Archive for May, 2010

To view the photos below as a Flickr slideshow, click Silver Wind Visits Portofino

Silver Wind dropped anchor off Portofino, Italy on a sunny spring day.

Arriving on a quiet Sunday morning.

Placid Portofino

Snap Happy

Picturesque Portofino

Silver Wind In Sight

Modern Mermaid Frames Silver Wind

Portofino Framed

From The Balcony at Castle Brown

A Room With A View  Read more... (82 words, 13 images, estimated 20 secs reading time)

Peter Cox, Director, Itinerary Planning & Development for The Yachts of Seabourn, retires this month.

Entertaining, insightful and ever-inquisitive, Peter Cox writes about his experiences during 40 years of travel around the world, personally and professionally and at the end of a fruitful career with The Yachts of Seabourn. As the editor of The Cruise Report, I express my gratitude to Peter for sharing these experiences. Many thanks Peter and best wishes on your new journey ahead.  Read more... (1243 words, 4 images, estimated 4:58 mins reading time)

Shaken, Not Stirred

During our eight-day Mediterranean cruise, the most popular bar in town often is found back on Silver Wind. At least the price is right, as cocktails, champagnes, wines and beer are all served free of charge (except for a few ultra-premium brands).

Friendly bar staff: What'll it be today?

Last week, when Star Flyer dropped anchor here, St. Tropez was too crowded to be adored. What a difference a week makes.

This week, Star Flyer was anchored off Silver Wind’s starboard side, and Azamara Journey was anchored off our port side. Despite three ships in port, St. Tropez was relaxed and uncrowded.

And the weather, as you can see in the photos, was simply sublime, a perfect day in the south of France.  Read more... (151 words, 7 images, estimated 36 secs reading time)

Silver Wind docked in Sete, France

One of the great things about cruising on a small ship is the ability to get into ports where the big ships can’t get in. Our Silver Wind itinerary includes many small ports, such as Sete, France, where we docked just steps away from the city center.

Sete, as seen from the Panorama Lounge on Silver Wind

Eggs Benedict, for those not counting calories.

Room service at hotels or on ships is not always an elegant affair, but on Silversea and other luxury ships, dining in is a good option for those who do not want to dash out.

Room service also works well for those who have early-morning excursions. No need to dine and dash. Take your time. Order in.

Breakfast, elegantly presented.

Silver Wind In Monte Carlo

There’s something amiss in this photo. Look closely and comment below. The winner receives . . . praise and recognition.

For a Flickr slideshow, click Avignon, Pope’s Palace.

A Silversea Cruises Silver Shore Collection excursion: Pope's Palace Discovery is highlighted by a visit to Avignon, France (1.5 hours from Marseille) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pope's Palace.

The Medieval structure was once a residential palace that has also served as a church and a fortress.

Our tour included a guided visit to interior rooms, galleries and chapels.  Read more... (120 words, 9 images, estimated 29 secs reading time)

Rave reviews today from guests (including me) who participated in the Silver Shore Collection experience, Market Visit & Cooking Class in Sete.

Today's Silver Shore Collection excursion: A visit to the market to buy fresh bread, fish and produce, then off to a local kitchen only a few steps away for a cooking class, French style.  Read more... (362 words, 7 images, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

Silver Wind Docked In Port Vendres, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Silver Wind docked today in Port Vendres, France.

A fishing village, Port Vendres is used largely as a starting point for excursions to some of the most beautiful areas in France, including the medieval town of Carcassonne.

I opted instead to sleep late, walk Port Vendres and continue on a beautiful four-hour hike to the town of Collioure and back. Snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, sea and sky along the way. It was gorgeous.  Read more... (108 words, 1 image, estimated 26 secs reading time)