Odyssey Ft Luaderdale to Lisbon transatlantic crossing review

[jrmuk]

Hi everyone, as I have gained a wealth of knowledge on this forum I have decided to reciprocate and do a review of our recent TA crossing, it started out as a few one liners but grew a little so now it is quite long but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

 

 

Transatlantic crossings are a very different affair, with so many days at sea the experience is unique, here are my personal thoughts regarding crossings including some specific comments regarding my recent Seabourn Odyssey crossing.

 

Firstly I want to point out something that didn’t cross my mind before sailing, at one point you are at least 3 days from land, that is 3 days from specialist medical help should an emergency occur, I am fairy young and quite fit and healthy but I couldn’t help thinking what would happen if for example I fell down some stairs and suffered a compound fracture, one could easily lose a leg (or worse) from a normally treatable condition so far from expert help. I say this not to frighten just highlight something I have not seen mentioned before and something quite pertinent especially if you have a medical condition that may need specialist treatment, anyway, let’s not dwell on such things and move on.

 

We embarked in Ft Lauderdale having spent 3 fabulous nights in the Ritz Carlton, the Ritz was so nice we worried a little that the Odyssey would not make the grade but our worries were unfounded. The embarkation process was a little haphazard, we were informed of a 2 hour delay which never materialised and we joined the ship only 30 minutes late, quick question; why, when en-route to the ship, do Seabourn stop you at the last moment to give you a glass of punch.....I could understand this in the embarkation lounge but just before you step onto a deluxe all inclusive ship seem superfluous if not an almost annoying delay.

 

We skipped the grand salon sheeple fest and went directly to the sky bar which was unusually not manned so we went down to the patio bar which had some (frantic) staff to serve us (lots of new joiners and trainees trying to get things in order before the sail away party mêlée). People started to arrive slowly and everyone immediately began to make acquaintances. At this juncture I will point out a few things, first, the age range was significantly older than the Mediterranean cruise we made last autumn, in fact there were more walking aides, frames and wheelchairs than I have ever seen in one place before, however, the general ambiance was more friendly than we encountered on our last cruise so this is just an observation and certainly not a negative point. There were also more same sex couples aboard, again only an observation and something that made the cruise more diverse and hence more enjoyable for us. Something else we quickly noticed is that there is a kind of interrogation like approach to “crossers” brief encounters, who, what, where, when, how long, how old, etc etc seems to be normal for crossers, it’s like quick fire friend making which sometime bothered me a little as your entire life can be laid bare to complete strangers in the blink of an eye.

 

OK back to our cruise, after a few drinks (well actually quite few but who’s counting) we went to our suite and met our stewardess. The room was immaculate, the bar was not stocked but our stewardess said she wanted to make sure we hadn’t had a change of heart and immediately went to retrieve our requested bottles of spirits and soft drinks. Our room was maintained to the highest standard possible throughout the cruise and I could not fault anything, tips included or not I tipped our maid handsomely.

 

We decided to unpack and have a quiet night in our room as the champagne and excitement had taken its toll, we ordered from the Restaurant menu and asked for a glass of white and a glass of red wine to accompany the meal. The meal arrive around 45 minute later, both starter and main were delivered together and the 2 glasses of wine were actually 2 bottles (one of each), the food was excellent although as slow eaters the main was only tepid by the time we got to it but it was never the less extremely tasty. We decided to watch an in suite movie and were amazed at the quantity and quality of movies available (more than 400 movies) although we only managed to watch the first half an hour of our selection before drifting off into dreamland.

Next day we awoke super early (6am) mainly because of the time difference but also because of some veranda door slamming, this didn’t happen too often but it is something that Seabourn could easily remedy with some soft door closing hinges. Our fist day became the model for the rest of the cruise, breakfast in bed, an enrichment programme watched on the TV, Trivia in the club, Lunch in the main dining room, an in-room movie or lecture in the grand salon (sleepsville most afternoons), Gym (sometimes), nap (more than sometimes), ablutions, dressing for dinner, dinner in the MDR, show in the grand salon, club for drinks, stagger back to the room, bed, snore (the room was too dry and a little too warm for me), door bell, breakfast.........

 

A few notable points:

Dining; The main dining room was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner which was fabulous, we ate breakfast in our room every day as for us it is not only amazing but also an alarm clock. We had lunch most days in the MDR intermingled with a couple of Colonnade buffets. Dinner (as always) is best served in the MDR (imho) although we visited the Colonnade for 2 speciality nights which were very good. My only criticism of the evening dining options was the dress code (OMG what have I done saying this), for me, having to wear a jacket every night (apart from em/dis-embarkation evenings) in every venue is too much and I have written to Seabourn informing them of my feelings, I ran a straw poll onboard and most people I spoke to would have preferred a slightly more relaxed approach to the dress code with maybe the colonnade having the non jacket option. As far as I am concerned the whole dress code issue is a complete fiasco, with policy changes after policy changes, even though my cruise documents stated 1 formal night we had 3, on our last cruise a jacket was never required in the colonnade on this one it was required every night, Seabourn need to decide their demographics, do a survey, and set a dress code in place on the website for each cruise with each night shown (as Regent do) then there would be none of this uncertainty. We did have a couple of minor discrepancies in the MDR but all were acted on immediately and none worth mentioning here, I want to mention this because I don’t want anyone to think we are mindless zombies accepting all as good when we all know nothing is perfect, it is how problems are handled that single the best from the best and that was our experience.

 

Entertainment; The entertainment team were excellent, they were extremely friendly and (here we go) entertaining, I was a tad disappointed that the Seabourn singers were doing the same shows we saw last Aug/Sep but the Seabourn singers onboard for this cruise were more entertaining, more engaging and more friendly than our last cruise. As this was a crossing we had more entertainers aboard than normal and the shows were diverse and enjoyable. One of the trivia teams called themselves the cheaters, well at least they were honest, several other teams cheated as well but it was such a laugh nobody cared and even though we came second last we absolutely loved it. I will say we weren’t overly impressed by the pianist in the observation lounge, however we had such an entertaining pianist last time it would have been hard to have topped her and maybe we expected something along the same lines, the observation lounge was also lot quieter than our last cruise and was a nice change of pace after the show now and then.

 

Food and drink; The food was better than our last Seabourn cruise, most notably the food was “piping hot” something not always the case last time, although I do have a complaint that I should really send to the executive chef Andreas, I have gained 6 pounds in 12 days, exquisite, fabulous, magnificent, pick your superlative it is as good as it gets (imho). Andreas and Antony did two cooking demonstrations and they were so entertaining and had such a good rapport they should put them on youtube. Drinks, as always, are fully included and free flowing on Odyssey, I found the wine to be acceptable but never exceptional, wine buffs could have been disappointed but I wasn’t. Liquor selections are mammoth and I would expect liver problem should I take a world cruise. The beer selection was a bit naff, there were no Belgium or German beers available but the head barman told me in future to email ahead and they can arrange to stock speciality beers and that on a normal cruise they would arrange the next port to deliver your request but on a TA crossing the helicopters are a little too expensive and air drops often miss the ship! (addendum,I have just been emailed by guest services saying they cannot arrange special beers for our summer cruise on the Sprirt after all)

 

Suite; we had a midship veranda which we pre-selected and was immaculately appointed. Whilst waiting in the embarkation lounge we noticed how many cases were marked with GTY (Guarantee), crossed out with a suite number (I am going to say more than 50%), almost all of the new hand written suite numbers were higher categories than we paid for, I’m not a bitter man and I feel no ill will to anyone getting an upgrade (in fact well done) but there should be a fair policy, I was slightly miffed to see people having paid substantially less than I paid to be upgraded to V5 and V6 (even a penthouse in one case) when we were not offered anything in the way of an upgrade, I strongly believe that the people paying the most should have first choice of upgrade, we met couples who had paid full fare for A1 suites and were given A1 suites whilst some people paid a discounted GTY rate and were given veranda suites, to finish this ramble we found Seabourn staff were staying in deck 5 veranda suites as well, again I find this unacceptable in my book, rant over, time to move on.

 

Vibration; well there isn’t any now, on our last Odyssey cruise one day we left a port late and had to make time up by increasing our speed and boy we knew about it, everything shook like a minor earth tremor, this time there was nothing even at full speed (20 nmph). We did have one mechanical problem, the main propeller shaft bearing oil cooler failed and we had to come to a complete stop to change it, we were dead in the sea without propulsion for 3-4 hours, we drifted round and round and actually headed back towards the US unabated, although the captain and crew tried to make light of it I knew it was more serious than that, I’m sure no one was in imminent danger of death however it was none the less a serious situation to be in, one of our new friends made us laugh though, she said she knew there was a problem because the sun wasn’t where it was supposed to be and she had to move her sun lounger....... speaking of sun loungers, deluxe and mattress free loungers do not go together, come on Seabourn invest a little and make then a little more luxurious with the addition of mattress tops.

 

The spa; is excellent, my wife had 3 treatments and loved every one of them and has already booked the same 3 treatments for our next cruise in August.

 

Conclusion; overall we had an absolutely fantastic time and much credit must go to the staff onboard, a ship is just a ship, it is the staff and guests that make the difference and on this cruise they most certainly did. We left the ship with contact details for 4 couples we met who I am sure we will be in contact with again, these can be added to the 2 couples we still keep in touch with from our last Odyssey cruise so it just goes to show how friendly Seabourner’s are

[lincslady]

Good to read your detailed report. A thought re guarantee bookings - we always choose our suite 'just in case' and always get it, whereas as you say gty guests are often upgraded. I am sure the reason for this is that SB would have to contact those who book a specific suite to offer them an upgrade (after all you might really want the one you have booked), which would involve emails or phone calls - and let's face it SB are not brilliant at communicaating at the best of times!

[Martita B.]

Thank you so much for posting your Odyssey TA travelog.

We also had a most enjoyable Legend Crossing ~I believe we were very lucky this March as the sea was smooth as glass all the way to Malaga. Many Spring Crossing's, years past, we've not been so fortunate.

Thanks again and have a happy Spring:p

Martita B

[markham]

Lincslady,

 

I always reserve the suite I want too but I think that Seabourn is missing an opportunity as far as their loyal and long relationship customers are concerned.

 

If Seabourn made the effort to call those customers and offer them an upgrade from their booked cabins they would in turn generate FOR THEMSELVES a lot of good will. No hospitality business should sidestep an opportunity to get closer to their best customers. And Seabourn would be fully in control as to whom they call and what they offer. What in the world holds them back from making those calls up to the week of sailing?

 

I can only imagine that this hasn't been thought through by their sales/margin management team.

[lincslady]

Lincslady,

 

I always reserve the suite I want too but I think that Seabourn is missing an opportunity as far as their loyal and long relationship customers are concerned.

 

If Seabourn made the effort to call those customers and offer them an upgrade from their booked cabins they would in turn generate FOR THEMSELVES a lot of good will. No hospitality business should sidestep an opportunity to get closer to their best customers. And Seabourn would be fully in control as to whom they call and what they offer. What in the world holds them back from making those calls up to the week of sailing?

 

I can only imagine that this hasn't been thought through by their sales/margin management team.

 

Completely agree, Markham. Silversea used to do it, I don't know if they still do.

 

Lack of staff or idleness perhaps?

[oregon50]

Questions to the OP.....your age and where did you live before your move to Spain?

 

This is a great example of how different people on same cruise can have a different experience. Walking assists/wheelchairs.....I've never noticed so few. Ship vibration....it's still there. Is Beck's a German Beer? Agree on poor beer options.

 

One reason I ask your age is regarding dress code.

 

Tipping cabin stewardess, or maid as you mention.....please consider crew fund next time.

 

You will find no two cruises to be the same.

[JaneBP]

>"...enrichment programme"

 

How were the lecturers and their programs?

DId you ever dine at a hosted table in the MDR?

[lincslady]

Completely agree, Markham. Silversea used to do it, I don't know if they still do.

 

Lack of staff or idleness perhaps?

 

Another thought which has occurred to me previously - I imagine when you book a guarantee and are given a suite at a 'higher' level than your booking you are not entitled to a change of suite if you find the one you are in is noisy or in any way not as good as you would have hoped? I have heard passengers (last year on Sojourn) complain that their suite had problems (a penthouse) and they were told there were no free suites, although the ship was not full. I would love to hear from someone in the know about this. I do not know if these people had booked on a guarantee basis - in future I will ask anyone who says the hotel manager would not move them if this is so. The reason we always choose is there are actually sites on the ship where we would not wish to be, for various reasons.

[curiousx]

Seabourn practice in this regard is the same as other lines that we have experienced. If one books a specific cabin or suite, it is understood one forfeits the opportunity of upgrade in return for the certainty of having the accommodation one prefers. I know some who prefer the handicapped suite or lower levels midships and book these early and often!

 

Booking a GTY means taking part in a 'more or less' last minute lottery where upgrades might be assigned if there are empty suites available or a wait list for the lower categories of suites. Or not. Such assignments might also be made to ensure workload balancing among the crew.

 

Seabourn might want to consider including an 'upgrade option' box that could be ticked at the time of booking a specific suite. Given the time constraints, however, I expect this would have to come with the understanding that one would not have a chance to say 'yay or nay' prior to being reassigned.

[oregon50]

On this cruise, we had booked V6 about 7 months prior to sailing date. Three months out, offered PH for $$ and we declined. One month

out we were upgraded to PH gratis. Previous cruise we had booked/paid for PH. I would never begin to think about their method of choosing upgrades.

[curiousx]

Oregon50, had you booked a V6 GTY or a specific suite?

[lincslady]

I would still like to know if you are offered an upgrade, without being told where it is, if you forfeit the right to ask to be moved if it proves unsuitable. We have been moved, when we had chosen a suite which turned out to be in a noisy position, but I feel that if we had booked on a guarantee basis we might have been told 'not possible'.

 

I do feel, with Markham, that it is at the least irritating to find out that people who have paid considerably less than you are given a higher grade suite. I can see that it is the easy way out for SB. However, we will continue to book a specific suite if this means we can avoid any which are in a less pleasant position on the ship - and there are some, as you learn after several cruises!

[oregon50]

Oregon50, had you booked a V6 GTY or a specific suite?

 

Specific. Was not aware they had V6 GTY.

 

To those so bothered by GTY upgrades, it's a shame you cannot be happy for another person's good fortune. Make your best deal and live with it.

If GTY is available, feel free to play the game.

[JaneBP]

>"find out that people who have paid considerably less than you are given a higher grade suite."

 

This comment intrigues me because never have I ever known about the fares paid by other cruisers, much less their suite grade/upgrade. (OK, other than 'steerage to a PH').

[mariners]

Thanks for the trans-Atlantic review. We will be on our first Seabourn trans-Atlantic in November and I have a few questions.

1) Was trivia always played in the morning?

2) Do I understand correctly that, for a male, a jacket must be worn every night regardless of the venue?

3) Were there any evenings where there was a deck party (or similar) event?

4) What time does the pool bar (deck bar) close?

5) Is champagne an included beverage?

6) Are any of the hot tubs open late so one can enjoy them in the evening under the stars?

Thanks so much for any answers that you can provide.

[curiousx]

 

To those so bothered by GTY upgrades, it's a shame you cannot be happy for another person's good fortune. Make your best deal and live with it.

If GTY is available, feel free to play the game.

 

Oregon, I tend to agree...but then I have usually had success in playing the GTY game - that said, ANY suite on Seabourn is a great place to be, imho!

[PeaSea8ch]

Thanks for the trans-Atlantic review. We will be on our first Seabourn trans-Atlantic in November and I have a few questions.

1) Was trivia always played in the morning?

2) Do I understand correctly that, for a male, a jacket must be worn every night regardless of the venue?

3) Were there any evenings where there was a deck party (or similar) event?

4) What time does the pool bar (deck bar) close?

5) Is champagne an included beverage?

6) Are any of the hot tubs open late so one can enjoy them in the evening under the stars?

Thanks so much for any answers that you can provide.

Here are my answers:

1) Well sort of, at 12:15 pm (after the Captain's noontime announcement) but everyone is there at noon to get drink orders filled, to start munching on the popcorn and for the Cruise Staff to pass out pencils and answer sheets.

2) Usually the first and last nights are Casual which is defined as collared shirt and slacks; otherwise a jacket would be required. Check the Daily Herald for the dress code advisory.

3) Yes, one night per cruise and usually Casual dress code.

4) Not sure on this one. Some evenings, weather permitting, the Patio Grill is open for dinner.

5) Yes.

6)Again, not sure on this one too. I believe they are not so they can be drained, cleaned and serviced.

[mariners]

On previous trans-Atlantics (not Seabourn), we have always had at least one special ship dinner/BBQ on deck and it has been one of the highlights of the cruise. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this year.

As a jacket will be required every night, a dark suit for my DH might make more sense than bringing the tux. That way, I should be able to talk him in to bringing only 3 jackets. Thank you, PeaSea8ch, for providing the answers to my questions.

[lincslady]

>"find out that people who have paid considerably less than you are given a higher grade suite."

 

This comment intrigues me because never have I ever known about the fares paid by other cruisers, much less their suite grade/upgrade. (OK, other than 'steerage to a PH').

 

 

Just to put the record straight - I am not in the least envious or whatever of those given an upgrade on a guarantee - it is a perhaps over-developed sense of fair play which makes me think SB could handle this better, as others have said. And no, I never discuss what I or anyone has paid for their cruise, but people do often say they were upgraded on a guarantee basis, so we know that SB does allocate suites as they see fit - and this is obviously less trouble than getting in touch with people and giving them a deadline to reply to a possible upgrade, etc., as we have had in the past from Silversea. And I hope that they will see this and rethink their policy. Generally in any case they would be handing this over to travel agents to deal with, so would not involve a huge amount of work for them to get a better 'feeling' among their regular loyal passengers.

 

If those who choose their suite in advance were really jealous or angry, we would obviously book on a guarantee basis, and hope for the best.:)

[JaneBP]

>"hope for the best"

 

On the little sisters, that's what I figure. On the big ones, because of 'my' issues of the partially obstructed balconies, I am choosier. But that's just me.