Live-ish from Silhouette Dec 24 - Jan 4

[zaxanon6]

34 minutes ago, kg1022 said:

Sorry to hear about Cartagena.  I’ll be going on my first Celebrity cruise on the Silhouette February 4th so I appreciate your updates on the conditions.  Our cruise is going to the southern Caribbean.

I was looking forward to Cartegena, but... These are the times we live in. I'm very glad the cruise lines had to have agreements to get us back into the US; would be much more concerned right now without that. And I guess I'll have to book another cruise in the future to get back here. 😉

[dutchclogs]

On 12/30/2021 at 1:13 AM, zaxanon6 said:

Tonight was our first specialty restaurant meal in the Lawn Club Grill. Unfortunately, as we arrived, the Captain made an announcement that two passengers have tested positive for COVID. The restaurant was quite empty, with just 4 tables in use by the time we left. I really wanted to love the place, but probably will not be back. The open air experience at sunset and watching the island get dark was nice. Our sommelier was very good and attentive, but our waiter was very timid and seemed unsure of what was going on (maybe would be a better fit in another role?). I ended up with the plate where everything was overcooked, but everyone else's meals were okay. The hot chocolate chip cookie dessert was delicious, but so hot the ice cream was soup by the time half the cookie was gone. Basically we paid extra for lower quality food and service than we've been getting in the MDR. Hopefully Taste of Taj X will be better.

 

Throughout the meal, we kept seeing fireworks going off on land at random. There were little bursts for about 15 seconds at various locations for miles. I'm curious if this is a regular occurrence, NYE a little early, or something else. (Google wasn't helpful)

 

 

 

It's the Dutch influence. As you surmised, these are random pre - New Years Eve occurrences.  Officially, fireworks are only allowed from midnight 31 December and this year there is a total ban. Nevertheless, there are illegally sourced fireworks -- especially bangers -- around and about. 

 

[stones902]

I appreciate the info being posted on this thread.  If you could please keep us advised on case numbers and port closings.  

[Turtles06]

55 minutes ago, zaxanon6 said:

I was looking forward to Cartegena, but... These are the times we live in. I'm very glad the cruise lines had to have agreements to get us back into the US; would be much more concerned right now without that. And I guess I'll have to book another cruise in the future to get back here. 😉

You have a great attitude. I hope you do get to visit Cartagena one day. We’ve been there twice and enjoyed it very much.

 

It’s disheartening to hear about the additional positive cases on board. I hope everyone is okay.

 

Stay safe.

[zaxanon6]

The crew has done a great job on short notice rejigging the schedule. Some activities were already planned even though it was supposed to be a port day, but they added new ones including performances and another Beyond the Podium about Ancient Mayan Math. Sushi on Five, Lawn Club Grill, the Porch, the MDR, and Luminae opened for lunch. Also thankful for the performers and crew who are now unexpectedly running the extra 3 NYE parties tonight.

 

We're rocking and rolling a bit with heavy seas and high winds (expected to be up to 40mph from the east). I went to a Mardi Gras-style mask painting activity this morning and it was hard to make straight lines as the bar-top kept moving! Rainbows appear in the the spray from the waves colliding with our wake; it's very nice to be outside.

 

A couple cabins on our hallway have the balcony tables sitting outside the door, which I believe means the occupants are under quarantine from contact tracing while they get tested (they left menus out for food orders, and then they'll get contactless delivery to the tables). The hallway was being disinfected when we returned from lunch. They also made an announcement that anyone needing the medical facility must call and make an appointment, do not go directly there. Mask-wearing has increased with the crew's repeated recommendations, but some (maybe 30%?) still choose not to wear them. They've started handing out paper bags in the MDR to put your mask in when not wearing it. The trip is feeling a bit less like a break from reality today, but we know this is the risk we took cruising right now.

[DamWamWeRCruising]

On 12/26/2021 at 9:15 AM, Yvonne said:

Excited to read your review, as we are to get on the Silhouette when you get off🙂

Same here

[dateacher]

Love reading your report and yet and feeling more discouraged about my Feb. 4 cruise.  Hopefully, we will pass the peak of contamination by then.  Really love your positive outlook.

[marti2282]

So appreciate you for taking time to post. 

[CruiserFromMaine]

Just now, marti2282 said:

So appreciate you for taking time to post. 

Same here!

[zaxanon6]

6 minutes ago, dateacher said:

Love reading your report and yet and feeling more discouraged about my Feb. 4 cruise.  Hopefully, we will pass the peak of contamination by then.  Really love your positive outlook.

We're still on the uphill part of the curve; hopefully we will be starting downhill by February. I wouldn't tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do, but think everyone should make decisions based on all the information they can get. I'm glad folks are finding it helpful and hopefully don't think it's too alarmist. Our positive case rate onboard is still very low, far lower than back home. The onboard experience has changed a bit over the past two days, and that's one of the important things for future cruisers to decide if they can handle or not. But the ship is still beautiful, the crew is still friendly and caring, and there's still nothing better than taking a nap with the sound of the waves.

[TourDeCruise]

I am enjoying your live report. We will be on the Equinox on the January 21st sailing. Taste of Taj X sounds very interesting. Hopefully we will have that option on the Equinox. Is the meal a sampling of various Indian dishes? Or Indian entrees and appetizers to order? Are there vegetarian options? How much is the cost per person? We love Indian food and get it often in the Oceanview Cafe when cruising.

 

Update: Yikes. Just saw that Lawn Club dining is only available on Silhouette and Reflection although it is pictured as being on Equinox.

Edited December 31, 2021 by TourDeCruise

[zap99]

2 hours ago, zaxanon6 said:

The crew has done a great job on short notice rejigging the schedule. Some activities were already planned even though it was supposed to be a port day, but they added new ones including performances and another Beyond the Podium about Ancient Mayan Math. Sushi on Five, Lawn Club Grill, the Porch, the MDR, and Luminae opened for lunch. Also thankful for the performers and crew who are now unexpectedly running the extra 3 NYE parties tonight.

 

We're rocking and rolling a bit with heavy seas and high winds (expected to be up to 40mph from the east). I went to a Mardi Gras-style mask painting activity this morning and it was hard to make straight lines as the bar-top kept moving! Rainbows appear in the the spray from the waves colliding with our wake; it's very nice to be outside.

 

A couple cabins on our hallway have the balcony tables sitting outside the door, which I believe means the occupants are under quarantine from contact tracing while they get tested (they left menus out for food orders, and then they'll get contactless delivery to the tables). The hallway was being disinfected when we returned from lunch. They also made an announcement that anyone needing the medical facility must call and make an appointment, do not go directly there. Mask-wearing has increased with the crew's repeated recommendations, but some (maybe 30%?) still choose not to wear them. They've started handing out paper bags in the MDR to put your mask in when not wearing it. The trip is feeling a bit less like a break from reality today, but we know this is the risk we took cruising right now.

Sounds like the sea is a little ' lumpy '. Are you sure the paper bag is for your mask.🤣

[zaxanon6]

38 minutes ago, TourDeCruise said:

I am enjoying your live report. We will be on the Equinox on the January 21st sailing. Taste of Taj X sounds very interesting. Hopefully we will have that option on the Equinox. Is the meal a sampling of various Indian dishes? Or Indian entrees and appetizers to order? Are there vegetarian options? How much is the cost per person? We love Indian food and get it often in the Oceanview Cafe when cruising.

 

Update: Yikes. Just saw that Lawn Club dining is only available on Silhouette and Reflection although it is pictured as being on Equinox.

I haven't been on Equinox, so can't say for sure. There's a live from thread for Equinox right now; you could ask there for confirmation.

 

I'll post the menu and cost for Taj X when we go tomorrow; there is a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes. (It was posted in Cafe Al Baccio earlier but I didn't take a picture)

[zaxanon6]

Finally, a happy announcement on the overhead! CD Angela let everyone know that they have gotten the casino open! She also explained why the traditional NYE party on the pool deck is not happening; the high winds are a bigger problem than the 'lumpy' seas. There is still the silent disco up there, but all the musicians will be at indoor venues. I saw the balloons ready for the Grand Foyer balloon drop earlier today on deck 5; the crewmember running the arts and crafts class said he'd set them up and the net was not at all cooperative. Instead of 30 minutes, it took him 3 hours starting at 11p last night. So everyone cross your fingers that it goes off without a hitch tonight, or he might lose his mind.

 

54 minutes ago, zap99 said:

Sounds like the sea is a little ' lumpy '. Are you sure the paper bag is for your mask.🤣

[Insert rimshot here] 😁

I'm unfortunately very familiar with the bags you're thinking of, and the mask bags would do a poor job in that situation. Too small and too thin.

[cangelmd]

2 hours ago, zaxanon6 said:

The crew has done a great job on short notice rejigging the schedule. Some activities were already planned even though it was supposed to be a port day, but they added new ones including performances and another Beyond the Podium about Ancient Mayan Math. Sushi on Five, Lawn Club Grill, the Porch, the MDR, and Luminae opened for lunch. Also thankful for the performers and crew who are now unexpectedly running the extra 3 NYE parties tonight.

 

We're rocking and rolling a bit with heavy seas and high winds (expected to be up to 40mph from the east). I went to a Mardi Gras-style mask painting activity this morning and it was hard to make straight lines as the bar-top kept moving! Rainbows appear in the the spray from the waves colliding with our wake; it's very nice to be outside.

 

A couple cabins on our hallway have the balcony tables sitting outside the door, which I believe means the occupants are under quarantine from contact tracing while they get tested (they left menus out for food orders, and then they'll get contactless delivery to the tables). The hallway was being disinfected when we returned from lunch. They also made an announcement that anyone needing the medical facility must call and make an appointment, do not go directly there. Mask-wearing has increased with the crew's repeated recommendations, but some (maybe 30%?) still choose not to wear them. They've started handing out paper bags in the MDR to put your mask in when not wearing it. The trip is feeling a bit less like a break from reality today, but we know this is the risk we took cruising right now.

First, thank you for using your precious vacay time to answer questions. We are going to be on Silly in a couple of weeks, on about the same itinerary - my DH is away from home, when he returns we have a decision to make, obviously.

How many ports total have you missed?

 

 

 

 

[cangelmd]

32 minutes ago, zaxanon6 said:

I haven't been on Equinox, so can't say for sure. There's a live from thread for Equinox right now; you could ask there for confirmation.

 

I'll post the menu and cost for Taj X when we go tomorrow; there is a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes. (It was posted in Cafe Al Baccio earlier but I didn't take a picture)

We done the Taj dinner, it was fun as a group of 4. I can’t comment on the food except to say there was a ton of food There are a lot of the kitchen staff from India, and I think they take great pride in showcasing their food styles.

[Turtles06]

23 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

We done the Taj dinner, it was fun as a group of 4. I can’t comment on the food except to say there was a ton of food There are a lot of the kitchen staff from India, and I think they take great pride in showcasing their food styles.

 

My wife and I were on the Silhouette Dec. 3-13.  We absolutely loved the Taj dinner.  You are correct about many staff being from India.  In fact, the servers for this dinner were from India, and they loved talking with us about their food and loved that we were enjoying it so much. 

 

1 hour ago, TourDeCruise said:

Taste of Taj X sounds very interesting. Hopefully we will have that option on the Equinox. Is the meal a sampling of various Indian dishes? Or Indian entrees and appetizers to order? Are there vegetarian options? How much is the cost per person? We love Indian food and get it often in the Oceanview Cafe when cruising.

 

The OP will of course reply about the dinner on this cruise, but two cruises ago it was a tasting/sampling menu (photo below), with LARGE portions -- all of the food on the menu is served to you; no one goes away hungry!  The cost was $40pp (including the gratuity), but a guest on the last cruise said it was $35pp for them.   Either way, well worth it in our opinion.   The dinner showed up in the app several days before the cruise, although it could not be booked pre-cruise.  We booked as soon as we boarded.

 

[zaxanon6]

1 hour ago, cangelmd said:

First, thank you for using your precious vacay time to answer questions.

How many ports total have you missed?

No problem. We had 5 ports planned - ABC Islands, Cartegena, and Bimini. We have only missed Cartegena so far, and the ABCs were wonderful.

[TourDeCruise]

3 hours ago, zaxanon6 said:

I haven't been on Equinox, so can't say for sure. There's a live from thread for Equinox right now; you could ask there for confirmation.

 

I'll post the menu and cost for Taj X when we go tomorrow; there is a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes. (It was posted in Cafe Al Baccio earlier but I didn't take a picture)

 

TY! Hoping they have on Equinox. I will ask on the live thread for Equinox. Turtles06 posted the menu so you do not need to post. 

Edited January 1, 2022 by TourDeCruise

[TourDeCruise]

2 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

 

My wife and I were on the Silhouette Dec. 3-13.  We absolutely loved the Taj dinner.  You are correct about many staff being from India.  In fact, the servers for this dinner were from India, and they loved talking with us about their food and loved that we were enjoying it so much. 

 

 

The OP will of course reply about the dinner on this cruise, but two cruises ago it was a tasting/sampling menu (photo below), with LARGE portions -- all of the food on the menu is served to you; no one goes away hungry!  The cost was $40pp (including the gratuity), but a guest on the last cruise said it was $35pp for them.   Either way, well worth it in our opinion.   The dinner showed up in the app several days before the cruise, although it could not be booked pre-cruise.  We booked as soon as we boarded.

 

 

Yum! Oh, I sure hope Equinox has! Love Palak Paneer, Aloo Gobi, Dal, Samosas with Chutney, and Gulab Jamun!

 

[zaxanon6]

Happy New Year, everyone! I wish you all health and happiness for 2022.

 

It was a great evening aboard the Silhouette. We wondered what the main dining room would serve since they'd already used the 'fancy' menu (beef wellington, lobster, lamb, etc.) for Christmas. We didn't need to worry 😉 There was more lobster, plus more special appetizers and main courses. They gave out hats, crowns, foam glow sticks, and noisemakers during dinner to get everyone more festive.

 

We decided to go to the String Duo party in the hopes that there would be less people. The violinists are very good (they started playing around 10:50), and the Ensemble Lounge was a nice, cozy, dark spot to hang out. A few minutes before midnight, we went out to the Grand Foyer to see the balloons drop. The overlook in the midship stairwell on deck 7 was a great spot to be able to see the band, dance floor, and balloons. Multiple waiters were walking around giving out champagne to anyone who wanted it. If there was a visible countdown (like they normally display on the pool deck), I could not see it, but the band finished a song with about 15 seconds to midnight and CD Angela led everyone in counting down the last 10 seconds. There were thankfully no malfunctions with the balloon drop, but there was one with my camera (operator error) so I unfortunately did not get it on video. I did get some photos from afterward, though, as everyone sang Auld Lang Syne. The crew did a great job with the 'backup plan' celebration. Happy 2022!

 

[lovetocruisee]

I wonder if any of those Christmas decorations will still be there when we take over for you on Tuesday?

[zaxanon6]

1 hour ago, lovetocruisee said:

I wonder if any of those Christmas decorations will still be there when we take over for you on Tuesday?

From today's Celebrity Today:

"Christmas Village

Our Christmas Village in the Grand Foyer will be available for viewing and picture taking until the evening of January 2nd."

 

I'll ask guest services if I get a chance, but I'd imagine they'll want to take off the decor and put it in storage during the turnaround between cruises.

[Cruise a holic]

Our favorite restaurant on the Silhouette and Reflection is the Lawn club grill.  We find the service excellent!  However we are going through covid and for no perhaps people are on edge.

 

Hope to enjoy again in March.

[Cruise a holic]

13 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

 

My wife and I were on the Silhouette Dec. 3-13.  We absolutely loved the Taj dinner.  You are correct about many staff being from India.  In fact, the servers for this dinner were from India, and they loved talking with us about their food and loved that we were enjoying it so much. 

 

 

The OP will of course reply about the dinner on this cruise, but two cruises ago it was a tasting/sampling menu (photo below), with LARGE portions -- all of the food on the menu is served to you; no one goes away hungry!  The cost was $40pp (including the gratuity), but a guest on the last cruise said it was $35pp for them.   Either way, well worth it in our opinion.   The dinner showed up in the app several days before the cruise, although it could not be booked pre-cruise.  We booked as soon as we boarded.

 

I like the menu-however my DH would say "throw in garbage"  He wouldn't eat anything except fruit salad on it.!  LOL