Growing up watching “The Love Boat” I had always dreamt of taking a cruise.  I could not have imagined it would be to Alaska instead of Mexico.  We went in August of 2006 aboard the Regent Seven Seas and it was spectacular.  Each stateroom was a suite with marbled baths and French doors that opened onto private balconies.  There was a comfortable sitting area, writing desk, beautiful vanity, surprisingly large closet, television, and an incredible mini bar and fridge.  I was greeted with a bottle of Champagne and my own private maid who kept my room in exquisite fresh flowers daily.  My suite was 770 and it was home for one glorious week.  I thought our ship was huge with its glass elevators, lounges, restaurants, casino, boutiques, swimming pool and outdoor jogging track, but I came to realize it was actually rather small — which is far nicer.  We attended a lecture on Alaska with an excellent slide slow in the theater.  And I loved the two Native American women who told of their history, talked about the region, and pointed out wildlife over the ship’s public address system as we cruised slowly by.  Each evening I took immense pleasure in the quiet refuge of the cigar lounge with its cozy fireplace and butter soft leather chairs.  I would enjoy a Romeo Y Julieta and reflect on the day’s outdoor adventures and activities.  An actor named Raul Julia once said a cigar is as good as memories that you have when you smoked it.  Those were some of my finest.