Asleep at the helm or Live-ish from the Pride

[Mr Luxury]

 

I think we have one of those on board, IIRC shes near Mrs. Witsky(sp) in number of days sailed and gets invites to the crew bar and other perks.

 

quote]

Maybe she is a very interesting and entertaining person.

 

Or she could be Lorraine T :eek:

[Emperor Norton]

 

Or she could be Lorraine T :eek:

 

I believe that would be correct;) Which makes me wonder what electra edited out:confused:

 

 

Day 13 8 Aug @ Sea Elegant casual

 

Restaurant –

First:

Pepper seared beef tataki, truffled celery tagliatelle

 

Grilled & Roasted vegetable terrine, spicy greens, tomato vinaigrette, marinated feta cheese

 

Seafood tournedos, quick cabbage sauté, sauce a l’americaine

 

Mushroom & parmesan broth, procini and chives

 

Roasted eggplant soup, sun dried tomato croutons, balsamic infusion

 

Marinated young vegetables with romaine, salsa verde

 

Braised leek confit with crunchy onions, mustard-sherry vinaigrette

 

Main:

Pan seared Dorade “Royal”, mascarpone mash, tomato basil salsa, red wine butter sauce

 

Crisp pan fried crab cakes, marinated napa slaw, cilantro

 

Honey roasted quail with foie gras stuffing, savory potato ragout, glazed roma tomatoes, truffle pan sauce

 

Pancetta wrapped veal tenderloin, stuffed onion, soft polenta

 

Vegetarian – soft potato gnocchi, asparagus & asparagus butter

 

R2 “Spanish Bistro”

Starters –

Poached lobster ceviche, avocado tartar, cilantro and lime dressing

Or

Roasted bell pepper and eggplant salad with Xeres vinaigrette

 

Soup/Salad –

Zarzuela, rich seafood soup with saffron and toasted country bread

Or

Manchego cheese and fig empanada, water cress salad and Serrano ham

 

Mains –

Castilian-style rib-eye steak, roast potatoes, piquillos and jus

Or

Spanish grilled gamba’s, chorizo saffron risotto, tomato marmalade

 

Deserts –

Caramelized guava cheesecake, dulce de leche sauce

Or

Crème Catalan, caramel sauce, fresh berries

 

0800 Fitness class – club

0900 Beginners bridge – card room

1000 Crossword puzzle – library

1000 Spa seminar – club

1000-1500 Grand Russian bazaar (buy more Russian stuff here!)

1100 Speaker series – Bly, Bounty, Pitcairn Island, plus lies, oh my! – Magellan

1100 Intermediate bridge – card room

1215 Team Trivia challenge – Constellation lounge

- why is it so hard to determine which North American city has the largest Chinese population?

1400 Spa Seminar – the club

1400 Social bridge – card room

1515-1615 Blackjack tournament – casino

1600 Afternoon Kaiserschmarn tea – Constellation lounge

1630 Friends of Bill W (did they just arrive I don’t recall seeing this before) – card room

1700 Galley tour – Restaurant

1800 Epicurean event – reception

1830 Pre-dinner showtime – Magellan lounge

1830 Club cocktails – club

2130 Club melodies – Romantics – club

2145 Showtime – electric cellist – Magellan lounge

2230 Romantic melodies – romantics – club

2315 Dance melodies – seabreeze till 0015) club

[LN50]

'1800 Epicurean event – reception'

 

Have you any idea what this was?

[Emperor Norton]

'1800 Epicurean event – reception'

 

Have you any idea what this was?

 

This was a few tables set up with random finger food/canapé type things.

[lincslady]

This was a few tables set up with random finger food/canapé type things.

 

True - but some interesting and tasty things, like serrano ham specially carved etc. The main problem on the small ships is it is held around the reception area, with effectively nowhere to sit down, and it is not easy to wander round with a glass in one hand, a plate in the other, choose what to eat and chat to others when there is a crowd around! In a fairly small space. On Sojourn we had one in the Club, where you went outside to get your goodies and could then come in and sit down with them, a bit more civilised. Anyway, something else nice that the staff do for us, and they do make a real effort so one feels (almost) obliged to attend.:)

[Xcrew]

 

Or she could be Lorraine T :eek:

 

No guests are invited to crew bar.

Not even Lorraine T (or Mrs. Witsky).

 

Common rumor among guests.

[Emperor Norton]

True - but some interesting and tasty things, like serrano ham specially carved etc. The main problem on the small ships is it is held around the reception area, with effectively nowhere to sit down, and it is not easy to wander round with a glass in one hand, a plate in the other, choose what to eat and chat to others when there is a crowd around! In a fairly small space. On Sojourn we had one in the Club, where you went outside to get your goodies and could then come in and sit down with them, a bit more civilised. Anyway, something else nice that the staff do for us, and they do make a real effort so one feels (almost) obliged to attend.:)

 

Thank you for that. My experience has been "need more room" on this ship (as well as "need smarter passengers!").

[Emperor Norton]

 

No guests are invited to crew bar.

Not even Lorraine T (or Mrs. Witsky).

 

Common rumor among guests.

 

That's interesting X (should I bold/italicize/font alter that bit)crew. As on this trip I've had veteran crew as well as stripers (eg: officers) ask that individual how she enjoyed her time there. Honestly from an "all are treated equal" perspective I'd love to believe you, but alas from what I've seen and heard shes getting more than that.

 

Pro tip: DO NOT order Steak Diane off the regular menu. It is - well GARBAGE (I had a less pleasant German word ready). However, with the main Ass't Maitre'D as a table side order it is EXCELLENT (supposedly the best in Seabourne, after tonight Id believe it.).

Edited August 9, 2012 by baychilla

[Emperor Norton]

As I speak with more varied crew it's appearing that the person in question MAY have gotten their invite by hosting the crew party. OTOH I've heard of the visits far, far before the crew party bit so I'm still not quite a believer. (yay for them for purchasing a crew party).

 

Generic thing: The wine lists that have been posted seem to have changed. Ill post the generic complimentary and purchase lists later but IIRC one or both of these aren't what you will find on their site.

Edited August 9, 2012 by baychilla
Girgich is teh bomb!! er get some actual sommeliers

[Emperor Norton]

Day 14 9 Aug Sassnitz

Elegant Casual

 

Restaurant:

First –

Rare seared ahi tuna in fennel crust, nicoise salad, basil pesto

 

Marinated heirloom tomatoes & buffalo mozzarella, lemon vinaigrette, basil sorbet

 

Oven baked chicken and vegetable spring roll, chili dipping sauce

 

Duck consommé, shredded crepes, julienne vegetables

 

Parsnip & pear soup, caramelized pears and crisp parsnip

 

Baby romaine with Caesar style vinaigrette, garlic croutons, parmesan cheese

 

Grilled figs, frisee & radicchio lettuce, lime confit, aged balsamic

 

Main –

Pan roasted filet of grouper on melted leeks, truffle dressing

 

Prawns “Saltimbocca” artichoke, cauliflower and salsify ragout

 

Oven roasted double cut pork tenderloin, prosciutto-gruyere filling, gorgonzola spaetzle pasta, sauce charcuterie

 

New York Steak “Diane”, glazed vegetables, chateau potatoes

 

Vegetarian – Roasted asparagus vole au vent, goat cheese, chive pan sauce

 

R2 “Tasting”

Chef’s cocktail: caviar in the cloud, foggy potatoes

 

Cowboy roll – seared flank steak, Portobello, sesame sauce

Barbequed Salmon – jalapeno, 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

 

Grilled beef tenderloin, forest mushrooms, truffled emulsion

Floating lobster, pesto cream, red pepper fondue, lime forth

 

Apricot beignets, citrus compote, calvados ice cream

 

0800 Arrival

0800 Fitness class – club

0830 Hospitality desk – reception

1000 Crossword – library

1000 Board games – Constellation lounge

1400 Unhosted bridge – card room

1400 Unhosted chess – card room

1600 Afternoon tea – Constellation lounge

1630 All aboard

1700 Departure

1830 Pre-dinner show –Romantics – Magellan

1830 Club cocktails – club

2130 Club melodies – Seabreeze – club

2200 Liars club – club

2300 Dance melodies – seabreeze - club

[Emperor Norton]

Wine list “Subject to change”

Complimentary pours –

 

White Wines

Gavi La Scolca, Piedmont, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc Wingspan, Nelson, NZ

Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, Louis Latour (never heard of that country before)

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling (again an interesting country)

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy

 

Red Wines

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Sirius Rogue, Bordeaux, France

Merlot Santa Alicia, Central Valley, Chile

Cotes du Rhone Les Trois Courones, Rhone, France

Stapburgunder (Pinot Noir) St. Michel Eppan, Italy

Cabernet Sauvignon-Pinotage Heron’s Nest, Stellenbosch, SA

Merlot Anakena, Rapel Valley, Chile

Brassfield Shiraz, California (so good the whole state is its appellation :rollsyeyes)

Wild Oak St. Francis Vinery, California (“)

-Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” 4 bottles left

 

Rose/blush

J.P. Chenet, Cinsault/Grenache

Selection of local dry rose wines

[Emperor Norton]

Day 15 Aug 10 Kiel Canal

Formal optional with non optional text verbage

 

Restaurant

First –

Malossol caviar, smoked salmon & crunchy potato latke, lemon cream

 

Seared veal carpaccio, young spinach, pesto vinaigrette, parmesan shavings

 

Sauteed escalope of foie gras, roasted apples, caramelized honey

 

Consomme of oxtail, root vegetable timbale

 

Butternut squash soup, scallop flan, pumpkin seed oil

 

Boston bibb lettuce & grilled asparagus, port wine dressing

 

Melon & Mizuna leaves, crisp bacon, poppy seed dressing

 

Main –

Pan sautéed halibut, braised salsifies, asparagus, grain mustard buerre blanc

 

Butter poached “open lobster ravioli”sweet corn and mushroom fricassee

 

Roast lack of lamb Provencale, gratin potatoes, ratatouille, sweet garlic rosemary jus

 

Filet of beef Wellington, sautéed vegetables, pommes dauphine, Madeira jus

 

Vegetarian – Porcini stuffed rigatoni, parmesan mushroom broth, haricots verts, caramelized onions

 

R2 “Elegant Bistro”

Starters –

Malossol caviar, smoked salmon & crunchy potato latke lemon cream

Or

Sauteed escalope of foie gras, roasted apples, caramelized honey

 

Soup/Salad –

Consomme of oxtail, root vegetable timbale

Or

Boston bibb lettuce & grilled asparagus, port wine dressing

 

Mains –

Butter poached “open lobster ravioli”sweet corn and mushroom fricassee

Or

Herb crusted lamb chops, fondant potatoes in mustard jus, peas and wilted lettuce

 

Deserts –

Crème brulee en parade jasmine, cappuccino, classic vanilla

Or

Warm Belgium waffle with cherry compote, bourbon vanilla ice cream

 

0800 Breakfast on deck – Sky bar

0800 Fitness class – spa

0900 Beginners bridge – card room

1000 Crossword – library

1000-1400 Russian Souvenir Bazaar (3rd times the charm?) – club

1030 Cooking Demonstration – Magellan lounge

1100 Intermediate bridge – card room

1215 Team Trivia – Vancouver, SF or Toronto which has more Chinese people? – Magellan lounge

1430 Bridge play – card room

1515 Texas Hold ‘em tournament – casino

1600 Afternoon Tea – Constellation lounge

1830 Capts Farewell reception – Magellan lounge

1830 Club cocktails – club

2130 Romantic melodies – romantics – club

2145 showtime broadway/west end past/present – Magellan lounge

2230 Club melodies – Romantics – club

2330 Dance melodies – Seabreeze - club

[billichka]

Wine list “Subject to change”

Complimentary pours –

 

White Wines

Gavi La Scolca, Piedmont, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc Wingspan, Nelson, NZ

Grand Ardeche Chardonnay, Louis Latour (never heard of that country before)

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling (again an interesting country)

Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Italy

 

Red Wines

Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon Sirius Rogue, Bordeaux, France

Merlot Santa Alicia, Central Valley, Chile

Cotes du Rhone Les Trois Courones, Rhone, France

Stapburgunder (Pinot Noir) St. Michel Eppan, Italy

Cabernet Sauvignon-Pinotage Heron’s Nest, Stellenbosch, SA

Merlot Anakena, Rapel Valley, Chile

Brassfield Shiraz, California (so good the whole state is its appellation :rollsyeyes)

Wild Oak St. Francis Vinery, California (“)

-Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” 4 bottles left

 

Rose/blush

J.P. Chenet, Cinsault/Grenache

Selection of local dry rose wines

 

No Aussie wine - the high AUD$ must be taking it's toll......

[Mr Luxury]

 

No guests are invited to crew bar.

Not even Lorraine T (or Mrs. Witsky).

 

Common rumor among guests.

 

You're wrong

 

LT,Myself and a few others have hosted crew parties in the crew bar.

[Mr Luxury]

No Aussie wine - the high AUD$ must be taking it's toll......

 

Yes,Penfolds Grange is a bit rich for the complimentary pour.:)

[electra2008]

 

I think we have one of those on board, IIRC shes near Mrs. Witsky(sp) in number of days sailed and gets invites to the crew bar and other perks.

 

quote]

Maybe she is a very interesting and entertaining person.

 

I did not edit anything out, just a sp mistake. What's IIRC?

[electra2008]

Looks like something is going crazy with the quotes at least one of the quotes has my name on that I did not write and I see Mr Luxury has also been misquoted.

[seabournaddict]

I was wondering what IIRC was too! Glad I am not the only one. ;)

[Emperor Norton]

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly

 

 

Day 16 11 Aug @ Sea

Last real day I has a :(

Disembarkation stupidity I have a :mad:– instead of docking where we expected we’re now docking elsewhere. Instead of getting coaches/taxis to show up at the new terminal we’re (lol) bussing to the original terminal to catch the buses/taxis there. /facepalm

 

Resort Casual

Restaurant –

First:

Poached octopus terrine, new potato and nicoise olive salad, verjus vinaigrette

 

Seared lamb loin & goat cheese napoleon, roasted nicoise olive vinaigrette

 

Warm leek stuffed artichoke, braised chanterelles, ricotta salata, and toasted hazelnuts

 

Clear oxtail bullion, braised oxtail pancake, broccoli and green peas

 

Roasted sweet corn potage, lobster croutons

 

Red oak & roasted beet salad, crisp salsify, red wine vinaigrette

 

Soba noodle & seaweed salad, soy and lime vinaigrette

 

Main:

Crisp sautéed tuna, curried tomato couscous, crisp red onions, tomato vinaigrette

 

Crisp soft shell crab, green & white asparagus risotto, lobster foam

 

Truffle roasted crispy chicken, truffle twice baked potato, wilted escarole, bacon bits

 

Grilled filet mignon, parmesan potato gratin, roasted shallot marmalade

 

Vegetarian – baked tomato & ricotta cheese tian, confit tomatoes

 

R2 “Steakhouse”

Starters:

Roasted tomato & goat cheese tian, asparagus, Dijon vinaigrette

Or

Crisp crab cake, red onion salad, truffle remoulade, spiced greens

 

Soup/Salad:

Roasted garlic soup, chive Chantilly, crunchy rosemary brioche

Or

Caesar salad, sour dough croutons, shaved parmesan

 

Mains:

Beef fillet mignon 8oz

NY Sirloin steak 10oz

Fillet of Salmon 7oz

 

Served with: Ratatouille, sautéed green beans, rosemary roast potatoes or mashed potatoes

 

On the side: Jus natural, peppercorn sauces, béarnaise or lemon caper sauce

 

Deserts:

Fresh strawberry cheese cake, Graham cracker, walnut tuille

Or

Port wine poached pears, lemon sherbet, white chocolate crisp

 

0800 Fitness class – club

0800-1800 Paperback book exchange – club

0900 Beginners bridge – card room

1000 Crossword – library

1000-1400 Life & works of Carl Faberge – club

1100 Dr. Crimes on Amsterdam – Magellan lounge

1100 Intermediate bridge – card room

1200 Galley market lunch – Restaurant

1215 Final team trivia (imo trivia timing is terrible) – Constellation lounge

1400 Social bridge – card room

1600 Afternoon tea – Constellation lounge

1830 Pre-dinner showtime “electric cellist” Magellan lounge

1830 Club cocktails – club

2130 Club melodies – Romantics – club

2145 Movie “Darling companion” – Magellan lounge

2200 Farewell blues night - club

[electra2008]

I was wondering what IIRC was too! Glad I am not the only one. ;)

You and I have very similar reactions to some posts.

[Emperor Norton]

y4R pH34r u5 1337 tYp3z!1!one...;) (sorry my job is owning yer interwebz :p;)) Er, that is, if you have access to the internet and those sites don't immediately explode you can thank me. If this isn't the case I have the info on some coworkers:D

 

The cruise is almost over. Thats sad. On the other hand I won't have to wait for a seat to open up because the bar staff held if for Lorraine. (serial folks if you hold it 3+ hours and she never shows I can't be the only secret squirrel type that notices/comments on that). The crew does try. Well, aside from the bar manager who biatched and moaned at a passenger who spent the last 16 years in Brazil. First, the passenger knew his stuff drink wise, secondly, you NEVER do a shoulder shrug/WHATEVER like you did. That's just a sign for "send me to carnival please"

 

Officers and most of the staff have been great this cruise. The future cruise sales person/shoreside people imo need a kick and replacement. When 9/10 of the time they're not available "see ya!". In my other review (eg: pictures and all ) I will comment more later but if you want a really super quick and dirty: skip Regent and Silversea. As a couple, I dont know. As a single, fight it out between this and Crystal.

[mariners]

Looking forward to reading your review. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[Emperor Norton]

Looking forward to reading your review. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Thank yee. From Nelson, Sonja, Ivan, Paul and Jon (scottish n00b from Crystal/Disney) Thank you. The staff on this ship has restored my faith in what cruising should be. In fact, Id like to see this same crew on a South American/Antarctican cruise. I can be the worlds most condescending/sarcastic SoB yet this crew has for the most part been nothing but kudos worthy. The passengers for the most part have been great (Hello M/G from Connecitut and those from AuS/Canadia). Goodbye forevever for those n00bz who had cameras smacked away by guides AND staff. While my photo/personal review will be forthcoming I will say this: Only at a few points does this line fail. Even at those the only competition could possibly be Crystal, otherwise, Seabourn >>> others. CIAO till my spymasters recover me:p

[lincslady]

Another out of date person here - what is a n00b or n00bz, please? I do know SOB, and ciao, but this is a new one on me.

[bestsister]

Thank you for this review. I have enjoyed reading it, but must be honest and say that half the time I haven't understood a word you were saying!