Camp Seabourn Pride

[PittsburghJack]

Hi Jane--the Speculator kid here--you didn't mention the new DJ bit! Was it ok? The idea of a DJ didn't thrill me much, and I haven't heard much about it--except that the DJ was a real good guy! It just doesn't seem to fit Seabourn, but I could be wrong! Don

Don.

I agree with you. Even though our first cruise on Seabourn is a couple months away, listening to records not chosen by me is not my cup of tea. Sort of like mixing a single malt scotch with Pepsi Cola.........just doesn't work. Mrs. Jack and I would prefer a nice small jazz group (although I'm aware that's not some peoples cup of tea).

Must be difficult for a company to please everyone. Jack

 

Records................guess I'm dating myself:eek: .

[Harvey2442]

I was sorry to read Jane's comments about the lack of information being given to guests. From an earlier post the Pride seemed to have one of Seabourn's most experienced group of CD and ACD's. They can only announce what they are told. Maybe the problem lies higher up the chain after all there was a relatively new Captain on board who may not yet be used to Seabourn's way and their guests expectations.

 

It is also not the first time that a cruise after a refit have had difficulties and really Seabourn should schedule some buffer time to allow for over runs.

[JaneBP]

>"They can only announce what they are told."

 

In this case, they knew and told some passengers individually, that's how I learned what was going on. My point is, if you don't know, just tell us that. Since we know that there is nothing worse than a lobby filled with antsy cruisers, honesty is the best policy. It's easy to be annoyed at US Immigration, for example. I do appreciate that it's never a win-win situation and a difficult tightrope walk.

[Tex805]

Wow! There’s already been a lot of postings on this topic. OK, here’s my two cents.

 

This was our second Seabourn cruise. We’d taken another North Atlantic crossing (QE2) which was very rough - so much so that the ship’s doctor had the passengers lining up outside his office for the anti-nausea shots (drop your pants in the anteroom, move along for the jab, pull up pants after you leave, keep the line moving). While this cruise was also rough, it did not compare with the QE2’s roughness.

 

We quickly found that we were on a ship full of “regulars” - we traveled with a couple who were both first-timers, and found only two other first-time couples. There may have been a few more, but they were definitely in the minority! The captain gave out awards for those who had completed 100 Seabourn days, 200 days, 300 days, and one who had 1320 days! The average age was considerably higher than our previous cruise.

 

Because of the drydock stay in Hamburg, the previously scheduled itinerary was shortened, and the Ireland stops deleted. In lieu of that, Seabourn put some passengers up at the Mandarin Oriental and others at the Ritz. The Ritz has a strictly-enforced dress code, which almost resulted in the expulsion of one of our party from the included breakfast for wearing “trainers” (tennis shoes).

 

The bus trip to Dover was uneventful - wish we could have stopped at some of the beautiful castles in Kent (Leeds and Hever are among our favorites). The ship obviously was not ready for boarding, as we had to wait in the terminal waiting room for an hour or so - an excellent excuse to trade the spare English change for their wonderful beers. When we boarded, we were surprised to find the lounge in less-than-Seabourn repair. A number of the chairs had torn upholstery, and the banquettes were sticky on the backs. It turns out that they had run out of upholstery material, and were most apologetic. I suspect they may have run out of time, too. At any rate, they promised us it was high on their priority list, and would be fixed within the next cruise or two.

 

The renovations were partly visible (the welcome Skybar area enlargement has been mentioned, an ether is an enlargement and reconfiguration of the tables outside the Veranda), and partly invisible (a new reverse osmosis water system, as well as mechanical and electrical upgrades to bring the ship up to new standards). The other two sisters will be outfitted identically. The color of the carpeting (sort of a light peach, all monochromatic) has been mentioned; the cleaning staff is busy daily getting the stains out, and the scent of benzene is commonplace. What were the interior designers thinking?

 

The new Pride Captain, Mark Dexter, is the first British captain of a Seabourn ship. He came from Swan-Hellenic, a subsidiary of Princess, one of the Carnival brands. We found him to be open, accessible, informative, and gregarious. This was especially apparent in the extended visit to the ship’s bridge. His dry British humor was appreciated - “our seas are a bit lumpy today, for which I apologize” was an example. Here's hoping his stay with Seabourn is both long and successful!

 

The rough seas were a result of several fast-moving low pressure fronts that came from Canada’s Hudson Bay straight across the Atlantic. To complicate matters, there was a tropical depression to the south that prevented us from dodging the oncoming fronts. As a result, we had several days of up-and-down pitching, with noisy banging as the ship hit the “holes” in the ocean (as the captain described them). The stabilizers worked very well, almost eliminating any side-to-side rolling. The “porpoising” got so bad that the front suites’ windows had to be blocked with plywood, as debris from the ocean had gotten tossed onto the deck. Stacks of dishes on the serving tables in the restaurant toppled with great crashes, and one of the passengers eating breakfast had her chair fall over, with her in it. Several passengers suffered cuts and bruises as they slipped in their cabins or in the halls.

 

We found Bonine worked well - one pill was all we took, and no nausea. Highly recommended. That enabled us to enjoy the food. The “2” restaurant had some very creative tasting menus, as well as an Asian and an Italian night.

 

The on-board lecturers were especially worthy of note. One, Ambassador Ed Peck, is a retired US Ambassador (four countries, including Iraq). His inside observations were informative, pithy, and most welcome. Oh, that all diplomats had his perspective! The other, Nigel West, was a historian of British Intelligence, as well as a past member of Parliament. He’s published extensively, and was a fount of knowledge. Upon returning home, I did a bit of research and found the following interesting articles on him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupert_Allason and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1602821.stm.

 

The entertainment was very good - Marla, David E. and Jan were absolutely first-class, and their professionalism was a delight to behold. In addition, the four-person combo was super, with special kudos to Holly, one of the best pianists imaginable. Unfortunately, the attendance was not as good as the performances - it may have been the demographics, and it may have been the seas (one performance of 'Rock the Boat' had to be rescheduled!).\

 

Some may not be aware that there is a Carnival stockholder’s bonus (see the Carnival annual report) shipboard credit. If you try to qualify, it is not usable with a referral shipboard credit - FYI. No mention anywhere of that restriction. Incidentally, on our first cruise, we used a referral credit; on this one, we had referred another. On both cruises, this ship had no record of the credit, requiring emailing back and forth to Miami. Warning - if you expect to get a shipboard credit, double check before departing!

 

When we reached St John’s, we found a local tour guide at shipside (at a major savings over the Seabourn tour), and got an outstanding tour. St. John’s is a wonderful stop, a great walking town, filled with history and warm and welcoming people. We had fish and chips at a local pub (recommended!), a delightful tour of the Anglican cathedral, and a couple of worthwhile hours in the new regional museum.

 

In Halifax, we visited with friends. We found that the Nova Scotia lobster season had not started yet, so the Seabourn shopping tour with Chef Markus to get local lobster was really to get lobster that had been imported from Prince Edward Island (almost three times the local Nova Scotia price, when in season). But it was good!

 

The stop in Bar Harbor was abbreviated, as has been explained. It was unfortunate, but it was obvious what the problem was, as the HAL Maasdam was anchored at the next island, and had beaten us to Bar Harbor from Halifax. The Immigration Service office at Bar Harbor is clearly not one of the largest! However, there really wasn’t that much to see in the area - we had a brief tour of the Acadia National Park, and a wonderful lobster (again!) lunch.

 

Disembarkation at Gloucester was easy. We arrived early, as the Gloucester harbor is shallow, and it was a low tide that gave us only about three feet of clearance. This was the first ship to visit since the completion of Gloucester’s new passenger terminal. This is part of Gloucester’s attempt to get more small ship business. There are at least three other reasons of interest to Seabourn - the port charges are significantly less (six to eight times cheaper!), there is competition from many other much larger ships in Boston (QM2 and another megaship were there the day we docked in Gloucester), and Boston has the issue of union longshoremen.

 

See you on Seabourn in the future!

[SantaAna,CA]

Tex, what a great review, thank you. I was very interested to hear about your experience. You people who do the crossings...you must be made out of different stuff....I could never handle it! I have to hand it to you.

 

I'm boarding the Pride in Barbados next month. I am shaking my head at your description of the color of the new carpeting. Why not something that hides stains better? One more thing for the hard working crew to tend to....

 

Thanks again, it was fun to read about your cruise.

 

Jane :)

[Martita B.]

Tex805,

I enjoyed reading your Pride TA Crossing review. Thank you!

What area of Texas do you reside? I live in West Texas and am always interested in knowing of Texas Sailor's ~~~not too many of us sail Seabourn.

I've been aboard several Fall Transatlantic voyages and a couple have been "NO high heels" Crossings ~~~especially one from Derry to St John's a few years back. It amuses me when our balcony doors are taped-up with masking tape !:confused: Like the tape would pervent or even discourage "King Neptune!" Did the Deck Boy's secure the dining room portholes with the metal guards? Thank goodness you didn't experience too much of the side-to-side rolling ~~~

As to the "regulars" aboard ~~usually there will be 10 to 12 (out of 208) "1st time Crosser's" Many of us simply enjoy the leisurely, reposeful sea days.:D

Thank you again for posting your review!

Martita B.

[Tex805]

Hi, Martita -

 

I was born in Texas, but now call the left coast home.

 

Several passengers were complaining that the seas got into their cabins through the closed sliding doors' door frames - I guess that was related to the dry dock activities. Didn't notice the dining room portholes.

[Martita B.]

Tex805,

Many TA Crossings water does manage to leak in thru' the sliding glass doors ~~upon my return to my Suite and I see the tape X'ed on my glass door, that's the sign the ship will "batten down the hatches, lock the latches and secure the pins." Rough weather ahead!:confused:

I'm sure the dining room port holes were secure with the medal guard covers ~~the covers are not too visable behind the window sheer drapes.

I know you and your friends enjoyed the beautiful Pride ship ~~please come join us on a March Crossing.....weather is usually quite warm and sunny.

Have a nice weekend!:p

Martita B.

[PeaSea8ch]

Jane: Thank you for taking your valuable time and providing us with your travelogue and keeping us landlubbers "in the loop" even with King Neptune having fits. I enjoyed reading your well-written reviews but was sorry to read about your 'hurry up and wait" disembarkation issues. I hope you have had enough time to get your laundry and dry cleaning done in time to pack for your next Seabourn adventure! :p

 

Tex805: I also enjoyed reading your detailed review and your impressions of the crossing as well. I am glad everyone did so well and no one was seroiously hurt due to the ship's motion. Hope you booked your third Seabourn cruise while on board! :)

[JaneBP]

Thanks Paul,

 

I meant to tell you that the new SkyBar configuration won't affect your lap-walking any more than the old one did, with the occasional seated cruiser slightly in the way, sipping a BBC.

 

>" I hope you have had enough time to get your laundry and dry cleaning done in time to pack for your next Seabourn adventure!"

 

Barely; luggage leaves tomorrow, I go a week later. Thankfully, I am getting better at this. In my suite, I first pack the items that are constant and clean, then place a Seabourn laundry bag on top, then what needs to be washed. I do those and re-pack. When I get back onboard, i use the laundry bag to send a few things for dry cleaning and pressing. I also use the lemon soap, unwrapped, as a sachet. Et Voila!

[JaneBP]

Since I can't send you a triip report (this year) on Istanbul to Dubai, I thought I would add this report from my 1st Cruise, taken with my Mother in 11/02. My, how lucky I have been since then! I haven't read it in 5 years.

(11 days, FLL>FLL)

 

 

>"Here's the 'formal' trip report.

 

From my point of view, the cruise was analogous

to two weeks in a posh summer camp. (I never went to a

posh camp, the Lutheran camp I attended made us pray

on our knees on the ground.). And, since the Seabourn

Pride was headed to dry dock in Nassau, it was like

the last summer session; I mean drain the pool, stash

the deck chairs, sort the library books and

then, close up the buddy board. But don't forget all

the hugs and kisses, addresses and promises to write

and get together next year; same time and place.

 

After shopping (new luggage) and packing (6 hours) we

were off to Naples. We were

picked up by our 'Escort' on Monday, in a bus,

outfitted and looking like it belonged to a rock star.

He had provisions, should we need a quick nip;

wine, champagne little sandwiches...and a rest stop

mid-way in the Everglades.

 

Now, I have not 'cruised' in 40 years when I fell in

love with the Dutch waiters and slept on the top bunk of an

inside double. (HAL Statendam) This time, we were escorted on the ship

by a tuxedoed waiter with champagne waiting in the

room. Said large room had a huge picture window, twin

beds, and a sitting area with a three cushion couch

and a huge walk-in closet. Fridge stocked with more

champagne, fruit, scotch and nibbles.

 

We sailed after the obligatory lifeboat drill. I

thought there weren't enough lifeboats until I

remembered there were only 206 passengers and 150

crew. We had drinks and toasted my Father, whose

stewardship make this possible. Unpacking and room

service dinner followed. Life aboard was certainly

luxurious; fine food, drinks (I tried to make the

banana colada a fruit serving for my diet), service

and ambiance. Mother was not the oldest passenger,

one in our group was 92 and could run rings around

me. But she was the cutest and had the most unique

sweaters and outfits. (Thanks to the Pink Geranium in

Ft Myers)

 

When we landed in San Juan, we took a bus

tour-bad move. Dull and hot. The next day we got off

in St. Barts and had another island tour (way too

long) and a delightful lunch at the harbor. However,

schlepping down two decks of back steps and getting on

a slightly rocky tender was a bit much, so we canceled

the rest of the island tours where we tendered in.

That was fine, we kept occupied. After all, neck

massages, cold towels and Evian sprays as we

perspired, ever so delicately. We had fun, learning

about the staff and their homelands, etc.

 

Everyone was so nice and we were escorted

everywhere, with a nice arm to cling to. The waters

were calm, and we did not suffer any malaise

(excepting my hangover after 3 drinks before dinner

and missing the on-deck barbecue).

 

We met so many nice people. There were 125 who were

repeats for this ship alone. Many cruise all the time

and one woman had been onboard for >10 weeks. One of the

'enrichment' speakers was an astronomy columnist. Of

course, Mother missed my Father and knowing he would

have gotten up at 4:30 to see the

meteor showers, she did too. Dressed faster

than I did and we both saw a few.

 

One nice thing, was being invited to

sit with a group every night, the table

being 'hosted' by staff or entertainers. That was fun

to meet new people. By the end of the cruise, we knew

many of our fellow passengers. The entertainment was

really top notch. Our favorite entertainer was Billy

Boyle, from Ireland. He sang and danced

and told cute jokes, the punch lines we could see

coming a mile away and we still laughed. However, his

claim to fame in my book was his short role on

EastEnders years ago when he played a diversionary

love interest for the matriarch of the Fowler clan. He

was surprised I figured it out and even some of the

Brits on board didn't realize it was the same man.

 

It was hugs and kisses at the end and one of our group

was voted the 'camper' with the most autographs.

So, now I am back, suitcases still unpacked and Mother

left with some washing and lots of memories. I think

she wanted to prove she could do this, although not

alone, and that's good. We both made it, had a wonderful time,

and it truly was a gift."

 

PS, am booking two legs of the Odyssey World Cruise, aws.

Next cruise is Seabourn-Lite, the Carnival Legend.

[SantaAna,CA]

Oh Jane, it sounds so wonderful. Another incredible journey and how lovely to have had your mother join you. Thank you for reaching back into the archives to share that review!

 

I was just thinking today how long it's been since I was on the Pride, and what a wonderful feeling it will to be on Seabourn again. There is truly no other line like them.

 

Best wishes always,

 

"West Coast" Jane :)

[J.A.]

Jane, That was just beautiful. It made me happy and sad at the same time. I am so used to seeing you recently, I'll probably be looking for you on our next cruise 11/17 - 12/1 Barbados/Barbados even though I know you won't be there. Did you by any chance book the inagural? We did. After all these many year of cruising with Seabourn I really wanted to do that cruise on the new ship. So, we just swallowed hard and made the jump! Take good care of yourself.....hope to see you soon. J.A.;)

[J.A.]

Oh Jane, it sounds so wonderful. Another incredible journey and how lovely to have had your mother join you. Thank you for reaching back into the archives to share that review!

 

I was just thinking today how long it's been since I was on the Pride, and what a wonderful feeling it will to be on Seabourn again. There is truly no other line like them.

 

Best wishes always,

 

"West Coast" Jane :)

My Husband and I are on the 11/17-12/1 cruise also....look forward to meeting you....J.A.

[GrannyLorr]

That was great Jane, I am so sorry you will not be on the Spirit making us all green over your cruise. Hopefully next year!

[PeaSea8ch]

East Coast Jane,

 

Another first class review and I really enjoyed reading it. I was so sorry to read that you had to cancel your Spirit sailing. But, next year you will have another opportunity to complete your Triplet Trifecta; and in 2009 a Seabourn quadfecta; and in 2010 and beyond, a Seabourn pentfecta! ;)

 

I hope you are not dissappointed with your next "Legend" cruise. :rolleyes: :p

[JaneBP]

That my first trip report popped up the other day seemed to be some sort of karma. Could have written it after my 20th week, just as well.

 

I have signed up for two legs of the Odyssey's World Tour in '10. That seems so far away, but it really isn't. I am now figuring out how to work in the Spirit itinerary in '08, because I really want to see the Pyramids. As for the Legend, you are right, have to schedule her in '08, but as for the crossings...just have a BBC on me.

 

But my triplet trifecta was one 'sister' each in three consecutive months. That's probably not going to happen. But then......

[CruisinMatt]

I have signed up for two legs of the Odyssey's World Tour in '10. That seems so far away, but it really isn't.

 

Jane, care to share which legs you signed up for?

 

I'm signed up for the LA - Papeete segment! :D

[JaneBP]

Jane, care to share which legs you signed up for? I'm signed up for the LA - Papeete segment! :D

 

That one and staying on to Sidney. I try to turn each cruise into a 'Grand Voyage'. I am not really sure of the specific itinerary, but it's part of the world I have yet to discover. Was it you who first mentioned it here? That mention sparked my interest and I called my TA right away. So we'll meet in about 2 years. I guess it's a bit early for a countdown calendar, right?

[CruisinMatt]

That one and staying on to Sidney. I try to turn each cruise into a 'Grand Voyage'. I am not really sure of the specific itinerary, but it's part of the world I have yet to discover. Was it you who first mentioned it here? That mention sparked my interest and I called my TA right away. So we'll meet in about 2 years. I guess it's a bit early for a countdown calendar, right?

 

Actually, this was the first time I mentioned it here. I have been to Hawaii, but not Tahiti and a "Pacific" cruise has always appealed to me.

 

Well 2 years will fly by I'm sure!! :D