Saga Rose Greenland Voyager August 2007

[Conte Di Savoia]

 

Ruby and Conte are passing each other on the Atlantic now?

 

Donald.

Not quite yet. I'm sitting in the lounge at JFK waiting for our flight to Barbados. I'm not sure whether we will be ships passing in the night (or day) but by my crude calculation, if does happen it would be on the 24th. I think the Whisper might be too far south of our route but I will check when I get aboard. Ruby, if we do pass may I suggest you wear your red hot chili pepper ensemble so I can spot you on the deck. I shall wear a big red hat!

[Saga Ruby]

A cruise passenger without a camera seems to be an anomaly to me. Just kidding, Ruby, is it the result of embarrassment about your "Miss Acropolis" costume pictures taken on Empress of Britain? I have a thin Sony camera which fits perfectly in my pants pocket. I remember the big Kodak Brownie camera which my father lugged around on family vacations during the 1960s. There always is at least one Queen Bee on each cruise. Buzz-buzz-buzz!!!

 

I am surprised that drunken merriments occur on Silversea. Perhaps these travel agents got on the cruise through dirt-cheap fares, and their behaviour is a reflection on their social standards. Ruby and Conte are passing each other on the Atlantic now? Donald.

 

I lost interest in pix when Images and the beautiful Sharon pix were available online. Back in the day, I had a Stylus film camera and, when that went the way of the Dodo bird, I let my iPhone do the talking and, since that is a poor substitute, few pix get taken on my cruises. I am still gobsmacked by Sharon's photo of that rough, angry bay on the coast of California. I put it on my traveler's list thanks to her taking such loverly photos. Gotta go there.

 

To Conte - the seas from Africa out into the Atlantic are quite calm; only a bit of rock 'n roll. I'll ask Reception if we will be passing by Sea Cloud (is that right?). As you know, we raced past Explorer like a greyhound while giving her a 2-hr. start. I'll be looking for the big red hat.

 

About the drunken merriment by the Cruise Specialists, it was such a ghastly night that it put me off of ever doing biz with them. TAs screaming for 2.5 hrs., the Queen Bee buzzing at my table, including last night, two nights in a row - argh! I talked to the Head Waiter this morning about the situation. He said the QB saw me seated at a table last night and asked to go to that one. We have agreed that I will not be supping again with the QB. Harumph.

 

Ruby

[Kapricorn]

 

About the drunken merriment by the Cruise Specialists, it was such a ghastly night that it put me off of ever doing biz with them. TAs screaming for 2.5 hrs., the Queen Bee buzzing at my table, including last night, two nights in a row - argh! I talked to the Head Waiter this morning about the situation. He said the QB saw me seated at a table last night and asked to go to that one. We have agreed that I will not be supping again with the QB. Harumph.

 

Ruby

 

There always will be a few "harumphs" on every cruise. I don't think that I mentioned my experience with two male passengers on the recent Hawaiian cruise. One of them owns a travel agency in Florida, and was on the cruise to drum up business for his agency. He has been on enough Celebrity cruises to qualify for admission to the Elite Lounge. They sat with me there on the first three nights of the cruise.

 

Nightly dress code in the Elite Lounge (4:45 pm to 6:45 pm) is Smart Casual and over. On the third evening, a formal night, I was in smart casual, intending to stay until 5:30 pm and then change into formal for my 7 pm pre-dinner martini. These two men showed up in their tuxedos, and right away the travel agent owner scolded me for my outfit, smirking superciliously: "Are you going to change tonight? You better!" As it was nearly 5:30 pm, I was ready to leave so I got up, said "I will! Don't insult me!" and then flounced off.

 

The next night, to prevent these two guys from sitting with me, a companion and I sat at a table for two against a partition. For half an hour things went well, passengers drank and conversed convivially, staff passed around hors d'oeuvres, and the Captain's Club Hostess chatted amiably with the group at the table next to ours. All of a sudden the travel agent, wearing shorts that is among the items not permitted by the evening dress code, stormed up to the Hostess and shouted for all in the room to hear: "How dare that little man at the door refuse to let me in!" and continued yelling in apoplectic rage. I thought what a hypocrite he is, having scolded me the night before for my attire. For the rest of the cruise I managed to avoid these two men, no small feat considering the relatively small size of the ship and their presence in the Elite Lounge on most days.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that everyone in the Elite Lounge that night quickly dropped any idea of ever doing business with that drama queen!

 

Donald.

[Saga Ruby]

There always will be a few "harumphs" on every cruise. I don't think that I mentioned my experience with two male passengers on the recent Hawaiian cruise. One of them owns a travel agency in Florida, and was on the cruise to drum up business for his agency. He has been on enough Celebrity cruises to qualify for admission to the Elite Lounge. They sat with me there on the first three nights of the cruise. Donald.

 

Several elements of this post interest me. It never occurred to me that TAs would cruise on a ship to "drum up business." And what business would they gain by such uncivilized outbursts and critiques?

 

What did the Lounge Hostess do when the Lout complained so vociferously?

 

Do you ever go to other lounges onboard X ships or do you always visit in the Elite Lounge? I have never qualified for perks like that because I book for itineraries, not specific cruise lines. Silversea offers free laundry after 100 days onboard, so the Big Deal onboard these ships is to get your 100 days in. This can be a considerable savings and is eagerly anticipated by pax. As we all know, I want to "see what's out there" and it doesn't cross my mind to focus on accumulating points or days. But on S/S, small lapel pins are awarded after certain numbers of day. One male pax was wearing the tiny pin with a tiny sapphire; presumably, one works one's way up to a diamond pin after spending lots o' $$$ with Silversea.

 

Ruby

[Kapricorn]

Several elements of this post interest me. It never occurred to me that TAs would cruise on a ship to "drum up business." And what business would they gain by such uncivilized outbursts and critiques?

 

What did the Lounge Hostess do when the Lout complained so vociferously?

 

Ruby

 

The Lout told me that he was promoting his agency during the cruise. He would smile obsequiously to the other passengers, make small talk and attempt to curry a positive image. He would invite small groups to his suite for cocktails. Think Vincent Price with short blond hair and goatee, small stud in a earlobe and glinty blue eyes.

 

He did other outrageous things which I do not care to report here. An officer told us that prior to the cruise the cruise staff was warned that these two guys would be aboard. Apparently cruise lines keeps a list of what the officer euphemistically called "challenging" passengers.

 

To her credit the Hostess maintained her composure and poise during the screaming fit, and was able to eventually calm him down. My travel agent thinks that this guy is insecure and needs to bring attention to himself in order to feel important. He doesn't realize, though, that he is shooting himself in the foot in his attempts to drum up business.

 

I frequent the Elite Lounge to be in the company of other experienced travelers. On occasion officers come in to chat with us. The free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are a bonus. I enjoy perks from being recognized as a frequent cruiser on Celebrity, and am given courteous and respectful service. I am sure that my name is on another list, as after check-in at the San Diego pier I was led to an alcove where I sat by myself for a few minutes until the Guest Relations Manager entered and welcomed me, and told me to see him anytime I needed to make my cruise experience a better one. I doubt that I would get this kind of courtesy if I jumped from one cruise line to another.

 

Donald.

[Host Sharon]

Well, I am back home after my Discovery "experience". Rather than recount it all I have posted a review here. Suffice it to say - you get what you pay for, but it was lovely to see a classic ship - still looking good, and she sur can tackle gale force weather unlike the apartment barges!

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=218892

 

Will catch up on everyone's adventures shortly.

[Host Sharon]

Arghh - not sure I want to be responsible for Ruby not taking pictures any more (assuming I am the Sharon referred to). I have not been to such interesting places by any means.

[Kapricorn]

Sharon, I read your cruise review with interest. Too bad that rain interfered with your enjoyment. Your account of the difficulty of stepping into and from tenders is similar to my experience when Celebrity tendered in Kona. The tender jerked wildly beside the ship like a berserk bull in a rodeo, and passengers had to be assisted into it one by one, waiting until the tender was more or less level with the platform. It was a slow process, especially with elderly people and those with mobility challenges.

 

Donald.

[MMDown Under]

Well, I am back home after my Discovery "experience". Rather than recount it all I have posted a review here. Suffice it to say - you get what you pay for, but it was lovely to see a classic ship - still looking good, and she sur can tackle gale force weather unlike the apartment barges!

 

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=218892

 

Will catch up on everyone's adventures shortly.

 

Enjoyed your in depth review Sharon.

 

Much as I love visiting the UK, I've always been wary of cruising around the UK because of the unreliable weather.

[Host Sharon]

Yes well - the last few years, April has been the best month we have had - but not this year!

 

Cruise photos here

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/114801993219771801790/DiscoveryCruiseToIrelandAndScotland#

Edited May 1, 2013 by Host Sharon

[Kapricorn]

Sharon, interesting photographs, as usual! A few observations: I'm surprised that the portholes were covered in your cabin - were you able to open them to see the view? What is the round Colosseum-like structure at the top of the hill in Oban? The colourful waterfront buildings in Tobermory and Cobh reminded me of those in Willemstad, Curacao.

 

Donald.

[Host Sharon]

Hi Donald

 

The portholes were covered by deadlights due to the heavy weather we experienced - we were on the lowest deck nearest the waterline. - so no, we couldn't open them! Just as well we paid for an inside and the outside was a free upgrade or I'd have been somewhat miffed!

 

The tower in Oban was built at the turn of the 19th century by a local banker partly as a self-indulgent monument to his family, but also to provide work for local stonemasons. Apparently it was never finished as there were supposed to be statues in every archway.

Edited May 2, 2013 by Host Sharon

[Saga Ruby]

I got home Wed night and have been sorting out mail, laundry, and restocking the fridge, like we all do post-cruise.

 

Without blathering on too much, I wanted to tell Sharon I have a whopping 5 photos from my trip. No wonder I count on you for travel pix!

 

The entire trip to Africa can summarized by the following story:

 

In Banjul, The Gambia, it occurred to me that I needed to purchase souvenirs for my friends before we left that continent and Banjul was the last stop in Africa. Fortunately, a vendor's market was set up on the tiny wharf and we had many choices for souvenirs, from wooden-bead necklaces to 6' tall carved wood statues.

 

The vendors had spread out blankets and put their wares out for consideration. As I stepped off the gangway, the first vendor was an ancient woman beautifully dressed in African garb and headdress. I immediately saw a coconut-husk, carved necklace that I really liked but it was my first stop along the row. I told her I would come back to buy the necklace but I wanted to look around first.

 

As I fought my way past the vendors and their male "pushers," I found a few necklaces and other minor purchases. But I went back to the first lady and indicated I wanted to buy her necklace. The price started at $20 but I stopped asking for a lower price at $12.50 because it was well worth it. I paid her $15, told her to keep the change, and walked toward the gangway.

 

As I reached the bottom of the gangway, I felt a touch on my shoulder. The elderly lady handed me the most magnificent wooden disc of a ring with a few jewels on a vertical plane. She handed it to me - I loved it. I said, "How much?" She shook her head "No, free." I was astounded. I put the ring on my finger and told her it would go to Dallas, Texas. She clabbered up and indicated if she could give me a hug which we did. I will never forget the woman, her ring, and her generosity. Cynics would say that I paid too much for the magnificent necklace; I would say that I had an wonderful moment with an African elder.

 

I find that artistic vendors like to know where their "product" is going to live. One woman in the market sold me some wonderful hand-painted bookmarks; after the sale, she pointed to one of them and said that she did it. I told her it was going to Dallas TX and she was quietly thrilled.

 

By the bye, the satellite transmission was in and out at sea and, in port onboard, it had the speed of a 52K dial-up at times. Do y'all have those problems on your cruises? And forget about using a smartphone in your cabin - ain't gonna happen.

 

Ruby

Edited May 5, 2013 by Saga Ruby

[Host Sharon]

Welcome home Ruby - quite an adventure all round. Love the story of the ring etc.

 

Yes - intenet access is abysmal everywhere and non existent in Israel and the Fjords! - not for the same reason I suspect though.

My smart phone usually works though - I think is down to which provider you use.

 

Look forward to THE photos!

[Kapricorn]

Ruby, it seemed as if the cruise was as memorable as your first Silversea experience, despite the Queen Bee and the Wooer Widower. Will you be considering future sailings on that cruise line? And ... was your cat happy to see you back home, or did it give you the briefest glance, yawn and return to its nap or grooming?

 

Sharon, the deadlights were closed over your cabin portholes, in effect making it an inside cabin. What might have happened if these were opened during inclement weather? On one of my Celebrity cruises I was fascinated to watch the water splash across my lower-deck cabin window, as it was like watching a washing machine in action.

 

Donald.

[Host Sharon]

Donald - I doubt anything would happen if the dedlights were opened, but we were unable to as you needed a tool to get them into the clip that held them open. Mind you - the ship is 42 years old now - perhaps the window seals leak ??

[MMDown Under]

Welcome Home, Ruby,

 

Loved the story about the gift from the beautifully dressed ancient lady.

 

I agree that you don't need a common language to show appreciation for a work of art that someone has made.

[Saga Ruby]

Ruby, it seemed as if the cruise was as memorable as your first Silversea experience, despite the Queen Bee and the Wooer Widower. Will you be considering future sailings on that cruise line? And ... was your cat happy to see you back home, or did it give you the briefest glance, yawn and return to its nap or grooming? Donald.

 

My cat came out promptly to say Hello then almost wrapped herself around my ankle for the next several days. One week later, she is still a bit clingy but I think she believes that I am home for the foreseeable future.

 

Welcome Home, Ruby, Loved the story about the gift from the beautifully dressed ancient lady. I agree that you don't need a common language to show appreciation for a work of art that someone has made.

 

I wear my wooden disk ring everywhere and everyone comments on it. Most of the time, I don't pass along the story other than saying that I got it in Africa, but that is my walkaway favourite souvenir from my trip.

 

As we sailed out of Cape Town, a very familiar ship was tied up at a furthermost wharf. I couldn't get it, took out my S/S binoculars from the shelf, and it was Saga Ruby! I was so excited! What a coincidence! But I wonder if she was in town or laid up. She has had a terrible time limping around the globe on her final voyage. Evidently one voyage too many.

 

Digression - it is such a pleasure to be able to Preview Post on CCritic. At sea, if I tried that, I lost the message.

 

Ruby

[Host Sharon]

I sincerely hope Saga Ruby wasn't laid up - I have friends sailing on in September!!

[Saga Ruby]

Conte - are you home from Portugal? I hope we can hear a few details about your crossing.

 

Sharon - am I using the term "laid up" correctly? Saga Ruby is limping around the globe on her final voyage and I'm not sure she will be able to complete it. But is "laid up" a proper term? After seeing her tied up at a distant wharf in Cape Town harbour, it didn't look promising.

 

Ruby

[MMDown Under]

Finally booked my next cruise, with my elder daughter, with Ocean Princess from Dover to Iceland and Norway, via the Shetland and Faroe Islands in July.

 

Whilst enjoying all your cruising experiences, I have been researching to find the right cruise for us. This cruise has full days in port and is scheduled to stop at 4 ports of call in Iceland.

 

After spending a night in Reykjavik on a flight from NY to Glasgow, I said I would return one day.

 

Any tips?

[Conte Di Savoia]

Conte - are you home from Portugal? I hope we can hear a few details about your crossing.

Ruby

 

We've been home for a week now since our transatlantic adventure aboard Silver Cloud. We had a wonderful time and were very well treated by the staff. Transatlantics are definitely not for everyone but do attract a group of passengers who are like minded about lazing about the ship relaxing, reading, eating, drinking and socializing. As the Italians say "Dolce far niente" .....sweet to do nothing! We met up with people we knew from previous Silversea trips. These totally unplanned reunions added to the enjoyment and created the feeling that we are all part of the Silversea family. I'm sure the line is very pleased when that happens.

 

The ship was only slightly more than half full so that the crew outnumbered the paying passengers, a situation which I'm sure Silversea might not be pleased about but which made the ship seem like our own private yacht.

 

The weather was fine allowing us to sit outside poolside but we did encounter several days of swells in the Atlantic causing the pool to close intermittently. But we are good sailors and did not miss any cocktail hours or meals.

 

Unfortunately we did not get close enough to Silver Whisper to see Ruby, but I kept my big red hat beside me just in case. I could feel your presence Ruby, so we must have been in the same neighborhood.

 

We are still very pleased with the Silversea experience even though various amenities come and go as they tweak their product. The ship was refurbished last November and was in excellent condition. New bathrooms were installed and major redecorating was inspired by their newest ship, Silver Spirit.

I recently posted some pictures of her interiors on a Silversea thread found here in case you would like to see how she looks.

 

Ruby, when we were in Funchal I saw this bit of graffiti on the sea wall at the port and since this thread began because of your posting about your voyage on Saga Rose I thought I should include it here. Gone but not forgotten.

 

Sharon, we took your advice about the tour to take when we got to Portimao and thought you might like to see this shot of the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente.

[Saga Ruby]

Unfortunately we did not get close enough to Silver Whisper to see Ruby, but I kept my big red hat beside me just in case. I could feel your presence Ruby, so we must have been in the same neighborhood.

 

Ruby, when we were in Funchal I saw this bit of graffiti on the sea wall at the port and since this thread began because of your posting about your voyage on Saga Rose I thought I should include it here. Gone but not forgotten.

 

As soon as you alerted me to the track of your crossing, I asked Reception if we would be in your vicinity. Turns out that, if and if, an announcement would be made on the tannoy. I was disappointed to miss the opportunity to see your big red hat and wave a Texas Howdy right back at 'cha.

 

That photo you posted about Saga Rose touched my heart. I keep going back and looking at it. I don't know which is worse - seeing Saga Ruby limping around the globe or the quick cut at the breakers in Alang. Thanks so much for the photo.

 

Ruby

[Saga Ruby]

Finally booked my next cruise, with my elder daughter, with Ocean Princess from Dover to Iceland and Norway, via the Shetland and Faroe Islands in July.

 

Whilst enjoying all your cruising experiences, I have been researching to find the right cruise for us. This cruise has full days in port and is scheduled to stop at 4 ports of call in Iceland.

 

After spending a night in Reykjavik on a flight from NY to Glasgow, I said I would return one day. Any tips?

 

I'm impressed you have 4 ports of call in Iceland. We stopped only once - in Reykjavik - on the way back to the UK from Norway. So you are getting a lot of exposure to that lovely country. I'm sure you'll see many geysers and waterfalls plus the capital city which I enjoyed. Up on a hill overlooking the city is an artificial geyser put in place by the city fathers. It's a bit of a giggle, being so out of place. We also visited a supermarket because, in my travels, I learn so much from stopping at large, local supermarkets.

 

My guide parked his taxi up at the top of the hill by that huge cathedral looming over the city. Then we walked down the steep streets to enjoy a bit of shopping and lunch at Vegamot, a small but lovely restaurant. There was a street fair throughout the main area of the city so there was a lot of vibrancy and fun going on. My guide said that he had rarely seen such fun on a Saturday in Reykjavik. There are many shopping opportunities in small shops along the main street - don't miss the small cottage tucked back under some trees that is the city jail!

 

I didn't get off the ship at the Faroes. They are soft hills covered with greenery and fish farming off the coast. Is it Torshaven at the Faroes? Can't remember. But your cruise sounds loverly - Norway is always a winner in the travel industry.

 

Conte Silversea was superb. Quite pricey and worth every cent. When I'm onboard, I feel like Dorothy in Oz.

 

Ruby

Edited May 14, 2013 by Saga Ruby

[MMDown Under]

I'm impressed you have 4 ports of call in Iceland. We stopped only once - in Reykjavik - on the way back to the UK from Norway. So you are getting a lot of exposure to that lovely country. I'm sure you'll see many geysers and waterfalls plus the capital city which I enjoyed. Up on a hill overlooking the city is an artificial geyser put in place by the city fathers. It's a bit of a giggle, being so out of place. We also visited a supermarket because, in my travels, I learn so much from stopping at large, local supermarkets.

 

My guide parked his taxi up at the top of the hill by that huge cathedral looming over the city. Then we walked down the steep streets to enjoy a bit of shopping and lunch at Vegamot, a small but lovely restaurant. There was a street fair throughout the main area of the city so there was a lot of vibrancy and fun going on. My guide said that he had rarely seen such fun on a Saturday in Reykjavik. There are many shopping opportunities in small shops along the main street - don't miss the small cottage tucked back under some trees that is the city jail!

 

I didn't get off the ship at the Faroes. They are soft hills covered with greenery and fish farming off the coast. Is it Torshaven at the Faroes? Can't remember. But your cruise sounds loverly - Norway is always a winner in the travel industry.

 

Conte Silversea was superb. Quite pricey and worth every cent. When I'm onboard, I feel like Dorothy in Oz.

 

Ruby

 

Thanks for your comments on your visit to Reykjavik, Ruby. I am reading a little AA Book on Iceland and had decided I would visit that spectacular church on the hill. I also enjoy visiting local cafes and supermarkets during my travels. I often pick up different kitchen utensils, to remind me of my travels, whilst I cook.

 

Klaksvik in Faroe islands, Skjolden/Sognefjord and Bergen in Norway.

 

Would you like to cruise on Silversea again, even though it is expensive? How did you find the amount of consecutive sea days? I found some passengers became bored on the 4th consecutive day of my TA.

 

I recently attended a function by Orion Expedition Cruises which introduced their cruises with National Geographic from March, 2014. They have some wonderful unique cruises planned, but oh so expensive.