SLSD

Not everyone files a formal complaint. I have heard terrible things about British Air and I have to say that every flight we have flown with them has been miserable. My "favorite" being when everyone was on strike and they could not even serve water. And yes, I agree--it's when there is a connection that there is a big problem for luggage.

The food was not cold at all. It IS our idea of fun and we never go to the buffet! It all goes to show that we don't all enjoy the same things.

We were quite comfortable this last June above the Arctic Circle. Way back in 2019 we sailed on Seabourn's Sojourn from Kobe Japan to Vancouver. At some point along the way, we TRIED to dine at Earth and Ocean under heaters--but we only got through one course--because it was too cold. It wasn't nearly that cold this summer in the photo I posted here. We had a great time--and I expect you will as well.

Yes, they do operate in cool weather. We were on Ovation in June above the Arctic Circle and dining at Earth and Ocean. There are blankets and of course we dressed warmly with our stocking caps on. It was fun! We chose one of the more protected tables of course. Ovation has NO outdoor heaters! Don't ask me why--they should be installed. There ARE heaters outdoors for Sojourn--but they only cover one area and not entirely adequate. I am assuming Quest has heaters. I say go for it! Earth and Ocean is our favorite restaurant onboard.

Happy Anniversary! We'll be celebrating our 48th anniversary next summer aboard Sojourn. We're going to ask for slow roasted lamb shanks--or maybe steaks---or maybe fried shrimp---or... Enjoy your trip. At least you don't have very far to fly. THAT is a blessing!

I just checked and according to the internet there are places to shop for clothing in Svolvaer. So, you should be able to find what you need there. We didn't walk through that town, so I was not sure until I checked. I hope you and your husband find what you need Mauzac. Not exactly the way you want to spend your day, but it should be interesting. Here's an article on the point of lost or damaged luggage: https://www.timeout.com/news/these-airlines-get-the-most-lost-and-damaged-luggage-complaints-apparently-080823

We took Covid tests with us on our cruise (two each) . We also had Paxlovid prescribed by our doctors with us as well. Fortunately, we did not get sick. We did observe people coughing and sneezing--some of them a lot. When that happened, we would discreetly leave the location. There are no guarantees. At the present moment, I know several people who have Covid---in different locations. Evidently, there is a new strain which is even more contagious than the previous strains. We waited a long time to resume cruising (finally this last June) and plan to cruise in 2024 along with some domestic travel during a number of months. We are going on with our lives, but are still aware that Covid is out there and it can be severe for some people.

They need the rest of us to set them straight on what they need. It is amazing. I don't know if the spa would have makeup.

Fortunately, my husband was not desperate for a cap as he brought one with him. But, his last Seabourn cap had bit the dust, so he did want a new one--but not a cap with a large garish logo. Get real Seabourn--or the people who lease the boutique--stock things your customers want OR need.

I did ask my friend from the June Ovation cruise who it was that helped get them a few things to wear. It was Vitaly at Seabourn Square. Also Tino was very helpful she said. You might ask for them and see if they can help. I don't know if Vitaly or Tino are still on the ship. When we were on Ovation, I took a look at the offerings in the boutique and was shocked that there wasn't really anything very helpful in the way of clothing for those whose luggage was lost. If I was choosing the merchandise for the boutique, I would select something like some Peter Millar polos for men (an American brand), various pants for men, some St. James knit tops for women (in all sizes) as well as attractive knit pants in all sizes that would be at least useful and appropriate for everyday. Perhaps some black pants and shells and various light dressy jackets (I'm thinking silk). I can't imagine, under current circumstances) why they are not doing that. I know the boutique is leased. Mr. SLSD could not even find a decent Seabourn cap there that was not garish.

Does your husband have his luggage? Only yours was lost?

Perhaps Tromso is your next best hope for your luggage to be delivered?

What a disappointment.

Mauzac, I've just read that the storm was so severe that Ovation had to bypass Alesund. I am so sorry.

Hmmm... I know it is the same ship. I'll see if I can find out who exactly loaned the jacket.

It is true that there are a lot of accessible shops for clothing in Alesund. People on our cruise purchased down jackets, pants, tops, etc. I hope your luggage arrives, but if it doesn't you may have some decent options. I know that SB also has some items they may loan you. You should ask. One man was loaned a very nice outdoor jacket.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am reading what you have written carefully as we plan our trip. We're still in the very early planning stages.

I know of passengers on our June Norway cruise (your same route) who never received their lost luggages. But, they were dealing with BA and SAS, not KLM. I do believe that their insurance was paying for purchased clothing for them. It was not a fun thing for them at all. Their bags had Airtags in them--but the two airlines were each blaming the other--and the Airtags did not help. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I hope Seabourn will help as much as possible. They seem to have some experience with this scenario.

The funniest thing happened to me in the MDR one day at breakfast this last June. On one particular day, there was a new waitress that we had not been served by before. I ordered a Western Omelette (which was my usual order) and I ordered smoked salmon (which I love). When my food arrived, the omelette was there--but no smoked salmon. When I asked about it--the waitress gave me a funny look and in broken English told me that the smoked salmon was IN my omelette. She looked really upset as she must have realized that I had wanted a regular Western Omelette with the smoked salmon on the side. I ate the omelette. It was a bit strange, but basically ok. So--from now on, I will definitely be saying---Western Omelette with smoked salmon on the SIDE.

I am hoping that the unseen "observer" was someone from Seabourn.

You are right that we need to escape Texas in July and August. While we would like to cruise other times of year, we have some great weather in Texas in the autumn and spring--which are also good times to cruise. Usually our winters are fairly pleasant too--except for that terrible polar vortex a few years ago which just about froze everyone in the state. We just loved the landscape of Norway. I can't stop thinking about it! All those small farms squeezed onto the slopes coming down to the fjords. I know it is not an easy place to live, but I find myself being a bit envious of the Norwegians. I think we SHOULD try some other cruise lines, but Mr. SLSD is very comfortable with Seabourn--so there we are for now. I remember the very good deals on Venture. We probably should have booked one of them--but perhaps we'll have another opportunity.

Ok. I misunderstood. I thought you sometimes ordered something special at lunch. I wish there was a longer menu (printed menu) in the Colonnade at lunch. We've had all the menu items-but would not be all that pleased to only have those items available on a 28 day cruise. That has never happened to us--so I am optimistic that the MDR wlll be open on some days--and of course we will be enjoying lunch in ports. That is always our first choice if we can find a great place for that.

It IS helpful. Thank you. Have you been in a situation where the weather is inclement and only the Colonnade is available for lunch and you could not dine on the Veranda (MDR closed)? Also, I would love to hear some examples of the special orders you requested at lunch.

I think the real point here is that no one wants to get Covie while on a Seabourn cruise. No one wants to have to be isolated in their suite. It would be a real bummer. THAT's the reason to be careful--not that you think you are going to die from this virus--at this point.

We have never special ordered at lunch on the veranda of the Colonnade, but may do that on our upcoming 28 day cruise if there is no other lunch venue available. Do you make the special order on the spot--or the day before? We do order breakfast from the menu if we dine there. Thank you for your comment. And yes, we loved Norway and are excited to return! Several of the ports will be new ones to us.