Live Silver Spirit Maiden Holiday Voyage Barcelona to Lisbon

[DebbieH103]

Meow, the wood feels real where I have felt it, I think some things must be veneer. Todd thinks the a/c is coming from the inch between the sealing and the top of the built in cabinets.

 

They opened the pool deck today but I was never outside. I will have to see if the thing is heated.

 

Santa (Fernado) did come out for the Christmas variety show. They had a midnight mass, which I attended though I am not Catholic. There was a nondenominational service at 5 today, but since nobody knew what was going on when, quite a few non-Catholics were at the Catholic service.

 

Today, I attended the champagne tasting at 11:30. NJBelle (Janice) sat at my table, and at first our whole section got nothing. Eventually, we got 3 flutes, one sparkling Italian and two champagnes. The head sommolier would not tell us what the champagnes were and said we would have to discover them during the cruise.

 

After that, Todd came, and NJBelle's husband and daughter, and we shared the galley lunch. We chatted a while and so on and waited for the line to go down, but it did not, and after we were in line, they encouraged us to come back later, but we did not get out of line. They served too large of portions, as I like to taste, and I wasted a lot of mine. Todd did not like it because he felt rushed due to the line and liked other things once his plate was full, and food does not stay hot in that type of venue. However, I thought it was festive and nice. We are not really dessert people, but I have seen more elaborate displays before.

 

Today we did the Il Divo show at 3 p.m. This was very good. We received a couple of inaugural gifts in the cabin at about 4:30. I know Janice got hers hours before that. In general, our cabin is not getting made up until around 4:30, and they turn it down a little later than that. Many people do not have this situation.

 

Trivia at 4:45 was very busy. Our team missed 4 out of 24.

 

At 6:45 is the captain's welcome drink, they are doing it in both panorama and the regular bar. They have no plans to serve drinks in the show lounge, though you can bring your own. I have been begging for this to be changed.

 

Craig, I was at STARS with Helmut until around 11:30 up at the bar. I may go there nightly, but now they got me interested in the entertainment at the main bar. Todd was at blackjack winning. I lost at roulette but not as much as he won.

 

This is the first formal night.

 

Tomorrow is Malaga and I am not even sure what time our tour is. I slept until 10:50 today. I missed a lot of stuff.

[WesW]

Wil, Debbie;

 

Thanks for the detail-rich Spirit seamails and great to hear from you Wil! Both of you (& Craig's updates) are our immensely adding to our excitement about boarding in 9 days. Wil, look forward to hearing about the Humidor's atmosphere. Since our cruise docs did not list the dress code by day; did ask Craig if he can ask Fernando, what dates/days our formal nights are planned for the crossing (Ida wants to plan her outfits by day)..if either of you could find out--thanks in advance.

 

Debbie glad you were able to link up with NJBelle and family...hoping your paths cross with Craig and Wil soon.

[TLCOhio]

THANKS to Debbie and the others! I looked at all of the posted pictures in one of the early postings. That's really helpful. A picture can be worth a thousand words! It looks like the "details" on the ship were well done with good planning, thoughts and consideration. Not just a "flash and splash" design job. It shows class and good taste. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[dougburns]

Haven't read anything yet about dancing in Panorama Lounge or the Bar. Do they have the normal 4 piece European group in Panorama Lounge, or what do they have and when do they have it? Is there any dancing in the Bar? If there's no good dancing the Lovely Miss Lynn will not be a happy camper. I'm just along for the ride as she normally does her own thing and I just follow along and do the best I can to keep up.

[dougburns]

Miss Lynn would also like to know if they have aerobics step classes and an instructor aboard. I doubt that they do for the current cruise, since you're port intensive, but will they for the T/A?

[WesW]

Doug, please tell Miss Lynn yes there is a fitness instructor (Jodi) now onboard the Spirt, please see Debbie's reply to Ida's question on whether the fitness instructor is cross-fit trained below:

 

Debbie's email to me: "I went to see Jody (male), and he says they are (cross-fit) trained but that the equipment does not exist here. Jodi said he could show her things to do instead."

[meow!]

Meow, the wood feels real where I have felt it, I think some things must be veneer. Todd thinks the a/c is coming from the inch between the sealing and the top of the built in cabinets..

Thank you kindly. It seems you are quite satisfied. We will eargerly wait for your continued reportS .. meow!

[dougburns]

Wes; Don't think that's the same thing. Lynn does step aerobics in a class environment. She doesn't do weights or machines, but she is into very advanced step. She's been doing it with the teenyboppers for almost 30 years. If they don't have an aerobics room and step classes she won't bring her gym clothes because of the luggage weight issues.

[TheFerret]

Debbie made a great point about 10:00 being too early to close the breakfast buffet!

 

That is especially true on days at sea when you want to sleep in. And room service isn't the same, because you have to commit yourself to a time to get up when you order it the night before.

 

Several times I've hurried my furry behind up to the buffet at 9:45 and they're already dismantling it.

[ging466]

I feel the same as Debbie and Ferret.

 

I'm a big fan of sleeping (especially whilst taking the sea sick pills) and can easily sleep late.

 

When taking room service, I committed to a time, woke up ate my brekky and then went back to bed to sleep:D...life on Silversea...can it get any better?:D

 

Cheers

ging466

[CASHIPman]

The weather was nice enough to sit by the pool. Wes, I dipped a finger into the pool and didn’t notice any heat. The chaise lounges by the pool are very nice in that they have a small pillow built in, and they sit higher off the ground than the lounges on the other ships.

 

We had dinner in “Le Champagne.” It was a white truffle dinner and the chef is outstanding. The service was also outstanding. Le Champagne on the Spirit truly feels like a completely different restaurant vs. on the other ships where it feels like an add-on to the main dining room.

 

Wilfred and I gambled in the casino…blackjack. ‘nuf said.

 

The Il Divo cover band was excellent. We normally don’t go to entertainment but we originally thought that it was the real Il Divo. (Hey, if Cunard can have Dame Shirley Bassey on their maiden, it’s not inconceivable that Silversea would have some known entertainment!) Sadly, this group disembarks today at Malaga.

 

STARS is still the happenin’ place. We were there ‘til well after 3AM and enjoyed the company of Il Divo Fourever and the room’s chanteuse, Alfreda and her husband/accompanist Vladimir.

 

Note about the Grand Suites!! There are two (my guess is on seven) that do NOT have the wrap-around balcony and offer a view of the anchor assembly. We had a chat with the lady who is in them and was unaware of this. She’s understandably none-to-pleased about this.

 

Galley brunch had a very long line. Don’t really need to do that again.

 

We finally have a telephone with preprogrammed buttons. One thing I hadn’t realized is that the “butler” button pages the butler. When I pressed it, it rang once and disconnected so I pressed it again, and again, (and, well, again!) I called reception and as I was explaining my predicament the doorbell rang. Yes, it was the butler.

 

I haven’t figured out how to fill the sink with water.

 

The safe in our doesn’t “pop” open when the correct combination is entered, and there’s no knob to pull it open so we have to use a knife to pry it open.

 

Oh…the flatware in the dining room is lovely, but the handles have a bit of a twist to them. You can end up spilling soup and the like if you’re not careful!

 

Room service still needs work. They need to learn that the easiest way to tell which juice is orange juice is by its orange color!

 

Wilfred and I bought a load of jamon iberico (bellota) in Barcelona and are enjoying it immensely!

 

The internet wasn’t working too well last night.

 

 

Attached is a pic of us on Christmas!

[lord of the seas]

Debbie made a great point about 10:00 being too early to close the breakfast buffet!

 

That is especially true on days at sea when you want to sleep in. And room service isn't the same, because you have to commit yourself to a time to get up when you order it the night before.

 

Several times I've hurried my furry behind up to the buffet at 9:45 and they're already dismantling it.

 

I think that 10.00am is late enough as the staff have to get the room ready for lunch service.I don't think that anyone will go hungry on a Silversea ship.

[lord of the seas]

 

I haven’t figured out how to fill the sink with water.

 

 

 

I trust that Silversea have put taps in your bathroom.:eek:

[WesW]

Criag, thanks for the Day 3 Sitrep...the ham sounds delicious (u just missed the chance to dine at El Bulli--season closed 20 Dec..but heck rsvns need to made a year out if u can get them then). Le Champagne (ambiance and degustation) sounds terrific.

 

3AM! well guess you can always sleep at home.

 

ps...great looking Christmas hats...thanks for posting.

[WesW]

Here are Debbie's latest updates from today (internet has been out) so she is

sending to me on her blackberry:

 

Post from ten min ago:

 

Wes, please post anything u can as the internet has been down 25 hrs. Since we have paid 500 dollars we are not happy.

 

Try to do the whole 15 tastings at STARS.

 

We had a nice breakfast with eggs and meats and delicious berries and other fruits.

 

Our tour was terrible. All in the rain. Everyone asked to come back early. At least we saw a few things and got some pics.

 

The sun may come out.

 

We had a nap since the rain was there and not yet ready to pay 25 dollars for the hot tub and then no internet.

 

I think people have been trying to hunt down Mr. Watson (SS, Chief Operating Officer) to bend his ear. Some guests took exception to him saying we were privileged to be here since we are paying for it. I still agree with him but they should have been more ready.

 

After my visit to the desk at 6. They immedietely fixed our tv without coming to the room. One of our living room lights does not work but it is not the bulb. We have not reported because we do not want them camped in our cabin.

 

Tonight we are going to La Terraza. They had been having the Italian holiday dinners and are back to the regular.

 

At lunch, I just had salad and more berries. Todd had the seafood chowder and some fish.

 

I am at the bar now. I hang here and chat sometimes.

 

Marcie had asked about the smoking. They can smoke in the cabin and then in a small area in Pamorama but only after 6:30 and then the connoseurs club. Probably the casino. I have only talked to a smoker. I have not checked it out officially and do not yet have her answer about where on the pool deck. I will get the info.

 

Debbies post from earlier this morning:

 

We had the restaurant Christmas dinner. I had the fois gras and liver parfait, the turkey and dressing and chocolate strawberries. Todd had the lobster fricasse, the beef dish and the strawberris. No more petit fours. We went to play black jack and came to the room. We are alreay awake before 4.

 

The one Le Champagne menu I have is a Journey Through Italy. Six courses.

 

The seishin menu she gave me does not list the sakes as she did not give me that page.

 

We did get restaurant menus in the chronicle last night

 

Regarding step class, I saw no steps there. I have the whole schedule. There are some balls and hand weights over there for classes. They have youga and pilates, too.

 

After 4 days of asking (butler) for club soda I have some but now he stopped bringing the other stuff.

 

I love those Fourever guys. We have no hot water, no internet and one tv now does not work. We are starting to get a bit miffed.

[WesW]

fyi, latest Spirit seamail from Debbie (two min ago)

 

they are in our room fixing lights and are going door to door. Also came about hot water but someone already fixed it this am.

 

Sun is out now.

[Wellseasoned]

Craig, Wil, and Debbie, two questions, when you have a chance:

1) I know it's early in your voyage, but when the time comes, how well is the laundry service functioning?

2) When the internet works, is the wi-fi working well in the suites and public areas? We're boarding in 8 days, and I'm hoping that it's worthwhile to bring the laptop.

 

Thanks again for providing all of the detailed info. Please save most of your time for enjoying your cruise!

 

Dieter

[WesW]

latest email from Debbie:

 

Tv has quit again and no internet still for 26 hrs. Paulo's office never empty (hotel director).

[CASHIPman]

Craig, Wil, and Debbie, two questions, when you have a chance:

1) I know it's early in your voyage, but when the time comes, how well is the laundry service functioning?

2) When the internet works, is the wi-fi working well in the suites and public areas? We're boarding in 8 days, and I'm hoping that it's worthwhile to bring the laptop.

 

Thanks again for providing all of the detailed info. Please save most of your time for enjoying your cruise!

 

Dieter

 

1. We sent out laundry this AM so will let you know. (W saw the butler and it's ready but I had the DND sign on the door)

 

2. I've only used it in the stateroom and when it works, it works quite well but as Debbie mentioned it was pretty inop last night and much of today.

[swindy]

Wes,

 

Sounds like things are getting worse!!!

Do you know which suite Debbie is in?

 

Thanks

[Josette03]

Just wanted to say thank you to Debbie and all the other canaries for going into the mine

and filing daily reports. Their experiences thus far sound like par for the course on what is essentially a shakedown cruise. The sea trials are to test how the ship performs in the open sea and it seems to me that this Barcelona-Lisbon cruise is a service trial to see how the staff performs. I suppose the best way for Silversea to find out what works and what doesn’t is to charge passengers lots of money for the privilege of evaluating whether or not they got what they paid for. I think I’ll wait for the Venetian Society discount.

[greygypsy]

I haven't written my review yet but we are recently off the Silver Shadow and it was superb (good internet, good laundry, great staff, food and fun) so I wouldn't take any issues with the Spirit's shakedown cruise as emblematic of issues with Silversea. Hopefully, by the time more people join the cruise in Lisbon, many of the issues will be resolved.

-

Although, I have to say, it was a bit bizarre that we ran out of bananas 5 days into a Caribbean cruise.....

-

Susan and I also appreciate the prompt reporting by our intrepid cruisers. Jeff

[WesW]

more spirit seamails from Debbie:

 

Been on the pool deck trying to find out about the smoking but they are smoking where they want as nobody in there right mind is up there--it' freezing outside. I will say the pool bar is very nice compared to the other ships.

 

Back in cabin ready for Elton John show. Todd says internet has been up for 30 min.

 

 

Next Seamail from Debbie:

 

 

All the other sailings I have been on breakfast hour goes to 10:30am (responding to Lord of Seas post

that 10 am breakfast closure is ok), and the Europeans dine late . Everyone is there the last half hour. My carcass is sick, so I am running slow but if one of 3 dining venues that are free starts at 9 then a real meal should last till 10:30am and I already reported that everyone is out of pastries by 10.

 

TVs are great when they work but too small. Nice to have two.

Elton John show good but not what you will expect. I have loved all the entertainment everywhere. 42 attendees at this EJ show

 

ps..Swindy, Debbie is on deck Six (believe 606 or 608)

[meow!]

Back in cabin ready for Elton John show. Todd says internet has been up for 30 min...

... 42 attendees at this EJ show

Silversea must have paid a lot to invite Sir Elton John, it is most surprising that only 42 turned up for the show.

 

Hopefully most shipboard issues will have been resolved by the time you board. In any case, the voyage after yours will be the "grand voyage" and they cannot afford more problems given the publicity. Bon Voyage!

[CASHIPman]

Silversea must have paid a lot to invite Sir Elton John, it is most surprising that only 42 turned up for the show.

 

Hopefully most shipboard issues will have been resolved by the time you board. In any case, the voyage after yours will be the "grand voyage" and they cannot afford more problems given the publicity. Bon Voyage!

 

Elton John is not on board. It's a show of Elton's music.