Nighttime on the Noordam and brief review of the ship!

The 1,848-passenger ms Noordam will soon be kicking off it’s inaugural Caribbean season sailing from New York City, with 13 Caribbean cruises from its new North American home port. Although I am not sailing on the Noordam’s inaugural cruise on February, I had the rare opportunity to stay on board overnight, last night. Holland America is no stranger to New York. They operated from Manhattan’s Pier 40 in the 60's and 70's and they were headquartered in New York from 1978 to 1983. The Noordam’s NYC round trip Caribbean cruises mark the line’s return to the Big Apple.

Although I sailed in December, 2005 on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn for an 11-day cruise to the sun, the Holland America Line’s Noordam cruise experience is different. Holland America Line’s average traveler tends to be more mature and well-traveled. While the Dawn appeals more to families and a slightly younger crowd for whom the traditional formality of a cruise experience would be too confining. Although Holland America embraces families, it’s not really a ship for party animals and young children. There are plenty of activities and things to do in the evening, but the Holland America crowd knows how to amuse themselves without annoying others. We checked out the evening revue show, but being New Yorkers the "salute to Broadway" song and dance numbers didn’t really amuse us, so instead, we just walked around this beautiful, new ship, feeling a bit like royalty. By the way, the bars are all well stocked with a variety of choices in every category and price point. When we asked for a pina colada the bartender mixed it up fresh, not extruded out from an icky, sticky, overly-sweet, frozen drink machine. It was delicious!

One thing I really like about the level of quality on Holland America are the little touches that travelers used to generic hotels on land may not notice, but discerning travelers, will. There are fresh flowers all over the place in beautiful arrangements, even in the buffet areas and in all of the cabins. I spied a young woman with a watering can actually watering lovely pots of out-of-season tulips, and there are orchids plants, everywhere. Cheerful, polite waiters offer pour your morning coffee in the buffet and carry your plate and help you to a seat. When we ordered pancakes this morning they were made to order and presented with a cover for our plate (so the food wouldn't get cold). And the quality of the shops was much better than on most cruise ships, with jewelry that I’d love to have owned! Of course they were closed in port so all I could do was gaze the goodies through the locked windows. Maybe next time.

We dined in the special, extra tariff restaurant last night. My husband had a huge porterhouse and I had lamb chops. There were so many delicious things to choose. The creamed spinach was fantastic, and the triple-flavored creme for dessert was the best I’ve ever had, anywhere! The regular restaurant has two seatings and I’d make an educated guess that the food is very good there, as well.

There are many verandah cabins on the ship in various categories. I don’t think ours was one of the largest ones, and there was still plenty of room for a wicker-style deck chair and ottoman, an armchair and even a small table. I can image how wonderful it would be to wrap up in a deck robe and watch the world go by en route to the sun. I think the nicest part of any cruise, no matter where, is looking over the rail at the water rushing by the hull, watching for shooting stars at night, or, perhaps, just the lights of another cruise ship in the distance. The ms Noordam is the fourth and last in a series of 81,769-ton Vista class ships. 85% of its staterooms will have ocean views, with 67 % of all staterooms sporting verandahs. It has the line’s "Signature of Excellence" amenities, including plush Euro-top mattresses and flat panel TVs and dvd players in all cabins, and an at-sea version of the Greenhouse Spa and Salon. I also liked the high quality robes (which we weren’t invited to take, but actual passengers can purchase these for $49 and they will even monogram them! I think they’re a fantastic buy. Wish I had one). I also liked the swing-out makeup mirror, and generous closet space. As cruise ship bathrooms go, ours was relatively spacious. I particularly liked the high quality Elemis soaps and shampoo. Even better, the beds were incredibly comfortable, and we had the added benefit of sleeping in one that no one had ever used before, as we were voyage #1 even though we didn’t leave the dock.


In the middle of the night I thought we were actually moving, but I guess it was wishful thinking. When I awoke in the morning, the lights of the pier were shining in the window and I realized we were still in NYC. Then, after a quick breakfast in the lido buffet (our in-cabin breakfast arrived too late), a series of cheerful but insistent announcements informed us that we had to leave the ship at 8:00 so the next group of travel agents, media and so forth could come in and experience the ship for an overnight. I felt a pang of jealousy as I spied the newbies ready to board the ship as we were leaving, but how could I be greedy after experiencing this exceptional opportunity, first? And, I honestly felt like we’d been somewhere, even though it was just an overnight at the dock.

The next time I board the Noordam I hope it’s for an actual cruise. I have been on more than 50 of them. The minute my feet hit the gangway I relax...and make the ship my home until I have to actually go home for good. Cruise travel is a fantastic experience whether you are young, old, an experienced traveler, or a first-timer.
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More About the Noordam and Holland America (from press materials I got on board):

New York Caribbean cruises feature a 10-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary that visits Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Departures sail on February 22, March 15, April 5, October 25, November 15, and December 6 and 27, 2006. There is also an 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary calls at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sailings depart Mr. 4 and 25; Oct. 14; Nov. 4 and 25; and Dec. 16, 2006. In addition, two 16-day transatlantic cruises sail between New York and Rome, departing New York on April 5 for Rome and returning on September 28. Ports of call feature Bermuda; the Azores; Cadiz, Valencia and Barcelona, Spain; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Livorno, Italy. Pricing for Holland America Lines new 2006 New York-based Caribbean cruises start at US$1,199 per person, double occupancy.

I’m not a travel agent, so if you want to cruise on the Noordam I suggest you either contact a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=cruises&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollandamerica.com. If you want to make a comment about cruises you have taken, please make a comment here. If you want to ask me about other cruises, use the Advice Sisters Contact form:http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html

I was on the Style Network (sort of)

I stopped to take a short break from my chores this afternoon, and while channel surfing, heard Finola Hughes was blabbing something about the Baby Phat show on the style network. Suddnely, a red-haired woman in a flowing, peach tunic walked by, unaware of Ms. Hughes on camera. The woman looked familiar.

I was the woman!

In the past, I wondered who got into the tent and what they were doing there. I was there to cover the shows I was invited to (and some I wasn't) and to soak in the flavor of fashion week. It was Friday, February 3rd -- the first day. Of course, anyone could end up on the Style Network by being in the right place at the right time, but I was on my way to get to the press office and didn't even think about being one tape.

It still feels really wierd, and sort of exciting. I wish I'd paid more attention to the show. Instead, I just turned around and opened my blog to tell you about the experience!

Friday FEbruary 10 - last day of Fashion Week

I'm not sure how many people have gravitated here to read my blog on a regular basis, or just for the fashion week posts (please leave a comment so I know someone is out there!).

For those who have come for Fashion Week news and views, I apologize. This is my third season at fashion week, but only my second with press credentials. Last season I did my best to attend as many shows as I could. I did get some invitations, but most didn't come with seat assignments. If I didn't have an invitation I waited in line and flashed my press badge. Most of the time, I was given the dreaded "S" for standing room. I spent a lot of time in that line however, networking and trying to find ways to shift my weight so my feet didn't swell up. I know that the venues are small and the entire world wants to be in one of those tents. Also, I write online, so I'm not confused with a buyer (who really should get a seat) or the Editors from Marie Claire, Vogue, Allure, Elle and so forth for whom seats are always waiting. I dislike the fact that celebs get seats (front row, no less) and that some brought small children who also got front row seats. Yes, it did bother me that a toddler gets to see the shows better than I do. I tried not to be a diva because I didn't "rate" a seat however. I met lots of great people waiting in the standing room lines, most of them professionals, like me.

This year, I just didn't push for either invitations or seats. I simply assumed I'd go, flash my press badge, and wait in the standing room line. I didn't count on the fact that somehow I'd damage my foot (wearing too-tight shoes at a wedding two weeks prior) and find the standing to be nearly intolerable. I also went out of town for a few days just as Fashion Week began.

My plan was to spend one day on, one day off. I tried. I really did. But my feet didn't want to cooperate. After the first day of standing (although I did get a seat, here and there) I simply couldn't put my feet back into my shoes to do it again another day.

I did manage to make it through three days, being selective about the shows I was going to attend (see my earlier posts about Fashion Week). I did see some great shows although I didn't attend any after-hours parties and few of the largest shows in the schedule (I'm not crazy enough to think I'd get in from standing room only).

I arrived the last day of Fashion Week, however, determined to at least see a couple of shows. The first was Cynthia Rowley. On the standing room line I met a charming man who helped me to pass the time most pleasantly. We've been in touch, since. The show was cute -- featuring a youth choir singing pop songs, and a lot of gold metallic findings and lots of blue. The clothes were cute, youthful, but sophisticated.

After Cynthia's show I wandered into the show for Manuel. He makes over-the-top rock-star/country music "costumes" and the show was a glitzy, fun romp full of leather, rhinestones, and showy jackets. I'd wear and and all of them, if I could afford an original. They're hundreds and perhaps, thousands of dollars (depending upon the piece). Country music stars and rock stars, however, adore him and plenty were there to hoot and cheer.

Finally, I went to Strenesse. I had a seat assignment for this one, but somehow it was lost, so of course, I stood in the back. Since the show didn't fill however, I did manage to finally get a seat--a fairly good one in the second row. The show was as austere as the Manuel show was wild. The clothes, all in black, tan, beige, grey and just a few hits of color, are sophisticated, expensive looking, and quite appealing. Again, if money were no object...

I wandered around the tent area a few more times, picked up a small bag of candy (ah, sugar...just what I needed) from the Women's Entertainment Network booth, and bid a farewell to Fall Fashion Week. I wish I had been able to attend more events to report them to you. I wish my feet didn't hurt. I wish, I wish, I wish....

But I was there. I was part of it. I feel honored. I hope I'll be there in a few months when Spring Fashion Week begins!

stay tuned.

Olympus Fashion Week February 9 - Valvo, Yeohlee, Sui

Wednesday I went back to the tents to take in a few shows. I am watching the first of them, Carmen Marc Valvo, again, on the IMG web site. If you haven't tried this yet, it's fantastic. You'll get a front-row seat to every single show, including Streamling Live Video, without ever having to wait on a line. Try it -- you can see every single show!

Speaking of which, I have been standing in line enough to make the bottom part of both my feet swollen and so painful I can barely fit them into shoes, let alone stylish ones. Those of us "lucky" enough to get actual invitations wait in a long line to be checked in before the show, usually about 40 minutes before. If we are lucky, we get an actual seat assignment. However, if we are not lucky, we get the dreaded "S" for standing, which means we get to stand in a holding line, waiting for virtually every single other person with a ticket to get in and sit down first Then the standing line is allowed in. There is more jostling for a place to stand, or if you are lucky, after you've been standing for about another 10-15 minutes you may be allowed to "fill in" the empty spaces. The entire process takes anwhere from an hour to 1 1/2 hours. It is honestly, exhausting.

As I was standing in line to be check in for the Carmen Marc Valvo show, I actually ran into a woman that I had helped with her book project a year ago, and with whom I had some cyberspace "words" after I had done so much for her and she said some unkind things about me. In person, however, she seemed to be much more pleasant and hopefully we buried the hatchet. She got a seat assignment and I got the dreaded "S" for standing, so I am sure that made her day. Meanwhile, after waiting in the standing line a long, long time, I managed to get a seat high up in peanut heaven, so high up that actually, I had to watch the video again today to figure out exactly what I was seeing. The evening clothes that are a Carmen Marc Valvo signature seemed a bit, err...boring. They were pretty, but not unusual in any way. Most were thin-strapped, body-conscious evening gowns worn with shrugs or jackets--very little skin was showing and frankly, the collection lacked va-va-voom.

After this show I boarded a bus to the Yeohle showroom. When I got there I discovered I did not have a seat for this show either, and my legs were seriously aching. Upstairs, cute waiters were serving wine, but I wasn't close enough to the action to get any although, perhaps, that might have helped my aching feet. I slunk to the begining of the runway, where most people do not want to sit because the models walk by too fast to absorb the outfit, and took a seat in the last row. The clothes were mainly black, white and camel, in beautiful, heavy wools and silks. I particularly liked the well-tailored long coats and capes that draped in luxe folds over the models's bodies. There seemed to be something for everyone in this collection, from pants outfits to long knit skirts and dresses that hugged the body (but not too much) and beautiful, flowing pants and jackets worn with lacy, see-through camisoles.

I was allowed backstage after the show to interview the hair stylists (from Christo) and the makeup arts (from Too Faced). I wish I had been able to see them applying the makeup and doing the hair as I did last season, but I arrived too late for that. If you want to know about hair and makeup trends for FALL 2006 keep reading this blog and if you wish go to http://www.advicesisters.net/thankyou.html and sign up for the Advice Sisters Enews (Ezine) where I will give more details about Spring, and give you a "sneak peek" at FALL, 2006.

I took the train back to the tents, since the bus that had taken guests to the show, had already left. I waited in line for the Anna Sui show, snagging a choc-mint martini and a slplit of Moet & Chandon (courtesy of the LYCRA display). I ate a few Mason Mints since there was nothing else to eat and I hadn't had any lunch or dinner. I thought perhaps the alcohol would help the pain in my feet, but it actually got worse. When the standing line was finally were let into the tent it really looked as though I'd have to stand. The evening shows are always popular and filled to capacity with celebs and others. I knew I'd have to stand, so to pass the time and keep my mind off my pain, I chatted with a volunteer who was an FIT (fashion Institute of Technology) student. After what seemed like half an hour (and probably was), I finally snagged a set close to peanut heaven. Anna Sui's collection is adorable, but very youth-oriented and frankly, I can't imagine too many people getting away with huge peter-pan collars or ballon-type mini dresses. The show was a crowd pleaser, though.

I couldn't wait to get home and take off my shoes!

Olympus Fashion Week February 8, 2006

Fashion Week is nearly at hump-day, and I have just been there one day (Friday) opening day. Deadlines and other obligations have put me at home, sitting in front of my computer, and also out of town. What follows is a belated view of the first day of this season's fashion week:

I arrived at the Bryant Park tents early for the Michael Wesetly show. The weather was warm, but the mood was already chilly. The usual barricades with guards in front of them had been narrowed so that no one could get by, unnoticed. I recognized one guard from last season who smiled at me, even though I am sure he didn't really know who I was. The other guard glowered, even though my press pass was in full view.

Inside, the narrow theme was continued. Everything seemed a bit "sparse," from the information table with few items on it instead of the usual pile of magazines and give-aways, to the "exhibit" booths offering "goodies" that didn't seem to have anything much to offer besides simple displays. The former "bar" area with coffee during the day and drinks at night had been eliminated in favor of a champagne lounge (Moet sponsored, I think) which had a large velvet rope accross it (don't know when it opens, but it wasn't opened in the early evening on Friday). The velvet rope only reminded me that this week-long circus is really for two crowds--the A-listers, who do not wait on lines, always get seats and goodie bags, and then sweep out to a limo or cab to the parties. And then there's the rest of us who get to watch, and comment. We are supposedly lucky that we get to go at all. The press badge has an "I" on it instead of "Press" and a statement that the badge lets you in to the lobby area, only and not the shows. That speaks volumes. Even the Atkins Bar/Advantage folks who had abundant display racks full of food last season, had a leggy model sitting behind a table and serving up the bars on a tray, rather than leaving large display racks to be ransaked by hungry fashionistas.

Having taken in the scene, I walked to the registration area to check in for the Michael Wesetly show and of course, my name wasn't on the list, although it was supposed to be. A young PR woman who reminded me of Sarah Jessica Parker graciously seated me (with a good, front row seat) anyway. While waiting on line to get in I spoke to a woman whose son was in the show (he had cornrows so I could recognize him). She was very attractive, and obviously passed along the "gorgeous" genes to her son! Although I didn't realize it, the show also featured men from the cast of The Color Purple on Broadway. Some of the clothes fit the "purple" theme, in various suits, ties, blazers, trousers, and tailored clothes that often had a large, boxy shape on the various models.

And what of the collection? I loved it. The designer used a lot mixed textures and color, some surprising. I loved the smooth jackets set off by cable-knit hats or nubby jackets with khakis or jeans, and the surprise of brown with deep blue, relatively conservative business suits with less conversative, wide pinstripes of black and silver, and luxe fabrics such as suede, cashmere, silk, corduroy, and lots of velvet.

After the show I wandered around the tent for a while, and found myself in the Delta Airlines lounge. I just needed to rest my feet for a moment and had found a seat, when a gorgeous woman asked me to move. I could see that she was doing an interview. I moved, and started chatting with her cameraman. When they learned that I do extensive beauty reviews they insisted on having her interview me. I didn't even get a chance to comb my hair (heaven knows what I look like on that tape) but they said the segment would air on the Delta Airlines inflight entertainment network in the next two weeks--so if you fly Delta, look for me!

After this, I wandered to another table in the main lobby to sit down, and a woman with two male companions asked if they could "squat" with me. Usually people just sit without waiting for an invitation, so I was suprised that she was so polite. It turned out that she was working for Delta in Public Relations. The talk turned to the Heart Truth show, coming up in a few hours and featuring female songsters (eg. Sheryl Crow, Fergie from the Black Eye Peas, Michelle Phillips, etc) modeling red evening gowns from well known designers. I told her that I didn't have an invitation. She pulled one out of her purse and said "here, this is a ticket for the sponsors section. You will be escorted in."

I was not only grateful, but I was delighted not to have to wait on line for once. A woman from Los Angeles and her Daughter were part of our trio. There was a long delay to get the show started and get the photographers onto the riser, first. We must have waited outside (with our escort) for half an hour, but the other people (and I'm usually one of them) waited over and hour. I had forgotten just how exhausting this process can be. Last year first lady Laura Bush was there. This year, 20 female musical artists strutting their stuff included: Amerie, Bebe Neuwirth, CeCe Winans, Christina Milian, Debbie Harry, Eartha Kitt, Jossie Perez, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Michelle Phillips, Nelly Furtado, Sheryl Crow, and Thalía. They wore dresses by: everyone from funky Betsey Johnson to classic Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang.

Show over, it was too late to wait on line for the next invite I had (with no seat assignment) so I went to the Columbia Club a few blocks away, dropped my press bag (nearly empty this season but cute LaCoste design) and my tote bags, and somehow walked into the accessories exhibit reception (not sure I was supposed to be in there but the rope had been moved to one side so I followed someone in). I had a few munchies and a terribly strong magarita, and said "adios" to fashion week, day one.

More to follow

Lying, cheating, stealing, murder--what does it take, these days?

First it was James Frey, a self-described alcoholic, drug addict and criminal, penning his "memoir" in graphic, gory language. Now, the latest writer to be villified and possibly, made rich if infamous is "JT LeRoy," a supposed 25-year-old former male prostitute and drug addict, who apparently is a 40-year-old woman so desparate to get recognized that she would be willing to do just about anything, including assuming the personna of a drug addict/criminal just to sell a book.

Both Frey and LeRoy will become wealthyfamous. Doubtless, after making the talk-show circuit, they will profit from new lies to keep publishers chomping at the bit to sign them. Perhaps they will simply continue to profit from their existing lies --Frey has a movie deal coming up. The S0-called LeRoy has HBO movie scripts pending. How sad that we reward liars this way!

This latest "news" to hit the media's radar screens has got me thinking about my own writing career. I write about relationships. There is nothing really new about people's pain, except perhaps, new ways to look at the problem. A nasty boss in Brooklyn is as irritating as one in Bermuda. A meddling mother in Russia is as annoying as one in Rhode Island. Heartbreak in Houston feels just as excruiciating as heartbreak in Hong Kong!

How frustrating this all is! I am not the only writer on the planet who is just getting to the end of his or her rope, trying to sell books and having to deal with sensationalism and celebro-tainment taking nearly all the publishing budgets out there. I have often thought about what the magic formula is to becoming a celebrity author. It is true that some people do make it on their own with a blend of talent and luck, or luck and contacts. I have talent, but no contacts, and I can't comment on the luck factor. All I know is that I was brought up to be honest and just. Even though I am increasingly aware that being a 50-something woman and telling honest truths about real subjects is a losing proposition, I would not ever lie or pretend to be someone else to make money. Some writers don't care and alas, it appears that dishonesty, even crime , DOES pay. Do something nasty (for real) or just LIE well about it, or if you are over 50, pretend to be a 16-yaer old prostitute, and you will sell books.

What does it say about our society, when someone who helps people find love, success and happiness is a big yawn, but a miscreant gets noticed, signed, and rewarded? Apparently, if a writer wants to know that latest trend in publishing (it is Fashion Week in New York, after all) they should keep in mind that prostitutes, drug addicts and other criminals are the "new black" and being a good writer of important subjects that really confound people, is just "last season." Agents keep saying that real life topics aren't "fresh and novel" enough. If faux non-fiction and books by criminals the only things agents want to pitch, publishers want to print, and people want to read with their evening drinks, what hope is there for the rest of us?

By the way, this wasn't written by Alison Blackman Dunham aka. Advice Sister Alison, it was really penned by Ima de-ceiver, a 17-year old axe murderer with a history of telling fibs.

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HAPPY FEBRUARY with love from the Advice Sisters

Olympus Fashion Week February 2-3rd 1006

For everyone who has eagerly awaited more news from the tents at Bryant Park -- today is the start of Fashion Week! I will be attending some shows, but not as many as last season.

When I went to the main tent to pick up my press credentials, yesterday, there was a line, and a security guard apparently wasn't told to let anyone in. After a few of us organized, he was forced to get up off his....err....and check.

We were let in. We waited in line. When my turn came up, two men who seemed to know the guy at the desk simply stepped in front of me and took my place. I didn't want to fight them, so I waited. Finally, several minutes later, the young man who was to hand me a press pass got around to it, without any apologies. It doesn't say press, it simply has an "I" on it. I am wondering if that means "invited" or "idot?" for trying to attend this seasonal circus if you're not a high profile person?

I took a quick peek into the main tent (you couldn't get in) and realized that nothing was ready for tomorrow's opening. There were piles of rubble and tons of display elements strewn all over the place. No lighting. No bathrooms were apparent. I assume that they worked all day and night and today, it will be in some reasonable shape. I'll report back when I get a chance.

I asked about the press bags and learned that they may be given out when I'm not available to attend the shows. You are NOT entitled to one (press bag) the guy snipped at me. Not entitled? If press isn't entitled, who is? Paris Hilton?

The mood already seems strained, elxclusionary, and not very positive. I hope today brings better karma.

Welcome to fashion week.

The Shadow, knows

At 7:23 a.m. this morning, February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the prognosticator of prognosticators, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of (mild) winter weather.

Apparently, pretenders to the weatherrhodents's throne, Long Island's Holtsville Hal also saw his shadow. Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck did not see their shadows. I do not know what General Beauregard Lee (another groundhog) saw, or didn't see.

But no matter what, Groundhog Day has always been my favorite holiday in the entire year! By February 2nd, the stress of the Winter holidays is past, the days are finally getting longer (if not warmer) and this particular holiday is such a hopeful one. After all, six more weeks of cold weather isn't that long to wait until Spring. On groundhog day, no gifts need to be given (although it's a nice idea to send a groundhog day greeting to friends), no rituals need to be performed (other than to watch crazy weathermen and locals get up at 5:00 in the morning in the freezing, Pennsylvania weather to be there for the festivities) and no one gets bent out of shape over Phil's predictions (at least I hope they don't). Even better, what's not to love about a holiday in which an adorable, furry creature is the main feature?

So..enjoy your groundhog day and don't let today pass you by without saying "thanks Phil, for making my day extra special"

and don't put away your winter coats just yet

Happy Groundhog Day from me to you