A Big Bon Voyage to the Legend Sailor's!

[Martita B.]

The Legend Sailor's will be boarding in a short time, today! I know they enjoyed their cocktail party in Lisboa last evening ~~~I received an e-mail from Peachy Mon. ~~he was staying at the beautiful Lapa Palace Hotel and was touring Cascias & Sintra yesterday. I hope he has time to write a CC Crossing log ~~~we inquiring minds want to know the happenings!!

Forgot to tell him, while in Las Palmas, look for the pink string beans!! Very UNusual And while calling on Funchal, do go to the fabulous downtown Market for exotic flowers & fruits. I'm sure the Chef will have a grocery shopping tour, which is always interesting, buying fish and cheeses, etc. ~~~and is alot of fun!

Bon Voyage Sailor's ~~Have smooth seas and blue skies!

Martita B.

Pinkie ~~named for THE BEANS

[CruisinMatt]

Bon Voyage "right to left" crossers! :D

 

I am sure we will be getting a full report from Paul any day now! :)

[Seabourn-nail]

Of course I wish you all a wonderful crossing too! Sorry, I had to postpone my cruise till December! But if all goes well, I'll be there on both the East- and Westbound crossing next year!

Paul, don't overdo it regarding your laps. Don't walk to Ft. Lauderdale this time, but let the captain (who is the captain by the way and will he be still on the Legend on December 19?) take you there while you relax. And don't spend too much time on the computer. Though it would be nice if you could update us on who are all there with you and stuff like that!

Have a fantastic time you all! I can almost picture you gathering there!

Marja

[Host Dan]

Having a great time. Still trying to overcome jet lag. A bit cool, but thats OK, its Seabourn!! Food and service terrific. Won at trivia today, but that could all change. I'm not going to post much, but when I do, I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Please email me in advance to guest.legend@seabourn.com Please put suite 324 - Dan in subject line.

 

Host Dan

[Martita B.]

Dan

Happy to hear all is well on the Legend! Hope you have smooth seas coming across ~~~we never know about 'ole King Neptune!:confused:

Keep us posted as to the Crossing happenings ~~probably won't be any "lion kidnapping" this year, but I know you Legend-ites will find other & many ways of merrymaking:confused: Hope Captain Karlo will be able to have a tug-of-war this year.

Have lots of fun ~~please tell Peachy to behave himself! he he:D

Martita B.

[PeaSea8ch]

My views of the crossing so far:

 

The Continental flights to Lisbon were great. The BusinessFirst flight to Lisbon was like first class on other airlines. I could barely touch the seat in front of me with my tippy-toes; hence, lots of leg room and when fully reclined (but not totally flat) it was very comfortable and was able to get some sleep. The food on both flights was surprisingly good! We were a half hour late arriving in Lisbon because when it was time to leave Newark, there was a “traffic jam” and we were the 23rd aircraft in line for take-off.

 

Upon arrival, we had to be bussed from the arrival gate to another terminal. There was no one waiting at passport control so I quickly breezed through that. My bag arrived quickly and walked through the “Nothing to Declare” lane and was then greeted by about 30 or 40 drivers with name placards for their pick-ups just outside the customs hall. I spotted my driver and we proceeded to his Mercedes sedan. It took nearly 45 minutes to get to the hotel as the driver apologetically said it was a rush hour traffic jam (I told him that I lived near Los Angeles the, arguably, traffic jam capital of the world and he laughed).

 

Once I arrived at the Lapa Palace, I was impressed. This stately 19th-century former private residence is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River (I don’t have a river view) is very intimate (only 109 rooms – almost like Seabourn) with marble floors almost everywhere, individually decorated rooms and elegant furnishings. I chatted briefly with the General Manager and he told me that they were in the final stages of being approved to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard. The surrounding gardens and pool areas are beautiful to stroll through.

 

Tuesday was my all-day private tour of Sinrtra and Cascais. My driver picked me up promptly at 9:30 am and off we went to the quaint and aristocratic town of Sintra (where Lord Byron lived and considered it to be “Paradise on Earth”).

 

The morning was full of castles and lovely walks, with the highlight being the Pena Palace, one of Portugal’s most peculiar and beautiful palaces and then on to the Sintra National Place, one of the most important examples of 16th Century regal gothic architecture in Portugal and for that reason it is classified as a national Monument.

 

After a leisurely Lunch al Fresco at a Sintra sidewalk café, we proceeded to Cabo da Rocca, the westernmost point of Europe. The 140 metre (about 470 feet) high cliffs into the sea were breathtaking! From there, we proceeded to Cascais and the Estoril coastline. I spent some time at the marina taking pictures. Before returning to the hotel at about 6:00 pm, stopped for a few compulsory pictures at the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

 

I arrived home to the Legend just before the 2:00 pm embarkation start time. All X-ray and metal detector screening was performed by the Port of Lisbon security personnel. There was no one waiting in the terminal to embark the ship and a few moments later, I and another couple were escorted onboard. The first passengers I saw were CeeJay11 and her DH and we greeted each other with hugs and kisses. CeeJay said where have you been — everyone has been aboard since 1:00 pm and we were checking to see if you had embarked. I replied, I was enjoying the hotel but now it is time to go Seabourn Sailing!!!

 

I walked into the King Olav Lounge and a check-in station was open so I walked up, handed over my passport, credit card and signed cruise ticket, squat down for my “mug shot” and in a few minutes I had my ID card in hand. As I turned around, waiter Anthony greeted me and I asked how soon we could go to our suites. They are ready now and what is your suite number? 137 I replied (Miss Pinkie’s favorite), as he took my laptop bag and Anthony said “I will take you there.” I knew where it was, but glad the Seabourn Signature Pampering had begun!!

 

Upon arrival to my suite, the Seabourn Luggage Valet fairy and I grinned to each other as my two bags entrusted to DHL were perched on my bed ready for unpacking which is exactly what I did. After getting my suite ship-shape and ready for the crossing, I went up to the Sky Bar to see what was going on. There were only a few passengers and our Host Dan was there so we got caught up. As I was walking my first lap, I was greeted by the Birmingham Boys. They regaled all the Legendary activities leading up to the crossing as they embarked in Monte Carlo.

 

Afternoon temperatures in Lisbon were in the low to mid 70s the time I was there. I was getting too hot in the sun so before the lifeboat drill, I changed into cooler clothing. When the sailaway party began, “Oasis” had set up on the “Jacuzzi platform” and they played and sang as we sailed until after sunset. This is a much better place to locate the band for the party than at the Sky Bar since the music is so loud there you can hardly hear yourself think. I was impressed with the band and the two singers fronting the band.

 

At the helm of the Legend is Captain Tom Thomassen, his first day on the job as Captain. Actually he has been Staff Captain on the Pride and Spirit for several years and is most capable for the job. So far the seas have been calm and the outside temperature pleasant (it was a bit chilly in the mid morning).

 

Today’s Freeze Frames:

 

 

Pena Palace, Sintra

 

 

Sintra National Palace

 

 

Cabo da Roca

 

 

Sailaway Sunset 1 of 2

 

 

Sailaway Sunset 2 of 2

 

On a Seabourn Yacht, life is good.

[Martita B.]

Peachy,

What a marvelous travel log ~~thank you so much for posting and thinking of all of us~~

I know you had a wonderful time in Lisboa, one of my favorite 'lit cities.

Please tell Captain Tom T. (we use to call him "Pretty Boy" but guess we'll refer to him now as Master Tom T.) I send him a big Texas hug! And I'll see him Jan. 16th. Also please tell the Birmingham Boy's all is well with Missy Alene, also, "I'm doing fine & dandy!:p " How's Lefty Bob? I'm sure he and Mrs. Bob are enjoying the Crossing ~~~

Have a most grand Legend Crossing ~~~take care of my 137 Suite!

Pinkie

[cands]

My views of the crossing so far:

 

 

What a fantastic post. Thank you. Keep them coming.

 

And thanks for the good words about suite 137, both you and Martita. What is it you so like about it? (we are in 137 for 56 nights next year on Spirit).

 

Cheers,

Steve.

[Seabourn-nail]

Thank you Paul for your wonderful long post!

And for you personal email. I replied to it, but as usual it could not be delivered through my Planet address. I will try again via my Live account.

Give René's and my regards to everybody and to captain Tom Thomassen. He'll remember me if you describe my hairdo. In about six weeks time we will join the Legend of course, I can't wait!

Marja

[Martita B.]

To view the Legend today in Funchal, Madeira go to:

 

http://www.madeira-web.cam/camera/cam-04.html

 

The Legend leaves Funchal at 5 p.m. It's always fun to watch the ships depart ~~~I enjoy seeing the black puffs come from the funnels ~~then it's "ready, set, GO!" :p

 

Safe Sailing Legend!

Martita B.

For some reason, the above isn't working ~~

Go to: www.kroooz-cams.com/ Camera 4

[Seabourn-nail]

 

 

 

Good morning Martha!

 

Aren't you up way too early?

Thank you for sharing the webcam page with us!

 

It doesn't seem to be sunny overthere, does it?

Have a nice weekend!

Marja

[Martita B.]

Marja,

Yes, I am up and 'atta 'em! (Southern saying) I always have my Christmas shopping bought and wrapped by Oct. 31st, to give to my family members when they come to the ranch for Thanksgiving. But I was aboard the Pride ~~then my 3 day fun delay in St Petersburg, Fl. ~~~I have been holiday shopping on-line for a few days ~~catch-up time ~~early bird gets the worm!;)

Watch the Legend sail-a-way today!

*Forgot to mention, the Pride looks elegant with the black stripe a'round her, plus the funnels are now black:p

Martita B.

[PeaSea8ch]

I am sorry everyone, but I am having too good a time to post every day!

 

Our first port of call on the lovely island of Madeira, which belongs to Portugal. It was overcast and hazy all day, but that did not dampen the spirits of the Legendary crossers! Having not toured the island for a while, I opted for the “Botanical Gardens and Cable Car” tour for literally a bird’s eye view of the island.

 

This tour was carefully planned. After a ride through the city and up the winding road with hairpin turns to a nice lookout point high above the harbor, we were then dropped of at our first stop the botanical gardens. These terraced, multi-layer gardens were a pleasure to stroll through. There were many species of plants, trees and flowers in impeccably maintained gardens. For lovers of flora, there were many photo ops here!

 

After a stroll through a small village, we arrived at our second stop, the base station for the cable car ride. Funchal has two cable car systems. The first installed about 7 years ago goes about half way up the mountain. The second, installed 5 years ago, goes across a valley between two adjacent mountains was the cable car we rode on.

 

After getting used to dangling from a cable, we all enjoyed the 15-minute ride. Lush greenery everywhere, I was amazed to see single homes located high on the mountain with no visible roads or helicopter pads and, when looking closely in the valley below, I could see steps leading from the river up the side of the mountain through the dense foliage. At one point during the cable car ride, there were quite a number of birds perched on the cables inboard of the cables supporting the up and down cable cars, as if saying hello and welcoming us to their little corner of the world.

 

Once back on terra firma, another medium stroll brought us to our third stop, the toboggan ride down a curvy street with a good slope. Originally, the toboggans were used to transport the wealthy noblemen and aristocrats; however, today, the toboggans are only used for tourist duty. Being “odd man out,” I was assigned to a three-person toboggan with another couple. It was a skimpy three-person toboggan (ahem, a tight fit) but we were fast friends by the time we reached the end of the ride.

 

I must admit that the toboggan runner friction reduction technology has improved immensely since my first toboggan ride a little over two decades ago. When I and a big-boned-lady were about to embark our toboggan, the runners tilted our toboggan up on end and waxed the sled with candle wax. This resulted in a great ride at first, but about half way down, the wax was gone and those poor runners had to huff and puff and push us down the rest of the way!!! Methinks perhaps the toboggan runners now have Teflon on them for a good ride. Our runners expertly guided our toboggan safely down the giant slalom course and missing all potholes. We then boarded the bus for the ride back to the Legend in time for lunch. I enjoyed the tour and it was a lot of fun.

 

I had read that the dock facilities were being expanded. At the time, it was not clear whether the breakwater would be extended or rebuilt. A “strip mall” was erected on the dock with stalls for local merchants to sell their wares as well as a restaurant. This is much more convenient than walking around the harbor into town. Only a few of the stalls had been rented to merchants.

 

CeeJay11 went to the flower market and brought back to their suite a beautiful Protea, the national flower of South Africa; much to the delight of their South African suite stewardess.

 

The principal ship’s personnel are as follows:

 

Captain – Tom Thomassen; Staff Captain – Stig Betten; Chief Engineer – Atle I*****ey’ Hotel Manager – Wilhelm Steinbrunner; Doctor – Jan Pietrzak; Cruise Director – Preston Coe; Chief Purser – Matthieu Verlies; Maitre d’ Hotel – Luca Di Matteo; Chef de Cuisine – Willy Moor; Housekeeper – Cornellia Petrache; Travel Manager – Monika Ernst; and last but not least, Cruise Consultant – Nadia Meersman.

 

There was no sunset at sailaway time because of the heavy overcast that had lingered throughout the day but that did not dampen our legendary enthusiasm because we know that we would arrive at Las Palmas on Grand Canary Island early the next afternoon!

 

“Cruisecrazyone” says hello to all her Seabourn friends!

 

A few pictures:

 

 

Botanical Garden

 

 

Cable Car Ride

 

 

Cables, Birds, Cable Cars and Wires Everywhere

 

 

Funchal Dock Expansion 1 of 2

 

 

Funchal Dock Expansion 2 of 2

 

On a Seabourn Yacht, life is good.

[Martita B.]

Peachy,

A great review! Many thanks for taking time to post the "happenings" on the Crossing!

Madeira is one of my favorite Islands ~~downtown market IS my all-time favorite places to buy flowers, exotic fruits and to sit, sip a local beer and people watch! Did the Chef shop for fish & cheeses?

Did Seabourn offer the teatime at Reid's Palace Hotel? I am always so amused as to women aren't allowed to wear open-toed shoes:confused: Heaven forbid!! It's a gorgeous hotel and certainly worth visiting ~~lunch is especially nice.

How was La Palma? I know you enjoyed your call's in the Canaries.

Please tell Nadia I send hugggzz's ~~she's a doll and so much fun!

I do hope Captain Tom T. will be able to host a tug-a-war ~~King Neptune must be cooperative!;)

Have a continued fun & safe Crossing ~~:p

'La Docle Vita!

Pinkie

[JaneBP]

>"Birmingham Boys"

 

They must be majoring in crossings, because I sailed with them in September on the Pride. I assume it's much less bouncy and rainy this time. Please give them my best.

[Martita B.]

I guess Peachy is having too much fun and is too busy to "let we inquiring minds" know of all the Transatlantic happenings!;)

I believe they arrive in Ft. Laud on Nov. 21st at 8 a.m.

Have fun Legendites!:p

Martita B

[Seabourn-nail]

Give Paul a break Martha; he already posted yesterday! And a very long post as well. Paul is not cruising just to make us happy. I don't know where he can find the time to do it like this anyway.

I heard some sad news about this crossing however. The "Shefinch" family had to leave the Legend in Las Palmas due to medical reasons. I'm very sorry for them. Hope all will be well soon. My best wishes for a good recovery.

Marja

[PeaSea8ch]

Arrived in Las Palmas at 2:00 pm just in time for siesta where everyone takes a long nap. Some of the venues for the tour were closed this

Saturday but other places were substituted. Since we were there primarily during the siesta time, there were far less vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Plus, we were in the shade almost the entire afternoon, as this tour required a fair amount of walking.

 

First stop was Casa de Colón or Columbus House where Christopher Columbus lived and has since been converted into a museum. The exhibits centered around the following themes: Columbus and his voyages; cartography and nautical instruments; Canary Islands and the discovery of the new world; paintings form the sixteenth to twentieth centuries; the Island of Grand Canaria and the city of Las Palmas. In one of the rooms, I found glass-encased scale models of two of my idol’s (Leonardo da Vinci) inventions an arch bridge and helicopter.

 

After a visit to the Santa Catalina Hotel for refreshments and a walkabout, we proceeded by walking through a residential area to our next stop the Museo Néstor, dedicated to the work of premier Canary Islands artist Néstor Martin Fernández de la Torre. I found his work intriguing, as he had a fondness for painting both men and women with puffy, pouted lips and fish with humans in various stages of distress.

 

Our final stop on the tour was for a photo op of the Playa (beach) in the late afternoon sunlight. We departed Las Palmas at 11:00 pm and slipped away quietly in the night to our final in route port call of Tenerife.

 

Today’s Freeze Frames:

 

 

Casa de Colón (Columbus House) Entrance

 

 

Typical Spanish Residential Balcony

 

 

Is This Casino Going To The Dogs???

 

 

Las Palmas Beach In Late Afternoon Light

 

On a Seabourn Yacht, life is good.

[ltsally]

Those photos....!!!! PeaSea8ch, you have posted some absolutely gorgeous, splendid photos! Thank you.

 

We sailed the other direction last spring; sure wish we were aboard now!

[PeaSea8ch]

Since my tour to Santa Cruz and the Guimar Pyramids was cancelled due to not meeting the minimum participant requirement, I decided to have “a sea day in port” instead. It is always nice to have the ship to yourself while nearly all the passengers are ashore. Aside form strolling the decks, I did essentially nothing all day. It was warm all day in Tenerife as it usually is.

 

However, when it came time to sail, the get the crossing underway sailaway party was an entirely different matter!!! All Legendary crossers were primed, ready and in fine form for the sailaway celebration! The sky started to cloud over a bit and the offshore breezes were cool. Just outside the breakwater, swells and whitecaps were forming. About that time “Oasis” had powered up their amplifiers and providing us with Legendary music, rhythm and beat to get this crossing turbocharged forward to Fort Lauderdale. Fronting Oasis are singers Christina and Speedy Gonzalez (yes, that is his real name) and they have been fantastic.

 

This is the sixth Legend November crossing that I have done and this has been the smoothest crossing ever. Normally after leaving Tenerife for the first 36 hours, the swells hit the ship at about a 45-degree angle causing a simultaneous pitching and rolling motion that tends to rock me to sleep. The seas have been as flat as the kitchen floor.

 

On Monday, the first day at sea, it was very overcast with no appearances from Mr. Sun. Tuesday it was sunny and hot (especially in the sun) and Wednesday it was cloudy with late afternoon showers continuing into the night.

 

Trivia continues to be a big draw with the passengers. The Midnight Sun Lounge was packed with about 95 passengers eager for “blood sport.” Since the rated seating capacity of the MSL is only 44 people, Preston announced at the end of the first session that, for safety reasons (this had been a long-time concern of mine in case of an emergency), Trivia would have a venue change to The Club for the duration of the crossing. With all the teams more “spread out” and everyone seated in the Club’s comfortable chairs, makes for more pleasant battle conditions. The Trivia standings after each round are always volatile and this crossing’s tournament is no excerption!

 

The Ryder’s Cup putting tournament has shown very keen competition thus far. The European team, chomping at the bit to avenge last year’s loss in the “winner take all” finale after dominating the North American team the entire tournament. The North American team, mindful of the shellacking they received last year, has raised the bar to compete head-to-head with the formidable European team. So far, the North American team has the edge at 2 matches to 1 after winning the first and third while the European team clinched the second match. There are six more days of putting left in this tournament so it is anyone’s guess what the final outcome will be.

 

New to Seabourn since my last sailing is when your suite stewardess makes up your suite, there is a soft throw blanket folded on the corner of your bed nearest the door to your suite with the “Do Not Disturb” sign placed on top of it. I find this to be a nice touch or sweet idea for afternoon naps and such.

 

I forgot to mention Assistant Maitre d’ extraordinaire ROSS is onboard the Legend. The names of other Legendary bar and wait staff will be provided in the near future for enquiring minds!

 

Today’s Freeze Frames

 

 

Legendary Sailaway Party In Full Swing

 

 

“Oasis” Assisting Engine Room To Power Us Across The Atlantic Ocean

 

 

The Sky Awash With The Fire Of Sunset

 

Oh those lazy, hazy, crazy crossing days! On a Seabourn Yacht, life is good.

[johnnycruise]

Paul,

 

Thank for providing such a well-written review. Combined with your great photos, you're more than ready for Conde Nast!

 

It sounds like trivia is a daily highlight for the crossing folks. I can't even imagine half the ship's passengers crowded in the lounge! I hope the poor waiters had a bit of help - they usually only schedule 2-3 up there. Also, glad to hear Oasis is providing the acoustics. That group's positive attitude and high energy level could make a curmudgeon smile!

 

Keep up the good work and send us another report when you find the time.

 

johnny

[Martita B.]

Peachy

A 1,000 "thank you's" for posting your Legend Cross review!

I know you're having a blast! I surely hope you win Trivia ~~also

hope the prizes are new & improved ~~now that Seabourn has the new black and gold colors! Have you checked out the new clothing in the Boutique? Try on the gorgeous black suede jacket with the gold logo shield~~~beautiful! And look at the new coffee mugs in the Boutique, too. Took me awhile to get use to the black and gold.:D

Have a continued wonderful, safe Crossing.

Happy Thanksgiving ~~Hugggzzz's sent to the Legend:p

Pinkie

[Seabourn-nail]

Hi Paul!

The previous "speakers" are absolutely right, your reviews are the best. It is almost like I'm there with you! If only I could be for like one hour or so! Well, just one more month to go before I will be there. And I am so greatful for that.

Continue to have a wonderful crossing Paul and I hope to see you November next year (but we will "talk" before "we leave behind Malaga". I say those words because I just booked a nice stay in the most wonderful Hotel in Ireland; The Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare for next weekend. The Gaelic name for Kenmare is Neidin and there is this popular traditional Irish song: "As I leave behind Neidin"!. Neidin means little nest.)

Marja

[JaneBP]

Martita,

 

I am not sure about updated Trivia prizes. On the Pride crossing we were given Cunard pens. Seems no one checked the boxes!

 

Actually, I prefer the blue/white scheme, but perhaps some expert decided that black is the 'new blue'.

 

Am sending good wishes and prayers for Sheilagh and Larry when they get to read this thread.

[lord of the seas]

Jane,

What has happened to S&L?