Spirit LA - LA via Auckland

Bon voyage. Hope you all have a wonderful trip down to New Zealand. See you in a few weeks.

Echo Emtbsam/Victoria & Bob's bon voyage well wishes, and we look forward to seeing y'all on board in Sydney.

And George and I will see you in Auckland

We are joining the Spirit in Auckland. It will be our first time on Silversea. We are regular (platinum) SB cruisers however we are really looking forward to this trip. The itinerary is perfect for us and Silversea has been very accommodating in that they have agreed to,apart from booking the Auck to Mel itinerary, they've agreed for us to stay onboard for a further four days into the following 14 day cruise at a prorata rate. Disembarking in Sydney.

This cruise will allow us to meet up with our dear friends for two days that we haven't had the opportunity to meet up with since 2008, as we live in the UK and they live 'down under'. It will also be a big birthday for my OH on the date we meet up with them.

Silversea has also agreed for them to come onboard too. Bravo Silversea. Very impressed so far.

Silversea has more or less agreed to another request from me which they have gone out of their way to accommodate us with and its 99% confirmed. I can't post about the details on this until it's finalised. But I will say again I'm very impressed with Silversea for going out of their way to organise this.

Oh, this whole trip is a complete surprise to my OH as its a big surprise birthday treat. I just give him the dates we are away and surprise him with the itinerary when we arrive at the departure airport. Looking forward to a great experience.

If anyone on board sees this, I hope you will let us know how the trip is proceeding.

Hi Victoria & Bob;

Heard from David and they were in Nuka Hiva, Marquesas yesterday pix below. He also let me know earlier in the week that they the Spirit soon will have a New Executive Chef is going to be Jerome Foussier .New Restaurant Manager, Damian Wlodararcyk.

Also heard from Donna & Alan--they were on the Spirit crossing with all of us last November..here is what she posted on another board:

Hello from the South Pacific. We’ve had excellent weather and smooth seas for our cruise toward Nuka Hiva, where we arrive tomorrow. Service has been extremely good and we have the best butler and cabin attendant ever.

Yes, We have left Nuku Hiva, our only land in 9 days, and heading for Rangiora Tuamotu Islands. Some Polynesian entertainers came on board for a couple of days. Last night they entertained after the on deck barbecue, and today are teaching us how to tie a Pareo and dance with a Tahitian dance class.

The ship now has completely new art (pictures and sculptures)- you can pick up a Dali sculpture for a mere $30,000. They have an art expert on-board discussing "Art Stories.

I might be mistaken, but it appears that the wait staff is tending towards European origin, and more females. ( Am I allowed to say that?)

Hi English USA - Rangiroa is one of my favorite islands. Take a walk along the ocean side of the atoll and enjoy the wonderful shells that have washed up on shore. In 2009, we had the fun of being escorted through the pass by a pod of porpoises or dolphins.

Yes, We have left Nuku Hiva, our only land in 9 days, and heading for Rangiora Tuamotu Islands. Some Polynesian entertainers came on board for a couple of days. Last night they entertained after the on deck barbecue, and today are teaching us how to tie a Pareo and dance with a Tahitian dance class.

The ship now has completely new art (pictures and sculptures)- you can pick up a Dali sculpture for a mere $30,000. They have an art expert on-board discussing "Art Stories.

I might be mistaken, but it appears that the wait staff is tending towards European origin, and more females. ( Am I allowed to say that?)

Hi EnglishUSA, I trust that the supplies of Harvey's are holding up. Cheap Dali's eh, not Mr Judge's by chance. Enjoy your onward journey, wishing you calm seas.

EnglishUSA, can't wait to see you in a pareo!

Hi EnglishUSA, I trust that the supplies of Harvey's are holding up. Cheap Dali's eh, not Mr Judge's by chance. Enjoy your onward journey, wishing you calm seas.

Just found another Dali for $37,500. I'm still looking for just the "right one".

Yes the "Art Stories" are by Mr Michael Judge.

Rachel: The pareos are one size fits all- which doesn't include most of me!

Temperature approaching 90F.

We will not be watching the "Super Bowl" on board. Apparently Head Office has nixed it because of "exorbitant" fees.!! Wonder if my "Dish Anywhere" will work?

I am very disappointed to learn that there are now art salespersons on SS.

First (for me) it was the shopping expert for Alaska and the Caribbean who made referrals (and doubtless got commissions).

Then the onboard sandal maker.

Now art experts selling expensive stuff. I hope there are no auctions (such as helped turn me away from Regent).

And add the decision not to broadcast the Super Bowl.

Is SS becoming Carnivalized?

Perhaps these developments help explain why Cloud and Shadow are apparently (according to recent posts) sailing with lots of vacancies.

Mr. Judge is not new to Silversea, he has moved over from the Shadow. While I hate to see the commercialization of the on board experience, I do not particularly mind the sandal maker (although I would never buy them since they are way too expensive). If he were located in one of the boutiques, I doubt if anyone would be critical of the fact that he is on board.

I choose to focus on the things that make me happy and ignore the things that are less than hoped for. If I did not, it would make my voyage less enjoyable.

I am very disappointed to learn that there are now art salespersons on SS.

 

First (for me) it was the shopping expert for Alaska and the Caribbean who made referrals (and doubtless got commissions).

 

Then the onboard sandal maker.

 

Now art experts selling expensive stuff. I hope there are no auctions (such as helped turn me away from Regent).

 

And add the decision not to broadcast the Super Bowl.

 

Is SS becoming Carnivalized?

 

Perhaps these developments help explain why Cloud and Shadow are apparently (according to recent posts) sailing with lots of vacancies.

Michael Judge has been on Silversea ships for years and does not hold "art auctions". In fact, most people do not even know he is on board unless they seek him out. If you do see him around, I recommend you stop and talk with him as he is a most interesting, entertaining, and knowledgable individual - and I care nothing about art!

Michael Judge has been on Silversea ships for years and does not hold "art auctions". In fact, most people do not even know he is on board unless they seek him out. If you do see him around, I recommend you stop and talk with him as he is a most interesting, entertaining, and knowledgable individual - and I care nothing about art!

Each to their own, I found him loud and rather self opinionated. Rami Ron who is on the Shadow is rather more cultured.

Today EnglishUSA/David is in Moorea, he mentions it is very hot but he shared these gorgeous pix:

No Super Bowl on board Spirit on Sunday, and the internet bar on shore was closed. I did manage to get the game on my "Dish Anywhere", the reception was good- the result wasn't. Unfortunately had to miss Trivia.

Reaching Papeete tonight and overnight.

Tuesday: Now in Papeete, Temperature "real feel" 103 F! 50 passengers got off 90 got on. Still not full-about 350 on board. Bora Bora tomorrow.

English USA - The next leg of your cruise is supposed to be wait listed only. Any idea how many will actually be on board?

See you soon!

David sends some more beautiful French Polynesia pix..thanks for sharing David:

what a fabulous voyage, I wish you all Bon voyage!

English USA - The next leg of your cruise is supposed to be wait listed only. Any idea how many will actually be on board?

 

See you soon!

Checked with Cruise Consultant and Guest Relations. Yes, fully booked, some current guests wish to extend into next voyage and they have to be "wait listed" as well.

Yesterday was Bora-Bora. It's gone downhill since my last visit. Buildings in need of repair, generally dirty and dusty. Visited the "Artisan Market". Most of the booths with identical necklaces bracelets etc, and all identically priced. Looks like the "artisans" were Chinese!

Today at sea, overcast and rain. Tomorrow Rorotonga Cook islands but only from 8 am till 2 pm.

David sent these marvelous Bora Bora pix a few minutes ago :

When we in the islands this last spring we learned that many hotels had closed due to lack of business (pricing and the french business model maybe) so this may be one of the now closed locations.