A late report on an August dawn cruise.

[mysty]

Belated happy birthday @rojaan19!  And thank you for your awesome pics @drron29 and for your honest commentary!

[drron29]

The next day marked the end of the first leg of the cruise. We were docked in Citavechia the port for Rome. S a few thoughts on that first leg. I thought hard about whether to do this report but decided to as a lot of remarks lately about all the bad things happening with Silversea. However it was not our experience and we did enjoy the experience so hopefully seeing the menus, food and some detail on the excursions gives our view on this voyage. 

 

Sure there were some downsides. We were disappointed in both La dame and Kaiseki at night both of which we had enjoyed on the Muse in 2019. However that seems because of a new design for both restaurants since the Muse, So we might give them a try on the Moon after physically looking at the restaurants and menus.

So was this a deal breaker for us. Absolutely not as the other restaurants are very good in general. We actually like Atlantide and being able to share a table with other guests. Although not routinely offered the Maitre'D in Atlantide soon knew our preferences and so on quite a few nights had a shared experience.

 

Crew. There are certainly a lot of new crew but we enjoyed this when talking to crew from different countries. There were certainly more from Africa than in the past. however we have always enjoyed meeting new crew even pre Covid. two in particular on this cruise, both from Africa, were excellent and i hope we can meet them again.

 

Embarkation. yes it is slower but out of Silversea's control mainly. Embarking in Barcelona it was very soon after meeting our first SS employee we were on the ship. Not fazed by no glass of Prosecco on boarding as a whole bottle of champagne was waiting in our suite.

 

And for those that complain about SS Air you possibly don't realise how much air travel has changed. We had multiple changes to our flights and lost a first class award when plane type was changed. And we have never used SS Air and never will as our cruises are just part of a longer holiday for us.

Every day here in Australia there is a story on how Qantas cancels flights and awards often at the last minute and even as people are about to board a flight home. Besides from Australia Viking and Scenic no longer offer Business class flights.

 

The voyage will resume soon.

 

[drron29]

There were a lot of transit passengers so they had put on an excursion to the Etruscan countryside plus an olive oil tasting. You could also spend the day in Rome with a bus provided to take you there and back. so once more scenes from the bus.

 

[drron29]

 

And we reach the walled town of Tuscania.

 

In through the gate and a nice walk along the narrow streets.

 

The main square and church.

 

[drron29]

A brief look inside the church.

 

[drron29]

 

Free time to look around the restaurants and shops.

 

I had to watch out with the cobble stones. One fall for the trip was enough.

 

So what if the car space isn't quite wide enough.

 

[Stumblefoot]

17 hours ago, drron29 said:

 

I had no idea beef could be sushi.

[drron29]

A few pics whilst waiting for everyone to return to the bus and then off to our next stop.

 

 

 

And our stop for some olive oil tasting.So the villa was owned by Napoleons brother for several years in the 19th century.

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

 

Also had some snacks

 

Not much left.

 

Now time to explore the place.

 

 

[drron29]

Now time to head back to the ship.

 

Then past Tarquinia.

 

[drron29]

And back to the Dawn.

 

Back at the ship we lunched on the Pool deck. Rojaan had the Caesar salad with chicken and I had the tabouleh though they did try and hide it under the green leaves.

 

[drron29]

Then walked around the ship and a few sights.

 

[drron29]

And then it was time for dinner. Some slight changes to the Atlantide main menu for this second voyage.

 

Rojaan started with a dish that I have no memory of. At least I remember mine it was the roasted cauliflower and fried chickpeas and was very nice. For mains Rojaan enjoyed her red prawns and my prime rib was excellent.

 

When we got back to the room a belated birthday cake. We had got back to the suite too late for it to be delivered on the day and the next day was change over day so tonight it was. It was a whole cake but we just had a small piece. The rest was in the fridge.

 

 

 

[drron29]

he next morning we awoke off Sorrento. A tender in then a small bus to take us up the narrow road to the top and our tour bus. We were off to a wine tasting at a Michelin starred restaurant Quatro Passi which was a fair drive and a lot of very narrow bits of road.

 

[drron29]

Vesuvius to the right of the bus.

 

And the Isle of Capri to the left.

 

 

[turtlemichael]

5 hours ago, drron29 said:

 

The voyage will resume soon.

 

I appreciate your positivity. Thank you.

[Techno123]

I loved your pictures from Mallorca. We stayed in Deia and travelled all over the island by car but did lots of walking along the Serra de Tramuntana too. Your photos of Soller brought back very happy memories as we walked to Soller towards the top of that mountain in your photo then down to Port de Soller, back on the tram then walked back to Deia through the orange groves - happy days.

[drron29]

 

OK just park where you want with the bus right behind. At one stage a little later on the driver got out and I guess was saying some rude things to another who also just stopped in the middle of the road,

 

The Capri armada.

 

 

[drron29]

 

The sea stacks of Capri.

 

[drron29]

 

We are now at the restaurant which has some lovely views behind it.

 

But first a visit to the cellar down a narrow path.

 

It was a rather disorganised cellar and not all bottles were top notch.

 

The pope officially opened the cellar.

 

[drron29]

Now back up to the restaurant where we were served a typical italian platter each.

 

 

Then the wines. One white which I gave to Mrsdrron and 2 reds. Not that great.

 

[drron29]

We went downstairs to the kitchen which was immaculate.

 

They also have accommodation upstairs which I reckon would be essential if you were having dinner here. The road down to the restaurant was narrow and twisting.

 

 

[drron29]

The last of the restaurant.

 

Back on the bus.

 

[drron29]

So back to the dawn.

 

Back in Sorrento now. A walk from the tour bus back to the shuttle stop.

 

Back on the ship and the flowers have changed.

 

[drron29]

Lovely afternoon light.

 

Then the lights come on.