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


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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.

 

OUCH! What a night:eek:.

 

Sounds like you deserve a bowl of uplifting Marseille Bouillabaisse ( watch out for bones!). Washed down with a glass or three of Provencale Rose. Oh memories:D

 

Here's hoping the weather gods have had their fun and there are calmer seas from now on. And a bit of Mediterranean sun:)

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Really appreciate the posts as I'm on board Sojourn in just under three weeks (first Seabourn cruise) and am finding your review really helpful as there aren't that many to be found. Having the usual dilemma on what to pack (or to be more accurate, what I should leave behind!). I'm getting even more excited reading your daily updates.

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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.

 

Yes I did have that twice Baked Goat Cheese Souffle although I find it very rich.

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OUCH! What a night:eek:.

 

Sounds like you deserve a bowl of uplifting Marseille Bouillabaisse ( watch out for bones!). Washed down with a glass or three of Provencale Rose. Oh memories:D

 

Here's hoping the weather gods have had their fun and there are calmer seas from now on. And a bit of Mediterranean sun:)

 

The weather today is only 14C or 58F and mostly sunny and the winds have died down quite a bit from this morning when we went out. We are now back onboard and no Bouillabaisse on the Horizon here for us neither in the Colonade or Patio Grill.

 

Going to have the Swordfish Special with Julienne Vegetables and Mr. Other half will have the Veal Picatta Milanese with Saffron Risotto. I will be washing it all down with the Petit Chablis. I noticed that they have Cannoli and Tiramisu in the Dessert Buffet area of the Colonade.

 

Perhaps later I might brave the elements again and wonder up on Deck 11 and see if I can upgrade my current tan and then slither down one deck around 4:00pm for Afternoon Tea Time in the Observation Lounge.

 

A lot of people must be still on tour as the Patio Grill was dead and the Colonade is not full to the rafters as usual. We have a nice table here outside on the verandah for lunch. Will be logging back on later this afternoon with a further update.

 

Bon Appetit from the Sojourn here in port in Marseille, France.

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Really appreciate the posts as I'm on board Sojourn in just under three weeks (first Seabourn cruise) and am finding your review really helpful as there aren't that many to be found. Having the usual dilemma on what to pack (or to be more accurate, what I should leave behind!). I'm getting even more excited reading your daily updates.

 

Princess123, you will NOT be dissappointed at all with the Sojourn. We love this ship so much that we are even considering booking the Path of the Vikings for next Sept 3rd 2013, 21 days from Dover to Montreal at the inflated and ridiculous pricing that's how much we love this ship!:D:eek::D

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We are now back onboard and no Bouillabaisse on the Horizon here for us neither in the Colonade or Patio Grill.

 

Going to have the Swordfish Special with Julienne Vegetables and Mr. Other half will have the Veal Picatta Milanese with Saffron Risotto. I will be washing it all down with the Petit Chablis. I noticed that they have Cannoli and Tiramisu in the Dessert Buffet area of the Colonade.

 

 

Bon Appetit from the Sojourn here in port in Marseille, France.

 

Sad there is no fish soup - sorry to have whetted your appetite.

 

Talking of which, your choice of food tonight looks interesting. Especially the veal picatta. It should be nice with a medium bodied Italian red, say a Brunello. But in the absence of this on "the list", why not try the Serego Alighieri ( is it Masi?). Maybe a bit too much oomph for the dish ; but I am keen to know what it is like! So in the interests of science could you try a sip ( or maybe two) and share your opinion:)

 

Enjoy

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Princess123, you will NOT be dissappointed at all with the Sojourn. We love this ship so much that we are even considering booking the Path of the Vikings for next Sept 3rd 2013, 21 days from Dover to Montreal at the inflated and ridiculous pricing that's how much we love this ship!:D:eek::D

We are booked on the 2012 Path of the Vikings, booked in July 2011 there were very few choices of suites left, over 1 year before the cruise. I went to the travel agent on the Tues or Wed, went back to book on the Friday and my choices were gone:eek: had to go up another deck. She is totally booked for this year according to sites I have seen. So if you are serious you will need to bite the bullet.

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Day 4: Evening Enroute to Monte Carlo, Monaco

 

 

We have just left Marseille, France and the views of the Citadelle and Fortress are breathtaking to say the least. The Captain came over the PA to confirm once again this evening the seas will be rough but apparently nothing like last night which he said at 11:00pm at it's peak we had over 70 knot per hour winds or Scale 12 on the beaufort scale which is hurricane level. As I am typing this I can see the aqueduc outside my window as we disembark our pilot.

 

Weather forecast for tomorrow in Monte Carlo is calling for partly sunny skies and a high of 12C or 54F....bbbrrrrrrr!...so much for Nanook of the North working on his tan tomorrow in Monte Carlo!:mad:

 

Because of the high winds the Patio Grill will be closed once again this evening. All other 3 venues are open for dinner.

 

Afternoon Tea Today was pleasant with some of the same fair on offer as the other day....I should have made it to the Chocoholics Lovers Tea Time yesterday...Oh well...snooze you lose!

 

The seas appear to be rough as we are only travelling currently at 9 knots and virtually feel nothing although we can see whiteheads outside.

 

More to come later tonight onboard the Sojourn making her way towards the Cote D'Azur later this evening and into the night before arriving in Monte Carlo at 8:00am. We will be tendering tomorrow in Monte Carlo.:D

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We are booked on the 2012 Path of the Vikings, booked in July 2011 there were very few choices of suites left, over 1 year before the cruise. I went to the travel agent on the Tues or Wed, went back to book on the Friday and my choices were gone:eek: had to go up another deck. She is totally booked for this year according to sites I have seen. So if you are serious you will need to bite the bullet.

 

Bite the bullet looks like it will have to be if our hearts are set on doing the path of the Vikings on the Sojourn on Sept 3rd 2013 for 21 days!

The pricing= OUCH!:mad::(:mad:

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That's so funny, says she sitting here waiting for the snow to arrive tonight! A balmy 8c this afternoon and sunny but thats all about to change!

 

Well from one of Viking descent, I think your planned cruise sounds absolutely wonderful and I imagine that all your avid readers or should that be Followers will have gone straight to the SB site to check it out, so you will only have yourself to blame if it get sold out! LOL!

 

And with this sort of exposure, you should get a double discount from SB! Fat chance eh!!!! ;):)

 

Oh well at least with you all tucked up inside for dining there's no chance that you can wind me up again with mention of those little critters on the Patio Grill!!!

 

So ST looking forward to Monte Carlo or Bust! :D

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Tonight's Dinner Options Onboard:

 

 

The Restaurant

 

 

Crab Meat Stuffed Shrimp Topped with Caviar, lime vinaigrette and baby beans

 

Cream of Salsify, truffle foam

 

Seared Foie Gras with Duck Confit, caramelized apple and aged port wine reduction

 

Refreshing Granny Smith Sherbet with Calvados

 

Crisp Dorade Royal Fillet with Citrus Beurre Blanc, pumpkin ginger mash and prosciutto wrapped asparagus

 

Black Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin, with Red Onion and Sundried Tomato Confit, herb roasted parisienne potato, vegetable bouquet, barolo jus

 

Trilogy of Rhubarb, caramelized cheesecake, moist chocolate cake, compote, ice cream

 

Selection of Prailines & Petit Fours

 

Vegetarian-Eggplant Parmigeana with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and arugula

 

 

 

Restaurant 2:

 

 

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

 

Cowboy Roll- Seared Flank Steak, Portobello, Seasame Sauce

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

Duck Confit Pop-Roasted Pepper Relish, Creamy Chili Dip

 

Tea Smoked Game Presse, Chestnut Spaetzle

Porcini & Chestnut Cappuccino, Honey Spiced Squab & Fig Empanada

 

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

Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Forest Mushrooms, Truffled Emulsion

 

Apricot Beignets, Citrus Compote, Calvados Ice Cream

 

 

 

 

The Colonade- Seafood

 

 

Appetizers

 

Smoked Salmon

Frisee Cucumber Salad, Sour Cream Dressing

 

or

 

Shelfish Ravioli, Lobster Nage, Fresh Tarragon

 

or

 

Islanding Fish & Seafood Soup, Dill Cream

 

 

 

Main Course

 

 

Frsh Monkfish, Roasted Forest Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Olive Oil New Potatoes

 

or

 

Veal Medallions & Prawns

Herbed Gnocchi, Wilted Greens, Pancetta Cream Sauce

 

 

Desserts

 

Drambuie Mousse

Fresh Berries

 

or

 

Pan cake with Vanilla Custard

Lingon-berry jam and honey-Walnut Ice Cream

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Today At A Glance of Activities Onboard:

 

8:00am Arrival in Marseille, France

9:00am Shuttle Bus Service begins and runs every 30 minutes from the pier to Quai du Port.

10:30am Golf Putting Enthusiasts, The Retreat Deck 11

12:00pm Colonade opens for lunch until 2:00pm

12:30pm Patio Grill opens for lunch until 3:30pm

2:00pm Informal Bridge Play, Card Room Deck 7

3:00pm Spa Seminar "Eat More to Weigh Less"

3:30pm Backgammon, Checkers and Chess Get Together, the Club Deck 5

4:00-5:00pm Afternoon Tea Time and Melodies, Observation Bar, Deck 10

4:30pm Galley Tour with Executive Chef Neils, The Restaurant Deck 4

5:00pm Friends of Bill W. Meet, Conference Room #1, Deck 5

5:30pm All Aboard

6:00pm Departure Sojourn Sails for Monte Carlo, Monaco

 

 

Evening Activities:

 

6:30pm Panoramic Piano Moods with Pierre, Observation Bar Deck 10

6:30-8:00pm Club Cocktails, The Clubs, Deck 5

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

9:45pm SHOWTIME: Pianist Singer Raconteur "Marty Henne: The Songs you Know by the People you Don't" Grand Salon, Deck 6

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That's so funny, says she sitting here waiting for the snow to arrive tonight! A balmy 8c this afternoon and sunny but thats all about to change!

 

Well from one of Viking descent, I think your planned cruise sounds absolutely wonderful and I imagine that all your avid readers or should that be Followers will have gone straight to the SB site to check it out, so you will only have yourself to blame if it get sold out! LOL!

 

And with this sort of exposure, you should get a double discount from SB! Fat chance eh!!!! ;):)

 

Oh well at least with you all tucked up inside for dining there's no chance that you can wind me up again with mention of those little critters on the Patio Grill!!!

 

So ST looking forward to Monte Carlo or Bust! :D

 

I have a funny suspicion fairbourne there are A LOT OF LURKERS on this thread compared to last time for some reason!....24K in hits in less than 4 days WOW!

 

I wish Seabourn gave me a double discount discount....sheesh...I am still trying to get them to hounour a referral coupon with this sailing and get me out of this crappy cabin I am in with the trusters as my wake up call each and every morning...and you are talking about double discounts!!!!..LOL:rolleyes::mad:

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Oh well at least with you all tucked up inside for dining there's no chance that you can wind me up again with mention of those little critters on the Patio Grill!!!

 

:D

 

Steady on - what's with " little":(

 

I'm planning to have a plateful of the big bug eyed beauties ( critters) just as soon as possible when we get on the Quest in just a few days. In fact I can see them now hanging over the edge of the plate staring at me with eager anticipation. Or vice versa. West African wonders who do not dare speak their name - yum, yum.

 

And now what wine to complement them? The petit chablis beckons - Agree Seabourntraveller?

 

Suggest you make do with some scottish nephrops norvegicus, Fairbourne. With a drop of Macallan to keep out the cold?;)

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Steady on - what's with " little":(

 

I'm planning to have a plateful of the big bug eyed beauties ( critters) just as soon as possible when we get on the Quest in just a few days. In fact I can see them now hanging over the edge of the plate staring at me with eager anticipation. Or vice versa. West African wonders who do not dare speak their name - yum, yum.

 

Don't YOU start!

 

And now what wine to complement them? The petit chablis beckons - Agree Seabourntraveller?

 

:p:p

 

Suggest you make do with some scottish nephrops norvegicus, Fairbourne. With a drop of Macallan to keep out the cold;)

 

Now you're talking!!! LOL!

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Steady on - what's with " little":(

 

I'm planning to have a plateful of the big bug eyed beauties ( critters) just as soon as possible when we get on the Quest in just a few days. In fact I can see them now hanging over the edge of the plate staring at me with eager anticipation. Or vice versa. West African wonders who do not dare speak their name - yum, yum.

 

And now what wine to complement them? The petit chablis beckons - Agree Seabourntraveller?

 

Suggest you make do with some scottish nephrops norvegicus, Fairbourne. With a drop of Macallan to keep out the cold?;)

 

Enough with the Bugged Eyes Critters!....I would recommend the Pascal Bouchard Petit Chablis if I must sample them with liquids!:p

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Update on tonight's sea conditions;

 

Not as bad as last night but we decided to have some ensuite dinning tonight and apparently so did 57 other cabins...Room Service got killed tonight. I was calling from 8:45pm until 9:15pm whereby the phone was ringing off the hook. I couldn't even get Guest Services on the phone either for the 1/2 hour that I had to call the Guest Services Manager's number to ask him to get Room Service to call us.

 

They sent us a nice bottle of Moet & Chandon with stawberries for the inconvenience which I thought was very nice but was not needed. We can understand that from time to time Room Service does get KILLED. Apparently tonight people are sea sick and also didn't like the Chef's Dinner hence why Room Service was off the hook!

 

More to come later tonight from the sojourn enroute to Monte Carlo, Monaco.

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I have a funny suspicion fairbourne there are A LOT OF LURKERS on this thread compared to last time for some reason!....24K in hits in less than 4 days WOW!

 

Oh yes - Like a good PA (with your worldly status think I should be your PA, not secretary! LOL!) Anyway as I was saying like any good PA I was looking back to see how many hits, I mean views your last travellogue got and you are right there must be a LOT of new lurkers so I think you may well beat your last final count! But the more the merrier!

 

I wish Seabourn gave me a double discount discount....sheesh...I am still trying to get them to hounour a referral coupon with this sailing and get me out of this crappy cabin I am in with the trusters as my wake up call each and every morning...and you are talking about double discounts!!!!..LOL:rolleyes::mad:

 

LOL!

 

have fun in Monte Carlo - why do I have a vision of James Bond in his tux with his bowtie hanging casually untied around his open neck shirt standing on the steps of the casino - oh well a girl can dream! ;):D

 

PS - It would be fun to know who was reading your posts, so how about it lurkers, sign in! :)

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I am enjoying every word as I will be on the Sojourn May 12. Lisbon to Hamburg. As we are going mostly British Isles I am concerned the patio grill may not be open enough and no little critters. Wonder what room service would say if I called and ordered them?:p

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Day 5: Monte Carlo, Monaco 8:00am-6:00pm

 

 

Good morning and welcome to Monte Carlo, Monaco. My morning wake up call now called the anchor has just woken us all up as I forgot to set my alarm last night...one of the many benefits of being in this cabin.

We will be heading up for breakfast shortly in the Colonade. The weather outside my window looks to be chilly just by the cloud cover alone. The Med can be hit and miss as I said in April and looks as though we have been on the receiving end of missing more than hitting this far on this cruise.

Forecasted high today only 14C or 58F partly sunny skies.

The seas last night were not as rough at all compared to the other night.

 

More to come from the beautiful city of Monte Carlo, Monaco later today here onboard Sojourn.

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LOL!

 

have fun in Monte Carlo - why do I have a vision of James Bond in his tux with his bowtie hanging casually untied around his open neck shirt standing on the steps of the casino - oh well a girl can dream! ;):D

 

PS - It would be fun to know who was reading your posts, so how about it lurkers, sign in! :)

 

 

Lurker here!

 

My wife and I will be taking our first Seabourn Cruise on the Sojourn May 4-12 so I'm reading this with great interest. My wife gets seasick easily so hopefully the weather is much better in a few weeks. Looking forward to a great time and thanks for all the info!

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Dear Seabourntraveller,

Do have lunch at the Hotel the Paris while in Monaco. Sending you some sunrays from a clear, sunny german morning, so you can sit at the hotels terrace and enjoy wonderful food and check out the interesting crowd.

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Dear Seabourntraveller,

Do have lunch at the Hotel the Paris while in Monaco. Sending you some sunrays from a clear, sunny german morning, so you can sit at the hotels terrace and enjoy wonderful food and check out the interesting crowd.

 

ajpeter; you must have been sending a lot of rays as we have a revised forecast and it's currently 20C or 68F and sunny now at 9:30am. We just finished a leisurely breakfast in the Colonade and it wasn't overlly busy this morning. We have asked again for next cruise if we could be moved as the dropping of the anchor was our latest wake-up call this morning.

We have been to Monte Carlo countless times and most likely get off the ship and walk around the marina area. Silver Seas has the berth here occupied today hence why we are tendering.

 

People watching is always great fun and had my plate full this morning at breakfast with this German couple who sat next to us ordering a steak and a large cesar salad to share at 8:00am!!!...hearty eaters these German's no? She also proceeded to instruct the wait staff that she wanted a triple espresso in a large tall glass and replenished every 10 minutes with HOT WATER.:rolleyes:

 

Going to stroll around deck and take in the early morning views here onboard Sojourn in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

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