dgannett

Hello, I wrote a review of our first Seabourn trip on Sojourn last fall and found that, while the trip was good, it could have been improved by simple attention to detail in several respects. My wife and I recently debarked the Venture on January 31st and I wanted to provide some observations of our second cruise with Seabourn. In short, this was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Service was excellent, the ship is beautiful and well apportioned for the itinerary, food was good to excellent, and the scenery in Antarctica was absolutely wonderful. Given our experience, we would definitely consider a Seabourn Expedition cruise again and my wife is already talking about a possible trip with an itinerary including Western Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. Our observations follow: First, the (few) things that could have been improved- -Our shower was clogged upon arrival and my wife had to finish washing her hair in the tub. It took three requests to have this fixed and the problem was solved within the first day. -Some of the Expedition staff lectures could have been improved. While some talks were engaging and interesting, some fell short of the mark. I recall a talk about the ozone layer with much too much inorganic chemistry included which detracted from the value of this important topic. I suspect that talks by more experienced naturalists (i.e., National Geographic) would have provided more detail. -I had a suboptimal experience with the Expedition staff during our trip ashore at Neko Harbour (this was a Zodiac landing on the continent of Antarctica). I approached two of the Expedition staff (easy to identify as they are the only ones with red parkas) who were standing on a small rocky elevated area. After enjoying the scenery for a minute or so, they informed me that I was too close to a penguin nest. When I looked at my feet, indeed I was very close to an unoccupied nest. I told them that I wouldn't have stood in this area if they were not right next to me and they told me that they had to move there due to recent calving of a glacier resulting in large waves rushing over the beach. While this area is indeed prone to calving, we had been ashore for about 15 minutes at this time with no calving activity and this area was at least 50m above the beach area. I feel that if these two had been paying more attention instead of talking with each other, this would not have happened. The rest of my comments are all positive- -The cabins are beautiful and our room attendants (Roberto and Aris) were friendly, attentive, and my expectations of attention to detail were met with respect to replenishing the beverages and ice as well as maintaining our room in excellent detail. The showers are a little small, but with excellent water pressure and temperature and no issues once the drain was cleared. -Our TA informed us of an opportunity to upgrade our cabin about 5 days before the trip. The offer was $699 each to upgrade from a Panorama Veranda (I guess they call that a Penthouse Veranda now) to an owner's suite in the bow of the ship. Or we could pay $2799 each to upgrade to the Wintergarden Suite. I agonized a bit over this decision given that I was excited to try the Panorama Veranda with floor to ceiling windows and a view from the tub, but ultimately took the owner's suite. I'm glad we took the upgrade as the cabin has about 60% more space and an excellent viewing location at the front of the ship. -The food was excellent overall in the Restaurant and Colonnade. We had excellent service from Darwin and Diego which made our meals with them more enjoyable. We did not try the sushi, although those that did said that it was excellent. We had room service in our suite twice during the trip when the menus weren't exciting us and the service was prompt and attentive with warm food laid out on a white tablecloth for us. -We never had any wait for seating at mealtime and were always able to get a table for two when desired. -We were fortunate in that weather conditions were good and none of the Zodiac landings or tours were cancelled. We also were able to try kayaking which was a wonderful experience. I never had any concerns with respect to safety and we were able to see Humpback whales relatively close up (the guides had us make a "raft" with our kayaks -everyone together with boats touching each other). I recommend booking this well in advance (several months before the trip). I had not done this and was fortunate to snag one of the few remaining spots for the last day of the trip. -We had booked with Seabourn Air and found the included transfers very convenient. On the last day of the trip, this included an early dinner at a restaurant in the Holiday Inn a few kilometers from the airport. This was an excellent Argentinian meal with salad, steak, empanadas, desert, and alcoholic beverages if you wished. Although we were told that we could not check luggage until 3 hours before our flight, we had no problem doing this (American). The price for the flights was the same as if I had booked on my own. -The ship has an "open bridge" policy and we were able to visit during specified hours several times during the trip (including when the ship was underway). This was fascinating and the Venture is truly outfitted with the latest in technology and safety features. I asked one of the Watch Officers about the issue with the stabilizers last season in Antarctica. He told me that, due to a manufacturing defect, they both "snapped off". My wife and I had been booked on the Venture in 2023 and delayed our trip one year (no extra cost) because of this issue. -The crew are friendly and attentive. I did not sense anxiety or unease with the crew as I did with some of the crew on our Sojourn trip last year. This is remarkable given that there are few options for them to leave the ship during the voyages to Antarctica. I did learn that the crew are able to participate in the Polar Plunge and Zodiac tours and landings at certain times and locations. -With respect to the Polar Plunge, an opportunity was provided to jump into the frigid Antarctic waters once during the trip. I did not do this, but my wife was one of about 1/3 of the passengers who participated. The crew films your jump for you with your phone and liquid courage (a shot or two of your choice of liquor before and after your jump) is provided along with upbeat music to get you into the mood. This also was very safe as you are attached to a line with several crew in the area to assist you if needed. -You are provided with an opportunity to load images from the trip taken by the ship's photographer to your phone or computer. Bring a USB stick to make this process easier. Please let me know if you have any specific questions that I could help out with. Thanks for reading this long post describing a great trip with Seabourn. --Dave

Regarding the selection of a spa suite- If we were to cruise with Seabourn again, I would seriously consider booking this category again. The only downsides were the (relative) lack of access to service and the 1/2 spiral staircase for access from the spa. There is an electric chair on that staircase for disabled passengers. These cabins are pricey, but we enjoyed the space, large deck with great views, and extra large shower with a separate soaking tub. Location is excellent with most venues just downstairs. There would probably be more value on itineraries with several sea days of short excursions in port. We ordered room service twice and there was no problem with access for the staff. We left a note for our stewards ("please replace diet Coke, vodka bottle", etc.) and the requests were always fulfilled. We always had twice daily service (the staff on Sojourn went on break at 13:00, but that was never a problem). So, I think those booked in this category will enjoy the extra space and location. I have not been on Viking post Covid. That is a good observation in that similar issues may be relevant for VO as well. We booked an ES2 category, so will likely be in the Italian restaurant or Chef's table most nights (I also don't like the MDR on the larger ships). The Restaurant on Seabourn was very nice; never waited more than 5 minutes for a table, always was able to get a table for two when requested. Also, the included excursions on VO consist mostly of local walking tours lasting up to 3.5 hours, so there is not much added value there. Who knows, we might try Seabourn again in the future depending on our experience with VO. --Dave

A couple of other observations: A Chef's wine pairing was offered one night during the trip. I had signed up for this, but am glad that my wife wanted to cancel. The cost was $195 per person. That is not insignificant for five glasses of wine, but I researched the offerings on the menu with what is available on line and the price was comparable ($172 on line - a very low mark up). I heard afterwards from others that the participating guests were seated in one section of the dining room at large tables and that it was difficult to hear the description of the wines at times. The dinner menu was very similar to the menu in the Restaurant, but didn't include the Beef Wellington. Again, first world issues here.. There were two guest lecturers who gave talks five or six times during the trip. They were both very knowledgeable with one who gave talks on geology and volcanoes and the other about European history and early explorers. The geology got a little heavy at times, but was appropriate for a week in the Canary Islands. The other speaker had been to many places including several trips to Antarctica. He presented interesting talks with a great fund of knowledge and a desire to have dinner with many courageous figures from history (Darwin, Captain Cook, Shackleton, etc.). Beer, wine, and soft drinks were available at the entry to the theater. One nice aspect of the location of the spa suites is proximity to nearly every popular venue all located at the aft or mid section of the ship. Had trouble finding the Observation Lounge from that location. Several repeat Seabourn cruisers that we spoke with felt that service had declined overall since COVID and agreed with my assessment of understaffing as well as the offered shore excursions. We spoke with four or five couples with a range of 3-7 prior Seabourn trips who unanimously described declines in organization and service. They were enjoying the trip, but it wasn't "the same as it used to be". I'm not trying to knock Seabourn; just making observations from my first trip with them. We are booked for Venture in January for Antarctica and expect a different experience with the new expedition ship. I do admit though to booking a cruise with my TA just this morning; Viking Saturn in May of 2025. Maybe that summarizes our first Seabourn experience.. --Dave

Hello- My wife and I just finished a two week cruise on the Seabourn Sojourn (Lisbon to Lisbon with stops in Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Motril Spain - near Grenada). This was our first Seabourn cruise and I have to admit that it did not live up to my expectations in several respects. I realize that these observations are "first world issues" and understand that we are incredibly lucky to be able to cruise for our time away from work and our lives at home. However, at this price point, I expected our experience to be different. Here are some observations from our recent trip: --Embarkation was efficient and we were on the ship within 20 minutes of arriving at our designated time. However, the key cards in our stateroom were incorrect. Unfortunately, we did not realize this until we had left the cabin, locking ourselves out. This resulted in a trip to Seabourn Square and a 25 minute wait in line to sort the issue out. The stationary and cards in our room also had the wrong names. There are only four cabins in our category (we were in a Spa Suite), so it should not have been difficult to have the correct cards in the cabins at the start of the trip. --Drinks and alcohol were in one of the mini fridges in the room as requested and the welcome Champagne and flowers were a nice touch. However, the second fridge was empty and had the shelves placed outside of the unit. The on line description stated that the second fridge was to store healthy options such as water and juice. In addition, the second fridge was barely working with a temperature of perhaps 5 degrees below room temperature. The main fridge worked somewhat better after I adjusted the thermostat to it's lowest setting. It was also somewhat challenging to get the fridge refilled with the type of sodas that we had requested. I got the appropriate drinks from Seabourn Square, but shouldn't have had to make the effort. --The on line description included a "spa concierge". Although we toured the spa, I never met a concierge and booking spa services was no different than what is offered to those not in a spa suite. --This is the first cruise (my wife and I have been fortunate enough to have cruised about 35 times) we had been on where it was difficult to get in touch with our room steward. Other cruises had a number that we could call if we needed anything. There was no number that I could find to get in touch with our cabin attendants and we did not meet our stewards until the third day of the trip. Could this be due to the structure where tips are included in the fare paid? --Overall, the food was very good to excellent; certainly better than our prior experience cruising with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Viking river, and Princess. However, it was apparent that the staff were overworked. Often times drink orders did not come for 10 minutes or so, toast did not come when breakfast was served, salt and pepper and sweetener containers were often obstructed with clumped granules, and we sometimes had to ask twice for wine. It was obvious to me that the staff are working very hard and we recognized several individuals in our feedback to Seabourn. However, it seems that understaffing is having an effect on the final product. --Thomas Keller was also a disappointment. Again, the food was quite good, however when we arrived the overhead speakers were playing a Rolling Stones song at high volume. This continued with some Led Zeppelin and Van Halen until another couple asked them to turn the volume down. My wife and I love classic rock, but were not expecting this at the TK venue. We ordered cocktails and asked that the wine be brought with the starters. I was surprised when the starters came out almost immediately with little time to enjoy our drinks. The waiter preparing the Caesar salad seemed to not be in the mood to talk when I tried to engage him in conversation while he was preparing the salad. Finally, my wife had to ask twice for additional wine on both nights we were there and I had to ask for my water glass to be refilled. Again, it seems that understaffing may be part of the reason for this. --Overall, the ship is in good condition given that it has been in service for 13 years now. Some wear of carpeting and furniture was apparent, but not more than I would expect for an older ship. The planks on the deck for our cabin were somewhat uneven in places; this may have resulted in getting a toe caught if one was not careful. Otherwise, the aft balcony was spacious and had great views. I did not notice trouble with exhaust from the engines or excessive noise or rattling. --We went on two shore excursions booked through Seabourn. The excursion for Tangiers was very good and we were fortunate to have a very friendly and engaging guide. We made sure to recognize him by name and tip him extra at the end of the trip. However, the cost of the four hour tour was $120 per person. This seems excessive for a bus ride of no more than 2 km with the remainder on foot. The tour did include snacks and drinks at a hotel before returning to the ship. We had also booked the exclusive dinner and evening visit to the Alhambra for the stop in Spain. I had seen Seabourn's set up for an exclusive dinner at Ephesus with white tablecloths in a beautiful setting near the ancient amphitheater and thought that the event for the Alhambra would be similar. It turned out that dinner consisted of cold tapas and a lousy 2022 Rioja in the basement of a hotel near the Alhambra. The tour of the Alhambra was limited to Seabourn passengers, but was crowded as the four groups (about 25 people each) were not separated by the guides. We often were in the same room with many other people, making it difficult to get good pictures or to hear our guide. Apparently, many people complained about this and 30% of the price ($219 per person) was refunded to our account the next day. --Sushi in the club was very good; I can see why this is so popular. Musical entertainment in the Club and Observation lounge was also good. The production cast had a couple of musical shows which were ok. I wasn't expecting much on a ship with only around 450 passengers. The guest entertainment consisted of a pianist and Motown group which gave two performances each. The pianist was quite skilled. The Motown group (Soulwaves) were excellent and one of the members did a stand alone show of Michael Jackson songs. He had been in a production in London's West end doing Michael Jackson and he was quite talented. The showroom unfortunately has several pillars obstructing the view from about 20% of the seats. --Seabourn Square is well appointed with comfortable chairs and a variety of books available. The coffee bar was popular and the cookies and sandwiches were delicious. The shops were expensive and I never saw anything on sale during the two weeks we were on the ship. Overall, we had a good trip and enjoyed our time off. However, at this price point, I was expecting more with respect to attention to detail. I'm happy to answer specific questions if desired. My thanks for reading through all of this.. Dave (Portland, OR)

Here is the latest from Seabourn sent to my TA today: December 30, 2022 Dear Travel Partner: We look forward to welcoming booked guests on board Seabourn Venture for our upcoming expeditions to Antarctica. On a recent voyage, our teams determined a comfort feature called the stabilizers that help further reduce the ship’s movement during inclement weather are not operational. The ship is designed to safely sail with or without the stabilizers, and as always, our Fleet Operations Center is hard at work planning our route for the smoothest possible sailing. We will manage the timing of crossing through the Drake Passage to take advantage of the most optimal weather windows. We applied this approach during our recent Antarctica sailing with positive results. Once we reach Antarctica, we are in more sheltered waters. As the areas around South Georgia often experience heavy seas with large swells, we have regretfully made the necessary decision to cancel our planned South Georgia Experience on Monday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 1. Instead, we will extend our time in Antarctica, and may also spend additional time in the Falklands. Our extended time in Antarctica will give us the ability to explore further than our planned itinerary, potentially exploring south past the Antarctic Circle. This also gives us much more flexibility in choosing our sites for Zodiac landings and kayak and submarine opportunities. We recognize many guests were looking forward to visiting South Georgia and apologize for any disappointment this may cause. We appreciate their understanding as we work to maximize their comfort while also maximizing their exploration. The updated voyage plan provides the opportunity to take guests to areas that are rarely visited, and we hope they enjoy this unique experience. As a gesture of good will and gratitude for their understanding, each guest who sails will receive $1,000 USD as refundable onboard credit. This credit can be used toward Seabourn experiences such as kayak and submarine expeditions, spa treatments, and all purchases in the boutiques. Additionally, each guest who sails will receive a Bonus Future Cruise Credit of 15% of the cruise fare paid. The terms and conditions of this credit are detailed below. Here at Seabourn, the safety and comfort of our guests and team members is always our highest priority. The Captain will make announcements to keep guests informed while on board, and please see below for a Q&A to address some questions they may have. On behalf of all of us at Seabourn and the team on Seabourn Venture, we look forward to sharing these expeditions with our guests. Thank you for your partnership and we remain, as always, at your service. Kind regards, Seabourn Q&A Q: What exactly is wrong? What equipment is involved? A: The issue is with a non-essential ship feature called the stabilizers. The stabilizers are normally retracted into the hull and not used during the vessel’s voyage, as they are not needed. They can be extended to help further reduce the ship’s movement due to excess wind or waves in times of inclement weather. The feature is not currently operational. Q: Can the ship operate without stabilizers? Is there any impact to safety? A: These are comfort features and are not required for the safe operation of the ship. In an abundance of caution, we have consulted with vessel’s class authorities and the system’s manufacturers, who confirmed the vessel is cleared to safely sail. Rest assured, the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees is our top priority. Our teams are highly focused on ensuring comfort and safety. Q: Is there a plan to fix the equipment? A: Yes. We are working with the stabilizers’ manufacturers to determine the best opportunity for repairs, likely after the Antarctica season. Q. What are the terms & conditions of the 15% Bonus Future Cruise Credit? The value of this credit may be applied as a payment toward a new reservation with Seabourn and is combinable with any other applicable discount. The new voyage must be booked by and sailed by December 31, 2023. You may choose any available suite category, but the credit may not be transferred or refunded. It may be used as a deposit, for taxes, fees and port expenses, or for optional programs or services such as flexible Flight Ease flights (added before final payment), pre- and post-cruise packages, or the SeabournShield program for yourself or other guests on your new booking. It cannot be used for onboard purchases, shore excursions, restricted Flight Ease flights, or flexible Flight Ease flights made after the booking’s final payment date. This credit is attached to your Seabourn Club number and will automatically be credited toward your next new booking. We suggest that you or your travel professional verify this credit at the time of booking to confirm that the credit has been applied. For full Future Cruise Credit Terms & Conditions, please visit our website. Q: What if I would prefer not to travel? A: If you would prefer not to sail on Seabourn Venture at this time, we will work with you to move your booking to an alternate future voyage. Please reach out to your travel advisor or to us at the appropriate office: Seattle Office (USD/CAD Currency): Contact us at 800-929-9391 or 206-626-9190 (local) We are available Monday – Friday: 6:00am to 5:00pm PT Saturday: 6:00am to 3:30pm PT Sunday: 7:00am to 3:30pm PT (end of message from Seabourn) Unfortunately, my wife has trouble with seasickness and missing South Georgia is a dealbreaker for me. We will be working with our TA on alternate arrangements. We were really looking forward to this trip! I hope this information is helpful.. --Dave & Nancy Portland, OR USA

We appreciate the comments so far. -I don't have access to a copy of the schedule for the shows. I think this was scheduled three days during the week. Reservations are necessary, unless you are in a suite; otherwise show up early to be seated. Reserve on the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you board the ship. The performance that was canceled was the only matinee of the trip on day 5 (sea day) at 2:30. For what it's worth, we have seen this before and were not planning on seeing it on this trip. -Of course, I am referring to younger cruisers who are BORED, not 'board'. ..Sorry for not proofreading. -Agree with the sentiment regarding staffing shortages. I believe trying to empathize with the situation with respect to staffing and supply shortages meant much to the crew (with a tip in cash when appropriate) when this topic was discussed. There are plenty of people with a good work ethic working on these ships and it's nice to see the effort and let them know that their work is appreciated.

Hello - Just off Allure of the Seas yesterday after a 6 day Gulf of Mexico and Coco Cay trip 6/5 - 6/11. -Overall, great way to spend (nearly) a week with my wife. Weather was hot/humid with temps in the low to mid 80's with no rain for the duration of the trip. We stayed on the ship at the Costa May and Cozumel stops (been to these ports many times now) and enjoyed the relatively empty ship. We were fortunate to land the day before the cruise about two hours after the rain from tropical storm Alex had stopped. One person we talked with described slogging through shin-high water with luggage for about 50 meters to get to their hotel. The itinerary was not affected from this, but I read that Odyssey spent an extra day at sea because of the storm last week. - The crew are doing a great job, but staffing shortages are evident in some areas. The main show 'Mamma Mia" was canceled with about 6 hours notice on the fifth day. An explanation was not given. Wait staff in 150 Central Park, Chops, and Giovanni's table were working as fast as possible and covering more tables than normal, although the restaurants were about 50% full. There is no "Tableside" preparation of Caesar salad or the Roast Tenderloin for two (now served in single portions). Although I have read some negative reviews regarding the quality of the food in the specialty restaurants, we thought the food quality and preparation were very good overall. The only time during the week I was asked if I would like fresh ground pepper was in Coastal Kitchen. We did not eat in the main dining room on this trip.. -Izumi Habachi is an entertaining cooking presentation similar to Benihana. There are three tables with ten guests at each of the three tables in the room. Service was excellent, however the Chef for our table did not arrive until ~ 20 minutes after the other two Chefs had started cooking at the other two tables. Even some of the board younger kids/teens enjoyed the elaborate preparation of their meal. -Several sinks (approximately ten) have been installed in the entryway to the Windjammer and you are instructed to wash your hands before entering Park Cafe as well. I estimate less than 5% of guests wore masks. Masks are mandatory for the crew and for everyone in the Medical facility (more on that below). -Several wine offerings were not available, even on day one of the trip. I was never able to successfully order a glass of Estancia Pinot Noir. The Oberon Cab (Napa) was nice, but $15 a glass. I saw 2019 Oberon Cab for $18.39 per bottle at Costco today. The Kendall Jackson Cab offered during happy hour in the Suite Lounge is barely quaffable. An Old Fashioned was more likely to be served in a glass full of small ice cubes instead of a larger single cube. The Diamond vouchers are worth up to $13 which is the cost of most of the 'standard' cocktails and mixed drinks (including Grey Goose or Belvedere) offered. For something more expensive (like a glass of Oberon Cab), the difference (and 18% gratuity) is charged to your account. Since a tip is not included with the Diamond vouchers, my wife and I typically tip the bartender $2 or so in cash when using these. -It would be nice if the bartender would acknowledge your presence with a quick "hello, I'll be with you soon" or similar. I understand that they are more busy than ever these days, but I think that this is preferable to not saying anything at all. This has been all too common even before the pandemic. -I realize that these are 'first world problems'. I am detailing these not to complain, but to illustrate how staffing and supply shortages Covid19 have changed the cruise experience. I found (nearly) all of the crew were doing the best that they could under the circumstances and I am grateful to them for making it possible for us to enjoy the week in the Gulf of Mexico. -Royal Caribbean has invested heavily in Coco Cay and it shows. On June 10, we were the only ship there, but there are plenty of chairs/umbrellas, hammocks, loungers in the sun or shade available with ample options for food and drinks or to swim in the largest pool in the Caribbean. You can expect a very decent beach day here even if you don't spend extra for the water park, zip line, balloon ride, cabanas, or Coco Beach Club. Do not expect to be exposed to any Bahamian culture here. -The ship changed course towards Key West on the fifth day of the trip for a medical evacuation. About two hours later, it was announced that, after consultation with doctors on shore, that evacuation was not necessary and we continued to Coco Cay without delay. We never heard about the nature of the medical emergency - I hope that passenger is doing well now. -Our shower head was detachable (attached to a hose so that the shower head can be removed for washing hair, etc.) and became dislodged and fell on my wife's foot (the hose is long enough for the shower head to easily reach the floor). This was an unfortunate accident and we did not think that this was due to any deficiency on the part of Royal Caribbean. Her pinky toe was quite swollen and painful and we elected to go to the medical facility after suboptimal results from a day of rest, elevation, anti-inflammatories, and ice. She was thoroughly examined and x-rays performed in the facility revealed a likely hairline fracture of the toe. The (excellent and competent) staff buddy-taped her toe and provided us with some (non-narcotic) pain medication. The ship's safety officer appeared and came to our cabin to inspect the shower head. I was asked about her daily for the next three days and Royal Caribbean offered us a voucher for our trouble (worth ~ $900 toward a cruise within the next year). There were no charges from the visit to the medical facility. We feel that this was an excellent example of true customer service and concern on the part of Royal Caribbean given that we did not feel that this incident was 'anyone's fault'. -Overall, this was a great week and I am excited to see that cruising is making a comeback. While there is some risk involved, this can be minimized with attention to hand washing, distancing when possible, and using a mask for short periods of time when distancing is not possible. Despite the staffing shortages, the crew were doing their best in almost all instances in my experience. Thanks for reading this; I hope it is helpful. --Dave