Silver Wind San Juan to Ft Lauderdale 17 March 2017 ..... live ......

The 6:30 shows are for all the 'oldies' who eat at 7 and are in bed by 9:30, and boy are there a lot of them around.

 

 

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Hey! I am only 32 and I prefer to eat at 7 and go to bed by 9!!! ;p

Spell correction?

 

 

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Indeed it was. Pesky Apple!!!

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By the way.... the secret to the new and improved wifi on the ship. (Sitting behind the TV set)

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Tuesday 21 March Castries St Lucia

Up for breakfast once again bright and breezy but only after the daily routine of setting up the GoPro.

Today's excursion was the Catamaran and snorkel trip leaving at 8.45.

Once again people who'd paid for their trip failed to show and once again, we left without them.

The ship had docked on the cruise terminal quay right next to where our catermaran was. In dock with us today was MV Hamburg which along with the Wind and Cloud are the only cruise ships docking at Tower Bridge in 2017.

We got onboard and after being welcomed we all found spots to sit and relax on the 1hour journey to the snorkel site.

On arrival we all kitted out with fins, mask and buoyancy vest (annoying as it meant no diving upderwater.)

The reef was not great but unlike in Dominica previously, we at least saw plenty of fish. I hope the GoPro footage has some decent captures which I will process and post once I'm back home.

The stop was for about an hour and enjoyed by all ... including the wife who really isn't too keen on snorkelling!

We then set sail for stop number 2 which had the same routine as the first. This spot had less reef and less visible fish. It was however lovely just to be there.

After getting back onboard we had rum punch and lots of potato chips... and rum punch refills! :-)

We then journeyed back to port with some great views of the Wind on the way in and an overview of the the small airfield which was parallel to where we had docked. I have no idea how used the airfield is, but the GoPro will reveal that when I check later.

We left port on time at 6 ... but only just. 4 passengers came mincing up to the entrance 14 minutes before we were due to leave.... as if nothing was wrong!

Dinner was informal and we went to the MDR.

The show that we thought was at 10 turned out to be at 6.30.... the moral of that... check the chronical!

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Piccies from St Lucia

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My DH likes to surface dive when we are snorkeling, and he just doesn't bother to inflate the vest so he can dive. So far, it has worked for him.

My DH likes to surface dive when we are snorkeling, and he just doesn't bother to inflate the vest so he can dive. So far, it has worked for him.

Mine hardly had any air in it ... but enough to cause the problem. (I didn't inflate.) I was more thinking of removing but decided in the end to just stay on the surface.

BTW I've just realised the second of those photos was Antigua ... and you can see Seven Seas Explorer next to the Wind.

Wednesday 22 March Antigua

Still getting up early to start up the GoPro to film arrival and still surprising easy to do. I don't think my body clock has adjusted.

After the usual breakfast in la terrazza we arrive in dock at 8 and our tour "Antigua land and sea" left at 9. As we boarded the bus, I could see Sven seas explorer in the distance arriving. It looked huge (and later saw just how huge it was!)

The bus had a couple of stops which were both good. Shirley Heights offered great views over the coastline and Eric Clapton's little pad! Worthy visit. Then onto Nelsons dock. On the drive in, I saw the space age ship I'd seen earlier in St Barts I had hoped to get some closer photos, but not to be. Nelsons dock was an interesting location and super photo opportunities.

From there we drove to meet the catamaran where on speaking the captain learned the name of that super yacht. - The Maltese Falcon which I've pinched a photo from an online site.

The catamaran was a great trip. We arrived on a beautiful golden sandy beach where we stayed for a couple of hours and enjoyed a refreshing swim. Lunch was served and rum punch.

On our way back we arrived to the views of just how big the Regent Seven Seas Explorer is. A lovely looking ship and no doubt the interior more special. But it somehow seemed "too big".

Our catamaran, the Wind and explorer.

It was noticeable passengers returning to the wind were greeted with the usual canopy and red carpet... and the Explorer guests queued to pass the walkway with no one greeting.

We depart at 6 and watched as the harbour slipped into the distance as passengers on both ships waved Bon voyage.

In the evening we ate at La Champagne. Although I've eaten there a few times before and almost seems obligatory, I wished we'd not done so. A bit too pretentious for my taste though the Lobster Thermidor was nice.

Next Day Road Town BVI

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Thursday 23 May 2017 Road Town Tortola British Virgin Isles

We arrived at our usual time of about 8am (GoPro filmed), had the usual fresh fruit, omelette and muffin. And our trip today was another "land and sea adventure".

We boarded our boat "sea breeze" and headed out of the bay. The sea was noticeably rough once we were about a mile out. Fortunately a while on, that cleared up and the boat more stable.

On the way, we saw a huge turtle which I photographed but didn't have the telephoto on the camera and it disappeared before I could.

The journey went to several islands which were instrumental to "Treasure Island" and was an enjoyable trip once the seas died down.

We then headed to the opposite side of the harbour passing St Thomas and picking up the bus for the land part of our journey.

The highlight of the tour!

We were taken in a rickety old truck up some narrow roads with 2 very unusual stops. The first looked like someone's house that happened to be selling shells with a strange man playing a banjo and the driver on maracas! With no sales the cap came out for his performance. I would have paid to stop!

The next was a location selling properties and hotel stays with the drivers friend handing out business cards explaining what a great place it was.

This land and sea adventure had fallen well short of the previous days offering on Antigua.

We then went up a few very steep hills stopping a few times for photos of the bays below and views of nearby islands before heading back to the ship.

Some good photo opportunities but not a trip I'd recommend.

We got back on the ship and had lunch at La Terrazza. The best yet, but just far too much food which ended with cheese and biscuits and a whole bottle of red consumed.

After lunch I could see a spot to fly the drone right by the dock. After taking off, I got a high wind warning so although got some footage, nowhere near as much as intended.... and yes privacy of passengers were observed and didn't get too close.

Captains Cocktail party at 7 with one couple being awarded their "free laundry" for completing 100 days.

MDR for our dinner and enjoyable as it was, too much food is not good and I expect more than a few pounds gained!

We both vowed to skip breakfast the next day (which we did with a lay in as we weren't arriving in Samana until 12.)

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News flash.... captain has just announced tomorrow's stop in Grand Turk already cancelled and we will be taking a different route.... and now have 2 sea days....

Will write up Samana a bit later... that was a bit of a wash out too unfortunately.

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Friday 24th March Samana Dominican Republic

Today was a late scheduled arrival to the harbour at Samana. When booked we were originally planned to stop at Punta Cana, but on seeing how rough the seas were at that location I can understand why the changed it.

Making the most of the lack of rush we had a lay in and went without breakfast. As we starting to enter the channel in which the town of Samana sits, it was noticeable that the water was getting calmer.

We had been checking on weather reports and were aware that we were looking at a rainy day here and thunder storms in our next stop Grand Turk. The forecast was correct and the skies were very grey and drizzling. We arrived at 12 noon and it was still raining. The sort of weather you need to tender to the mainland, then open front and sides catamaran to take you the 5 miles or so to the Island for our "Island Beach tour". Now I know that Silver Sea can't do anything about the weather, but it was a tad annoying we had no option to cancel. The crossing to the Island was rough and once we arrived the rain stopped.... for about 15 minutes. Of the 24 guests, 22 wanted to go back to the ship. The result, we stayed and endured. Eventually everyone agreed, the "local food and drink" that were included, the black with mound beach chairs and the horrid weather was not worth staying for.

One funny thing, the trading stalls on the island were desperate for silver sea beach towels and offered their wares in exchange.

We returned to the town (with our beach towels) and most elected to tender straight back. A few of us wandered into town. Asking, we were told the fare into town would be $2 each. So we were taken to our taxi.... which was a 50cc moped with a two wheeled cart tied to it! It made Thailands Tuk Tuks look like a limo!

We still went for the ride, but soon realised that was a mistake. Samana is not a place I'd choose to go back to. If I was on another cruise stopping here, I'd stay on the ship. I didn't hear if the cave and mangrove tour was any good, but my experience was a poor one.

Once back on the ship I had my first triv quiz, with some pretty tough questions... but our team did well and came a creditable second.

Soon we were given the announcement before setting off, that our scheduled stop at Grand Turk was cancelled. (I mentioned the thunder storms earlier.) So we now had the next 62 hours at sea. A shame to miss Grand Turk, but as always safety comes first. Apparently there were 4 metre swells and no chance of docking.

We had dinner in la terrazza which was interesting! I was quite surprised people were on the deck. Surprisingly it was ok and the wind wasn't a problem. In fact the wind WAS a problem for those inside each time the door was opened.

The sea by this point was very choppy but just helped to give the "I'm at sea" feeling. Walking back to the suite was definitely one of those "look at those drunks" moments. Quite comical.

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Saturday 25th March 2017 Sea day

The choppy waters from last night dies down rather rapidly and by the time we awake it was bright sunshine and seas much calmer.

Breakfast as usual in La Terrazza. (No breakfasts in room this trip)

With no ports to film, I was a bit lost not being able to set up the gopros for anything.

Triv quiz was at 11 and pleased to say we went one better than yesterday and took first place and 3 prize points! The final round is on Sunday.

Had an hour on the balcony before returning for a buffet lunch in la terrazza.

Afterwards we spent a few hours in the sun on the loungers by the pool and indulged in a refreshing swim too. The water was quite nice and not too cold. Then a short while in the hot tub.

The sun was very strong so limited our exposure and retired to the room. It was noticeable by this time that my wife was receiving happy birthday wishes. When we got to the room we found lots of balloons stuck on the ceiling wishing her a happy birthday. It's a small gesture which is very welcome good to see.

After a couple of cocktails (including one in the room which our butler was routinely bringing us, we left the room for formal night in the MDR.

Before that, we went to the bar with again continual birthday greetings from Albert and the great team in there.

Dinner was nice, though an American couple nearby were less than impressed.

On receiving their appetiser you could see neither was impressed. The waiter offered to change it for them and they declined.

Second course was escalope and lobster tail. He complained to the waiter who had to take the grief and they demanded to speak to the maitre D.

You could see the waiter was terrified, but he had done nothing wrong and was looking on anxiously when he arrived. The complaint was that the food was not cooked and that if he'd wanted Sushi he would have asked for it. He was offered another or alternative dish which they declined. He asked to speak to the chef but was told he's a little busy right now. They left the table rather under nourished but that was their choice. We both had that dish and enjoyed it.

The Matre D certainly did everything right in the face of a very aggressive complaint.

We continued with our meal and another bottle of Primitivo left on the table.

After, we headed back to the bar where the band played happy birthday. The bar was more crowded than it had been this evening. On leaving we headed to the casino to watch. Two tables being used and both players walked away winners.

We retired to the room where we were greeted with more birthday greetings!!

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Hi, have been enjoying your trip report, thanks for taking the time to do it. Your pictures are quite nice. What is the gopro camera you refer to, is the end result from it a video?

The GoPro is a very small versatile little camera that is mostly used in sporting and adventurous activities. (People wear them on their heads sky diving for example.)

There are several versions and a newer model than mine is available that gives speech control and gps support.

They are great for timelapse and fully waterproofed. (I've used on this trip snorkelling.)

I will eventually once edited, post links to footage taken. None of the photos posted in this thread is from the gopros.

https://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero5-black/CHDHX-501-master.html

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To further the above..... it's capable of UHD 4K video and 12MP images. Watching footage on the huge screen in UHD is superb.

Have a look on YouTube and you will see what I mean.

Update on the Samana tour yesterday. I think personal feedback got through to SS and we've all been given 50% discount on the price refunded.

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Update on the Samana tour yesterday. I think personal feedback got through to SS and we've all been given 50% discount on the price refunded.

 

 

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Glad you got a reasonable response from the tour desk.

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Glad you got a reasonable response from the tour desk.

I'm unsure if anyone complained but I did hear last night from someone else that they'd given them 50% back. When I got my final bill the cancelled tour was removed and the 50% discount shown.

I did speak to Dan last night (Casino manager) who was our tour rep on the boat and he'd said someone had complained about him personally. (Someone who wanted to stay I suspect!) they picked the wrong one, it was the 95% who wanted to leave they should be moaning about!.... and we couldn't go until they finally agreed. Maybe they felt pressured?

Just about finished packing. Come 3rd in Triv.... had breakfast and lunch in La Terrazza (and dinner tonight there too!!)

A very uneventful relaxing day.

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Les, you may on reconsidering want to edit out details of the SS employee sharing with you specific complaints from other passengers. SS may feel this isn't professional and unacceptable (it isn't) and your post may cause harm.

Thanks Jeff- yes it probably was best not to mention, though I would say nothing whatsoever specific was said .. the who's what's or whys was all my take on what it may have been about but I accept it was unwise I say it in public.

As you know I'm unable to edit and I'm unable to see where I can report to request an amendment in the app (which is all I have access to)

Happy for you to report and request the removal of the second paragraph of the post....and reference back to this request.

Thanks Jeff- yes it probably was best not to mention, though I would say nothing whatsoever specific was said .. the who's what's or whys was all my take on what it may have been about but I accept it was unwise I say it in public.

I don't think you posted anything out of order. Anyway posts can be reported and it's then up to the board moderators to decide what to do. It is always unwise to allow yourself to be bullied into a particular course of action by other posters.

I see the Wind is in Ft Lauderdale today so wishing you a safe journey home and looking forward to seeing some of your GoPro footage.

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Funnily I was watching our progress using marine traffic.... Wind was lost for two days. We seemed to be moored just outside Samana for 2 days then finally reappeared just off the coast of Miami this morning.

Had one final breakfast and disembarked at about 9.15 and taken to the Marriott Harbor hotel for a few hours before the airport transfer.

Will get on the GoPro stuff when I get back home. Looking forward to seeing myself - especially the super yachts in St Barts.

Oh.... and about 15 minutes before leaving, I booked Silver Spirit for next March. I always seem to book a few days after disembarking so have taken advantage of the extra 5% discount this time.

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Les,

Safe travels home and thanks for posting.

Les,

Safe travels home and thanks for posting.

Thank you... and enjoy your cruise too.

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I don't know if your going through NYC again but the snow is gone and it's cloudy and around 50. Have a good trip😂

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I don't know if your going through NYC again but the snow is gone and it's cloudy and around 50. Have a good trip[emoji23]

Thanks for that.

No the return is direct from Miami to LHR. Currently on the coach SS has laid on.... and have just spotted the airport so I guess we'll be departing the motorway at the next junction.... and we have.

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