Seabourn Spirit Rome/Venice 25 Sept preview/review

[DisneyJen]

Thanks for reporting in Jim! Careful while drinking and reading:p

 

Sounds like your take and experience on the outdoor space on SB is the same as ours. We enjoyed our cabin on SB as well, although we did have some issues with noisy neighbors:eek:

 

Looking forward to more reports from the CC gang!

 

Enjoy!!

[sandyruns]

I'm reading your posts with interest. I'm on the Spirit next week! Keep 'em coming.

[rolltide1]

Jim: I am enjoying your onboard post, it was anxiously awaited! Glad you and Lois and the other CC'ers are having a great time!

[wripro]

Jim,

 

Glad you're enjoying everything. I second your endorsement of Lipari. It's a charming little town perfect for walking around, stopping into shops and a nice lunch. Personally, I have no problem with the deck space onboard, just the pool placement. But then, I'm a shade person.

[Jim Avery]

In Corfu. Overcast and cooler but not raining so all is well. Went into town with Chef Jes (a high energy Brit full of enthusiasm for his craft) and learned the finer points of picking fresh fish. The fish and veggies are beautiful and we had quite a pile to return to the ship. Looking forward to seeing it on my plate! Martita, at lunch we had not only the fries but the world famous deep fried onion rings. Probably the best I have ever eaten. I am sure I am on my normal gain a pound a day pace.:eek: Dinner with Captain D and Tour Manager Monika was very nice. With just the 4 of us, the Captain and I were able to swap sea stories. We had many similar experiences though I was never smart enough to get on nice ships like these. Captain D also sailed with Captain Tysse, DJ. So far, everything has been as perfect as it gets. Food and drink as well as staff service is superb. The ship (with the previously picked nit about the pool deck) is in beautiful condition and actually reminds me in some of the public spaces of the early QE2 before Carnival turned it into a Faux Pub. I really like the choice of interior spaces. Always somewhere nice with a view and, so far, as soon as I sit, someone appears and asks what I would like. Took them up on it a bit too much last night.:eek: Lois even got me on the dance floor!:eek::eek: Not a pretty sight. The entertainment on board is really good with several beautiful voices among the singers. The Casino (which I avoid due to my total ineptitude with gambling) is laid out nicely with Blackjack and Roulette tables. I believe they also do Poker if anyone wishes. Tonight we are booked in Restaurant 2 for Indian food. Tomorrow is Brindisi. Don't know much about it but will go for a walkabout. Wish you were here.:D The passenger mix is really coming together. Seems we know quite a few already. The week is certainly going by too fast. More later.

[Martita B.]

Jim

Happy to hear you are enjoying the Spirit and her 6* Staff/Crew service! If time allows ask Armand to prepare his Steak Diane, tableside ~best in the world! (he needs 24 hr. advance notice) Glad you enjoyed the delicious fried onion rings ~did fry Chef send out a platter for the middle of your luncheon table?

Yes, sweet, pretty Monika ~such a delight and very knowledgeable.

How's Sean? And is Sasha (also Sky Bartender) aboard?

Thank you for sharing your Spirit experience:p

Martita B.

[Capri73]

Hi Jim.

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.We got hooked last year with our 7 day cruise. We are taking a 2 week on the Spirit in a couple of weeks.

I wanted to be sure all your credits were in place.

[DisneyJen]

Thanks for checking in Jim!

 

From the sounds of your report I wish we were there too:p

 

Seems like many of the captains know each other ... a brotherhood of sorts!

 

Looking forward to more on the sport reporting (make sure you give Cammiem and Gantcc a reminder that we are awaiting their live reports as well:p)!

[Jim Avery]

Hi Jim.

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.We got hooked last year with our 7 day cruise. We are taking a 2 week on the Spirit in a couple of weeks.

I wanted to be sure all your credits were in place.

 

Yes, and many thanks again. We were wondering what ever we would do with a $400 credit but Lois solved that in the shop the first night. It involves 3 pearls, 3 diamonds and a chain.:eek::eek: We have found out that just as with SeaDream, a week is not enough time aboard, especially after you go to all the time and expense to get here. Must do BTB next time.

J.

[Jim Avery]

Thanks for checking in Jim!

 

From the sounds of your report I wish we were there too:p

 

Seems like many of the captains know each other ... a brotherhood of sorts!

 

Looking forward to more on the sport reporting (make sure you give Cammiem and Gantcc a reminder that we are awaiting their live reports as well:p)!

 

Gantt is a Lazy Slug who cannot be depended on to write. We are still waiting for his review of last years SD trip, remember? He was Mr. Disco in the Club last night. Many witnesses.:eek:

[Jim Avery]

Jim

Happy to hear you are enjoying the Spirit and her 6* Staff/Crew service! If time allows ask Armand to prepare his Steak Diane, tableside ~best in the world! (he needs 24 hr. advance notice) Glad you enjoyed the delicious fried onion rings ~did fry Chef send out a platter for the middle of your luncheon table?

Yes, sweet, pretty Monika ~such a delight and very knowledgeable.

How's Sean? And is Sasha (also Sky Bartender) aboard?

Thank you for sharing your Spirit experience:p

Martita B.

 

Yes, 2 plates of rings! Have not seen Sasha yet but David is helping Sean. Sean is overworked this trip.:eek: but managing to stay ahead of us--just.:D

[LaPaloma]

So glad that you SB initiation is to your liking! Loving? You mentioned Monika...they just don't get any better than her. Continue to enjoy...am guessing that you will do a booking onboard. Lola ;)

[rolltide1]

Hope the weather moderates for you guys. Sounds like it hasn't slowed you down too much, though. Please keep the onboard reports coming! I am enjoying every vicarious moment.

[Jim Avery]

Good Morning from Brindisi, Italy. Sunny, around 70F. Perfect walkabout weather. Brindisi did not look like much from the internet either but is a really nice walking town with wide palm lined streets, plenty of pretty plazas and the odd Roman remains or two. Have been out and about but is almost time for Sean at the Sky Bar and a Bloody.:eek: Sean has managed to root out some V-8 juice for me as the European "Tomato Drink" that passes for tomato juice (had the same stuff on SD) does not do it for a Bloody Mary. We make them at home with V-8 so feel very accomodated. Last night's dinner in "2" was the best Indian food we have ever eaten. Ate outside overlooking the wake as it got dark and had a perfect evening. Not so late last night so am feeling rarin' to go here. Tonight is Showtime in the Club so no promises at all about being good.:eek: Have the Passenger List booklet in hand so will give details on passenger makeup in a review. Really like the passengers met so far. Our cabin attendant, Rosemary, is doing a spectacular job and is virtually invisible. Not that she needs to be, she is a nice looking English young woman. As far as the passenger list, there are a few MBEs on board and probably some well known Europeans that I am clueless about but we always have our famous Ganttc on board.:eek: Disney Jen, I reminded him you expect something from him, even though we are still waiting on the last one from him. Useless, worthless, hopeless, but he is cute. Tonight is Chef's Dinner and we are having the fish bought yesterday in Corfu along with the promised "White Tomato Soup". So many choices, so little time. Have to get energy up for walking tour in Croatia tomorrow. So far, another perfect day at sea. How will I ever go back to work??:eek:

Jim.

[Martita B.]

Glad to hear the band of Merrymakers are having a fun time and feeling comfortable aboard the Spirit.

Awww yes, the fabulous "White Tomato soup" ~~ Ex. Chef's prepare this during their show lounge demo's. Give Armand 24 hr. notice and request the grrreat escargot! (following this dish you'll go make an open booking!!:D)

I forgot to mention a thoughtful way of thanking your "lit chicken," Rosemary, would be to treat her to lunch shoreside. I always give my Stewardess a love envelope with a note suggesting she invite a friend for luncheon the next "port day" she has free. (these cuties do not have the extra monies for lunches)

Pleeeze tell Sean to stash a few bottles of my favorite red cab ~I plan on returning to the crime scene :confused:

Continued grand voyage ~and thank you for posting!

MB

[petlover]

Having a fantastic 1st Seabourn cruise! Food, service, ports, Capt. Dag, fellow passengers...all top-notch. Last night we closed down the main restaurant (we seem to do this often) then danced/drank (a lot of both) in the Club.

 

Armand is a such a great maitre'd. I told him hi for you Martha. Last night Tom special ordered rack of lamb and he made it tableside, fantastic presentation and Tom said it was delicious. The dover sole is also to die for so we have a special order in for that tomorrow night.

 

So happy we're doing a B2B cruise (2 weeks on Regent Voyager with friends starting Sunday) It really is too far to travel from CA otherwise. This is the good life :)

[Martita B.]

Marcie

Happy to hear you're having a great, fun time ~

I mentioned to Jim A. if you like escargot, give Armand 24 hr. notice ~ perhaps include it with your dover sole tomorrow night.

It's a fantastic 1st course!

Thanks for giving Armand my "greeting." Not only is he an exceptional Matire'D but a lovely, sweet fellow.:p

I know you're enjoying Sean ~another Seabourn favorite! He makes me smile just lookin' at him ~~

Continue to have lots of fun....

Martita B.

[DisneyJen]

Thanks for checking in Jim and Marcie!!

 

Sounds like everyone is having a delightful time.

 

Jim, I hear you on the tomato juice ... hence the reason I always request my Bloodies with V-8. That is our base for our Bloodies here at home too:p

 

Looking forward to your comprehensive report upon your return. I figure you can start if on the flight home:eek:

 

What have you done to Cammiem?

[Susan07470]

16 days till I join the Spirit. As far as the weather would you advise short sleeves or light sweaters? Also, should I bring a suit for my husband or will sport jackets suffice? I have heard no mention of the cruise director. Details please.

[petlover]

The CD now is Steve Wood and the assistant CD is Suzanne. Both are excellent, very approachable, excellent singers too. The other 4 entertainers are Holly & Marty (married couple, were on Regent for 4 years, she sings, he plays the piano and sings more as her back up), Speedy, sweet guy w/ gorgeous voice and Christina, a beautiful young lady w/ magnificent voice. They really have some good talent onboard.

 

Susan, I don't know your itinerary but if it's here in the Med similar to ours you may be wanting to bring both long and short sleves and dress in layers. We've had good day time weather but the mornings have started off cool and we've had a bit of rain in the evenings so you can't be sure what's in store. I think your husband will be fine with sport coats, but if he's more comfortable in a suit, that works too. My husband has worn sport coats, usually w/ a tie, many men w/out a tie.

[wripro]

It's really nice to read these wonderful first time reactions to Seabourn, especially from experienced cruisers on other luxury lines. Gives those of us who are old timers and a bit jaded a new perspective to what a great job SB does.

[Jim Avery]

Hello from a picture perfect day at anchor off of Korcula, Croatia. Sunny blue skies, 65F and stunning scenery! The old town of Korcula is almost too quaint to be real. Very beautiful. Also a center for yachting with at least 2 large marinas. Lots of vessel traffic around. Thanks, Martita for the "tip" about what to do for Rosemary. Also, there is a Crew Fund is there not? We usually contribute to them. Disney Jen, Cammiem is staying busy interviewing anything that moves. Says she will let me do the day to day drudgery:D since the internet is so slow. I don't think she wants the charges either. I second Marcie on the weather and clothing. I have a tie for my Navy jacket but have not worn it yet. Might just get away without it. I can not believe tomorrow is the last full day aboard. This has truly flown by. The staff on this ship continues to amaze. Easily the best overall we have had the good fortune to sail with. If Rovinj is prettier than this place, I will have to go home and throw rocks at Casa Avery.:eek: More later, off to find a sunny spot and maybe a vodka/soda or two.

Jim.

[Martita B.]

Jim

Again, thank you for staying in touch ~we've all enjoyed reading your interesting & informative reviews.

A'long with the Rosemary " tip", if you should see a flower vendor in Rovinj purchase a bouquet ~back aboard the Assn. Housekeeper will arrange the flowers for you ~~with a thank you note, send the flowers down to the Crew Mess. They do not have fresh flowers to brighten their dining room. This is an easy, but thoughtful way to send your appreciation to ALL Crew Members. Of course, I too, contribute to the Crew Fund.

Hope the rest of your Merrymaking Gang is having a good time and enjoying all the wonderful service, food, wines and the camaraderie

of the Spirit Castle. Best spot in the world to be!:p

Martita B.

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like another wonderful day Jim!

 

Interesting comment about the blazer and tie. When we sailed SB a few years ago one of the things DJ's DH not like, in particular, was the more formal dress code (e.g. wearing a tie every evening). Sounds like things have changed (no flames please, just an observation).

 

Thanks for reporting in on the whereabouts of Cammiem:cool:

 

Enjoy your last full day!!

[alexandra cruiser]

we went in July on SeaDream,,,,wonderful area of Adriatic....

 

Have a few questions...I loved the food and service on SD...but just not the cabins...how does SB compare???Have cruise booked on Sojourn in May.

 

Then,,,how about smoking,,do you smell it in cabins,,,or from balcony...interior rooms?? asked this question in a thread and got really "hot" reviews.....may be a dealbreaker with me for this cruiseline,,but will give it a try...hope no problem....

 

May I ask why you chose this cruiseline? will you go back to SeaDream?

 

Thanks is advance....:)