Newbie to Seabourn - live from the Quest

[taxman1]

My wife, 15 year old son and I are on our first Seabourn voyage. We are not new to cruising; this is #5 for my son, 10 for me and 11 for my wife. The previous 4 were on Holland America with 2 TA crossings, 1 Med and 1 Caribbean. The others were a mix of RCCL and NCL.

 

First - The good:

 

Check in was great; very efficient and no lines. We did have an escort directly to our cabin upon check-in just after 1:30. The buffet at the Colonnade was very good with good service outdoors.

 

Room steward is a doll; just finishing up her 4th contract. Extra hangers were immediately found and preferences for soaps/ice tea/pull out sofa arrangement all addressed.

 

Service around the pool area has been great along with the Patio Grill daytime offerings (have yet to try the grill for dinner).

 

The sewage smell that so many commented upon is non-existent thus far.

 

The bad:

 

The smell of cigarette smoke on the 5th deck is very noticable when walking by the admin offices/conference rooms.

 

The Observation Lounge is a small ash tray when even one cancer stick is ignited. When more than one is lit this topic moves into the ugly category very quickly.

 

The ugly:

 

Dinner service in the Restaurant our first night could not have been more disappointing. Cocktails had way too much lime; the salad was drenched in salad dressing when it was specifically requested on the side; water glasses never refilled as staff never asked how we were doing during the main course. The asst MD came over upon seeing my wife reaching for my son's unused water as he was drinking tea. Before the flame-throwers are lit, yes we did raise the issues to the wait staff who appeared more annoyed than embarrassed. When the Asst MD asked how dinner was we were very blunt in our disappointment. He promised to make it up to us the following dinner service.

 

Upon arriving at the Restaurant for our second evening the Asst MD saw us approach and did nothing to meet and whisk us away to make up for the evening before. As such, I specifically requested not to be seated in the same area as the night before. Dinner last night was spectacular; just slightly quick. I applauded the MD as we left the Restaurant.

[Seabourntraveller]

My wife, 15 year old son and I are on our first Seabourn voyage. We are not new to cruising; this is #5 for my son, 10 for me and 11 for my wife. The previous 4 were on Holland America with 2 TA crossings, 1 Med and 1 Caribbean. The others were a mix of RCCL and NCL.

 

First - The good:

 

Check in was great; very efficient and no lines. We did have an escort directly to our cabin upon check-in just after 1:30. The buffet at the Colonnade was very good with good service outdoors.

 

Room steward is a doll; just finishing up her 4th contract. Extra hangers were immediately found and preferences for soaps/ice tea/pull out sofa arrangement all addressed.

 

Service around the pool area has been great along with the Patio Grill daytime offerings (have yet to try the grill for dinner).

 

The sewage smell that so many commented upon is non-existent thus far.

 

The bad:

 

The smell of cigarette smoke on the 5th deck is very noticable when walking by the admin offices/conference rooms.

 

The Observation Lounge is a small ash tray when even one cancer stick is ignited. When more than one is lit this topic moves into the ugly category very quickly.

 

The ugly:

 

Dinner service in the Restaurant our first night could not have been more disappointing. Cocktails had way too much lime; the salad was drenched in salad dressing when it was specifically requested on the side; water glasses never refilled as staff never asked how we were doing during the main course. The asst MD came over upon seeing my wife reaching for my son's unused water as he was drinking tea. Before the flame-throwers are lit, yes we did raise the issues to the wait staff who appeared more annoyed than embarrassed. When the Asst MD asked how dinner was we were very blunt in our disappointment. He promised to make it up to us the following dinner service.

 

Upon arriving at the Restaurant for our second evening the Asst MD saw us approach and did nothing to meet and whisk us away to make up for the evening before. As such, I specifically requested not to be seated in the same area as the night before. Dinner last night was spectacular; just slightly quick. I applauded the MD as we left the Restaurant.

 

These ***"Live from's"*** are starting to catch on I see?:eek:

Where are the daily menus for all 4 Restaurants, Daily Activities etc.?..LOL;)

[taxman1]

I can't type 90 words a min like you Sir. I will say the menu has been similar to what you have previously posted. The lamb chops in the dining room last night were great! Thank you for the fantastic prep work!

[tusabrat]

I'm was so tempted to book my next trip on this line, but I really think I'll have to pass. Cigarette smoke is not only unpleasant to breathe in, but makes you stink from head to toe, too - your hair and clothes all hold the smell.

 

That's a shame.

[Roxburgh]

My wife, 15 year old son and I are on our first Seabourn voyage. We are not new to cruising; this is #5 for my son, 10 for me and 11 for my wife. The previous 4 were on Holland America with 2 TA crossings, 1 Med and 1 Caribbean. The others were a mix of RCCL and NCL.

 

First - The good:

 

Check in was great; very efficient and no lines. We did have an escort directly to our cabin upon check-in just after 1:30. The buffet at the Colonnade was very good with good service outdoors.

 

Room steward is a doll; just finishing up her 4th contract. Extra hangers were immediately found and preferences for soaps/ice tea/pull out sofa arrangement all addressed.

 

Service around the pool area has been great along with the Patio Grill daytime offerings (have yet to try the grill for dinner).

 

The sewage smell that so many commented upon is non-existent thus far.

 

The bad:

 

The smell of cigarette smoke on the 5th deck is very noticable when walking by the admin offices/conference rooms.

 

The Observation Lounge is a small ash tray when even one cancer stick is ignited. When more than one is lit this topic moves into the ugly category very quickly.

 

The ugly:

 

Dinner service in the Restaurant our first night could not have been more disappointing. Cocktails had way too much lime; the salad was drenched in salad dressing when it was specifically requested on the side; water glasses never refilled as staff never asked how we were doing during the main course. The asst MD came over upon seeing my wife reaching for my son's unused water as he was drinking tea. Before the flame-throwers are lit, yes we did raise the issues to the wait staff who appeared more annoyed than embarrassed. When the Asst MD asked how dinner was we were very blunt in our disappointment. He promised to make it up to us the following dinner service.

 

Upon arriving at the Restaurant for our second evening the Asst MD saw us approach and did nothing to meet and whisk us away to make up for the evening before. As such, I specifically requested not to be seated in the same area as the night before. Dinner last night was spectacular; just slightly quick. I applauded the MD as we left the Restaurant.

 

Good and balanced comment. It is true that, from time to time, service in one area or another can be disappointing. Generally, in my experience it is an aberration and it is rare for the problem to recur systematically.

 

Smoking is, unfortunately, an emotive and recurring issue. We have been on five Seabourn cruises and on only one, the most recent, was it a problem. But, for non-smokers. when it is a problem it is a serious one. In fairness to Seabourn, the problem was worse on our only Regent cruise. In any event, it is an issue that Seabourn will have to revisit.

 

Perfection is so very hard to achieve and nobody really gets there. But, from our experience, Seabourn gets the closest which is why we will be on our sixth Seabourn cruise in September.

[purpleally]

I'm was so tempted to book my next trip on this line, but I really think I'll have to pass. Cigarette smoke is not only unpleasant to breathe in, but makes you stink from head to toe, too - your hair and clothes all hold the smell.

 

That's a shame.

 

I'm curious; which line are you going on that you will not encounter cigarette smoke?

 

BTW, when were on Sojourn in May, I did not notice what OP said about cigarette smoke.

[Emperor Norton]

Roxburgh: I'm curious which Regent ship you had the smoke issue on. Voyager for me was beyond foul near computer connections with cigar smoke that seemed to vent everywhere but out.

[juli2020]

I'm curious; which line are you going on that you will not encounter cigarette smoke?

 

BTW, when were on Sojourn in May, I did not notice what OP said about cigarette smoke.

 

Oceania has a very strict policy when it comes to smoking. One can smoke but only in a small limited area (in one part of one lounge) and outside (a very small area near the pool). No smoking is allowed in the cabins/suites or on the verandas. If you are caught smoking in the cabins/suites or verandas....You will be disembarked at the next port. I saw very few smokers on Oceania.

 

On Regent (Navigator) which also has limited smoking (no smoking in suites/verandas)...I found the area near the Navigator Lounge (coffee connection) /library/computer room reeking of smoke.

 

Even Silversea is not allowing smoking on the verandas anymore.

 

One of our all time favorite cruises was on the Legend. It is too bad that Seabourn doesn't rethink their smoking policy which allows smoking in the suites/verandas. That is a deal breaker for my husband and I. It is near impossible to get the smell of smoke out of the suites. Even hotels in Europe have smoke-free rooms now.

[Seabourntraveller]

Smoking on the Sojourn was never a problem either...even with Miss "W" who smokes like a chimeny!:confused:;):confused:

[Roxburgh]

Roxburgh: I'm curious which Regent ship you had the smoke issue on. Voyager for me was beyond foul near computer connections with cigar smoke that seemed to vent everywhere but out.

 

baychilla ... it was Voyager. Only one outside bar where smoking was allowed including cigars. The smoke from there permeated other outside areas including the walking track on deck up. The air in the casino was toxic and there was another bar opposite the casino where smoking was also allowed. And all this despite Voyager having a dedicated smoking lounge.

[lincslady]

Maybe Seabourn could restrict in suite smoking to just one suite on the bigger ships - for one particular person who spends most of her time on them? I think the rest of us might not find that too bad! Can't help thinking that this person might be the reason they have not already banned in suite/on veranda smoking.

[Seabourntraveller]

Maybe Seabourn could restrict in suite smoking to just one suite on the bigger ships - for one particular person who spends most of her time on them? I think the rest of us might not find that too bad! Can't help thinking that this person might be the reason they have not already banned in suite/on veranda smoking.

 

you're kidding me?:rolleyes:

[adoctor]

Just back from Venice-Rome on Quest.

This was our best cruise to date.(Much better than our last trip on Silversea and last year on Sojourn to Norway)The whole ship had a buzz about it with motivated staff and a committment to excellance.The food in the Colonade hit consistent heights and the sourcing of fresh fish from the local markets a real highlight.On the wine front an Argentinian Melbec and the NZ Sauvignon Blanc were the pick.Our stewardess was also brilliant.

Cruise director,hostess, and entertainment also on top form.

Only two critisisms: firstly, like others the smoking in the Observation Lounge.Yes you can smell smoke in other areas but its not a real issue for me.In the OL its unpleasant and after a couple of nights we took our cocktails elsewhere.

Secondly Restaurant 2 needs a rethink.Its so old hat and passe.A good steakhouse concept(like Regent) or oriental fusion might be fun.

We will return next year.

[Roxburgh]

Just back from Venice-Rome on Quest.

This was our best cruise to date.(Much better than our last trip on Silversea and last year on Sojourn to Norway)The whole ship had a buzz about it with motivated staff and a committment to excellance.The food in the Colonade hit consistent heights and the sourcing of fresh fish from the local markets a real highlight.On the wine front an Argentinian Melbec and the NZ Sauvignon Blanc were the pick.Our stewardess was also brilliant.

Cruise director,hostess, and entertainment also on top form.

Only two critisisms: firstly, like others the smoking in the Observation Lounge.Yes you can smell smoke in other areas but its not a real issue for me.In the OL its unpleasant and after a couple of nights we took our cocktails elsewhere.

Secondly Restaurant 2 needs a rethink.Its so old hat and passe.A good steakhouse concept(like Regent) or oriental fusion might be fun.

We will return next year.

 

Agree on R2 and I love the idea of an oriental theme as you can get good steaks in the other restaurants.

[taxman1]

To pick up from where we left off ....

 

The past two evenings in the Restaurant have been exceptional. The MD had seated us in the same section and the staff is just wonderful. As a matter of fact, my "Goose and tonic" along with Mrs. M's "cosmo" seemed to arrive at the table magically because neither one of us remember placing our order. Appears we are back on track!

 

Lunch today in the Colonnade provided my very first SB moment. Upon arriving back on board just after 1pm from our private tour (pre-arranged via the internet) rather hot and sticky, we proceeded to the Colonnade for lunch whereby we were greeted with cold face cloths at our table on deck. The most gorgeous light breeze came upon us just as I wiped my face; perfection!

 

The staff around the pool area seem to arrive each time the last ice cube melts to replace our glasses. Cannot say enough about Andras, Stef and Christopher. Well done!

 

The first night of the ship's entertainment was pretty good. All four singers has a nice harmony and one female singer had a set of pipes. Not typical for cruise ship entertainment. We missed last night's show featuring UK's X- factor finalist. Tonight is a comedian.

 

Breakfast on deck at the Colonnade has been wonderful the past two mornings. Service is excellent and the selections wonderful. I forgot to mention earlier, at today's lunch there was a section at the buffet offering fresh local seafood. Again, well done!

 

To come back to the smoking - my only complaint is with the OL. We have not experienced the smoke issue anywhere else on board. The Club is wonderful. The big issue for us is my 15 year old is a classical pianist and unfortunately the OL is where the piano player resides each evening.

[Keith1010]

taxman1, excellent thread. It's your thread so write it the way you want. Anyone who takes the time to post from a cruise should be applauded with no one should be asking even to be funny way why you don't include items on their live thread.

 

Just my two cents, as someone who does these live posts myself, for those who want to debate back and forth about issues such as smoking just start a new thread. This allows this thread to be focused on the entire voyage.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with everyone.

 

Keith

[fairbourne]

taxman1, excellent thread. It's your thread so write it the way you want. Anyone who takes the time to post from a cruise should be applauded with no one should be asking even to be funny way why you don't include items on their live thread.

 

Just my two cents, as someone who does these live posts myself, for those who want to debate back and forth about issues such as smoking just start a new thread. This allows this thread to be focused on the entire voyage.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with everyone.

 

Keith

 

Keith1010

 

I too am enjoying Taxman1's thread, especially his SB moments! :) But you know as well as I do that the mere whiff of a puff will result in a debate.

[wripro]

adoctor,

 

Glad you had such a great cruise on the Quest. My only comment is that you refer to R2 as old hat and then go on to suggest a steak house which was old hat 100 years ago. Admittedly, R2 is not everyone's cup of tea but it most certainly is not old hat imo.

[WilloGuy]

taxman1, excellent thread. It's your thread so write it the way you want. Anyone who takes the time to post from a cruise should be applauded with no one should be asking even to be funny way why you don't include items on their live thread.

 

Just my two cents, as someone who does these live posts myself, for those who want to debate back and forth about issues such as smoking just start a new thread. This allows this thread to be focused on the entire voyage.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with everyone.

 

Keith

 

I agree too, Great Thread and excellent job of writing.

I just started reading the Seabourn Board again as the "Seabourn Withdrawals" have started again.

Standing by for your next post!

[seabournaddict]

taxman1, excellent thread. It's your thread so write it the way you want. Anyone who takes the time to post from a cruise should be applauded with no one should be asking even to be funny way why you don't include items on their live thread.

 

 

 

Keith

 

fully agree Keith. Taxman, I may have missed it, but what is your itinerary and how long are you on the Quest for? I am yet to try to "big" ships, so enjoy hearing all about them. Think it will be one of the big ones for us next time.

[seabournaddict]

would also be interested in hearing how your 15 year old enjoys the cruise.

[CraftyEC]

Have they sorted the flickering lights in R2? When we were aboard in September we went to eat in there but thought we would have to leave to prevent DH developing a migraine. They are using eco-friendly bulbs, but not the (more expensive) dimmable ones, so the lights in the wall features flickered constantly, one panel particularly badly. By sitting in the centre of the room, with his back to the worst panel, we managed, but it didn't make for a comfortable evening for him.

 

That was probably our major gripe of the trip, although DH was also irritated by the coffee cups in Seabourn Square which are, apparently, almost impossible to use if you drink your coffee left handed! They have angled handles, very trendy but not 'inclusive.'

 

Otherwise it was a brilliant trip.

[taxman1]

My 15 year old son is enjoying the trip very much. He is not new to cruising as this is his 5th voyage. He is not the only "teenager" on board and like him, all are very well behaved. I estimate about 15-20 "kids" onboard. The CD has allowed my son to practice on the piano in the Club during the day which is helpful as we finish this cruise on the 26th in Barcelona.

 

We arranged a private tour in Sorrento for Pompei. Our driver arranged a few hour private guide at Pompei to hit the highlights. I highly recommend a private guide for your first visit to Pompei. Our guide was a professor who during the summer months works with Loyola University students on week long trips through Pompei. My son was in his glory; so was mom and dad. If anyone is searching for a private driver in Sorrento look up "Joe Bananna" on the internet. His staff was excellent. The small restaurant he suggested after Pompei served the most fresh sandwiches we experienced. And the garden in which we ate was gorgeous - lemon trees all along the outside perimeter with plenty of shade.

 

Lipari was a lazy day around the pool and a late afternoon movie. Speaking of the in-suite entertainment, what a joy. Reminds me of Singapore Airlines. First rate movies in addition to many previous year releases which offer "classics" for almost any taste.

 

Using Joe Bananna's once again in Catania we toured Taormina. The location of the Greek theatre is spectacular; perfect view of Mt. Etna and the sea. The shopping along the narrow streets is fun with a range of goods. You can shop for the typical tourist items to great Sicilian wine to high end clothing. My son found a "metal" creation of a man playing a grand piano - Eur 72.

 

Today we are in Valleta. Having visited here once before we will most likely spend most of the day around the pool with possibly a taxi ride out to the glass factory for a companion to our cocktail table masterpiece from our last journey.

 

More to come ....

[billichka]

Thanks Taxman1, I am thoroughly enjoying your writings!

[Keith1010]

taxman1 glad you enjoyed your last two ports of call.

 

I think that Taormina is one of the nicest little Italian towns we have ever visited. It's fun to just stroll around the town.

 

I also think for a first time visit to Pompeii it's smart that you had a private guide. There is so much to see and to learn and a guide can really be a big help. I recommend the same thing for those touring the Vatican Museum.

 

Continue to enjoy!

 

Keith