Guam - Santiago Sep. 8 - Oct. 17. Missives from The Andesite Line on Pursuit

[highplanesdrifters]

Dinner Under the Stars

A special meal and wine paring. 

 

Looks good, right?

 

Sommelier Daniel started the evening off.

 

 

We had a picturesque view of the port.😅

 

 

A festive set up at the back of Seabourn Square.

 

The evening began with Belinis and an appetizer assortment.  

 

 

Caviar and Lobster over the top.  Tuna and masago was a big hit. 

 

 

Escorted to our tables for the main event.

 

 

Let the games begin!

 

Fois Gras.  The black sea salt and accompanying accourtemonts created a culinary symphony. 

 

 

Others had the Hamachi and Caviar.

 

 

Come for the Dom, stay.for the Montrachet. The pours were generous and didn't stop.

 

 

Open face Lobster ravioli. 

 

Sorbet pause.  

 

 

Veal Oscar.  Melt in your mouth.

 

 

 

Hold on to your hats for this show stopper, 1987 Port.  A very famous declared vintage.

 

 

Forgot to take a Pic of the Chocolate but did get the cheese.

 

 

Chef Mahesh out did himself.  A killer event we hope they repeat.

 

 

We were serenaded by CD Lupi.  What a voice!

 

 

We rolled ourselves up the stairs and poured ourselves into bed. Thanks goodness tomorrow is a sea day.

 

Well done Seabourn!

[PrincessTraveller]

Looks devine!  Thanks for sharing the pics.  Not sure if I was more excited to see the champagne selection, foie gras or Opus One.  So happy for those onboard who were able to enjoy such a lovely meal and memorable evening, minus the port view of course 😉

[lincslady]

Is this really on a Seabourn ship nowadays?  Looks fantastic; and presumably no extra charge as happens on other lines?

[texanaust]

2 hours ago, lincslady said:

Is this really on a Seabourn ship nowadays?  Looks fantastic; and presumably no extra charge as happens on other lines?

Ha,ha…For a mere $250pppd (on top of your expedition fare) you too can have premium wines with your meal!

[lincslady]

So I take it his was just for a smallish group of people some/all of whom had stumped up this extra amount?

[highplanesdrifters]

3 hours ago, lincslady said:

Is this really on a Seabourn ship nowadays?  Looks fantastic; and presumably no extra charge as happens on other lines?

 

There was an extra charge of $250. I must admit, it was a bargin.  I think I drank $250 worth before the meal started.  The pours were generous and kept coming.   Food was quite good to perfect.  

 

I would say maybe 20 people.

 

We have accepted the fact that this trip is expedition in name only and diving into the ocean cruise fun.

Edited Sunday at 08:27 AM by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Retail Pricing estimates for what we drank per bottle.

Dom - $535

Montrachet - $125

Opus - $500 +

Port - $100

 

If you did this paring in a restaurant onshore with generous pours, it would cost minimum $400.

[lincslady]

Yes, I would say well worth it for that special occasion.  It would be helpful for future cruisers to know the facts - was this just a one off occasion for that particular cruise, or might it be rolled out on other ships?  And is the charge a one off for that type of dinner, or do you have to shell out $250 per person per day to have premium wines ad lib during the cruise? Asking for a friend.  Thanks -when you have a minute.

[Covepointcruiser]

I don’t believe I would take an Expedition ship on a repositioning cruise and expect an expedition.    Sounds like you are visiting islands with large populations and with roads/buses.   That’s certainly not like our current Greenland and Arctic Canada.    We actually did dock in one town and there was a shuttle bus.   Once the ship leaves St. John it becomes a regular ship repositioning until it enters the Amazon River.   The expedition staff have been excellent on the Venture and are experts in their fields.    Many will leave in St. John and join this or other ships when they get back to polar expeditions.

 

 

[Lilly55]

2 hours ago, lincslady said:

Yes, I would say well worth it for that special occasion.  It would be helpful for future cruisers to know the facts - was this just a one off occasion for that particular cruise, or might it be rolled out on other ships?  And is the charge a one off for that type of dinner, or do you have to shell out $250 per person per day to have premium wines ad lib during the cruise? Asking for a friend.  Thanks -when you have a minute.

This is the same as the Retreat dinner offered on Ovation and Encore. Offered 6 times on our 30 day trip in July.

Excellent food/ drink - well worth the charge.

[kej1]

The wine dinner looks fantastic!  They offered a couple of wine dinners for a charge on our pursuit trip in April/May but not with these wines!   This is well worth the $250 and I hope to see it offered again!  And it must have been so nice sitting outside the Square for dinner in the South Pacific! (Ours were in the dining room).   Sounds like it was a lovely evening.

 

On the other hand I’m sorry to hear about some of your iten changes.   I know its  disappointing but love the way you try to turn lemons into lemonade as best you can, as we tried to do on our last pursuit trip as well!  I would agree these Pursuit South Pacific cruises seem to be combo Ocean/Expedition trips and they should be honestly marketed and priced this way in the future to set expectations accordingly.  
 

BTW, I hope you are able to do wine shopping with the sommelier in Papeete! 

[highplanesdrifters]

5 hours ago, Covepointcruiser said:

I don’t believe I would take an Expedition ship on a repositioning cruise and expect an expedition.    Sounds like you are visiting islands with large populations and with roads/buses.   That’s certainly not like our current Greenland and Arctic Canada.    We actually did dock in one town and there was a shuttle bus.   Once the ship leaves St. John it becomes a regular ship repositioning until it enters the Amazon River.   The expedition staff have been excellent on the Venture and are experts in their fields.    Many will leave in St. John and join this or other ships when they get back to polar expeditions.

 

 

 

We knew at the onset that this was a reposition cruise chock full of sea days. 

The problem and my complaint, as I have mentioned in this thread, is that many of the unique small atolls that we were originally scheduled to visit have been systematically changed to cities with bus tours or outright eliminated. 

 

My problem is not with the expedition staff, just love them. Lots of familiar and fun faces.  EL, not as much.

[highplanesdrifters]

7 hours ago, lincslady said:

Yes, I would say well worth it for that special occasion.  It would be helpful for future cruisers to know the facts - was this just a one off occasion for that particular cruise, or might it be rolled out on other ships?  And is the charge a one off for that type of dinner, or do you have to shell out $250 per person per day to have premium wines ad lib during the cruise? Asking for a friend.  Thanks -when you have a minute.

 

There is a list for the premium wines.  There are attractive discount packages available if the wines on that list are to your liking.  We have occasionally found that some of the prices with all the discounts get below retail. 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

12 hours ago, texanaust said:

Ha,ha…For a mere $250pppd (on top of your expedition fare) you too can have premium wines with your meal!

 

Lol, I'm OK with this offering.😁

 

It's the last minute elimination of Henderson Island, Pitcarin to spend an extra day in Papeete and then charging us for a decent tour that makes my blood boil.

 

If I hear "It's an expedition,  you need to be flexible "  one more time it's MUTINY!

 

The big question onboard is whether they are going to let the Sommelier go shopping in Papeete for some drinkable Included wines.  

[highplanesdrifters]

12 hours ago, kej1 said:

The wine dinner looks fantastic!  They offered a couple of wine dinners for a charge on our pursuit trip in April/May but not with these wines!   This is well worth the $250 and I hope to see it offered again!  And it must have been so nice sitting outside the Square for dinner in the South Pacific! (Ours were in the dining room).   Sounds like it was a lovely evening.

 

On the other hand I’m sorry to hear about some of your iten changes.   I know its  disappointing but love the way you try to turn lemons into lemonade as best you can, as we tried to do on our last pursuit trip as well!  I would agree these Pursuit South Pacific cruises seem to be combo Ocean/Expedition trips and they should be honestly marketed and priced this way in the future to set expectations accordingly.  
 

BTW, I hope you are able to do wine shopping with the sommelier in Papeete! 

 

You prepared us for the Expedition misses

 I just didn't expect to have so many. They still have a way to go.  Although I heard that the previous leg through Indonesia, Raja and PNG was solid Expedition and quite good. Is that the one you're on next?  Gosh I love floating around the South Pacific. So lucky.

 

The Dining Under the Stars had an ominous beginning with some Varnish smells. Eeek.  Looking out over the industrial port did lend an air of the avant guarde.🤣  A good time was had by all.

 

Not holding my breath for shopping with the Sommelier, or the Sommelier shopping period. 😉

[lincslady]

Since you were given superior wines to those served on the similar event on the Retreat on the other ships, could it be that it was a special  effort to mitigate the various thing which have not gone so well on your cruise?   And maybe thank those of you who have not grumbled excessively about them?

[Lilly55]

1 hour ago, lincslady said:

Since you were given superior wines to those served on the similar event on the Retreat on the other ships, could it be that it was a special  effort to mitigate the various thing which have not gone so well on your cruise?   And maybe thank those of you who have not grumbled excessively about them?

Various wines / champagnes served on the Retreat dinners.

We have had all the wines / champagnes etc served at this dinner served on the Ovation dinners.

In addition, if someone particularly wants to try a wine but not purchase a bottle, ask the Sommelier can it be included in a Retreat dinner / wine lunch. If a very expensive wine/ champagne, ask if he will mention to other wine purchasers if they would pay to do a tasting that incorporates this.

This happened with a $6000 bottle that a guy wanted to try - my husband and others agreed on this and two other known greats and had their own mini wine tasting lunch. Everyone who attended was very happy.

 

[lincslady]

That sounds great.  Seabourn has now joined the other lux lines in having some chargeable meals; some people will approve and others might not be so happy.  Good to know that if you intend to go to one you can chat about what could be served with the sommelier, definitely.

[highplanesdrifters]

29 minutes ago, lincslady said:

That sounds great.  Seabourn has now joined the other lux lines in having some chargeable meals; some people will approve and others might not be so happy.  Good to know that if you intend to go to one you can chat about what could be served with the sommelier, definitely.

 

I'm not into the Silversea venues that charge. The few times I've tried them, IMHO they were not worth it.  In the recent case on Seabourn it was a bargin given the wine paring. No brainer.  The food was excellent and matched to wines.   I do have to say the food has been really good on the ship. Too good. Afraid to get on the scale. 

[highplanesdrifters]

3 hours ago, lincslady said:

Since you were given superior wines to those served on the similar event on the Retreat on the other ships, could it be that it was a special  effort to mitigate the various thing which have not gone so well on your cruise?   And maybe thank those of you who have not grumbled excessively about them?

 

I think that the Sommelier is really working hard to do something for everyone.  He really cares, as does the HD.  It's the bean counters at the mother ship we have issues with.

[lincslady]

Let's just hope the bean counters don't come barging in to say they shouldn't be serving these really top wines.  They only care about the bottom line, as we know.

[highplanesdrifters]

1 hour ago, Lilly55 said:

Various wines / champagnes served on the Retreat dinners.

We have had all the wines / champagnes etc served at this dinner served on the Ovation dinners.

In addition, if someone particularly wants to try a wine but not purchase a bottle, ask the Sommelier can it be included in a Retreat dinner / wine lunch. If a very expensive wine/ champagne, ask if he will mention to other wine purchasers if they would pay to do a tasting that incorporates this.

This happened with a $6000 bottle that a guy wanted to try - my husband and others agreed on this and two other known greats and had their own mini wine tasting lunch. Everyone who attended was very happy.

 

 

Sounds fascinating.   My palette gave out years ago, it would have been lost on me. So glad the super tasters had fun.

 

We did our own champagne tasting in June on our last trip. Big fun.  Dom, Cristal, Bollinger, and a few others. With all the discounts  for $6k we could have done this for our entire floor.🤣

[highplanesdrifters]

Fulaga, Fiji

 

 

This is the type of day we signed up for.  Pursuit was parked outside the sunken volcanic caldera.

 

 

 

A few kilometer ride to the wet landing on a beach covered with cockle type shells.

 

 

A steamy .7 mile hike to the village.  

 

 

We were greeted by these lovely ladies.

 

 

A quick look around the village. Only 400 inhabitants.  Very tidy and WiFi available!

 

Village Beach

 

 

Beach BBQ

 

 

And yes, souvenirs were purchased.  

 

Guests gathered around for the start of the festivities.  The Kava ceremony was about to begin followed by singing and dancing.

 

 

We gracefully snuck away for the option of a swim.  First the .7 mile hot hoof back to the landing, ugh.  

 

 

The beach we were allowed to swim at required another zodiac transfer. A scenic ride through the karst like formations delivered us.

 

 

Hold on mateys.....is that Pirates....OR .....a Seabourn flag?  We all know what that means.

 

 

We were given free roam amongst a number of beaches.  One more enticing than the next.

 

 

 

 

Crystal clear refreshing water awaits!

 

 

An all too short day at this Idyllic location. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kej1]

Glad to know you heard the Indonesia trip went well.  Yes that is what we are on next summer/fall starting in Broome ( doing the Kimberly) and ending in Fiji where we might spend a few days at an old haunt called the Wakaya Club that has amazing snorkeling and diving.
 

I’m also happy to see you had what looked like a lovely day on the small Fijian island!  It looked like a lot of fun in a beautiful spot.  
 

BTW,  there are a few wine stores in Papeete that I was told at Brando were decent.  We had wanted to buy some to take on the Pursuit but we ran out of time.  I’d give you the names but I’m afraid I can’t find them.   There were two as I recall - maybe the inky two!  

[BioInfoLib]

3 hours ago, kej1 said:

Glad to know you heard the Indonesia trip went well.  Yes that is what we are on next summer/fall starting in Broome ( doing the Kimberly) and ending in Fiji where we might spend a few days at an old haunt called the Wakaya Club that has amazing snorkeling and diving.
 

I’m also happy to see you had what looked like a lovely day on the small Fijian island!  It looked like a lot of fun in a beautiful spot.  
 

BTW,  there are a few wine stores in Papeete that I was told at Brando were decent.  We had wanted to buy some to take on the Pursuit but we ran out of time.  I’d give you the names but I’m afraid I can’t find them.   There were two as I recall - maybe the inky two!  

We did the Darwin to Honaria expedition in August - stops in Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea. It was fantastic - so much so that onboard we booked next Sept Darwin to Fiji, repeating Raja Ampat and going around the North side of Papua New Guinea. I’m hoping it will be as expedition-y as this year’s version which was amazing.