4 January Cape Town to Singapore cruise

Any reassurances about interconnecting rooms?

Sure, it's a handy way to store excess baggage and/or children. If the room is otherwise unoccupied, you will be fine.

Sure, it's a handy way to store excess baggage and/or children. If the room is otherwise unoccupied, you will be fine.

Thank you for making me smile. :D

Well we have unfortunately had to miss Madagascar as it was way too rough. We are moving as fast as safely possible as there is a couple of cyclones in the region and the Captain is trying to outrun them. So we can expect rough weather for the next 24 - 36 hours. Luckily my DH and I used to have a yacht when younger and the seas around Perth can be quite rough so we can handle this. I feel sorry for the poor crew as they are likely to have less sleep and have to keep smiling.

When we visited East London we visited a Xhosa Cultural Village and met a lovely 95 year old lady, Mama Tofu, who gave us information regarding traditions and village life. We were entertained by wonderful dancing and music. In East London itself the shuttle just took you to the large shopping Mall and Casino which was about 25 minute drive from the ship.

The countryside was beautiful to see, but I can see why some may be disappointed if they just caught the shuttle and went for a walk around the Mall........no high end shops here.

Here is the link to this blog entry.

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/juliezm/1/1419788622/tpod.html

Julie,

So sorry you missed Madagascar.hope you get through the rough weather quickly and safely.

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We have safely arrived in Mauritius after a rough couple of days sailing. Had some heavy rain at breakfast but though overcast the rain is holding off. We will try to head out for a few hours to explore the region while we can. We have two days here so we will see what we can.

My entry for Durban is now published on my blog. Having trouble keeping up as enjoying chatting with friends while on board.

Julie

Isn't that what you are supposed to be doing? Have fun --- the blog can wait.

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Just an update to my travel blog.

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/juliezm/1/tpod.html

It includes our overnight stay at Thanda Tented Reserve when we stayed at Richard's Bay. Our day in Maputo. We had to miss Madagascar and Reunion due to the weather but safety comes first. Though I have posted the link to our guide we would have used in Madagascar. He was very gracious and kind in his email when we cancelled and considering he missed out on quite a bit of money as there was six of us, I was impressed. Day one on Mauritius and Day 2 will follow soon.

The last two days have seen sunny, hot and clear days. Everyone's spirits are better. The rock the boat party on Deck 8 last night went on till 11.30pm with many dancing.......and then we lost an hour overnight. Many tired but happy people this morning. :)

Today we will have a King Neptune and crossing the Equator ceremony and I will take photos to post on the blog.

Julie

Julie - having just read a report on the new ships' naming thread, it sounds as though, most oddly, your cruise has a whole host of new staff on board, who are it seems not up to Seabourn standards. It would be good (or bad) to know more about this from you, or the other poster.

No news from anyone recently on this trip - hope all is well and would love to hear more.

No news from anyone recently on this trip - hope all is well and would love to hear more.

Hi lincslady,

My DH and I have been having a wonderful cruise and we are keeping very busy hence why I am behind in my blog and replying here. We have met many lovely people on this cruise.

With regards to the crew. Yes there were quite a few new ones start in Cape Town but also many regulars were on. I can't comment on someone else's experience but for ourselves after an initial settling in period they have been lovely and very willing to learn and to please. They have developed a good rhythm now.

I have only had room service once and they were prompt and the food was hot. Also they came within 5 minutes to collect our trays when called. In the Colonnade we found David, Alexandra, Drazen and many others good with service and it was prompt. Chef Roderick has done very well and his French Market is very popular when held and if you come late you may have to wait for a table. Not a problem we went with our friends to the Observation lounge and we were called about 15 - 20 minutes later.

In the main dining room we have sat in Maria Paula & Jack's section and Marius & Jaimie's section and food was served promptly and hot. Generally our food has been very good or excellent. My scallop main courses or buttered and grilled prawns have been a delight. We tend to eat between 8 - 8.30pm so I am not sure if this makes a difference.

Today we are in Phuket and we are doing the Sea Canoe Adventure which we are looking forward to. A week ago when in Phuket we did the Blue Elephant Cooking Tour and it was excellent with as far as I am aware everyone very pleased with the whole experience. Well recommended.

I will try to catch up on my blog tomorrow.

Julie

Thanks for the swift reply, Julie. Didn't mean to hassle you, just that you have been putting wonderful stuff on your blog, but not recently!! Pleased to hear it is because everything is great on board. I had been a bit perturbed because of the post suggesting service etc. was not good. (Not from you).

Will look forward to hearing more when you have time, as will your other followers.

LL

Julie,

Love reading about the wide variety of things you have been doing on your trip. Can't wait for the Myanmar blog posting.And just think, when the cruise is over for once you will have a relatively short flight back home.

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for taking your time to post here & on your blog. Love it all & feel like we're there with you. Unless I've missed something, what about Trivia? We're secretly (or not so much) very envious.

Our very, very best to you both. Bonnie