SD2 Fall '10 Transatlantic Crossing

[DJ's DH]

...GWTW-SS will return ... after the break to get some chores done!:rolleyes:

 

For those of you paying close attention to DJ's posts, we're only on day 5 (7 to go). I'm reading over her shoulder... and I propose the title be changed from GWTW-SS, to WAP-SS (War and Peace, SeaDream Style)... but having enjoyed this cruise (and 30 years together, MOST of them happy) with DJ, I can honestly say that her journal is more vivid/accurate, than my memory:eek: (just sayin'...I'm turning old next year).

 

Thank you DJ, your journal will forever document our "trip of a lifetime" (which we now agree will be repeated more than once).:cool:

[jbcjtc]

Love these postings... GWTW or War and Peace! I"m going next time!

[DJ's DH]

Love these postings... GWTW or War and Peace! I"m going next time!

 

If Dr. jbcjtc decides to tag along, I'll buy him a Laphroag each evening (he can buy all the others:D)

 

Email DJ next time your car needs service, we need to get together!

[DJ's DH]

Not to worry, faithful readers! I've got the whip out, and DJ will be posting the next installment of WAP-SS, in the next day or so!!!:cool:

[mimito4]

:D I was just getting ready to type "hello, hello, is anyone there?"

 

Thanks for your reassurance that WAP-SS has not come to an abrupt halt.

[DisneyJen]

See what happens when DJ's DH insists on having the annual Thanksgiving/Christmas extravaganza three days after disembarking:confused:

 

Not to worry ... I have plenty of notes (and photos). Next installment is almost done ... if only DJ's DH would spring for someone to shop, cook and clean (think SeaDream!) then I would have plenty of time to write:rolleyes:

[iscruz4us]

I am thirsting for more when you have the time :)!

[Jim Avery]

Not to worry' date=' faithful readers! I've got the whip out, and DJ will be posting the next installment of WAP-SS, in the next day or so!!!:cool:[/quote']

 

Here's hoping WAP-SS is completed by your Next cruise.:eek:

[mimito4]

^^^ :p :p :p

[frequent traveler]

I think we are getting to the stage of the crossing where the Grand Mimosas for Breakfast started in earnest! ;) It got kinda funny watching poor Enes having to send down to the bar for more Grand Marnier in the morning as even the Norwegians starting drinking Grand Mimosas first thing in the a.m. (and boy did they get grumpy if the liquor cabinet was locked and Jamie was late with the key:rolleyes:) I think there was a record set for consumption of Grand Marnier on this crossing!:D

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Here's hoping WAP-SS is completed by your Next cruise.:eek:

 

I sure hope so too as the next SD cruise is currently booked for Dec. '11 (although I think I am wearing DJ's DH down in terms of something earlier)!

 

I think we are getting to the stage of the crossing where the Grand Mimosas for Breakfast started in earnest! ;) It got kinda funny watching poor Enes having to send down to the bar for more Grand Marnier in the morning as even the Norwegians starting drinking Grand Mimosas first thing in the a.m. (and boy did they get grumpy if the liquor cabinet was locked and Jamie was late with the key:rolleyes:) I think there was a record set for consumption of Grand Marnier on this crossing!:D

 

FT

 

I wish the Grand Mimosas were flowing here but alas they aren't ... Actually I tend to write more with a Grand Mimosa in hand:p

 

 

I am thirsting for more when you have the time :)!

 

Since you asked so nicely iscruz4 us I will post what I have written so far ... the rest of the day's review will follow soon!

[DisneyJen]

Sunday, November 14

 

We have definitely settled into an at sea routine. I slept in a bit and then visited the treadmill in the gym, where I found my usual workout buddies.

 

I met DJ’s DH in the Office for breakfast with the usual suspects. We had to dodge a sprinkle or two of rain but Enes made sure that we were well cared for and fed.

 

Before heading to the Spa for our treatments I ran into Jamie and asked him if it would be possible to arrange for a quiet table for two al fresco at dinner. His response … “But of course.”

 

DJ’s DH and I had scheduled a late morning at the spa with Back, Neck and Scalp Massages for both of us. What a wonderful way to spend Sunday! I followed my treatment with a French Manicure which was delightful as well. Too bad I didn’t know about the spa prom as it was any 50 minute massage for $99 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. I have no clue what the spa costs were for our treatments as I was so relaxed I just signed the bill when it was presented to me.

 

While at the Spa I missed the Charity walkers, who to date had walked nine nautical miles and raised $250 in pledges. I also passed on Dr. Fred Chernow’s lecture – “The Memory – Sleep Connection.”

 

Still enjoying the Spa, I also missed the noon pass around which was Mini Vol au Vent, Cold Baby Shrimp and Warm Chicken Curry.

 

Our group, having settled into a very nice routine, lunched together in the Office.

 

Luncheon at the Topside Restaurant

 

From the Cold Buffet:

Kiwi Clams

Smoked Trout

Genoa Pastrami with Pickles

 

Healthy Tossed Salad Prepared a la Minute:

Fresh Tomato Salad with Oriental Dressing and Roasted Sesame

 

Pasta Smoked Salmon Salad

Turkey and Cheese Salad

 

Create Your Own Salad with a Wide Variety of Condiments and a Selection of Dressings

 

Soup of the Day:

Chilled Peach

 

From the Grill:

Hamburger or Cheeseburger

Hot Dog Served with Relish

 

Side Dishes:

Basmati Rice, Carree Potatoes, French Fried Potatoes

 

Summer Bistro:

BLT Sandwich – Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich

Meat filled Tortellini with Creamy Dolcelatte Cheese Sauce

 

Chef’s Favorite:

Mexican Fajitas with Condiments

 

SeaDream Wellness Selection:

Chilled Tropical Fruit Platter with Cottage Cheese

 

Vegetarian Dish of Today:

Vegetable Burger on Whole Wheat Bun

 

Oriental Choice:

Chicken Korma – Chicken Cubes in a Mild Creamy Gravy with Basmati Rice

 

Prepared a la Minute:

Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary Gravy

Grilled Fillet of Marinated Grouper on Boston Lettuce with Mediterranean Topping

 

Wines:

Fume Blanc Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2003, $32

Pinot Gris Reserve, Trimbach, 2003, $38

 

Wines by Glass:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Francis, Sonoma, USA, 2002, $10

Merlot, Swanson, Napa Valley, 2004, $15

 

The overcast morning turned into a gloriously sunny afternoon, which I enjoyed from my Bali Bed while DJ’s DH kept ctbjr and AirSea company in the Office. The seas were like glass and the rain storms in the distances seemed to dance around us.

 

 

 

Mother Ocean and Mother Nature at their best!

 

 

 

Having had a sneak peek at this evening’s menu, which included our absolute favorite entrée in the world … Braised Osso Bucco of Veal Shank… I asked Clint if I could pre-order a bottle of wine off the upgrade menu. His response … “But of course.”

 

 

 

 

Steaming south/southwest.

 

 

With dinner plans in place, I headed back to my Bali bed where Clint and Zoltan made sure that my glass of sparkling water with time and an occasional Bombay Sapphire and Diet Tonic always had ice and remained fresh.

 

Afternoon activities were a Longest Drive Competition in the Golf Simulator, Wii Sports Gaming Competition and Tai-Chi. As for our happy band of travelers … a board meeting in the Office where snoring was the main topic. I of course took notes from my Bali bed.

 

Before long it was time to watch yet another beautiful Atlantic sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

We needed to follow our sunset routine which Clint and Zoltan had down to a science … an absolutely perfect Ketel One, up, with three blue cheese stuffed olives, icy cold. As for DJ’s DH, another perfect Absolut Citron on the rocks with a perfectly peeled lemon twist.

 

 

 

More to come ...

[DisneyJen]

After celebrating another sunset, we headed back to our stateroom where our perfect cheese tray was awaiting us. After some cheese, crackers, grapes and nuts it was time to hit those incredible showers, where the water temperature and pressure are perfect and the air is filled with Bulgari White. I have to admit that we have become somewhat spoiled with the his-and-her bathrooms (and closets too) that are part of the Commodore Suites. We have spent the last 20 out of 41 nights in a Commodore Suite … I hope that we can continue the streak!

 

We joined the gang in the Main Salon and June quickly appeared to get our drink order. We took our time and once again enjoyed reliving the highlights of the day with the gang before heading our separate ways for dinner.

 

DJ’s DH and I have worked hard and I would even venture to say that we have been blessed to have experienced many “Once in a lifetime” moments. Not surprisingly, two of them have been on SeaDream 2 over the past 21 months.

 

As we arrived on Deck 4 for dinner Enes told us that he had the perfect table for us and then he escorted us to a table for two in the center of Deck 5 aft.

 

Imagine, if you can, that you are the only two people in the world on your own private yacht crossing the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean under an almost full moon with the best food and wine and service ….

 

Pinch me … is it a dream?

 

The only sounds you hear are Mother Ocean and Mother Nature working in concert to gently comfort you with their kisses of an every so soft almost Caribbean breeze and …

 

What’s that … a shooting star!

 

The scene and setting could be from the world’s most romantic movie where we are the stars …but even better it is our reality … even if just for an evening. Standing at the rail with my beloved DJ’s DH on our beloved SD 2 watching the moonlight dance off the wake as we steam ever so quietly southward …

 

This is one of many reasons why we love SeaDreaming.

 

Even though there was a full house on Deck 4 our dinner and wine service was perfectly paced … even when DJ’s DH and I decided to stroll Deck 5 before dessert, with a glass of Jordan in hand, to the deck in front of the bridge to watch the yacht gracefully glide through the water under a field of shining stars.

 

For those few hours we truly felt like we were the only people in the world and that we had not a care in the world … the magic of SeaDreaming.

 

 

Dinner Menu

Appetizers:

Carpaccio of Beef Tenderloin with Parmesan Shaving and Orange Flavored Olive Oil

Heart of Market Tomatoes Served Buffalo Mozzarella and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fusilli Pasta with Sautéed Spinach and Pata Negra

 

Soups:

Minestrone – Italy’s Vegetable and Pasta Broth

Sopa de Congruejos del Mar – Crab and Lobster Bisque

 

Salads:

Marinated Artichoke Salad

Mixed Leaf Lettuce with Sundried Tomato, Bell Peppers and Roasted Corn

An assortment of salads is always available with your favorite dressings

 

Chef’s Main Dishes:

Grilled Prawns with Parmesan Risotto, Crispy Garlic, Olive Oil, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Chives

Whole Roast Beef Strip-Loin with Crushed New Potatoes, Steamed Vegetables, Garlic Butter and Veal Stock Reduction

Braised Osso Bucco of Veal Shank with Gnocchi alla Romana, Marinated Grilled Vegetables

Cannelloni Pasta Filled with Ricotta Cheese, Swish Card, served on Fresh Tomato Coulis Daily

 

Daily Available A la Carte Selection:

Caviar Classic – 1 ounce Caviar with Classic Condiments and Melba Toast - $44

Caviar Deluxe Duo – 3 ounces Caviar with Egg, Crème Fraiche, Lemon, Onion, Blinis and Melba Toast - $132

Consommé Double with Batonnet au Fromage

Caesar Salad served with Croutons and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Linguini al Pesto or with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Broiled Fillet of Organic Salmon with Caper Butter

Chicken Breast with Herbs, Lemon and Virgin Olive Oil

Grilled NY Cut Strip-Loin Steak, Madagascar Sauce

Rosemary Marinated Lamb Chops with Natural Gravy

 

All dishes may be ordered with your choice of French Fries, Baked Potato, Rice and Vegetable of the Day.

 

Desserts:

Pastry Chef Jose Del Rosario Signature Dessert – Chocolate Layer Silk Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Cherry Clafoute with Butterscotch Sauce

Pannacotta with Malaga Ice Cream

 

Selection of Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt – Vanilla, Malaga and Chocolate Ice Cream, Wild Strawberry Sorbet and Banana Frozen Yogurt

 

White Wines:

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy, 2007, $28

Riesling, Reserve Trimbach, Alsace, 2005, $38

Pouilly Fuisse, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, 2008, $45

 

Red Wines:

Passanau, Finca La Planeta Sierra De Montsant’s, Spain, 2002, $64

Chianti Classico, Felsina, Italy, 2005, $63

Ornellaia, Tuscany, Italy, 2006, $176

 

Wine by the Glass:

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy, 2008, $8

Sancerre, Pascal Jolivet, France, 2008, $12

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, USA, 2002, $10

Swanson, Napa Valley, USA, 2004, $15

 

 

We passed on the yacht’s evening entertainment options, which included the DVD Concert “Eagles – Hell Freezes Over” in the Main Salon. Upon returning to our stateroom we found the SeaDream Sleep Music CD as part of turndown service. Even without listening to the CD, sleep came easily.

[mimito4]

 

The scene and setting could be from the world’s most romantic movie where we are the stars …but even better it is our reality … even if just for an evening. Standing at the rail with my beloved DJ’s DH on our beloved SD 2 watching the moonlight dance off the wake as we steam ever so quietly southward …

 

Ahhhhhh. . .

 

I want to do that with my beloved in a few days. Do I need to request this, or will they just see that we are two hopeless romantics (we are, even after 30 years!) and set us up?

[DisneyJen]

Ahhhhhh. . .

 

I want to do that with my beloved in a few days. Do I need to request this, or will they just see that we are two hopeless romantics (we are, even after 30 years!) and set us up?

 

We are hopeless romantics too (after 26 years of marriage ((Most of them happy as DJ's DH likes to say)) )!

 

I would definitely talk with the hotel manager after you board about arranging a special table for two for dinner al fresco. He may ask you to talk with the maitre d' to make the arrangements.

[Jim Avery]

Ya know, if we could all get Disney Jen off of Facebook for just a day, she might finish her review before next year.:eek::D

[CDreamer]

Ya know, if we could all get Disney Jen off of Facebook for just a day, she might finish her review before next year.:eek::D

 

LOL Jim!!!! Now THAT should have come with a *spew alert*!

 

DJ, I'm enjoying your detailed reviews, at whatever pace they come. ;)

[Jim Avery]

LOL Jim!!!! Now THAT should have come with a *spew alert*!

 

DJ, I'm enjoying your detailed reviews, at whatever pace they come. ;)

 

Sorry about that. Couldn't find the "spew" icon.:eek:

[DisneyJen]

Ya know, if we could all get Disney Jen off of Facebook for just a day, she might finish her review before next year.:eek::D

 

Actually wasn't Facebook that kept me occupied today ... it was a Jim Brickman concert!

 

Not to worry, I will be done before the new year:p

 

LOL Jim!!!! Now THAT should have come with a *spew alert*!

 

DJ, I'm enjoying your detailed reviews, at whatever pace they come. ;)

 

Thanks you CDreamer. I have most of the next day written. It should go up tomorrow.

[jbcjtc]

Can't wait!

[DisneyJen]

Monday, November 15

 

We awoke before the sunrise as there was some motion in the ocean early this morning. It was more a multi-dimensional movement instead of the left-right or front-back rocking motion. While it wasn’t uncomfortable it was just different.

 

Since the internet seemed to be faster and more reliable than we had experienced to date, we decided to order a pot of coffee and some orange juice from room service so DJ’s DH could clean up his work email.

 

Per my routine, I headed to the gym to log some time on the treadmill. It was somewhat of an adventure as the ship was moving a bit. The view out of the floor length windows in the gym were colored in shades of blue … blue skies, blue water.

 

After a late breakfast in the Office, we all seem to settle into our routines. DJ’s DH logged time in the Office with his Kindle while I enjoyed the beautiful weather from my Bali bed.

 

The Charity Walkers logged another three miles or 48 laps around Deck 6. Their total to date equaled 14 miles. The title of the morning lecture with Jon Bowermaster was “Islands in Transition: The Galapagos to the Tuamotus.”

 

The Spa offered a 3 in 1 Special – 20 minutes of facial; back, neck and shoulder massage, and scalp massage for $105.

 

It’s amazing how a difference in a few hours can mean the difference in sea and weather conditions. The early morning’s ocean motion turned into the early afternoon’s no motion in the ocean.

 

Of course the movement of time meant a noon pass around of Mexican Quesadillas, Burritos and Margaritas followed by, for our gang, lunch in the Office.

 

Luncheon at the Topside Restaurant

 

From the Cold Buffet:

Chilled Crab Claws

Whole Roast Paprika Chicken

Serrano Han

 

Healthy Tossed Salad Prepared a la Minute:

Fresh Greek Salad with Feta, Olive Oil and Balasmico

 

Red Cabbage and Orange Salad

Rice and Exotic Fruits with Curried Salmon

 

Create Your Own Salad with a Wide Variety of Condiments and a Selection of Dressings

 

Soup of the Day:

Chilled Mango

 

From the Grill:

Hamburger or Cheeseburger

Hot Dog Served with Relish

 

Side Dishes:

Jasmine Rice, Western Potatoes, French Fried Potatoes

 

Summer Bistro:

Tomato Club Sandwich

Spaghetti al Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts

 

Chef’s Favorite:

Pita Gyros with Grilled Chicken, Tzatziki and Fries

 

SeaDream Wellness Selection:

Baked Potato with Chive and Cottage Cheese with Steamed Vegetables

 

Vegetarian Dish of Today:

Potato Pancake with Apple Sauce

 

Oriental Choice:

Shrimp Tempura Sweet and Spicy

 

Prepared a la Minute:

Grilled Minute Steak with Fried Onion Rings

Breaded Flounder with Sauce Tartar

 

Wines:

Fume Blanc Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2003, $32

Pinot Gris Reserve, Trimbach, 2003, $38

 

Wines by Glass:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Francis, Sonoma, USA, 2002, $10

Merlot, Swanson, Napa Valley, 2004, $15

 

 

While the menu offerings were enticing, I was in the mood for a Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from the Small Bites menu. Of course it was no problem.

 

The afternoon activities included shopping in the Boutique with Zandra, Wii Sports Nintendo Gaming Completion in the Main Salon followed by Name that Musical Team Trivia in the Main Salon and the Cocktail Trail Walk of two miles around Deck 2. DJ’s DH had every intention on catching up on some work but the internet was flaky yet again so we opted for a nap as we needed to rest up for the evening’s main event at 10 p.m. in the Main Salon … “The Liars Club.”

 

After resting and showers it was time once again to gather in the Main Salon to hear Club Director Jeff’s review of the next day’s activities at sea. We all sort of chuckled as Jeff ran through the schedule, which looked a whole lot like the last few days.

 

This evening we arranged to dine with ctbjr and his DW al fresco.

 

Dinner Menu

Starters:

Salad of Shrimp, Tomato and Avocado with Orange Bell Pepper Dressings

Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Fresh Mango, Mint and Soya Dressing

Homemade Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

 

Soups:

Celeriac and Sundried Tomatoes

Chilled Apple and Blackberry

Pork and Noodle with Chili

 

Salads:

Mache Lettuce with Mixed Herbs and Vinaigrette

Spicy Roasted Eggplant Salad with Wakame

 

World Flavor:

Spaghetti with Roasted Chorizo and Garlic Chips, Cherry Tomatoes and Melted Mozzarella Cheese

 

Chef’s Main Dishes:

Fillet of Cod with Tomato Chutney and Herb Crust, Artichokes Compote and Parsley Potatoes

Veal Chop on Sautéed White Asparagus and Porcini Mushrooms, Green Peas Puree, Crispy Bacon Chips and Arabica Flavored Demi Glace

Beijing Whole Roasted Duck on Stir-Fried Egg Noodles, Crispy Vegetables and Hoi-Sin Sauce

Vegetable Strudel with Shallot and White Wine Sauce

 

Daily available A la Carte Selection:

Caviar Classic – 1 ounce Caviar with Classic Condiments and Melba Toast - $44

Caviar Deluxe Duo – 3 ounces Caviar with Egg, Crème Fraiche, Lemon, Onion, Blinis and Melba Toast - $132

Consommé Double with Batonnet au Fromage

Caesar Salad served with Croutons and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Linguini al Pesto or with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Broiled Fillet of Organic Salmon with Caper Butter

Chicken Breast with Herbs, Lemon and Virgin Olive Oil

Grilled NY Cut Strip-Loin Steak, Madagascar Sauce

Rosemary Marinated Lamb Chops with Natural Gravy

 

All dishes may be ordered with your choice of French Fries, Baked Potato, Rice and Vegetable of the Day.

 

Desserts:

Pastry Chef Jose Del Rosario Signature Dessert – Fine Chocolate Tart with Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Baked Apple Dumpling with Cinnamon Sauce

Turon De Manilla with Coconut Rum Sauce

 

Selection of Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt – Vanilla, Cinnamon and Maple Walnut Ice Cream, Grapefruit Sorbet and Lychee Frozen Yogurt

 

Assorted International Cheeses Served with Home Made Cheese Bread

 

White Wines:

Chardonnay, Heitz Cellar, Napa Valley, 2007, $44

Meursault Domaine Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, 2007, $96

Chateau La Nerthe, Rhone, 2006, $42

 

Red Wines:

Vosne Romanee, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, 2005, $67

Hollywood 2480, Napa Valley, 2006, $107

Chateau Grand Mayne Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion, 2002, $74

 

Wine by the Glass:

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy, 2008, $8

Sancerre, Pascal Jolivet, France, 2008, $12

St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, USA, 2002, $10

Swanson, Napa Valley, USA, 2004, $15

 

During our leisurely dinner on Deck 5 served by Jasper we spied yet another shooting star streak across an almost full moonlit sky.

 

Before we knew it, the time had come for us to head down to the Main Salon for “Liars Club.” For the first time on SD2, the participants were four passengers instead of crew. The gist of the game is that there are four words. For each word, one character will give the real definition while the other three will give a fake definition. The rest of the guests split into group and competed to have the most correct answers.

 

Our players included Steve as “Oli” the ever lost co-pilot, Richard as “Molly,” Allen as a relative of Bernie Madoff and Dr. Fred as an historian.

 

Needless to say it was an evening filled with laughter and some moments that almost approached political incorrectness, which seemed to be appreciated by all. There were several times when we though poor Captain Willassen covered his face and shook his head.

 

As FT was quick to point out to our team, which included ctbjr and his DW, AirSea, another lovely couple, DJ’s DH and me, did not win … a first for her. Luckily there was no prize but bragging rights or we would still be hearing about it:p:eek::p

 

Our band of travelers headed to the Piano Bar where we found Zoltan and Edgardo waiting for us. We didn’t stay long as we had to rest up for another full day at sea!

 

This evening’s gift as turn down was the popular SeaDream postcards.

[Jim Avery]

Thanks DJ. Can you send me one of the NY Strips and the Caesar Salad??:D

[DisneyJen]

Now that the annual holiday newsletter, complete with photos from the Crossing, is awaiting DJ's DH's final approval I can now focus on the rest of the story!:cool:

[Archipelago]

I'm certainly enjoying the reports !!! The whole voyage sounds wonderful!!!:D

[DJ's DH]

Thanks DJ. Can you send me one of the NY Strips and the Caesar Salad??:D

 

Got it right here for you, Jim...with a Red Stripe to wash it down:D