.......idle jottings

Jim, the verrry few mega rich I am privileged to know either have their own jets or

lease them. They are not interested in traveling en masse with those of similar class UNLESS close friends or acquaintances. So, I am not all sure this hype and new product from Crystal is going to attract that element.

That said, a lot of market research must have gone into these schemes, so who am

I to question. Ho and Blondie will certainly weigh in on this topic, as now in addition to being in the top .005%, are soon to be world famous for their new

bio-pic now being dubbed in five languages for world wide distribution. :)

Very interesting mega expansion for a company. However, Everything that I love about SeaDream is the exact opposite of everything I read in the article.

 

Jim, the verrry few mega rich I am privileged to know either have their own jets or

lease them. They are not interested in traveling en masse with those of similar class UNLESS close friends or acquaintances. So, I am not all sure this hype and new product from Crystal is going to attract that element.

 

That said, a lot of market research must have gone into these schemes, so who am

I to question. Ho and Blondie will certainly weigh in on this topic, as now in addition to being in the top .005%, are soon to be world famous for their new

bio-pic now being dubbed in five languages for world wide distribution. :)

 

 

I agree. What I found really interesting is that the CEO said this is only about half of the announcements to come. An incredible leap from two medium sized ships. Looking forward to H-Hs report on the Esprit though we are not likely to endure that much flying for a cruise to islands not much (if at all) prettier than the BVI. I am with you about the Mega Rich. The only thing I envy, since I already have all the house I want to take care of, have all the dogs I can fit on a lap, already eat more steak and lobster than my Dr. approves of, etc. is their private jets. Having been given a lift on a few makes it really hard to tolerate the cattle calls (even in Biz or FC) of the present flying experience. I don't want Donald's hair but would not mind his plane (as long as he continued to pay the bills).:eek::D

Very interesting mega expansion for a company. However, Everything that I love about SeaDream is the exact opposite of everything I read in the article.

Esprit seems "SeaDream like" to an extent. Of course brochures all look great. One thing that is really jazzy, and SD could retrofit easily, are the underwater lights shown in the brochure. Having been on boats with them, the effect is quite stunning in the right water and the sea life attracted to the lights at night are like a private SeaWorld. Quite amazing the stuff we have seen around boats. Will make you question that midnight skinny dip!!!!:eek: One other thing I believe will create a small problem is the submarine and helicopter will attract lots of well off family groups. What better stuff for your kiddie than a real submarine ride??:eek::D

Blondie's interview (which lasted 4.5 hours: not 3 hours as Hum may have previously in-accurately reported) was described by the interviewer as vastly entertaining.

Just what did she say ? Hum wonders.

I can't imagine why anyone would want to stop talking to that charming lady after only 4.5 hours. But tell us, how many costume changes were there in that time?

Easy, Hum, a lot can happen between now and

2018.

 

I do agree the trip would be SRO anyway,

so why charter ... but guess a bird in hand is

worth two in the bush. Too bad for the regulars

who will have to find another trip or hop over to SD I.

You may have well become a Crystal aficionado by

then!

 

Sorry to see your old "partner in crime" Gordon Goody

has died. Never did spill the beans as to where the

loot went. Ha!:)

Yes indeedy Commander, a lot could happen !

Like, not willing to put up with shoreside management's shenanigans for much longer !

Hum is not feeling reasonable or willing to be pacified just now and maybe just maybe he is right to be justifiably peeved.

Hum feels like Club Members have been treated "rough shod" (where does Hum come up with all these antiquated expressions: poor dear GCMV !).

Or maybe Hum is being irrational.

Yes, difficult to believe but you can't rule it out.

The Great Train Robbery Gang (including Gordon Goody) came not far from Poshville and Hum has a story about that.

One day, a worker on Hum Estate found two large canvas bags just below the ground in a freshly dug spot.

The worker reported it was probably men trapping badgers: a despicable activity whom Hum would have publicly flogged in the local town square as an example to other potential "n'er do wells" and for other such offences against Hum such as trespassing on the Hum estate.

Hum wanders over to the spot and discovers two bags full to the brim with fifty pond notes !!

A lot of money in those days.

Hum viewed it as compensation from "Big G" for being so beastly to "H" !

Case closed.

And the lesson ?

Complain to "O": nothing !!!

Complain to "G": financially compensated !!!

Hum, there are few Club Members in your category (or in fact, mine), and I don't

think SD's sales and marketing efforts are geared to us. We're hooked!

I would have made the same decision in favor of chartering as I have a sure thing,

cash up front, and am exposing SD to some who have never experienced the

company before. These, I believe, are prudent business decisions.

Now, having said that, we certainly agree there are many inducements SD

could extend to frequent travelers ... some of which they are already doing and

have been enjoyed by both of us in the past. Can they do more, absolutely. I

will leave that to the marketing gurus in Oslo to consider.

In the meantime I, like you, will continue to enjoy the ship, staff and amenities

that attract us, though it does not preclude us from exploring

other cruise opportunities that present themselves.

Now, off to the Seychelles and no more angst!

Hum, there are few Club Members in your category (or in fact, mine), and I don't

think SD's sales and marketing efforts are geared to us. We're hooked!

 

I would have made the same decision in favor of chartering as I have a sure thing,

cash up front, and am exposing SD to some who have never experienced the

company before. These, I believe, are prudent business decisions.

 

Now, having said that, we certainly agree there are many inducements SD

could extend to frequent travelers ... some of which they are already doing and

have been enjoyed by both of us in the past. Can they do more, absolutely. I

will leave that to the marketing gurus in Oslo to consider.

 

In the meantime I, like you, will continue to enjoy the ship, staff and amenities

that attract us, though it does not preclude us from exploring

other cruise opportunities that present themselves.

 

Now, off to the Seychelles and no more angst!

Asking Hum to apply any kind of sense especially business sense "ain't going' to fly".

But Hum appreciates your view and kindness...as always.

Asking Hum to apply any kind of sense especially business sense "ain't going' to fly".

But Hum appreciates your view and kindness...as always.

And just when are you leaving for the far side of the world and Esprit??? I thought you would be gone by now.:eek::D

And ho-hum, despite how well the giant tortoises might appear to go with a nice provenceal rose, do leave them be.

I am hoping BBC America will have full coverage of the Crazed Brit that hijacks a mini sub in the Indian Ocean.:eek::D

And ho-hum, despite how well the giant tortoises might appear to go with a nice provenceal rose, do leave them be.

Oh alright then (spoil sport).

And just when are you leaving for the far side of the world and Esprit??? I thought you would be gone by now.:eek::D

We leave on Thursday Jim.

Fly to Dubai.

Spend three nights in a desert reserve under canvas.

Then Seychelles for a week on Espirit.

A week in a beach house in Seychelles.

Then back to Dubai for a few nights at that posh hotel (Burj Al Arab).

Hum is not a "chintzy" fellow and had mistakenly viewed all Arab hotels as uber ornate and too rich for Hum's exquisitely refined taste but he was very surprised to see a documentary on the hotel and felt the interiors were very sophisticated and appealing in an International style.

OK old chap ?

Hum is happy to report on tent, beach house and hotel if you darling people are at all interested

I am hoping BBC America will have full coverage of the Crazed Brit that hijacks a mini sub in the Indian Ocean.:eek::D

The submarine cost $600 per person !!!

Send money now and Hum will report.

The submarine cost $600 per person !!!

Send money now and Hum will report.

Hence the term "hijack". And yes, we want to hear full disclosure of the various flop houses you visit.

Hence the term "hijack". And yes, we want to hear full disclosure of the various flop houses you visit.

Well where on earth do you think Hum is going to take the "hijacked" submarine Jim ?

"Flop houses" ....... haha !!!

Well where on earth do you think Hum is going to take the "hijacked" submarine Jim ?

 

"Flop houses" ....... haha !!!

I have heard tell that Atle wants to have Esprit shadowed by SD I. The parts are beginning to fit........

Some chums posted about events on Royal Caribbean, "Anthem of the Seas" and the storm they encountered resulting in a horrible time at sea.

It's at times like this Hum feels a lot of sympathy for sea men and women who work on all kinds of ships (and yes passengers too, naturally).

And for their loved ones at home, it must be worrying times.

Thankfully no injuries were reported on said ship.

Think Hum will be a little more generous when the "Lifeboat" charity has their day. Maybe will send a small donation now.

So Hum went to the posting "Live....mostly....from Anthem" on Cruise Critic, Royal Caribbean forum: the postings have created another "storm" !

Wonder what sea conditions are like for SDs.

I am hoping BBC America will have full coverage of the Crazed Brit that hijacks a mini sub in the Indian Ocean.:eek::D

Jim, great thought. I have a house guest now who was watching BBC America. Heck, my own son in Calif. watches it. Imagine if they both get to see Hum! On TV!

Ok, now I've found where to read all about your trip, Hum. What a relief.

Have a blast. Seems like a wonderful Valentine's Day trip.

Jim, great thought. I have a house guest now who was watching BBC America. Heck, my own son in Calif. watches it. Imagine if they both get to see Hum! On TV!

 

Ok, now I've found where to read all about your trip, Hum. What a relief.

 

Have a blast. Seems like a wonderful Valentine's Day trip.

You found us May B !

Congratulations.

Thanks for your best wishes.

I can't imagine why anyone would want to stop talking to that charming lady after only 4.5 hours. But tell us, how many costume changes were there in that time?

For continuity.

Just the ONE dress.

But 1 hour to decide !!

Blondie tried on at least 5 before deciding on the 1.

Hey Trapper, very disappointed old friend.

A man of so many skills and still NO avatar !

Well really !

So ecoutez-moi, cherie.

- Press on "TrapperZ....." Anywhere.

- It will bring up your Details (About Me, Statitistic, Friends and Guideline Reminders: where all Hum's transgressions and reminders are found !)

- Find "Customise Profile" (2nd row on left hand side from top)

- Under "Your Profile" in LH column go to "Settings & Options"

- Go to "Edit Avatar"

- It will bring up column to RH side

- Go to "Custom Avatar" and choose the photo from your Library

Here is your photo. So just add this to your Library. You can do that right ?

All the best TrapperZ

If you still have difficulties, call on Commander Courageous, he is a whizz at this kind of technical stuff. Helped Kathy.

But watch out for sneaky charges. Kathy is having to get a second job to pay off CC. That's why she ain't been around for a while !

The submarine cost $600 per person !!!

Send money now and Hum will report.

She's gonna pay everything (a submarine trip with ho-hum is peanuts for her) ... :D

Well, Hum, your upcoming cruise sounds quite enticing. We, of course, will be

traveling in far less extravagance...much of this occasioned by the absence of

good air service to the Caribbean.

After motoring from "the settlements", we will spend a night with our dear

traveling companions at their posh pad in the big city. The following morn,

we arise early and make our way to the airport for our Air Canada flight to

Fort Lauderdale (yes, Miss Aniston, in Business Class with no showers. You

see, AC does not have a FC cabin). We overnight at a wonderful boutique

hotel in FLL and on the 20th, take Spirit Air to St. Maarten (in steerage class).

Whew, after that exhausting journey ... most arduous for the senior set, we'll

board SD I for 14 glorious nights with dear friends.

Coming home is far easier, as we fly non-stop from Barbados. That is living!

We've picked out wonderful shore side restaurants for lunch ... some

we enjoyed together on our last trip down there together. Yummy, yummy

spaghetti vongole in the tummy!

Now, Ho, please do keep us abreast of life on Espirit, as we will be waiting

eagerly for your posts. Big kisses to Blondie. Is the steamer trunk packed?

She's gonna pay everything (a submarine trip with ho-hum is peanuts for her) ... :D

She's mad enough to !

Well, Hum, your upcoming cruise sounds quite enticing. We, of course, will be

traveling in far less extravagance...much of this occasioned by the absence of

good air service to the Caribbean.

 

After motoring from "the settlements", we will spend a night with our dear

traveling companions at their posh pad in the big city. The following morn,

we arise early and make our way to the airport for our Air Canada flight to

Fort Lauderdale (yes, Miss Aniston, in Business Class with no showers. You

see, AC does not have a FC cabin). We overnight at a wonderful boutique

hotel in FLL and on the 20th, take Spirit Air to St. Maarten (in steerage class).

Whew, after that exhausting journey ... most arduous for the senior set, we'll

board SD I for 14 glorious nights with dear friends.

 

Coming home is far easier, as we fly non-stop from Barbados. That is living!

We've picked out wonderful shore side restaurants for lunch ... some

we enjoyed together on our last trip down there together. Yummy, yummy

spaghetti vongole in the tummy!

 

Now, Ho, please do keep us abreast of life on Espirit, as we will be waiting

eagerly for your posts. Big kisses to Blondie. Is the steamer trunk packed?

Well travelling with your dear chums and neighbours and "well to do" all rolled into one.

Send them our very best.

You will have Monsieur Christophe to cater to your every whim (not that you are demanding in any way) ......... how wonderful is that.

To conclude.

Hum will show you "ours", if you show us "yours".

Time on the Espirit versus shore side restaurants reviews of the Caribbean.

An epic battle in which everyone will be informed.

Steamer trunkSSSS packed.