Just returned from Seabourn Cruise- FABULOUS!!!!

My husband and I were on the Seabourn Quest - April 29- May 13- Gems of Western Europe- 14 day cruise.

It was one of the most amazing trips we have ever taken! This was our first cruise with Seabourn. It exceeded our expectations!

By the 2nd day we were greeted by all the staff by our names.

We had previously sailed on Silversea three times. We were always told Seabourn is a little better than Silversea. Well, Seabourn is in a different class than Silversea. It doesn't even compare.

First of all the food was EXCELLENT! I am from New Orleans so I am use to great restaurants and the food was THE BEST!!

I see how sometimes people on these boards complain about the food. I was honestly concerned after reading some of the forums before we left for the cruise. Speaking to other passengers on our cruise-

90% of the passengers never heard of Cruise Critic. I was told 65% are so of the passengers on our cruise were repeat customers. Most of the passengers that were repeats that we met have sailed Seabourn 7 times or more. They also told us they think Silversea is an inferior product and would not sail on them.

Back to the food. We always ate breakfast in the Colonnade. Besides the Buffet they have special order items that you can add to your breakfast. I even had Lamb Chops for breakfast- always asked for double cut! They were delicious. My husband said the French Toast was great! We loved seating outside at the Colonnade. If it was cool a few days- they had cashmere blankets to wrap yourself around. When you asked for expresso or hot coffee in 1 minute hot coffee would come. Amazing service every time!

We had room service for breakfast only once- when we had a very early tour. It was prompt and perfect! Every afternoon I would order from room service some snacks and within 10 minutes it came. The guacamole was delicious and they give you a huge bowl! The Shrimp on Room Service Menu were huge!

We ate lunch frequently in the outdoor Patio Grill. The Cheeseburgers were the best I have ever tasted. I always added grilled mushrooms and grilled onions. Seabourn is famous for their French Fries. They were FANTASTIC! Everyday they had choice of 2 pizzas that were being made fresh right in front of you! Delicious!! Of course they had lots of great salads and other grilled items. They had great freshly made delicious ice creams and sorbets - changing flavors everyday. Loved the Pistachio Ice Cream.The Manager of the Patio Grill would come over and make sure everything was fine. What incredible Service! ( We felt the hamburgers and pizza on Silversea were unedible!)

At the pool -waiters brought around delicious frozen drinks!

We always ate Dinner in The Restaurant ( Main Dining Room). Wonderful food choices every night. So many choices. Our favorite waiter( which we requested every night) would make suggestions and if he thought there were 2 great appetizers- he would bring out both. My husband loves fish and thought the fish courses were OUTSTANDING!

The filet which we always ordered double cut -size - was as good as best steak houses we have eaten in. ( Also had delicious peppercorn sauce to put over it). The filet is available every night on the " Classic Menu".

(We also felt the Steak on our last Silversea cruise was unedible).

If you want two lobsters - you can order it. If you want to special order something- just tell the chef 24 hours before - My husband special ordered a whole sea bass. They will do anything to please you. Just ask!

My husband loves desserts. Our waiter would always bring out 3 desserts for him to try!

The waiters work in teams and do a fabulous job.

Just an example of the efforts they make to please you- On the last night we wanted a table for 10. We went to the manager the night before to request it. All the tables of 10 were taken. So she said she would have the ship's carpenter come and make a new table of 10 to accommodate us. Now that is called AMAZING!

We didn't go to Restaurant 2- the specialty restaurant- but some of our friends we met did- and they said it was EXCELLENT!

We loved Seabourn Square! They had staff there 24 hours a day to help you with tours, internet or general questions. It was also a great place to go to read newspapers. They had little mini-computers with all the newspapers on them. And of course they had coffee, tea, desserts, and ice cream all day long.

Now to the staff and service. Seabourn staff work 4 months on and 2 months off. The staff love that arrangement. On Silversea I think the staff works 8-9 months per contract. So I think they are worn out. Also all the staff is from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.-On Silversea it is mostly Phillippino . We found with the Silversea Waiters- if they didn't understand what you were asking- they were too embarrassed to ask you to repeat. So there was always major communication problems- resulting in problems in restaurants with your requests. The waiters on Seabourn were more polished and professional in everyway.

We felt the service on Seabourn in all the restaurants was far SUPERIOR to Silversea. Honestly, there was no comparision.

We found on Seabourn every staff member had the BEST ATTITUDE!

We liked that you don't need to make reservations for the restaurants. ( except for Restaurant 2) After touring all day- we could just pop in to the restaurant without having to plan in advance. ( that is why I wouldn't like Oceania- need to make reservations in advance and you are limited to how many reservations you can make in a certain restaurant)

Also we loved the passenger size of the ship. You get to know so many passengers and staff members on a smaller ship. Oceania is too large for us! We would not have had that same personal experience with the Staff.

Every night before dinner we would meet all our new friends in the Observation Bar- where there was music and the most DELICIOUS snacks-( especially that great guacamole and chips!) (Again Silversea snacks at the bars on our last cruise were not good).

The chef onboard our Cruise was Chef Martin. We thanked him at the end for the FABULOUS job he did.

Someone told us they had a Michelin Chef onboard our cruise that was observing and making suggestions to make the food even better. He said they are always looking for ways to make the food even more FABULOUS!

We had a Market Galley Lunch one day at sea. It was the most amazing buffet in the Main Dining Room and then you went into the galley where there was more food.

We actually never made it to any shows. We always stayed in the dining room until

11:00 P.M. because we ate dinner very late. But people who made it to the shows said they enjoyed them.

We would never go on any other cruise line. We are hooked now! Everyday of the cruise my husband and I would say" This is the most WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE." We didn't want it to end. We met the most interesting people from all over the world. Every passenger we met was so friendly.

Everyone on the cruise we spoke with all felt like we did - saying the cruise was FABULOUS!

In conclusion- most of the Seabourn Passengers on our cruise- don't read Cruise Critic, they love Seabourn and they wouldn't sail on any other line.

If you are looking for a 5 star experience ( like a Four Seasons experience) then Seabourn is the most FABULOUS cruise line out there. This cruise was one of the highlights of our lives!

We travel all over the world for our business and have stayed in the finest hotels- and this Seabourn Cruise was PERFECT in every way- Service, Food and Attention to Details!

How would we describe our Seabourn Cruise! MAGNIFICENT!! FANTASTIC!!! INCREDIBLE!!!

We will never forget it and can't wait to take our next Seabourn cruise.

If you want the BEST SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, and a WONDERFUL cruise experience then Seabourn is for you!!

SO glad you had a wonderful cruise. Thank you for taking the time to write and post your review.

Keith

Sounds like you had a good time...... I know exactly how you feel!

I am so happy for you --- I always feel bad when someone's first Seabourn cruise does not live up to expectations. We are about ready to leave for another Seabourn cruise and are as excited as we were 13 years ago before our first one. Hope you put down a deposit for your next cruise.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

So glad that you enjoyed your first Seabourn so much!

We're former SS cruisers who are now totally won over by Seabourn, so I tend to agree with much of what you've written about the differences. Just one thing surprised me, that you found the pizza on Silversea to be inedible. Although we didn't choose it very often, we did like the SS pizza. I can't help but wonder if the quality has deteriorated in the few years since we were last on SS.

I also like that on SB we have a choice of where to dine in the evenings.

Thank you very much for posting an excellent review.

My one question to you is how much weight did you put on after all that wonderful food?

Yes I did gain some weight- but lost all I gained on the cruise after being home for 1.5 weeks.

I don't eat like that at home- but I said what the heck- Might as well enjoy all they had to offer!

Dafne ... we were on the same cruise although I don't think we met. I am glad that this cruise lived up to your expectations. We certainly had a great time and the cruise was as good as any we have enjoyed with Seabourn. Needles to say, we put down another onboard deposit and are wait listed for our preferred next cruise.

Just a couple of comments. It would appear that there was a corporate team aboard plus one or two consultants looking at how to make things better. On the food side, that team comprised of at least four chefs including Chef Raj (top chef at Corporate I think). On the next leg (Amsterdam to Stockholm), Chef Raj and Chef Bala (usually worked the Colonnade) put on an Indian market that was quite simply fabulous. Probably the best dinner I have had on 9 Seabourn cruises; and I know my Indian food.

On the negative side, Christopher (Observation Bar) and Robin (his girlfriend/partner/wife) resigned. Apparently an offer he couldn't refuse came in from Dublin. However, he was ably replaced by Dennis who joined in Amsterdam.

Also, and as you know, we had to change St. Malo for Cherbourg and could not get into Guernsey as the sea was too rough for the tenders. I thought Seabourn handled that unforeseen change quite well.

I cannot comment on Silverseas having never cruised with them. However, your remarks echo what we have heard from others.

Hi dafne,

Very good review, we are leaving on a 3 week cruise on the Quest on Sunday,

June 1st, and looking forward to the food & drink.

Regards,

Malcolm

My husband and I were on the Seabourn Quest - April 29- May 13- Gems of Western Europe- 14 day cruise.

 

It was one of the most amazing trips we have ever taken! This was our first cruise with Seabourn. It exceeded our expectations!

 

By the 2nd day we were greeted by all the staff by our names.

 

We had previously sailed on Silversea three times. We were always told Seabourn is a little better than Silversea. Well, Seabourn is in a different class than Silversea. It doesn't even compare.

 

First of all the food was EXCELLENT! I am from New Orleans so I am use to great restaurants and the food was THE BEST!!

 

I see how sometimes people on these boards complain about the food. I was honestly concerned after reading some of the forums before we left for the cruise. Speaking to other passengers on our cruise-

90% of the passengers never heard of Cruise Critic. I was told 65% are so of the passengers on our cruise were repeat customers. Most of the passengers that were repeats that we met have sailed Seabourn 7 times or more. They also told us they think Silversea is an inferior product and would not sail on them.

 

Back to the food. We always ate breakfast in the Colonnade. Besides the Buffet they have special order items that you can add to your breakfast. I even had Lamb Chops for breakfast- always asked for double cut! They were delicious. My husband said the French Toast was great! We loved seating outside at the Colonnade. If it was cool a few days- they had cashmere blankets to wrap yourself around. When you asked for expresso or hot coffee in 1 minute hot coffee would come. Amazing service every time!

 

We had room service for breakfast only once- when we had a very early tour. It was prompt and perfect! Every afternoon I would order from room service some snacks and within 10 minutes it came. The guacamole was delicious and they give you a huge bowl! The Shrimp on Room Service Menu were huge!

 

We ate lunch frequently in the outdoor Patio Grill. The Cheeseburgers were the best I have ever tasted. I always added grilled mushrooms and grilled onions. Seabourn is famous for their French Fries. They were FANTASTIC! Everyday they had choice of 2 pizzas that were being made fresh right in front of you! Delicious!! Of course they had lots of great salads and other grilled items. They had great freshly made delicious ice creams and sorbets - changing flavors everyday. Loved the Pistachio Ice Cream.The Manager of the Patio Grill would come over and make sure everything was fine. What incredible Service! ( We felt the hamburgers and pizza on Silversea were unedible!)

 

At the pool -waiters brought around delicious frozen drinks!

 

We always ate Dinner in The Restaurant ( Main Dining Room). Wonderful food choices every night. So many choices. Our favorite waiter( which we requested every night) would make suggestions and if he thought there were 2 great appetizers- he would bring out both. My husband loves fish and thought the fish courses were OUTSTANDING!

The filet which we always ordered double cut -size - was as good as best steak houses we have eaten in. ( Also had delicious peppercorn sauce to put over it). The filet is available every night on the " Classic Menu".

(We also felt the Steak on our last Silversea cruise was unedible).

 

If you want two lobsters - you can order it. If you want to special order something- just tell the chef 24 hours before - My husband special ordered a whole sea bass. They will do anything to please you. Just ask!

 

My husband loves desserts. Our waiter would always bring out 3 desserts for him to try!

The waiters work in teams and do a fabulous job.

Just an example of the efforts they make to please you- On the last night we wanted a table for 10. We went to the manager the night before to request it. All the tables of 10 were taken. So she said she would have the ship's carpenter come and make a new table of 10 to accommodate us. Now that is called AMAZING!

 

We didn't go to Restaurant 2- the specialty restaurant- but some of our friends we met did- and they said it was EXCELLENT!

 

We loved Seabourn Square! They had staff there 24 hours a day to help you with tours, internet or general questions. It was also a great place to go to read newspapers. They had little mini-computers with all the newspapers on them. And of course they had coffee, tea, desserts, and ice cream all day long.

 

Now to the staff and service. Seabourn staff work 4 months on and 2 months off. The staff love that arrangement. On Silversea I think the staff works 8-9 months per contract. So I think they are worn out. Also all the staff is from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.-On Silversea it is mostly Phillippino . We found with the Silversea Waiters- if they didn't understand what you were asking- they were too embarrassed to ask you to repeat. So there was always major communication problems- resulting in problems in restaurants with your requests. The waiters on Seabourn were more polished and professional in everyway.

 

We felt the service on Seabourn in all the restaurants was far SUPERIOR to Silversea. Honestly, there was no comparision.

 

We found on Seabourn every staff member had the BEST ATTITUDE!

 

We liked that you don't need to make reservations for the restaurants. ( except for Restaurant 2) After touring all day- we could just pop in to the restaurant without having to plan in advance. ( that is why I wouldn't like Oceania- need to make reservations in advance and you are limited to how many reservations you can make in a certain restaurant)

Also we loved the passenger size of the ship. You get to know so many passengers and staff members on a smaller ship. Oceania is too large for us! We would not have had that same personal experience with the Staff.

 

Every night before dinner we would meet all our new friends in the Observation Bar- where there was music and the most DELICIOUS snacks-( especially that great guacamole and chips!) (Again Silversea snacks at the bars on our last cruise were not good).

 

The chef onboard our Cruise was Chef Martin. We thanked him at the end for the FABULOUS job he did.

Someone told us they had a Michelin Chef onboard our cruise that was observing and making suggestions to make the food even better. He said they are always looking for ways to make the food even more FABULOUS!

 

We had a Market Galley Lunch one day at sea. It was the most amazing buffet in the Main Dining Room and then you went into the galley where there was more food.

 

We actually never made it to any shows. We always stayed in the dining room until

11:00 P.M. because we ate dinner very late. But people who made it to the shows said they enjoyed them.

 

 

We would never go on any other cruise line. We are hooked now! Everyday of the cruise my husband and I would say" This is the most WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE." We didn't want it to end. We met the most interesting people from all over the world. Every passenger we met was so friendly.

 

Everyone on the cruise we spoke with all felt like we did - saying the cruise was FABULOUS!

 

In conclusion- most of the Seabourn Passengers on our cruise- don't read Cruise Critic, they love Seabourn and they wouldn't sail on any other line.

 

If you are looking for a 5 star experience ( like a Four Seasons experience) then Seabourn is the most FABULOUS cruise line out there. This cruise was one of the highlights of our lives!

We travel all over the world for our business and have stayed in the finest hotels- and this Seabourn Cruise was PERFECT in every way- Service, Food and Attention to Details!

 

How would we describe our Seabourn Cruise! MAGNIFICENT!! FANTASTIC!!! INCREDIBLE!!!

We will never forget it and can't wait to take our next Seabourn cruise.

 

If you want the BEST SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, and a WONDERFUL cruise experience then Seabourn is for you!!

We agree with you!! We were on the Sojourn for 83 days of the World cruise and we did not want it to end! We love Seabourn--this was our third cruise with them. next year we are going to the Baltic in May on the Quest!

Speaking to other passengers on our cruise-

90% of the passengers never heard of Cruise Critic. I was told 65% are so of the passengers on our cruise were repeat customers. Most of the passengers that were repeats that we met have sailed Seabourn 7 times or more. They also told us they think Silversea is an inferior product and would not sail on them.

I am a huge SB fan, have never tried SS, and don't think I will, based on comments on both SB & SS boards.

Having said that, regarding the repeat SB customers with whom you spoke on board and who told you SS is inferior - that's all well and good and does provide some additional data point, but one cannot draw any definitive conclusions based on this biased sample: One is more likely to see SB fans on SB ships, and SS fans on SS ships, and so on SS ships, you will likely meet many SS fans who dislike SB.

And yes, most passengers on SB have no clue about cruisecritic. We're a passionate, vocal minority... and just as well, as some of the nitpicking and characters - myself included! - on here would probably scare away many a potential first-timer! :D

Thanks for your review! I have only started cruising Seabourn in the last 12 months and I agree with your comments, they offer a great experience.

After one SS and one SB i knew SB was the right fit for us…

I still look at SS but the fact that Silversea Seniors cruises keeps coming up in ads I go um….. nope not me

Malcolm,

Ask for Leonard in the Dining Room. He was a wonderful waiter!

Tell him we sent you!

Hope you have a great trip.

I couldn't agree more about your comparison of Seabourn and SS! We wanted to try SS and were very disappointed in the service. I must say the Italian restaurant on SS was excellent, but other than that, Seabourn out ranked SS at every turn. We will not cruise SS again, but are looking forward to a 2 week Norway cruise on Seabourn in June 2015! Thanks for taking the time to write your review and get us all excited about our next Seabourn cruise!

So glad to read your review. We totally agree with you. There is NOTHING out there that even comes close to the Seabourn cruising experience, and the main reason is the crew! They simply the best. :)

On Silversea Forums where I also posted my review on my Seabourn cruise experience and compared it to Silversea. I am being accused of working for Carnival. I thought that was funny!

On Silversea Forums where I also posted my review on my Seabourn cruise experience and compared it to Silversea. I am being accused of working for Carnival. I thought that was funny!

There are a few Silversea sailors that have never even been on Seabourn.

You cannot make much of a judgment if you have not tried a variety of the luxury lines.

Seabourn guests are generally much friendlier on the ships than some lines.

It's very social and a good place to be if you are travelling solo.

On Silversea Forums where I also posted my review on my Seabourn cruise experience and compared it to Silversea. I am being accused of working for Carnival. I thought that was funny!

'Accused' is not quite correct. It's called a british sense of humour, and I apologise for forgetting that it does not always travel across the pond.

We were on SS last year and thought the food was horrible. We are looking forward to returning to SB in September. We have not been on SB for many years but hope that we have another great cruise with them as you did.

I have never been on Silversea and am unlikely to try it given these reports, the scandal last year involving one ship's US health inspection and another matter I have been pondering. For all the Silversea cruises I have evaluated, their prices for cabins comparable to the Seabourn larger ships (with balconies) are much higher. So my question is how do they manage?

I hope Seabourn adds a couple of Alaska cruises to their schedule. I will keep my fingers crossed for the next release of itineraries which I believe will be out in a month.

Happy sailing!

So my question is how do they manage?

 

1) Loyalty program. Lame as it is, there is a perceived value to some.

2) The great crew. I think not, but others do.

3) Fellow passengers. To me, the strongest asset SS has on their balance sheet. Overall, it is a pleasant group.

Just returned from our first Silversea cruise after many cruises on Seabourn. We had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to take either line in the future. In many areas, Silversea exceeds Seabourn.

We cruised on the Silver Spirit and we had a better overall expereience than we had on the Seabourn Legend in May 2013.

There are quite a few Seabourn sailors who have never been on Silversea. I was one of them until recently and I am glad I did not let others' reviews stop me from trying a new experience.

...We cruised on the Silver Spirit and we had a better overall expereience than we had on the Seabourn Legend in May 2013...

Could you maybe illustrate the things which you found were better on the Silver Spirit? It would be interesting to read of your experience.

Could you maybe illustrate the things which you found were better on the Silver Spirit? It would be interesting to read of your experience.

Comparing the Silver Spirit with The Legend is like comparing an orange with a sausage.

I agree it would be most interesting to see what the OP found "better" between the two ships