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

[Roxburgh]

Further Update on Muster Drill; At Sea Enroute to Leixoes, Portugal;

 

Well as the worm turns ass we would say. We finally left 1.5 hours late due to the Muster Drill mishap with cabins #627, #709 and #729. Apparently #729 (my neighbours down the hall) finally checked in but #627 did not respond to numerous request, phone calls and annoucements to proceed to the Restaurant for the Muster Drill. Much to thier chagrin they are spending the next 12 days somewhere other than the Seabourn Sojourn as the Captain was not bluffing and they were re-packed, removed and escorted off the gangway and we set sail at 6:30pm finally 1.5 hours late.

 

I guess this really shows that Seabourn is taking this new MANDATORY Muster Drill seriously as should we all. Even Mrs. Witzke must dragg herself down like the rest of us and sit there throughout these Muster Drills time and time again no matter how long she is on the ship. If I wasn't there today I probably wouldn't have believed the story about 2 passengers being denied boarding and left ashore in Lisbon for not obeying this Muster Drill.

 

A word to the wise, DO NOT test thier patience on this one as they will act and you will be disembarked immediately and not alllowed to sail.:eek:

 

I wonder which bit of 'mandatory' they had difficulty in understanding?

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Dinner Update;

 

 

Just got back from a great evening at the Patio Grill. Had two new joiners join my table outside for dinner from Switzerland. We had a great time, great food and conversation all night. I ordered the usual Calamari Pizza and then had the Rack of Lamb which was very tasty and some Tiramisu for dessert.

 

As we were finishing our desserts, there was a blanket of fog that was rolling across the Pool area and the Bridge started sounding the horn. There is so much fog outside right now that you can barely see right infront of you. It is also very windy outside on deck which is making for some light movement of the ship right now.

 

The talk of the ship all night is this Cabin #627 that got booted off the ship!

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn making our way in the heavy fog towards Leixoes (O Porto) Portugal.:eek:

[Roxburgh]

Post Dinner Update;

 

 

Just got back from a great evening at the Patio Grill. Had two new joiners join my table outside for dinner from Switzerland. We had a great time, great food and conversation all night. I ordered the usual Calamari Pizza and then had the Rack of Lamb which was very tasty and some Tiramisu for dessert.

 

As we were finishing our desserts, there was a blanket of fog that was rolling across the Pool area and the Bridge started sounding the horn. There is so much fog outside right now that you can barely see right infront of you. It is also very windy outside on deck which is making for some light movement of the ship right now.

 

The talk of the ship all night is this Cabin #627 that got booted off the ship!

 

More to come later tonight from the Sojourn making our way in the heavy fog towards Leixoes (O Porto) Portugal.:eek:

 

You know the fog is bad when you cannot see the glass in front of your face :eek:

[bcnvcanada]

Love you blog. It is a hoot to read. By any chance are you from Montreal?

[mariner]

627 was my neighbor.

 

Well there's a cabin open.

[Seabourntraveller]

Arrival in Leixoes, (O'Porto) Portugal 8:00am-4:00pm;

 

Good Morning from Seabourn Square on this sleepy sunday morning here in the fog! We are still at sea approx. 1.5 hours away from Leixoes, Portugal. It is extremely foggy outside this morning so much so you can't even see the sun at this point.

 

Last night the ship was moving a bit when I went to bed but nothing serious. This morning the water looks to be like a sheet of glass, practically a mirror of glass.

 

The weather forecast for today is 75F or 24C and partly sunny skies. The fog hopefully should burn off by mid morning in Porto.

More to come from the Sojourn about to arrive in foggy Leixoes, Portugal.:eek:

 

Background on Leixoes;

 

Port of Leixoes, Purtuguese Porto de Leixoes, principal port derving the city of Porto and northern Portugal. It is an artificial harbour on the Atlantic Ocean, within the ton of Matosinhos, 5.5 miles (9km) northwest of central Porto. Porto is prevented by a sandbar from having a deepwater harbour of its own. The Leixoes harbour is formed by two curved breakwaters that are 5240 feet and 3756 feet long. The port's original docking facilities were completed in 1890 & were subsequently expanded in the early 1930's and early 1970's.

 

While Port of Leixoes long has been associated with the export of port wine, Porto's most famous product, at the end of the 20th century, the port's facilities were modernized to provide additional large-scale container park gantries and new equipment, including heavy cranes, capable of handling Panamax container ships (container ships narrow enough to fit through the Panama Canal).

[Seabourntraveller]

You know the fog is bad when you cannot see the glass in front of your face :eek:

 

Yes, as long as it's fog!:eek:;):eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

I wonder which bit of 'mandatory' they had difficulty in understanding?

 

I know, I just don't get it either Roxburgh.:rolleyes:

[Seabourntraveller]

WOW.. I am betting there will not be any compensation for those 2.

 

None what'so ever!

On top of that they are both fully responsible for there own travel arrangements back home in terms of rebooking flights as well as hotel costs, incidentals etc.:eek: Also, I doubt that any travel insurance would cover this type of incident and/or trip interruption insurance if you caused the situation to happen?

[Seabourntraveller]

Onboard Activities Today;

 

8:00am Arrival

8:30am Local Hospitality Desk, Seabourn Square Deck 7

9:30am Shuttle Bus Service, every 30 minutes

10:30am Shuffleboard, The Retreat Deck 11

12:00 noon Colonnade opens for lunch until 2:00pm, Latin

12:30pm Patio Grill opens for lunch until 3:30pm, Al Fresco

12:30pm Restaurant opens for lunch until 1:30pm

2:00pm Informal Bridge Play, Card Room Deck 7

3:00pm Spa Seminar, The Spa Deck 9

3:30pm All Aboard

3:30pm Golf Putting Enthusiasts, The Retreat Deck 11

3:30pm Card Get Together, The Card Room Deck 7

4:00pm Departure: Sojourn sails for A Coruna, Spain

4:00pm Afternoon Tea Time & Piano Melodies, Observation Bar, Deck 10

5:00pm Sojourn Team Trivia Challenge, The Club Deck 5

5:30pm Friends of Bill W, Conference Room#1, Deck 5

 

Evening Activities Onboard Tonight;

 

Tonight's Attire: FORMAL (Optional)

 

6:00pm Interdenominational Church Service, Card Room Deck 7

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

6:30pm Club Cocktails, The Club Deck 5

6:45pm Captain's Welcome, Grand Salon Deck 6

9:30pm Late Night Melodies with Nick, Observation Bar Deck 10

9:30pm Evening Melodies with Guitarist Brian Chartrand, the Club Deck 5

10:00pm SHOWTIME: ENCORE, Grand Salon Deck 6

 

***Clocks go foward "one" hour tonight before retiring***

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Breakfast Update;-Leixoes, Portugal

 

Just got back from the Colonnade and it was amazingly very quiet this morning at 8:15am. So either I missed then when they were ATTACKING or people have decided to ATTACK later I am not sure. I tried an egg white omelette with feta cheese and herbs which was very tasty instead of the old stand by poached eggs on dry brown.

 

The sun here in Leixoes is trying to peak out and the fog is starting to burn off but ever so slowly. I forgot to also mention that Leixoes is famous for it's seafood and fish dishes here as well. Well worthwhile to have lunch in town if not here on a Sunday whereby a lot of places will be closed.

 

I forgot to mention yesterday as well that Robert our Bar Manager said that he would be picking up some wines locally along the way on this cruise but more specifically in A Coruna where he has a large wine distributor that will be coming onboard with a large delivery. I also got a new Cabin Stewardess (which I can't remember her name now) yesterday on turnaround day. I don't know why they sent Emma down to Deck 4? I will miss Emma greatly she was so effective and pleasant to deal with...a real gem.

 

More to come later this morning from the Sojourn here in Leixoes, Portugal until 4:00pm.:eek:;):eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there reading this today!;)

[fairbourne]

Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there reading this today!;)

 

 

Thank you Son .... Now don't forget my present! ;):D

 

Happy Sunday to you too .... Sounds like you have some nice new peeps on board.:)

[Seabourntraveller]

Update on Shuttle Fiasco in Leixoes;

 

As today is a public holiday here in Portugal and also being Mother's Day, the shuttle bus arrangments have gone completely south today here in Leixoes. People have been waiting for well over 40 minutes to 1 hour trying to get on the two small shuttle buses that Seabourn has provided this morning. Apparently they normally send in 3 large buses but today for some reason, they have sent in 18 seater buses and the queues outside the ship makes it virtually impossible to line up and expect to get on a bus in time and to make it back by 3:30pm....a COMPLETE waste of time here today in Leixoes is what most people are moaning and groaning in the corridors and out on open decks. I have already heard the word "COMPENSATION" being uttered from peoples mouths and it's only day 2 of the cruise!...Mama mia Madonna!:rolleyes:

 

....stay tuned for more onboard the Sojourn today in Leixoes, Portugal.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Thank you Son .... Now don't forget my present! ;):D

 

Happy Sunday to you too .... Sounds like you have some nice new peeps on board.:)

 

About time you show up on this Sunday Morning?

Yes Laundry Lady and the Swiss guys are a HOOT!:eek:

 

Present on it's way!

[Seabourntraveller]

Post Lunch Update;

 

Ran into Laundry Lady and friend in tow and decided to have lunch together on the verandah in the Colonnade. I had the pasta daily dish special which was rigattoni and pancetta and basil but starngly enough now sauce???:confused:

It was the driest pasta dish I have ever tasted in my life and David offered to get some pomodoro sauce to ressucitate the pasta a little which made some difference.

 

For dessert had a couple of chocolate and peanut butter cookies with banana ice cream which was delicious.

 

The weather has cleared up completely and looks like suntanning is on the agenda for the afternoon in the Retreat on Deck 11 for the rest of the day.

 

We set sail for A Coruna at 4:00pm today, an early sail with all onboard time at 3:30pm. We had an annoucement from Susan the Cruise Director (she has a annoying voice at times) telling us all at 12:15pm that they had now sourced a larger shuttle bus and that anyone wanting to go into Porto should do so now while there is still room on the bus. Frankly most people had given up lining up like sheep for an hour that they simply returned onboard and decided to camp out and make it a day of it.

 

More to come from the Sojourn here in sunny Leixoes, (O Porto) Portugal.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Departure from Leixoes, Enroute to A Coruna, Spain;

 

We have just disembarked our pilot and heading out to open seas now into the Atlantic Ocean from Leixoes, Portugal now enroute for A Coruna, Spain. We have over 215 nautical miles before we will reach A Coruna tomorrow monring at around 9:00am local time.

 

Captain Elliott predicts that we will have sea swells of 2 meters or 7 feet approx. and we should feel some movement tonight onboard the Sojourn.

The weather currently is 22C or 72F and under sunny skies. We anticipate much of the same weather for tomorrow although it might be cooler with a high or 19C or 68F and under partly sunny skies. As we go further north we are embarking on that Polar Express experience once again.

 

We had the Ruby Saga alongside with us here in Leixoes today an old Sagafjord ship from years back. Nice to see her completely refurbished and looking brand new.

 

Heading to Seabourn Square now for a quick pick me up coffee/espresso and sweet treat...why not? I am on vacation!;):eek:;)

 

More to come from the Sojourn now at sea enroute to A Coruna, Spain.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Dinner Options Onboard Tonight;

 

The Restaurant

 

FIRST COURSE

 

Malossol Caviar on Crayfish Pommes Macaire, egg remoulade, onion soubise

Thyme Roasted Foie Gras Terrine, sweet and sour kumquats, toasted brioche

Twice Baked Boursin Cheese Souffle, roasted sweet garlic veloute

Lobster Consomme, melted leeks, crab dumplilngs and shellfish oil

Cauliflower Potage with Forest Mushroom Angnolotti. lemon oil, mushroom chips

Baby Red Romaine with Caesar Style Vinaigrette, garlic croutons, parmesan cheese

Artichoke & Potato Salad, four minutes fried egg, prosciutto and truffle vinaigrette

 

MAIN COURSE

 

****ake Mushroom Crusted Turbot, lemongrass nage, sauteed bok choy, shrimp won ton

Grilled Marinated Lobster Tail, lemon risotto, chevril beurre blanc

Roasted Lamb Loin & Lamb in Crisp Brick Phyllo, caramelized brussels sprouts, black berries

Chateaubriand, roasted filet of beef tenderlooin, glazed vegetables potato sticks, sauce bernaise

Vegetarian- Hand Rolled Gnocchi Primavera, white truffle oil, parmesan shavings

 

 

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, Mushroom Toast

 

Druken Turbot, Porcini & Swiss Chard, Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Tuscany Braised Veal, Mascarpone Mashed Potato

 

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

 

 

The Colonnade- STEAK HOUSE

 

APPETIZERS

 

Seared Beef Tataki

Pickled Vegetables, Ponzu Jelly, Tahini Sauce

 

or

 

Crispy Corn Crusted Prawn

Fennel Slaw, Romesco Sauce

 

or

 

Roasted Garlic Soup

Chive Chantilly, Crunchy Rosemary Brioche

 

MAIN COURSE

 

Double Cut Sirloin Steak

Filet of Beef Tenderloin

Short Ribs

Filet of Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

 

Served with Sweet Peas and Corn, Truffled Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized Onion Jus

 

DESSERTS

 

Fresh Strawberry CheseCake

Graham Cracker, Walnut Tuille

 

PATIO GRILL- CLOSED:mad::mad::mad:

[T&T Vikings]

Departure from Leixoes, Enroute to A Coruna, Spain;

 

 

We had the Ruby Saga alongside with us here in Leixoes today an old Sagafjord ship from years back. Nice to see her completely refurbished and looking brand new.

 

 

I am a bit surpriced, Not only do you see phantoms onboard and now a gost ship Sagafjord :eek:?

 

for your info the former Saga Rose, Sagafjord was scrapped:mad: in China in 2010 where she sailed last on the Yangtze river to Chiangijang China.

 

What you did see (I hope:confused: )was the former Vistafjord now Saga Ruby.

 

T&T

[cwn]

Departure from Leixoes, Enroute to A Coruna, Spain;

....We had the Ruby Saga alongside with us here in Leixoes today an old Sagafjord ship from years back. Nice to see her completely refurbished and looking brand new.....

 

I am a bit surpriced, Not only do you see phantoms onboard and now a gost ship Sagafjord :eek:?

 

for your info the former Saga Rose, Sagafjord was scrapped:mad: in China in 2010 where she sailed last on the Yangtze river to Chiangijang China.

 

What you did see (I hope:confused: )was the former Vistafjord now Saga Ruby.

 

T&T

 

Since ST said it was the Ruby Saga, I am sure it was just a slip if the fingers.

 

I am glad to hear the old Vistafjord is still sailing and looking good. We did our first cruise on her in the early 80's and just loved it. We sailed on her several more times and many other ships since then. She was a grand ship! Cruising has really changed and sometimes not for the better, though Seabourn comes close.

 

Thanks ST for you posts! I am really enjoying them and getting excited about my Sept cruise, 19 days on the Sojourn:).

[Martita B.]

ST, et al

Sure have missed all of you Sailor's! I've been in College Station, Tx. attending 2 Grandkids Texas A&M Graduations ~Gig 'em, Aggies!:D All family members attended ~enjoyed the fabulous, festive dinners and the good wines, as well ~plus Mother's day!

Flew down with my son in his plane ~Yipppeee NO security or awful airports~andf NO passport checks~ Had to fly a day early ~bad storms all over Texas! We've had 8 "'s of rain here ~~when I arrived home this afternoon, it looks like Ireland/Scotland! BUT I wish I was aboard the Sojourn! I would have been more than happy to have escorted Sister A. Witkze to the muster drill! (bet she wasn't grinning:eek:)

Looking forward to more good news ~also any and all juicy gossip you can share.

I totally agree with Capt. Elliott ~~he made the right decision as to the "NO shows at muster ~~" play by the rules!

Enjoy ~many thanks for your postings,

Miss Martita B

[Seabourntraveller]

Day 11: A Coruna, Spain 8:00am-8:00pm;

 

Good morning from rock and roll sleepy Seabourn Square this mroning. Madonna is this ship moving this morning as I try and type this sentence. We are approx. less than 1 hours time away from A Coruna, Spain and the sea swells this mroning is what woke me up late approx. 30 minutes ago. We have swells currently fo approx. 3 meters but coupled with our low speed and high winds hitting the ship it is making for the ship to move a lot. It was actually hard walking the hallway from my cabin mid ship on Deck 7 to Seabourn Square.

 

The weather currently is only 14C or 58F and under dark and overcast skies. Last night we had periods of fog again with the fog horn goin g all night night but the seas were relatively calm as well.

Room Serive got completed ATTACKED and KILLED as a lot of people including myself did not want to dress up for Formal Nigtht.

 

I had Boursin Cheese Souffle, A Caesar Salad and the Chateaubriand medium well with the trio of Creme Brulee for dessert and washed it all down with a bottle of Cote du Rhone. Was a great movie night in my Suite until I fell asleep and/or passed out shortly after 12 midnight. The clocks went forward 1 hour last nigtht since we are back in Spain again this morning.

 

More to come later today from the Sleepy Sojourn on this Monday morning making our way towards A Coruna, Spain.:eek:;):eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Since ST said it was the Ruby Saga, I am sure it was just a slip if the fingers.

 

I am glad to hear the old Vistafjord is still sailing and looking good. We did our first cruise on her in the early 80's and just loved it. We sailed on her several more times and many other ships since then. She was a grand ship! Cruising has really changed and sometimes not for the better, though Seabourn comes close.

 

Thanks ST for you posts! I am really enjoying them and getting excited about my Sept cruise, 19 days on the Sojourn:).

 

cwn; yes it was my mistake/slip. I meant the Visatfjord as you said.

Glad you are enjoying the posts and you are so lucky to be able to be physically booked on the Path of the Vikings for 19 days this September.;)

[Seabourntraveller]

ST, et al

Sure have missed all of you Sailor's! I've been in College Station, Tx. attending 2 Grandkids Texas A&M Graduations ~Gig 'em, Aggies!:D All family members attended ~enjoyed the fabulous, festive dinners and the good wines, as well ~plus Mother's day!

Flew down with my son in his plane ~Yipppeee NO security or awful airports~andf NO passport checks~ Had to fly a day early ~bad storms all over Texas! We've had 8 "'s of rain here ~~when I arrived home this afternoon, it looks like Ireland/Scotland! BUT I wish I was aboard the Sojourn! I would have been more than happy to have escorted Sister A. Witkze to the muster drill! (bet she wasn't grinning:eek:)

Looking forward to more good news ~also any and all juicy gossip you can share.

I totally agree with Capt. Elliott ~~he made the right decision as to the "NO shows at muster ~~" play by the rules!

Enjoy ~many thanks for your postings,

Miss Martita B

 

Welcome back Martita...you were missed!

Mrs. Witze didn't look amused it lasted 45 minutes for Muster Drill but you are right and I agree Captain Elliott made the right decision by booting #627 off the ship in Lisbon.:eek:

[Seabourntraveller]

Important Annoucement Coming Later on CC TODAY!:eek:...Stay tuned!;):D;)