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Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201971 02/05/12 01:26 PM
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Marc Offline
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Didn't have much chance to send seamail while on Zodiac; I really missed free internet. Also, it will be a couple of weeks before our pix are ready for posting. Still, here is a short recap of my impressions; not of penguins, seals, whales, and icebergs (there have been plenty of posts on these) but rather on the experience.

Our group was FANTASTIC. We made up around 20% of the 126 pax onboard. It was great to meet, for the first time, Chris and Linda and Tim and Barbara and Brayden. The group was small enough and cruise long enough that we had plenty of time to enjoy our fellow cruisemates. We started by running into Ed and Mary first morning at Hilton in BA followed by a great dinner for 16 (thanks to Andrea and Andi for organizing). Then, each day, three meals a day, we were able to share the experience with great friends.

Besides the sightseeing, we had plenty of time to play hearts and pooch; but, the highlight of each day was cocktail hour. Ok, briefing and recap were probably more educational but cocktail hour came to be a great time to just meet and relax. The chef probably did not like us sending back his fancy h'ors deouvres each afternoon and asking for bowl after bowl of ruffles potato chips. :)

As for the ship; nothing really special. I don't know how they can call a 155 sq ft cabin a "suite." The room was comfortable and the staff (with just one or two exceptions) fantastic. Food was pretty good although they don't know how to cook leg of lamb. Laszlo was a great Maitre D even though he looked like one of the characters out of an old movie we have all seen. Reception was fantastic as were all the bar waiters. Still, the highlight of the staff, and the cruise, was the Expedition Staff. We could have been sailing on the SS Minnow and I am sure that Expedition Staff would have shown us a wonderful time.

Overall, best cruise ever. Not best ship or best cruiseline or best food or best anything else; just best cruise. Oh, I should say best trip; well maybe not, ROAR was kind of special.



Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201972 02/05/12 05:59 PM
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Ralph W. Online
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Marc is spot on.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201973 02/06/12 03:10 AM
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FDV72 Offline
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Thanks to everyone for posting there reports and Pictures... What an amazing journey you all took. It was exciting to follow along with all of you.
Thanks
FV

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201974 02/06/12 04:06 AM
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Beth Offline
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Yes, Marc has given a very good synopsis of the feel of the ship, ZODIs, staff and crew, expedition team, food et al. Of my 20 years of cruising this was MY Trip of a Lifetime. Totally amazing, fantastic, fabulous, breathtakingly beautiful..... and the positive adjectives go on and on and on. Where is my thesaurus when I need it?

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201975 02/06/12 05:48 AM
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ssclbc Offline
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I completely agree with Marc, Ralph and Beth. There was something almost magical about the way the whole trip gelled. I think that this was my "trip of a lifetime" too. I can't imagine topping it, but that won't stop me from trying ;)


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201976 02/06/12 02:20 PM
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Marc Offline
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Oops, I forgot that this was first time I had met Betty (met Beth in 2006 in DC but had never travelled with her either). Betty and Beth joined us in the Crown Room in Atlanta so they were the first of our cruise mates we met up with.



Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201977 02/06/12 03:02 PM
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cindyr Offline
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oh how I remember 2 Am at Birkenhead Joanna! Yes, the Valentinos were guilty and we were right on the sofa with them. Olivia, reading your email about Birkenhead and the game parks make me want to go RIGHT NOW. Totally agree with Ralph as well, it may be the only place on earth I could go to every single year (if time and moola permitted). I still say Birkenhead is the most magical place on earth.


Cindy
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201978 02/06/12 03:03 PM
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cindyr Offline
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This Antarctica trip is sounding like it is heading to my bucket list!


Cindy
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201979 02/08/12 04:28 AM
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KarenS Offline
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Posting for Andi:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201980 02/08/12 09:47 AM
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sedona Offline
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The above pics are the famous BSD technique that became reknowned on our cruise. In fact, Richard, our cruise photographer, preserved this on the official Silverseas cruise CD. It stands for Beth Seal Discipline technique where you throw your hands up high to look large to teach the fur seals appropriate interaction with folks wearing red jackets.

If that fails, you and the seals enjoy exercising together.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201981 02/08/12 09:57 AM
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Beth Offline
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Andi, It did seem to work, didn't it!!!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201982 02/08/12 10:13 AM
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AndreaN Offline OP
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I laugh every time I hear Andi saying "bad seal, bad seal"!! They were the absolute cutest seals I've ever seen!!

[Linked Image]

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201983 02/08/12 10:21 AM
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sedona Offline
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Yes, that's why you became so famous. I'll post tonight the guys' less effective technique. Love the picture Andrea...you got some wonderful ones!!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201984 02/08/12 01:54 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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BSD....I love it! Although I thought it stood for Bad Seal Discipline.


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201985 02/08/12 02:54 PM
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coffeecup Offline
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How lovely a pic


Diane

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201986 02/08/12 04:21 PM
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KarenS Offline
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Posting for Andi

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201987 02/08/12 04:44 PM
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sedona Offline
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As you can see with the demonstration of the RSC (Repetitive Seal Clapping) technique above, it is clearly inferior to the Beth Seal Discipline technique. It starts with a gentle "No, No, we don't want to play chase or take your photo." Then, Doug tried to clap to tell him enough. However, the seal moved on to the next person. Marc, decided to placate the seal with a photo with his point and shoot, but the seal wanted his photo taken with the big lens so moved on to Ken. Instead, Ken, clapped to chase him away and Arlene took a photo, but this didn't work, so the seal went back to Doug (who has a big lens), who told him that: "this routine was getting very old and discussed ISO and apertures with him." Marc again tried to take a picture of him with just a point and shoot but the seal just stood there refusing to leave their sides. If these seals were not so cute and funny, they would really be obnoxious. We will next post pictures of Marc trying to play pooch with the seals.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201988 02/08/12 05:13 PM
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KarenS Offline
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Posting for Andi

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201989 02/08/12 05:24 PM
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sedona Offline
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Some people pics finally downloaded...Wendy from Australia...conquered the hill (Shackleton Walk); Marc enticing some seals to play pooch; Marc and Arlene celebrating at Shackleton's grave. Thanks so much, Karen.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201990 02/08/12 05:41 PM
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Beth Offline
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Fortuna Bay was a great place for those seals. They were relentless on protecting their territory.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201991 02/09/12 05:07 AM
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KarenS Offline
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Posting for Frank:

[Linked Image]


Karen

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Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201992 02/09/12 12:28 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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We were just having a little chat. As I recall this particular penguin was CRAZY!


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201993 02/09/12 01:51 PM
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AndreaN Offline OP
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I've uploaded a few of the videos I took. I'm not a very good videographer - just look away if my panning makes you dizzy - but some of the seals and penguins are just so cute I thought you'd enjoy seeing them in action.

South Georgia and Antarctica Videos

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201994 02/09/12 02:53 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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I LOVE the thug chinstraps! Their all squawking and snapping, all covered in poop. Even the babies are fighting. They truly are the punks of the penguin world.


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201995 02/09/12 05:30 PM
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jhp Offline
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The thugs were my favorite, too, Andrea! It is so hard to take videos. I think if you just slooooow down on the panning, it will be a lot better! I watched everyone, and still loved them!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201996 02/09/12 06:22 PM
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sedona Offline
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I loved the pubescent king penguin who was soaking wet and so funny looking. He looked like a drowned rat.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201997 02/10/12 04:46 AM
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Beth Offline
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Quote
Originally posted by sedona: I loved the pubescent king penguin who was soaking wet and so funny looking. He looked like a drowned rat.
He reminded me of Dobby from the Harry Potter movies. So pitiful.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201998 02/10/12 07:20 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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Rather off topic, but thanks to ZODIAC I'm now hooked on Downton Abbey. Thanks best roommate ever!


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #201999 02/16/12 12:41 PM
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DougW Offline
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Such a sad truth! Once the posts trickle down to a precious few, we know that the trip is truly over....

And, like the junkies that we are, we move on to the next fix.

As I tell people, travel is my drug. They think I'm making a joke, but we all know better. What a wonderful & blessed addiction!

Time to roll another one!

Doug

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202000 02/16/12 02:01 PM
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Beth Offline
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I agree, Doug, it is sad, but moving on to the next adventure is always something to look forward to. Let the planning begin.

Oh, yes, many of us have your same addiction. Don't want to know the cure!!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202001 02/16/12 03:05 PM
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joannapv Offline
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OH Doug and Beth sooo agree - if there is 12 step for travel addiction do NOT sign me up - I'll deal with it trip by trip :app: :app: :D :D


Joanna
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202002 02/16/12 04:44 PM
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ssclbc Offline
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I was feeling rather strange without a next trip to plan. Thank goodness for the 2014 BEARS trip!! I might have gone into severe withdrawal.


Lauri
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202003 02/16/12 05:50 PM
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AndreaN Offline OP
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Dare I tell you all that I've decided to go to Hong Kong and Bangkok...on Feb 29?!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202004 02/16/12 06:09 PM
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joannapv Offline
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I want to come back as Andrea in my next life :) :) cheer cheer


Joanna
Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202005 02/16/12 06:14 PM
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Beth Offline
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Quote
Originally posted by AndreaN: Dare I tell you all that I've decided to go to Hong Kong and Bangkok...on Feb 29?!
Since I am going through withdrawals, I really need some seamail!!!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202006 02/16/12 06:35 PM
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jhp Offline
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Ditto, Joanna! It sure has to be in a younger body than I would leave with, though, to have that energy!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202007 02/16/12 07:04 PM
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sedona Offline
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Me too. Choose me. Choose me. The retired Doug announced he was leaving for a were to Arizona without the working stiff wife of his and I threw a tantrum that I bet they heard in Antarctica.

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202008 02/17/12 07:16 AM
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AndreaN Offline OP
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I thought you would all appreciate this news! I will keep the land mail coming before everyone leaves for NILE 2.

Seriously, after only 2 weeks at home I was itching to go somewhere and just didn't want to wait until my tulip river cruise in April.

My friend Andi and her husband (I know I talked about her a bit during ZODIAC :D ) decided they were going while we were in Antarctica. Her brother is going to school in HK and his birthday is in March. I thought - why not go to HK with someone who has been there before? Plus, I was able to get award seats in biz on Cathay Pacific (definitely a win). We are also going over to Bangkok for a few days. They have the opportunity to manage a resort on the island of Koh Mak so we'll be there for 2 days too.

So yes...I probably do need some therapy to get over my travel addiction!

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202009 02/17/12 11:30 AM
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Beth Offline
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Andrea, what ship will you be on?

Re: ZODIAC Sea Mail #202010 02/17/12 12:57 PM
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AndreaN Offline OP
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No cruise Beth, all land. Well, except for the boat ride to Koh Mak, and hopefully we will go to Macau too.

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