Live Silver Spirit Maiden Holiday Voyage Barcelona to Lisbon

[gnld]

My wife plays Mah Jongg and had our TA inquire of Silversea earlier this month whether there'd be a Mah Jongg game set on board. The answer was YES. But just to confirm, could one of you on board the Spirit check to see if there IS a Mah Jongg set on board? Also the cards that go with it? Thanks much. We leave for Lisbon on Friday!

Gary & Carol

[MuseCruiser]

I'm enjoying myself immensely; well, all but losing in the casino for the fourth night in a row. Contributing to the casino every night wasn't on my pre-cruise plan!

 

We've not had the problems with hot water that Debbie has; the internet was out for most of today but has been fine from about 5pm on.

 

Just a word about Le Champagne; its absolutely terrific. Totally different feel and concept from the restaurants on the other ships, as Craig said. They have their own maitre d' (Marcello) and the French chef is both excellent and personable. Our white truffle dinner last night was great; and it was terrific watching Marcello shave the Alba truffles at the table over the risotto. They clearly lost money on us last night; with $30 p/p and one bottle of wine, considering the cost of the truffles. Almost every seat was taken last night.

 

Ate tonight at La Terrazza. I thought it was terrific. Pastas were great and everyone seemed to enjoy their main courses. Ramon is the chef, and he remembered us from the Whisper. I think all the tables were taken tonight.

 

Again, the hit was Stars. We were there until around 1am. Alfreda is absolutely stunning in her talent. She had the room raptured tonight when she sang from Porgy and Bess tonight without any piano accompaniment. You could have heard a pin drop and people got out of their seats and stood as they clapped.

 

As one of our dining companions said today, and I agree, "Everyday things have gotten better."

 

For me, its going quite well.

[WesW]

as we say in the Army Wil, Hooah!....glad to hear Craig and you are having such a delightful time..did u by chance get to the humidor last night? Impressions...it will

see a lot of me and my cigar stash.

 

Ida and I are looking forward to our Le Champagne dinner the problem is choosing a menu..decisions, decisions.

 

Thanks again for taking time to share with the CC Silversea family.

[DebbieH103]

Though I did not get a mention, I was there with Wil and Craig at STARS till 1 a.m. Nice to meet them finally, since we have been almost all the same places at the same time and never saw each other.

 

The singer has a 3 month contract, and she does not know if she would even want to extend, but she is riveting. I have been there every night but one (last night). She is gracious and almost never takes a break and then it is short and she circulates.

 

At La Terraza, I had the green salad. It was served in a crispy bowl. Todd had the scampi. The presentations were very beautiful. Then we shared the 9 tasting antipasti, all in a beautiful single compartmentalized dish. As I told Craig,the food there and in STARS is phot-worthy.

 

For the entree, I had sea bass. I am about to turn into sea bass. Todd had the beef dish (of course).

 

He had tiramisu, and I had the chocolate sorbet (amazing) with fruits.

 

I have not even been to Le Champagne, and I continue to think this will be the best one of any of the ships. The concept here is I think something that will appeal to a wider (but still intimate) audience, and the space is great.

 

When I mentioned one of the 3 restaraunts starts at 9, I meant STARS at 9 p.m.

 

Smoking: Well, the port side of the pool deck, outside of the panorama, a few tables at the panorama after 6/6:30 p.m. and then the connosuerrs lounge. You can smoke in the cabin but must request it with the butler to get the ashtrays.

 

The owner is now onboard and was at STARS.

 

It really is lovely here on the ship, and most people are a little miffed and the glitches and feel some small compensation might be due to appease, but overall, it is a lovely cruise with interesting people, fabulous staff, new experiences, etc. The weather has been horrid.

 

I think the best value is to rate this experience in and of itself. I have always compared Regent and SS and the various SS ships, but this really is something different from any of the existing SS ships and the Regent ships. Any client of those could enjoy this, but it is something all its own and will take on its own personality. You have to be here to understand. It will take even more shape when it is warm and decent out and when they open the stone grill restaurant and the pool deck routinely. Next time I sail this ship will be somewhere warm.

 

Tomorrow, we are going to be in Gibraltar, and we are doing the Gibraltar highlights and will see the monkeys. That is at 9:15.

 

While the tour was cold and rainy, the rest of the day was really, really great, and I am ending it feeling so nice.

[meow!]

.The owner is now onboard and was at STARS..

 

I have always compared Regent and SS and the various SS ships, but this really is something different from any of the existing SS ships and the Regent ships. Any client of those could enjoy this, but it is something all its own and will take on its own personality. You have to be here to understand. It will take even more shape when it is warm and decent out and when they open the stone grill restaurant and the pool deck routinely. Next time I sail this ship will be somewhere warm..

Do you mean the owner of Silversea is on board? He is probably keen to see how his new big investment is performing!

 

Perhaps after your voyage is finished, and in retrospect, you can tell us whether compared to Shadow/Whisper, is the newbuild Spirit a step up or down, or sideways with pluses and minuses, and in which areas. It will be interesting for the rest of us to know .. meow!

[Goldens4]

Watch out for the monkeys! That is all I have to say.

[DebbieH103]

I will write a full review. I am not sure after 4 days, one would write something complete, but there will be longer time to evaluate. Right now I can say different and love it for what it is.

 

I have been trying to upload more pics but it has been too slow.

[DebbieH103]

Marcie, I have heard horror stories about those monkeys. I am hoping for a better tour tomorrow. I was a little in the doghouse for taking Todd in the rain for 4 hours today. (Who knew?).

[ging466]

Thankx Debbie, Craig & Wil

 

This has really been fantastic reading your experiences on the ship. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your cruise to post so frequently.

 

Despite the teething problems on a new ship (expected), it really sounds great.

 

Cheers

Jennifer (ging466)

[Goldens4]

Debbie, hopefully, Gibraltar and the monkey tour has evolved since 1984. I am going to put it out there (excuse me, Dan, for being so blunt). They fling s*** at you. Nothing like seeing the CO of your husband's ship being pelted with monkey poop. Luckily, the husband and I had "other";) things to do and arrived late. Stand as far back as you can. Good Luck!

[gnld]

Debbie, hopefully, Gibraltar and the monkey tour has evolved since 1984. I am going to put it out there (excuse me, Dan, for being so blunt). They fling s*** at you. Nothing like seeing the CO of your husband's ship being pelted with monkey poop. Luckily, the husband and I had "other";) things to do and arrived late. Stand as far back as you can. Good Luck!

 

We were in Gibraltar back in September on the Azamara Journey. Took a private tour of the "rock", including seeing the apes (they're not monkeys). Had no problem with them at all -- they're all very friendly with all the taxi drivers!

[WesW]

Here are Debbie's Spirit seamails from today thus far:

 

We really enjoyed the rock tour. We got to see the monkeys and the cave and lovely views of the ship. We could see Spain and Africa all at the same time. Those monkeys are amazing.

 

My cough is still chesty and hard to sleep then hard to get up. I managed to find a pharmacy in town and got some lozenges and some cough syrup. Everything here, of course is priced in pounds, so it is pricey in Euros (and of course expensive for Americans). There are tons of shops and nice pubs and restaurants but be aware that not all open on Sunday and if they do, most do not open till noon. A cab to the ship from town was 2 Euro or one pound. If you pay people in EU, you will likely get change in EU.

 

Tonight is the second formal night. They really are repeating the same food over and over and not many of the old menu favorites. They conatantly have sea bass everywhere. It is my favorite but enough is enough. I probably have had it 7 times already. They do have Osso Bucco tonight.

 

Drink service remains a mystery. We have nothing in our room. No ice, no soda, no mixers, no wine. Nothing. At STARS last night, I ordered club soda 3 rimes and never got it. The did brig other drinks eventually and eventually we all sort of got our food, maybe after close to an hour. We had all eaten anyway. I would say most of the mechanics are fixed now and that what remains is to move service from 4 or 4 and a half stars to 5.

[DebbieH103]

We really enjoyed the Rock of the Apes and all that. Both of us took a lot of pics and really were glad we went.

 

Got to see NJBelle and family and Craig and Will again today and chat around the pool deck. I am so glad the weather is holding for it, and I really need to get up to the pool deck for hot tubbing before I fall asleep. I have never fallen asleep in the afternoon before, but I guess it is the sinus meds, along with staying up half the night. I just don't want to miss anything.

 

I may not get too many pics to the blog before I get back because I tried in the night and the connection just would not upload. Mainly I wanted the TA people to see the ship before boarding. I will try again when I can, as we have some good stuff.

 

Lunch on the pool deck was good, but the food does take a while. I ordered a shrimp cocktail I never got, but I had the baby spinach with cashews ad strawberries. New dressing,but it was great. The bruschetta is SUPER. SUPER. Pizza is good but takes a while. Todd waited for his burger and did not think it was good as in the past, but he certainly ate it.

 

After asking 3 different people to stock our room, we now have some soft drinks and Chard for the day.

 

Regarding the sparkling wine, I do like the Drappier better than the Pommery. There are a number on board. At the pool deck, they will pour Perrier and Joett (sp?), and I saw Korbel that someone wanted in the main bar. Whatever they have at La Terraza at dinner is particularly delicious.

[dougburns]

Can one of you aboard presently please check with Paolo Percivale(Hotel Director) as to the number of formal nights for the T/A cruise(3 or 4). Thanks!

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, Debbie, just wanted to say thanks for all the posts and your blog -- very curious about Silver Spirit!

 

Happy New Year -- and hope your Christmas cold has gone away.

 

Carolyn

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

 

I sent Wes several more posts that are not here. I am going to try to see what. I sent them from my Blackberry but thought I used my Blackberry address so I could repaste here and the blog.

 

We have been to The Restaurant AND STARS, and I have a lot to say, even more than I sent him.

 

Before I dig all those posts out--butler needs work. He is sort of a facilitator. Some got ship tours. We did our own.So far, we have had much less amenities and service than before, but it is the first day on a new ship. Almost no glasses, fridge had one Sprite, one tonic, and one club soda and the Drappier. Definitely not the stuff we asked for online. We have asked 3 times for chardonnay and phone did not work (not yet activated for the buttons but call 815) and ordered the chardonnay and two diet cokes, all brought by the butler that we already asked 3 times. He did not bring the other toiletries. Ithink there are a few things.

 

DO NOT come on this cruise without a power strip if you plan to do much of anything and are from the U.S. There is one plug in the bathroom, one in the bedroom and one in the living room that is used by the clock. The clock has a battery backup, so I have unplugged it to get my laptop plugged in. Who knows how long it will last.

 

Dinner service-get a section from a Silversea past employee. Those from other lines are busting tail at the bars and restaurants but don't yet have a clue. Todd is not at all fussy. I am fussier than that, but I don't mind waiting on myself. My minimum is thatI do require more than a butter knife for a 4 course meal.

 

Wines were Spanish. White was alright but we switched to Italian.

 

STARS has 5 courses of 3 tastings each, one course per letter, so if you get it all, it is 15 tastings. Some were doing it and loving it. We went here after dinner. They were wrong that it opened at 9, it was 8:30. They were wrong that the jazz singer did not perform till 9, she was there from the start. Some go for drinks and just get the nibbles on the table-fried flour tortilla chips, hummus, some other sauces, olives and some other things - something with chunky garlic that was yummy. We got "T"-scallop, frog leg, fois gras. Todd had the scallop, and I had the frog leg and fois gras. The fois gras was to die for. The dessert had creme brulee and pani cotta, I don't know the other. We did not order. I know the first course has a tuna. I tried to take the pic of sections of the menu. There is a full bar, and they also have some suggestions and wines. The house chard is from California and good. In the main bar, it was Italian and good.

 

Pat/IslandCruiser, you would not like Taste of Things to Come. Now it was only an intro, no taste, but being the first day on the new ship, it was important, even if only 15 minutes. We learned there are two shows-one at 6:30 and one at 10:15. We get to see Aquarius, the Elton John show and Europe 2010. There is a ballet couple on board, also.

 

The La Terazza has a bigger, static menu, and it was easy to get a reservation for 12/26. He was begging us to come there tonight. I wanted to do the sea bass at The Restaurant. Todd had the Angus Beef. The appetizer was lovely with salmon, sole, and a shrimp. It said it had vermicilli. It did not but instead had a yummy puff pastry. The waiter said it was cold and smoked, so Todd did not order it, but it was hot and steamed, so after I got mine, Todd ordered one. Just sit in a section with someone you recognize until a few sailings. These new people are happy to be here and dying to work. No worries, but give it a few weeks. Same with butler. Don't expect much right now, but I think even in a week they will be getting it right.

 

The seats at the show lounge are somewhat unusual, some love it. I don't have quite the same impression as Sue. I think it is alright for two, but if the person next to you crosses their leg, you might get claustrophobic a little.

 

The main bar is a huge hit. It just makes sense, and the location is great and it is festive and inviting. We love it there.

 

The other public areas are more cozy than before. The pool deck chairs are nice, but the weather is too yucky right now.

 

It is $25 for the thermal area and then you can get the whole cruise for $250 (I think it was). I explained in one of the posts I sent Wes, don't know if he posted. I know my comments on Seishin are not here.

 

There are 80 or 90 Japanese on board, and they may start opening the Seishin tomorrow at lunch and have not decided whether to charge or what to prepare. She said keep checking back. The Japanese did not arrive until 8 or 9 and they were going to visit with them and whoever stopped by.

 

They have seating for 24 and had 22 tonight. There are 7 sakes for the pairings I have a menu from there and one of the Le Champagne ones but not all the regions. I got the Italian one. Tonight they did the Spain menu. At Seishin you can do just complimentary wine, a wine pairing or a sake pairing. I would like to see a side bar for sake, as I would love to just do those even if not free.

 

Le Champagne is more upscale. I think the whole ship is. When people are rested, we will see how crowded the public areas are.

 

Our tour tomorrow to the vineyard was canceled due to weather. We saw the Gothic Quarter and the Barcelona Cathedral today. I did not want to do any of the other tours nor did Todd so I will take the free shuttle and self explore tomorrow when I feel like it (runs every 30 min) and Todd will stay here.

 

Going to consolidate all my ramblings for the blog and see if I can get a few pics up.

[WesW]

Hi Debbie, Craig, Will, NJBelle;

 

(optional spirit homework, your mission/priorty of course is to enjoy your maiden voyage) Over the next few days if you get a chance, any comments on the Spirit's; (Library & offerings, Fitness center update (are elipticals, treadmills now working, classes offered, if u heard any reviews from those that have particated or used equipment,Spa & Salon; services (e.g masseuse) offered if u have experience or heard from those that used the spa or Salon, have any of you tried the unisex sauna or steam rooms; Spirit staff (How is Captain, Cruise Director, Hotel Director--are they accessible--have you rcvd any invitations to dine with the ship staff; Enrichment; Lecturers, Dance Classes, bridge, wine tasting; Guest Services and or/Conscierge desk, how were the SS excursions offered?

 

Since this is the maiden voyage, is the Spirit or SS leadership formally/informally seeking

out your feedback (e.g. critique forms, townhall mtg, etc.)

 

Thanks in advance

[ScottToronto]

Hi Debbie, Todd, Craig, Will, and NJBelle,

 

I have a couple of friends working in The Restaurant. I would suggest dining in their section. Their names are:

Ariston (filipino waiter)

Alan (filipino waiter)

Ariel (busboy)

 

Alan and Ariston are amazing! Please say hello to the 3 of them from Scott and Dr. Jay from Toronto.

 

Many thanks,

ScottToronto

[lord of the seas]

Hi Debbie, Todd, Craig, Will, and NJBelle,

 

I have a couple of friends working in The Restaurant. I would suggest dining in their section. Their names are:

Ariston (filipino waiter)

Alan (filipino waiter)

Ariel (busboy)

 

Alan and Ariston are amazing! Please say hello to the 3 of them from Scott and Dr. Jay from Toronto.

 

Many thanks,

ScottToronto

 

I bet the next station to theirs has staff with names beginning with B

[WesW]

debbie's Spirit seamail from this a.m. below:

 

The Le Champagne theme tonight is asparagus.

 

I was almost well but have had a huge relapse. We woke up at 4 to howling wind and rough seas and could not imagine how it could be so loud. Our balcony drapes were drawn. I went to look out and the balcony was all the way open. It was freezing in here. We had not even been out, so the maid did it.

 

We had to have the tv rebooted for the third time. The guy came and told us many are having it and he is logging it and trying to find the pattern.

 

We missed breakfast again. I did not even get to sleep till almost 10!when it finally was warm and I could stop coughing enough. They banged on the door at 11.

 

I am going to walk around town a little now that there is a pause in the rain. Todd's knee needs a break, so he has settled into his puzzles and a cocktail.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I enjoyed a hot tub. They are on timers that are short, and you have to hit a big button for the jets to go.

 

Lunch on the pool deck takes a while no matter what but they are cooking to order. Food there is good.

[DebbieH103]

The equipment in the gym was always working that I know of, it was just the connection to the satellite that is on the viewing screen of the treadmills that was not.

 

Class types, as I mentioned are total body conditioning, yoga, pilates, and chi, and they are similar to other sailings with one or two a day. I have not met anyone who did a class.

 

Janice had some comments about using the sauna and steam and how the unisex is working with where you have go to dress and change and it not being as convenient, plus you have to wear a bathing suit, of course.

 

We have found dinner service better each night, and breakfast and lunch service in LT has been fine since the first day. The only issue we still have at dinner is they just don't really pour the wine.

 

Last night we did get petit fours for the first time. I had the osso bucco, and Todd had beef, of course. My dish was amazing, but the portion was huge. I hated to waste half. I even skipped all the courses except a salad so I could try. The preparation was just great. They continue to overserve on the sea bass and sea bream, but quality is great.

 

For lunch, I had salad and the navy bean soup, along with fruits. They had some delicious bing cherries. Todd had mixed grill and the soup and fruits. They had a lovely Spanish wine for lunch. We have enjoyed a number of the wines, and they always will get something else. we have found if we order something else, it does not take any longer than if we had the original offering.

 

Last night we did not get chocolates again, which was odd since it was a formal night. That is the second time.

 

Paulo is hard to find free. He is quite popular. I think they will stick to whatever your docs say for the number of formal nights. They have on this sailing.

 

Tonight they are having a Flemenco show for us, and they are offering it early and late, which is very nice of them. Last night, the guitarist played. We missed that, as Todd went to the casino, and I went to STARS. We heard him at the Christmas show, and I was looking forward to a longer show, but they did not have the early show due to the Venetian Society party. Since almost everyone on the ship is Venetian Society, they had to have two parties. They had one for the people around 100 nights and less. Most of us did not get an invitation. It was in the Panorama. The others had their own party.

[MuseCruiser]

We had a great day yesterday. I also had the ossobucco and enjoyed it, though it was a bit odd. They brought the risotto to me by mistake instead of the ossobucco and when placing the risotto in front of me, the waiter said "the veal, sir." Then the dining captain for our area came and said something about that being the veal. I asked them both, "Could you show me the veal in this dish?" They looked perplexed and I explained this was the risotto and not the ossobucco. I mentioned the odd error to one of the dining room managers (that they didn't apparently know the difference between risotto and ossobucco) and he asked me to point out the ones who got it confused so he could speak to them. The ossobucco soon came and it was excellent.

 

I had pizza for lunch yesterday at the pool grill and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

After dinner last night, we sent to the Panorama lounge and had a great time! We didn't leave until around 1:30 or so; we enjoyed Mark playing the piano, then disco music after that. Several couples were dancing. A group gathered in fact, including NJBelle, and we had so much fun!

 

The venue was not full, by any means, but it was quite lively--pretty much dancing nonstop during the disco portion.

 

The liveliness is something I'm enjoying a lot which is much more apparent than on other SS cruises I've been on.

 

We did go to the Venetian Society part...but went to the wrong one by mistake (we have over 100 days and went to the one for pax with under 100 days). Not that we cared....we got invitations but "filed" them, as we tend not to go to such things. But we wanted to hear the pianist Mark, who's in the Panorama where the Venetitian party was being held. Anyway, we enjoyed listening to Mark's music. He takes requests and is really superb. He'll be onboard until something like April.

 

The staff has begun to learn our names...were called by our names at lunchtime at the pool grill (where it was raining cats and dogs) and they know our preferred drinks and get them as we arrive. I asked for blue cheese stuffed olives every night, and just like clockwork, they were ready last night waiting for me.

 

All is good in Silversea Spirit land, except for the rain today!

[wripro]

Glad you're enjoying yourself, Wil.

[dougburns]

For those interested, Debbie has posted quite a few new pics that go thru Malaga on her blog: http://www.luxurycruiseandland.com.

[meow!]

We did go to the Venetian Society part...but went to the wrong one by mistake (we have over 100 days and went to the one for pax with under 100 days).

Since when did they start having different Venetian Society meetings for different classes of members?

[meow!]

My dish was amazing, but the portion was huge. I hated to waste half. I even skipped all the courses except a salad so I could try. The preparation was just great. They continue to overserve on the sea bass and sea bream, but quality is great..

 

In this day and age that many people are concerned with high blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, it may be better to serve small portions. Those who want more can always ask for another serving, or an additional different dish for variety.

 

It seems Silversea really likes to serve fish. For the only two voyages we had before, both aboard the Shadow, the seafood category always contained fish, fish and more fish! Why not have king crab legs, scallops and oysters too (rarely offered unless you "prebook" it the night before)? Is it because few passengers want these other varieties or is it simpler and cheaper for the kitchen to mostly carry fish?

 

Thank you so much for filing so many reports despite your illness. Wish you get well soon .. meow!