Up and at'em at 3:45 this morning. Miracle of miracles, I got Rebecca out of the house at my planned time, 5:00 am. Dropped Escape at The Parking Spot near airport at 5:30 and was going through DFW airport security by 6 am. We had TSA Pre check on boarding passes so did not have to remove shoes or take liquids & computer out of bags so was real fast (no line either). Rebecca knew our AA gate agent so he got us better seats and boarded us BEFORE first class passengers. Aren't we special?? HA! Our 767 departed the gate 5 minutes early and we arrived at gate after good flight on schedule at 11:15. Our driver was waiting for us in baggage claim and we were happy to see that all our checked luggage made it to MIA with us. Hopped in his nice black GMC Yukon and was at pier just few minutes after noon. Check-in for cruise was fast and we were greeted when walking on the ship with glasses of champagne. We were advised that the suites would not be ready for us until 2:30 so went up to the La Veranda for a bite of lunch. The neatest thing about sailing on Regent is we always see old crew member and passenger friends. We have now been on the ship for an hour and a half and have seen at least 20 crew members who we have sailed with before. They all remember us (not sure if that is good or bad) and hugs to them all. At lunch Goren came up looking for us and he has lots of plans for us during the next 10 days. It was so wonderful to see him. We also recognized several passengers that we have sailed with before on other Regent ships. We had a nice chat with one of the couples. Funny, she remembered Rebecca but not me. No doubt because Rebecca dresses so nicely! Of course I remembered this lady because SHE always looked lovely too.
Back from lifeboat drill and we are just leaving the dock and heading for Nassau. I am guessing that over 95% of the passengers are over age 65 and most of those are 75+. Probably be an early night for us after the 3:45 get up. I will try to add some photos now.
Waiting for our flight at DFW airport.
Nice bulkhead seats in coach with lots of leg room.
Al, our driver, at MIA airport loading his Yukon for short trip to the port.
First people we saw upon boarding were Nathan & Alan, two of the dancers we met on our Beijing to London cruise last year at this time.
We're here and luggage is here! Unpacked now and everything in its place.
Nice size walk in closet.
Goran, the F & B Director on board and our good friend, had chocolate covered strawberries, other sweets, and a very nice chardonnay waiting for our arrival in the suite.
Back from lifeboat drill and we are just leaving the dock and heading for Nassau. I am guessing that over 95% of the passengers are over age 65 and most of those are 75+. Probably be an early night for us after the 3:45 get up. I will try to add some photos now.
