Yes, that Bali is something! So much to see. So much to do. Every time we visit we have a different experience.
Here is part 2 of 4 parts of Regent Seven Seas Cruises call to Bali - sailing on Seven Seas Voyager - enjoy!
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStUpQXYo3U]
Happy Cruising!
Thanks for checking into my cruise blog!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Bali, Indonesia. This is one of our favorite places! You never know what you'll see or what's just around the corner. Every day spent there is exciting thanks to the incredible culture and the warm and wonderful people. When I hear the word "exotic" Bali is always the first place that comes to mind.
How long will Bali remain a paradise? There are some not so good influences creeping in from other parts of Indonesia and the locals are concerned about the future and maintaining there peace and their culture. This is on my "must see" list of world destinations.
I Hope you enjoy part 1 of 3 of "Jamie's Journey to Bali, Indonesia"
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Bali, Indonesia. This is one of our favorite places! You never know what you'll see or what's just around the corner. Every day spent there is exciting thanks to the incredible culture and the warm and wonderful people. When I hear the word "exotic" Bali is always the first place that comes to mind.
How long will Bali remain a paradise? There are some not so good influences creeping in from other parts of Indonesia and the locals are concerned about the future and maintaining there peace and their culture. This is on my "must see" list of world destinations.
I Hope you enjoy part 1 of 3 of "Jamie's Journey to Bali, Indonesia"
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Thank you for the feedback I received from Part 1. The comment section of my is working so I would be honored if you enjoyed the video you take a moment to say so.
Borubodur is such an amazing sight! I hope that you will enjoy part 2...
Next we are going to visit Bali, Indonesia. One of our absolute favorites! Here are a couple more itinerary options that stop a Semerang and Bali.
http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY111219B/Itinerary.aspx and http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120207C/Itinerary.aspx
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Thank you for the feedback I received from Part 1. The comment section of my is working so I would be honored if you enjoyed the video you take a moment to say so.
Borubodur is such an amazing sight! I hope that you will enjoy part 2...
Next we are going to visit Bali, Indonesia. One of our absolute favorites! Here are a couple more itinerary options that stop a Semerang and Bali.
http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY111219B/Itinerary.aspx and http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120207C/Itinerary.aspx
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
I was looking at the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website, which you probably know you can access right through my site and I was thinking about our winter season and all that we are going to see and experience. Now, why I was doing this in July is something I can't explain! Dana and I are scheduled to join the ship January 6th in the great city of Singapore and we'll probably go a couple days early to enjoy that as it is normally a turn around day for us which makes it about impossible to get out. We'll stay into May, basically sailing down to Auckland and back and finishing up in the Mediterranean.
Checkout part of this itinerary here: http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120106/Itinerary.aspx and http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120222/Itinerary.aspx
As I perused the schedule, it reminded me of how great these itinerary are and that we'll ge the chance to return to some of our favorite places and I thought I would take the next several posts and highlight a few of those.
Our first stop is going to be at the port of Semerang, Indonesia on the Island of Java where I was able to get out and shoot a Jamie's Journey with Diana Tamas, who shot and edited the footage. In that video you'll get a glimpse of the active volcano, Mount Merapi which erupted again in October of 2010 sometime after we shot the video.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Merapi
It takes a couple hours to get to Borobudur and it is, of course, hot but just take a look at its magnificence!
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcQoJNsruyE]
Stay tuned for part 2...
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
I was looking at the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website, which you probably know you can access right through my site and I was thinking about our winter season and all that we are going to see and experience. Now, why I was doing this in July is something I can't explain! Dana and I are scheduled to join the ship January 6th in the great city of Singapore and we'll probably go a couple days early to enjoy that as it is normally a turn around day for us which makes it about impossible to get out. We'll stay into May, basically sailing down to Auckland and back and finishing up in the Mediterranean.
As I perused the schedule, it reminded me of how great these itinerary are and that we'll ge the chance to return to some of our favorite places and I thought I would take the next several posts and highlight a few of those.
Checkout part of this itinerary here: http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120106/Itinerary.aspx and http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY120222/Itinerary.aspx
Our first stop is going to be at the port of Semerang, Indonesia on the Island of Java where I was able to get out and shoot a Jamie's Journey with Diana Tamas, who shot and edited the footage. In that video you'll get a glimpse of the active volcano, Mount Merapi which erupted again in October of 2010 sometime after we shot the video.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Merapi
It takes a couple hours to get to Borobudur and it is, of course, hot but just take a look at its magnificence!
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcQoJNsruyE]
Stay tuned for part 2...
Happy Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Dear V Cruisers,
For those of you who are from the USA, I hope you all enjoyed a great Independence Day weekend. We were sure did here in Michigan!
You know, for those that are interested in WWII history there are still some very interesting places to see in this great world like; Honolulu, USA; Honfleur (Le Havre), France; Guam, USA; Port Moresby, New Guinea; Okinawa, Japan ; Manila (Corregidor), Philippines; Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan; Singapore, Singapore; Honiara, Guadal Canal; Truk, Marshall Islands just to name a few.
A couple years ago Seven Seas Voyager made call at Saipan in the Mariana Islands (USA) and we also paused for about an hour just off Iwo Jima, (Returned to Japan in 1968 and now considered a part of Tokyo). I had been to Saipan several times before and it is a powerful place to stop. The Island just south is Tinian where the Anola Gay flew from to deliver the atomic bombs.
The stop at Iwo Jima with Mt. Suribachi was also an amazing and emotional stop.
I hope you find the video interesting! Simply click on the link. Then click on the play button.
Like they say...Freedom (DEFINITELY) isn't free! May we never forget! If you have trouble loading the video, visit my primary site at sameshipdifferentday.com
Jamie
Just as all ships require ballast, all people require balance. If ships aren’t ballasted right we know what can happen and the same goes for people who are out of balance. These two terms are related, as ballast does provide balance. So, after two weeks at home Dana and I can say we are now well ballasted!
We love our work and sure enjoy being on board our beautiful ships but it’s always so nice to be home for a while! Working for months at a time without a day off is, as you can imagine, no easy task. But we are the fortunate ones! Those that cook and serve, clean and maintain the ship – These people are the ones that really show an extraordinary commitment to both our company and to their families and we admire all of them and the jobs they do!
So, yes, we are lucky! Now, we are especially so because we’re be back in Northwest Michigan in the summertime! People who live up here in Traverse City, “One of the great port cities and top cruise destinations of the world” (That’s how I sometimes describe it), all say the same thing – Most live up here for the summers – even though we are all still hoping that summer will finally kick in sometime soon!
When we are gone for so long it’s nice to reconnect with family and friends, neighbors and come back to another kind of community – far different from the one on the
ship. And then there are the pets! We really miss animals when we’re away and I know many of our guests do also. One of our world cruise guests this year brought 200 pounds of cat food with her. Her mission was to go out in port to find and feed them! She told me a story about one of her cats back home, who was once a stray she came across on a previous trip. When she found it, it had some serious medical issues so she took it to the local vet in the city she was visiting. Later, when the cat wasn’t claimed, she had it shipped back to her home in the states! Though they really do not fit in to our lifestyle, for some reason we have them. We now have somebody stay and care for them when we’re away, so basically the pets think the house is there’s and that every few months the feeders change. Some of our guests ask if our animals remember us or forgive us when we return after being away. We love ‘em but think they could really care less! All that matters to them, we believe, is that their dishes are filled each day and they get to go outside. Anything beyond this and a couple pats and pets is extra.
Now, getting back to balance, I believe that all of us need to find that in our lives – though not all of us are able to, and some don’t even try. But for us, having found that balance has enabled Dana and I to cruise as long as we have which is over 20 years now. Our guests often ask us if we are going to take a cruise during our vacation? Are you kidding? NO! But we’d someday like to! Others tell us that we must just want to get away from water for a while! What? Never!
We are 5 miles from beautiful Lake Michigan and we are fortunate to live on one of the hundreds of lakes in the region. Just about every day we are out on the lake enjoying our private yacht named "Joy" (Actually it’s a pontoon boat).
Another question we often get is, "Are you happy to get away from your guests for a while?" Well, no, not really. Later this summer we have been informed of a few visits by our guests. Sometimes there is even little or no warning, which is usually fine. Quite a few have dropped by over the years and even stayed with us. We always look forward to those visits but please don’t let my statement be misconstrued - That wasn’t an invitation! But, seriously, we’d love to see anybody whose up in our neck of the woods! Later this summer, we know of one couple traveling cross country who will come up and stay. A couple others we are planning to see in Chicago - a six hour drive. We are going further north next week to an other couple who have been so kind to us! Also, one of the delightful couples we have known for quite some time will actually be “in port” off a small cruise ship that makes a few calls here each year. A couple small ships cruise down the St. Lawrence and then through the Erie Canal to cruise the great lakes. We get a kick out of seeing a bunch of Germans and Brits wandering around in our little town for a few hours. “What are they doing here?” we ask ourselves. There is a nickname the locals have for tourists which includes all out-of-towners and that is “Fudgies.” Apparently most of these people have never seen a fudge shop, which is why there are several in town. Then there are a group of people called “Youpers” who reside in Michigan's Upper Penninsula and “Trolls” which includes all of us who live below the Makinac Bridge to the "U.P."
In closing, we’re glad to be home and look foward to the rest of our vacation. In several weeks we'll start thinking about being back at on board Seven Seas Voyager and will be looking forward to that and following our ships itineraries each day. So, for us, I guess, that’s balance.
Talk to you again soon with lots more to share! I plan to show some of my Jamie's Journies videos and showcase some more of the world's great destinations and its going to be fun! If there is anything you want me to talk about just drop me a note. I am also working to get my comments section working again. I'd love it if you left one. Plus, I'll be sharing something we are excited about later this summer - spread the word and stay tuned!
Happy V Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Day 145 of 145!
The last two days of our Journey came and went in a blink of an eye! The last day at sea, for many, was not to be relished but was met with final preparations for packing and marked the beginning of many tearful good-byes. After so many days together it does become like a family here.
Many friendships will be revisited in the future whether at individual homes or back on our ships. A sad fact for many of the world cruisers is that right now there are no plans for Regent to do another around the world cruise so this may be the end of an era.
Dana and I feel most fortunate to have been able to do each of the past eleven consecutive world cruises. A few of the couples did all of them and one of those was Barbara and a man I nicknamed "Uncle Bob." That is how he became know on the ship for all these years, whether he was on the Mariner of Voyager that's what he was called. Well, Bob was real fragile for the entire world trip but passed away just a couple days after arriving home. Though we were saddened by th news we were all so happy he finished the cruise and made it home. He was a good and funny man. Thinking back, we have lost quite a number of our world cruisers - many lives well lived!
As for next year there is no "world cruise" but there are a few opportunities for long haul voyages. In fact, you can sail 128 days from Auckland to Reykjavik or stay on another 10 days after that to visit the Norwegian Fjords and finish in Copenhagen (great voyage!). We have about 100 signed up to do at least 128 days.
The only places you'd really miss would be the Pacific crossing and French Polynesia. But because of that it visits many more places on the way to Iceland. Dana and I are expected to be on part of that, we'll see.
At noon we held a farewell luncheon for the world cruisers who remained on board for the final two weeks. The chef prepared a wonderful set menu and I believe everyone attended. It was a nice way to say good-bye as many didn't want to miss the chance to get to Normandy, which happened to fall on the 67th anniversary of the D-Day landings, or to Paris which was on the final day of our voyage.
We were to stop in the quaint port of Honfleur but instead we went to Le Havre. The reason for that was because of the anniversary the tour agents were concerned that the buses from Normandy might be delayed in returning to the ship. If they returned after 5:30pm, due to the tide restrictions we'd be forced to sail six hours late. So instead, we went up the coast to La Havre and operated a shuttle to Honfleur which all worked out well.
The morning of disembarkation went very smoothly, despite all the extra luggage from the world cruisers. I believe a new record was set this year for suitcases which was 59! I can't even imagine that! Dionne Lochner, a South African replaced me and boarded the ship early to go over a few things. Else McLean, an Australian took over Dana's position. Both are delightful and they'll work with Chris Martin who will be the Assistant Cruise Director.
Our guests began leaving as early as 6:30am and there were a lot of hugs exchanged at the gangway... and yes, some tears as well! Dana and I flew back to Traverse City, MI at 1:00pm and had a delightful flight. By 7:00pm we were eating a brat and a beer with our next door neighbors. Its sure great to be home! But certainly, we'll look back fondly at this incredible 145 night journey around the world. It was truly a great one and we feel so blessed to have been apart of it!
As for the next day we finally enjoyed a day off and there are a lot more to come. But please stay tuned as there is a lot more great things to share with you in the weeks ahead!
Carry on Cruising!
Jamie Logan, Vacationing Cruise Director
Day 142 of 145
It was sure great to get back here in the world’s wine capital - we just love this city! This region has been producing wine since the 8th century. It is about a 6 1/2 hour cruise up the Garonne River to get here. It is a lovely city that looked even more lovely than the last time we were visited.
We spent a Friday and a Saturday here and our guests were treated to spectacular weather and each day was picture perfect. As usual most of our guests went out on tour and there is a lot to see here for sure! Those who chose not to get on a bus today seemed to enjoy taking it slow while walking the city – which we dock right next to – and enjoy the abundance of outdoor cafes. The people of this city love to dine outdoors!
The18th Century architecture is so pretty here and the old part of the city has been designated a UNESCO Heritage Site for that reason.
On Saturday Dana and I finally were able to step ashore around lunch time for a stroll along the riverfront followed by a typical French meal at a creperie. Lunch was delicious and it was served with a little jug of cider that added to the meal.
Last time we were here much of the waterfront was under construction. They added a new and superb local rail system plus a huge splash park where kids and adults can run and jump in about ¼ inch or so of water. I wished I was wearing my swim trunks as I would have loved to join in.
This was one of our favorite stops of the entire journey which will soon be coming to an end…
Happy Cruising! Jamie Logan, Cruise Director
Day 139 of 145
In Lisbon, for the second day in a row we were in port with the latest addition to Prestige Cruise Holding’s, the Oceania Marina. Oceania and Regent merged more than two years ago. Dana and I walked over to pay a visit to her. Our dear friend Leslie Jon, who is the senior cruise director there was on vacation so we were able to meet the present cruise director, David. He has been with Oceania about 8 years and kindly set the time aside to walk Dana and I around the ship. He seemed like just a super guy and I am sure is very popular with the guests!
Wow! Was it beautiful! Oceania is tops in the Premium Market whereas we are tops in the Luxury Market. Our company had really thought of everything, we believed, as it was so impressive and there were many new and creative ideas.
One of the many ideas we liked was this great cooking school with 24 separate cooking stations where guests can sign–up to participate. The chef responsible for the teaching was kind enough to pose for me.
There was also a special classroom for arts & crafts and digital photography and any other kind of instruction.
There are 7 different restaurants that the guests can enjoy. That’s amazing! Only two of them require an extra supplement. For one of them it is $75, I believe, but I am assured the guests get a lot for their money. And the other is a private dining area for 8-10 and it costs a flat fee of $1000 a night. It was all done so well!
There is also a paddle tennis court and an 18 hole golf putting course along with a croquet and bocce court like we have here, but so much more.
We saw many old friends who were transferred over there like Ian who was asked to go over an head up their new butler program along with his wife Lynette who has now moved up to become the Assistant Maitre D’ in the main restaurant.
We can tell this new ship is going to be a huge success and there is one more yet to come. Then we think Regent will get her chance with one or two new ships, no doubt when they finally get built they will have been worth waiting for!
After that visit I promised Dana I'd take her out to lunch in the Alfama district which is the old city with narrow streets and some areas with some nice local restaurants.
We enjoyed a typical Portuguese meal and then headed back down the hill to the ship. We enjoyed a nice view of the Marina which was docked behind us.
We were scheduled to sail a 9:00pm and that night we had planned a Gold, Platinum and Titanium event. Each segment Regent throws a special party for our guests in our three top tiers of days our guests have spent on ship. Over 200 guests were invited! We department heads always put our heads to gether and try to come up with something different we can do at this event. This time, our cruise consultant Gudrun Werner came up with the great idea to present a special "Fado" performance in our aft lounge at cocktail time and also feature some of the typical Portuguese delicacies.
Luis, our Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, who recently went on vacation, was able to arrange the entertainment. He hired the owner of the city's reknowned Fado Club and he and another gentleman performed on guitar and a terrific Fado singer performed a thirty minute show.
Fado can be compared to the blues, like we have here in the states but this is their own version. The event was very well received by our guests and I believe it was a day of great fun for all!
