***Live from the Sojourn 14 Day Grand Med***

[Seabourntraveller]

As Captain Hamish Elliott mentioned over the PA shortly after 5:30pm our route this evening was going to be taking us over some rough waters with swells over 3 to 4 meters 10+ feet and I have been awakened out of my beauty "nap" to sound of crashing waves on my window here on the Seaweed Deck 4 forward....boy o boy this roll of the dice on a GTY backfired this time....first time ever no upgrade and got what we paid for a CAT A. A CAT A on a larger ship is to be avoided IMHO as they are very far forward on Deck 4 and then to have a lot more movement and noise than on the little sisters or maybe it's me?

Our travels tonight with take us along the North West coast of Spain all night with high winds projected for all night so it will be a bit of "Rock and Roll"...not a night to be wearing a white dinner jacket and ordering soup me thinks. Looking outside of my "floating Castle" I can see white tips.

 

More to follow later tonight onboard the Sojourn being tossed around a bit enroute to Palamos, Spain.:eek::cool::eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Senior Officers Onboard:

 

Captain Hamish Elliott

Hotel Manager Hubert Buelacher

Cruise Director Bobby Broughton....kinda overdoes it a bit a time.

 

Interesting to Note what they now write on Day 1 in the Herald regarding ATTIRE ON BOARD

 

Resort Casual attire, including shorts, is welcome in all dining venues during daytime. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover ups and excercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck or in the spa and fitness center. Each day, the Seabourn Herald will list one of three options for SUGGESTED attire after 6:00pm in each dining venue.

 

 

FORMAL (OPTIONAL)

 

Gentlemen Tuxedo (alternatively a dark suit)

Ladies Evening Dress or appropriate formal attire. *On evenings designated as Formal Optional in the Restaurant, our alternative dining venues will welcome guests in Elegant Casual attire.

 

 

ELEGANTLY CASUAL

 

Gentlemen, Slacks with a jacket over a sweater or collared shirt.

Ladies, Slacks, skirt, blouse, pantsuit or dress.

 

 

RESORT CASUAL

 

Gentlemen, Slacks and a sweater or shirt.

Ladies, Slacks, with a sweater or sleeveless blouse

 

 

JEANS SUMMARY

 

Welcome in all dining venues during the day. Not in the Restaurant after 6:00pm, and not in any venue (including deck grills) on Formal Optional Nights.

[Seabourntraveller]

Complimentary Wine Selection OnBoard Sojourn:

 

White

 

 

Two Wines, Riesling, USA

Santa Margharita, Pinot Grigio, Italy

La Scolca, Gavi, Italy

Santa Alicia, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

Anakena, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

De Meye, Unwooded Chardonnay, South Africa

Louis Latour, Grand Ardeche, Chardonnay, France

Pascal Bouchard, Petit Chablis, France

Wingspan, Sauvignon Blanc, Spain

Duc de Foix, Chardonnay, Spain

 

 

 

Red Wines

 

 

Banfi, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Serego Alighieri, Tuscan Red, Italy

Sirius Red, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Bordeaux, France

Trois Couronnes, Cotes du Rhone, France

Castle Rock, Cabernet Sauvignon, USA

Brassfield, Pinot Noir, USA

Arrowood, Merlot, USA

Rousemount, Shiraz, South Australia

Aromo, Merlot, Chile

Aromo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

Alsace, Pinot Noir, France

Duc de Foix, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spain

 

 

 

Blush/Rose

 

 

Beringer, White Zinfandel, Nappa Valley, California, USA

J.P. Chenet, Cinsault-Grenache, France

 

 

Sparkling Wines

 

Nicolas Feuillate, Brut, Champagne, France

Prosecco DOC, BRut, Carmine Maschio, Italy

 

From a first glance, I have to say the wine selection onboard looks to be weak compared to the extensive list on the Legend in December.

 

They have also added under Whites Wines, Palacio de Bornos, Sauvignon Blanc, Spain to the Complimentary List of Wines offered onboard Sojourn.

[Lefty Bob]

ST

 

Any problems with smokers? Realy enjoy your posts.

LB

[MARIANH]

They have also added under Whites Wines, Palacio de Bornos, Sauvignon Blanc, Spain to the Complimentary List of Wines offered onboard Sojourn.

 

Thanks.

 

You may wish to check if the Palacio SB is "semi dulce" . Not everyone will be comfortable with this. Parker rates 2005 at 85/100. Recommendation that best drunk young. Said to be combination of Californian lushness with New Zealand structure - oh these wine buffs! Anyhow if you havent tried Rueda wines before , it might be worth a punt. Also if your DH can tear himself away from the chianti, you may wish to encourage him to sample the Serego Alighieri ( Tuscan) - looks interesting.

 

 

 

Cheers again.

 

And thanks for your fabuluos commentaries.

[Seabourntraveller]

ST

 

Any problems with smokers? Realy enjoy your posts.

 

LB

 

 

There is a smoker on our floor and from time to time in the past 36 hours or so when we come back to our Suite we do smell smoke in the hallway but as of yet (thank god) not in our Suite.

[Seabourntraveller]

Thanks.

 

You may wish to check if the Palacio SB is "semi dulce" . Not everyone will be comfortable with this. Parker rates 2005 at 85/100. Recommendation that best drunk young. Said to be combination of Californian lushness with New Zealand structure - oh these wine buffs! Anyhow if you havent tried Rueda wines before , it might be worth a punt. Also if your DH can tear himself away from the chianti, you may wish to encourage him to sample the Serego Alighieri ( Tuscan) - looks interesting.

 

 

 

Cheers again.

 

And thanks for your fabuluos commentaries.

 

Reporrting back on the Banfi, Chianti Classico 2010...very young and fruity tasting wine which could be had in large quantities without a hangover on the horizon. I would suggest it more as a luncheon wine than anything. The Petit Chablis, Pascal Bouchard was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone as a back up to the Louis Latour Ardeche.

I will try your recommendation of the Palacio de Bornos, Sauvignon Blanc, Spain tomorrow possibly for lunch and report back to HQ.:D

 

....stay tuned.;)

[Seabourntraveller]

Dinner was good but not excellent by any standards for a Formal Night. We ordered a Caviar set up for two in the Observation Lounge and pre-dinner drinks whereby there were not that many people to be honest. Dinner in the Restaurant was a bit of a fiasco and disorganized to say the least. We had a table of eight beside us that were constantly monopolizing the wait staff and changing there minds 3 times over to Sunday and sending items back continously which caused them to be out of sink sort to speak. Had the Chateaubriand and the Hallibut both were quite dry and have had better on Seabourn. I chalk it all up to the kitchen being extremely overwhelmed from what we could see as we waited 45 to 50 minutes between appetizers and main courses. The creme brulee trio was exquisite and worth the 30 minute wait with our coffees.

For such a busy night that started out this way onboard the ship at 11:00pm is sort of a ghost town now. I suspect either people are still tired and jet lagged or because it's such an intensive port heavy cruise are already gone nighty night!

 

Probably now going to try my luck in the Casino and then go for a swim finally in a decent sized pool and hot tub and not like the oversized bathtub on the Legend.

 

The internet service onboard has been kinda hit and miss with the ppop up login page at times not coming up in our Suite and the same in Seabourn Square.

 

More to follow later tonight from aboard the Sojourn in high seas off the Western Coast of Spain enroute for Palamos, Spain.;)

[Patti22]

Hi SBT,

 

 

We absolutely love your tales from the sea. We spent a fabulous 17 days on the Sojourn in Jan/Feb and now view Seabourn as our favorite cruiseline. Following your advice on your previous journey, we searched out Grandma Cake and discovered that it was available every morning at Seabourn Square. I am sure that a cake connoisseur like yourself has already found it but wanted to point it out in case not. The one challenge is adding the plate of cake to the balancing act of carrying the two coffees back to cabin.

[mariner]

ST,

 

Enjoying your posts as well. Bringing back so many memories.

 

Formal dinner sounded crazed, to say the least. Hope Fritz with the Mitts wasn't sampling everyone's entrees. Hopefully, he didn't join you in the pool with his Speedo.

 

Mrs. M would like you to give the dog outside the Club a little pat.

[PathfinderEss]

Really enjoying your 'live' reports, thanks for taking the time to do them.

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 3: Enroute to Palamos, Spain 8:00am-6:00pm

 

Good morning from the sleepy and quiet Sojourn. Here I am at Seabourn Square opening the joint as usual...no one here but my GrandaMa Cake and myself. The seas last night were fairly rough after 12 midnight but nothing too serious. I fell fast asleep that a train could of come thru that Suite and I would have heard nothing. Having this GrandMa cake on display each and every morning is not a good thing I suspect for my waist line.

 

Today's Activities Onboard Sojourn:

 

8:00am Arrival in Palamos, Spain

10:30am Golf Putting Enthusiasts Deck 10

12:00pm Serving Lunch in the Colonade Tapas is the theme

12:30pm Patio Grill Opens up for those mouth watering Filet Mignon Burgers and Crispy Fries

3:00pm Spa Seminar "Detox for Weight Loss"

3:30pm Mahjong Get Together, The Card Room Deck 7

4:00pm to 5:00pm Afternoon Tea Chocoholics Tea Time (I will be there with bells on!)

5:00pm Sojourn Team Trivia Challenge in the Club Deck 5

5:30pm All Aboard as Sojourn prepares to sail for Marseille, France

5:30pm Interdenominal Church Service in the Card Room on Deck 7

6:00pm Departure

 

Evening Activities Onboard Sojourn:

 

ElegantLy Casual Attire Tonight

 

6:30pm Panoramic Piano Moods with Pierre

6:45pm Pre-Dinner Seabourn Speakers Series: Monte Carlo Medely-an exploration of this notorious Playground of the Rich and Famous, Grand Salon Deck 6

7:00pm Solo Travellers Get Together in the Club Deck 5

9:30pm Smooth Melodies with Pierre, Observation Lounge Deck 10

9:45pm SHOWTIME: The Humour & Storytelling of Marty Brill

 

Will be grabbing another double expresso to go before returning back to my cabin and walk out on deck as it looks to be a nice day once again here in Spain.

More to come later this morning after Breakfast in the Colonade from the beautiful Sojourn.

[Seabourntraveller]

Hi SBT,

 

 

We absolutely love your tales from the sea. We spent a fabulous 17 days on the Sojourn in Jan/Feb and now view Seabourn as our favorite cruiseline. Following your advice on your previous journey, we searched out Grandma Cake and discovered that it was available every morning at Seabourn Square. I am sure that a cake connoisseur like yourself has already found it but wanted to point it out in case not. The one challenge is adding the plate of cake to the balancing act of carrying the two coffees back to cabin.

 

Patti22 my GrandaMa cake never makes it back on a plate back to my cabin!:D

[Seabourntraveller]

ST,

 

Enjoying your posts as well. Bringing back so many memories.

 

Formal dinner sounded crazed, to say the least. Hope Fritz with the Mitts wasn't sampling everyone's entrees. Hopefully, he didn't join you in the pool with his Speedo.

 

Mrs. M would like you to give the dog outside the Club a little pat.

 

Speaking of Fritz, I did see him later last night outside on deck but kept his "mitts" to himself! Did pat the dog myself a couple of times already.

[Seabourntraveller]

Just came back from the Colonade for breakfast and had some fresh fruit and museli and then eggs benedict (of course because it's Sunday). The Colonade was quite full when we arrived at 7:45am. Seems to be an early bird crowd to get going this morning. I really don't understand why since EVERYTHING in Spain is closed on Sundays there is certainly no rush to get off the ship today. The weather today is much cooler than yesterday in Palma de Mallorca. Forecasted high is only 14C or 58F and partly sunny skies. The winds have picked up considerably this morning and even in our berth the ship is swaying a little back and forth.

 

Depending on how Palamos looks to be a desserted beach town this far from my window I am kinda on the fence to go ashore or lay out possibly in the sun an attempt to soak up some rays here and there.

I thouroughly enjoy this ship thus far, with many open and private spaces that even though we are sailing full it doesn't feel like we are full at all.

 

Kevin in Seabourn Square after two days remembers how I like my coffee and doesn't ask me anymore. Although less informal on the Sojourn about remembering guests names as on the Legend after 2 days, this part doesn't bother me in the slightest.

 

More to come from the Sojourn on this sleepy Sunday morning in the South of Spain in the resort town of Palamos.;)

[MARIANH]

I will try your recommendation of the Palacio de Bornos, Sauvignon Blanc, Spain tomorrow possibly for lunch and report back to HQ.:D

 

....stay tuned.;)

 

Just to note again, the Palacio may be semi dulce and not to your taste. But interested how it is. Nothing ventured , nothing gained:D

 

Chin-chin.

[Seabourntraveller]

We just got back from having lunch at the Patio Grill which was fantastic today. They served up lamb kebobs, Chicken Gyros, two types of thin crusted pizza with an array of salads.

Marianh, I did try the Palacio de Bornos, Sauvignon Blanc and it was good a bit on the sweet side and reminds of something that we have in Argentina and Uruguay called "Medio y Medio". I only had two glasses of the stuff otherwise I would of had a big case of heartburn with my chicken gyros as a combo.

 

We then went to the Colonade to see what they had for desserts and an espresso and it was a MAD HOUSE in that place at 1:30pm. I couldn't believe it and thus why we enjoy having lunch at the Patio Grill. All that to have a scoop of rocky rock ice cream and elbowing people to get out wasn't worth it. I guess a bunch of tours must of come back at the same time as they got KILLED and HIT, so much so that it was very cold to sit outside on deck but there was no other spaces available.

 

Now I will be heading up to Deck 11 to try and catch some sun this afternoon. I find this place to be the best place to suntan as you are completely sheltered from the winds.

 

More to come later today onboard the Sojourn in Palamos, Spain.

[LEESRE]

ST,

Hope you had some sunshine and managed to top up your tan.!!!!

 

Interesting to hear about the dress code, notice you did post earlier on this.

 

How many Resort Casual do you think you will have, do they tell you in the Horizon??

 

Many thanks great "Blog" please keep them coming.

[Seabourntraveller]

Tonight's Dinner Options OnBoard;

 

 

 

The Restaurant

 

 

FIRST COURSE

 

Crab & Grapefruit Salad, avocado coulis, pancetta, citrus cream

Bresaola, olive oil braised vegetables

Twice Baked Goat Cheese Soouffle, roasted sweet garlic cream

Caramelized Onion Consomme, short rib ravioli, carrots, peas

Tomato & White Bean Soup, tomato crostini

Tossed Red Oak Lettuce, harricots verts, mushrooms, sherry and shallot vinaigrette

Braised & Raw Endives, sweet and sour apricots, lavender dressing

 

 

 

MAIN COURSE

 

 

Pan Sauteed Grouper Fillet, olive oil laced fingerling potatoes

Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Tamarind Glaze, warm vegetable julienne, glass noodle salad

Truffle Roasted Crispy Chicken, twice baked potato, wilted escarole, bacon bits

Grilled Ribeye Steak with Braised Oxtail Confit, lyonnaise potatoes, sweet garlic, ****ake demi-glace

 

Vegetarian- Mushroom & Eggplant Lasagna, garlic cloves, roasted tomatoes

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant 2

 

 

 

Chef's Cocktail: Caviar in the Cloud, Foggy Potatoes

 

 

Cowboy Roll-Seared Flank Steak, Portobello, Sesame Sauce

Barbequed Salmon- Jalapeno, Cucumber, Melted Mozzarella, Wasabi Mayo

Duck Confit Pop- Roasted Pepper Relish, Creamy Chili Dip

 

Tea Smoked Game Presse, Chestnut Spaetzle

Porcini & Chestnut Cappucino, Honey Spiced Squab & Fig Empanada

 

Floating Lobster, Pesto Cream, Red Pepper Fondue, Lime Froth

Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Forest Mushrooms, Truffled Emulsion

 

Apricots Beignets, Citrus Compote, Calvados Ice Cream

 

 

 

 

 

The Colonade- French

 

 

 

Appetizers:

 

Foie Gras Terrine, Marinated Leek Sauce, French Vinaigrette

 

 

or

 

 

Escargots a la Bourguignon, Snails Baked in Garlic Herb Butter

 

 

or

 

 

French Onion Soup, Croutons, Gruyere Cheese

 

 

 

Main Course:

 

 

 

Seared Fresh Sea Bass Fillet

Lyonnaise Potatoes, Vegetable Fricassee, Noilly Prat Sauce

 

 

or

 

 

Chateubriand, Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Glazed Vegetables & Potatoes, Bordelaise Shallots, Bernaise Sauce

 

 

 

Desserts

 

 

Chocolate Creme Brule

Creme Chantilly, Chocolate Florentine

 

or

 

Roasted Plum, Frozen Yogurt

Almond Cookie

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patio Grill- Surf and Turf

 

 

 

Appetizers (From the Buffet)

 

 

Tuna Ceviche, Cilantro, Lime

Shrimp and Crab Claw Cocktail, Mango and Papaya

Smoked Salmon, Red Onions and Capers

Beef Pastrami, Cucumber, Radish

 

 

 

 

PIZZA (From the Buffet)

 

 

Margherita

Roma Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Garlic, Fresh Basil

 

 

 

PASTA

 

 

Shrimp Tagliatelle

Florida Rock Shrimp, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic Butter

 

 

 

 

FROM THE GRILL

 

 

Beef Filet Mignon 8oz

Rib Eye Steak 10oz

Grilled Nigerian Shrimps

Free Range Chicken Breast 10oz

 

 

 

Sidings

 

Ratatouille, Green Beans, Potato Mousseline

 

 

Sauces

 

Bernaise, Peppercorn, Shallot-Cabernet Jus

 

 

 

 

Desserts (From the Buffet)

 

 

Assorted Cheese

Blueberry Cheese Cake

Chocolate Glazed Brownie

Fresh Fruits

Ice Cream

[Seabourntraveller]

ST,

Hope you had some sunshine and managed to top up your tan.!!!!

 

Interesting to hear about the dress code, notice you did post earlier on this.

 

How many Resort Casual do you think you will have, do they tell you in the Horizon??

 

Many thanks great "Blog" please keep them coming.

 

 

yes in the Herald on the first day they do tell you in advance how many Resort Casual nights and on these two 7 day cruises back to back the Resort Casual is on the 1st and last night of each of these cruises.

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 3: Evening Enroute to Marseille, France

 

We are just about to set sail for Marseille, and the Captain has come on the PA again to address us all to explain that this evening will be exceptionally rough with winds force 6 or 7 or higher as we cross the Gulf of Lyon to head towrds Marseille.

 

Sea swells are expected as well and winds up to 60 m.p.h or greater as the Mistral Winds make there way down from the Pyranees into the Gulf of Lyon.

 

Today here in Palamos was a bit on the cold side as the temperature made it only to 13C or 56F under partly cloudy skies. We ended up sitting out on deck with blankets and hot chocolates in hand, hardly weather for topping up on my tan but was still nice to be out in the fresh air.

 

I totally forgot to go to the Afternoon Tea Time today which was Chocoholics...Oh well will make sure to make it to next weeks cruise.

 

Tonight we are either going to eat in the Colonade or Patio Grill depending on how frigid and windy it is outside tonight. Can't believe they are serving up the Nigerian Shrimp again 2 nights out of three here onboard the Sojourn yet there is a shortage of the little critters on the Quest????

 

More to follow later tonight from the Sojourn about to sail into open waters and crossing the Gulf of Lyon enroute to Marseille, France.

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update, Day 3: Evening at Sea Enroute to Marseille, France

 

 

We have decided to eat inside as the winds have picked up to force 8 on the beaufort scale and sea swells are at 3 meters high currently. We have approx. 135 nautical miles to go in order to reach Marseille, France at 8:00am tomorrow morning.

The ship surprisingly is holding up very well in these rough seas although the spray from the waves and whiteheads are coming over past our window on Deck 4.

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn enroute to Marseille, France.

[Seabourntraveller]

Good Morning from the sleepy and tired Sojourn. Last night was a very rough night at sea with winds hitting the ship at over 75 m.ph. or beaufort 10 which is gale force. We were being tossed around all night onboard the Sojourn, even as I am typing this it is still quite rough and bouncy this morning as we head ever so closer to Marseille. The weather forecast for today looks to be pretty much the same as yesterday in Palamos, Spain a high of 14C or 58F under partly cloudy skies....I don't think today will be another good day to work on my tan here in the Med.

 

I really feel as if I only slept maybe an hour last night if that so we will see what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into today in Marseille. Speaking of trouble, no pot smoking heathens thus far or half naked grandpa's in bathrobes up to now....it's still quite early in this cruise so give it time is what I say.

 

More to come after I get my double shot of espresso and Americano Coffee in me from Seabourn Square here onboard the Sojourn.

[Seabourntraveller]

Well I knew it wouldn't take too long before someone would break my dullness streak here onboard. As I am typing away here in Seabourn Square, who is waddling down the hallway but a bald headed Kojac looking individual wrapped up in a bathrobe (3 sizes too small) barefoot wanting a coffee. From the looks of it he either is coming from one of the pools or hasn't finished his potty training yet?:eek::eek::eek:....unbelievable!!!!

[ajpeter]

Monday morning; Sitting here with my cup of tea behind my laptop while you are having your coffee and cake at the sojourn's Seabourn Square. Enjoying your blog to the fullest at least twice a day. Hanging on to your lips/fingertips full of exciting tales.

Did you have the godly delicious 'goat cheese souffle' the other night? I loved them so much on the Spirit going thru the panama canal last jan/febr.

Have a wonderfull day.