Legend Med Travel Logue!

[CeeJay11]

Well Dan -

What kind of a cruise is this anyway? Nothing's been kidnapped ... it must be because we're not there. Keep those posts coming, please - its such fun to cruise through your eyes :) (oh, and since everyone is mentioned in the Nov. crossing since Dan is not booked, why are Kit and Joanne not crossing with us too?? remember how I tried to get you all to book) Anyway, Dan, everyone is loving your posts in spite of the fact that nothing has been "taken". I guess you have not had a sea day so no trivia yet???

[Host Dan]

Greetings from hot, humid, and congested, Marsaille France!! After the wonderful deck bar-b-que last night, I slept like a baby! This morning we had the opportunity to shop with the Chef. After a 20 minute bus ride into town, we visited a local fish market, and negotiated with the merchants for a variety of fish. The chef, Michael Batoux (kind of like Botox, but without any pain) ;) is a 27 year old professional, very outgoing and very knowledgable about his craft. It is obvious that he will go very far in the culinary profession. Chef Gordon Ramsey, look out!!! This guy is great without the cussing! A fellow cruiser selected a beautiful Dover Sole at the market, had it prepared for lunch, and expressed that it was the BEST fish dish of his entire life! What a compliment! I've decided to have a laid back day, sunning and sleeping (and maybe drinking..what do you think?) Another casual night tonight. Thank God, as the dry cleaning machine is on the blink, and many of my clothes are in "limbo"!

Bonnie Kilroe is the entertainer tonight. If she wasn't a beautiful straight woman, I'd think she was the best drag queen I'd ever seen! She impersonates Cher, Barbara Streisand etc, and is UNBELIEVABLE!!! A true entertainer! Her website is http://www.celebrity-imposters.com Check it out!

I'll post more later...and no kidnappings...yet!

 

Host Dan

[PeaSea8ch]

Paul does Ceejay have your email address - we have booked our week in Malaga so I know where we are staying?

Email sent to you yesterday as requested. I had your email from the carbon copies of a previously sent email from CeeJay11 last Christmas.

[Host Dan]

Another beautiful day in Paradise, the weather so far has been incredible! We are anchored at Porquerolles, France. A wonderful, elegant port town, obviously geared towards the affluent. We had a relaxing morning walking about. The highlight of today was most definately the Marina day! It was so much fun!!! Water skiing, banana boat riding (the Captain had a bit of an evil streak, dumping the passengers off the banana boat!) ;)

Tonight is the second formal evening. We have the pleasure of being invited to dine with the finest Captain at sea, Captain Geir-Arne-Thue-Nilsen. He is such a classy gentleman (and alot of fun!). I'll be sure to fill everyone in at a later post.

Off to get "cleaned up". :)

 

Host Dan

[SantaAna,CA]

Dan, I'm so glad you're having such a wonderful time on your cruise. How I loved the Legend!

 

I can attest to getting dumped into the ocean on the banana boat...but it was the Environmental Officer driving when I was on it in Virgin Gorda.....he loved to cross the boat's wake and watch as we flipped over. Three times on the banana, three times I went flying into the water.

 

Was my neck sore the next day!

 

Thanks for much for letting us "live vicariously".

 

Jane :)

[CeeJay11]

Dan

What an amazing day - a marina day and then dinner with THE Captain - can't wait to hear all the details.

CeeJay

[Host Dan]

Dinner with the Captain was INCREDIBLE! What a nice man. It seems like we have sailed with him so many times. I consider him a friend. We had a very interesting group of table mates to say the least. He handled the "different" personalities like a pro! ;)

I forgot to mention that Steven, the bar manager, treated us to such a nice bottle of red wine last night for dinner. For no reason! ANOTHER Seabourn experience and memory.

As I write this, the staff is having their "Broadway Show". Very good, as the computer room is right off the King Olaf Lounge! I get to write my travel logue AND enjoy the show!

We will be in St. Tropez tomorrow, and I'll post more then!

Good night everyone! (Its 10:30PM here)

 

Host Dan

[crystal808]

I forgot to mention that Steven, the bar manager, treated us to such a nice bottle of red wine last night for dinner. For no reason! ANOTHER Seabourn experience and memory.

 

Dan:

 

...Perhaps continuing your hard work on the tan????.....:D ;)

 

So glad your dinner with the Capt. was wonderful. Keep adding on the memories (and sharing them with us!)!!!!

 

Paul :)

[CruiserKit]

If this is formal night, it must be the Captains farewell for this portion of your journey. Always a sad evening.:( But you have two more of those to go through you lucky thing.:D Yes, we are all jealous. Love the Broadway show however can't imagine it without Eric. :eek: I am sure that Michelle and Bonnie will do a number or two. Who else do they have performing with them? Dinner with our favorite Captain is always a treat. Hope you told him hello for me. Really to bad that you have no sea days. That always means no "Kidnapping's", No "Trivia". I guess it's just see the sights, lay in the sun, and "drink".:cool: Open that bottle of Dewers in your suite and have a drink for me.:p

Can't wait to hear more. Your logue is great. Hi to Phil.

 

Still boiling in Naples

Kit

[Diamondlady]

I hear Ya'll are having too much fun with out me.:mad: It only took an hour with Kit (on the phone with me) to get signed on.:confused: I am not computer friendly, but I'm learning.:p I too am jealous like everone else that I'm not there, stuck here working. Yes, I am wait listed for November with Kit, Is there anyone out there that can pull some strings for a very loyal Seabourn Comeback cruiser. Dan, I should have been at our favorate captain's table with you. I plum down right miss everyone. Since I'm not able to see everyone on our favorite ship right now, I'm busy making travel plans to see some great friends in Canada. Yah, Carol, Wally, Leslie & Martain, see you soon. My best to Phil, the Captain ("the best at sea" & land, I bet), and the entire WONDERFUL Legend staff. :) By the way, Kit helped choose my user name. Imagine that! Please have a great trip for me, thinking of ya'll. Joanne

[PeaSea8ch]

Hi Joanne, GREAT to see you posting and joining in the fun! I truly hope you and Kit can get aboard Our Legend in Nov. for the crossing. The west FL contingent of the "Comeback Cruisers" will be SORELY missed! Have fun in Canada!

 

Your Faitful Scribe.

[CeeJay11]

Hi Dan

A night at THE Captain's table could not be anything but wonderful. We are all missing being there so much it is ridiculous. We talked with Kit and Joanne tonight and it is truly unbearable not being on the Legend with you. Joanne is coming to visit - she will love getting out of "boiling" Naples - its 70 degrees here tonight and gorgeous. Meantime, we are all following your cruise literally "minute-by-minute".

Its so hard to imagine the shows without Eric. What's it like?? Michelle and Bonnie are wonderful and I'm sure they are great - you must tell us more.

And Joanne - posting on C.C. - how amazing this is!! We love your C.C. name - just perfect Kit.

So what can be done to get you all on the November crossing. Someone must speak to the Captain :)

Please keep the posts going Dan -- we are all clinging to them.

CeeJay

[Winner]

Dan--Is the bar manager Steven Lack??? Has he transferred from Pride to Legend? If so, please give him a big kiss from me and tell him he has to be on the Pride trans-A in September!

 

Winnie

[Host Dan]

Winner, yes the bar manager is Steven Lack. As far as the big kiss, we'll have to see how that one plays out! :D

Glad to see you posting Kit, JoAnne, Paul, Carol, Wally et al..

The Broadway show was truly excellent last night. The 3 part harmonies were magnificent! Eric is surely missed, but the "anti-Eric" is onboard! Let me explain. A very talented showman by the name of Eric, but he can't be more than 5 ft 6 inches! Hence "anti-Eric"!

We are in St. Tropez today. GORGEOUS town, GORGEOUS weather! I was here maybe 8 years ago, and obviously didn't make it to this area. This is definately NOT what I remembered about St. Tropez. I finally found a LaCoste store, and guess what.. They don't accept American Express!! I'll have to bring my Mastercard back in with me to shop after our afternoon tour.

Talk about mega yachts, wow! I can only imagine. (Although "our Legend" is the nicest mega yacht in the harbour)!

Off to lunch, then tour, then shopping.

Life is good.

 

Host Dan

[Host Dan]

Just back from a half day tour. We traveled to Grimaud which offers scenery of both the new area and the old. The new area is primarily private homes, a newer develpoment that was started in the early 1960's and has only recently been finished 6 years ago. The new area actually is made up of disassembled towns, and looks old! Each residence boasts its own private mooring. Prices are from 190 euros and up. The old town consists of a series of ramparts and has a beautiful old castle at the top of the mountain. The castle is ruins at this point, but the views of the harbor were magnificent. Our guide, Anne Marie was excellent.

Afterwards, I went right to the Skybar for one of Gerhard Tomitz frozen margaritas! He makes a great drink! I met this gentleman a few cruises ago, and was so very happy to see him onboard this cruise. He is 24 years old, has been bartending since he was 16 and has been on Legend for 1 and a half years. He knew about Seabourn through a mutual friend and was very excited to be hired on. His typical contract is 4 months on and 6 weeks off. Not bad! When hes not onboard, he enjoys skiing in his native Austria. He was telling me that his goal is to become maitre 'd within the next 5 years. I have a feeling this is a goal that will be accomplished, he's that good! I consider myself very lucky to have cruised with him several times! :)

The last day of the cruise can be so sad. Already several guests are saying thier goodbyes, and exchanging contact information. I am so glad that I am on for another two weeks. One week is just not enough! I have made many new friends that I will cherish.

I look forward to seeing some new guests arrive tomorrow, and will be enjoying a personal "Indian" dinner made special for us (thanks to Luca...again!)

I will definately miss the Captain...

 

Host Dan

[PeaSea8ch]

[FONT=Palatino Linotype][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Dan, Your posts make me feel like I am on the Legend with you! It sustains my addiction to Seabourn vicariously until I board the Legend in Nov. for the crossing back to FLL and in-person, real-time signature Seabourn pampering. Based on your shoreside and shipside descriptions, it is no wonder the summer Mediterranean cruises are so popular on seabourn! I, and others, remained glued to this thread eagerly awaiting your great posts. Please say "Hi" to Phil and any passengers and crew aboard that I might know. Thanks again and keep up the great work! :) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Diamondlady]

[quote name='PeaSea8ch'][FONT=Palatino Linotype][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Dan, Your posts "ALMOST" makes me feel like I am on the Legend with you! [B]I WISH!!!!![/B] It sustains my addiction to Seabourn vicariously until I board the Legend (again) . Please say "Hi" to Phil and any passengers and crew aboard that I might know. Thanks again and keep up the great work! :) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote] Ditto, Thanks Paul. :o

[Host Dan]

I forgot to mention, that when on tour yesterday we visited a very old and quite quaint church. A young man from Singapore was traveling on the ship with his faimily. He asked us if we would like to hear him sing in the chapel, as the acoustics are excellent. We agreed and he performed Ave Maria for us. So great! Come to find out, he placed in the top 5 on "American Idol / Singapore!" Great voice and a real treat!
Last night was very nice having final farewells to new found friends, Peggy, Darrell, Steve, Anne, Sandra, Ralph, Lee, Damien, I.H. Just to name a few. Maceik treated us to a fine bottle of wine for dinner, another Seabourn experience!
Today we are in Monte Carlo. Another beautiful day, but extremely HOT! We ventured out to the town, bought a few things and ran across the Marlborough Fine Art Gallery. They are displaying a world renowed artist that we happen to know, Cladio Bravo. Unfortunately they are CLOSED on Saturday! :(
All the new passengers are starting to embark... Stars in their eyes, ready to sail on the Seanbourn Legend! I'm looking forward to enjoying a glass of champagne at the Sky Bar while they perform the muster drill!! ;)
I'll be sure to post more later on..

Host Dan

PS Winner, I gave your greeting to Steven, and he wanted me to tell you "Be sure to cruise with "Bob" on the Legend!" (???)

[Host Dan]

Well the "new" passengers have arrived. A very large business group traveling together, many never on Seabourn. This should be an interesting week. Dinner with Eric the assistant Cruise Director.
I'll post more later!

Host Dan

[Martita B.]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Dan,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Please give my very best to Steven Lack......what a grrreat bar manager![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Tell him we've missed him so much on the Pride.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Have enjoyed following your voyage. Continued smooth seas and blue skies above![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Martita[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[whenIDream]

OK = the world is all perfect -now we have all of us on "lusting for our crossing" - Kit & Joanne we will get you on if we have to pack you in the luggage!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see you both in Canada, temperatures this weekend hit decent stage but not as hot as Florida. Dan I am as green as a cucumber reading your posts - I want to be on there 365 days - I have to wash dishes on this boat and mix my own drinks - be warned Diamond Lady. No kidnappings yet? Wally & Carol are obvioulsy the trigger Hmmmm. Martita hope we are on a cruise together one day - you sound like a really "shy" passenger like me.;)

[Host Dan]

I don't think a kidnapping will happen this cruise. It seems like they only happen on crossings... wonder why??? ;)
Most of the new passengers have never sailed on Seabourn, and average age would be late 30's early 40's. The Club and Casino were PACKED last night! I had the opportunity to dine with the assistant cruise director Eric. GREAT guy from Oregon! He has his 18 year old daughter joining him in a few weeks. One of the best parts of our intimate dinner (3 guests did not show up) was meeting Allison and her mother Lynn. A real dynamic duo! After dinner, Allison and I danced up a storm at the Club. Alot of fun! I have decided that my new "nicknames" for Michelle and Bonnie are MaryAnne and Ginger! (Gilligans Island) Think about it!!! :)
This morning we anchored of the coast of Corsica. We had the opportunity to walk around this little village. I couldn't believe that the 3 mast sailing ship next to us was the French luxury cruise ship "Le Ponant"! We sailed on her several years ago to this port and several others.
Lunch was AMAZING!! The sous chef made us sushi/sashimi again. As always, its a bit different presentation each day. Today it included lobster, crab meat, scallops and, of course, tuna. It actually had the full lobster on the plate as a garnish! I didn't want to eat it, it was so beautiful! (I did anyway, to the envy of many a "new" passenger) The chef came out and introduced himself. What a great guy. Service in the verandah was as terrific as always. Liviu, a Romanian 37 year old waiter (looks 27) has been taking great care of us. He seems to know our every want, even before we do! How is that possible!!! Bogdan is terrific as well.
Had a bit of (hot) sun up top deck, and plan on a siesta later. The ship is in high gear for the world cup tonight. I hope Italy wins, only for the fact that this is our last French port for a while, and off to Italy we go. We want to make sure that they are in a "good" mood!
I'll be sure to post more later.

Host Dan

When I dream, Im sure Seabourn would love to have you onboard 365 days!!

Martita, I will be sure to give Stephen Lack your best! BTW The Pride "stole" our Captain Nilsen! His last "gig" on the Legend is the crossing, then off to the Pride for him! How did you do it Martita! ;)

[Martita B.]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Dan, I will also be cheering on Italy today![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]I knew of our "Captain's musical chairs"......but am wondering though, how our Master's will feel about this change. Capt. Geir-Arne going to the Pride, Captain T.T. perhaps mastering the Legend......then Captain Pedersen [I]changing a'round,[/I] as well. Time will tell.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Many thanks for sending Steven my "Greetings!"[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]Martita B.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Decebal]

[quote name='Host Dan'] Liviu, a Romanian 37 year old waiter (looks 27) has been taking great care of us. He seems to know our every want, even before we do! How is that possible!!! Bogdan is terrific as well.[/quote]

Wonderful, Bogdan is from Romania as well? I just informed my mom who I am sure would get their life story in 5 seconds, as we are from that part of the world as well. She's ready to pack her bags.

Oh, and somehow it's in our genes, most of us look younger than our true age. :)

Dan, greet them with a "[B][U]Buna ziua[/U][/B]" read it as it's written, which means Good day, and "Multumesc" which means thank you. The T in Multumesc is pronounced like a tsk. Kind of hard to explain, so stick to Buna Ziua, watch their faces when you say that to them. :D

[CruisinMatt]

[quote name='Host Dan'] BTW The Pride "stole" our Captain Nilsen! His last "gig" on the Legend is the crossing, then off to the Pride for him! How did you do it Martita! ;)[/QUOTE]

Am I the only one shocked over this?? Are all of "GA's gang" going to defect to the Pride now????:eek: :confused: