Silversea Water Cooler: Part 3, Welcome!

[UKCruiseJeff]

Congrats on making the decision `L,

 

I like particularly that you will have a long stop in Dubrovnik which would allow you a midnight walk if you felt like it. And arriving in Nice on a Friday might offer you a weekend before you head home?

[Lois R]

Congrats on making the decision `L,

 

I like particularly that you will have a long stop in Dubrovnik which would allow you a midnight walk if you felt like it. And arriving in Nice on a Friday might offer you a weekend before you head home?

 

 

Hi Jeff, I may stay overnight and fly home on Saturday........that is possible. But I will have to go back to work on that

Monday:eek:

[UKCruiseJeff]

Friday night in Nice old town is probably the best night of the week, and you may just get enough time on Saturday morning to have a look around the market.

 

No part of Nice is much more than around twenty to thirty minutes from the airport. On a good ride it's ten! Enjoy your trip.

[Lois R]

Thanks so much:)........I have a long time to wait:eek:..........but I feel very good about it!

 

Now I can find something for earlier in the year:D

[jpalbny]

Lois, you have a nice itinerary picked out! That looks like a lot of fun. We have visited most of those ports but some, over 10 years ago. Time flies...

 

Now, here is a little coincidence. We drove through Trapani, one of your stops, on our way to visit Erice back in November 2008. While we were there, at the main gate to town, a funny-looking car drove by. It looked like it had a camera on its roof! I took some pictures of it...

 

 

Then I realized what it was, and a few months later on Google Maps, there appeared a picture of our tour group, at Trapani Gate, in Erice!

 

 

And if you blow that picture up, there I am, hidden behind my camera.

 

 

That was pretty cool. They have updated the street view since then and I'm not on the current one. But that's still in the archives...

[UKCruiseJeff]

JP, loved your earlier food picture and the story. You are now officially A Legend! And on the Cooler that entitles you to a cocktail of your choice.

 

Lovely, lovely story. :D:D:D

[UKCruiseJeff]

From Soapy .....

 

 

Hi Both.....just a note to say all is well with the ship in fine fettle along with her crew.....

 

We are currently anchored off Monemvasia and the weather is gloriously hot...The ship is full, many first timers and then a mix of nations!

 

Say Hi to the coolers.

 

[UKCruiseJeff]

Today's Planters ....

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[mysty]

Greetings Coolers!

 

Those drinks look so enticing J and it seems you have sunshine. Hurray! Enjoy! Thanks for the heads up from Miss S. So glad she is soaking up some warmth!

 

JP...how cool is that!!!! Right place and right time to be immortalized!

 

Have a great day all!

[UKCruiseJeff]

Good Afternoon M,

 

People often say the internet was the best invention of all time, but I'd put it in second place to the ice maker!

 

We just had Europa float past on her way into Torquay.

 

Hope all coolers, particularly those recently troubled are all in a good place today. :)

[mysty]

And J...what would a Cooler Bar be without ice? Determined today to see the world as a glass half full! A glass of your Planters would really help that perspective. It is only 8:30 am here so I think Myster would look askance if he awoke to me sipping one. :)

[Solo mi!]

Good day to all! Lois, exciting that you have settled on your next adventure and Miss Sophia is on one. Jeff's drinks look delicious. I agree with Mysty to look at the glass as half full. Donations are pouring in for Mexico. Carlos Slim has a new 5 to 1 matching donation from his foundation. Mark Zuckberg has donated 1 million USD..So, it is a start. A huge team of rescuers has arrived from Japan.

Hoping Cam hears some good news today.

[Camillus112]

Hello Coolers,

Slowly getting news from family and friends in PR...still no word from two cousins and some friends, but I trust they are fine. Penny, the images from Mexico are heartbreaking. So glad you were not near. Soon you'll be enjoying your cruise!

Good to hear from MissS. Hope she posts some details and impressions.

Loved JP's story and claim to fame. Sorry I could not make him out in the picture.

Jeff, your drinks amid the landscape make me yearn for something similar...in a cruise, perhaps?

Off to Vermont today for some music business; should be a lovely ride, sunny, and the leaves starting to turn.

[UKCruiseJeff]

Good Morning Coolers,

 

Having forgot to bring more Armagnac down to Seaside, I'm attacking with enthusiasm my Seaside stock of old Calvados. Not a sacrifice.

 

L, just been thinking this evening about your tumultuous journey over the last few weeks, and I'm so pleased that against some unwanted and unexpected excitement in your life, you've taken the journey by it's throat and thrttled and injected so much fun into your future. It is an example of how we all should be.

 

Cams, you can't have everything. You married an extremely talented composer and now you need Roberto to learn cocktails. :)

 

M, Ice is Nice ....

 

Oh well .... back too the apple juice!

[MissSophia]

Hi All......alongside in Corfu today with glorious weather yet again. As we didn't dock until noon and sailing at 7pm they opened a deck buffet at 11.30am which was excellent.

 

There are adding 15 metres to the ship in dry dock slicing her in the middle of the pool deck which will become longer.

The restaurant and LaT will be bigger......Stars will become a new speciality restaurant and a new location will be found for the original.

Twenty more suites are to be added all Silver Suites.....all other suites are to be refurbished.

Muse type deck furniture will replace the old stuff.

 

Food is consistently good as is service. Last night was the captains welcome party...guests had the option of dress either formal or Informal......the vast majority chose formal and it was a delight to see.....fois and lobster were on the menu.

Tonight sixteen of us are dining at the Grill so could be a lively evening!!

''Tis rather lovely to be back on board.....😊

[mysty]

Greetings Coolers!

 

Lovely to hear from you Miss S. So glad you are enjoying your cruise! Thanks muchly for the update on the Spirit changes to come. Have a wonderful time tonight!

 

Well, we broke rainfall records this summer and now we are breaking temperature records. Forecast for 30 C this weekend with a humidex approaching 40 C. Crazy weather!

 

Hope that Spins is doing OK and that news is brighter for Cam and Penny's friends, relations and countrymen/women!

 

Are you getting the curry you enjoy J?

 

Have a great day all!

[spinnaker2]

Morning from south Florida.

The day is bright and sunny. We have a large ficus hedge on the perimeter of our property which survived the storm quite well as opposed to many of the trees.

Lots of very chirpy, joyful and enthusiastic birds have claimed the hedge as home. They are flying in and out. Delightful to watch and listen to.

Clean up still continues.

 

Fantastic to hear from Ms Sophia. I can picture Corfu in my mind.

Hope Penny is ok, and that Cam hears from all friends and family.

 

Jeff, I missed your scrumptious drink photos today!

 

Mysty, and all, thanks for the good thoughts.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone!

[Lois R]

Good Morning Coolers,

 

Having forgot to bring more Armagnac down to Seaside, I'm attacking with enthusiasm my Seaside stock of old Calvados. Not a sacrifice.

 

L, just been thinking this evening about your tumultuous journey over the last few weeks, and I'm so pleased that against some unwanted and unexpected excitement in your life, you've taken the journey by it's throat and thrttled and injected so much fun into your future. It is an example of how we all should be.

 

Cams, you can't have everything. You married an extremely talented composer and now you need Roberto to learn cocktails. :)

 

M, Ice is Nice ....

 

Oh well .... back too the apple juice!

 

Jeff, thank you for the kind words:) what a wonderful and sweet thing to post.

[Lois R]

Good morning........

 

I didn't realize Sophia is on Spirit now....I must have missed all that:eek:.....Sophia, if you check in here again, can you pass on good wishes for me.........see if Tatinia is still working in the casino? She is the gal I helped out on my tour......tell her hello:)

And is Petros still the Hotel Director? IF so, can you tell him hello for me?:D of course, don't go to any trouble.....only

if you think about it........thanks.

 

Having dinner with my sis and bil tonight....we are going to a place called J Alexander's.....they have a great menu:D

[TLCOhio]

Hi friends, I have some fun news:D......I booked a cruise for next summer.......I will still find something else earlier in the year for the big birthday but this trip will be another birthday gift...from me to me........you only turn 60 once. I kept looking at this cruise and decided it is really one I want to do.......it is on the Whisper and sails from Venice to Nice.............the itinerary looks AWESOME.........sails on July 10 for 10 nights........

 

WOW!! This looks like a great schedule of locations for Lois. Below are links for my visuals, notes, ideas, etc., for two of these wonderful locations. Can provide, as needed, more suggestions for Rome, the Naples/Amalfi Coast, Nice-area, etc. Have not, yet, been to either Sicily or Malta. Both are on our future, to-do list. Keep us posted as to your options and consideration for that magical 60th Birthday Celebration Event. Happy to share more and give added ideas as to how to spend your money on travel adventures.

 

YES! Loved Jeff's "Today's Planters". Nice location and drink. Agree with Spins on needing another Cooler Beverage for today!! Mysty is correct on ice being so needed and wonderful. For those hit during the hurricane situations, being without ice really compounds the challenges.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 69,897 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 38,748 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

Great ports and stops upcoming for Lois. Wish we would be traveling along for this sailing!!:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, I have been to the Amalfi Coast before back in 2012......love that area:)....but the other stops are new to me.

Have plenty of time for suggestions and a friend of mine is hoping to sail on this one too. She has visited many of the

stops before.

[TLCOhio]

Hi All......alongside in Corfu today with glorious weather yet again. As we didn't dock until noon and sailing at 7pm they opened a deck buffet at 11.30am which was excellent. There are adding 15 metres to the ship in dry dock slicing her in the middle of the pool deck which will become longer. The restaurant and LaT will be bigger......Stars will become a new speciality restaurant and a new location will be found for the original. Twenty more suites are to be added all Silver Suites.....all other suites are to be refurbished. Food is consistently good as is service. Last night was the captains welcome party...guests had the option of dress either formal or Informal......the vast majority chose formal and it was a delight to see.....fois and lobster were on the menu. Tonight sixteen of us are dining at the Grill so could be a lively evening!!

 

Appreciate this great reporting and these details from MissSophia. Have not, yet, been to Corfu, but have this scenic Greek location on our future priority list. Excellent and interesting background on the expansion and upgrades for the Silver Spirit. Keep up the great sharing!! Want to be reading more and more.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 187,559 views for this posting.

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times this morning, they have this headline: “Storms Moved On. Caribbean Islands Fear Tourists Might, Too” with these highlights: “Two ferocious hurricanes in less than two weeks caused widespread devastation, leaving dozens dead, millions without power or drinking water and countless homes destroyed. The storms also ripped through the tourism industry in a region unusually dependent on well-heeled visitors. In the wake, cruise ports and airports throughout the Caribbean are closed, beachside bars are flooded and, on many islands, tourists are absent. And the risk of a far longer term ripple effect looms, threatening the region’s ability to rebuild: Without a steady influx of cash from tourists, businesses suffer, employers cut back and local residents lose jobs; workers on especially hurricane-stricken islands could move elsewhere for opportunity, denting the local economy further.”

 

Their chart/graphic, shown below, gives background on the paths from these two hurricanes, plus the important shares of the local economies affected by these storm. There are many aspects from these impacts that we do not always consider. This includes: "In the Caribbean region, travel and tourism account for a higher share of the gross domestic product than they do in any other region of the world, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, and officials say it is far too soon to know when the industry will fully recover. At stake are some of the more than 2.3 million travel and tourism-related jobs in the region." This is a fairly comprehensive look at these impacts, who is hurt most and which locations can recover more quickly.

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/23/us/tourism-hurricane-economy-caribbean-islands.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 53,403 views for these postings.

 

Here is the NY Times chart on the hurricane impacts in these key Caribbean areas.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger!)

[UKCruiseJeff]

Good Eveing Coolers!

 

Terry, it's just like having our own personal Cooler News Netwotk not CNN .... but ..... TNN! :D

 

Saturday is still the taditional change over day in British seaside resorts, so always has a sort of air of anticipation and excitement buzziness. Cars with roof boxes driving slowly around waiting for their earliest checking in times. All the takeaways start filling up in the evenings, and pensioners walk around ..... the daily bickering put aside and a temporary truce is called, and the holly state of deadlock replaced with the cermonial public display of the holding of hands.

 

Tonight to make the seaside tradition complete we had fish and chips delivered which we had with a bottle of ice cold Bredon Champers .... and over the bay was a firework display.

 

Good to see Soapy is enjoying her trip .... and Spins seems to be in good spirits and Lois is booking stuff!

[TLCOhio]

Terry, it's just like having our own personal Cooler News Netwotk not CNN .... but ..... TNN! :D we had fish and chips delivered which we had with a bottle of ice cold Bredon Champers .... and over the bay was a firework display.

 

Appreciate this great comment by Jeff in naming me as "TNN". That's very nice and kind! Much better labeling than what some have applied on me in using just three or four letters!!

 

Love the idea of an ice-cold beverage with fireworks over the scenic bay. Any pictures coming of these fireworks?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 227,604 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474