SD II - 3/6/2009 - We're Booked As Well

[ctbjr1309]

Just dawned on me that we've heard all about food, drinks, parties, ice cream, etc. but nary a peep about the Fitness Center. Is it closed perchance???

[DisneyJen]

Greetings once again from the beautiful SD2!

 

Have just finished a most excellent dinner al fresco on Deck 4 with our special guests Ohmiss and her DH who were able to take tender over from SD1 to have dinner with some of us here on SD2.

 

It was so wonderful that there were able to take a tender over around 6:30 in time to have cocktails with us and then to head up to dinner. Best part is that after a lovely evening there were able to grab a "taxi" home so no drinking and driving!

 

A special thanks to the hotel managers, Stephane on SD2 and Christophe on SD1, as well as the security folks for making this happen.

 

Dinner on Deck 4, which included osso bucco, under a full moon that was reflecting off the calm water off St. Bart made for some very special birthday celebrations for FT and jbcjtc!

 

After seeing ohmiss and her DH off on the tender some headed to bed while others headed to the piano bar for a few songs. Last I saw jbcjtc and DJ's DH they were heading to the TOY Bar with the Belgians for some sort of iPod dance festival:eek: As for me ... well I am looking forward to a good night's sleep before we head over to St. Martin around 5 a.m.

 

As for the gym ... yes I have been there. Even DJ's DH hoped on a treadmill next to me to walk in order to make more room for the wonderful food.

 

I have been following FT's lead and doing laps around Deck 6 in the morning. I find the gym a bit to stuffy ... and I love the fresh breezes while walking outdoors (or would that be alfresco?).

 

FT did indeed enjoy her prawns along with others at our table although she said they weren't as spicy as before. I passed and opted for the consomme which was lovely as always. And the dessert sampler that Peter the maitre 'd arranged for me (a taste of key lime pie, carrot cake and a portefoile (or however you saw cream puff with chocolate sauce in Frech)) was fantastic.

 

More tomorrow ... after my walk of course:D

[Cammiem]

Today's passaround was ice cream between two thick cookies- looked divine, but were loaded with walnuts or pecans. Food allergies meant I had to pass. Five minutes later, Super Mario was back with a version without nuts. Its this kind of attention that keeps us coming back.

 

FT

 

We didn't have pass-arounds like that on our Caribbean cruise last April. :confused: How delightful!

 

Isn't Mario the cutest (assuming it's the same Mario I'm thinking of)? He actually escorted us off the yacht, with my carryon in his hands, and walked with us to the terminal in Barbados. Good thing he was with us because I couldn't see through my tears, LOL. Anyway, it's that attention to detail you mentioned that makes SD so special.

 

Cheers!

[DisneyJen]

We are making our way from St. Barts to Marigot St. Maarten, or at least I think that is where we are now headed:p

 

Just peeked out the cabin window to see blue skies, blue seas and some motion in the ocean but nothing like I was anticipating (hence the early to bed last night). Had the best night of sleep last night in quite some time.

 

DJ's DH stayed for one drink at the TOY last night while the Belgians got their groove on. He said it was "interesting."

 

This evening we host a few folks in our commodore suite for cocktails and then we will have dinner together. The two couple who are joining us, both Californians, are lurkers here on CC.

 

Well I want to get up on deck to see us pull into port.

[frequent traveler]

Its a gorgeous day and looks like we might actually make Marigot. We are following SD I in and they look to be about an hour ahead of us. Been up on deck watching the birds dive bomb for fish. Wonderful breeze and a pretty smooth ride.

 

Soup last night was ratatouille, I had foie gras for my salad course (hey, it came with a bit of lettuce) and the prime rib. Actually had to pass on dessert - a first on this trip.

 

Desgustation menu is tonight and tomorrow is C&C at Jost, seas permitting. Also an on deck concert last night and another tonight. As we were finishing dinner on deck 4 last night, we could see SD I's concert flickering in the distance. A beautiful full moon rose and was admired by all.

 

Another day in paradise, unfortunately return to reality is starting to rear its head. Had to fill out the dreaded return flight info sheet.

 

A belated kudos to our wonderful cabin attendant, Jinky, not only has the extra Bulgari lotion been stocked, the nightly cheese plate delivered, and the mini-fridge kept full, but she's had to play interior decorater repeatedly due to certain parties' insistence on continuous reminders of my pending birthday. She is a busy woman.

 

off to play.

 

FT

[frequent traveler]

3rd time is the charm (past two attempts to see Marigot on SDI were cancelled due to rough seas) . We followed SD I in to Marigot. It docked and we anchored and tendered in. But since 4 large ships were in Phillipsburg also, the town was quickly overrun by buses so we headed back to ship quickly.

 

Tender ride back to SDII was fun, only 3 passengers - myself, ZQvol, and the purser, Jennifer (from Seattle, and a former tax accountant - what a great change in career). Throttle seemed to be wide open and we were skimming over the waves - GREAT RIDE.

 

Lunch selections at our table included cauliflower soup (isn't is amazing that we have a different soup every day at lunch and dinner - with no repeats, they are all delicious and some use vegetables that some of us would never touch otherwise), mahi mahi, volcano pizza, open face baby shrimp sandwich with Thousand Island dressing (another "best in class"), and pasta with grilled vegetables. Looked like rain was heading straight for us at lunch - but just before it reached SD II, the clouds split and the rain missed the us

 

Tried something new today. Left my usual poolside spot (well, it was already occupied since I actually got off the ship - only the 3rd time) and used a bali bed for 3 hours. Was very interesting to watch a 700+ passenger Azmar ship anchored further out than us battle the waves. Their tenders sat much lower in the water and their ride could not have been fun. I can say that TOYBAR bartender Clint's frozen banana dacquiri with a shot of kahlua (daily dose of potassium and caffeine) can hold its own with those of Super Mario and Gary at the pool bar.

 

There is a group of 15 couples traveling together on board and it does change the dynamics a bit. Everyone is very friendly, but when they glum together at the pool bar or hot tub, the traffic flow does halt. We've heard that a subset of passengers are staying up to 3 or 4 every night (wish I had that energy), which means some crew stay up also. You wouldn't know it from the cheefulness and great service we all get.

 

Last tender has run and we are now moving to a calmer spot for dinner then off for the run to Jost Van Dyke and C&C (hopefully the seas will permit)

 

FT

[ctbjr1309]

FT, thanks for your regular and newsy reports. They are very much appreciated. Who is the chef on board this trip? Sounds like you approve! Good luck with the trip tonight to Jost!

[zqvol]

DJ and FT have been posting so much that there is no need for me to post anything. I anticiapte getting my blog done on MOnday after our return, along with pictures uploaded to flickr. Links to follow.

[frequent traveler]

Robert is the chef. I think my favorite has been Josselyn who is also on board as #2, but we all definitely approve. I forgot to mention the first day mussels at lunch - yum, yum - I don't think I will get on the scales for at least a month after we get home.

 

FT

[ctbjr1309]

I forgot to mention the first day mussels at lunch - yum, yum

 

Mussels for lunch the first full day of a cruise - one of the BEST SD traditions in my humble opinion!

[edhenry]

I was going to try to lose 2 or 3 lbs before our 5 day cruise in April and then prepare to gain it back but based on the culinary descriptions posted these past few days, I realize that I may have WAY underestimated how much I'm gonna gain. I've been salivating more than my dog does when he watches us eat a steak!!

[Jim Avery]

I was going to try to lose 2 or 3 lbs before our 5 day cruise in April and then prepare to gain it back but based on the culinary descriptions posted these past few days, I realize that I may have WAY underestimated how much I'm gonna gain. I've been salivating more than my dog does when he watches us eat a steak!!

 

Trust me, a pound a day. No doubt. If you are lucky,

J.

[frequent traveler]

Trust me, a pound a day. No doubt. If you are lucky,

J.

 

I think after tonight's dinner, its a pound a meal :D. . . the desgustation menu started out with the really good caviar in an amazing presentation; then a crab appetizer with the most amazing sauce/topping; followed by pumpkin soup (not the pumpkin lobster bisque we all love, but still very good); veal or sea bass; peach sorbet, cheese course and souffle for dessert.

 

The captain kept us anchored and stable until after dinner was completed - now we are on our way to Jost.

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Greetings from Peter Island!

 

Mother Ocean has not been cooperating this trip and she decided to throw us another curve ball. White Bay didn't have any beach this morning so we are here at Peter at a very nice looking (from the ship) and sparsley populated Beach Club.

 

We will pull up anchor around 4 and head back to Jost where we will tender into FOXY'S!!!!!

 

While there are some disappointed campers I think this a win-win as we have a private beach club to ourselves and then off to Foxy's for some good old Caribbean fun!!

 

Off to the splash!

[ctbjr1309]

Greetings from Peter Island!

 

Well, I must say that I wasn't expecting that to be the lead-in to your post this morning. In any event, I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time since there is certain to be plenty of champagne, caviar, crystal clear water and white sand. Have a great time!

[frequent traveler]

now anchored just off Foxy's. Been in and went shopping - great tender ride back out.

 

The beach barbeque menu was fantastic - prime rib, grilled shrimp, ribs, and all the SD salads and desserts. The crew worked their you know whats off - with the attempt to go to White Bay, then the move to Peter Island it was a real hustle but lunch went off without a hitch. Kudos to Stephane, his team and all the SD crew. Unfortunately, while the Ocean 7 Beach Club has wonderful physical facilities (lots of covered seating - which was great since it rained during lunch and spotless restrooms), the rocky beach did not allow for the usual service of champagne and caviar from the ocean, much less a water-skiing captain for an opening ceremony (wished I had seen that one- heard it was a big hit on another voyage). Location didn't stop the guests from rapidly consuming the caviar shoreside and all seemed to have a good time.

 

On the way from Jost Van Dyke, two sailboats decided they wanted to play "chicken" with SD (Disney Jen's term) and cut in front of the boat - one from each side. The horn sounded and they both turned away but it was a bit exciting for a few minutes. The passage was a beautiful and we saw SD I at Souper's Hole at Tortola on the way. Understand SD I is enjoying a bonfire on Peter Island tonight.

 

Rained briefly a couple of times today - quite interesting to watch the rain move towards the ship -sometimes it got there, sometimes it didn't.

 

tonight's dinner - the specialty Caribbean menu.

 

FT

[DJ's DH]

DisneyJen actually got off the ship TWICE today...once at Peter Island for the C&C Splash/cookout (where amazingly enough, FT thought the pink flamingo's greeting her were native to the island...), and a 2nd time to shop at Foxy's on Jost (I bought a bathing suit and hat, DisneyJen just enjoyed the sights).

 

We're just getting ready for dinner, and perhaps one more little surprise for one of our traveling party...life is good on SD...

[frequent traveler]

I don't think I can handle too many more surprises though the pink flamingos were extremely nice and are going home with me.

 

FT

[Jim Avery]

My condolences to the SeaDreamers. I know these 9 days flew by for you. They flew by for me and I was working! Have greatly enjoyed the posts and am looking much forward to ZQVOL (aka Ships Photographer) posting his photographic evidence. Safe travels home to all.

Jim.

[DisneyJen]

Greetings all from the lovely Gorda Sound. We have been anchored here since about 10 a.m. this morning after a gusty (30 knots according to Capt. T's announcement this morning) sail up the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

 

It's a lovely sunny day ... perfect way to end what has been a wonderful cruise.

 

I just ran down to get my camera to take some pictures as the light is just perfect at this time of day.

 

So very sad to be going home ... There is a charter starting tomorrow so no way to stay. I think DJ's DH does this on purpose so he has an out for not leaving me on board:p

 

I have been taking diligent notes during the cruise and will write one of my very detailed posts, which I will start in another thread, if there is interest.

 

Back to the real world way too soon:eek:

[ctbjr1309]

There is a charter starting tomorrow.

 

Thank goodness, it's only a 5 day charter!

 

I have been taking diligent notes during the cruise and will write one of my very detailed posts, which I will start in another thread, if there is interest.

 

I think it's safe to say that there is indeed interest. Looking forward to it. Thanks in advance.

[DJ's DH]

...So very sad to be going home ... There is a charter starting tomorrow so no way to stay. I think DJ's DH does this on purpose so he has an out for not leaving me on board:p

...

 

OK, another milestone... DisneyJen made it until 6pm this evening before the tears started:(. She will be crying until we're kicked off the ship at 8:30 tomorrow morning (and then some).

 

If only the charter were cancelled, and I could leave her on-board...

[ctbjr1309]

If only the charter were cancelled' date=' and I could leave her on-board...[/quote']

 

You wouldn't do that to me, would you???

[Cammiem]

I know the sadness you all are enduring.

 

Safe travels home to ALL of you. Thanks for bringing all of us along with your daily posts. We sure have appreciated it.

 

Be sure to have a mimosa tomorrow morning before you bid the crew & fellow passengers adieu. Cheers!

 

Tissue, anyone? :)

[DJ's DH]

You wouldn't do that to me, would you???

 

Which, "wish the charter were cancelled", or "leave her onboard"?