Live from Silver Nova - Lisbon to Barcelona Sept. 29 - October 7, 2023

[Dolcevita Diva]

I visited Atlantide for lunch one day after noting that they had swordfish with a mango salsa on the menu.   When cooking swordfish at home, I sometime make a pineapple-pepper salsa and wanted to compare.  The mango salsa was delicious and added an extra little kick to the flavor.  Dessert was a hazelnut berry crumble. 

 

 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Dolcevita Diva
Photos

[Dolcevita Diva]

I finally was able to participate in a S.A.L.T. Lab cooking class on the last afternoon, as previously described. Such a beautiful venue!  Our class that day was paella and the recipe they provided was delicious.  Alas, my execution of the plating/presentation left much to be desired 😂 because my tomato slivers would not stand up and I was a bit heavy-handed with the dollops of garlic aioli. 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Dolcevita Diva

[Dolcevita Diva]

Not specific to the ship, but I do want to mention an outstanding excursion in Cartagena, in case that port is on any of your future itineraries.  
 

This was an excursion to an Andalusian Horse Farm.  There were 4 tour buses, but never seemed crowded. We were greeted by a friendly Jack Russell terrier who came outside to greet the guests.  We learned about the history and unique characteristics of these beautiful horses, as well as insights into the logistics of the breeding farm business.  
 

We were then treated to an absolutely stunning dressage performance set to flamenco music.  Here’s a snippet. 

 

 

[mchell810]

1 hour ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

I visited Atlantide for lunch one day after noting that they had swordfish with a mango salsa on the menu.   When cooking swordfish at home, I sometime make a pineapple-pepper salsa and wanted to compare.  The mango salsa was delicious and added an extra little kick to the flavor.  Dessert was a hazelnut berry crumble. 

 

 

 

The Swordfish looks wonderful.  I, too, make mango salsa and sometimes pineapple.

 

I found the my video

 

 

 

I am pretty sure I went to that same horse farm last year (with a different cruise line) -- I agree the dressage/flamenco so was really lovely.

 

 

Edited November 4, 2023 by mchell810

[Dolcevita Diva]

On the last evening I went up to the Dusk Bar to meet friends for sailaway and had asked my butler in advance to send up the bottle of Dom Perignon that American Express had provided.  She got caught up with another guest so it wasn’t there for a bit and of course as soon as I ordered an “appetizer” glass of Pommery, the DP arrived. 

Egads - I embarked on this voyage having abstained from adult beverages for six weeks or so beforehand and after only 8 days aboard there’s a glass of bubbly in each hand!!! 🥂 

 My friends headed off to pack and our server asked if I’d be dining inside.  When I mentioned that I was reluctant to go inside, in Classic Silversea fashion he made a suggestion and brought the perfect casual meal to pair with that last glass of champagne.  
 

Cheers to a wonderful voyage🥂 - and can’t wait to hear all about LoisR and Emtbsam’s experiences on their crossing next week! 

 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Dolcevita Diva

[Dolcevita Diva]

7 minutes ago, mchell810 said:

 

The Swordfish looks wonderful.  I, too, make mango salsa and sometimes pineapple.

 

I am pretty sure I went to that same horse farm last year (with a different cruise line) -- I agree the dressage/flamenco so was really lovely.

 

 

I’d been hoping for some swordfish that week and that was the first time I’d seen it on any of the menus, so although I seldom eat lunch in Atlantide, that drew me in.  It was delicious. 
Hmmm and suddenly I’m craving swordfish tonight! 
 

Yes, the horse farm was terrific.  Someone on the same itinerary a few months ago had recommended it highly.  I thought the description of the horse “dancing” with the flamenco dancer sounded like it could be a bit hokey… but it was beautifully done. 

Edited November 4, 2023 by Dolcevita Diva

[mchell810]

I had the same feeling about the horse show, but went along with my travel buddy's choice since she accommodated so many of mine.  I am glad I gave it a try; and I've learned to lean into new things a bit more.

[Dolcevita Diva]

10 minutes ago, mchell810 said:

I had the same feeling about the horse show, but went along with my travel buddy's choice since she accommodated so many of mine.  I am glad I gave it a try; and I've learned to lean into new things a bit more.

 

I would love to have visited the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Cadiz (I used to show in English saddle-seat equitation and was learning dressage many, many, many years ago), but they were not open to the public on the day we were in port.  So the horse farm excursion was my first choice in Cartagena, but I was a bit wary after the entertainment on the sherry tasting tour.   Very glad to have seen enthusiastic recommendations from others for the tour. 

Thanks for sharing your video -it's great!

[jpalbny]

11 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

I was a bit heavy-handed with the dollops of garlic aioli. 

 

Not possible! Looks yummy.

 

10 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

after only 8 days aboard there’s a glass of bubbly in each hand!!! 🥂 

 

You earned it! Glad you enjoyed the trip.

[TLCOhio]

18 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

Ducking back in because I promised @TLCOhio some “food porn” photos.

These first two are from breakfast at The Marquee - Greek yogurt with berries, fruits and nuts and some pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup. 

 

Appreciate ALL of these great visuals and the thoughtful follow-up.  Fun and interesting sharing.  Keep it coming.  Always enjoyable seeing what's on the ships, the variety of options, etc.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[boccenana]

On 11/4/2023 at 2:49 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

Not specific to the ship, but I do want to mention an outstanding excursion in Cartagena, in case that port is on any of your future itineraries.  
 

This was an excursion to an Andalusian Horse Farm.  There were 4 tour buses, but never seemed crowded. We were greeted by a friendly Jack Russell terrier who came outside to greet the guests.  We learned about the history and unique characteristics of these beautiful horses, as well as insights into the logistics of the breeding farm business.  
 

We were then treated to an absolutely stunning dressage performance set to flamenco music.  Here’s a snippet. 

IMG_2168.mov 20.06 MB · 8 downloads  

 

One of the BEST excursions we had on the Lisbon to Lisbon cruise.

[highplanesdrifters]

On 11/4/2023 at 4:24 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

On the last evening I went up to the Dusk Bar to meet friends for sailaway and had asked my butler in advance to send up the bottle of Dom Perignon that American Express had provided.  She got caught up with another guest so it wasn’t there for a bit and of course as soon as I ordered an “appetizer” glass of Pommery, the DP arrived. 

Egads - I embarked on this voyage having abstained from adult beverages for six weeks or so beforehand and after only 8 days aboard there’s a glass of bubbly in each hand!!! 🥂 

 My friends headed off to pack and our server asked if I’d be dining inside.  When I mentioned that I was reluctant to go inside, in Classic Silversea fashion he made a suggestion and brought the perfect casual meal to pair with that last glass of champagne.  
 

Cheers to a wonderful voyage🥂 - and can’t wait to hear all about LoisR and Emtbsam’s experiences on their crossing next week! 

 

My kind of combo.

[Lois R]

5 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

My kind of combo.

Hi, I am guessing you have read the various reviews on NOVA......lots of people had different experiences, that is for sure. I can't believe tomorrow I am home a week and yes, I miss being on the ship. Even with some of her quirks......I love being at sea.

[Lois R]

Sorry Highplains, I meant to quote Dolce Vita....I clicked on your post by accident.

[highplanesdrifters]

20 hours ago, Lois R said:

Sorry Highplains, I meant to quote Dolce Vita....I clicked on your post by accident.

It was clickbait. 😃

[tnm6217]

On 11/4/2023 at 6:24 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

 

Now this is a truly beautiful sight!! I'll be on Nova in April and I can't wait. Thanks for taking the time to post pictures and provide information!