***Live from the Sojourn, 20-day Iberian and Celtic Sojourn***

Day 1: Embarkation in Civitavecchia, Italy

Hello once again from the Sojourn here in Civitavecchia, Italy!

I just flew in this morning into Fumicino and decided to do the "el chepo" transfer of train from Fumicino to Civitavvechi which took all of 1 hour for 11.80 euro with one person with a checked bag and one carry-on it is very doable and easy as well and no hassle. I left Fumicino at 11:45am and I was at the ships pier at 1:15pm after walking from the train station to the shuttle bus area and didn't have to wait.

I was onboard by 1:30pm and was quickly up to the Colonnade whereby there was a FULL ON ATTACK going on. Word has obviously gotten out that Seabourn starts embarkation now at 12:30pm. I had a nice spagetti a la Cassalinga with Pancetta, Capers and fresh arugual with some Petit Chablis and Peligrinno water. A quick look at the dessert bar and I had to have the Chocalte Torte with Chocolate Ice Cream...now I am stuffed.

I'll be having one of Kevin's great coffee's here in Seabourn Square and then head out to my Suite and unpack. I was very fortunate to be upgradec from a CAT V1 on a GTY on both sailings and received the same midship cabin assignment for both cruises in a CAT V6.;):D;)

Will be posting later all the Activities onboard tonight and the menus as well for those diehards that just have to know.

The weather in Civitavecchia is stunningly beautiful with sunny skies and current 24C temperature. We sail at 5:00pm for Porto Venere, Italy.

More to come from the Sojourn about to set sail in 2.5 hours time from Civitavecchia.;)

Itinerary:Day Date Port Arrive Depart

0 04 May 2012 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 05:00 PM

1 05 May 2012 Portovenere, Italy TR 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

2 06 May 2012 Sanary sur-Mer, France TR 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

3 07 May 2012 Barcelona, Spain 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

4 08 May 2012 At Sea (Mediterranean Sea) CO

5 09 May 2012 Malaga, Spain 07:00 AM 08:00 PM

6 10 May 2012 Cadiz (Seville), Spain 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

7 11 May 2012 Portimao, Portugal 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

8 12 May 2012 Lisbon, Portugal 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

9 13 May 2012 Leixoes (Porto), Portugal 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

10 14 May 2012 A Coruna, Spain 09:00 AM 08:00 PM

11 15 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

12 16 May 2012 Cobh (Cork), Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

13 17 May 2012 Dublin, Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

14 18 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

15 19 May 2012 Invergordon, Scotland 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

16 20 May 2012 Leith (Edinburgh), UK 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

17 21 May 2012 Newcastle upon Tyne, England 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

18 22 May 2012 At Sea (North Sea) CO

19 23 May 2012 Delfzijl (Groningen), Netherlands 07:00 AM 03:00 PM

20 24 May 2012 Hamburg, Germany 07:00 AM

We currently have the MSC Splendida, RCCL Brilliance of the Seas and the Spirit of Adventure with us here in Civitavecchia.

Activities Onboard Today;

12:30pm Welcome Aboard Luncheon, the Colonnade Deck 8 until 3:00pm

1:00pm-4:00pm Spa Tours and Gym Orientation, The Spa Deck 9

4:30pm All Onboard

4:45pm Passenger Emergency Drill

5:00pm Departure, Sojourn sails for Porto Venere, Italy

5:15pm Sail-A-Way Social, Sky Bar Deck 9

5:30pm Friends of Bill W Meet, Conference Room, Deck 5

Onboard Activites Tonight;

Tonight's Attire: RESORT CASUAL

5:30pm Sabbath Service

6:30pm Panoramic Piano Moods, Nick Messina, Observation Bar, Deck 10

6:30pm-8:00pm Club Cocktails, The Club, Deck 5

9:30pm Nick's Late Night Piano Bar, Observation Bar Deck 10

9:45pm Welcome Night in the Club, The Club, Deck 5

ST

Do you happen to see the Holland Eurodam ship? Seabourn's own Johnny and Mr. "S" are aboard! Wave at 'em!:D

Have a grrrreat sailing!

Martita

ST

Do you happen to see the Holland Eurodam ship? Seabourn's own Johnny and Mr. "S" are aboard! Wave at 'em!:D

 

Have a grrrreat sailing!

Martita

Yes forgot to mention the Eurodam which is at it's berth at the far end.

Mrs. Witzke is onboard with us now on the Sojourn and has left the Quest to be on here until the ship arrives in Boston in early fall of this year.

Hope she observes the smoking policy in the Observation Bar or might I might have to carry a bucket of water with me at all times!:rolleyes:;)

I thought "Sister" A. Witzke was not transferring to the Sojourn until June....please visit with her, as she is a huge HOOT! We've been good friends for 12 years. A real, Southern (orginally, Kentucky) very classy lady! Knows almost everything going on aboard the ship!:confused:

Martita

I thought "Sister" A. Witzke was not transferring to the Sojourn until June....please visit with her, as she is a huge HOOT! We've been good friends for 12 years. A real, Southern (orginally, Kentucky) very classy lady! Knows almost everything going on aboard the ship!:confused:

Martita

Nope she has embarked today along with me.

I'll have to compare score cards for "what's going onboard the ship" for at least the next 20 days....stay tuned!

Hello Seabourntraveller,

Wishing you a wonderfull 20 days. I`ll be hanging on to CC to read about your adventures. Have great fun and a lot of gossip!

Activities Onboard Today;

 

12:30pm Welcome Aboard Luncheon, the Colonnade Deck 8 until 3:00pm

1:00pm-4:00pm Spa Tours and Gym Orientation, The Spa Deck 9

4:30pm All Onboard

4:45pm Passenger Emergency Drill

5:00pm Departure, Sojourn sails for Porto Venere, Italy

5:15pm Sail-A-Way Social, Sky Bar Deck 9

5:30pm Friends of Bill W Meet, Conference Room, Deck 5

 

Onboard Activites Tonight;

 

Tonight's Attire: RESORT CASUAL

 

5:30pm Sabbath Service

6:30pm Panoramic Piano Moods, Nick Messina, Observation Bar, Deck 10

6:30pm-8:00pm Club Cocktails, The Club, Deck 5

9:30pm Nick's Late Night Piano Bar, Observation Bar Deck 10

9:45pm Welcome Night in the Club, The Club, Deck 5

I hope this is not a silly question, but who/what are the friends of Bill W. ?

I hope this is not a silly question, but who/what are the friends of Bill W. ?

Friends of Bill W. = Alcholics Anonymous meetings;)

We will be joining you in Lisbon next Saturday for 12 days. Can you let us know before then if the house wines are the same as you posted on your earlier travelogue? I might want to try and pick up a couple of Portuguese wines in Lisbon before we board to add to our drinking pleasure. Unfortunately, in Oporto, most places for wine purchase will be closed because it is a Sunday.

I too am an early riser. Perhaps we will meet in Seabourn Square.

We will be joining you in Lisbon next Saturday for 12 days. Can you let us know before then if the house wines are the same as you posted on your earlier travelogue? I might want to try and pick up a couple of Portuguese wines in Lisbon before we board to add to our drinking pleasure. Unfortunately, in Oporto, most places for wine purchase will be closed because it is a Sunday.

 

I too am an early riser. Perhaps we will meet in Seabourn Square.

CLOU will do! I am already on it and asked Robert the Bar Manager to send me the Wine List tonight to my Suite. As soon as I get it I will post it here.

Here's to early coffee in Seabourn Square!;)

Update; After Boat Drill

We just completed the boat drill without incident or no shows. Ms. Witzke was "walked dow" the aisle by Bobby the Cruise Director. I did manage to speak with her briefly in the elevator as she went up to Deck 5 and I went to Deck 7. Martita B. I did tell her you said a big hello from Texas and she asked how you were doing.

Might go up later tonight in the Observation Bar (her hang out) and chat her up some more.

We are about to get ready to set sail for Porto Venere, as we are waiting for our pilot to arrive. Captain Elliott has told us that we will be having smooth seas tonight and light winds from the southwest pushing us so slightly against the stern.

The ship is NOT full on this leg with several empty suites onboard.

More to come later today from the Sojourn about to set sail from Civitavecchia, Italy enroute for Porto Venere, Italy.

Itinerary:Day Date Port Arrive Depart

0 04 May 2012 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 05:00 PM

 

8 12 May 2012 Lisbon, Portugal 07:00 AM 05:00 PM

9 13 May 2012 Leixoes (Porto), Portugal 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

10 14 May 2012 A Coruna, Spain 09:00 AM 08:00 PM

11 15 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

12 16 May 2012 Cobh (Cork), Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

13 17 May 2012 Dublin, Ireland 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

14 18 May 2012 At Sea (Atlantic Ocean) CO

15 19 May 2012 Invergordon, Scotland 08:00 AM 05:00 PM

16 20 May 2012 Leith (Edinburgh), UK 11:00 AM 08:00 PM

17 21 May 2012 Newcastle upon Tyne, England 08:00 AM 06:00 PM

18 22 May 2012 At Sea (North Sea) CO

19 23 May 2012 Delfzijl (Groningen), Netherlands 07:00 AM 03:00 PM

20 24 May 2012 Hamburg, Germany 07:00 AM

See you on May 12!

See you on May 12!

See you then purpleally!;):D;)

 

Here's to early coffee in Seabourn Square!;)

and the chocolate muffins!

ST

Please tell "Sister" A. I'm fine ~busy with 2 Grandkids graduating from Texas A&M on April 11th. I'll send her an e-mail ~(to her suite) Yes, please go and visit with her before dinner up in the Observation Lounge ~she always has an Officer or a Purser who join her for pre-dinner cocktails. She is soooo funny! I could tell you true saga tales, as to the "Witzke Sisters"~ would curl your hair.:confused:

Do you know if Chief Purser Ann-Cathrin is aboard? Or Crew Purser Thomas? Both charming and alot of fun!!!:D

Have a grrrreat sail-away

Martita

and the chocolate muffins!

Who could forget!:p:eek::p

ST

Please tell "Sister" A. I'm fine ~busy with 2 Grandkids graduating from Texas A&M on April 11th. I'll send her an e-mail ~(to her suite) Yes, please go and visit with her before dinner up in the Observation Lounge ~she always has an Officer or a Purser who join her for pre-dinner cocktails. She is soooo funny! I could tell you true saga tales, as to the "Witzke Sisters"~ would curl your hair.:confused:

Do you know if Chief Purser Ann-Cathrin is aboard? Or Crew Purser Thomas? Both charming and alot of fun!!!:D

 

Have a grrrreat sail-away

Martita

I'll find out for you and get back to you on here shortly....stay tuned!;)

Dinner Options Onboard Tonight;

The Restaurant

FIRST COURSE

Poached Jumbo Shrimp Ceviche, cilantro and lime

Bresaola, olive oil, braised vegetables

Pan Sauteed Crab Cakes, marinated cherry tomatoes, roasted bell pepper coulis

Vegatble Bouillon, smoked chicken tortellini

Tomato & White Bean Soup, tomato coulis

Mesclun Salad with Endives, seasonal herbs, citrus dijon vinaigrette

Duck Confit & Frisee Salad, sherry shalott dressing

MAIN COURSE

Pan Roasted Cod Filet, creamy asparagus risotto, roasted mushroom sauce

Bacon Wrapped Scallops, caramilized cauliflower, artichokes and salsify ragout sauce duglere

Pink Grilled Veal Mignon & Shrimp Fritters, soft polenta, oyster mushrooms, broccoli rabe

Duo of Aged Sirloin & Braised Short Rib of Beef, honey glazed turnips, mustard greens, red wine sauce

Vegetarian- Soy Glazed ****akes & Gingered Greens, crunchy vidalia onions and onion soubise

Restaurant 2:

Chef's Cocktail; Crispy Foie Gras, Port wine Splash

Lobster Roll, Yogurt Caviar Sauce

Bacalaito Fritter, Avocado & Tomato Salad

Seared Panela Salmon, White Bean Salsa, Piquillo Coulis

Shiraz Braised Oxtail Presse, Manchego Potstickers

White Asparagus Vanilla Cappuccino Mashed Potato

Dark Chocolate Ganache, Espresso Citrus Panna Cotta, Condensed Milk Ice Cream

The Colonnade- Surf and Turf

APPETIZERS

Poached Jumbo Shrimp Coctail

Avocado, Cocktail Sauce

or

Pan Sauteed Crab Cake

Marinated Fennel Red Onion Sald Truffle Remoulade

Arugula

or

New England Clam, Corn & Potato Chowder

Saffron Essence

MAIN COURSE

Grilled Filet of Salmon

Pommes Fondant, Braised Artichokes

Lemon Beurre

Or

"Surf and Turf" Beef Tenderloin & Broiled Lobster Tail

Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Bernaise

DESSERT

Layered Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake

PATIO GRILL- Al Fresco

APPETIZERS (FROM THE BUFFET)

Buffalo Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Aged Balsamic

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salsify and Salami Milano Cocktail

Grilled Marinated Vegetables

Seared Beef Carpaccio, Pickled Artichokes

Pesto, Citrus Dressing

PIZZA (FROM THE BUFFET)

Frutti di Mare

Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Calamari, Clams and Shrimp

Garlic and Onions

PASTA

Fettucini Pesto, Red Bliss Potatoes, String Beans

FROM THE GRILL

Garlic and Herb Roasted Pork Chop

Pancetta wrapped Veal Tenderloin

Grilled Branzino

Lamb Rack Chops 10oz

SIDINGS

Asparagus, Tomato Paprika Ragout

Lyonnaise Potatoes

SAUCES

Bernaise, Balsamic Jus

DESSERTS

Assorted Cheese

Tiramisu

Lemon Panna Cotta

Fresh Fruits

Ice Cream and Sorbet

Hi seabourntraveller - would also like to hear your comments on the ports, excursions, etc. Or what you hear about them from others if you stay on board.

Thanks.

Have a great cruise ST, will be checking on progress and characters you meet along the way. Have a Wingspan for me!

DottieD:o

Evening Update;

I just came back from having a marvellous dinner at the Patio Grill. This cruise looks promising and may not be a repeat of the "Polar Express Cruise" of weeks past.

I started off with the White Bean Soup which was very tasty and not salty at all for a change. I tend to find most soups onboard are generally salty. I had the infamous Frutti di Mare Pizza with Calamari and Clams made up by Arnold...amazing what he does with Pizza!

I followed it by ordering the Pork Chop with the potatoes lyonnaise and asparagus and ratatouille. A bottle of Peligrino and a couple of glasses of Petit Chablis, Pascal Bouchard. I couldn't resist having the Tiramisu to finish it all off. Kudos to Chef Aaron and his Team at the Patio Grill...another amazingly tasty meal tonight.

I walked about the ship and it's a ghost town as usual on embarkation night as most people are too pooped to do anything. Apparently Room Service is being completely KILLED as most people have ordered dinner thru room service. Seabourn Square, the Shops/Boutique and Casino are all dead this evening....not a soul out at all!

We are currently travelling at 11 knots and have 155 nautical miles to travel before reaching Port Venere tomorrow morning at 8:00am. The seas and winds are both very calm tonight. No real characters as of yet spotted but give it time...they usually turn up somehow!

More to follow later tonight onboard the Sojourn as we make our way along the Italian coastline for Porto Venere, Italy.;)

Are Restaurant Twos menus only posted daily? That is if you wanted to make a reservation in advance would you be able to view the menu, or do you make the reservation and hope that nights menu is to your liking?

Are Restaurant Twos menus only posted daily? That is if you wanted to make a reservation in advance would you be able to view the menu, or do you make the reservation and hope that nights menu is to your liking?

Baychilla....yes here on the Sojourn they are published daily (actually the night before retiring) you'll be able to know what's offered for the following day. Kinda hit and miss, you need to make a reservation as you know for Restaurant 2.