Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #276 Share Posted October 27, 2023 Captain Jason has just announced that we are behind our scheduled arrival time in Lisbon, due to the late departure from Cagliari and the very strong head winds we are currently experiencing. Was hoping to be out on deck for our passage through the Gibraltar straits. Doesn't look like a possibility atm. On a lighter note it's 'National Champagne Day'! 🍾🥂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #277 Share Posted October 27, 2023 (edited) I've been to the Officer's Talk in the Playhouse. Made notes directly into phone so apologies for lack of grammar. Suffice it to say that all questions were answered directly by Capt Jason and HGM Werner. Chief Engineer Steve answered the most pertinent questions directly and with a lovely tongue in cheek humour the others! ------ Capt Jason SS Australis father captain..... SS Amerikanis first cruise ship Daily routine? 0530 start of day except 0330 Venice (not bitter). Sail in. Admin. Planning for next cruise with navigator for the next and following cruises. Checking emails, deletes them (laughter). Responds to emails. May take a break. Departures from port. At home? DIY not as keen as he used to be. Occasionally coaches Rugby minis (had been a keen player until injury) Likes nothing to do with sea and ships, enjoys a beach. Why Saga? Once worked with a holiday company with ships.... Saga higher end, fewer guests, more refined, brand new, pod propulsion. HGM Werner Wanted to be a Travel Agent. Went to architect school but didn't enjoy it. Quit. Enjoyed helping at home. Watched 'Love boat'.... travelling for free! Went to hotel school. Age 19 became a bus boy on a cruise ship Daily routine? 0645 up and out doing deck rounds. Picks up breakfast in Living Room. Meets head of all departments. Checks / sends emails 😉 (more laughter) 0930 checks back of house areas. Lunch in Officers Mess 1715 quality checking dinner.... Massimo offers his services. Home time? Has a small pleasure boat in Istria, not far from our missed port of call Rovinj. Very keen mountain climber.... goal next year is Mont Blanc. Motor biking. Why Saga? Had worked with Crystal. Joined Saga 2021. 2 on and 2 off length of contract. Doesn't want to sit many hours on a plane to join a ship! Eggs 48pp this cruise 17620 total 2.73 rolls toilet paper pp, 4000 total, had to buy more in Cagliari! 13416 bottles of wine Chief Engineer Steve. He is VERY self effacing. Looked like he was totally out of his comfort zone and would rather be back with his team. Said he comes from a Circus family and is now working with a bunch of clowns! (Much laughter!) Outstanding military career. 34 years. Served many active fronts. Some of his colleagues didn't make it back. Saga Pearl job offer. Worked his way up. Daily routine 0500 up and out. Army man of routine. Checks in with colleagues 0730 meeting. Oversees the entire working environment Home time? Studies how to win the Euro Lottery!! Why Saga? Selection of ice cream on board Strangest thing to fix? Nothing shocks him. Soot.....and here he's totally focused on his subject. Committed 100%. It is a problem. Tier 3 engines 85% power optimum. There is a black box regularly inspected. All working correctly. Exhaust gas emissions equipment (forgot the word he used sorry) recently updated. They are doing all they can to resolve the problem. Very demoralised. Fuel is correct type. Not burned until checked and complies with law. Environmental standards to the highest. Burn waste in incinerators. Not allowed to dispose of glass, batteries, plastic, oil. Taken to recognised shore facility. ------ These gentle men are totally committed to SAGA Cruises Ltd. Passenger safety, comfort and well-being at the forefront of their efforts. You could not ask for a more dedicated leadership of a professional, hard working crew. Edited October 27, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandC Posted October 27, 2023 #278 Share Posted October 27, 2023 Thanks for posting Norbertsneice. The Officers talk is so informative. Steve was the Chief Engineer on our last cruise on SofA. Such an interesting military career, and as you say, he is very modest. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #279 Share Posted October 27, 2023 Geoff tells me the curry lunch was very good. One of the two self laundries on board. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #280 Share Posted October 27, 2023 410pm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodaxe Posted October 27, 2023 #281 Share Posted October 27, 2023 (edited) We sailed with captain Jason several times on Azamara and had a nice chat with him on our September Saga cruise. Although we had not seen him for over 10 years he remembered us, lovely man. Edited October 27, 2023 by Bloodaxe 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #282 Share Posted October 27, 2023 1610 Coast of Spain 1720 Still approaching the straits. Being followed closely by a container ship, 'Dublin Express' 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #283 Share Posted October 27, 2023 (edited) Was very, very windy out. The first pic was taken from deck 12. Big mistake. HUGE. The deck should've been closed off. I managed the shot sitting down before retreating back into the Britannia Lounge. The rest of the pics, mostly Gibraltar, the rest North Africa, from deck 14 sheltered by the panels. Was quite a rush up there! Less than half a dozen of us braved the elements. Quite an experience! Photo dump follows! . . . Edited October 27, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 27, 2023 Author #284 Share Posted October 27, 2023 1830 ish Captain just announced we are unlikely to arrive before 10am into Lisbon. Currently dining alone. It's rugby tonight. Dining started early so Geoff ate early whilst I was being blown about on open deck! Have asked to be seated alone, my social conversation battery requires a recharge. Ooops some people just sat at the neighbouring table!! Couldn't make this up!! This ship alongside us is a vehicles carrier, the Alliance Fairfax. Tarifa. Many, many wind turbines Had a lively dinner conversation with the people on the next table. All sorted now for Lisbon tomorrow. The last time we were here I hailed a tuk tuk driver who was absolutely wonderful. She's taking us out tomorrow for the day, we'll be visiting Belém and the seven hills. Rain forecast. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #285 Share Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) Day 20 Lisbon eventually 🤞 Good morning and thanks for following! You're still here! Have a medal 🏅 It's blowing out. Little video here My favourite hot breakfast ever! Edited October 28, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #286 Share Posted October 28, 2023 Captain just announced @ 0957 Touching 5 metres swell affected speed. Parked up Lisbon around 1430. Departure time not decided yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #287 Share Posted October 28, 2023 2nd attempt at posting. Have let our tour guide know we're not going to make her tuk tuk tour. She was bringing us back at 1430 originally and has other clients at 1500 That's the AidaStella ahead of us approaching Lisbon 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincslady Posted October 28, 2023 #288 Share Posted October 28, 2023 That is a shame, but the weather is the weather, and at least you are sanguine about it, unlike a few folk who would grumble like anything if things do not go just as they should. I am enjoying reading your cruise news, and have to say that the meals on board look pretty impressive, some interesting and unusual dishes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Windsurfboy Posted October 28, 2023 #289 Share Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) How did the ship take the swell, did you feel it in the cabin. We will be crossing Atlantic in just under two weeks. You are very adventurous with your breakfast, my adventurous eating gene doesn't kick in till lunch at the earliest. Edited October 28, 2023 by Windsurfboy 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #290 Share Posted October 28, 2023 19 minutes ago, Windsurfboy said: How did the ship take the swell, did you feel it in the cabin. We will be crossing Atlantic in just under two weeks. You are very adventurous with your breakfast, my adventurous eating gene doesn't kick in till lunch at the earliest. Ship is fine. Plenty of people around. Living room full. 1100 Massimo announced Paella lunch will be in Supper Club. Excursion infotmation reliant on future advice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #291 Share Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) I really struggled posting this morning and have loads to catch you up on. Am posting my notes as written at the time. From Massimo 1300 Arrival time in Lisbon still around 1430. All paid tours will be cancelled. Shuttle bus service will start at 1500. Tickets can be obtained from reception. All aboard 1830 latest. There's a long line for the shuttle tickets. Portside view sailing in to Lisbon. Didn't book the shuttle in as it takes 45 minutes due to the traffic issues we were advised of days ago. We'll go for a walk about. Edited October 28, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #292 Share Posted October 28, 2023 Sanctuary of Christ the King, Almada The Port Authority control tower 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #293 Share Posted October 28, 2023 Belém Padrão dos Descobrimentos Monument to the Discoveries headed by Prince Henry the Navigator. Pilot boarding. Link to passage under the bridge video here The 25 de Abril Bridge (25th of April Bridge) Portuguese is a suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal, to the municipality of Almada on the left (south) bank of the Tagus River. It has a total length of 2,277 metres (7,470 ft), making it the 46th longest suspension bridge in the world. At the time of its inauguration in 1966, the bridge was named Salazar Bridge (Ponte Salazar), after Portuguese Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar, who ordered its construction. After the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which overthrew the remnants of Salazar's Estado Novo regime, the bridge was renamed for April 25, the date of the revolution. It is also commonly called the Tagus River Bridge. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 28, 2023 Author #294 Share Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbour-facing plaza in Lisbon, and is one of the largest in Portugal, with an area of 175 by 175 m, that is, 30,600 m². Facing the Tagus to the South, the plaza is still commonly known in Portuguese as Terreiro do Paço. We are berthed near the Ambition, sister ship to the Ambience we sailed on a year ago. By 1430 we're all tied up and waiting for the port authorities consent to disembark. It's raining. It's sunny. It's raining. Repeat. Edited October 28, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 29, 2023 Author #295 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) Day 21 Penultimate sea day Good morning and thanks for following; not long to go now! 😭 If we were to take shelter from the rocking and rolling in Vigo you'd have no complaints from me Captain!! It's happened before on a cruise where sadly the following cruise embarked a day late..... It's optional formal night tonight! We're currently an hour ahead of the UK who put their clocks back last night. Vigo time.... 😉 Lisbon visit to follow later 🙂 Edited October 29, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FannyLiz Posted October 29, 2023 #296 Share Posted October 29, 2023 54 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said: If we were to take shelter from the rocking and rolling in Vigo you'd have no complaints from me Captain!! It's happened before on a cruise where sadly the following cruise embarked a day late..... Don’t you dare ! Please make sure he gets her back on time. I have a close neighbour who is off to the Canaries on her next Tuesday. Enjoy the rest of the trip and thank you again for your blog. I swear I’ve put on several pounds just looking at the photos of the food. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medeba Posted October 29, 2023 #297 Share Posted October 29, 2023 22 minutes ago, FannyLiz said: Don’t you dare ! Please make sure he gets her back on time. I have a close neighbour who is off to the Canaries on her next Tuesday. Enjoy the rest of the trip and thank you again for your blog. I swear I’ve put on several pounds just looking at the photos of the food. We too know a couple due to start their cruise next Tuesday so 🤞🏻there will be no delay! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 29, 2023 Author #298 Share Posted October 29, 2023 You can all breathe again.... we've passed Vigo! Am back from my last craft session with Supercraft Cruises and Jolly Super Things. I made the bowl, brooches and pendants. Missed the earrings session. Geoff came for the first time today and made a couple of block print bags. Have had the best time with these guys and can't thank them enough for giving me the confidence to get stuck (pun intended) into something new! 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 29, 2023 Author #299 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Ship related photo requests. ..... this is your final call, by midnight GMT please x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare NorbertsNiece Posted October 29, 2023 Author #300 Share Posted October 29, 2023 (edited) Lisbon contd Queueing to disembark It's lovely being back in Lisbon again. It's quite a walk from the ship to the terminal. Love the mosaic covered buildings Edited October 29, 2023 by NorbertsNiece 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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