Live from the Legend

[ITravelNow]

Ok...first the disclaimer...posting after free flowing wine at dinner!

 

We boarded the Legend this afternoon at about 2:45 - drove from home - when we arrived we felt as though we were LATE - no lines - no one waiting as we approached dock 21!

 

While I parked the car Tom waited and when I returned we were escorted on to the ship. We waited a few minutes but checked in within a very short time and then walked to our suite - same one as last year - we knew our way and didn't need assistance.

 

We're happy to be back - love our stewardess from Johannesburg. Enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails in the club and then went to dinner at about 8 PM.

 

Everything was wonderful - I promise to post the menu in the morning - I'll compose in word to save some internet charges.

 

Tom just announced that his pillow was fine - I asked for an extra "thin" pillow per his request.

 

I've decorated our suite with Christmas Lights and we are excited to start our holiday cruise.

 

BTW - CC readers may know about Collin's parents from Australia - I meet them this afternoon after our lifeboat drill - I'll tell you more about them tomorrow.

 

So for now, night- night!

[ITravelNow]

Its a beautiful morning....I'm up early, ready to enjoy every minute. I uploaded a few photos from yesterday's sailway.

 

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100223

[ITravelNow]

I am keeping notes as we go along - sort of a cruise "review". These are some of my impressions so far.

 

Day One

 

We drove from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale. Drive time less than 3 hours. The Port Everglades parking garage was almost full. I had to park on the roof – guess everyone is on a cruise this week!

 

Embarkation from Dock 21: very smooth, short wait in lounge. Shore staff was friendly and helpful. Tom used small portable wheelchair for boarding – much easier for both of us as he is very slow over long distances.

 

We are in Suite 134, with handicap access – for Seabourn that means a shower instead of tub and lots of grab bars in the bathroom. Otherwise I believe the suite to be identical to all others of this size.

 

Our stewardess Leandra greeted us a few minutes after we entered our suite. She seems eager to help us feel comfortable. Our luggage arrived very quickly and we were able to settle in fairly easily.

 

Cocktails in the club – busy, many guest present, short introduction program of cruise staff

 

Dinner – table for two, at about 8 PM. Staff was very busy and there was a bit of a wait to order.

 

We both had Seared Beef Carpaccio, sesame vinaigrette with toasted ****ake mushrooms and scallions DELICIOUS

 

Tom enjoyed the Chicken Bouillon with herbed dumplings and celery confit

 

I ordered the Mediterranean Pasta & Poached Salmon Salad with semi dried tomatoes, artichokes – the salmon was undetectable and I would have sent it back but the staff was so harried and I didn’t really care to make a fuss about it.

 

Our main course items were excellent. I had the Grilled Tuna Fillet smothered in vegetables with soy-lime dressing and fresh coriander – just typing it makes my mouth water – yum!

 

Tom made his “reliable” selection of Grilled Sirloin Steak with Guinness Braised Short Rib with grain mustard potato mousseline and sweet tomato marmalade.

 

Our bottomless wine glasses were filled with nice selections of Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot from California

 

My favorite dessert is the lovely cheese plate with four small tastes of different cheeses, nuts and condiments – and of course a glass of port.

 

Tom’s vanilla ice cream with butterscotch made him happy.

 

We finished a bit late to go to the show so decided to call it a day and get settled in our suite – early to bed and a wonderful smooth night, the slight rocking of the ship made for happy dreams.

 

Day Two

 

It’s a sunny morning, but very breezy on the walking track. I only did a mile and then grabbed some coffee in the Observation Lounge

 

We had a light continental breakfast in our suite and I stopped in for the shore excursion lecture. Because of the holidays many of the ports offer little or no shopping and the choice of activities is limited. If this was my first trip to the Caribbean I would probably find that disappointing. Just a note for anyone planning cruises at Christmas.

 

We've encountered some familiar staff members from our last cruise. It's wonderful to see familiar faces.

[SantaAna,CA]

Margo, thank you so much for posting your experiences so far and those great pictures. I just got off the Pride and I was in cabin 134 also. I loved it! I love the little window seat by the huge picture window; one of the reasons I like just the regular cabins. I did have to put towels on the floor by the shower though, have you found that to be so? Water did tend to intrude upon the floor!

 

I also love that dessert, the caramel sauce poured from "on high" by the waiter over that delicious ice cream (and then use such interesting glass dishes for it!). Sounds like you are getting right into it with Seabourn's wonderful cuisine.

 

The Christmas tree looks so pretty, I'd love to see the triplets dressed up for Christmas. Hope you have a lovely, leisurely, beautiful holiday. Lucky you!

 

Jane :)

[crystal808]

Margo:

 

Thanks for taking the time to take us along on your Christmas cruise! Wish I could be there with you! (not an uncommon sentiment on this board! :D )

 

A very happy holiday cruise to you and yours!

 

Paul :)

[cands]

Margo,

Fantastic posts and love the photos! Please continue adding to it.

Thanks very much.

 

Steve (awaiting first Seabourn experience)

[GrannyLorr]

One day I would love to do a Christmas Cruise....doubt it will ever happen though. Love reading your reports Margo, please keep them coming....we can all "pretend" we are there too! ;)

[Keith1010]

Thank you for the detailed posts on your cruise. I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying it so much.

 

Happy Holidays.

 

Keith

[ITravelNow]

Hello from the Legend, it's Friday, December 21st and another beautiful morning cruising towards Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.

 

We expect to arrive at about 1 PM. Tour selection is a bit limited today so I’ll probably just poke around the cruise terminal. We were there last April so I know what to expect, duty free shopping, and a hotel with pool and beach within easy walking distance.

 

Seabourn is planning one of their “Exclusively Seabourn Experiences” this afternoon. We will enjoy Sunset hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before our 7 PM departure – sunset is at 5:30 so this will make for an early start to our evening but it sounds like fun.

 

Our sea day yesterday was very laid back. We managed to get to the Sky Bar at around noon and had the delight of meeting Marja (from Cruise Critic Seabourn Board)

 

Choosing a lunch destination was our biggest chore and the Dining Room won out. We arrived just before the trivia crowd and enjoyed a quiet lunch for two, After some time on the pool deck, a nap took care of the afternoon.

 

Last night the Captain welcomed all of us – we usually choose to accept those greetings from an alternative venue so we enjoy cocktails at the Club. The duo “Fantasy” provided lovely music for the few couples who were there. We also made a last minute decision to have dinner at “2” (The Legend’s alternative restaurant) A quick call to reception secured a table and we enjoyed a lovely French Bistro Dinner instead of the mad crush that always occurs after the Captain’s party. Ryan is still working there and took great care of the lucky few who chose to dine there. Tom and I both had the escargot. I had a fabulous lobster bisque and Sea Bass Nicoise Style entrée. Tom enjoyed the Grilled Lamb – generous enough to share a taste with me.

 

We each selected a different dessert in order to taste both. Warm Chocolate Ganache Cake with Brandy Ice Cream for Tom, Roasted Peaches with Frozen Yogurt for me…roll us down the gangway because we are not losing any weight this week! LOL

 

True to form, Tom wanted to call it an early evening – I was going to pop out to the show but somehow the comfort of our suite always wins out. I brought along some new DVD’s so we watched 30 Rock – OK, I know, why watch TV shows on a cruise ship? We missed the entire first season so we are catching up. What better to place to be a couch potato than here?????

 

Now I need to put on my running shoes and head for the top deck and some exercise!

[Host Dan]

Margo,

Thanks for the wonderful reports! Who is the CD on board??

 

Host Dan

[ITravelNow]

Dan...Sara Jane Watson is the CD Jan Steadman is also on board helping out. I'm told that Preston's departure required a bit of reorganization, I think Jan was suppose to be on holiday and will leave us in a few days.

 

Our Captain is Tom Thomassen, Hotel Manager, Guenter.

[ITravelNow]

Here are a few more ship photos taken yesterday - just in case you want to make a virtual "visit"

 

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100231

[PittsburghJack]

Margo,

Excellent! Sure wished we were there.:cool: Jack & Mrs. Jack

 

 

PS Please tell Marja we said "hello."

[PeaSea8ch]

Margo,

Thank you so much for your detailed reviews and your great photos! :) If you think of it, please tell Marja and René that I said "Hi and to be sure and have a BLAST onboard" Keep up the EXCELLENT work Margo!

 

Continued Blue skies, calm seas and gentle breezes. :cool:

[ITravelNow]

Paul, I will be sure to give your regards to Marja and Rene

 

Here are some more photos...today when we docked in Grand Turk the crew gathered on the beach for a Christmas Photo - I think you'll enjoy some of the candids - hopefully you'll recognize some of your favorite crew members..

 

Also there's a shot of Kaye and Brian just before we docked. It's a beautiful day and our shore event at sunset should be the icing on the cake!

 

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100239

[AuntieAnne]

Margo,

 

I love your detailed posts and wonderful photos. i'm enjoying this cruise right along with you. (Won't be long now until it's my turn.)

 

Give my regards to Marja. I am so glad she is there with you.;)

[ITravelNow]

Legendary Parties….we have several in our future!

 

But first let me tell you about the rest of our visit to Grand Turk.

 

Shortly after arrival many of the crewmembers went ashore for a Holiday Photo. It was fun to see them with Santa Hats and other holiday finery – from the waist up – they were going to wade into the water for the photo so the wise ones prepared accordingly.

 

Of course disorganization ruled and they wandered and waded for a while, finally Santa arrived but someone forgot the surfboard (you know the one they use for caviar in the surf) Anyway, someone was dispatched to get it and finally Santa was lifted onto the board, the crew gathered round and cameras were focused – many by passengers too.

 

You saw some of the results in the last photo link I posted. After the photo session some returned to work and other lucky ones continued to frolic in the warm Caribbean water. This is a sensational port for crew, they can walk to the beach within minutes and the facility is really lovely. I’m sure that will make this a popular stop for all of them.

 

Many passengers enjoy the beach as well. In late afternoon we were all invited to return for a cocktail party and to enjoy the sunset. Lavish preparations were made and when we arrived there were dozens of linen covered tables arranged for our party. Flowers, candles, silverware were laid out ready for the party. It’s clear that the resort and Seabourn went to great lengths to create an event for us. Unfortunately we are completely spoiled by the 5 star services on the ship. The wait-staff for this event was local and while they tried their best we waited quite a long time to be served.

 

The wait didn’t dampen our spirits; we were enjoying conversation with new friends. I had the chance to meet James King, his mother and grandmother. Along with Kaye and Brian we had a great time talking about Australian school program compared with the UK and USA.

 

A group of school children performed a program on steel drums and then one of the resorts official gave a very long and unfortunately boring blow-by-blow history of Grand Turk. None of this really bothered us but the sand fleas and mosquitoes finally drove us back to home sweet home on the Legend.

 

Back onboard the ship we freshened up for dinner. Of course a visit to the Club is required so we stopped to enjoy another cocktail before going to the Sky Deck for surf and turf. I’m sorry to say we didn’t plan this well and with an eight o’clock reservation we arrived to find only a few empty tables located in windy locations.

 

The staff tried to sort it out but we really weren’t upset and decided instead to go down to the restaurant to dine. We’ll definitely try the deck dinner but will plan to arrive a bit earlier for a better seat.

 

The dinner menu selections continue to be wonderful and if I tell you everything we enjoyed I’d have to consider a serious diet – and I’m still in denial so just know we are not starving!

 

Sara Jane (our CD) was the headliner in the lounge last night. She entertained us with some wonderful tunes and some special news. Seems there’s going to be a wedding during our cruise….HERS! Sara is to be wed to Niko on Dec. 29 – she’s invited all of us – you can imagine the excitement. I don’t have many other details yet but everyone is looking forward to this very special occasion.

 

Well, enough news for now. Tonight we’re joining a birthday party – I’ll have more fun to share later.

 

So, until then, greetings from everyone on the Legend cruising towards St. Barth.

 

 

PS: Marja asked me to send special greetings to all of you!

[Jaffa]

Margo

l have just got home after several days away to find your great cruise report and photo's of Mum and Dad.

 

Thankyou so much

 

They both look soooo! good and relaxed and their smiles speak volumes, I am very gratefull to you for posting them.

 

I am glad you have all met now, and spent some time together. Thankyou for introducing yourself to them.

 

It seems you are having a great run with the weather and l am glad for that for all of you.

 

It is exciting to hear about the wedding on board with an open invitation to the ship. That will make a very exciting day l recon.

 

I have been enjoying reading your posts this morning.

 

It has made my day!!

 

Say cheerio to Mum & Dad for me.

 

Merry Christmas, and happy cruising.

 

Colin.....................................

[ITravelNow]

Collin...just returned from a wonderful dinner with your parents and James, and his mother and grandmother - We celebrated Jennifer's birthday tonight - what a wonderful time for all of us!

 

I can assure you they are having the time of their life - and they share their joy with all of us. What a special pleasure it has been to meet them.

 

Our little band of CC posters has formed a very nice alliance and plan to continue the fun for the next 10 days. We are so grateful for the special opportunity to meet here first and then again on board.

 

I hope to post some photos again tomorrow - recharging the camera batteries as I type!

 

St. Barth in the morning - hope the water is warm I have a 9 AM snorkeling excursion.

[ITravelNow]

A few more photos from the Legend:

 

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100255

 

 

It's a sunny morning in St. Barths....off the snorkel!

[ITravelNow]

We are on our way to Deshaies, Guadeloupe. We should anchor in a few hours for a quiet day is this small town.

 

Yesterday was quite the opposite. We were in St. Barths…vacation mecca for mega yachts! Oh the toys boys love. It’s clear the holiday is near as you see ships anchored everywhere. We craned our necks to see them al,l noting exotic names and designs, yes there was a bit of name dropping – who owns what and who’s in town.

 

I didn’t hear of any actual celebrity sighting but it’s clear their yachts are at the ready. As we tendered into port you could see crewmembers loading boxes of Champaign and wine into small boats to be delivered to the big ones!

 

Once we reach shore we boarded a catamaran for a morning of snorkeling. It was a clear sunny day and we had perfect conditions. Unfortunately the bay where we anchored was crowded with small day sailors and we had to swim quite a distance to reach a very small reef area with a few fish – not a great reward for the effort. I did spot two sea turtles, one with a sand shark riding it’s back.

 

The water was lovely as well as the companionship of others from the ship. It’s fun to discover new friends in such a relaxed way.

 

I returned to the ship for lunch and Tom and I joined Brian and Kaye in the Veranda Café. Several 100 calories later we decided to have a lazy afternoon on board. There were a few shops open but as many of you know dollars to euros isn’t a great exchange. So no Christmas gifts from St. Barths!

 

The sunset/sail away was beautiful – as we were leaving a massive sailing yacht circled by us on it’s way to an evening in Gustavia.

 

We had the choice of the deck barbeque or a quiet dinner in the restaurant. – and true to form Tom voted for quiet! We joined some friends in the club for drinks and then had a lovely dinner. The dining room wait staff rewarded our choice with wonderful attentive service.

 

Of course the post dinner choices included the “Rock the Boat” party but we were happy to let them rock us to sleep and we dreamed about another great day.

[ITravelNow]

Just a few more pics from St. Barth

 

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100263

[JaneBP]

Great news for you Legend-aires. I am in London for Christmas and had dinner Saturday night with my favorite entertainer, Mandy Muden. She's off to party with you on the 25th! We had a delightful time, for sure. And you all will too!

 

I'm off to the wine cellar for carols and mulled spirits. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all for 2008.

[LaPaloma]

Great news for you Legend-aires. I am in London for Christmas and had dinner Saturday night with my favorite entertainer, Mandy Muden. She's off to party with you on the 25th! We had a delightful time, for sure. And you all will too!

 

I'm off to the wine cellar for carols and mulled spirits. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all for 2008.

 

You sound like you are enjoying the perfect Christmas! Enjoy, Lola

[Daneite]

Great news for you Legend-aires. I am in London for Christmas and had dinner Saturday night with my favorite entertainer, Mandy Muden. She's off to party with you on the 25th! We had a delightful time, for sure. And you all will too!

 

I'm off to the wine cellar for carols and mulled spirits. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all for 2008.

 

Hi Jane,

You are lucky to have spent an evening with Mandy, she is a wonderful Lady! Hope that you have a wonderful Christmas here in the UK!! We are having miserable weather here in Yorkshire, hope that it is better down South!! If not make your way up North where there is a special Seabourn welcome for you!!

love and best wishes from

Brian & Kathryn