.......idle jottings

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

You got over the Ruskies pretty quickly when you could sell them Coca - Cola and McDonalds !

 

We "got over" the Soviet commies when we destroyed their economy and military by out-producing them in both comsumer goods and innovative military hardware, and thereby freed the eastern bloc to become democracies (warts, Putins, and all).

 

Cuba and North Korea should be left as they are as examples of what communism and socialism get you.

Edited December 21, 2014 by Ragnar Danneskjold

[ho-hum]

We "got over" the Soviet commies when we destroyed their economy and military by out-producing them in both comsumer goods and innovative military hardware, and thereby freed the eastern bloc to become democracies (warts, Putins, and all).

 

Cuba and North Korea should be left as they are as examples of what communism and socialism get you.

 

...yeah right and certainly have nothing to do with those communist Chinese either ho hum supposes......haha

 

And socialusm !! Half of Europe is socialist, no more ! European governments try to look after ALL their citizens not live in fear of one another armed to the teeth to protect themselves from each other !!

 

And taking the credit for the downfall of Russia......quite extraordinary !!!

Change comes from within not from outside.

Its like saying the American Civil War was concluded because of the intervention of an outside country...errrr ?

 

Ho hum has used to many exclamation marks in this...his quota has ended...well almost !

[ho-hum]

Wonder how Jim is getting on (on the Veendam).

 

Being a curious kind of chap (between going one or two rounds with Sundance) ho hum checked out Jim's trip and ship.......interesting.

See for yourself.

 

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line stand for classic cruises experiences with superb food and excellent service. The standard may be compared with competitors such as Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. Though becoming increasingly popular Holland America Line is still an insider tip in Europe. With its international guests and English as the sole onboard language we recommend travelers to have a fairly good command of the English language to make the cruises a pleasant experience.

The Ship

Commissioned in 1996 and heavily refurbished in 2009 the Veendam provides unusually much space per traveler. A maximum of 1,266 guests is accommodated on the 219m long vessel and is taken care of by a staff of 580 people.

Atmosphere on board

The "Veendam" is much more a "classic cruise liner" than a "party vessel" and therefore guests are not the youngest in average (hahaha) even though families with children (oh hell, poor uncle Jim, we know how much he loves kids !) are definitely also welcome. On about two nights per week formal "black tie" evenings are held (gulp !). Participation is not a must though (phew !) - guests have the possibility to dine in alternative locations where more casual clothing is sufficient.

Staterooms

All staterooms are spacious, comfortably equipped and provide enough storage room for your luggage. Even the smallest inside staterooms have a size of 16m² and come with sofa, small table and a desk. All staterooms are equipped with flatscreen TV and DVD player. Exterior cabins have at least 18m². The exterior "Lanai" cabins have a glass-door leading to the promenade deck. Cabins with balcony provide extraordinary 27m² of space. They do also feature fresh flowers, concierge-service and a DVD library. The suites with a size of at least 51m² include free laundry service, hors d'oeuvres a dinner with the ship's high ranking officers and much more - WOW !

 

Premium mattresses and bed linen as well as several pillow choices are the basis for good sleep. Beds can always be arranged as doubles or twins. Bathing robes are provided in all cabins for the time of the cruise. If you wish a gratuitous basket with fruits will it be brought to your cabin and will be refilled as well. Shoe cleaning service is free of charge - Fantastic !

Food and Beverages

The superb cuisine is surely one of the highlights of every cruise with Holland America Line. Guests can spontaneously choose to dine à la carte in the main restaurant or in the buffet restaurant (what ! A buffet for Dinner !). For a surcharge the "Pinnacle Grill" is another option with culinary highlights.

Entertainment, Sports and Relaxation

During the day guests may for example enjoy wine-tastings, computer or painting courses, poker tournaments or lectures on the next destinations. In the evening shows and live music provide diversion while you will always be able to find quite places if you prefer a calmer evening.

 

You are into sports? Go swimming in an outdoor pool that can be turned into an indoor pool with a moveable glass roof. Workout in the gym, jogging on the deck and aerobic or pilates courses are also interesting alternatives. For a more relaxing day guests may enjoy the elegant "Greenhouse Spa".

 

Well we all hope that Jim (and his dear lady of course) are having a wonderful time.......and children free (as much as it can be for his sake !).

Sounds great.

[ho-hum]

Hi All!

 

We have friends joining us for the first time in feb 14. Seadream 2 he is a scotch drinker. What kind of scotch does seadream offer? High end or should he bring his own?

 

Kathy. :)

 

 

Does Seadream have these in stock?

 

Ardbeg, Uigeadail

 

Laphroaig

Single malt, 18 yrs.

 

 

Well, well, well your friend is indeed a man ho hum would love to sit down with one evening after dinner.......ho hum loves Islay whisky.

 

The story goes, once ho hum was stuck up a mountain in Nepal and the only real drink after dinner was a Laphroaig.....ho hum hated it !

But you recall ho hum was a cigar smoker (oh yes the cigars would go everywhere ho hum went) so you need a spirit to "wet the mouth" and this was all the whisky they had.

By the time ho hum came down the mountain...the love affair had begun.

 

Ho hum has made one or two visits to Islay and you will see from the map attached that three of his favourite whiskies are a 40 minute walk from one another along a lovely narrow country road. Heaven.

Laphroaig......Lagavulin.....Ardbeg

They are all so different......how is it possible but the common factor is the salty peat flavour: the difference is in the intensity (spring water - oil - intense depth and complexity)

 

Your friend is a connoisseur.

 

Yes Ardbeg is available but the regular 10 yo not the Uigeadail (sheer heaven) as is Laphroaig 10 yo but from memory not the 18 yo (age does not improve this one greatly tho....he should try the new Quarter Cask range....very more-ish).

The 12 yo Lagavullin is there too; now their 18 yo is on another level.

There is a great range of blended whiskies from Johnnie Walker: a former barman is an aficionado of this blend. We did a tasting of all 5 one evening......very impressive.

 

Ho hum understands your friends palate and would therefore suggest purchasing a bottle before boarding with a hip flask and topping it up each evening so that he can serve himself if drinking with others after dinner.

 

Ardbeg ....... ho hum's wallet comes from Ardbeg.

A thimble of Ardbeg (with a "finger" of spring water) could last an hour or so......

Imagine a crofter sipping his whisky sitting in front of a peaty fire after a plate of smoked kippers, "neeps and tatties" ........aaaahhhhh.

 

And of course great with haggis.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

...yeah right and certainly have nothing to do with those communist Chinese either ho hum supposes......haha

 

And socialusm !! Half of Europe is socialist, no more ! European governments try to look after ALL their citizens not live in fear of one another armed to the teeth to protect themselves from each other !!

 

And taking the credit for the douwnfall of Russia......quite extraordinary !!!

Change comes from within not from outside.

Its like saying the American Civil War was concluded because of the intervention of an outside country...errrr ?

 

Ho hum has used to many exclamation marks in this...his quota has ended...well almost !

 

Raggy won't bother giving a history lesson on the Cold War (though he traveled extensively in the old USSR and Yugoslavia, as well as worked on advanced weapons development), but he will comment on China.

 

The Chinese Communist Party is like a surfer on a tsunami. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese people, who have a long history of trade and business , has been unleashed. The Party is doing everything it can to stay in front of it to avoid being swept away. If you know any Chinese (of which Raggy knows many), you know what they think of the Party - an annoyance to be worked around. Several Chinese friends have told old Raggy that they are thinking of moving back to China because, and Raggy quotes them, "the US is becoming too socialist".

 

Raggy wishes Europe luck with their socialism.

[kathyanddanny]

Ho Hum,

 

WOW! That was a response worth waiting for! Thank you!...

Our friend loves his whiskey.... So I am glad to hear there will be something worth while for him to enjoy. Of course, your story of Nepal sounds much more appealing than any whiskey if you ask me! :) I look forward to meeting you and Blondie on Seadream for Valentines day. I am certain you and our friend Miran will enjoy each other's company. We will make sure Miran packs his flask...

 

Kathy.

[ho-hum]

Raggy won't bother giving a history lesson on the Cold War (though he traveled extensively in the old USSR and Yugoslavia, as well as worked on advanced weapons development), but he will comment on China.

 

The Chinese Communist Party is like a surfer on a tsunami. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese people, who have a long history of trade and business , has been unleashed. The Party is doing everything it can to stay in front of it to avoid being swept away. If you know any Chinese (of which Raggy knows many), you know what they think of the Party - an annoyance to be worked around. Several Chinese friends have told old Raggy that they are thinking of moving back to China because, and Raggy quotes them, "the US is becoming too socialist".

 

Raggy wishes Europe luck with their socialism.

 

 

Something tells ho hum......."dont go there" but you know with a little more effort, ho hum thinks we can resolve this one despite the quote:

 

"The US is becoming too socialist" (for your communist Chinese buddies/colleagues) !!!

 

Thud........... ho hum fell off his chair from that one Raggy or should that be Comrade Raggy or maybe Citizen Raggy ?

 

Well, well, well.............the US is after all a Federal Republic (and not actually a democratic country, in the true sense of the word.........it's funny when you think about it and the US shares the same governing description as fellow countries like Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan and Venezuela whose system of government have'nt been that successful as say communist countries such as China have and maybe not as peaceful as China has been also).

 

But ho hum digresses.

 

Of course we in the UK cant talk, the UK is practically medieval and feudal in comparison to the brand spanking new Federal Republic of the United States.

Us with our monarchy, Lords, Sirs etc... ....and yet British democracy was founded on the Magna Carta in 1225 and was the basis of many US states and is still cited to-day in American legislature so one supposes it was'nt too archaic for American legislators and lawmakers.

 

Oh enough........... technically as a European ho hum also extends best wishes to the fledgling country of the US, good luck with Federal Republicanism as shared with your fellow compatriots from other countries.

 

See, we have come full circle.

Ho hum loves it when a matter is successfully resolved......

Seasons Greetings.

Peace and goodwill to ALL men (one of the first truly socialist visions, n'est pas ?)

HH

Edited December 23, 2014 by ho-hum

[ho-hum]

Ho Hum,

 

WOW! That was a response worth waiting for! Thank you!...

Our friend loves his whiskey.... So I am glad to hear there will be something worth while for him to enjoy. Of course, your story of Nepal sounds much more appealing than any whiskey if you ask me! :) I look forward to meeting you and Blondie on Seadream for Valentines day. I am certain you and our friend Miran will enjoy each other's company. We will make sure Miran packs his flask...

 

Kathy.

 

Yep, sounds my kind of guy ! (Maybe best to keep off politics, gun control etc,. And keep to whisky appreciation...!) haha

[ho-hum]

This is a very interesting.......sorry ..... quite interesting report that may be of interest.

 

Would someone clarify what a "fuel derivative charge" is.......where is Jim when you need him !

 

Fourth quarter results: A recent announcement saw the world's largest cruise operator report a net loss in the period of $102 million that compared to a profit of $66 million a year earlier, due to a $277 million fuel derivative charge. Nevertheless, Carnival provided an upbeat outlook for the start of its new financial year with cumulative advance bookings for the first three quarters of 2015 ahead of the prior year and at "slightly higher prices". For the fourth quarter, revenue climbed 1.6% to $3.72 billion, led by a 1.8% increase in passenger ticket revenue to $2.75 billion. In a separate announcement, the company announced it had reached an agreement with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to build a 3,954-passenger vessel for its Carnival line and a 2,650-passenger vessel for Holland America line. Delivery is expected in March 2018 and November 2018 respectively. In outlook comments President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said - "Based on our current 2015 guidance, we expect to achieve a 50% improvement in earnings compared to 2013 and are firmly on a path toward delivering double-digit returns on invested capital." For now, market consensus opinion presently points to a strong hold.

 

Financial Highlights:

Carnival reported net loss of $102 million in the quarter ended 30 November that compared to a profit of $66 million a year earlier.

Fourth quarter revenues of $3.72 billion were reported that compared to $3.66 billion in the corresponding quarter a year earlier.

Fuel prices declined 13% to $584 per metric ton during the quarter, from $671 per metric ton in 4Q 2013.

A quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share has been proposed.

 

Negative Points:

Carnival posted a loss of $102 million in its latest quarter due to a $277 million fuel derivative charge.

The company said it expects net cruise costs excluding fuel for full year 2015 to be up approximately 3% citing higher dry-dock costs, advertising expenses and product enhancements.

The group is exposed to economic uncertainty, along with both volatile fuel and foreign exchange movements.

Carnival remains exposed to geographical natural events.

Consumer headwinds for many of the group's core markets remain, including government austerity measures, rising taxes and wage increases which are below the rate of inflation.

Carnival saw three of its cruise liner fleet experience problems in 2013. In March, cruise liner Legend encountered mechanical issues that affected its sailing speed, resulting in it returning to its home port Tampa, Florida. A day earlier, the Carnival Dream reported problems with an on-board generator that resulted in passengers being flown home. Furthermore, Carnival Triumph suffered a power outage in February that left passengers stranded at sea for several days.

 

Positive Points:

Carnival reported advanced bookings for the first 3 quarter of 2015 were ahead of last year at "slightly higher prices."

Carnival Corporation and Plc operate a fleet of 100 ships. Seven new ships are scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2016.

On 19 December, Carnival announced two new cruise ship orders to be constructed by Fincantieri, the world largest cruise ship building company. For its Carnival cruise line a 3,954 passenger vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2018. For its Holland America line, a Pinnacle class liner due for delivery in November 2018 will accommodate 2,650 passengers and 1,025 crew.

Fuel consumption decreased by 4.8% in the quarter when compared to the same period last year.

Growth in the Australian cruise market is being targeted. The group's fleet there is due to increase from 3 to 5 ships in 2015.

Carnival Corporation and Plc is a dual listed company, with headquarters in Southampton, England and in the Miami suburb of Doral, Florida USA. It is the largest cruise company in the world. Carnival Plc can trace its origins back to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company of the early 19th century.

[kathyanddanny]

Ho Hum,

 

You forgot Religion, and Separation...being from Quebec , these are topics near and dear to our hearts! I suppose we can find other things to dwell on for the week while sipping Mojitos by the pool or beach! LOL :D

[commodoredave]

This is a very interesting.......sorry ..... quite interesting report that may be of interest.

 

Would someone clarify what a "fuel derivative charge" is.......where is Jim when you need him !

 

Fourth quarter results: A recent announcement saw the world's largest cruise operator report a net loss in the period of $102 million that compared to a profit of $66 million a year earlier, due to a $277 million fuel derivative charge. Nevertheless, Carnival provided an upbeat outlook for the start of its new financial year with cumulative advance bookings for the first three quarters of 2015 ahead of the prior year and at "slightly higher prices". For the fourth quarter, revenue climbed 1.6% to $3.72 billion, led by a 1.8% increase in passenger ticket revenue to $2.75 billion. In a separate announcement, the company announced it had reached an agreement with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to build a 3,954-passenger vessel for its Carnival line and a 2,650-passenger vessel for Holland America line. Delivery is expected in March 2018 and November 2018 respectively. In outlook comments President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said - "Based on our current 2015 guidance, we expect to achieve a 50% improvement in earnings compared to 2013 and are firmly on a path toward delivering double-digit returns on invested capital." For now, market consensus opinion presently points to a strong hold.

 

Financial Highlights:

Carnival reported net loss of $102 million in the quarter ended 30 November that compared to a profit of $66 million a year earlier.

Fourth quarter revenues of $3.72 billion were reported that compared to $3.66 billion in the corresponding quarter a year earlier.

Fuel prices declined 13% to $584 per metric ton during the quarter, from $671 per metric ton in 4Q 2013.

A quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share has been proposed.

 

Negative Points:

Carnival posted a loss of $102 million in its latest quarter due to a $277 million fuel derivative charge.

The company said it expects net cruise costs excluding fuel for full year 2015 to be up approximately 3% citing higher dry-dock costs, advertising expenses and product enhancements.

The group is exposed to economic uncertainty, along with both volatile fuel and foreign exchange movements.

Carnival remains exposed to geographical natural events.

Consumer headwinds for many of the group's core markets remain, including government austerity measures, rising taxes and wage increases which are below the rate of inflation.

Carnival saw three of its cruise liner fleet experience problems in 2013. In March, cruise liner Legend encountered mechanical issues that affected its sailing speed, resulting in it returning to its home port Tampa, Florida. A day earlier, the Carnival Dream reported problems with an on-board generator that resulted in passengers being flown home. Furthermore, Carnival Triumph suffered a power outage in February that left passengers stranded at sea for several days.

 

Positive Points:

Carnival reported advanced bookings for the first 3 quarter of 2015 were ahead of last year at "slightly higher prices."

Carnival Corporation and Plc operate a fleet of 100 ships. Seven new ships are scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2016.

On 19 December, Carnival announced two new cruise ship orders to be constructed by Fincantieri, the world largest cruise ship building company. For its Carnival cruise line a 3,954 passenger vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2018. For its Holland America line, a Pinnacle class liner due for delivery in November 2018 will accommodate 2,650 passengers and 1,025 crew.

Fuel consumption decreased by 4.8% in the quarter when compared to the same period last year.

Growth in the Australian cruise market is being targeted. The group's fleet there is due to increase from 3 to 5 ships in 2015.

Carnival Corporation and Plc is a dual listed company, with headquarters in Southampton, England and in the Miami suburb of Doral, Florida USA. It is the largest cruise company in the world. Carnival Plc can trace its origins back to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company of the early 19th century.

 

Fuel derivative charge -- Carnival probably hedged their oil costs and got hit with a huge loss with the rapid and significant decline in oil prices.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

If my relaying of my Chinese friends' sentiments towards the US piques anyones interest, research the Chinese health care system and their social safety net system. You will likely be very surprised by what you learn. Hint: There is a good reason the Chinese are obsessive savers.

[ho-hum]

Ho hum and blondie would like to wish you all a very Happy Xmas.

We begin with the CREW without whom there would be very little to cheer.

Well maybe that wasn't very gracious for we include the Oslo & Miami offices as well.

And never forgetting the man himself Antler Brimstone (blame the prescriptive texting !) and his wonderful sister and family.

And then there are the posters ...... God bless you all !

And finally there are the simple voyeurs ..... yes, you are too smart to indulge with an offering...you leave that to us....a wise call !

 

May you all travel on SD in the forthcoming year.

SD owner and management, you have totally ruined this year's Xmas and shame on you by chartering both vessels...that was un-forgiveable.

 

But we have the opportunity of a new start and we look forward to joining SDII in the early New Year.

 

A politically correct Xmas carol is attached below for your enjoyment.

 

[ho-hum]

Fuel derivative charge -- Carnival probably hedged their oil costs and got hit with a huge loss with the rapid and significant decline in oil prices.

 

Thanks for that Dave.

[Jim Avery]

Merry Christmas to Mr &nMrs Hum and all the SeaDream family from Mazatlan on the beautiful Mexican Riviera. More later when not typing on the phone.

[kathyanddanny]

Merry Christmas to all of our Cruise, Critic friends and Seadream Groupies!!

 

And thank you Ho Hum for entertaining us with your idle jottings!...

It's been a real pleasure!

 

Happy future Voyage everyone!!

Et, bonne Anneé a toute!...:D

[ho-hum]

The first comes from a woman on a Mediterranean cruise. She complained about the sea being too loud, claiming it had prevented her from having a decent night’s sleep during her holiday onboard. She also suggested that the cabins be “better sound-proofed against the sounds of the sea.”

 

A gentleman on a two-week Caribbean honeymoon cruise with his wife complained about the lack of ceremony accorded the couple’s newlywed status. He expected the staff onboard to dress their cabin in white, strew rose petals for them each morning and deliver champagne and strawberries each day via a private butler. The grousing groom admitted that he didn’t request the measures in question, but expected the staff to know the couple were just married and offer special treatment accordingly, at no extra cost.

 

A woman on a cruise departing from Southampton informed the travel agency that she had been forced to reschedule her cruise holiday after failing to bring her passport with her when she turned up to board the ship. She believed she only needed her passport when going on a fly-cruise, and blamed the cruise company for not texting her the day before to remind her to take the document.

 

A couple on a Mediterranean cruise complained about their captain being “rude” and selfishly failing to comply with their plans, despite them leaving him a detailed note. The couple left the note for the Captain in the morning to let him know they would be returning to the ship two hours later than the planned departure time due to having “too much to do in-port,” but the Captain chose not to wait, departing as scheduled. The couple were forced to catch up with the ship at its next port stop the following day — and wanted compensation for their accrued travel costs.

 

A young woman on a Hawaiian cruise contacted the customer service department and demanded to know why she didn’t see Gary Barlow on her cruise. She explained that she had “heard that Gary Barlow was once on the same cruise” and that she expected to see him on her cruise, as well.

A man who voyaged on a summer cruise around Alaska complained about the weather: It wasn’t as warm as he’d expected. According to the disgruntled passenger, “all cruises are meant to be hot.” The man then demanded compensation for having to buy warmer clothing — as he “had only packed minimal clothing for the expected hot weather” — explaining that his expectations of being able to swim in the swimming pool each day and “get an impressive tan” had not been met

[ho-hum]

Merry Xmas from Sea Dream II

[gcmv]

There was a big surprise under the Christmas tree - a parcel from Seadream!

Frau gcmv received it a few days ago and did not tell a word about it.

When all the other presents were opened Herr gcmv descried it in the most remote corner.

Herr gcmv was instructed to open it carefully - what a surprise!!!

The Christmas letter was signed by Atle himself, what a great honour!!!

This was the first moment, when gcmv thought of ho-hum - will blondie and ho-hum also have a present from Atle under their posh Christmas tree?!

 

A few hours later (after reading the new enclosed 2015/16 SD-brochure), gcmv disclosed the secret of the parcel. No socks or ties, no shirt with coloured collar - no, it was a ....

 

Vegetable and fruit knife made of porcelain!!!

 

What did Atle think when he picked this present for me?

Gcmv never used a knife like this before - usually gcmv prefers knives made of German steel from Solingen; and the next idea in gcmv's mind was: Did I eat too much fruit and vegetables on SD II and not as much surf&turf like dearest ho-hum?!

 

Ho ho ho (-hum), please unravel the mistery!

 

Merry Christmas to blondie and you and to all the other Seadreamers here at CC and especially the great idle jottings participants ...

 

Herr and Frau gcmv

[ho-hum]

An elderly couple who went on a cruise around France and Spain asked for a full refund because the team onboard did not provide them with a packed lunch each day, after arriving in port, to take with them when leaving the ship.

A woman on a Celebrity Cruises ship asked for a full refund in June last year, simply because she didn’t see any celebrities onboard. According to her comments, the company was guilty of false advertising due to the lack of actual celebrities on the ship.

 

A couple from Yorkshire contacted their travel agency to complain about the kindness of the staff onboard their cruise in October, explaining that they had to spend “a lot more money than planned in tips due to the excellent service.” The couple were seeking some compensation for the cost of the tips given out.

 

And finally … in January this year a woman called to express her disappointment with her inside cabin not having a window to the sea. Furthermore, she said, she couldn’t understand why nobody onboard was able to install a window for her so she could enjoy the view, and she expected better service next time.

[kathyanddanny]

Ho Hum,...

 

You wouldn't be pulling our leg with these complaints would you? :eek:

 

( the staff were too friendly?! ) LOL. Takes all kinds!...

[Host Dan]

Great stories!

 

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Forums mobile app

[ho-hum]

There was a big surprise under the Christmas tree - a parcel from Seadream!

Frau gcmv received it a few days ago and did not tell a word about it.

When all the other presents were opened Herr gcmv descried it in the most remote corner.

Herr gcmv was instructed to open it carefully - what a surprise!!!

The Christmas letter was signed by Atle himself, what a great honour!!!

This was the first moment, when gcmv thought of ho-hum - will blondie and ho-hum also have a present from Atle under their posh Christmas tree?!

 

A few hours later (after reading the new enclosed 2015/16 SD-brochure), gcmv disclosed the secret of the parcel. No socks or ties, no shirt with coloured collar - no, it was a ....

 

Vegetable and fruit knife made of porcelain!!!

 

What did Atle think when he picked this present for me?

Gcmv never used a knife like this before - usually gcmv prefers knives made of German steel from Solingen; and the next idea in gcmv's mind was: Did I eat too much fruit and vegetables on SD II and not as much surf&turf like dearest ho-hum?!

 

Ho ho ho (-hum), please unravel the mistery!

 

Merry Christmas to blondie and you and to all the other Seadreamers here at CC and especially the great idle jottings participants ...

 

Herr and Frau gcmv

 

Well, well, well maybe ho hum can explain why you have been selected for this rare honour of a personalised Xmas card by the Owner together with an accompanying present of a pair of porcelain knives that previously would have been inscribed with the name of the company on the blade.

 

Each year Sea Dream top management decide upon their most prestigious clients who they would like to encourage to return by bestowing these charming gifts.

Obviously they have rated you and the charming Frau gcmv as such valued clients whose presence onboard raises the whole atmosphere to a standard of excellence and thereby induces others to return simply to metaphorically "bathe in the exalted atmosphere" you both create with such courteous, educated, well mannered, beautifully dressed, tres charmant and witty passengers.

 

Suffice to advise ho hum and blondie have yet to receive any such gift !

 

Obviously we do not have the cache of your goodselves, towards which we feel no bitterness au contraire we fully comprehend and accept the basis of reward by Sea Dream top management. It is entirely deserved and we applaud their recognition of your highly valued and obviously appreciated patronage.

 

You may gather that ho hum has been attending a recent television screening of "Downton Abbey" which always leaves ho hum affected in the style of the period and class.

 

It will pass.

 

Meanwhile Seasons Greetings to both of you (ho hum has heard the knives are extremely sharp and need to be housed appropriately: otherwise your memories of Sea Dream may be less than cordial as you try to stem the blood pumping from your fingers !).

 

Passive aggressive, moi ? Peut tetre.......haha

[ho-hum]

Ho Hum,...

 

You wouldn't be pulling our leg with these complaints would you? :eek:

 

( the staff were too friendly?! ) LOL. Takes all kinds!...

 

Kathy sweetie, these complaints are not about Sea Dream.

 

In fact Sea Dream have been "riding a wave" of adulation of late for their onboard experience, mechanical condition, extremely high pass of USPH inspection and always the greatest crews.

 

And it gives ho hum the greatest of pleasures to say so.

 

Dammit even shoreside management are demonstrating how fair they are !

 

Everyone wants Sea Dream to do well and ho hum would like to encourage this.

It is not the time of year to be "grouchy" but to be joyous at the very good fortune we have had sailing on this classic vessel in amazing places and with such fantastic crew and passengers.

[Jim Avery]

Well, well, well maybe ho hum can explain why you have been selected for this rare honour of a personalised Xmas card by the Owner together with an accompanying present of a pair of porcelain knives that previously would have been inscribed with the name of the company on the blade.

 

Each year Sea Dream top management decide upon their most prestigious clients who they would like to encourage to return by bestowing these charming gifts.

Obviously they have rated you and the charming Frau gcmv as such valued clients whose presence onboard raises the whole atmosphere to a standard of excellence and thereby induces others to return simply to metaphorically "bathe in the exalted atmosphere" you both create with such courteous, educated, well mannered, beautifully dressed, tres charmant and witty passengers.

 

Suffice to advise ho hum and blondie have yet to receive any such gift !

 

Obviously we do not have the cache of your goodselves, towards which we feel no bitterness au contraire we fully comprehend and accept the basis of reward by Sea Dream top management. It is entirely deserved and we applaud their recognition of your highly valued and obviously appreciated patronage.

 

You may gather that ho hum has been attending a recent television screening of "Downton Abbey" which always leaves ho hum affected in the style of the period and class.

 

It will pass.

 

Meanwhile Seasons Greetings to both of you (ho hum has heard the knives are extremely sharp and need to be housed appropriately: otherwise your memories of Sea Dream may be less than cordial as you try to stem the blood pumping from your fingers !).

 

Passive aggressive, moi ? Peut tetre.......haha

 

We also received a gift. Atle sent us a voucher for a free cruise.....On any line but SeaDream.