Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Oceania Cruises' REGATTA ~
Caribbean
Hideaways
Dominican
Republic
Our final port of call, La Romana,
Dominican Republic, officially known as Hispañiola, was the first
Caribbean island to be discovered by Christopher Columbus. Today, the
Spanish-influenced Dominican Republic shares the island with
unmistakably French Haiti.
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|
Altos
de Chavón |
Just as the two island nations are
quite different, the town of La Romana couldn't be less like the
famous Casa de Campo resort located nearby. It is so exclusive that we
were warned by Regatta's Destination Services staff that ship's
passengers wouldn't be admitted to the gated and guarded complex
unless they were participants on an organized tour. Enticed with a
challenge, we plotted over breakfast in the Terrace Café to get in
for a look around.
Once ashore we hired a taxi/van and
for $30 ten of us set off to try to slip into Casa de Campo.
Destination Services was right. We were turned away, although a few
other passengers related that they managed to slip in. Thwarted, we
headed for Altos de Chavón, the nearby recreated 16th century
Mediterranean-style village noted for its artisans and shops. The
cobbled streets, outdoor amphitheater, and ancient looking buildings
belie its origin. For my part, I was happy to browse in the shops and
admire the splendid views overlooking the River Chavón.
Due to safety concerns, our driver
stayed with us at Altos de Chavón, even acting as a 'guide' of sorts.
After an hour on our own he returned us to the pier and offered the
opportunity to escort us shopping in La Romana (where prices are
lower) for an additional $24.
All that shopping worked up an
appetite and a late lunch from Waves poolside grill hit the spot. In
addition to the small salad bar and great burgers and fries, my
favorite sandwiches are those which are grilled to order—the panini
(fresh tapenada-laced bread with tomato, basil, mozzarella cheese, and
prosciutto ham) and a Cuban sandwich (pork loin on crusty Cuban bread
with Swiss cheese and sweet ham).
Organized activities on board were
somewhat curtailed, as they are on most ships during port days, but as
we bid farewell to La Romana and prepared for dinner we reflected on
how 'social' Regatta is. Contributing to the social atmosphere is the
dining experience—with open
seating we've met and shared meals with numerous passengers.
Two relaxing
sea days
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|
Regatta's
Thalassotherapy pool & private sun deck |
I have always favored itineraries that
include a final day at sea, but two are a rare pleasure! Like
most of my fellow passengers, I divided my time between participating
in scheduled activities and the solitary pursuit of leisure. My
favorite relaxation spots on board Regatta are the private sun deck and
Thalassotherapy pool just forward of the Oceania Spa and the steam
room. There is no charge for using these facilities and they are
without a doubt some of the finest at sea.
Due to popular demand, a second wine
tasting was presented. I attended the first so decided to skip the
additional one in favor of a lecture about Champagne: "Stars in a
Glass," presented by Mr. Rick Garced, visiting sommelier and
director of wine programs for Apollo Ship Chandlers.
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|
Executive
Chef Wolfgang Maier & Corporate Chef Frank Garanger |
Not everyone on board was interested
in wine and champagne, but food, especially really good food,
was of major importance to most passengers and the food on
Regatta has been splendid. How do they do it? A highlight of our voyage included a
cooking demonstration by Oceania Corporate Chef Frank Garanger and
Regatta Executive Chef Wolfgang Maier. What showmen! They actually
made cooking fun as they prepared Tricolor Potato Gnocchi and
Pan-Fried Jerk Shrimps with Plantain and Sweet Potato Pie. After
tasting samples of their culinary artistry, I was almost no
longer hungry, but decided to joint friends in the Grand Dining Room
for lunch. Weiner Schnitzel is one of my favorites and was on the
menu... wow! A huge serving and so tender that I didn't even need a
knife to cut it.
Throughout our cruise we were treated
to very entertaining evening musical and magic/comedy performances in
the intimate Regatta Lounge. Black Tie, an award-winning cabaret act
from Australia took the stage numerous times, displaying their talents
with musical selections ranging from Broadway melodies and a classical
recital to holiday favorites. Zoltan, from Budapest, Hungary made us
laugh as he astonished us with magic and illusion. However, two of our
favorite shows were presented by Regatta's very talented staff members—Shani
Raey, Social Hostess, and Leslie Jon, Cruise Director. In particular,
Leslie mesmerized the audience with his characterizations of Maurice
Chevalier, Sammy Davis, Jr., and, as a finale, he "became"
the Fiddler on the Roof!
With Regatta decked out for the
upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays, it was difficult to say
farewell...
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