Seven Seas Splendor

 We met our companions in the lobby and enjoyed a nice b’fast at the Lighthouse, K & I held fast to our plan to share meals, turned out to be short lived.  A short walk along Carlisle Bay beach after inspecting the Fort Charles embattlements had us ready to check out of the Needham Point Hilton and set aside our luggage with the bellman.  Check out was only vaguely reminiscent of the “island time” experience of our check in.  B&R leading the charge we were off to the Barbados Historical Society museum

where a very entertaining visit provided a good deal of historical perspective for this ancient whaling and sugar plantation port city.  While it was only just over 1 km from the hotel to the museum, the walk plus the heat and humidity left us thankful for the galleries that were air conditioned.  Back to the hotel, we had a brief sit down followed by grabbing a cab for the interesting drive past “chattel houses” in town and on to the cruise terminal.  A bit of fumbling with technology left K exasperated with my device acumen, fortunately paper copies still work and we managed to get past the ominous gate keeper who was skeptical of our rights to enter the port.  We found the Regent Seven Seas embarkation team and settled in for what we expected (based on for warnings) to be a lengthy wait.  Luggage delivered, Bob set out to secure a couple of Banks Lagers while the ladies and I parked in the outdoor (but sheltered) lounge.  Oops.  No sooner had he disappeared than we were invited to climb onto a shuttle, so I hustled to find him but we missed the bus nonetheless.  No bother, by the time we’d finished our beer, another shuttle was there and any worries about a long wait at the terminal to gain access to the Splendor were dissipated. We checked in quickly and seamlessly thanks to the welcoming and extremely efficient Regent team and found our berth where K immediately started getting organized (even though our luggage was yet to arrive).  Met B&R for a walkabout to check out our new home for the next week+.  After circumnavigating the ship, we needed to locate the “reverse ATM” in case a bit of gambling became necessary.  Thankfully, the casino didn’t seem that appealing at first blush, but I’m sure K will go back at some point.  Back to the stateroom for a spit wash and attention to the safety briefing, we polished up for our first dining experience at the Compass Rose.  Alvin guided us through the wine list after suggesting (rightly so) that we try the opening wine (a very nice Pinot Grigio).  I like this guy!  

After a lovely meal we found our way to the Meridian Lounge for an ADD (or two) and a bit of dancing (Mustang Sally, slow that mustang down!).  I’ve made it my mission to find a Dooblin Book wherever I may roam, on land or sea or foam.  The Splendoriforous team only too happy to oblige.