MillieRyan08

I'm overwhelmed with all these responses and I feel so much better about going aboard on my own. Thanks so much for your input everyone, I really appreciate it.

Cheers, Millie

I'll usually book a table for four or six and invite others to join me at that evening's solo gathering. It is also extremely easy, as JollyJones noted, to change or cancel as things develop. Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks pf778c, appreciate the much needed advice.

Cheers, Millie

Thanks jollyjones, really appreciate the feedback. I’m a bit nervous about the solo thing so always good to get positive feedback.

Cheers!

I will be travelling solo on a May 2019 med cruise. I’m wondering how to go about about making dinner reservations at the speciality restaurants when there is just one of you, but you want to share a table. I read that you should book in advance but it’s a bit hard to book ahead of time when there is just you. Or do you just book for one and hope for the best?

Thanks!

Madeira.

First port of call and maybe, just maybe, not the last.

Aha !

Again a grey start but the waters have calmed to wave heights barely 0.5m high.

The air remains lovely and temperatures reach a peak of around 24C by the time Captain Remi gives his noon report.

 

"This is the Captain from the bridge, good afternoon ladies and gentle......men (he elongates this appellation: no, no idea why. Dramatic effect maybe. They all do it: Steinar, Lund, Willassen when he was here. Maybe it's a tradition. Maybe it's a Norwegian thing. Breaks up the ever ending dullness. Shall Hum continue ?). Our position is 35 minutes blah blah, sea temperature is 22C and air temperature is 24C. Nearest land is Morocco, 200 miles away. We are sailing at 10 knots and hope to arrive at noon tomorrow. I wish you a pleasant day and enjoyable lunch"

 

Hum imagines the Captain sitting in his vest and underpants in his room with an open beer, bleary eyed from the previous night's excesses !

It is imagined this way by Hum due to the Captain's laconic style in delivering information. As Hum said before: every Captain Hum has sailed with gives the report in this manner.

Padding out information and delivering it mostly monotone except for the "gentle.....men" part.

 

Of course it is a scandalous suggestion and totally not true, Hum a tually happened to witness our Captain scurrying along the deck outside the senior crew deck (deck 5) with his arm around the shoulder of the Hotel Manager in a comradely and accessible and supportive manner.

It was nice to see and Hum's growing respect for our Captain increased a tad more.

Our Hotel Manager has a lot on his shoulders (not just the Captain's supportive arm).

There are a lot of Club Members.

They are two waiters down (separate issues and nothing to do with the ship).

They have to be prepared for a USPH inspection and there is probably extra cleaning: certainly there are more inspections.

And there are one or two other things going on (classified. Sorry you don't have security clearance BUT for the premium service, this is available after subscriptions are arranged).

And yet, he (HM) passes around, enquiring about the welfare of his guests in a familiar ease.

Our maitre d' has been pressed into additional waiting duties which he bears with aplomb though "schmoozing" time has been rationed: such a shame, he is one of the most accomplished "schmoozers" and extremely handsome, well spoken, impeccably mannered and refined but with an ease about him.

Total class.

 

Where do they find their personnel ?

A lady in Oslo called Ursula is the seer of souls or was, she has recently retired but a new chap sounds promising but will he have her uncanny ability to select "good 'uns" and occasionally "great ones".

Hum asks himself, how is it that Crystal, with all their corporate intelligence, not be able to select even a half decent crew for waiting and bar positions (other positions are excellent) for their one small ship (Esprit) when this lady can find such talent or burgeoning talent.

Hum has always been impressed by this ability: it is a remarkable talent.

 

Some people go on SD voyages to visit itineraries, Hum and Blondie go on SD voyages to visit amazing crew personnel !

Our lives have been enriched so much by them and memories of former crew will forever remain with us (fortunately we remain in contact with a few in their next incarnation: we are the one's feeling privileged).

 

What shall we do in Madeira ?

 

Some want tea at Reids (famous for Winston Churchill as a guest) but they will have to wear a jacket and maybe even take a tie too. It is gloriously British or it was, Hum visited over 20 years ago. Madeira had always been a favourite with a certain class of British, now even the Dutch go there. Popular with the Baron's countrymen too as they hike along the "levadas" (irrigation channels that abound the island) in regimented lines, always donned with outdoor gear in this year's "Bavarian Hiking Ware".

 

Of course there are dozens of restaurants, mostly seafood (famous for the "Espada" fish: pretty tasteless if the truth be told. Best in a stew with tomatoes). But a former Portugese waiter told Hum about a famous preparation for steak. That with a robust Douro from the mainland would be brilliant.

Hum had it and the wine: superb.

 

On the previous visit (two years ago) we arrived a month or so after torrential rains which had dis-lodged huge boulders from the hills and which were seemingly mostly deposited on the main roundabout from the port to the town of Funchal.

Now we are visiting after terrible fires had ravaged the upper settlements of the capital: again more devastation.

Hum hopes that suspicious locals and practitioners of the "Black Arts" don't suggest that Hum is the cause of these acts of God. Hum would respond he hardly knows the man (God that is), he never takes Hum's calls and for all Hum knows Jim hasn't reported ever being "smitten" despite regular supplications (especially following his recent suggestion of being too busy for you dearest of chums. Outrageous).

 

Madeira is a tourism success phenomena but with all successes there is a price to pay: just too many of us (tourists, that is). This once quiet, unique backwater has been discovered and the white painted concrete block houses creep ever upwards to the hills overlooking Funchal displacing the many vineyards that once were there and were worked by locals. Now the sons and daughters hire out scooters in the capital and the old ways are declining.

 

"Progress" on the island has largely been due to European Union grants and up until recently Hum and the rest of his fellow islanders, ruddy well paid for it !

And are the Portuguese grateful ?

Bah !

Not a ruddy jot.

They want loans to be extended and to pay less interest.

These deluded Socialist mayors in near on every town and city commissioned huge concrete structures for purposes of prestige.

The social payments sky rocketed for all sorts of deranged causes "black, wimmin, anorexic, lesbians with issues of self-esteem, single parents with sociopath sprogs that are cruel to pets".......well yes Hum made it all up but Hum's sure a group like that exists !

No wonder countries like Portugal, Spain and Greece were military dictatorships a while ago. Couldn't organise a proverbial in a winery !

 

Hum looks up.

What another ramble bordering on rant.

Ooops sorry.

And you with better things to do.

Besides Hum must check what everybody wants to do in Madeira....in sight now.

 

Oh and the weather was glorious.

Only ship in port but the cobbled, pedestrianised streets were busy but not too so.

Hum had lunch with a chum (Blondie was not feeling "tickety-booh": better now, thanks for asking) and we discussed in detail the significant life events concerning his change in business direction over two bottles of fabulous wine.

Dear Hum,

As usual your reports are so very entertaining and full of information that we just can't get enough of. I knew nothing of Madeira, now I have an inkling. Don't suppose that's where the cake come from?? Ha

Safe travels, and your writings are truly appreciated.

Cheers, Millie X

Fantastic choices MillieRyan08.......don't think H ever heard of Lennon's "Stand by me".

Is it anything like Jim's lady's favourite song "Stand by your man" ?

Oh Hum, I am surprised. I have attached a you tube video, but not really sure how to do it. When I hit send, I'll see if it worked! Apologies if not.

John Lennon "Stand By Me" [Official Music Video] - YouTube

And nothing like Jim's lady's favourite song "stand by your man", although it would be good for her to tell the world she loves him.......I'll be listening.

Cheers, Millie X

Ok, so what are chums top 5 music: doesn't have to be in order.

 

Anybody..... but not Jim, they would all be Hank Williams anyway.

OK then Jim too but no Hank Williams !!

OK, I'll play!(and in no particular order)..

1. Stand by me - John Lennon cover version

2. American Pie - Don McLean

3. Paint it Black - Rolling Stones

4. Imagine - John Lennon

5. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen version

I could do this all over again and choose differently. It's hard!

Cheers, Millie

Hum my old chum - your Millionaires Club TV epic screens on free to air TV down under this week - your fame will indeed spread far and wide

 

The show is screening on Tuesday, October 11 at 9:40pm on Channel 9 and 9HD in Sydney - not exactly prime time but I'm sure it will rate well nonetheless

Thanks for this Bodogbodog. And we will be popping the champagne cork(s) tonight in suburban Melbourne to watch another episode of the Millionaires Club, or could it be the same episode, who cares. I like the cast!

Cheers, Millie

Yet again, another masterful, enjoyable read from Ho Hum. And good to hear that some of Hum's minor criticisms have been acted on, ie labelling cheese, early opening of concierge on last day. Makes his writing worthwhile and seemingly appreciated. What a great unofficial ambassador!

Cheers, Millie

Sorry mate, we left Piraeus yesterday.

Passed thro' the Corinth Canal last night.

Stopped off in Itea from where 40 guests went to Delphi.

Just come down from the TOYB where there are 40 bopping away and some crew have been dragged in to the dance too.

A wild crowd, barman in overdrive, music pumping and guests having a lot of fun.

A beautiful warm evening.

Full moon last night.

 

Photo of Itea

Apologies chums, the photo aint great is it.

For some reason the usual larger photos are not working.

Excellent travelogue Ho Hum. Enjoying it immensely and it's only just begun. What fun. Very safe travels

Cheers, Millie

Hum appreciates your kind words piratelooksat45 but 5,000 more pists !

Are you kiddin' ?

It's time for Hum to be "put out to pasture".

Hum will be even more idle in the future.

Besides have'nt you all suffered enuff ? (Yes, Hum does know).

Nooooooooo! I want to keep suffering!

You only have 2,545 pists of your own Mr Hum. You need practice......Much more practice.......get busy old chum...:eek:

I agree Jim! Be the saddest day of my life if this were to end.

HH, you posted your itinerary but I may have missed the second leg of your back to back. Safe travels, enjoy the journey.

Cheers, Millie

What a wonderful read DupontCruiser2. You need to be back on board soon to get started on the sequel.

Cheers, Millie

Ahhh yes of course...you mentioned it a while ago.

What can one say old chum.

The usual stuff.

But really, really, really, we wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

Take it easy...."take it ezzzeeeeee, don't let the sounds of your own wheels drive you crazy" (brilliant line).

 

“standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” …. not THAT far from you

 

Don’t think your an Eagles fan bet Millie is perhaps the Contessa too, of course they would both be FAR too young first time round………(think Hum gotta way with that one).

 

Happy Friday and the weekend !!! QUOTE]

 

Well I do like the song Take it Easy but I'm actually a Rolling Stones fan and Black Eyed Peas are pretty darn good as well, well when they were together.

Yes Hum you got away with it........just.

Now you'all have a great weekend.

 

Cheers, Millie

https://gcaptain.com/windoc-incident-photos-video-tsb-report/

 

At least we don't have this to worry about. Ship Happens!:eek::D

Whoa Jim, you wouldn't want ship happening like that too often. So lucky no one killed or even injured. Lucky get for the photographer.

Cheers, Millie

Darling,

 

 

And may Hum say how wonderful company you and your husband were.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you both, very much.

You determined to enjoy yourself and you certainly did.

A "great little mover" on the dance floor with Blondie too.

It was a real, real pleasure meeting you both.

Will you and that wonderful man of yours be joining SD again ?

 

Dear Hum Hum, you are just so lovely, you and Blondie both, and we do hope to be on another Seadream voyage. Will let you know beforehand (so you can stay or flee!). And fingers crossed Seadream I can be put back together again for everyone to enjoy. I feel for the crew, its their livelihood, so hopefully their contracts will see them through.

I've posted a pic that probably belongs in "idle jottings" which would add to the numerous "in jokes" that seem to be happening over there, but I'm here now so here is a memory of my voyage that only those in the know will see the funny side. (Hope it works).

Cheers, Millie

Review of first time on Seadream

After a year long wait we have finally completed our first, but definitely not our last, Seadream yacht cruise. We sailed from Rome to Venice on 23 July 2016 for 10 days and thought you may like to read my thoughts. Unfortunately I am not as eloquent, or as witty as that famed writer, turned tv star, Mr H. Hum. I have read his excellent review in “idle jottings” and I agree with most that he said, with a couple of differences from my point of view. As an aside, we were fortunate enough to share in one or two sparklers with said Hum and aptly described beautiful partner, Blondie, and found them both to be extremely good fun, clever and funny, and most importantly very down to earth, just as I thought they would be. How lucky were we!

So onwards and upwards, my review! After re-reading, I’ve rambled on a bit, but read what you want, discard the rest.

We received our “documents/tickets” about 5 days before our cruise. In fact I had to chase our travel agent to see if anything had arrived as we were planning on visiting other places prior to boarding SeaDream and only had a couple of days to spare before leaving the country. No fault of Seadream. However I was very disappointed when I did get the documentation. I received a photocopy of an email which contained the itinerary and the contract, which were hurriedly put together in the cruise company’s generic folder. I would have thought Seadream would have their own folder with a logo or something. No big deal, and I probably would have chucked the folder out, but not a good first impression, it wasn’t what I was expecting, that’s for sure. I got over it.

The day came to board from the port of Rome and it was filled with so much anticipation I thought I would burst. And it was wonderful, just as I’d imagined it. The day was warm and the champagne flowed. (I checked, it was champagne, phew!). Our check in was smooth and we were whisked to our room in no time at all. I’d read a lot of mixed reviews about the staterooms, and I was expecting a small, oldish room with a tiny bathroom. I wasn’t put off by this of course and I was very opened minded, however pleasantly surprised. Our stateroom was bigger than I thought. It was in excellent condition, and the bathroom was brilliant. I like to put all my toiletries out so they are at my fingertips and there was plenty of room on the shelf for me to do that (with room to spare for my husband who is happy to live out of his toiletry bag!). The added bonus was a dressing table type set up at the end of the bed with a lighted make up mirror where I could spread out my makeup. But back to the bathroom, there was ample storage, how it worked I don’t know, but it did, perfectly. And the shower pressure was the best (never did work out the multi jet thing but I wouldn’t have bothered with it anyway).

The room was nicely laid out with space for all our stuff without having to leave any of it lying around.My only gripe would be the lousy motel style hairdryer. Although I will add that I was warned by the good folk at CC prior to my cruise (thanks Zimmy and vandrefalk) that I should take my own. Alas, as we were travelling around for a month, I had no room to spare and I had to make do. I got over it. Our room attendant (Ederlyn) was the best. Couldn’t find my sunglasses one morning. Finally found them on a shelf, that we had not noticed before. More storage space. One day I couldn’t find my sun hat. And there it was, on top of the lampshade. Great spot out of the way, which we continued to use. I guess I’m saying in a long winded way that the small suite was actually very cleverly and thoughtfully laid out. Loved it!

After unpacking we decided to go check out the boat and of course, started at the top. Our first encounter with a crew member (other than at check in) was with Cameron, one of the bar crew. We chatted for a while, and found out he was relatively new to Seadream, like us. He set the scene for us for the rest of the trip. We were in for a treat, he was wonderful. And throughout our ten days, he would seek us out, and see how we were going.

The food onboard was delicious and nothing was too much trouble. Whatever we wanted, we could have. I wasn’t really going to mention names in this review, but too late for that now. Most days for both breakfast and lunch, and I presume it was the table(s) we chose, either Jerry or Robert were attending us. And how lucky were we. Both were funny and chatty and interesting in their own ways and made meal times all the more enjoyable. They were both a real delight.

The offered wines were sometimes not to my taste, but another bottle (I mean glass, ha) of something else was always suggested so never did I go thirsty….ever……ever……

The condition of the vessel was excellent, contrary to some reviews I had read. A crew member was always painting, polishing, scrubbing, every day.

I really didn’t want to name names because to be honest, every crew member we came across was fantastic. But of course, we did not meet them all so can only go on those that personally interacted with us on a daily basis. And everyday we spoke with Frud, Christophe, Nicola, Cameron, Sev, Jerry and Ederlyn. They are the best. I could not imagine what the voyage would have been like without them.

Overall we met some fantastic people from all over the world, and we even met some great fellow aussies that live 10 minutes from our home.

Seadream lived up to its name and I would not hesitate to book again. Love Love Loved it! I would score the entire voyage a 9 out of 10. Now if the famed Jim Avery was onboard, that would have made my experience complete and my overall score would have been a 10. Next time.

Cheers, Millie

Dear Yvie,

Thanks for taking the time to post this fantastic review. I was riveted from start to finish and did not want it to end. Absolutely loved it. I cannot wait to meet the crew in four weeks time on my first Seadream voyage.

Cheers, Millie

Yay - found it on youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwPqFTCf-lQ

Thanks for the tip off muddleaged, I have now watched the first episode. I love travel shows and this one was right up there with the best of them. Better than reading a review! Looking forward to episode 2.

Millie

Well Bodogbodog, Hum is so glad you posted.

Apart from having an internet ranked 48th in world (whoopy-do!) which prevented Hum pisting photos to chums......boooh!

Hum loved your country, countrymen and countrywomen and wouldn't want to leave on a churlish and un-grateful note: well one that couldn't be construed as "whinging" in any way.

 

Our Aussie chums gave us a great welcome, were kind, generous and fantastic company.

Hum loved the wines, the beers and the food.

 

Hum visited the great Ayres Rock (Uluru) which is on a par with Michu Pichu.

Truly wonderful.

The Vivida light show of Sydney Opera House was outstanding as is the opera house itself.

And all those wonderful buildings and parks etc.. from your former benefactors (us, British) which you slavishly maintain and protect.......and quite rightly so (you aint built much else worth preserving since we "ski-daddled").

 

Australia and Australians are wonderful.

 

So let Hum leave your country celebrating Australia and Australians (from the Quantas 1st class lounge where the internet is really quite decent considering).

 

 

But no Hum's not going to leave it there!

Let Hum reciprocate the banter with you.

 

Hum's trip to Oz was researched extensively and Hum took with him this handy useful guide map of Australia which may be of benefit to others visiting your beautiful but dangerous country.

 

And before you come back at Hum.

Just remember Hum offered to buy you a drink or two in Sydney!

Hum offered the hand of friendship.........and still does.

A bit of banter between chums is a sign of friendship to Hum.

Beet regards Bodogbodog.

Any chance of a SD trip? Or do you prefer the bigger Crystal fleet?

 

Hum, so glad you had a great trip. Ayers Rock is one of my all time fave places to visit. Love the map! Funnily enough it is a really good representation of OZ, and enough to put most people off! As an aside, we were at an Hawaiian Luau a few years back and an American gentleman asked if English was widely spoken in our country. By the way we talked he obviously didn't think so!

Safe travels,

Millie

Spy photos of future SeaDream III!

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FU4ROEw3lHiE%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DU4ROEw3lHiE&docid=a3TiaFdFpHd7LM&tbnid=BhxGKcchKzqtLM%3A&w=1280&h=720&client=safari&bih=624&biw=1257&ved=0ahUKEwj72b78_s3MAhXBNSYKHZ1KAMQQMwh1KDkwOQ&iact=mrc&uact=8

Jim, I LOVE this.....if only......

Millie

I'm afraid, Millie, that I'm not going to give you the answer you want to hear. While the hair dryer is not one of those tubes on the wall, it is not strong enough to dry thick hair efficiently. Bring your own hairdryer. I did not bring mine on our January cruise and there was a lot of swearing in our room.

Thanks Zimmy. I swear enough as it is, so no need for extra cussing because of an inadequate hairdryer. Will take my own.

Appreciate the advice.

Cheers, Millie

Oops I get it. It is Count Abenaki, as opposed to Countess Abenaki. Of course, not really being in the know, obviously wrong person to pose a question about a hair dryer! I must pay more attention.

Sorry for the slip up, thanks for the heads up.

Cheers, Millie

A simple yes or no? Well, Hum doesn't do a simple anything, especially to answer the question at hand. He started off in the direction of answering and then got lost in a long ramble, as usual, and managed to end up by insulting me. No, perhaps it was, in fact, an extremely veiled compliment, if I carefully reread the phrasing. One rarely rereads the musings of the great Hum, usually once is enough!

He is right about tramping up and down the back streets of the Italian Riviera in search of the perfect striped linen chemises. Tutto bene, al posto.... he stumbled finely upon a very old friend ,and his efforts netted him enough swag to last him another few years. You see, Hum doesn't venture often into the land of haberdashery, preferring the noble act of wearing his garments until the last threads gasp and expire. And even then if Blondie doesn't step in with authority, these sad tired garments end up on Hum when he steps into the garden to direct the work being carried out around the estate. All a part of his Common Man persona in the village.

 

Yes, the brilliant Laundry Master offers his same services to all and sundry, although of course the voluminous wrinkles and assorted soup stains associated with the Hum do occupy a fair amount of the poor man's time in any given day.

Ha, thanks abenaki, No I did not get a response did I, but Hum did paint a very funny picture. But you have answered my question re laundry and Im glad we can get stuff pressed on arrival. May I ask another, albeit lame, but important to me, question. What is the hairdryer like on board? Is it one of those horrible things stuck on the wall of which only a piff of air comes out? I have thick hair and unfortunately those hairdryers just do not make the cut. Do I need to take my own? Hope not, but will if need be.

Cheers, Millie

Mr. Hum,

Enjoying your writings this a.m. and always love reading about attire. Yes, those linens can be a problem. When beautifully pressed, nothing more stunning than an entrance made in the flowing white fabric.

A tip on where to find many gorgeous linens for the ladies. My favorite place is called Blitz in Positano. When you are walking down the narrow street to the water, it will be on the left side. I always stock up, and once you know your sizes and the wonderful quality, you can order and have shipped. They have a website for ordering online, also.

They are perfect for anywhere on the Riviera and for dining al fresco on SeaDream.

Dear portofinoitaly, I will be visiting Positano in July just for the day and will for sure go to Blitz. I looked online and some of the outfits are very nice. I could not though, find the online store?

Thanks again,

Millie