The Trip Begins- Cartagena-Lima- Fort Lauderdale on the Nova

[ronrick1943]

2 hours ago, fdnycruiser said:

was the chocolate dessert you saw ? It was delicious!

That is the one, now I don’t have to photo it, just eat it. Thanks for showing it.

[ronrick1943]

Today was interesting as we were told they run out of non-alcoholic white wine.  I asked the Director of Hotels what would happen if you run out of white wine, vodka, gin or whiskey?

This just isn’t acceptable as we have 13 more days to go on this cruise.  Well within 2 and half hours later they found a few bottles.  Now they could have told our Butler to let us know they had found some.  No, they had two manager come to our suite and made a big production holding a chilled bottle like it was a priceless bottle and really embarrassed our Butler and us.

To me it was classless the way they handled it.

[fdnycruiser]

On 12/22/2023 at 11:18 AM, ronrick1943 said:

No photo’s on this one.  Last night we ate at The Grill, it was fully booked and they had to turn people away without reservation.  Few people didn’t like it obviously, but the staff was courteous and professional.  Then walked in a party of 8 with reservations, dressed so-so at best-but that was their decision, and was none of our business anyway.  We were sitting near them, and boy was that quite a show.  They were demanding, obnoxious, maybe the word should be ridiculously demanding and loud.  First the table they received wasn’t what they really wanted., second they felt the service was slow and not getting enough attention. Next they wanted more breadsticks immediately, and they wanted their order taken immediately.  Anything the staff did wasn’t good enough.  Really surprised me was every time a waiter and assistant walked away from the table 3 of them were vaping.  Two of them constantly vaping and didn’t care about other guests around. Imagine if they vape in an open dining area, they most likely vape in their suite.  I realize this is against the rules of Silversea, but they didn’t seem to care.  Enough about that, but I hope something is done to stop that kind of behavior.

 

For us, dinner was so-so.  The service couldn’t have been better, even being so busy last night.  However the food its self was not up to par, I had the prawns that maybe over cooked, or not thawed out properly.  Ron’s lamb chops also didn’t hit the mark.  The baked potatoes were perfectly done.

 

We didn’t go to the show (but we had one at the next table), so we stopped at one of the lounges before returning to our suite.  It was nice to have calm again.  All laundry that was sent out in the morning was  hanging in the closet.  They really do a great job, both the laundry people and the butler getting it back to you.  We are now having all shirts folded for easy packing when it’s time.  I know the butler will pack for you, but that’s not us.

 

So far Silversea on the Nova is hitting the “excellent” marks.  

Tonight we go to La Dame, looking forward to it and will report back if it’s worth the extra $$$—for us it will be worth it as it’s include for our suite price category (but if we had to paid extra, I’ll let you know).

 We ate the grill on the recent TA on the Nova, and there was also an obnoxious guest complaining all over to the staff. If that wasn’t enough, he must’ve complained at reception, because the food and beverage manager came in and talked to the staff and very shaken up maitre’d . My wife and I went over and told the food and beverage manger how rude and obnoxious the passenger was, and how patient and calm everyone else remained. Never a need to ever berate anyone, and we’ve all seen it. The last time was at the Salt Bar on the Dawn crossing last year. I always let senior staff know about it , either personally or in writing. I’d hate to see anyone in trouble because of an out of control nut job.  I’m amazed at how much self restraint the staff has. 

[ronrick1943]

Last night we ate at La Dame, beautiful setting much much larger on the Nova.  Seating for two is nicely separated from each table.  I didn’t like the seating itself, you faced the windows looking at a pitch black nothing (with your reflection).  If the sun was setting or the city landscape it would have been great, but just black, They should really reverse the chairs to the other side of the table.  The dinnerware and glassware nicely done, silverware the same and always change with each course.  Another nice touch, leaving your table your napkin was take off the table and on your return, you received a new one.  Of course we had jackets on and were greeting and escorted to our table.  Greeted again and introduced to are wait team.  Dinner over all was very good, some portions small (like the lobster).  The pan seared for Foie Gras for me was outstanding, Ron on the other hand thought the pear sauce was a little heavy.  The Dover Soul was the standout for the night.  The not so good dish was the pumpkin dumpling, looked more like a hash without any pumpkin taste.  Oh, the soufflé was really and I mean really good, but a bit small.

The service staff excellent, however I believe they had a problem in the kitchen because you waited pretty long between some of the courses.  At the end of the meal you were thanked for coming to La Dame.

Dress Code:  For La Dame you must wear a jacket, however I’d estimate 70% of the men took their jacket off and placed it on the back of the chair.  I’m always warm, would prefer not to wear a jacket, I did keep it on the full dinner, and the room itself was a good cool temperature.

The BIG QUESTION, was it worth $160.00.  I’m not myself sure the dinner would be worth that price (and remember it’s really more has you’ve already paid for dinner elsewhere on the ship).

It was good and but if I’m spending that kind if money (and I wasn’t-one dinner came with the suite we have), I think it could have done better since your are paying extra.  My opinion would have been a $100.00 up charge would have been better.

Photo’s in a minute.

 

[ronrick1943]

Just now, ronrick1943 said:

Last night we ate at La Dame, beautiful setting much much larger on the Nova.  Seating for two is nicely separated from each table.  I didn’t like the seating itself, you faced the windows looking at a pitch black nothing (with your reflection).  If the sun was setting or the city landscape it would have been great, but just black, They should really reverse the chairs to the other side of the table.  The dinnerware and glassware nicely done, silverware the same and always change with each course.  Another nice touch, leaving your table your napkin was take off the table and on your return, you received a new one.  Of course we had jackets on and were greeting and escorted to our table.  Greeted again and introduced to are wait team.  Dinner over all was very good, some portions small (like the lobster).  The pan seared for Foie Gras for me was outstanding, Ron on the other hand thought the pear sauce was a little heavy.  The Dover Soul was the standout for the night.  The not so good dish was the pumpkin dumpling, looked more like a hash without any pumpkin taste.  Oh, the soufflé was really and I mean really good, but a bit small.

The service staff excellent, however I believe they had a problem in the kitchen because you waited pretty long between some of the courses.  At the end of the meal you were thanked for coming to La Dame.

Dress Code:  For La Dame you must wear a jacket, however I’d estimate 70% of the men took their jacket off and placed it on the back of the chair.  I’m always warm, would prefer not to wear a jacket, I did keep it on the full dinner, and the room itself was a good cool temperature.

The BIG QUESTION, was it worth $160.00.  I’m not myself sure the dinner would be worth that price (and remember it’s really more has you’ve already paid for dinner elsewhere on the ship).

It was good and but if I’m spending that kind if money (and I wasn’t-one dinner came with the suite we have), I think it could have done better since your are paying extra.  My opinion would have been a $100.00 up charge would have been better.

Photo’s in a minute.

 

 

[ronrick1943]

Sorry, forgot to add the Onion Soup was the best I even had on a ship or off a ship.

[Lookingtocruise42]

3 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

Last night we ate at La Dame, beautiful setting much much larger on the Nova.  Seating for two is nicely separated from each table.  I didn’t like the seating itself, you faced the windows looking at a pitch black nothing (with your reflection).  If the sun was setting or the city landscape it would have been great, but just black, They should really reverse the chairs to the other side of the table.  The dinnerware and glassware nicely done, silverware the same and always change with each course.  Another nice touch, leaving your table your napkin was take off the table and on your return, you received a new one.  Of course we had jackets on and were greeting and escorted to our table.  Greeted again and introduced to are wait team.  Dinner over all was very good, some portions small (like the lobster).  The pan seared for Foie Gras for me was outstanding, Ron on the other hand thought the pear sauce was a little heavy.  The Dover Soul was the standout for the night.  The not so good dish was the pumpkin dumpling, looked more like a hash without any pumpkin taste.  Oh, the soufflé was really and I mean really good, but a bit small.

The service staff excellent, however I believe they had a problem in the kitchen because you waited pretty long between some of the courses.  At the end of the meal you were thanked for coming to La Dame.

Dress Code:  For La Dame you must wear a jacket, however I’d estimate 70% of the men took their jacket off and placed it on the back of the chair.  I’m always warm, would prefer not to wear a jacket, I did keep it on the full dinner, and the room itself was a good cool temperature.

The BIG QUESTION, was it worth $160.00.  I’m not myself sure the dinner would be worth that price (and remember it’s really more has you’ve already paid for dinner elsewhere on the ship).

It was good and but if I’m spending that kind if money (and I wasn’t-one dinner came with the suite we have), I think it could have done better since your are paying extra.  My opinion would have been a $100.00 up charge would have been better.

Photo’s in a minute.

 

Did you get charged for it? It’s supposed to be included with Otium.

[mchell810]

@ronrick1943  Thanks for the info on LaDame.  One question: Do they offer to pair each course with included wines?  I know (believe) there is an additional charge for a formal wine pairing with the meal so I am asking about the included wines. 

[ronrick1943]

1 hour ago, Lookingtocruise42 said:

Did you get charged for it? It’s supposed to be included with Otium.

You sign for it just as if your are paying, then a credit is applied to your account taking it off.

[ronrick1943]

19 minutes ago, mchell810 said:

@ronrick1943  Thanks for the info on LaDame.  One question: Do they offer to pair each course with included wines?  I know (believe) there is an additional charge for a formal wine pairing with the meal so I am asking about the included wines. 

1. House wine is including in the price. 2. a special wine pairing is $90.00. 3. champagne pairing is $140.00.  All per person.  We don’t drink so I can’t tell what the service.  They say the wine they service at La Dame isn’t available at any other restaurant on the ship.  Hope this helps.

[mchell810]

3 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

1. House wine is including in the price. 2. a special wine pairing is $90.00. 3. champagne pairing is $140.00.  All per person.  We don’t drink so I can’t tell what the service.  They say the wine they service at La Dame isn’t available at any other restaurant on the ship.  Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, it does help.

Edited December 24, 2023 by mchell810

[ronrick1943]

11 hours ago, mchell810 said:

 

Thanks for the quick reply, it does help.

Not a problem, if you need any other information let me know—We’re on the ship until January 4th……..

[ronrick1943]

Quick note:  We decided to stay in and forget dinner and watch a movie.  About 8:30PM we got a little hungry so we called our Butler.  Super fast service, I ordered a Club Sandwich and Ron had the Tuna Wrap and a salad.  Table set nicely even though we said not necessary.  Honestly The Wrap and Club tasted freshly made, toast was warm and the French Fries hot and crisp.  Best of all both sandwiches tasted very good.  Once done after 10:00PM (room service takes over) we called,  and they wanted to know how everything was, and everything was taken away promptly.  

Service service get’s an Excellent rating.

Should have taken pictures because it looked as good as it tasted, sorry no photos.  But I’m going to have a Club again.

[A Tucson Guy]

15 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

Last night we ate at La Dame, beautiful setting much much larger on the Nova.  Seating for two is nicely separated from each table.  I didn’t like the seating itself, you faced the windows looking at a pitch black nothing (with your reflection).  If the sun was setting or the city landscape it would have been great, but just black, They should really reverse the chairs to the other side of the table.  The dinnerware and glassware nicely done, silverware the same and always change with each course.  Another nice touch, leaving your table your napkin was take off the table and on your return, you received a new one.  Of course we had jackets on and were greeting and escorted to our table.  Greeted again and introduced to are wait team.  Dinner over all was very good, some portions small (like the lobster).  The pan seared for Foie Gras for me was outstanding, Ron on the other hand thought the pear sauce was a little heavy.  The Dover Soul was the standout for the night.  The not so good dish was the pumpkin dumpling, looked more like a hash without any pumpkin taste.  Oh, the soufflé was really and I mean really good, but a bit small.

The service staff excellent, however I believe they had a problem in the kitchen because you waited pretty long between some of the courses.  At the end of the meal you were thanked for coming to La Dame.

Dress Code:  For La Dame you must wear a jacket, however I’d estimate 70% of the men took their jacket off and placed it on the back of the chair.  I’m always warm, would prefer not to wear a jacket, I did keep it on the full dinner, and the room itself was a good cool temperature.

The BIG QUESTION, was it worth $160.00.  I’m not myself sure the dinner would be worth that price (and remember it’s really more has you’ve already paid for dinner elsewhere on the ship).

It was good and but if I’m spending that kind if money (and I wasn’t-one dinner came with the suite we have), I think it could have done better since your are paying extra.  My opinion would have been a $100.00 up charge would have been better.

Photo’s in a minute.

 

We ate in La Dame twice in Nov. and agree with your thoughts regarding the $160 upcharge. As I have mentioned before, the house wine they serve is nothing special and the only difference we could find was that the caviar was a much better type and it was Osetra, which is not available on the rest of the ship. I sent Barabra M an email also stating that we thought the upcharge should be $100. Great minds...........

[seaver]

31 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

We ate in La Dame twice in Nov. and agree with your thoughts regarding the $160 upcharge. As I have mentioned before, the house wine they serve is nothing special and the only difference we could find was that the caviar was a much better type and it was Osetra, which is not available on the rest of the ship. I sent Barabra M an email also stating that we thought the upcharge should be $100. Great minds...........

So in your opinion is it $40.00 better then the rest of the fleet?

[A Tucson Guy]

1 hour ago, seaver said:

So in your opinion is it $40.00 better then the rest of the fleet?

Yes, only because we love caviar and the Osetra is head and shoulders better than the house caviar. If not for the 2 orders of caviar, my answer would be NO. The somewhat nicer house wines are not a big factor for us as we usually buy a nice bottle from the special wine list. The menu on the Nova is the same as the Muse class ships menus. All this being said, we will still go to La Dame at least once on a cruise, regardless of the upcharge.

[ronrick1943]

22 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

Yes, only because we love caviar and the Osetra is head and shoulders better than the house caviar. If not for the 2 orders of caviar, my answer would be NO. The somewhat nicer house wines are not a big factor for us as we usually buy a nice bottle from the special wine list. The menu on the Nova is the same as the Muse class ships menus. All this being said, we will still go to La Dame at least once on a cruise, regardless of the upcharge.

You know I forgot about the better caviar, but the Fori Gras was very good.

[Lookingtocruise42]

4 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

Quick note:  We decided to stay in and forget dinner and watch a movie.  About 8:30PM we got a little hungry so we called our Butler.  Super fast service, I ordered a Club Sandwich and Ron had the Tuna Wrap and a salad.  Table set nicely even though we said not necessary.  Honestly The Wrap and Club tasted freshly made, toast was warm and the French Fries hot and crisp.  Best of all both sandwiches tasted very good.  Once done after 10:00PM (room service takes over) we called,  and they wanted to know how everything was, and everything was taken away promptly.  

Service service get’s an Excellent rating.

Should have taken pictures because it looked as good as it tasted, sorry no photos.  But I’m going to have a Club again.

This is great. Room Service is usually terrible and cold. Nice to know it was hot and well made.

 

I remember a while ago seeing that they added a hot chocolate menu for evenings on the balcony. Have you seen that, or am I imagining things?

 

As an aside, I’m assuming the answer is no one cares: but have you noticed any difference in your service for being two guys vs a more “traditional” couple? My husband and I have never had trouble with this, but we have heard stories with various lines. The biggest problem we have had is places sometimes insisting on it being Mr and Mrs., saying they will correct it, then missing it again. Very minor in the grand scheme of things.

[A Tucson Guy]

10 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

You know I forgot about the better caviar, but the Fori Gras was very good.

Those of us that usually only have caviar on New Years Eve, a rich friend's party or a SS cruise, we NEVER forget Osetra or Beluga- just saying!! 

Edited December 24, 2023 by A Tucson Guy
typo

[Host Jazzbeau]

Does Silversea do something like the Chef's Table dinners on Azamara and Oceania?  Or is La Dame the only thing like it?  [We'll be on Whisper, which doesn't have SALT]

[ronrick1943]

27 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Does Silversea do something like the Chef's Table dinners on Azamara and Oceania?  Or is La Dame the only thing like it?  [We'll be on Whisper, which doesn't have SALT]

When we cruised Oceania awhile back, they had a special dinner (usually 3 different nights, each had a special name, plus an up charge) with a limited number of 16 guest.  The up charge if I remember right was @125.00pp but include really high end Champagne and Wine.

[ronrick1943]

47 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

Those of us that usually only have caviar on New Years Eve, a rich friend's party or a SS cruise, we NEVER forget Osetra or Beluga- just saying!! 

Costco has it during the Holidays and most of the time via on-line sales.  So you can have it more offend.

[Host Jazzbeau]

6 minutes ago, ronrick1943 said:

When we cruised Oceania awhile back, they had a special dinner (usually 3 different nights, each had a special name, plus an up charge) with a limited number of 16 guest.  The up charge if I remember right was @125.00pp but include really high end Champagne and Wine.

On Azamara it's $95 and now being offered practically every night, with 3-4 rotating menus (French, Italian, Seafood, etc.) so you can do it several times per cruise – all with high-end wine pairings included.  So does Silversesa do something like that?

[ronrick1943]

Today we leave Guayaquil, Ecuador for the return Canal trip.  Not being funny but the Chronicles show this picture of the city—I shoot one that’s reality.  Looks a little different or we just when to the wrong place.  But since it was a Silversea Bus, it must have been the right place, can you pick the ones I shoot.

 

[Lois R]

48 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Does Silversea do something like the Chef's Table dinners on Azamara and Oceania?  Or is La Dame the only thing like it?  [We'll be on Whisper, which doesn't have SALT]

Hi Jazz, the only Chef's Table I have attended was on Nova.  I have sailed multiple ships and cannot think of it ever being offered on any of them.