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

[Seabourntraveller]

Cello and ST: I still think Seabourn Traveller is a double agent!! I love the food on Seabourn and know it well but my favorite part of your posts are the travel within the various ports. I know many people do "destination ship" but if I was going to spend a lot of time on the ship, the transatlantics are for me. I have been on a similar itinerary as this on Seabourn, and when you write about the ports, it brings back such happy memories!

 

 

RNH: DOUBLE AGENT!:confused:...you have me in stitches! Finally you show up to the party.;)

[MillieMeter]

I am confused!!!

 

Is Seaborntraveller a man or a woman? On some of the posts , I was sure she was female and now ST is being referred to as male. So ST which are you ?

 

I am pretty sure you were a couple before you started this second part of your cruise and only one of you returned---but which one? And do both of you post at various times while on the cruise?

 

Just curious , no special reason. I assumed at first ST you are female, I guess I just cannot imagine my husband or most men being so observant and enjoy giving so many details of what is going on on your cruise and spending so much time entering info online.

 

Heck , my hubby can barely read his email--he came along after the techy time and until retirement had a secretary do all of it for him.

 

Please , if you don't feel it is an invasion of your privacy, could you tell me your gender and at times does your other half post on your thread?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[redheadednancy]

RNH: DOUBLE AGENT!:confused:...you have me in stitches! Finally you show up to the party.;)

Yes, a double agent....traveler and also with Seabourn ties. I know it probably isn't true, but it makes for a good story! I have been at the party all the time, but after being gone five months this year ( 2-1/2 on Seabourn), it is time to pay the piper. The garden awaits and that is where I am most of the time. I am usually reading posts late at night and fall asleep still reading. It's not the posts, it's the age!! Have fun!

[Seabourntraveller]

I am confused!!!

 

Is Seaborntraveller a man or a woman? On some of the posts , I was sure she was female and now ST is being referred to as male. So ST which are you ?

 

I am pretty sure you were a couple before you started this second part of your cruise and only one of you returned---but which one? And do both of you post at various times while on the cruise?

 

Just curious , no special reason. I assumed at first ST you are female, I guess I just cannot imagine my husband or most men being so observant and enjoy giving so many details of what is going on on your cruise and spending so much time entering info online.

 

Heck , my hubby can barely read his email--he came along after the techy time and until retirement had a secretary do all of it for him.

 

Please , if you don't feel it is an invasion of your privacy, could you tell me your gender and at times does your other half post on your thread?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

OK confused MillieMeter....here goes.

 

1. MALE and always have been.

 

2. I am the "One" that returned, the "One" that ALWAYS posts on here and the ONLY "One" that post's on here. We do not do shift work and whereas one posts while the other one sleeps. One Poster ONLY at all times....ME!..:)

 

3. Because of the line of work I am involved in for the past 20 years I have an eye for details.;)

 

Hope this answers the "myths" about me/us and also being a "Double Agent" and/or Seabourn Employee which I am not.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Departure for Portimao, Portugal;

 

Captain Elliott just came over the P.A. to tell us all that because of the high wind gusts in excess of 35 m.p.h. we will be needing the assistance of two tugs to pull us from the pier and escort us out of the harbour and narrow straights until we reach the break waters.

 

The winds are forecasted to stay with us tonight as we enter back into the Atlantic Ocean heading west bound for Portimao, Portugal. We have a distance of 126 nautical miles to travel before we reach Portimao, Portugal tomorrow morning.

 

We expect to have swells and some movement onboard the ship tonight but nothing serious apparently.

 

We currently just waiting on the harbour pilot to come onboard and we should be on our way in the next 10-15 minutes.

 

Further Update: We will be sailing at 30 minutes later than scheduled due to the availability of the tugs that we need in order to push away from the pier. Because of the high winds we cannot leave the pier on our own power and need 2 tug boats to assist us.

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn about to set sail for Portimao, Portugal.;)

[purpleally]

Our bags are packed and by the door; leaving for the airport in less than two hours. Flying to Amsterdam and on to Lisbon Friday morning where we are staying at the Four Seasons Ritz before joining ST on Saturday.

[Fisherlady48]

just an observation. As ST is so well in tune with Seabourne, there are others here on CC that do other lines, ie Radio with his affinity for all things Royal especially out of Baltimore, and others. But I do love your eye for detail.

 

Thanks.

 

K

 

ps how are you doing with the smokers next door on their balcony?

[josephone]

Hi Cello

We have been on most of the Seabourn ships and what you say is true. Getting the second drink is often difficult and getting wine is always slow. We also are not known on seabourn and receive fine service, but nothing we wouldn't expect.

We too had trouble figuring out the ins and outs on board and it took time. If you don't know what you are reading in the Herald it doesn't have meaning to say there are local folks in Seabourn Square. It took us a long time to figure that they had maps.

The Patio Grill in our experience was impossible to reserve. I do envy ST. He has better luck than we have ever had.

[Seabourntraveller]

Hi Cello

We have been on most of the Seabourn ships and what you say is true. Getting the second drink is often difficult and getting wine is always slow. We also are not known on seabourn and receive fine service, but nothing we wouldn't expect.

 

 

The Patio Grill in our experience was impossible to reserve. I do envy ST. He has better luck than we have ever had.

 

That's because they DO NOT accept reservation at the Patio Grill on the Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest. The Sky Grill on the Little Sisters do however accept reservations and it is suggested to make them in advance.

 

Again when the Patio Grill does well over 80 covers as they did last night and everyone arrived all at once at 7:30pm; it did throw the service off. Even I had to wait for a top off as well and I am NOT KNOWN on Seabourn.:rolleyes:

[Seabourntraveller]

just an observation. As ST is so well in tune with Seabourne, there are others here on CC that do other lines, ie Radio with his affinity for all things Royal especially out of Baltimore, and others. But I do love your eye for detail.

 

Thanks.

 

K

 

ps how are you doing with the smokers next door on their balcony?

 

Thank you.

I think that was a compliment?:eek:

 

Not doing well with them next door SMOKERS but they are leaving in Lisbon (Haleluia)..:-)

[Seabourntraveller]

Our bags are packed and by the door; leaving for the airport in less than two hours. Flying to Amsterdam and on to Lisbon Friday morning where we are staying at the Four Seasons Ritz before joining ST on Saturday.

 

 

Safe travels and bring a can or two of "Slim Fast" for me would you.:D

[Seabourntraveller]

Evening Update; Departure from Cadiz Enroute to Portimao;

 

We finally have left Cadiz, along with the assistance of the two tugs that took us well over 30 minutes to assist us in manoeuvring out of the harbour. We are just now heading out for open waters and the Atlantic Ocean with a current temperature of 84F or 29C and sunny skies. The winds are a bit strong still gusting at 35 m.p.h. or 7 on the Beaufort scale.

 

Going to head up once a again for the Patio Grill being the "slob" that I am according to Sseabournaddict and enjoy the Grilled Pork Chop and Calamari Pizza from arnold the "Pizza Master".

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn now enroute to Portimao, Portugal under clear skies.:eek:

[Ravenscroft]

We have been on most of the Seabourn ships and what you say is true. Getting the second drink is often difficult and getting wine is always slow.

 

:eek::eek:

We're taking our first Seabourn cruise later this year, I am very disappointed to hear this. Sounds like a ghastly all inclusive hotel we stayed at years ago where a person virtually had to crawl over broken glass to get another drink....

[Ravenscroft]

 

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn now enroute to Portimao, Portugal under clear skies.:eek:

 

Portimao, 20 years ago, was renowned for it's fabulous shoe shops. Great quality stylish ladies shoes, I don't know if it's still the same. I'm ashamed to say that I remember very little about the town itself, apart from the shoe shopping... :o

[marazul]

:eek::eek:

We're taking our first Seabourn cruise later this year, I am very disappointed to hear this. Sounds like a ghastly all inclusive hotel we stayed at years ago where a person virtually had to crawl over broken glass to get another drink....

 

Don't know how fast josephone needs his refills ;), but we never had any problems. A waiter is always around asking if we need refills or bringing the wine bottle to offer more.

[Seabourntraveller]

:eek::eek:

We're taking our first Seabourn cruise later this year, I am very disappointed to hear this. Sounds like a ghastly all inclusive hotel we stayed at years ago where a person virtually had to crawl over broken glass to get another drink....

 

I think if you can't signal or open your mouth to get the attention of a waiter for a second drink then I guess you deserve to sit there and rot like a cactus in the desert IMHO. Last night at the Patio Grill was an abnormality and NOT the norm as I pointed out. I am just now having dinner in the Patio Grill and with only 26 patrons currently everyone is being looked after attentively.;)

[Seabourntraveller]

Dinner Options Onboard Tonight;

 

The Restaurant

 

FIRST COURSE

 

Poached Jumbo Shrimp Ceviche, cilantro and lime

Bresaola, oiive oil braised vegetables

Pan Sauteed Crab Cakes, marinated cherry tomatoes, roasted bell pepper coulis

Vegetable Bouillon, smoked chicken tortellini

Tomato & White Bean Soup, tomato crostini

Mesclun Salad with Endives, seasonal herbs, citrus dijon vinaigrette

Duck Confit & Frisee Salad, sherry shallot dressing

 

MAIN COURSE

 

Pan Roasted Cod Filet, creamy asparagus risotto, roasted mushrooms sauce

Bacon Wrapped Scallops, caramalized cauliflower, artichokes and salisfy ragout sauce duglere

Pink Grilled Veal Mignon & Shrimp Fritters, soft polenta, oyster mushrooms, brocoli rabe

Duo of Aged Sirloin & Braised Short Rib of Beef, honey glazed turnips, mustard greens, red wine sauce

 

Vegetarian- Soy Glazed ****akes & Gingered Greens, crunchy vidalia onions and onion soubise

 

 

Restaurant 2;

 

 

Chef Cockatil: Crispy Foie Gras, Port Wine Plash

 

Lobster Roll, Yogurt Caviar Sauce

Bacalaito Fritter, Avocado & Tomato Salad

Seared Panela Salmon, White Bean Salsa, Piquillo Coulis

 

Shiraz Braised Oxtail Presse, Manchego Potstickers

White Asparagus Vanilla Cappuccino, Mushroom Toast

 

Drunken Turbot, Porcini & Swiss Chard, Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Tuscany Braised Veal, Mascarpone Mashed Potato

 

Dark Choclate Ganache, Espresso Citrus Panna Cotta, Condensed Milk Ice Cream

 

 

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 of Salmon

Pommes Fondant, Braised Artichokes

Lemon Beurre Blanc

 

or

 

"Surf and Turf" Beef Tenderloin & Broiled Lobster Tail

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 GRILL)

 

Frutti di Mare

Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Calamari, Clams and Shrimp

Garlic, Onions

 

 

PASTA

 

Fettucini Pesto, Red Bliss Potatoes, String Beans

 

 

FROM THE GRILL

 

Garlic and Herb Roasted Pork Chop

Pancetta Wrapped Veal Tenderloin

Grilled Branzino

Lamb Rack Chops 10oz

 

 

SIDINGS

 

Asparagus, Tomato Paprika Ragout

Lyonnaise Potatoes

 

SAUCES

 

Bernaise, Balsamic Jus

 

 

DESSERTS

 

Assorted Cheeses

Tiramisu

Lemon Panna Cotta

Frsh Fruits

Ice Cream & Sorbet

[Roxburgh]

:eek::eek:

We're taking our first Seabourn cruise later this year, I am very disappointed to hear this. Sounds like a ghastly all inclusive hotel we stayed at years ago where a person virtually had to crawl over broken glass to get another drink....

 

That is not my experience. I have rarely had a problem in being plied with refreshments.

[Roxburgh]

Portimao, 20 years ago, was renowned for it's fabulous shoe shops. Great quality stylish ladies shoes, I don't know if it's still the same. I'm ashamed to say that I remember very little about the town itself, apart from the shoe shopping... :o

 

I was there on Seabourn Pride in 2009. Pretty little town and a couple of nice buildings. A very nice bakery and coffee shop close to the water as I remember it. Definitely worth walking around but a two to three hour visit is sufficient and not enough for a full day and lunch in town.

 

If there is time, a trip out to Cape St. Vincent is worth doing.

[fairbourne]

I think if you can't signal or open your mouth to get the attention of a waiter for a second drink then I guess you deserve to sit there and rot like a cactus in the desert IMHO. Last night at the Patio Grill was an abnormality and NOT the norm as I pointed out. I am just now having dinner in the Patio Grill and with only 26 patrons currently everyone is being looked after attentively.;)

 

 

Good evening ST!

 

We never had any issues getting drinks, whether it was in the MDR, in the Collonade, out on deck, in fact my "problem" was resisting offers of alcohol as I don't drink very much! ;):)

 

And really the Seabourn Herald is hardly a literary challenge - come on please, it tells you what's happening, your menu for the next day, and if a newbie like me can work out if you need some help or information, you can pick up your in suite telephone, or head along to Seabourn Square (any excuse for another treat from there!), I really don't understand what the issue is? And I'm not being snarky or obtuse, just don't understand!?

 

Now Anthony Blunt, er I mean ST, what are you up to tonight???? Russian roulette? LOL!

 

RHN - lovely to hear from you - I was just thinking the other day, you must have sneaked off on a cruise and not told us! ;):D

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Dinner Update; Enroute to Portimao, Portugal

 

Just came back from another great and tasty meal in the Patio Grill tonight. Eating outside is so much fun when the weather cooperates such as it did tonight. We had very light winds on deck and a temperature of 24C or 76F which made it quite pleasant to dine outside for the "Al Fresco" themed dinner.

 

As I mentioned earlier, the Patio Grill was not packed like last night but rather only 26 patrons. I had some Tutti de Mare Pizza, tried the soup and then ordered the Pork Chop Medium Well with a side order of the Pasta Dish which was divine on it's own. Chef Aaron makes amazing pasta and also all the pasta is hand made fresh each day. Had several glasses of Petit Chablis, Pascal Bouchard and some Tiramisu for dessert...now I am stuffed!

 

We are currently "crawlilng" at a speed of 9 knots and winds of 25 m.ph. or force 5 on the Beaufort scale before we arrive tomorrow morning at 8:00am in Portimao, Portugal.

 

More to come later tonight onboard the Sojourn in the Atlantic Ocean enroute to Portimao, Portugal.:eek:

[fairbourne]

Our bags are packed and by the door; leaving for the airport in less than two hours. Flying to Amsterdam and on to Lisbon Friday morning where we are staying at the Four Seasons Ritz before joining ST on Saturday.

 

I am SO jealous! have a great time and hug the boy (ST) for me! :D:D:D

[Fisherlady48]

Thank you.

I think that was a compliment?:eek:

 

Not doing well with them next door SMOKERS but they are leaving in Lisbon (Haleluia)..:-)

 

 

Of course its a compliment. I love how you detail whats going on on the ship. I read every day, sometimes more than once!! Did you book this as a back to back? And if so, do you have to get off and back on the ship?

[purpleally]

I am SO jealous! have a great time and hug the boy (ST) for me! :D:D:D

Hope he will still want hugs even tho I don't have his slim fast!

[Ravenscroft]

Thank you all for the reassurances about the drinks service, most important to us (ok, my husband) is getting wine glases refilled in a timely manner during dinner.

 

On the subject of liquid, does Seabourn have small bottles of water available to take off the ship when in port?