Just returned from Seabourn Odyssey- FABULOUS! FABULOUS!

Then don't read the same thread posted on SilverSea:eek:

It amazes me that if someone goes on a cruise and has a wonderful time- People on these boards criticize that person- saying there is no way a cruise can be that good. To us it was!

I don’t let minor problems on a cruise (like the slow internet) define my whole experience.

I am a positive person and love life! I appreciate everything that I am able to do and I appreciate what people do for me. That is how I was raised. I personally thanked with a handwritten note 10 crew members thanking them for making our cruise so special at the end of the cruise. That is me- that is my style. I was very grateful to them.

There is more to my story, we recently had one of our best friends die young after a short illness. All through the cruise we were thinking about him every day and thought how he would have loved to been alive and be able to be on our cruise. That we were able to go to interesting ports, see beautiful scenery and make wonderful new friends, made us realize how lucky we were to experience that and he couldn’t. So thinking about him made us appreciate everything even more.

Yes, I did describe the food in detail. So what? I was trying to show the variety, high quality and beautiful presentations that Seabourn does when it comes to food. I am from New Orleans and food is an important part of our culture. If you thought I exaggerated that part of my review- so what? If you think my writing style is a “puff” I really don’t care- that is who I am.

Most people we met on the cruise- never read Cruise Critic and never heard of it. So they choose a cruise based on a Travel Agent recommendation or friends telling them about what cruise to go on.

I stand by what I have written on my review and will have fond memories of that cruise for a very long time.

I now understand this particular review benefits from the broader context highlighted by others. It is a review with an agenda and as such is worthy of skepticism.

If you recall an opposite review of the OPs (CarolDolls on the Pride) that was fairly negative, people jumped over that far more than this.

I remember CarolDolls review....I think her expectations were totally over the top.

I read this review and decided to give Seabourn another try! I actually called my agent and tried to get on the new ship, but the only suite available was Wintergarten and I really thought that was too much over the top so will wait for different itineraries.

Yes, I had a totally negative experience on Pride. It was very old and very tired and time for her to retire. To add to that she had an unsuccessful, in my opinion, drydock. Regardless of the crossed-waters, the water leaking up through the rugs, the broken window on the door (drape flapping outside during the entire cruise), we had a fabulous cruise. The people on the ship, the other passengers were the most interesting people we have ever met and over the top nice. We had very enjoyable Trivia days. Seabourn has THE BEST burgers and bread sticks. I am sorry I did not ask for Caviar as at that time it was available. Seabourn tried to remunerate us, to be fair. Actually the other OS across the hall was also a disaster and I heard the ceiling actually fell down on the bed and they had to bring him a new bed. Things like this happen. Still there was a wonderful beach day in Thailand. There were many memorable things, but the fear of being at sea with something so worn down kept me away for what is now years.

Then I read the OP's review and once again I thought I would make a stab at it. We never took advantage of Seabourn's additional offer as I think it was that moment in time.

So..when Encore has a next offering, we will be back trying Seabourn as I was feeling better after the OP's over the top, enthusiastic review.

I feel bad that so many people felt they had to "slam me" for an experience that really "was". It is sad that people can do this and hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

In addition, since you all feel I am so demanding and have such high expectations...how would you like to trek up to the Spa at least 7 days of a cruise for your shower because the water just wouldn't work in your suite? The toilet in the suite would stop working constantly and we would have to go to a public restroom to use the toilet. The elevators malfunctioned on and off during the cruise. Fortunately the ship was small and this was all possible, but didn't make for a good deal of comfort.

Then I remember others on the cruise posting that "it didn't happen to them". Well..I am so happy..for them! Perhaps the problems were basically in the area of the two owners suites and the stairwell, elevators and bathrooms?

If you look at all of this that I can remember clearly after all these years..and if you can HONESTLY say I had high expectations..wow! You live it and see how you like it.

Bless her very old heart...I hope The Pride rests in peace.

She is not resting in peace, she sailing under the Windstar banner. I had an absolutely fabulous cruise on her last year. Everything worked, the food was first rate and the service the usual SB standard. I think you were just very unlucky due to the horrendous aftermath of that dry dock.

because we DID have bad luck, and I DO NOT have unrealistic expectations. It was nice of you to say that..you are right. Luck of the draw.

Thanks for the great post we are doing the same trip in 2016,after taking year off from seaborne this year. How did you like the stops? this will be our first seaborne trip down under and we can't wait. I am a bit confused about how the trip ends . Do you spend more than 24 hours in Sydney?

Give me a couple of days and I will post tours we liked, (I did a few custom tours ), ports, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Everyone's experience is subjective based upon their prior experiences, socio-economic background, and expectations. Read reviews of any experience on the various vacation-oriented websites and one will see folks who rave about whatever while others will say it was the worst. I think by and large the posters on this forum tend to be balanced but that does not mean problems don't occur (we had plumbing issues on 2 of our Cruises, but on the Odyssey and Sojourn not the older Pride or Ledgend ships). Last January (2014) on the Sojourn there was a group telling anyone who would listen the food was terrible. It was not the best we had on board, several CC posts discussed it, but by no stretch of the imagination was it terrible, these were the same people giving the staff a hard time every morning in the Colonnade. At the same time someone who never experienced a Four Seasons hotel, driving a BMW, or sailing on Seabourn might likely not be able to find any fault with the experience. Or as some have suggested they might have an agenda. My rule of thumb for any review is: stop reading once the poster tells you they are a "foodie" (as if I only eat dog food), they name all the hotel chains they have stayed at (HoJo's for me), or the review is more than1/2 a page on my desktop monitor.

You are sooo right!

A few of the highlights of our New Zealand/Australia cruise.

We spent 2 nights in Auckland before the cruise. We stayed at the Sofitel- ask for the renovated rooms. It was a great 5 star hotel. We took the ferry one day to Waiheke Island -rented a car and went to Mudbrick Winery and ate on the outside patio. That was lovely! We also then drove around the island.

In Auckland ate at http://www.eatatdepot.co.nz- which we thought had wonderful food.

Port: Tauranga

Tour: White Water Rafting on Wairoa River (Was so much fun!)

http://www.wetnwildrafting.co.nz/

The river we did.

http://www.wetnwildrafting.co.nz/rafting-adventures/wairoa

Port: Wellington

Took cable car http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

And then walked down through the Botanical Gardens and then went to visit Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa) Took the free 1 hour guided tour.

Port: Picton

Tour: Small motorboat tour of Marlborough Sounds (magnificent scenery and also so much fun)

http://waterways.co.nz/

Took this tour:

http://waterways.co.nz/picton-cruise-ship-special-tours/

Port: Akaora

Went to the Giants House (a phenomenal mosaic sculpture garden-) http://www.thegiantshouse.co.nz- Don’t miss this!

Port: Port Chalmers - Dunedin

Contact: Kim - Iconic Tours- owner of the company

http://www.iconictours.co.nz/

Arranged a custom private tour with Kim for 8 hours.Make sure he is your guide. He was wonderful! One of the best guides we ever had. Just tell him you want the same tour he did last year for me on our Seabourn cruise.

I went on Cruise Critic roll call for Seabourn and got 3 other couples to join us.

Here is the tour he planned for our group of eight persons:

ICONIC TOURS CUSTOM ITINERARY

For Seabourn Odyssey 14th. February 2015

Otago Peninsula Wildlife with Larnach Castle and Dunedin City Sights

Includes Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour and Larnach Castle

8.50 – 9.00 Ship Meet & Greet & drive along harbor road into Dunedin City.

9.00 – 10.00 Brief city sights tour with visit to Baldwin Street (World’s Steepest Street),

Dunedin Railway Station and the Octagon (City Center).

10.00 – 11.00 Drive to Otago Peninsula along the harbor-side (low road), past little villages

and all the way to Taiaroa Heads at the end. We may be lucky enough to

see some Royal Albatross in flight.

11.15 – 12.45 Tour of Penguin Place Conservation Reserve. This is a 1.5 hour small group

tour with a specialist wildlife guide. There are a few easy steps and approx.

half a mile of walking in total.

13.00 – 13.15 Drive back along the Peninsula via Portobello to Larnach Castle. We will

take the top road for amazing views (weather permitting) of the Southern

Ocean and rugged coastline.

13.30 – 14.30 Lunch (own cost) at Larnach Castle’s Ballroom Café, with a little time after

lunch to walk through some of the gardens.

14.30 - 15.45 Tour of Larnach Castle, with our driver guide providing a detailed

commentary throughout.

15.45 – 16.30 Drive back to the Ship’s Wharf at Port Chalmers by 4.30pm.

____________________

We then cruised the Fiordland National Park – magnificent scenery. Seabourn was serving champagne on all the observation decks. We were very lucky to have smooth seas for the crossing from New Zealand to Australia.

Melbourne- we met some friends who lived there and they took us through Melbourne and out to the suburbs and then we went back and walked around the city.

Port: Geelong, Australia - A delightful small city. Don’t miss the National Wool Museum http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm/nwm/article/item/8cbcc313afa77a5.aspx

Port: Sydney

We spent 4 days there. Stayed at the Four Seasons- ( great location- try and get a Junior Suite- great room with incredible views and also Executive Club) Sydney is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world! The concierge recommended an amazing private guide for a tour in Sydney and surrounding neighborhoods. His name is Trevor Edwards and his website is http://www.sydneytouring.com and he can be reached at info@sydneytouring.com - He was fascinating, informative and one of the best tour guides we have had in all of our travels all over the world! He will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Sydney! Our tour was for 4 hours. All the 5 star hotels in Sydney recommend him.

The other days we took a tour of Opera House, went to Manly Beach, walked around downtown, The Rocks, Museums, Queen Victoria Building, etc.

Another highlight was- behind scenes tour at Taronga Zoo. –

Private Wildlife Tour that starts at 10:15 am- only for 8 persons. Took ferry to get there.

http://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo/tours/tarongas-wild-australia-experience

Restaurants we liked in Sydney- Pei Modern at Four Seasons ( if you book through a Virtuoso agent or Four Seasons Preferred Partners- you will get $100 food and beverage credit ( which you can apply to Pei Modern) and the rate also includes a full breakfast.

Also loved Mr. Wong- It is the hot Chinese restaurant in Sydney. http://merivale.com.au/mrwong

Hope you have a great time on your cruise!

It amazes me that if someone goes on a cruise and has a wonderful time- People on these boards criticize that person- saying there is no way a cruise can be that good. To us it was!

It may be the following statement from your original post that gives rise to scepticism.

'If you are looking for 5 Star Experience, then Seabourn is the FINEST CRUISE AT SEA! As I said, once you experience Seabourn you will not want to go on any other cruise line. It still amazes me how they produce such a PERFECT experience for their guests.'

Dafne I am glad you had a great time on your cruise.

Thank you for a run down on some of the tours you did. I will be doing this area as part of a bigger cruise next year. Even though I have done Sydney to Auckland before your port review has given me some good ideas.:)

Julie

Thank you , good stuff i will set up role call to see who wants to do some private trips. We have already booked the 4 seasons and are looking forward to that. It sounds like we should do the sofitel in aukland as well

If you are familiar with Four Seasons, the Sydney hotel will likely be a disappointment. For getting on/off the ship, it's a great location.

I'm glad you said that :)

The rooms are quite small and it is not necessarily convenient any more as SB has been relegated to the White Bay terminal which is akin to Siberia. You'll need a taxi and patience to get there. (unless you booked through SB) try to upgrade to a corner suite.

If you booked independently you may want to look at the Langham which has just had an excellent refurb but is not as well located as FS.

Shangri La is much nicer than FS IMHO (have stayed in both more than once and recently) however it is up a reasonable hill.

Of course if you have no concerns spending $$ the best choice is the Hyatt

Yes, I know the regular rooms are very small.

It is best to get the Full Harbour Junior Suite

http://www.fourseasons.com/sydney/accommodations/suites/full_harbour_junior_suite/

As I said in previous post if you reserve through Four Seasons Preferred Partner or Virtuoso Travel Agent you will get full breakfast and $100 food and beverage credit. They also have specials like -stay four nights get one night free.

The Full Harbour Junior Suite is not badly priced compared to the suites at Hyatt or other 5 star hotels in Sydney.

Thank you , good stuff i will set up role call to see who wants to do some private trips. We have already booked the 4 seasons and are looking forward to that. It sounds like we should do the sofitel in aukland as well

We were in Auckland last month before a SS cruise ( not SB but similar port itineraries) and had a pleasant experience at the Hilton, 300 meters from the pier, in a harbor view room with balcony. On site is the Fish restaurant, excellent. I suggest you allow at least two full, non-jet-lagged days in Auckland to see Waiheke Island etc. We did not want to drive so we set up a van pick-up after the ferry with Ananda Tours ( could do a group to share cost if you like). They took us on an entertaining five hour tour of the island and to three wineries ( Peacock Sky served small delicious food pairings with our tastings, and Jurassic's wines were so good we ordered shipments to us in California even though we live near many world class wineries). We also went to an olive oil production site and finally had a delicious gourmet lunch at the same upscale view restaurant Mudbrick (also a winery) that Dafne liked.

Out of Tauranga our excursion was Frontier Helicopters for an unforgettable trip to the other-worldly White Island Volcano, which can be privately arranged ( I posted links to our misc port pix on a SS Auckland-MEL thread so will not duplicate here)

Melbourne is lovely, has a walkable downtown and a fantastic museum, the National Gallery, with everything from ancient Egyptian art to whimsical modern design. We enjoyed tapas at a funky place called MoVida, in an alley called Hosier Lane which is full of wild graffiti and worth a look. The sobering Shrine of Remembrance is definitely worth spending time at to remember history.

Have a fantastic cruise and enjoy your ports!

I am sorry if people think I am 'jaded' - I am certainly not young, but like to think still reasonably upbeat about life. Will be travelling on a Seabourn ship again fairly soon, so hope once again to thoroughly enjoy the cruise.

 

I fear it is 'dafne's writing style which is, to me as as slightly reticent Brit, a bit off-putting. I notice that she also put this report on the Silversea forum, which naturally brought forth a few comments.

Not everyone was born a wordsmith.

In an ideal world people would have a rich palate of vocabulary with which to verbally paint their picture on a canvas of wit, good humour and just to satisfy the British a sprinkling of cynicism.

But they don't and you of all people should know they let anyone contribute on here. Strip away the writing style and I can relate the OP's post to our own experience when cruising Seabourn for the first time. It was so,good we came back a second time and are currently contemplating numbers 3 and 4.

I don't share the viewpoint that to be considered plausible a review must contain negative elements, but then I'm equally happy to be lying here in shorts an a T-shirt surrounded by the chaotic rhythms of Songkran in Patong as I am enjoying canapés and cocktails sporting a cheeky little number from one of the UK's plethora of gentlemans outfitters.

I guess some people just try to see the positive in life.

Sawadee Pee Mai.

Henry :)