Seabourn Sojourn Alaska 2018

Can anyone provide info on officers and staff currently on the Sojourn? Captain, F&B Manager, Hotel Director, Cruise Director, etc.

Here is the complete list:-

Captain Hamish Elliott Staff Captain Joris Poriau Chief Engineer Adolfo Litmanovich Hotel Director Jason Gelineau Doctor Thean Taljaard F&B Manager Jan Gunter Guest Services Manager Jo van Biljon Chief Purser Geovanny Conejo Cruise Director Verity Teiho Brown Restaurant Manager Damir Scuric Executive Chef Claudio Notarbartolo Executive Housekeeper Daniela Garces Destinations Manager Chris Clarke Cruise Sales Specialist Mihaela Cotoanta

Looking for someone who has sailed this year and can comment on the binocular situation in cabins. I have read that you must request the binocs in advance; that those provided are not of good quality; and finally, when I called and requested them for our cabin, the res agent said she didn’t think they were providing them in cabins this year. Can someone who sailed this year please comment on this?

We did Alaska last year but brought our own binoculars. For me, if good quality binoculars are important for my enjoyment I would bring my own. I know that binoculars are not supplied usually unless you are sailing in Antarctica on the Quest. Based on this knowledge I would anticipate they would have a large supply on Quest but not necessarily on other ships. This would mean risking staff running out of binoculars on Sojourn if a large number of people requested them. This is just an guess from prior experiences.

I have no definite answer so sorry if this isn't that helpful.

Julie

Here is the complete list:-

 

Captain Hamish Elliott Staff Captain Joris Poriau Chief Engineer Adolfo Litmanovich Hotel Director Jason Gelineau Doctor Thean Taljaard F&B Manager Jan Gunter Guest Services Manager Jo van Biljon Chief Purser Geovanny Conejo Cruise Director Verity Teiho Brown Restaurant Manager Damir Scuric Executive Chef Claudio Notarbartolo Executive Housekeeper Daniela Garces Destinations Manager Chris Clarke Cruise Sales Specialist Mihaela Cotoanta

Flyers,

Thanks for the info.

Some familiar names.

Looking for someone who has sailed this year and can comment on the binocular situation in cabins. I have read that you must request the binocs in advance; that those provided are not of good quality; and finally, when I called and requested them for our cabin, the res agent said she didn’t think they were providing them in cabins this year. Can someone who sailed this year please comment on this?

I can confirm binoculars aren't supplied. The shop was selling binoculars (? brand) for around $200, as well as the more expensive Swarovski brand.

In my experience the ones in the cabins are pretty low standard.

If having a pair is important you are far better off buying a small pair that you can also put in your pocket to take ashore. They are not expensive and even less so if you buy once used. However I would advise buying from a shop where you can test them. Not all suit every taste.

Tony

In my experience the ones in the cabins are pretty low standard.

 

 

If having a pair is important you are far better off buying a small pair that you can also put in your pocket to take ashore. They are not expensive and even less so if you buy once used. However I would advise buying from a shop where you can test them. Not all suit every taste.

 

 

Tony

Almost universally ship provided binocs are poor quality. The same on Viking WC. We have a pair of compact Steiner Safaris. The best compact binoculars I have ever used and not expensive. They fit nicely in a space in my computer bag too. A good pair of binoculars will be used and appreciated in Alaska. :cool:

Additionaly from the OP on this thread.

Would love comments, pro and con from those of you who have been on the 1.5 hour "Ventures by Seabourn: Zodiac Exploration of Misty Fjords" excursion.

As well as the Juneau 5 hour excursion "Alaska's Whales, Glacier & Rain Forest Trails" on a safari vessel.

And what about the Icy Strait Point 2.5 hour excursion "Whale Watch & Marine Mammal Safari" on a high speed boat?

Thanking all of you in advance for your comments.

We did the trip this time last year. Here are two folders of pictures. The second ends with trips to SaltSpring Island and Whistler.

http://www.tonygamble.uk/Alaska_1/index.html

http://www.tonygamble.uk/Alaska_2/index.html

I don't remember any must-do trips. Probably the folk who went out on kayaks got more memorable experiences than us less adventurous folk on catmarans.

You can see how few whales we got to watch. All the crew on these excursions were enthusiastic and informative. Maybe we were just unlucky in seeing so little.

We did not do the Grizzly Bear trip (nothing more than our error) and from reports that is a must-do.

Despite what you see on my photographs reports from people on cruises before and after hours experienced somewhat grim cloudy weather. After one such day we were blessed with non stop sunshine - but we were told that was quite unusual.

If you see anything in my photos that interests you and I will see if we can remember which trip it relates to. As a totality the cruise was brilliant - but obsessive whale watchers might feel they were given short measure.

Tony and Christine - Fulham London

Tony, thank you for linking to your lovely pictures.

Every time I look at Alaska pictures I am reminded why have gone four times but still want to go again. It is not just about the ports, or the whales, it is about the getting there too, which is so scenic.