Jim_Iain – Silhouette Live Post April 8, 21, 30 - B3B - TransAtlantic, Portugal Spain, France and the Norwegian Fjords

[soccermommy]

I have to say being able to follow you on your travels is a real joy. Thank you so much for sharing. But I have to ask, is anyone else putting on weight viewing your wonderful food pictures? Food porn at its finest. 
As for your internet problems, I can commiserate. I just completed  a TA on the Sky Princess, and we had no internet at all for almost the entire 16 days! I will never ridicule Celebrity’s again, I hope! 

[BEAV]

3 hours ago, chemmo said:

Is it just me or does the MDR menu look much more varied and appetising than the Luminae…? 

 

Also the Luminae descriptions…’chicken liver custard’ …
 

We rarely dine in Luminae now as our room usually comes with unlimited speciality dining, I had forgotten a lot of the menus.

 

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Not you.   I've always surprised at how limited the Luminae Menu.   That's the main reason we often order off the MDR and Children's menu.   Of all the restaurants on board Blue has the most choices.  

 

On the E Class ship it can be challenging when you don't have the MDR available. 

 

While we have unlimited dining we have only been to Murano once so far.  For us Petite Chef is a one and done so don't bother.    We have had mixed experiences at Tuscan so a bit apprehensive but will probably give it a try.   

 

With the temperatures and winds Lawn Club is not much of an option. 

 

 

I’m salivating over the Luminae menus you’ve posted, Jim! But I’m an adventurous eater, and have had a difficult time choosing between offerings in Luminae as so many looked good! But I realize (and accept) I’m in the minority on this one. 😉

 

I’m on Edge Transatlantic next week and am “stuck” with MDR menus! Traveling with two friends, all of us have infinite verandas. If ever there was a good time to play the MoveUp game into AQ or the Retreat, it’s now with all the vacant space. But with 3 cabins, it’s too risky to bid as we could wind up in different dining venues. 
 

First world problems! The grass is always greener…😉

[Jim_Iain]

The Aqua Spa Lunch. They have a description in the app of the offerings. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

Will you take a walk to the Greater Philly area to drop off a few totes and PJ's??? LOL

 

🤣

 

bon voyage

You bet.  Back in time I grew up in Newtown Square.  
 

I also use to work for a Swedish Software Company in Marltin, NJ. Use to get to Philly often.  

[Bo1953]

1 minute ago, Jim_Iain said:

You bet.  Back in time I grew up in Newtown Square.  
 

I also use to work for a Swedish Software Company in Marltin, NJ. Use to get to Philly often.  

I currently live 25 minutes north of Marlton...

 

Old home week, sounds good to me...

 

bon voyage

[mhoffrob]

1 hour ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Cathy, glad to!  I commiserate with you with nothing new to read.  I get all kinds of fussed.  I’m happiest with a series, especially one that has about 95 books in it!  Actually haven’t found that yet but it is my dream.  
Here’s the list.  For those wondering about this, on a previous cruise Jim asked for book suggestions and I volunteered to keep track of it and post them periodically.  

 

Georges Simenon Series 

Gideon Oliver -Aaron  Elkins  series 

Louise Penny’s Gamache series.

Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey series

Any books by Josephine Tey

Barbara Hambly - Benjamin January series, if you like historical mysteries!

JD Robb books and Robert B Parker

The Scarapetta series by Patricia Cornwell 

MC Beaton books

Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley Series. 

Donna Leon’s Brunetti series. 

Any books by Tana French

Any books by P. D. James.  

Greg Isles, a writer from Natchez, MS.

Snowblind” by Ragnar Jonasson.  (Book 1 of 6 - DarkIceland)

Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger.  Also non-series books.

Brad Thor

JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter series), writing under the name Robert Galbraith -- the Cormoran Strike series.

* Andrea Camilleri -- the Inspector Montalbano series.

* Helen Fields -- the Perfect series.

Karin Slaughter -- the Will Trent series

Daniel Silva - Gabriel Allon series

James Crumly —should be read in order

Winston Graham—Poldark series

Janet Evanovich—Stephanie Plum series.  Fox and Hare series.

Anything by Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiassen 

Old Archie comic books and Mad Magazine. 🙂

Ian Rankin’s Rebus series

Peter Robinson’s DCI Banks series

Nevada Barr’s National Parks series

Anything by Anne Cleeves

Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes - current times

Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry - Victorian era

Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters

Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City.  4 books.

The Longmire books by Craig Johnson.  Also suggest the fantastic series on Netflix.

David McCullough 'Path Between the Seas' (Panama Canal)

Caroline Graham Inspector Barnaby series

John Sandford , the Prey series and the Virgil Flowers series

Any books by Harlan Coben

 

PSST - as a librarian, I recognize this as a VERY diverse list (or maybe a great list of popular mystery/thriller series with a few oddballs (Armistead Maupin) thrown in!  If you have favorite authors or genres - get to know your local public library staff and they'll steer you to new things - it's my favorite thing about working at a US public library!  Also, goodreads.com is a great resource (although now owned by Amazon) for tracking what you've read, what you want to read, and finding series order!

 

and be sure to ask about checking out ebooks and e-audiobooks - your taxes are already paid to the Library District (if you're in the U.S.) so why spend your cash on them?

 

sorry for the hijack of the hijack . . . . 

 

now back to our regularly scheduled programing/posting.

[MamaFej]

I love Carl Hiaasen! 

 

Another (very different) suggestion is Andy Weir. I describe his stuff not as science fiction, but as science plausibility. It genuinely feels like his stories could happen in the near future.  The Martian is fantastic and was made into a good movie. Artemis is less fantastic. The Hail Mary Project is the most recent one I've read, and I really enjoyed it. Weir really paints pictures with words and I find myself visualizing  the settings more intensely than I do with other authors. 

[mchell810]

1 hour ago, mhoffrob said:

PSST - as a librarian, I recognize this as a VERY diverse list (or maybe a great list of popular mystery/thriller series with a few oddballs (Armistead Maupin) thrown in!  If you have favorite authors or genres - get to know your local public library staff and they'll steer you to new things - it's my favorite thing about working at a US public library!  Also, goodreads.com is a great resource (although now owned by Amazon) for tracking what you've read, what you want to read, and finding series order!

 

and be sure to ask about checking out ebooks and e-audiobooks - your taxes are already paid to the Library District (if you're in the U.S.) so why spend your cash on them?

 

sorry for the hijack of the hijack . . . . 

 

now back to our regularly scheduled programing/posting.

 

Having worked in a public library I fully agree with your post.  I just want to add that many libraries also offer electronic access to to thousands of magazines and newspapers in many languages.  (And, of course streaming services for movies/tv shows.)

[mchell810]

7 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

The crew all wear KN-95 masks and are really careful not to allow their masks to slip below their nose.    There have been so many break through cases they are very careful as they don't want to loose income by being placed in isolation.

 

Being on a B3B we are wearing masks anytime outside our cabin except when eating and drinking.   Noticed that maybe 3-5% of PAX are wearing masks but I notice more have them and put them on when in close contact. 

 

Not official but I believe a PAX tested positive but so far there has been no announcements  of cases.  I noticed a nurse in garb standing in a doorway doing a nasal swab of the passenger.   It is also possible they tested negative.  

 

It's good you are being careful; I just saw a new thread from someone onboard who has indeed tested positive.

 

 

[Redking]

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Yea I ran out of time.   Here’s main courses. Upload keep failing. 
 

 

 

 

We ate the Banana Foster before I took a pic

Ian's smile gets wider with each day of the Cruise. Perfect!

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, Schmoe38 said:

Jim

 

We too, were a little apprehensive about Tuscan after some mediocre meals just before 2020, but no more.

 

We had memorable evenings in November 2021 on Constellation and more recently on Silhouette in March of this year. Traditionally, I had always ordered the Rib Eye and it became a hit or miss entree. I moved more to the pasta entrees and, for us, that was certainly a differentiator. Service was great on both ships.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Randy

Thanks Randy,

Will definitely give it a try again.   Our last time was on Summit and were with a guest who ordered Lasagna.   It came out cold in the middle from the fridge and she sent it back to be refired.   It returned and was only lukewarm but she refused to make an issue about it.

 

We are also very light eaters and everything they have are generally really large portions. Maybe the Scottish side of me hates to waste.  

[gordylad]

totally get this "Maybe the Scottish side of me hates to waste"...I was thinking this when I replied to the poor soul who has got covid and has to isolate...I'd be gutted to miss a meal in the MDR or anywhere else especially after having to go through all the hoops in the first place just to get on the ship.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, soccermommy said:

I have to say being able to follow you on your travels is a real joy. Thank you so much for sharing. But I have to ask, is anyone else putting on weight viewing your wonderful food pictures? Food porn at its finest. 
As for your internet problems, I can commiserate. I just completed  a TA on the Sky Princess, and we had no internet at all for almost the entire 16 days! I will never ridicule Celebrity’s again, I hope! 

Today is the first day internet has been dodgy.    I guess it is because we are about dead center of the Atlantic.    I've been posting some updates on the internet as many have asked me before about how reliable it is because the would need to do some work and possibly some Zoom Meetings.

 

Today would be a challenge on both fronts but able to post quite a bit in-between outages.

[Schmoe38]

5 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Thanks Randy,

Will definitely give it a try again.   Our last time was on Summit and were with a guest who ordered Lasagna.   It came out cold in the middle from the fridge and she sent it back to be refired.   It returned and was only lukewarm but she refused to make an issue about it.

 

We are also very light eaters and everything they have are generally really large portions. Maybe the Scottish side of me hates to waste.  

Last time on Silhouette, I ordered half portions of the Lobster Ravioli and Short Rib Pappardelle which was perfect. Just an option.

 

Randy

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, BEAV said:

 

I’m salivating over the Luminae menus you’ve posted, Jim! But I’m an adventurous eater, and have had a difficult time choosing between offerings in Luminae as so many looked good! But I realize (and accept) I’m in the minority on this one. 😉

 

I’m on Edge Transatlantic next week and am “stuck” with MDR menus! Traveling with two friends, all of us have infinite verandas. If ever there was a good time to play the MoveUp game into AQ or the Retreat, it’s now with all the vacant space. But with 3 cabins, it’s too risky to bid as we could wind up in different dining venues. 
 

First world problems! The grass is always greener…😉

Many of the dishes are really good in Luminae and they go out of their way to please.  Their was a Guest at the next table to us last evening going off on the food.   Laurance, the Maitre'd came over and was wonderful.   She asked her what she would enjoy and was told I just want regular British food instead of this fancy stuff.    She suggested she could go to Blu and was cut of telling her I paid all this money and expect to get what I paid for.  

 

Laurance defused it by suggesting she just let her  know what she would like to eat and would  work with the Chef to provide it for you if we have the product.  She seemed pleased and the conversation quickly turned very friendly and had a really friendly discussion.

 

We enjoy many of the meals but the number of nights we will be in Luminae try to mix it up.    The really could use freshening up the menu as it has pretty much been unchanged in 10 years.

[Jim_Iain]

3 minutes ago, Schmoe38 said:

Last time on Silhouette, I ordered half portions of the Lobster Ravioli and Short Rib Pappardelle which was perfect. Just an option.

 

Randy

That might work.    Lobster Ravioli is Iain's favorite dish. 

 

We often order the 4 ounce Petite Filet from the Children's menu.   Perfect Size.   We only eat beef about once a week.    Their Black Bass has never disappointed me and their Tiramisu as you would expect is YUM.  

[Jim_Iain]

12 minutes ago, gordylad said:

totally get this "Maybe the Scottish side of me hates to waste"...I was thinking this when I replied to the poor soul who has got covid and has to isolate...I'd be gutted to miss a meal in the MDR or anywhere else especially after having to go through all the hoops in the first place just to get on the ship.

 

Yea I feel sorry for him.    As I posted on his thread,  the ship has been quiet so far about the reported cases.   That's the second that I've heard of.  I'm surprised they are isolating him on deck 3 as the entire deck 6 is closed off.   Maybe they have done what they did earlier and put crew in single cabins to prevent loosing too many if infected. 

 

I'm definitely keeping my mask on anytime outside my room.   The risk of being tossed off the trip if contact traced is just to great.    Almost all of the B3B's I know of are doing the same.  

 

Who knows, on the 3rd cruise we may drop the masks.  

[terrydtx]

23 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

Didn't see the Dover sole on the menu.  Was worried there for a minute.  Whew!

I have read so many CC comments with people raving about the Dover Sole, I have had it on land and never been that impressed. What does Celebrity do to make so many rave about it? Maybe I have not been to the right places to eat Sole. It really looks so good in Jim's pictures.

[terrydtx]

22 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

We enjoy many of the meals but the number of nights we will be in Luminae try to mix it up.    The really could use freshening up the menu as it has pretty much been unchanged in 10 years

I agree, we will be on the Edge B2B for 22 days in 2024 and hope the Luminae menu gets refreshed by then.

Edited April 13, 2022 by terrydtx

[Redking]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Many of the dishes are really good in Luminae and they go out of their way to please.  Their was a Guest at the next table to us last evening going off on the food.   Laurance, the Maitre'd came over and was wonderful.   She asked her what she would enjoy and was told I just want regular British food instead of this fancy stuff.    She suggested she could go to Blu and was cut of telling her I paid all this money and expect to get what I paid for.  

 

Laurance defused it by suggesting she just let her  know what she would like to eat and would  work with the Chef to provide it for you if we have the product.  She seemed pleased and the conversation quickly turned very friendly and had a really friendly discussion.

 

We enjoy many of the meals but the number of nights we will be in Luminae try to mix it up.    The really could use freshening up the menu as it has pretty much been unchanged in 10 years.

👏to the maitre'd. I had best refrain from any further comment. Ironically the only thing we didn't like about our first cruise on Celebrity was "plain" food in the MDR. Hence we've been paying for the fancy stuff 😉 in Blu and Luminae ever since.

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, mhoffrob said:

PSST - as a librarian, I recognize this as a VERY diverse list (or maybe a great list of popular mystery/thriller series with a few oddballs (Armistead Maupin) thrown in!  If you have favorite authors or genres - get to know your local public library staff and they'll steer you to new things - it's my favorite thing about working at a US public library!  Also, goodreads.com is a great resource (although now owned by Amazon) for tracking what you've read, what you want to read, and finding series order!

 

and be sure to ask about checking out ebooks and e-audiobooks - your taxes are already paid to the Library District (if you're in the U.S.) so why spend your cash on them?

 

sorry for the hijack of the hijack . . . . 

 

now back to our regularly scheduled programing/posting.

 

Thanks for posting.  You definitely aren't hijacking and welcomed to post more.  There are some really avid readers here and that list keeps growing.   I've found some really good books from their referrals.

 

I never thought about checking e-books our 3-audioooks from the library.   It has been so long since i have been into a library I will definitely visit some when I get home.    I have two city libraries on my daily walk and walk past almost daily.   

 

They were closed during the pandemic but sure they must once again be open 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Really curious of the norm or the new norm of the Casino.   Like I said I'm not a gambler and haven't even hit Pearl yet.   Maybe tonight.

 

I seem to remember that the Casino was open almost all day on Sea Days.   We of course have a lot of sea days and decided to go down today after lunch and found everything, including the slots closed.    I looked in the daily and says open from 4:00 to Late.  

 

I know the ship is short staffed in all departments so may just be how they are handling the short staffing.

[lola2013]

9 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Thanks for posting.  You definitely aren't hijacking and welcomed to post more.  There are some really avid readers here and that list keeps growing.   I've found some really good books from their referrals.

 

I never thought about checking e-books our 3-audioooks from the library.   It has been so long since i have been into a library I will definitely visit some when I get home.    I have two city libraries on my daily walk and walk past almost daily.   

 

They were closed during the pandemic but sure they must once again be open 

 

 

We have a wonderful library where I live...within walking distance.  Sadly, I forget to check new releases and end up buying them thru Kobo and putting them on my iPad as soon as they are available.  Just last week I went to the library app on my iPad to check if there was anything worth checking out (and that I didn't have to wait for) and found that the brand new Janet Evanovich (that I just paid for) was available for FREE at the library.  Lesson learned!!!  I don't blow through books like I believe you do, but still it would be nice to save the cost of new releases!

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

I have read so many CC comments with people raving about the Dover Sole, I have had it on land and never been that impressed. What does Celebrity do to make so many rave about it? Maybe I have not been to the right places to eat Sole. It really looks so good in Jim's pictures.

I think it is good quality and the Chef cooks it to perfection.    The waiter de-bones it table side which is a fun service.

 

It is lightly flowered and Pan Fried to a Golden Brown (slight crunch) served with veronique with green grapes au beurre noisett .     Translated to prepared with a hazelnut butter cream sauce and topped with pealed green grapes.     The sauce can be poured over or served on the size.    It is a very light sauce with a slight nutty taste and really mouth watering.

 

In collage I worked in a French Restaurant and love the sauce.

[Jim_Iain]

35 minutes ago, Redking said:

👏to the maitre'd. I had best refrain from any further comment. Ironically the only thing we didn't like about our first cruise on Celebrity was "plain" food in the MDR. Hence we've been paying for the fancy stuff 😉 in Blu and Luminae ever since.

I really respect the way she handled it and turned a possible bad experience into a win -win.

 

Laurance is one of the best and also previously worked for Cunard.