.......idle jottings continued

[TrapperZimmy]

Tobago Bay sure looks great today. It was -5C at wake-up time here. We will really appreciate being there in early January.

[ho-hum]

Oh Gawd !

Look where SDII are today !

Tobago Bay actually.

Mmmmmm............

In Poshland it is 5C but the weather forecast pronounced that we shall be having one month's rainfall in 2 days !!

 

Oops sorry chums, it was SDI at Tobago Bay, not SDII.

SDII were at Trunk Bay, St.Johns

 

Edited November 21, 2016 by ho-hum

[Jim Avery]

Sure going to miss ya next week.

[ho-hum]

Sure going to miss ya next week.

 

Well pay for the internet bundle, get Cruise Critic mobile version and give us daily reports !!!

[Jim Avery]

Well pay for the internet bundle, get Cruise Critic mobile version and give us daily reports !!!

 

In January I paid for the internet bundle and got to post exactly once. It was useless. I complained to management but no refund of internet charges. I doubt I will be bothering with them. Just have to go to some beach bars with free wi fi and stay in touch. :D Drink two beers. Post......Drink two beers. Post....rinse and repeat.....

[ho-hum]

In January I paid for the internet bundle and got to post exactly once. It was useless. I complained to management but no refund of internet charges. I doubt I will be bothering with them. Just have to go to some beach bars with free wi fi and stay in touch. :D Drink two beers. Post......Drink two beers. Post....rinse and repeat.....

 

The man with a plan !

 

Haha

[gcmv]

Drink two beers. Post......Drink two beers. Post....rinse and repeat.....

 

Great idea, Jim. We do nearly the same in Germany:

Drink two beers. Prost! ... Drink two beers. Prost! ... :D

[MACT]

Great idea, Jim. We do nearly the same in Germany:

Drink two beers. Prost! ... Drink two beers. Prost! ... :D

 

In Scotland...drink ten beers as an appetiser before the serious drinking begins.

[kathyanddanny]

In Canada we drink beer, warm your toes! Drink beer warm your toes! Haha!...

[kathyanddanny]

Hello Hum!

 

Thanks for the photo of St.Johns!

So excited for next month! Danny and I were just going over the itinerary last night! Anguillla! Paradise wrapped in blue...is we what we like to say!

See you!

Xo

[ho-hum]

Hello Hum!

 

Thanks for the photo of St.Johns!

So excited for next month! Danny and I were just going over the itinerary last night! Anguillla! Paradise wrapped in blue...is we what we like to say!

See you!

Xo

 

Hey sis, yep really looking forward to seeing you both again.

HHx

[ho-hum]

Hi Ho-hum,

I'm looking forward to your crossing review when you have the time. We will be on SD2 December 10 for the first time in many years. i hope we will still remember some of the crew.

Thanks,

Cole

 

 

GUEST VOYAGE REVIEW

SEA DREAM II: 25 October - 9 November, 2016. Barcelona - St.Thomas

 

1. Yacht Embarkation: 9.0

- no map of port: taxi driver was not familiar with port. Terminal not notified.

- Port officials good

- champagne offered (to me, at least but not others: lack lustre start)

- canapes good

- greetings wonderful as always

- processing very efficient and friendly (Vivienne & Dragana wonderful ladies)

- escorted to room by housekeeper: this aspect of service is crucially important for new guests as is the professionalism and friendliness of the housekeeper (Joanne again: lovely lady)

- bags delivered to room in good time

 

2. Stateroom Appointments: 9.0

- everything mostly worked for most of the time

- internet interrupted on day 3 but better than ever after that with a few drops: great job Communications Officer: Orlando. However no internet on final morning of voyage caused great difficulties for many passengers and was most annoying

- very comfortable bed: delicious duvet and bed base. Quite outstanding.

- cabin mostly quiet but the hardwood coving above the bedroom sliding doors creaked a little but nothing like previous time we occupied it

- love the paintings

- nice plants

- fruit appreciated

- nicely stocked fridge but ran out of Diet Coke by day 8

- shower head stained

- paintwork to Bathroom window needs re-coating (with better "cutting in" around glass)

- CNN not available on Bedroom tv

- floor tiles look grubby: they are most clean but tile type is bad choice

- bathroom lighting poor: just noted one bulb not working

 

3. Stateroom Stewardesses, Stewards & Laundry: 10* (1 star)

- bedrock of ship experience, always so kind and cheerful.

- Joanne looked after us so well again assisted by other wonderful ladies and gentlemen.

- Head of Housekeeping: Danna/Daniella is friendly, very nice host at dinner and standards remain excellent. Public areas seem to have had more emphasis (above and beyond previous very high levels). Witnessed hands on training by Danna to a new crew member (Raymand: very attentive): very impressed. We wish Danna well but have a tear in our eye for Sanje too.

- Laundry Master & team's work is always 100%. Suherman is a charming man and a delight to meet up with

 

4. Cuisine: 10** (2 star)

The Chef and galley do all the basics right and source the best foods whilst the galley crew are all professionals with an incredible speed of service and focus on good presentation (simple and "clean": not overtly, contrived).

The portion sizing is always perfect.

The dishes are mostly very good and occasionally exceptional.

Chef Tomasz's accessibility, dynamism and enthusiasm is always extremely impressive.

He was stretched severely in the final days of the voyage and had to rely on his organisational abilities and great discipline.

Pastry chef Amar Singh is producing great deserts. How they are never too sweet is miraculous. Hope he gets well soon.

So many dishes impressed: too many to list.

Providing special dishes, birthday cakes etc... is wonderful.

 

It seems churlish to make any critiques in light of the overwhelming pluses, as is reflected in my very high scoring but these few minor critiques may be worth considering (or not):

- miss the beef consommé on the regular menu

- bagels and croissants in last few days dropped in standard (may be due to illness of crew in galley)

- my dining companions (fussy lot) did not like menu presentation, I somewhat agree, it could be simpler which would speed up ordering

- the non-round plates just don't work and confuse the table. They also take up too much space for the round table and the silver domes do not sit correctly on them

- Domes ???? Hmmm.....over theatrical and wholly un-necessary for use in Main Dining Salon but perhaps favoured by others. Take up too many waiters time also.

- more Indian vegetable curries on menu (India is 97.5% vegetarian and meat/prawn dishes are anathemas to a curry)

 

5. Restaurant Services: 9.5

- Goran is just exceptional.

- Admir appears eager, presents himself well and is confident as well as likeable

- Grenold's confidence and personality has emerged and his performance is wholly professional

- service from ALL waiters was good but perhaps due to being two men down and USPH looming, I felt it was muted this time but replacements are on the way.

- very disappointed in resignations of two good waiters causing undue pressure on rest

- maitre d' Nichola: great as always

 

6. Bar Services, Sommelier, Wines & Spirits: 10* (1 star)

- Cameron has established himself so quickly and is very accomplished as well as great company

- Matt is a favourite too. Love the vibe from this guy. Smart, modest, well educated, interesting, attentive.

- Severin the "Rock": his calmness and his mixing skills are highly appreciated

- Frank: it's all been said before. Hardest working guy, knowledgable, patient, attentive.

- House wines have improved immensely

- great idea to include "Sommelier's Specials" at keen prices: I bought several bottles as a result

- Rose promotions and prices are great: again I bought several bottles

- Bespoke gins are the new fashion. Not represented well enough onboard. Must have better selection (Monkey 47 is essential). Must keep up better with drink fashions especially for younger crowd (like me !!)

 

7. Concierge / Reception, Shop & Purser: 10* (1 star)

- Concierge. Frud is AMAZING: a legend

- Purser Thierry. Is an utterly charming man, a wealth of experience, efficient and an amazing asset to the company.

- Shop Manageress: Vivienne. Wonderful and efficient lady with great charm.

 

8. Onboard Recreation: 10* (1 star)

- Club Director: Jeff. Brilliant as always. Jeff's brother Joe would be an amazing asset too should the opportunity ever arise

- Activity Director: Anna. Has improved dynamic of ship and is engaging to all guests. Would be a great table host. Was there a reason she didn't ?

- Casino Manager: Dragana. A very perceptive and competent lady whose company I enjoy tremendously

- Musicians: Sammy and Ray. Love Ray's amazing guitar playing but the crew show music set up was poor and detrimentally affected some fine crew performances: a shame.

- Hosting by Captain, Anna, Jeff, (Joe), Fabian, Pirro and Danna was wonderful: wished it were possible to dine with other crew but requests thwarted. A shame.

- Jane's "Mamma Mia" & "Sound of Music" sing-a-longs were great fun

- Dr.Nester was very good at "House Call", diagnosis, explanation of condition, treatment and above all kindness and support (even providing a large, hot water bottle in pink "fur")

 

9. Shoreside Activities: N/A

- all seemed to go well (as reported by other guests)

 

10. Ports of Call: 10.0

- Funchal: wonderful

 

11. Spa Services: 10.0

- Spa Manger: Piro. Bright, well presented and great attitude.

- fantastic massage by Nikki

- prices high

 

12. Overall Appearance of the Yacht: 9.0

- generally looks fine but a few slightly un-tidy / less than satisfactory finished minor areas in public sections have been overlooked

- some deck hand boiler suits were ripped, torn and holed: looked terrible

- thermometer installed at TOYB (always curious): greatly appreciated

- air-conditioning in Main Dining Salon less than satisfactory

 

13. Overall Impression of your Voyage: 8.5

- slightly muted involvement with a lack of authentic lead and engagement

- there was VERY little disturbance to passengers by contractor's onboard and preparation for USPH though the toxic smell of coatings into cabins on one or two occasions was appalling but significantly less than previous years.

- some vessel manoeuvring for better sea conditions and weather appreciated

- with all the work the crew have to do, the crew show is rehearsed and produced for guests appreciative entertainment. All acts were great.

 

14. Shoreside Management: 6.5

- issues with Reservations return

- issues with lack of candidness return

- earlier handling of SDI issues impressive

- better promotion targeting

- calibre of personnel in other areas is high

[Jim Avery]

If you ever begin to doubt how special you (we) are here on the SeaDream board just toddle over to some of the main lines. For instance, currently on Cunard is a hot topic on "Swelling of Ankles Onboard".........Not your stuff? Holland America might interest with their posts on "Runaway Service Dogs" Dogs that are not really service dogs, just pets on board. There are others but you good people here in SeaDreamLand get the drift.:eek::D:D

[ho-hum]

If you ever begin to doubt how special you (we) are here on the SeaDream board just toddle over to some of the main lines. For instance, currently on Cunard is a hot topic on "Swelling of Ankles Onboard".........Not your stuff? Holland America might interest with their posts on "Runaway Service Dogs" Dogs that are not really service dogs, just pets on board. There are others but you good people here in SeaDreamLand get the drift.:eek::D:D

 

Haha

Let's be charitable Jim.

Heck the subjects we cover !!!

What the heck has it got to do with cruising ?

What the heck has it got to do with reality even ?

No ".......idle jottings" is just MAD but occasionally we stray into posting about SD.

[ho-hum]

Haha

Let's be charitable Jim.

Heck the subjects we cover !!!

What the heck has it got to do with cruising ?

What the heck has it got to do with reality even ?

No ".......idle jottings" is just MAD but occasionally we stray into posting about SD.

 

Oh but everybody's else's threads are always relevant.........just Hum's that strays.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans on the board!

 

Fortunately, we are going to the in-laws. But have been prepping green bean casserole for an army, as our assigned dish :eek: Out of self preservation, we volunteered to bring the wine :D

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Gack, inlaws have gotten two more cats :eek: Old Ragnar ultra allergic to cats.... Spending most of the evening walking their grounds or sitting in the car :( Will the evening never end?

Edited November 25, 2016 by Ragnar Danneskjold

[gcmv]

Gack, inlaws have gotten two more cats :eek: Old Ragnar ultra allergic to cats.... Spending most of the evening walking their grounds or sitting in the car :( Will the evening never end?

 

That's a feeble excuse; fact is, Raggy is ultra allergic to mother-in-law and left three bottles of wine in the car for himself to enjoy a boozy evening on his own. Cheers!:D

[ho-hum]

That's a feeble excuse; fact is, Raggy is ultra allergic to mother-in-law and left three bottles of wine in the car for himself to enjoy a boozy evening on his own. Cheers!:D

 

Detective GCMV solves another case !!!!!

Haha

 

Or could be that dude Raggy really has some heavy karma to work through !!!

 

Gotta feel sorry for Raggy.

The dude does the right thing and then they get even more cats !!

What part of they really hate you are you not getting ?

Haha

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans on the board!

 

Nice words Raggy, nice words.

But can us non-Yanks join in too ?

Hum's feeling very THANKFUL for all the great chums Blondie and Hum has met on SD including the amazing crew.

We owe SD a lot for this part of our little life and boy are we grateful, every day especially keeping in contact like here.

Hum's also THANKFUL to all those that find Hum infuriatingly irritating and "not funny" for being so forebearing; sadly Hum is going to get worse !!!

 

Oh and a big thanks to Host Dan.

Despite what all you lot say about him (haha), Hum thinks he does a fantastic job and hopes to sail with him one day.

Thanks Host Dan.

[MACT]

That's a feeble excuse; fact is, Raggy is ultra allergic to mother-in-law and left three bottles of wine in the car for himself to enjoy a boozy evening on his own. Cheers!:D

 

 

And I thought it was only me who used a warming red to ease the chill of a visit to/from the mother in law.

 

Mr Hum, another excellent resume of the winter refugee crossing.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

 

Or could be that dude Raggy really has some heavy karma to work through !!!

 

 

 

I'll have you know my karma account is well in the black.

[ho-hum]

I'll have you know my karma account is well in the black.

 

Well, being Hum's chum, of course counts for a lot ........ obviously that is big plus.

 

Hum's been curious about the "green bean salad".

Are these runner beans ?

Which we simply "top and tail", put in a bowl with a little water, cover and zap in a microwave for 3 minutes.

Was that your offering for the "cat people" ?

[ho-hum]

And I thought it was only me who used a warming red to ease the chill of a visit to/from the mother in law.

 

Haha

Would have thought it would have been a few drams !

 

Mr Hum, another excellent resume of the winter refugee crossing.

 

Kind words MACT.

 

But Hum knows what you all really think !

So allow Hum to come out and just say it.

 

"Who the heck does this pompous "Limey" think he is ?"

Fair comment chums.

No hard feelings.

You ain't the guys at SD HQ (Oslo) who have to read this diatribe !

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Well, being Hum's chum, of course counts for a lot ........ obviously that is big plus.

 

Hum's been curious about the "green bean salad".

Are these runner beans ?

Which we simply "top and tail", put in a bowl with a little water, cover and zap in a microwave for 3 minutes.

Was that your offering for the "cat people" ?

 

 

We use the standard recipe, below, with the addition of two strips of good, crisp bacon, crumbled, per can of soup. Plus we add a cup (after cooking) of sautéed mushrooms per can of soup (sautéed in butter and olive oil, with sherry of course). We use 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans (a.k.a string beans, pole beans, snaps, etc.) per can of soup.

 

From Frenches website:

 

Ingredients

 

1 can (10 1/2 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

3/4 cup milk

1/8 tsp. black pepper

4 cups cooked cut green beans or 2 cans (14.5oz each) any style Del Monte® Green Beans, drained

1 1/3 cups FRENCH'S® Crispy Fried Onions

 

 

Directions

 

MIX soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2 -qt. baking dish. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup Crispy Fried Onions.

BAKE at 350°F for 30 min. or until hot. Stir.

TOP with remaining 2/3 cup onions. Bake 5 min. until onions are golden.

 

 

Ends up looking like this, except we fill the oval with mushrooms, and a few crumbles of bacon right in the middle (to warn off the vegitarians...

 

[ho-hum]

Well now we know Raggy (green bean salad casserole).

HH