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

[Seabourntraveller]

Of course, I'm lurking! Enjoying your posts. Don' think I would like your weather!

The weather is actually not that bad Patti22....today is sunny and 20C or 68F currently and could get possibly warmer as we head towards Portofino, Livorno and Civitavecchia....stay tuned!;)

[Seabourntraveller]

I admit it, I'm lurking! Wishing I were cruising--but not where the sea is so rough. Sorry about the poor suite location, but when you book a guarantee you take your chances.

 

When we booked this cruise on March 29th, there was only GTY's left so couldn't even pick a cabin even if we wanted to at that time. We have never booked a cruise 14 days prior to sailing before...lesson learned I guess but we have always received great upgrades before on a GTY...just not this time!:mad:

[Seabourntraveller]

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

 

I would venture to guess that the Patio Grill is weather dependant mostly and since the British Isles are no "hot spot" I can't see it being open at night a hell of a lot. You will have to report back and let us all know.

The little critters can ALWAYS be ordered in advance with one days notice in the event you have a craving for those bug eyed little critters starring at you while you are chomping on your Filet Mignon.:eek:

[margbem]

Avidly reading and enjoying posts, as last time! It keeps me going whilst waiting for our next trip on the Legend in September. Have a great time!

 

Margaret

[Seabourntraveller]

Today's Activities Onboard Sojourn: Day 5 Monte Carlo, Monaco

 

 

8:00am Arrival into Monte Carlo, Monaco

8:30am Tender Service begins, Deck 3 AFT

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

12:00 Noon Colonde Opens for lunch until 2:00pm Greek theme

12:30pm-3:30pm Patio Grill opens for lunch serving Seafood and Fish

2:00pm Unhosted Social Bridge Play, Card Room Deck 7

3:00pm Spa Seminar: "Increase your Metabolism", The Spa Deck 9

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

4:00pm-5:00pm Afternoon Tea and Piano Melodies, ObservationBar Deck10

4:30pm Ballroom Dance Class with Dana and Marius, Grand Salon Deck 6

5:00pm Sojourn Team Trivia Challenge, The Club Deck 5

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

5:30pm Last Tender: As Seabourn Sojourn prepares to set sail.

6:00pm Departure: Seabourn Sojourn sails for Portofino, Italy

 

Evening Activities Onboard Sojourn: Elegantly Casual Dress

 

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

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

8:45pm Evening Melodies with Guitarist Michael Liebler

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

9:45pm "Rock the Boat Dance Party, The Club Deck 5

[kiltie]

Guilty - another "lurker" here. Just back two weeks ago from the Legend so enjoying this blog greatly (as I did last time!)

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update on Tomorrow's port of Portofino;

 

Portofino has been canceled for tomorrow due to the Italian Government not allowing Seabourn to anchor as they have traditionally done in the past. Instead we are being diverted to Portovenere and our time of call and departure will remain the same.

 

We also got a call from the Guest Services Manager that a V6 CAT has become available and you don't even want to know what they wanted to charge us even though we were booked on a GTY CAT A which was the last cabin. As I explained to him we have sailed a 100 days with Seabourn and booked this and another 42 days on the Odyssey at the end of the year and if that isn't enough of a spend for Seabourn then I should perhaps take our business elsewhere as I don't appreciate being "nickled and dimed". He said he would speak with the Hotel Manager again about it and I said "Not to Bother" I will escalate this matter to John Delaney's Office as I already had an email into him.

 

Going for lunch at the Colonade now and take in the beautiful sights off the AFT.

 

More to follow later today from the Sojourn in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

[ajpeter]

you keep working on that V6 cabin. Otherwise your fans here need to start bombarding the Sojourn with emails to get you there.

Tell the hotelmanager to read your blog......;)

[jmkoilers]

Thank you for your wonderful and interesting updates. My wife and I are due to board the Legend May 10th to visit some of the same ports you are seeing now, so it is nice to hear a current view. Interesting tidbit about Portofino - do you know if this is just a one time issue or will it affect our cruise as well? We also appreciate your candor and comparison between ships as that may help us decide on our 'next' cruise. Yes, you always need to plan ahead. Keep up the fantastic blog and usher in some warmer weather for our cruise. Thanks again.

[Cruisin Simon]

Yet another lurker here! We are joing the Sojourn on 4th May, our first time on one of the "big" ships after 10 cruises on the little sisters. I am following your reports with interest to get an idea of the differences between the Sojourn and the little ones we know and love so much.

 

We've also been spending some time with the "opposition" (SS), so I'm looking forward to returning to Seabourn with a fresh and open mind.

 

Thanks for taking the time to keep us all posted.

 

Simon :)

[Seabourntraveller]

Dinner Options Onboard Tonight:

 

 

The Restaurant

 

First Course

 

Gingered Shrimp Roll,seaweed salad, grilled scallion

Parma Ham with Asparagus, aged balsamic, ricotta flan, olive oil

Spring Chicken Cassoulet "En Croute", creamy forest mushrooms, truffle oil, fresh tarragon

Wild Mushroom Minestrone, mascarpone dumplings

Roasted Garlic & Potato Soup, rosemary croutons, crunchy pancetta

Babby Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomato & Cucumber, tapenade croutons, creamy parmesan and garlic dressing

Citrus Marinated Hearts of Palm, carrot puree and artichoke chips

 

 

Main Course

 

Seared Orange Roughy with Polonaise Garnish, fingerling potatoes, thyme braised leeks

Pan Sauteed Sea Scallops, Corn & Scallion Risotto, green asparagus, roasted sweet pepper puree

Asian Spiced Duck Breast, preserved confit and ricotta cannelloni, kumquat sauce

Grilled Filet Mignon, rosemary infused boulangere potatoes, grilled vegetable lasagna, peppercorn sauce

 

Vegetarian- Baked Egg and Asparagus Gratin, truffled mushrooms

 

 

 

Restaurant 2:

 

 

Chef's Cocktail: Poached Shrimp Martini Balsamic Jelly, Split Saffron Vinaigrette

 

Foie Gras Creme Brulee, Syrah Honey Syrup

Crisp Duck Confit Filo, Navy Bean Cassoulet

Smoked Duck Carpaccio, Foie Gras Terrine, Arugula

 

Lobster & Lemongrass Presse, Lobster Herb Ravioli

Shellfish Cappuccino, Seared Beef Crostini, Ginger Jello

 

Roasted Dorade, Forked Potatoes, Braised Leek Ragout, Smoked Bacon Jus

Pan Seared Quail Breast, Porcini Risotto, Port Wine Reduction

 

White Chocolate Mousse, Plums & Almond Foam, Pistachio Cracker, Passion Fruit Sorbet

 

 

The Colonade- Tuscany Market

 

"Join us this evening for a burst of Tuscan Flavours"

 

 

 

Patio Grill- Barbeque;

 

 

Appetizers (from the Buffet)

 

California Rolls

Crab and Avocado Cocktail

Marinated Grilled Vegetables

Smoked Halibut, Honey Mustard

 

PIZZA (From the Buffet)

 

Chicken BBQ

BBQ Sauce, Chicken, Corn, Peppers, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Onions, Garlic

 

 

PASTA

 

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Lobster, Elbow Pasta, Bechamel

Cheddar Cheese

 

FROM THE GRILL

 

BBQ Brushed Sirloin Steak

BBQ Glazed Corn Fed Chicken Breast 10oz

BBQ Glazed Salmon

Tamarind GLazed Jumbo Shrimp

 

Sidings

 

Corn on the Cob, Grilled Vegetables, Roasted Potato

 

Sauces

 

Peppercorn, BBQ

 

 

DESSERTS

 

Assorted Cheese

Individual Apple Pie

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Fresh Fruit

Ice Cream and Sorbet

[Seabourntraveller]

Thank you for your wonderful and interesting updates. My wife and I are due to board the Legend May 10th to visit some of the same ports you are seeing now, so it is nice to hear a current view. Interesting tidbit about Portofino - do you know if this is just a one time issue or will it affect our cruise as well? We also appreciate your candor and comparison between ships as that may help us decide on our 'next' cruise. Yes, you always need to plan ahead. Keep up the fantastic blog and usher in some warmer weather for our cruise. Thanks again.

 

jmkoilers, apparently it will affect the whole season, unless the ship can be at a pier which it can't, they are not allowing any tendering and anchoring in Portofino. Apparently this is a decision coming from the Italian Government directly.

[RachelG]

jmkoilers, apparently it will affect the whole season, unless the ship can be at a pier which it can't, they are not allowing any tendering and anchoring in Portofino. Apparently this is a decision coming from the Italian Government directly.

 

WOW, that affects a lot of cruises. There aren't any cruise ships that I know of that can be at the pier in Portofino. Glad I was there last year.

[fairbourne]

Hi ST!:)

 

Am so glad all your lurkers, eh I mean followers are "coming out" as it were"! LOL!

 

I hope you will proclaim them all to be members of the SNOB club (SeabournitesNotOnBoard) and tell that Hotman to sort your suite out quick quick because SNOBs soon become SOBs ( now now MarianH, SeabournitesOnBoard - not what you were thinking!! LOL!) and any Hotman doesn't want trouble from any old SOB does he??? :eek:;)

 

Hope you managed to top up your tan today, sounds like you had great weather forecast.

 

Can't wait to read all about M.C.

 

Over and out.:D

 

oh and I suppose you'll no doubt tell be telling us that the Patio Grill is open this evening serving those, oh well those, saying through gritted teeth, shrimp things that no-one likes, so I don't know why they bother myself, really I don't!:p

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update on the weather;

 

The skies have completely clouded up this afternoon after 2:30pm and the temperature has fallen to 14C from our beautiful 20C and sunny this morning.

We headed indoors and up to the Observation Bar for Tea Time and had some sweet treats with a hot cup of Mokaccino...yummy yum.....warms you up and quick.

 

We set sail in less than 1 hours time for Portovenere which is less then 140 nautical miles from Monte Carlo. We are hoping the seas remain calm tonight and hopefully we might be able to enjoy dinner in the Patio Grill as we really do enjoy this informal type of dining on holidays....dying to try the Lobster Mac and Cheese!

 

I got a call from Guest Services saying that my referral coupon of $400.00 will be applied to our account later tonight. I guess Mr. Delaney has responded to the ship directly, now I am awaiting his response to this upsell they have tried to pull on us earlier today....let's see stay tuned!:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

WOW, that affects a lot of cruises. There aren't any cruise ships that I know of that can be at the pier in Portofino. Glad I was there last year.

 

Apparently the town of Portofino had complained to the Italian Government after the Costa Concordia incident and didn't want any possibility of any mishaps.

[Seabourntraveller]

Hi ST!:)

 

Am so glad all your lurkers, eh I mean followers are "coming out" as it were"! LOL!

 

I hope you will proclaim them all to be members of the SNOB club (SeabournitesNotOnBoard) and tell that Hotman to sort your suite out quick quick because SNOBs soon become SOBs ( now now MarianH, SeabournitesOnBoard - not what you were thinking!! LOL!) and any Hotman doesn't want trouble from any old SOB does he??? :eek:;)

 

Hope you managed to top up your tan today, sounds like you had great weather forecast.

 

Can't wait to read all about M.C.

 

Over and out.:D

 

oh and I suppose you'll no doubt tell be telling us that the Patio Grill is open this evening serving those, oh well those, saying through gritted teeth, shrimp things that no-one likes, so I don't know why they bother myself, really I don't!:p

 

SNOBs LOL!!!! and SOBs hehehhehe

Well no HotMan or Guest Services Manager but thruthfully I practically told him (GSM) to go get stuffed on the phone earlier in the day.

I have since sent another email to John Delaney Sr VP Sales and Marketing for Seabourn so let's see what he responds to this paid upgrade/upsell. He responded very quickly to the ship about the $400.00 referral credit being applied.

 

Monte Carlo was great especially the 12 euro cappuccino's :mad:

We walk all around the Marina and up to the Royal Casino Money Penny. Monte Carlo in off season isn't all the furry it is in full summer with diamond collared pets out in full force, Chanel booties pour chiens etc. I saw none of that today in Monte Carlo, not even Karl Lagerfeld could be found on this off season day in the French Riviera.

 

More to come later tonight as we get ready to sail in less than 30 minutes for Portovenere, Italy.

[Seabourntraveller]

Hi ST!:)

 

Am so glad all your lurkers, eh I mean followers are "coming out" as it were"! LOL!

 

oh and I suppose you'll no doubt tell be telling us that the Patio Grill is open this evening serving those, oh well those, saying through gritted teeth, shrimp things that no-one likes, so I don't know why they bother myself, really I don't!:p

 

Patio Grill OPEN tonight and No Little Critters on the Menu...so sad too bad!:D...Lobster Mac and Cheese is an appropriate substitute for the critters?

[fairbourne]

Patio Grill OPEN tonight and No Little Critters on the Menu...so sad too bad!:D...Lobster Mac and Cheese is an appropriate substitute for the critters?

 

Enjoy - haven't tried it but it does sound delicious!

 

We too loved the informality of the Patio Grill dining on the Quest, perfect for those lazy nights when you simply can't be bothered to change into anything too grand for dinner, don't want room service, but want to "dine out".

 

12 euros for a Capp - that's ridiculous and we thought Capri was expensive!

 

Good luck with JD and let us know.

 

30K views and rising! (that's got to be worth an FOC upgrade).

 

Come on you shy "Lurkers" make yourselves known! :D

[marchanxiety]

The only time we did not choose our cabin was in 2001 for a cruise around the British Isles. We responded to a price offer in the mail. It was less than half of what we had paid for a two-week cruise three years earlier. We got the second suite from the bow! I spent several of the first few days seasick. As the ship wasn't full several other guests and crew members suggested that we asked to be moved. DH did so, and he was told that several travel agents were getting on later in the cruise. No upsell even offered. I have never booked without knowing the suite location again. Now Seabourn did offer an upgrade from V6 to Penthouse last summer, but we had already left for Europe and the TA couldn't reach us with the offer in time. Don't know if an upsell was involved.

[wripro]

I think it is a fait accompli that the days of complimentary upgrades are over. SB is now offering upsells instead. I know that those of us who have sailed with SB for a long time and are used to booking a guarantee with the expectation of an upgrade are disappointed but that's the way it is now. And frankly, it shouldn't have anything to do with the number of days sailed. Otherwise the person who has sailed 100 days will lose out to the one who has sailed 200 days and so forth. Then nobody is happy. jmo.

[jmkoilers]

Thank you for your quick response about Portofino. Time to do some research on what we may want to do in Portovenere instead.

 

Ever thought of approaching Seabourn to be a guest speaker - you definitely have the ability to share the wealth of knowledge you've been able to gain with others. Besides, from capturing the number of views it is obvious people are interested in what you have to say - I know I am!

[MillieMeter]

Hi,

I have also been lurking on your blog. Love all the info you are sharing. I must say not as exciting as your last cruise---sounds as if there are too many "normal" people on this trip!

Wish we could blast the boards and get you an upgraded suite but I guess it just ain't happening.

Maybe "Neo" with his great influence and love of Seabourn could contact the Boss and do something.

Anyway, just wishing you a continuing great cruise and keep your eyes open for scandal and intrigue.

I have to live vicariously thru your posting until August when I will be on board again!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[MARIANH]

Patio Grill OPEN tonight and No Little Critters on the Menu...so sad too bad!:D...Lobster Mac and Cheese is an appropriate substitute for the critters?

 

SOB - No sustitute at all. Those big critters who's name we dare not speak look so appealing as they sit on your plate, eying you up. And they are a challenge to eat. Not so with Lobster Mac where all the hard work has been done for you.

 

Call me shellfish but I would go for a pra... ( oops nearly said it) every time.

 

I am surprised Fairbourne has not eaten Lobster Mac as I am advised it is a known scottish dish ( hence the name) prepared with lots of Mac and not much Lobster:rolleyes:

 

And did you see that the offensive Troll was removed to the inner darkness. Hopefully for good. Or did you miss his/her mutterings?

[Seabourntraveller]

I just received a response by email from Seabourn from Richard Meadows Office detailing below. We will be enjoying our Complimentary Upgrade as of late tonight and our additional $400.00 OBC. Thank you Seabourn for doing the right thing!

 

Dear Mr. Seabourtraveller,

 

 

Thank you for your email addressed to Mr. John Delaney. Mr. Delaney has reviewed your comments and asked me to respond on his behalf. We sincerely apologize for our delayed response, and we greatly thank you for your patience.

 

 

First and foremost, we are sorry to read about your dissatisfaction regarding the referral program terms and conditions. We acknowledge your feedback and we truly appreciate that you have taken the time to share your thoughts for us. Comments are important to us and are definitely considered in the ongoing evaluation of our loyalty program. As you now are aware, our referral onboard credit is non-combinable with other promotional onboard credits. When your agency’s promotional credit was applied the higher of the two was kept on the booking because we were not able to combine them. Though we do not have immediate plans for any changes, we have made all appropriate senior management aware for their information and consideration in future planning.

 

As a special one-time exception to our policy due to the disappointments you have detailed, we would like to extend the $400.00 Onboard Credit. Please be advised we asked the Guest Services Manager to ensure this is applied against your shipboard account.

 

 

Additionally, we were sorry to learn about the noise issues you have been experiencing in your suite. We truly regret any discomfort, and we have also asked the Guest Services Manager to provide the alternative suite to you as compliments of Seabourn.

 

 

We thank you for contacting us. Also, we thank you for choosing Seabourn and recommending us to your friends and family, and we do hope you enjoy the remainder of your time on board.

 

Warm regards,

 

Ms. Sydney Leonor

Senior Advisor

Office of the President