Wind Blown to Tower Bridge

Little did we realise how apt this title would be!

Embarking in Monte Carlo on May 21st at our usual time of noon, we were so pleased to be onboard, not least to escape all the "Greves" - strikes, we had encountered since our arrival in Nice on May 18. Choosing an airport hotel with a free hotel shuttle, but most of all the proximity to St Augustin train station with a usual, frequent service to Nice Ville and all stations along the Cote de Azur; with plans to go to Avignon by train, as well as taking the Petit Train de Chemin de Fer de Provence. This latter is not bookable in advance, unlike our reservation on the train to Avignon, booked for the day before our embarkation. The Petit Train de Chemin de Fer de Provence goes to the La Digne de Bain, stopping at various stations on the way into the haut Provence. This company is not part of the national train network, but nevertheless, the reception staff at our hotel were not sure whether this would run. With both buses and trains involved in the strike, we had no option but book a private taxi which cost us 30 Euros to get to the station from where this train departed, not knowing whether or not we would be going.

Fortunately it was and we booked our ticket for the 09.25 train, alighting at the ancient walled town of Entrevaux. Leaving the train there is a short walk uphill to reach the entrance through the mediaeval gated drawbridge into the old part of the town. This is delightful and seems in a time warp. The town itself was very sleepy with few shops open, and gave off an air of peace and tranquility which is so lacking in today's world. We spent a few hours here, buying some typical products from the area, before retracing our steps back to the station to visit the next station up the line - Annot. Despite being un Ville Ancien, this town is not walled, and therefore did not present the same ambiance encountered in Entrevaux. Nevertheless we enjoyed our few hours spent walking round the old parts of Annot before returning back to Nice late afternoon.

With the strike still continuing ( it had started on Tuesday and was not expected to finish until the Friday), it was certainly extremely uncertain whether SNCF trains would run on Friday to take us to Avignon and back. However God was good, and we caught our booked train to Avignon as planned. The journey is just over three hours, and the train runs along the Cote de Azur for most of the journey, so one gets tantalising glimpses of beaches and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

Arriving in Avignon, it is just a short walk from the station to go into yet another walled city. This is so different from that of Entrevaux. It has a bustling atmosphere with an air of affluence, indeed there are many high-end shops along the main boulevard. Stopping first for a coffee at a street side cafe, we planned our route round the town to take in all the specific sights we wished to see in the short time available to us before our return on the train back to Nice.

Having seen the sights in the town, we ended up on the river to see the most famous landmark of all - the Pont D'Avignon. It appears less tall than one imagines, and of course it no longer spans the whole width of the river Rhone. It is from the latter river that the Mistral wind emanates. Historically blowing during the months of July and August, it was evident of its force in both Entrevaux, Annot and now in Avignon. Seemingly the seasons are changing throughout the world.

Walking some distance away from the Bridge to photograph, we then went to do the most famous act of all - that all children learn in kindergarten - "Sur le Pont D'Avignon". However to do this now costs 5 euros!! -just to step foot on the bridge. We decided this was a "bridge too far" as did many visitors on learning the cost, and we returned to the station and our train back to Nice. So ended our three day sojourn prior to embarkation on the Silver Wind.

We had booked a private taxi from the hotel to the port of Monte Carlo, which was a little fraught, as roads had already been blocked off for the imminent Monaco Grand Prix Formula one race at the end of May, but eventually we arrived at the Croiserie de Port de Hercule where our lovely Silver Wind was waiting, gleaming in the noon day sun. Embarkation as always was quick and painless and it was so nice to be greeted by various members of staff with whom we had sailed in the past. Having dropped off our carry-ones to our cabin, we repaired to the Pool deck and our usual first lunch time drink of a Pimms. Already eating lunch at an adjacent table was the Captain, the HD and Staff, and the former jumped up to greet us having not seen us for a year. We had arrived and were back in the "family"!

Returning to our cabin we unpacked our five cases, stowing their contents in the very many nooks and crannies, one can find on the Wind. 5.00 pm heralded the mandatory lifeboat drill held in the Panorama. Having virtually a full complement, it was a tight squeeze to accommodate all passengers, delayed of course, by the inevitable "no-shows", who either don't know or choose to ignore it. The time lapse is exacerbated by the "shoulder to shoulder" march out on deck adjacent to a lifeboat, before you are excused and the drill is over.

We dined a deux on the aft deck outside La Terrazza, still being tied alongside in Monaco. Silver Wind was scheduled to sail at 7.30 am the following morning, giving passengers the chance to lose/win money at the Casino, should they wish. After our previous three hectic days we went to bed before midnight.

March 22 - St Tropez

After a very short sail, we arrived in the shadow of this famous 60's town, dropping anchor at noon. Tender operation started shortly afterwards, but as we both knew this port from previous visits, we spent a lazy day by the pool.

March 23 - Marseilles.

After an uneventful night we arrived as scheduled at above, and still Le Mistral made its presence felt. We had planned to visit Aix En Provence on our own by train, the latter having already been booked. Unfortunately due to where we were berthed, this necessitated a bus journey to get to Marseilles St Charles station the main terminus for trains into and out of Marseilles.

Disembarking as soon as we were were able, we walked across the street and boarded the 82S service below the church which terminated at the station. Although there were a couple of taxis on the quayside, as is so often the case, they were not interested in short fares, but only day tours. Waiting only about ten minutes, the bus arrived on time we paid only a few euros, and within ten minutes we were alighting outside the main station. This is so much better than previously when one had to negotiate many steps to gain access. Now the bus drops you off within a stone's throw of the last platform on the station - N. Finding the departure point for our train to Aix En Provence for the relative short journey of about forty minutes, we settled down on the TER train, with many stops en route.

On arrival at Aix, the walk into the centre of town, down Rue de Victor Hugo, virtually opposite, was a wide tree lined street, reminiscent of many others. At the end of which is one of the many "places" - squares of this town, with a huge fountain dominating this large roundabout. We had intended to take this town's "petit train" for 7 euros, which wound its way through the old parts of Aix with a commentary. Alas the militant hand of the French had struck again, and this little train was grounded due to a fuel strike, , and it would not go unless they could fill at least 20 seats to cover the cost of the fuel. The girl running this operation was very apologetic and suggested the only alternative, was to get the Diablaine, an electric vehicle which was a cross between a milk float, a Pope mobile, and a disabled car, holding about six people, costing only a few cents for one journey, but of course with no commentary. This proved an enjoyable trip with the local, mainly elderly townsfolk using it to get from A to B on their daily journeys. Having disembarked back at Cours Mirabeaux, we walked through the rest of the old town before deciding to return to the ship in Marseille.

Sailing at 6.00 pm, the Captain told us he had changed the course of our navigation to Barcelona, due to the extremely strong winds gusting at 70 Kms per hour, and would hug the coast thereby adding eighty nautical miles, but giving the passengers a smoother passage. In the event it was a good night and the Captain's cocktail party went well, although there was a noted absence of many passengers, who were no doubt fearing the worst.

March 24 Barcelona

Arrival in Barcelona on schedule, we again had strong winds throughout the day but the sun shone and a good day appeared to be had by all.

Tonight heralds the CC Meet & Mingle, and it will be interesting to see the turnout and the mix of nationalities. We have been told there are in round numbers, a 100 Americans, 80 British and 55 Australians. 264 sailed from Monte Carlo, two joined in Marseilles, and six today in Barcelona, so now virtually full.

The turn out at the Meet & Mingle was as is so often on Silversea, not large and we were outnumbered by the very substantial presence of the officers, from the Hotel Director, Cruise Director, Venetian society host to various members of the entertainment staff.

Departing promptly at 18.00 we left the shelter of our berth to sail off to our next port of Valencia, landfall expected at 8.00 am tomorrow - and so to bed.

.

Lovely to read your account ..... pariculalrly that lovely little train! If your lucky and it isn't too crowded it can be a joy.

A bit confused. Was this March or May?

Thanks,

Jeff

Master Echo - So glad to hear that you managed to have a good trip despite the strike. Thanks so much for the excellent commentary.

Have a great cruise!

I think there has been some sort of strike every time we have been to France, so glad to hear things are operating as normal.

Master Echo

Thanks indeed for your very interesting notes and we are looking forward to joining you next Tuesday in Lisbon.

Would you mind sharing who is the Capt, HD & Chef ?

Echo (pun intended) the previous posters, Master your on board reporting is refreshing and a welcome addition to a delicious cup of morning joe, thank you. If you have the chance can you find out who will be the Wind's Captain after the refurb this fall (e.g.from mid November on)--thanks.

Lovely to read your account ..... pariculalrly that lovely little train! If your lucky and it isn't too crowded it can be a joy.

 

A bit confused. Was this March or May?

 

I wondered too. Usually you could convince yourself as there is a Strike going on at the moment in France, it must be May. But then again! :o

They were on strike when I was away in April too (Air Traffic Controllers and Truck drivers.)

Out out out. lol

Have a great trip Master Echo

A very hefty strike at the moment ...... and even the strikers can't get to their muster stations because they are running out of petrol at the striking garages!

Metro and all RATP on an "open ended "strike, ........ they can certainly teach us a thing about strikes!

Jeff

For the nostalgic, a trip to France takes you straight back to the 70s.

Boarded the Wind in Monaco. Ship is cozy, food has been exceptionally good, as have the wines. Lots of new SS cruisers on this segment. Ship is sold out. My guess is that there will be more frequent floaters on the next voyage, from Lisbon to Tower Bridge.

Met Master Echo at the Mix and Mingle. That's always fun to put a face to my longtime CC friends.

In Cartenegna today. I thought I had been here years before, but now I'm not sure. Our very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide said the city had drastically changed in the last ten years. Obviously good changes...I loved it. So many beautiful turn of the last century buildings..beautifully restored.

I'll let Master Echo do the detailed reporting...I know when I am outclassed!

All is very good indeed..on to Malaga.

Mea Culpae

Apologies to you sharp eyed posters - yes it should have been May, not March. I cannot even blame the champagne!!

In answer to your questions - from Lisbon the Captain will be Marco, HD is still Gianni, RM is Sergio (both these are on top form) the Executive Chef is Edgar Van Der Aar.

The cruise Director is Adam Wright, new to SS and two months into his first contract. He was previously CD with Orient Lines and before that, Assistant CD to David Lawton. His Trivia has started well, he has not been questioned on his answers, and he is quite charming and personable. The turn out for this has been quite good, and there are around six teams who have attended regularly. It of course helps when port duration is comparatively short. Here we must admit that we have not been first yet, but are far from the bottom. Unfortunately there are only four of us, none of whom are Ozzies or other nations.

We have been told that the present rotation will see Captain Arma return from leave to the Spirit in September for a couple of cruises. He will then take the Wind into dry dock in Genoa. Apparently most of the work will be on the Pool deck with complete refurbishment of the teak deck and the swimming pool, with some work on the Terrazza. Seemingly work on cabins to remove some baths will not take place during this dry dock, and may be scheduled for next year. Captain Marco takes over on November 8, after dry dock and Captain Arma rejoins the Spirit in January for South America.

More on our current itinerary follows--------

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Thanks Master for the Wind leadership fidelity.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for the info on the yard period and the work to be done while there. Hope there are no delays to complicate our 15 Nov cruise. Really nice that we'll have Captain Marco as our captain, since we've cruised with him before.

Mea Culpae

 

Apologies to you sharp eyed posters - yes it should have been May, not March. I cannot even blame the champagne!!

 

In answer to your questions - from Lisbon the Captain will be Marco, HD is still Gianni, RM is Sergio (both these are on top form) the Executive Chef is Edgar Van Der Aar.

 

We have been told that the present rotation will see Captain Arma return from leave to the Spirit in September for a couple of cruises. He will then take the Wind into dry dock in Genoa. Apparently most of the work will be on the Pool deck with complete refurbishment of the teak deck and the swimming pool, with some work on the Terrazza. Seemingly work on cabins to remove some baths will not take place during this dry dock, and may be scheduled for next year. Captain Marco takes over on November 8, after dry dock and Captain Arma rejoins the Spirit in January for South America.

 

More on our current itinerary follows--------

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

Thanks for the update M.Echo. Good news that the bath tubs will remain through the next dry dock, I appreciate they are smallish, but there is at least a choice of bath or shower. When the Cloud was changed it would have made more sense to have retained some suites with baths on each deck, and in particular some near midships. Looking forward to luxuriating in one in November!

Valencia - May 25

Docked on time at 8.00 am, and took ship's tour to Requena -700 metres up in the mountains.

The town's origins date back 2700 years, and part of our tour included exploring the underground caves for which this town is renowned.

We repaired to a small bodega which produces Cava, the Spanish equivalent to champagne, the production of which mirrors the latter. The bodega's wines were also sampled followed by a relaxing drive back to the ship.

In the evening as already mentioned by Cruisin Pashmina, a delightful lady, faces were put to names during the CC meet and mingle.

Cartegena - May 26

SS did not provide a shuttle service in this and the following port, because the docking location is on the outskirts of the town. Having visited Cartegena only a few years ago, we merely walked up to the old town and wandered round the streets. Noticeably in the intervening years since our last visit, there is much activity, with many buildings derelict, and in a state of half demolition. One can only hope that these old streets will be renovated to show their previous glory. One of them had only the facade left, with the rest of the building no longer there.

Malaga - May 27

Being a small ship we docked alongside the Esplanade. This process proved protracted because of the dock's bridge walkway into the terminal. Initially there was concern that it was going to foul the lifeboats and then the ship had to be aligned with it to connect our gangway. So after ten minutes of the Wind manoeuvring backwards and forwards, we finally docked.

We departed promptly for the railway station to catch the 09.45 AVE high speed train to Córdoba. The journey was only one hour five minutes. Despite the distance, the AVE travels at around 186 miles per hour, so the miles are eaten up very quickly.

Córdoba station has an information office where we were able to pick up a good local map which helped with the orientation of the places we had already selected to visit. A taxi took us down to the Mosque/cathedral, and after spending over an hour here, the other sights were within a short walk within the old town. With plenty of taxis in the area, we returned to the station for our train back to Malaga.

Cadiz - May 28

The port authorities here incurred the wrath of the Captain because of our docking location and their refusal at first to allow coaches onto the quay. This meant that passengers had a long walk on an uneven surface to reach the terminal building.

Later in the day, the gap between where we were docked and the terminal, was filled by a large Costa ship. Also docked and in the prime location, was Regent Seven Seas Voyager. By contrast to us, her tour buses were able to draw up alongside. Apparently, from what we were told on our return, it wasnt until after noon, that they provided a shuttle bus for our passengers not on trips.

Finally there was also a Thomson ship the other side of the harbour.

By virtue of the train times to Seville, we first took the opportunity to have a quick look round the old town of Cadiz. To this end we hailed a taxi to take us straight to the Cathedral, and started our walking tour round the old narrow and winding streets. We observed that there were two different coloured lines, painted on the street, one green, the other purple which acted as a self guided tour, thereby enabling you not to lose your way. However the local hospitality guide who had come onboard, made no mention of these circuits.

We caught the 11.40 train to Seville and again made use of the information office on the station. We were horrified on asking for a map to be told they cost one Euro!! No - it wasn't made of gold leaf!!

We caught the No 32 bus, just across from the station, which has a frequent service, to the centre of the town. From here we walked through the old narrow streets, reaching first the Cathedral, which is vast and stands on a very large area, and takes around ten minutes to circumnavigate. Moving on to the Alcazar, Abdul Al Rahman lll ordered the construction of the Royal Alcazar Palace and fort which is now considered to be a core example of Seville's architecture. We then ambled towards the river and the Gold Tower, - Torre del Oro, which merely resembled a stone tower on the edge of the river.

Leaving here our final stop was the Plaza de Espana. This is a beautiful area with four bridges, representing the four kingdoms of Spain, spanning a semi -circular lake round which people were rowing little boats. Dominating the whole area is a long rectangular building. On one side are railings of ceramic tiles depicting paintings about the various Spanish provinces.

Finally as time was running out we got a taxi back to the station in Seville, returning to Cadiz, and then walked back to the ship. It had been a long day and we had walked our feet off. Tomorrow Portimao and a rest, as we know Portugal very well.

Portimao - May 29

Docking promptly at 8.00 am, the ship' s shuttle bus did a circuit calling first in the town of Portimao, and then onwards to Praia da Rocha, the famous beach resort in this part of the Algarve. We went into the town of Portimao with the objective of purchasing a door curtain to prevent the ingress of insects during the summer. As might be expected on a Sunday in Portugal, away from the major centres, the only shops open were the Chinese emporia, which have decimated locally owned retail outlets. Needless to say we found what we were looking for. Our original plan for a grilled sardine lunch was dropped due to the smoked salmon and champagne breakfast, leaving inadequate capacity for even a few sardines.

Returning to the shuttle bus, we then drove to Praia da Rocha, to pick up those passengers who had opted to spend time on the beach. For someone who remembers the little fishing town in the 60's, the concrete jungle, made even more hideous by terracotta and mustard coloured - presumably condominiums situated virtually at the waters edge by the little marina, made the town's aspect even more unfortunate.

Lisbon tomorrow and turn round day on the 31st - here ends the first leg of our

cruise to Tower Bridge.

It's been a pleasure to read about your trip. Thanks for sharing.

It's been a pleasure to read about your trip. Thanks for sharing.

+1 :)

Jeff

Indeed, thanks for sharing - it's whetted my appetite, I'm really looking forward to joining the ship tomorrow. I may even feel like taking a stroll along the riverside to catch a glimpse of her today!

Wind Blown to Tower Bridge - second leg

May 31 - Lisbon

Captain Arma handed over to Captain Marco Sangiacomo yesterday afternoon during our first day in Lisbon.

Today, like yesterday, is a beautiful blue skied morning.

56 passengers are staying on from the previous cruise for the sail into London, and as usual the efficiency was as good as normal, and the last call for disembarking passengers was 09.30 am.

The CC meet and mingle party will be the evening of the day we dock in Bilbao, in the

Observation Room and eleven have apparently signed up.

Off to enjoy a second day in Lisbon before we sail at 5pm.

May 31st - Lisbon

A cloudless sky bathed Lisbon in clear sunshine as we sailed out down the Tagus and under the "singing" April 25 bridge .

It was amusing to watch all the newcomers heading for the Panorama at 4.00 pm for lifeboat drill, whilst we lazed in the swimming pool. We now have 268 onboard, one different from the previous cruise and the ship is regarded as "full".

Good sea conditions expected for our overnight sail to Porto where we are expected at 8.00 am

To be continued-----

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Thanks Master for your continued outstanding Wind reports. If you get the chance and see Capt. Marco please pass Ida and Wes's warm regards we look forward to crossing with him in November.

Master Echo, do you know what time you disembark on the 12th? (Im aiming on getting onboard at 10am)

Also.... on the 11th.... as you approach Dartford crossing give a wave to the port side..... I will be on the riverbank 100m from the bridge flying (legally) my drone.... I will put the footage online later. Not sure if Im going to attempt to get back to Tower Bridge to film.... its just a little bit too tight. Might give it a go though. It might be the final part of your long trek, but it must definitely be the highlight.

Dear Wes, will do at tomorrow nights welcome cocktail party.

Les - how lovely, we will certainly give you a big wave as we approach Dartford, do hope you make it back to Tower Bridge, it would be super to see your photographs. As you probably know - we are not now arriving until 20.00 pm on June 11th, instead of 16.00 pm. Many very disappointed passengers and also so many of the officers and crew who had made arrangements for theatre/concert tickets who have had to cancel due to the time of arrival and lost a lot of money.

At least it will still be daylight until about 9.30 pm. We are intending to disembark on the 12th, around 9.30 am, but as we are effectively in overnight, disembarkation may start at 7.00 am, as it did today in Lisbon, having overnighted, so you may be lucky - as today, when some passengers managed to get on board by 10.30 am.

Cannot say we are looking forward to seeing you all - - as it will mean that it will be the end of our two cruises on the lovely Wind.

Kindest regards

Master Echo

Hope you continue to enjoy your trip! Wish we were there.

Master Echo, providing its not raining, I would arrive at Dartford Crossing at about 5 to get set up with the drone. Getting to Tower Bridge, all depends on what time I get to the station.

From Dartford Crossing it takes about 2 hours (of which part is having a tug pilot you in..... Normally you will see the tug come downstream with you from about 800 yards before the bridge.

This is Silver Cloud going under the bridge - You will see the bridge from miles away.

This is her coming around the final huge bend in the Thames before the bridge. You can see the tub waiting in the foreground. From that point, the ship is ship a good 18 minutes to the bridge.

And now the bridge!

My building is at the bow of her final resting spot where you can see the ramp for the London Bridge Pier.

Apologies for the hijack..... just wanted to share with you the fantastic experience you have to look forward to. I've been downstream on the cloud, but not back. Its an experience you wont forget.

Am waiting from SS if we have been accepted for lunch on the Sunday aboard the Wind.

I am envious if you couldn't tell!