advice on cruising: personal, passionate, inspired and informative
I began my journalistic career at the age of 32, following the conclusion of my ’sabbatical decade.’ From 1980 through 1990, I bicycled across America, pedaled through Europe and island-hopped the South Pacific.
After backpacking through Bali, bussing through Java, hopping a boat to Singapore and crossing Malaysia to Thailand, I flew into Burma, tramped to Dhaka and endured a 32-hour train ride from calamitous Calcutta to bustling Bombay.
From there, I hopped a plane for Greece and traveled to Switzerland before returning home, where I settled, quite naturally, into a career of travel writing.
I publish a magazine, The Avid Cruiser, http://www.avidcruiser.com/blog
“Your magazine is the best cruise magazine and also one of the best — if not the best — travel magazines I have ever read.”
From 1996 to 2009, I contributed to HEMISPHERES, United Airlines’ award-winning inflight magazine. Until the magazine changed publishers in 2009, I wrote HEMISPHERE’s “Afloat” column.
The North American Travel Journalism Association, awarded my article, Ship Shape, which appeared in the September 2005 issue of Hemispheres, in the category of ‘Best Cruise Writing.’ I also publish C Magazine, a cruise magazine distributed in the Benelux countries, with my business partner in Europe, and I contribute to numerous other publications, including TravelAge West.
I make my home in Asheville, North Carolina and live part of the year near Copenhagen, Denmark.
When in Asheville, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, lingering in coffee shops and frequent trips to the gorgeous Biltmore Estate.
When in Scandinavia, I enjoy biking, lingering in coffee shops and trying to learn Scandinavian words.
To get home in Scandinavia (from Copenhagen’s International Airport to Helsingborg, Sweden), I go to Hamlet’s Castle and hang a right. No kidding!
My work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and numerous consumer magazines. I am the author of four books, including Remembering Charles Kuralt,’ a biography that Publisher’s Weekly called ‘a sweet and lovely homage, a welcome commemoration.’
But enough about wonderful me. My goal is to provide you with content that engages you and compels you to return often. Thanks for stopping by . . .
Bon Voyage, Ralph Grizzle
Pitching Camp On Silver Spirit
Reporting live from Silver Spirit in the Gulf of Trieste.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with regard to my accommodations for the sea trials on Silversea Cruises’ new Silver Spirit. The ship is only about 65 percent complete, and with more than three months to go before the ship’s inaugural voyages, staterooms and public areas are in an unfinished state. The photo above is of stateroom 725. This is my home for the next two nights. The carpet is covered with plastic, televisions are yet to be installed, and bedding is, well, camp-like. The lights and electrical outlets work – most of the time.
Thankfully, the marble bathroom, with its full-sized bath and separate shower, is fully functional and complete.
Measuring 376 square feet, with a 65-square-foot veranda, when finished, suite 725 will feature two flat-screen televisions. One of those will hide behind a mirror when not in use, a nice touch.
There is one other reporter on board as well as Silversea’s director of public relations, and about 400 others, some employed by Silversea and some employed by the shipyard that is building the ship. We dined together for breakfast - on pizza, focaccia, juice and coffee. For lunch today, we dined with the executive team in Le Champagne restaurant, also in an unfinished state.
Sea trials are designed to test the maneuverability of ships, and though we’ve only been at sea for a few hours, so far, so good. Captain Angelo Corsaro and his relief captain, Marco Sangiacomo, say they are pleased with the ship’s performance. The “Force 8” winds and choppy seas this morning conspired to provide a perfect testing environment for Silver Spirit, the captains say.
My initial impressions: Silver Spirit elevates Silversea Cruises into an entirely new league. Though Silversea is already one of the top luxury contenders, Silver Spirit ratchets up the line’s status. With its new ship, Silversea certainly shows innovation, confidence, and above all, spirit.
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Silversea's Largest Spa
Measuring more than 6,000 square feet, Silver Spirit's Spa features nine massage rooms, two saunas and steam rooms, two aerobic studios, a fully equipped fitness center and an aft outdoor Jacuzzi, for complimentary use.
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Silver Spirit's Captain
Captain Angelo Corsaro says the choppy seas and Force 8 winds we are experiencing here in the Gulf of Trieste are good for testing the ship during sea trials. So far, smooth sailing.
Captain Corsaro will be in command during Silver Spirit's inaugural sailing in December.
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Silver Spirit's Grand Suites Feature Grand Views
Silver Spirit's four Grand Suites feature a first for Silversea: wrap-around balconies at the front of the ship. On Whisper and Shadow, Grand Suites feature only windows and side balconies. A spokesperson for Silversea says he believes Silver Spirit's Grand Suites feature the largest outdoor private veranda of any suite.
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Dumpster Diving On Pool Deck?
Note Silver Spirit's three whirlpools on pool deck, plus there's one outside the spa. Facilities have been well-thought-out so that guests won't have to battle for use. Ship's capacity is 540.
Also, Silversea designed Spirit to have expansive deck space for sunning and al fresco dining. "We didn't want our guests to lose the connection to the sea and the places that they visit," says a spokesman. In addition to allowing for sunning, the additional desk space allows for guests to be on deck when sailing into and from the exotic destinations that Silversea sails to.
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Silver Spirit: Stars Supper Club
Silver Spirit's Stars Supper Club. Art Deco inspired by the old Rainbow Room in New York. Dining, dancing and drinking in a single no-charge venue.
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Camp Silver Spirit
During sea trials for Silver Spirit, Silversea Cruises' newest ship, I will live and eat like the crew. Sea trials, which will be conducted over the next three days, are for testing the ship's maneuverability. Silver Spirit has more than three months before its first cruise, so photos show the ship still under construction.
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