SD2 Fall '10 Transatlantic Crossing

[DisneyJen]

The afternoon began to fade into early evening the island of Madeira was off our starboard side. The mad dash for cell phones soon began as folks wanted to take advantage of cell service since the internet was still unavailable on the ship. Several of us joked that we expected the ship to list hard to starboard since everyone was trying to get the best reception possible.

 

Closing in on the main island of Madeira.

 

 

The sun slow makes it way down toward the Atlantic.

 

 

 

 

 

As we neared the island of Madeira, the Captain slowed the ship to a stop so that we could watch the sunset and the lights of Madeira twinkle.

 

 

Dinner was al fresco on Deck 4 with the ctbjr and his DW, AirSea, Olie and Lena. We were tucked into one corner (starboard) while the group of Norwegians who occupy the portside Office had the portside table. Laughter abounded so it was a good thing we weren’t in the Dining Room.

 

It was hard to tell that we had started to move as the seas were so calm.

 

Dinner

 

Appetizers:

Marinated Octopus and Baby Shrimp Salad with Fresh Spinach Leaves, Pink Grapefruit and Red Beet Drizzle

Assorted Tapas – Assortment of Local Cold Cuts and Cheeses, Grissini, Black Olives Tapenade, Mushrooms, Anchovies Mediterranean Style

Gnocchi in Creamy Pesto Sauce

 

Soups:

Sopa de Frijoles rojos con Tomillo – Red Bean Soup with Thyme

Zoupa ma Garides – Local Spiced Shrimp Soup

 

Salads:

Spanish Summer Vegetable Salad with Black Olives and Feta Cheese

Endive and Arugula Salad with Marinated Pine Nuts and Naranjas, Green Asparagus Tips with Lemon-Egg Dressing

 

Chef’s Main Dishes

Grilled Fillet of Halibut on Vegetable Julienne with White Asparagus, Mashed Potato of Champagne Beurre Blanc with Vognole

Beef Moussaka – Baked Layers of Minced Beef and Sliced Eggplant served with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Zodiak Chicken - Stuffed Free-Range Chicken Breast with Puff Pastry, with Spinach Shallot and Port Wine Jus

Spanakopita – Spinach and Feta Cheese Pie.

 

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 – Baklavas with Pistachio Ice Cream

Chocolate and Greek Yogurt Pudding Served with Honey Ice Cream

Toffee and Banana Tart with Mango Coulis

 

Selection of Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt – Vanilla, Honey, Pistachio Ice Cream, Pineapple Sorbet and Peach Frozen Yogurt

 

White Wines:

Chardonnay Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, 2007, $62

Meursault Labouri Roi, Burgundy, 2004, $52

Clos Saint-Michel, Chateau-Neuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, 2008, $56

 

Red Wines:

Corton-Pougets Grand Cru, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, 2001, $105

Cabernet S. Zinfandel, Paraduxx, Napa Valley, 2006, $93

Close Couret Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion, 2007, $105

 

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

 

In addition to Edgardo and Zoltan in the Piano Bar and Clint and Roland at the TOY Bar, the after dinner activities included the concert “Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden.”

 

Our group moved the party to the TOY Bar where Clint and Roland took their usual excellent care of us … including wrapping us in SD fleeces to ward off the chill. After some more laughs, we ventured back to the stateroom. This evening’s gift was chocolate covered strawberries … and a working internet connection.

 

Thank goodness we picked up an extra hour this evening as SeaDreaming is very tiring!

[DisneyJen]

Bless you DJ. I can only imagine facing guests and Thanksgiving, yada, yada after being gone for 2 weeks.

 

Knowing that we return very late the night of Dec. 22, faced with the hosting of our usual huge Christmas Eve family celebration, and being an anti-procrastinator, my house is now decorated, tree is trimmed, shopping completed and presents wrapped.

 

I intend to go on this pre-Christmas cruise with no anxiety about what will be facing me at home (well, other than a piggy mess that will probably be left by my 22 year old bonus child who still lives at home :().

 

But I digress. Question: You mention prices of wine by the glass. Doesn't SD pour wine as part of their all inclusive concept, other than if one wants to order a select type bottle?

 

Again, waiting patiently for your next chapter.

 

Thank goodness you are well organized! Trust me, once you step foot on SD you will be so relaxed:cool:

 

SD does indeed pour wine by the glass as part of the all-inclusive fare. The per glass prices and per bottle prices that I have included are for those folks who want to upgrade the wine either by the glass or bottle.

 

In 11 nights we purchased one bottle to celebrate a special evening.

 

Back to my lonely writer's garret:p

[DisneyJen]

Saturday, November 13

 

Woke up at 6:30 for a weather check … blue skies and moderate seas! I went back to bed for awhile as the gym didn’t open until 7 a.m.

 

After working off some of last night’s dinner on the treadmill, I joined DJ’s DH and AirSea for breakfast al fresco along the rail. Most of the group moved into the Office while I moved to “my” adjoining Bali Bed.

 

One upside of the flaky internet is that DJ’s DH is spending a lot of time reading books on his Kindle. One book down, five to go.

 

The “Steps for Charity” Walkers logged three miles or 48 laps while some of us headed to the Main Salon for the Dream Show Case. This is the first time I have experienced this wonderful event.

 

Among the activities were a mini chair massage with the Spa Team, Interactive Napkin Folding with Werner, Towel Creations with Chela and Housekeeping, Crepe Cooking Station with Chef Erwin, Secrets of Blackjack with Elena, Wine Tasting Techniques with Ferenc and Displaying the Ways of a Sarong with Zandra.

 

After taking advantage of the showcase I headed back to the Office for more SeaDreaming. The noon pass around was Mini Pissaladiere and Croque Monsieur.

 

Our gang gathered in the Office for another wonderful lunch service with Enes, Clint and Jamie.

 

Luncheon at the Topside Restaurant

 

From the Cold Buffet:

Seafood Delight served in Tomato Cups

Marinated Herring

Mortadella with Pickles

 

Healthy Tossed Salad Prepared a la Minute:

Spicy Bean Salad with Ginger Chili Dressing

 

Endive and Orange Salad

Pineapple and Smoked Ham Salad

 

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

 

Soup of the Day:

Lentil and Bacon

 

From the Grill:

Hamburger of Cheeseburger

Hot Dog Served with Relish

 

Side Dishes:

Fried Rice, O’Brian Potatoes, French Fried Potatoes

 

Summer Bistro:

Tartine of Lamb – Toasted Slice of Baguette covered with Aioli, Topped with Thin Sliced Roasted Leg of Lamb

Spaghetti Bolognese

 

Chef’s Favorite:

Pizza Margarita

 

SeaDream Wellness Special:

Caesar Salad with Low Fat Cottage Cheese Dressing

 

Vegetarian Dish:

Cauliflower Gratin

 

Oriental Choice:

Beef Sate with Peanut Butter Sauce, Indonesia Fried Rice served with Kroepoek and Atjar Tjampoer

 

Prepared a la Minute:

Cordon Bleu with O’Brian Potato and Natural Jus

Seared Salmon Scaloppini with Fresh Salad and Caper Dressing

 

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

 

After lunch activities included a Wii Sports – Nintendo Gaming Competition, Tai Chi, and a lecture by Jon Bowermaster on “Terra Antarctica – Kayaking the Peninsula.” Some in our group attended the lecture, which was said to be quite good, while others read and relaxed.

 

 

Saturday afternoon somewhere in the Atlantic!

 

The charity walkers gathered at the TOY Bar at 5 p.m. for 16 laps (1 mile) around Deck 6 before imbibing on their drink du jour.

 

Soon it was time to head down to the stateroom to prepare for the SeaDream Club Members Cocktail Party in the Main Salon. Everyone was invited to this event as the majority of sailors were members. As usual, June took excellent care of us while we waited to learn who had the most nights aboard SeaDream. DJ’s DH and I knew we weren’t even in the running but had a sneaking suspicion that one member of our happy band would earn top honors. Our very own Ctbjr was tied with another passenger for the title.

 

Dinner for 7 was at a special table where we once again enjoyed excellent service and outstanding company. I especially appreciated the group indulging in DJ's DH's need to excuse himself from the table so he could run to the stateroom to check on the Penn State-Ohio State football game. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the internet was intermittent so he could not get real-time scores and updates:eek:

 

Dinner

 

Starters:

Oriental Style Tuna Tartar with Wasabi Mayonnaise, Wakame Salad and Crispy Shrimp

Poached Chicken Breast on Avocado Salsa Salad, Pickled Red Onions, Crostini with Tapenade

Vol au Vent – Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Ragout in Puff Pastry

 

Soups:

Roasted Garlic

Lime and Coriander

Chilled Mango

 

Salads:

Cobb Salad – Cut Tomatoes, Bacon, Chicken, Eggs and Blue Cheese in small pieces arranged on Shredded Lettuce with Balsamic Dressing

Sweet Cucumber with Roasted Macadamia

 

World Flavor:

Pappardelle Pasta with Serrano Ham and Sautéed Garlic Spinach, Enhanced with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Chef’s Main Dishes:

Meuniere of Dover Sole on a Bed of Spinach and Leek, Parisienne Potato and Lemon-Butter Jus

Whole Roasted Prime Rib-Eye of Beef “Marchand de Vin,” Seasonal Vegetable and Jackson Potato

Herbs de Provence Marinated Pork Tenderloin on Boulangere Potato, Bell Pepper Compote, Black Olives-Sun Dried Tomato Veal Stock Reduction

Vegetables JalFrezi – Mixed Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice and Poppadum

 

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 Cake with Chantilly Cream

Classic Crème Brulee with Almond Biscotti

Pear Bell Helene

 

Selection of Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt – Strawberry, Rum Raisin and Cookie Dough Ice Cream, Passion Fruit Sorbet and Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

 

White Wines:

Sancerre, Pascal Jolivet, Lorie Valley, 2009, $48

Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, 2004, $66

Chardonnay, Rio Vivo, Casablanca Valley, Laroche, Chile, 2004, $28

 

Red Wines:

Chateau Montgrand Milon AOC Paulliac, Bordeaux, 2005, $42

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellar, Napa Valley, 2004, $99

Corton-Pougets, Grand Cru, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, 2001, $105

 

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

 

 

 

After dinner we headed to the Piano Bar where Zoltan was waiting with some props four our “Sweet Caroline” duet with Edgardo at the Piano. I think we even entertained (I use the word loosely) Elena who was in the Casino patiently awaiting players. Of course Clint and Roland were at the TOY Bar for the post dinner crowd.

 

DJs Rey and Daniel were in the Main Salon for “Dancing Thru the Decades.”

 

When we returned to our stateroom we found a cute towel elephant, who was wearing my sunglasses, on our bed along with tomorrow’s program. I quickly fell off to sleep knowing that we had four nights on the yacht with a full week left to SeaDream!

[mimito4]

Dear God, what is the average weight gain on a SD 7 day cruise? I can see I'm headed for trouble. My mouth is watering just reading your entries, DJ!

 

Since I'm an admitted wino, can you give me an example of a Chardonnay pour that is included? Can you have a Chardonnay each day if you so desire, or is it sometimes another type white like Sauvignon Blanc that you have to be satisfied with unless you want to purchase an upgraded wine?

 

Again, so enjoying. I will also post a review when I return, but in contrast to DJ, I'm not much of a detail person, so you all will have to be satisfied with broad strokes. I do pictures though ;) .

[Jim Avery]

Think a pound a day. Always seems to be that for me. Great job on the review DJ! Really takes me back.

[bvocruise]

I have never gained weight on a cruise but then again I've only been on Carnival, HAL, and RCL where there were a lot of stairs to take. My plan for SD is not to eat much since the portions are small.

[DisneyJen]

Dear God, what is the average weight gain on a SD 7 day cruise? I can see I'm headed for trouble. My mouth is watering just reading your entries, DJ!

 

Since I'm an admitted wino, can you give me an example of a Chardonnay pour that is included? Can you have a Chardonnay each day if you so desire, or is it sometimes another type white like Sauvignon Blanc that you have to be satisfied with unless you want to purchase an upgraded wine?

 

Again, so enjoying. I will also post a review when I return, but in contrast to DJ, I'm not much of a detail person, so you all will have to be satisfied with broad strokes. I do pictures though ;) .

 

Sorry I can't help you with info on the wine as I usually just take whatever they are pouring at dinner. We were traveling with friends ... some of whom stuck with champagne and others who asked for a different pour (no charge) of red.

 

Jim has answered the weight question:eek: Actually, I try to hit the treadmill to offset some of that gain.

 

Looking forward to your report mimito4! I spent the first 5 years of my working life as a reporter/editor ... go figure:p

 

Think a pound a day. Always seems to be that for me. Great job on the review DJ! Really takes me back.

 

Glad you are enjoying the report Jim!

 

I have never gained weight on a cruise but then again I've only been on Carnival, HAL, and RCL where there were a lot of stairs to take. My plan for SD is not to eat much since the portions are small.

 

One of the things I really love about SD is that you can order a taste of this or an appetizer portion of that or and order of that for everyone at the table to taste ... they really work with you on portions.

[whatnot]

As far as the weight gain goes, I usually gain more like 3 pounds for a 7 to 9 day cruise. On my 1st Sea Dream, I gained 8 on a 9 day! Since then, I try to behave! I usually try to only order 2 or 3 of the 4 dinner courses and let my DH order dessert of which I have a taste. I usually have boiled or poached eggs and toast with fruit for breakfast and a salad,etc from the lunch buffet. I skip the passarounds. You can be healthy if you want, it's just a challenge because it's all soooo wonderful!

 

As for the wine, I usually drink the free pours that have been chosen to compliment the dinner. But I do know that at lunch and at the TOYBAR you can usually get a Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio, and possibly a Sauvignon Blanc in addition to the red offerings. Sometimes even a French Dry Rose when you are in the Med. As for the brand, that changes depending upon the cruise. In the Med this past summer, some were European wines. The last time I was in the Carib they seemed to be either California or Argentinian, but that was 2 years ago.

 

Hopefully you can find somthing that pleases your palate. Just ask!

[whatnot]

I also forgot to mention that I always get off the yacht when in port to atleast do some needed walking for exercise. Somehow the tread mill just isn't the same for me. I normally walk 3 to 4 miles every day at home. I think it really helps to fight the calories. More power to all of you that do the Crossing! Just don't think I could make it without putting my feet on land for 10 0r 11 days!

[CDreamer]

I was really, really, really (!) "bad" during our last SD Caribbean cruise.... threw caution to the wind and gained close to 10 lbs!!! :eek: It's not all due to SD - we spent an extra 3 nights in St John afterwards - but I have to chalk most of it up to my love for SD's amazing menu, not to mention all the Painkillers, Bushwhackers, and other sinful "island' drinks I just had to sample at the TOY bar!! ;)

 

That said, only gained 1 1/2 lbs on our last SD Med cruise in June, so I've learned to scale back a bit! That, and I agree with whatnot's point about going on shore to get some additional exercise (if this is your thing). We like to get off and explore at the stops and it keeps us in shape.

 

Bottom line is, w/ SD you can eat as much or as little as you want - and there are plenty of options, for either preference.

[CDreamer]

DJ, your photos are just fantastic! Which camera do you have?

[rolltide1]

What a great thread. Thank you to all the great posters. Photos, reviews, and comments have been appreciated by those of us who consider ourselves "Seadreamers" but who are currently stuck on land.

[mimito4]

At home, we do the treadmill for 45 minutes every day, and lift weights 3 x a week. When I cruise, I still hit the treadmill, but don't seem to make it every single day. When on the large ships, I typically try to even avoid taking the elevator, figuring that by making the stairs my own personal stairmaster, I'm helping myself a little. Do you realize though how few calories are burned via exercise? Ugh.

 

I also learned a long time ago that I do better if I don't have absolute no's. I say yes to anything I like. . .I just try to have a bite or two instead of eating the entire thing. I like your suggestions about samples for the table or appetizer portions, etc., D.J.

 

I'm figuring the biggest problem will be liquid calories, as CDreamer pointed out. The thing is I can't seem to wrap my head around the concept of calories being real if I'm not chewing. Gets me every time. :p

 

Didn't mean to hijack DJ. Do carry on. Between this thread and FT's live one, I feel like I'm already a SeaDreamer before even stepping foot on board. Many thanks again to all.

[frequent traveler]

This crossing was the worst ever for me weight wise -- and I skipped dinner in the dining room two of the 11 nights! I actually shrieked when I stepped on the scale a few days ago. While I didn't work out every single day, I did most days . . . I think the difference this time was the absolutely fantastic pasta (which I don't eat at home) and the fact that the staff every single night brought a selection of petit fours with no nuts . . . (Food allergies help me reject most of the prior times) Soups were fantastic -- lower in salt than previous SD voyages (at least to my taste buds). As DJ publishes the menu, I can see I'm going to have to step up the willpower on the next SD voyage. Maybe I should blame DJ for introducing me to Grand Mimosas with breakfast!

 

FT

[piratelooksat45]

I've found that whatever I gain during a week vacation I can lose in 2 weeks at home. So I enjoy while I'm vacationing and try to "fix it" when I'm back in the real world. It's seems like a shame to turn down SeaDream's fabulous food and cocktails!

[Jim Avery]

I've found that whatever I gain during a week vacation I can lose in 2 weeks at home. So I enjoy while I'm vacationing and try to "fix it" when I'm back in the real world. It's seems like a shame to turn down SeaDream's fabulous food and cocktails!

 

That's my take on it too. Like they say: "The more you eat, the less the ticket really cost.":eek:

[zqvol]

This crossing was the worst ever for me weight wise -- and I skipped dinner in the dining room two of the 11 nights! I actually shrieked when I stepped on the scale a few days ago. While I didn't work out every single day, I did most days . . . I think the difference this time was the absolutely fantastic pasta (which I don't eat at home) and the fact that the staff every single night brought a selection of petit fours with no nuts . . . (Food allergies help me reject most of the prior times) Soups were fantastic -- lower in salt than previous SD voyages (at least to my taste buds). As DJ publishes the menu, I can see I'm going to have to step up the willpower on the next SD voyage. Maybe I should blame DJ for introducing me to Grand Mimosas with breakfast!

 

FT

 

 

Or cruise the Med more often. As I recall I actually lost weight last spring in Greece and Turkey. Getting off the ship and walking every day sure helps!

[DisneyJen]

I also forgot to mention that I always get off the yacht when in port to atleast do some needed walking for exercise. Somehow the tread mill just isn't the same for me. I normally walk 3 to 4 miles every day at home. I think it really helps to fight the calories. More power to all of you that do the Crossing! Just don't think I could make it without putting my feet on land for 10 0r 11 days!

 

The treadmill was quite an adventure on the crossing! I actually got an upper body workout while trying to hold on a few times:p

 

It was fun looking for sea life and ships as well as watching the changing seas and skies while on the treadmill!

 

I was really, really, really (!) "bad" during our last SD Caribbean cruise.... threw caution to the wind and gained close to 10 lbs!!! :eek: It's not all due to SD - we spent an extra 3 nights in St John afterwards - but I have to chalk most of it up to my love for SD's amazing menu, not to mention all the Painkillers, Bushwhackers, and other sinful "island' drinks I just had to sample at the TOY bar!! ;)

 

That said, only gained 1 1/2 lbs on our last SD Med cruise in June, so I've learned to scale back a bit! That, and I agree with whatnot's point about going on shore to get some additional exercise (if this is your thing). We like to get off and explore at the stops and it keeps us in shape.

 

Bottom line is, w/ SD you can eat as much or as little as you want - and there are plenty of options, for either preference.

 

We hardly ever get off the yacht when we are in the Caribbean ... the yacht is the destination for us! That said ... I need to either use the treadmill or walk laps around Deck 6.

 

I agree 100 percent that there are so many food options on SD that you can be as good or as bad as you want:D

 

DJ, your photos are just fantastic! Which camera do you have?

 

Thanks CDreamer! I use a Sony Cybershot (Super Steady Shot DSC-W200). I have been very happy with it!

[DisneyJen]

What a great thread. Thank you to all the great posters. Photos, reviews, and comments have been appreciated by those of us who consider ourselves "Seadreamers" but who are currently stuck on land.

 

Glad to share rolltide! Just paying it forward!

 

At home, we do the treadmill for 45 minutes every day, and lift weights 3 x a week. When I cruise, I still hit the treadmill, but don't seem to make it every single day. When on the large ships, I typically try to even avoid taking the elevator, figuring that by making the stairs my own personal stairmaster, I'm helping myself a little. Do you realize though how few calories are burned via exercise? Ugh.

 

I also learned a long time ago that I do better if I don't have absolute no's. I say yes to anything I like. . .I just try to have a bite or two instead of eating the entire thing. I like your suggestions about samples for the table or appetizer portions, etc., D.J.

 

I'm figuring the biggest problem will be liquid calories, as CDreamer pointed out. The thing is I can't seem to wrap my head around the concept of calories being real if I'm not chewing. Gets me every time. :p

 

Didn't mean to hijack DJ. Do carry on. Between this thread and FT's live one, I feel like I'm already a SeaDreamer before even stepping foot on board. Many thanks again to all.

 

You didn't hijack ... just adding to the conversation:p

 

I am a compulsive planner (no comments from the peanut gallery). DJ's DH likes to say that I get as much pleasure out of planning the vacation as I do in taking the vacation!

 

This crossing was the worst ever for me weight wise -- and I skipped dinner in the dining room two of the 11 nights! I actually shrieked when I stepped on the scale a few days ago. While I didn't work out every single day, I did most days . . . I think the difference this time was the absolutely fantastic pasta (which I don't eat at home) and the fact that the staff every single night brought a selection of petit fours with no nuts . . . (Food allergies help me reject most of the prior times) Soups were fantastic -- lower in salt than previous SD voyages (at least to my taste buds). As DJ publishes the menu, I can see I'm going to have to step up the willpower on the next SD voyage. Maybe I should blame DJ for introducing me to Grand Mimosas with breakfast!

 

FT

 

Sure ... blame the Grand Mimosas on me:p

 

I agree the soups were outstanding this trip. Chef wasn't willing to share his secret although I am convinced it involves an immersion hand/stick blender!:D

[DisneyJen]

I've found that whatever I gain during a week vacation I can lose in 2 weeks at home. So I enjoy while I'm vacationing and try to "fix it" when I'm back in the real world. It's seems like a shame to turn down SeaDream's fabulous food and cocktails!

 

You must be a man pirate! DJ's DH has already lost 3 of the 6 pounds he put on during the crossing ... and that's with Thanksgiving!!

 

That's my take on it too. Like they say: "The more you eat, the less the ticket really cost.":eek:

 

Are you sure you and DJ's DH aren't related Jim?:cool:

 

Or cruise the Med more often. As I recall I actually lost weight last spring in Greece and Turkey. Getting off the ship and walking every day sure helps!

 

Makes sense zqvol since your Med cruises were port intensive! We know how much you love to just hang on the ship ... NOT!!:p

 

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

[mimito4]

I've found that whatever I gain during a week vacation I can lose in 2 weeks at home. So I enjoy while I'm vacationing and try to "fix it" when I'm back in the real world. It's seems like a shame to turn down SeaDream's fabulous food and cocktails!

 

That's my take on it too. Like they say: "The more you eat, the less the ticket really cost.":eek:

 

You must be a man pirate!

 

I can't believe you said ^^^^ that DJ. You beat me to it!

 

Here's my take. The only thing most men have to do is cut down from 8 to 6 beers a day and bingo, they can drop 5 pounds a week. It's that unfair muscle mass advantage. Grrrrrrr. :(

 

OK, more, more, DJ!

[Jim Avery]

Cut back beer??!? Surely you jest.:D

[frequent traveler]

Or cruise the Med more often. As I recall I actually lost weight last spring in Greece and Turkey. Getting off the ship and walking every day sure helps!

 

I don't want to hear it . . . I gained weight on the same SD cruise even with getting off the ship and walking every day. . plus the additional kayaking I did almost every day. the posters above have it right!

[notasilverspoooner]

Can someone explain how the charity walk works? Do you pay/donate per lap? I could not find anything about it on the SD website but it is mentioned on the blog. Is it just a crossing thing?

[frequent traveler]

Can someone explain how the charity walk works? Do you pay/donate per lap? I could not find anything about it on the SD website but it is mentioned on the blog. Is it just a crossing thing?

 

Yes, it is just a crossing event. Not done on any other voyage. You don't have to donate to walk in it. There is a sign up sheet at the concierge desk. The charity selected on this crossing benefitted the children who suffered in the tsunami several years ago. Anyone can pledge and SD matches the total amount. Most people just pledge a "maximum" amount.