Regent Seven Seas Mariner: Day 4, St. Barts

As you might expect, everything happening on board during a world cruise is something of an event. Yesterday was no exception, with a morning lecture presented by Max Mayfield, who those of us in the U.S. know informally as “Mr. Hurricane.” Formerly the director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, he’s particularly familiar to Floridians who’ve counted on his storm predictions over the years. Mayfield began his presentation with praise for Seven Seas Mariner’s passengers for being wise to begin their voyage outside hurricane season and went on to recount how hurricanes have changed the course of history. It was a fascinating talk with a question-and-answer session following.

Another highlight was the grand opening of Seven Seas Mariner’s boutiques. Under new management (by Harding Bros. of the UK), Captain Delavault cut the ribbon and the doors opened to eager shoppers. We had spent a day without retail therapy as they were stocking the shelves and were raring to go. Amid the elegant and costly items are reasonably priced tee-shirts and golf shirts so there’s a bit of something for everyone.

You may question my sanity for including a photo of a passenger launderette in today’s blog. Most of us take a vacation to get away from routine household chores, but lengthy cruises mean that dirty clothes pile up and it’s nice to be able to take care of them on our own. Sending them out to be done is also an option, but the launderettes are complimentary and actually pleasant. They are the first I’ve ever seen on a ship that have a sitting area.

And now it's time to grab a tender ashore and take a stroll around town in St. Barts.