.......idle jottings

Absolutely! Some award winners. We can do a Tequila Crawl. though better done with a Limo. And BTW, true Tequila is not like vodka, etc, true T is an hallucinogenic drug.:eek:

Haha.....Hum's on his way !

Two things in life that I've always wanted to be, grizzled and an enfant terrible. I have now achieved both.

Two things in life that I've always wanted to be, grizzled and an enfant terrible. I have now achieved both.

A "grizzled enfant". Quite a visual you paint Sundance!

It's good to be me!

Hummmm Hum Ho

Maybe no one has ever bought you a spa gift certificate?? My research conflicts with your reply. Y daughter will be enjoying her $300 while sailing to Istanbul

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hummmm Hum Ho

Maybe no one has ever bought you a spa gift certificate?? My research conflicts with your reply. Y daughter will be enjoying her $300 while sailing to Istanbul

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well that's great news travelbysuzanne.

Please let us all know how you arranged it, just to be sure you are not confusing a "Gift Certificate" from the usual onboard discount that is offered.

HH's Guest Comment Card, the replies by Sea Dream (SDYC) and Ho Hum's return comments (HH).

Are you ready ?

Are you sitting comfty bold

Two square on your botty ?

Then we will begin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Ho Hum,

I hope this email finds you well this Friday afternoon.

HH: Very well kind lady, let’s lets get on with it and just see what sort of excuses you come up with this time.

Thank you so much for your Guest Voyage Review sent by email to Frud on June 26th.

HH: Mmmmm…….probably went straight to the bin with all the others.

Your review, observations, suggestions, complaints and questions were forwarded to the onboard and shore side Managements and I have received the following feedback for you:

HH: You’ve done what !

You’re actually reading them and having meetings about them !

Oh God no, hope HH kept it civil and wasn’t too rude ! Yes HH complains that you

don’t listen to him BUT he doesn’t actually expect you to listen to him !

Yes HH knows HH is not making sense but really……..oh yikes what has HH done.

GUEST COMMENT CARD

SEA DREAM II: 16 - 27 June, 2015. Venice to Rome (Voyage Number: 21525)

Stateroom: 308

1. Yacht Embarkation: 7.5

- directions to and from port and map of port essential but SD shoreside management still refuse to provide it so I will still complain about it. Every hotel on the planet gives a map: not SD shoreside management (SDSM). This time the port given on the paperwork differed to the actual port. We emailed Concierge to check. Arla emailed back immediately with map ! Great girl.

SDYC: Your observation is noted and new port maps are in the process since early Spring and expected to be available soon onboard.

HH: What ! Say that again ! Has someone being interfering with HH’s emails…..this is old Raggy playing a joke (wouldn’t be Jim…..for obvious reasons, an abacus confuses him !).

According to the Captain most of the time the docking position is the same, with minor changes, but in a few ports like Venice, Athens, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, last minute changes can be enforced by the actual port authorities. SeaDream will attempt to improve port layout in the guest documents sent before the voyage, with the possible docking spots and encourage guests to make contact with the ship on the day of embarkation to double check the final correct position

HH: Yes HH sees your point BUT oh my God they MAY be doing something !

- hell of a walk from pier to ship and no cover from sun (or if it rained): dont know what SD can do about it but they should complain to port authority at least. Maybe run transfers.

SDYC: Port agent will be informed and enquiry sent for a better port embarkation procedure.

HH: Well thanks

- champagne for all should be served: first impressions you know

SDYC: Your observation is noted.

HH: Your observation of HH’s observation is also noted (which sounds like “park that over here in the ignore the silly old fool bin").

- canapes not tried but chips ! Really ? Sounds like Disney cruises. Verdict out on this one.

SDYC: Chips may have been on the buffet, however only as an enhancement to one of the food items.

HH: Bloody big enhancement; a whole bowl of them ! Standards, standards !

- greeting by Captain, Hotel Manger & Club Director, spa ladies & waiters wonderful as always.

- processing very efficient and friendly by the ladies and another fabulous welcome

- did not attend briefing but must emphasise hand cleaning (such an important part of vessel health)

SDYC: Your observation is noted.

HH: Your observation of HH’s point is also noted (which sounds agan like “park that over here with ignore the silly old fool”)

Wherefore art thou old chum and how is it going ?

Time you came back to Sea Dream......

It's good to be me!

Haha

GUEST COMMENT CARD continued

SEA DREAM II: 16 - 27 June, 2015. Venice to Rome (Voyage Number: 21525)

Stateroom: 308

2. Stateroom Appointments: 8.0

- ok; but it is a yacht and if one preferred a cabin which is larger and better appointed, one could select the Admiral's suite (or Owner's suite). When compared to accommodation for a similar price on other vessels, then stating "ok" is a fair description for accommodation on other luxury ships is better (sorry)

- everything works

- some webpages blocked on internet: resent moral "guardians"

SDYC: Our internet policy restricts certain web content. Further, our bandwidth does not permit streaming and other large-byte downloads.

HH: So HH trying to download “Debbie does Dallas” means it could effect ship navigation ! So be it.

- toilet paper improved since last time

SDYC: Our specification has not changed. SDYC purchase toilet paper that is easily dissolvable to prevent clogs and to decrease septic solids.

HH: HH disagrees the toilet paper before last was ……..c....

- always sleep well

3. Stateroom Stewardesses: 10*** (3 star)

SDYC: We are extremely proud of all of our Housekeeping staff, and appreciate your comments!

HH: Love is in the air

- bedrock of crew and always so kind and cheerful. New lady (Mirasol) is very nice.

- concerns over the diminishing size of my housekeeper: the wonderful Jeanessa ! She insists she eats a lot of rice but she is obviously working so hard that "Rice Power" is not enough ! Extra rations for housekeepers suggested.

SDYC: We suspect that your comment is “tongue in cheek” and can assure that our crew is well fed.

HH: Teaching Norwegians a sense of humour; someone has to try !

- do a fantastic job under the always highly impressive Head of Housekeeping: Sanje

- toilet paper improved since last time

SDYC: Our specification has not changed. SDYC purchase toilet paper that is easily dissolvable to prevent clogs and to decrease septic solids.

HH: HH disagrees the toilet paper before last was ……..c....

Always interesting when someone from the UK sees fit to comment on "Loo" paper.:eek: I remember childhood trips to the Loo where the paper was somewhat similar to waxed sandpaper. Y'all have come a long way Baby!:D

- toilet paper improved since last time

 

SDYC: Our specification has not changed. SDYC purchase toilet paper that is easily dissolvable to prevent clogs and to decrease septic solids.

 

HH: HH disagrees the toilet paper before last was ……..c....

 

Always interesting when someone from the UK sees fit to comment on "Loo" paper.:eek: I remember childhood trips to the Loo where the paper was somewhat similar to waxed sandpaper. Y'all have come a long way Baby!:D

Yep, thought you'd get to the bottom of it old fella !

Waxed sandpaper indeed ! As ol Cabbie would say.

You're a funny guy Jim....have a great weekend.

4. Cuisine: 10**** (4 star)

SDYC: We appreciate your fantastic comments about our cuisine, and have noted the points that you are less happy with. Onboard management has been informed. From management’s side, we continue to be amazed at the superb ratings that our chefs create. We are so proud of them and the cuisine product!

HH: No. no. No !

HH would not describe some points HH is “less happy with” !

The food was very good, excellent in some cases, it is just that some dishes were very, very slightly below par BUT HH still ate it and enjoyed it all tremendously ! Curries are best done by cooks from the Indian sub-continent.

- Indian food not to same exceptional standard as previously enjoyed except for spicy lentil soup which was brilliant

- Thai & Asian food exceptional. The best it has ever been onboard. Now a huge fan.

- much better food presentation (foie gras dish and halibut with sauce miroir truly out-standing) except for sashimi on slates in turn on small plates that dont fit. Use big dishes for better display, you have the artistic flare as demonstrated By foie gras dish. Trust me it works on big plates with big expanse of plate. The sashimi on small slate does not look great and is dated.

- much better menu presentations but more simplification and consistent font needed

- croissants are too damn delicious ! Takes all my willpower just to have one (or maybe two or three !)

- some dishes simply out-standing (foie gras, lobster risotto, halibut, turbot etc..)

- best fish dishes ever: amazingly well cooked whether on land or sea

- degustation slightly disappointed, egg caviar first dish too salty, fish dish very good and desert out-standing

- deserts beautiful not too sweet: well done Giri

- hate bread pre-cut: some of these rustic breads need to be thick especially with soups

- bread and rolls adequate but not great: is it the ovens ?

- approachability of Giles and Adam is wonderful and both have a fantastic vibe (maybe Thai influence ? Haha)

- provision of artichokes was wonderful: they tasted great

- silly, but the mayonnaise was great

- fine selection of cheeses in great condition but must have Stilton, always one goat and a hard cheese

- charcuterie at cocktails was brilliant (had as a starter courses I found it difficult to manage with drink and chatting to people)

- Bircher muesli good but a touch too watery then it was less watery one day but taste not as good ?

- some soups below par (sorry)

- cappuccinos brilliant but other coffees I dont get however I am no expert or regular coffee drinker

- selection of teas and quality is brilliant: two pots every morning. Delicious.

- Hungarian desert by sous-chef Adam was so good. Very complex to make and tasted so light. Brilliant

- Empanadas have spice ! Love them

- new cod fritters as starter were ...wow ! Loved them. Light spicy sauce.

- lunchtime coleslaw and potato salad too salty (on day of barbecue)

- tuna carpaccio little flavour (yes I know its supposed to be delicate)

- French onion soup a little weak (not hearty)

- Classic Lobster Thermidor very good

- chef's walk exceptional and fun and generous of SD to arrange

- I am being very critical but really chef, sous chef and all kitchen: you were amazing and out-standing. This is tied with the best rating ever given (10**** 4 star)

4. Cuisine: 10**** (4 star)

 

- much better food presentation (foie gras dish and halibut with sauce miroir truly out-standing) except for sashimi on slates in turn on small plates that dont fit. Use big dishes for better display, you have the artistic flare as demonstrated By foie gras dish. Trust me it works on big plates with big expanse of plate. The sashimi on small slate does not look great and is dated.

Aha...even SeaDream still peddling this nonsense!

A plate is for food, a slate is for covering a roof.

Foie gras and halibut...oh boy...especially when served on a plate.

Thank you Mr Hum for revealing the inner most thoughts and comments of a well seasoned SeaDream traveller. Oh to be a fly on the wall inside the Oslo bunker!

Aha...even SeaDream still peddling this nonsense!

 

A plate is for food, a slate is for covering a roof.

 

Foie gras and halibut...oh boy...especially when served on a plate.

 

Thank you Mr Hum for revealing the inner most thoughts and comments of a well seasoned SeaDream traveller. Oh to be a fly on the wall inside the Oslo bunker!

Haha......roofing slates !

Bless their (SD) "cotton socks".....they think this is "cool"....,maybe 15 years ago, old darling.

Their "innovative ideas" have attenuated somewhat over the years but there have been some "hum-dingers" !

Nowadays our "foodie" chums still serve cheeses on slate which is in fact just acceptable as the whites and yellows of the cheeses show nicely against a dark background but that is where it STOPS.

Capiche !

Our chums also know about cheese. British cheese ..... and yes that still includes Scotland for a little while longer (hopefully forever).

Oh MACT the foie gras was DIVINE .... it had a feint ribbon of chocolate thro' it....pure decadence !

HH ordered it again......and again......and again.

Truly he did.

Even ordered a Sauternes .... no not the Yquem but even that sells at a very fair price.

The halibut was divine....a very expensive fish. Not sure whether the extra cost is worth it over the lowly cod but mmmmmmmm.........it was good. They also served turbot. Oh and their grilled salmon is divine too. Honestly, SD fish is fantastic...and they dont over-cook it. Risky and not to everyone's expectations but boy oh boy, it was divine. So good HH had to order a lowly Chablis but these to were excellent (Guy Laroche).

HH and the "guys in the bunker" are having a rapprochement so HH does not wish anything to threaten these advanced stages of reconciliation.

HH has been asked to visit the son of one of the Captains in O and as HH thoroughly adores this fine young man and his beautiful wholesome lady, HH may decide to visit. At which time HH thinks it time to visit the "bunker in the depths of the granite rocks outside O".

It will give Hum an opportunity to install a transmitter under the desk of the Owner to track what's really going on.......except HH does not speak "teletubby" (Norwegian).

Well that's all from la-la ....oh-oh.

Ho-hum -- "except HH does not speak "teletubby" (Norwegian)."

Your best line ever!

Dear Cruise Critic members & Viking guests,

 

As you now know, Viking Star is currently docked in Tallinn after experiencing a mechanical issue during the July 25th departure of our Viking Homelands itinerary. The mechanical issue is related to the electric transformers in one part of the ship’s propulsion system. This particular issue is highly unusual, and while the malfunction had no impact on the engines or generators, it does require effort to repair it. While the work continues, we are unable to proceed with the cruise and after considerable deliberation we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining portion of the itinerary. We understand that our guests are disappointed with this outcome – and we are too. Please rest assured that we have carefully considered all possible options. Your enjoyment of the cruise and your safety are paramount in all decisions we have made.

 

We have presented a plan to our 900+ onboard guests to either bring them home or to their next destination should they have scheduled further travel, and we have developed two options.

 

Option 1: Viking will make flight arrangement for guests to return home from Tallinn in the timeliest manner possible.

 

Option 2: For guests who wish to remain in the Baltic for as long as they had planned, we are happy to host them aboard Viking Star until Tuesday, and then fly them to Bergen, Norway. There, we will accommodate them in a local hotel for the remainder of the scheduled cruise and show them the best this beautiful region of Norway has to offer. At the end of their stay, they may continue their onward journey as scheduled.

 

We thank you in advance for your patience; please bear with us as we work as fast as we can to address each individual traveler’s needs and concerns. Our Customer Relations team will contact all impacted guests upon their return home. Our guests’ satisfaction is important to Viking and we will be looking to make amends for these disruptions.

 

Sincerely,

Viking Cruises

A lots been talked about new (or refurbished) boats.

Give some thought to the poor passengers and Viking company itself for the unfortunate circumstances they find themselves in with their new vessel.

There are former SD crew onboard too.

Let's wish them all the best in sorting out the issue as soon as possible.

Makes you think that maybe SD, albeit a mature lady is a known commodity.

At times like these HH celebrates the dedication, hard work, talent and inventiveness of these fine conscientious Chief engineers onboard; two of whom HH has got to know quite well and if you knew them as well as HH you would be as appreciative and thankful that they are onboard.

Hope all works out soon Viking.

Ho-hum -- "except HH does not speak "teletubby" (Norwegian)."

 

Your best line ever!

Good of you to say old chap.

Hum's work is done if it keeps you amused old friend.

Good of you to say old chap.

Hum's work is done if it keeps you amused old friend.

If Norwegian is teletubbie, what the heck is Finnish?

900 pax? Am assuming this is their new ocean-going ship-- but seems a good effort on their part.

Vandrefalk

It is the Viking Star.

Take a peek at the Viking Ocean Forum for more information.

5. Restaurant Services: 10*** (3 star)

SDYC: We highly appreciate your excellent comments on so many of our great service team, and agree that the level of service surpasses the vast majority of “high end” restaurants in London and elsewhere. Christophe’s leadership is legendary.

- Amar's breakfast and lunch service is great. Old fashioned school with sincere charm.

- Amar's & Emmanuel's outside dinner service is great. Outside dinner service is THE standard. It is extremely difficult and most often they are on their own so HIGH PRAISE for these guys who work outside and these finest of waiters do it exceptionally well despite the pressure on them, the conditions etc..

- Leo inside dinner service great. Love Leo: great humour and one of the most professional too. Very attentive.

- the great Louie: a rock ! My rock star...great vibe but has not been praying for me so much these days !

- Poncie fun and good natured. Very helpful to old lady on tender. Saw a danger and acted immediately and with friendliness and the greatest of courtesy and re-assurance. Tremendously impressive for a guy who is too comfortable in a "fun guy" role (much more to him)

- Nemed......another rock

- Jesse looking good

- Fernando back after short break...real "work horse" and kindest of crew. Needs to be a bit more robust. More to his game than being nice.

- Pol: a great addition. Nice humour. Cheese expert ! Haha

- When I very occasionally go to "high end" London restaurants I usually am disappointed by service.

These restaurants have no long term staff and so service is 35% of the standard of what it is on SD and the guys on SD are there 24/7 in all kinds of conditions and for exceedingly long contracts away from "loved ones".

- Nicholai always a favourite, looks the part, class

- Christophe. The highest rated Hotel & Restauranteur in the world.

6. Bar Services & Sommelier: 10** (2 star)

SDYC: We agree with you that there is an excellent beverage team on SD2 J

HH: And Sommelier....you always forget him and they are the hardest working and must have excellent communication skills. You really should include it on your GCC.

- Sev, Mark & Jasper very good as always

- Christian out-standing in every aspect

- Frank: must be one of the hardest working onboard and most cheerful. Legend status. Offers great selections every time.

- wine list needs complete re-vamp: too big and old fashioned. Given up with getting decent rose wines

SDYC: The wine list re-vamp is a project that is expected to be completed by the end of the year. At any rate, it is on the agenda. Further, we now offer Minuty rosè and Pinot Grigio Sta. Margharita for the reduced price of $30. This is offered particularly during lunch, however is always available for $30/bottle.

HH: Finally ! HH must leave it at that and keep an eye on progress (or else). But well done.

- wines must be kept well or turned over efficiently as they always drink well

- cold draught lager is wonderful

What's next, will they soon be proud to sell a $5 white zinfandel for $10? On other all-inclusive lines those bottles mentioned would be poured free. I shiver to imagine what SD's "free" pours are these days... I was hoping they had improved in that department. But we usually buy wine with dinner on all-inclusive cruises anyway, rather than risking a nice dinner being accompanied by a poor wine. After all, we are on holiday and the expense is minor compared to the total cost of the trip. And I prefer to refill my own glass rather than frantically waving down the wine server. And I dribble less of it on the table and my shirt than they usually do :eek: Life is way too short to drink bad wine. And for that matter, bad beer :D

The biggest issue with a line pouring marginal wine comes when dining with a bunch of folks you have met aboard. You either drink the swill, or you buy several bottles for the table. Which is a joy for me to do, but the miserly Mrs D. gives me the stink-eye... And it makes the other folks feel obligated to reciprocate. And not everyone has the billions ho-hum has.

What's next, will they soon be proud to sell a $5 white zinfandel for $10? On other all-inclusive lines those bottles mentioned would be poured free. I shiver to imagine what SD's "free" pours are these days... I was hoping they had improved in that department. But we usually buy wine with dinner on all-inclusive cruises anyway, rather than risking a nice dinner being accompanied by a poor wine. After all, we are on holiday and the expense is minor compared to the total cost of the trip. And I prefer to refill my own glass rather than frantically waving down the wine server. And I dribble less of it on the table and my shirt than they usually do :eek: Life is way too short to drink bad wine. And for that matter, bad beer :D

 

The biggest issue with a line pouring marginal wine comes when dining with a bunch of folks you have met aboard. You either drink the swill, or you buy several bottles for the table. Which is a joy for me to do, but the miserly Mrs D. gives me the stink-eye... And it makes the other folks feel obligated to reciprocate. And not everyone has the billions ho-hum has.

Oh Raggy

How very true your comments old darling but with one complete mis-interpretation of a conclusion you have come to.

THE POURING WINES ARE QUITE ACCEPTABLE !

Do you know where they go wrong ?

"No "smarty pants" where do they go wrong" ?

They go for wines big on flavour…they seem to like Aussie wines too which are produced in INDUSTRIAL SCALE CHEMICAL PLANTS and are cheapo and are called risque names designed to raise a titter.

"Would you like to try a glass of "Old Cobber's Scrotum from Big Bottom vineyards" ?

And after sipping one glass, you say to yourself “Wow !”

But then the equivalent of a “FRUIT BOMB” builds on the palate and your "mouth feel" is ruined. Better a more modest, humble, un-pretentious offering (like Butch).......which can be allowed to "dance over the taste buds like a fresh mountain stream" (assuming it is white).

Maybe on SD, it's a “give ‘em what they like” attitude and really how can one protest.

That said almost 65% are quite acceptable and anyways they have a great-ish selection; if you don’t like one, they will find another.

They are good like that, so really how can one complain.

The ones Hum cannot stand are both French:

Le Pee du Chat (a Sauvignon Blanc from the Urals or is that the "urinals")

La Merde Rouge (mainly made from Algerian wine imported by "Mohammed the Wino" mixed with vinegar)

But HH being a noble peasant (of exquisite taste) prefers to trade up at lunch and dinner when the food deserves it and it always DOES !

And on a particular fine morning may even indulge in a glass of the "House" champagne to accompany smoked salmon, fluffy scrambled eggs on a buttered bagel with a side of cream cheese.

Hum loves Jewish food ....oi vay !

No HH has a very cunning plan to get around the wine pour of common fare for the masses and bewildered if on big tables. The sommelier was taken to one side many years ago and a secret exchange which HH cannot divulge to ANYONE was uttered and HH has been as "happy as Larry” ever since.

One of our Captains who considers himself a “man of the people” (a horrible accolade in HH's opinion) and prefers beer anyway (though none ever drink at the table…well maybe once or twice: bloody passengers inferring the Captain is tipsy, is the reason. Shame really).

Well he wants to remain in Oslo’s good books so he will choose a barely acceptable priced wine so as not to cause consternations in the Accounts department and even in these circumstances HH gives the secret handshake, the wink of the eye, the code word, the nod, the loud cough signal to the obedient and fearful sommelier whom he has previously threatened to write an appalling GCC about and voila Hum is ……..

Well never you mind matey boy, "nuff said".

Hum adores wine snobs with MONEY and big EGOS !

Like a sniffer dog and a seasoned gambler seeking out potential “high rollers” HH sidles up and talks wine explaining that he has never tried the Chateau Rothschild ….. sometimes it works. The victim is “hooked” and Hum contents himself savouring the wine whilst the rich kid prattles on endlessly how he “got into lady’s corsets” or whatever silly thing he manufactured before the Chinese took over and so he sold and ended up on SD with his wife Fanny who says "sweet FA" but giggles a lot.

Raggy you are a generous man….quite like HH and sharing wine is one of the most divine things to do in life. HH is not a huge fan of the type of Christianity served up to-day but Jesus got it right with bread and wine (oh HH loves the “bells and smells too” and Latin….the good old days).

God bless you......you're one of life's "good 'uns".

You will henceforth be named Sir Raggy "Steadfast against the Stinky-Eye" of Drinkalot.

If Norwegian is teletubbie, what the heck is Finnish?

Finnish is "Flowerpot Men" as this link demonstrates in this interview with Professor Stanley Unwin which HH believes is self-explanatory.

So if you are ready ?

Sitting comfty bold

Two square on your botty ?

Then we will begin.

[YOUTUBE]Bfe4RwkNB5I[/YOUTUBE]