SD 2 Voyage 2824 - Dubrovnik to Civitavecchia

[ctbjr1309]

Hello all. So, here we are on SD2 steaming from Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro tonight.

 

Julie, you were right. they do have plenty of Red Stripe on board. We arrived at the port shortly after 2 PM today and walked on board the ship. We quickly discovered that SD has moved into the 20th Century with electronic boarding cards containing passengers' pictures. We posed for the photos and moved into the Main Salon for champagne, etc.

 

After enjoying a bit of SD hospitality we moved into our cabin escorted by Jinky our stewardess. I quickly moved toward the refrigerator to tell her what to remove when I discovered that it was already organized perfectly -- beer and Coke Lite.

 

We then unpacked, napped and attended the life boat drill. After that, we spent a few minutes at the TOY bar (hi TOYBAR) before getting ready for James" presentation in the Main Salon

 

James was excellent as usual (hi Aunt Frances). We then moved down to the Dining Room where we became part of a table of 8. It wasn't nearly the same as last November (note to: alita, FT, TOYBAR, and you lurkers - we miss you), but we were with a honeymooning couple from Norway, a couple from Philly and a couple from Australia who had dined with Yogagal last week. We had a delightful dinner thanks to the new chef and dessert chef.

 

After dinner we had a drink at the TOY BAR and then went to the bridge to help the Capt. depart from the pier.

 

We succeeded quite handily and are now on our way to Kotor Montenegro;. With any luck, I'll be awake early enough to report on our arrival to Kotor.

 

More tomorrow.

 

Ciao.

[alita]

Happy to see your first report and learn that 1) you've set sail, and 2) we are missed! I'm sure that the others left behind will agree with me that we'd love to be there with you at the TOY bar, but still we have the November crossing to look forward to...

 

Very warm greetings to El Capitán and to James... and an abrazo to la señora de ctbjr!

 

alita

 

p.s. Aunt Frances? Hmmm... enquiring minds want to know~

[ctbjr1309]

p.s. Aunt Frances? Hmmm... enquiring minds want to know~

 

alita, you need to go to the SD2 Spring '08 Crossing blog and read the guestbook a bit closer.

 

Incidentally, we have just arrived at Kotor, Montenegro and all I can say is wow! For a place I've never heard of, it's spectacularly beautiful. It appears that we were given some very good advice when this itinerary was recommended to us. Thank you Captain JT!

[alita]

Just call me psychic... very good detective work, jefe!

[NASCAB]

"Jefe", I'm so glad you read the guest book, I enjoyed the daily update also. Aunt Fran is James' Aunt in case you didn't figure that out. James' Mom also signed the book a few times.

CTBjr, thank you for your first report. I wish I was with you, as you know last summer we sailed to Dubrovnik with James' family, it's a beautiful place to visit. Tell James his Mom says hello and we miss him. Enjoy your vacation.

 

NASCAB ;)

 

alita - what is it that enquiring minds want to know?

[DisneyJen]

Glad to hear that you and Mrs. CTB arrive safely!

 

Sounds like a wonderful start to a fabulous itinerary. Croatia is on my list of places to see (a list that keeps growing mind you!).

 

Looking forward to more reports ... as I am still in post-vacation let down:p

 

Please give our best to all, especially Capt. T!

[Cammiem]

Am looking forward to reading of your daily adventures and will follow closely as we're trying to choose the perfect itinerary for next summer. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

 

Please tell James that I said hello. If you tell him that I'm the seasick blogger from the April voyage, he just might remember me. If he needs further refreshing, tell him DH & I were the ones dreadfully seasick and permanently planted on chairs by the TOYB on Deck 6 for the first full day of sailing. Eyes shut, green faces, completely immobile. That might do the trick. :eek:

[ctbjr1309]

Well, I guess I"ll start off by saying that I started this post 5 hours ago prior to dinnner, pressed "Post Quick Reply" and got the dreaded "who are you" page on Internet Explorer. So, I'll try to recreate my earlier thoughts and the happenings of the last 5 hours now.

 

Cammiem, thanks for your note. I will pass your regards along to James. I expect that he'll remember you. For an American, he's fairly astute (hi, NASCAB).

 

DJ, you do need to see Croatia. But not as much as you need to see Tenerife....

 

So, where do I start? Woke up this morining to a very nasty one hour time loss (thank you Greece). We were at Paxois, Greece for a few hours. Mrs. CTBjr and I went ashore long enough to walk around and find a nice cafe that served wine and beer at Noon. After enjoying our refreshments, we took the 5 minute tender ride back to the ship in time for lunch.

 

We had a nice lunch with a couple from California. The Tom Yam Soup and Greek Salad were delicous. I was told that the Greek Pizza and the Red Snapper also were nice. The white wine, champagne and beer were also good.

 

Mrs. CTBjr then enjoyed a nice massage while I relaxed on deck, read my book, had a shrimp cocktail and a beer or two. Water sports were available at the stern of the ship but getting there was too much work so I watched from a distance.

 

We then departed about 4:30 PM. It was still hot and sunny. Tomorrow is supposed to be 95 F by the way.

 

Tonight was the Club Party in the Library for the past passengers. Almost half (49) of the 101 passengers qualified for that event. The Captain gave his usual low key talk and we all then headed down for dinner.

 

We had a delightful dinner with a couple from Connecticut, a couple from California and the Capt. (who sends his regard to all of those who know both him and us). We had a delicious dinner (thanks to the new Chef, who is excellent) and told lots of old stories, including stories about fires on board SD after dry dock (hi alita and TOYBAR). SD2 is going into drydock in October for 18 days, by the way. Should be fun sailing on her shortly thereafter.

 

After dinner (Thai scallops and Fillte) and a dessert involving strawberries and olive oil (I kid you not) ice cream, we waddled up to the Top of the Yacht only to find the Office occupied. We then waddled down to the Piano Bar, had a seat on the bar stools and ordered som after dinner drinks.

 

We've now returned to the room and thanks to the time change, it's only Midnight but still time to sign off. Tomorrow is Taormina, Sicily and Mt. Etna. Tonight James showed The Godfather in the Main Salon.

 

I'm sure we'll have more to report tomorrow. Any questions, just ask DJ. Ciao.

[NASCAB]

Your day sounded wonderful, I'm happy you were thinking of me with the salute, and thanks for passing along mine to James. I think of the Godfather movie every time I go to Italy. Enjoy tomorrow, will be looking forward to hearing about it.

Ciao!

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like another great day on SD ... although I can't believe someone else was in the office:p

 

What will the drydock include?

 

Who is the chef this trip?

[yogagal47]

Hey Mr. CTBJR! Please send a "hullo" to our Aussie friends. I see you have already had dinner with them. Tell them Saul and I arrived home safely and wish them a lovely "cruise to nowhere!" Pam will understand. I look forward to hearing about Taormina. It is supposed to be a wonderful port. Happy SeaDreamin to all. Julie

[ctbjr1309]

Tuesday was another beautiful day in paradise. We anchored off Taormina at 11:30 AM just in time for passengers to have lunch and head off on tour.

 

One group went up to the top of Mt. Etna and others just organized their own tours of town and the island. The town is up on a hill, about a 20 bus ride from the pier where the tender drops off passengers.

 

We had cocktails by the pool deck and dinner Topside as well. It was a lovely evening with a cool breeze and a view of the lava flowing down the side of Mt. Etna. We ended the evening listening to James singing in the Piano Bar. A wonderful treat, as always.

 

Today we arrive at Positano about 1 PM. The Champagne and Caviar Splash is scheduled for Noon out by the pool. It appears to be another sunny beautiful day.

 

DJ, I understand that this drydock is scheduled for 18 days and will be rather extensive. The staterooms are to get a big makeover. Better lighting, perhaps larger televisions, hopefully improved internet speed and reliability, more power plugs and more.

 

The chef is a Frenchman named Josselin (hope I've spelled it correctly). He's doing a fantastic job and is very visible around the ship during the day and after dinner.

 

Julie, will pass your messages along to Pam and Mike. I hate to tell you but they seem to be getting along fairly well in your absence!

 

All for now. More later from Positano. Ciao!

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like another glorious day on SD!

 

It must have been a lovely experience having cocktails and watching the lava flow.

 

Interesting news on the drydock. I agree that an upgrade to the internet would be a plus! Sounds like quite the overhaul. Will Capt. T be with her during the drydock to oversee and document the process?

 

Glad that the new chef is a good addition to a great culinary team!

 

Enjoy the day! Ask Mrs. Ctbjr to have a glass of Veuve for me:D

[Cammiem]

SD2s drydock was mentioned during our April voyage. I'm eager to see & blog the results of it...just another reason to cruise next summer!

 

Sounds like you had a very lovely evening. Cocktails on the pool deck are wonderful and we enjoyed them tremendously in April. Your view must've been spectacular and I'm green with envy! This is just one of the many things that makes SD so special...I wouldn't be surprised if SD scheduled the lava flow! :p

 

Next time I'm onboard, we'll make it a point to listen to more of James singing. He's incredible!

 

Thanks for bringing all of us along with you via these daily postings; looking forward to tomorrow's spoilings and the daydreaming they'll produce! :)

[vandrefalk]

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time -- wish we were all with you! Please give our best (Bob and Karen) to Capt T and James. And please tell Jinky (our stewardess in March) that the lady in 215 with the broken leg is walking again! Next time I'll be back at the TOY and piano bar listening to James.

Look forward to the next installment!

Vandrefalk

[Cammiem]

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time -- wish we were all with you! Please give our best (Bob and Karen) to Capt T and James. And please tell Jinky (our stewardess in March) that the lady in 215 with the broken leg is walking again! Next time I'll be back at the TOY and piano bar listening to James.

Look forward to the next installment!

Vandrefalk

 

Hi vandrefalk,

 

Glad to hear that you've healed. I think you need a do-over cruise. :)

[DisneyJen]

Good to hear from you vandrefalk ... and even better to hear that you are healed!

[NASCAB]

Next time I'm onboard, we'll make it a point to listen to more of James singing. He's incredible! :)

 

I'm so glad that someone else thinks he's incredible. Thank you for saying that about James, I'm sure he will appreciate it if he reads this. ;)

[ctbjr1309]

Yesterday was again sunny and very warm. We were not scheduled to arrive at Positano until 1 PM so we took our time getting going but were on deck and ready for action by High Noon when the Champagne and Caviar Splash kicked off.

 

The festivities started with champagne corks popping and flying around Deck 3 while Christophe, Chef Josselin and colleagues dished out the caviar and passed around glasses of champagne. A good time was had by all although it wasn't Jost Van Dyke, Prickly Pear or Mayreau!

 

Shortly afterward we anchored off Positano which is a spectacularly beautiful town built on some rather steep mountains. It was quite a sight to behold from the ship.

 

After lunch, we took the tender into town, wandered around and perspired for an hour or so and then sat down for a beer and glass of wine under an umbrella. It was quite pleasant and hard to tear ourselves away when the tender arrived to take us back to SD 2.

 

We had a nice dinner again on Deck, this time with a beautiful view of the lights of Positano. We didn't sail until after 2 AM so a number of passengers and crew members went ashore after dinner. Overnight we made the short trek (8 nautical miles) from Positano to Amalfi where we awoke this morning to another spectacular vista outside our window (and no I don't mean the Oceania Nautica which passed by and anchored nearby).

 

Today, Mrs. CTBjr took a trip to Pompeii and I took the ship excursion to Ravello, a small town about 5 km from Amalfi. More on those experiences, later.

 

Vandrefalk, I have passed along your regards as requested and the recipients all send their best wishes and are glad that your leg has healed.

 

DJ, yes Captain T will be with the ship during drydock in October.

 

Hopefully, I have addressed all outstanding questions and messages but if I have overlooked any please let me know.

 

Ciao.

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like another glorious day on SD!

 

Glad to hear that Capt. T will be seeing SD2 through her drydock ... I know she will be in excellent hands during her tune up;)

 

No champagne and caviar splash here ... DH and I are making due with cheese and crackers and Bombay and Diet Tonic at the pool during cocktail hour:eek:

 

Looking forward to your report on the excursions!

[Jim Avery]

Sounds like another glorious day on SD!

 

Glad to hear that Capt. T will be seeing SD2 through her drydock ... I know she will be in excellent hands during her tune up;)

 

No champagne and caviar splash here ... DH and I are making due with cheese and crackers and Bombay and Diet Tonic at the pool during cocktail hour:eek:

 

Looking forward to your report on the excursions!

 

DJ: You are doing much like us here in Summer Florida. G & T in the hot tub (heats off this time of year and we keep an icemaker next to the tub. 20lbs of ice, jump in and enjoy!) We also wish we were on SD this week but am enjoying going along through the posts. Keep it up.

Jim.

[ctbjr1309]

Thursday morning dawned (you guessed it) warm and sunny in Amalfi. After the long 8 nautical mile trek from Positano to Amalfi, we were up early (for us) and headed for our respective tours.

 

Mrs. CTBjr went with another couple to Pompeii and enjoyed it very much. None of the three had been there before and said the trip was well worthwhile. On the way back they stopped in the small town of Ravello which they toured and then had lunch before heading back to the ship.

 

I took the SD excursion which went directly to Ravello via a harrowing bus ride along the Amalfi coast. The drive resulted in some spectacular views and heightened appreciation for the skills of our bus driver. In Ravello we toured the grounds of a large villa which had lovely gardens and is the location of the summertime Ravello Music Festival. It's a spectacular spot with the stage set against the backdrop of the sea and lovely flowers all about.

 

After touring the villa we had a couple of hours to tour the town and shop. There are a couple of spectacularly situated 5 star hotels there where an ordinary room (and breakfast!) can be had for a cool $1,000 or so a night. After a cold beer at a cafe on the town square, we headed back to Amalfi and then to the comfort of SeaDream 2.

 

After a quiet afternoon, it was time for dinner on deck for the third consecutive night. While there were no lava flows in sight, it was yet another magical evening with great food and good friends. After dinner, some watched the Football Match (Spain vs. Russia) on the big screen in the Main Salon, others watched a Celine Dion concert on the Pool Deck and others managed to find something to do either in the Piano Bar or at the Top of the Yacht.

 

This morning dawned warm and sunny (again) in Capri. We managed to avoid the trip to the Blue Grotto and took the local tender into town where some of us took the funicular up to town and James led others on a hike through town and then onward and upward. I made it to town but left the onward and upward part to others. We were amazed at the range of high end stores in Capri and stayed our of some but not all. Then it was back to the pier via the funicular and to SD 2 where we arrived in time for a delicious lunch (the lasagna and ravioli were particularly good, I hear). After lunch we couldn't avoid packing any longer so did that and were then on deck for the sail away from Capri at 5 PM where limoncello was the featured drink. Tonight is the Chef's Degustation Menu and we're looking forward to that.

 

I'll do a final post tomorrow or after we go home. It's been fun chronicling this week. Hope everybody has enjoyed the trip from our perspective.

[DisneyJen]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful day with us:D

 

You well know how these trip reports help those of us who are landlocked get through until the next trip!

[Cammiem]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the trip from your perspective! Thanks so much for posting daily and bringing us along.

 

Wonder where my bottle of limoncello is? :D

 

Have a safe trip home.

[ctbjr1309]

Wonder where my bottle of limoncello is? :D

 

Have a safe trip home.

 

It was rather tasty. Thanks! Will be home Sunday and back to work on Monday morning. Will be tough to be back in the mode of reading others' reports but it does indeed keep us going until the next one.