Live from Seabourn Spirit, Oct 25 - Dec 20 2008

[cands]

Day 30 – At Sea.

Today was another typical sea day with breakfast in the Veranda, conversation in the Horizon Lounge, Trivia at Midday, lunch in the Restaurant, some rest time in the cabin, gym and swim.

We then went to the early show with guest guitarist George Sakellariou, followed by pre-dinner drinks in The Club. Tonight we were guests at a special table that also included the Captain and Staff Captain. Our dear friends who were hosting the table had organised a special menu, which was truly magnificent.

For starters we had beef carpaccio with pesto dressing and foie gras mousse on toasted brioche. Then followed a delicious risotto with red wine and slices of pheasant.

Main course was either Venison or a specially designed dish for the evening of Dover Sole with caviar and spinach.

Dessert was a layered concoction that some would know as a Napoleon.

It was a special evening and was great to spend some time with the Captain and Staff Captain. We were the last people to leave the Restaurant at 10:30.

Martha B. – I was able to pass on your hellos and best wishes to the Captain. He of course, reciprocated these to you, his dear friend.

Tonight was a ‘Dancing under the Stars’ night and the open decks were packed with people. We had more drinks and conversation at the Sky Bar before heading back to the cabin just before midnight.

We have received some more information about our transit through the pirate infested waters of the Gulf of Aden. I mentioned before that we will be travelling with a French navy escort.

There have been some extra developments which will further ensure our safety. I won’t go into details now, but we all feel we will be very well protected for the next couple of days while in dangerous waters.

Cheers for now.

Steve.

[Martita B.]

Steve

Do I win a prize for guessing where the ship bell is located?

If so, please leave it with the Purser's and I'll pick it up March of 2010 ~~~ha ha ha Yes, I'm booked for the Spirit TA Crossing that year ~~

Thanks for giving Captain T.T. my message ~~yes, we've been good friends since 2001 ~~he was Staff Captain under Captain Leif Rodhal. Both fine Masters.:p

Continued safe and fun times aboard the Spirit!

Martita B.

[tayl]

I finally got a chance to catch up and read all your posts. Work was probably not the best place to do this, however, once I started reading, I couldn't stop. An excellent read with wonderful illustrations.

Thanks for taking your personal time to share this wonderful adventure.

[cands]

Day 31 – At Sea.

Today was an interesting and unusual day.

As you know we were to be escorted by the French Navy while in the Gulf of Aden. The French then kindly offered to station some security personnel aboard the ship for two days.

By early afternoon we had spotted a French Corvette and also a supply vessel. At various stages of the afternoon there was also a helicopter buzzing overhead. Finally after much anticipation on deck we spotted a rib being launched from the Corvette. The security personnel then boarded the rib one at a time down a rope ladder. They sped away from the Corvette and were soon alongside Spirit. Three heavily armed military types disappeared into the hull. The rib went back for more.

A little later in the afternoon another boat delivered supplies to the tender dock.

So we are now in convoy with an added contingent of armed professionals on board protecting us. The Captain has asked us not to take photos of our visitors, but you will get the idea of the excitement of the day from the photos below.

From a safe and happy Seabourn Spirit

Somewhere in the Gulf of Aden

Steve.

 

The 'H'. A little wishful thinking?

 

Down the rope ladder

 

The French are coming!

 

Lots to see today

 

The chopper never came to visit

 

A beautiful end to the day

[wripro]

Wow, Steve, those are absolutely amazing photos. This experience is better than any shore excursion! Enjoy and stay safe!

[Proper Lady]

Steve, incredible!! I share sentiments with Wripro. Absolutely amazing and interesting photography. It captures what you are expressing and then some! Thanks so much. Rene'

[Host Dan]

Steve and Chris,

AWESOME thread! Its better than reality TV!! :D

 

Host Dan

[banditcat]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us on this board. Your photos are spectacular and your descriptions are so concise and interesting. I hope to do this trip someday and can use this log to help me make it happen.

 

Hannah

[CruisinMatt]

I can't wait to hear about your experiences in India..... :D

[hug]

Steve,

 

I have a question concerning the visa; Is Seabourn taking care of that

(Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, ....) or can you arrange it yourself ? Most of the countries sell the visa on their border (airport or port). When Seabourn arrange it - is the price the same as when you do it yourself ?

 

Congratulations again for your splendid travel-log !!

 

Hug

[jagi]

Steve,

Thank you for your wonderful photos and descriptions of this cruise. I have done some of these ports, and hope to do the others. Reading is second best to being there.

[cands]

Day 32 – At Sea.

Today we learnt that we were to miss our next scheduled port, Salalah, Oman. This was pretty much as suspected, due to the delays in refuelling and joining our convoy. Seabourn has graciously credited us with $150 per person as a gesture of goodwill. We will now have a full day in Khasab instead of a half day, which is all well and good.

We looked over the railing of the Veranda cafe this morning to see we had been converted into a gunship! During the course of the morning there were a couple of small boats that strayed into the path of the convoy. The Corvette, which was travelling close to our stern, would manoeuvre to intercept. It was fascinating to watch it pick up speed and rapidly change course. Our visitors have taken our safety very seriously and everyone is very pleased and appreciative of them being on board.

As today progressed some of off-watch soldiers were seen chatting to some passengers and were keen to get some sunset photos of their ship framed between Spirit’s stacks. The staff on board Spirit have been looking after them well. The chef even prepared a special platter with French cheeses and cold-cuts and I believe they enjoyed a hamburger or two from room service later in the evening! I wonder what they thought of the French Fries?

Tonight we had pre-dinner drinks and appetizers in Steve and Linda’s cabin (hoya68) and then joined them and other friends for formal night dinner in the Restaurant. Chef Alain and his team continue to excel. Several passengers have commented to us that the food on this trip has exceeded even there other Seabourn cruises. The attention to detail and food

quality has been extraordinary. (See photo of tonight’s Chocolate Surprise).

During dinner there was a special announcement. A passenger had suggested sending a small gift back to our escort ship. Anyone who wanted to could donate a bottle of champagne to be sent to the corvette. At last count over 40 bottles had been dropped off at the Purser’s office.

After dinner we spent some time at the Sky Bar, enjoying the balmy evening. Our French minders will be leaving us early in the morning.

Goodnight,

Steve.

 

"Caviar in the Surf" served in the Hot Tub

 

Daniel hams it up

 

We mean business! Spirit the Gunship

 

Corvette in close formation

 

Unidentified boat, starboard

 

Rapid Response

[cands]

And tonight's food sensation - Chocolate Surprise!

 

[eknightley]

Thank you very much for sharing your travels. You are a wonderful and observant author. Have a wonderful time!

[CruisinMatt]

Thanks for the picture of the chocolate grand piano, I was just telling a friend about them, now I can offer her a picture as well! :D

[Host Dan]

Great shots of Daniel! Please say "hello" to him from me!

 

Host Dan

[Seabourn-nail]

Great shots of Daniel! Please say "hello" to him from me!

 

Host Dan

I came back from our Legend crossing a few days ago and today I was able to catch up with your wonderful ongoing review and photos; thanks also from my part!

I hope you will continue to enjoy your cruise tremendously and say hello to our good friend Daniël too!

We tried to surprise your future cruise friends Christian and Uwe on November the 2nd in Palma de Mallorca, but arrived a day later in Alicante, due to the storm in Palma. Then we found somebody had already told them we were spotted!

Have lots of fun also with them!

Marja

[cands]

Day 33 – At Sea.

That’s six days in a row at sea! Can we have a port stop soon, please?

Our French soldiers left us early this morning, laden with 2 machine guns, various automatic weapons, 60 bottles of champagne and the goodwill of us all!

After the excitement of the last couple of days it seemed very subdued on board, or perhaps everyone was digesting the shocking news from India. I know it’s too early to say, but I imagine the scheduled stop next week in Mumbai will be cancelled. (Please don’t worry, Mum, Seabourn will not expose us to any dangerous situation). I’ll let you all know when we are advised what is to happen.

Late today the Captain came over the P.A. to say he had a surprise for us. We are to have an unscheduled stop in Muscat on Saturday between 8am and 2pm. This is in part to make up for the loss of our scheduled visit to Salalah. I’m sure this gesture will be greatly appreciated by the passengers leaving us in Dubai, and for Chris and I it will be a good opportunity to spend some extra time in Muscat, before our return next week.

Bye for now,

Steve.

[homolog]

Steve!

 

First I have to thank you for your outstanding travelogue. It's really mouth-watering and we cannot wait to join you on Tuesday in Dubai.

 

Please keep us up-to-date what Seabourn will do with the stop in Mumbai. Today is Thanksgiving in the States, so it's impossible to reach people in charge. We just want to know, and our moms are worried, too.

 

Thanks and see you soon

 

Chris from Cologne

[Aussie Gal]

Steve,

 

A great travelogue which also has your wonderful photos. Between the emails from Lorraine and John and your great posts I feel as though I am on board with you all. I am sure that Seabourn will not put any of you in danger re India. What a pity, as we loved our time there in April when we visited three ports and were able to visit Agra for 3 days to see the wonderful Taj Mahal.

 

Jennie

[simonv]

Salalah isn't much. If you have to miss a port, Salalah is a good place to lose. Muscat is more interesting.

[Aussie Gal]

I have to differ. Even though we haven't been to Muscat, we loved our time in Salalah when we visited there at the end of April. We had a fantastic guide (we had a private excursion for 12) who showed us around and took us to many interesting places. We all enjoyed our first experience of being in a Middle Eastern country. It was just so clean after India and we were made to feel very welcome.

 

Jennie

[Seabourn-nail]

Steve!

 

First I have to thank you for your outstanding travelogue. It's really mouth-watering and we cannot wait to join you on Tuesday in Dubai.

 

Please keep us up-to-date what Seabourn will do with the stop in Mumbai. Today is Thanksgiving in the States, so it's impossible to reach people in charge. We just want to know, and our moms are worried, too.

 

Thanks and see you soon

 

Chris from Cologne

 

Dear friends!

I'm worried too! But I'm sure Seabourn will avoid every danger there might be. Thailand (Bangkok) also seems to be in trouble now. A few airports there are closed and hundreds of people can't leave the country.

I hope everybody on the Spirit and everybody joining her soon will have a cruise without any trouble or worries!

Have a nice weekend!

Marja

[cands]

A quick update before heading off to dinner.

 

We just received a letter telling us Mumbai has been bypassed. We will instead be at sea on Sunday Dec 7th followed by Goa (Mormugao) on Monday Dec 8th. The rest of the itinerary remains unchanged.

 

We are greatly relieved.

 

Cheers,

Steve.

[homolog]

We just called Seabourn Germany and we got the same informations: Goa instead of Mumbai!

It's a relief for us, too ( and our moms), but we're still worried about the situation in Bangkok. We are planning a side trip to Angkor Wat, leaving the Spirit in Singapore and joining her in Bangkok. But if the airports in Bangkok will remained close, we have to cancel the whole Cambodia trip. I don't fancy a 10-hour bus trip back to Thailand.

 

Chris