Pleasant memories of Regal Empress

Cruise Travel, May-June, 2005 by Richard A. Hickok

It really was a pleasant surprise when I turned the page of my most recent Cruise Travel (April 2005) and saw the photo of Imperial Majesty Cruise Line's Regal Empress. Peter Knego's excellent article brought back many pleasant memories of past cruises onboard the Regal Empress, then owned by Regal Cruises.

On our first Regal Empress cruise, my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Rolf Bassenberg, then Master of the ship, on several evenings while at the "North Corner" in the Commodore Lounge.

The next year, 1996, we took a New Year's cruise out of Port Manatee, and at the suggestion of Capt. Bassenberg, booked one of the Admiral Suites. On New Year's Eve my wife and I were invited to a senior-officers-only party in Capt. Bassenberg's quarters. We have a collage of photos from that evening, one in particular stands out--a picture of my wife, Andrea, toasting the captain with a glass of chardonnay, while she was wearing his captain's hat. Needless to say, it was a "very" memorable evening.

We haven't sailed on the Regal Empress since Imperial Majesty purchased her. However, if Peter Knego's article is any indication, she appears to be well maintained by her current owners. The Regal Empress is, as Mr. Knego states, "a special treat "for those sailing on her.

Richard A. Hickok, Jacksonville Beach, FL