Review: SD2 - March 6 to 15, 2009

[Jim Avery]

Hey FT. Wake ZQVOL up and tell him he promised his pictures by today!

[DisneyJen]

Not yet. Constant lurkers. Were scheduled for April but they cancelled the Miami R/T. As far as transatlantics, we are pretty well hooked on North Atlantic T/As on Cunard. Certainly feeling SD withdrawal.

Jim.

 

A North Atlantic TA on Cunard is on my bucket list. Since I was a child I have wanted to sail to Europe.

 

DJ, you have hit the nail on the head. This is the key: booking your next cruise whilst still onboard. Maybe someday I'll learn. My hopes sail in 2010! My DH is looking forward to someone else making my morning mimosa. :D

 

DJ's DH just handed me my Grand Mimosa:p Not quite the same as being on SD.

 

I now have 2 on board bookings out there -- I love the feature - 10% discount plus for $50 you can "roll" it foward . . .. only thing to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. Now just have to keep the job to pay for the future sailings!

 

Ft

 

The "roll it forward" feature is great! I think DJ's Dh is kicking himself for not making another booking while we were on board:p

[DisneyJen]

Hey FT. Wake ZQVOL up and tell him he promised his pictures by today!

 

Guess that means I better start writing Friday's review or Jim will start rattling my cage:p:D:p

[frequent traveler]

Hey FT. Wake ZQVOL up and tell him he promised his pictures by today!

 

i would but he had a deadline for his book and then headed off to Bristol for the race . . . so it will be a bit later today . . . really depends if Gordon wrecks early or stays in until the end!:D

[DisneyJen]

i would but he had a deadline for his book and then headed off to Bristol for the race . . . so it will be a bit later today . . . really depends if Gordon wrecks early or stays in until the end!:D

 

There's a man who has his priorities straight:p

[frequent traveler]

The ever so slight movement around 7:15 a.m. told me we were on our way from Bt. Barth to St. Martin. The only question was which harbor … Marigot or Phillipsburg.

 

Lunch in the Office again with the usual suspects. We split two volcano pizzas as appetizers and we tried the open face baby shrimp sandwich with Thousand Island dressing and pasta with grilled vegetables.

 

While DJ is doing a wonderful job of providing details, she is neglecting the soups - Soup for lunch today was cauliflower and it was wonderful. Yesterday's poolside passaround was strawberry gazpacho and the dinner soup was ratatouille. I NEVER EVER eat warm soup in hot weather except on SD and sometimes, the selections are so delicious - I have to have two different kinds at the same meal (thus the hours on the treadmill after the return to land), but I am getting my veggies:rolleyes: .

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

While DJ is doing a wonderful job of providing details, she is neglecting the soups - Soup for lunch today was cauliflower and it was wonderful. Yesterday's poolside passaround was strawberry gazpacho and the dinner soup was ratatouille. I NEVER EVER eat warm soup in hot weather except on SD and sometimes, the selections are so delicious - I have to have two different kinds at the same meal (thus the hours on the treadmill after the return to land), but I am getting my veggies:rolleyes: .

 

FT

 

I neglected working on my trip report yesterday ... guess I am derelict in my duties:eek:

 

Working on Friday's write up ... hopefully it will be up tomorrow.

[frequent traveler]

I neglected working on my trip report yesterday ... guess I am derelict in my duties:eek:

 

Working on Friday's write up ... hopefully it will be up tomorrow.

 

This is bad . .. where were we on Friday? . . . I know it was wonderful on SD but we probably weren't where we were supposed to be due to the seas and wind . . . all I know is I wish I was there where ever it was today:) its almost time for a glorious sunset at the Top of the Yacht . . . then on to cocktails . . . would really like a souffle for dessert . . oh Peter, where are you?

 

FT

[Jim Avery]

This is bad . .. where were we on Friday? . . . I know it was wonderful on SD but we probably weren't where we were supposed to be due to the seas and wind . . . all I know is I wish I was there where ever it was today:) its almost time for a glorious sunset at the Top of the Yacht . . . then on to cocktails . . . would really like a souffle for dessert . . oh Peter, where are you?

 

FT

 

FT: So sorry you are having such withdrawal. It can be so debilitating. You will get over it. Fix yourself a nice painkiller. While you are at it, remind your DH that he is getting very remiss on posting the visual evidence!

J.

[DisneyJen]

This is bad . .. where were we on Friday? . . . I know it was wonderful on SD but we probably weren't where we were supposed to be due to the seas and wind . . . all I know is I wish I was there where ever it was today:) its almost time for a glorious sunset at the Top of the Yacht . . . then on to cocktails . . . would really like a souffle for dessert . . oh Peter, where are you?

 

FT

 

We were in Jost then Peter than back to Jost;)

 

Here is something to remind you of that day ...

 

 

I really am working on the reviews ... RL is just starting to get in the way:mad:

[DJ's DH]

This is bad . .. where were we on Friday? . . . I know it was wonderful on SD but we probably weren't where we were supposed to be due to the seas and wind . . . all I know is I wish I was there where ever it was today:) its almost time for a glorious sunset at the Top of the Yacht . . . then on to cocktails . . . would really like a souffle for dessert . . oh Peter, where are you?

 

FT

 

Rumor has it, that Peter is back in Hungaria (sic)...but I can't figure out why DJ is still smiling so much...the luggage was really heavy:mad:

 

"I wish I was there, in Jost Van Dyke... sipping on some Foxy's fire water rum..." (WAIT, that could be a song! Nah...never sell...)

[DisneyJen]

Rumor has it' date=' that Peter is back in Hungaria (sic)...but I can't figure out why DJ is still smiling so much...the luggage was really heavy:mad:

 

"I wish I was there, in Jost Van Dyke... sipping on some Foxy's fire water rum..." (WAIT, that could be a song! Nah...never sell...)[/quote']

 

No dear ... you are thinking of someone you work with ... Peter is from Hungary. And no you didn't see any new people working around the house this week.

 

Now you are quoting Kenny songs. What's next? Will you be copying a hairstyle that was apparently very popular last weekend (waving to Capt. T and ctbjr:p)

[DJ's DH]

No dear ... you are thinking of someone you work with ... Peter is from Hungary. And no you didn't see any new people working around the house this week.

 

Now you are quoting Kenny songs. What's next? Will you be copying a hairstyle that was apparently very popular last weekend (waving to Capt. T and ctbjr:p)

 

With all due respect, to the esteemed gentlemen to whom you refer...I think I'll keep my full head of hair:D...however grey it may be:eek:

[DisneyJen]

With all due respect' date=' to the esteemed gentlemen to whom you refer...I think I'll keep my full head of hair:D...however grey it may be:eek:[/quote']

 

That was the trade off when we married 25 years ago ... you get to keep your hair (and I am NOT the only reason you are grey) but you did lose about 8 inches in height:eek:

 

Zoltan ... I'll have another please while I wait for Peter to show us to our table for dinner:p Oh wait ... I had to leave Zoltan Hinko, Chief Bartender and Hungarian Mix Master, on board since he was named EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH on SD2 for the month of January (we had to read it in the winter 2009 edition of "The SeaDreamer.")

 

Also, hearty congrats to those behind the scene crew who were named Employee of the Month on SD 2 - Sergio Yuson, Motorman; Ronaldo Realin, Deck Dept., and Cecille Carreon, Stateroom Stewardess.

 

And a round of applause for the crew on SD1 who earned Employee of the Month ... Magda "Maxi" Rejc, Concierge; Worathai "Wah" Dedpopra, Spa Manager; Arturo "Sonny" Grande, Safety Officer, and Goran Bultatovic, Bartender.

[jbcjtc]

We have Zoltan here with us! He is having a Hungarian ball as you would expect. Who do we think the crew was discussing from the March 6th trip?

[ctbjr1309]

Will you be copying a hairstyle that was apparently very popular last weekend (waving to Capt. T and ctbjr:p)

 

Just to stop the rumors already sweeping the internet, I have not shaved my head ala Capt. T!

[zqvol]

FT: So sorry you are having such withdrawal. It can be so debilitating. You will get over it. Fix yourself a nice painkiller. While you are at it, remind your DH that he is getting very remiss on posting the visual evidence!

J.

 

If I didn't have editors screaming for chapters of a text book I would have time to get pics up.

[frequent traveler]

FT: So sorry you are having such withdrawal. It can be so debilitating. You will get over it. Fix yourself a nice painkiller. While you are at it, remind your DH that he is getting very remiss on posting the visual evidence!

J.

 

Working at getting over the withdrawal DTs . . . Picture alert . . . DJ might be posting more today, from a SD first - beach party at the Oceans 11 (or 7, I get my numbers confused) Beach Club on Peter's Island. Stay tuned for the exclusive. :cool:

 

FT

[DisneyJen]

Working at getting over the withdrawal DTs . . . Picture alert . . . DJ might be posting more today, from a SD first - beach party at the Oceans 11 (or 7, I get my numbers confused) Beach Club on Peter's Island. Stay tuned for the exclusive. :cool:

 

FT

 

It is Oceans 7 ... not to be confused with the "Oceans 11" movies:D

 

Waiting for DJ's DH to confirm something for me and then I will be able to post Friday's review ... with photos!

[zqvol]

It is Oceans 7 ... not to be confused with the "Oceans 11" movies:D

 

Waiting for DJ's DH to confirm something for me and then I will be able to post Friday's review ... with photos!

 

 

Good because since some of us did not take voluminous notes we can't get our reviews done until you do yours!

[DisneyJen]

Just to stop the rumors already sweeping the internet, I have not shaved my head ala Capt. T!

 

Hey if I read it on the internet it MUST be true ... at least that is what my 16-year-old DD tells me:rolleyes:

 

If I didn't have editors screaming for chapters of a text book I would have time to get pics up.

 

Sure ... go ahead and blame us editor types:p

 

Good because since some of us did not take voluminous notes we can't get our reviews done until you do yours!

 

You all laugh at me when I am taking my notes but then you all need my notes ... go figure:eek:

 

Friday is coming up ...

[DisneyJen]

We awoke on Freaky Friday (March 13) to find that we were anchored of Jost Van Dyke between White Bay and Great Harbor, the perfect place for all the fun activities we had planned for FT’s birthday on one of our favorite beaches … White Bay. Home to the Soggy Dollar and Seddy’s One Love Beach bars, White Bay is home to one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean.

 

We headed up to the Office for breakfast and found that FT and zqvol breakfasting. I could tell by the look on FT’s face that we must have missed some very bad news.

 

While we were still in our stateroom Capt. T announced that the swells were such that we could not have our Champagne and Caviar Splash at White Bay on Jost. We figured not problem we would just move to Prickly Pear in the Gorda Sound.

 

Wrong again … the facilities were already reserved by someone else. Capt. T announced that we would be heading to Peter Island for our C&C.

 

Once the tender carrying the purser returned to SD2 we pulled up anchor and headed through the cut between Tortola and the Thatch islands to the Sir Francis Drake Channel. As we passed Soper’s Hole, Tortola we spied SD1 anchored.

 

We joined FT and zqvol in the Office and ordered our usual breakfast. FT decided to have a glass of champagne and the three of us decided to join her. While the day was not starting out exactly how we had hoped or planned we toasted our good fortune that the sun was out and we were on SD.

 

The four of us wandered down to the fore of Deck 5 to get a better view of the channel. DJ’s DH and I have sailed this channel many times on sailboats as well as cruise ships. It is always a beautiful sight.

 

There were many sailboats and catamarans plying the channel’s waters. Several of these boats were sailing quite close to SD.

 

At one point we heard the SD horn blow to warn off a catamaran that decided to play chicken with SD2. We ran to the rail to catch a glimpse of the idiots who cut in front of the yacht.

 

The horn seemed to blow for quite some time. Later in the day I asked Capt. T if the horn was stuck and he said yes and that it happens on rare occasions.

 

The skies became more grey and heavy with the threat of rain.

 

En route to the splash ... literally and figuratively!

 

CAD Mary, HM Stephane and I had a quick meeting to revise plans for one of FT’s last surprises. We arranged for the pink flamingos to be on the pier when we landed at Oceans 7 Beach Club on Peter Island. We also arranged for a champagne toast on the beach.

 

We anchored off Peter Island and the crew made quick work of ferrying supplies, including the flamingos, to the beach club. Before we knew it, the tender service was started to the pier and we were on our way to the C&C splash.

 

Ocean 7 Beach Club, Peter Island

 

After a quick tender ride we were greeted on the pier by some flamingos. FT thought that they were indigenous to the pier but we explained to her that they were for her birthday. We picked up the flamingos and used them to stake our loungers along the very short and rocky beach.

 

Flamingos guarding our loungers

 

Next thing we know waiters appeared and offered us Painkiller or Rum Punch. Suddenly HM Stephane appeared with six plastic champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne.

 

Our little band of travelers toasted FT’s and jbcjtc’s milestone birthdays.

 

While we chatted on the beach, we watched the crew set up a surfboard on a small pier for the C&C.

 

Champagne and caviar with SD2 in the background

 

Unfortunately the only splash we had at this event was from the rain.

 

The physical facilities at Ocean 7 Beach Club were wonderful. There were enough tables and chairs under cover for all to be seated at lunch, which was a good thing as the skies opened up poured rain just before noon. The restrooms were spotless, a rare find at a beach for sure!

 

The surfboard laden with caviar and the accoutrements was moved under cover as well. While we did not have the usual service in the surf guests still had a wonderful time and rapidly consumed the caviar.

 

The beach barbeque menu was fantastic as always with prime rib, grilled shrimp, barbecued ribs, many different salads and wonderful desserts. Of course the champagne was flowing as well.

 

While we were dining, the crew, who had worked at warp speed to make sure lunch would come off without a hitch in spite of the move from Jost to Peter Island, collected all the towels and belongings left on loungers that were now being soaked by an island downpour.

 

Kudos to HM Stephane, his team and all the SD crew for making sure all had a good time despite the weather.

 

After a wonderful lunch, DJ’s DH and I headed back to the yacht while others stayed on the beach to play.

 

View of SD2 from the pier at Peter Island

 

It continued to rain on and off … and in typical Caribbean style sometimes it would be raining on the beach and not on the ship and vice versa.

 

Around 4 p.m. everyone and everything was back on board and we headed back to Jost for the evening. CAD Mary had made arrangements for the shop at Foxy’s in Great Harbor to stay open until 6:30 p.m. so those of us who wanted to could shop.

 

She also offered to arrange taxi rides for anyone who wanted to ride over to White Bay from Great Harbor to visit the Soggy Dollar.

 

The skies seemed to be clearing as we headed from Peter Island back to Jost. It was another invigorating sail as the wind and waves picked up a bit. There was just enough wind and movement to let you know you were indeed on a ship!

 

By 5:30 p.m. we were securely anchored in the protection of Great Bay and tender serviced had been established.

 

Originally I wasn’t going to get off the ship but peer pressure was such that I had to go into “town.” A new record for me …I placed my feet on two islands on one day.

 

We were the last ones on the first tender over to the pier. We walked along the path, past the goats and bars, to Foxy’s shop where DJ’s DH purchased a Foxy’s bathing suit and baseball cap.

 

SD2 at anchor as seen from the beach at Foxy's, Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke

 

We wandered over to the bar which was really quiet for a Friday night but then again it was early. Four of us decided to head back to the ship to shower and dress for cocktails and dinner.

 

There was a tender waiting at the pier and we had a fun fast ride back to the yacht.

 

For a change, DJ’s DH and I arrived at the cocktail party before FT and zqvol. CAD Mary announced that in honor of FT’s birthday “The Eagles Farewell Concert from Australia” would be shown in the Main Salon after dinner. Sadly, FT did not hear the dedication … so it was repeated when FT did make her appearance at the cocktail party.

 

The four of us were shown to our favorite table for dinner while the jbcjtc’ers opted for a quiet dinner for two. I asked them to join us after dinner for dessert as I had arranged for a chocolate birthday cake for FT.

 

In keeping with the island vibe, this evening’s menu was Caribbean.

 

DJ’s DH started with “Enchilado de Camarones,” Creole style shrimp in hot sauce, while I started with Consommé Double with Batonet au Frommage. Not wanting to break with tradition we had a Caesar Salad.

 

For entrees I selected the Pan Fried Mahi-Mahi served on a bed of Green Rice with Tobago Cays Style Coconut Sauce. DJ’s DH dined on Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Honey and Tamarind, Scallion Garlic Rice and Sweet Potato Pancakes.

 

We ordered a bottle of Pommery Champagne from Frank to celebrate FT’s birthday. We then learned that we four had consumed ALL the bottle of Pommery that were on board that week.

 

We both passed on dessert since we knew that delicious chocolate cake with chocolate icing had been prepared by Pastry Chef Hernani for FT’s final birthday surprise.

 

Much to her chagrin we sang “Happy Birthday” to FT and then dove into the cake. It was delicious and the perfect ending to a surprise filled day.

 

While FT and I headed to the Main Salon to watch the concert, DJ’s DH and zqvol headed to the casino. By the time I made it to the casino, DJ’s DH had won back his initial investment from earlier in the week plus a little extra.

 

Tender service ran until 1 a.m. but DJ’s DH and I decided to call it a night.

[DJ's DH]

OK all you lurkers out there...DJ is getting a bit sad:( at the lack of feedback/comments to her trip review. Please take a moment to let her know how much you appreciate her efforts - the detailed daily summaries, the GREAT photos (OK, I took most of them :D), etc.

 

Oh...and for our special friends/guests who joined us - it seems that we were so relaxed that "note taking" was not a priority for Saturday/Sunday... emails directly to DJ or me of your recollection on our last 2 days on SDII would be greatly appreciated too:rolleyes:.

[DisneyJen]

OK all you lurkers out there...DJ is getting a bit sad:( at the lack of feedback/comments to her trip review. Please take a moment to let her know how much you appreciate her efforts - the detailed daily summaries' date=' the GREAT photos (OK, I took most of them :D), etc.

 

Oh...and for our special friends/guests who joined us - it seems that we were so relaxed that "note taking" was not a priority for Saturday/Sunday... emails directly to DJ or me of your recollection on our last 2 days on SDII would be greatly appreciated too:rolleyes:.[/quote']

 

Sheesh ... that will teach me to whine (or would that be wine) at DJ's DH about the lack of comments on the review. He of course said it is the stellar reporting that is keeping everyone on the edge of their seats:rolleyes:

 

I have notes for Saturday ... and Sunday ... of course they are on tear-stained paper with ink that has run from said tears ...

[cruisingchef]

Hello DisneyJen and DJ's DH.

 

Great review and pics DJ, I have enjoyed the posts during the cruise and the review afterwards as well. I only wished I had been there to celebrate the 25 years you two have been married. Sounded like a great time was had by all.

Your photos were terrific as well. The ship looks well maintained and the food must have been as special as ever.

Was the weather as bad as last March or about the same.

 

Unfortunately work this year has precluded all travel:mad: until latter part of the year and then one trip planned.

 

Thanks again for all the hard work, made me feel that I was almost there, except for the cold weather, the special crew, being waited on, sleeping late, bar staff, yeah almost there.:p

 

Taylor