Live: Amazon River, Caribbean, Many Pix’s, Terry/Ohio

[TLCOhio]

Great photos and info re the Opera House Manaus. Another point of interest we were told which is shown on your picture of the square surrounded by the trees outside the entrance with the statue as the central feature was that the square itself was laid in alternate dark and light tiles to depict the meeting of the waters which occurs quite close to Manaus.They really did think of everything with this amazing building and surrounds.Thanks for your wonderful reports and pics so far.

 

drron29: Thanks for bringing back many great memories from our Cloud cruise up the Amazon just over 2 years ago. We went towards the end of 2012. Amazing to see the difference in water levels.At Boca da Valeria the soccer pitch they were using then is under water in your photos. I was going to post earlier but have a continuimg saga with posting pictures-explained on the how to post a picture thread. Once again thanks for the magnificent report.

 

It's raining outside at a little after 6:30 am as I am in the Panorama Lounge writing and watching the river action. We are now getting ready for three full sea days enroute to Barbados. Overall' date=' we have had [b']great weather.[/b] Yes, humid and hot in the Amazon River region, but on most days, there has been a nice breeze that has helped things so much to be more comfortable. Being mostly all dry, compared to too much rainforest rain, has been a super great blessing.

 

In Barbados, only about 18 of the current 179 passengers will be staying on with us for the next nine-day cruise. We met one of those couples last night while dining at Le Champagne. They are from wonderful Barcelona. They will do a week in San Juan and and a week in the Florida Keys after getting off of the Silver Cloud in that PR capital.

 

Thanks for these two above posts. YES, that park area in front of the Manaus Opera House with its black-and-white waves was interesting and was explained to us by our guide. Will try to show some more pictures later of that park and the area. Nice that our Australia friend, drron29, has provided the added background for how high the waters can get along the Amazon. For a river this big, BIG and super wide, it is somewhat surprising that there would be that much height/water level variation.

 

This posting is now up over 6,900 views. Appreciate the interest to drop by and especially to those who have commented, shared added background/info, asked questions, etc. Don't be shy!! Keep it coming. Lots more happen to post from the Amazon region, plus the upcoming Caribbean islands.

 

TRAVEL AGENTS??: On these Cruise Critic boards over time, many questions will come up on travel agent, their need/value, the future for that profession, etc. Unfortunately, we cannot name or suggest here any specific agent. BUT, just wanted to offer a shout-out for the value and worth of really good travel agents. Clearly some are just "order-takers". Not much value-added by that process or type of agent. That makes it easier to just do it yourself via the Internet and/or phones. We have worked with ours since 2006 and she is so important because of her vast travel experiences around the world, being honest, blunt and candid for options being considered, etc. Last year for our Australia-NZ adventure, she had been there 25+ times and had many keen insights. Personally, I like to do lots of reading and research myself. I do not do everything that Fran suggests, but it is all part of the "total information picture" in planning and preparing. That is the best of all world . . . an excellent agent AND an involved, interested customer. In most cases, if you book it yourself and/or through a cruise line staffer, you are going to be paying the same amount for the cruise. Why not, if possible to have a smart and savvy travel agent, enjoy those extra benefits and gain so much more insights about where you are visiting, designation options, etc. Finally, when or if you have a "problem" and challenge during the pre-cruise period, it is good to have a strong advocate to push and argue on your behalf. Of course, getting an excellent travel agent is not always that easy. There are some secrets that I can suggest, later, if it is of interest.

 

Now ready on this grey and overcast sailing day to finish going through more of the many, exciting and interesting pictures to be posted in the next day or two. Much more excitement and fun to be coming.

 

THANKS for sailing along! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 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 pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 97,177 views for this posting.

[TLCOhio]

From our Friday, Feb. 6 visit to the small town of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island, here are some below visuals to prove that we had fun and excitement. Parintins is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. This area is rich in centuries-old Indian culture and celebrates an annual “Boi Bumba” festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June. For cruise ship visitors, the townspeople re-enact this festival for visitors throughout the year.

 

From our destination consultant, what we saw is not exactly the full, real deal as done in their larger stadium with the shouting crowds. BUT, we loved the music, dancing, costumes, excitement, etc. It was not cheap at $149 per person, but my wife and others really enjoyed this sampling for a little bit of the Brazil carnival spirit and style. Of our 179 passengers on the Silver Cloud, there were 80 attending this program.

 

CORY SANDLER SHOUT-OUT: Not only has this veteran writer and travel been wonderful with his presentations on travel, music, etc., during this long, 17-day cruise, but he has been very honest and helpful in considering our options for various port stops. BUT, yesterday, he was a "Super Hero" in figuring out a problem with the setting on my Nikon D7100. Cory is a Nikon camera user, too. He was super patience in helping going through all of the various options, do a re-set, etc. Most important, the auto-focus on my camera is now back working. Makes a hugely positive difference. Cory has been working with Silversea for the past ten years and is under contract with them at least until 2017. We are going to have dinner with Cory and his lovely wife, Janice, in the couple of evening. Will be more fun. On a small ship, it is so nice to be able to personally connect with the staff and traveling experts/performers.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 171,199 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Here are a series of different views that only offer a smaller sampling for what we experienced and enjoyed at this Parintins “Boi Bumba” program. Lots of the story involves the white bull and the relationships with the young lady.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here is the second part of the Parintins “Boi Bumba” program. Are not the costume wonderful??? Large cast, lots of upbeat music, large "action figures" coming out, etc.

 

I also shot a number of video highlights for sharing with our two grandsons in Charlottesville, Va. This visual action should be interest to them. PLUS, to keep our memories alive from this visit.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here are more highlights from the Parintins “Boi Bumba”. Towards the end, the cast members invite the audience members to come on the floor and enjoy some of the "action". As you could see, some of the Silver Cloud passengers were not shy. Fun!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 8, 2015 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

Here is the final section of the Parintins “Boi Bumba” program photo highlights. Plus, little sampling of the Amazon River conditions, getting back to the ship on their tender, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here are the last of my highlights from the Parintins “Boi Bumba” program on Friday.:

 

 

 

 

 

At this port stop, the Amazon was so very strong in its current. Ship folks estimated a current of about seven knots in its flow. This visual from the docking area in Parintins shows the sharp contrast between the water "flatness" as protected near shore versus the choppy look of the waters in the open areas.:

 

 

 

Here is my picture of the tender boat driver coming back from Parintins as he had to navigate and dock under the conditions of these swift currents of the Amazon River.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Catching up on this Sunday during the first of three upcoming sea days, here are some visuals samples from the Amazon River, life/nurishment on the ship, etc. Lots of "eye candy" for those needing a "cruise fix" and/or break from the winter cold/grey.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. We are now at 194,047 views for this live/blog. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

When departing Manaus, here was one of the views from our ship showing where the Silver Cloud was docked for our two and a half days there. In the background, you can see the major Cathedral in Manaus, the dome of the Opera House, a range of other buildings, smaller boats docked, etc.:

 

 

 

Here is the sunset view from our ship as we were departing Manaus to sail east towards the Atlantic Ocean.:

 

 

 

Here is one of the interesting freight/tanker ships that we encounter while sailing along the Amazon River.:

 

 

 

Here are two different views reflecting the range of different river/woods/plains views along the Amazon. Very diverse and interesting region.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Of the 179 passengers on this sailing, the second and third largest groups were from the UK and Canada. Plus, some on the ship were from Australia, etc. High Tea was offered each afternoon at 4 pm with keyboard music provided to add to the "atmosphere" for the event. The Terrace Cafe was popular for this regular later afternoon offering.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Here are five visuals to give an example for the 4 pm daily offering on the Silver Cloud of “High Tea”. You can see the desserts (small in size, of course, to keep calories low), the small tea sandwiches, the cookies, etc. Need "help" in order to make it until dinner time, right? There are about ten different types of teas available, all from this old-line company as shown in one of the visuals. Of course, part of the fun is having the hot tea poured in front of you. Service is great!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[upwarduk]

Glad you like the 'afternoon tea' Terry.

That tea looks very weak though; that coming from someone who doesn't like strong tea!

Very rare that we have it, but recently we treated ourselves to one at the Ritz in Madeira. It was expensive, but the harbour views were stunning.

[TLCOhio]

Glad you like the 'afternoon tea' Terry. That tea looks very weak though; that coming from someone who doesn't like strong tea! Very rare that we have it, but recently we treated ourselves to one at the Ritz in Madeira. It was expensive, but the harbour views were stunning.

 

YES, to be totally honest for the sharp-eyed Jackie & Adrian, that tea-pouring was done a little early before things were completed and done. I wanted to get some pictures fairly quickly and I had the staff members pour it as I was snapping some shots. Being from the USA and not a big fan of hot beverages, it was a little rushed and resulted in a weaker tea than desired. Will get it "right" or better the next time. Tested and enjoy a couple of those sweet items. But, will need to do more in the future to keep perfecting such "research"!!

 

Now, here are a number of added Manaus pictures to post and share. These reflect more of the "real life" in the town for people who live and work in this metro area of two million. I always love markets, shopping, street architecture, etc.

 

Remember that Brazil will be BIG-TIME in the news for 2016 as the hosts for the XXXI Olympiad/Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. That choice was announced October 2, 2009. The games will open on August 5, 2016 and the closing ceremony will be on August 21, 2016. Rio de Janeiro won the bid over Madrid, Spain. It will be the first time a South American and Portuguese language site will host the event. There are major questions now for whether Rio will be totally ready in a little over a year with both the infrastructure and to handle the safety/crime questions.

 

Our visit to Manaus gave us a little feel for the "urban environment" of a major, large Brazil city. Rio is on our future "to-do" list, but not with the congestion and costs of an Olympic timing.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Before going ashore in Manaus on our last there, this is one of the views while having breakfast from the Terrace Cafe deck. We could see many of the nearby smaller "commuter" ships being loaded with goods and people. Second is one of the ship's fine waiters, Clifford, as he is helping with breakfast service in this area. In the background, you can see the major, 12,500' bridge south of Manaus. Third is a few of the Silver Cloud in the context of dock/port area location. We were docked right the "heart" for all of the "action"!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, it was heading to the markets of Manaus, including those that are more for wholesale fish, produce, etc. First shown is a typical local food, take-away style place. The next two pictures show some from the fish market that was so much fun to experience, sample the human interactions, etc. :

 

 

 

 

 

[spinnaker2]

especially the cucumber sandwiches...my personal fave.

and when the didn't have chocolate chip cookies at tea time the crew made certain they were brought to our cabin.

thanks for the visuals!!

[tgh]

Surprising that there has not been more applause.

A great TR Terry, and just what the list needs, well done

[Tiggerlilly1]

Hi Terry,

Thanks so much for the tea visuals. The pastries look wonderful. Mike would love all the ones with chocolate! The big fish look interesting too! Heading back to OH from FL on Tue. So sad!

Diane

[jpalbny]

Thanks for the picture of Clifford. We recognize him from our October trip on the Cloud.

[TLCOhio]

Yum. Hi Terry, Thanks so much for the tea visuals. The pastries look wonderful. Mike would love all the ones with chocolate! The big fish look interesting too! Heading back to OH from FL on Tue. So sad! Diane

 

jpalbny: Thanks for the picture of Clifford. We recognize him from our October trip on the Cloud.

 

tgh: Surprising that there has not been more applause. A great TR Terry' date=' and just what the list needs, well done [/quote']

 

spinnaker2: gotta love tea time. especially the cucumber sandwiches...my personal fave. and when the didn't have chocolate chip cookies at tea time the crew made certain they were brought to our cabin. thanks for the visuals!!

 

Appreciate the wonderful follow-ups and comments' date=' including from Diane from Dublin. Sorry that you have got to be heading back to Ohio from Florida, but I see on your post that you will be doing a "Prairie Home Caribbean Week", March 14–21, out of Fort Lauderdale aboard the MS Westerdam, calling at Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Maarten, and Half Moon Cay. [b']That should be fun![/b] Extend our greetings to Mike who is suffering away in Ohio.

 

For JP and others, I will have many more posts/visuals of the fine staff that has been doing such a great job in helping us and making this trip so enjoyable. Lots more ship and service visuals to be coming in the future days.

 

We are now out in the Atlantic Ocean, the second of three sea days on the way to Barbados. Tonight is the big formal night with the ship farewell event, a big musical show featuring British pop song greats, etc. Two different programs by our speakers today, plus other fun.

 

Below are the rest of the Manaus wrap-up visuals that I had prepared yesterday, but did not have time to post here. Plus, more visuals on the fine ship entertainment, the great cruise director, more food and drinks, etc.

 

And, lots of great people on this sailing. That is the major upside to sailing on a small ship. You really get to meet, chat and know so many different and interesting folks from around the world. It is hard to get that "personal" on the larger cruise ships.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 47,264 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

In this wholesale produce market, there was lots of "action" as large bags needed to be moved around in these large, tight quarters. Lots of people were here, adding the excitement for this "show" and fun experience.:

 

 

 

YES, we have bananas!! Here are two of my photo examples to prove the interesting visuals for seeing such large trucks loaded with green bananas that came here by truck from the northern areas of Brazil. AND, these bananas came to this market still on their large wooded stocks!:

 

 

 

 

 

And, melons? Lots and lots of them here, too! And big ones! This whole market area is large and very vast.:

 

 

 

Nearby in this part of Manaus were many other stores that featured a wide variety of cooking-related items. Recognize this vital element to use in making food even better? It's always fun to see this variety of different stores, options, people being busy getting what they need, etc.:

 

 

 

This part of Manaus also had lots of hardware, fishing supply, building materials, etc., stores and operations. Here is an example of offerings that you will not see back home. When living in and around the jungles, you need to some good tools to deal with the fast-growing products of nature!!:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here is part three for my visual "sampling" of Manaus, where people shop, the buildings, etc. Fun, exotic-styled city. Not all pretty and fancy, but very real in this town of two million people surrounded by jungle with water and air as the only effective ways in or out.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 26,546 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227[/b

 

 

Here are some visuals samples from the Manaus meat market areas, stores with various beans, spices and items, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, I moved to the areas where lots of the "real people" of Manaus are doing their shopping for clothing and other personal items. Great variety and busy with the resident "taking care of business". Many street vendors, too, but those types of sidewalk operations are being pushed out in the future.:

 

 

 

Here are a couple of added examples for street action, Manaus architecture/style, etc.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From my "walking around" photo exploring and adventure, here is the final group of visuals from Manaus. This gives more of and a better sampling of the varied architecture styles, life and activities. Some of Manaus dates back to its "Golden Era" of riches from the rubber wealth. Then, there were more "faded" days, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Wonderful Kotor and nearby Montenegro? Check these postings. Have had over 22,941 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and commented.:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

Lots of wires in their downtown? Yes, the poles get super crowded handling this many utilities in their central business district.:

 

 

 

Here are some interesting downtown buildings, sights, styles in Manaus.:

 

 

 

 

 

Bus fare in Manaus? You can see the cost posted right there. That is a fare of three Real that would work out to about $1.14. There are no subways or rapid rail in Manaus. Lots and lots of buses. Our guide explained that service can be rather slow and crowded at many times.:

 

 

 

Here is the major Cathedral towers, etc., for the Catholic church in Manaus. Brazil is a very Catholic nation and its shows with how the size and presence of these churches in all of our towns/stops we had in this country.:

 

 

 

Finally, here I am walking back across the bridge to where the Silver Cloud is docked.:

 

[fairbourne]

Hi Terry - Still following along from Scotland - loving the photos and the banana truck did make me smile and reminded me of this song and the clip from the movie Sabrina with the beautiful Audrey Hepburn! :D;):D

 

[fairbourne]

Knowing how you like the beautiful ladies Terry! LOL!

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry - Still following along from Scotland - loving the photos and the banana truck did make me smile and reminded me of this song and the clip from the movie Sabrina with the beautiful Audrey Hepburn!

 

Knowing how you like the beautiful ladies Terry! LOL!

 

Like so much these nice and kind comments and added info from our friend in Scotland. Keep it coming!!

 

Yesterday, as the first of three consecutive sea-days, we had lots of fun activities to share. Here's the start for some those highlights.

 

First, some about Hyperion Knight, the pianist, who joined our sailing in Manaus. At dinner that first evening, we were fortunate to have him and another wonderful couple from the UK at our main dining room table. He was playing later that night and it was a super fun discussion among all of us at dinner. Hype, as he is called, is really interested in politics and we had lunch with him yesterday to share more on music, the upcoming American Presidential races, etc.

 

Hyperion's focus are on the classics and popular standards, ranging from Beethoven to the Beatles. He is now based in New York City, living in Queens/Forest Hills, where it is only 15 minutes away from the two main airports there. That is handy as he does lots of appearances with orchestras across the United States and has been a featured entertainer at Manhattan’s Rainbow Room and Essex House. A Gershwin enthusiast, Hyperion performed Rhapsody in Blue during his first night's Silver Cloud performance. He does luxury cruise lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, Holland America and Celebrity. In 2013 he was given the honor of being named Silversea's "Entertainer of the Year".

 

Hyperion was born in Berkeley, California and graduated at age 19 from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. By the age of 22 he had received both a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Below are pictures of him doing a wonderful performance last night. In addition to his great performing skills, he has a wonderful sense of humor and does an exceptional job to educate us about these famed, historic music figures, such as the Polish-born Frédéric Chopin.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed 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 pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 97,304 views for this posting.

 

 

My pictures do not do a fraction of the justice deserved for the great performance last night by Hyperion Knight and two of the singers from the "Voices of Silversea". It was a magical night of music and learning so much more about Frédéric Chopin, his music, style and life. Plus, a number of other nice pop selections were weaved into the total stage program. So much, so well done in just about one hour before our dinner.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking earlier yesterday was Dr. Laurel Corona from the San Diego. You can see her topic on the screen. As always, she tied in nicely the history of various figures in their area, their personal stories, etc. Both she and Corey Sandler has been excellent, interesting and very visuals to share so much with the audience on this sailing. Corey continues on the Silver Cloud for our next segment, Barbados to San Juan.:

 

 

 

From the back deck off of the Panorama Lounge, here is one of the birds that was following us as we were at some major distance for the Brazil shoreline. As I understand, it is a magpie. Right name/ID?:

 

[fairbourne]

Terry - I think the bird might be a Tern. There are different types and they do migrate but I'm not an expert, more used to identifying our native and garden birds! At the moment we have geese from Greenland on their winter holidays!

 

Glad you enjoyed the banana song and it was truly amazon-ing to see them all piled so high on that truck! You truly are giving us food for thought for future trips. :)

[TLCOhio]

Below is more on dinner last night in the Italian speciality dining venue. They focus on "slow cooking". They have had several variations on the menu there over our 17-day cruise. It has been great to have that variety, plus a nice setting, lots of wine, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. We are now at 194,119 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

In La Terrazza last night, there were five of us for dinner and conversations. Several of us started with the thin-sliced tenderloin beef with sauce (shown below), then I had the saffron risotto (not pictured) and then the Brasato al Bardo. That is braised beef with wine sauce and creamy polenta. Very good, especially with lots of the sauce. Here also is the wine selection and then the dessert with coconut macaroon with sorbet, etc. Very good!!:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, here is the Italian chef for this speciality location stopping by our table, saying "HI!" to Chris and others with us.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Terry - I think the bird might be a Tern. There are different types and they do migrate but I'm not an expert, more used to identifying our native and garden birds! At the moment we have geese from Greenland on their winter holidays! Glad you enjoyed the banana song and it was truly amazon-ing to see them all piled so high on that truck! You truly are giving us food for thought for future trips.

 

Appreciate this added info on the bird posted earlier today. I will check more and/or see what other feed-back others provide for this ocean sighting.

 

Now for more food?

 

As the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea, Silversea offers a chance to indulge. Compared to the last time when we did this dining location on the Silver Cloud in July 2010 while sailing along the Norway coast, there have been some changes. Some good. Some not as ideal. But, that is Economics 101 and reality!! Previously for the multi-course wine serving dinner here, the total tab was $200 a person. Kind of high!! Now, it is $40 per person. Previously, they had five different rotating menus. Now is it just one set of menu options for each cruising. For once, as a special treat, this option and cost still works fine for our needs, especially so many other wonderful dining options on this ship.

 

This dining venue has been totally update, having a newer, more contemporary look. Very, very classy and nice. They offer seasonally inspired dishes. Over a year, there are several menu changes to reflect the voyage destination and some regional flavors. Overall, it is very much of a French style, as you would expect by the name.

 

The food? Very, very rich! You could not dine this way every evening. Earlier in our cruise, the demand for reservations here was fairly light, but as we moved towards the end of our cruise, more people wanted some new options. Then, things picked up for this venue, especially during the last three sea days. For our time of Saturday, Feb. 7, there were sixteen people here at six different tables. Excellent service and attention by the staff.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

At Le Champagne, what do you drink first? What else!! Here are the details and visual proof on the higher-end French brand served here.:

 

 

 

It is a six-course dining experience at Le Champagne. First were “Assiette d”Hors d’oeuvres” to get us ready for the second course. All were very good, but shown second from the left was Porcini Cappuccino. It was served heated and its tasted was out of this world. Such a wonderful mushroom flavor!! You do not get these kind of treats at McDonald’s or Wendy’s. You can also see the foie gras cone, etc.:

 

 

 

Next were three choices for “Entrees Froides”. I went with the choice of Maine lobster salad. It had caviar, lobster mayonnaise, mango salsa, etc. :

 

 

 

For “Entrees Chaudes”, there were also three choices. I choose the grilled king scallops. There was cauliflower puree, confied tomatoes, hazel nut vinaigrette.:

 

 

 

For “Entre-Deux”, my choice among the three options was lobster bisque. Do you get the idea that I like seafood? The correct answer is YES!! But, here in Le Champagne, it is prepared and served very differently than this soup is done in the main dining room of this ship. Here you can see how it is poured over the two slices of the lobster. Very good!! :

 

 

 

Whether with two or four at a table, things are served in a simultaneous “staging” to uncover and reveal the look/style for what is to come next. See how it done?:

 

[TLCOhio]

Is dinner over yet? No!! More to come. See below. You do not go away hungry here. Nor, any complaining about not getting enough wine in your glasses.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 171,287 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Now for the main course of “Terre et Mer”. I passed on the potentials of breast of forest pigeon, venison and Dover sole. I picked “Lobster Thermidor” as strongly suggested by the Maitre ‘d, Adrian Dias. My wife picked the rack of New Zealand rack of lamb. To be honest, there were “slips” with both of our choices. My lobster was nicely staged and very tasty, but served somewhat mildly warm. The lamb, that I also sampled, too, was kind of grizzly. We had much better rack of lamb in the main dining room earlier in the cruise. We shared these reactions with Adrian and he said he would pass it along to the Chef, Jahzheel Arreglo.:

 

 

 

 

 

Now for dessert? We both ordered in advance the excellent choice of “Souffle au Grand Marnier Centenaire”. This is their signature dishes and it is clear to understand why it is so popular!:

 

 

 

After dessert, whether needed or not, these added sweet treats were brought out. I skipped these potentials as my wife had coffee.:

 

 

 

Happy? Here are Adrian and Jemmar with my very pleased wife, Penny. :

 

Edited February 9, 2015 by TLCOhio

[jpalbny]

Thanks, Terry! I have been trying to lose some pudge that has stuck with me since our last two cruises on Silver Cloud, and you had to post those delicious pictures... I feel like I've gained 10# just looking at them!

 

Now I need to go for a run, but we've had another foot of snow since yesterday, so I think I'll sit by the fire with some travel books instead. Keep on enjoying and I will keep on starving myself so my clothes fit for our next cruise. :)

[spinnaker2]

all i can think of is the eh VOILA!!!! as they lift the dome cover off the food...yum.

[TLCOhio]

Thanks, Terry! I have been trying to lose some pudge that has stuck with me since our last two cruises on Silver Cloud, and you had to post those delicious pictures... I feel like I've gained 10# just looking at them! Now I need to go for a run, but we've had another foot of snow since yesterday, so I think I'll sit by the fire with some travel books instead. Keep on enjoying and I will keep on starving myself so my clothes fit for our next cruise. :)

 

spinnaker2: all i can think of is the eh VOILA!!!! as they lift the dome cover off the food...yum.

 

Appreciate these two follow-ups' date=' including about the [b']snow hitting[/b] the USA, the food views/temptations, etc.

 

Have some fresh, fresh visuals below. Hot out of the camera from this morning and last night's fun. For 161 of the 179 passengers on this cruise, this will be their last full day on the Silver Cloud. Fortunately for us, we do not have to get off in Barbados and we will continue on for nine more days in the sunny and warm Caribbean.

 

Many more visuals to share here today. Lots of "catching-up" to get accomplished. Perfect "work" for a sea day.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

As I got up early this morning and walked into my usual writing/reading location of the Panorama Lounge, here was the sunrise view. Wonderful!! Another great day!!:

 

 

 

Last night was the final program by the "Voices of Silversea" and the Captain/Staff Recognition program prior to the formal dinner. Great staff that got a well-deserved standing ovation from the appreciative passengers.:

 

 

 

Then, there is Cruise Director Allen King. Such a super pro, fun jokes, wonderful spirit, always on the go, friendly, etc. These three visuals gives a sampling for the Scottish Kilt that he was proudly wearing so well last evening. The last picture shows that he has not lost his "modest" style, right? Glad that Allen and most of the crew will be continuing during our next, nine-day sailing segment to San Juan. There is also a good chance that Allen will be on the next Silver Cloud segment that we are planning for a Cape Town, South Africa, round-trip, ten days, early February 2016.: