Fall Spirit Crossing 9 -25 Nov

[cruisinsince75]

[quote name='Colonel(Ret.)Wes']Stumblefoot; yes, they got me good. Don so very good to hear from you. Y’all will very much enjoy u’r easterly crossing. Pls see:

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1820518[/url][/QUOTE]

Wes, thanks for the link. I always enjoy reading your very detailed and informative experiences. It makes me feel, like I'm actually there. Enjoy the rest of your crossing. Perhaps someday we will actually end up on the same ship together.

[WesW]

John, Keith, Don, all; Thank you...John did borrow a pair of the fellow Royal Marines sox for tonight but declined when he handed me his pink sox :)

Pls enjoy some pix of tonight's fabulous Venetian (Silversea Alumni nite) and Formal nite:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1002_zpsc72e6636.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1002_zpsc72e6636.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1005_zps596cc7d7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1005_zps596cc7d7.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Our very, very good friends Well Seasoned (Debbie & Dieter) getting their 350 day Venetian Society award (free cruise) from Selvaggio (Cruise Consultant on board the Spirit)
[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1012_zps64c09cf8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1012_zps64c09cf8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Debbie & Dieter beaming with the Spirit Captain Pontillo after rcvng their 350 day pin:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1014_zpsec6615d1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1014_zpsec6615d1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Artists of Silversea giving us a prelude to tonight’s show “High C’s”

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1015_zpsdf95dda4.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1015_zpsdf95dda4.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[WesW]

more pix from tonight to enjoy:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1018_zps79c309d2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1018_zps79c309d2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1026_zps803ea994.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1026_zps803ea994.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Tiramisu anyone:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1027_zpsf5e9b841.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1027_zpsf5e9b841.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1031_zps7b23161b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1031_zps7b23161b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[WesW]

Silversea Showtime "High C's" artists finishing their finale:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1034_zpsa3fc5c2f.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1034_zpsa3fc5c2f.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1035_zps0b4551f7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1035_zps0b4551f7.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Ida leading fellow Panorama lounge dancers in a Line Dance:

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1037_zps480e8cee.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1037_zps480e8cee.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1040_zpsc11cc26e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1040_zpsc11cc26e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1046_zps39076cd0.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1046_zps39076cd0.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[farbster]

I thought the same thing!

[quote name='Mr Luxury']Wes,did you forget to pack your socks?

Hope you can borrow a pair for formal evening.:D[/QUOTE]

[farbster]

Wes,

How many passengers on board?

Smooth sailing!

[57 varieties]

Please could one of you board check your Chronicles and tell me where the S Explorer is? She should be in the Falklands and I wanted to check all is going to plan! We are on the same itinerary in January.

[jollyjones]

Thanks for this thread - it brings back many memories of my last crossing on the Spirit!

However - a heads up - I really hope Captain Pontillo can steer you around a large area of foul weather that is brewing up between you and us here in Bermuda - with a bit of luck it'll move north fast enough for you to squeak around south of it:

from NOAA this morning -
A LARGE AREA OF CLOUDINESS AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC OCEAN IS ASSOCIATED WITH A NON-TROPICAL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CENTERED ABOUT 800 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF BERMUDA. SATELLITE AND SHIP DATA INDICATE THAT THIS SYSTEM IS PRODUCING GALE FORCE WINDS. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CONDUCIVE FOR THE LOW TO ACQUIRE SUBTROPICAL OR TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WHILE IT MOVES SLOWLY NORTH- NORTHWESTWARD TO NORTHWARD. AFTER THAT TIME...CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO BECOME LESS CONDUCIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT AS THE LOW MOVES NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD TOWARD THE NORTH ATLANTIC. THIS SYSTEM HAS A HIGH CHANCE...60 PERCENT...OF BECOMING A SUBTROPICAL OR TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS....AND A HIGH CHANCE... 70 PERCENT...OF BECOMING A SUBTROPICAL OR TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE FOUND IN HIGH SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. Edited November 18, 2013 by jollyjones

[Nigella]

Doug, Wes and the other lucky TA sailors, I'm very much enjoying reading your posts as usual. Bringing back wonderful memories of the Spirit. And can almost taste the wine, I mean sea air, ;) too.


Sorry to be such a girl :D - but I LOVE Ida's formal night gown. It's absolutely stunning.

[Nigella]

57 Varieties - she appears to be in Port Stanley now, see the webcam on this page, you need to scroll down to the second image.

[url]http://www.falklandislands.com/section.php/68/1/webcam/511874068db3f763bb21a05730712cf6[/url]

[dougburns]

Another nice morning at sea; temps @75F. Wind is picking up a bit, but the seas are still comfortable. Capt Pontillo has veered a bit south on the way to Bermuda to avoid the bit of weather ahead. Smooth sailing so far. We have 470 pax aboard. Very nice ceremony for the Olive's vow renewal last evening in the O Lounge( a very good venue for it ), followed by dinner in the MDR for 8. Had fish and chips to start the meal, as requested by the wedding couple. After dinner it was off to the Panorama for dancing, but many folks went to the show, as Wes indicated in his post, and the place was basically empty. Miss Lynn and I gave up and left. No sooner got back to the stateroom and shed the formal wear than Ida called to say the fun was starting in the Panorama. We didn't go, but I guess a good time was had by all, as indicated by Wes' pics. Hope the weather and seas hold. Have a great day all!

[Mr Luxury]

Wes,three good pictures of Idas left thumb.

What is the sea state,are you having a smooth crossing so far?

[WesW]

As Doug notes Lawrence we are about 85% full at 470 pax. Today's Chronicles show the Explorer as Nigella's post indicates berthed in Port Stanely. Jolly Jones, you're very welcome and much thanks for weather system update...hopefully as Doug indicated above Capt. Pontillo is moving us out of the way..but u can fell the motion of the ocean pick up a tad. Nigella, thank you for the very gracious gown compliment--will pass to Ida. Tho, this gown has a train (sp?) which makes dancing problematic. John, my bad for deciding to post (after midnight)pix after the delicious premium Champagne and too many glasses of the delicious Caymus cab.

Venetian party recognized Debbie and Dieter for their one year (365 days sailed..really 350 day pin =free SS cruise) plus they mentioned it is Debbie and Dieter's (Wellseasoned) anniversary. Venetian frequent floaters had up to 800+ days, Selvaggia even mentioned one Venetian member having four years sailed.

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1014_zpsecc30aab.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1014_zpsecc30aab.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/formal1011_zpsb3e0e9d2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/formal1011_zpsb3e0e9d2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


We enjoyed another smooth cruising sea day coupled with beautiful sunny weather. Today’s fall crossing highlights include: multiple enrichment lectures, foreign language classes, Irish Pub, Waltz dance class, and Team Trivia will cap the day. Silversea showtime presents “The Elton John Songbook.” Tonight showtime is early 6:45pm and we have a Big Screen Movie planned for 10pm,”Jobs.” Edited November 18, 2013 by Colonel(Ret.)Wes

[duct tape]

Congrats! Debbie and Dieter. Sail on!

[Mr Luxury]

Wes,buy a good bottle of French wine and take a picture of it

I never see you drinking French wines.Are there any outstanding vintages on the wine list at present.
Is there a Sassicaia from Italy on the list?

[57 varieties]

Thank you Nigella and Col Wes. Excellent news re Silver Explorer.


Sent from my iPad using [URL=http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1]Tapatalk[/URL]

[dougburns]

Well, no dancing last night. It was like Mr. Toad's wild ride all night. This morning we're still in it with high winds and seas @ 10-12 feet. Hopefully, we'll exit the other side of the front sometime today. Still @ 1800 miles from Bermuda. Last night it was cocktails in Panorama with Wes&Ida, then on to le Champagne where we met the Blosers and the Olives. Very nice dinner and then off to our stateroom. Not many folks about this morning and I imagine there are a few seasick pax. The doc will be busy today. More later; off to breakfast with David Kennedy and Wes.

[spinnaker2]

rough and one wonders if this is the effects of Melissa
we are enjoying it all
last night went to panorama after lovely dinnner with steve and barbara
only to see the pool sloshing out the sides in the rolling sea
after surveying the empty panorama, back to the stateroom where chocolate covered strawberrie and pommery (not the mustard) awaited us
its all good!

[MARIANH]

[quote name='Stumblefoot']You've got very generous friends! The Barbaresco is a winner. Only 750 cases made. And, while I'm not familiar with the producer of the Amarone you enjoyed, 2007 was an AMAZING year for Amarone.[/QUOTE]

Four Castagnedi brothers founded the Tenuto SA winery in circa late 1980s.

15000 bottles of their Amarone were produced in 2007. At the high end of abv ( 16%) the wine is said to be drinking well now but could benefit from cellaring until 2020.

Its good to see that the complimentary wines are of such a good standard:D

Looking forward to sipping ( supping) a few when we join the Spirit on 5 December - if there is anything left:rolleyes: Edited November 19, 2013 by MARIANH

[tmbMusicMan]

[quote name='dougburns']Just starting a new thread for the crossing. Everybody will start arriving aboard in a couple of hours. Cloudy right now in Barcelona. but it's supposed to get clearer this PM. Nice temps though. We have our Meet and Mingle tomorrow evening at 1800 in the Observation Lounge(@40 plus the ship's officers). Looking forward to a great crossing.[/quote]

Doug, I just want to say a huge thank you to you and Lyn for hosting Marc Antoine's band and me in your suite. We enjoyed meeting you and hearing about your illustrious flying career with the US Navy. May our paths cross again soon on another Silversea voyage. All the best, Tom Brady

[RachelG]

Just catching up after our flight back from Germany. Everyone looks great. Wes, tell Ida I love the dress.
Hope the seas calm down a bit for you soon. Mr, Toad's wild ride is ok for an hour or too, but all night and day gets a bit old.

[Nigella]

Yesterday I was feeling just a tad envious of you all.
Now hearing about Mr Toads wild ride I'm almost happy I'm not there with you.
We had 12 foot waves for two days on Spirit in the Caribbean in December 2011 (?) and it soon grew old. It was too windy out on deck to go outside and get some fresh air, couldn't contemplate using the verandah. Breakfast service in La Terrazza was accompanied by the sounds of dishes/pots/pans crashing to the floor.
I know that 12 foot waves aren't really that much of a deal, but after that experience I can't contemplate being in really bad weather......

I hope the seas improve soon. Edited November 19, 2013 by Nigella

[Wellseasoned]

Mr. Toad continued today. High winds, high seas, rain. Still heading southwest to escape the edge of tropical storm Melissa. Captain said things should improve around midnight and he will decide then whether to turn back northwest toward Bermuda or continue southward for a while longer or permanently. People seem to be handling it well and activities and good spirits continue. The CC gang has not lost it's sense of humor and continues to have a great time!

[WesW]

Herman, our cruise director (Mike Witte) is on until Dec 13th, then Kurt Detwiller (Sp?) comes on aboard the Spirit as CD. John, we like New World wines--looking fwd to Relentless, and a nice Casscio Barolo--tho we will have a Cloudy Bay SB at Le Champagne tomorrow nite. We are having a special wine/champagne lunch in the Restaurant on Saturday (first sea day out of Bermuda) compliments of our Travel Agent) Head Sommelier
Lucas and our Sommelier Civan are pairing--(couple of very nice Champagnes , 2-3 reds and 2-3 whites) will share menu/wine pairings on Sunday.

The weather gods are not smiling on us today as we cruise through a front (outskirts of Tropical Storm Melissa (about 500 miles from the eye) meaning we are cruising through swells of 12-18ft coupled with winds of 50-60 mph. Capt Pontillo told us if we don’t have to go outside on the decks, don’t. Pls note one of the outside pool grill workers (Sebastian) below surfing in the strong wind as it blows on the outside if the poo deck (10) on the Silversea Silver Spirit.

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/seaday4016_zps1897536e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/seaday4016_zps1897536e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Today’s highlights include another day chock full of enrichment lectures; Italian cooking class, movie discussions with guest lecturer Marty Aronson on the films—Presumed Innocent and Philadelphia. Michael Freedland presents, Hollywood on Trial. Colonel (Ret.) Gerald McCormack discusses: “Great Ladies: Florence Nightengale.” Tho Cha Cha is the dance class for today, seriously doubt it will take place as we are rocking/rolling (pitch about 10 degrees left/right). Capt. At noon announcements told us he will make a decision at midnight tonight whether we will continue on to Bermuda or skip the port. Dougburns does not believe will skip Bermuda based on his years at sea with the Navy on dozens of different types of ships in conditions six times worse than today. Pls enjoy some pix from this morning’s La Vera Cucina Italiana cooking demonstration. Italian Chef Ettore Rossi showed an eager crowd of hungry pax how to make Celeriac Rissoto scented with White Truffle Oil. Ida and Lynn told us the dish tasted divine.
[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/seaday4013_zps024a182d.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/seaday4013_zps024a182d.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/colonelwes/media/seaday4012_zpsb27230e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/colonelwes/seaday4012_zpsb27230e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Thanks to Emtbsam/Victoria & Bob, about dozen cruise critic tonight will enjoy a very special Thai Dinner in the Restaurant. Will post pix later. Edited November 19, 2013 by Colonel(Ret.)Wes

[Herman The Cat]

[quote name='Nigella']Doug, Wes and the other lucky TA sailors, I'm very much enjoying reading your posts as usual. Bringing back wonderful memories of the Spirit. And can almost taste the wine, I mean sea air, ;) too.


Sorry to be such a girl :D - but I LOVE Ida's formal night gown. It's absolutely stunning.[/quote]

Agreed, Mrs. Herman the Cat thinks Ida's dress is stunning as well. Perfect and glamorous for a TA....