Embarkation question (Quest specific)

[Isklaar]

On the Quest, when you embark, which area of the ship do you enter into? I've looked at deck plans and wondered if it will be onto Deck 5, but it makes more sense to me to enter near Seabourn Square. I'm just trying to work out which part of the ship will be my first real life glimpse of a Seabourn ship :)

[markham]

Could be deck 5 or even 4, depending on the port, its equipment and the tide.

 

Happy sailing!

[Isklaar]

Could be deck 5 or even 4, depending on the port, its equipment and the tide.

 

Happy sailing!

 

Thank you markham.

I've only cruised so far with Silversea and each time with them, Silver Spirit, embarkation was into the bar, where we were greeted by the crew, finalised paperwork etc and were offered a drink. We also had the chance to mingle there with our fellow passengers. Then we were directed up to deck 7 for lunch.

 

So it sounds as if Seabourn doesn't have a specific area to welcome new guests as they board. I'm a tad disappointed. :rolleyes: On looking at the deck plans if we do embark onto deck 4, I imagine we 'll then have to make our own way to the lifts and find our way around the ship ourselves? We have our final travel documents and there is no mention of lunch being available so I guess we should plan on a later embarkation and have lunch first before we join the ship.

[markham]

I don't pretend to know how your particular embarkation will be handled. You asked specifically about the boarding location and that's what I addressed. When it's done you might want to use this forum to describe it.

 

Depending on the port you may have the formalities handled on shore or in the main lounge on deck 6. In any case you will be told where to congregate and what follows. Also, and as you have read on this forum, generally lunch is available in the Colonnade on the Odyssey class ships.

 

I have no comparisons to make either about Silversea- never been and don't intend to do so... looking at their ships, well, I am unimpressed- but I have heard repeatedly that no line can compare to the charm and coordination displayed by the crew on Seabourn ships. The food is also reportedly superior on Seabourn. No "premium" restaurants to pay for and seating in the Odyssey class ships for 650+ across 4 restaurants with a passenger complement of 450.

 

By the way, is the Silversea Spirit the one that looks like the Odyssey with another deck foisted at the top front with another 100 passengers making it 550? Reminds me of new builds for Royal Caribbean or Princess: stack 'em high and maybe they won't notice.

 

Happy sailing!

[Silver Sweethearts]

Thank you markham.

I've only cruised so far with Silversea and each time with them, Silver Spirit, embarkation was into the bar, where we were greeted by the crew, finalised paperwork etc and were offered a drink. We also had the chance to mingle there with our fellow passengers. Then we were directed up to deck 7 for lunch.

 

So it sounds as if Seabourn doesn't have a specific area to welcome new guests as they board. I'm a tad disappointed. :rolleyes: On looking at the deck plans if we do embark onto deck 4, I imagine we 'll then have to make our own way to the lifts and find our way around the ship ourselves? We have our final travel documents and there is no mention of lunch being available so I guess we should plan on a later embarkation and have lunch first before we join the ship.

 

We have experience with both ships/lines and actually prefer the way Seabourn handles boarding over that of Silversea. Embarkation ports may differ, indeed, but for our cruise just last month we arrived at the cruise terminal at 12:30 p.m. and all paperwork, security, photo, etc. was promptly completed there. We then boarded (Deck 5, we believe) and were personally and individually greeted by staff members and a line of crew members. The first crew member stepped up to escort us to the Colonnade restaurant for a lovely luncheon and was happy to answer any questions we had about the ship. Midway through luncheon, staff members came to each table to mention that our suites were ready at our leisure. They would have been happy to escort us when we were ready, but we knew the way from past experience. A very pleasant way to start a cruise. While we like Silversea too, Seabourn was just more personal and one-on-one.

[lincslady]

On the Quest, when you embark, which area of the ship do you enter into? I've looked at deck plans and wondered if it will be onto Deck 5, but it makes more sense to me to enter near Seabourn Square. I'm just trying to work out which part of the ship will be my first real life glimpse of a Seabourn ship :)

 

Most of your questions have been answered, but the specific one about embarking deck always depends on where the gangway needs to be for the easiest way up the steps on to the ship - usually deck 4 or 5, but never (as far as I am aware) on deck 7. The more important bit is that wherever it is you will be greeted and looked after, as mentioned above.

[Isklaar]

Thanks all for the clarifications and reassurances.

 

We're boarding the Quest in Fort Lauderdale on 6th January. If anyone can recommend a pleasant restaurant for lunch on embarkation day I'd be most grateful. We're staying at the Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles so we can stop off anywhere between there and Port Everglades for a bite to eat before embarkation.

 

(Just as an aside, my post wasn't intended to start a Silversea vs SB debate or cause trouble. I was simply trying to convey that my only prior experience of cruising is with Silversea, and "this is how it was handled by them and I was comfortable with it" and trying to get an impression of how Seabourn does it too. I'm very sorry if I gave the impression that I was somehow trying to stir the pot. )

[Isklaar]

Most of your questions have been answered, but the specific one about embarking deck always depends on where the gangway needs to be for the easiest way up the steps on to the ship - usually deck 4 or 5, but never (as far as I am aware) on deck 7. The more important bit is that wherever it is you will be greeted and looked after, as mentioned above.

 

Thanks lincslady, I had a slip of the finger and was meaning 'The Club' (Deck 5 I think?) rather than Seabourn Square on Deck 7. Good to know we'll be greeted.

[purpleally]

Thanks all for the clarifications and reassurances.

 

We're boarding the Quest in Fort Lauderdale on 6th January. If anyone can recommend a pleasant restaurant for lunch on embarkation day I'd be most grateful. We're staying at the Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles so we can stop off anywhere between there and Port Everglades for a bite to eat before embarkation.

 

 

You won't need to stop for bite to eat; lunch will be waiting for you at the collonade and it has been my experience you will be able to board 1230 or so

[Isklaar]

You won't need to stop for bite to eat; lunch will be waiting for you at the collonade and it has been my experience you will be able to board 1230 or so

 

Thanks purpleally, you've made my mind up and we'll arrive around 12.30.

 

Our TA has actually not been helpful about embarkation times and we've been given conflicting information. Our first Quest cruise is this weekend, and we board in Barcelona. TA said a 12.30-ish embarkation time is absolutely fine in this case. Having read the thread and seen that lunch is available on the ship we're very happy with that.

 

However, the confusion is around the second Quest cruise in January. It's a 7pm departure from Fort Lauderdale and our TA has been insistent that we won't be able to board until after 2pm. Friends who travelled from Port Everglades on SB last December, and friends who are on the Holiday Quest cruise this year have said that like you, they boarded around 12.30pm. We'll go with that and if there is a problem we can always get a cab into town.

Thanks again!

[FKGirl]

We are on the Dec 7 Quest sailing (woohoo!) and my plan is to get there around 12:30 or so, as well...

[wripro]

Isklaar,

 

sounds like your TA doesn't know Seabourn very well.

[Isklaar]

Isklaar,

 

sounds like your TA doesn't know Seabourn very well.

 

I absolutely agree. But she doesn't know anything very well, as we're finding out. Our regular TA left the business 3 months ago. We had these two Seabourn cruises, another SS, and a Noble Caledonia cruise booked with the company. This new person has taken over and we're struggling with her. I have emailed her with the information I've gleaned from this thread and suggested she talk to SS some more to learn more.

I get the impression she feels she can just sit back and the bookings will flow in without any effort on her part. Well we will be choosing another TA next time.

[Isklaar]

We are on the Dec 7 Quest sailing (woohoo!) and my plan is to get there around 12:30 or so, as well...

 

So we'll be disembarking the day you embark. I'm very excited as I've wanted to experience Seabourn for the last 10 years or so. Not long for us to wait now.

 

Have a great cruise.

[Silver Sweethearts]

Isklaar -

 

When we first replied about the Quest, we did not know that you will be embarking on the first leg of its 2013 World Cruise. Given any festivities that may be associated with such an event, boarding time could be affected. Just a thought... When you are on the Quest TA, it wouldn't hurt to speak with the Hot Man and see what they have in mind for that day.

[Isklaar]

Isklaar -

 

When we first replied about the Quest, we did not know that you will be embarking on the first leg of its 2013 World Cruise. Given any festivities that may be associated with such an event, boarding time could be affected. Just a thought... When you are on the Quest TA, it wouldn't hurt to speak with the Hot Man and see what they have in mind for that day.

 

SilverSweethearts,thanks for pointing that out. Now you've mentioned it, I think that's what my TA has also been taking into account, especially as the departure time from FLL is 2 hours later than Seabourn usually leaves that port. I'm waiting for her to reply to the email I sent her yesterday. Will update when I get a response but it's a very good idea to speak to the Hot Man during the TA and I'll make sure to do that.

 

Thanks again.

[purpleally]

We are on the Dec 7 Quest sailing (woohoo!) and my plan is to get there around 12:30 or so, as well...

 

My plan as well! I'll be the one with a glass of champagne......... and wearing purple! Two weeks!!!!

[FKGirl]

Great... See you on board. I'll have a glass (or three) of champagne too... So am guessing it is not going to help identify you! :)