Silver Wind Live! Helsinki to Hamburg, June 4-16, 2023

[LAexNY]

2 hours ago, bitob said:

Is Laura in bird heaven???

Absolutely.  And frog heaven too!

[RachelG]

June 14, 2023–Christianso Island, Denmark

 

Another bright sunny day.  When I awoke, we were chugging along across the smooth Baltic toward Christianso Island, the easternmost island of Denmark, and Frederikso, a tiny adjacent island connected by a bridge.  We don’t arrive until 4 pm, so there will be lectures today, etc.

 

Christianso used to be a Danish naval fortress, and the fortifications are still there.  About 90 people live there now, and they have a grocery, a pub, a school, and even a doctor, who brews beer in his spare time since there aren’t that many patients.  

 

Frederickso used to be a prison for political prisoners, and there is a graveyard where cholera victims were buried.

 

I did a bit of work as internet has almost recovered, then a walk around the top deck.  It was very pleasant with little wind.  George slept in then went for a workout in the gym.  He came back flustered due to culture shock.  A German couple came in the sauna where he was sitting, and proceeded to take off their towels, having nothing on underneath.  We are used to the separate saunas for men and women on Regent.

 

There was a seafood buffet for lunch on the pool deck.  Lobster and crab legs, p,us a bunch of other seafood.  George and I had already eaten salads and shrimp in La Terrazza, but he had to have a second lunch and said the crab was great, but the lobster was small and over cooked.  (Seafood buffet on Regent no longer included crab legs, so it was nice to see those.). While we were eating, we noticed a naval ship sailing along beside us.  They sailed parallel for quite a long time very close by, then turned and went to the other side and sailed parallel on that side though not as close.  Then a fighter jet again flew over us from both sides, not nearly as close as the other day though.

 

Early trivia—another win with only 2 missed answers out of 21, and one of those was the year the first automobile was invented which we were only off by a year.  As we were finishing up, we started seeing a cute little island off to the side of the ship.

 

We anchored and zodiacs were dispatched.  Soon our groups were called.  George was first off, anxious to explore.  It is such a beautiful island.  Every direction and step is a photo op.  Lots of birds,bullfrogs making a racket, some seals.  

 

The old fortifications are mostly intact, and you can hike around and go Inside the towers.  In the large one, they have some historical info, but the small one is a gem.  Lots of old stuff with every hand tool you can imagine, a medical exhibit with a gyn table and obstetrical forceps that I could use today if needed.  It was really interesting. 

 

We walked all over both islands.  We were given 3 types of herring and the locally brewed beer.  I hate beer, but this was tolerable.  I also thought I hated herring, and I still wouldn’t order it off a menu, but this wasn’t bad.

 

Back on board, we had dinner at the main dining room.  We both had the asparagus and goat cheese salad which was great.  I had gazpacho which was delicious and spicy.  George had smoked salmon.  I had ordered mushroom risotto as my main dish, very rich but yummy.  George’s fish was inedible, so he sent it back and got the risotto as well.  Then we both finished off with the raspberry soufflé watching a beautiful sunset.

 

[TLCOhio]

8 minutes ago, RachelG said:

There was a seafood buffet for lunch on the pool deck.  Lobster and crab legs, plus a bunch of other seafood.   I had ordered mushroom risotto as my main dish, very rich but yummy.  George’s fish was inedible, so he sent it back and got the risotto as well.  Then we both finished off with the raspberry soufflé watching a beautiful sunset.          

 

The lunch seafood buffet sounds great!!  Any pictures to share??  Glad the risotto worked well.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[RachelG]

19 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

The lunch seafood buffet sounds great!!  Any pictures to share??  Glad the risotto worked well.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Didn’t take pictures of the buffet as I didn’t have my iPhone with me.

[jpalbny]

39 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

The lunch seafood buffet sounds great!!  Any pictures to share?? 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

None here Terry. But it was yummy! They had four ceviches and assorted fried seafood as well as crab legs, lobster, Chilean sea bass, shrimp, huge prawns, and lobster tails.

[Daveywavey70]

1 hour ago, RachelG said:

June 14, 2023–Christianso Island, Denmark

 

Another bright sunny day.  When I awoke, we were chugging along across the smooth Baltic toward Christianso Island, the easternmost island of Denmark, and Frederikso, a tiny adjacent island connected by a bridge.  We don’t arrive until 4 pm, so there will be lectures today, etc.

 

Christianso used to be a Danish naval fortress, and the fortifications are still there.  About 90 people live there now, and they have a grocery, a pub, a school, and even a doctor, who brews beer in his spare time since there aren’t that many patients.  

 

Frederickso used to be a prison for political prisoners, and there is a graveyard where cholera victims were buried.

 

I did a bit of work as internet has almost recovered, then a walk around the top deck.  It was very pleasant with little wind.  George slept in then went for a workout in the gym.  He came back flustered due to culture shock.  A German couple came in the sauna where he was sitting, and proceeded to take off their towels, having nothing on underneath.  We are used to the separate saunas for men and women on Regent.

 

There was a seafood buffet for lunch on the pool deck.  Lobster and crab legs, p,us a bunch of other seafood.  George and I had already eaten salads and shrimp in La Terrazza, but he had to have a second lunch and said the crab was great, but the lobster was small and over cooked.  (Seafood buffet on Regent no longer included crab legs, so it was nice to see those.). While we were eating, we noticed a naval ship sailing along beside us.  They sailed parallel for quite a long time very close by, then turned and went to the other side and sailed parallel on that side though not as close.  Then a fighter jet again flew over us from both sides, not nearly as close as the other day though.

 

Early trivia—another win with only 2 missed answers out of 21, and one of those was the year the first automobile was invented which we were only off by a year.  As we were finishing up, we started seeing a cute little island off to the side of the ship.

 

We anchored and zodiacs were dispatched.  Soon our groups were called.  George was first off, anxious to explore.  It is such a beautiful island.  Every direction and step is a photo op.  Lots of birds,bullfrogs making a racket, some seals.  

 

The old fortifications are mostly intact, and you can hike around and go Inside the towers.  In the large one, they have some historical info, but the small one is a gem.  Lots of old stuff with every hand tool you can imagine, a medical exhibit with a gyn table and obstetrical forceps that I could use today if needed.  It was really interesting. 

 

We walked all over both islands.  We were given 3 types of herring and the locally brewed beer.  I hate beer, but this was tolerable.  I also thought I hated herring, and I still wouldn’t order it off a menu, but this wasn’t bad.

 

Back on board, we had dinner at the main dining room.  We both had the asparagus and goat cheese salad which was great.  I had gazpacho which was delicious and spicy.  George had smoked salmon.  I had ordered mushroom risotto as my main dish, very rich but yummy.  George’s fish was inedible, so he sent it back and got the risotto as well.  Then we both finished off with the raspberry soufflé watching a beautiful sunset.

 

1886?

[jpalbny]

5 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

1886?

We said 1887! Why aren't you here to help us?

[Daveywavey70]

Sorry JP. I’ll try harder next time. I Had a poster on my wall of the 1886 Daimler as a teen. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by Daveywavey70

[jpalbny]

Wednesday June 14th. Christiansø and Frederiksø Islands. 

 

Our only stop in Denmark this trip. We were called ashore a little after 16:30. A short and relatively calm zodiac ride ashore to a dock in the middle of town.

 

We stopped for a sampler plate of herring first. Three kinds - curried, pickled, and with tomato sauce. I liked the first two best.

 

 

From here we visited the large defensive tower (Store Tårn) which now holds some historical exhibits and pieces of artwork. SS had bought tickets for us (25 DKK each).

 

 

You can climb up to the roof level for the views too.

 

 

The land beyond Silver Wind is Bornholm. I was there 21 years ago for my sister's wedding. In January! It looks much more welcoming today.

 

 

The two islands are tiny and should be easy to walk around. Onward! 

 

 

But first some art. This piece was a large tree trunk, quartered, and painted blue inside. 

 

 

I liked this perspective. 

 

 

Just outside the tower, some very fluffy herring gull chicks. Weird place for a nest.

 

 

We had a look at the nearby church and another smal tower. This one was locked up tight.

 

 

Time to get moving and walk the perimeter of the island. Views like this were everywhere. 

 

 

You couldn't go outside the walls because of the nesting birds.

 

 

Some pretty flowers, including poppies which added a nice splash of color. 

 

 

Halfway around we started hearing a loud racket. There was a pond full of frogs who were croaking like mad!

 

 

More views of the coast, and a selfie!

 

 

 

Now about 3/4 of the way around the island. Is that a person on the walls? I bet I know him.

 

 

At the highest point, there is a large defensive bastion with many cannons. Good thing they are in a welcoming mood today.

 

 

Now we were back at the other end of the city. The Post Office had some nice hours! 

 

 

Main Street 

 

 

At this point we had circumnavigated the entirety of Christiansø Island. Our next goal was to get to the footbridge and cross over to Frederiksø, where there was another tower to climb. If we could get there before it closed!

[lincslady]

A lovely and interesting set  of photos, jp.  Thanks.

 

Lola

[jpalbny]

June 14th, Frederiksø Island. 

 

We crossed the little footbridge and hustled to the small tower (Lille Tårn). Of course the pretty landscape slowed us down here and there. 

 

 

Made it in time! As RachelG posted, some torture instruments....

 

 

What did they need an "electrical apparatus" for?

 

 

Old stethoscopes.

 

 

And this table - what did they use the mezzaluna for? Some things are best left unknown. 

 

 

There was an 1800s diorama of the islands. Christiansø is behind and to the right, and Frederiksø in front and to the left.

 

 

Now a little more walking around the rest of Frederiksø. Nice summer cottages, some for rent. We did see some people enjoying an outdoor meal at their cottage. I hope our group hasn't ruined the peacefulness of this place for them!

 

 

More poppies and cottages.

 

 

We reached the tip of the island and saw a zodiac leaving without us.

 

 

So back to the footbridge and the dock.

 

 

A beautiful calm harbor. 

 

 

The footbridge did look like it could be pulled up like a drawbridge. Here at the middle, you could see that it's actually two sections. 

 

 

We got a zodiac back to the ship and passed by some seals on one of the adjacent islands. No close-up views though. 

 

 

Back on board we cleaned up for dinner. Tonight's menu. 

 

 

I started with stuffed calamari. Very tasty. I enjoyed it very much. 

 

 

Chris had lobster bisque (not pictured) then I had gazpacho. Tasty and a bit of spice.

 

 

Chris had lobster tail which was much better than the lunch offering. And I went with the Wiener Schnitzel which was crispy and delicious. Both went well with the Macon Burgundy. 

 

 

 

Liar's club after dinner. We tied for first. Then some dancing before bed but we were both too tired to stay up late.

 

We're approaching the Kiel Canal now, so off to see what's on offer at the pub lunch! 

[RachelG]

June 15, 2023–Kiel Canal, Germany

 

The cruise is nearing an end.  We have today on board then home tomorrow.  Today is a sort of sea day, which I prefer at the end of the trip to get everything packed, etc, but George is sad because we won’t be going on land.

 

When I got up, looking outside I could see a huge windmill farm in the sea to one side, literally hundreds of windmills.  We were in a marine traffic lane now, so seeing more ships than the entire previous cruise.  The weather was pleasant, in the low 60s with some wind, but it was hazy.

 

We had morning trivia, and we came in third, mainly due to not paying enough attention to the facts about the island we were on yesterday.  When I went back to the suite, suitcases had already been laid out.  

 

There was to be a pub lunch buffet on the pool deck.  However, the wind had really whipped up, and it was pretty chilly, so they moved it indoors to the restaurant.  The fish and chips was just ok—fish was tough, and the chips were not hot.  But I had good pea soup.  The steak and ale pie was pretty good. George thought the best part was the Eton Mess, which is a dessert. 

 

As we neared the entrance to the canal, we saw literally hundreds of sailboats, big and small.  There was some sort of regatta going on.  There was announcement that entry to the lock was delayed an hour and a half.  I have been through a lot of locks, and I think this is not that unusual.  I remember a lot of waiting around going through the Panama Canal.  They have to have enough ships clumped together to go through at one time.

 

Some other ships, all cargo, turned up from both directions, and we went through the first lock.  The weather had significantly improved, and it was warm and sunny with little wind.  Perfect for sailing through the canal.

 

There were fields and forest on both sides, with lots of birds chirping, swans and ducks in the water.  It was really peaceful and relaxing.  We finally were able to sit on our balcony. 

 

The captain’s farewell was really nice, particularly since he is leaving the ship and going to Endeavor.  He gave a great talk to the crew.

 

Dinner was in Hot Rocks or whatever it is currently called with JP, Chris, David and Laura.  It was a great meal with wonderful company.  My steak was perfectly cooked, LOL, since I cooked it. 

 

We had to return to the room to finish packing.  Very sad.

[jpalbny]

Thursday June 15th. Kiel Canal transit.

 

A lazy morning but we were up in time to get our last bag of laundry out well before 9AM. Breakfast in Panorama then trivia where we did very well, except for the one 3-point question about Christiansø. Oh well, we've accumulated 150 prize points so we'll take it!

 

We returned from trivia to this rude awakening. Those pesky suitcases! 

 

 

We went out to walk laps outside, then went to lunch instead. 

 

We were close to the canal entrance by 13:00 and saw all the pretty sailboats. 

 

 

But a long delay until we could actually enter the locks. So we had time for a nap. Some time later, we are finally approaching...

 

 

Finally at 15:30, they let us through! 

 

 

Lots to see as we sailed through. The Holtenauer Hochbrücken is just beyond the entrance. 

 

 

Further on, the landscape is a bucolic setting with fields and forests that looked gorgeous in the bright sunshine. 

 

 

We did more laps, which were interrupted with the occasional photo stop.

 

 

 

This looked like a fun place. A break in the grain fields for some grape vines. Picnic tables. I don't know what they served but I'd like to find out.

 

 

Another ferry stop. There are fourteen that cross the canal. The boats are really fast! The distance is short, and they have to dodge all of the canal traffic!

 

 

We packed most of our stuff then got ready for the captain's farewell. Then the last dinner on board. 

 

I had booked Hot Rocks for us and RachelG, and we were joined by LAexNY so it was a really fun meal. The company was fantastic and the scenery was beautiful. We had a great sunset too.

 

 

 

 

It's now after 23:30 and there is still a little light in the sky as we enter the lock at the exit into the North Sea.

 

 

Good night for now. We have two days in Hamburg before we fly home on Sunday. Will be sad to see this adventure end, but we did book two more. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

13 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

Like the Ukrainian Flag balloon display – but it's upside down!  [Or is it the Cruise Critic logo??? 😉]

[alithecat]

Thank you JP, Chris, Rachel and George for taking us along on your expedition cruise. I enjoyed following it, and am very jealous of your dinners! Safe travels home.

[Grand Duchess]

9 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Thursday June 15th. Kiel Canal transit.

 

A lazy morning but we were up in time to get our last bag of laundry out well before 9AM. Breakfast in Panorama then trivia where we did very well, except for the one 3-point question about Christiansø. Oh well, we've accumulated 150 prize points so we'll take it!

 

We returned from trivia to this rude awakening. Those pesky suitcases! 

 

 

We went out to walk laps outside, then went to lunch instead. 

 

We were close to the canal entrance by 13:00 and saw all the pretty sailboats. 

 

 

But a long delay until we could actually enter the locks. So we had time for a nap. Some time later, we are finally approaching...

 

 

Finally at 15:30, they let us through! 

 

 

Lots to see as we sailed through. The Holtenauer Hochbrücken is just beyond the entrance. 

 

 

Further on, the landscape is a bucolic setting with fields and forests that looked gorgeous in the bright sunshine. 

 

 

We did more laps, which were interrupted with the occasional photo stop.

 

 

 

This looked like a fun place. A break in the grain fields for some grape vines. Picnic tables. I don't know what they served but I'd like to find out.

 

 

Another ferry stop. There are fourteen that cross the canal. The boats are really fast! The distance is short, and they have to dodge all of the canal traffic!

 

 

We packed most of our stuff then got ready for the captain's farewell. Then the last dinner on board. 

 

I had booked Hot Rocks for us and RachelG, and we were joined by LAexNY so it was a really fun meal. The company was fantastic and the scenery was beautiful. We had a great sunset too.

 

 

 

 

It's now after 23:30 and there is still a little light in the sky as we enter the lock at the exit into the North Sea.

 

 

Good night for now. We have two days in Hamburg before we fly home on Sunday. Will be sad to see this adventure end, but we did book two more. 

Thank you very much for taking me along, as always a joy.

if you have time and are looking for something a bit different in Hamburg, this is the place: https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

Something for the inner child😊

Been five times so far, the first time I was dragged along reluctantly by my husband, but I was won over at once. They also offer a „behind the scenes“ tour. Every time I go, they have built something new.

There is also a coffee museum next door where you can sample different kinds of coffee. Both locations are in „Speicherstadt“ and this could be combined nicely with a harbour cruise. Enjoy my birth town, Hamburg is great day and night.

[RachelG]

june 16, 2023–disembarkation in Hamburg

 

when we awoke, we were docked at the Altona Cruise terminal.  It is a passenger terminal, though there is a huge industrial port across the way.  We had a moment of panic when George thought he might have packed all his shirts in the luggage we set out last night, but fortunately he found one.

 

we had a very quick breakfast as ours were grey tags, which they said would be called between 8:30 and 9:30, and were actually called at 8:25.  So we were out the door with our luggage and in a taxi (there were plenty waiting) at 8:30.

 

we had to fly home today, but our flight isn’t until 2:35 pm, going HAM-LHR and LHR-BOS today on BA, staying overnight in Boston at the Hilton, then going BOS-DFW and DFW-TUL tomorrow morning, using FF miles for the entire ticket which was actually a very good use of miles, and we don’t mind breaking up to trip in Boston.

 

we drove through areas of Hamburg that were not particularly attractive.  Lots of graffiti everywhere and weeds and overgrown shrubbery. I hope there are areas which look better.

 

 We had hoped to be able to drop off our luggage at the BA counter then go to the botanical garden, but the BA counter wasn’t open yet.   There is a left luggage counter, but it was looking like rain, so we just decided to wait at the airport.  George was able to do some work.

 

i am a bit annoyed with Silversea though as they would not refund us for the non-use of the hotel in Hamburg and transport to the airport (hate the door to door pricing but it was all that was offered), and they wouldn’t  let us just take their transport to the hotel and store our luggage while we went sightseeing or provide transport to the airport.  I think they could have been more accommodating since they were happy to take our money.

[jpalbny]

1 hour ago, Grand Duchess said:

if you have time and are looking for something a bit different in Hamburg, this is the place: https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

Something for the inner child😊

 

Thanks! We actually have tickets for tomorrow morning. Looking forward to it. 

[Fletcher]

15 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Thursday June 15th. Kiel Canal transit.

 

A lazy morning but we were up in time to get our last bag of laundry out well before 9AM. Breakfast in Panorama then trivia where we did very well, except for the one 3-point question about Christiansø. Oh well, we've accumulated 150 prize points so we'll take it!

 

We returned from trivia to this rude awakening. Those pesky suitcases! 

 

 

We went out to walk laps outside, then went to lunch instead. 

 

We were close to the canal entrance by 13:00 and saw all the pretty sailboats. 

 

 

But a long delay until we could actually enter the locks. So we had time for a nap. Some time later, we are finally approaching...

 

 

Finally at 15:30, they let us through! 

 

 

Lots to see as we sailed through. The Holtenauer Hochbrücken is just beyond the entrance. 

 

 

Further on, the landscape is a bucolic setting with fields and forests that looked gorgeous in the bright sunshine. 

 

 

We did more laps, which were interrupted with the occasional photo stop.

 

 

 

This looked like a fun place. A break in the grain fields for some grape vines. Picnic tables. I don't know what they served but I'd like to find out.

 

 

Another ferry stop. There are fourteen that cross the canal. The boats are really fast! The distance is short, and they have to dodge all of the canal traffic!

 

 

We packed most of our stuff then got ready for the captain's farewell. Then the last dinner on board. 

 

I had booked Hot Rocks for us and RachelG, and we were joined by LAexNY so it was a really fun meal. The company was fantastic and the scenery was beautiful. We had a great sunset too.

 

 

 

 

It's now after 23:30 and there is still a little light in the sky as we enter the lock at the exit into the North Sea.

 

 

Good night for now. We have two days in Hamburg before we fly home on Sunday. Will be sad to see this adventure end, but we did book two more. 

I'm surprised by the photo of your cabin.  It looks like the older, original design before any of the refurbs.  Our cabin on the Cloud last month seemed much more modern and like the pics on the website for both ships.

[LAexNY]

Changeover day.

We are in Hamburg and all but about 35 passengers disembarked today. We are staying onboard for the next leg. JPAlbny and Rachel G are gone so our undefeated trivia team is gone as well.  We will miss them and have to regroup with a new team.

Although this topic title ends in Hamburg, I will post with highlights of the next leg, although not as frequently as our fearless OPs.

We did a culture tour of Hamburg today.  Went to the Kunsthall - art museum.  Very nice with a comprehensive collection including Impressionism, cubism and art deco.  Then we went to the Arts and Crafts Museum.

[TLCOhio]

8 hours ago, alithecat said:

Thank you

3 minutes ago, LAexNY said:

Changeover day.  We are in Hamburg and all but about 35 passengers disembarked today. We are staying onboard for the next leg. Although this topic title ends in Hamburg, I will post with highlights of the next leg, although not as frequently as our fearless OPs.  We did a culture tour of Hamburg today.  Went to the Kunsthall - art museum.  Very nice with a comprehensive collection including Impressionism, cubism and art deco.  Then we went to the Arts and Crafts Museum.

 

 

Super appreciate ALL of the many posts, visuals, details, etc., shared by JP, Chris, Rachel and George.  

 

Glad to know that LAexNY will continue on this SS ship.  Liked the pix's and what you shared from Hamburg.  Fun and interesting.  

 

Great mix of different experiences posted.  Triple Gold Stars!!! for all involved.  Given my interest in photography, J.P. has really upped his game with his excellent "food porn" visuals.  Very tasty and nice.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[dawntrdr]

3 hours ago, Fletcher said:

I'm surprised by the photo of your cabin.  It looks like the older, original design before any of the refurbs.  Our cabin on the Cloud last month seemed much more modern and like the pics on the website for both ships.

Our cabin (627) on the Wind in May was the same dated look.  I was surprised to see all of the woodwork and cornices which are no longer in style.  The Cloud was "Musified" in 2018 with all new decor; but not the Wind.  The Wind has been made ice-class recently, but I venture (and this is just an opinion) that the unexpected availability of the Endeavor put any Musification of the Wind on permanent hold.  

[drron29]

And thanks to all the posters to a wonderful cruise report. Enjoyed sailing along immensely.

[QueSeraSera]

14 minutes ago, drron29 said:

Enjoyed sailing along immensely.

same here

[ging466]

On 6/12/2023 at 12:05 AM, jpalbny said:

Saturday Night. Anniversary Dinner in La Dame. (Lois, it's #28)

 

So we made it back to the ship at 20:13 and changed into our dinner clothes in record time. We grabbed our Dom and headed to La Dame. We made it there 5 minutes early for our 20:30 reservation. 

 

 

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary JP and Chris!

 

Cheers

Jennifer