ROLL CALL: CLOUD 13 Nov 2012 (1229) Bridgetown/Amazon River

[rojaan19]

CLOUD - Cruise 1229 - 13th November 2012 - Bridgetown to Bridgetown ( via the Amazon River !)


I know this cruise is 15 months off but I thought I would start a Roll Call thread as it was getting a little hard to keep track of who is actually on this cruise on the thread " Experiences on Amazon River Cruise"

so from that thread I have -

SKEEZICS
HIHO SILVER SAILOR
DUCT TAPE
EMTBSAM
PATNLCC
WELLSEASONED
SAILMAKER
COLONEL(Ret)WES
KARAOKE QUEEN
WIN WIN
ROJAAN19 and DRRON

Sorry if I have missed anyone !


Looking foreward to meeting you all in November 2012 :)

Ann

[jures]

Add roger and Sandy to the nov 2012 amazon cruise, we booked about 6 months ago. We did the antartic in december, now for the amazon.

[MaryB1]

Add another two - Ken and Mary.

[dougburns]

Miss Lynn and I will be there as well, but she doesn't know about it yet.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Emtbsam started a Cloud Amazon River cruise roll call last night, will ask Host Dan to merge these two threads...thx Rojaan19 for also starting a roll call for 1229. Also, like Emtbsam & Sailmaker's good idea of have a pre cruise CC meet & mingle in Barbados. Ida and I plan a 1-2 day precruise/ we'llmost likely stay in the Barbados Hilton (points & status make it no brainer for us)

[Skeezics]

Roger and Sandy: We also did Antarctica last December! We were on the Prince Albert...believe embark was December 19, Did South Georgia, Falklands etc. Great minds think alike. Barb

[dougburns]

Miss Lynn and I may not be going after all. If they modify the bathrooms on Cloud, as has been rumored for the mod period next Spring, and remove the bathtubs, that will be a deal killer for Lynn.

[rojaan19]

Miss Lynn and I may not be going after all. If they modify the bathrooms on Cloud, as has been rumored for the mod period next Spring, and remove the bathtubs, that will be a deal killer for Lynn.


I too was worried about this, as I love a soak in a hot bath :), so I asked Mark Flager who is the Director of the Venetian Society and was on our last cruise. He emailed me this response "There is a plan to switch to showers for most – but not all – suites on the Cloud. However, the overall drydock plan has not been approved yet, so we can’t say with certainty it is going to happen, or, if it does, which will be left as tubs. I will keep you posted. "


So dont cancel just yet - there is some hope.
May be we should start a poll on saving the bath tubs !!!

Ann

[dusababy]

So dont cancel just yet - there is some hope.
May be we should start a poll on saving the bath tubs !!!

Ann
[/quote]

Sorry, but I'll have to start a campaign to change to showers !!!;)

[Emtbsam]

How about half and half?

[Older Party]

Miss Lynn and I may not be going after all. If they modify the bathrooms on Cloud, as has been rumored for the mod period next Spring, and remove the bathtubs, that will be a deal killer for Lynn.
Not being a bath person (although I do have a jacuzzi tub at home and enjoy a whirpool every few months), the tub / shower combo was the only thing I disliked on the Cloud. The Spirit is perfection where the bathroom is concerned but honestly? I was happy to hear the Cloud was "going shower". Of course, it would be marvelous if they retained the tub while adding a shower but obviously they do not have the sq. footage to accommodate such.

I do wonder though what will happen to the butler drawing a 'rose petal' bath. That was a wonderful touch for me when I was on the Cloud so I can see how those who have sailed the Cloud for years would be disappointed if they remove the tubs.

[dougburns]

The problem is that we won't know until later which suites will retain bathtubs. The ship is already pretty well booked. Other than the handicapped suites up forward on deck 6 there were only 3 verandah suites left when we booked this past week. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what the final plan is.

[duct tape]

I like the 1/2 and 1/2 idea but I want to vote on which half! Fat chance of that!

[57 varieties]

Please keep some of the tubs.

[Emtbsam]

I wonder if we can swap cabins when we get on board? Next year once we know which cabins have which type of bathroom, we should get together and informally set up swaps. We prefer a shower stall.

[dusababy]

This means when booking we'll need to specify tub or shower -- and then let management sweat it out....:D

[patnlcc]

Pat and Bill from Glasgow in Scotland joining you too.

[luckyD]

We'll be there also. Really likes like a great trip.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Jures, Maryb1, Patnlcc, and luckyD...look forward to meeting you on board.

Doug, checked with our very knowledgeable contact at SS's office in Ft. Lauderdale (Cindy S) she told me you will have enough time prior to final pay mid July and the Cloud Refub (April) to identify whether u can get a tub suite or not. Am sure Julie will track for you. SS Cindy did tell me as has been mentioned earlier (tho plans are not final) key projects for this Refurb; add Observation Lounge on Deck 9, add HOt Rocks on the pool deck and the Bathroom conversions (tubs to walk in showers--like on the Spirit)

[Scotspea]

Sounds like a business opportunity for a 'Tub Suite Facilitator and Broker'. :D

[dusababy]

Do you mean another opportunity for SS to add $$$......?

[Emtbsam]

Jures, Maryb1, Patnlcc, and luckyD...look forward to meeting you on board.

Doug, checked with our very knowledgeable contact at SS's office in Ft. Lauderdale (Cindy S) she told me you will have enough time prior to final pay mid July and the Cloud Refub (April) to identify whether u can get a tub suite or not. Am sure Julie will track for you. SS Cindy did tell me as has been mentioned earlier (tho plans are not final) key projects for this Refurb; add Observation Lounge on Deck 9, add HOt Rocks on the pool deck and the Bathroom conversions (tubs to walk in showers--like on the Spirit)

I hate to see them do away with a great gym in favor of an Observation Lounge that is rarely used. Too bad.

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Vicotoria, SS told me, have no fear there will be both a fitness center and observation lounge on the Cloud similar in design to the Wind fitness center and observation lounge found on Deck 9.

[Emtbsam]

Vicotoria, SS told me, have no fear there will be both a fitness center and observation lounge on the Cloud similar in design to the Wind fitness center and observation lounge found on Deck 9.

But the exercise machines won't face forward overlooking the bow which I always liked on the Cloud. Maybe they will at least have a higher overhead.

[dougburns]

Our TA has already contacted SS for info on the tub refurb and requested a stateroom with a tub for us if our current one won't have one.

[ging466]

Hi Ann

Are u travelling to Barbados from Australia? If so, what routing?

This roll call is really looking good. Quite a few of my friends will be onboard and I would love to see them all again:) I think I'll have to seriously look at this itinerary instead of my Vancouver-Tokyo cruise.

Cheers
Jennifer

[Emtbsam]

Hi Ann

Are u travelling to Barbados from Australia? If so, what routing?

This roll call is really looking good. Quite a few of my friends will be onboard and I would love to see them all again:) I think I'll have to seriously look at this itinerary instead of my Vancouver-Tokyo cruise.

Cheers
Jennifer
So glad to hear it!!!

[rojaan19]

Hi Ann

Are u travelling to Barbados from Australia? If so, what routing?

This roll call is really looking good. Quite a few of my friends will be onboard and I would love to see them all again:) I think I'll have to seriously look at this itinerary instead of my Vancouver-Tokyo cruise.

Cheers
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

We will be flying Brisbane - Sydney ( see family) - Los Angeles ( conference for husband) - Miami - Barbados - 3 days pre cruise. Returning via Dallas - Tokyo - Bangkok -Brisbane. It is on a One World Circle Pacific fare !

We did the Incheon - Anchorage cruise a few months ago on the Shadow - it was our first "real' Silverseas cruise - but it was hard to judge as there were only 92 passenger on board ! but we certainly loved it as we booked the Cloud cruise on board the Shadow. We are now hooked. ;)


Ann

[MaryB1]

Hi Ann

Are u travelling to Barbados from Australia? If so, what routing?

This roll call is really looking good. Quite a few of my friends will be onboard and I would love to see them all again:) I think I'll have to seriously look at this itinerary instead of my Vancouver-Tokyo cruise.

Cheers
Jennifer

And it would be good to see you again!!!

[duct tape]

Ah, I will finally get to meet Jennifer!

[LOVE@CRUISE]

we are depositing on this one too! add Rally and Love @ Cruise to the roll call!:rolleyes:

[Emtbsam]

we are depositing on this one too! add Rally and Love @ Cruise to the roll call!:rolleyes: Great news!!!

[CruisinPashmina]

I'm volunteering to be in charge of the Cloud's bathroom remodeling; 90% showers! First come first served with the 10% bathtubs. Our young SS friends generally don't want to sit in their dirty water..(ask my adult "children"), and a lot of the older SS loyalists might be able to get into the tubs, but damned if we can get out! Plus there's that dirty water thing..and, oh heavens, the dreaded hair washing!
We can be sure that, with or without my supervision, SS has studied the issue, surveyed the issue and have come to a bottom-lined, forgive me, conclusion.

[57 varieties]

We have booked for this cruise too. Only been home from the Cloud for 2 weeks and 'had' to book another!
Look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

[rojaan19]

This is going to be great cruise ! Sure will be a big Cruise Critic party.

Ann

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Mike (Rally) & Mary (Love@Cruise); look forward to sailing with you both

[LOVE@CRUISE]

This is going to be the best cruise ever.....what an amazing itinerary, and to have so many "critics" onboard..................can't wait........even if it is 15 months off!:rolleyes:

[billcrooz]

This is going to be the best cruise ever.....what an amazing itinerary, and to have so many "critics" onboard..................can't wait........even if it is 15 months off!:rolleyes:

Was going to book this in Nov. When we were on the Whisper but couldn't wait as this looks like it's going to be full .one of the selling points was the Barbados round trip. Look forward to meeting you all. Count the bad boy from Boston in!

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

57 Varieties and Boston Bad Boy (bill crooz) congrats on booking, look fwd to sailing w/u.

[rojaan19]

Currently by my count we have 36 Cruise Critic members on board. Maybe someone should check my maths - Colonel Wes ??

Jennifer are you changing your booking to this cruise ? :) - I havent counted you yet.

Ann

[Colonel(Ret.)Wes]

Ann, maybe 36 (checked w/Jennifer, she can't make it) with Bill Crooz we have from my accounting 35, if Bill is two we have 36.

[rojaan19]

Ann, maybe 36 (checked w/Jennifer, she can't make it) with Bill Crooz we have from my accounting 35, if Bill is two we have 36.


We agree Col Wes - I counted the bad boy from Boston as a 2. Shame we have to wait so long ! - roll around November 2012

Ann

[billcrooz]

Ann, maybe 36 (checked w/Jennifer, she can't make it) with Bill Crooz we have from my accounting 35, if Bill is two we have 36.

Colonel,Sir, we have two here,sir!

[frockoff]

Any one using Silversea Air? Are there direct flights from LA to Barbados?

[LOVE@CRUISE]

Cruise is booked solid, and rates have gone up today!!!! Agent at Silversea says there are no available suites on the ship! We were all very wise to book early!
And no there are no direct flights to Barbados from LA. The air department has lousy routes ....we are booking our own air thru DFW non stop to Barbados.

[ging466]

Jennifer are you changing your booking to this cruise ? :) - I havent counted you yet. Ann

Sorry Ann I can't go. I've got this little problem called work - it's a 4 letter word:mad:. I can only take my holidays next year in September so I'm still doing the Vancouver-Tokyo cruise.

I'm very sad that I will miss such a fantastic group of CC people.

Cheers
Jennifer

[Skeezics]

So how terrible are the flights from LAX? Was planning on using their air...since SS only gives you a $300 credit for air. We usually fly out of LA instead of San Diego for better connections. Have over a year to figure it out. Thought we would fly two days early. Barb

[dusababy]

So how terrible are the flights from LAX? Was planning on using their air...since SS only gives you a $300 credit for air. We usually fly out of LA instead of San Diego for better connections. Have over a year to figure it out. Thought we would fly two days early. Barb

Hard to get there from here. Last May I had choice LAX/DFW/BGI or -- the one I took -- American LAX/MIA red eye - easy connection in Miami with direct to Barbados. I chose this over spending a night in FLL or MIA -- I bought the air upgrade to business.

Things can change drastically in a year - but I too like to know what my options are well in advance.

[duct tape]

We will definitely have to have a party!

[LOVE@CRUISE]

You got it Duct Tape! Party? we are good at that! We can party down (or is it up?) Breves Narrows!:eek:

[Emtbsam]

Party, party, party.....

I can hear the crowds chanting in the background.

[Skeezics]

Dusababy: The latter sounds good. Don't know if Business is worth it; since may not be Business Class the entire way. Always Kayak from Miami...and then will be ready to party.

[dusababy]

Dusababy: The latter sounds good. Don't know if Business is worth it; since may not be Business Class the entire way. Always Kayak from Miami...and then will be ready to party.


It was business all the way on American for me -- even MIA - BGI. Worth it depending how many flying hours. My limit in economy is 5 or less -- whatever you can tolerate.

[dougburns]

Why not find the routing you want and pay the $100/per deviation fee. Believe me, it's worth it. We've done it several times and have been quite satisfied with the SS Air Concierge arrangements. Our TA has a good relationship with them.

[duct tape]

American has a lock on Barbados, the Caribbean for that matter. They use an old plane because they can. Business seats aren't that great on that plane but it is better than economy! I have flown that flight a few times in the last year and it just doesn't get any better but it gets you there. BWI-MIA-BDG. From the sound of the crowd, I wish this trip was a whole lot sooner! What is your last count Rojann19?

[rojaan19]

From the sound of the crowd, I wish this trip was a whole lot sooner! What is your last count Rojann19?


Well Duct tape offically it 36, but if FROCKOFF and DUSABABY are in, that makes 40 !

This is going to be a great time ! Shame it is such a L O N G wait :)


so the offical list is -

SKEEZICS

HI HO SILVERSAILOR

DUCT TAPE

EMTBSAM

PATNLCC

WELLSEASONED

SAILMAKER

COLONEL WES

KARAOKE QUEEN

WIN WIN

ROJAAN & DRRON

JURES

MARYB1

DOUGBURNS

LUCKY D

LOVE@CRUISE

57 VARIETIES

BILLCROOZ


If your name is not on this list please say so !!! :)


Ann

[KaraokeQueen]

It's refreshing to read that so many of you are ready to party!!!
Too bad we all have to wait another 13 months! Can't wait :)

We will be flying out of MIA direct. It's funny how American has a reputation for using an old plane on this route. It's definitely what we experienced back in May. A passenger did inquire about it and I remember overhearing that they were changing the equipment for the route. Only time will tell.

Our plan will be to arrive at least a day or two before the cruise. Any suggestions for a quality to place to stay would be appreciated. If there is going to be a pre-cruise party, count us in!

[duct tape]

We like to stay at the Coral Reef Colony or something like that. Beautiful grounds and accommodations. Lots of people stay at the Hilton, it is a known quantity and lots of different point systems can be used. It is fine for overnight but don't eat there. There is another active thread with Barbados hotels under discussion. See you then!

[billcrooz]

American has a lock on Barbados, the Caribbean for that matter. They use an old plane because they can. Business seats aren't that great on that plane but it is better than economy! I have flown that flight a few times in the last year and it just doesn't get any better but it gets you there. BWI-MIA-BDG. From the sound of the crowd, I wish this trip was a whole lot sooner! What is your last count Rojann19?

If you can fly out of JFK, Jet blue has a non stop to the Barbados.we are using this to fly from Beantown 3 weeks from today.......can't wait

[drron29]

AA use the Boeing 757 on that sector.There is a refurbishment program for these.Currently(as of October 5) 20 of the 103 757s have been refurbished.Should be a very good chance of a refurbished plane in 12 months.

[duct tape]

Thanx and cross your fingers but that won't help me in 4 weeks!

[KaraokeQueen]

Airline tickets booked. Hotel booked. We decided to come in 2 nights early and stay at the Fairmont Royal Pavillion. Any one else staying there?

[Emtbsam]

We will also be coming in two days early but will probably stay over in the Bathsheba area so we can walk that wonderful beach.

We look forward to meeting you.

[rojaan19]

We are thinking of staying at the Hilton, arriving 3 days pre cruise.

Ann

[jures]

We are coming in a couple days early before the cruise, looked around and booked at turtle beach(all inclusive), might as well get the party started early. Anyone have a thought on this property or staying somewhere else that shouldn't be missed?

Any one else watching the River on ABC?, of course it had to be the Amazon, looks like its going to be a very interesting cruise.

[duct tape]

Coral Reef Club, lovely property.

[Emtbsam]

Just bringing this post forward. Anyone else going?

[duct tape]

I thought Col Wes was going but I see he isn't. Too bad.

[Emtbsam]

I am still trying to decide where to stay in Barbados for two nights pre-cruise. I've read a lot on Tripadvisor and am still uncertain what makes sense. We do not want to spend SS prices for a hotel, and the Hilton is not the type of experience we want. Can anyone suggest a hotel or B & B that is quiet, safe and on the beach relatively close to Bridgetown and restaurants.

I'll post this on the hotel section of CC.com also.

Many thanks.

[figgysd]

we were on the wait list and have just heard we are gouing to be on board. we are staying at the Sea-U-Guest House in Bathsheba for two nights before departure.

[rojaan19]

we were on the wait list and have just heard we are gouing to be on board. .


Congratulations ! you must have got Col. Wes and Idas suite ! ;)


so that still keeps the numbers at 36.


Looking foreward to a big CC meet and greet party.

Ann