairs have also been done.   

We are finding life on Mariner is more relaxed and less hurried.  Because there are less than 750 passengers all activities less crowded.   On other much larger cruise ships we have sailed, the crush of people can be overwhelming, especially when gathering for planned excursion's and evening entertainment.  The food is excellent and varied.  The ship's head chef, knowing there is nearly 400 of us world traveler's, has changed or included menu items reflexing more "Home Cooking" comfort food offerings.  

As world cruiser's having complete onboard Medical care, we feel very pamper and cared for, our health and safety always a priority.  Fortunately, Cathy and I have yet to seek medical care.  Those that have reported a well equipped Medical facility.  World Cruiser's are provided this care for free, included in their fare.  

Many are booking their next cruise with some booking future World Cruise's.  We are going to wait until we get home to see how we feel.  After 148 nights on this cruise we may not want to do it again for quite awhile.   With that said, we are looking forward to the remaining 67 days onboard the beautiful Regent Seven Seas Mariner.