Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

LIVE from Sojourn

mariner

By mariner,
in Seabourn Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

mariner

mariner

Posted
Posted

Well Mariner and Mrs. M have boarded their first Seabourn ship and we're impressed.

 

Check-in took less than 15 minutes from curbside to shipboard. There were Noro forms to fill out.

 

We were welcomed aboard by a friendly staff, who took our bags and led us to our cabin. Soon, our stewardess, Natalay, rang the bell. She was bearing champagne and canapes (salmon ansd caviar).

 

There was lunch available at the Patio Bar for those who boarded at 12:30.

 

The corridors on Sojourn are quite wide considering the ship's size. The decor is most elegant.

 

And Mariner has been greeted by smiles by every staff member he's passed.

 

Sit back and enjoy this trip to the Caribbean. We are already.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mariner

mariner

Posted
  • Author
Posted

At Sea. 74F. Force 6

 

Mrs. M quickly unpacked and found a place for everything. There is plenty of storage space.

 

After sailaway, we went to the Observation Lounge for pre-dinner cocktails. And these are cocktails. What we used to pay $8 for on other ships were half the size of our martinis. There was tapas available for nibbles.

 

While it was surf-and-turf night in Colonnade, we opted for The Restaurant. Mrs. M was escorted to our windowside table for 2 and we met our Dutch waitress, Margriet. Mariner had a roasted garlic and potato soup, salad and mustard encrusted scallops. They were very good.

 

Mrs. M had salad and the filet mignon. A true 8-ounce filet mignon. Seabourn regulars might find that funny. But we havent seen a true 8-ounce cut aboard ship in years.

 

There was some decadent chocolate torte for dessert.

 

A nice Chilean red was poured.

 

Then it was off to The Club, where the Sojourn Orchestra was playing. The lounge had a good crowd for the first night and there was plenty of dancing. The captain and hotman were also there.

 

The ubiquitos Seabourn bag and chocolates were waiting in our cabin, which is quite peaceful in the evening.

 

This morning, Mariner tried to master the shower, which is one of the best he's ever seen. Mariner did well until he went to turn it off. Our of nowhere, the shower wand came alive and gave Mariner a blast in an unexpected spot!

 

SOJOURN is gliding along at nearly 16 knots. I believe we're cutting across the Gulf Stream. Telltale vegetation in water.

 

Mariner went for a swim in the Deck 5 aft pool. Okay, here Seabourn is taking liberty. A stroke and a half and Mariner is at the other end. But the water is warm and the hot tub was relaxing.

 

A deck steward asked Mariner if he wanted a drink. Mariner asked for lemonade.

"With vodka," he asked. "No, regular," Mariner responded. The steward shrugged.

 

A short time later he approached Mariner and asked if Mariner wanted one of the bloody marys he was carrying. "It's a miniature," he said.

 

Mariner decided it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

 

We'll tour the bridge this afternoon and tonight is formal optional for the Captain's Welcome Aboard.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mariner

mariner

Posted
  • Author
Posted

At Sea 79F Calm (Tyrks & Caicos about 50 nm away)

 

Questions will be the dominant theme of this thread.

 

Where to begin?

 

The bridge tour is a good place to start. Second Officer Suzanne led the tour and gamely answered passenger questions such as does the radar spot dolphins and whales? No. Sojourn's electronics are pretty impressive.

 

Then is was on to formal optional gala evening.

 

It was nice meeting Captain Karlo Buer and the rest of his team of officers. And it was a tradition that we had msised for many years on other ships when the captain would buy the drinks during the evening. Bellinis were the main cocktail in the lounge, but the waiters spotted Mariner and his martini was delivered without haste. But Mariner was left to ponder if drinks are included in the fare on Seabourn, did Mariner buy the captain a drink?

 

How does the crew know our names when Mariner can barely remember his own in the morning?

 

The Colonnade offered Steak House, but Mariner and Mrs. M descended in their best to The Restaurant. Caviar. Mmmmmmmmmm.

 

Mariner had the Dover sole, which was experly deboned and tasted like buttah. Mrs. M had the lobster tail, which she said was cooked to perfection. Grand Marnier souffles were for dessert.

 

Martiner also signed up for the gold collection of wines and we had our first, a Latour white burgandy with that marvelous meal.

 

The Club was quite busy. When we first arrived, Michael, the guitar player, was performing. At some point, it became almost a Name That Tune by default when a guest kept making requests. He just didn't know the names of the songs. For example, "The song James Taylor wrote about his younger brother." Well "Sweet Baby James" wasn't about Taylor's brother and Mariner is not even sure Taylor wrote it. But Mariner guessed the title and Michael performed the song. Then there was "The Dirge?" Oh, you mean "American Pie." We got all 8 minutes.

 

The Sojourn Orchestra was next up and sensing Mrs. M is a dancing queen, the band began a disco set. Well it's clear Boomers know how to do YMCA.

 

Mariner's new BFF, Ivana the bar manager, has assured Mariner the ship will not run out of his favorite beverage.

 

She's an example of what sets Seabourn apart. Yesterday, she was crafting special cocktails to pass around before lunch. These weren't just drinks. She was creating a special moment to share. That's a Seabourn difference.

 

We ate lunch in The Restaurant today. Mrs. M had a tomato stuffed with eggplant that she's still raving about. Mariner had pasta with eggplant and a decadent rice pudding with raspberry sauce. God, that could get addictive.

 

Mrs. M has become addicted to the breadsticks. She can't keep her hands off them.

 

The Colonnade has a Mediterranian theme tonight, while Patio Grill is chop house.

 

Seabourn does a passenger list some I need to drop our forms at the Front Office then it's off to the pool and then some spa time.

 

Sorry, no pictures. Mariner just isn't that enterprising. Certainly, if anyone has questions, just ask away. I'll try to answer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
fairbourne

fairbourne

Posted
Posted
At Sea 79F Calm (Tyrks & Caicos about 50 nm away)

 

 

Mrs. M has become addicted to the breadsticks. She can't keep her hands off them.

 

.

 

 

Just wait till Mrs M has the Nigerian shrimp! :D:D

 

I have the recipe for the breadsticks very kindly given by Chef Martin on the Legend - I did make them and they were very good, but not as good as the Pastry Chefs! LOL!

 

Enjoying your posts :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Princess123

Princess123

Posted
Posted

Really appreciate your daily review as there don't seem to be that many on the Sojourn and I'm taking my first Seabourn cruise on board Sojourn later this year. The reviews I have read all seem to be good and yours is, so far, no exception. At the risk of incurring wrath and large sighs from the CC community(!), were there many/any ladies in long dresses on formal optional night and were most men in suits rather than tuxes (although I realise that each cruise will vary)?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
fairbourne

fairbourne

Posted
Posted
Really appreciate your daily review as there don't seem to be that many on the Sojourn and I'm taking my first Seabourn cruise on board Sojourn later this year. The reviews I have read all seem to be good and yours is, so far, no exception. At the risk of incurring wrath and large sighs from the CC community(!), were there many/any ladies in long dresses on formal optional night and were most men in suits rather than tuxes (although I realise that each cruise will vary)?

 

 

No wrath, just a "here we go again!" ;):)

 

Princess123

 

Just wear what you want to and are comfortable in and you'll be fine - that's what I did! Who really is going to care - apart from your dearly beloved other half we hope!:) It does seem as each cruise is different for the simple reason there are a different group on board. And with the amount of squaffing that goes on they really won't notice! LOL! We find that all the people we met on SB are much more interested in you than your clothes anyway!

 

We await Mariner's observations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mariner

mariner

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Alongside San Juan, Puerto Rico. 80F

 

Mariner and Mrs. M took a short stroll through Old San Juan this morning before returning to the ship and the aft pool, where the water temperature is a brisk 77F. We've been to this port many times.

 

We've reached that point in the cruise where the 430 passengers aboard are now old friends. The O Bar was packed last evening with new found friends enjoying cocktails. From the corner of the room, Mariner heard the shouts of a woman with a Texas accent, "Massive caviar. Massive caviar. Massive caviar!"

 

You don't hear that on most ships.

 

Mrs. M had some pizza for lunch at the Patio Grill, while Mariner had a hot dog. While eating, a waitress delivered caviar and champagne to two genetlemen. Now that's a lunch!

 

Mrs. M had proscutto wrapped shrimp that she just loved and Mariner had the veal chop, which was cooked to perfection.

 

The orchestra was in great form in The Club last evening. But Mariner and Mrs. M were trying to take a down low approach in order to get some rest before our first port of call.

 

We returned to our cabin to find the stewardess had placed an atlas on our bed opened to the Caribbean with a short note about San Juan and a miniature Puerto Rico flag. What a vast difference than those annoying towel animals.

 

Then Mrs. M let out a squeal. Did someone mention brandy?

 

Two snifters of XO and a bowl of strawberries. So that's what Amex meant when it said we were getting Suite Dreams Turndown service.

 

So much for early to bed. Yet nothing beats cognac for a sound sleep.

 

Mariner has also been invited to a wine tasting featuring a Haut Brion and two other fine vintages.

 

Liver will go through withdrawl when this cruise is over.

 

Stomach will too. The breakfast room service menu is the most extensive we've ever seen at sea. More than 80 items. Reminds us of the one we get at the St. Regis in NYC. It always arrives on time, the food is cooked perfectly and they call an hour later to ask if they can take the tray.

 

Colonnade is South American tonight while Patio Grill will have BBQ. Yes, there will be ribs, chicken, corn on the cob and the like. There's also lobster mac-n-cheese.

 

Caviar, champange, cognac and crustaceans. Seabourn cruising.

 

Mrs. M says most women wore cocktail dresses on formal night and most of the men were in suits or blazers with ties. We have noticed the casual dress is much dressier than casual on say Holland America.

 

We're looking forward to St. Barts tomorrow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Eloise4Ever

Eloise4Ever

Posted
Posted

Hi Mariner, just wanted to say thanks so much for this fantastic "live" thread. My excitement level in regard to my first Seabourn cruise (on Sojourn in March 2012) has grown to new highs after reading your posts. The level of service you are receiving sounds extraordinary. I will remain glued to this thread for further tantalising details. In the meantime, if you or the fragrant Mrs M could let me have your thoughts on the hairdryer provided in the suit I would be very grateful e.g. is it powerful/do you have to hold a button down continuously to use it/where is it located. Thanks again :)

 

Eloise

Link to comment
Share on other sites
marchanxiety

marchanxiety

Posted
Posted

I'm not Mrs. M, but I can give you info on hairdryers. My hair is extremely thick. I find the hairdryer acceptable but not as powerful as my own. You do not have to hold a button down continuously. (What idiot designed that type of dryer?) You will use it at the vanity rather than in the bathroom. There are both European and American outlets there. Mirrors and lighting are good. If you don't want to pack a hairdryer, you will be fine. If you hair is long and/or very thick, you might want to bring your own. I bring mine simply to save a few minutes. (Blow drying is noisy and boring!)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Eloise4Ever

Eloise4Ever

Posted
Posted
I'm not Mrs. M, but I can give you info on hairdryers.

 

Great info, thanks very much. Sounds perfect. And so glad they are not the type designed by an idiot :) Bad as that person is, I reserve my ire for the hotel owners who are silly enough to buy them from the idiot and install them in their rooms :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Menelaus

Menelaus

Posted
Posted

Enjoying your posts very much especially like the food mentions. Re hair dryers I think you will find that it is a safety issue, some idiots will go off and leave the hair dryer going, they can overheat etc, also in a bathroom if it falls it automaticly turns off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
stamfordian

stamfordian

Posted
Posted
There are both European and American outlets there.

 

However, I note you are from Ireland which means you use the same 3-pin square plugs as UK. In this case, to use any of your own appliances, you will need UK 3-pin to either US 2 flat pin or Mainland European 2-round pin adaptors. They do carry a few on the ship but may be better to have your own.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...