***Live from the Sojourn, 20-day Iberian and Celtic Sojourn***

[MARIANH]

MARIANH: . Felt the same way about Ireland...cold rainy and dreary except for the occasional sunshine. I did think the wonderful people made up for it! And when all else fails, there's a wonderful pub on every corner!

 

 

Ah , Erin's Isle. I fondly remember a " grand soft day" ( and night) in Cobh ( of Titanic fame) last year. We were on Celebrity Eclipse - don't ask :eek:.

 

Spent a splendid evening in a pub with charming Irish people listening to a great traditional Irish band. Buckets ( well pints actually) of guinness , much bonhomie , good hearted brit baiting and a humungous headache the next day:(

 

Ar feabhas:)

 

Oh, the SUN has just come out here and is glinting on my flooded garden. And we have a hosepipe ban - only in Britain.

[MARIANH]

Don't do anything silly like just having one!

 

Don't schrimp. Have many more and be a Prawn Star.

[electra2008]

Could not submit this entire post in one reply.

 

I enjoyed the short shuttle bus ride to our drop off location, A Dinastia restaurant - look for the broken lighted sign that now spells "Chine," or C ines" or something. On arrival, the New Yorkers behind me began to debate, disappointment in their voices, whether they should stay on the ship. As everyone else climbed down onto the narrow, graffiti marked street, Avenue Dom Afonso Henriques ("Street Where Rental Cars Go To Die), they finally and reluctantly decided they "ought to at least spend an hour in town."

 

On the return trip, I heard snippets of reviews of the stop, all amusing. As we entered the ship, a Grand Dame announced, to no one in particular, "that was awful. I have to complain."

I have been to Portimao many times and yes it is a bit depressing in some places. BUT if you had done some research on the area you were visiting you would have found quite a nice little Portuguese town to walk around and see some quite grand buildings. Quite a nice walk along the seafront a lovely icecream place right on the sea front many very nice little cake shops and a few quite nice and expensive jewlery shops. Sorry about so many "nice's" If you had done some research you could have spent a lovley day seeing some typical Portuguese villages Silves has a Castle well worth visiting and not too far from Portimao. You really did miss an opportunity

G*d help you when you get to Lisbon, our favourite city, I am sure you will have lots to complain about there. Only keep to the main streets as any of the side road will not meet with your approval.

ps by the way Chine is portugues for chinese and the three horse tethered would have belonged to gypsies who leave their horses any where there is " free food" for them I believe that is called local colour.

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Dinner Update; Enroute to Lisbon

 

Just came back from the Patio Grill which was PACKED again tonight. Everyone decide to ATTACK at 7:30pm again tonight and probably take advantage of the nice weather we have been having and eat outside.

I ordered the Filet Mignon with the "critters" and a side order of the Rock Shrimp Pasta which was done to perfection. I washed it all down with some Sangria that Darius the Bartender at the Patio Bar decided upon himself to make for me for tonight (bless his soul since he knows how much I love sangria). For dessert I had the cheesecake which as always was delicious.

 

We had approx. over 60 passengers tonight for dinner and with low winds on deck and a temperature of 24C or 77F made for a comfortable evening outside. Since then the temperature has dropped to 68F or 20C and the sinds have picked up to 28 m.p.h. wind gusts at times or 5 on the Beaufort scale. We have an additional 117 nautical miles to travel before we reach Lisbon tomorrow morning.

 

It's fairly quiet onboard once again tonight and a lot of people are packing and leaving us in the morning. Apparently we are not that many that are in transit tomorrow and on for the next 12 day cruise to Hamburg. I will try and find out the exact number if I can tomorrow.

 

On a separate matter, I noticed yesterday but forgot to mention it, that there was a real foul smell of SH*T on Deck 9 right outside the Spa entrance. I don't know if it's related at all or in any way to the complaints of sewage that MARIANH mentioned about the Quest?

 

More to come from the Sojourn enroute for Lisbon tonight somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.:eek:

[fairbourne]

don't schrimp. Have many more and be a prawn star.

 

 

lol lol lol! :D

[fairbourne]

Sounds like you had a lovely liquidy sort of day ..... ;):D Look forward to reading your news tomorrow.

 

And enjoy the sunshine cos this time next week you'll be sailing round the Pentland Firth I think enroute to sunny Invergordon! hee hee! :eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Sounds like you had a lovely liquidy sort of day ..... ;):D Look forward to reading your news tomorrow.

 

And enjoy the sunshine cos this time next week you'll be sailing round the Pentland Firth I think enroute to sunny Invergordon! hee hee!

 

Nite Nite Fairbourne....me thinks it's a FULL MOON on these boards tonight.

More to come early tomorrow morning from sunny and hot Lisbon!:eek:;):eek:

[fairbourne]

Nite Nite Fairbourne....me thinks it's a FULL MOON on these boards tonight.

More to come early tomorrow morning from sunny and hot Lisbon!:eek:;):eek:

 

LOL! You're not kidding .... !!!

[mariner]

ST, what I find surprising given the part of the world that you're in, no Dover sole?

[Seabourntraveller]

ST, what I find surprising given the part of the world that you're in, no Dover sole?

 

AGREED!

What they have bought locally here onboard is mussels, clams and dorade and also large sardines for grilling.

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 9: Arrival into Lisbon, Portugal; 7:00am-5:00pm

 

Good Morning from Sleepy Seabourn Square.

 

We are just about to pass under the huge suspencion bridge here in Lisbon as we make our final approach towards the pier area where the Sojourn will be tied alongside today until 5:00pm.

The view of the bridge is stunning with the "Corcovado" statue to the left.

 

The seas last night were very calm and no movement of the ship was felt...well at least by me as I was out like a light by midnight.

 

The forecasted high temperature is 84F or 29C here today with partly sunny skies. It's gonna be a hot one!

It appears we are way ahead of schedule and will be docked soon at our berth way before 7:00am. We have the Noordam from Holland America in Lisbon today with us although at a further pier away from us.

 

Today ends the 8 day cruise and we I just found out we have 40 in transit passengers and we are at FULL CAPACITY of 450 pax, every cabin, every cabin holding a third and sofa bed is being occupied. The ship is apparently FULL to capacity to this cruise so let's see how it feels to be "choca block"...this usually also means that's when the "characters" and "cards" show up...stay tuned!

[Seabourntraveller]

Activities Onboard Today;

 

7:00am Arrival

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

12:30pm The Colonnade opens for Lunch until 3:00pm today

2:00pm Snack Menu in the Patio Grill until 4:30pm today

4:30pm All Aboard

4:45pm Passenger Emergency Drill

5:00pm Departure: Sojourn sails for Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

5:15pm Sail Away Social, Sky Bar Deck 8 and 9

5:30pm Friends of Bill W. Meet, Conference Room#1, Deck 5

 

Activities Onboard Tonight;

 

Tonight's Attire: Resort Casual

 

6:30pm Tour Presentation, Grand Salon Deck 6

6:30pm Club Cocktails, The Club Deck 5

7:00pm Solo's Get Together, The Club Deck 5

8:45pm Evening Melodies with Guitarist Brian Chartrand, The Club

9:30pm Nick's Late Night Piano Bar, Observation Bar Deck 10

9:45pm Seabourns Speaker Series: "Oporto & A Coruna, Port & Pilgrims", Grand Salon Deck 6

10:00pm Welcome Night in the Club, The Club Deck 5

[Seabourntraveller]

Itinerary for this cruise:

 

0 12 May 2012 Lisbon, Portugal 05:00 PM

1 13 May 2012 Leixoes (Porto), Portugal 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

2 14 May 2012 A Coruna, Spain 09:00 AM 08:00 PM

3 15 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

4 16 May 2012 Cobh (Cork), Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

5 17 May 2012 Dublin, Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

6 18 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

7 19 May 2012 Invergordon, Scotland 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

8 20 May 2012 Leith (Edinburgh), UK 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

9 21 May 2012 Newcastle upon Tyne, England 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

10 22 May 2012 At Sea (North Sea) CO

11 23 May 2012 Delfzijl (Groningen), Netherlands 07:00 AM 03:00 PM

12 24 May 2012 Hamburg, Germany 07:00 AM

 

We also have that small ship the "Astor" with us again here in Lisbon docked right beside us.

Going for breakfast in about 30 minutes time and hopefully the Colonnade is not a MAD HOUSE!

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Breakfast Update;

 

Just came back from throwing in a load of laundry and from breakfast in the Colonnade. Boy am I glad that I waited until late to go up to the Colonnade as they totally KILLED and ATTAKCED the Colonnade until 9:00am. I had arrived at 8:30am and was able to still get a seat still outside. Had some poached eggs and O.J and finished up by 9:00am to then wisk down to the Launderette (which btw the best time to do laundry is on turnaround morning...no fights, no fuss) and now just waiting for my clothing to dry and then hopefully go out a bit here in Lisbon.

 

We have commenced our bunkering of fuel this morning and it should last the better part of the afternoon as we need to take on a full load before refueling again in Ireland.

 

The weather this morning is burning off the morning fog and the sun is starting to shine finally. They have just announced the Final Call for all guests going ashore at 9:45am. The ship is quiet and I love it!

They will be starting embarkation today around 12:30pm.

 

More to come later today from the Sojourn here in Lisbon, Portugal on turnaround day.;)

[cello44]

I have been to Portimao many times and yes it is a bit depressing in some places. BUT if you had done some research on the area you were visiting you would have found quite a nice little Portuguese town to walk around and see some quite grand buildings. Quite a nice walk along the seafront a lovely icecream place right on the sea front many very nice little cake shops and a few quite nice and expensive jewlery shops. Sorry about so many "nice's" If you had done some research you could have spent a lovley day seeing some typical Portuguese villages Silves has a Castle well worth visiting and not too far from Portimao. You really did miss an opportunity

G*d help you when you get to Lisbon, our favourite city, I am sure you will have lots to complain about there. Only keep to the main streets as any of the side road will not meet with your approval.

ps by the way Chine is portugues for chinese and the three horse tethered would have belonged to gypsies who leave their horses any where there is " free food" for them I believe that is called local colour.

 

 

 

Thank you for educating me about Portimao, it spares me ever having to return. You may have missed the post in which I described myself as, among other things, mean spirited. I also am a snob and an elitist. Having grown up in Los Angeles and lived in large US cities, I am sufficiently familiar with edgy neighborhoods that I do not need to investigate them while on a

luxury cruise.

 

God indeed has been helpful in Lisbon, having provided a lovely TAP Lounge at LIS in which I could view F1 qualifying.

 

Off to the Hotel Ritz Madrid. We have not booked a suite, so we may serve as a reminder to the Club Floor types - at least those who've not recently visited Portimao - of how lucky they are.

[cello44]

ST - this is what I LOVE about you - you take it all in your stride and in spite of it all - you are a true Grand Traveller, you tell it like it is, and you ENJOY your travels in the real world. You also daily entertain us with your tales, which I have to say I don't think I would be so generous in giving up my precious holiday time to do!

 

I really find it quite extraordinary the reactions of some of our US cousins, Grande Dame or nit, when they travel, this reporting is a classic and rather sorry and pathetic example! Some seem unable to embrace the real world or indeed even bother to seek it out!

 

 

In my posts I reported comments overheard. This morning, at our last meal on board Seabourn - superb service and food! - I heard a few more words on the subject of Portimao. I apologize for eavesdropping on fellow passengers, but I am insecure and hearing others voice my own thoughts makes me feel better about myself.

 

Now, as for embracing the real world. Were I inclined to set out to give misfortune a big ole bear hug, I wouldn't try to do it during a few hours respite from my deck chair on a luxury cruiser. Of course, I am not so inclined.

 

Trying to clean up various references to my handful of posts. This one had a bit of oh those ignorant Yanks to it, which caught my ear. Many of us are dumb as dirt. Apparently, as noted in this thread, our own North Carolina has more than its share of dumbnitude. But I'm an Anglophile, and an Italophile, and an elsewherephile, for Pete's sake.

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Lunch Update;

 

Just got back from having a great and funloving lunch whereby I met purpleally and spouse in tow and these two other lovely ladies travelling together, which one of them pronounced themseslves as "Laundry Lady". I ordered the spaghetti cassalinga with fresh pomodoro sauce, pancetta and fresh arugula and a diet coke with chocolate ganache cake with roacky road ice cream.

 

The weather has been struggling to clear up and we have had this heat with haze all afternoon long. It's hot but muggy this afternoon. The Colonnade was full at lunch within 30 minutes time from opening. I guess this would qualify the situation as they were ATTACKING!

 

Now time for a quick cat nap I think to recharge the batteries. Tonight if anyone is interested is "Al Fresco" night in the Patio Grill.

 

More to come from the Sojourn here in Lisbon, Portugal.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Off to the Hotel Ritz Madrid. We have not booked a suite, so we may serve as a reminder to the Club Floor types /quote]

 

How much are they smoking you for staying at the Ritz in Madrid? Anything like the Penthouse on Seabourn?:rolleyes: Enjoy yourselves on Terra Firma mon bon ami!

[Mr Luxury]

Post Dinner Update;

 

 

we had no winds at all.

 

Has the Phantom left the ship?

[electra2008]

Thank you for educating me about Portimao, it spares me ever having to return. You may have missed the post in which I described myself as, among other things, mean spirited. I also am a snob and an elitist. Having grown up in Los Angeles and lived in large US cities, I am sufficiently familiar with edgy neighborhoods that I do not need to investigate them while on a

luxury cruise.

 

God indeed has been helpful in Lisbon, having provided a lovely TAP Lounge at LIS in which I could view F1 qualifying.

 

Off to the Hotel Ritz Madrid. We have not booked a suite, so we may serve as a reminder to the Club Floor types - at least those who've not recently visited Portimao - of how lucky they are.

You'r wellcome:cool: I am sure you are not as mean spirited as you make out to be, if you were, your reactions to some posts might not have been so reasonable. Have a good rest of your trip and remember "cruising is not for everyone".

[Seabourntraveller]

Has the Phantom left the ship?

 

We are not sure if Phantom Farter is on a back to back or has disembarked this morning?:confused::eek::confused:

[Seabourntraveller]

Departure from Lisbon, Enroute to Leixoes, (O Oporto) Portugal;

 

Wow what a Passenger Muster Drill this one was....A Complete DISASTER! We original had four people didn't show up those from #709 and #729 down the hall from me actually. Tthis went on and on for well over 35 mintes until such time that repeated calls for the passengers in #729 were made and even by the Captain. The Captain then came over the P.A. to forewarn the people in #729 that they would be disembarked if they did not show up for the passenger emergency drill. Then out of the blue #709 showed up but still no #729.:eek: I really don't understand why people want to test this proceedure?

 

The Captain then came back over the P.A did not confirm the whereabouts or location of those in #729 and then proceeded to continue the drill. This was the longest Passenger Muster Drill I have ever attended that lasted from 4:45pm until 5:25pm.

 

We have no idea if #729 will be allowed to sail or not with us but we are late in leaving Lisbon already by 30 minutes. We have a considerable way to travel until we reach Leixoes (O Porto) 200 nautical miles from Lisbon so we need to put the "pedal to the metal" as the more delayed we get today in leaving Lisbon, Portugal.

 

The weather today did not improve, although the heat did stay with us and it is currently 84F or 29C under partly overcast skies. The weather forecast for Leixoes, (O Porto) is 76F or 24C under partly cloudy skies for tomorrow.

 

More to come later today from the Sojourn still tied up alongside our pier in Lisbon, Portugal leaving late for Leixoes, (O Porto).

[Seabourntraveller]

Further Update on Muster Drill; At Sea Enroute to Leixoes, Portugal;

 

Well as the worm turns ass we would say. We finally left 1.5 hours late due to the Muster Drill mishap with cabins #627, #709 and #729. Apparently #729 (my neighbours down the hall) finally checked in but #627 did not respond to numerous request, phone calls and annoucements to proceed to the Restaurant for the Muster Drill. Much to thier chagrin they are spending the next 12 days somewhere other than the Seabourn Sojourn as the Captain was not bluffing and they were re-packed, removed and escorted off the gangway and we set sail at 6:30pm finally 1.5 hours late.

 

I guess this really shows that Seabourn is taking this new MANDATORY Muster Drill seriously as should we all. Even Mrs. Witzke must dragg herself down like the rest of us and sit there throughout these Muster Drills time and time again no matter how long she is on the ship. If I wasn't there today I probably wouldn't have believed the story about 2 passengers being denied boarding and left ashore in Lisbon for not obeying this Muster Drill.

 

A word to the wise, DO NOT test thier patience on this one as they will act and you will be disembarked immediately and not alllowed to sail.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Dinner Options Onboard Tonight;

 

The Restaurant

 

FIRST COURSE

 

Black Pepper Sauteed Salmon, fennel and potato salad, anchovy dressing

Duck Galantine, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, hazelnut salad, preserved apricots

Coconut Crusted Jumbo Shrimp, sweet and sour vegetables, soy -sesame dipping sauce

Panamanian King Crab Consomme, roasted sweet peppers

Wild Mushroom Soup, porcini spaetzle, double smoked bacon lardons

Truffled Beet Carpaccio with Red Oak Leaf Lettuce, blue cheese mousse, toasted walnuts

 

MAIN COURSE

 

Pan Sauteed Seabass on Chinese Cabbage Ragout, green apple, onion, grain mustard blanc

Seared Scallops with Crisp Smoked Bacon, braised cabbage, juniper reduction

Crisp Roasted Chicken Breast, sauteed morels, pommes dauphine, tarragon scented chicken jus

Grilled Sirloin Steak & Guiness Braised Short Rib, grain mustard potato mousseline, sweet tomato marmalade

Vegetarian- Truffle Risotto with Warm Asparagus Salad, Butto Fusso

 

 

Restaurant 2;

 

Chef's Cocktail: Lobster Martini, Watermelon Gelee, Vanilla Champagne Froth

 

Artichoke Salad, Seared Sushi Tuna, Black Olive Vinaigrette

Crab & Spinach Pop, Stir Fried ****ake Mushrooms, Bok Choy

Cured & Roasted Duck Breast, Mango, Chili, Mint Oil

 

Lemongrass Seafood Presse, Double Shocked Shrimp

Tomato & Coconut Carppaccio, Braised Oxtail Cigar

 

Crisp Sea Bass, Bean Meli-Melo, Citrus Fondue

Barbequed Glazed Short Rib & Seared Foie Cras, Orange Potato Soubise

 

Sweet Coffee Sandwich, Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream, White Chocolate Foam

 

 

The Colonnade- SURF AND TURF

 

APPETIZERS

 

Poached Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Avocado, Cocktail Sauce

 

or

 

Pan Sauteed Crab Cake

Marinated Fennel & Red Onion Salad, Truffle Remoulade, Arugula

 

or

 

New England Clam, Corn & Potato Chowder

Saffron Essence

 

 

MAIN COURSE

 

Grilled Filet Salmon

Pommes Fondant, Braised Artichokes, Lemon Beurre Blanc

 

or

 

"Surf and Turf" Beef Tenderloin & Nigerian Shrimp

Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Bernaise

 

DESSERTS

 

Layered Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake

 

 

PATIO GRILL- AL FRESCO

 

APPETIZERS (FROM THE BUFFET)

 

Buffalo Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Aged Balsamic

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salisfy and Salami Milano cocktail

Grilled Marinated Vegetables

Seared Beef Carpaccio, Pickled Artichokes

Pesto, Citrus Dressing

 

PIZZA (FROM THE BUFFET)

 

Frutti di Mare

Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Calamari, Clams and Shrimp

Garlic, Onions

 

PASTA

 

Fettuccini Pesto, Red Bliss Potatoes, String Beans

 

 

FROM THE GRILL

 

Garlic and Herb Roasted Suckling Pig

Pancetta Wrapped Veal Tenderloin

Grilled Branzino

Lamb Rack Chops 10oz

 

SIDINGS

 

Asparagus, Tomato Paprika Ragout

Lyonnaise Potatoes

 

SAUCES

 

Bernaise, Balsamic Jus

 

DESSERTS

 

Assorted Cheese

Tiramisu

Cassata Meringue Cake

Fresh Fruits

Ice Cream & Sorbet

[Fisherlady48]

Further Update on Muster Drill; At Sea Enroute to Leixoes, Portugal;

 

Well as the worm turns ass we would say. We finally left 1.5 hours late due to the Muster Drill mishap with cabins #627, #709 and #729. Apparently #729 (my neighbours down the hall) finally checked in but #627 did not respond to numerous request, phone calls and annoucements to proceed to the Restaurant for the Muster Drill. Much to thier chagrin they are spending the next 12 days somewhere other than the Seabourn Sojourn as the Captain was not bluffing and they were re-packed, removed and escorted off the gangway and we set sail at 6:30pm finally 1.5 hours late.

 

I guess this really shows that Seabourn is taking this new MANDATORY Muster Drill seriously as should we all. Even Mrs. Witzke must dragg herself down like the rest of us and sit there throughout these Muster Drills time and time again no matter how long she is on the ship. If I wasn't there today I probably wouldn't have believed the story about 2 passengers being denied boarding and left ashore in Lisbon for not obeying this Muster Drill.

 

A word to the wise, DO NOT test thier patience on this one as they will act and you will be disembarked immediately and not alllowed to sail.:eek:

 

 

WOW.. I am betting there will not be any compensation for those 2.