Just Back from 2 day Sampler on Quest

[digtexas]

We just got home from the two night "sampler" on the Quest, which was our first time on Seabourn. In all fairness, I am a frequent Crystal cruiser, and of course, I realize that it is hard to judge a complete product on a two night cruise. All you get is the first night and the last night, neither of which represent the average day on a cruise.

Having said that, we did get some definite impressions about Seabourn and the Quest, some good, and some not so good.

 

The embarkation in Port Everglades was a breeze, and, of course, we found our 5th deck veranda cabin to be very nice. The room had not been stocked exactly as we had requested, but the stewardess did bring the requested soft drinks and water, and even replaced the Cutty Sark with Chivas Regal at my request. As it happened I never opened the bottle. We are not big drinkers and although I had a pina colada or two by the pool, and a couple of beers, we did take much advantage of the all inclusive alcohol.

 

Anyway, on with the review:

Positives:

1. Very nice cabin

2. Patio bar and sky bar over the pool is a very nice area

3. Seabourn square is a very nice space, with comfy recliners for relaxing and a nice rear deck area.

4. The Colonnade appears to be pretty well run with friendly waiters and has nice outdoor tables

5. The drink waiters around the Patio bar are also very nice

6. The ship is pretty and new

7. The club is a nice space, and on this cruise at least, the demographic was a little younger than usual and there was a lot of dancing and activity going on at night.

8. Coffee from room service was timely served, good, and hot.

 

Negatives:

1. Terrible experience in the Restaurant (main dining room) on first night. We were quickly seated. The decor is rather plain, done in white, with no flowers on the tables. The waiters seem to be more attentive with wine than with other details. Our order was taken timely, and appetizers came in a reasonable time. However we waited approximately 45 minutes for our entrees to be served. No one much cared about re-filling water or even taking away dirty plates. We were never even sure exactly who was responsible for our table.

Finally a waiter came over and told us that our food should be coming, but after another 15 to 20 minutes, I had to start calling over waiters and even the maitre d' (who looked to be overwhelmed and about 30 years old.) to complain. They were clearly overwhelmed, not very gracious, gave excuses about being busy, but no one really tried to apologize and to calm us down and appease us. I had to call the maitre d' over to our table, he did not come on his own. Eventually the food did come. It was all right, but everyone agreed that the size of the entrees was way too small. We walked in at 8:00 P.M. and came close to missing the 10:00 PM show.

 

I don't know who was running the restaurant. The maitre d' seemed to just seat people like a young person that greets you and assigns tables at a Chili's or something. I was not aware of any headwaiters or anyone organizing or keeping an eye on the food service.

Totally unacceptable.

Sorry to compare...but this would never happen at Crystal. You have a real maitre d', always mature and suave. You have a headwaiter who checks on you and you have a waiter and assistant waiter assigned to your table. At Crystal, they want to amaze you with their service, and they encourage you to order anything and everything that you want. We actually heard stories on the Quest,(where everyone was complaining about the size of the portions) of a pax who asked for extra food and was denied. At Crystal, you want lobster with your chateaubriand? Their pleasure. You like what your neighbor has and want to try some...their pleasure. You are expected to order three courses, which is definitely not the case on the Quest.

 

To finish the dining room review: For some reason, either randomly, or because of my complaints (assuming they knew my identity) we were invited to dine at the Captain's table the second night. He was very outgoing and friendly and we enjoyed his hospitality. However, even at his table, dirty plates were not removed timely and water was not filled regularly. A nice lady seated by my wife who is a frequent Seabourn cruiser, complained that the scallops entree had only three scallops. Once again the portions were very small. When the captain asked what we thought so far I told him of our experience the night before. His response was that normally, there is a bigger split between the attendance at Colonnade and the Restaurant, but last night, (because it was only a two night cruise) most everyone came to the Restaurant, and the galley got behind. I mean, they have seats for everyone, so cannot they serve everyone who is seated?

The food was good, but not earth shattering.

So, I guess that what I am really talking about here is service. And the service is far superior on Crystal. Everyone has the attitude: what can I do for you? I am pleased to help you, etc. We did not find that kind of attitude on the Quest.

 

Although the Colonnade was better run and friendlier than the dining room, we were not impressed with the choice of food at breakfast and lunch.

For example, if you want an English muffin or bagel, just like at a Fairfield Inn or Courtyard, you pick up a pale (not fresh) English muffin or plain bagel and put it in a toasting machine while you wait for it. At Crystal they have fresh English muffins and fresh bagels of all types...sesame, everything, onion, etc. that they nicely toast for you.

 

So, the biggest negatives had to do with the level of service and the quality and quantity of food.

 

2. Another negative. Small, sometimes inconveniently located public restrooms.

3. The casino: It was very small and understaffed. If you put a $100 bill in a machine and decided to cash out, the machines will not give you a receipt that you can turn into cash. You have to enter a PIN number and put your credits on your room card, and then cash it in at a cashier booth that is usually unattended, causing you to wait around for your money.

 

4. Both mornings that the ship docked we had very loud noises and vibrations that woke us early in the morning coming from the engine or something. We were in 512, which was forward and portside. Our friends across the hall in 513 said that they did not hear the same noises.

 

As far as entertainment. The shows were pretty good in our opinion, especially since they were provided by only four singers two dancers. The voices were good and we enjoyed the shows.

 

So that is about it. I hate to be negative, and I appreciated many things about the Quest. I am sure that if we had gone on a longer cruise the waiters, at least everywhere except the Restaurant, would have gotten to know our preferences, and maybe even our names.

But we love the service and warmth of the employees on Crystal, especially the Lido/Trident crew, a group of Filipino young men, who are so warm, fun and caring, that they can make the whole cruise a pleasure. Do the cabins at Crystal compare? No, they don't have a walk in closet or such a large bathroom, but we don't spend that much time in our suite anyway. Since both the Quest and the Crytal ships have plenty of space for their passengers, both feel comfortable and uncrowded to us.

 

I found it a little curious that there was no ship's photographer and no photos of guests taken or sold.

 

As I said, Seabourn square was very nice, and there seemed to be a lot of nice nooks and crannies where one could relax outside on a good weather day. The ship is pretty and new but all that glitters is not gold.

[redheadednancy]

Danny...enjoyed your review. THIS is why I think Seabourn should NEVER do a two day sampler...not representative and cannot be compared with a line you have sailed on multiple times for long periods of time. You really don't get to know Seabourn. I want to address a few things, but I am doing it quickly because we are leaving to go out, but I am inspired by your writing!!!

 

First of all we have never cruised without flowers on the table. The level of service you received is nothing we have ever received on Seabourn. (and we have over 130 days) I will say we just got off Quest and the MD was less than stellar...his name was Arnold. However the waiters were outstanding. They work hard to get the food to you hot and fresh and sometimes it is not a quick dinner. People on Seabourn love conversation and to "dine". Noone wants to be rushed. With that said, the time you had to wait seems unacceptable, I agree.

 

As to small portions...I am petite and intend to stay that way so I love the small portions. The chef often says if you want more, order it or a double order or a triple order. Are you aware you can have whatever and as much of it as you want? Just ask. It will be granted. (I work at keeping my husband "petite"...a worldy task...but I don't want them serving him too much) Remember Americans are known for obesity. (I have seen your pictures though and I know this is not your problem)

 

The casino is an afterthought on Seabourn. Most people that like to gamble love the small intimate size and the fact that it is never busy. You definitely don't sail Seabourn for casino. I don't believe that is their clientele.

 

Your comment on the photographer sort of shocked me. I NEVER want to cruise on a ship with a photographer. Thank you, I will take my own pictures when and where I want them in a settling that does not blast out "cruise ship" To me, this goes along with art auctions and people constantly coming on the loud speaker making announcements.

 

THis is a quick reply and email is impersonal, so please take my comments with a grain of salt. I have been on Crystal twice. I DID enjoy it BUT that was before I discovered Seabourn! Crystal is WAY too big for me. No line is perfect and Seabourn has its growing pains. I am sorry you didn't see the best of it, but I venture to say if Crystal gave you a two day sampler you would never see the best of Crystal or any other line. That's why I think it is a mistake.

 

Interestingly enough, having just gotten off the Quest, we had dinner with two newbies to Seabourn, well traveled and serious cruisers. I met them both the first night and they had not had a pleasant experience with the first of their cruise. A lot of it was their requirements. Anyway, I saw them again at the end of the TA and BOTH had put a deposit down on another cruise with Seabourn after the way Seabourn handled their problems.

 

I can't address breakfast as we always have room service. We love it and the waiter always gets to know me and hands me my coffee before he leaves the room. I don't get going without my coffee first. The colonnade has many different themes and we eat lunch there most of the time or in the patio grill. I say again, you can't compare a line you have sailed on tons of times with a Seabourn you saw briefly for two days. You are so familiar and you are comfortable with staff and ship. Sounds like a good line for you to continue sailing on....just as I will not go back to another line I have sailed on because I am happy on Seabourn. The interesting thing is that you were not happy enough to stay,...you questioned your line and went to try others! I have tried them all and I'm content. (In all honestly I tried Crystal before they aspired to move into the luxury line category...ten years ago). See, I'm trying to be fair!

[cruising5253]

We were digtexas's travel buddies and we second Danny's assessment. The mini-cruise was a great way to get a taste of a different cruise line. You'd think they would have done everything they could to wow people like us. It was a nice a getaway nonetheless.

Steve

[MillieMeter]

I have only been on one Seabourn cruise--but it was absolutely fabulous. I booked another while on the cruise.

I would have bet anything, though, that anyone who went on a 2 day sampler would be less than enthusiatic--a 2 day cruise is totally unfair to assessing the cruise line--I would venture to say if I went on a 2 day sampler on Crystal I would have the same opinion of them. As a matter of fact, I remember someone advising this same person not to do this; that it would not truly represent Seabourn fairly.

I think this review is exactly what should be expected--praising Crystal and dissing Seabourn. But loyal Seabourn cruisers will just be glad that they have experienced the real Seabourn and pity those who haven't.

I probably will have to do a Crystal at some point or Silverseas or whomever goes to Alaska because my DH has that on his bucket list--but I promise I will try to be fair and not judge too harshly. But I will not be surprised that it will not equal Seabourn.

[redheadednancy]

I have only been on one Seabourn cruise--but it was absolutely fabulous. I booked another while on the cruise.

I would have bet anything, though, that anyone who went on a 2 day sampler would be less than enthusiatic--a 2 day cruise is totally unfair to assessing the cruise line--I would venture to say if I went on a 2 day sampler on Crystal I would have the same opinion of them. As a matter of fact, I remember someone advising this same person not to do this; that it would not truly represent Seabourn fairly.

I think this review is exactly what should be expected--praising Crystal and dissing Seabourn. But loyal Seabourn cruisers will just be glad that they have experienced the real Seabourn and pity those who haven't.

I probably will have to do a Crystal at some point or Silverseas or whomever goes to Alaska because my DH has that on his bucket list--but I promise I will try to be fair and not judge too harshly. But I will not be surprised that it will not equal Seabourn.

MilleMeter: we are on the same page. Well said. And yes you are right...you have to go on the "ordinary" ships to go to Alaska.

(shame on me, did I say that?.)..however I did go on Princess to see Alaska, complete with art auctions, photographers and blaring speakers and obnoxious children). Despite all this I did enjoy the cruise for what it was and appreciated the beauty of Alaska. BUT I don't want to go back. Been there, done that!

[digtexas]

You guys are tough! I am not attempting to dis Seabourn, and although we really enjoy Crystal, we are not cheerleaders. I acknowledge that two days is a too little to really get into a cruise and its people. I still am open minded and would like to check out Regent and even Oceania as well. I am just telling you about our experience.

Nancy, as you noted, I am thin, and not a big consumer of lots of food or drink. However I, and particularly my wife and others felt that the entree portions were just too small. We don't rush through meals either. Typically on Crystal we eat at 8:30 and due to fun and conversation at the table, also barely make it to the 10:30 performances. The difference is that we don't wait 45 minutes for our entrees while overworked waiters run around in a lather. I will take the Captain's word that the night was an aberration and I appreciate how devoted many of you are to Seabourn. By the way, Crystal has fewer announcements than we heard on the Quest, no more art auctions, and yes, ship's photographers who take nice photos and portraits of the guests, but which no one pushes you to buy.

To be clear, it was the attitude of much of the staff that we found most lacking. As I said, the guys at the outside bars were great and we liked most of the Colonnade waiters, but that "we are here just to please you" attitude that we have grown accustomed to just appeared to be lacking in some areas, especially in the Restaurant.

I ask you to please remember that we are talking about our favorite cruise lines here, not anyone's grandchildren, so no need to be sensitive to another's criticism or viewpoint and take it as a personal insult.

I repeat: two nights does not a cruise make and I respect your loyalty to Seabourn. Some like Gucci and some like Prada. To each his own!

[redheadednancy]

Danny, my highest compliment to you remains. I still think you are a Seabourn person. Regent and Oceania don't compare to Seabourn... they are more like Crystal (no offense intended) Oceania is not even considered luxury, and I believe owned by same company and in the last year have found many defectors from Regent to Seabourn on our cruises. Just an FYI. But check them out, but if you want to compare, be sure it is a two day cruise!

 

With that said, I do agree with you. I would be unhappy with the service and the waiters but again, back to my premise. Very bad idea to do a two day cruise and judge a cruiselline. Shame on Seabourn for offering it. They are going after passengers like you and obviously did not put their best foot forward. I did think to myself that it would be hard to get interested in people (if I was a waiter) and I knew they were gone in one day, but again, you are right. They should as they are trying to entice new passengers)We have not experienced what you experienced or we wouldn't be going back again and again.

 

I did think it interesting that on the whole cruise, your really only criticism was the attitude in the restaurant. Should be your first clue...something not right on this two day trip. I can't imagine what went wrong but I hope Seabourn heard about it. They will go out of their way to fix anything that is wrong IF they know about it and really nothing ca n be fixed in two days and the attitude of the staff and how they treat people is the REASON we all go back, so again, something is wrong.

 

Just to let you know, on a normal Seabourn cruise, you will only hear one announcement at lunch about weather conditions and any change in plans. The only other announcement during the day is if there is a practice fire drill (safety for the crew). Did you hear more then one a day? If you did, that was not normal either.

 

Again, shame on Seabourn for doing a two day cruise....for passengers like you that really are truly Seabourn sailors (if you can get over your hangups about Crystal, long established with many cruises).

 

Again, not our grandchildren and we would probably go on another cruiseship if that was such a "deal" but so far we always work it out on Seabourn. Hope we get to meet sometime. Remember there is a saying one of my mentors on Seabourn uses all the time...(writer100) Chocun a son gout!

[pakitin]

We were also on the two day sampler cruise and met Danny and Steve and their lovely wifes. They were very fair in their comments and I will mention my concerns.

 

Upon our arrival to a penthouse suite, upgraded from a cat 6 cabin, we found all the welcoming letters addressed to other guest staying in a different penthouse suiite.

 

The refrigerator was not stocked with any of our requested items.

 

For the two days and nights of the cruise there was a fan blowing non stop in the midle of the penthouse hall.We did not know what it was there since the carpet was dry.

 

Since we were next to the Horizons we needed to cross thru the cabin areas of floors six,seven or five to get to the Square, the Club,the Casino,desembarcation etc.At all hours of the day and early night you could see cleaning buckets and the maids guestroom files on the floor.Some of the maids were very friendly while others appeared to be very tired.

 

While playing blackjack late the first nite some lady droped her drink on the floor and the spill was not cleaned for at least fifteen minutes.

 

This lack of attention to detail is what bothers me.It should never happen in a luxury cruise line.

 

I sailed in the Odyssey for twenty days last February and despite other problems lack of attention was not a concern. We noticed this time that the old Seabourn staff transfered from other ships were doing a great job

while new or second contract people were not in the same page.

 

We had great service at the Colonade while we dined "al fresco" under an almost full moon. Great ambiance and service with average food and excelent breadsticks.

 

Att lunch in the patio pool area I was serving myself a cold hamburger when some one behind ordered a cheeseburger. He was told to get a hamburger from the bowl and take a slice of cheese.

 

Our second night dinner at the Main Dining room was also excellent.Great waiter ( Peter from Hungary) and great bussboy (Thiago from Portugal). I ordered both the fish and scallops dinners.We did see some waiters strugle with the delivery of food to other tables.

 

The new show Bravo is much better than any of the ones we have seen.

 

Handre the CD is a special person always ready to asssist a person on a wheelchair,making announcements or doing his regular job.

 

I was pleased that the vibration problems of the Odyssey were not present in the Quest.

 

For the record the Crystal Symphony is my favority ship but have sailed Regent and Oceania as well.

 

Paco

[mariners]

It is unfortunate that you had such a poor experience on your two day sampler cruise. I am on Seabourn for the first time and have just finished sailing Crystal for the first time. Our boarding experience on Seabourn was the best experience boarding we have ever had and it continued throughout that evening. Service everywhere has been excellent and, for the first time ever, the maitre'd has enhanced our dining experience as he personalizes his greeting and makes one feel like a valued guest in his dining room. Our experience on Crystal in this regard was less than stellar possibly because we were not part of the set seating. I hope that you will give Seabourn another chance if the right opportunity comes up.

I should note that I am happy to sail on Regent, Crystal and Seabourn as each line offers a unique experience and I have loved them all. I guess that makes me a cheerleader for all of them.

[lincslady]

Yes, Nancy and others, Seabourn should not attempt these very short cruises if they want to impress possible future passengers. The staff do not have a chance to get to know anyone, and I dare say there were new waiters etc. on board who are not yet efficient. The staff generally I am sure are not used to trying to look after people for a mere two days - changing the linen, stocking the suites, etc.

 

While on our many days on Seabourn we have encountered just the occasional inefficient or unhelpful person, it is a rare occurrence on a normal length cruise. I was also surprised to hear that portions were too small, and no encouragement given to have more - can only think again that it was either new staff or the galley being overwhelmed (which I agree it should not be, and is not usually).

 

As I have said before ad nauseam, I hope the Seabourn Head Office are reading these comments, and will think more than twice before doing these two day cruises (unless it is for travel agents).

 

I hope in any case that you (OP) have written to Seabourn with your comments, and also that you will give the line another try.

[harbormaster]

Thank you for your post regarding your two day Quest sampler. I'm sorry you experienced these issues and can only say that I believe it is a bad idea for Seabourn to offer 2 day cruises. These types of cruises are often done by the mass market ships, and the Seabourn ships are anything but. The samplers often overwhelm the staff as the turnaround is so short, and learning anything about the passengers is very difficult in that time frame. If you read reviews on any line, the "sampler" cruises get the worst reviews for any line and any ship. Some of the very worst reviews in that regard are for the Cunard ships short cruises - I cannot imagine how the staff does it with that many passengers, even in Grill.

However, I'd like to try to convince you not to write Seabourn off. We just returned from the Sojourn, Quest's sister ship, and two weeks in South American rounding Cape Horn. It was one of the best trips ever, and we have sailed Crystal, Regent, and Silversea as well. I would give hands down to Seabourn.

In my opinion, it always takes a day or two for both passengers and staff to "settle in" for a cruise and for expectations to also meet reality. In our case, expectations were exceeded in most every way- food, wine, staff, ports, etc. The staff addressed us by name. Favorite drinks were at the ready as we walked into the bar or to the Square coffee area. We had plenty of food, as many courses as we'd like, even turning down food many times. There are always the white rose decorations on the tables. The service was wonderful in all the restaurants.

We also like Crystal very much and are going to try them again when they go all inclusive in March on the transatlantic. That gives staff and passengers a lot of time to relax and get in the swing.

However, I will tell you the worst service and restaurant experience we have ever had was on the Crystal Serenity. The Asst Head Waiter who will remain nameless was absolutely rude and horrible to my wife. We were attending the Gala Buffet which takes over the Atrium and were going into the Dining Room to be shown to a table, as is the custom. We both heard a number of passengers at the buffet say that they were experiencing significant gastrointestinal problems (enough said). The wait staff on Crystal always take your plate from you when you are walking to and being shown to a table, even if you don't want them to. The waiter who approached us at the door had just taken the plate of one of the sick guests and set them at a table at the door. He walked up to take my wife's plate. So my wife said she was going to carry her own plate into the dining room because of this. The waiter immediately stopped and did not show us to a table. He left us standing there. We asked to be seated and the Asst. Maitre D said, "If you don't want us to carry your plate, get your own table," and turned his back on us. The room was packed but we eventually did get a table in the far back by asking to share with someone. When I approached the Asst. Maitre'D later, he said it was my own fault and he didn't care if people were sick, it was their custom. We were shocked and frankly, never went back to the Dining Room again for 8 remaining days. Crystal eventually apologized for this and the Maitre' D was reprimanded. But I say this because lapses occur on any cruise. It will not stop us from cruising Crystal again if the situation is right.

I happen to think that there is a "fit" for everyone with a cruise line. What I may like is not what you like, but we are all lucky to have the choices. I respect what you say and would not have been happy with what occurred with your Seabourn Quest cruise. I do hope though that you will try them again. They are one of the special ones. All the best to you.

[digtexas]

Thank you for your nice comments everyone. It is obvious that, when running properly, Seabourn provides a wonderful experience. Otherwise so many of you experienced world travelers would not say so and would not be so loyal.

I did want to comment on the passenger profile on the sampler. First of all, most everyone was from S. Florida. We were some of the very few pax crazy enough to fly in for two nights. Secondly, it was a pretty classy group which trended younger than the normal non-holiday cruise. We did not see lots of people, or anyone, for that matter, trying to get their money's worth on free booze like they were at a Sandal's resort in Jamaica, or any boorish behavior. Although we met two magazine owners/journalists from the Palm Beach/Boca area at the Captain's table who, I believe, were invited on, we did not observe lots of travel agents, although there may have been some onboard.

Our friends and we very much enjoyed meeting and visiting with Paco and his charming wife.

All in all, we enjoyed the lovely ship and are glad that we got to check it out, ever so briefly, appreciating that it was not truly representative of a Seabourn cruise.

[markham]

As suggested by 2 other posters, I think it's near scandalous for Seabourn head office to expose the wonderful crew of Quest to a 2 day "taster" or "sampler" cruise. The mind boggles! What were they thinking? Here you have a complete turnover of passengers (when most cruises have some who continue for another cruise) with all the new stationery, bar stocking etc this entails. Then you have an entirely new cohort of first timers (photographers on board? Filipinos to stuff bagels into toasters?) who are especially demanding on the basis that they don't know the product but have no time to establish a routine under the guidance of past passengers and have 40 hours to get the "full treatment". The Restaurant must have experienced a surge that was simply overwhelming!

 

Back to the crew, they deserve hardship pay, in my view. Seabourn unwittingly exposed them to a level of stress that coincidentally eliminated the opportunity to deliver Seabourn standards of service- which regulars know is all professionalism, poise and warmth.

 

In any event, and as earlier posters have said, I hope that the Hotel Manager gets his report into head office and that they LISTEN. Fortunately for the crew of Quest, it has its 2012 world cruise beginning 5 January and those lucky regulars know the product and the crew knows those regulars. It will be back to Seabourn standards of excellence for everyone soon enough!

 

Happy sailing!

[sasejm]

We sailed on the Quest for the two week Caribbean cruise that ended on 12/07/11. We ate dinner in the Restaurant and the Colonnade. On two of the dinners at the Colonnade, we experienced some of the same issues you experienced at the Restaurant. At one of the dinners I complained to the maitre d' about the slow service and the burned lobster and he told me that too many people arrived at the Colonnade at the same time. The second time we had very slow service in the Colonnade there weren't nearly as many people in the Colonnade. The maitre d' did not have an answer for the second slow service night but he did remember my name for the remainder of the cruise. He did apologize for the slow service. We did not experience slow service in the Restaurant and the lobster was much better at the Restaurant. When we boarded the ship and went to our room on deck seven we also noticed the liquor we had ordered was not stocked in the liquor cabinet. That was not a big issue with us because we told the room stewardess and she got us what we needed. She was the only other crew member on the ship who remembered our last name. We spent alot of time at the pool and the service at the pool was a mixed bag; sometimes good & sometimes not so good. I can only guess & hope that the service issues are do to the lack of experience of the crew. We were told that the Quest had an ongoing three (3) week academy on-board for all the new employees. We were on the Sojourn with a full ship in July 2011and did not experience any service issues or burned food in any of the restaurants on the ship.

 

We are not loyal to any one cruise line. We too have been on several Crystal cruises and I agree with you about their service level and food. I also loved Royal Viking Line but sadly they are long gone. We are ready to try Oceania Cruises - Marina after our next Crystal cruise to New Zealand & Australia.

 

ED

[redheadednancy]

As suggested by 2 other posters, I think it's near scandalous for Seabourn head office to expose the wonderful crew of Quest to a 2 day "taster" or "sampler" cruise. The mind boggles! What were they thinking? Here you have a complete turnover of passengers (when most cruises have some who continue for another cruise) with all the new stationery, bar stocking etc this entails. Then you have an entirely new cohort of first timers (photographers on board? Filipinos to stuff bagels into toasters?) who are especially demanding on the basis that they don't know the product but have no time to establish a routine under the guidance of past passengers and have 40 hours to get the "full treatment". The Restaurant must have experienced a surge that was simply overwhelming!

 

Back to the crew, they deserve hardship pay, in my view. Seabourn unwittingly exposed them to a level of stress that coincidentally eliminated the opportunity to deliver Seabourn standards of service- which regulars know is all professionalism, poise and warmth.

 

In any event, and as earlier posters have said, I hope that the Hotel Manager gets his report into head office and that they LISTEN. Fortunately for the crew of Quest, it has its 2012 world cruise beginning 5 January and those lucky regulars know the product and the crew knows those regulars. It will be back to Seabourn standards of excellence for everyone soon enough!

 

Happy sailing!

Well said, Markham!

[Seabourntraveller]

I am currently on the Legend and I can honestly tell you that we have not witnessed ANY of the above mentionned problems... not one!....I guess it is true what they say about the service being better on the "Little Sisters"!

I have to say that some of the above comments by several appear to me as a bit "Nit Picky" and Moaning more than anything.:rolleyes:

[redheadednancy]

Well, I've said enough, and there sure seems to be a consensus on this thread. We do hope Seabourn is listening. Paco, I want to thank you for your wonderful recommendations on our recent visit to Spain (the week before we did the Quest Maiden TA). Loved Madrid and ate at Cervante, Casa Lucio and Tera Mundi. Loved them all. We stayed at Westin Palace, great location as everyone said. We did get room 407 at the Alhambra Palace and had tapas on our balcony as well as breakfast. Lovely! They closed for renovations the next day and I have to say the place was looking a little "tired" and needed it. Wonderful overall experience and we ate at Taberna Las Copas in Grenada. Fun!

[lincslady]

The remark by sasejm (14) re training new staff for three weeks explains a lot about the recent problems on Quest, in fact probably everything.

 

Originally there was supposed to be a land based 'academy' for training new staff; I think that disappeared a long time ago, and sadly now passengers are being used as guinea pigs. Not on, when people have paid good money for what should be excellent service.

[fairbourne]

Hi everyone

 

We were Seabourn newbies on the recent Quest TA and I have to say that for the first two days after we left Malaga, we did wonder why Seabourn had the reputation it had for service, food etc. Now I will say here and now that we only have one other cruise under our "sea"belts and that was on Silversea last year.

 

Then suddenly after we left Madeira, it seemed like everyone on board upped their game! We too did not have the correct bar order in our stateroom and this was changed albeit it took over 24 hours but no real big deal here. Our steward was brand new and it was her very first contract, and did very well and when we asked for something, she was very accommodating. What did annoy me (a little bit!) each and every day were those blooming laundry carts which seemed to be continuously in the hallways usually with the buckets and other housekeeping stuff lying around. Now I know our staterooms have to be cleaned, but I want it to be done "like Magic", and not see all the stuff lying around. We did see our steward and butler on Silversea but never saw any of the debris of housekeeping lying around and our stateroom was always done when we came back after breakfast - as if by magic! But maybe they had a lot of newbies as has been said and will get it right.

 

We did find some of the waiters a bit slapdash - I have a hospitality background and notice things!

 

The main dining room - well we found the food of generous portions and if you were lacking, just ask and as has been said the Executive Chef encouraged you to order sides of vegetables and whatever you wanted. This was fine but his message didn't seem to get through to all of the waiters. One evening we asked for some of the fabulous Nigerian Shrimp at the table and the answer was quite an abrupt "No you can't have them". Well, off I went to speak to the Maitre D' (I understand if things can't be done but I do object to attitude). Unfortunately for Werner, the very helpful and professional Restaurant Manager who just happened to be there both he and the Maitre D' got told the tale and they were both appalled at this attitude. Needless to say I was assured that this was certainly not a Seabourn response and the shrimp were promptly delivered and also that if the waiter wasn't sure if we could have them, or indeed was unsure of any request, he should have asked his supervisor.

 

And to make matters worse, this same waiter brought one of our travelling companions the wrong order. He had brought seafood to this person who has a life-threatening allergy to seafood and when our friend asked him to remove it, the waiter actually argued with him over his order! Now my husband was sitting next to our friend and he knew that he had made it quite clear he could not have the surf part of the surf and turf! And as I was sitting opposite this unfolding scenario, I witnessed the waiter tutting and shaking his head behind our friend! I was shocked to see this sort of behaviour - anywhere this would not be acceptable!

 

The Pastry Chef, however, has to be one of the best in the business - each and every bit of confection we had on board from the croissants, the different breads, the delicious desserts, the lovely treats in our stateroom, to our fair share of the most delicious breadsticks - we apparently ate over 4 miles of them on our TA! That's all of us, not just greedy little me!;)

 

The Spa was wonderful and we both enjoyed some of the best massages we have ever had.

 

The wonderful enigmatic Captain Magnus was simply the best - he was professional, engaging, friendly, knowledgeable and always had time for a word or two in passing and this attitude reflected down throughout the ship to almost everyone. I only recall the daily mid-day announcement from the Captain and the safety/drill announcements. Handre, the CD was personable but the real star for us was Annabelle, the gracious social hostess who was again always friendly and SO naughty! We loved the entertainment, and loved meeting with the singers and dancers and the other performers.

 

Seabourn Square is a fantastic concept and truly came into it's own every day for us, whether it was a late morning cappuccino, or a fab milkshake just for fun, meeting up with old friends and making new ones was a pleasure there. We also loved the little nooks all over the ship to snuggle away in and have some quiet time enjoying the ocean.

 

So my message is really that it can sometimes take only one person - in this case the waiter - to upset the whole applecart and taint what should be a totally 100% enjoyable experience. Our first adventure on Seabourn hit the spots in so many ways, but it was not quite perfect and let's face it, is anything truly, really perfect?

 

Would we sail with Seabourn again, oh yes, just saving up!:D

 

Hi Red-headed Nancy - it was thanks to meeting lots of interesting people like you who made our cruise for us - so hopefully meet you again another time!:):)

[digtexas]

Yes, Markham. Forgive me, but I do prefer an employee perfectly toasting a freshly baked bagel and handing it to me on a plate to standing in front of a self toasting conveyer, waiting for a pale, white English muffin or plain bagel that looked like they were provided by Sara Lee and served at the Fairfield Inn in Paducha, Kentucky. And regarding the Filipinos. Ask anyone who has ever been on a Crystal cruise and they will tell you about the wonderful Filipino young men that we usually refer to as "the Lido guys". Not only do they learn your names immediately, they remember you when you return, and ask about your friends who were on prior cruises with you. These guys are so kind, fun, attentive, and caring that they make the entire cruise a pleasure.

 

This is no reflection on Seabourn. I have read all of your remarks and have no reason to doubt any of you. However, I did not appreciate the condescension in Markham's remarks. Having one's photos taken on a ship by a professional photographer, to me at least, is a little different than expecting towel animals on your bed. As far as expectations, I tend to be a little picky, and I plead guilty on that one.

 

In the end, like most of you, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to sail on such fine ship lines. I also am lucky enough to have been able to sail on Royal Viking way back in 1984. Funny coincidence that several of the senior crew members that I have met on Crystal started there.

 

Enough said on this end.

[pakitin]

Nancy

 

I am very pleased that the restaurants and hotel recomendations in Spain were of your liking. It feels great to help others enjoy the pleasures of life as we travel the world.

 

Regarding my Quest comments I hope the home office reads this board and takes the necessary steps to correct the situation. I think that the easiest way to do it is to convert the housekeeping or restaurant operations to Carnaval entities similar to the Casino staff and promote the best personel in any of the companies ships (Carnaval, Holland American etc) to the Seabourn ships instead of hiring and training new employes. The top of the line ships should have the top of the line staff.

 

I think that the "Human Factor" is what made Seabourn the premier cruise line for manny cruisers and right now is not there.

 

Paco

[wripro]

I would hazard to guess that if an experienced Seabourn cruiser took a two day sampler on Crystal they would be similarly disappointed. It is impossible to offer a typical luxury experience is so short a time. The poor staff must be exhausted from such a fast turnaround. It does no one any good, neither the cruise line nor the passengers, to take such a short cruise. If they insist on doing this in order to get TAs aboard they should limit the passenger list to TAs who can assess the ship with a more experienced eye.

[Keith1010]

I would hazard to guess that if an experienced Seabourn cruiser took a two day sampler on Crystal they would be similarly disappointed. It is impossible to offer a typical luxury experience is so short a time. The poor staff must be exhausted from such a fast turnaround. It does no one any good, neither the cruise line nor the passengers, to take such a short cruise. If they insist on doing this in order to get TAs aboard they should limit the passenger list to TAs who can assess the ship with a more experienced eye.

 

Exactly. Do this for TA's but not for paying passenger's.

 

Two turn around days in the matter of three days seems silly to me and quite stressful for the crew.

 

Keith

[digtexas]

Exactly. Do this for TA's but not for paying passenger's.

 

Two turn around days in the matter of three days seems silly to me and quite stressful for the crew.

 

Keith

 

I get where the cabin stewardesses might have been stressed, having to prepare the rooms twice in two days. However I don't see how that has anything to do with poor service in an open seating restaurant. I repeat: if there were a bunch of travel agents on this cruise I did not see them. This was not a cheap cruise. The per diem for a basic veranda cabin was over $400 per person and it attracted a mostly upscale clientele.

 

It is almost as if some of you are blaming the passengers for accepting Seabourn's offer to go on this cruise. Certainly it was not representative of a two week cruising experience, but the brevity of the cruise cannot explain every deficiency.

[Keith1010]

Danny, I was not on the cruise but my experience is that turn around days are busy for many members of the crew, not just the stewardesses. Even some of the waitstaff may have other responsibilities on turn around day.

 

I realize there might not have been many or any TA's on your cruise. I only mentioned TA's because my view is that if Seabourn is going to offer a two day cruise it should be for TA's only to show them the ship to assist them in the selling of the Seabourn product. Since I think that it is almost impossible for a luxury cruise lines to provide a high level quality product on a two day cruise I don't know why they would market it to paying passengers.

 

My only point is that by charging $400.00 per person that passenger's should rightfully expect a high quality experience and because I don't think that is possible I questioned why they did this in the first place because. If it leaves you and other passengers with a poor experience they may have lost perspective passengers for good plus you may tell others you know about some of the disappointments as well.

 

I think if they are giving the cruise away to say TA's or even to perspective passengers that's a different story. If something is free then the expectation is not at the same level as if there is a premium price such as the one you paid.

 

Bottom line is that if they are charging you a full rate you should expect high levels of service as you did and do which is why I don't think they should be selling these types of cruises because to me they set themselves up for some level of failure.

 

Keith