SD2 Fall '10 Transatlantic Crossing

[frequent traveler]

Pics are up now.

 

Good to know all is well and they're on their way.

 

The caption for the bottom photo (under "Lisbon-Portugal") is incorrect - is that Jeff, SD1's CAD (who was on our Greece-Croatia cruise), on board?

 

CDreamer

 

if that's the only mistake you've found -- then they have fixed a lot more then what we can see here. Right now, some how, going to the SD blog has got me logging in under CTBJR and I can't see my ealier postings, even though DJ says they are there. I give up! Forget getting to my inbox on my net work. Outlook freezes up everytime I try. No need to worry about paying for next SD cruise, Figure I won't have a job when I get back to GSO.

[CDreamer]

FT, I see they've fixed Jeff's initial photo caption as well as a few others things since I logged in this morning.

 

Please tell Jeff that Jody and Dan say "hi!" We met him on our SDI cruise in June. Wonder if he'll be on our SDII Jan cruise too?

 

Sorry to hear about the internet issues and your inability to log into work :eek:, but thanks for posting an update.

 

CDreamer

[vandrefalk]

Just checked the crossing blog and was pleased to see pics of DJ and FT -- where is DJ's DH and CTBJR???

 

We had Jeff on our very first SD cruise in 2005 -- he left for awhile but glad to see he is back.

 

Can you guys find out who will be on board in January out of St Maartin? It's practically a CC cruise, with CDreamer, FPepples, WhatNot, us and others :D

 

Jim -- where else would one be in a typhoon but the casino :eek:

 

Hope the internet improves -- food looks fabulous -- and love your reports!

Vandrefalk

[frequent traveler]

2nd try at posting this this morning

under this thread only, when it now says i'm posting under Disney Jen, so hopefully, but its really FT again. Another beautiful day at sea has dawned, calm night last night and sunny so far today. Last night's dinner was Greek theme. Had two soups I had never had before on SD - a "local" spicy shrimp and a red bean. Wonderful - the spicy shrimp is going to be one of my favorites. But I did wonder about the "local" since we were moving through the Atlantic at the time. Stuck with an appetizer for my entree. a octopus salad (diced). But mousakka and spanikopita along with halibut were on the menu. Desserts were also Greek - baclava . .. , Jamie and Peter (the waiter) just wanted to make sure I had enough to eat (like you ever have to worry about going hungry on SD!). Heard the zucchini soup at lunch was especially good also. I stayed poolside to take advantage of the sun. morning Passaround was mini hamburgers (which I had) and mini hot dog (which were visibly so cute) and fruit punch (definitely alcoholic) and afternoon passaround was those wonderful homemade ice cream sandwiches.

 

The captain the night before was very enthused about the new Braziliaan itineraries as he was very involved in the development with James. He's excited about the stops along the way as it is one of his favorite routes in the world. Overwurked -- I would definitely recommend start training your boss now based on the captain's comments and enthusiam about the routes.

 

Can't say enough about the kindness of the staff - including when I lock myself out of the room (only once so far) Elena, who is doing double duty, as concierge and casino director, smiling as she dashes down the stairs to let me back in. Zandra, Chela, Smyla and the other responding to the numerous requests - is the Internet back up - no, we so sorry it isn't - with a rueful smile. SD has the best staff, both above and below the deck, those you see and those you don't. I've made my contribution to the crew fund.

Forgot to mention my cabin stewardess, Babylyn who is great -- my towel elephant was so cute! I can't figure out how I make such a mess and she cleans it up so fast.

 

off to another great day. Morning walk is 3 miles. That's at 10 and at 10:30 the Dream Showcase starts -- you have a Spa demonstation, towel creation with housekeeping, chef's cooking demo, elena sharing black jack secrets, sommelier wine tasting, interactive napkin folding, and sarong wearing. How will I get it all done this morning? so much to do and so little time!

 

FT.

[DisneyJen]

Greetings from the Atlantic where the water looks like sapphires with diamonds dancing all around. Incredible smooth and warm today ... I am now a true believer that a crossing can be smoother than the Caribbean ... especially in March:p

 

DJ's DH is upstairs in the office and I am getting ready to head back up after chaning out of my workout clothes (two miles on the treadmill in the gym ... so beautiful looking at the seas and walking with little to no movement from the seas).

 

I just ran into the Captain, Jamie (maitre d) and Peter Rima (Hotel Manager aka HotMan). I told them that they truly are firing on all cylinders and providing a most excellent experience.

 

I have a more detailed report coming (I am writing everyday and just can't bring myself to take the laptop to the office ... plus the sun is so bright I won't be able to see the screen!)

 

DJ's Dh is sporting his Penn State Tropical Shirt today ... I suspect he will be running back to the cabin during dinner to check the scores via internet:cool:

 

Wonderful dinner alfresco last night with some old and new friends. Can't believe how much we laughed. As Enes our waiter said to me this morning, "Your group had such good enery!"

 

Off to the SD showcase ... a first for us!

[DisneyJen]

Greetings again from the Atlantic where the weather is ever changing! Posted something this morning but evidently it got lost in the ethernet.

 

Just getting ready for the SeaDream Club Members party, to which everyone has been invited. I can guarantee you the DJ's DH and I won't be in the running for most nights aboard.

 

Having an incredible time here on SD2. I am now a true believer about the seas on the Crossing .... smoother than what I have seen in the Caribbean and hopefully it will stay that way:D

 

Weather changes quickly ... I was on "my" Bali Bed in glorious sunshine for a few hours and then had to relocate to the Office with a wonderful SD fleece to stay warm.

 

Crew and staff continue to take excellent care of us ... Zoltan and Clint make sure my water glass stays full. And a special shout out to Clint for stuffing olives with blue cheese and then having to make another batch after they were accidentially tossed. I am trying to talk Zoltan into singing "Sweet Caroline" for the crew talent show since he was an excellent back up singer the other night.

 

HotMan Peter, Maitre'd Jamie and all the wonderful servers (Enes, the other Peter, June and many more) make sure we always have something to eat.

 

Capt. Terje and his extremely capable officers are making sure that we are in comfortable seas and weather conditions.

 

All is well on SD2 ... and yes I am still writing notes for the really long report!

[rolltide1]

To all the Crossers:

 

Thank you for your reports! I am glad the seas/weather are beautiful. 36 feet seas didn't sound so great, so I am glad you all have had great weather since getting underway.

 

DJ: can't remember who you all were pulling for, but did your DH have access to watching the Penn St./ Ohio St. game? I hope the "right" team won!

[frequent traveler]

FT.

 

a lazy Sunday on SD. Need I say more. well I will.

last night's dinner was so amazing, I probably won't be able to eat dinner tonight. I'm still full. another two soup night. First garlic soup, then lime and coriander soup.Tasty, tasty. A "small cobb" salad. ha ha! Prime rib nicely rare (still mooing), and a new pasta "international" dish that was fantastic. Of course, I'll bring the menus home. We ordered a pasta for the table and several agreed it was the top choice. Light sauce, wide noodles.

 

Winner of most nights on SD had more than 180. of the 83 guests on board this voyage, more than 60 were repeat so we had our caviar and sushi in the lounge last night.

 

was cloudy this morning, but seas were smooth and sun came out around lunchtime. onion rings have been requested for tomorrow's lunch. the captain announced air and water temperature were about the same today at noon - a balmy 76.

 

can't say how great this passenger mix has been. aboout the only drama has been the near fights over the "offices" on Deck 6. It is highly desired space and we believe that a group of Norwegians has a rotation going - it is never vacant. Around the clock! However, with the exception of a couple of breakfasts where an English contingency may have beaten AirSea or CTBJR to the site, the other corner booth has been successfully and continuously occupied most days by the Americans.

 

another much welcomed improvement in drydock (at least for this klutz). The step on Deck 5 from the hall into the entrance into the eating area has been replaced with a gently sloped ramp. no more tripping when moving in and out of that area.

 

if I ever thought about singing along in the piano bar this trip, I lost all inclination last night after hearing one of our fellow passengers sing. She's a professional opera singer, currently putting her career on a temporary hiatus to focus on her family. From San Francisco area married to a Norwegian. Not only talented, but gorgeous and down right nice, too. Can't find anything to dislike about her!

 

here we have a great crew show in store for us. Can't wait for that.

 

so much to do and so little time. must go take a nap to rest up for all the activity.

 

FT

[bvocruise]

 

can't say how great this passenger mix has been. aboout the only drama has been the near fights over the "offices" on Deck 6. It is highly desired space and we believe that a group of Norwegians has a rotation going - it is never vacant. Around the clock!

FT

 

What is the office space on deck? Is it so crowded since this a crossing and not a regular sailing that makes stops? Will the "offices" on deck six be crowded on all sailings?

[frequent traveler]

 

What is the office space on deck? Is it so crowded since this a crossing and not a regular sailing that makes stops? Will the "offices" on deck six be crowded on all sailings?

 

In the Top of the Yacht Bar, on deck 6, there are two "booths", hard to explain but has a L shaped sitting area - you can stretch out and read or nap with a table, and several chairs. Part stays shaded for most of the day regardless of the direction the yacht is facing and because the arrangement accomodates a group of six or so easily, they are popular places to "hang out." Some lovingly refer to it as "the office". Easy access to the bar and great views (of course there isn't a bad view on SD). My favorite corner down on the pool deck is getting the shade early in the afternoon due to the direction we've been taking so I've relocated upstairs to the single Bali bed - not in high demand.

 

FT

 

since I don't frequent "the office" except on crossings, I can't speak for its popularity during the day when the yacht is stopping at islands or other destinations.

[bvocruise]

Thanks, I figured it was some type of a SD insider thing :). Sounds like you need to be up early to get the prime spots on a crossing.

[DJ's DH]

Frantically searching for a post Disney Jen spent 45-minutes composing (and I proof read)prior to dinner this evening - it appears to have dissappeared into the Atlantic after we hit "submit reply"... all future postings will be done off-line, so we can copy and paste (just in case). She knows better but didn't attend the lecture this afternoon on memory and forgot!

 

The Captain and Communications Officer (and SD offices in Miami and Oslo) are keenly aware of internet disruptions, and are working hard to resolve. They are acutely aware of the impact that reliable internet has on passengers, especially as we prepare to start a new work week.

[zqvol]

 

In the Top of the Yacht Bar, on deck 6, there are two "booths", hard to explain but has a L shaped sitting area - you can stretch out and read or nap with a table, and several chairs. Part stays shaded for most of the day regardless of the direction the yacht is facing and because the arrangement accomodates a group of six or so easily, they are popular places to "hang out." Some lovingly refer to it as "the office". Easy access to the bar and great views (of course there isn't a bad view on SD). My favorite corner down on the pool deck is getting the shade early in the afternoon due to the direction we've been taking so I've relocated upstairs to the single Bali bed - not in high demand.

 

FT

 

since I don't frequent "the office" except on crossings, I can't speak for its popularity during the day when the yacht is stopping at islands or other destinations.

 

Since it is hard for FT to describe, and I'm sure that she knew I had a picture of it available, here is the "office"

 

[bvocruise]

It looks nice, I really lide the loungers right above also. I think the office would be too much space for just me and the wife (of course we would share if someone wanted to join us).

[vandrefalk]

OK - finally see a picture of DJ's DH and CTBJR! Lookin good!

AND -- I know who at least some of the Norwegians are! Two of them were with us in September on the Rome-Dubrovnik leg. They do like the office :D

Vandrefalk

[frequent traveler]

I will have to leave it to DJ to fully describe last night's dinner as I was really still too stuffed to make it to dinner for Italian night. My knee was bothering me a bit yesterday - guess 8 miles in 2 days (about 4 more than my usual on a good 2 days) so i sat out the walk and felt even more guilty about the non stop eating binge I've been since boarding. So I decided to curl up with a book and order from room service. I had SD's version of a Chef Salad. I think it was the first time I've ordered it. Came topped with warm chicken and 4 shrimp, some italian salmai and gouda cheese. nice mix of crisp lettuce but was missing the tomato listed in the menu. A light blue cheese dressing and for once I did not feel guilty come bed time. One evening without a pass by the petit four tray! I think that's another first for me.

 

Gift last night was lavender sachet in a cute little wooden chest. So far we have the pajamas, rose, and cd. Usually, on the nights when the luscious chocolate dipped strawberries arrive I just have to push aside when traveling solo, due to food allergy - but this year I got a "custom" gift. A boxed soap dish with sea shell soap. the thoughtfulness was was just amazing. This trip there hasn't been a single nut on a cheese plate in my room. Last trip for the first few days I had to follow up on my food allergies. Not this trip. Jamie and Enes made sure that I knew that the kitchen was aware and sure enough not one plate has had one. Emmanuel poolside was very regretful one afternoon in telling me he didn't bring a passaround to me becasue it contained nuts. No where else would I get this --- and people back at the office keep asking me why we return to SD (but only those who haven't been on SD, those who have ask if there's room in my suitcase for them!)

 

up bright and early. well, up early -its still dark. a bit more wave action starting around 4 am. does not classify as rough but boat is actually moving a bit ocassionally.

 

SPOILER ALERT - if you don't want to know today's agenda before DJ posts her review - do not read this.

 

early riser's coffee available at 7:00. - who knows maybe I can beat a Norwegian up top. Yoga is at 8:30. And when I walk by, there is always a crowd. Golf simulator demo at 9:30. It appears that we have our own 19th hole from the group and cocktail service up there. Busiest I've ever seen it. from 9 to noon the boutique is open with 40% off raymond weil watches & judith ripka pieices. then the walk at 10another lecture at 11. jon bowermaster is speaking on "islands in transition - the galapagos to the tuamotus." I may actually go to this one.

this afternoon is filled with wii sports, team trivia again, its "name that musical", tai chi class, and we have liar's club this evening.

I am so glad i took last night off and rested up. i will need all my energy today for this hectic schedule.

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Greetings once again from the Atlantic!

 

DJ's DH and I are in our staterom enjoying a pot of coffee, some orange juice and yes, IMPROVED internet service! DJ's DH was actually able to get into his work email and clean up several things thanks to the faster and more reliable connection.

 

As FT has already mentioned there was some motion in the ocean last night/early this morning. It was more a multi-dimensional movement instead of the left-right or front-back rocking.

 

Having been an occupant of the Office in the Caribbean I can tell you that the demand is not as great because most people are off the ship during lunch and in the afternoon.

 

Looking forward to Liar's Club this evening ... will definitely need a nap.

[Jim Avery]

DJ:

Whats up? Do you and FT run and hide when the camera comes out?? Have only seen a very few of you two. :eek:

[ctbjr1309]

DJ:

Whats up? Do you and FT run and hide when the camera comes out?? Have only seen a very few of you two. :eek:

 

DJ and FT are very busy, Jim.

[Jim Avery]

DJ and FT are very busy, Jim.

Probably involves some kind of algae wrap or squid paste in the spa.:D It is always amazing how busy you can stay on a little ship with no rock climbing walls or ice rinks.:eek: Have seen some good pix of you and you seem to be enjoying things nicely. Keep up the good work.

J.

[zqvol]

FT just hates cameras.

[frequent traveler]

BTW, still having periodic internet problems, got kicked out 4 times yesterday afternoon . . . .am heading to the gym to work off another fantastic dinner . . will update later or rely on DJ's thrilling masterpiece to follow. Another two soup dinner . .. and my stomach is sore from laughing so hard at Liar's Club. Very politically incorrect night but fabulous performance.

 

FT

[ctbjr1309]

Have seen some good pix of you and you seem to be enjoying things nicely.

 

As you can tell from the pics of me, I'm extraordinarily busy as well ...

[DJ's DH]

Crossing this one off the bucket list, but probably going to add it back later! Trip has been phenominal (other than afore mentioned internet connectivity)...

 

DisneyJen continues to record all meals/events, and will be posting in due time...

[frequent traveler]

Tonight is Indian night dinner and since last night I managed to stuff myself (yet again) I’m staying in and ordering from room service again. Maybe. Maybe not. Went to afternoon tea at 4:00 between calls with the office and trying to respond to e-mails (another getting dropped from internet 4 times). Had a sunny day and saw white caps for the first time I can remember on a crossing. But still seems smooth sailing. Lunch was one of my favorite soups – kohlrabi. Plus a pasta carbonara made with those wide noodles and a delicate sauce. Forgot to mention last nights celeriac tomato soup, spicy thai beef appetizer (new presentation), hot noodle soup (can’t remember exact description but SD regulars will recognize) and duck entrée. Of course since wonderful Jasper brought me petit fours without any nuts we won’t talk about my sugar consumption last night

 

But I digress, back to afternoon tea. The event is called “Tea Forte” and was hosted by executive chef Erwin L. Unterberger. Many kinds of teas, both hot and cold were available as well as tea infused vodkas. Pastries made with tea were also provided along with a “menu” explaining the choices. Jamie selected a very nice African tea for me. The aroma was so wonderful it could have been worn as a perfume. Tasted great too.

 

Had the crew emergency drill today. Only one “simulated” injury – at least as announced on the pa system. Lots of activity as the yacht prepares for the inspections in Puerto Rico. Morning pass around was Mini Quiche Lorraine & Mini Sausage Rolls and juice of the day was “watermelon” juice. Haven’t been tempted to try those even though they are very pretty.

 

All that sun today was very tiring . . moving from Bali bed to deck 5 for lunch and back . . and downstairs for tea . .. oh well, guess someone has to do it. Glad its me.

 

FT

 

Did confirm yesterday morning that Norwegians do not occupy the TOY Bar 24 hrs a day. They are gone for at least 15 minutes since when I arrived at 6:15 yesterday morning for sunrise, no one was upstairs. The first Norwegian did not arrive for at least a quarter hour, but after that, except for dinner, I don’t think the smoking corner was left unoccupied until 2:30 a.m! (at least that’s the rumor – I’m sure not up to see it)