DAY 1--EMBARKATION

This was actually yesterday's post as I could not post it due to poor internet while docked. 

        We are now on board Mariner!  We departed the hotel at noon in a taxi and the ride only cost $6 to the port.  There were plenty of people directing us to the proper lines.  Unfortunately, there were Holland America and Princess people also boarding those ships.  Still the line at security and then Canadian Customs was relatively short and went fast.  The Customs declaration was done on kiosks and they all we had to do was hand the clearance slip to an official.  When we arrived at the Regent check-in I discovered I had to do another ArriveCAN for our visit to Victoria, BC on the 28^th.  A very nice lady helped me do that.  Then we got in a LONG line to check-in.  This line took us over an hour to get through and have our suite keys issued.  The ship kept our passports and will give them back at the end of this cruise.  So we were finally on board around 2:15.   We went directly to our suite and our steward was just arriving there with our 3 pieces of checked luggage.  Great timing!  

        We started to unpack but decided we should run up to La Veranda (buffet) for a bite of lunch.  There we ran into many crew members we knew including the Food & Beverage Manager, Restaurant Manager, maitre’d of Compass Rose, Chartreuse, and Sette Mari (all old friends).  We also were greeted by several waitresses we know.
        Then back to unpack.  Our steward brought us an extra chest of drawers that we placed in the walk in closet and many more hangers.  We finished up stowing all our duds by 4pm.  Closet is filled.  Our steward is very nice and is taking good care of us.  After this 12 day cruise we will be moving just down the hall to a Penthouse Suite and he said that he would be caring for us there also.
        The ship’s internet is being blocked by the big Princess ship next to us so won’t work properly until after we sail at 7pm.  So I am composing this on Word and will cut & paste it to the blog post later. 
        So our reservation for Prime 7 (steakhouse) was for 6:30 but I asked the Restaurant Mgr if he could move it to 7pm and he did.  I’m pretty sure all my requests will be approved.  We will head to the Mariner lounge after 6pm for some cocktails.  The wine sommelier will take a bottle of our special order La Crema chardonnay to that lounge and also to Prime 7.  There was a bottle of La Crema and champagne in our suite when we arrived there earlier along with a box of candy and some chocolate covered strawberries. 
        I will add photos tomorrow when the internet is working properly.