Hola from Camp Seabourn Pride in SA

[JaneBP]

It seems ages since your cub reporter left from Philly and finally made it to the ship. Going to camp used to be so easy; my brother and I and two footlockers loaded in the station wagon and dropped off at our respective camps in Pennsylvania. This time it took over 24 hours and fortunately, mostly care-free. I did have to tell Granny and the Captain that the TSA in PHL tossed out my Vegemite, claiming that even if it says it's a vitamin spread it is verboten. Just tossed it in the trash bin. I flew American to MIA and LAN from MIA to Buenos Aires and then to Santiago. LAN business class was wonderful! I did read on a previous post that someone was taking them and it was a delight. I fly AA home, probably not as nice. But then, BC for $84.00 can't be beat! BTW, the charge for US citizens to get into Chile is now $131.00!! And they will take old, wrinkled bills now. I wasn't prepared for that, meaning that I had to fish around in my wallet for the right change. But they let me in anyway.

 

Three days in Santiago were lovely. I had the same car and driver for all my trips and did enjoy the city. I stayed at the San Cristobal Towers, part of the SPG group and it was very nice. The butler service, was, however quite useless. I don't speak Spanish and that is my issue, but I do think that in a hotel where many guests do, the key management should have a passing fluency in it. Most whom I met, did not, and you should have seen me trying to explain that I needed another salt shaker since the one I had was clogged. All I really needed was a toothpick.

 

It was a lovely drive through the lush valleys to Valparaiso. I was headed into the terminal when I actually heard Philippe announce on his walkie-talkie that Mrs Pond was here!! (I hope I can take that in a good way.) I was early, and it was lovely to sit in the lounge and visit and watch the other new and previous campers arrive. There were about 70 passengers in transit.

Suite 134 was ready for me. When my suitcase was finally located and deivered it was pretty much done for, and I pray it makes it home. The handle is broken off and the zipper broken. I shall have to tape it with duct tape for sure. But all inside was intact, including my Egypt and Turkey guide books which I had packed before cancelling that cruise.

 

OK, now for the Counselor updates; Captain Dexter is at the helm as you know, and Sigurd Darbakk (aka the Hunk) is Staff Captain. Willem Steinbrunner is the HM and Chef Michael Bataux is the Executive Chef. (He's from Vancouver, BC). And, thanks be..Chef de Cuisine is again Ricky Franco and I am already making plans for his lovely food!!!! Carol Frey is the Tour Manager and had I known I would have brought some of her favorite popcorn. Crina Diaconu is the Cruise Specialist and she has the new schedules but apparently no prices yet. Word around the playground is that the Odyssey is quite popular. I was so pleased to find that Professor Willis is our Enrichment Lecturer and then our 'Enlightenment' lecturer is Dr Marian Udell whom I have not heard but expect to meet at dinner tonight. I think she's sort of a self-help motivational guru, listing the Sally Jessey Raphael show on her resume. Andrew Tomson is the Chief Purser and Sally Grainger is the Exec. Housekeeper.

 

I have not sailed with Tony Markey before, but did enjoy his show last night. Bonnie Kilroe is filling in for someone and that's a delight. There is a new chap from the UK and it's his first time on Seabourn, and from his brief song in the Club on the Welcome Night, he was very good. Trivia has 5 teams and I can boast that my team beat our Grannie's on the first day. Seems with the shift in staff, however, many questions were the same as Eric used, so that advantage had to be nipped in the bud. For that day I learned that apparently a mosquito has 47 teeth and we won a bookmark.

 

In the Mess Hall, Oliver Schultz is in charge and then Andreas, Bozi, and Philippe are next in charge. BTW, Paul sends a Hello to the CruiserBunnies and promises to email. (but I would suggest not holding your breath). At the SkyBar, Nelson had a busy day off in Santiago and brought some of his family on board. He seems, as yet, a bit unimpressed with my perfect Margarita recipe, as was Gergard. But the BBC's are fine.

 

Thanks to MIchigan David for organizing the 'meet and greet' and of course, it was fun to put faces and names together. I have discovered that our 'Granny' will probably win the 'Camper of the Year' award and when laughter in a group is heard, she seems to be in the middle. Her John is quite special too. It was fun to find out that Margate Cruiser and Mrs MC live abut 8 blocks from me, and I had not sailed with them before. As a point of interest, the gentleman who celebrated his 90th Birthday is Peter LaSalle, the composer and musician. He still plays the piano in the Constellation Lounge, apparently. He was the composer on the Academy Award winning movie, 'Alice Does't Live Here Anymore." He can 'tinkle the ivories' like no one's equal and its the most delightful time if you happen to be there. Miss A is well settled and we chatted yesterday. She's looking forward to BA when Dr Herra and Nurse Elizabeth re-join the ship. My suite mates are coutnrymen of Grannies and on for the whole time. I just met him last evening, like ships passing in the night.

 

For today only, I had the 'corned beef hash' taste test. Now, it's not great, because I think we all compare it to our Mothers' recipe. But I finished it

and am still alive. Andreas told me once a month he has it with a poached (!) egg and a crisp english muffin.

BTW, Willem who used to be on the Spirit and lives in Bangkok promises to tell me about some really good restaurants. I got an invitation for another President's Cruise, from HK to Singapore in early '09.

 

I am sure there is more to tell, ask away if you have any questions. We are in Puerto Montt today and silly me, never got the form for the excursions and never booked in time. So, I pretty much have the place to myself, will have an 'Indian' lunch in the Veranda and then get a discounted facial in the spa.

Apparently, there will be a Chilean folklore group on for a performace this afternoon.

 

Ciao!

[LaPaloma]

Jane continue to have a grat cruise--looking forward to your further reports--we are one month away from departure from Tucson--going to call Anita Tuesday--got my packing plan pretty well worked out--have lost 7 pounds on my precruise diet! Don

[SusanTravels]

Hi Jane,

 

Glad to hear you are safe on board and settled. We board in BA. I assume there will be a significant turnover of passengers there so we will board with a new gang. I also assume there will be some more crew changes, lecturer changes, etc. Did they solve the deck 4 pipe smoke problem Granny mentioned a while ago. Keep me posted. See you soon.

 

Susan (and Gerry)

[marazul]

What a treat! We now have Jane as well as Granny Lorr reporting!

Thanks to both.

[CruisinMatt]

What a treat! We now have Jane as well as Granny Lorr reporting!

Thanks to both.

 

 

Yes thanks! It's always a treat to get varying viewpoints! :D

[JaneBP]

Hi Jane,

 

Glad to hear you are safe on board and settled. We board in BA. I assume there will be a significant turnover of passengers there so we will board with a new gang. I also assume there will be some more crew changes, lecturer changes, etc. Did they solve the deck 4 pipe smoke problem Granny mentioned a while ago. Keep me posted. See you soon.

 

Susan (and Gerry)

 

So glad to hear you both are still joining in BA. I had posted a query to you after your reply to the Odyssey Roll Call. Will you be taking Tango lessons?

I think there will certainly be a camper change, but not sure how many, probably quite a few. I think Professor Willis will stay, quite marvelous, in my opinion. I keep wondering how I missed someone with his talents of teaching in my undergrad career. I have only heard of a few crew leaving in Rio, so don't have a good feel for that. You will have many familiar faces, however.

 

I noticed the smoke scent yesterday afternoon. I tried to see where it was located, and it seems to dissipate as one appoaches the forward elevator. I am by the mid-ships one. I have noticed that it takes two flushes in the loo, something that until now I have not exeprienced. The same was not so when I was in 134 in September.

 

I forgot to mention they have spiffy new leather (ette?) chairs in the computer room, very comfy. Granny wouldn't know, since she posts from her room. Also, the carpet seems to be holding up, but I can't believe it will last as long, there seem to be some high traffic areas that are a bit tough to maintain.

 

Today is a lovely day, time for a quick stop somewhere, with tenderning to the island for some kayaking and tours. I hear the church is lovely. I can see it from my suite, will have to check interiors on my stay in BA. Tonight's dinner is focused on what Chef Michael bought yesterday in the markets in Puerto Montt. As always, that walking tour was absolutely divine (according to several who went!). Tonight will have dinner with Auntie Ann and her partner, who keep busy with everyone playing bridge. Well, not me, but perhaps if I practice the solo bridge game on my computer, I might join a group next time.

 

Until next time......I toast you all with my BBC and know you are looking forward to your next camp cruise.

[DP]

Wonderful post Jane. We did the whole circumnavigation last year and didn't want to get off the ship. You are in for some beautiful scenery!! We are booked for the TA and get on when you get off March 17th.

 

You mentioned that Crina has the new schedule but no prices. We are booked for the TA crossing on the Legend April 09 but there was no schedule after we arrived in Lisbon and we want to continue on for the next 2 cruises after. Can you ask Crina if she has the schedule yet for those cruises after the crossing in 09 on the Legend.

 

Also, how do you get invites to the Presidents cruises. Is it by the number of days sailed? AND, how did you get a BC fare for $84!!!!

 

Enjoy you cruise and please tell Julian (Ass't Maitre D' in Veranda) that "Mrs Chop Chop lady" said to give him a big hug and that I have requested the ship order my sugar free jam.

 

Diane

[JaneBP]

Wonderful post Jane. We did the whole circumnavigation last year and didn't want to get off the ship. You are in for some beautiful scenery!! We are booked for the TA and get on when you get off March 17th.

 

You mentioned that Crina has the new schedule but no prices. We are booked for the TA crossing on the Legend April 09 but there was no schedule after we arrived in Lisbon and we want to continue on for the next 2 cruises after. Can you ask Crina if she has the schedule yet for those cruises after the crossing in 09 on the Legend.

 

Also, how do you get invites to the Presidents cruises. Is it by the number of days sailed? AND, how did you get a BC fare for $84!!!!

 

Enjoy you cruise and please tell Julian (Ass't Maitre D' in Veranda) that "Mrs Chop Chop lady" said to give him a big hug and that I have requested the ship order my sugar free jam.

 

Diane

 

I am not sure if she does have that information but I think she does, and will check. I jsut got a card in the suite, but figure it's a general mailing. It's a regularly scheduled cruise on the Spirit, so don't imagine I got it by being anything more than a cruiser with a valid credit card! Since I don't have any plans for '09, I might re-consider my lack of enthusiasm for the Far East. It's not on sale, however.

 

$84.00??? Easy, used FF miles from American which I had been hoarding!

 

Off to see Julian (I am not sure who he is, but will check the name tags,

Mrs Chop Chop!)

[SusanTravels]

We may Tango. It depends on if I'm drinking soda water or a martini. It's a pretty small dance floor for Tango. See you soon, have a wonderful trip, and thanks for keeping us informed.

 

Susan

[JaneBP]

Susan,

 

Ok, so drinks are on me in the Club!

 

Diane,

 

Of course I know Julian (just not his name) and he was the recipient of a big hug from Mrs. Chop Chop. Then, he told other waiters who remembered you and they know you are coming on soon. He also said the Veranda has been pretty quiet since you left and you all had a lot of fun. (Discretion kept me from asking more.) Crina says to email her and she will give you the info you need, but she doesn't have prices. crucondotprideatseabourndotcom

 

CruiserBunnies, I have given Paul you email address, so you should hear from him.

 

PCH Paul, Several sailors whom I don't know asked to be remembered to you. They commented on how spiffy you look in your formal wear. And I can attest to that.

 

Professor Willis will be on to Manaus, so that's great.

 

That's it from here, after all, this reporter has to relax and enjoy the views, which are absolutely stunning and the day is perfect.

[DP]

Thanks a bunch Jane...Isn't Julian a sweetheart.

 

By the way what is your margarita recipe. I would not let anyone but Nelson make mine.

 

Diane

[PeaSea8ch]

PCH Paul, Several sailors whom I don't know asked to be remembered to you. They commented on how spiffy you look in your formal wear.

Jane,

I have no idea who these sailors are. :confused: I do not recall sailing with anyone who said they were booked on this SA circumnavigation or segment. Shoreside email sent.

 

Also great reports! With two professional travelogue posters onboard, maybe you and GrannyLorr can "trade off" some of the reporting duties for more free time to enjoy the cruise.

 

Continued happy sailings around SA!

[JaneBP]

>"By the way what is your margarita recipe. I would not let anyone but Nelson make mine."

 

1 oz. Tequila

1 oz. Triple Sec

1 oz. Lime juice

1 oz. simple sugar syrup. Blend and imbibe.

 

I shall have Nelson make me one today; It's another divine day in paradise. Off in a few for the Seabourn Experience. Stunny scenery. Who knew I would fall in love?

 

Granny has been busy, I see her flitting about, so to speak. The other night they celebrated Australian Independence Day with cocktails and a special dinner. Guess we will get to celebrate 'Super Tuesday' with lots of drinking and perhaps trying to deny there will be an election. <G>

[marazul]

Paul,

don't give them any ideas about "trading off"! We enjoy them both!

M

[PeaSea8ch]

Marazul,

Thanks for bringing me back down to sea level! :o I also have been enjoying both perspecitves and you are right let them both do their travelogues. From personal experience, it does takes some effort to generate a travelogue worthy of this board and to have fun and enjoy your vacation. However, Jane and Granny are two of the best Seabourn travelogue posters!

[LaPaloma]

>"By the way what is your margarita recipe. I would not let anyone but Nelson make mine."

 

1 oz. Tequila

1 oz. Triple Sec

1 oz. Lime juice

1 oz. simple sugar syrup. Blend and imbibe.

 

I shall have Nelson make me one today; It's another divine day in paradise. Off in a few for the Seabourn Experience. Stunny scenery. Who knew I would fall in love?

 

Granny has been busy, I see her flitting about, so to speak. The other night they celebrated Australian Independence Day with cocktails and a special dinner. Guess we will get to celebrate 'Super Tuesday' with lots of drinking and perhaps trying to deny there will be an election. <G>

Jane--this sounds like a Shirley Temple--in Mexico a good bartender will tell you--"You got to kill those dysentary germs"(in the ice)--to be sure you need lots of Tequila--6 parts, and one part Triple Sec, dash of fresh lime juice--from a lime right off the tree-- with this combination--for sure no love affair with the potty. Don

[simonv]

Please, no sugar in margarita. Don's recipe is more traditional.

[LaPaloma]

Earllier in our marriage, I let Don make me 1 margarita...that was the last thing I remembered till morning...I am in the Jane corner on that one..Don's are lethal! Lola

[RachelG]

Agree, NO SUGAR in a margarita. Very hard to find a bartender who will make one properly. Adding sugar gives me a headache!

[B-2-Bs Best!]

Now we know how you drink and remain sober.....1/1 on tequila and triple sec................gotta be at least 3-4 to one!!

[LaPaloma]

Now we know how you drink and remain sober.....1/1 on tequila and triple sec................gotta be at least 3-4 to one!!

Close but no cigar-- but make it 6 to 1--it's painless--you realize we live close to the Mexican border, and have some super Mexican resturants. Tequila is our Southern Arizona drink! Don

[JaneBP]

Well, I always prefer a sweeter drink/wine, so for each his own. I did sample one of Nelson's the other day (the day Granny spent her evening at the Sky Bar, it was sublime weather), and it was good too. I keep missing the Pisco Sours!

 

We are in and out of Chilean fjords. I am not sure where, but today,the winds (de rigeur for Patagonia, apparently) were so bad we had to go back and turn around. The map up on Deck 8 isn't very helpful. There are narrows to traverse and if we don't hit the 'window of opportunity' the outing at Punta Arenas (9 hours) will be cancelled. Most of the ship is scheudled to go, since the National Park and lake are apparently some of the most outstanding wilderness in the world. I did see 3 lovely rainbows this morning.

 

I have finally noted more variety in the menu options. The other night we had raclette and veal cordon bleu. I haven't had much beef this time, but plan on a ribeye tonight in the dining room. I had planned on the SkyBar for dinner, but it's too inclement for me. Tonight's Liars' Club and with new people, it should be amusing. The new chap, Nicholas Hale is very nice and has his show I think tomorrow night, when we should be casual since we will all be dog-tired if we get to to on the trip.

 

We had another formal night yesterday. FYI: This cruise has 4 formal nights, and the rest, except for first and last nights are Casually Elegant, or whatever it's called.

 

Here's the Tasting Menu: Obviously the parenthetical comments are mine only)

 

Tomato Sandwich with cream cheese ice cream (yummy!)

 

Procini Veloute with poached quail egg (nothing special)

 

Pan Sauteed Scallop with local black mussel ragout (so so)

 

Raspberry Sorbet (a dab in a long glass)

 

DoverSole & Lobster Roulade with Razor Clam with Confit fennel and grilled

scallion (worst ever) or

Black Bread Crusted Cannon of Lamb with cauliflower puree and sweet potato disk (should have had this) or

Goat Cheese Napoleion with overnight tomatoes and basil foam (d

 

Frozen Grand Mariner Souffle (very good, a table winner) or

Cheese Course: Epoisse-Reblochon-Camebert

 

 

Speaking of formal nights, I leave you with this information:

 

Good thing is that the Seabourn lifeboats have provisions for 28 days.

Bad thing is that the first 6 nights are formal!!!

 

 

 

Bah bump...joke courtesy of the magician/comedian whose name escapes me now and at these prices, I cannot hang on til I remember it. He's quite good and amusing. I did tell him I would give him credit. ...

 

Andy Leach, that's it!!!!!!!!

[JaneBP]

Well, I always prefer a sweeter drink/wine, so for each his own. I did sample one of Nelson's the other day (the day Granny spent her evening at the Sky Bar, it was sublime weather), and it was good too. I keep missing the Pisco Sours!

 

We are in and out of Chilean fjords. I am not sure where, but today,the winds (de rigeur for Patagonia, apparently) were so bad we had to go back and turn around. The map up on Deck 8 isn't very helpful. There are narrows to traverse and if we don't hit the 'window of opportunity' the outing at Punta Arenas (9 hours) will be cancelled. Most of the ship is scheudled to go, since the National Park and lake are apparently some of the most outstanding wilderness in the world. I did see 3 lovely rainbows this morning.

 

I have finally noted more variety in the menu options. The other night we had raclette and veal cordon bleu. I haven't had much beef this time, but plan on a ribeye tonight in the dining room. I had planned on the SkyBar for dinner, but it's too inclement for me. Tonight's Liars' Club and with new people, it should be amusing. The new chap, Nicholas Hale is very nice and has his show I think tomorrow night, when we should be casual since we will all be dog-tired if we get to to on the trip.

 

We had another formal night yesterday. FYI: This cruise has 4 formal nights, and the rest, except for first and last nights are Casually Elegant, or whatever it's called.

 

Here's the Tasting Menu: Obviously the parenthetical comments are mine only)

 

Tomato Sandwich with cream cheese ice cream (yummy!)

 

Procini Veloute with poached quail egg (nothing special)

 

Pan Sauteed Scallop with local black mussel ragout (so so)

 

Raspberry Sorbet (a dab in a long glass)

 

DoverSole & Lobster Roulade with Razor Clam with Confit fennel and grilled

scallion (worst ever) or

Black Bread Crusted Cannon of Lamb with cauliflower puree and sweet potato disk (should have had this) or

Goat Cheese Napoleion with overnight tomatoes and basil foam (d

 

Frozen Grand Mariner Souffle (very good, a table winner) or

Cheese Course: Epoisse-Reblochon-Camebert

 

 

Speaking of formal nights, I leave you with this information:

 

Good thing is that the Seabourn lifeboats have provisions for 28 days.

Bad thing is that the first 6 nights are formal!!!

 

 

 

Bah bump...joke courtesy of the magician/comedian whose name escapes me now and at these prices, I cannot hang on til I remember it. He's quite good and amusing. I did tell him I would give him credit. ...

 

Andy Leach, that's it!!!!!!!!

[johnnycruise]

Jane,

 

I'm glad you are having a good time. Sometimes the winds can be rough, but as a seasoned sailor, I'm sure you'll be OK - that big picture window in your suite will let you enjoy the unfolding uncertainty in any case. Enjoy yourself and stick to the "bistro" nights in "2"! While I truly enjoy fine dining, I stick to a maximum of four to five courses to avoid the sensory overload (not to mention the pressure on the top button of me trousers).

 

Did you take the Seabourn Experience which Granny missed? How are your teams doing in TRIVIA?!?

 

Happy Sails!

 

johnny

[JaneBP]

>"Did you take the Seabourn Experience which Granny missed? How are your teams doing in TRIVIA?!?"

 

I opted out of the Seabourn Experience, since it was changed. Yesterday, I did do the Torres del Paine trip which was long, but fortunately, the sun was out in the morning, so we saw all the important peaks and glaciers and a lot of gunacos. Rain all afternoon, but it had stopped by the time we had to tender back to the ship. The staff put on one of their glamourous 'Welcome Home' parties in the Magellan Lounge for us.

 

And, Grannie and the 'Commonwealth Plus Three' are a formidable force with which to be reckoned, and we have slipped to third, but it's a close range and we have high hopes. We did scamp then on the bonus question today which helped!

 

Cruising with the glaciers today, brisk outside. Had a lovely curry lunch thanks to Chef Ricky Franko. MMMM! I will bring some menus home and post them when it's free. Tonight is Indian night in '2' which seemed like gilding the lily to me.

 

Tomorrow, Punta Arenas and the Magellan penguins. I might see them since apparently they have scooters to rent for some of us who can't walk as far. We'll see.