LTCOP

On the Nova, they give you Otium products.  You only get Bulgari products in the higher categories of suites.

When we boarded the Nova yesterday, I asked our butler and he said it was going to be a private ceremony.  I did notice groups of professionally dressed people walking through the ship in the afternoon who I assume were invited for the ceremony.  As guests, the only thing that we saw that I assume was related to this was 2 tugs put on an impressive water canon show we could enjoy on our balcony.  It was fun to see and went for quite a while. Other than that, we did not know a thing until I saw pictures on Facebook.

@ronrick1943 Darn it, I was hoping there was some buzz about the christening onboard.  It is strange, as usually there is some press regarding these events.  I was looking forward to getting to see it!  I guess we will see we what happens!

Nice that you have some extra days to enjoy in FLL.  That helps cushion the trauma of disembarkation:-).  Should be fun celebrating New Year’s on board!!!  Enjoy!

@ronrick1943. I have been really enjoying reading your thread as we will be joining the ship in FLL for the Grand Voyage.  I was wondering if you hear any news onboard about the ship’s christening ceremony?  I had read months ago that it was scheduled for January 4, but not a word since.  Maybe that has all changed, but was just curious if you are hearing anything?

Thanks for your posting!!!

37 minutes ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Thanks JSR, this is helpful as it appears the timing can vary.  Did you also receive an email communication from Silversea announcing the overland options or did you just happen to see them posted on my.silversea?  I assume the overland programs will also be listed somewhere on my.silversea with a description of the program and specific instructions to contact your travel professional in the same way their pre and post land programs are listed. 

I am also on the South America Grand Voyage with JSR and yes, an email is sent when an overland tour is posted.  It will show up then on my.silversea for the day the tour is to begin.  You will have to book them with your travel agent. 
Pam

We will be disembarking the Wind Surf at the MARITTIMA / CRUISE TERMINAL VENEZIA on June 17.

Boarding tomorrow in Civitavecchia!!!

Pam

Back on board the Surf!  A gorgeous day sailing to Dominica!  Had a delicious dinner last night, had the best night of sleep in ages in a comfy bed with gentle rocking, saw old friends on the crew and meeting new ones, and there is this view!  Always love this ship!

Thanks Mariners for keeping us updated on your wonderful voyage!  I would love to do a trans-Atlantic or Trans-Pacific if I ever retire:-)

@HuliHuliCan't wait for our March cruise!!!  We will be doing final payment this week!!! 

@CometmanSoon you will be on board!

Have a wonderful cruise!

Do you think “taken out of public service” means that it is doing a private charter?

No, not for sure.  It sounded like they were in isolation on the ship.  But I really do not know.

15 hours ago, gracebest said:

We are the the Pride Aug. 30 for a 21 day cruise.  We are first time cruisers on WS, so a bit nervous about such a long cruise for our first time!  200 passengers sounds great!

You will love the ship and crew!  We have had a fantastic cruise and will be sad to disembark Thursday in Dublin.  Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

We are currently on the Star Pride and have been on board for 3 cruises.  There were some passengers who were positive on the first cruise.  The Captain announced it and we know there were quarantined passengers then.  Other than that, we have not seen or heard of more and our cruise has not been effected. 

We are currently on the Pride and have been on for 3 cruises, since the inaugural cruise on June 9.  Each cruise has been around 200 passengers more or less.

18 hours ago, greydog said:

Hi again - we booked the San Diego - Vancouver May 10 Star Breeze that features James Beard Foundation culinary theme.  Portland stop involves 100 mile passage on Columbia River. 

Fingers crossed for no Covid complications - wifester should benefit from antibodies from recent illness.  Vic/greydog   Safe travels home.

That cruise will be a wonderful experience!  I would love to do one of the culinary cruises!  And it is not long until it will be time to go!

The last day in St. Bart’s, the Bucjrt Regatta was happening!  It was quite a sight - we were anchored among what seemed to be an infinite number of sailing/racing ships and mega yachts.  It was fun watching the various teams head out for their races.

We disembarked yesterday and there were 7 ships in port!  It was crazy.  We spent yesterday at our favorite Le Petit Hotel in Grand Case.  We love all the wonderful restaurants in this charming town.  Flying home this afternoon and back to work tomorrow.  Back to reality:-)

Greydog - glad to hear your wife is recovered!  And that you have another cruise to look forward to!  We have not been able to find the other CC people on board yet!

Yes, we did have the beach BBQ at Prickle Pear and the new facilitate really nice!  It was a fabulous day there!  I got way too much sun:-). I think Windstar has upped its game on the food at the BBQ - if that was even possible!  The fish burritos were the best I have ever tasted!  The perfect beach day! 

We really enjoyed yesterday at Soper’s Hole.  Out tour, unfortunately, was canceled due to low number,  but we enjoyed a relaxing time at Pusser’s Landing sampling their version of a Painkiller.  A really unique port to get to visit!  And just gorgeous!  The weather and temps was ideal.  
 

The Yacht Club party was extra nice with the chef preparing appetizers at the party and we  were then served small plates.  Nice touch!   Stella Bistro and Candles alternate being open due to the smaller number of passengers.  Deck BBQ was fantastic last night.  Food has been delicious! 

Very smooth.  It is all done on board.  You sit down with the doctor who looks over your test results and records your vaccinations.  Then another person gives you the Covid test and then you are on your way to finish check-in.  Very organized. 
 

At sea today and the sails were up when we woke up.  Good wind and a gentle rock and it is a perfect sea day!

On board the Wind Surf this week out of St. Maarten!  St. Maarten dropped masks as of 6:00 pm on Friday and no masks required on board!  The ship looks great and the crew are the usual wonderful!!!  140 or so guests on board.  We were to be in Falmouth Harbor today - but due to swells we are in St. John - but still in Antigua.  Did a ship tour to Valley Church Beach - just gorgeous!  Had a quiet breakfast by the pool.  

Pre-Covid on the sailing ships, they always offered a nice 4:00-5:00 snack in the bar by the pool.  There was always an assortment of small sandwich bites, cookies, and other hors d'oeuvres.  It was hard to not eat too much and ruin my dinner:-) 

Hopefully, I will back on the Surf in March to check out if they still do that!

Pam

@HuliHuli - March 12!  We have tried to do this itinerary before, so hoping conditions allow the itinerary to happen!  Of course, I would be happy sailing just around on the ship for a week anyway:-)

Pam

@HuliHuli - We are booked on the Wind Star for March RT Barbados.  Really nice itinerary with a couple of ports that are new to us.  Also booked for June on the Star Pride - a BTB out of Barcelona and ending in Dublin.  We will see if and how it works out.  Very cool that you have one coming up this month now!!!  Keep me posted on your cruise so I can follow vicariously!!!  I could really use a cruise:-)

Pam

Thanks for this update!!!  Very good news!

Pam

Yes, I have a friend currently on board the Breeze and they will still sail to Tahiti without passengers.  Hopefully, the Covid numbers will come down quickly and cruises will be able to resume soon.