GALA COCKTAIL AND DINNER PARTY AT BILTMORE AND BOARDING NAVIGATOR

       This is the theme for our world cruise.  I am adding some photos from last night's gala.  The cocktail party was outside in a very nice courtyard.  They had at least 4 bars set up with no waiting to get drinks.  Knob Creek bourbon, Chivas scotch, and other premium liquors and wines being served.  Wait staff serving hors douevers (never could spell this) as they walked among us.  Temperature was pleasant outside even with my jacket on.

 This is Jamie Logan.  Jamie and his wife, Dana will be cruise directors on the world cruise.  We have known them since 2010 when they were also cruise directors on our 2010 World Cruise.  Jamie was the MC for gala last night.  They are a super couple and love them to death!

 Joining us for cocktails are retired Navy captain, Mary Wheeler, and our dear friend from Cincinnati, Susanne Peters.  We have cruised with both ladies.  Mary lost her husband since last cruising with her.  John was also a retire Navy captain.  So now I have 3 ladies to keep me out of trouble!

 This is Melody & David Hermann from Orlando.  We have also cruised with them a couple times.

Joan and Charlie Davis from San Francisco area were also on our 2010 World Cruise.

The gentleman in middle is our General Manager, Davor.  The GM is in charge of everything on the ship except the navigation officers on the bridge.  We have also cruised with Davor, most recently was spring of last year on our 72 night cruise around South America.

       Checking in and getting suite keys for the ship down stairs in hotel this morning.  That was followed by a huge brunch buffet.  Leaving hotel at 11am with Susanne Peters for the ship.

        This is our limo driver dropping us off at the cruise terminal.  From here we proceeded through security.  No lines as we arrived before the buses.  Once in the terminal we only had to wait about 15 minutes before going aboard the Navigator.  After dropping our carry on in theater for brief storage until our suite was ready at 1pm.  As one of our Titanium member benefits, our suite was to be ready at 1pm.  Normally suites are available at 2:30pm.
       While waiting for 1pm we went up to have lunch in La Veranda buffet restaurant.  We have seen many crew members that we know and they were happy to see us.  Our favorite executive chef, Michael from South Africa, is on for the full cruise.  He remembered our last name.  Seems we are infamous and well known on Regent for being particular in how we like veal parmesean prepared.  We also know the La Veranda chef and he gave us a big hug.  Douglas, is the Restaurant Manager who is in charge of all dining venues.  The maitre d of Prime 7, steakhouse, is Stan.  We know them both very well also.  We will be dining in Prime 7 this evening at 7pm.

       The young man in center is Emilliano the head sommelier.  On right is Emmanuel, a bar waiter friend of ours.  Girl on right is new and from Belarus.  More crew photos to follow on later posts for our Regent friends.

       We went to our suite at 1pm and began getting settled in and unpacking.  So far we have our carry on bags and 3 of the 8 large bags unpacked.  Now waiting on the other 5 bags.  Our steward just brought us another 60 hangers.  It is about 3:30 now.  Sailing time is 6pm.  At 5:15 there is the mandatory life boat drill which we are not fond of but need to know info in case of problem.  I am going to go ahead and post this now.  More tomorrow which will be a day at sea.