Riviera Venice to Istanbul to Athens

[Prada Cowboy]

Im done with NCL! They have I'd say the most beautiful Suites, but service and food are the lowest in the industry!
Liked the food on SeaDream, it was almost perfectly executed! Will explore Silversea in the next couple of weeks and Oceania afterwards![attachment=223551:name]

[Paulchili]

As I said before, I would like to hear what you have to say about Oceania after you sail with them (and actually taste the food) :)
Looks can be deceiving.
Bon voyage.

[Prada Cowboy]

Mercy!

[Prada Cowboy]

But still baychilla's pics show just a mess on a plate! Even if it is (surprisingly) good tasting I do a better job at home!

[Emperor Norton]

Mea Culpa - My food pictures need help - however, plating was most definitely NOT a strong suit outside of La Reserve. Good luck on Silversea, hopefully they're not storing perishables in crew members cabins after the CDC caught them.

[Prada Cowboy]

They store now the Caviar with the Poultry there...LOL!

[Dr. Cocktail]

[quote name='baychilla']Sochi, RF

The obligatory sales of things not even tangentially related to the area
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-5tKTL8n/0/XL/DSC_2506-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Folk performance time
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-KbPrgKP/0/XL/DSC_2509-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-Qmbdh6P/0/XL/DSC_2511-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-9v7rBJ6/0/XL/DSC_2512-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-WBKTD6q/0/XL/DSC_2513-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sochi-Russia-July-2013/i-psC8WZ8/0/XL/DSC_2522-XL.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]


Even if I don't agree with many of your comments with respect to the food, I am loving your review! You are responsible for posting my absolute favourite photo on CC this year - a bizarre amalgamation of faux folk singers, weird souvenir displays, oblivious tourists climbing the stairs, bored serving staff and tour participants generally paying no attention to the provided "entertainment".

If there was ever a photo to induce you to take a private tour, this is it!

[Emperor Norton]

Trabzon, Turkey

I didn't have a tour today so I took the offered shuttle bus into town.

The first stop was a shopping mall that appeared to be closed. Shops didn't have lights on and there didn't appear to be employees around. Maybe they were all at lunch at that time:confused:

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-BMQRGbb/0/XL/DSC_2528-XL.jpg[/IMG]

After leaving the mall I was just in wander mode.
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-nZMxGWQ/0/XL/DSC_2531-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-3ptCVdc/0/XL/DSC_2533-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-S6XJLB3/0/XL/DSC_2534-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-KT2GNc9/0/XL/DSC_2536-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

[quote name='Dr. Cocktail']Even if I don't agree with many of your comments with respect to the food, I am loving your review! You are responsible for posting my absolute favourite photo on CC this year - a bizarre amalgamation of faux folk singers, weird souvenir displays, oblivious tourists climbing the stairs, bored serving staff and tour participants generally paying no attention to the provided "entertainment".

If there was ever a photo to induce you to take a private tour, this is it![/QUOTE]

Cheers:D

[Emperor Norton]

Trabzon, Turkey

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-HdX2S2B/0/XL/DSC_2537-XL.jpg[/IMG]

I don't recall seeing internet on any ground floors, all the signs were either on the second story, or said to go upstairs for internet.
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-3NSP35x/0/XL/DSC_2539-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Ataturk has his own tiny, tiny bubbles
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-zzc26GL/0/XL/DSC_2540-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-rvCkJsb/0/XL/DSC_2544-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Hello from 2011
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-qr8ncZB/0/XL/DSC_2549-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Downtown was actually down
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Trabazon-Turkey-Aug2013/i-wVdtxvt/0/XL/DSC_2550-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Sinop, Turkey

I stayed on the ship here. There was a nice view of some of the old fortifications.
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sinop-Turkey-Aug2013/i-zQ2TCdf/0/XL/DSC_2555-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sinop-Turkey-Aug2013/i-zt2F3jx/0/XL/DSC_2558-XL.jpg[/IMG]

I was surprised there weren't more pleasure craft
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sinop-Turkey-Aug2013/i-L5Hfn9K/0/XL/DSC_2556-XL.jpg[/IMG]

It's week 3 and look what's still empty
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sinop-Turkey-Aug2013/i-HHRDZWv/0/XL/DSC_2560-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Anyone know Row Row Row your boat in Latin?
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sinop-Turkey-Aug2013/i-rFS5J3X/0/XL/DSC_2567-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Ephesus, Turkey (again)

This time in Ephesus I was on a large tour. We went to Mary's house, walked around a near deserted town and were then taken to a Greek tourist trap - er enclave near Ephesus.

For some free time and a dirt bike
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-wQw2gtz/0/XL/DSC_2633-XL.jpg[/IMG]

That looks like Ephesus down there!
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-pzn2Fvt/0/XL/DSC_2640-XL.jpg[/IMG]

I wonder where we're going
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-kBZRhwr/0/XL/DSC_2639-XL.jpg[/IMG]

A cistern near Marys house
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-fZsnsM5/0/XL/DSC_2617-XL.jpg[/IMG]

A statue of Mary, note this one has hands
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-G4ZWMtZ/0/XL/DSC_2618-XL.jpg[/IMG]

An altar next to Marys house
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-QzKgHpV/0/XL/DSC_2620-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Ephesus, Turkey

Left side of the house
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-5LTh6mJ/0/XL/DSC_2619-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Front of the house
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-g53mXXQ/0/XL/DSC_2621-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-C7Bqq5v/0/XL/DSC_2622-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-G38mhN7/0/XL/DSC_2623-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Right side of the house
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-Tdxks9d/0/XL/DSC_2624-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-x9bXr8f/0/XL/DSC_2625-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[canuck.qc]

Your pictures are fabulous (ex food pics) and your tags are more informative, less sarcastic.
I appreciate your time & efforts in posting them.
Why Monsieur Baychilla, I think you got it:)
Merci Beaucoup

[Emperor Norton]

Ephesus, Turkey

Statue of Mary, note this one lacks hands. The theory is the hands for whatever reason were made of a precious material.
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-KzxX98g/0/XL/DSC_2628-XL.jpg[/IMG]

The spring that gave water to Mary - you can drink from it or fill water bottles from it
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-VftrmMN/0/XL/DSC_2630-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Small prayer wall
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-XRLjPdM/0/XL/DSC_2631-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Large prayer wall
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-5w57qS6/0/XL/DSC_2632-XL.jpg[/IMG]

In port we were near the Regent Mariner
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-D684mSZ/0/XL/DSC_2697-XL.jpg[/IMG]

I can't imagine what it would be like to wear that bunker gear in 95+ degree temps
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Ephesus-Turkey-Aug-2013/i-thVfB4r/0/XL/DSC_2702-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Sea days (Mykonos was cancelled due to wind)

While going through Istanbul and under its bridges I posted up at the Waves bar. Not only could I shoot from the comfort of a bar stool (ok 2 minor quibbles with the bar 1. it's a pity it can't stay open later, it's nice to sit at an outside bar at night on a hot day and just chill with the breeze and 2. The barstools don't swivel:eek:) but I should be in a perfect spot to get the stacks near the bridges.

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-RTMSdns/0/XL/DSC_2576-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-TjQkxMj/0/XL/DSC_2577-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-5m6C4cK/0/XL/DSC_2578-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Riplon, Chadwell and Austin
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-wzVsNST/0/XL/DSC_2584-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Austin, Chadwell and Falroy and Eriawati
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-tgt9nq9/0/XL/DSC_2582-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Sea day

Running into that would be a career ender
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-HQ8gk23/0/XL/DSC_2599-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Look out, it's coming right for us!
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-dZrFFVr/0/XL/DSC_2600-XL.jpg[/IMG]

What are all these people so enthusiastic about photographing?
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-BsgKz9D/0/XL/DSC_2602-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Ah, I see, hello Seaborn
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-VkkHXWh/0/XL/DSC_2604-XL.jpg[/IMG]

Interesting time of day to be going past a war memorial
[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-XHMMRGz/0/XL/DSC_2609-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera/Sea-Days/i-DWhcCnM/0/XL/DSC_2614-XL.jpg[/IMG]

[Emperor Norton]

Want to see all the pictures (including some not posted here)?

[url]http://joee.smugmug.com/Other-1/Riviera[/url]

Want to see how Seabourn fared? Click the links in my signature.

[hypercafe]

I took your advice and read your Seabourn review. Since I was never on the ship my impression is just from the pictures however I was not impressed. It seemed the ship was in need of a updating and seemed crowded and very cluttered. In the one shot of the BBQ was the buffet line going through the galley? Again this was my impression from your comments and pictures, it's hard to get a true picture just by looking at the cover!

[tvmovielover]

You did not need to write much since the pictures show each port in such a great way. I had been to many of the ports you went to but your pictures made me want to go again. Food pics and critiques: I will remember them when I go next year but food and wine is so subjective. I did appreciate the detailed La Reserve reviews of both meals since we are trying to decide yes or no on that. Intentionally or not, your reviews of the GDR give the same message that many do:avoid if possible. Anyway thanks for the great pictures that were port intensive rather than just see my great room and the food I ate.

[Caroldoll]

This particular ship was my only Seabourn experience and it was a disaster! I think you were extremely kind in view of its condition. OMG, that will be my only Seabourn experience to be sure.

[Emperor Norton]

[quote name='hypercafe']I took your advice and read your Seabourn review. Since I was never on the ship my impression is just from the pictures however I was not impressed. It seemed the ship was in need of a updating and seemed crowded and very cluttered. In the one shot of the BBQ was the buffet line going through the galley? Again this was my impression from your comments and pictures, it's hard to get a true picture just by looking at the cover![/QUOTE]

I fully agree the 3 little sisters are very much showing their age. However you need to remember that their pax load is ~200 people. The BBQ buffet going into the galley? Im not sure about that. They do produce a "Galley Market Lunch" on one of the last days. It's like an international buffet and you do get to go through the galley to grab items.

The issue you mention with the pictures is a bugbear of most of the hi end cruise lines. It seems very few people are willing to devote the time and energy to photographing and posting their reviews. Looking at say Oceania IIRC Computerworks and one other person (sorry I forgot your name - you had all the food pix) are responsible for most of the live/current imagery from the line.

[Emperor Norton]

[quote name='tvmovielover']You did not need to write much since the pictures show each port in such a great way. I had been to many of the ports you went to but your pictures made me want to go again. Food pics and critiques: I will remember them when I go next year but food and wine is so subjective. I did appreciate the detailed La Reserve reviews of both meals since we are trying to decide yes or no on that. Intentionally or not, your reviews of the GDR give the same message that many do:avoid if possible. Anyway thanks for the great pictures that were port intensive rather than just see my great room and the food I ate.[/QUOTE]

That was one of the first things I read about this line: Avoid the GDR. And yes, food is subjective. I'll share a story with you:

The person I went on this cruise with is a multi-time Titanium cruiser on Regent. I joined them on the Voyager at the end of their world cruise. The first night on board we both had a chicken curry dish. I slammed mine six ways to monday. The curry was watery/runny/weak the chicken had been frozen and thawed several times over and was mush. When the server asked what we thought of our meals my fellow traveler was agog at what I mentioned. After the server left we swapped plates. They took one bite of my dish and returned it to the plate. I had one bite of theirs and found it was what the dish was supposed to be. Same dish, same night yet vastly different outcomes.

[Emperor Norton]

[quote name='Caroldoll']This particular ship was my only Seabourn experience and it was a disaster! I think you were extremely kind in view of its condition. OMG, that will be my only Seabourn experience to be sure.[/QUOTE]

I very much remembered your Pride review. It scared me. I went on with a large amount of trepidation after reading your review. Despite the nit picking I enjoyed my cruise (well I would've keel hauled the one employee and the passengers that kept putting things in the septic system it couldn't handle).

It's good that there are as many options as there are and that we can seem to find a place that we each call home. It's also nice that there are people that can discuss their differences as mature, civilized adults.:)

[jertom]

[quote name='baychilla']

It's good that there are as many options as there are and that we can seem to find a place that we each call home. It's also nice that there are people that can discuss their differences as mature, civilized adults.:)[/quote]

Amen to that !