Alan and Donna

It’s another early morning start today when url=http://myitchytravelfeet.com/2009/09/09/cruising-vancouver-to-singapore-regent-seven-seas-mariner/ Mariner goes exploring in Hubbard Glacier. Although Alan arrives in the Observation Lounge before 7 a.m., the prime window seats have already been saved with passengers’ cameras and coats. When I join Alan, Mariner is just entering Disenchantment Bay. On a clear autumn day, the Elias and Fairweather Mountain Ranges poke their glistening white peaks into a deep blue sky. Hubbard Glaciers jagged ice glows in the morning sun. We’re in luck to be the only ship here. Mariner has no viewing competition as the captain pirouettes the ship round and round so that all have a spectacular view. Gold, Platinum and Titanium cruisers (those with many days cruising with Regent) are invited to an outside area on the 8th deck for a specia... read more

When Mariner docks in Skagway on a foggy morning, Alan and I wonder if we’ll be experiencing a repeat of our Juneau experience. But, the ticket says our Speedcat to Glacier Point excursion happens rain or shine. So off we go to paddle a canoe to the face of Davidson Glacier. As soon as we board the high-speed catamaran for the 1-hour ride to Glacier Point, it’s obvious that we’ve made the right decision. Our guide (whose name I forget to write down) is entertaining as well as knowledgeable. While the boat zips through the water, we watch for sea life and admire the views of hanging glaciers and waterfalls that decorate the deep fjord. Once on shore at Glacier Point, the group boards school buses for the short ride to a staging area to gear ... read more

Remember when we visited New Zealand and Alan wanted a jet boat? Now he’s added a seaplane to the list. It all started when we docked in Ketchikan on a misty, gray day. Holland America’s Westerdam ship passed by our balcony, and passed by our balcony, then passed by our balcony some more. What a huge ship. I peaked over the railing to see that our ship, Mariner, was wedged between the Westerdam on the left and a large RCL ship on the right. It was going to be a busy day in port. Colorful buildings spill down the hillside in Ketchikan, coming right up to the dock, making it easy for cruising shop-a-holics to wander from jewelry store to jewelry store. Alan and I hoped to leave most of them behind as we searched for ... read more

It's a cold day, shrouded in clouds as Mariner arrives in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Groups of unemployed men, lounging around the docks, add to the gloomy atmosphere. As our tour vehicle leaves the port, topless women from the Himba tribe, known for smearing red ochre on their bodies, spread their wares on the ground outside of the port gate. The only way to visit them is to walk through the dock area and out the gate, as our tour vehicles won't be stopping. We're headed out on the Treasures of the Namib Desert excursion. The vehicle drives through what there is of the town of Walvis Bay before continuing on to Namib-Naukflut Park. The hot, dusty drive introduces us to desolate hills and valleys reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Alan and I realize that we've chosen ... read more

Great white sharks. Who wouldn't mind adding them to their life list of wildlife sightings? The main reason Alan and I are here in Hermanus is to see them. Oh, and to stay at the wonderful Birkenhead House . We wake this morning to the sound of the ocean. Will it be too windy for our great white shark viewing adventure? After an omelet breakfast in the dining room, we sit on the back patio watching whales playing in the ocean. Steps from the property, a walking path meanders along the coast. It's tempting to stay here for the day to explore on our own. Ngaire, from Brown and Keene Travel, gets the call. There's some wind but the adventure is a go. Soon our small group is boarding the White Shark Ecoventures... read more