Live from the Ovation

[imcpa]

Not unpopular for everyone.  I love Nicolas Feuillatte, and Montaudon and Monopole and Jacquart.

[fudge]

On 2/12/2023 at 4:00 AM, purpleally said:

Did they bring bikes on board?

No, the sourced them off ship.

[fudge]

Day 10

After a smooth long crossing we are now in Road Bay, Anguilla. It looks like another sunny day, even though we live on a sunny island Mrs Fudge has caught the sun.

Surrounded by spectacular coral reefs and fringed by sugary white beaches of talcum powder softness.

The British overseas territory of Anguilla has one of the smallest populations of any of the Caribbean islands.

The US dollar are widely accepted, English is the official language.

Places of interest:

Road bay, a bustling and beautiful area, a long stretch of sugary sands, a collection of shops, bars and restaurants.

We are now half way through the cruise, the crew are fantastic, Seabourn has not lost any of its luster, it’s a real pleasure to open our curtains and see the sea, warm and inviting and the sun shining.

yesterday we had plans to go on shore however, the sea was a bit choppy, we watched the tenders coming and going and decided to give it a miss, it’s a very quiet Island so not much to see, anyway Mr Fudge needs some “down time” after yesterday’s shopping expedition. 😊

Another Mr Fudge tip: If you like a pre-dinner drink try the observation lounge. We went in about 7pm last evening it was pretty lively, there were two singers in the background, we sipped cocktails before heading off to the TK grill for our second visit.

Yesterday afternoon we indulged ourselves with caviar in our suite, washed down with a lovely bottle of red wine.

At 5.30 pm there was a cruise directors introduction, a band singing around the pool side, well attended as you may guess lots of new faces on board.

Later in the evening there was a welcome aboard “let’s dance” party.

Dinner in the TK was fantastic as ever, we chose the crab cakes again to start, Mr Fudge had the rib eye steak, Mrs Fudge had the saddle of lamb, all cooked to perfection, we met another lovely couple and badgered them to join our team trivia.

Some people!!

Yesterday we had lunch at the pool deck, we sat down, a couple sat almost next to us quite an elderly couple, they proceed to put both their legs on the table!! I was astonished, not only that, the guy starts picking his feet and legs, just unreal!! Yes, I did complain to a crew member, in fairness he had a word with them.

Oh no, the baggo competition got cancelled! Apparently, a member of crew fell ill and didn’t notify the staff, 30 minutes later the assistant cruise director appeared with consolation mugs for all.

Remember Peaky blinders? Name change, we are now Jack sparrow, our first outing this week and won the team trivia, a Seabourn cap each, happy days.

 

Edited February 13, 2023 by fudge

[Techno123]

On 2/12/2023 at 2:00 AM, purpleally said:

Did they bring bikes on board?

My other half brought his mountain bike with him on all 3 of our Med cruises on Odyssey - travelled in its own suitcase and lived propped against the wall (on an old towel to protect the carpet 😁. The Captain had the same bike at home so they had lots to talk about and I got off and walked the local hills. I did a mini blog about it on one of the trips.

[fudge]

Day 11

Today we arrived in Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe.

Lying off the coast of Guadeloupe is Terre de Haut, the largest of the eight small islands that make up Les Saintes. The island is only km long and half as wide.

The official currency is the Euro, there is an ATM 2 minutes from the ship.

The official language is French.

Places of interest:

Fort Napoleon, is the closest thing the island has to a traditional tourist site.

Le Chameau: Is a mountain with the height of 308 meters and is covered in forests. At the summit there is a watchtower will great views of the island.

There are four beaches all within reach, perfect for swimming Etc.

There are plenty of stores and open air markets, credit cards are widely accepted.

The days are shooting by now, can you have too much fun? It’s a great life on board, plenty to keep ourselves occupied, lovely food, great variety, super entertainment.

Last evening, we were invited to a hosted table in the main dining room, there were eight of us, our host was Mandy Mudon the guest entertainer. We had a lovely evening, the guests blended well, really good service and great food. My main course could have been hotter but I still ate it.

We then retired to the observation lounge for a nightcap, we met two lady friends, one of whom nodded off in her seat, she could not keep her eyes open.

Yesterday morning Mrs Fudge was up really early, I was waiting for “darling I will get the coffees this morning” I checked my hearing aides were in, yes, they were, maybe they were faulty, no there were not, so off Mr Fudge goes as per the usual. Christian the coffee guy knows my order by now but always double checks.

Because we were up and about, we had a very light breakfast then took the tender to Anguilla. We landed on the soft sandy beach and took a leisurely stroll, Mrs Fudge took off her sandals and had a paddle in the sea, she looked fantastic as ever, the ship was bobbing around in the background, a perfect setting.

We bumped into a couple who we met on the ship, they were there early, it looks like if you want to see the shops it’s a short taxi ride, we stayed on the beach then returned to the ship.

On leaving the tender it looked like the whole ship were going off shore, there were enough to fill the whole tender.

No, No, No, enough already! The golf game was very competitive today, a lady who appeared to have had one more cocktail than she should have hit the ball so hard she nearly broke someone’s ankle! I feel really embarrassed to say who won another cap, I now have the name of the “one armed bandit” Who me???

 

[fudge]

Day 12

So, we are back to Carambola beach today in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

We may give it a miss today, it’s a lovely spot however, it’s a bit of a bun fight for food, we have done this three times already so not wanting to be a “party pooper” the ship will be very quiet, so more champagne for us!

If you want an alternative day (and if you can get there) there is St Kitts Scenic Railway. Or you can visit The Old Treasury building and National Museum.

Last evening, we decided to give the formal evening a miss, instead we chose to order caviar and champers, we sat on our balcony and watched the sea rolling by, it was lovely. A bird followed us for some time.

We got changed and went to the show, it was a Latin evening, the entertainment crew were fantastic, plenty of enthusiasm and vigour.

Just a recap on yesterday “Jack sparrow” came a respectable second, the bonus point threw us. What dot com. Ends in me? Montenegro.

Mrs Fudge got together our last “included laundry bag “this morning, 15 items from Mr Fudge, 3 from Mrs Fudge, all that rolling has paid off.

Yesterday morning we ate breakfast on the pool deck, Mrs Fudge chose the Tagine which was similar to an omelette, egg, bacon, pees, cheddar cheese and tomatoes, apparently it was delicious.

After breakfast, we took the tender to the island. It was a lovely surprise; the main street is right there. Lots of shops, souvenirs, cafes, restaurants, a really clean welcoming place to visit.

You can hire a pedal cycle, scooters, or golf like buggy’s, a real bustling place in the lovely sunshine. You can walk up to the fort but be warned it is a steep incline, we have been there before so gave it a miss.

We got back to the ship, Mr Fudge started with a bloody Mary, no surprise Mrs Fudge was on the champagne. Lunch in the Colonnade was a Mexican theme, fajitas, chili, and other goodies, tonight we are eating in the Colonnade, it’s a special TK menu which you have to make a reservation for.

This afternoon it was officers V guests at the team trivia, the questions were really tough today, the officers came second, Jack sparrow came last 🙂

 

                      

[fudge]

Day 13

We have arrived in Fort de France Martinique.

The point Simon pier is now the most used dock, local musicians’ welcome visitors with lively Caribbean tunes. The cruise village features a wide variety of vendors who will accept US dollars. There are local clothing stands and jewellery.

The Euro is the local currency, most shops accept credit cards.

Places of interest include Fort Saint Louis and Cathedral Saint louis

There are four beaches all within a short distance of the ship.

There is a craft market near the harbour, well worth a visit if you are looking for local crafts.

Last evening as I said we ate at the Colonnade; it was a complete and utter disaster!!!  Six of us like others had to make a reservation, it was a TK fixed menu. We arrived at our allotted time and the ladies were each given a single red rose, we were escorted outside to a table set for four! Eventually they found a table for six.

We ordered drinks and waited over 50 minutes to be served our starter, that was after two of us spoke with the crew asking where our food was.

Eventually a plate arrived, yes one, with a salad, it was to serve six of us, it was passed around. The problem is how much to take? It was nothing special just a Waldorf salad minus the walnuts!

We placed our order for the rib eye steak, some rare, some medium, some well done. After a while three bowls arrived with all steak cut in pieces all together! We had to decipher who had what…….!

The service was slow, the food uninspiring, not a good evening at all, yes, we did bring it to the attention of the crew.

After our meal if you can call it that we went to the theater for the 10 pm performance by Citizen West.  Once again, we were not disappointed with a classic rock and mixed genre performance from the guys culminating with their very own compilation from Les Misérables. 

After the show we had after dinner cocktails in the Observation bar.

Yesterday morning we awoke to a lovely sunny day, as I previously mentioned we were taking a day off from the beach, 420 left the ship for the beach BBQ, which meant that approx. 140 stayed on board for a very relaxing day indeed. No games, no trivia, no prizes!!

We can still hear the steel band playing from the ship, other friends we met went on shore and took a stroll along the beach.

Our two lady friends indulged in caviar, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries at lunch time, Mr and Mrs Fudge had to make do with an Asian lunch on the pool deck, the Colonnade was closed today. 

This afternoon we left a 250-dollar deposit with the future cruise consultant which gets us a 5 percent discount on a future cruise within the next 4 years.

We cannot imagine how people survive on a world cruise? You must need a completely different mentality, we have only cruised 12 days, imagine saying “only another 123 days to go!! It’s truly mind blowing.

[lincslady]

Shame about the TK meal - I have found  some of those in the Colonnade can be a bit peculiar and actually uninspiring.  Though the service bit sounds awful, my guess is too large a proportion of newish staff.

[Covepointcruiser]

Many of the TK themed meals are family style.   You share a larger plate of food like the salad and they will bring more if you need more.   Was anything served with the ribeyes?   Did they provide family style vegetables and potatoes.    

[fudge]

Im afraid not, it was a pretty poor experience to be honest.

[florisdekort]

Not good that service was so slow. The TK nights at the Colonnade are all large sharing platters. If there’s not enough, you just ask for more. The steak should have come with 3 side dishes - strange that those were missing. We love those evenings and the sharing concept; esp. fried chicken night. 

[2SailingNomads]

TK in Colonnade have always been, since we were on one of the first trial runs, served "family style" but you can always, as we do. ask for more of what ever course you want.  Slow service is a different story and likely due to under staffed and / or loss of the former crew - due to C19 or more likely other lines taking them away (on Scenic 80% of hotel crew on our June cruise were some of the best ex-Seabourn crew, many of whom we knew and more who knew us) 

[fudge]

Day 14

Today we are in St Lucia.

Castries has a population of 20,000 it is the capitol and the largest city of Saint Lucia.

US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.

The official language is English and Saint Lucian Creole.

Places of interest: Castries central market, it is the largest open market in Castries with over 300 regular vendors and 100 or more local sellers on market days.

Mount fortune, originally known as Morne Dubuc. A fort was constructed here by the French in 1784.

Pidgeon Island National Park, was once a navel base for the British in 1778.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and mineral bath. There are two beaches on the Island.

There is duty free shopping where the ship docks in Pointe Seraphene, China, perfume and leather goods are found there.

An early start for Mrs Fudge, she has booked a horse-riding trip independently, she left the ship at 08.15 to catch a pre booked taxi to the stables. It’s a 3-hour horse ride including a beach ride, Mr Fudge has a quiet morning.

We are now right at the end of our cruise. Overall, we have enjoyed it, yes there have been a few minor hiccups but we addressed them at the time to our satisfaction.

The most memorable part of the cruise is the people we have met, really friendly, we exchanged information and enjoyed their company at the bars and restaurants.

Last evening, we went to the show with the guest entertainer, she is very funny, lots of audience participation. The only down side was that quite a few people entered the theater looking like they have just come off the beach.  Now, we don’t preach that people should “dress up” for the theater however, Seabourn state smart casual, this was certainly not the case.

Mr Fudge politely spoke with the hotel director about this. He said that on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, headquarters have instructed the crew to relax the dress code whatever that means?

He was very apologetic and said there was very little he could do about it. Even worse the cruise director asked if we were embarrassed at being overdressed, my jaw dropped hearing that comment! 

Yesterday, the ship docked so it was an easy walk to the shopping mall, after breakfast which we ate on the pool deck we took a leisurely stroll in the sunshine. There was a mixture of high-end shops and also cheap shops.

The afternoon was spent topping up our tan, the pool deck was very busy. There was an unfortunate incident involving a guest complaining about slow service, he was haranguing one of the pool deck staff which was very uncomfortable to listen to, the guest if you can call him that was shouting loudly, finger pointing and was very aggressive towards the crew member. It was so bad that the crew member asked if I would be a witness to the incident, I had no hesitation in supporting him.

Sadly, this is my last post, I would like to thank all who have replied, it’s been a fantastic cruise, Seabourn once again delivered the goods.   

So, onto our next cruise in September, a change of cruise line Regent. We fly to Vancouver, spend three nights there, we then sail to Alaska and on to Japan.

For those already sailing or due to sail, safe travels, we will raise a glass of champagne to you all.

 

 

[hoya68]

Are there still belly buttons at the old British navel base?

 

PS Love your posts.

Edited February 17, 2023 by hoya68
corrected French to British

[fdnycruiser]

Going to miss your posts, and most of all your sense of humor !  Safe travels home, Mr & Mrs Fudge !! 

[nancygp]

9 minutes ago, fdnycruiser said:

Going to miss your posts, and most of all your sense of humor !  Safe travels home, Mr & Mrs Fudge !! 

+1!
 

Nancy

[The Stones]

Thank you so much Mr and Mrs Fudge.  We are in the midst of packing.  Taxi coming at 7 am to take us to T3.  Your posts have been such fun to read and like you I find it astonishing that people do not change for dinner.  Well "NQOCD" as my mother would say 😂😂 

 

Thanks again and at least you are returning to Cypriot weather!! 
 

Belinda
 

xxx

[PAULINELESLEY]

Wow where did those 14 days go, it sounds as though you had a great time we certainly enjoyed your posts everyday thank you. How did you find this larger boat against the 450 passengers I am a little worried.

wishing you a good and safe journey home. 👏👏

[cadburysmom]

 

Cheers to Mr. and Mrs Fudge for a delightful two weeks!

 

Many thanks for letting us live vicariously through you…your warmth, wit and charm, all greatly appreciated and will most definitely be missed.

 

Happy healing and safe journey home! ❤️
 

 

Edited February 17, 2023 by cadburysmom

[fudge]

Hi everybody,

First of all many thanks for your kind words. We had a worry free travel back home to Cyprus after a final day in Barbados. We had three flights to get home including a sprint through Heathrow terminals that Usain Bolt would have been proud of!  Try pulling a huge suitcase and a lap top one handed!

Turkish Airlines felt sorry for Mr Fudge and gave us four seats to our self.

Back to reality, the bad news was that Mrs Fudge discovered she contracted Covid the day she left the ship, thankfully she is making a good recovery, Mr Fudge did not get it thankfully. 

Today my plaster cast came off, all good, may be playing golf soon?

 

Safe travels everybody, happy sailing.

 

[jondfk]

I've throughly enjoyed following along with Mr. & Mrs. Fudge on this Odyssey (er Ovation?).  We're new to Seabourn and will make our first and second sailings this year, first to Norway on Ovation in June, then Alaska on Odyssey in August.  We lap up these "live from" threads reading and rereading actual experiences with delight.  Thank you so much for helping build our anticipation.

 

Sorry Mrs came home with Covid, Mrs. Jon likewise turned up positive on a day after test following our sailing on Oceania.  Hope Mrs. Fudge has a quick recovery to full strength!

 

[SLSD]

So sorry to hear that Mrs. Fudge has Covid after the cruise.  Sending all best wishes for a very speedy recovery.  Thank you both for your commentary.  It was enjoyable. 

 

And Jondfk,  I think your first sailing on SB will be the cruise we are on (June 11-25) Copenhagen to Copenhagen.  Try to embark early enough to have lunch outdoors at the Colonnade.

[2SailingNomads]

Mr. Fudge - thanks for taking us along with you.  As to this: "There was an unfortunate incident involving a guest complaining about slow service, he was haranguing one of the pool deck staff which was very uncomfortable to listen to, the guest if you can call him that was shouting loudly, finger pointing and was very aggressive towards the crew member. It was so bad that the crew member asked if I would be a witness to the incident, I had no hesitation in supporting him."  I can not understand why some entitled person has to be nasty to crew, but unfortunately it is not the only incident.  I hope Seabourn bans that person from future cruises.  Glad your trip home was uneventful  And we both got C19 the day we arrived home from our cruise last March on the Ovation - so totally understand.

[jondfk]

17 hours ago, SLSD said:

 

And Jondfk,  I think your first sailing on SB will be the cruise we are on (June 11-25) Copenhagen to Copenhagen.  Try to embark early enough to have lunch outdoors at the Colonnade.

 

Yes, on the June 11 sailing.  Hmmm.  Is that an experience based suggestion?  

 

We sailed Oceania last year for the first time and loved it, but the embarkation and lunch experiences were the very worst 180 minutes of the entire cruise with endless passport (6x), credit card (4x) and covid questions (3x) before the gangway and all 580 guests crammed into the Terrace Cafe for a few hours before cabins were released, we swore off early arrival and for two subsequent sailings we timed our arrival for 3:30pm and had a lovely experience getting on board.  Seabourn aren't Oceania but we're wondering if it isn't best to arrive "late" and let those more eager get onboard for that first meal?

 

However, if your experience has you suggesting Seabourn have the whole arriving and meal process for embarkation day worked out much better - we will follow your advice and arrive in time for lunch.  In any case, we're in Copenhagen for two days prior (independent) and can arrive whenever it's best advised.  That's in advance for the benefit of your experience.

[SLSD]

20 minutes ago, jondfk said:

 

Yes, on the June 11 sailing.  Hmmm.  Is that an experience based suggestion?  

 

Yes,  this is based on experience.  We always try to board in time to have lunch outside at the Colonnade.  Now, things may be a bit different as we have not sailed since Covid.  However, from what I have been reading many board by noon or so if possible.  I don't yet know if that will be possible for us this time--but if it is, lunch on the day of embarkation is one of my favorite things.  So, if you can do it--do it!  

 

I have not heard of anything like what you experienced on Oceania on a post pandemic Seabourn cruise.  

Edited February 23, 2023 by SLSD