Live From The Emerald Med T/A 10/03 - 10/17

[Snoopy at sea]

Dear Bob,

I'm so glad you are posting "Live from the Emerald". My mother and a small group of her friends are also onboard with you and it gives me an update on the daily events. I keep watching the webcam and can see that you are still on the open waters. I'm so happy to read your posts and to hear that the cruise has gotten off to a great start. Keep them coming!

 

Laurie (from Florida)

[Woobstr112G]

Well it's a leisurly day at sea today. Finished our first M & G a cpl of hours ago. What a great time. I strongly suggest for all to attend. It's a great time for all.

 

A couple of things I have noticed, not bad just not knowing, If you purchase something like a bottle of wine, pre cruise, prior to boarding you actually have to request it as it is not automatically in your stateroom when you board. Same goes for the soda package that I purchased.

 

Another thing, for those of you booking Lotus Spa appointments, book early. I reconfirmed appts for my wife 1st day on and added a few more. On sailaway day, I went to the gym and noted a line out the door of people wanting to make appts.

 

On another note, our group of 10 got notification that we were selected for the Chef's Table on 10 Oct........Yipeeeee......... We had a thread member who was sailing on the med cruise prior to our cruise. When she first tried to sign us up, she was told it could not be done. Soon as she said she was part of a cruise critic group, the info was taked without further delay. I will be sure to post all observations of this event, I can't wait.

 

Bye for now

 

Bob

[Whimsy]

I am really enjoying your posts since we sail on her next.

 

Was the dining room open for lunch on embarktion day?

 

 

Thank you for taking time to post!

[margord]

By the way, what time is the late dining?

[carol allen]

thanks for the updates

 

keep us posted

 

thanks carol

[fielddreamer]

Would Like You To Keep Me Posted On Any Helpful Tips On This Ship. I Am Taking It Next Month. Have A Good Cruise Bob

[Snoopy at sea]

Bob,

I have the bridge cam saved in my favorites (since I am following my mother's cruise along). I see that you are docked in Naples--looks like a beautiful day! Enjoy and keep us posted. Thanks.

[Sanibel*Gal]

Bob -Thanks for posting, looking forward to hearing all about your cruise. We have a Great CC Roll-Call Group going on Oct. 21st & we can hardly wait!!:D

 

Andrea

~~~~~

[Woobstr112G]

Well we are getting ready to sail from Naples in about an hour. Little cloudy and just started to rain (lightly). Today off the ship a group of us hired a mini van and went to see Pompei and the Amfale Coast (spelling is probably wrong). Both were extrodinary. Only thing is many of the other tourists from other ships were quite rude and pushy. This is my first time with non cruise ship sponsored tours. Liked it much better than 50 people on a bus.

 

Naples can also be a busy port. When we arrived this morning, The Grand was alongside us. When we returned from our excursion, Grand was leaving but there were two Costa ships as well as an MSC ship that were now docked.

 

Went to Sabitini's last night. What everyone says about the amount of food you get is true. Please go hungry. The quality of the food was also very good as well. Got the Chef's Table on the 10th and will also try to squeeze in the Crown grill and UBD.

 

So far so good. The ship continues to be spotless and I have yet to meet a crewmember that wasn't super friendly.

 

Tomorrow it's Rome.....

 

Take Care All....

 

Bob

[Denisern2]

Please enjoy the most special ship in the fleet. Take care of her for me I will be there soon. Who is the Cpt and the maiter D ?

[ann66]

Hi Bob

 

Our shore excursions are up now

 

Colleen

[Debe7ing]

Can you tell us if you can now book the Sanctuary for the entire trip??? We were aboard the Emerald this past Feb and you had to go up EACH morning of the cruise to book your spot...have read a review that now they allow booking the entire cruise, and would LOVE to do that!

 

I think the $$ spent on the convenience and personal service of having our own chaise to return to during the day without having to retain it all day would be wonderful.

 

If it is possible, can you please send any info possible on the cost and how to reserve it? We sail the Emerald again this Feb.

 

Thanks, and enjoy!

[Clutterlady]

Thanks Bob for the updates:)

[beachlovergirl]

Bob,

 

We're on the Emerald on Oct 21st. Looking forward to your updates....

 

Thanks!

Dee

[ChattTenn]

Bob,

 

Thanks for taking time to post.

 

We were on Emerald 2007 TransAtlantic. We had a wonderful time, weather and smooth crossing. With many wonderful stops, we hope you will have the same on this journey.

 

We will be on Emerald 10/21/2008 so take good care of her for us.

 

Take Care - watching out for pick pockets in Rome and Barcalona.

 

Truyen & Joe

 

PS: In 13 more days we will be on the beautiful Emerald Princess again ......can't wait.

[Id rather be diving]

Bob,

 

Thanks for sharing your journey. We, too, were on the maiden Transatlantic voyage last year. In all of my cruises, that was by far the absolute BEST. The Emerald Princess is my favorite ship and I can't wait to be back on her next fall to celebrate by 40th birthday.

 

Have a great time. My favorite port (other than Venice - which nothing compares to) was Naples and then Lisbon. Enjoy all that you do.

 

Kari

[Snoopy at sea]

Dear Bob,

I am truly appreciating your updates as I told you my mother and a few of her friends are on this cruise...Today I know you are in Monaco as I heard from her and it is beautiful. Please let me know if and when you are having another meet and greet on the cruise because I know she would like to come. Laurie

[Cruisewebber]

can you tell us which night they have Lamb Shank on the menu? Not Rack of Lamb...but lamb shank..

Thanks So Much!!!

 

Enjoy your cruise!!!!!!!!:)

[chrysalis]

can you tell us which night they have Lamb Shank on the menu? Not Rack of Lamb...but lamb shank..

Thanks So Much!!!

 

Enjoy your cruise!!!!!!!!:)

 

This is a 14 day trans-atlantic sailing and the meal schedule will likely be very different than a 10 day Caribbean sailing.

[Woobstr112G]

Hello all....We are just getting ready to leave Canes after a wonderful day in France. 8 of our CC thread took a private tour. Went to Nice, & Monte Carlo. Monte Carol was beautiful. Only lost 15 euros in the casino. One cool thing was all the fancy cars parked outside the casino.

 

We didn't get to do our excursion to Rome. Wife's back was acting up so we decided to rest her up. So far the cruise has been wonderful. Food has been great and the crew has been super friendly. This is my first med cruise so it's been very port intensive. Not much energy left at the end of the day to work out before dinner. I'm looking forward to the sea day after Barcelona tomorrow.

 

Entertainment so far has been okay. Haven't seen any of the production shows as we are 2ND seating traditionalists and our show is always before dinner. The comedian is okay, but the comedic juggler is fantastic. Saw them both in explorer's lounge.

 

Well that's about all for now....Tomorrow is our Chef's Table.....Can't wait........:) :) :)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Dear Bob,

I am truly appreciating your updates as I told you my mother and a few of her friends are on this cruise...Today I know you are in Monaco as I heard from her and it is beautiful. Please let me know if and when you are having another meet and greet on the cruise because I know she would like to come. Laurie

 

 

I believe our next one is on the 15th....I will dbl check & let you know....

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

Good morning to all. Today finds us enjoying a day at sea while enroute to Cadiz Spain. Last night I had the privilage to partake in the Chef's Table. Three words best describe it...Oh My God...

We statrted off putting on our labcoats and washing our hands. Afterwich we were led into the kitchen for a personal tour by the Matre De. We also got to meet the Executive Chef. The Matre De who started the CT program has moved onto the Ruby. The gentleman who took over his job was fantastic. We were taken to an area where the champagne flowed freely. We also were served a very good shrimp/crab appitizer, a beef tar tar in a pastry cone as well as some caviar; all were great.

 

After the kitchen tour concluded, we were escorted to our table in the dining room. It was cool to see all the other passengers looking at us wondering what was going on. Our table was set up superbly and the wine continued to flow. We had several more appitizers before the main course. I don't have the menu with me right now, but will post the exact items later. Suffice to say, every thing was fantastic. The main course was the meat on the racks that was flambayed (excuse the spelling) at our table. The desert was an ice cream/rasberry item that was soaked in whiskey....Word of caution. There is a rasberry in the center and if you bite into it, be prepared for the whiskey rush. All courses were paired with excellent selections of wine. The end was a small glass of Lemonchello. By this point I was ready for bed...

 

As the dinner was ending, the women were presented with a single rose by the chef and each couple was presented with a copy of the cookbook personally signed by the Chef and the Matre Di.

 

All in all, this was by far the most impressive thing I have ever done on any of my cruises. My person thanks to my CC thread buddy who organized this on the first half of her B2B. My one reccomendation for all is that you have to try this.....

 

Bob

p.s. Sorry for any grammar & spelling mistakes.

[Celest1022]

Hi Bob,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your wonderful experiences aboard the Emerald. You sound like you are having a truly enjoyable time. We will be the next sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale. Do you know if the crew will be staying on the ship for the next sailing or will they be replaced?

It's finally feeling like fall here in Santa Clarita. Last night it was cold. Last week-end we even had drizzles and possilby more this week-end. The days are still warm. Just thought I'd give you a heads up on the weather here.

Sending you my best wishes for the rest of your trip...

Susan:o

[jp20]

Sounds wonderful, hopefully we will get picked for the chef table, we will be on the Emerald in December 10th celebrating our 25th anniversary. :D

Good morning to all. Today finds us enjoying a day at sea while enroute to Cadiz Spain. Last night I had the privilage to partake in the Chef's Table. Three words best describe it...Oh My God...

 

We statrted off putting on our labcoats and washing our hands. Afterwich we were led into the kitchen for a personal tour by the Matre De. We also got to meet the Executive Chef. The Matre De who started the CT program has moved onto the Ruby. The gentleman who took over his job was fantastic. We were taken to an area where the champagne flowed freely. We also were served a very good shrimp/crab appitizer, a beef tar tar in a pastry cone as well as some caviar; all were great.

 

After the kitchen tour concluded, we were escorted to our table in the dining room. It was cool to see all the other passengers looking at us wondering what was going on. Our table was set up superbly and the wine continued to flow. We had several more appitizers before the main course. I don't have the menu with me right now, but will post the exact items later. Suffice to say, every thing was fantastic. The main course was the meat on the racks that was flambayed (excuse the spelling) at our table. The desert was an ice cream/rasberry item that was soaked in whiskey....Word of caution. There is a rasberry in the center and if you bite into it, be prepared for the whiskey rush. All courses were paired with excellent selections of wine. The end was a small glass of Lemonchello. By this point I was ready for bed...

 

As the dinner was ending, the women were presented with a single rose by the chef and each couple was presented with a copy of the cookbook personally signed by the Chef and the Matre Di.

 

All in all, this was by far the most impressive thing I have ever done on any of my cruises. My person thanks to my CC thread buddy who organized this on the first half of her B2B. My one reccomendation for all is that you have to try this.....

 

Bob

p.s. Sorry for any grammar & spelling mistakes.

[Snoopy at sea]

Dear Bob,

It sounds like your Chef's Table experience was wonderful...Once again thank you for sharing day to day experiences...You mentioned the next CC get together is on the 15th. My mother is on the cruise, I would like to let her know time and place...can you let me know or can she get in touch with you or find out from the purser's desk. Thank you. Laurie