The calm after the storm: highlights of this, my fifth day at sea, were all about food, future shore excursions, food, entertainment, and food and top-quality wines. In a nutshell, another delicious breakfast of scrambled egg on toast at Le Verandah; informative Destination Lecture about Wellington by witty speaker John Tabbutt-McCarthy; then afternoon tea in the Horizon Lounge, where the most magnificent selection of cupcakes was on display and served to guests with great style.
I chatted with Mrs Myra Sugarman from Yorkshire, who has cruised with Regent every year for at least 10 years, often for up to five months at a time on world voyages, and who is affectionately known by crew as Grandma Myra. A pre-dinner show featuring Australian comedian/juggler Syd Heylen and the ship’s Assistant Cruise Director Cody Yancey singing a selection of his favourite soul numbers kept us entertained until it was time to dine at Signatures. For entree the three of us had lobster salad with fennel remoulade, citrus emulsion; artichoke heart ‘escabeche’ style, young fresee leaves and toasted pine nuts; and braised oxtail ravioli in a roquefort sauce. These were followed by soups and sorbet, then veal medallions ‘Orloss style’ for my companions and a succulent beef tenderloin for me. It seemed I made the best choice here. We then had a selection of super-rich chocolatey puddings and a fabulous cheese plate – and all washed down with French wines. A rowdy session of Liar Liar followed in the Horizon Lounge, featuring Syd Heylen, renowned baritone Stephen Fisher-King and entertainer Andy Lebon.
