Review: SD2 - March 6 to 15, 2009

[DisneyJen]

Hello all my new friends!!

 

Just returned home 3 hours ago to snow and rain, took 2 days to return to Idaho. Took off from St. Thomas yesterday, Monday, and had a great view of SeaDream 2 anchored off Crown Bay. Yes, DJ, I cried on Sunday at our final breakfast and went around hugging all the crew and finally asking Capt Bjorne if I could hug him too!! This is truly a wonderful experience. What great friends we have made. Since the pax count is so small, after 9 days you know everyone as well as the crew and it is so hard to say good-bye. We had the great opportunity to meet all these fun CC'ers on SeaDream 2 as well.

 

Just a quick mention on why I think SD is so great----We had dinner one night with the Captain at his table. My DH who became great friends with him due to all the questions he loves to ask...asked why we moved in St. Martin from the dock to the other side of the island that evening. The Captain said that the atmosphere at the dock with the big tankers, etc. was not condusive to a wonderful SeaDream dinner up top, so he relocated to the beach area on the other side of the island so guests could watch the planes landing and the full moon. This would never happen on the big ships, I am sure!

 

Will write about SD 1 when I recover from this jet lag!!!

 

Good night All!!!

 

Welcome home Robin!

 

Glad that your DH enjoyed his first cruise ... although I am sure SD has spoiled him for life:p

 

Looking forward to your review.

 

Disney Jen..........

The review has been wonderful. These days when I wake up in the middle of the night, (mature moments) instead of tossing and turning, I get up and dash to to the computer to catch up with your daily reports. Keep 'em coming. The more detail and pictures, the better. I have only one question...........Where's the picture of the ring??? We jewelry addicts want to see it!

I'm leaving Thursday night to join up with my best friend, then we'll begin our SD 1 experience out of San Juan Friday morning. Hope the Weather God's have lightened up on the weather, but like you, we don't really care which ports we may miss. It's all about the yachting and champagne.........Right?

Did you see my earlier post on snorkeling? Do you know anything about that? I'm torn whether to bring along my fins and mask, as it will only add to the luggage weight.

Once again, thanks for all the great posts and information. :)

Warm regards,

Kaye

 

Thanks for the feedback Kaye!

 

I know that trip reports keep me going between cruises.

 

Saw your question on snorkeling ... We did take our masks and snorkels but not fins (Actually they went to SJU in zqvol's dive bag and returned in our luggage). We did not use them once. If it were me I'd leave them home.

 

You are absolutely right about the yacht and champagne! You'll have a wonderful time.

 

Here is a link to my rings ... I actually have the 18K gold version instead of the platinum as all of my jewelry is gold: http://www.kirkkara.com/#section=gallery&productid=6685-R

 

 

 

 

[DisneyJen]

Before dinner we headed back to Deck 2 so that I could borrow a wrap from jbcjtc to ward off the evening chill and to place my flowers in a vase. When we entered our cabin we found that the flowers from the ceremony as well as Cardboard Kenny had been moved to our cabin.

 

 

Jinky and the housekeeping crew did an amazing job of decorating our bed with rose petals, “I Love You” confetti, balloons, streamers and towel swans. We also found a bottle of our favorite champagne from FT and zqvol as well.

 

Of course we invited everyone in to take a look at the decorations.

 

 

The six of us were escorted to DJ’s DH’s and my favorite table on Deck 4 aft (it’s amazing how fast they were able to breakdown the ceremony area and set up for dinner). June and Peter were dressed in as Caribbean Cowboys in keeping with the theme of the day.:p

 

We were then joined by Capt. T who had expertly maneuvered us into the sheltered waters of Charlotte Amalie.

 

With the lights of St. Thomas twinkling in an almost perfectly inky black sky and an almost full moon rising we dined on a special menu selected just for us by FT and DJ’s DH and perfectly executed by the galley.

 

We started with Caesar Salad and the moved to escargot … and for a main course veal osso bucco … and for dessert crème brule. FT picked one of our favorite New World wines, Caymus Cab, off the wine list since it was a special occasion.

 

Peter and June then presented a wonderful vanilla cake with strawberries and Rey played the guitar and serenaded us.

 

After dinner we hit the casino where we promptly lost. We then we headed to the Piano Bar for a few songs before calling it a night.

 

A perfect evening (okay except for the part about losing in the casino) to an incredible day that DJ’s DH and I will never forget for the rest of our lives.

 

Tucked in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie we drifted off to sleep.

***********************

Today is one of those real life crazy days so I am not sure if I will get to writing up Sunday today or not. Don't worry I have my notes:D

[frequent traveler]

Many thanks to the Captain, Stephane, Mary, and all of the crew of SD II for helping with the ceremony and all the details. I know I drove them crazy with all the changes (of course DJ DH helped out a bit) -- but all you have to do is ask -- I don't think I heard the word no . . . .and thanks to the wind and seas flexibility was required. Can't wait to see the rest of DJ's postings.

 

FT

[Cammiem]

DJ, I'm really enjoying all that you're writing and the pictures just bring it all together.

 

Looking forward to more. :)

[DisneyJen]

Many thanks to the Captain, Stephane, Mary, and all of the crew of SD II for helping with the ceremony and all the details. I know I drove them crazy with all the changes (of course DJ DH helped out a bit) -- but all you have to do is ask -- I don't think I heard the word no . . . .and thanks to the wind and seas flexibility was required. Can't wait to see the rest of DJ's postings.

 

FT

 

I agree 100 percent.

 

Actually there are many crew members who we didn't meet who were responsible for making sure everything came together for our special day.

 

I forgot to mention in my reports that the day we arrived on the ship I unpacked my dress and DJ's DH's shirt for the ceremony. DJ's DH's linen shirt did not travel well .... but no problem.

 

I gave it to Jinky as soon as I unpacked it, as well as my dress which needed a quick steam, and we had them back before bedtime! Now I know they "rushed" the pressing/steaming for us but they knew how important it was for us to look our best:p

 

So a big THANK YOU to those crew members.

 

DJ, I'm really enjoying all that you're writing and the pictures just bring it all together.

 

Looking forward to more. :)

 

Glad you are enjoying it. It is fun to relive the cruise ... and the pictures do help to jog the memory:D

 

Working on the next day's report.

[frequent traveler]

I have been lurking and reading but felt I must respond to ensure that you keep writing all the details so that all of us can feel like we were actually there with you. SeaDream continues to be one of our favourite lines and I wish we had been onboard your cruise. The description of the ship, staff, food, and fellow passengers is exactly why we loved our cruise. What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary!

 

 

I'm going to let her describe all the ways we celebrated my birthday (multiple times) - since she, DJ DH and ZQ Vol arranged them all on the same cruise. The parties went on and on and on. . . . :D

 

FT

[Jim Avery]

I'm going to let her describe all the ways we celebrated my birthday (multiple times) - since she, DJ DH and ZQ Vol arranged them all on the same cruise. The parties went on and on and on. . . . :D

 

FT

 

That's not because you are having a hard time remembering them, is it? Remember, some of us have seen you around a champagne bottle.

J.

[frequent traveler]

No actually its because most of the parties went on after I went to bed, Usually I was the first one to turn in (course I was usually the first one up in the morning) so I missed a lot of the "really good stuff". I was present for the table top dance - "Its Raining Men" - more on that later I'm sure . . .

 

FT

[jbcjtc]

You were the queen of the "track" as I recall. The " Raining Men" night was a night to remember! I know that this time last week was more fun than this time this week... We sure miss everyone. Beautiful day here but rain in the forecast. Hope the birthday was wonderful!

[frequent traveler]

You were the queen of the "track" as I recall. The " Raining Men" night was a night to remember! I know that this time last week was more fun than this time this week... We sure miss everyone. Beautiful day here but rain in the forecast. Hope the birthday was wonderful!

 

Started out with good intentions but later in the voyage, those never empty glasses of champagne started earlier and earlier in the day (Christoph never let that glass get empty, even at breakfast and Gary, Mario, Zoltan, Clint, Chad, and many others kept up the service through the day ----does anyone on that staff ever sleep?) and walking got shorter and shorter until it disappeared entirely . . . . Birthday was great but spent quite a bit of time on the treadmill --- got on the scales after 9 nights on SD II, with Robert as chef, Josselyn as #2 . . . I keep telling myself its all water . . :rolleyes:

 

Hope to see you soon.

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

I'm going to let her describe all the ways we celebrated my birthday (multiple times) - since she, DJ DH and ZQ Vol arranged them all on the same cruise. The parties went on and on and on. . . . :D

 

FT

 

How did we celebrate your birthday ... and jbcjtc's ... let me count the ways .... which I will start to do tomorrow:p

 

That's not because you are having a hard time remembering them, is it? Remember, some of us have seen you around a champagne bottle.

J.

 

Actually that was just the first night Jim:p Something about all the stress of planning the reception I seem to recall:D

 

You were the queen of the "track" as I recall. The " Raining Men" night was a night to remember! I know that this time last week was more fun than this time this week... We sure miss everyone. Beautiful day here but rain in the forecast. Hope the birthday was wonderful!

 

We sure miss having dinner with our gang ... as well as lunch ... and mid morning snack ... and of course gathering at the Piano Bar ... and sitting on the Bali Beds star watching while the DHs were scotch drinking:eek:

 

An update will come tomorrow ...

[frequent traveler]

 

 

Actually that was just the first night Jim:p Something about all the stress of planning the reception I seem to recall:D

 

 

An update will come tomorrow ...

 

but I do seem to recall your constant threats . . uum, I mean offers to bring Peter back to North Carolina.;) Looking foward to tomorrow's installments.

[jbcjtc]

P.S. Her rings are more than beautiful! I saw them in person!

[DisneyJen]

but I do seem to recall your constant threats . . uum, I mean offers to bring Peter back to North Carolina.;) Looking foward to tomorrow's installments.

 

And you actually think he is in Budapest for the next two weeks:D

 

P.S. Her rings are more than beautiful! I saw them in person!

 

Aww ... thanks JJ. I do love my new bling:p Every time I look at the rings I think about the incredible romantic "proposal" (which I have finally read since I was in shock when he read it to me in front of everyone after the lifeboat drill) and of course the phenomenal vow renewal.

 

I asked DJ's DH if we could do it again this week ... he said no since SD2 is a charter until Friday and then has a 2-night cruise:p

[ctbjr1309]

I asked DJ's DH if we could do it again this week ... he said no since SD2 is a charter until Friday and then has a 2-night cruise:p

 

I understand that there are cabins available for the 2 night cruise which starts on Friday...

[DisneyJen]

I understand that there are cabins available for the 2 night cruise which starts on Friday...

 

But we would not want to crash your 25th anniversary cruise:p

 

The thought of flying out of SJU on a Sunday sends shivers (not in a good way) up and down my spine:eek:

[ctbjr1309]

The thought of flying out of SJU on a Sunday sends shivers (not in a good way) up and down my spine:eek:

 

You should have taken the earlier flight. It was on time.....

[DisneyJen]

You should have taken the earlier flight. It was on time.....

 

Actually USAir was just a mess on Sunday. I told DJ's DH that the next time we cruise out of SJU we are staying over night and flying home on Monday. Life was so much easier flying in on an "off" (Thursday).

[frequent traveler]

But we would not want to crash your 25th anniversary cruise:p

 

The thought of flying out of SJU on a Sunday sends shivers (not in a good way) up and down my spine:eek:

 

A belated congratulations to CTBJR and Mrs. CTBJR - hope you have as much fun celebrating this weekend as we did last week.

 

There is no way in heck I want to be in the San Juan airport on a Sunday again.:eek: and we were only slightly delayed. I think its worth staying over in San Juan for a couple of days just to avoid that zoo. It makes delays in Atlanta look like a day at the beach and it wore down the post SD glow a bit. Learned a lesson for next time - to heck with making that required Monday meeting.:rolleyes:

[Cammiem]

DJ, you may or may not already know this...Capt. T is on Facebook. :D

[DisneyJen]

A belated congratulations to CTBJR and Mrs. CTBJR - hope you have as much fun celebrating this weekend as we did last week.

 

There is no way in heck I want to be in the San Juan airport on a Sunday again.:eek: and we were only slightly delayed. I think its worth staying over in San Juan for a couple of days just to avoid that zoo. It makes delays in Atlanta look like a day at the beach and it wore down the post SD glow a bit. Learned a lesson for next time - to heck with making that required Monday meeting.:rolleyes:

 

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Ctbjr ... seems like 1984 was a popular year for marriage among CCers as I know of three couple who mark 25 years this year!

 

DJ, you may or may not already know this...Capt. T is on Facebook. :D

 

Thanks for the info Cammiem .. but as you suspect I was aware of Capt. T's presence on Facebook:p

[DisneyJen]

After a wonderful night’s sleep we awoke to a sky dotted with scattered clouds in Charlotte Amalie. I think we all appreciated the calm overnight anchorage.

 

DJ’s DH and I put on our sneakers and headed to Deck 6 to get in our morning walk. I knew from FT that 16 laps equal a mile. We started the loop but ran into too many obstacles like people enjoying breakfast at the larger round tables near the railings so we headed down to Deck 4 and the Gym.

 

Believe it or not we weren’t the only folks trying to work off those delicious calories from the night before. We each hopped on a treadmill and logged a mile. The time went quickly as enjoyed a beautiful view of the harbor and mountains of St. Thomas.

 

The treadmills looked to be brand new and have all the bells and whistles … three different options in terms of terrain as well as a programmed cool down after your walk. My only issue is that I had to be mindful of the ceiling while walking as I was on the treadmill on the far starboard side. I would recommend using one of the center two treadmills if you are tall.

 

It was warmer than I like it in the gym but that is just a personal preference and wouldn’t deter me from using it again.

 

After our walk we grabbed bottled water from the refrigerator in the gym and headed back up to Deck 6 for breakfast in the Office. Christoph promptly brought us coffee and sparkling water as well as the menu. DJ’s DH had his traditional ham and cheese omelet with sausage and whole wheat toast and I had a toasted bagel with cream cheese, capers and lox. Actually this is the breakfast that we both ate all week.

 

Back to the stateroom to change into our bathing suits so we could enjoy the emerging sun and watch the tenders zipping back and forth all from the comfort of our Bali bed before our 11 a.m. spa appointments.

 

Tenders making their way to and from SD2

 

After boarding on Monday I made appointments for DJ’s DH and me to have a reflexology session al fresco. When we sailed with Mr. and Mrs. ctbjr a few years ago I was introduced to spa treatments on Deck 4 aft (are you noticing a theme with Deck 4 aft?). I also booked another treatment for the day of the Champagne and Caviar Splash.

 

We checked in at the spa and were shown to Deck 4 aft where we had a wonderful view of Water Island. We spied FT poolside in “her” lounger. We exchanged waves and then we settled in for our treatments.

 

I felt the tension ease a way … until I heard DJ’s DH laughing. The man has ticklish feet. What was I thinking when I booked this treatment for him?

 

There was another couple with us on Deck 4 who were enjoying the shade. We later dubbed this lurking CCer as the Professah from California and her DH. They too were staying on Deck 2 … right next to the Sistahs from California. We enjoyed the company of these four lovely people from the West Coast.

 

While relaxing during our treatments Mario from the pool bar came up the steps and asked us if he could bring us anything. Without hesitation DJ’s DH and I said in unison … “A glass of champagne please.” Talk about a “Calgon take me away” moment.

 

We headed back to Deck 6 where DJ’s DH opened the Office and I hopped on my Bali Bed … We saw one of the RCCL’s ships docked at Havensight … DJ’s DH once again told me that his days of sailing on “those” ships are over.

 

A RCCL ship docked at Havensight

 

After lunch DJ’s DH took the tender into port so he could buy provisions for home. It was a quick trip as zqvol had scouted out the best pricing for us when he was in port earlier that day.

 

Around 2:30 we pulled up the anchor and had a quick sail over to Honeymoon Beach. From our anchorage we could see Crown Bay as well.

 

 

Honeymoon Beach STT

 

 

By 3 p.m. the first zodiac, which included FT and zqvol, made its wet landing on the beach. DJ’s DH and I had both stopped by the concierge earlier in the day to sign the waiver and to collect our wrist band so we could participate in water sports off the Marina Platform.

 

While DJ’s DH got in line for his turn on the jet skis I decided to join the jbcjtc’ers and take the zodiac over to the beach. I know … unbelievable that I actually got off the ship on the third day. We skimmed across the sparkling Caribbean water and had a wonderful wet landing right on the beach. I got out of the zodiac put two feet on the beach and hopped right back in to return to the ship.

 

I got back on board in time to watch DJ’s DH zipping around the waters off Honeymoon Beach on the FAST jet ski. Seems a certain person in the know gave him excellent advice on which of the two jet skis is newer and faster. Needless to say DJ’s DH rode that jet ski for the rest of the week.

 

Around 5 p.m. water sports wrapped up so folks could swim off the Marina Platform for 30 minutes or so. I decided to take the plunge while my own personal lifeguard, jbcjtc, supervised from the ladder. The water was chilly but refreshing.

 

After a quick dip we headed back to the TOY Bar for some libations. We saw a beautiful sunset and then headed back to the stateroom to shower and dress for the Captain’s Welcome aboard Cocktail Reception in the Salon.

 

Sunset off of Honeymoon Beach

 

Since we stayed on deck so long we were late to the cocktail party and caught the last 15 minutes Capt. T’s welcome aboard speech. His quick wit and dry humor had us laughing.

 

The six of us headed to our favorite table for dinner.

[DisneyJen]

Trying again with part 2

[DisneyJen]

Dinner was once again at our favorite table ....

 

DJ’s DH and I started with the Cream of Forest Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil. I must say that the soups all week were outstanding. Even more impressive is the fact that none of the soups were repeated at lunch or dinner.

 

Our next course was, of course, the Caesar Salad served with Croutons and Grated Parmesan Cheese. Everyone at the table opted for the Grilled Lobster Tail on Saffron Rice, Green Vegetables, Crispy Shallots and Bouillabaisse Sauce. This was a lovely presentation and quite tasty too!

 

For desert we went with the decadent “Fondant au Chocolat” with Golden Touch and Vanilla Ice Cream. Another incredible dessert selection from Pastry Chef Hernani Delos Reyes!

 

After another wonderful dinner we headed up to the TOY Bar for Disco Night with DJ Rey. Many of those sailing with us this week knew all the words to those disco classics as well as some of those dance moves!

 

Capt. T made an appearance, looking dapper in his dress uniform. Evening with the cajoling from the California contingent as well as the CC group we couldn’t get the man to “bust a move.” Capt. T had headed out saying something about having to find the anchors so we could head to Tortola.

 

The highlight of evening had to be the playing of “It’s Raining Men” by the Weathergirls!

 

All of the women in our group were on our feet singing and dancing while our DHs stood along the railing shaking their head at such craziness just like we were in high school and college.

 

Next thing we know a man from California hopped up on the Office table and did his own spotlight dance while we all sang the chorus. Suddenly dollars appeared (I am not sure what denomination) and this man’s partner was stuffing them into the dancer’s waistband … and then others who were traveling with them as well as other passengers joined in. It was such fun!

 

The Office, to left, during the day in Charlotte Amalie, which later became the stage during "It's Raining Men." Note the railing area where the CC men watched from a far!

 

After 30 minutes or so our happy band of six travelers headed to the Piano Bar around 11 p.m. to join Edgardo at the piano and of course Zoltan, master mix-master from Hungary. We continued to play to a standing room only crowd (okay I think it is more a case of watching who gets control of the microphone).

 

DJ's DH and I actually "left the building" the earliest at 11:30 p.m. since we had a full day of sun and fun ... including jet skiing and swimming off the platform.

 

Capt. T successfully pulled the anchors up and we were under way at 11:58 p.m. … now don’t pick on me about knowing the exact time … I had to rely on Capt. T’s log!

[DisneyJen]

Morning broke as we made our way up a very smooth Sir Francis Drake Channel to Roadtown, Tortola. After anchoring in a corner of the harbor we headed to breakfast in the Office for our usual fare.

 

All though the skies looked somewhat threatening I camped out on my usual Bali Bed while DJ’s DH took his usual spot in the Office.

 

Sir Frances Drake Channel from Tortola

 

As I have mentioned our group of three couples were celebrating milestones this trip … a 25th anniversary and vow renewal and two birthdays (FT has me so afraid of posting the number … I stand a 50-50 chance of her yelling at me;) )

 

FT and DJ’s DH had been plotting for weeks, possibly months, on lots of surprises to mark our 25th anniversary. Meanwhile FT’s DH, zqvol, and I were planning our own series of surprises to mark FT’s birthday.

 

Zqvol purchased lots of streamers, gag gifts and flamingoes to decorate FT’s room. Poor DJ’s DH knew both sets of surprises and somehow was able to keep it all straight. Independently each party gave DJ’s DH items which he then packaged into one box for shipment to the port agent in SJU. DJ’s DH and FT had made arrangements to have the items transferred to the ship and stored for us until our arrival.

 

Midmorning CAD Mary joined me on the Bali Bed to review plans for the surprises we had planned for FT starting with some decorations (think streamers and such) in her room which would be added to each day.

 

View from my alternate Bali Bed in Tortola

 

We made plans to place the flamingoes on the beach the day of Champagne and Caviar Splash and for FT to be one of the first ones to wet land on the beach. We also planned to have champagne and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to jbcjtc for her birthday.

 

A brief rain shower brought our meeting to an end as we scurried to dodge the rain drops in the refuge of the Office.

 

Actually we had to move to the alternate Office as the table for THE OFFICE was being repaired, as well as bar stool, from all that dancing the night before.

 

After an early lunch I headed back to the Bali Bed where I was joined by jbcjtc while her DH kept my DH company in the office. Actually they both were deep into their respective books.

 

Service continued to be excellent ... even when not venturing far from my Bali Bed or the Office. Christoph (from Germany not to be confused with the Christoph from France), Clint, Chad, Frank, Peter and Zoltan made sure that all was well from where I sat.

 

I continued to be amazed with all the attention to detail on SD ... sunglasses are cleaned, glasses are never empty ... and the food was amazing as always.

 

The skies brightened and the sun chased the clouds away. The water and winds in the Sir Francis Drake Channel continued to be fluky with steady northerly winds.

 

Having spent a fair amount of time on the channel in such conditions DJ’s DH and I surmised that the usual anchorage at Peter Island, where we were schedule to be from 3 to 11 p.m., would be rolly.

 

We had no worries as we knew that Capt. T would find us a calm and comfortable place for dinner.

 

As jcbjtc and I were chatting away on the Bali beds, I noticed a lone man in a zodiac heading toward SD2. I said elbowed jbcjtc and asked her if she what I saw.

 

So what to my wondering eyes did appear?

 

Is that you Kenny??

 

At first I thought it was Kenny Chesney coming to sing to FT for her birthday, but no, it was our fearless leader Capt. T speeding across the channel in a zodiac after checking the conditions at Peter Island.

 

As he made his way back around SD 2 he made sure to give a hearty wave which we of course returned. DJ's DH thought I had lost my mind ... yet again ... but when Capt. T made his rounds after lunch I was able to confirm that he did indeed command the zodiac and did wave to those up on the Bali beds.

 

Capt. T looked quite fashionable in his red and black board shorts, shirt and SD baseball cap.

 

Capt. T confirmed that he found a calm anchorage off Peter for water sports (no jet skis because of the BVI regulations) and dinner.

 

After the last tender returned from Roadtown around 2:30 p.m., we picked up the anchors and had a lovely motor sail over to Peter.

 

Coincidentally we anchored off of White Bay Beach (not a typo, White Bay Peter Island), which is a private beach and part of the Peter Island Resort. DJ's DH and I spent a wonderfully romantic day on that beach during our 15th anniversary stay at the resort. No one aboard SD knew that we celebrated the anniversary on Peter Island.

 

White Bay Beach, Peter Island. Bill Gate's house is rumored to be the estate with the blue roof, far left.

 

It was simply amazing that Sea Dream would bring us back to this island and this bay after renewing our vows. There is something to be said about fate!!

 

After the anchors were securely dug in, the Marina Platform was lowered and people had a chance to participate in water sports from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Folks were allowed to swim off the Marina Platform from 5 to 5:30 p.m. just enough time for a refreshing dip before heading to dress for cocktails poolside.

 

WARNING … DRESS CODE RANT:

 

Each day on the itinerary there is a sentence that states “DRESS CODE FOR THIS EVENING IS ‘YACHT CASUAL’ AFTER 18:30.”

 

There was a rather large group traveling together (about 28) while we were a core group of six (who would expand to 10 or more on any given night).

 

Now I like to have a good time just as much as the next person. I must say that I was somewhat disappointed that there was a subset of that group (probably 15 to 20), who totally disregarded the published dress code on the three nights when cocktails were served poolside.

 

This was the first time in our four SD cruises that I saw blatant disregard for the dress code.

 

Now some may think that this is a petty issue but when this group blocked access to the bar for other guests and the waiters and as well as access to the hor s’oeuvres well then we have a bit of an issue.

 

It was somewhat annoying to me and others with whom I spoke to see these folks splashing in the hot tub in their bathing suits while the rest of us were dressed for dinner and trying to enjoy the ambiance that the staff was trying create by serving cocktails poolside. Not to mention the bottleneck that occurred.

 

The staff did all that they could to work around and diffuse any potential conflict, however, they too were also greatly inconvenienced. As a matter of fact, the HM and CAD both advised that they each approached the group about the situation.

 

SD’s dress code is very casual but I really think that these folks were disrespectful to their fellow passengers as well as the crew and staff. I later learned that we weren’t the only people who mentioned the situation to the HM and CAD. There really wasn’t anything the staff or crew could do in this situation except smile and provide excellent service.

 

The only reason I mention this is that there is always a huge debate on Cruise Critic in general about dress code.

 

Did this ruin our evenings… heck no… but listening to our good friend FT complain about how irritating it was to get dripped and splashed on as you were trying to get a cocktail wasn’t much fun either.

 

I do encourage future cruisers, regardless of whatever line you sail, to be courteous to your fellow passengers and the ship’s staff and follow the dress code just as you would at a fine restaurant or resort on land.

 

With that out of my system I will continue with the review…

 

RANT OFF

 

Cocktails Poolside off of Peter Island

 

Cocktails were served under an almost full moon. The staff had moved all the loungers away from the pool and moved in chairs and small tables so that guests could seat in clusters if they liked. I always enjoy the poolside cocktail parties because of the Caribbean breeze and ever changing skies.

 

A particularly popular offering during this [/font]cocktail hour was the spicy grilled shrimp.

 

Around 7:15, CAD Mary gave a brief review of St. Barth.

 

We then headed to Topside Restaurant for an Italian Starlight Dinner. And my oh my … what are those orange safety cones doing on our table... and what do they say? Caution ... something about a certain age??

 

Two members of our group who met the criteria donned them as party hats.

 

There were so many wonderful items on the menu this particular evening.

 

I started with the Carpacio di Carne Scaglie di Parmigiano e Olio di Liva all`Arancia (Carpaccio of Beef Tenderloin with Parmesan Shavings and Orange Flavored Olive Oil. It was delightful. DJ’s DH had the Pomodorini Romani con Mozzarella di Buffala e Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva (Roma Tomatoes with Mozzarella di Buffalo and Extra Virgin Olive Oil). This is one of our all-time favorite Italian dishes … and it did not disappoint!

 

For our next course we both chose the Caesar Salad.

 

DJ’s DH ordered the Costolucce con patate di Duchese, Radce Di verdure e salsa di Chianti (Whole Roast Prime Strip Loin Beef with Duchesse Potato, Steamed Vegetables and Chianti Sauce). The sauce on DJ’s DH’s end cut was excellent.

 

I was having a tough time deciding between two entrees so I ordered one for me (Petti di Pollo Florentine which was a Scaloppini of Chicken Breast with Spinach and Melted Mozzarella served with Tomato Demi Glace on the side as requested) and one for the table (Gamberoni Grigliata all`aglio con Risotto al Parmigiano which was Grilled Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Risotto). Both dishes were wonderful but if I had to pick I would give the edge to the Risotto.

 

After dinner it was back to the Piano Bar where our group of six (this was the first time we saw FT and zqvol at the Piano Bar) was down to four and then down to three as DJ’s DH headed to the cabin. I joined him around midnight and it was obvious that we were underway.

 

The 100 plus mile run to St. Barth was bumpy, rocky and rolly but we slept just fine while others minded the motion.