First time Seabourn

[Jim Avery]

After years of lurking on these posts, we have booked our first Seabourn voyage. We are sailing on the Spirit Sept. 25 from Rome to Venice with stops in Greece and Croatia. Nice itinerary and good pricing. Are sailing with friends who have sailed Seabourn before. We have numerous SeaDream trips and are Diamond World Club with Cunard but Seabourn seems to be a different experience from either of those. Looking forward to meeting some of the experienced Seabourners I have come to know on these boards.

All the best,

Jim & Lois.

[wripro]

Jim,

 

I know you are an avid Sea Dream fan. I know you will enjoy Seabourn as well. The Spirit is a great ship.

[Jim Avery]

We are really looking forward to it even though I feel a bit guilty about not going on my little blue ships.:D

[LaPaloma]

We are really looking forward to it even though I feel a bit guilty about not going on my little blue ships.:D

Before they were blue, we sailed Sea Goddess many times. In fact we had as much time on Sea Goddess as Seabourn. I doubt we would have ever left Sea Goddess if Seabourn hadn't purchaced Goddess and eliminated dress codes. There are some things you will find a nice change--one thing that we like at once was the slightly larger suite--the little extra space is nice--my favorite difference was the bath--the extra space there was great! The personal attention was about equal, the food pretty much equal--with may a slight--very slight--edge to Seabourn! One thing I missed a lot--the Club on Seabourn is great, but the smaller intimate bar and piano bar and casino on Sea Goddess was a ball! After your first cruise you will love them both! Don

[Jim Avery]

Before they were blue, we sailed Sea Goddess many times. In fact we had as much time on Sea Goddess as Seabourn. I doubt we would have ever left Sea Goddess if Seabourn hadn't purchaced Goddess and eliminated dress codes. There are some things you will find a nice change--one thing that we like at once was the slightly larger suite--the little extra space is nice--my favorite difference was the bath--the extra space there was great! The personal attention was about equal, the food pretty much equal--with may a slight--very slight--edge to Seabourn! One thing I missed a lot--the Club on Seabourn is great, but the smaller intimate bar and piano bar and casino on Sea Goddess was a ball! After your first cruise you will love them both! Don

 

Hi Don:

Really am excited about finally sailing on one of the Triplets. As far as loving them both, just what I need--yet another expensive habit.:eek:

[lincslady]

We are really looking forward to it even though I feel a bit guilty about not going on my little blue ships.:D

 

Having done 3 or 4 Seadreams, and countless Seabourns since; I think that particularly in the early autumn Seabourn is a better choice - Seadream is lovely in perfect weather, but as you will know not quite so good in cooler or even wet weather. In our opinion, the dinners in the restaurant on Seadream are fantastic, but otherwise the food on Seabourn is overall better, ditto the choice of wines and cocktails and liqueurs. Last time we sailed Seadrem the only single malt included was Glenfiddich whereas Seabourn has about 6 or 8 better ones, ditto cognacs.

[Jim Avery]

Glad to hear that. Yes, SeaDream can be very confining in poor weather as we discovered on an Italian cruise in late October. In the Caribbean-perfect but we did wish for some nice indoor spaces on that particular trip. Thanks.

Jim.

[LaPaloma]

Glad to hear that. Yes, SeaDream can be very confining in poor weather as we discovered on an Italian cruise in late October. In the Caribbean-perfect but we did wish for some nice indoor spaces on that particular trip. Thanks.

Jim.

 

Just cuious..does SD still have the wonderful canape table [including a tin of caviar] as you go into the club for evening cocktails? That was always special..something I miss.

 

As for the confinement of the small ship during bad weather..I guess we just never thought about it..as we do not suffer. The worst one we had, was when an earthquake was off shore and we had 25 ft waves..pretty exciting..even the staff and crew were in awe. Don's wife, Lola

[soc1965]

We too are first timers on Seabourn & same trip. Likewise have been trawling the boards for impartial & fair information & the comments have been more than helpful. We've done many a Regent/Silversea/Cunard Grills trips, but the warmth & giving attitude of the posters on all the Seabourn threads has persuaded me to up sticks & give the Spirit a go. As you said, great itinery & pricing, plus the opportunity to experience first hand (rather than daydreaming about!) the Seabourn experience. Can't wait!

[Jim Avery]

Hi Lola:

Yes, they still put out a nice table at the cocktail hour and at least one little bite will have some caviar but the tins of caviar are now only at the Captain's welcome party, the Past passengers party, and, of course, the Champagne and Caviar splash in the surf. Its always available if you ask but there is a charge. Not sure what it is as the other times satisfy my not so large caviar urge. Have to save room for all the other goodies.

soc1965:

Looking forward to sailing with you.

Jim.

[lord of the seas]

Hi Lola:

Yes, they still put out a nice table at the cocktail hour and at least one little bite will have some caviar but the tins of caviar are now only at the Captain's welcome party, the Past passengers party, and, of course, the Champagne and Caviar splash in the surf. Its always available if you ask but there is a charge. Not sure what it is as the other times satisfy my not so large caviar urge. Have to save room for all the other goodies.

soc1965:

Looking forward to sailing with you.

Jim.

 

Jim,now I know why you're trying Seabourn,you have a Caviar addiction and Seabourn does not charge extra for the stuff.:)

[Jim Avery]

Jim,now I know why you're trying Seabourn,you have a Caviar addiction and Seabourn does not charge extra for the stuff.:)

 

I will certainly try to contain myself.:D

[lord of the seas]

I will certainly try to contain myself.:D

 

A little tip.

When ordering caviar at sail away,get two portions as they can be a little small.;)

[Jim Avery]

A little tip.

When ordering caviar at sail away,get two portions as they can be a little small.;)

 

This is really sounding good!

J.

[Martita B.]

Jim

I can assure you the Spirit is in very "fine form!" I just returned from the TA Crossing ~~best service, food, wines, entertainment I've experienced on Seabourn after 10 years of sailing the line.

A small helpful hint: upon settling into your Suite, move the vanity chair over by the door/window ~~move one of your barrel stools (underneath the coffee table) to the vanity. Makes a big difference in room between the bed and the vanity!

Also, don't forget the Deck 5 forward jacuzzi ~~sailor's are always surprised when they enter the hot tub, a waiter suddenly appears with their favorite cocktail!! (the Bridge camera sees the jacuzzi and calls the Sky Bar) Always alot of fun!

Have a marvelous voyage ~~and "welcome to our Seabourn family!"

Martita B.

[Jim Avery]

Hi Martita:

Thanks for the info. We are really looking forward to our "initiation" into Seabourn.

J.

[Daneite]

Also, don't forget the Deck 5 forward jacuzzi ~~sailor's are always surprised when they enter the hot tub, a waiter suddenly appears with their favorite cocktail!! (the Bridge camera sees the jacuzzi and calls the Sky Bar) Always alot of fun!

 

Hey Martha Shush!!! This is our private deck and we do not want everyone else finding it!!! We love to be down there on our own!!!!!

Kathryn

[LaPaloma]

Hi Martita:

Thanks for the info. We are really looking forward to our "initiation" into Seabourn.

J.

 

As long as you are getting hints..might I say that if you are in Suite #1...you can see out..but..those at the private deck on 5 cannot see in. If you look at the configuration..it is a series of curved vertical windows that are smoky looking. We just returned from the legend..the second time we have splurged on that suite...the "naive" sunbathe in the nude...thinking they are private. My husband gets a hoot out of it. The first time it was a group of German ladies..this time a woman and husband. :D

["Wandering Wino's&quo]

Jim

 

Also, don't forget the Deck 5 forward jacuzzi ~~sailor's are always surprised when they enter the hot tub, a waiter suddenly appears with their favorite cocktail!! (the Bridge camera sees the jacuzzi and calls the Sky Bar) Always alot of fun!

 

Martita B.

 

Darn we missed deck 5 forward jacuzzi, guess that means we need to get busy and plan another cruise. I love the idea of having a Cosmo in my hand while soaking in a hot tub!

["Wandering Wino's&quo]

As long as you are getting hints..might I say that if you are in Suite #1...you can see out..but..those at the private deck on 5 cannot see in. If you look at the configuration..it is a series of curved vertical windows that are smoky looking. We just returned from the legend..the second time we have splurged on that suite...the "naive" sunbathe in the nude...thinking they are private. My husband gets a hoot out of it. The first time it was a group of German ladies..this time a woman and husband. :D

 

:eek:Lola, that amenity could certainly might be a selling point for Suite #1.

Shirley

[LaPaloma]

:eek:Lola' date=' that amenity could certainly might be a selling point for Suite #1.[/font']

Shirley

 

YUP! :p

[Martita B.]

Kathryn

O.K. I won't mention the Deck 5 forward jacuzzi again if you won't tell of my visiting "Monkey Island" one day while in port ~~Yes, a Captain took me up ~~for a "celebration" of my Mother's life. It was quite moving as the Captain brought a red rose for me to toss.

Another hint: if you are in suite 05 or 06 do NOT curl up and fall asleep on your balcony!!! The deck boy's wash the ship every morning at 4:30 a.m. (as I was upgraded in Dec. to 05 I did indeed snooze on the balcony ~~~I was awakened by a good soak! YIKES!:eek:)

Happy sailings!:p

Martita B.

[ganttc]

Our party of 4 from ATLANTA (Meg-Phillip-Ted-Gantt) on this journey as well.....We've sailed with Mr. Jim on SeaDream in the past. We thought of canceling when he booked, but I guess we'll just grit our teeth and try to enjoy ourselves. Agree...Mum on forward Jaccuzi......Please...That was my favorite hang out last year on the Legend...Had it to myself almost every day. The "Lazy Sea Dreamer" who had become a buddy via Cruise Critic booked on this same trip yesterday. (if you are looking for SeaDream info, look at her blog - http://www.lazyseadreamer.com. Great in depth info there....and I'll bet she will be writing one on Seabourn after this trip as well.

 

Should be an interesting trip with the SeaDream croud on board! Looking forward to it...

 

Gantt

[ganttc]

PS...We are all CHOKING on the Venice hotel pricing...Anyone have suggestions for nice, but reasonable accommodations. Last Ted and I were there (ummm, 25 years ago) we stayed in the Danieli. I just cannot stomach that price tag. And, Sorry, Chipriani (Seabourn's pre/post hotel) is $1200 a night! I'm poe folk and need something a little less.

[Jim Avery]

Our party of 4 from ATLANTA (Meg-Phillip-Ted-Gantt) on this journey as well.....We've sailed with Mr. Jim on SeaDream in the past. We thought of canceling when he booked, but I guess we'll just grit our teeth and try to enjoy ourselves. Agree...Mum on forward Jaccuzi......Please...That was my favorite hang out last year on the Legend...Had it to myself almost every day. The "Lazy Sea Dreamer" who had become a buddy via Cruise Critic booked on this same trip yesterday. (if you are looking for SeaDream info, look at her blog - http://www.lazyseadreamer.com. Great in depth info there....and I'll bet she will be writing one on Seabourn after this trip as well.

 

Should be an interesting trip with the SeaDream croud on board! Looking forward to it...

 

Gantt

Be nice, Gantt.:D