Dolcevita Diva

So very sad to read this. I am sure that part of her decision was related to not being able to put on her show onboard the Nova...

It's possible that local regulations prohibit the liquor/wine storage areas from being opened while in port. One would think she could get a different bottle from one of the bars, but the bar managers may try to prevent their stock from being taken to the cabins.

Yikes! So very sorry to hear this. Recommend that you reach out to the hotel director again and insist on a cabin change (assuming that the voyage is not sold out). The corporate email for Guest Relations is guestrelations@silversea.com.

I received the official cancellation letter from Silversea today.

Oh Davy, so very sorry to hear this - how heartbreaking to lose two of your furkids in such a short time and to watch another one dealing with dementia. Glad that the lavender spray is helping. They're compounding steroids for Marino with a tuna flavor, but due to the location of the tumor, the treatment plan from the vet is just to keep him comfortable and hydrated. I'm also going to look into any potential naturopathic options for Marino. It's just hard to absorb, given how good he looks and how normally he is acting. He was his usual prancy self after we got home yesterday and even caught a frog that had somehow gotten onto the porch.

Love that you adopted a senior kitty. Lucky Jade!

Well said and thank you. Another comfort is that our furkids don’t know the word and therefore don’t have the same gut-wrenching reaction we humans do when we hear the word cancer.

Thanks all for your kind thoughts. Marino is 15 1/2 and has been doing very very well for his age (active, playful, funny) despite early stage kidney disease (which, as @silkismomnoted, can be managed for years). Unfortunately, today's examination revealed that the swelling in Marino's jaw is not a dental issue, but cancer. My poor dear boy.

Speaking of loaves of bread - did any of you know there are lamps made from bread? Delta Airlines has opened a pop-up shop at JFK and online at which you can purchase items and earn credits toward elite status in 2025. The odd assortment of goods today included three lamps that are made with actual slices of bread. Toast-B Bread Lamp (thewindowseatshop.com)

Fabulous photos, JP - it is truly amazing how close you were able to get. And Mysty, love the idea of the confetti wishes and many thanks for including all the coolers in your confetti wishes for 2024! That photo of the lion with a dental issue hit close to home this week. My own darling cat Marino is scheduled for dental surgery this Wednesday due to what we hope is only an abcess. But the vet has forewarned me that a biopsy may be needed... So fellow Coolers with furkids, a heartfelt request to please send some good thoughts and prayers to Marino for an easy surgery and good news this week.

No worries about mismatched socks - as long as you didn't leave those socks draped over the back of a chair to "reserve" it. 😄

Sounds like this was Bum Appetit? 😁

That is correct; this is only on the Silver Nova.

The SALT Lab is separate from the SALT Kitchen restaurant. I've not yet sailed on the Dawn, but the SALT Lab on the Nova looks totally different from the pictures that I've seen of the SALT Lab on the Dawn. It's a more enhanced decor, with a wall of windows and seating (counter stools) for use during the Chef's Table. Here are some pictures from when the space is used for cooking classes. The stools you see against the windows and in a side area will be pulled up to the counter for seating during the Chef's Table experience (and of course place settings, lighting, etc. will be more conducive to dining).

Just to clarify, the pictures that Lois just posted are of the Chef's Table dinner experience which is held in the SALT Lab. SALT Lab is where the cooking classes are held and is on Deck 10 on the Nova. SALT Kitchen is one of the dining areas that does not require a reservation and there is no additional cost. So many variations of SALT! 🙂

Someone on another site brought along small pop-up storage bins, which seemed to work well for the open shelves. There is also storage behind the doors next to the vanity table; smaller shelves but definitely an option to keep some items hidden. I never used the open shelves and had plenty of storage, but (big but), that was as a solo traveler on an 8 day voyage. Definitely think that the new closet design in veranda suites could cause challenges for couples on a longer voyage.

The pickups that I referenced above were at Miami (international arrivals) and Fort Lauderdale (domestic). So at Fort Lauderdale, the driver was waiting at the bottom of the escalator to baggage claim.

They have always met me in the terminal. When I was picked up from an international arrival, the driver was waiting right outside customs/immigration. I did of course have to fetch my own luggage for the customs/immigration process but he took it to the car. . When picked up from a domestic flight leg, the driver was waiting at the bottom of the escalator to baggage claim.

It rather reminded me of a hotel lobby with a busy Starbucks now (even more so when they close the Arts Cafe at 6 pm).

And they usually have Amarula available aboard Silversea.

Amazing photos @jpalbny. What a day you and Chris have had!

Wine songs…

Hope all your travels go smoothly Lois and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the ship!

Weather-related. Many ports on the previous voyage (Hamburg, St Malo, Bordeaux and Bilbao) were canceled due to weather and the ship arrived early in Lisbon on Wednesday. The Dawn is spending an extra day in Lisbon before its next voyage as the ports in Morocco have been cancelled. There are forecasts of gale force winds and unfortunately also a maritime pilots strike scheduled for Nov. 6-8.

I would love to have visited the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Cadiz (I used to show in English saddle-seat equitation and was learning dressage many, many, many years ago), but they were not open to the public on the day we were in port. So the horse farm excursion was my first choice in Cartagena, but I was a bit wary after the entertainment on the sherry tasting tour. Very glad to have seen enthusiastic recommendations from others for the tour. Thanks for sharing your video -it's great!