LIVE - World Cruise 2017

I have been remiss in not posting for a number of days. I can't say that my excuse is a port-intensive cruise since we have been at sea the past two days and will be at sea another four days before arriving in Samoa.

Last night was Venetian night, and Fernando mentioned that just about everyone on board was a Venetian Society member. Top honors went to a couple with over 1,700 days, and there were at least another 5 with over 1,000 days. Emmalee Sassi-Seager is the Venetian Society Representative/Cruise Consultant, and we have found her to be very pleasant and helpful with upcoming reservations. We have not yet had the opportunity to interact with the HD Norman, but expect that we will at some point in the next several weeks. Begonia has been helpful in trying to accommodate a special request of ours. Our Butler, Ricardo, has been wonderful bringing us carrot and celery sticks ever day at 6 pm so we don't load up on high calorie hors d'oeuvres before dinner.

As it would turn out, we have had many dinners in La Terrazza, some that we reserved, and others due to invitations. The lamb chops have been superb, and I might indulge for a third night straight this evening.

Mark Elovitz has done several most interesting lectures with another one this afternoon on Iran.

The ship seems to be in generally very good condition. There are the expected dings and things that don't work, but overall, we are satisfied. Apparently, they are replacing all the TV's on board. Ours has not been done yet, but we are hopeful that when they do, we will then be able to get the channels in the 14 range -- the navigation and weather channels.

The weather has been lovely with just enough roll to let you know that you are on a ship. It is a bit much for a few of the elderly passengers, but they too seem to be coping. We are aware of at least two gentlemen who are 95 years old on board. This is one of the few cruises we have taken where we are bringing down the average age. There are two families on board, one with a young son and the other with two daughters 13 and 6. I believe they are both doing the entire world cruise and are home schooling their children while on board. The children are very well behaved as are most of the adults.

I think the one change that has made the biggest difference for us is the upgraded wi-fi which allows each of us to be on line at the same time and even stream TV at times. Given the large number of sea days on this first segment of the cruise, having good wi-fi is a real plus.

Thanks for posting guys, love the photos. Internet sounds great now, but the lack of computers seems rather weird. Are there actually some hiding onboard. Will be seeing Begonia when you all get to Bali. Have fun and leave us some Sauvignon Blanc please.

Mr. Spectre, I am told that the ship's computers for passenger use require major software changes needed for the new computer system. The changes are progressing slowly, and two computers are now available for use. The others are still being stored aboard until the changes can be made, perhaps in Auckland. Those of us who have our own computers have no problem because we do not have the limitations built in to the old software of the ship's units. The speedy, free, unlimited wi-fi for all is great!

The crew remains excellent, and everyone seems pretty happy. The filet at Hot Rocks the other night was really outstanding, the best we've had in many times eating there on the Silversea ships! (Either that or I'm finally learning how to cook them properly.)

It's almost time for trivia. Must try to keep a two day winning streak alive.

Honolulu street scene

Whisper pool deck

Another sunset

Glad for you to be back. Missed those photos.

Mr. Spectre, I am told that the ship's computers for passenger use require major software changes needed for the new computer system. The changes are progressing slowly, and two computers are now available for use. The others are still being stored aboard until the changes can be made, perhaps in Auckland. Those of us who have our own computers have no problem because we do not have the limitations built in to the old software of the ship's units. The speedy, free, unlimited wi-fi for all is great!

 

The crew remains excellent, and everyone seems pretty happy. The filet at Hot Rocks the other night was really outstanding, the best we've had in many times eating there on the Silversea ships! (Either that or I'm finally learning how to cook them properly.)

 

It's almost time for trivia. Must try to keep a two day winning streak alive.

 

Honolulu street scene

 

Whisper pool deck

 

Another sunset

Thanks Dieter. Good luck with the Trivia.

Thanks for posting!

Love the photos and narrative.

Enjoy it all!

Thanks for posting!

 

Love the photos and narrative.

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Thanks for posting guys, love the photos. Internet sounds great now, but the lack of computers seems rather weird. Are there actually some hiding onboard. Will be seeing Begonia when you all get to Bali. Have fun and leave us some Sauvignon Blanc please.

We were on board when they installed the new system in Copenhagen on the last Baltic cruise.They took out all the old computers at that time plus the printer which I then needed.

however the improvement in the internet service was appreciated.

Enjoying the trip report.Though unfortunately a substitute for actually doing a World Cruise.

Thanks for posting! Love the photos and narrative. Enjoy it all!

Yes!! YES!! Appreciate these photos from Hawaii, from the ship, the sunset, etc. Keep it coming. Our Midwest winter is being fairly mild now, but it is fun to see these sunny visuals, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 46,978 views for these postings.

Another lovely sunny day, upper 80's F. , seas pretty calm. Yesterday we crossed the equator with the usual pool deck "ceremony." Several crew and passenger pollywogs were "slimed." Tomorrow we are still at sea, Saturday does not occur because we cross the dateline, and Sunday we arrive in Samoa. Trivia has gone well with three wins in the last four. The new LG televisions are much larger and function well. The lecturers remain excellent. Very friendly group of passengers.

A lovely mermaid appeared for the equator crossing

CD Fernando as King Neptune

Sliming a polywog

Kissing the Fish

Not sure wo is better looking, Fernando or that fish.:D

Thanks for posting the photos.

Another lovely sunny day, upper 80's F., seas pretty calm. Yesterday we crossed the equator with the usual pool deck "ceremony." The new LG televisions are much larger and function well. The lecturers remain excellent. Very friendly group of passengers.

 

A lovely mermaid appeared for the equator crossing

Appreciate these fun and interesting pictures, plus the other sailing details. In doing our Amazon River sailing two years ago, we got to experience on the Silver Cloud this crossing ceremony. It was super exciting and so enjoyable. Would love to hear more about your various ship speakers, their messages, etc. Keep sharing the wonderful visuals and travel exploits.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 47,049 views for these postings.

Terrific report so far. As I'll likely never do a WC, this is great to read :)

Not sure that speaking to Norman will achieve anything, I heard that Begonia was on as the GRM, if she is, she is much more likely to get something done.

:D

Ain't that the truth!

After crossing the dateline Friday night we awoke to Sunday morning at Apia, Samoa. Samoa has many churches of many denominations, and Sunday services are very important. People dress up and most businesses are closed. The Emtbsams had arranged a tour for the four of us which covered much of the island and its wonderful vegetation, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and villages.

After a sea day, we had a short half day visit to Nuku'alofa, Tonga on another sunny, hot day. We took a ship's tour, the highlight being a visit to "Ancient Tonga", a site where we learned much about Tongan culture, history, crafts, dancing, etc. (We also enjoyed the Tongan dance and dress attempts of some of our fellow passengers- much fun!)

Today we are at sea on the way to Auckland, where the first segment of the world cruise ends. This is the third formal night of the cruise, the Captain's farewell event.

Terry asked about speakers. Dr. Mark Elovitz gave eight or nine lectures of his World Affairs Hot Spot series, all of which were excellent and drew large audiences. We have sailed with him several times, and he is always outstanding and a great fellow passenger.

Guest lecturer Pat Kramer has given very fine talks on a variety of subjects, ranging from humpback whales to black pearls to "Seeking Dorothy Lamour.

Yep, we are enjoying this!

Samoa Sunday morning

Grave of Samoan town chief

Straining coconut cream, Samoa

Tongan dancers

Tree stump carving, Tonga

Thanks for the update, Wellseasoned. Sounds like an incredible first segment.

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Sounds like we are missing a good one. Life is very good on the Wind also. [emoji6][emoji568]. Please give Mark our greetings! Keep enjoying. I am always interested.

Great visuals and prose!

It looks fabulous!

Tree stump carving, Tonga

Amazing!

Debarked Whisper this morning in beautiful downtown Auckland -- ending first leg of World Cruise. Enjoyed Wellseasoned and emtsam whose trivia team came in first almost every day. Weather was perfect the entire 20 days from SFO and Whisper looks great. Wellseasoned describes onboard activities well - have nothing to add. World Cruisers are having a lovely time.

Dusababy

Debarked Whisper this morning in beautiful downtown Auckland -- ending first leg of World Cruise. Enjoyed Wellseasoned and emtsam whose trivia team came in first almost every day. Weather was perfect the entire 20 days from SFO and Whisper looks great. Wellseasoned describes onboard activities well - have nothing to add. World Cruisers are having a lovely time.

Dusababy

Appreciate these wonderful updates. BUT, hate to complain, we are needing much more in details, pictures, etc., etc. Keep it coming!! Glad that this sailing is going so well and everything is in good order with the ship, food, staff, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 167,546 views for this posting.

Internet has been very spotty here in New Zealand. Will post more when we can.

Hope everyone has enjoyed NZ, from Jon Fleming's blog it looks like he has. Went and collected our Chinese visas today, £85 for the visa and £66 for processing, so that's £302 for the pair of us. Took 3 visits because the 'nice young man' would not accept the wife's photo unless her ears were visible.

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Today we finally have good and reliable internet again. The problem had to do with New Zealand's restrictions on usage of C band antennas and problems with the alternatives. But now as we cross the Tasman Sea we are back to normal. Today the Tasman is relatively calm and temperatures are rising. it was cool in New Zealand but is to be quite toasty when we arrive in Newcastle, Australia tomorrow.

We enjoyed the stops in Auckland, Tauranga, Gisbourne, Wellington, and Nelson. New Plymouth was a short stop and not really too attuned to cruise ship visits. Highlights for us were touring the Hobbiton movie site near Tauranga and wine tours in the last three ports. A nine hour winery tour in Nelson visited five wineries and tasted 24 wines. It's amazing how jolly the group becomes after the first couple of wineries!

The new lecturers on board since Auckland are George McNeely, who talks about architecture and art, and Capt. Richard Hayman, who talks about the oceans, seafaring, and voyages such as those of Cook and Shackleton.

Our group continues to do quite well at trivia thanks to a good blend of Brits and Americans. We had a special group dinner with a Chinese food theme last night, and it was incredibly good!

Auckland harbor, with the great old ferry building

Mt Maunganui at Tauranga

Bag Ends at Hobbiton

Wellington Bank of NZ, now a Burger King

One of the Wineries

And another winery (hic!)

Nice pictures...and quite the Burger King! :)