How is S.A.L.T.?

[Lois R]

48 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

It was a pic posted yesterday by a passenger currently on board.  

Maybe I am losing my mind then.......that is ALWAYS a possibility😲...but I honestly don't remember wearing my mask during class.  The stations have plenty of space between each one........

[spinnaker2]

I wore a mask during class as did all the other participants.

It is a small closed space and masks were required. The stations are connected as in a semi circle.

 

Most of the prep work, ie, the chopping and measuring, is already done for you, as the class is limited in time. 

 

 

Edited July 23, 2021 by spinnaker2

[Lois R]

I guess If I had taken any pictures, I would be able to say 100% for sure.  If I can't remember something from 2 weeks ago, geeeezz........😲

[spinnaker2]

12 minutes ago, Lois R said:

I guess If I had taken any pictures, I would be able to say 100% for sure.  If I can't remember something from 2 weeks ago, geeeezz........😲

Lois

As you said, maybe the rules changed and then changed again.

The situation is fluid for sure.

 

 

 

[rkacruiser]

3 hours ago, spinnaker2 said:

Most of the prep work, ie, the chopping and measuring, is already done for you, as the class is limited in time. 

 

 

Curious:  what is the point of this "class"?  Just learning how to prepare a dish?  

[Lois R]

21 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Curious:  what is the point of this "class"?  Just learning how to prepare a dish?  

Yes, it is learning about dishes that are from the region you are sailing.......😃 and you can eat said dish too😃

[rkacruiser]

Just now, Lois R said:

 and you can eat said dish too😃

 

You eat what you prepare?  That is different from the cooking classes that have been held on HAL.  Whatever a guest prepares is not consumed.  But, the same dish is prepared by a Pinnacle Grill Chef and served.  

[Lois R]

Just now, rkacruiser said:

 

You eat what you prepare?  That is different from the cooking classes that have been held on HAL.  Whatever a guest prepares is not consumed.  But, the same dish is prepared by a Pinnacle Grill Chef and served.  

Hi, did you see the pictures that were posted? You have a station and as Spins posted, all the ingredients have been prepped......the Chef then tells you the order of what is to be cooked......and he helps anyone who needs assistance.  And yes, you can eat what you have cooked. Not to sit down at a table, but at your station.  I know the Pinnacle.......it is not the same thing....this is not served to you like another meal. 

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, Lois R said:

did you see the pictures that were posted?

 

Yes, I did and those pictures and your post prompted my response.  There must be something in this experience that I am missing.  I need to cook for myself when I am not cruising.  Why do I want to do this as a vacation "treat"?  Whatever I learn to prepare and enjoy(?) is likely something that I would not prepare at home.  

[Lois R]

6 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Yes, I did and those pictures and your post prompted my response.  There must be something in this experience that I am missing.  I need to cook for myself when I am not cruising.  Why do I want to do this as a vacation "treat"?  Whatever I learn to prepare and enjoy(?) is likely something that I would not prepare at home.  

Hi, yes, there are a lot of folks who have said the same thing. And that is why it is really good we are all different people😃.........there is something for everyone.  As for the experience? I loved it and it was just a fun class.......it was not like we were being judged or anything, it was just fun to make new dishes (in my opinion).  But I get it, there have been plenty of people who have never enjoyed culinary excursions and/or classes........it is one of those things I really like and I am not a "big cook" here at home.  But this was just fun😃

[cruiseej]

3 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

I need to cook for myself when I am not cruising.  Why do I want to do this as a vacation "treat"?  Whatever I learn to prepare and enjoy(?) is likely something that I would not prepare at home.  

 

Then a cooking class is probably not for you. 😉  It's as simple as that.

 

For some people, learning how to prepare a dish with instruction from a professional chef is an unusual and positive experience. Friends of ours are eager to do a "cooking school" on a trip to Italy, to learn something about how to prepare foods we're not used to preparing ourselves. I'm sure a cooking demonstration and hands-on experience isn't of interest to many guests, which is why there are many different things to do on a cruise ship. 

[frantic36]

43 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Yes, I did and those pictures and your post prompted my response.  There must be something in this experience that I am missing.  I need to cook for myself when I am not cruising.  Why do I want to do this as a vacation "treat"?  Whatever I learn to prepare and enjoy(?) is likely something that I would not prepare at home.  

 

I cook a lot at home as we rarely do take away or dine out so I love having meals cooked for me when cruising or travelling.

 

However, my husband and I have enjoyed cooking classes in many places in Asia and Europe as being guided by a professional chef to cook regional dishes is very interesting. Also not having to do the prep work of cutting up and measuring or the cleaning up afterwards is great. You just get to do the fun bits of cooking and then eating good food.

[spinnaker2]

So for me this was the take away. 

It was fun to put everything together under the auspices of a chef.

As we worked through it, a chef walked around and offered suggestions and help. 

I cook every single day at home. 

It was such fun to cook with a group and have some ideas for improvement.

 

I have been watching the chefs onboard cook for years,  this is your chance to cook with them and get some personal instruction!

 

What an opportunity!!

 

 

 

 

[ronrick1943]

I’m looking forward to cooking classes when on vacation.  Actually we pay good money to attend these classes in Asia.  In fact when we cruise Regent you must book advance for classes as they sell out fast.  Not for everybody, but those that enjoy it-it’s a fun few hours.  Fact is I get tired of eating out every night on the ship—we’ll order a light meal in the suite and watch a movie, we can do that at home too—but it’s a nice night on the cruise.

[Mr Luxury]

I have never cooked whilst at sea but this is one of the activities that I am looking forward to trying on the Silver Moon.

I'm sure it will be fun

[fudge]

1 hour ago, Mr Luxury said:

I have never cooked whilst at sea but this is one of the activities that I am looking forward to trying on the Silver Moon.

I'm sure it will be fun

I have done it three or four times, its really good fun, slightly different, it was a cooking competition in front of an audience.

[Gourmet Gal]

On 7/23/2021 at 4:21 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

Yes, I did and those pictures and your post prompted my response.  There must be something in this experience that I am missing.  I need to cook for myself when I am not cruising.  Why do I want to do this as a vacation "treat"?  Whatever I learn to prepare and enjoy(?) is likely something that I would not prepare at home.  

Cooking as entertainment has massive appeal and I applaud SS for creating a beautiful venue and another great activity for pax to enjoy if interested.  I’ve taken cooking classes and culinary tours all over the world and find it’s another window into a culture I may be interested in.  It’s definitely not work.  You are obviously not a good candidate for this type of activity so no need to cast such a negative vibe here.  Just plan to do something else if you ever get to cruise SS.

[jenidallas]

Reading about S.A.L.T. has gotten us interested enough to think we will probably sail on Silver Moon instead of a Seabourn ship this year. We are foodies who love to talk cooking classes, both at home and while traveling, and try to seek out epicurean tours abroad.  

[markham]

jenidallas,

 

The Moon's SALT cooking class was a highlight of the cruise for the reasons that those who like cooking classes while traveling have mentioned. But here is another re Moon, and one you might not expect...

 

This was one of the only "collaborative" and/or "friendly" events of the cruise. I mean that we found that Moon passengers were not as engaging as are Seabourn passengers, and more or less the only passengers we spent time with were those we had met on Seabourn. It is our impression that this is the way Silversea is, simple as that. Seabourn is something else with more interaction among passengers and 

among officers, crew and passengers. Some but not all of this is historical, the rest is down to the cruise staff and their activities, and one thing influences the other for sure.

 

Bottom line: I recommend Moon, Muse and soon Dawn only among Silversea ships as the rest are not even close to as luxurious and well equipped. It's for the facilities generally e.g. the track and the long pool which is a good 50% longer than a Seabourn pool. The food is excellent, and The Atlantide puts Seabourn's Restaurant in the shade (a like for like comparison). But the verve of socialising is not there; there is no comparison to the atmosphere of the Seabourn Observation Bar and quality and depth of Seabourn's 17 professional entertainers (plus 2 technicians) on the social staff AND the way passengers and crew respond to the fun. Silversea to me is just very sedate and calm, more like a top class hotel than a cruise ship.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

[lincslady]

There is a lot in what you say, Markham.  However, there are some lovely friendly people who cruise on Silversea - see the Watercooler - but I think the tendency to chat to anyone and everyone is more prevalent on Seabourn, and to a great extent due to the friendliness and personalities of the staff.  The staff on Silversea are a bit more formal in their approach, especially to newcomers to the line.  You need to sail both lines to appreciate the difference,  and each style has its own appeal.

 

Lola

 

 

[Mr Luxury]

Markham,

I agree with your findings on the Moon and we have found it exactly that.

The people that we have had talks with have been Seabourn regulars.

Top brass from Silversea are on the ship now and are approachable for a chat about what we think of their product.

I agree that the food is generally better but I think the European style service of Seabourn is more to our liking although staff here on the Moon are friendly and efficient.

A big negative for me is that the sauna and steam room are not operational which I find weird as sitting at bars an mixing in and around the pool is allowed.

I wonder if they are both open on the Ovation 

Paul from Seabourn Encore is now Supervisor in the arts cafe on Silver Moon.

He makes the best coffee on the ship as he did when he was in Seabourn Square.

It is good to see him again

Edited July 30, 2021 by Mr Luxury

[Lois R]

I guess I had a different set of "crew/staff" on my sailing. I found everyone I encountered to be quite friendly.  I have never sailed Seabourn so I cannot give a comparison.  Looking forward to sailing Muse in 3 weeks and will see any differences between her and Moon🙂

[Stumblefoot]

8 hours ago, markham said:

I mean that we found that Moon passengers were not as engaging as are Seabourn passengers

 

It is our impression that this is the way Silversea is, simple as that. Seabourn is something else with more interaction among passengers and 

among officers, crew and passengers.

 

But the verve of socialising is not there; there is no comparison to the atmosphere of the Seabourn Observation Bar and quality and depth of Seabourn's 17 professional entertainers (plus 2 technicians) on the social staff AND the way passengers and crew respond to the fun. Silversea to me is just very sedate and calm, more like a top class hotel than a cruise ship.

I appreciate you sharing this perspective, markham.  

 

The way you describe Silversea helps me understand why we probably fell in love with the line from our very first voyage, as the experience reminded us of our fondest stays with Four Seasons hotels; luxurious tranquillity coupled with reserved and unobtrusive service, fine food and beverages, and personal spaces that are peaceful and quiet.  We found Silversea recreated the fine hotel experience we enjoy on the water, giving us the freedom to focus on each other rather than others.  IMHO, Silversea is a wonderful escape from the demands of forced socialization providing couples / families / friends an ability to retreat into the intimacy of one’s close relationships.

[markham]

Mr L,

 

Yes, the saunas and steam rooms are open on Ovation. It is all possible because of the special arrangement Seabourn has with the Greek government which makes no masking up for passengers and all bar stool available whereas Silversea is held back. But maybe Seabourn's apparent success will make liberalisation possible for Silversea soon? I certainly hope so, and as Ovation and Moon are similarly sized and Silversea is very diligent with respecting (and reminding about) protocols, the parallels will become the key to changes there.

 

Enjoy your cruise, the food and wine, but not too much. How about pounding the track for a mile or more a day before some rigorous lap swimming? You know that balance in life makes everything more pleasant. It's just another adjustment in a chaotic year which we all know will turn towards greater stability. And 20 days on Moon is a great, great escape! I have to wait until summer and fall 2022 to cruise on her sister ship, Dawn, my next Silversea cruises. But maybe we will see each other earlier than that.

 

Happy and healthy sailing!

 

 

[markham]

Stumblefoot, your perspective makes full sense to me and illustrates succinctly the loyalty that you and other Silversea faithful show for the product. Moon offers all you say, and I look forward to my next chance to sail on one of these Silversea "big sisters".

 

Happy and healthy sailing!