Seabourn Odyssey Seabourn Odyssey Rome to Fort Lauderdale - Nov. - Dec., 2011

[mariners]

Seabourn definitely has boarding down to an art. Our cabin was ready early and we were escorted to the cabin as soon as we embarked at 1 p.m. Our room stewardess met us with two glasses of champagne and canopies. In the cabin was a bottle of chilled champagne waiting to ease the stress of unpacking (or at least that's how we used it). We love the layout of our cabin as well as the storage space. There are a few things we've yet to work out (such as where to put the laptop without having to move it frequently) but, so far, things are about as perfect as they can ever be. We are docked in Monte Carlo under a beautiful blue sky. Soon it will be sunset and we have a choice of dining under the stars or in the dining room. Life is great!

I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can and I hope that other CCer's onboard will join this thread to give their points of view.

 

I can't figure out how to edit the thread title but, if it can be done, please remove the second Seabourn Odyssey. Thank you.

[LEESRE]

Mariners,

Please keep up the good work as you sail along. We left Odyssey in Athens not long ago and since then she has been into dry dock for 5 days. Just wondered what they had done??

 

I am sure you will find a good place for the laptop, what about the table near the window?? At least there is a socket just there for power.

 

Hope that you meet up with some of the wonderful crew we had, namely people like Angela in the Colonnade, Tony and Vaughan waiters in the MDR. Pity that John Barron has gone on vacation, he was the Cruise Director, and very good too.

 

I am quite envious of you, but then again we can look forward to our further cruise with Seabourn.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip, and if you have a moment, keep us u to date as you go along.

 

Rex

[JeanBart]

Mariners, we are green with envy, we had hoped to be on this cruise, but unfortunately work commitments would not allow it. However, we will be boarding when you arrive in Fort Lauderdale, and as we'll be on for 91 days we shouldn't be greedy.

As you've offered to answer any questions, could you to check in the Spa and ask if they have Phyto 9 products, I don't want to haul 3 months worth with me, but more importantly don't want frizzy hair. My husband said you'll have better things to do but hey, don't ask don't get.

Have a wonderful time and enjoy every moment.

[WilloGuy]

Mariners thanks for the update. Sounds wonderful, be good to the Odyssey as I too will be boarding her in Fort Lauderdale for the Holiday cruise

Enjoy your cruise!!

[guernseyguy]

Mariners - Thank you for the report - see you a week tomorrow in Malaga! Would welcome any tips on which house wines are better and so forth! I expect diligent tasting on your part!

[mariners]

LEESERE, I will check for Angela, Tony and Vaughan. We have Nick Hale for CD and he appears to be quite personable.

JeanBart, I will check with the spa and get back to you. If they don't carry it, you might be able to pick up some when you are in port. I'm green with envy over your 91 days. We love the Odyssey.

WilloGuy, you are in for a treat.

guernseyguy, a lot of the wine is from Chile but there are other pours if you request. We have had Italian white and red, New Zealand white, and a French red. I haven't bothered trying to remember names but I will make an attempt and get back to you.

 

As this is our first time on Seabourn, I thought I'd give an overview that might help someone else who is cruising for the first time. For all of the past Seabourn passengers, you'll want to skip this.

 

First impressions are so important and Seabourn knows how to do it right. We were greeted as soon as we arrived at the dock by Seabourn staff. They handled all of our larger suitcases and any other baggage that we did not immediately require. Once we had checked in and had our photo taken, we boarded the ship. Despite being two hours early, our suite was ready. Our carry on baggage was taken by a crew member who escorted us to the suite. He gave us a quick overview of the ship and provided us with our lunch dining options. What a lovely introduction to Seabourn!

Our cabin stewardess met us with two glasses of champagne and canopies. Inside the suite, there was a chilled, full bottle of champagne waiting to be opened at our leisure. Our stewardess gave us a quick tour of the suite, showed us where to find our life jackets and explained the mandatory muster drill. She came back later and provided us with a variety of soaps and the extra water we had requested.

We continue to be impressed by the suite. The bathroom contains double sinks; a shower stall that includes both a set shower head and a separate, hand held one; a large, tub; a toilet; a small, corner unit that holds two glasses and bath amenities; two small shelves by the sinks; a moveable, magnifying mirror; and open, small, storage areas on each side under the sinks. Once you exit the bathroom, there is a vanity area with a mirror, blow dryer, drawer and stool. Beside that is the walk in closet which includes lots of hanging space, drawers, a safe, an umbrella, extra blankets, life jackets, laundry bags, shoe horn, mending kit, and places to hang ties and belts. The next area contains the bed and night tables. On the wall opposite the foot of the bed is a cupboard approximately the width of a king size bed but not very deep. On top of it we found the welcome aboard kit including the daily program, ship map, and other important papers. There is a curtain that separates the bedroom area from the living area. As you enter the living area, there are two tall cabinets. The first, three level cabinet holds all of the bar materials - fridge, glasses, places to hold the large bottles of water and liquor, and a drawer that holds a corkscrew, napkins, etc. Beside it is the full size love seat. On the opposite side of the room is the other three level cabinet. The middle level holds the TV, and iPod. The upper area has storage shelves. The lower area has storage drawers. On the living area side are outlets that can be used by passengers. There is a two person table with two comfortable chairs. There is an ottoman that could be used as another seat but it also has a removable wooden tray on top of it and can also be used as a coffee table by the love seat. In the evening, the room stewardess uses the tray for placement on the bed of the next day’s program, chocolates and room service materials. Leading out to the veranda is a full size glass door. On the veranda are a table with two chairs as well as a lounger. All in all, it is fantastic!

We are also impressed by the majority of the staff and crew with whom we have met. They genuinely appear happy both when they interact with the passengers as well as in their interactions with each other. As the cruise becomes less port intensive, we will find our preferred public areas and I will be able to give more detailed impressions. For now, we are having a fabulous time exploring new ports, socializing with old friends, and luxuriating in our suite. Life continues to be great!

[guernseyguy]

guernseyguy, a lot of the wine is from Chile but there are other pours if you request. We have had Italian white and red, New Zealand white, and a French red. I haven't bothered trying to remember names but I will make an attempt and get back to you.

 

Good to hear - if they are sourcing less expensive wine, a modestly priced Chilean will generally beat a cheap northern hemisphere wine...Thank you for the offer, but no need to memorise the names - you are on holiday!

 

I'll be trying them myself a week today!

 

Also good to know early check-in worked out - I may try myself in Malaga.

[fairbourne]

Guernsey Guy

 

 

"Also good to know early check-in worked out - I may try myself in Malaga."

 

Go for it - with our excitement mounting, we couldn't wait any longer so we rolled up about 12.45 and had a short wait in line to do the admin stuff, but we were on board just after 1pm, escorted by a very welcoming member of crew straight to the Collonade for lunch (advised staterooms not ready until 2pm), but, hey, it really couldn't have been much better, sitting out on the terrace with the DH in the sunshine on the most beautiful ship, sipping our first glass of the bubbly stuff!

 

After a lovely leisurely lunch, we found our own way to our stateroom, although we were offered an escort but decided it would be fun on our own!

 

We had a brand new stewardess - we were her first guests on her first contract, first ship - and she was so sweet and eager to please - lovely young lady from Chile.

 

We found the wines offered good, however, if we didn't care for one, an alternative was offered or they came back with something we had previously particularly enjoyed.

 

Everyone seemed to go out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful time.

 

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!:)

[mariners]

JeanBart, I checked with the spa and they said they carry Phyto 7 not Phyto 9.

Today, we are in Cannes and it was our first tender experience. We left after the tours so did not have to get a number. There was lots of room on the tender and, once on shore, we were bussed to the middle of the old area. Once again, we have been lucky to have mostly wonderful weather. We have had thunderstorms in the distance which have put on a lovely light show. The service continues to be excellent as does the food. It's been another great day.

[JeanBart]

Thank you Mariner, I really appreciate you taking to check this for me. I'm really glad you're having such a good time. Enjoy the rest of your cruise

[Local17]

How are "the Sea's" ? ? ? Never been on a small ship before and have been prone to the sickness of the sea's...

 

and

 

Is the ship full ? ? ? Any word on haw many are aboard? ? ?

 

Much thanks and see you in Malaga,

Gary

[mariners]

Gary, we have had amazing weather and calm seas since boarding the ship. There was a bit of motion for the first time last night but we are back to almost flat seas again. Today, we will arrive in Barcelona and they are calling for highs of 62F/16C and sun.

I am not sure how full the ship is but most of the people we have met are disembarking in Malaga. I'll try and find out how full the crossing will be. This segment has been one of the friendliest cruises I have ever had the pleasure of sailing. Service and food have been wonderful. You are in for a real treat when you board. We'll see you in Malaga.

[guernseyguy]

Never been on a small ship before

 

Just over 100 years ago (100 years and 6 months on the 11th of December) Seabourn Odyssey would have been the largest ship in the world!

 

A fraction bigger than RMS Mauretania & Lusitania - only eclipsed by the entry into service of RMS Olympic in 1911.

 

The other difference of course being passenger capacity - Mauretania carried 2165, Odyssey 450.....even First Class on Mauretania carried 565.....

 

Where is your cabin? - midships and low down is best for least movement....

[guernseyguy]

You can follow Seabourn Odyssey (and see what weather they have) here.

[mandymay]

JeanBart, I checked with the spa and they said they carry Phyto 7 not Phyto 9.

Today, we are in Cannes and it was our first tender experience. We left after the tours so did not have to get a number. There was lots of room on the tender and, once on shore, we were bussed to the middle of the old area. Once again, we have been lucky to have mostly wonderful weather. We have had thunderstorms in the distance which have put on a lovely light show. The service continues to be excellent as does the food. It's been another great day.

 

Thank you mariners,so looking forward to joining you on Friday in Malaga.

[luxurytraveller]

Thank you Mariners for the interesting report. Can you tell me please what the cabin insulation is like? I have heard reports that you can hear your neighbours in adjacent cabins talking etc quite loudly. Is this true?

[stamfordian]

Thank you Mariners for the interesting report. Can you tell me please what the cabin insulation is like? I have heard reports that you can hear your neighbours in adjacent cabins talking etc quite loudly. Is this true?

 

Have done two voyages on Odyssey and never had a problem. Sometimes takes a couple of days for people to realise suite door and balcony door on very strong self-closing hinges so you may get a couple of bangs. If it continues, a quiet word usually suffices. All the people we've met on Seabourn are pleasant, friendly, polite people who will respond if something like this is mentioned.

[mariners]

luxury traveller, I have not heard other people except for when I have been on the balcony. I also have not heard other peoples' television or music.

 

Today has been a day of pure indulgence - spa, champagne and caviar, wandering the streets in Barcelona, and a fabulous dinner in the main restaurant. Tonight, there are rose petals on our bed. Yesterday, there was a balloon placed on the wall with tidbits of information about the Sagrada Familia. Every night, there has been something to welcome us back in our suite.

 

Now, it is time for a local Flamenco show that has been brought aboard the ship by Seabourn. Another great day onboard and tomorrow we'll wake up to another day in Barcelona. What more could one want?!

[JaneBP]

More paella?

[katiestan1]

We were told the Odyssey was going into wet dock, not dry dock. It would stay in the water. I think it was stuff like changing out outdoor cushions, replacing some carpets(?) in-depth maintenance....... Jen

[mariners]

One of the crew told us this morning that there were 40 passengers joining the ship today for the crossing. We were also told that they expect to be busy on the crossing as it is going to be quite full. I didn't get specific numbers but will keep trying.

Seabourn has added additional tours in Malaga and we've decided to take them up on the tour to the Alhambra.

JaneBP, you are so right!

It's been another picture perfect day in Barcelona.

[guernseyguy]

One of the crew told us this morning that there were 40 passengers joining the ship today for the crossing.

 

Curious - I had not seen the crossing as sold from Barcelona - only Malaga - do keep us posted on how busy we're likely to be.

[guernseyguy]

we've decided to take them up on the tour to the Alhambra.

 

Its a bit of a trek - but well worth doing. I've just realised we'll be docking in Funchal on a Sunday - would you mind asking the tour staff if much will be open - or would we be better booking a tour?

[luxurytraveller]

Thank you for the information on cabin soundproofing. I feel reassured!

[Local17]

I'm happy the cruise has been a dream so far and thanks to everyone for all the info. We can't wait to join you in Spain.

 

Have they had a "meet and greet" for Cruise Critic Members? I know on larger ships if 30 CC members are going to be aboard they have a few special events just for us. I don't imagine that we'll have the minimum required, but was wondering if we could get something put in the daily newsletter and just have our get together. I'd love to say hello to all on this thread and to those who have contributed to the Malaga to Fort Lauderdale thread.

 

Anyone interested? Maybe the sea day between Malaga and Funchal?