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Shadow, Dubai to Piraeus, 26 April-11 May

megavfm

By megavfm,
in Silversea

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megavfm

megavfm

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Just some further comment about Petra. If was difficult to get a committed answer from either the destination experts or the shore concierge team as to whether it would be feasible to hike to the monastery and get back to the coach in time. It’s understandable though as it would depend on fitness levels, weather conditions (it was hot), etc. The coach left the port ~08.30. I can’t remember the time we arrived at the Petra visitor’s centre, but I do recall we got to the end of the Siq and to the Treasury at ~12 noon. We were prepared to stick with the guide until reaching the Treasury, as there are a number of informative stops along the way to there.  However, the guide was also ok if you wanted to take off earlier because for example you had been to Petra before.  Anyway, we had the obligatory couple’s photo in front of the Treasury then my wife took off for the Monastery at ~12.15 (I went exploring goat tracks……). She met up with another couple from the ship and they managed to reach the Monastery (and the 1000 steps up and the same back down) and return to the Movenpick hotel for lunch by 15.00; the coach was due to leave at 15.30.  My wife said they were walking quite briskly to achieve this feat. The guide recommended returning to the hotel for lunch at 14.30, which was the time I got there after visiting the Petra museum and there were already plenty of people there, as it was a hot day and plenty of pax were happy just to see the Treasury and then return (SS ran 9 half full coaches to Petra that day). So if you’re hoping to see the Monastery as well as the Treasury then it’s doable if you are fit enough and have ~3 hours to spare after arriving at the Treasury; if you’re willing to take the risk, you could save some time by hiring a donkey to get to get to the Monastery or using a donkey, horse or buggy for some of the way.

 

From Wes’s nice feedback it seems like the Grant & Anne-Marie duo-act has been going for some time; maybe it takes two to SALT the menu; there’s been quite a lot of middle-eastern food options during this cruise and apart from the fantastic Arabian lunch extravaganza, the options haven’t dominated menus, just a few options here and there.

 

Dreams do come true Spins; ours did about visiting Petra and Luxor! (so do nightmares like running out of gin.............arghhhh, succumbed to whining - actually some Gin got reloaded in Rhodes, happy days 🙂)

 

We left Rhodes, our last port of call on Voyage 3910 several hours go. The Shadow was only docked for 7 hours. By the time the SS tours commenced there was only enough time to appreciate one of the many attractions of Rhodes.  It was tough choice between the SS medieval Rhodes tour or the SS Lindos excursion; we chose the latter and it was certainly worthwhile walking up to the Acropolis of Lindos.  We still managed to have a bit over an hour to browse through the old town, but not enough to visit anything in-depth. An excuse to return some day. We looked at some private tours, but the ones I could find (apart from the SS Privato tours) usually lasted all day. Another alternative would be to hire a car and there’s a number of outlets just outside the port gate; mostly local operators, but I did notice a Hertz sign amongst them.

 

Just one shot of Rhodes port; across the way from our berth was the Shabab Oman II.

 

Our bags are now finally outside in the hallway. We noticed on the way to the 18.30 show that one cabin had their luggage already out; geez, they’re organised.

 

I hope to provide some final musings when I get home in several days, but until then thanks for following along and I hope I didn’t waste your time; we are all so time-poor these days, even on a cruise! As I said initially, I really planned to quit posting after Salalah, but was encouraged to continue after all your supportive comments.

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Edited by megavfm
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beaujolais

beaujolais

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Yes a very good cruise with fine foods, great wines and by and large a very good crew

The ship is tired as it is many years since they had a refit but that will be fixed in November with a month long dry dock starting in Cadiz at the RCL owned dry docks. They will be redoing The Observation Lounge, The Panorama Lounge, Bar 5, The Restaurant, Electronics in all the suites and much more.

Last night we had a first with 2 male guests in the MDR in dressing gowns

Wes I have to tell you that Grant only embarked in Dubai after his vacation and that Anna Marie is today flying to join the Muse after just 3 segments on board here. She should have only been on for 1 segment but stayed for 3 as David was unable to join and she volunteered to stay, both produced a fine selection of meals at lunch and dinner

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Mayflower1

Mayflower1

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Hi Beaujolais - Glad to hear that you have had a great time - was not aware that the Last Evening has now been designated ' Fancy Dress ' ?? - did the Guests receive a warm welcome from the Maitre D ???

Are you on for the next Segment or returning Home ? - Where next ?

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Stumblefoot

Stumblefoot

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2 hours ago, Mayflower1 said:

...who is the Maitre D ? - is he new and just arrived from a Burger Joint  or RCL ?

I would assume it is still Stefano who joined the Shadow in late January / early February.  He was new to SS, but had lots of good experience.  We found him to be great and wonderful to work with when arranging shared tables, dishes, etc.  An exceptional dresser, he was engaging wherever we met on the ship.

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Fortunate2

Fortunate2

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13 hours ago, beaujolais said:

 

Wes I have to tell you that Grant only embarked in Dubai after his vacation and that Anna Marie is today flying to join the Muse after just 3 segments on board here. She should have only been on for 1 segment but stayed for 3 as David was unable to join and she volunteered to stay, both produced a fine selection of meals at lunch and dinner

 

Lovely news Beaujolais - we'll look forward to seeing Anna Marie on the Muse in Alaska as we did with Grant when we met him this past January.   He was wonderfully patient as he explained the on-board process for making the beef consommé  and answering all sorts of galley questions.

 

 

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beaujolais

beaujolais

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Yes you are correct Stumblefoot and I fully agree with everything you say about him. He is a typical snappy, smartly dressed, Italian and could talk all night if needed. He has already organised a couple of special menus for us

His problem with the dressing gown clad passengers was that they refused to remove the dressing gowns and apart from causing a scene and call security there was little he could do

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TLCOhio "Live from...." Rare

TLCOhio

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On 5/11/2019 at 4:56 AM, beaujolais said:

I have to tell you that Grant only embarked in Dubai after his vacation and that Anna Marie is today flying to join the Muse after just 3 segments on board here. She should have only been on for 1 segment but stayed for 3 as David was unable to join and she volunteered to stay, both produced a fine selection of meals at lunch and dinner

 

Just to clarify and help me understand, is Anna Marie the Executive Chef for the Silver Muse currently?  Any idea how long she will be on the ship?  And Grant's position is?  Is he on the Silver Muse and for likely how long?  We will be boarding for the first time the Silver Muse on July 25 sailing up to Alaska.  Jimmy Kovel will be the CD for our Muse sailing as I understand.  

  

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

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Silver Spectre "Live from...." Rare

Silver Spectre

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On 5/12/2019 at 6:30 AM, beaujolais said:

Yes you are correct Stumblefoot and I fully agree with everything you say about him. He is a typical snappy, smartly dressed, Italian and could talk all night if needed. He has already organised a couple of special menus for us

His problem with the dressing gown clad passengers was that they refused to remove the dressing gowns and apart from causing a scene and call security there was little he could do

Were the dressing gowns over other clothing?

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beaujolais

beaujolais

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It was quite cold in the MDR and as it was the last night of the cruise I suppose all their other clothes were packed away

There were 4 other quests at the table including 3 ladies in short sleeves. All people at the table were offered blankets by the restaurant staff, whilst the ladies accepted blankets these 2 guests refused the offer and would not remove the dressing gowns.

By the end of the meal the restaurant had warned up and the ladies had removed the blankets from around their shoulders but the 2 guys persevered and kept on their dressing gowns

There were many complaints

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Observer

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2 hours ago, beaujolais said:

It was quite cold in the MDR and as it was the last night of the cruise I suppose all their other clothes were packed away

There were 4 other quests at the table including 3 ladies in short sleeves. All people at the table were offered blankets by the restaurant staff, whilst the ladies accepted blankets these 2 guests refused the offer and would not remove the dressing gowns.

By the end of the meal the restaurant had warned up and the ladies had removed the blankets from around their shoulders but the 2 guys persevered and kept on their dressing gowns

There were many complaints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is helpful.   It's not clear whether the complaints cited in final sentence were about the temperature or the dressing gowns.  I assume the latter.  

 

I have never seen blankets distributed in MDR (though I have at The Grill.) It must have been *very* cold.

 

If I were on this cruise, and learning what I have learned from this thread, I think I would have remarked to myself on the gentlemen's decisions but then moved on.   This was apparently an exceptional situation, and the other guests should perhaps have been more understanding having understood context.  

 

It's not as if these guests simply came to the MDR from the hot tubs, wearing only their dressing gowns over bathing suits.  I assume they had customary casual clothing underneath the dressing gowns.

 

 

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WesW "Live from...." Rare

WesW

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If y'all have not seen this, here are the November Silver Shadow refurb details per this

Seatrade Cruise News story:

 

Cut & Paste of story first below, link second below:

 

The 2000-built Silver Shadow is set for an extensive refurbishment in November that will create a new open-plan Atrium and enhance all suites, corridors and many public spaces, including a remodeling of La Dame restaurant, Connoisseur's Corner and the Casino.

The work is part of Silversea Cruises' comprehensive Project Invictus, and is inspired by the design of Silver Muse.

Suites

Suites and corridors will undergo a floor-to-ceiling renovation, inspired by the design and color palette of Silver Muse. Vista and Veranda suites get a full renovation of all fixed and loose furniture, new lighting, carpets and headboards. Bathrooms will be upgraded with new sinks and Silestone material.

Medallion, Silver, Grand and Royal suites will be upgraded with a new color scheme and materials, while bathrooms will undergo refurbishments. The Owner’s Suite will be entirely renovated, too, with a full refurbishment of the bathroom.

New Atrium & Arts Café

The Deck 5 space currently occupied by the Lobby, Boutique and Casino will be redesigned as a new Atrium. This social hub will feature an updated, interactive reception area, boutiques and, as its centerpiece, Arts Café, where coffees, pastries and sandwiches are available during the day, and cocktails during the evening.

La Dame

La Dame restaurant, serving French cuisine, will be refurbished and enlarged to accommodate 40 diners to ensure every traveler has the opportunity to experience the ship's finest dining spot.

Connoisseur's Corner

A rich and luxurious lounge offering fine cognacs and premium cigars, the Connoisseur's Corner will be moved to Deck 8 (in the space formerly occupied by the Library and Internet Café), where its complete reimagining will include the addition of an outdoor smoking area with comfortable seating.

The Casino will move to Deck 8, adjacent to the relocated Connoisseur's Corner. The new setting for its 11 slot machines and two gaming tables will be highlighted by updated décor.

Observation Library

Formerly the Observation Lounge, this quiet space on Deck 10 will be known as the Observation Library with a curated collection of books, new carpet and furniture.

The top-to-bottom renovation of Zagara Beauty Spa and the Fitness Center will encompass new steam and sauna rooms, fully refurbished treatment rooms, new furniture and flooring, and updated fitness equipment.

Also scheduled for comprehensive renovation are The Restaurant, La Terrazza, Panorama Lounge, The Bar, The Show Lounge and Card/Conference Rooms. Each will get upgraded décor, from new furniture to new upholstery, carpets and wall/window treatments.

The pool area will gain new outdoor furniture, refurbished teak flooring, a new canvas awning with inserted lighting and new outdoor heaters, while the jogging track will get new teak resin.

Resuming service Dec. 3

Following its refurbishment Silver Shadow will embark Dec. 3 on a Fort Lauderdale to San Juan cruise.

 
Posted 13 May 2019

© Copyright 2019 Seatrade UBM (UK) Ltd. Replication or redistribution in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Seatrade UBM (UK) Ltd.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

http://www.seatrade-*****/news/refurb-interiors/silver-shadow-to-get-suites-upgrade-new-atrium-refreshed-public-rooms.html?utm_content=Silver Shadow to get suites upgrade%2C new atrium%2C refreshed public rooms&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Seatrade Cruise News&utm_contact=21427410&utm_term=Newsletter_Seatrade Cruise Weekly News&utm_campaign=145721

Edited by WesW
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Observer

Observer

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2 hours ago, WesW said:

If y'all have not seen this, here are the November Silver Shadow refurb details per this

Seatrade Cruise News story:

 

 

 

Very exciting.  Thanks for posting.

 

I wonder if this deserves a new thread, rather than being buried in this thread.

 

I wonder too whether Whisper will be getting this treatment soon.

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Observer

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2 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

The Silver Whisper underwent a large-scale renovation, i.e. Musification, in December, 2018 before the World Cruise.  

 

Understood.  But the Whisper treatment was not nearly as radical as what is promised for Shadow, was it?  No reconfiguration of lobby?  No Arts Cafe?  No outdoor smoking area in Connoisseur's Club?  No removal of library to Observation Lounge?  Etc.

 

People have made snide comments about RCCL majority ownership, but this major redo of Shadow may bespeak the advantage of having deep pocketed owner.  I assume that the Whisper redo was planned before RCCL took its ownership stake.

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beaujolais

beaujolais

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On 5/11/2019 at 11:04 PM, Fortunate2 said:

 

Lovely news Beaujolais - we'll look forward to seeing Anna Marie on the Muse in Alaska as we did with Grant when we met him this past January.   He was wonderfully patient as he explained the on-board process for making the beef consommé  and answering all sorts of galley questions.

 

 

Just to update you Anne Marie is still on board the Shadow as she had problems with her paperwork for dissembarking in Piraeus  but she will fly to join the Muse from Cannes

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