Tothesunset

You can say that again.

Is there an option to ask for a bar of soap?

Brad Pitt's let himself go a bit.

Is it unusual? Or is it the extent of reporting that is unusual? Or unusual to us because it's gained a life of its own on this forum? On a worldwide scale, this sort of ship/nature interface isn't that rare.

It's important to remember that trial by social media is not guaranteed to be impartial or even intelligible.

And how that will affect property prices.

I hadn't realised there were so many Master Mariners and Forensic Detectives on this forum!

Enjoy your rutting.

Maybe it will turn out to be a storm in a tea cup?

Why quote me yet not address my point?

I'm intrigued by the thought that it takes longer to dress smartly than scruffily. Unless, of course, one goes straight from the tour to the dining venue. After x hours in 90 degree heat and humidity. Without showering. Yeugh!

Jacob's Cream Crackers?

If that's what people think deserves the word "smart" anywhere in the definition then I have to say that the descent to sloppiness is faster than I thought.

You'd think so. Sadly, money doesn't buy class.

So do I. She insists on coming.

Combined Services Entertainments (CSE) is the body that shunts celebrities around the world to entertain the troops. I don't have too much experience except to say that those that volunteer do end up in some very non-celebrity places. I know I had a pop at Mr Davidson earlier but, and this needs saying, he will have spent 48hrs in the back of a C130 Hercules transport aircraft, stayed in someone's spare room in Stanley and chowed down with the troops. And I'll tell you another thing: the troops really respect these people but would bring them down to earth in a moment if they got a bit "starry". Total respect to CSE and those that don't need to put themselves to the hassle of visiting the troops but still do. And they get nothing other than satisfaction from so doing.

Following on, if you will indulge: British readers will remember Sir Harry Secombe: a founder of The Goon Show , actor, singer, comedian and quite possibly the most famous Welshman of his time. He came down to entertain but I missed the show because I was on duty at Stanley Hospital. Anyway, before the show Harry set aside a chunk of his time to come to the hospital and chat to the staff and patients (some of whom, you might imagine, were quite unwell). Well, he was wonderful. He spent so much time with the lads in the wards that he was late for his show and missed dinner. At one point the CO said, "Best get going, Harry, and get some dinner before the show." It was the only time Harry looked cross. "Considering what these boys have suffered, I don't mind missing my dinner." A true gentleman.

Reminds me of a night at Stanley airfield after the shooting stopped and things "settled down". One of the first entertainers to come down was Jim Davidson - very much an old school sort with so-called jokes that I didn't find funny then and find offensive now. He picked on several members of the audience and was, quite frankly, plain rude. Of course I was on the front row and, of course, the pager went off during his act. "Dear God, I'm for it now" I thought. However I had a red cross symbol on one epaulette so as I got up and he stopped and looked straight at me - ready for the kill - I tapped the symbol and mouthed "Emergency Dr on call". Well, he snapped straight back into his routine. I was not only grateful but also very impressed. He may have been objectionable but a true pro.

And that is the end of Silversea as we know it. Just another flashy, larger ship line with nothing special to offer. No soul.

Those silly things also included severe disappointment with the food, a vibrating ship and other factors that can be accessed by reading all of F's posts above. It's so hard, sometimes, to understand why some feel the need to challenge another's experience. Unless, of course, they shared that experience.

Perhaps his gift of foresight had temporarily abandoned him?

Fletcher, did you board the wrong ship back in Athens? P and O, maybe? A badly navigated Isle of Man Steam Packet? Anyone else remember when you could call SS a six star line? Without irony? Reading stories like this from someone clearly dissatisfied for good reason, and reading other less than stellar postings from many members over the past year or so, has me fearful for our Wind cruise next May. I don't recognise the Silversea we have 201 nights on before the plague hit. Sounds like SS is overreaching and underperforming. So sad. So very sad.

You may well be correct. But the deposits are mainly carbon so, at the very least, they'll have the effect of an internal deodorant if you break wind! 😎

I've always thought that the prices charged for the deluxe and higher suites are a touch ambitious.

That would be my hope. I wouldn't bet my house on it, though.