First X Cruise:SILHOUETTE JAN 17 2016

[bettty45]

Norris, have you been on other lines like RCCL or Princess or Norwegian? We are considering a Celebrity ship for our family at Thanksgiving. We have a young baby grand daughter. Our kids are in their late 30's and early 40's. Will Celebrity be too much of an "older" age class for our family?????

 

 

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[pixidustmom]

I am really enjoying your review and check often for updates. Just haven't introduced myself yet. Hi:)! I am traveling on the Silly Feb 2/28 and it will be my first celebrity cruise. I have been on Disney-Magic and Wonder, Royal Caribbean- Oasis of the Seas, Princess a long time ago and can't remember which ship and Carnival-Inspiration.

 

Glad to see all the food porn and your review on each. Looking forward to seeing much more. :D

[hllwdcruiser]

Norris,

 

I thought it was about time I finally posted on one of your threads since I have been cruising vicariously with you for years. You make every detail come alive in your prose and your photos - your reviews are truly a feast for the eyes!

 

We are about to embark on our 6th Princess cruise (on the Regal :eek:) but have been seriously considering giving Celebrity a go. The food looks amazing but did you happen to notice what it was like for the non "suite" life?

 

I am eagerly following along and am really looking forward to your side by side comparison on the Princess Boards.

 

Sharon

[twins_to_alaska]

Also really enjoying your gorgeous photos, videos, and entertaining commentary. We're staying suite for first cruise (Solstice Alaska) in August. Eating in Murano our 2nd night. I think the lobster has my name on it!

[dodger1964]

...If you buy a coffee in Cafe al Baccio the pastries are free. Our Beverage package covered the cost of coffees....

 

 

Thanks again for great review...We were almost 2 hours late to San Juan on our last cruise:mad: We had about 1/2 hour of daylight.

 

We had 1 1/2 hour late start from FLL and then had rough seas all the way...so I'm glad you got more time to enjoy.

 

FYI, for others that haven't cruised X, the pastries (all the food...Cake, cookies, etc) are always free (no coffee purchase required.) at al Baccio.

[Bimmer09]

 

Carol was up on her lounger just infront of the basketball court when we entered San Juan harbor. I was on our balcony with 3 cameras working. When I met her later she said it was the 2nd most beautiful harbor she had seen-the first being the harbor in Valletta, Malta.

 

I'll show you the video first. Then the stills.

 

I had a soundtrack by the Gipsy Kings lined up to play over this but didn't want the youtube copyright issue to repeat itself. What you get is the ambient sounds of the ship, my camera clicking, some birds onshore and a few words. You can see the GoPro filming the same scene, attached to the railing.

 

At the end there is a repeat few frames of video and speech but it's not worth the effort to go back and edit then resubmit to Youtube as that can take over an hour to upload.

 

BULLETIN!! THIS JUST IN....

 

I want back and uploaded the soundtrack and uploaded to Youtube thinking I already have a video but nothing beats a try....and YAY!! SUCCESS!!

 

I know some of you have already seen the video without music but here is the new link with music @ 2 minutes into the clip.

 

 

It's the Gipsy Kings from France, a band I have been listening to for 28 years and have seen live multiple times. Sung by my favorite, Canut Reyes. Song is called Montana (not the state in the USA)

 

Norris, elated!

[Bimmer09]

Norris, have you been on other lines like RCCL or Princess or Norwegian? We are considering a Celebrity ship for our family at Thanksgiving. We have a young baby grand daughter. Our kids are in their late 30's and early 40's. Will Celebrity be too much of an "older" age class for our family?????

 

Betty, I have never sailed NCL and have no plans to.

 

I worked for RCCL in 1986 and did 44 cruises. As part of the Entertainment team I was free to mingle with the pax and eat in the MDR so I got a good idea of the experience they were having.

 

After coming ashore to live in the USA I did two Carnival Cruises as a passenger and immediately felt I had taken a step down in service and friendliness.

They have some ugly ships still afloat. My interest in sailing on Carnival is so minute it could not be seen even with the use of the Hubble telescope.

 

In the modern day my signature below shows who I have been sailing.

 

Carol loves the idea of a Transatlantic (me not so much) and I would lobby for Queen Mary 2 if we did. Reviews aren't great on that line but I'd like to see for myself and do a review of my own. Having lived in the UK for 34 years I don't expect too much in the way of service-everything seemed to be too much trouble compared to what I experienced when I came over to Miami. Perhaps things have changed.

 

The X demographic was the same as Princess- mostly retired folks but as the photos may show the ages ranged from Diaper age to wheelchair age with a good smattering of 20 to 50 years old. Not many teens.

 

I avoid ships that cater to the young-anything with water parks, rope courses and the like. Luckily there are great cruise lines that avoid messing up the upper decks with that. I like lines where you can relax and enjoy the sea and have the opportunity to find quiet corners to read a book in. I like lines where good service abounds at every turn. Bellyflop contests and Mr Hairy Chest contests I can't understand. A graceful diving contest I would attend.

 

Loud people I avoid like the plague they are. Screaming kids-no thanks, I am on vacation.

 

If you like a relaxing vacation with great service and food at a reasonable price then you could try the two listed in my signature. My signature I hope will grow but if this was to be my last cruise then I went out on a high.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Thanks again for great review...We were almost 2 hours late to San Juan on our last cruise:mad: We had about 1/2 hour of daylight.

 

We had 1 1/2 hour late start from FLL and then had rough seas all the way...so I'm glad you got more time to enjoy.

 

FYI, for others that haven't cruised X, the pastries (all the food...Cake, cookies, etc) are always free (no coffee purchase required.) at al Baccio.

 

Dodger, thanks for the clarification on Cafe al Baccio-I never ate there or had coffee but now I know.

 

Late into San Juan would have burned my shorts- it's a short enough stop as it is.

I'm looking forward to going back there.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

I am really enjoying your review and check often for updates. Just haven't introduced myself yet. Hi! I am traveling on the Silly Feb 2/28 and it will be my first celebrity cruise. I have been on Disney-Magic and Wonder, Royal Caribbean- Oasis of the Seas, Princess a long time ago and can't remember which ship and Carnival-Inspiration.

 

Glad to see all the food porn and your review on each. Looking forward to seeing much more.

__________________

Michele

 

Michele, thanks for coming out of the lurking closet to let me know you are reading along. Lots of food photos still in my pantry.

 

Norris

 

I thought it was about time I finally posted on one of your threads since I have been cruising vicariously with you for years. You make every detail come alive in your prose and your photos - your reviews are truly a feast for the eyes!

 

We are about to embark on our 6th Princess cruise (on the Regal ) but have been seriously considering giving Celebrity a go. The food looks amazing but did you happen to notice what it was like for the non "suite" life?

 

I am eagerly following along and am really looking forward to your side by side comparison on the Princess Boards.

 

Sharon

 

Sharon, your lurking days are over! Glad to see a regular reader of my rambles and thanks for the compliments on the photos.

 

Regarding non-suite passengers: they can eat in the Specialty restaurants too (and everyone should try some of those for sure) or the free ones such as the MDR and Buffet. I only had one experience in the MDR and you'll have to wait a long time to read about and see that. The Buffet was excellent. The vast majority of passengers are non-suite and I heard no talk of Mutiny-just saw a lot of happy faces enjoying an amazing ship.

 

Norris

 

Twins to Alaska wrote- Also really enjoying your gorgeous photos, videos, and entertaining commentary. We're staying suite for first cruise (Solstice Alaska) in August. Eating in Murano our 2nd night. I think the lobster has my name on it!

 

Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for letting me know that.

Where are you eating on the first night?

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

I am in our cabin/stateroom/suite/whatever and have my video cameras set up ready for the approach. I look out the window...

 

 

Battle stations!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My apologies for the number of photos you will see of this fort-El Morro. It's candy to my eye and I love anywhere that solved the problem of "keeping the riff-raff out". They used cannons as bouncers. It worked.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

 

* This is two photos stitched together

 

We were sailing in at 7 knots. (I had the tv on the Navigation channel as always)

Two hours early and perfect weather. Buffet lunch coming up soon followed by a Segway lesson and ride to El Morro. My skin smelled of Bvlgari White tea. Life was good. I was beside myself in anticipation so I turned to the other me and asked him if he would take a selfie. Then I remembered that neither of us are really into taking selfies so we dropped the idea.

 

 

The wide-angle lens showed me the harbor way in the distance...

 

 

Looking up at the Sunset Bar deck 15

 

 

 

 

Little did I know that we would be riding along the water's edge by that little sliver of beach in the middle of the photo in a few hours on our Segways!

 

Norris

[travelling8]

 

You've already seen us in Bistro on 5 ($10 cover) and Murano ($50 cover)

 

We will eat also in Tuscan Grille ($45) and Lawn Club Grill ($45)

 

We didn't eat in The Porch (next time) for $30 nor Quisine ($40 I think?) Next time.

 

Norris, you definitely have to return to X to try Qsine. It is a very different experience with excellent choices prepared in a very interesting (they serve spring rolls in a spring)! It doesn't compare to Murano, but it was fun nonetheless.

 

Kim :)

[travelling8]

Hi Norris, :)

I am LOVING your review! We sail the Silhouette the end of the month. I really hope we arrive to San Juan 2 hours early also! We love Old San Juan. Thank you for taking the time to do this AWESOME review! I am looking forward to the rest of it. :D

 

Kathy, we will be ship mates with you! 27 days to go!!

 

Kim:)

[Bimmer09]

Norris, you definitely have to return to X to try Qsine. It is a very different experience with excellent choices prepared in a very interesting (they serve spring rolls in a spring)! It doesn't compare to Murano, but it was fun nonetheless.

 

Kim :)

 

Kim-thanks for spelling Qsine correctly-something I apparently couldn't do LOL!

 

I know all about Qsine from photos and indeed we will be eating there on our next X. Looks amazing! Sushi lollipops, spring rolls, those sliders and fries...we are ALL IN!

 

Norris

[jagoffee]

Kim-thanks for spelling Qsine correctly-something I apparently couldn't do LOL!

 

I know all about Qsine from photos and indeed we will be eating there on our next X. Looks amazing! Sushi lollipops, spring rolls, those sliders and fries...we are ALL IN!

 

Norris

 

Norris, make sure you go hungry. Because of the number of different selections it is best to go with a group.

 

I also love the arrivals and departures. One of the favorite parts of my cruise experience. The one thing I miss most on a TA. (Not as many).

 

San Juan is one if not the best arrival because of the fort. Many ports have the same thing, but not as dramatic IMO.

 

Great job on the pictures, videos, and dialogue. Entertaining. Thank you for taking all the time necessary to provide it.

 

Jim

[Bimmer09]

We have passed the mouth of the harbor. The phone rings. I answer. It was the Captain (again!). "Norris I've just spilled a Mojito on my charts-do you have any idea how to get to the dock? I'm clueless!"

 

"Yes, Manny-I've heard that about you. Just go forward a bit and then hang a left and slow down or you'll get us all killed!"

 

The ship slowed, leaving barely a ripple behind....

 

 

 

 

 

Aida Vita docked up ahead

 

 

[Bimmer09]

Norris, make sure you go hungry. Because of the number of different selections it is best to go with a group.

 

I also love the arrivals and departures. One of the favorite parts of my cruise experience. The one thing I miss most on a TA. (Not as many).

 

San Juan is one if not the best arrival because of the fort. Many ports have the same thing, but not as dramatic IMO.

 

Great job on the pictures, videos, and dialogue. Entertaining. Thank you for taking all the time necessary to provide it.

 

Jim

 

Jim, little chance of us going with a group alas, as we mostly travel alone. We may just order what we know we can eat and return another night to try different dishes.

 

I'm glad you are enjoying the "review". I prefer to call it a "Gentleman's Seafaring Journal" which has a nice snobby ring to it. (LOL) I write for fun and to remember what we did even though I can't remember where I put my slippers this morning. I should take photos of them and put them on the Web...

 

Thanks for the compliments, Jim!

 

Norris

[Tommy3putts]

Beautiful pictures

[flyingv4me]

Enjoying your review very much! We were on this cruise with you as well as the week before (western Caribbean) and LOVE the Silhouette! I contemplated doing a review of my B2B but your review is excellent, especially the photography!

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

 

Bruce & Lockie

[Bimmer09]

 

Club Med II at her berth

 

 

 

 

The plate of fruit catches my eye in this shot...

 

 

The Butler brought us fruit each day

 

[Bimmer09]

Enjoying your review very much! We were on this cruise with you as well as the week before (western Caribbean) and LOVE the Silhouette! I contemplated doing a review of my B2B but your review is excellent, especially the photography!

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

 

Bruce & Lockie

 

Interesting screen name-do you own a Gibson guitar?

 

If you were on this cruise you may see yourself in a photo at some point.

 

I'm glad you are enjoying the review as it goes along -today will have a couple of highlights-the Segway tour and dinner at the Lawn Club Grill.

 

Thanks for the compliments!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

What a beautiful harbor and city laid out before us! This was the backdrop to my buffet lunch al fresco. I sat in the shade as the sun was beating down and I had no sunscreen or cap on.

 

Minute steak and pork cutlet with great fries

 

 

I always leave a clean plate as I hate to waste food. I don't load my plate with a lot of stuff I can't eat. This was tasty indeed! I did take a quick look for fried onions but found none. Steak and fried onions...oh mama!

 

I just have a couple of things to do before we step off the ship for our 4.30 Segway excursion. Charge batteries of course and prep the wristband for the Segway. Wearing it on my head was considered but I was worried about it flying off at speed. The wrist seemed the best idea.

 

Carol had enjoyed the sail into SJ and was now totally committed to enjoying the Segway ride. This was great news!

 

So, an adventure I have been dying to share with you is upon us. I have my camera bag as I'll be taking photos and videos. The GoPro will be running as I ride along/crash into cars/get catapulted over a sea wall into the drink etc

 

That is what is coming up next....don't miss it!

 

Norris

[aneka]

Hi Norris,

 

I have been enjoying reading your "Gentleman's Seafaring Journal."

My husband and I were on this cruise as well. We were part of the 2nd Honeymooner Group from The Villages,FL. Perhaps you saw all the red shirts onboard. It is so interesting reading about all the different options that we did not try! Your pictures and videos are great. Happy to be sailing along with you on this adventure once again!

 

Annette

[Bimmer09]

I will show you the Segway videos first as they are fun but I have to show you a photo of our guide as part of the set-up. His name is Jorge (on the left) and he meets us on the dock riding his Segway. We follow a hundred yards or so to his small shop by the water. There are 8 of us, if I recall correctly and we are seated in a small room about 12 feet by 12 with furniture (to support our backsides) and a desk etc. A tight space. Not for Jorge as he rides the Segway around, doing 360 turns and such.

 

He teaches us the basics, has a great sense of humor, a cool accent and insurance waivers for us to sign. Photo taken later in the tour.

 

 

In a small courtyard outside we take turns learning to control the Segway under Jorge's tutelage while the others wait inside. Carol was among the first up and took to it like a duck to water.

 

We all took our turns and got used to it, made mistakes and learned by them.

 

The video starts with us getting off the ship-then cuts to a shot of me learning to do a 360 turn on a steep narrow ramp tutored by Jorge's assistant. The camera is attached to my wrist -remember that. I wish I could have remembered it- the camera was so light I often forgot it was running when I got off the Segway and so have had to cut out some upside down shots. Lol!

 

* For the Fashion conscious I am wearing the famous "dancing feet" shirt which makes a cameo in the last few frames.

 

I have made the videos short rather than one long epic so there will be parts 1, 2, 3 etc

 

Enjoy!

 

Norris

[CruiserRob]

Betty, I have never sailed NCL and have no plans to.

 

Norris

 

Although I haven't tried it personally, from what I've read the NCL Haven suites would appear to be right up your alley.

 

Robert