Venice to Athens; 22 September; only our 2nd cruise; some questions

[CoSec]

Our first Seabourn cruise was on Odyssey last September leaving on the 5th from Istanbul to Athens. Perfect weather all the way and Seabourn arranged hotel and transfer to ship. So, this year decided to do the second leg up to Venice starting where we left off last year, which would have meant sailing into Venice early morning, perhaps too early. So opted to have two nights in Venice first and then sail out from Venice in the evening down to Piraeus(again on Odyssey). travel agent has arranged hotel and transfer to ship. Obviously a few weeks later than last year and further North. So some questions of the more experienced Seabourn cruisers:

 

A) the weather forecast, albeit this far out, is looking a bit "iffy" for the start: cool and showery. So, on those days it is a bit too cool to lounge around the pool deck what goes on onboard for those not out on tours ? Didn't arise last year as the weather was brilliant and no at sea days (as is the case this year).

 

B) if it is indeed very cool of an evening, is the outside part of The Colonnade heated in anyway or is it a case of wrapping up?

 

c) check in time now seems, from the boards, to be from 12.30, which coincides with the arrangement our travel agent made for transfers- made before the change to the time was announced and that originally had me concerned we would be too early. Is there a rush to board early with resultant long waits to check in and board and is it a bun fight in The Colonnade, where I believe we are taken first? I assume the traditional welcome line up and personal escort on board still applies from whenever they start the boarding? That was such a surprise and delight on our first cruise and this year we are coming along with a friend whom we have encouraged to try Seabourn and hope she won't miss out on this great start. Last year a Seabourn arranged bus took a small party of us from the hotel to join the ship about 1pm and there were absolutely no queues (lines) at check-in, which all added to the sense of quality. We did go to the Salon to wait for suite avaiability, which was a bit gloomy so going up to The Colonnade to wait sounds much better.

 

D)Finally, we are in suite 804, our friend, 806, and I have discovered recently that 804 is directly below the bit of the bridge that overhangs the ship side to allow the captain more visibility to manoeuvre whilst docking. I wonder how much of an impact that will have?

 

Looking forward to it and in the final countdown now!

[divsec]

Nice to find someone else on the same cruise I am weather watching on the weather channel and it looks great to me.25-30 c during the day and 18-20 in the evening. will be wonderful. Looking forward to the food.

 

Divsec

[Roxburgh]

We are also on the same cruise along with our neighbours who we finally persuaded to try Seabourn. Going all the way to Istanbul (14 days). In response to your questions .....

 

1. I haven't been watching the weather so it is a bit pot luck. But, as we will have spent some time in Scotland prior to arriving in Venice (on the 19th) it cannot be worse ... can it?

 

2. From memory, I don't think the outside pat of the Colonnade is heated.

 

3. My preference is to have a leisurely lunch in Venice and perhaps board a bit later. Not just to miss the rush but I always hate hanging around waiting to sail on that first day.

 

4. I don't think the bridge overhang should have any impact unless you want to look upwards or unless the bridge team decide to play hopscotch.

[PremiumSuite]

Roxburgh, you are right the Colonnade patio is not heated outside and neither is the Patio Grill.

[lincslady]

Re b) and c) I am sure there is no outside heating at the Colonnade, or the patio grill, however, it could easily be warm enough for breakfast and lunch outside if not dinner.

 

We have lunched now twice in the Colonnade after embarking at 12.30 or so; it was never a 'bunfight', quite a few people around but still enjoyable, with all the usual food and wines etc., and normally open until 3. Certainly a huge improvement on being herded into the dismal main lounge with dried-up sandwiches. We always feel that we cannot wait to get on board!

[Roxburgh]

Roxburgh, you are right the Colonnade patio is not heated outside and neither is the Patio Grill.

 

I knew that the Patio Grill was not heated. But they will supply blankets if it is chilly. I recall an outstanding meal we had there when we were on Sojourn. There were just 6 of us eating out, the night was chilly, we had our fleeces on and blankets over our knees and we had a great time :D:D

[PremiumSuite]

I knew that the Patio Grill was not heated. But they will supply blankets if it is chilly. I recall an outstanding meal we had there when we were on Sojourn. There were just 6 of us eating out, the night was chilly, we had our fleeces on and blankets over our knees and we had a great time :D:D

 

Ahhh yes Roxburgh, those infamous orange blankets in the Patio Grill. I have used them many of times myself.;)

[CoSec]

Many thanks for the responses. Let's hope the weather is kind so my questions remain academic. Not long now!

 

As for crew hopscotch on the bridge, I'll let you know.

[stamfordian]

As for crew hopscotch on the bridge, I'll let you know.

 

It's the Captain's pogo stick you have to worry about!

 

Have a great cruise.

[sassyw]

We cannot wait!! We will be on that cruise for 31 days---Venice to Venice.:)