Life on the Ship ... a real hardship

Sunday was an exciting day as we boarded the cruise ship at 11 a.m.  What a gorgeous ship the Regent Seven Seas Mariner is. We thought the ship would be small because there are only 700 passengers, but it is quite large.  Because it is an "all suite ship", the staterooms are at least double size.  We were greeted with champagne and there was also a chilling bottle of champagne in our room.  It is still there as neither of us like champagne.  This is an "all inclusive" cruise, so our room steward asked us what we would like in our fridge.  Yikes .... we were kind of at a loss for words because Eric only drinks beer and I only drink wine, in very limited quantities!
Our stateroom is gorgeous.  Due to the fact that the internet is rather slow here, we cannot download photos, so you will have to accept our description.  Once we entered the suite, the washroom was directly to our right.  It is full sized with full tub and shower ... all marble. Next there is a vanity with lights, stool and hairdryer.  Then comes the full walk-in closet, complete with drawers and luxury bath robs and slippers.
The large king size bed is so comfortable!  It has 2 night stands and lamps.  Then there are curtains that separate the living room!  It has sofa (which pulls out to another bed), chair, coffee table across from the full wall unit.  This unit has flat screen TV, desk, drawers and fridge.  More drapes and then the balcony.  It is actually so warm this afternoon that we were sitting on the balcony while at sea.
The first day was one big party!  They had a "block party" after we left the dock.  We came out   into our hallways and they served us champagne and wine with canapes while we met our neighbours.  It was interesting because first thing there was the captain greeting us.  He and his first officer + the cruise director made their way throughout the entire ship to greet everyone.  I was very careful not to ask him who was driving the ship!
The theatre troup on the ship all mingle with the passengers during the cocktain parties before dinner.  They are the most  interesting and beautiful young people.  The girls are all dancers as well as singers and they are simply gorgeous ... tall and slender.  They have wonderful personalities and it is evident that they are hired for more than their musical talents.  We were sitting in the lounge before dinner and two of them came and sat with us.
The captain (who we have net 3 times so far) is only 35 and is a super person.  He is from France and he is a very social and vibrant person.  Most of the crew is from Europe and they are all very professional.
The food is beyond description!  Certainly when we return home it will be back to basics!  Poor Eric is consuming many tums!
We are here to play bridge and actually go to do so today for the first time.  The shore excursions have been taking all our time!  Looks like a nice group.  Some VERY weathy folk here.  The diamonds are beyond reality!  They are very nice people and we know that we are going to enjoy our bridge game with them.  They are "groopies" who not only go on all Larry Cohen's bridge cruises but also have been cruising with Regent for years.  The staff all know them personally.
We have had 3 shore excursions so far, but this will have to be another blog .....
Sorry if we have bored you with all the details, but we were under orders from Dad and Bette to give all the details.