drron29

Dinner was hot rocks at the grill. First served some dips. Rojaan had the salmon and I the filet. Then we both had the cheesecake for dessert. The next day was a sea day and for a change went to Atlantide for breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict and rojaan scrambled eggs. On my walk after breakfast I noted that we had picked up a stowaway in Osaka. He left in Yokohama. Lunch at Kaiseki with our usual selections. Excitement seeing another ship. For dinner we went to Indochine with our trivia team. A very good team with more than 50% of times the winners. No photos of that meal but it was very enjoyable. Of course going back to the room it was the saddest sight you can have on an SS cruise. Was even sadder last night when one f the bags in that hallway was ours.

We start sail away.

Some night lights before departure.

Since Covid the passengers who have made their own arrangements are called at 9am. Some do leave earlier. Though today Japanese Customs was closely examining some passengers cases which certainly slowed them down.

Silver Muse in Yokohama from our hotel room. The Diamond Princess is also in the port.

Now exploring the local area. Then came across a little temple in the back streets. And typical red brick warehouses still being used as warehouses. Then back on board.

When we finished a cruise in Venice the SS late departure tour wasn’t great and cost $US 275 each. So we arranged a private transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott near the airport for 60 euro and a day room for 100 euro and we were able to have lunch and a sleep for far less than the SS transfer.

Some more from the park. The walk continues Then a section of the park with a statue. The peace disturbed by 4 noisy little urchins running around Then a really randy pigeon. A little after this shot he got lucky.

Then I wanted to get my steps up so walked around the local area. First I headed to the little park where we had seen cherry trees.

Next we had our sushi lunch. A huge place and the sushi was OK. After lunch Mrsdrron went back on the shuttle and I walked up and down the canal. The garbage boat and a tourist cruise. And a ferris wheel with a difference. I didn't fancy trying a cheese dog. A catch and release fishery. Just before the shuttle came I decided to get Kobe beef tongue on a stick. Big mistake it was by far the worst piece of beef I have had. Incredibly tough and chewy. The terminal is attached to a mall and to get to the ship you have to go through the food court. No lines at the takoyaki place so I got some. Ok but not the best I have had. That will come later.

Then we got the 11am shuttle into town. It dropped you at Dotonburi which is a nice touristy place. Strawberries were the main food offering today but quite expensive. Loquats were incredibly expensive. An impressive tuna outside this sushi place. Their promotion worked as we came back and had lunch here. The Takoyaki stalls were doing a roaring trade with long lines. Have to admit we weakened and bought a cherry blossom mug from Starbucks. Anyone planning Expo 2025 in Osaka?

We will never know. I thought the reaction to my letter was a positive sign for the future. As to whether the number of days was important this was the first cruise we have had on Silversea where not a single invite to a management hosted table was received. Seems to indicate the number of nights was not that important.

The next morning we were woken by the drums welcoming us to Osaka port. And looking out from our balcony. And a beautiful view of coal. Views from the Muse. Having been to Osaka many times none of the excursions appealed. So first I went up to the walking track as now much cooler conditions. Ended up in an empty Observation lounge.

The next day was another sea day. Lunch in Atlantide. Rojaan had the pasta with prawns and the cheesecake. Whilst I had a spicy chicken wrap and mushroom stroganoff. no where near as good as it was on the Muse last year. That night it was the Captain's farewell plus crew parade. Employee of the month. Dinner back in Atlantide and very good for this formal night. The menus. Rojaan began again with the beef tartare whilst I had the crab and chilled cucumber which was excellent. Then we both had the rack of lamb. Rojaan well done and I rare.

And last night a letter from the HD was delivered to our suite going through the points I raised in my letter accompanying the mid cruise survey. It was 3 pages written on both sides so someone obviously read every word.

Well I received an email from Bert this morning and he said he looked forward to meeting me on board a SS ship. But I guess all esteemed guests got the same email.

Or a load of tripe.😉

A special break in transmission. I have missed the perfect Fuji shot on our cruise but have a week in Japan to come. But yesterday in Hirosaki got a consolation prize, A mountain known to the locals as O Iwate Fujisan.

Different on the Muse. Within 2 days I was contacted by the Shore Concierge manager and the deputy hotel director. On top of that one of the Maitre'ds came over to our table the next night and said he had read my comments and thanked me for speaking up. SS is remaining consistently inconsistent.

Doubtful as the incident I mentioned on this current cruise which was disrespectful , rude and borderline racist was by a fellow of his second night on SS. It was also when he was offered a jacket on a formal night.

Except I used a browser which worked well until it crashed. I had completed an extensive list of problems taking about 25 minutes. I was about to add the names of the crew when the page simply disappeared. Obviously didn’t get submitted. So I added a 3 page letter with the current mid voyage paper based survey. I will be using the web based version again tomorrow. If it crashes head office will get an email with all the details. And by the way 5 people on our trivia team last time used the browser method. Only 1 was able to successfully submit the survey.

And we both enjoyed the burgers this afternoon at the Grill. We had given up using it on the last segment. So thanks @commodoredave for first making the fuss that prompted me to also make a complaint.

Time to leave Kagoshima. Then time for dinner in Atlantide. We both started with the beef tartare then Rojaan had the lamb chops and I the rib eye. I also had a tomato soup from the everyday menu. Then she had the Day's dessert. That night the Easter Bunny found the ship.

Showing a little bit of rust. This was the first time Silversea has been at this dock so close to town. Normally further away but a Regent ship was there. The dock area.

On the way back to the ferry. And Loquat trees with each individual loquat in a white paper bag. Our ferry back.