Although I had high hopes and dreams, I thought it would be quite a long time indeed before we were in a position to spend that much money on a cruise again. I wasn't overly morose about it; after all, I had checked the Regent website and scanned the brochures, and the Mariner wasn't heading anywhere I wanted to go at the time I wanted to go. So, instead, I booked a cruise for Mike and I aboard the Norwegian Gem for 2010. Sailing out of New York City was a major plus; and it enabled us to treat our daughter, son-in-law and our #1 grandchild to cruise as well since we only had to pay their cruise fare as opposed to 3 additional airplane tickets. Having this family cruise to look forward to kept my mind off of what was going on with the Mariner. I stayed out of the Luxury Cruise Talk chat rooms and the Regent threads on Cruise Critic (why torture myself with hearing about others' upcoming trips). I barely glanced at the Regent brochures that came in the mail before unceremoniously throwing them away. And I deleted all Regent-related e-mails without even opening them up.
Then, finally, right before Christmas, one of the brochure descriptions did catch my eye. It was for 2011 sailings and it showed my wonderful Mariner heading back into warm climates in January. Oh Joy! Here was something I could consider ~ the first leg of their Circle South America voyage ~ two weeks in warm waters and transiting the Panama Canal (a first for us). Then I saw the price and sticker shock set in. Was I insane to consider paying that amount for a 2 week vacation?? I wasn't even sure I should mention it to Mike...he might think I'm even crazier than I thought I might be! But when I showed him the dates and itinerary, he didn't hesitate at all: "Book it!" I hemmmmed and hawwwwwwed for a couple of days before finally calling my old friend Joe at Chic Luxury Cruises and reluctantly gave him my credit card information for the deposit.
Mike is generally more pragmatic than I am, but even he convinced me that the old cliche "you can't take it with you" is probably right on and after all what is the point of busting your hump day after day after year after year if you are never going to enjoy the fruits of your labor. And just looking at our cabin pictures brings back so many incredible memories....we truly cannot wait to be back on board.
So, this blog begins another chapter in the cruising lives of Diz & Mike and it will probably become quite active in the second half of 2010.
Join me in my journey!
Hi I read your blog following a link you had on cruisecritic. Your description of NCL vs Regent was a treat to read and a laugh as well. All my friends and family think I was nuts to spend the money on my many Regentcruises when other cruise lines "have such great deals". I will show them your tale and perhaps they will understand that you get what you pay for. If you haven't already done so, post the entire blog on cruisecritic. I'm sure it would go over well
ReplyDeleteDang girl, I'm having a shiz fit over the price for a suite for the Panama Canal on NCL....I guess I better not cross over! :p Maybe that's why Mike is saying we really have to do the suite since there is a difference in the treatment of their suite guest....you really do feel very special...that said, I'm green with envy you're going! We were hoping to transit for our 30th wedding anniversary in January, but too many things going on that require our attention (like our house...LOL!). We are going to do it though...might take us a little while, but it IS on the short list!
ReplyDeleteSharon.....lmao!! On the Gem in February, I befriended a lovely couple who had the Garden Villa and that was truly a sight to behold! But even @ $10k, the butler couldn't secure me a bottle of Malibu or Bacardi Coco :O AND they made them pay $5 each for a game of bowling!!! Really?!?!?! Trust me, if you ever get the chance to cruise Regent -- DO IT!! You will not regret a single penny you spend (even if it costs every penny you have in the piggy bank) ;)
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