ScottnZelda

Just returned from Silver Moon.  Our Butler offered to bring caviar every evening to our suite, which I found quite unusual.  Two jars an evening came as promised. Although lids were on the jars securely, it was apparent they had been refilled.  When I asked, our Butler acknowledged that they keep the jars and refill them from a big container.     It’s a bit deceiving.  Seems like a better option is to offer good quality product, even with a surcharge   Just my opinion.   

We just returned, and having been to Rome multiple times, I found “Cooking in Civitavecchia” a small cooking class right in town at a little restaurant. You can Google it or find it on Facebook. Class size was 8 people from the same ship. You are picked up right at the dock shuttle stop. We made tiramisu, saltimbocca, gnocchi and bolognese sauce, with generous pouring of wine to accompany the lunch. The owner/ chef is charming. Great fun and I highly recommend!

On a certain (unnamed) line, a Captain had the Maitre D select his dinner guests. He was to pick women with smiling eyes. I’m sure, however, that a few were VIPs. One woman even wearing white fox. I’m sure you can picture this.

On a certain (unnamed) line, a Captain had the Maitre D select his dinner guests. He was to pick women with smiling eyes. I’m sure, however, that a few were VIPs. One woman even wearing white fox. I’m sure you can picture this. ;)

This is all very good info. Thank you all.

While cruising in Polynesia some years ago, a few female passengers decided to get tattoos in the Marquesas before the end of the cruise

I wonder what those little souvenirs cost them when they returned home.

We just returned from Riviera. Loved most of the food. At the risk of being yelled at, my advise is 1. Take a small salt shaker as the ones they have dispense virtually none; and 2) take something like Starbucks VIA instant if you want a flavorable coffee.

And the veal chop at Jacques was incredibly dry, though ordered “pink.”

OTOH the prime rib in Polo is amazing. Ditto the rack of lamb and sea bass in Red Ginger.

Hubby and I have done this trip twice, both times on HAL, including last December on Zaandam. When we deliberated over big vs. small ship (expedition), I asked the question: would you rather be on a ship, looking at a view of Antarctica or be on a slushy, penguin-guano shoreline looking at the ship? Also, the Drake Passage can get very uncomfortable if you get a rough crossing (ours have always been smooth), which I wouldn't want to try in a smaller ship.

We HAVE done zodiac landings and sailed on small expedition ships through rough waters elsewhere in the world, but we've been very happy with the choice of a large, comfortable ship in Antarctica. HAL does an extremely good job with its lecturers onboard and bringing a Research Team aboard to talk about their lives. And you are REALLY close to the icebergs and shore, so it's easy to observe all the wildlife. Marine wildlife like seals, whales, etc are up close and personal. Penguins swim alongside. It's a serious trip for "birders."

We were happy to skip the "red parka." Splurge for a great penguin excursion in the Falklands and you'll be walking among the King and other species.

This is a fabulous trip. I'd recommend it to anyone with time to spare.

I hope your friend will join you. You simply can't be disappointed.