Saga Rose Greenland Voyager August 2007

[Kapricorn]

Donald and ships cat - what software are you using for your pix?

 

I use both Corel Photo-Paint and Adobe Photoshop, with a slight edge in favour of Corel.

 

Did you manage to see those photos of the "snapped - in - half" cargo ship at Gibraltar?

 

Truly amazing to see the power of the seas!

 

Donald.

[Saga Ruby]

Did you manage to see those photos of the "snapped - in - half" cargo ship at Gibraltar?

 

Holy shipwreck! I just now viewed the photos and, as you say, the power of the seas and the oceans never fails to amaze. Thanks for the head's-up.

 

The subject of hydrology has always interested me. I live on a slight hill and, during heavy rains, the patterns and routes of the run-off is predictable. Then neighbors put in gravel walks and flowers beds, or storage sheds, which change the path of the water flow and the absorption rate. Then they are upset that there is standing water in a corner bedroom or their neighbor's kitchen. To quote the TV advert, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature!"

 

I extend the theory of water movement and wave motion to apartment barges which, when they actually budge a few feet, the onboard pax become anxious or enraged that the Captain isn't doing his job. I can't wait to see how Oasis behaves in a strong sea and a newbie pax is on the 5th floor of the "Central Park" tower. After all, why in the world would anyone on a cruise ship ever expect to feel the motion of the seas?

 

Donald - thanks for the software info. I am a biiiiggg fan of Corel and still resent Office Word kicking Corel WordPerfect off the software map.

 

Ruby

[Host Sharon]

Michael - thanks so much for this alert. It was wonderful to see Cunarders talking about my wonderful Saga ships.

 

Donald and ships cat - what software are you using for your pix? I have Dell and HP but not Photoshop. Since I have no digital camera, getting organized for photos is not a high priority for me, but I'm interested to read what software y'all like best for editing your photographs.

 

I also was intrigued with ships cat snap of the Constanta, Rumania photo which proved to be a deserted casino. It reminds me a bit of the "Gateway to India" monument at water's edge in Mumbai which is quite an impressive sight - until you get swarmed by the beggars.

 

Ruby

 

I like Paint Shop Pro for editing photos. Nice and easy to use and not too expensive either. I enjoyed the Vistafjord thread too - thanks Michael. Ahhh - my first cruise ship!!

[MMDown Under]

Hello All,

 

You asked me some time back about my views on the circumnavigation cruises of Australia. You may recall I mentioned it would be better with an overland on the Indian Pacific.

 

So just had to let you know I saw this in last Sunday's Sunday Telegraph-

 

August 19 - September 20 2009

 

Sun Princess and the Indian Pacific.

 

Escorted cruise and rail journey from Sydney to Perth, with accommodation and all meals on board ship and rail, as well as sightseeing tours of Freemantle, Perth, Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Magnetic Island and Brisbane.

 

Sounds wonderful and at a good time of the year weatherwise as well!

 

[Druke I]

Sounds like a great trip!

 

Can't get much better, trains and ships.

 

Unfortunately, I don't think we are up to the long flights from the US anymore. We just cancelled our Jan 09 NewZealand/Australia cruise on Oceania's Nautica.

 

3 out of 4 of us in our group have health issues - so we decided to skip it. Luckily we have been down under before, so we do have good memories to soften the disappointment.

[MMDown Under]

Sounds like a great trip!

 

Can't get much better, trains and ships.

 

Unfortunately, I don't think we are up to the long flights from the US anymore. We just cancelled our Jan 09 NewZealand/Australia cruise on Oceania's Nautica.

 

3 out of 4 of us in our group have health issues - so we decided to skip it. Luckily we have been down under before, so we do have good memories to soften the disappointment.

 

Sorry to hear you have just cancelled our Jan 09 NZ/Aust cruise. However, I understand re the long flights from the US.

 

We usually break the journey.

[Saga Ruby]

Escorted cruise and rail journey from Sydney to Perth, with accommodation and all meals on board ship and rail, as well as sightseeing tours of Freemantle, Perth, Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Magnetic Island and Brisbane.

 

Thanks for telling us about this itinerary. I've seen many documentaries about a famous rail line that crosses Oz and can't remember the name of it, but that line and the Russian railroad - aren't they the longest straight train rails in the world?

 

How interesting that one crosses Oz with one's fellow ship passengers, then everybody boards the ship in Perth to complete a wonderful circular cruise with stops at lovely and interesting ports.

 

Ruby

[MMDown Under]

Thanks for telling us about this itinerary. I've seen many documentaries about a famous rail line that crosses Oz and can't remember the name of it, but that line and the Russian railroad - aren't they the longest straight train rails in the world?

 

How interesting that one crosses Oz with one's fellow ship passengers, then everybody boards the ship in Perth to complete a wonderful circular cruise with stops at lovely and interesting ports.

 

Ruby

 

Yes Ruby, the Indian Pacific travels 4352 kilometres, with the longest straight stretch of 478 kilometres in the world.

 

http://www.railaustralia.com.au/indianPacific.php

 

I agree it would be a memorable experience to travel with a group. In addition, it is a lovely time of the year to travel in WA, with wildflowers out in September.

 

I did it independently, as a young girl, by ship from Sydney to Freemantle, WA by southern route (not a pleasant experience for a variety of reasons), then return on the Indian Pacific, which was an unforgetable magical experience.

[Saga Ruby]

Did any of our friends on the Eastern Seaboard see her final arrival this morning or plan to attend her final farewell from New York this afternoon?

 

One has to be a bit envious of ships cat who will be traveling on the QE2 next week for a final farewell. Enjoy, ships cat. Be sure your hair is on straight - there will be many photographers on the last days of this classic liner on the open seas.

 

Ruby

[Host Sharon]

I am still not sure if I am looking forward to it or not. I don't intend to get off as there are lots of parties going on over the 5 days but I know I will be in tears when I leave!

[franu]

ships cat, From my personal experience it is a bittersweet cruise. I found that for me it was important to feel each feeling but this is not necessarily the way for everyone. At the very end I emotionally cocooned myself to say good-bye.

 

This worked for me but I am not suggesting that it will work for anyone else. I am suggesting that whatever works for you is OK.

 

I wish you a good voyage in all aspects.

Fran

[Host Sharon]

ships cat, From my personal experience it is a bittersweet cruise. I found that for me it was important to feel each feeling but this is not necessarily the way for everyone. At the very end I emotionally cocooned myself to say good-bye.

 

This worked for me but I am not suggesting that it will work for anyone else. I am suggesting that whatever works for you is OK.

 

I wish you a good voyage in all aspects.

Fran

 

Thanks Fran. It will be difficult too, in that for once I travelling with friends so it will be more difficult I think to absorb the feelings, with all the other distractions. Still, at least I will be on board her and I have my own cabin, so can wander around at will, late at night if need be!

[Druke I]

Having another senior moment (don't remember whether or not I mentioned this one before), but there is a very interesting thread over on the Holland America forum:

 

First Cruise Ship.

 

People name their ship, and resident historian (CopperJohn 10-8) gives a brief history of the ship, and provided photolinks.

 

There are some great photos and some good memory trips.

[Saga Ruby]

ships cat - What other ports does the QE2 call on after you disembark? I know she is due in Dubai in November but how many other cruises are left on her itineraries after yours? On the other hand, you were talking about trying to land in Sochi which, of course, reminded me of a personal story.

 

In 1981, my Royal Viking ship was due to tender passengers in to a beautiful beach in Mexico where palms were swaying, the bright sun was shining on crystal blue water - and no tourists. The tiny town of Playa del Carmen sent out a large tender to offload our beach-lovers and anyone else wanting to get off the ship. Who knew about swells? The two-story tender tied alongside our ship then the swells and the wind started pushing the two ships together at an alarming rate, ultimately resulting in the tender smacking briskly into the side of our RVL ship. At which point all parties threw off their lines and we were off to our next port.

 

Michael - I read that "First Cruise" thread and the photos of ships in days gone by are loverly. Somewhere on this vast Cruise Critic forum, a member mentioned that they liked Oceania and Royal Viking so, of course, they are now considered Best Pals by me for having such exquisite taste. Wa-hahaha! I was sorry to read that you and Virginia have wearied of the looonnng overseas flights and cancelled Nautica. However, after Antarctica, it may be time for my final international disembarkation and enjoy traveling the good ole USofA.

 

Fran and ships cat - I admire both of you for going on "final voyages" on classic ships. As you may remember, I could not sign up for the last voyage of Saga Rose although I had a chance to sail on her for that ultimate voyage. My constant companions on that last cruise would have been me and several boxes of Kleenex. So I have more than a passing interest in your experiences on those melancholy cruises.

 

Kapricorn, ships cat, and CGTNORMANDIE are all leaving in the next few days on cruises. A hearty Bon Voyage to everyone - all the best and may this be your best cruise ever.

 

Ruby

[franu]

Doug, Are you there? I wonder if it is that you have your head in the books as I haven't seen any posts since school has been in session. The other possibility is that you have taken up residence on your favourite ship as she does her long final trip to Dubai. Whatever it is, I hope that it is fun.

Fran

[Kapricorn]

Kapricorn, ships cat, and CGTNORMANDIE are all leaving in the next few days on cruises. A hearty Bon Voyage to everyone - all the best and may this be your best cruise ever.

 

I am flying to Los Angeles on Wednesday (22nd), and will be back home on November 9. For the past week Vancouver has been having overcast skies, chilly temperatures and frequent rain, so I am looking forward to my 18 days in sunny climes.

 

I brought up my suitcase just now from the storage locker. The two pet cats now know that I will be going somewhere, and both are looking at me with unhappy expressions. What a guilt trip they are placing on me!

 

Thanks for the Bon Voyage, Ruby!

 

Donald.

[Host Sharon]

Yes, thanks for the bon voyage too Ruby. We have three ports in our short 5 nighter - Bilbao, Le Verdun sur Mer and St Peter Port. There is one more mediterranean cruise leaving 27th October and then the final voyage to Dubai in November. There is no way I would have wanted to be on board for that one!! I am even more unhappy about it now some of the Dubai plans for her have been released- like removing her funnel to put in a glass penthouse suite!!!

 

Donald - no one, and I mean no one, can make you feel as guilty as a wronged/ unhappy cat!!!

[Kapricorn]

Donald - no one, and I mean no one, can make you feel as guilty as a wronged/ unhappy cat!!!

 

Yes! Normally my cats nap 14 hours during the day in addition to the 8 hours during the night, but so far today they have been sticking close to me, and following me around the apartment. They must be afraid that if they blink, I might disappear!

 

I often wonder why cats sleep so much.

 

Donald.

[Saga Ruby]

I am even more unhappy about it now some of the Dubai plans for her have been released- like removing her funnel to put in a glass penthouse suite!!!

 

Zowie! It never even crossed my mind that the Dubai hotel plans call for a removal of that famous QE2 funnel. Since Dubai is so flat, a visitor would see from a distance a black hull, white superstructure, and glass on top?

 

I often wonder why cats sleep so much.

 

What frustrates me is that cats sleep so much on a daily basis then, when the occasion arises, they are fulloon, flat stick. They can change from a supine position to racing after a squirrel and not miss a step with the squirrel. How does any living creature maintain their topflight reflexes and physical conditioning by sleeping 23 hours a day? Colour me envious.

 

Ruby

[franu]

ships cat, I would love to know the origin of your handle (screen name).

It had always interested me but today I ran across a posting on another board which read

have never felt any resentment for having being "lower than the ship's cat", in the eye's of many of the snobs who sailed on the Mailboats in those days.

 

This made me curious-er and curious-er. I would love to hear how this applies to you or maybe doesn't. If you don't care to share, I will not be offended. Everyone has a right to privacy.

 

 

Kapricorn, ships cat, and CGTNORMANDIE Bon Voyage! or as I tend to say "Go in good heath and return in good heath.

Fran

[Host Sharon]

ships cat, I would love to know the origin of your handle (screen name).

It had always interested me but today I ran across a posting on another board which read

 

This made me curious-er and curious-er. I would love to hear how this applies to you or maybe doesn't. If you don't care to share, I will not be offended. Everyone has a right to privacy.

 

 

Kapricorn, ships cat, and CGTNORMANDIE Bon Voyage! or as I tend to say "Go in good heath and return in good heath.

Fran

 

I hadn't heard that expression before Fran. I just love ships and love cats - simple!

 

Sharon

[Druke I]

Well, running the risk of upsetting some of you - I love ships, and don't care for cats!

 

For all of you leaving in the next few day - Bon Voyage.

[Saga Ruby]

It's official - Saga Rose will be retired in October 2009 and Quest for Adventure, the old Astoria, will have a major renovation and refit then join the Saga fleet as Saga Pearl II. I knew this was coming but it still makes me sad - which ships cat and Fran will recognize. My guess is that my feelings parallel those of Michael for Royal Princess - a grand ship I somehow missed in my voyages, to my great regret. Royal Princess offered an Athens to Mombasa itinerary that I thought I would try "next year" which never came.

 

Strangely enough, the news about Saga Rose is posted on Saga's website by Captain David Ward-Owen who "gave" us the polar bears on Saga Ruby. We were told that Captain David was retiring altho' the ship gossip was that he would return to retire Saga Rose. I see now that the grapevine news was correct.

 

The old order changeth.

 

Ruby

[Druke I]

The "At Sea with Doug Newman" site has quite a bit of info on that ship.

 

You might care to visit the site and get "all the scoop".

[franu]

It's official - Saga Rose will be retired in October 2009 and Quest for Adventure, the old Astoria, will have a major renovation and refit then join the Saga fleet as Saga Pearl II. I knew this was coming but it still makes me sad - which ships cat and Fran will recognize.

 

As I see it there is something final about the Saga Rose. If no buyer comes along it could be it's last voyage. I knew that my ship, although it would never be for me, was finding a new home.

 

The Maxim Gorkiy was not going to be upgraded for SOLAS 2010 by Phoenix Reisen and things were looking grim but along came Wayne Heller and changed that.

 

Isn't it nice that we have each to console us about our favourite ship instead of the fact that I didn't get the suite with the butler and concierge. I can only hope that I don't meet those pax on my cruise.

Fran