DAY 2--AT SEA

This was our ship's position at noon today.  At noon on sea days the Captain makes an announcement over the pa system to give our progress and weather forecast.  He said last night there was a passenger with heart problem and the ship's doctor recommended he be medi-evaced off the ship. Miami was closest place with adequate heart care facilities so the captain turned back towards Miami.  A Coast Guard helicopter rendezvoused with us en route back.  So basically we lost 5 more hours of cruising time towards our first port, St Barts.  The Captain said that port of call "may" be cancelled.  I'm betting it will be cancelled so we can get back on schedule.  

As far as today's weather, it is cloudy and 71 degrees F.  We are getting a little swell this afternoon but not too bad so far.  Forecast is for more of the same tonight and tomorrow.

What We Did Today:
We both slept really well last night.  I tend to sleep MUCH better when on cruise ships.  Room service showed up at 8:00 am with our breakfast.  We finished unpacking the last piece of luggage and then headed to the fitness center for our normal hour workout.  Rebecca does the treadmill and I do stationary bike.  The fitness center is not large.  There are 4 treadmills (one is inop) and two stationary cycles.  There is also 4 ellipticals, circuit machines, and weights.  After getting cleaned up and checking emails we went down to Compass Rose (main dining room) to move our Prime 7 (steakhouse) reservation from tomorrow night to the following night (16th).  Tomorrow night is a formal dress optional night and the Captain's Welcome Aboard party.  We have been invited to dine with the Cruise Director, Jamie, and his wife.  Typically a very good menu for Captain's Welcome Aboard dinner.  Monique was kind enough to arrange a Prime 7 reservation on 16th.  Not sure how, as Maitre'd said it was not possible.  Once again we are getting special attention.

 We decided to have lunch in Compass Rose today.  One of the menu items was salmon in pastry (above).  It is one of our favorites.  I have even attempted to prepare it at home.  Good but not nearly as good as it is here on Regent.

We are spending the afternoon in our suite.  I am working on editing photos and writing blog post while Rebecca is writing in her journal and adding our scheduled activities into a calendar we brought.  Our suite steward has just delivered some diet green tea and St Francis chardonnay.  I had our travel agent request both the diet green tea and also 10 cases (yes, 120 bottles) of St Francis.

Regent did not charge us extra for these special requests.  The wine is only served to us.  We request varied amounts on every Regent cruise.  Oh, yes, I also requested soft shell crabs which enjoy french fried.  I haven't confirmed yet that they are on board.

Here are some photos of our suite that I took yesterday.  The suite is 252 sqft with a 49 sqft balcony.

 Nice sized shower.  A lot larger than on Princess or Royal Caribbean.

 Our walk-in closet is now FULL.

 Magnetic plaques on outside of our door.  We get these on our longer cruises.  Will get another one on this cruise so will have 4.  People walking by will be envious of us.

 The walls on cruise ships are metal with some sort of vinyl covering so I bring magnets to put maps, calendar, and our excursion info on wall.

At 6:00 pm the "block party" will begin.  This event is unique to Regent cruises.  The Captain will ring a bell from bridge over the PA.  Guests will bring a wine glass from their suites and go out into hallways.  There the suite stewards will be pouring wine and also have trays of canapes.  It is a great way to meet your neighbors.  Then he, the cruise director, and general manager will race up and down all the halls shaking hands with the guests.  They do not tarry as they have a lot of hallways to travel through.  Not all guests participate.

On tonight's menu are two of our favorites:  escargot and veal shank osso buco.  May have some cajun seafood gumbo too!  OINK!  After dinner at 9:30 pm is the first production show featuring the Jean Ann Ryan company.  Tonight's show titled, "Back Stage Pass", features Broadway show tunes. These young singers and dancers are very talented.  We know one of the dancers, Lauren, from a previous cruise.  We always try to sit on the front row!!