Tere Moana live

[paulmichael]

I am usually a sedate middle aged woman but foxy's at jostling on new years eve is once in a lifetime. And captain zupan made it happen ferrying passengers there and back until 2am or later. The event was like a huge Caribbean style street party full of fun, food, dancing and even making out. A tremendous surge of energy that gave us all a high. A night to remember.

 

Am using the ship's computers will update pics when within a wifi zone.

 

Miriam

 

A big Thanks to Captain Zupan, who took us, including Miriam, into and back out of Foxy's. what a NEW YEARS EVE. Thank you Captain Zupan!

 

Mike

[Familygoboston]

Sounds like you are all having a ball and they are very quickly working out the kinks! Eliminating the premium for GG probably goes a long way to make up for for not having white wine;) Enjoy the reminder of the cruise!

[paul bernard]

We're considering the fall T/A on the T.M. Nancy is worried that the ship is too small for possibly rough seas. We did Sea Dream, roughly the same size, but had calm seas throughout. How does the T.M. sail? Have you encountered any stormy weather at all? Thanks for any input.

[Emdee]

We anchored in a beautiful bay with a clipper ship and a host of high end yachts. The bay was surrounded by mountains which made the 360 degree view gorgeous.

 

But oh oh we tendered to the wrong place and not as promised by our itinerary....so we couldn't take our custom tour....added to that we tendered to a beach and resort with no road out and accessible only by boat! Fortunately our tour operator was extremely understanding and didn't charge us for the no show. But we felt really bad as the driver had driven out 30 minutes to pick us up.

 

The plus side was the location double gorgeous and exclusive. Bitter end resort good beach and nice restaurant.

 

I was a bit miffed as this was the second time this happened. Also in Tortola our docs said one docking but we tendered to another. However good ending both days so no prob.

 

Weather was picture perfect so enjoyed the hot tub and the great views and caught up on some buzzzz from previous night.

 

Dinner another excellent one with good options ....had my bowl of raspberries for dinner and DD a gorgeous looking dessert.....refer to picture site . Look above my first post for site details.

[Emdee]

One is never sure who he is...as he seems to fail at both IMO.

Example: at jost he told everyone it was five minutes walk to whites bay. Our research indicated 15 mins over a sizeable hill.

Not very efficient when comes to booking dives many complaints here from divers.

At virgin gorda, we were told our port was same as itinerary but oh oh you know the story.

When asked what activities he would plan for the people who couldn't go ashore on zodiacs, dd was twice told that it was not his job.

Dd said if he didn't do at least one activity (trivia) she would running her own activities.

I guess I was a bit pushy as was dd so we now have trivia.

 

A cruise director/activities coordinator could be the soul of a small ship like this. Miss you Michael Shapiro!!!!

 

Miriam

[Emdee]

'twas a rockin and Rollin on the way to st kitts. A couple of very rough hours with another couple of rough hours last night. It was also quite a long journey and that compounded things. I don't how comfortable it would TA cruise. Dd was saying final act contrition and preparing to meet her maker. A bit windy today but otherwise sunny and gorgeous. Zodiac ride wasn't too bad.

 

Miriam

[Emdee]

Wonderful to go crazy at port Zante.

 

Plenty of excellent champs at bargain prices etc from smoke n booze store. Moët pink at 70 for two, Kruger at 125 and Dom at 120. Mike and ourselves will be fortified the next couple days.

 

On the subject of liquor....Vaishal is very knowledgeable on red wine. He has been to st Emilion and recommends the best years to buy and drink. Thumbs up Vaishal....he is also lot of fun and has a number of stories from Cunard days.

 

Unfortunately the bar is still not fully stocked no included cognac had to prevent DH from drinking st remy brandy ...good for cooking only IMO

[Emdee]

Where is my OBC?

 

Was promised by PG cruises in lieu of my platinum AMEX credit as they withdrew it for us Canadians....hope it comes in today.

 

Nice shop on board some very lovely things. Beautiful jewellery but promised DH no more pearls. Fragonard soaps ....love French soaps . Unique stuff not your usual tee shirt on board...little pricey though.

[Familygoboston]

Oh Emdee, you are keeping a positive attitude, but it sounds like more than the seas are rough:eek: I do hope they have an opportunity to look at the whole operation and smooth out the problems. Wondering if the excursion staff was trained on the PG??;)

 

Love the photos of you DD and Dr D on JVD...looks like a PARTY!!! Did I see an RCL ship in St Kitts with you? We will be there next year on Jewel; we liked Jewel quite a lot and it's a good value for such a busy itinerary!

[Cruisedreamer1]

Emdee you are the best and can't wait to meet you in person on the PG repeaters cruise.

[Tikiintahiti]

I'm going to fly in a few days early, did you see a nice place within walking distance of the ship in Saint Martin?

[paulmichael]

Oh Emdee, you are keeping a positive attitude, but it sounds like more than the seas are rough:eek: I do hope they have an opportunity to look at the whole operation and smooth out the problems. Wondering if the excursion staff was trained on the PG??;)

 

Love the photos of you DD and Dr D on JVD...looks like a PARTY!!! Did I see an RCL ship in St Kitts with you? We will be there next year on Jewel; we liked Jewel quite a lot and it's a good value for such a busy itinerary!

 

Staff is doing great! Everyday it just gets better and better. I'm a few doors down from Emdee and while yes the seas were a rocking and a rolling, after a GREAT dinner and lot's of wine, I went to bed and loved the rocking. Food continues to be A+++ all the saff is comming together and working hard. We all need to remember that this is the first week and staff is smoothing out all the problems. The best part is when there is a problem they fix it and it's gone. Well while I wold love to keep posting, its off to the bar....

 

So far after sailing 10 times on the PG find myself in love with the TM. she is not the PG and I for one am happy that she has her own heart and sole.

 

Mike Yarman :) :) :)

[Familygoboston]

I'm going to fly in a few days early, did you see a nice place within walking distance of the ship in Saint Martin?

 

Tiki...not sure where the TM ports, but we love La Plantation in Baie Orient. It's villas up along the hill in a quiet area over looking Orient beach on the French side ( about a 5 minute stroll down the hill to the beach, and of course you have to come back up, but we never minded the walk)

 

The rooms are more " rustic" than plush- but very comfortable; the decor is colorful and the furnishings and bath fixtures a little older, but there is a kitchenette in even the smallest units ( which are large and will do fine! ) and they have huge balconies over looking the distant ocean, with only views of the rooftop of the villa below.

 

I know rates are reasonable in early December when you plan to go, because that is when we stayed, and I just researched the same week as an alternative to the Jewel cruise we have booked in 2013. An extensive continental breakfast is included, as well as loungers and an umbrella at the beach club down the hill at Orient Beach. Just before the beach is a little plaza with shops ( expensive for groceries, but you could get a few things for the kitchenette) and restaurants.

 

This plaza is not the top place for restaurants, but being French- even their " good" restaurants are pretty darn good;). A short cab or car ride to Grande Case and there are fabulous gourmet restaurants there, or the outdoor BBQS, which are also excellent and far cheaper!

 

"Knowing" you from your reviews, I could see you at a place like this far sooner than the many glitzy casino resorts on the Dutch side. It's not nearly as elegant as the PG or TM, but it's comfortable, clean with surprisingly good service and a good value.

 

I posted a review on TA, if you want to have a look- same screen name.

[Tikiintahiti]

Good to get stuff first hand. I've already got a rental car for the 3 days.

[zqvol]

I'm going to fly in a few days early, did you see a nice place within walking distance of the ship in Saint Martin?

 

Having been to St. Martin numerous times I can tell you that there is nothing within walking distance either in Phillipsburg or Marigot.

[Familygoboston]

Ill second zqvol's post, the port areas generally don't have lodging nearby, so if you have a car, go with a good recommendation. There are several reasonable "guest house" or small hotels on the Dutch side, but many, even though on the water, are quite close the airport and not so very relaxing with the sound of the planes coming and going, but they are quite reasonable. Otherwise, it's a villa resort near Grande Case, or Orient Beach on the French side, or the Dutch side casino/resorts.

[Tikiintahiti]

Thank you for the heads up. My rental car deal is to drop off the car at the marina so we can stay anywhere we want : )

[Emdee]

Great news- Cognac now onboard.

OBC has been found and soap purchased.

The food continues to be tremendous. Have discovered a star bartender in Vishal. Efren better watch out. His purple martini and midnight magic martini make mouth drool.

 

The staff are working very hard to make the ship come together and passengers happy but it will be a long uphill battle and at least another 6 to 10 staff to make working conditions for them humane.

 

Cruise director found!!! Last night there was singing and smiling in the grand salon. And everyone seemed to have a good time.

 

Miriam

[Emdee]

Unfortunately, the promised and expected beach barbeque didn't happen. So there were no excursions. However, we dcunhas took our swimming things and hiked over a couple of hills to Pompierre beach for a swim. The island is bucolic wonder where time stands still. Lambs gambolled with their mothers and we resisted putting one in the bag for dinner. The village was quaint and lunch in town was interesting.

 

Now back on board. Hope to talk to the chefs this afternoon and enjoy a couple of drinks.

 

Miriam

[Emdee]

They are simple, cafeteria style hot and cold table with a stir fry/pasta station. But a very strong point on board the ship. Whatever is prepared is tasty and interesting. Chef Huda is full of smiles and always present to discuss his food. A real talent who the cruiseline should keep.

 

I haven't met the salad chef but he has some very interesting salad offerings and excellent dressings. In his favor most dressings are handmade and you can taste the difference.

 

Chef Nour has had some wonderful desserts as well. His egyptian desserts and pistachio filo pie was spectacular and warranted another shot of insulin.

 

In closing I will compare hard and soft product on board as well as do my posting of the good, bad, ugly and excellent when I return.

 

A last comment- I post the truth from my heart and will not be bought.

 

Miriam

[paulmichael]

They are simple, cafeteria style hot and cold table with a stir fry/pasta station. But a very strong point on board the ship. Whatever is prepared is tasty and interesting. Chef Huda is full of smiles and always present to discuss his food. A real talent who the cruiseline should keep.

 

I haven't met the salad chef but he has some very interesting salad offerings and excellent dressings. In his favor most dressings are handmade and you can taste the difference.

 

Chef Nour has had some wonderful desserts as well. His egyptian desserts and pistachio filo pie was spectacular and warranted another shot of insulin.

 

In closing I will compare hard and soft product on board as well as do my posting of the good, bad, ugly and excellent when I return.

 

A last comment- I post the truth from my heart and will not be bought.

 

Miriam

I agree with Miriam, Chef Huda continues to come up with great offerings at both lunch and dinner. Salads are, as noted by Miriam, excellent and well made. And the desserts, I may need some of Miriam's insulin by the end of the curise.

 

Chef's all, keep up the greart work.

 

todays port was quite nice with a great beach, would welcome this poart again.

 

Mike :) :) :) :) ( smiles continue to increase and my hat and heart is off to the excellent work by all the staff)

[paulmichael]

Staff is doing great! Everyday it just gets better and better. I'm a few doors down from Emdee and while yes the seas were a rocking and a rolling, after a GREAT dinner and lot's of wine, I went to bed and loved the rocking. Food continues to be A+++ all the saff is comming together and working hard. We all need to remember that this is the first week and staff is smoothing out all the problems. The best part is when there is a problem they fix it and it's gone. Well while I wold love to keep posting, its off to the bar....

 

So far after sailing 10 times on the PG find myself in love with the TM. she is not the PG and I for one am happy that she has her own heart..

 

Mike Yarman :) :) :)

 

:) Great dinner, again last night. was a little rock and rolling again, but not so

[FlightMedic555]

Great to read first hand reports from those we trust. It may be that issues are dealt with but when you are paying big $$$ for a cruise you expect a certain level of service. It sounds like at time that is not happening.

 

Now if they discounted the first cruise by 50% to work out the kinks and informed all that it was a shakedown cruise than so be it. To pay for 5 stars and get 3 stars is not right.

[Familygoboston]

Agree Flight Medic, many of us would be happy guinea pigs for a sizable discounts! :D:p But I am glad that Emdee and Mike are giving it to us straight. One thing I like about this board is it is small, respectful and trustworthy! Thanks for sharing!

[paulmichael]

Agree Flight Medic, many of us would be happy guinea pigs for a sizable discounts! :D:p But I am glad that Emdee and Mike are giving it to us straight. One thing I like about this board is it is small, respectful and trustworthy! Thanks for sharing!

 

today is Saint Barts, WOW some of the yachts in port are larger than the TM. money money money. This is my frist time in Saint Barts, great town but very $$$, we, Emdee and all went into town and did a bit of shopping. I found a few shirts, but think I'l wait until next week.

 

Again today, lunch was great Cheese Burgs were great. Staff is again trying hard to make everything come together and it's going to take some time, but they will get it.

 

Last night was to be a bit rocking and rolling, but ended up just a little rolling, but a lot of us stayed up late in the Grand Salon, FUN was had by all, along with a lot of drinking.

 

The best part is I don't need to pack tonight and get to watch the rest get off.

 

It's going to be interesting to see how we deal with two weeks in all new ports, I just hope the new group is understanding and gives the staff time to keep working out the problems.

 

We all understood that we would be the guiney pigs and its been a blast !.

 

For me, the food has been the highlight along with most of the ports, of this cruise.

 

all for now, O, dinner last night was again, great and service has improved a lot...

 

Mike Yarman :) :) :) :)