Seabourn Sojourn

We love Seabourn, this is our 4th trip with them. Were a bit disappointed as it seems that their standards have slipped a bit, both in food quality and service. Some of the newer staff seemed to lack training and supervision, but ALL were very nice and pleasant. We hope that they will recover as we will try them again. A little skeptical of their new ships that appear to just stack and extra deck of passengers on to the same overall public areas.

Seabourn goes the extra mile to make sure everything is right. We had one of our outbound flights cancelled at the last minute and their emergency folks got us rerouted so we made it to the ship OK. There was a problem with our traveling companions' return flights (apparently bungled by Seabourn), but Alaska Air made it work so we all got back on the same flights.

It's Seabourn's first time back to Alaska in 15 years, and it showed.  A major selling point for this itinerary is Seabourn Ventures but our excursion was canceled- big disappointment.  Many of the excursions were disorganized and late; that is inexcusable.  The menu, always superb, was also disappointing. How can you plan an Alaskan-themed cruise without Alaskan king crab or Dungeness crab on the menu. We had king crab on a Mediterranean cruise with Seabourn!  I gave this feedback midway thru the cruise to no avail.  The chef could have easily obtained some when we docked in Juneau, but he didn't.  The menu at Restaurant 2 was so plain that we didn't even bother to book it, and it's normally one of the highlights of the trip..

 

Service aboard Seabourn, however, was terrific and met its usual high standards.  Everything functioned as it should. The suites are large and comfortable.

 

The ports/itinerary was well-planned, and many of the excursions were amazing.  Unlike many Mediterranean cruises which are culturally based, this one focuses on wildlife and does not disappoint.  However, whatever you may see or not see is weather-dependent.

Food, beverages, service and staff is great, entertainment was fine. Although there are more amazing gems in Arabia, itenarary lacks suitable ports. Excursions are good, except for Doha Qatar, there is nothing to see, no need to even stop there. Seabourn made sure, most of guest spent serious money to acquire Visa even before boarding the ship. In our case, it was close to $ 600. Muscat and Salalah are just so so. Monte Carlo was messed up by Formula one races. As Rome was not built in a day, It is even foolish to try to have reasonable attempt to see anything in four and half hours. They should have two stops in Italy.  And two day excursion  with overnight stay as it is available in Israel.  

I will recommend Seabourn, even though quality of services were less than advertised in their brochure. 

We enjoy cruising with Seabourn primarily because of the staff & the fascinating people we meet on board.  This cruise was no exception.  It was extra special seeing how SE Asia embraces the joy & wonder of Christmas.  The decorations were astounding.  At no time in our tours were we overwhelmed with poverty & dirty conditions.  We love Hong Kong & Viet Nam was a pleasant surprise.  

 

We enjoyed the day trip arranged to an island complete with picnic & caviar in the surf.  The crew really knocked themselves out to make the day extra special.