umtali

Toscano, or Polo, or GDR, or Terrace oh god I used to be so indecisive, but now I'm just not sure.

Oh, the memories.

Apples and pears does come to mind. Better not forget where you were sitting, as you may not be able to find your way back.

We had the unfortunate experience of TA's on Silver Spirit for two nights at sea recently. Smoking in La Terazza at lunch was the least of offences committed. Staff seemed (or had been instructed not to upset) reluctant to say or prevent repeated bad behaviour. All staff were run ragged with demands for service and attention from free loaders out to enjoy themselves whilst full paying passengers had to endure their bad behaviour.

i think many passengers will agree that the "fusion" asian-western style of red ginger adds another dimension to the cuisine offered by oceania - a style which is quite different from that offered in any of its other restaurants. Dare i suggest it could even be a "first" for any restaurant at sea offering such imaginative cuisine (correct me if i am mistaken!) however, the red ginger is only available on the riviera, marina and the sirena, and not on its other ships.

 

I just wondered what would be your view if red ginger were to replace either the polo grill (or toscana) on the regatta, nautica and insignia as well?

no!!

wripro has mentioned safety, which is of major concern to many other cruise lines, cigarettes not being disposed of properly have caused many incidents at sea.

Also, one of the reasons for strict anti smoking legislation introduced in Australia in recent years has been the proven 'passive' smoking problems caused to staff being exposed to second hand cigarette smoke on a regular basis.

Surely it is time for cruise lines, such as Seabourn, to become more proactive in this matter, rather than be reactive in the future.

The dress code is the dress code, if you don't like it, move on. Why does everything in todays life have to be bought down to "I can if I want to!". It is like smoking, swearing and just being downright illmannered. No you can't!

For the sake of accuracy, Dave, Embarkation versus mid cruise Port is a HUGE part of the equation.

 

During their voyages, cruise ships enter and leave port under what are called "yachting privileges" whereby Ports let them come and go with minimal screening, provided that they are swilling to swear to sailing out with the same number of passengers that they sailed in with. The crew, knowing that Passengers have left all their belongings (and sometimes Passports :eek: ) on the ship, feel comfortable in certifying that information on a tight deadline.

 

At an Embarkation Port, the actual count Passenger manifest must be compiled and submitted to the local Port Authority in order to obtain departure clearance which is similar to an Airliners flight plan.

 

Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but leaving all of that until the last ninety minutes seems irresponsible to say the least. ...

 

Perhaps Playalover will post the actual time listed in his blue book, and solve this, for once and for all. I'd love to hear. :D

Could you please explain "yachting privileges" as I must admit my days since doing a degree in maritime law are long gone. I would be interested in your definition.

There will be a ferry leaving from the Tower of London side of the river, DO NOT go to HMS Belfast. The ferry is the only way of joining Silver Wind, you will board HMS Belfast from the tender, and walk the deck before boarding the Silver Wind. Have a great departure from the Pool of London. Enjoy!!

 

It wouldn't be wrong, if the people who brought that occasional child along could be depended upon to maintain a courteous atmosphere between that child and the rest of the passengers.

 

Sadly, we cannot count on sailing with that caliber of parent, therefore, with an investment often reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars at stake.....

 

Well, you get the picture ;)

It is not the child but the parent. In many restaurants you can pick the parents whose child(dren) are from daycare or the like, they have no interaction and no idea what to say to their child or discipline them, if the politically correct would allow.

The same on cruise ships, "time and place" mean nothing to children today. Running when they don't have to, shouting when people want quiet. Watch what they do with a knife and fork, but not from too close.

As parents our children were taught to respect "time and place' and respect people around them, a forgotten art of today's modern parenting. And yes we are grouchy oldies!!!

Why look at the food and hotels and worry about the dollar v the pound. Look at the history and soak up the sights, enjoy London for what it is, one of the oldest cities in modern history.

Yes, Alastair is giving 6 lectures. His lectures are very well attended, entertaining and educational. Thus far, Downton Abbey, Making History Real (even in film), My Life in Broadcasting (Sky News) and Keepers of the Kingdom - "The World's Oddest Job Titles".

Thankyou for the information, appreciate it.

We understood Alastair Bruce (Baron Bruce) was joining in Barcelona as guest lecturer, if so, what are his topics?

A beautiful woman, in every sense, sadly missed.

Come on folks, a bit of excitement, thru' the Suez, Israel and then into the Black Sea, something to tell the grandkids.

Currently the whole fleet of Classic International are held under arrest pending the company going into receivership for unpaid bills, (wages,fuel etc..), "Athena" is at Marseilles(?) I think.

Re the first post on this blog, the pirate attack offf Somalia was, according to the Master of "Athena", and the spin doctors of the company nothing but..."friendly fisherman waving at the ship as it went by".

As an eyewitness to the event, they were not fisherman, but there was no concerted effort by them to board the ship. Which was just as well, as the hoses that had been deployed had enough pressure to possibly dampen a small fire in an even smaller dustbin. Pathetic. It was exciting though and a hell of a story to relate.

Maybe a bit late to post a reply to this öriginal thread, but here goes.

1 Stick with cruise line organised tours if running up against ship departure time ie PM tours. If it all turns to custard there will be someone there to sort it out for you.

2 Once you receive confirmation of your booking (cruise), use the confirmation number to access Shore excursions and book what you want. You pay for them at the time, but any cancellations will see your shipboard account credited."

3 Having said all of the above we still prefer to go ashore and get lost as long as we get back before the hamburgers and shakes have finished in Waves.