After a few days visiting family in Atlanta, Georgia, Alan and I head to Memphis, Tennessee, by way of Vicksburg, Mississippi. No, it is not on the way. But, the chance to see something new while driving on country back roads is an irresistible lure, especially to Alan. So, we make our way across Georgia and Alabama mostly on secondary roads. After crossing into Mississippi, the real adventure begins when we pick up the Natchez Trace at Mathison, Mississippi. The Trace is a combination road and national park. The long, green corridor winds through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi followin [View Full Entry]

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As we sail across the Pacific Ocean towards Los Angeles, Alan and I have six days to enjoy life at sea. A flurry of activity fills the days…lectures, naps, Pooch (a card game), naps, Pooch, wine tastings, naps, dancing in the nightclub, Pooch, exercise, shows, naps, well, you get the picture. Those who’ve never crossed the equator are initiated into the club (our third time crossing the equator). The crew hosts the country fair on the pool deck and of course, the Krew Kapers, with entertainment from the talented crewmembers, brings down the house. But, a dancing contest turn [View Full Entry]

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In a previous post, I hinted about Raju and promised to explain. Well, here’s the story. “Good afternoon, Madam. My name is Raju and I’m your butler.” I never expected to hear these words in my lifetime. When Regent offers us a last minute upgrade on our cruise, we take it. With 19 days onboard, a larger cabin is well worth the extra money. Butler service comes with the added space. “What are we going to do with a butler?” Alan asks in a low whisper as we walk down the hall towards our suite on embarkation day. I reply in [View Full Entry]

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Nuku Hiva is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for pristine beaches and shopping opportunities, this island isn’t for you. But, for pure wildness and sense of place, Nuku Hiva tops my list. Horses run free on grassy mountain slopes that overlook an island blessedly free from resort development. On this trip to French Polynesia’s northernmost island, Regent has arranged a Mini-Festival of Arts as a complimentary event for all passengers. It simulates the Marquesas Festival of Arts, a celebration of culture and traditions that takes place once every four ye [View Full Entry]

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The sun shines brightly on our balcony this morning, now this is the French Polynesian weather that we know and love. Alan and I eat breakfast while catching a last glimpse of Moorea. A brown ribbon of river water colors the lagoon, the only evidence of yesterday’s heavy rains. Today, Mariner sails from Moorea to Papeete, a short two-hour ride. We’ve been invited to a special party for frequent Regent customers. So, as the ship sails from here to there, Alan and I sit near the rail on the back deck of Horizon Lounge. The caviar and champagne flow while we [View Full Entry]

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When American author, Thomas Wolfe, wrote his book, You Can’t Go Home Again, I doubt that he meant a cruise excursion in Moorea. Alan and I may not be “going home again,” but, today, we’re repeating one of our favorite experiences, the Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling excursion. Will it be as special this time? Storm clouds hang outside Moorea’s reef as we take the tender for an 8:00 am rendezvous with our tour boat. Because of the threatening weather, we leave our cameras behind, which we later regret. On the excursion boat, two guides introdu [View Full Entry]

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When you’re visiting an island famous for its beautiful lagoon, it would be a crime not to get in the water. And, since Alan and I have hauled our snorkeling gear through airports, around New Zealand and across the Pacific Ocean, we’re determined to use it. So, even though clouds threaten rain, we take the tender to shore and the beginning of our “Stingray Ballet and Snorkel Safari.” We board a covered boat that has two rows of long benches facing each other. Placing our gear underneath the seat, Alan and I wait for fellow cruisers to select from a large [View Full Entry]

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As the ship anchors near Rarotonga, Alan and I enjoy a sunny breakfast on the balcony. When the tenders are lowered into the water, it becomes obvious that we are bobbing on a rocky sea. The boats tip and weave, bouncing against the rails where passengers will be boarding. Captain Romeo watches, a frown of concern clouding his face. Alan and I wait for the Muri Lagoon Cruise, expecting that all excursions will be cancelled due to the rough seas. The travel desk calls our group and we wait to board the tenders. Just before I’m ready to step down the [View Full Entry]

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Have you ever traveled backwards? Since Alan and I boarded the Regent ship, Mariner, in Auckland, we have done exactly that. In 2005, we sailed on the Voyager from Los Angeles to Sydney via French Polynesia where we fell in love with the gentle South Pacific Islands and warm, lazy sea days. Now, we are retracing our steps through the area on a cruise from Auckland to LA. Today the ship is anchored in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. On our last stop here, we explored the quaint town of Russell plus attended a Maori cultural experience at the Treaty House. [View Full Entry]

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After saying goodbye to our guide, Robert, Alan and I exchange the sunny South Island weather for a rainy weekend in Auckland. We are meeting a group of cruisers that we know from the internet. On Monday, we board the Regent ship, Mariner, for the trip back to Los Angeles. Our rooms at the Sky City Hotel offer a central location in the heart of Auckland. Since this is our second visit here, Alan and I spend the first day catching up on sleep and resting from our South Island adventure. What do you do in Auckland when the weather is [View Full Entry]

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