Crossing Nov 2008

[zqvol]

my goal is to NOT take the laptop for work in March, so hopefully you'll be doing the updates DJ since I know your DH will stay plugged in! Me, I'm ready to chuck the laptop overboard! :p

 

FT

 

 

I will have one - - - - darn publishers

 

FT if you are online check e-mail about Liz comoing home for Turkey day.

 

CBTJR if you see this before T tell her to check for me

 

Thanks

[DisneyJen]

my goal is to NOT take the laptop for work in March, so hopefully you'll be doing the updates DJ since I know your DH will stay plugged in! Me, I'm ready to chuck the laptop overboard! :p

 

FT

 

You know DJ's DH well:p Now you know how I feel about DH's laptop and his Blackberry,

 

I will have one - - - - darn publishers

 

FT if you are online check e-mail about Liz comoing home for Turkey day.

 

CBTJR if you see this before T tell her to check for me

 

Thanks

 

Perhaps you can blog about our March adventure then:D Check your email as I sent you one and FT one too.

[frequent traveler]

we'll be mid Atlantic today and to celebrate we are having the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Champagne and Caviar splash. Heard last cruise on SD II set the record - gobbled the entire tin of caviar in 18 minutes. Huum, thought Ragnar wasn't sailing until later this year.

 

weather looks like its going to be glorious yet again. So glad to be here and not somewhere cold and/or rainy.

 

dinner was prime rib (pefectly rare, but such a large cut that I could share with Mr. TOYBAR). Couldn't resist the tomato and goat cheese tart and the "spa" soup - then since James raved about the ratitouille (I never claimed to know French) - a portion of that and finally the chocolate tart with Bailey's ice cream. Was able to resist, but just barely, the expresso mousse.

 

more later . . . or maybe not depending on how much champagne accompanies the caviar.

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

As long as the champagne doesn't run out I don't care about the caviar (only because I can't eat it:p).

 

Hope you are having a picture-perfect day for the splash!! What a way to celebrate being in the middle of the Atlantic.

 

Dinner, especially the desserts, sounds wonderful ... again.

 

From the looks of the photos it seems that everyone is settling into a nice and RELAXING routine.

 

Now for questions:D

 

How many laps/miles are the organized walkers doing daily?

 

When are you next projected to dine alfresco? (Sorry ... couldn't resist as it is 32F here this morning with a chance of passing flurries!)

 

When is your next 25-hour day?

 

What is the most interesting cocktail the bar staff has concocted so far?

 

Time to pour myself another cup of coffee...

[ctbjr1309]

As long as the champagne doesn't run out I don't care about the caviar (only because I can't eat it:p).

 

Hope you are having a picture-perfect day for the splash!! What a way to celebrate being in the middle of the Atlantic.

 

Dinner, especially the desserts, sounds wonderful ... again.

 

From the looks of the photos it seems that everyone is settling into a nice and RELAXING routine.

 

Now for questions:D

 

How many laps/miles are the organized walkers doing daily?

 

When are you next projected to dine alfresco? (Sorry ... couldn't resist as it is 32F here this morning with a chance of passing flurries!)

 

When is your next 25-hour day?

 

What is the most interesting cocktail the bar staff has concocted so far?

 

Time to pour myself another cup of coffee...

 

The champagne didn't run out fortunately. It was indeed a picture perfect day. Lots of photos were taken to tell the story and a very good time had by all.

 

The walkers did 4 miles (64 laps) this morning in 58 minutes. It was very enjoyable to watch, I must say.

 

No idea as to next al fresco dinner but will let you know. Tonight we are gaining another hour, I believe.

 

Most interesting cocktail: Beer. But of course others might have a different idea....

 

Cheers.

[frequent traveler]

As long as the champagne doesn't run out I don't care about the caviar (only because I can't eat it:p).

 

Now for questions:D

 

How many laps/miles are the organized walkers doing daily?

 

When are you next projected to dine alfresco? (Sorry ... couldn't resist as it is 32F here this morning with a chance of passing flurries!)

 

When is your next 25-hour day?

 

What is the most interesting cocktail the bar staff has concocted so far?

 

Time to pour myself another cup of coffee...

 

and the answers are

 

1. way too many for this lazy person to keep up with - I enjoy heckling from poolside. Our hotel manager had quite a fetching hat on today -- I hope it makes the blog. and boy, can he dance - can't wait to see if eight or so us dancing "YMCA" on the pool deck make the blog. Don't ask who falls in.

 

2. don't have a clue -- with el jefe organizing us every night, I just show up.

 

3. not soon enough.

 

4. another don't have a clue (see the pattern for this fomer control freak) - while the color of the rainbows seem quite the rage at cocktail hour, our own little group has a boring palate, beer, champagne, occasionally an apple martini, dirty martini, and cosmo are thrown in. After dinner the favorites seems to be a single malt scotch, Bailey's and for ctbjr, something called a stinger. I will say that Mario's banana dacquiri with a shot of kahlua this morning was very nice.

 

and for those of you reading the blog - those were no Norwegians getting a tan under the towels. They all ran for cover as soon as the rain set in. The five hardy persons wearing the towels were all Americans. we fight too hard for those precious pool deck chairs to give them up in a bit of rain. :D

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like quite a successful splash!! Especially if Mr. and Mrs. TOYBAR had their famous (or is it infamous) CD along. Oh how it brings back wonderful memories.

 

Can't wait to see the photo of the merriment poolside. Was it ctbjr who ended up in the pool:eek:

 

Very proud of you FT that you have learned to let go of those control freak tendencies (not that I would know anything about them ... who ... moi???):)

 

Chuckled over the correction to the sun gods and goddesses as they were toughing it out in the rain. Go figure!!

 

Absolutely loved the photos from yesterday that were taken from the rigging. Please pass my congrats on to Capt. T for that excellent piece of photo journalism (former newspaper editor here).

 

The Banana Dacquiri with a shot of Kahlua sounds delightful ... a good source of potassium too!!

 

I am impressed with the speed and miles covered by the walkers. That's a pretty good clip on a moving ship!!

 

And for those pesky questions ...

 

Did you have the chef's degustation menu this evening? I always have wondered why they schedule it for the night of the splash, at least that is how it has fallen on our Caribbean cruises.

 

How current are the titles in the library? Just wondering what books I need to buy for March. This is definitely a ctbjr question as I know he uses the library on both ships.

 

Time to start making dinner here ... March can't come fast enough!!

[frequent traveler]

Sounds like quite a successful splash!! Especially if Mr. and Mrs. TOYBAR had their famous (or is it infamous) CD along. Oh how it brings back wonderful memories.

 

they didn't have the CD

 

Can't wait to see the photo of the merriment poolside. Was it ctbjr who ended up in the pool:eek: CTBJR did end up in the pool, but it was his own choice.

 

 

Absolutely loved the photos from yesterday that were taken from the rigging. Please pass my congrats on to Capt. T for that excellent piece of photo journalism (former newspaper editor here).

 

will do.

 

The Banana Dacquiri with a shot of Kahlua sounds delightful ... a good source of potassium too!!

 

and Vitamin C. The kahlua was to increase my caffeine since I only had one red bull this morning

 

And for those pesky questions ...

 

Did you have the chef's degustation menu this evening? I always have wondered why they schedule it for the night of the splash, at least that is how it has fallen on our Caribbean cruises.

 

no we did not.

 

 

How current are the titles in the library? Just wondering what books I need to buy for March. This is definitely a ctbjr question as I know he uses the library on both ships.

 

definitely defer to CTBJR as I haven't made it into the library yet. so much to do and so little time - haven't finished my 2nd book yet.

 

 

 

FT

[ctbjr1309]

How current are the titles in the library? Just wondering what books I need to buy for March. This is definitely a ctbjr question as I know he uses the library on both ships.

 

Whoops. Haven't yet inspected the book selection in the library as I've been very busily reading about 25 pages/day of my Vince Flynn book - Extreme Measures (to answer your question from earlier). I'll try to check it out later this week but I am very busy.....

[frequent traveler]

Whoops. Haven't yet inspected the book selection in the library as I've been very busily reading about 25 pages/day of my Vince Flynn book - Extreme Measures (to answer your question from earlier). I'll try to check it out later this week but I am very busy.....

 

you just won't believe how extremely busy we are on this crossing. For example yesterday, CTBJR and ToyBar had to drain all of the contents of a very well presented "bucket" of Caribe at the post Splash party - Super Mario was at it again.

 

There was a very well choreographed synchronized jump into the pool and Mrs. TOYBAR's entry into the water rated at least a 9.

 

finally had Chad's excellent chocolate martini. At our table last night the vegetable lasagana, spicy prawns (with cool cilantro sauce), tuna tartare, endive and blue cheese salad, and the potato and leek soup were all scarfed down.

 

another sunny day and apparently calm seas await.

 

FT

[ctbjr1309]

For example yesterday, CTBJR and ToyBar had to drain all of the contents of a very well presented "bucket" of Caribe at the post Splash party...

 

another sunny day and apparently calm seas await.

 

Hey, we did have some help. Nevertheless, it was an extremely well presented bucket and somebody had to deal with the situation.....

 

It does appear as if it will be a beautiful day today. Seas are the calmest yet!

[ctbjr1309]

For example yesterday, CTBJR and ToyBar had to drain all of the contents of a very well presented "bucket" of Caribe at the post Splash party...

 

another sunny day and apparently calm seas await.

 

Hey, we did have some help. Nevertheless, it was an extremely well presented bucket and somebody had to deal with the situation.....

 

It does appear as if it will be a beautiful day today. Seas are the calmest yet!

[ctbjr1309]

For example yesterday, CTBJR and ToyBar had to drain all of the contents of a very well presented "bucket" of Caribe at the post Splash party...

 

another sunny day and apparently calm seas await.

 

Hey, we did have some help. Nevertheless, it was an extremely well presented bucket and somebody had to deal with the situation.....

 

It does appear as if it will be a beautiful day today. Seas are the calmest yet!

[ctbjr1309]

Moderator - Please delete. Internet connection was choppy this morning.

[DisneyJen]

Moderator - Please delete. Internet connection was choppy this morning.

 

And I thought it was because of the bucket of Caribe:p

 

you just won't believe how extremely busy we are on this crossing. For example yesterday, CTBJR and ToyBar had to drain all of the contents of a very well presented "bucket" of Caribe at the post Splash party - Super Mario was at it again.

 

There was a very well choreographed synchronized jump into the pool and Mrs. TOYBAR's entry into the water rated at least a 9.

 

finally had Chad's excellent chocolate martini. At our table last night the vegetable lasagana, spicy prawns (with cool cilantro sauce), tuna tartare, endive and blue cheese salad, and the potato and leek soup were all scarfed down.

 

another sunny day and apparently calm seas await.

 

FT

 

Sounds like another delicious dinner! Sounds like Chef J is offering lots of wonderful options.

 

I've never had a chocolate martini ... what is in it?

 

Looking forward to seeing the photos from yesterday. Wouldn't it be cool to have some videos on the blog (BIG HINT). Better consult my legal counsel on that one ... but they are out of town:eek:

 

Whoops. Haven't yet inspected the book selection in the library as I've been very busily reading about 25 pages/day of my Vince Flynn book - Extreme Measures (to answer your question from earlier). I'll try to check it out later this week but I am very busy.....

 

If you can work it into your schedule that would be great! If not, I certainly understand with all those buckets needing to be emptied:cool:

 

Sounds like the weather is warming up and the seas are perfect.

 

Questions for the day ...

 

Am I correct in guessing that dinner will be alfresco this evening?

 

How is the casino treating everyone?

 

Has there been a karoke night?

 

DJ's DH wants to know about the bowling ... Was that a Wii? I believe he is planning his sports for our March adventure. Ctbjr you know how he likes to take a stroll around the deck, hit the links for a hole or two and then rejoin us in the Office.

 

Another DJ's DH question ... how are you finding the speed of the internet connection?

 

I know you are off enjoying the warmth and sun ... we awoke to 22F this morning ... makes me feel like I am living in the north again:eek:

[Jim Avery]

DJ:

In our cabin, a chocolate martini is stoly vanil and godiva chocolate liqueur shaken and poured into a frozen tini glass rimmed with chocolate syrup. Very Girly, but good.

Jim.

[DisneyJen]

DJ:

In our cabin, a chocolate martini is stoly vanil and godiva chocolate liqueur shaken and poured into a frozen tini glass rimmed with chocolate syrup. Very Girly, but good.

Jim.

 

Sounds interesting ... may have to try one in March:D

[zqvol]

Sounds interesting ... may have to try one in March:D

 

You mean that you and FT haven't gotten into those yet?

 

BTW FT is going to love getting off the plane Monday night in our weather:D:D:D

[DisneyJen]

You mean that you and FT haven't gotten into those yet?

 

BTW FT is going to love getting off the plane Monday night in our weather:D:D:D

 

That's one guilty pleasure she hasn't shared with me ... could have something to do with our affinity for champagne.

 

Poor FT is really going to go into shock between leaving SD and our weather:eek::rolleyes::eek:

[ctbjr1309]

Questions for the day ...

 

Am I correct in guessing that dinner will be alfresco this evening?

 

How is the casino treating everyone?

 

Has there been a karoke night?

 

DJ's DH wants to know about the bowling ... Was that a Wii? I believe he is planning his sports for our March adventure. Ctbjr you know how he likes to take a stroll around the deck, hit the links for a hole or two and then rejoin us in the Office.

 

Another DJ's DH question ... how are you finding the speed of the internet connection?

 

You are correct that dinner tonight will be out of doors. Have heard mixed reviews about the casino but no personal experience. Tonight is karaoke night. Bowling was a Wii. Internet connection depends on time of day. Ranges from very good to challenging.

[frequent traveler]

That's one guilty pleasure she hasn't shared with me ... could have something to do with our affinity for champagne.

 

Poor FT is really going to go into shock between leaving SD and our weather:eek::rolleyes::eek:

 

you guys are just plain cruel. But there is a way to avoid the shock - I just won't get off! (but only if I can win the lottery between now and then).

 

Jim, your recipe for the Chocolate martini seems close to the one here. There's another version in circulation with creme in it but that's really too sweet.

 

I discovered the Banana Brulee this morning at breakfast. Even though it contained oatmeal, with the carmelized sugar topping it was as good as (if not better than) last night's dessert (black forest cake). When I left the breakfast table Mr and Mrs Toybar were debating whether they could make it at home.

 

I must not be keeping the spa busy enough - they announced 30% off specials daily through the end of the cruise. So I'm going to try to make the 5:00 p.m. walk and then reward myself with a massage. It will be cutting it close to dinner, but I'll get get through the time crunch somehow. All this stress from trying to get so much done in so little time.

 

DJ, forgot to mention that last night's entertainment was an al fresco showing of a Michael Bouble concert.

 

Seas were like glass early this morning, first time this trip. there was a mad dash for the Bali beds and deck chairs. We snaired our pool deck corner so all was right with the world. Saw some flying fish but missed the whale spotted by another guest. Pool is much warmer and saw a lot more use today. Another guest has run two fishing ropes (not lines) off the pool deck for the past couple days but no success yet. Between the bowling, the golfing, and the fishing, we have a full fledged 5 star resort at sea. Everything is possible on SD. :)

 

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Just saw the photos from yesterday ... another stellar job of reporting!! I really am enjoying seeing the paper chart with markings (the navigator/sailor in me) as well as the radar and such.

 

But the real STAR of today's posting had to be those incredible shots from the Splash!!! Love Allen's Beer Club as well as the beer presentation:D

 

Glad to see Mrs. TOYBAR and FT leading the poolside dancing.

 

Amazed to see that Ctbjr actually knows where the pool is ... as well as to see him IN the pool. Is this a first:p

 

How lovely for you to arrange to have my favorite flower features so prominently as well!

 

Loved the fishing shots too ... can only imagine the fish tale that could be told after this crossing.

 

Michael Buble alfreso!! What a perfect ending to what looked to be a perfect day. I bet even Capt. T enjoyed the concert:)

 

FT, you should see if we could get some rain checks for those discounted spa treatments.

 

Thanks for your concise report ctbjr:cool:

 

Poor zqvol ... I think the most exciting thing that happened to him today was playing car tag with me on his way home from work. Don't worry zqvol ... a little more than 100 days for us!

[DJ's DH]

Hi Sea Dreamers!

 

I have to admit, I've been lurking again...and the excitement is building as I see the pictures of your transatlantic cruise, and start thinking about our (DJ and me, and many of our SD cruise-mates) 10-day cruise next March, celebrating 25 years of wedded bliss (most of them happy;)).

 

I have a few observations/questions from this thread:

 

CTBJR - um..., are we dyslexic??? Last time the "office" was on the other side of the ship???

 

FT - Anything you say can (and will) be used against you... I'm sorry DJ was not able to join you this trip... but SO glad she is here with me...we'll talk when you get back! BTW...isn't it odd, that DJ and ZQVOL were taking the same route this afternoon?

 

Mr. & Mrs. TOYBAR - we hope you can join us in March... If you do, I may ask you to hide "the CD" from DJ... she plays it all the time, and then sighs quite heavily!!!

 

Please pass along to Capt. T - I look forward to sailing with him again - I hope he is rehearsing his lines for our vow renewal (and ignoring any suggestions from FT, CTBJR, and the TOYBAR's:D). And MAYBE, if I'm really well behaved (meaning, DJ is happy), Capt. T can arrange a Marina day??? We've missed that the last 2 SD cruises, and I need to take a jetski out to (as Maverick says in Top Gun) "I feel the need, the need for speed..."

 

So with that, I return to Lurkdom... (until DJ lets me out to play again:p)

[ctbjr1309]

CTBJR - um...' date=' are we dyslexic??? Last time the "office" was on the other side of the ship???[/quote']

 

The location of the Office is directly related to the location of the sun....

[ctbjr1309]

Amazed to see that Ctbjr actually knows where the pool is ... as well as to see him IN the pool. Is this a first?

 

Nope. It's happened before (check the blog for 2006 and 2007 Fall Crossings) for proof.

 

Nice day today. Great weather and sea conditions. Enjoyed watching the walkers do their 4 miles, nice lunch in the Office, great lecture on the SS France/Norway, dinner outdoors (we had the perfect table as well as incredible personal attention from Stephane the new SD2 Hotel Manager who is absolutely fantastic, not to mention a very accomplished walker), Rod Stewart concert DVD on Deck 3 by the pool and then a nightcap at the TOY Bar. All in all an outstanding SeaDream today. Given the weather report, tomorrow will be interesting....