write_me

Long range cruise planning. Kent and Sandy from Utah USA. Love cruise critic and hope to hear from others who are sailing on the Muse Sydney, Australia Auckland, New Zealand. February 2nd. 2019. SilverSeas, is an outstanding company and we are looking forward to our cruise next year. Sandy.

This is a cruise that has been on our Bucket List for a Long time. It is early for cruise critic thread but thought it best to get started now. The ship is Silverseas Muse. the sailing date is February 2nd, 2019. Kent and Sandy from Utah, Usa

Great question, Stumblefood, and you are right -- it's by restaurant. Certainly folks on Silversea are pretty stylish, even when casual, but the only two formal restaurants are Atlantide and Le Dame. People were formal but it wasn't ballgown formal. And the dress codes mixed once you got into public areas. But again, people dress quite well onboard in the first pace :)

 

Carolyn

Thank you so much for that information. Have a cruise coming up on the MUSE. And reading about all the reviews has been an eye opener for us. How far out from a cruise can we start a thread do you happen to know. Kent and Sandy write_me

Maybe this has been covered but Ive never had a problem signing in but today and my wife has had this problem for a few days not even able to get off the first page. I click on sign in and nothing. If this has been covered I apologize but any ideas whats going on?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorrry can't help you. I am having the same problem. I am so angry with celebrity right now. Their new updated website is not user friendly. I am usually finished with all my cruise planning by now but it is not happening this time. And we Love Celebrity but not anymore. Hope our cruise is not a disappointment. Kent and Sandy.

We are taking an 18 night cruise on the Mariner. I understand they still have formal nights on cruises of 16 days plus. How many will there be? Packing for a 10 day Explorer cruise was so easy.

In our documents for the upcoming Mariner 18 day cruise they have Formal nights optional. Two nights. April 26th and May 10th. Enjoy Sandy

I am not sure whether this is an urban myth or is something you can do.

 

I have heard that if you would like a specific brand of spirit, in our case Hendricks Gin, then you can request it ahead of your cruise and they will ensure that they will stock it on board for your cruise.

 

Also, is it true that you can have a bottle of sprits, mixers and say a bottle of champagne in your cabin, all part of the all inclusive package with Regent.

 

We are two couples from the UK looking forward to our first Regent Cruise later this year, and wish to ensure we are not disappointed if such wonderful sounding service levels are indeed just urban myths.

 

Thanks

 

Neil

It has been our experience on the last two Regent cruises, that yes you may request a certain brand within reason And yes they do a good job of keeping your room supplied with your requests. We also had folks join us in our room for a casual get together and they brought in a variety of spirits for that. We are hoping nothing has changed on this cruise. kent and Sandy

Does anyone else create their own favorite meals (or snacks or drinks or....) by combining things available from the Buffet or various eateries around the ship? I have a few things that I regularly do, but I'd love to hear some other ideas!! :D

My favorites:

• Grilled Chicken Salad - grilled chicken from the Grill and salad from the salad bar in Horizon Court. Great Lunch!!!
  
• A little bit of chocolate ice cream in the bottom of a coffee cup...let it melt just a little then add coffee for a mocha. Use vanilla ice cream and it's similar to a (french) vanilla creamer. This makes the coffee in the buffet a little more palatable if I want to drink a LOT of coffee (upcoming Alaska cruise) and don't want to use my entire Coffee card in 3 days.
  

So.....any other ideas? What do others do?

What ship are you on where you have a coffee card .?????

Hi Rachel,

 

My memory is that Regent always wonderfully decorates the suite on birthdays. Balloons everywhere, fun stuff on the bed, can't remember exactly what-all, but nice. I believe that they automatically do that, but you can check to be sure. They also deliver, if I'm remembering correctly, that 14-layer cake thingie, which is one of our favorite desserts. And of course any coffee or other specialty drink that George's little heart may desire.

 

It could be really fun if you could get someone(s) from entertainment to serenade him, but I suspect that's not an option. (though who knows?)

 

Special bubble bath if he likes baths?

 

Oh, I wish we could do a cruise like the one you'll be on! Have the most wonderful time!!

Sandy here, I had my birthday on the Mariner 2 years ago. So exciting. We had the specialty dinner where they match the wine with each entree. But the highlight of the evening was returning to our cabin to find it load with balloons, and all sorts of treats and serenaded by several staff members. They do it up right. Just let them know when you board. write_me.

Unless you tell them you want to make other tipping arrangements, $14 ? pp/pd will be automatically added to your shipboard account. That covers most of the ship ( tips at spa, bar tabs, etc. would be on an as used basis). You will also want to tip shoreside tour guides, bus drivers in local currency, if possible.

We agree. On tours no matter where we are in the world we have never had a tour guide , bus driver ect. refuse american dollars. We do exchange currency for shopping off ship tho.Kent and Sandy

I've done three river cruises with Viking so far and we'll be doing our first Viking Oceans cruise in a few weeks. I'm hoping that the attitudes that I've encountered on the Viking river cruises have carried over to the ocean-liners. Within reason, people just seem to wear what they want, what they like to wear. Some folks like to really dress up for dinner and that is what they do. Others have little interest in it and don't bother with it. The rest fall somewhere between the two extremes, but skewed toward casual. In other words, you will probably see fewer cocktail dresses and more jersey dresses but in the end, it is your vacation, so wear what makes you happy.

Your absolutely right. Through the many years of cruising We find Elegant Casual a fine way to describe the modern day dress codes on the ships. Personally I am thrilled not to have to pack those elegant, Elegant dresses and hubby never cared for having to wear a tux while on vacation.We are looking forward to our first Viking Ocean Cruise in Nov. Kent and Sandy

Does anyone have menus for Viking cruises?

 

 

Agnesd,

Just back from Romantic Danube on Viking Njord. We had incredibly delicious meals - from appetizer to desert.

Main courses changed daily, often reflecting the port (Hungarian goulash one night) Beef, pork, salmon, lamb, vegetarian, and then there's always the optional "standards" on the right side of the menu - Seared NY Strip, Chicken Breast, Grilled Salmon - Always have had only great meals on any of the Viking Cruises we have been on. One night we had a Viennese 6 course buffet - excellent and creative chef Rene (on Njord) with the help of Hazel (pastries) and other crew members made all of our meals memorable.

Breakfast features omelettes made to order, a buffet with cereal, fruit, bagels, smoked salmon, yogurt, pastries etc... french toast too! (made to order)

Cookies and muffins available all day long at the 2 coffee/tea stations...

enjoy!

Jerry

Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us about Viking Njords menu. We are going on the Njord Dec. 12th taking the same route you did. How are the portions and can you get a second main dish or whatever.???? Kent N Sandy

Hi and sorry for not getting back to you sooner but I've just returned from a holiday in Ireland.

Susan makes a good point about checking out other sources for book reviews nevertheless I will press on with my comments in the hope that they help you to decide for yourself.

The book is about a former leper colony.........no don't stop reading, it is nowhere near as dire as it sounds. The island is Spinalonga in Greece and the story weaves around how life on the Island is organised and how three generations of a family have been affected by the prejudice of this. It is really a family saga that carries you along and it has some beautifully descriptive pieces in it. It did make me cry but was also strangely uplifting. I thought it was a great read and from memory it won some prestigious awards so others must agree somewhere along the line. If you decide to go ahead and read it, please let me know what you think even if your views differ from my own, I can take rejection albeit reluctantly :rolleyes:.

Thanks for the pointer to "Into the Wild" will add this to my list. Have a good day and happy reading.

Thanks so much. I will try to locate the book. It does sound like something I'd enjoy. I just hate to get a book and then skip pages cause you can pretty much guess where its going. But this one sounds like it will work for a 20 hour plan ride each way. Hope your Ireland trip was a great time. Thanks again. kent N Sandy

While I consider myself well read and versed in a number of what some might consider deep subjects every now and then I read something light and just for fun. I just finished all three books written by the gang from Duck Dynasty. Yep the Rednecks from West Munroe Louisania. None are much more than 200 pages but I found them a great read.

 

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil the father was the best. A great read about the transformation of the human sole with a fair bit of humour on the side. Although you wouldn't know it to look at him you won't get far into the book before you realize it was written by a man with a Masters degree and a whole lot of personal faith and conviction.

 

Si-Cology by Si, Phils brother was easily the funniest book I have read in years.

 

The Duck Commander Family by Willie and his wife Kori was probably the most informative of the bunch and also sprinkled with a good dose of humour.

 

You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy any of these reads. It helps in places to understand their mindset like giving up a pro football career because it interfered with duck hunting season but certainly not a necessity.

Really interesting Thanks for sharing. I have been watching Willie and Kori's daughter dance on Dancing With The Stars and of course the whole Duck Dynasty clan is in the audience each week. I had no idea they have three books out. I am going to order them tonight. Kent N Sandy

Hmmmm. I wonder why part of the author's name was censored????

That's interesting. I wonder that also. HHMMM

This is a great thread, wish I had found it sooner! Dipped in and out of some of the pages but have not noticed any mention of two of my favourite books which are The Island by Victoria Hislop and Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani. Now off to note some of the great recommendations but will be back. Happy reading everyone:)

Molly tell me a little about THE ISLAND by Victoria Hislop. The book I just finished and enjoyed was INTO THE WILD by Jon Krakauer. It holds your interest till your through. I am looking for some new reading material for our Viking River Cruise in December. I find those long, long plane rides much more enjoyable is I have my nose in a good book. Hope your having a good weekend. Kent N Sandy

I'm a huge travel reader. Can usually polish off 3 or 4 books in a week, especially some of the quick-read stuff.

 

Janet Evanovich series are great. They are very quick reads, all come in paperback and are fun to read. The titles are all in number sequences - One for the Money, Three to get deadly. You can find them on ebay easily. I think she's finished 1 - 8. You can read them in order, but it's not critical to read in sequence. (She actually came out with a short one about Christmas, forget the title, but it was in conjunction with another author, and the title was not in the "number sequence" she usually runs with.

 

Also enjoy the Stewart Woods books. Good mysteries, with repeat characters. Again, ebay is a great place to pick them up. Or even used book stores. Some take trade ins, so I take my olds ones and swap out for new stuff.

Just saw the movie" ONE FOR THE MONEY", great show. Have just gotten interested in the Stephanie Plum series If you saw the movie how does it coincide with the book. ???? I am going to check out e-bay to find the series, Thanks for the tip. We are sailing in April and have a long plane ride so thought it would be a great time to read them. Kent and Sandy

I second that!

I'm a librarian, retiring & going on our next cruise in September. It looks like we are going to have a little book club meeting on the second sea day to discuss this book.

Has anyone else tried to organize a book club through their roll call?

 

Here's another Kindle download I wonder if anyone has read.

35.

The Truth About Cruise Ships - A Cruise Ship Officer Survives the Work, Adventure, Alcohol, and Sex of Ship Life

Jay Herring (Author)

4.0 out of 5 stars (20)

Auto-delivered wirelessly

$9.95

 

Cindy

Librarian & new Kindle owner

Sounds like one that would be a lively BOOK Club review. I think that is a great idea especially for our TA cruise coming up. Iam going to suggest it. Sandy

I'm reading Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson. It's her debut novel and it is AMAZING. I wish I had known when I got it I would be booking a cruise, I would have saved it. :D

 

Every morning, Christine awakens beside a stranger in an unfamiliar bed. She sees a middle-aged face in the bathroom mirror that she does not recognize. And every morning, the man patiently explains that he is Ben, her husband, that she is 47 years old, and that an accident long ago damaged her ability to remember.

 

In place of memories, Christine has a handful of pictures, a whiteboard in the kitchen, a journal hidden in a closet, and Dr. Ed Nash, a neurologist who claims to be treating her without Ben’s knowledge. Each day, he reminds her of the journal, inside which she has begun meticulously recording her daily events—sessions with Dr. Nash, snippets of information that Ben shares, flashes of her former self that briefly, miraculously appear.

 

But as the pages accumulate, inconsistencies begin to emerge, raising troubling questions that Christine is determined to find answers to. And the more she pieces together the shards of her broken life, the closer she gets to the truth…and the more terrifying and deadly it is.

 

Just finished S.J. Watsons book last. A friend loaned it to me. Really enjoyed it. The one I read before that was " The Wednesdays letters" by Jason F. Wright, loved it have read it twice. Also " Roses" by Leila Meacham, it carried me on the flight to China and back home again and I thorougly enjoyed it. Thanks you all I have me a nice list to work with. Sandy

Patpcozy - Can you give me some of the titles of her books? Also if you haven't got it yet, you must reat "Bet Me". Other people have told me it's the best Jennifer Crusie has written, for what it's worth. [/Q

 

Hi Joelmarg was right all of her title in the stephanie plum series have numbers in the title. She has just come out with The 10th (not sure of title) she has another series Full tilt, Fullspeed, full house but I heard they aren't as good. But the stepanie series even my slow reading friends LOVE them and laugh all the way thru.

 

Cruisinchick The libraries on board have never charged anything that I know of and since I will read almost anything I have never had a problem. I always bring 1 book just in case but 1 is never enough. I try to remember to leave the ones I've read since I think this is where they get their library.

Have never had a problem finding great books to read on the ships we have been on. No fees, and we also leave the books we brought there. The last one hubby and I read was really hard to put down. Hubby likes reading on the plane. That book was Laura Hiilenbrands " Unbroken". Another one I liked was Lisa Jacksons " Malice". Thanks you all for your suggestions. Sandy

Wripro I have no problem with a dark suit on a gentleman at dinner on formal nights -- my point is a gentleman needs a jacket at dinner every night except perhaps last night - casual.

I know times have changed but in my opinion it raises the level of the experience if people are properly dressed.

We are all for the Formal and informal nights dress and actually enjoy them very much. Our at sea or tour attire we do enjoy a relaxing pair of jeans/levi's is this a no no on the Cloud. Is shorts also a joice that is not very popular on Silverseas.??? Comfortable loose fitting clothes for day time wear I thought everyone enjoyed, looking like your always doing business would be a headache for me. Oh well guess I'll form an opinion after my cruise in March on the Cloud.But I will prepare for whatever, would like to know tho DOES ANYONE WEAR JEANS.?????