So, let’s call it “⅓ of “the Big One” - we’re back on World-Cruise-Sojourn!

[shark b8]

When we sailed out of Halong bay years ago, it was the same, and with *that* setting/backdrop it was eerily wonderful.

[shark b8]

I’m so there. 
 

[frantic36]

Thanks shark b8. Enjoying your stories and photos so much. I haven't been to Japan yet but have already bookmarked to look for matcha Kit Kat when we visit in October. 

[highplanesdrifters]

Hey @shark b8, just jumped on board this thread. Fabulous! Late to the party just got off SS Cloud. Thanks for taking us along. 

[tjcox9]

6 hours ago, shark b8 said:

[anybody else remember the stark ugly red/purple and black awfulness that was “Restaurant 2”?]

 

(*shudder*)

 

Oh my! That was before our Seabourn cruising "career" began, thank goodness!!😝

[Isklaar]

38 minutes ago, tjcox9 said:

Oh my! That was before our Seabourn cruising "career" began, thank goodness!!😝

 

In my opinion sharkb8's pic doesn't quite convey how hideous the decor actually was! However I did enjoy the food on offer. 

[Isklaar]

Sharkb8, I'm enjoying your thread so much, thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. Very fond memories of the TK crab cake, my go to appetiser at the Grill. 

Also, thank you for the heads up regarding correct pronunciation of Solis. I've been saying something like SO-liss - completely incorrect! 

[shark b8]

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

…just got off SS Cloud. Thanks for taking us along. 

 

It’s certainly worthy of a separate thread, but….comparisons to Seabourn, in a nutshell?

[shark b8]

2 minutes ago, Isklaar said:

Very fond memories of the TK crab cake, my go to appetiser at the Grill

You and me both, brother.   🤙

[shark b8]

5 minutes ago, shark b8 said:

You and me both, brother.   🤙

 

…or sister, I guess.  Why do I assume?  BAD SHARK, bad boy.  🤷‍♂️

[shark b8]

“Chef’s dinner” tonight at The Restaurant.  I would have chosen Japanese at the Colonnade, but it was formal night and Mrs Shark loves to go to the Restaurant and see what all the ladies are wearing.  A small price to pay, I suppose.  Anyway, it was pretty good, actually.  

 

 

[shark b8]

Beef Tournedos Rossini.  Well.  No one loves seared medium-rare beef and foie gras more than I do, but…..I also love mangos and buttered popcorn and PBJ sandwiches and salmon sushi, but….not sure they all go together in one bite.  

 

I’ve always been a rebel.     🙄

[Isklaar]

18 minutes ago, shark b8 said:

 

…or sister, I guess.  Why do I assume?  BAD SHARK, bad boy.  🤷‍♂️

 

😂

[shark b8]

Meant to post this before - when we sailed away from Kagoshima there were a few diehard cruise ship fans (?) on the dock who wished us well.  Not entirely sure what the motivation was, but….pretty easy to just smile and wave back. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[skybluewaters]

8 hours ago, shark b8 said:

I’m so there. 
 

 

I hate to break it to you, but...😁

[highplanesdrifters]

8 hours ago, shark b8 said:

 

It’s certainly worthy of a separate thread, but….comparisons to Seabourn, in a nutshell?

 

I find Seabourn and Silversea very similar. The real comparison is in the ships and itinerary.  Not a fan of Silversea or Seabourns larger ships. We have been 80% expedition lately and are spoiled. 

 

Quick match up.

Seabourns new Venture and Pursuit win hands down against Silversea Cloud and Wind.  They are a bit long in the tooth. I have not been on Silverseas relatively new Endeavor but friends liked it.

 

Food and service on our last 3 Silversea expeditions have beat every other cruise we have been on hands down.

 

Itinerary always wins for me.

 

Link to my last trip report for more details.

 

 

[markandjie]

2 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Food and service on our last 3 Silversea expeditions have beat every other cruise we have been on hands down.

 

 

We were on Muse in Alaska in August and the food was usually good but had moments that were so bad it spoiled the entire trip. Perhaps we should give the expedition ships a try instead.

[shark b8]

Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, and the museum.  Pretty sobering.

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

Shukkei-en garden in Hiroshima.  Pretty much at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum from the Ground Zero stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

Shukkei-en garden in Hiroshima.  Pretty much at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum from the Ground Zero stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

(Ooops, have no idea why that last one posted twice.  Sorry ’bout that)

[shark b8]

Seems like every 3rd or 4th car in Japan is of this sort of design - small, boxy, with tiny wheels/tires.   I’ve seen logos of Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc, so evidently it’s popular enough that all the carmakers offer their own version of it.

 

[shark b8]

We’re docked next to the Queen Elizabeth.  Tour buses go on for days.

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

33 minutes ago, shark b8 said:

We’re docked next to the Queen Elizabeth.  Tour buses go on for days.

 

 

vcompress_111.mov 3.82 MB · 0 downloads  

 

Insane.

[Covepointcruiser]

She is not that large.   The Elizabeth is 90,000 tons and carries 2000 passengers.    She is one of the smaller cruise ships, Vista class.    We docked next to the Quantum of the Seas, 250,000 tons and almost 7000 passengers.