Seabourn Quest Cruise Reviews - Reviews

A review of Seabourn Cruise (it took 4 months for me to write this)!

My husband and I have been cruising for years. We especially love transatlantic cruises because we love sea days. We heard so many good things about Seabourn and we booked a transatlantic cruise expecting it to be a trip of a lifetime. Little did we expect it would be such a trip which we will forever forget.

We thought it was a bit odd when we checked in how the crew and passengers were treating us as persona non grata. However, we just took it as check in worries.

Upon boarding, we were directed to our room, we unpacked, and then, from that moment, we were treated as sub-human.

Seabourn prizes itself for its hospitality and knowing everyone. All the reviews I read said that within 2 -3 days, all the staff would be calling us by our last names with the honorific. I noticed it with all the passengers, except with us. I brushed it off thinking, perhaps the crew was too tired.

On the third night, my husband and I went to the dining room for dinner. My husband was wearing a button down short-sleeve shirt and kakis and I was wearing a polo shirt and kakis (it was not s formal night). Once we sat down, a couple next to us started complaining about how the quality of passengers has declined on Seabourn. The couple asked to speak to the hostess - they wanted us out of there. The hostess asked if we would care to move. We were shocked at what was happening but said, yes. We went with her to the center of the dining room as the staff was trying to find another table for us. I asked the hostess what we were doing wrong as I didn't understand what was going on. She told me, "you have done nothing wrong." Then, another passenger came over and yelled at us for treating the crew with such disrespect. We said to the hostess, we want to go to our room.

We went to our room and the food and beverage manager came and said this had never happened before, we don't know why this happened, but we will take care of it. I was completely in tears. (P.S. - it has taken me several months to write this review as I am still horrified). We were told the individuals who assaulted us would be talked to.

The next day, the Crew Captain approached us, didn't address us by name, and simply said, "are we all good?" My husband and I, knowing we had 13 days left, decided to simply say yes. The fact is, not everything was ok.

Seabourn prides itself with knowing its passengers. Only twice where we called Mr. Hofer and Mr. Brady - the first was upon check-in and the last was on the second to last day when the waiter clearly was looking for a tip. We found it interesting that every other passenger was called by their first and last name. Yet - we were only talked to - with no name.

We spent the remaining 13 days trapped in our room, in the smoking section of the deck, and in the aft bar. We felt unsafe anywhere else. 

The crew and the passengers treated us like we were subhuman. I wonder - what is wrong with the ship? Only 5 people were people of color. Although there were a few gay couples, like us, I saw that if you had money, or appeared to have money, you were treated with respect. 

We were able to afford the trip; however, we were treated with anything but respect. No apologies other than saying, "We talked to the passengers and this won't happen again."

We will never cruise on Seabourn again. It is the most racist, mysoginistic, classist, homophobic cruise line ever. I wonder how differently things would have been if I would have come out as a priest?

Don't waste your money!

 

Addition as of August 9:

 

An update. I had a very lengthy conversation with the Senior Manager of Guest Relations in the President's Office of Seabourn. My conversation with the Manager was something I expected from day one of the whole cruise. The Manger could not apologize enough, took time to listen to my story, was very sympathetic and I believed her when she said it was not the Seabourn Way - however, it did happen to us. I greatly appreciate the fact that Seabourn accepted all fault and acknowledged that we did nothing wrong. The Manager will be addressing the situation on many levels to see this never happens to anyone else which was my goal in the first place for finally writing this post. I believe by truth-telling there will be positive change. The Manager will be working with the company to see the best way to help put this experience behind for us in order that we might move forward. I believe that.

 

Update: August 11

 

I appreciate the follow-up that the management of Seabourn has done. Their apologies and effort to make-up for our experience is what I had expected. I wish to put this horrible experience behind me and I look forward to our next holiday. Although my experiences in my review are real and I will not change it, I give the management credit. I truly believe by sharing my story that hopefully no one will ever have to go through what happened to me on Seabourn. 

Seabourn Quest was wonderful as always.  The officers, staff, and crew all make your cruise a superb experience.  The food is excellent, including the new addition of Thomas Keller's appetizers, mains, and desserts.  Seabourn also provides an all inclusive wine program that offers some very nice wine choices.  And, if you want something that is not currently offered with the night's dinner, then, the wine staff will go get it for you.  Excellent!  The Observation Bar is a great place to get cocktails, wine and other drinks while interacting with other guests and listening to great piano melodies.  The Seabourn entertainment program offers something for everyone.  We had a great cast of Seabourn Singers who performed Broadway music and a Crossroads show that featured Rock 'n Roll and Country.  Other performers included a great magician, a singer/tap dancer, classical pianist and the Seabourn Club Band.   Seabourn is the best cruise line!

Seabourn does a terrific job.  The Antarctic experience was beyond our expectations and simply "wowed" us.  This ranks as one of our top vacations.  The Seabourn Quest is a beautiful ship and very nicely appointed. The coffee bar is very popular and the baristas efficient.

The ship provides 3 - 4 dining options depending on the weather plus room service of course.

We loved this ship and cruise. Had looked at all the ships that go to Antarctica, both cruise and expedition, and this was a combination of both. Had 6 zodiac excursions in 6 days and all were outstanding. Took a private tour from Stanley in the Falklands and though the trip was rough the experience with the king penguins was worth it. Ship is sooo comfortable and staff are great. Food was so good my husband gained 14 pounds. Once you travel with Seabourn you will be spoiled for other cruise lines and larger ships. The lecturers were all excellent and the couple photographers are famous and for good reason. We spent some time in Vina del Mar after and really enjoyed. Especially loved the wineries in Casablanca Valley. Contact David for a lovely private tour of his small La Revoca Winery. You can find him on Facebook and his winery is not far off the road from Valparaiso and Santiago.

 

best cruise in every way!

We were very satisfied and enjoyed our first seabourn cruise with Journey, that we booked this Quest cruise,  I noticed the service was not what we were expecting, i.e . it takes awhile for a server to refill a drink, or catch the attention of a server, in restaurant.  other than that, we love the on board entertainment and activity , staff, Jan and ashley, they are so nice and took the time to talk to us or everybody else on board.

our suite and cabin attendant raquel is very good , friendly and accomodating to our needs.

Food and Service outstanding, but could have more daytime activities. Also need to work on issues affecting persons with limited mobility. Stops need more offerings

We had been on Seaboard (Odyssey) before so knew the Seaboard experience would be good. The food and service onboard is wonderful.

We also really enjoyed the lectures, learning a lot about the ports, as well as astronomy and geology.

Itinerary is one of our highest priorities when we book, and this Caribbean/South American cruise did not disappoint. We would have traded one of the days in Manaus and a beach resort island for more time in Rio.

Seabourn Quest from Copenhagen to Montreal far exceeded our already high expectations.  The staff on board was very personable and provided a friendly, fun and professional experience throughout the cruise.  These comments include everyone from Suite Stewardess, Dining Room staff, bar servers, Executive Chef and other chefs, entertainers, and Cruise Director.  First class all the way.

I have traveled Seabourn before and had a wonderful experience.  I could not wait for this cruise!  Unfortunately, Seabourn didn't plan ahead and we ended up not even making the Finland port!  This is horrible considering there where 3 ports.  Estonia, St. Petersburg, and Finland.  We had two days at sea instead.  They "couldn't make it out of St. Petersburg in time"  If this was the case they should have planned more time in Finland.  So two days at sea--boring--especially since it was a total of 7 nights.  They didn't even plan anything fun.  Last time I went on Seabourn the day at sea had an incredible market lunch.  Little things also matter.  Our last trip we received bath salts, this wasn't even an option.  I would look other at other cruise lines!

Our third Seabourn cruise.  All on the Quest.  A great ship, an amazing crew, and wonderful destinations.  I can't imagine a more perfect week.  If you want an elegant but casual cruise with every amenity but no crowds, you can't do better than Seabourn.

 

What else from Seabourn.Just glorious and uncomplicated service, first rate food and facilities and an on board ambience that simply puts you at ease.One places ones trust in Seabourn to deliver - and theh never fail.Nothing repeat NOTHING is too hard.Faultless.

 

My husband and I were on the Seabourn Quest - April 29- May 13- Gems of Western Europe- 14 day cruise. It was one of the most amazing trips we have ever taken! This was our first cruise with Seabourn. It exceeded our expectations! By the 2nd day we were greeted by all the staff by our names. We had previously sailed on Silversea three times. We were always told Seabourn is a little better than Silversea. Well, Seabourn is in a different class than Silversea. It doesn't even compare. First of all the food was EXCELLENT! I am from New Orleans so I am use to great restaurants and the food was THE BEST!! I see how sometimes people on these boards complain about the food. I was honestly concerned after reading some of the forums before we left for the cruise. Speaking to other passengers on our cruise- 90% of the passengers never heard of Cruise Critic. I was told 65% are so of the passengers on our cruise were repeat customers. Most of the passengers that were repeats that we met have sailed Seabourn 7 times or more. They also told us they think Silversea is an inferior product and would not sail on them. Back to the food. We always ate breakfast in the Colonnade. Besides the Buffet they have special order items that you can add to your breakfast. I even had Lamb Chops for breakfast- always asked for double cut! They were delicious. My husband said the French Toast was great! We loved seating outside at the Colonnade. If it was cool a few days- they had cashmere blankets to wrap yourself around. When you asked for expresso or hot coffee in 1 minute hot coffee would come. Amazing service every time! We had room service for breakfast only once- when we had a very early tour. It was prompt and perfect! Every afternoon I would order from room service some snacks and within 10 minutes it came. The guacamole was delicious and they give you a huge bowl! The Shrimp on Room Service Menu were huge! We ate lunch frequently in the outdoor Patio Grill. The Cheeseburgers were the best I have ever tasted. I always added grilled mushrooms and grilled onions. Seabourn is famous for their French Fries. They were FANTASTIC! Everyday they had choice of 2 pizzas that were being made fresh right in front of you! Delicious!! Of course they had lots of great salads and other grilled items. They had great freshly made delicious ice creams and sorbets - changing flavors everyday. Loved the Pistachio Ice Cream.The Manager of the Patio Grill would come over and make sure everything was fine. What incredible Service! ( We felt the hamburgers and pizza on Silversea were inedible!) At the pool -waiters brought around delicious frozen drinks! We always ate Dinner in The Restaurant ( Main Dining Room). Wonderful food choices every night. So many choices. Our favorite waiter( which we requested every night) would make suggestions and if he thought there were 2 great appetizers- he would bring out both. My husband loves fish and thought the fish courses were OUTSTANDING! The filet which we always ordered double cut -size - was as good as best steak houses we have eaten in. ( Also had delicious peppercorn sauce to put over it). The filet is available every night on the " Classic Menu". (We also felt the Steak on our last Silversea cruise was inedible). If you want two lobsters - you can order it. If you want to special order something- just tell the chef 24 hours before - My husband special ordered a whole sea bass. They will do anything to please you. Just ask! My husband loves desserts. Our waiter would always bring out 3 desserts for him to try! The waiters work in teams and do a fabulous job. Just an example of the efforts they make to please you- On the last night we wanted a table for 10. We went to the manager the night before to request it. All the tables of 10 were taken. So she said she would have the ship's carpenter come and make a new table of 10 to accommodate us. Now that is called AMAZING! We didn't go to Restaurant 2- the specialty restaurant- but some of our friends we met did- and they said it was EXCELLENT! We loved Seabourn Square! They had staff there 24 hours a day to help you with tours, internet or general questions. It was also a great place to go to read newspapers. They had little mini-computers with all the newspapers on them. And of course they had coffee, tea, desserts, and ice cream all day long. Now to the staff and service. Seabourn staff work 4 months on and 2 months off. The staff love that arrangement. On Silversea I think the staff works 8-9 months per contract. So I think they are worn out. Also all the staff is from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.-On Silversea it is mostly Phillippino . We found with the Silversea Waiters- if they didn't understand what you were asking- they were too embarrassed to ask you to repeat. So there was always major communication problems- resulting in problems in restaurants with your requests. The waiters on Seabourn were more polished and professional in everyway. We felt the service on Seabourn in all the restaurants was far SUPERIOR to Silversea. Honestly, there was no comparision. We found on Seabourn every staff member had the BEST ATTITUDE! We liked that you don't need to make reservations for the restaurants. ( except for Restaurant 2) After touring all day- we could just pop in to the restaurant without having to plan in advance. ( that is why I wouldn't like Oceania- need to make reservations in advance and you are limited to how many reservations you can make in a certain restaurant) Also we loved the passenger size of the ship. You get to know so many passengers and staff members on a smaller ship. Oceania is too large for us! We would not have had that same personal experience with the Staff. Every night before dinner we would meet all our new friends in the Observation Bar- where there was music and the most DELICIOUS snacks-( especially that great guacamole and chips!) (Again Silversea snacks at the bars on our last cruise were not good). The chef onboard our Cruise was Chef Martin. We thanked him at the end for the FABULOUS job he did. Someone told us they had a Michelin Chef onboard our cruise that was observing and making suggestions to make the food even better. He said they are always looking for ways to make the food even more FABULOUS! We had a Market Galley Lunch one day at sea. It was the most amazing buffet in the Main Dining Room and then you went into the galley where there was more food. We actually never made it to any shows. We always stayed in the dining room until 11:00 P.M. because we ate dinner very late. But people who made it to the shows said they enjoyed them. We would never go on any other cruise line. We are hooked now! Everyday of the cruise my husband and I would say" This is the most WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE." We didn't want it to end. We met the most interesting people from all over the world. Every passenger we met was so friendly. Everyone on the cruise we spoke with all felt like we did - saying the cruise was FABULOUS! In conclusion- most of the Seabourn Passengers on our cruise- don't read Cruise Critic, they love Seabourn and they wouldn't sail on any other line. If you are looking for a 5 star experience ( like a Four Seasons experience) then Seabourn is the most FABULOUS cruise line out there. This cruise was one of the highlights of our lives! We travel all over the world for our business and have stayed in the finest hotels- and this Seabourn Cruise was PERFECT in every way- Service, Food and Attention to Details! How would we describe our Seabourn Cruise! MAGNIFICENT!! FANTASTIC!!! INCREDIBLE!!! We will never forget it and can't wait to take our next Seabourn cruise. If you want the BEST SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, and a WONDERFUL cruise experience then Seabourn is for you!!

The Quest is an intimate yet elegant ship. While the newest of the three larger Seabourn ships, there didn't appear to be much difference compared to the Sojourn. There were lots of opportunities to get to know other guests. In particular we noticed more ability to dine with a variety of others than on our previous Seabourn cruise. This is, of course, optional. Overall a great cruise for those who want a hassle free vacation.

From the beginning you could feel and enjoy the 5* service of the ship.the suite was perfec arrange to welcome us. The food is superb. They take care of all your needs. There is always a smile and friendliness in a the crew members. You get spoild

Excellent in every way

The ship is absolutely beautiful. The main pool was being repainted when we arrived, but was refilled and in use after one day.

Felt that the Quest was alot better than the Sojourn even though it's a sister ship. Captain makes all the difference with the feeling of the ship.

Seabourn Quest is a moderate-sized ship which is easy to walk. Sometimes I was frustrated when I couldn't get to the front of the ship easily due to restricted signs. However, I usually found the right path after making a couple of attempts. Seabourn Square added a nice touch although found it too chilly in temperature to want to spend much time there. Library and card rooms gave the ship a relaxing feel.

New, spacious suites, full-sized bathrooms with tub and shower, a beautiful spa, well trained and experienced crew.

The Seabourn Quest was beautiful in every way, and staff members were constantly polishing and cleaning to keep it in mint condition. The itinerary was great, only a couple ports that weren't very interesting and we were in those on Sundays.