.......idle jottings

[Jim Avery]

Oh no, I'm confident that you will reach still lower depths, dear Ho....

 

Me too!:eek:

[ho-hum]

What is all this 'feck' malarkey HoHum? Have you been watching re runs of Father Ted lately? :)

 

Maybe Poppy.........they were good weren't they ?

Glad your iPad is working now.

[ho-hum]

Oh no, I'm confident that you will reach still lower depths, dear Ho....

 

HH only descends to these depths of banality to reach out to you Abenaki and Jim.

Yet it is obvious there is still a way to go.

 

But being the friendly and compassionate kind of guy HH is, HH promises to try harder and will begin adding dross to the drivel too.

Maybe that is the missing ingredient that will allow connection from which Ho can then begin to raise you both from the intellectual bereft deserts you sullenly shift about in.

Slowly at first, for evolution, has passed you both by.

[ho-hum]

There is a lot said about how much we love the crew.

But the opposite is also true.

And this extends up to higher officers who would have thought, would have little time for interacting with the passengers.

 

Passengers occasionally pass away.

 

One such passenger who was booked on the voyage which HH and Blondie were recently on, sadly died prior to the voyage.

And so the Chief Officer, who "got on well" with the former passenger, had decided to perform a small remembrance at the back of the boat for those that knew him.

We attended along with two lovely Belgian couples plus the Captain, CO, Club Director and a few others.

The gentleman was Belgian (hence the number of Belgians).

A few words were said and a bouquet of flowers was dropped into the sea.

We then raised a toast of champagne to him and swopped amusing and touching stories about him.

He was quite a character but had the piercing ability to directly make friends. He cared little of self regard in friendly engagement with others despite being a man of considerable stature in his former profession working for the United Nations Health Organisation.

HH remembers him playing with the children along the Amazon (when we did the Amazon trip a few years back) and captivating their attention.

 

Well the point is, the SD crew and officers DO have an affection for passengers.

This tribute was just one demonstration of this.

Thought you might like to know this about the crew.

 

Oh you knew already !

Well doesn't do any harm to hear it again, does it.

Feels good to feel good.

[ho-hum]

Carnival is to become the first American cruise company to visit Cuba since the Sixties. The giant firm, which owns 10 lines, including Costa, Cunard, Holland America, P&O and Princess, and has a combined fleet of more than 100 ships, received permission this week to commence trips in May.

• 14 sights to catch before Cuba changes forever

The one-week voyages will sail from Miami under a new brand, fathom, in the 710-capacity vessel Adonia. The announcement follows an easing of travel and trade restrictions earlier this year, which permit United States citizens to visit as part of a cultural or humanitarian trip. Carnival’s voyages must include cultural excursions to meet these regulations, and they are not allowed to visit other Caribbean islands.

Carnival expects demand to be high, and the cruises are marked up accordingly, with prices starting at $2,990 (£1,940) per person. Arnold Donald, the firm’s CEO, said the new Cuban venture would be “the tip of the iceberg” in terms of what to expect in the years to come.

 

"Sleepy backwater colonial towns such as Trinidad may lose some of their appeal" Photo: AP/FOTOLIA

His words could spur tourists to visit sooner rather than later. The gradual opening up to US visitors and investors has already raised fears that Cuba – “a heady mix of faded Spanish colonial cities and sputtering Fifties Cadillacs”, according to Fred Mawer, our Caribbean expert – could lose some of its allure. Around 600,000 US citizens visit the island annually; Cuban officials estimate that 1.5 million would if all restrictions were removed. “America once provided the lion’s share of visitors to Cuba, and that may well be the case again soon,” Mawer said. “Places such as Old Havana and Varadero are likely to become much busier, and sleepy backwater colonial towns such as Trinidad may lose some of their appeal. Yes, an influx of demanding US tourists should result in better hotels, food and transport, but part of Cuba’s appeal is that it is not another sanitised holiday destination - so I would strongly advocate going soon.”

• A weekend break in... Havana

Chris Moss, a regular visitor to the island, was more positive about the changes. “I don’t think this will turn Cuba into some kind of Puerto Rico, much less turn back to the clock to the supposed glory days,” he said. “Sure, the atmosphere might change for European visitors, and we’re bound to hear more American accents in bars, cafes, museums and on the beach - but a minor change in mood is a small price to pay for all the benefits ordinary Cubans might gain from the easing of sanctions.”

 

Carnival owns 10 cruise lines, including Princess, Costa and Holland America Photo: AP/FOTOLIA

Carnival won’t be the first cruise company to visit. Several non-US lines, like Saga, Fred Olsen, Swan Hellenic and Noble Caledonia, have included Cuba on their Caribbean itineraries, as has 1,200-capacity Celestyal Crystal, operated by the Canadian company Cuba Cruise. Costa Cruises operated in Cuba until Carnival took it over in 2000.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises announced plans this week to base a 2,120-passenger ship in Havana this winter, offering one-week voyages from the Cuban capital on board MSC Opera from December 22 until April 12, 2016.

[abenaki]

Nothing to read again this morning....probably preparing for the summer garden fete down at the Village Hall, I presume.

[ho-hum]

Ho-Hum,

That sounds like a wonderful itinerary.

We end a SD1 cruise in Venice in Sept and would love your recommendations on Hotels and restaurants.

Thanks in advance!

 

Sorry for delay cwaj...........life eh..

Oh and there was a tad of time taken to collect the various pieces of info.

 

Well we have been visiting Venice from the time we had "nuffin'" until the time we had that big win on a scratch card after HH picked up his dole money and on his way to the pub !

 

So our range of hotels have altered over the years but we always managed at least one great meal at a recommended restaurant: then HH orders house wine in a carafe to save on cost (still does where prices are silly).

 

And so cwaj this really is a mix for recommended hotels.

 

HOTELS

Cipriani: ridiculously expensive but one of HH's top 5 hotels in the world.

On an island off St.Marks Square as you probably know.

Brilliant pool. Great place to eat too. Not "stuffy".

Ca Sagredo: we were fortunate to have a corner room overlooking the canal so it was extra

marvellous. Venetian old school.

Gritti Palace: lovely waterside dining and bar. Oh and the bed...aaaahhhhh.

Ca Maria Adele: this is where we will be booking next time. We have heard such great things

from friends, magazines etc..

Novecento: a wonderful, small, bed and breakfast and very, very, good value. We have used this

a lot in the early years. It is basic but authentic Venetian and tres charmant.

But you have to lug cases around !

Hotels in Mestre: these were our first hotels when we had very little money. There are a lot to

choose from and they are all about the same.

You have to get a train to and from Venice.

 

Now with restaurants, Again this is a hotch potch. Sometimes we like finer dining but sometimes we like to eat outside. One tip though, it can be cooler inside than outside. But most restaurants are cramped and service can be an issue sometimes. The thing to do in these situations is "neck" a few glasses as soon as possible and order the second carafe right away; the service wont get better that's for sure so relax, the wines are cheap.

The staff see thousands of customers and sort of treat them like cattle in a way. Sorry but it’s true, unless you go Michelin (then they treat you like rare breed cattle....mooooooo).

 

RESTAURANTS

 

Hostaria da Franz

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d696580-Reviews-Hostaria_da_Franz-Venice_Veneto.html

 

Il Ridotto

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1520518-Reviews-Il_Ridotto-Venice_Veneto.html

 

Osteria alle Testiere

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187870-d696631-r161288637-Osteria_alle_Testiere-Venice_Veneto.html

 

Trattoria do Forni

Now this has very mixed reviews BUT we loved it and it is favoured by the Venetians.

You have to take command a bit.

 

Trattoria da Pemigio

Same as before.

 

Acqua Pazza

Love this place for the best pizzas in Venice. Run by heavy set, un-smiling owner from Naples, where they know how to make pizzas. He is very good at his job and remarkably attentive to detail. Would always eat here.

They do more than pizzas.

Very good but wine list poor.

 

Trattoria “Antiche Carampane”

Recommended by Commander Courageous & that fop, Abenaki and where we also ate.

Loved the food and wine. Yes it was cramped and a bit of a “to do” with abrupt waitress but certainly would recommend. Maybe HH was being a tad grumpy in previous post. It happens a lot when it comes to eating and drinking. We worked at the staff and they were fine in the end.

Specialises in fish. Oh the local squid, bellissimo.

 

http://www.antichecarampane.com/#_=_

 

Finally HH attaches an article from his "Daily Rag" that listed, according to them, ten great restaurants in Venice.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice/11043252/Top-10-best-restaurants-in-Venice.html

 

Finally have a great time.

The fancier restaurants are best booked in advance. We use the hotel's concierge (for many reasons) to arrange and book.

Bon voyage cwaj.

 

And do let us know how you got on and whether you found other places you could recommend.

[Jim Avery]

Nothing to read again this morning....probably preparing for the summer garden fete down at the Village Hall, I presume.

 

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Late to bed, late to arise, makes..........well, Ho-Hum......:eek:

[cwaj45]

Wow Ho-Hum,

Thanks for all the wonderful information.We end our cruise in Venice and won't be there until Sept. 23 for two nights. I'm currently booked at the St. Regis San Clemente Hotel. We stayed there a few years ago prior to it becoming a St. Regis and loved it. has a nice pool area and it's away from all the crowds when you've had enough. I'm not sure how it will be now as it just reopened and the service reviews have not been good. I've looked at several of the hotels you recommended, prices are crazy expensive as most of the regular rooms are sold out leaving only large suites. I'll keep watching.

 

All of your dinner recommendations sound wonderful making the decision hard.

I really appreciate you taking the time to post all the useful information. I'm sending it on to my husband.

 

When you got on the yacht were you at the small terminal and were there plenty of water taxis available?

Thanks for all your info

[ho-hum]

Nothing to read again this morning....probably preparing for the summer garden fete down at the Village Hall, I presume.

 

Good morning Abenaki !!

And how are we this fine morning ?

Aahhh the smell of the pines in the wilderness.

How is the homestead ?

Built of majestic redwoods with a brick hearth and chimney and cedar shingles covering the roof.

 

And how are the lovely moggies this morning ? Trinnie and Susannah. Hungry as ever ?

Put the coffee on first though so that it's brewing whilst you attend the little darlings.

 

Sorry must be quick, lots to do for the Summer Fete this Saturday.

We are raising money for the church roof (again, only did it 100 years ago) and our thermometer target displayed in front of the church on a huge board, is mostly white and we need to increase the red up the thermometer.

We are currently up to just over £ 1,000: we need another £ 99,000 !

 

Yes there is judging the Womens Institute members strawberry jam entries.

Despite their easy going appearance they are viciously competitive.

Hoop-la stall needs a more agile volunteer to man in it after Mrs.Smith's double hip replacement !

Vicar in the stocks again with wet sponges thrown.......some see it as a means of letting off steam that their prayers have not been answered.

Bunting still to put up.

Find the tea urn. There s a rumour that it was sold.

 

 

Must dash.

We need someone to judge the geraniums and lobelias.

Hum knows you have fairly strong views on these matters, why not pop over to do the judging ?

Oh and please don't wear that old shirt of yours.

Hum knows a little place in Little Balding where they do wonderful shirts for the foppish, country gentleman.

[ho-hum]

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Late to bed, late to arise, makes..........well, Ho-Hum......:eek:

 

Haha

You know Hum so well !

[MACT]

Oh “flob-a-dob” to you !

 

Now they were HH’s favourites, sorry Andy.

High drama indeed when Bill & Ben were still playing, oblivious to “Little Weeds” high pitched calls that the Gardener was returning after lunch !

 

Dah-dah-daaaaah-da !!!!

 

They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

 

Sorry to non-Brits; this will make very little sense.

In essence two grown men are talking about very, very old television programmes for ver, very young children !

And you thought this drivel could'nt plummet any lower.

 

And a "flob a dob a dob" to you dear fellow!

 

At last, after over 2,500 replies to all this drivel, we get some sense and perspective on matters.

 

Talking of sense and perspective, see that new Greek finance minister.. Mr Sakthelotous...will most likely have to live up to his name and get rid of the legions of state employees who can retire on a full state pension at 19 which supplements the one they already receive passed down from their dearly departed grandad.

 

Spare a thought for the tremendous efforts (and stressful times at the Nordic HQ) Seadream will be undertaking to ensure the next voyage leaving Athens is fully provisioned. Difficult when its "cash only" and the docks, piled high with containers of imported goods, can't distribute such goods as duty requires to be paid...by bank transfer. When the banks do re-open, it will take time to get all things moving in the seemingly chaotic way the country lives at the present time.

 

What a challenge avoiding the scenario of the first time heard on board..."Sorry sir, it's not available".

Edited July 15, 2015 by MACT

[ho-hum]

Wow Ho-Hum,

Thanks for all the wonderful information.We end our cruise in Venice and won't be there until Sept. 23 for two nights. I'm currently booked at the St. Regis San Clemente Hotel. We stayed there a few years ago prior to it becoming a St. Regis and loved it. has a nice pool area and it's away from all the crowds when you've had enough. I'm not sure how it will be now as it just reopened and the service reviews have not been good. I've looked at several of the hotels you recommended, prices are crazy expensive as most of the regular rooms are sold out leaving only large suites. I'll keep watching.

 

All of your dinner recommendations sound wonderful making the decision hard.

I really appreciate you taking the time to post all the useful information. I'm sending it on to my husband.

 

When you got on the yacht were you at the small terminal and were there plenty of water taxis available?

Thanks for all your info

 

 

Dear cwaj (such a quaint name),

 

It was Hum's pleasure to be of assistance, especially when you were so generous with your comments (and especially after the usual cheeky remarks, HH receives from some reprobates that "hang out" here: mentioning no names).

 

Yes the hotels can be silly money, can't they ?

But it is Venezia !

We have stayed at some swanky places as "treats" and as birthday presents to one another.

But being nosey, Hum checked out the St.Regis San Clemente Hotel and it looks marvellous !

Yes there seem to be a few teething problems reported after a mini-refurbishment but they are bound to be sorted when you arrive and most people reporting on Trip Advisor rate extremely highly.

Thanks for the tip.

Hum bets the hotel is a great place to eat too (especially if you like peace and quiet around you; you certainly wont get that in town).

 

Now it's a funny thing you should ask about the cruise terminal because they changed it.

If Hum could ask you to refer to map here (if it's not possible then Google an image of Venice Cruise Terminal for one you can zoom up).

 

 

Yes they have changed it this year from San Basilio (docking station 30-31) to Marittima, Terminal 2 (docking station 18).

Further into the Marittima is the Taxi Acquio (water taxi) terminal, right next to Terminal 2.

But it is a long "schlep" from water taxi disembarkation to finally arriving onboard.

Off the taxi.

Take bags to conveyor belt which takes them up to quayside (you have to do it)

Walk along platform and up steps to quay.

Walk back to collect bags and registration, 20m in front of you, dropping off bags which will be transported to boat.

Walk back on yourself outside terminal gates and return in direction of terminal (there is no protection from sun or rain and you really need comfortable shoes).

Inside terminal, pass through security.

And on to boat.

Phew ! Now you deserve that champagne and cool towels.

 

Please cwaj ! Check terminal location on your paperwork (contract) and check again with TA to check with SD because SD sent out paperwork with the WRONG terminal !

Or email the concierge a day or two before for information on: sd2-concierge@seadream.com

 

Your hotel will book a water taxi, so no concern about that.

Again have a great time cwaj.

 

PS Hey Cabbie how about that for information ?

[cwaj45]

Ho-Hum,

Thanks for the water taxi information. We will be doing the reverse as we get off in Venice. It does look like a long walk from the water taxi station. I'm assuming it wont be a problem to get a water taxi when leaving. I may pre book prior to leaving.

I'll email the concierge prior to getting on to verify the exact location. Thanks for the email address.

The cwaj45 comes from the beginning of aol emails when we didn't put our name in the email address. Years ago when I created my CC acct I wasn't creative and just used the same name.

Thanks,

Cole

Another strange name for a woman!

[commander courageous]

While I usually agree with Ho Hum on all matters relating to travel, I regret my pockets are not as deep ...

he having just been infused with mega-bucks from his last caper (an inside joke).

 

Yes, the Gritti Palace, Cipriani and Danieli are beautiful and well situated properties BUT at 1,000+ EU's

a night (and that is on the low side) there isn't a mattress in the world that could tempt me at that

price.

 

However, Ho's recommendation of the Novecento Hotel is one I can second, having stayed there

and thoroughly enjoyed. The rooms, while small, are most adequate and breakfast in the garden

delightful. Owned by the Romanelli Family, you might also wish to take a look at another of their

properties, the Flora Hotel. Closer to San Marco, but set back off a busy thoroughfare, this

property is well worth a "look see". You will generally find one of the Romanelli's around the hotel

and their recommendations of restaurants, etc (dine where the Venetians eat) worth heeding.

 

A last recommendation: have your hotel arrange a two-hour sightseeing trip through the canals

of Venice. You'll do this in a beautiful mahogany launch, where your guide will point out many

interesting points about Venice you will have otherwise missed. Well worth the price.

 

Have a wonderful visit to one of my most favorite cities in the world!

 

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Ol' Ragnar will be on the SD-I 10 dayer out of Barbados on Dec 17, 2016. Deposit has been paid.

 

This warning will be repeated in August of 2016, to allow penalty-free cancelation for those foolish enough to ignore this early warning.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Addendum: If you must sail Seadream in late Dec of 2016, your best bet is SDII, as you will only have to deal with ho-hum.

 

But beware, Ragnar and ho-hum will both be visiting St Barts within a 24 hour period, so the place may be a shambles (or at least out of wine).

Edited July 17, 2015 by Ragnar Danneskjold

[ho-hum]

And a "flob a dob a dob" to you dear fellow!

 

At last, after over 2,500 replies to all this drivel, we get some sense and perspective on matters.

 

Talking of sense and perspective, see that new Greek finance minister.. Mr Sakthelotous...will most likely have to live up to his name and get rid of the legions of state employees who can retire on a full state pension at 19 which supplements the one they already receive passed down from their dearly departed grandad.

 

Spare a thought for the tremendous efforts (and stressful times at the Nordic HQ) Seadream will be undertaking to ensure the next voyage leaving Athens is fully provisioned. Difficult when its "cash only" and the docks, piled high with containers of imported goods, can't distribute such goods as duty requires to be paid...by bank transfer. When the banks do re-open, it will take time to get all things moving in the seemingly chaotic way the country lives at the present time.

 

What a challenge avoiding the scenario of the first time heard on board..."Sorry sir, it's not available".

 

Yes, "idle jottings" has always had a fair share of drivel, with out-breaks of dross and often culminating in twaddle.

Do our American friends have any idea what we are talking about ?

And as for poor gcmv, he has to look it all up in a dictionary !

Crazy Englanders !

 

Haha

The Greek pension rights are truly bonkers !

What happened to the men of Sparta ?

Fearless men and women who would face any adversity.

Now the Greeks appear to have turned into a "mamby-pamby" State asking for all sorts of handouts and getting quite "peeved" when Angela says Nein.

 

SD HQ is located in a fortified bunker outside Oslo housed in a rock cave (see "Guns of Navarone" and you have some idea).

Messages have been sent out to all passengers to forget bringing smart yachting casual clothes in their suitcases but bring your own provisions !

These will be "divvied up" and shared with crew also.

The voyages will coincide with a weight loss programme and de-tox programme !

There will be fishing lessons off the back of the boat too.

Compulsory from 8.0am - 8.00pm.

Shore excursions will involve finding game on the islands.

 

It's a shame but no one has given us any info from the "front line"....which HH supposes there is no problem.

SD have a wealth of experience dealing with all sorts of port "Mafia" and are adept at seeing the passengers travel without a hitch.

We must remember that there are still professional people in Greece who trade regularly with people from abroad and HH is sure they will do everything they can to help SD and all the other cruise ships.

Well do they want to tell the world that they cannot cater for tourists ?

If they pee off the tourists then it is time to close down the sad country.

 

It seems the US has a dilemma with Puerto Rico though HH is not familiar with the intricacies (well anything, if HH is being honest !).

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Poor old Puerto Rico is a territory and is only 1% of the US population, and has half the per capita income of our poorest state, Mississippi. Anyone want it?

 

Greece is something like 2% of the EU population

[Jim Avery]

Poor old Puerto Rico is a territory and is only 1% of the US population, and has half the per capita income of our poorest state, Mississippi. Anyone want it?

 

Greece is something like 2% of the EU population

 

And Greece has the GDP of, roughly, Atlanta, GA. Would the world go bonkers over an Atlanta bankruptcy? Bring back the Drachma. How cheap would a Greek Islands cruise be? And yes, Ho, being half English I was raised on a fair amount of "twaddle". I know it when I hear it.:D

[ho-hum]

Now this lady is truly exceptional.

She has all the attributes needed for a Concierge.

She is super smart, uses her initiative and is amazingly friendly and charming.

She is so good, you dont think about it: because she makes it look EEEZZZZZYYY.

But it aint.

Do you know some passengers can be so damn rude.

HH could'nt do it, that's for sure.

Well done you brilliant and delightful lady.

You are truly exceptional (she gives great hugs too).

So honoured to know you.

 

Pictured here with Elena (Purser) an equally remarkable lady too.

 

[Poppy1966]

Hello Ho Hum. Just catching up as my iPad is working today. Most days when I try to view idle jottings it won't allow me to scroll up or down or it keeps logging me out. Today it works!! Don't know why. Talking of Venice I was detained by port authority/police a few years back for over an hour. Put into a portacabin, questioned, had to fill in forms, searched just because I'd left my passport on the ship. Ship photographic ID card not enough. We were in port overnight and were returning back to the ship after a day in Venice. Thankfully someone eventually retrieved my passport from the ship and I was released!!

Rudest people I've ever met and very intimidating. Anyway enjoy the garden fete. Hope there isnt a 'win a goldfish' stall were people throw ping pong balls into their bowls.

Have a great day:). Pxx.

[vandrefalk]

Frud is indeed a delight and certainly deserves this! I remember the first voyage to Norway -- we were in Sweden and my camera died, missing some spectacular views. Frud took pictures for me and emailed them to me later! That's just the way she is. Wish she were going to be on board in Oct when I'm on SDI.

 

Cole, so sorry we will miss each other! We need to sail together again soon!

Vandrefalk

[Jim Avery]

Ol' Ragnar will be on the SD-I 10 dayer out of Barbados on Dec 17, 2016. Deposit has been paid.

 

This warning will be repeated in August of 2016, to allow penalty-free cancelation for those foolish enough to ignore this early warning.

 

Thanks for the heads up Sundance. SeaDream has asked me not to reveal my bookings until after the final payment date. Guess they don't want to oversell those cruises.:eek:

[ho-hum]

Ho-Hum,

Thanks for the water taxi information. We will be doing the reverse as we get off in Venice. It does look like a long walk from the water taxi station. I'm assuming it wont be a problem to get a water taxi when leaving. I may pre book prior to leaving.

I'll email the concierge prior to getting on to verify the exact location. Thanks for the email address.

The cwaj45 comes from the beginning of aol emails when we didn't put our name in the email address. Years ago when I created my CC acct I wasn't creative and just used the same name.

Thanks,

Cole

Another strange name for a woman!

 

Have no fear Cole.

Simply ask the lady at the Concierge to arrange the water taxi for you.

In HH's previous post Hum eulogises about the fantastic Frud who is in charge of Concierge and her amazing work has just been recognised as being "Employee of the Month".

They will arrange the booking........but, ahem they may be a tad higher in price....HH's saying maybe BUT with a block booking and SD behind it, it may be a wiser choice.

 

Knowing Hum's luck if he organised it, there would probably be a gondola waiting manned by an asthmatic, one-armed, geriatric with no sense of direction as he steers the gondolier across the equivalent of a freeway

It would sink under Blondie's baggage mid-canal !

No Blondie's in charge of travel. And bloody good she is too.

 

Yes Ho Hum understands about names on Cruise Critic.

Ho Hum simply used his name too.

Maybe Hum should'nt have used the photo of himself for the avatar either.

But too late now.

Mind you the film money comes in handy......pays for SD that's for sure.

 

Have a fantastic time Cole (no Hum loves the name.....Cole..Cole...Cole).