A tradition on Regent Panama Canal Transits (apparently) is the Guest Vessel Building Competition, I did not participate, did not know anyone when the competition started, so missed out. Teams of guests get together to build, using only materials that they have on board or purchase during the cruise (although I am not sure how “legal” that is), a vessel that is sea worthy (well pool worthy).
On this cruise there were three teams that completed their vessels and submitted them for judging by the Captain and the Chief Engineer after passing the sea worthiness test.
Please vote on which vessel you believe is the best.
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Australia II (KA6)NavigatorTwin Masted Sailing Boat
Team Australia II, checkout the lookout at the top of the mast, he did not survive the rough weather
Team Navigator
Team Sailing Boat
Rough Weather Approaching
The materials used on board included paper-mache, cotton napkins, place mats from the Pool Bar, latex paint (acquired from the crew).
Every cruise the crew on board puts on a Crew Capers show. To be selected to appear in the show there is a rigorous auditioning process followed by rehearsal in their own time, which is usually means that they are rehearsing after 11pm at night or during their break in the day. The show is always a lot of fun and some of the “stars” are pretty good, bordering on professional. None of the professional entertainers on board are involved.
The Captain!
A few traditional dances from the performers home countries
The crew singing about the funny things guests say
Regent’s own Elvis, he is one of the barmen and his actual name is Elvis!!
Splish Splash I Was Taking A Bath
One of the crew, he was very good, singing The Impossible Dream
Cabo San Lucas was our last Mexican Port of Call, as we were in Mexico thought it would be a good idea to attend an educational tour on one of the most recognised Mexican exports, Tequila. I was a little worried about the 8:30am start time, have never seen Tequila as a breakfast beverage, but when in Mexico…
CSL-008 TEQUILA AFICIONADO Experience the unique flavors of Mexico during this premiere tequila-tasting event.
Depart the pier for the drive to your tequila-tasting event. Upon arrival, you will learn about tequila’s history, and how its ingredients are grown, processed, fermented and distilled to create this famous libation. You will also discover tequila’s many classifications, then have an opportunity to sample four of Mexico’s finest tequilas. Your experience will include a snack consisting of fresh tortilla chips served with traditional guacamole dip.
Following your tasting, you will receive a special certificate distinguishing you as a Tequila Ambassador before re-boarding your van for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: Guests must be at least 21 years of age to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages.
The provided snack
The three tequilas and unprocessed juice we tasted
Our guide
Our tequila expert
The Chef
This was not the worst tour of the cruise, but it easily could have been a lot better. Whilst the tour guide and the tequila expert were great, very friendly and knowledgeable, everything was done on the cheap. The food was very tasty, but the portions were too small to really enjoy, the tequila samples were also small. I would have liked more samples of different tequlias to compare the different types and quality of the Mixtos and Agave.
Of the three tequilas we tasted my favourite was the San Mathias Gran Reserva, we also tasted Pueblo Viejo Azul Anejo and Orendain Ollitas Reposado Tequila. I tried to purchase a bottle of the San Mathias, but the restaurant where the tasting was held did not have any stock to sell, another problem as most people who had enjoyed the session were also interested in purchasing a bottle or two, an opportunity lost.
The restaurant was a part of a time share resort and, after the tasting, we had an opportunity to look around. Not a bad beach!
After the tasting we were given the option to return to the ship or to get dropped off in town. I took the option to get dropped off in town and wandered around a bit searching for a place that was recommended by a number of people online for their Mojitos and the quality of their cigars, J&J Habanos. The shop front was “hidden” in a back street, but, after asking a few locals I found the place and it was well worth the effort.
The Mojito I had, this one was made with Havana Club Anejo 7 Year Old Rum. Very refreshing after the walk around the town.
Once I had tried the Mojitos and purchased a couple of souvenirs it was time to start to make my way back to the ship via the marina. There is obviously a bit of money in this town
An eco resort in the foot hills surrounding Cabo San Lucas.
The Navigator
I like Cabo and would like to return again one day, looked like a great place to relax.
Our next Port of Call was Puerto Vallarta, there was only one tour that interested me and, unfortunately, it was over subscribed so I ended up going ashore and wandering around the port area, even grabbed a hair cut and utilised the free WiFi at Starbucks, whilst I am not a fan of Starbucks Coffee, had an iced tea, they do have reliable WiFi 🙂
Puerto Vallarta is a picturesque place, really enjoyed our sail away. Had a bit of fun with my fish-eye lens.
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Lunch was on the Pool Deck where the band played as we sailed away.
Added this photo to the post as the discussion about kids wearing diapers in the pool on Cruise Critic has been very vocal.
That night I went to dinner with some new friends, Kathi and Don, in Prime 7. Kathi and Don have been the couple responsible for “making” me go on more cruises, including my South American cruise in 2014 and my upcoming South Pacific cruise. I was very lucky during the cruise to dine in Prime 7 on multiple occasions, the only issue is that they kept trying to give me a larger steak each time, this time a 32 ounce T-Bone, also never had a bad meal in Prime 7 on this trip.
Caesar Salad Prime 7 Style
36 ounce steak!
Budha our waiter for the night. He is from Nepal
2006 Amarone della Valpolicella with the traditional end to a Prime 7 Dinner, chocolate and cherry bites (not sure what else to call them)
The magnum of 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella we purchased on board for a fairly reasonable price a great wine to pair with a steak.
Huatulco was a fun surprise. My tour today was around the township by Mountain Bike. I am glad that I chose this way to get around. The Huatulco is a newish resort town that is taking being ecological concerns seriously, there is still a lot development in progress, but what was built looked pretty good and would be a nice place for an extended stay.
HUT-004 MOUNTAIN BIKE EXCURSION
For those who enjoy combining sightseeing with a good workout, this is definitely the tour for you. The coastal paradise of Huatulco is known for its nine beautiful bays and the scenic route you’ll take on your mountain bike will allow you to see three of these magnificent bays while partaking in some invigorating exercise.
Meeting your guide at the pier area, you’ll be issued a Cromoli 18-speed mountain bike and helmet. Once you have received your safety briefing and route overview, you’ll begin a ride that has you discovering the beautiful scenery of this new resort area. Your route has you first passing by Chahue bay before climbing to Tangolunda viewpoint (two miles total distance in this segment, with a moderate slope of 25 degrees on the last 600 yards) for a 10-minute water and photo stop.
From here, it’s a downhill ride to lovely Tangolunda Beach Park for a 30-minute stop. Sea conditions permitting, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean. Complimentary cold water and a fresh water shower are available here.
Next, you’ll trek to the upscale hotel zone of Tangolunda Bay, returning by way of the boulevard that travels alongside the golf course. Switching to a different path, you’ll then climb to Chahue Bay (with a slope of 90 degrees in the first 800 yards), before heading up to la Crucecita for a 15 minute rest stop at the charming central plaza. Finally, the last segment of your journey brings you back to the pier.
Please note: This tour is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair, those with mobility concerns or children under 16 years of age. Actual cycling time is approximately 2 1/2 hours, 99% of which is over paved roads. Guests are responsible for assessing their physical ability and medical condition in undertaking this tour. Guests are expected to be aware of road rules and conditions while riding. The Tour Operator is not responsible for natural conditions beyond their control such as road and off-road surfaces that may cause injury. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. No open-toed shoes will be allowed and helmets must be worn by all riders. Changing facilities are available at Tangolunda Beach Park as well as showers and restrooms. For those guests who wish to swim, it is suggested that you wear your swimsuit under your biking outfit and bring a towel. Guests will be required to sign a release waiver before being allowed to take part in the tour. The order of sights visited may vary and the itinerary may be reversed.
The La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in the main Square of Huatulco is a place that should not be missed, the Frescos inside are not bad, especially for a regional church, wish that I had had a better camera with me for this part of the ride.
Downtown Huatulco
The last stop on the tour was at a resort, this was one of the first resorts built in Huatulco, so is looking a bit tired, but the beach is very nice and we had an opportunity to go for a quick dip.
After the ride we returned to the ship and I decided to go for a walk around the port area and grab some lunch
This highlights difference in size between the Navigator (470 passengers) and the Norwegian Jewel (2,376 passengers)
On the way out of Huatulco
A Mexican anti drug boat was also leaving Huatulco at the same time as us. I noticed that there were no fixed weapon emplacements, not sure what they do when they come across a drug boat.
The Huatulco Pilot Boat picking up the Pilot on the way out, looks like at least one of them was taking it easy.
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Later in the afternoon I spotted a Mexican warship so looked it up, this is the ARM Ignacio L Vallarta which was formerly the USS Velocity, she was commissioned in 1943, decommissioned in 1946 and then transferred to the fleet reserve, when, in 1972, she was struck from the USN list she was purchased by Mexico, so she has been in service for over 70 years, not a bad innings for a WWII vessel with 5 Battle Stars.
Our next port of call was our first in Mexico, Puerto Chiapas, the tour I chose for today was a Regent Choice Excursion, ie we had to pay extra for this tour USD109, to the Argovia Coffee Plantation about a 2.5 hour drive from the port. I decided on this tour because I enjoy coffee and thought it would be interesting to visit a coffee plantation and to try the local coffee.
CIA-004 COFFEE & NATURAL WONDERS This agriculturally rich region of Mexico is known for its coffee production and today you’ll travel to one of the most beautiful valleys in Chiapas for a visit to Hamburgo, a magnificent coffee farm that is more than 100 years old. Here, you will observe first-hand how tradition and modern innovation blend together to form an interesting and harmonious agricultural mixture.
After a relaxing 2 1/2 hour drive through some of Mexico’s most spectacular scenery, you’ll reach Hamburgo. If you have ever asked yourself what is behind a delicious cup of coffee, today is the day you will discover all of this and more. As you walk through the coffee fields getting a first-hand look at this fragile but impressive ecosystem that the guardians of Hamburgo are entrusted with protecting and developing, you’ll learn about the fascinating and delicate cycle coffee undertakes from seedling to cup. Your guide will share with you how plants are selected and then nurtured through the seasons until the ripened fruit is ready to be harvested. You’ll observe how the coffee is cultivated here in these mountain highlands and even be privy to insider secrets on how to brew a perfect cup of hot coffee. Naturally, you’ll be invited to sample a cup of Chiapas’ finest as well.
At Argovia you will visit the greenhouse, with a variety of exotic flowers that are produced at the farm like; anthuriums, gingers, orchids, heliconias, among many others. Take advantage of this time to get expert advice to conserve the flowers.
Your visit includes a tasty lunch served at the coffee farm and free time to browse in a small gift store before it’s time to leave. As you make your way back to the ship, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the tropical forest of the Chiapas Sierra Madre.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 5 hours of transportation and 2 hours of walking. The sites visited are not wheelchair accessible and therefore, it is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina.
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellant and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Unfortunately our guide on the bus to the plantation was new to the region, she was the Philippines, and had only started working for the company the day before, so she had not had a chance to study up on the region and the sites on the way up to the plantation, so we did not have as informative and interesting ride as we had in Costa Rica. This was not the fault of guide or Regent, but was due to the shortage of guides available due to the other cruise ship being in port at the same time, Argovia is one of the popular sites to visit near Puerto Chiapas. Our guide on the way back was excellent, she was the one on the other bus that was in our group, she had been working for Agrovia for a number of years and was a local, she made the trip back to ship a lot of fun and interesting.
We visited Argovia after the harvesting of the coffee had been completed so we were able tour the entire facility. Below is where they wash and sort the beans.
Coffee Roasters
Argovia uses water to drive the equipment instead of electrical power
They use the drying method to dry the beans after they have been sorted and washed
Vic was another of the Australian Guests on board and he took up the challenge to turn the beans
One of the local bugs
More of the equipment used to process the beans, including roasting and sorting the beans further
The processed beans. Apparently one of the reasons why coffee prices have gone up is because the Japanese are now interested high quality coffee, a sack of high quality beans used to go for USD50 when we were there they mentioned that the price had gone up considerably, it was in the hundreds for the same quality of bean.
Agrovia is also know for its flowers, which we viewed after a tour of the coffee facilities.
After we visited the flower garden it was back to the Argovia office and to the restaurant behind the office for lunch and to taste the coffee. Unfortunately the coffee that was on offer was watered down and served from urns. Was expecting something a bit better, so decided to ask for a double expresso, which they seemed a bit surprised about but still they made one for me, it was not bad. If you visit Argovia I recommend you ask them to make your coffee how you like it!
Back at the ship some of the locals put on a bit of a show for us as we left the port
As my cabin was on the port side of the ship I was lucky enough to be able to watch the Pilot disembarking the ship
The view of the beach on departure from Puerto Chiapas
