Wild, glorious and finished

We're rallying for a final post to John & Linda's Adventure Around the World.



To say this World Cruise was unique kind of understates the obvious. First, though, the "glorious":


We were fascinated with Polynesia and New Zealand during the early trip, less so but still interested in Australia. Bali allowed a brief visit with Christine on her home turf, plus proved intriguing as a destination we had not previously visited.



Calls in Shanghai and Dubai (they both end in "ai"--??) offered a clear contrast around how two cultures--both quite different from our own--are making hyper attempts at modernization if not economic leadership. A further context was provided in Hong Kong where one senses the peak has passed, and Saigon where a peak may never occur.




Then there were the old standbys such as Sydney and Singapore where one has to be comatose not to enjoy, plus surprise jewels like Muscat, or the much ballyhooed sites which still exceed expectations, like Petra or the Giza pyramids. The little add-on cruise to Croatia, Turkey and the Greek Isles also filled in what otherwise would have been a missed opportunity to see these anticipated areas.




And people you meet along the way are still a special part of the experience. From the core group we knew from last year's Silversea voyage, to the group from the Jacksonville to the fun characters you always encounter and befriend, this trip proved no exception as an opportunity to expand our social circle.




"Wild" has to refer to the ship's malfunction and all the tentacles that dangled from it (pun intended.) From the time we knew something was wrong way back leaving Singapore, the fact was topic one throughout the ship. Even you veteran cruisers have likely not had the Captain stop the ship in mid Indian Ocean, and personally dive below to undo the fishing line thought to be the culprit. Events like this did not lessen discussion of the topic.




Then to have Regent's president personally fly to join the ship as the full extent and subsequent options were developed is also unusual, to say the least. We must comment that Regent distinguished themselves quite positively with how they handled the passenger dimension, certainly after it was determined in Dubai that the problem could only be resolved in dry dock. While disappointed that one of the primary features of a World Cruise circumnavigation could not be fulfilled (departing and returning to the same port), we could not have been more impressed with how they fulfilled a very high standard of customer expectation.




The "finished" refers to the two whipped puppies who landed at Miami last Friday following a typical, low service, 12 hour flight from Rome. The overly long walk from the gate to immigration was followed by a 1 1/2 hour wait in line at Avis just to rent a car. Fortunately, all baggage with us and shipped home did arrive relatively unscathed.





We also want to acknowledge the special status of "old friends" who have followed our saga and very much look forward to seeing each of you as soon as possible.


John & Linda