Seabourn Sojourn - Two Subtle Changes from Seabourn Odyssey

Up until now I have not been able to tell anyone of any changes being made the Seabourn Sojourn from the Seabourn Odyssey.  Now, as it has been reported by Seatrade, I can let you in on two of the subtle changes:

The ship will have two new features: a Kneipp Pool (in place of the spa’s thalassotherapy pool) and a Spa Cabana (replacing one of the two Spa Villas).

The Kneipp Pool is a shallow treading basin with warm and cold water channels that are said to improve circulation.  I do not know what the design of the Kneipp Pool on the Sojourn will look like, as there are many designs for same, but this photo gives you an idea of one:

The new Spa Cabana will provide a shaded outdoor area of lounge chairs and sofas for spa clients to relax before or after their treatments. My impression is that feedback from guests and the amount of use (or less intensive use) has caused the change.  The area is really a nice place to relax and my guess is that rarely were two of the villas booked at the same time, so why leave one vacant when it could be put to good (if not modified) use. 

As for the Seabourn Sojourn's construction schedule, it is far ahead of where the Seabourn Odyssey was at the same point, only three months prior to delivery.  This was the result of the shipyard doing many things better and, it seems, learning from its mistakes.  (Though I do not personally know this, I have a strong feeling that Carnival Corp. applied a bit of pressure and insisted on certain changes.)

More specifically, the most significant change was that the engines were ready and installed much earlier, while the hull was still being constructed off-site. I am not sure how much of this was related to engine manufacturers having a bit more free time on their hands in this economy, or better cash flow within T. Mariotti or just better planning. 

You may also recall that the Seabourn Odyssey class ships are built in blocks elsewhere, joined together to a point and then towed to T. Mariotti in Genoa, Italy.  The Seabourn Sojourn’s blocks joined off-site continued up to the superstructure on Deck 9 instead of merely to Deck 5 on the Seabourn Odyssey...with the additional work completed at T. Mariotti.

Now, however, is when the real push comes.  Over the next weeks it will be nothing short of organized chaos with all the various parts coming together.

Obviously I will keep you posted.

Seabourn's Cuisine Continues to Win Over Food Critics...And, If You Like: You.

I have spent much of my time over the past weeks discussing cuisine and what it means and can add or subtract from your cruise experience.

Today I was advised of a San Diego food critic's blog "Matters of Taste" wherein she noted her first cruise ever was this past year on the Seabourn Spirit and it garnered mention in her "Memorable Morsels....My Favorite Foods of 2009" post.  Maureen Clancy wrote:

Three months after my first-ever CRUISE experience -- on the Seabourn Spirit -- I’m still in awe of chef Bjoern Wassmuth’s (left) performance. Crispy corn-crusted prawns with fennel slaw and romesco sauce; red carrot and curry potage with shrimp dumplings; warm ricotta and potato ravioli in truffle butter; chilled corn and lemon grass soup with lobster salad and spicy shrimp oil; swordfish Sicilian style with chili, capers, olives and basil...and much more. Each dish was picture-perfect and served by an attractive and amiable staff.


Many of you may recall that Chef Bjoern was "our" chef for the 2009 Goldring Travel Food & Wine Cruise.  He made a number of special treats for us including that wonderful grilled fresh Slovenian Sea Bass (served on deck) from the aquaculture farm we visited early in the day where we enjoyed sea bass both smoked and sashimi with fresh pressed oil oil and naturally harvested sea salt.  Another Goldring Travel exclusive!

If you have been following the writings of those on the Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise on The Gold Standard Luxury Travel Forum you know that that cuisine offered by Seabourn is "memorable" across the fleet!

Interested in the 2010 Goldring Travel Food & Wine Cruise?  Email me at eric@goldringtravel.com or call me at (877) 2GO-LUXURY.

Seabourn Odyssey vs. Silversea Silver Spirit - Reality and Fair Comparison

I am conflicted.  I want Seabourn to have stiff competition, not just for marketshare, but for what a luxury product is supposed to be.  "Increases the Stakes", "Keeping Them Honest", "Refining the Luxury Cruise Experience" or whatever you want to call it.  However, calling it as I see it, Silversea is failing miserably with the Silversea Silver Spirit.

As I did when the Silver Spirit undertook its Maiden Voyage and Maiden Transatlantic cruises I have scoured the internet (and emails from my clients) for some insights into the Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise and how she is performing.  (I have looked for anyone posting from Silversea's Inaugural Cruise and I cannot find much...just some casual comment on Cruise Critic that nothing special has been happening.)

The differences in comments have been striking...and I am not just talking about the Hardware, but the Software. 

The comments about the Silversea Silver Spirit have been basically that the ship is OK, but nothing special and has quite a number of shortcomings.  They include Suites that are too narrow (ex. you have to climb over the bed to get to the bathroom if the vanity is in use) and are not suited well for those with physical challenges (ex. besides being narrow, a walker doesn't fit through the door and cannot be maneuvered around the suite).  The Bathroom has vessel sinks that cannot be filled with water and which prevent toiletries being kept on the countertop.  In the public areas, the Spa is largely unisex and the area for exercise classes is so small no more than 6 people can participate.  The Main Show Lounge is tightly designed (the Captain's Cocktail Party has to be split into two events), incredibly has no bar service and has no real accommodation for the physically challenged.  There are only six computers for internet access provided. The Japanese and Le Champagne Restaurants are extra cost...and significantly at that ($80 for a couple and $60-400 a couple, respectively.)  And the list goes on.

The Seabourn Odyssey has a few minor quirks (like the televisions in the suites are too small for some) and some cannot find a good home for their laptops, and the showers are a bit tight if you are larger, but on the hardware side there aren't many complaints.  With great and much larger Spa and Main Lounge areas (a couple of support poles aside) and no additional cost alternative dining (all are complimentary), and the very well received Seabourn Square, it seems the Seabourn Odyssey is a significantly superior piece of Hardware.

Note:  Both ships have some complaints about less then sufficient sound insulation in certain suites (Deck 7 under the pool on the Seabourn Odyssey and near the Pool Deck and Lounges on the Silversea Silver Spirit).

But, as I say, the Software (people and amenities) are generally more important than the Hardware.  And here it seems that Seabourn has truly overwhelmed Silversea.

It was noted during the Silversea Silver Spirit Maiden Voyage that the guests (many of whom were not too happy) were told it was actually their privilege to be on the cruise and other than luggage tags really received nothing...not even a celebration.  The Maiden Transatlantic was treated the same way.  Reports are that, to date, the Inaugural Cruise is similarly low-key and not reflective of appreciating the guests.  It also seems that Silversea engaged in minimal, if any, pre-cruise training for many of the staff.  While things have reportedly improved significantly, there is a difference between "growing pains" and having guests virtually train the staff.  .  I just don't know where to go with this.  If Silversea isn't taking care of its guests at the start, I cannot imagine it is going to get better down the road.

With the qualification that the Seabourn Odyssey has been sailing for about six months now, I have been reading many posts and waiting for the shoe to drop.  Things cannot be that good for that long, can they?  I mean over the past four days the guests have been "rocking and rolling" through seriously rough Pacific Ocean storms so I figured the posts would be reflecting some crankiness.  What was I thinking?!  After just over three weeks, I have yet to read of any significant complaint. 

More importantly, the reports the Silversea Silver Spirit have pretty much been limited to this drinking or eating venue is great, or the close circle of friends are fun (or for two couples, they were treated royally by the Captain and staff), the experience seems to be rather empty; not fulfilling in any cultural or intellectual way.  Other than an occasional comment about how a special order dish was excellent or the "meat on a stone" dining venue is popular, not much in the way of comment that the guests have been wowed exist.

In contrast, the details of the Seabourn Odyssey's great lecturers, interesting discussion groups, outstanding Guest Speakers, varied and unique entertainers and outstanding meals has been non-stop.  (There was one post about some undercooked penne, but that was by the same person who complained his personal hot sauce was missing... al dente anyone?).  One of my clients sailing on the Full World Cruise wrote this past Saturday (gently edited):

Jan. 23, 2010
We are on our way to Hawaii but, at this moment at least, it cannot be said that the Pacific Ocean deserves its name. The series of storms that battered California with high winds and heavy rain have roiled the sea with swells 15 to 20-feet high tossing the Odyssey around in every direction. Everyone will be happy to have some relief from these rough seas. We reach Nawiliwili, Kauai on the 26th.

Jottings from [DW] – My general impressions after the first two weeks of our journey: We’ve been planning this trip for nearly two years and, as most would agree, expectations sometimes have a way of exceeding reality. In this case, however, the cruise is even better than we anticipated! When I say they’ll have to extract me from this life with a crowbar, I’m not kidding. I therefore offer my top ten reasons for cruising the world:


1) The ship. The Seabourn Odyssey is brand new, stunning and efficient.
2) Seabourn Square, on the 7th deck. It’s the heartbeat of the ship – lattes 24/7, staff assistance 24/7, extensive computer WiFi setup, conversation nooks everywhere.
3) Shore excursions. Fabulous treasures to see and experience. Just sign up and show up.
4) The food. What can I say? Wonderful! Want lobster for every meal? No problem.
5) Our veranda – we sit outside in our robes and watch and world and whales go by.
6) Housekeeping 24/7. Suites cleaned twice daily.
7) New friends. Interesting, well-traveled people, most with a great sense of humor.
8)The great catalog of activities for every taste or deliciously-honored leisure.
9) Popcorn at 1:00 a.m. No problem.
10) Spending uninterrupted time with my favorite spouse – priceless!


[DH's] impressions:


This trip was a very good idea. Although photographs of the various features of the ship accurately depict its places and spaces, the Odyssey is a much more than what appears on the screen. All of the spaces on the ship are well-designed, beautifully appointed and comfortable, but when all this is complimented by an attentive, friendly and responsive staff, the result is much more than we imagined it would be. It’s simply a very inviting, comfortable place to be.  We I have particularly enjoyed presentations by guest lecturers and demonstrations by chefs from around the world. The evening entertainment is varied and first rate.


A blogger writes, with great detail on most days.  With the ship rocking due to the storm and being rushed for an event, she wrote, "[W]e had to get ready in a hurry - whilst eating our early evening caviar and drinking champagne, so you can imagine how difficult that can be on a rolling yacht!! Needless to say we managed very well -practice makes perfect!!

So whether it be the complimentary caviar and champagne every evening or popcorn at 1:00 a.m., how well the ship functions and flows, or the incredible cuisine, what I am reading and hearing is that the larger luxury ship experience on the Seabourn Odyssey is, in fact, a true, refined and multi-faceted luxury experience while the Silversea Silver Spirit is not only nothing special, but chances are you won't even receive the message that you are special.

There is a lot of great information on various threads on The Gold Standard Forum. 

If you want to follow the Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise, check it out here.

If you want to read comments about the Silversea Silver Spirit you can read them here,  here and here.

Avid Cruiser - After Reading the Posts on the Seabourn Odyssey Should Be Renamed Avid Loser - Seriously, What Gives?

After writing this post I feel it needs a preface.  There is so much misinformation being provided by supposed "experts" that people that just want honest and valid information scour the internet...and then are horribly misled.  It is an illness in the travel industry that cannot be healed without some serious surgery.

The spread of knowingly dishonest and paid to be knowingly biased (is that different or just worded less offensively?) as well as well-intentioned but inaccurate information not only makes my job as a travel agent harder, it can unfairly turn your joy of travel into a scary ordeal or, worse, essentially defraud you into purchasing a cruise (or other vacation) that is neither what you expected or your best option.  With that preface...

As many of you know I have been quite vocal about Ralph Grizzle's Avid Cruiser website and its rather shameless plugging of Silversea without disclosing he is paid by Silversea and creates promotional videos for the cruise line.  (There is some good stuff there too, but this issue is just so blatant.) However, I have kept my thoughts to myself about his obvious bias against Seabourn (alas it is not only "pro-Silversea). 

Bias you say?  Well, take a look on his site and you will see that anything Silversea is prominent and anything Seabourn is tucked away.  When you find the main page for the present blog on the first leg of the Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise the first thing you will note is that even thought the Seabourn Odyssey has been sailing around (and Avid Cruiser has been aboard three times) only a three year old sketch of the ship, not a photograph, is present. 

Then you will notice that in the corner of every page mentioning the Seabourn Odyssey is his circa October 2009 silly "comparison" article comparing the half-built Silver Spirit vs. the Seabourn Odyssey.  (I previously commented on that farce of "journalism".)  I wonder why that article hasn't been replaced with one actually comparing the two.  I mean, Grizzle was blogging daily from the Odyssey on her first voyage and was quick to point out niggling little things like the management of the marina (observed only on its first day-ever- being in operation) needs to be better...but there is silence about the Silversea Silver Spirit's first sailings.

So now Avid Cruiser has a person posting from the first leg of the Seabourn Odyssey's World Cruise. After reading posts which seem to be from a novice cruiser - though apparently one who has been on a prior World Cruise - his brief observations rapidly devolved into a lengthy complaint that his stewardess mistakenly removed his personal hot sauce from the suite (presuming it was the ship's) when removing his room service dishes; albeit noting it was recovered from the ship's pantry.  Then the blog was about a tourist trap restaurant (Senor Frog's) in Cabo San Lucas and his plight to guess music so he would score a free drink.  (The curious prior comments about being surprised by things such as wearing a Hawaiian shirt to dinner...and being shocked some men wore sport jackets, no announcements, etc. and refusing to order room service dinner course by course because it seemed strange, etc. made it seem to me that there was a chicken in a cow pasture.)

I pause and ask, isn't the blog supposed to be about the ship, its offerings, its entertainment, etc?  How's this for a description of Restaurant 2 (which, by the way, is an extremely popular dining experience and, as such, the only reservations required dining venue on the ship):  "I couldn’t figure out the courses, or how we would order what appealed to us.  It worked this way: Each paragraph describes a course that is served on an oblong plate. Each described food is deposited on the plate in small separate portions. Tasty for sure, with immediate service and explanations of each course. It was an out-of-the-ordinary culinary experience."  Not "extraordinary", but "out-of-the-ordinary".  Food is not "presented", but "deposited".  And its description other than "tasty"...nonexistent.  Folks, this "expert" didn't even understand that you are given 2 different selections that compliment and contrast...or he intentionally left the essential element out of his description to misleadingly make it sound strange and uninspired.

So then there is the last post, Seabourn Odyssey Last Day.   This guy, who misquoted the rate for an hour's interest usage as $69.99 and later corrected it (and then edited his blog so the error no longer appears!) spent two paragraphs complaining that the dollar-peso exchange rate was misquoted in the Seabourn Herald (due to simple, innocent, error)...and then noted Seabourn corrected it. 

Not done being "one of them", rather than complimenting that within 30 minutes of being advised of the problem, Seabourn repaired the forward hottub which had been fouled by an inconsiderate guest who apparently deposited significant amounts of sand into it, he complained the condition existed. 

But then is my favorite.  Lunch in the Colonnade is served until 2:00 p.m.  He shows up and expects that "being served until 2:00 p.m." doesn't mean "served" it means "If you arrive by 2:00 p.m. you will be served  whatever you want for as long as you want until you are done."  To quote this "expert", "To me this means I can enter at 1:55 and get my meal."  He then complains for three paragraphs about his finding limited options at the Colonnade as service - ending at 2:00 p.m. was winding down.

Folks: On January 20th Seabourn held its Galley Luncheon, which is truly spectacular and offers a phenomenal array of dishes which you select walking through the main galley.  Why this "avid" cruiser failed to even mention this "Seabourn Signature Experience" no less partake of it (I mean he is supposed to be telling you about the ship isn't he) escapes me.  When added to his late arrival the Colonnade was almost empty (a point he also failed to mention).  Fair?  Objective?  Accurate?  Informative?  Me thinks not!

His concluding sentences is the giveaway:  "Is Seabourn Odyssey the best ship afloat? Many think so, but there are competitors that have acolytes of their own. I’ll be writing about this in an upcoming blog."  Huh???? This guy was blown out of the water because he brought too many Hawaiian shirts and focused on singing for a free drink at a Mexican tourist trap.  He is not an "expert" or even an "avid" cruiser.  He is an "amateur"...an honestly nothing more.

Let's contrast the foregoing with some real cruisers, shall we? On The Gold Standard Travel Forum I have been posting entries from the blog posts people of I know and people I don't who have been on the same leg of the Seabourn Odyssey's World Cruise.  As one blogger wrote, "Lunch today was a special galley lunch entitled ‘Seabourn Signature Event’ and the buffet was served in the galley so that we could see how the kitchens were run. We were then escorted to a table in the main restaurant to dine and desserts were set out on a large table. We both had a vast selection of food for our starters ranging from sushi and sea food to crab filled avocado and Mediterranean vegetables. I don’t know how we then managed a main course but we trotted off into the galley to survey the vast array of choices. I had a small portion of stir fried ginger chicken with rice because I just couldn’t face much more than that. DH had baked honey glazed ham with roasted vegetables. We decided against looking at the dessert table!"  Gee, do you think they were on the same Seabourn Odyssey????

Now, if you really look through the Avid Cruiser website you will find the following video on the Seabourn Odyssey.  Fortunately, the video does the talking:



Now, feel free to read and compare the Avid Cruiser's glowing reviews of the Silversea Silver Spirit, the five little annoyances he finds with the Seabourn Odyssey, and the comparisons between the two ships...and after reading the Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise thread,  read what real people are saying about the Silver Spirit on The Gold Standard Forum:  First Impressions; Issues for the Physically Challenged; and, Maiden Transatlantic Review.

As they say, I am just trying to "keep it real."

Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise Gala - The Details!

On January 4, 2010 the Full World Cruise guests began arriving at the Ritz Carlton - Ft. Lauderale (Florida) for the Pre-Cruise Gala Celebration. In true Seabourn Style they were met by a Concierge Desk, greeted by name, were privately escorted to their room and were met with some nice amenities, a formal Invitation to the Gala events and an agenda.

Themed with the Flavors of the World the Seabourn Odyssey would be visiting on the World Cruise the Cocktail Party, starting at 6:30 p.m., the guests were greeted by butlers with silver trays of champagne, a quartet playing music and the Seabourn Executives, including Pamela Conover, the President, and the Odyssey's officers. Strolling along, the guests were met by vignettes depicting India, Tahiti, Asia, Greece and Egypt with actors expressing the unique cultural aspects of the area...and, of course, the related foods and drinks. Some examples were in the Tahitian area the guests enjoyed an Ice Bar filled with every imaginable seafood offering, the Asian area had wok cooking offerings as well as passed dumplings, rolls, etc. and the Greek area had a wide variety of meze.

As Cocktail Hour ended a Mariachi Band lead the guests and Seabourn executives and officers into dinner. Again, in typical Seabourn Style, each table was hosted by a Seabourn executive or an officer of the Odyssey. During dinner there was a full band along with a number of culturally tied entertainers interspersed throughout the event including an acrobat, dragon dancer, a contortionist and a hugely popular opera singer. They were so well received that many of them received ovations from the guests.

Dessert was accompanied by dancing and, truth be told, quite a number of the guests just did not want the night to end!

Seabourn had arranged the guests to enjoy breakfast either in their rooms or in the Ritz Carlton restaurant and to have, of course, late checkouts. With their luggage taken directly from their room to their suites aboard the Seabourn Odyssey, the guests were afforded the luxury of checking out of the hotel and into the Seabourn Odyssey in the hotel over a period of a few leisurely hours. Then, after a splendid luncheon buffet the guests departed for the Seabourn Odyssey.

Arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. the Full World Cruise guests were provided a separate gangway onto the Seabourn Odyssey and into the Observation Lounge where they were greeted by various members of the onboard staff and then whisked away to their respective suites.

Don't you wish you were there?!

Follow the Seabourn Odyssey's World Cruise on The Gold Standard Forum. Of course, if you have any specific questions and do not wish to post them on GSF, feel free to email me at eric@goldringtravel.com

Seabourn Odyssey World Cruise Set Sail Today!

Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Odyssey starts its 108 day maiden world cruise visiting 42 ports between Ft. Lauderdale and Athens in a voyage of 108 days from January 5 to April 24, 2010.

All Full World Odyssey guests stayed at overnight and attended a gala Bon Voyage Ball at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Fort Lauderdale the night before departing today. Here is the full itinerary - with color-coded special events (see below for details of each):

January 2010
5 Tuesday FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM D
6 Wednesday AT SEA
7 Thursday AT SEA
8 Friday CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM D (All World Cruise Guests)
9 Saturday AT SEA
10 Sunday AT SEA
11 Monday AT SEA
12 Tuesday PUERTO CALDERA, COSTA RICA 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D (Ensemble Travel Exclusive)
13 Wednesday AT SEA
14 Thursday PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
15 Friday AT SEA
16 Saturday ACAPULCO, MEXICO 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM D
17 Sunday AT SEA
18 Monday CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM A (Full World Cruise Exclusive)
19 Tuesday AT SEA
20 Wednesday AT SEA
21 Thursday LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
22 Friday AT SEA
23 Saturday AT SEA
24 Sunday AT SEA
25 Monday AT SEA
26 Tuesday AT SEA
27 Wednesday NAWILIWILI, KAUAI, HI, USA 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
28 Thursday HONOLULU, HI, USA 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM D
29 Friday LAHAINA, MAUI, HI, USA 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM A
30 Saturday AT SEA
31 Sunday AT SEA
February 2010
1 Monday AT SEA
2 Tuesday CHRISTMAS ISLAND, KIRIBATI 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM A
3 Wednesday AT SEA
4 Thursday AT SEA
5 Friday PAPEETE, TAHITI, FR. POLYNESIA Arrive: 02:00 PM D
6 Saturday PAPEETE, TAHITI, FR. POLYNESIA Depart: 06:00 PM D
7 Sunday BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM A
8 Monday AT SEA
9 Tuesday RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM A
10 Wednesday AT SEA
11 Thursday AT SEA
12 Friday DATE LINE GOING WEST
13 Saturday AT SEA
14 Sunday RUSSELL, BAY OF ISLANDS, N.Z. 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM A
15 Monday AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM D
16 Tuesday AT SEA
17 Wednesday LYTTLETON, NEW ZEALAND 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
18 Thursday WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
19 Friday AT SEA
20 Saturday AT SEA
21 Sunday AT SEA
22 Monday MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
23 Tuesday AT SEA
24 Wednesday SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM D
25 Thursday SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Depart: 10:00 PM D
26 Friday AT SEA
27 Saturday AT SEA
28 Sunday AT SEA
March 2010
1 Monday CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM D
2 Tuesday AT SEA
3 Wednesday AT SEA
4 Thursday DARWIN, AUSTRALIA 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM D
5 Friday AT SEA
6 Saturday AT SEA
7 Sunday PADANG BAY, BALI, INDONESIA 07:00 AM - 10:00 PM A
8 Monday AT SEA
9 Tuesday AT SEA
10 Wednesday AT SEA -
11 Thursday MUARA, BRUNEI 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
12 Friday KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
13 Saturday AT SEA
14 Sunday AT SEA
15 Monday HONG KONG, CHINA Arrive: 08:00 AM
16 Tuesday HONG KONG, CHINA Depart: 06:00 PM D
17 Wednesday AT SEA
18 Thursday DA NANG, VIETNAM 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
19 Friday AT SEA
20 Saturday HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Arrive: 10:00 AM D
21 Sunday HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Depart: 03:00 PM D
22 Monday AT SEA
23 Tuesday LAEM CHABANG, THAILAND Arrive: 08:00 AM D
24 Wednesday LAEM CHABANG, THAILAND Depart: 06:00 PM D
25 Thursday SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM D
26 Friday AT SEA
27 Saturday SINGAPORE 09:00 AM - 10:00 PM D
28 Sunday AT SEA
29 Monday PHUKET ISLAND, THAILAND 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM D
30 Tuesday AT SEA
31 Wednesday AT SEA
April 2010
1 Thursday AT SEA -
2 Friday COCHIN, INDIA 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
3 Saturday AT SEA -
4 Sunday MUMBAI (BOMBAY), INDIA 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
5 Monday AT SEA
6 Tuesday AT SEA
7 Wednesday DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Arrive: 01:00 PM D
8 Thursday DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Depart: 06:00 PM D
9 Friday AT SEA
10 Saturday AT SEA
11 Sunday SALALAH, OMAN 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
12 Monday AT SEA
13 Tuesday AT SEA
14 Wednesday AT SEA
15 Thursday AT SEA
16 Friday SAFAGA (LUXOR), EGYPT Arrive: 08:00 AM D
17 Saturday SAFAGA (LUXOR), EGYPT Depart: 06:00 PM D
18 Sunday AQABA, JORDAN 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
19 Monday SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM D
20 Tuesday SOKHNA (CAIRO), EGYPT 07:00 AM - 08:00 PM D
21 Wednesday AT SEA
22 Thursday HAIFA, ISRAEL 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM D
23 Friday AT SEA
24 Saturday PIRAEUS (ATHENS), GREECE 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM D

Then there will be five complimentary events reserved solely for guests who book the full world cruise. Those guests embarking in Los Angeles for 92 days will enjoy four of them. An additional seven ports will feature complimentary Exclusively Seabourn shoreside experiences to which all guests on board will be invited, regardless of the length of their voyages.

• The full world cruise events begin on January 18, 2010, with a spectacular catamaran cruise from tiny Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of Baja California, to seek some of the six species of whales which gather each year in the Sea of Cortez. Sailing on a comfortable catamaran, guests will pass the famed natural formation of Los Arcos, the secluded golden sands of Lover’s Beach, the resident colony of sea lions, and beyond. A naturalist guide will impart details of sea and land life, and answer questions as guests toast the starkly beautiful and biologically rich environment of the Baja Peninsula.

• On February 6, full world cruise guests will be greeted by the haunting tones of a conch-shell salute and fragrant tiare flower leis as they stroll a candlelit path into a tropical garden at Papeete, Tahiti. There, under a canopy of South Pacific stars, they will enjoy an evening of cocktails, lilting Tahitian music and a sumptuous feast capped by a rousing performance of traditional Polynesian song and dance.

• In Sydney, Australia on February 24, a private sunset dinner cruise of scenic Sydney Harbor will end alongside the city’s iconic Opera House, where guests will be escorted inside to enjoy the featured performance, before returning by the same boat to Seabourn Odyssey.

• Hong Kong will be the site of the next world cruise event on March 15. The waterside Aberdeen Marina Club will be transformed into a colorful Chinese bazaar with craftsmen’s booths, traditional fortune-tellers and calligraphers, a Chinese musical ensemble and a spectacular Lion Dance. In addition to a buffet of delectable Chinese specialties fit for an emperor, the kaleidoscopic evening will include exhibitions of Chinese Opera “face-changing,” kung fu martial arts and acrobatics.

• The dramatic climax of the world cruise exclusive events will unfold in a colorful setting on the island of Phuket on March 29. Greeted by a Thai long drum troupe, Seabourn guests will enter a Phuket Thai cultural village to be regaled by women in traditional Thai costumes, gaily decorated elephants, and exhibitions of classical Thai dance, traditional boxing, floral decorations and elaborate fruit and vegetable carving. There will be demonstrations of Thai cooking, puppet carving, rubber tapping, and even chances to ride in an ox-cart or atop a decorated elephant.

The Exclusively Seabourn experiences for all guests on board will include an afternoon tour of Cultural Cartagena in Colombia’s venerable Caribbean port city, A UNESCO World Heritage Site; a rousing re-creation of the classic “Aloha Boat Days” at Honolulu’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel; a Maori cultural discovery experience at Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand; an introduction to the arts and cultures of Borneo’s 32 diverse ethnic groups at Kota Kinabalu; a visit to the spectacular Sanctuary of Truth at Pattaya, Thailand from Bangkok; a spellbinding evening at an oasis near Dubai; and a sortie from Sharm el Sheikh into a sheltered valley in the mountainous Sinai desert, for tea and traditional folkloric music and dance at a Bedouin encampment.

The Exclusive Ensemble Ensemble Experiences, complimentary for those World Cruise guests who have booked their cruise through Goldring Travel or other Ensemble Travel Group affilliated travel agencies are as follows:

PUERTO CALDERA, COSTA RICA: The Scarlet Sanctuary with Champagne Lunch - Experience some of Costa Rica’s most amazing scenery and wildlife. It’s just a short drive from the pier to the dock where you will board the boat that will take you on a journey through the mangrove forest. As you glide across the waters that coil through the verdant tropical rain forest, keep an eye out for the local residents flying in the treetops, swimming in the mangroves and scurrying along the rich, fertile earth. Long willowy branches drape to the surface of the water, and the canopy of green looming overhead allows the sun to peek through in dappled splendor. After your boat ride, your journey will continue aboard an air-conditioned motor coach as you drive through fields of sugarcane, a mainstay of the Costa Rican economy. You reach the highlight of your tour today, a sanctuary dedicated to the Scarlet Macaw. They are sure to announce your arrival. Be prepared to take lots of photos of these magnificent creatures. Their brilliant red plumage is stunning and during your guided tour, as the birds fly freely about, you are sure to get some fabulous pictures in their natural habitat. Then enjoy a light repast of fresh tropical fruits before going on to the Costa Rica Yacht Club for a delicious three-course lunch with champagne before heading back to the ship.

NAWILIWILI, KAUAI: Kauai Plantation Railway and Lunch at Gaylord’s Kilohana - Fascinating afternoon enjoying the lush beauty of Kauai, considered by many to be the perfect tropical island paradise. Your tour begins with a ride aboard the narrow-gauge Kauai Plantation Railway train. Pulled by “Ike,” the plantations 1939 diesel engine you will find yourself in another era with the clattering of the rails and sound of the train’s whistle. And the elegant mahogany coaches you will be riding in are modeled on the private coach of King Kamehameha. During your journey through the nearly 100 acres of the historic Kilohana Plantation your conductor will provide a narrated history of the island and the property as you pass orchards with over 50 varieties of exotic fruit trees including cherries, cashews, mangoes, star fruit, lychee, mountain apple and more. Admire the fields of pineapple, sugarcane, bananas, papayas and taro as well as stands of Native Hawaiian hardwood trees and myriad colorful tropical flowers. Then stop by the paddock to see the sheep, cattle, horses and Clydesdales. Your final stop today is at Gaylord’s restaurant at the Kilohana Plantation. The restaurant is named after Gaylord Parke Wilcox, who built this beautiful house in 1935 as part of a larger sugar plantation. Now a restaurant and art gallery on this working plantation, it is known for its exquisite cuisine and its historic plantation atmosphere. Relax and enjoy a private dessert with refreshments in the covered patio area before heading back to the ship.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Auckland City Sights, School Visit and Lunch at Mc Hughs - Sprawled across the cones, hills, ridges and valleys of an old volcanic field and stretching literally from coast to coast, Aauckland and its far-flung suburbs are divided by two magnificent harbors and as a dramatic back drop, numerous extinct volcanic cones protrude from Auckland's landscape. New Zealand’s largest city, with a population of over one million it is often called the “City of Sails” since there is at least one boat for every four households! During your tour today you will see some of city’s most renowned historic, natural and architectural landmarks during this scenic introduction. Your first stop is Ponsonby School, a well established public primary school for children aged 5 – 10 years. Here the children will sing local and Maori songs and dances especially to welcome you to Auckland and there also will be time to mingle with them after their performance. Next you travel through the downtown area encompassing the America’s Cup Village and Westhaven Marina. Then travel through some of Auckland’s most affluent suburbs, featuring fantastic views of the harbor and islands before driving along the scenic waterfront to the colonial style village of Parnell, where Victorian buildings have been transformed into stylish boutiques and specialty shops. Visit the Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city with its ponds, statues, tropical glass houses, various flowers and a great variety of trees. Set within this idyllic retreat see the Auckland Museum, commemorating those of the province who served and died in the two world wars.stop on the summit of Mt. Eden, one of more than 60 dormant volcanoes in the greater Auckland area. A short walk will take you to an observation platform offering fantastic panoramic views of the city and its two harbors below. This vantage point also shows further evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history. Then travel to the west coast of Auckland through the wine districts and black sand beaches continuing to the North Shore. Enjoy a buffet lunch at McHugh’s restaurant located on Cheltenham Beach near the historic village of Devonport. Nestled on the foreshore of Cheltenham beach, the restaurant offers spectacular views of Rangitoto and the Waitemata Harbor. After a lunch in this delightful setting it will be time to return to the ship.

BALI, INDONESIA: Balinese Traditions, Seafood Dinner and Kecak Dance - This afternoon discover the beautiful, magical island of Bali, a paradise of ancient temples, dense jungles, terraced rice fields, quaint villages and roadside deities decorated with their daily offerings left by the Balinese who believe heaven and earth to be all one, right here. On your tour today you will experience the island’s unique blend of sights, culture and traditions as they unfold before you concluding with a wonderful Balinese seafood dinner and a performance of the exotic Kecak and Fire Dance. After landing at Padang Bai pier from the ship’s tender board your waiting air-conditioned motor coach and travel along the coastline with its many fishing villages, through the lush green countryside, past the beautifully manicured yellow and green rice terraces that Bali is so famous for as well as other crops like chilis, bananas and papayas. Savor these stunning landscapes on the way to the village of Tohpati where you will meet the owner/designer of a Batik Gallery and learn about the complex process of making Batik. While you are there enjoy some local refreshments. Continue to your destination, Kedonganan, as the sun begins to set, creating a uniquely colorful setting. This gorgeous spot, by Jimbaran Bay beach, is ideal for dinner and entertainment. Young ladies clad in traditional Balinese dress will invite you to relax and absorb the atmosphere as the chefs prepare to grill your dinner which will include deliciously fresh lobsters and prawns. After dinner watch a spellbinding performance of the Kecak and Fire Dance. On Bali, a Hindu island, dance is a very important part of the religion; accordingly Balinese dances are as varied and intricate as the deities they honor and religious tales they tell. Kecak is the most Balinese of dances – a ‘trance’ dance with no orchestra or gamelan to accompany it only a choir of up to 100 men who chant and dance and who act as mediums to convey the wishes of their deities and ancestors. Since the 1930’s the old Indian epic ‘Ramayana’ has been included in the dance drama and ritual that you will see this evening. After the performance rejoin your coach and return to the ship.

SINGAPORE: Singapore Discovery - Spend a delightful afternoon exploring the compact city center of Singapore, a fascinating blend of contrasts between old and new and east and west. Your tour begins with a drive through the old Colonial District for a view of Parliament House, the imposing City Hall and Supreme Court, both of which overlook the Padang to your first stop, the legendary Raffles Hotel. Named after the British founder of modern-day Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, it is one of the world’s finest and most famous hotels. The high ceilings and colonial architecture reflect the era of British rule from 1819 to 1963. Years of tender, loving care have kept this landmark a must-see for all visitors to the city. Few however experience the legend as you will today when you lunch at Doc Cheng’s, a renowned restaurant. After lunch spend some time exploring the shops and quiet courtyards on your own. Then continue your tour with a sight-seeing drive through the city including Orchard Road, renowned for its Western-style department stores and couturier houses; then catch a glimpse of Singapore's multiculturalism during a visit to Little India, a fascinating area teeming with shop houses and colorful, flamboyant temples, before entering the Arab Quarter, where you will see a different side of Islam among the mosques and lifestyles of the people who live here. Next visit the world’s largest Observation Wheel and enjoy a 30 minute flight. While on board you will be able to take in the many different perspectives of Singapore’s dynamic landscape and as the Wheel turns, on a clear day, you can see as far as neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. Standing at a height of 165m from the ground, the ‘Flyer’ offers you breathtaking, views of Marina Bay, the entire island city of Singapore, and beyond. Finally, admire the world’s largest fountain from the wheel as you pass by ‘Suntec City’ and the Fountain of Wealth. Designed on the principles of Feng Shui, this unique construction is highly regarded in Singapore for its wealth-giving properties. Then drive through Chinatown, which bustles with frenetic street merchants before returning to the pier and your ship.

SALALAH, OMAN: The Essence of Salalah, with Lunch - Discover some of many varied aspects of Oman today as you begin your tour with a drive through the small village of Taqah with its picturesque white beach and the Qara Mountains in the distance as you head east to the ruins of the old frankincense port city of Sumhumram. The ancient city dates back to 100 B.C. and the remains of what is known as Queen Sheba’s Palace stand on a small hill overlooking the beautiful bay at Khawr Rawri. It is said that the queen used to travel from Yemen to Dhofar (South Oman) for frankincense and that she that had the Palace built as a place for her to stay in during her visits and to store the frankincense before it was shipped back to Yemen. The remnants of a temple dedicated to the moon goddess and a 30m deep well lie within the palace ruins and can be viewed from the outside. During your visit you will stop to inspect the crumbling ancient storage areas. Then continue to Wadi Dirbat. As you make your way down into the wadi you will find it is home to an amazing variety of plants, trees and flowers. Surrounded by steep walls of rock it offers grazing and water for cattle and camels. Returning to the city you will make a photo-stop at the Summer Palace of HH Sultan Qaboos, Ruler of Oman, then walk to the renowned Frankincense Souk where the colorful stalls are heaped with mounds of frankincense, myrrh, incense, bottles of fragrant perfume oils and a large variety of fascinating artifacts bringing the essence of the Orient together. As you begin the journey back to the ship, you will stop at the Hilton Hotel where you will be greeted by men in traditional costumes who will welcome you with rosewater. Relax and enjoy a delicious 3-course set menu lunch as a small troupe of talented local dancers entertains you with sinuous dance movements and lively rhythms of local musicians. After lunch return to the pier with fond memories of Salalah.

In addition ot the complimentary shoreside events are part of a generous menu of benefits included for full world cruise guests, along with a complimentary pre-cruise Bon Voyage event and luxury overnight before departing, door-to-door private car transfers, roundtrip first-class airfare or air credit, Personal Valet luggage shipping service and shipboard credits of $2,000 per suite. There will also be special gala celebrations and gifts for guests on board during the voyage.

I will posting observations from Goldring Travel clients enjoying the Full World Cruise and Segments of it on The Gold Standard Forum. Stop by. Read what is happening and add your comments.

Silversea Silver Spirit - Come On! You Have Got To Be Kidding! This Ain't Luxury!

You have got to be kidding me!  What I am reading makes the Silversea Silver Spirit a virtual joke if you are talking "luxury" and just OK if you are talking premium.

Let me explain:  One thing I hate is "dumbing down" people so they eventually believe that marginal is acceptable.  Silversea seems focused on abandoning its luxury product on its new ship...and duping the guests into thinking it is OK.  (I am not so sure that is really working for many based upon the reports of long lines of dissatisfied guests bending the ears of management, but for some it does.)  Examples:

1.  Charging for things that should not included and eliminating things that Silversea cannot get away with charging for -

*As I previously noted, charging for specialty dining, such as  $200 per person for Le Champagne is offensively unjustifiable as is $40 or $80 per person (with or without sake) in Sheishen (the new Japanese venue).  Saying it is intended to reduce demand due to the size of the venue is absurd.  Reservations takes care of that.  Jack the price up so that most guests cannot or will not use a venue?  Please.   

*Charging for access to basic spa facilities.  I can understand charging for most spa items, but it is getting to be a bit much.  Also, there are reports of the mass market approach of pushing overpriced products.  (To be fair, on the Seabourn Odyssey that was also attempted by the contractor...for about a day...and then Seabourn shut down that sales approach.)

*Absence or limitation of complimentary drinks  when boarding and in public areas, for example, in the Show Lounge and, it seems, in the suites as well.

2.  Lack of Training and Poor Service -

*It is one thing for there to be some rough edges in service when the main restaurant opens, but it is another when some of the waitstaff don't know the difference say between risotto and a meat dish.  It is one thing if one dish is delayed a few minutes after everyone else is served, but serving one person while the rest of the table waits for a significant time?  Seriously, how limited was the training of the Silver Spirit staff not to review what the dishes are that are being served that evening or to understand that you reject the one dish and have it come out with the others?  (See my post:  Seabourn Cuisine - Seeing is Believing). 

*I can understand the suites not being stocked with the preferred beverages at the beginning of the Maiden Voyage, but not a week into it...especially when the guest repeated asks multiple people.  Obviously if the provisions were not loaded (because of logistics or financial issues), the answer is to simply advise the guest of the lack of provisions and to explain the options (if any) available.  Days of chasing people down and increased frustration is inexcusable...even on a mass market line.

3.  Serving Marginal and Repetitive Food (I can't call it "Cuisine") -

*This one really blows my mind!  It makes my complaints about the Regent Seven Seas Prime 7 restaurant serving oversized portions not being luxury sort of "over the top".  There is presently one guest onboard the Silver Spirit that posts on her own blog, Cruise Critic and Luxury Cruise Talk message boards.  I appreciate Debbie's efforts and candor, but alas it is clear to me that we work/live in two totally different worlds.  Here is a link to her photo of the dinner served in the al fresco dining venue on Deck 10 (Beef on a Stone).  Seriously, the presentation, quality of vegetables and salad are shocking...even for a mid-range steakhouse.  But if you look at the other food (not "cuisine") photos Debbie has generously posted, you may come to the same conclusion I did:  It is NOT luxury...not even close.

*I have looked at some of the Silver Spirit menu offerings and it is just, plain and simple, the same dishes served over and over again.  Changing garnishes, side dishes and spices doesn't change the base offering.  Again, it may be an issue of lack of provisioning or finances, but don't just serve it...explain why!  Treating guests like lemmings rather than intelligent and understanding folks makes absolutely no sense...and it is not luxury.

4.  What About the Ship?  One thing I find absolutely of great concern is that other than the televisions being embedded in mirrors (which is, by the way, a typical Ritz Carlton and other high end hotel treatment; especially in bathrooms) not much else has really be raved about...or even commented on.  (It is being noted - now that the novelty for some has warn off - that in the sitting area of the suites, the television is not actually embedded in the mirror, but shows as a black rectangle in the wall when turned off.) 

Seriously is that all there is to talk about?  There have been no raves about the main restaurant or the other public spaces...other than some guests enjoying STARS Lounge (which doesn't open until 9:00 p.m. because it shares a galley - which is inexcusable on a new ship) despite its service misses.  OK, some like the bar in the reception area and other don't, calling it similar to a hotel lobby.  (Now remember when I blasted Ralph Grizzle,the Avid Cruiser, for asserting it was equal to the Seabourn Square?  Check that out here:  Stupid Comparisons.)

Give Silversea Some Time - I am very confident I am not the only one with so many concerns.  And, to be fair, we all must give Silversea time to make corrections and adjustments and to admit, "Oops, that was a bad idea"...and to actually train its staff. 

Please remember that if people like me do not criticize there is less chance of things being improved.  Cheerleading may make some feel better in the short term, and they are obviously entitled to do it, but that is not what I do for my clients.  I try my best to give unbiased and accurate information...which is proven time and time again on this blog. 

Remember my blasting so many things about the Regent Seven Seas Navigator and the cheerleaders attacking me and claiming I was pushing Seabourn?  Well, Prestige Cruise Holdings, Regent's owner, had the same assessment I did...and invested a fortune to make corrections.  In other words, what I told you was true...not a push toward Seabourn.  Similarly, here I have given you some comparisons to the new Seabourn Odyssey and the Silversea Silver Spirit; not to push anyone to Seabourn, but to give you valid comparisons.

Join the discussion at The Gold Standard Forum!

Seabourn Odyssey - Great Video of the Ship...and Thank You From Goldring Travel!

The Seabourn Odyssey recently made its United States debut. For those travel agents who were not invited to the Inaugural Cruise in Venice Seabourn invited them onboard and made a very interesting video.  It tells a very good visual story about the ship.

As a side note:  When you listen to the words of the travel agents in the video, recall that I had the honor of Seabourn flying me to Venice, enjoying the Inaugural Cruise and dining with the Captain at the first ever formal night on the Seabourn Odyssey. 

It was an privilege that I earned by treating my clients (you) in the same manner Seabourn treats them (you) as guests...and, in turn, they (you) bestow the same loyalty to me that is shown to Seabourn. And with that I must say, once again:  Thank You!

Is Your Travel Agent Hyping A Cruise Line? How Do You Know?

I had some very interesting conversations with some clients that recently returned from cruises yesterday.


I also received my certification as being a member of the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates, the IFTTA. The IFTTA is essentially an organization of attorneys and advocates from around the world that deal specifically with travel disputes. As such literally every day I receive decisions from various courts addressing issues such as whether a tour operator is required to disclose that a tour is scheduled for hurricane season or if a mis- or omitted statement as to visa requirements creates liability for the travel agency. (The inconsistency of rulings and the reversal rates are, frankly, incredible...only adding to the confusion as to what one's obligations are.)

Obviously, as a lawyer and travel agent I have great interest in both the business and legal end of making sure that my travel clients receive everything they are supposed to...and that they are well informed about their holiday before they make their final decision. To me this is more of an ethical obligation than a legal one and is why I have never been merely an "order taker" where clients call me up or email me and say "Book this cruise" and I simply reply, "OK." Time and time again, after a brief conversation a better option is settled on.

So what does this have to do with my conversations with happy clients that just returned from their cruises? Good question!

One client of mine (and regular reader of this blog) just returned from a cruise on the Seabourn Odyssey, which she truly enjoyed as her first Seabourn experience. Our conversation sort of ended on the topic of some people probably do not use me as their travel agent because I am so supportive of Seabourn to the point that it sounds like I am hyping the cruise line. I found that very interesting...and readily acknowledged that it probably was true.

The curious aspect of the conversation was that while she now believes Seabourn may not be the best fit for her (feeling it may be a bit too formal for her...at least in Europe) the food and service was not only a "10", but exceeded that which I have been representing to her directly, on this blog and on The Gold Standard Forum. She told me that you actually do receive true small ship service on the larger Seabourn yacht and gave me two examples.

- Seabourn offers smoothies at breakfast. She inquired if mango smoothies were ever made and was advised "occasionally". The next morning Seabourn had mango smoothies. That might seem the end of the story, but not on Seabourn. She didn't make it to breakfast that morning, so what did Seabourn do? Seabourn surprised her by delivering mango smoothies to her suite!

-She was interested in dining a Restaurant 2 when there was an Asian theme. She inquired as to whether a particular dish would be offered. The chef replied that it takes two days to prepare this dish, so it was not a regular offering. However, when they arrived for dinner two days later the special dish was presented..simply as a result of an inquiry.

As you know, if you know me, this blog or Seabourn, these are not actually special exceptions, but the way Seabourn does things. And it is why I am such a firm believer in Seabourn.

Now, relating back to her observation that some people do not book their cruises with me because I seem to be hyping Seabourn, I pause and ask, "How can I be hyping what is actually true?" As I explained to my client, unfortunately, there are people that are taken in by the marketing of Line X or, frankly, are comfortable with the product Line Y offers and don't want to deal with the emotions or concerns of change. While I may never book those individuals on a Seabourn cruise (not my goal!), it is hoped that they take away that what I tell them about any cruise line is truly what I believe and that it is accurate.

I also spoke with another client that just returned from an extended cruise on Oceania. This Seabourn regular was very pleased with his cruise and, in fact, booked another extended Oceania cruise, due in large part to the fantastic itinerary. (Keeping it in context, he has Seabourn cruises booked in between.) He raved that the staff was very good, the food was "a solid 'B'", the alternative dining venues were excellent and the Penthouse accommodations were fine. (They were not of Seabourn caliber, but that was never expected.)

But, as I cautioned him, Oceania is a fine product, but it is not inexpensive. He was actually quite put off by the liquor and wine prices...though he did appreciate that Oceania does allow you to bring your own liquor onboard, but requests you consume it in your cabin/suite. ($10.00 + tip for a Bloody Mary and a bartender's request if he would like a "double" when he ordered a scotch were things that put him off.) He also felt, at times, that the ship was just too crowded; especially at lunch time when not in port. Finally he felt that the gratuities being charged were excessive.

In the end, as I had previously said to him and have said on this blog, the Oceania cruise in a Penthouse suite ultimately cost him more than a Seabourn cruise. He agreed, but said it was worth it for the itinerary.

Was I hyping Seabourn???? Absolutely not. I was speaking the truth. And armed with the truth, he was neither shocked nor disappointed on his Oceania cruise. Honestly, he loved it. And, as I said, he booked another Oceania cruise. Now, if I did not tell him that Oceania was more expensive than Seabourn don't you think he would have been shocked and unhappy? Instead he was pretty darn happy.

By my being absolutely honest and using accurate information about Seabourn as a known benchmark both clients were happy. One was "WOW'd" by Seabourn and the other was thoroughly pleased by Oceania. One purchased an opening booking on Seabourn and one purchased an Oceania cruise.

In the end it is about honesty and integrity. The IFTTA would not exist if travel agents and suppliers provided what they represented. And Goldring Travel prides itself on providing its clients with accurate representations, not hype, as well as excellent pricing and service.

When you call or email me, please remember I belong to both...and the Better Business Bureau too!

Seabourn Odyssey Video

CruiseReport.com has just posted a very nice video made during the Seabourn Odyssey's maiden transatlantic voyage earlier this month.

Take a look:

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas- It's Here!

Love it or leave it, it really doesn't matter. While you may never want to step foot on her or you can't wait to play in Central Park and watch the Aqua Show high dive, the ship is really something to marvel.

OK, I compared the Seabourn Odyssey to the Silversea Silver Spirit, so I might as well do it to the Oasis of the Seas:

Seabourn Odyssey and Sojourn - After and Before

Today the Seabourn Odyssey arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It is great to finally see this new ship arrive in the United States.

And, for some contrast, here is a recent photo of her sister, the Seabourn Sojourn. OK, she needs some work, but see above to see how great she will look.

Silversea's Silver Spirit - Some New Photos...And A Warning About Ralph Grizzle (The Avid Cruiser).

One nice things about having a ship built at Fincantieri is that you have great confidence it will be delivered on time.  Regardless of any other issues, Silversea is blessed with having the Silversea Silver Spirit being delivered as it should be...and, it would seem, in a properly cleaned condition.  This stands in stark contrast to the horrid mess T. Marrioti delivered the Seabourn Odyssey in...and should give Silversea every opportunity to start off on the right foot - with delivery of an excellent right from the start (giving, of course, some leeway for the expected - and unexpected - glitches immediately after any delivery).

There has been some discussion on The Gold Standard Forum about the Silver Spirit appearing to be someone front and top heavy.  (You can read and join in the discussion under "Luxury at Sea - The Hardware").  To my eye she doesn't have the most sleek lines, but the efforts to stack as much as possible on this ship have not ruined the lines to the extent of the Norwegian Epic. 

Compare, however, the lines to the Seabourn Odyssey and you will see what I mean.

To my eye it is as if an additional 2 decks were added midships and forward.  Would this determine if I liked the ship or not, or if I would recommend her or not.  Absolutely not!  It is just comment.

What might make a difference is how she handles in wind and heavy seas.  With today's truly remarkable technologies both through engineering design and equipment it is possible to counter many forces (top-heaviness, wind loads, etc..)  Knowing that Fincantieri makes good ships is one thing, seeing that the client's design as implemented by the shipyard works is another.  We shall soon see how she handles.

Silversea has also released some photos of some of the public spaces (albeit sans furnishings - to be expected this far from delivery).

The Reception Area appears attractive, but to me looks very hotel or banquet hall - esque.  I do have a bit of an eye for new construction work (having managed a superyacht yard for a while).  What I see appears to be very well executed, but not intimate.  It is a concern for me, and guests, that as luxury ships get larger they may just get too impersonal...losing the very character that makes them attractive in the first instance.

It may be that with the addition of the furnishings, this area will be broken up into more intimate areas.  It is why, to me, releasing this particular photo is curious.  (Sorry if I sound negative.  I just have to call it as I see it.  And I don't see why these particular photos were the ones chosen to be release.)

La Terrazza is the causal dining area.

I don't have much to say about this area because it doesn't show much.  BTW, the shiny areas on the carpet is carpet protectors that are put down during construction and taken up as the space is completed.

I do, however, have a bone to pick with the Observation Lounge.

Why would you place a bar so close to the windows...and then orient it so that you are looking away from the windows (and into the bar)?  This is just bad design...from what I can tell from one photo. (I am not sure what is in the distance, but it does seem like it is better.)  Again, comparing it to the bars on ships from the Royal Caribbean Viking Crown Lounges, to the Celebrity Solstice-Class ships to the Seabourn Odyssey, the concept is to have a centralized bar with no real obstructions above bar height, so people can sit and, well, "observe" (something other than the bartender). It doesn't have to be the same old thing; my point is that this is a design topic long ago visited by many designers with some very good results.

The Warning

I would like to make one point clear:  I have absolutely no economic motivation to say anything negative about Silversea.  I have clients that book Silversea.  I have other clients that have booked Silversea with other agencies.  The fact is Silversea has some of the best itineraries out there.  I want it to be a great product (and it ain't bad!), because the more cruises I sell, the more money I make (and it is not like everyone I meet is going to both love and purchase a Seabourn cruise).  But I have to be honest. 

In that regard, I have taken issue with some of the comments Ralph Grizzle - The Avid Cruiser - has posted as "journalism" or "news" tauting how wonderful Silversea's new ship is and how it is better than the Seabourn Odyssey.  (Remember my post about his claiming the Reception Area was as good as the Seabourn Square?) I have listened to him criticize the size and sound of the Seabourn televisions and the crowd he observed on the Marina the very first day it was in operation and wondered, "What's up with Ralph Grizzle?"  Read my post "I Hate Stupid Comparisons:  Seabourn Odyssey vs. Silversea Spirit!"

Now I know why.  The Avid Cruiser (Ralph Grizzle) is, without question, being paid by Silversea to spread positive comments about the new build.  Check out Silversea's blog and check out who produced its video interview of the chef, the video of the Silversea staterooms, etc. It is Ralph Grizzle.  He has become nothing other than a walking infomercial! 

The problem is that he has never disclosed this in his "journalistic" pieces which are distributed around the internet.  (How many times have you heard CNN note its relationship with an entity it is reporting on?  Regularly, right.)  Why has he not disclosed this?  The answer is unavoidable:  It is to mislead you into thinking you are receiving impartial information regarding whatever it is he is reporting on.

Is there anything wrong with being paid to promote a product?  Absolutely not.  Is there a law against doing what Mr. Grizzle is doing?  Probably not.  But the ethics of it to me just stink.  Folks you want all the information you can get and you want it to be reliable.  But, more importantly, you want to be able to honestly and fairly weigh the information.

I make no bones about my being one of the world's top sellers of Seabourn cruises.  While I may be that because many factors, it clearly has been seen by some as causing a bias in my comments being favorable to Seabourn (or anti-Silversea).  I clearly disagree with that (and don't even understand how a travel agent makes more money being critical of a particular cruise line), but at least you have the information available to you to make your own decision.

Now, if you will, go back and read Mr. Grizzle's "news" reports and, in fact, re-read this post.  Let me know what you now think.  Join the discussion on The Gold Standard Forum!

Seabourn Odyssey - Dinner Reservation Issues Solved

There is a phrase that comes to mind...and I shudder to mention it when speaking of Seabourn or any other luxury line:  "Chair Hog"!

The problem associated with those towels, books and t-shirts strewn across lounge chairs "reserving" them for all daylight hours; only to use them for a portion of that time, apparently was the problem with dinner reservations on the Seabourn Odyssey.

People would call up and reserve a table at the the Colonnade, Patio Grill and/or Restaurant 2 and then "no show" resulting in people who really wanted to dine there blocked out and the restaurants wanting to serve guests suffering with empty tables.  The "Hogs" were at it!  They selfishly made sure they had what they wanted, but were simply inconsiderate of literally everyone around them. And they did it knowing that of the vocal complaints by those frustated by their actions.  (Seabourn would never say this...or even admit to this really being the issue...but I can and do!)

The solution:  Take the damn stuff off the lounge chairs!  The answer is so simple.  But it has been done in a Seabourn way.  Rather than removing the stuff (in this case reservations for those that have "no showed" a prior reservation during the cruise) Seabourn has eliminated the ability to put the stuff down in the first place. 

That's right:  The solution was to eliminate the ability to rudely block others.  No Reservations will be required for Colonnade or Patio Grill (or, obviously, the Main Restaurant).  Reservations will still be required for Restaurant 2, but the menu will not change on a daily - but rather, a weekly - basis.

Obviously more people will be able to enjoy the various venues without a worry of the not having a reservation and the number of empty tables will be reduced.  However, people may have to to be a bit patient and enjoy a cocktail or the view if a table is not immediately available.  (Or they have the other dining options.)

As for Restaurant 2, since the menu will not change as frequently - which may be a disappointment for some - it will most certainly reduce the demand.  The disappointment will be two-fold:  Those that really enjoy the frequently changing menu and those that don't like the weekly offering.  (Obviously, those on for 8 days or longer will have two menus or more to enjoy.)

Now, please keep in mind this remains a work in progress.  For example, possibly the Restaurant 2 menu can be changed more frequently.  Possibly their may need to be a tweaking as to those who really want to dine al fresco. 

If you have an opinion, concern, complaint or whatever, please join the conversation on The Gold Standard Forum.

I Hate Stupid Comparisons - Seabourn Odyssey vs. Silversea Spirit

Ralph Grizzle has obviously made quite a play, with his "review" of the Silversea Spirit sea trial being repackaged and represented on a number of different websites. Bless him for the marketing, but seriously, it is enough with pushing out blatant marketing material, week after week, month after month, as allegedly objective cruise reviews.  It is, at least to me, downright offensive and a blight on those of us trying to be objective.  In a way, it is similar to the "cheearleaders" that post false information on message boards because of some sordid belief they must support their favorite line...at all costs.

Now the substance:

When I read a review that gives one ship higher marks because its standard suites are allegedly 11 square feet larger I think, "How Stupid!" That amounts to less than 6 inches in length or a foot in width. Objectively, heaven forbid, I would challenge one to be able to actually feel any difference no less live in the suite better.  Yes, a couple of inches here or there - dependent on whether the admittedly absent furnishings are placed - may make a difference, but as a "it is better" makes no sense.  What if, as it seems may be the case, the bed conflicts with the bathroom door?  Still and edge with "all" that extra space???

Compare his comments about the televisions: Silver Spirit has two 26" TVs (one behind mirror) and Seabourn Odyssey has one. Fair enough. But would I ever use that criteria for "giving the edge" to one ship over another? Never. Seriously, how many luxury cruisers truly care about the televisions? How many actually never turn them on? I legitimate point (and important to a few), but in the world of comparing entire ships...nothing more than a footnote. In fact, as a foot note, to me it is no different than Silversea having a pillow menu ala Celebrity Concierge Class cabins. (Not so special now, is it?!)  It is a nice touch, but really not so special...and anyone with experience in this industry knows this.
Then there is the comment that Silver Spirit gets an edge because it is larger than the Seabourn Odyssey? Huh? In the luxury cruise world, larger passenger counts have never been seen as better...ever. So with 540 guests vs. 450 guests (20% more) on a ship that has yet to explain what public spaces are truly unique (style of restaurants aside) or function better I am sort of baffled by the alleged "benefit". Maybe there is one...but tell me what it is!

My favorite is the comments, "With its reception area, Spirit has matched Seabourn Square (Odyssey’s library/internet café/coffee shop/purser’s desk/shore excursions and attractive public room), by integrating a bar and dining area for light snacks." Huh??? Aside from the fact that the Seabourn Square has more going for it than stated (such as a full bar, something a bit more upscale than a "coffee shop", a complete concierge service and multiple public spaces indoors and outside) to say the addition of a bar and dining area for light snacks (now, why didn't he call it a "snack bar"?????) takes a purser's counter and transforms it into an area which has drawn consistent raves from Seabourn guests, is just dishonest.

As Mr. Grizzle finally admits, Silversea is going to have to deliver service.  The best hardware in the world is not going to to do much for guests if the service...and cuisine...is not up to standards.  He admits he had no service during the sea trial, but writes as if that is cool.  While I cannot imagine any cruise line wanting journalists (or marketeers) on a sea trial, what I do know is that if Seabourn was to do it, it would have provided some service...because Seabourn is all about service.  I expect, as a guest, at least some acknowledgment.  Possibly a bottle of wine, some nice sandwiches, nothing big...but some service.

I would think that before anyone makes comparisons they would (A) actually see the completed ship; and (B) experience the ship in its completed state.  But maybe that is because I am not looking to be paid...or even shall I say "brown nose"...Integrity has some place in a cruise review...doesn't it?

To be sure, I am hoping the Silver Spirit is delivered as a fine ship.  I have been told all those finishes that were were missing when Mr. Grizzle was onboard are not up to standards.  But, alas, I have not seen them...so how could I comment?!  (Get the point?)  But if the Silver Spirit is all that it is supposed to be, it may well be the answer to Silversea's lagging sales and somewhat lackluster experiences of late. 

Remember, just as much as I believe in the Seabourn product I believe in competition and options.  No cruise line is for everyone and I don't work for the cruise lines. 

I work for my clients...the cruise guests.

Berlitz 2010 Scores: Seabourn is the World's Best Cruise Line

Douglas Ward annually publishes his Berlitz ‘Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships’. In the about to be released 2010 edition (the 25th edition) he ranks every Seabourn ship in its uppermost echelon.

Mr. Ward bases his review on a plethora of items with each weighted as he deems appropriate: Cabin storage; amenities; service; food quality; ship facilities; decor; etc. If you read Mr. Ward's reviews of virtually every cruise ship out there, you will find that he has some definite likes and dislikes and standards which may or may not be the same as yours. For example, comment is regularly made on the cheese selections which for most would not be sufficiently high on the one's rating radar to mention it when going to press. (I happen to love cheese, so I enjoy his comments, but I am fascinated that he tends not to mention whether a proper cup of tea can be obtained.)

Some refer to the annual review as a "bible". I think that is a bit of an overstatement. It can be a valuable resource, however. The information and ratings, even with Mr. Ward's personal preferences, are about as objective as anything out there. No ballot stuffing. No kissing up to a particular cruise line. So what you have is one man's measuring of how each ship matches up with his ideal cruise ship. As I said, it isn't perfect, but when trying to objectively find information about a particular ship and comparing one ship to another I don't think there is a better single source out there.

It is reported that for 2010 the Seabourn Odyssey was the top Seabourn ship with a total of 1,787 points out of a possible 2,000 (second in the ratings only to his longtime favorite Hapag Lloyd’s Europa ). Following very closely behind are the Seabourn Legend which scored 1,779, the Seabourn Spirit at 1,700 and the Seabourn Pride with 1,769.

You will note that the Seabourn Odyssey did not rate that much higher than the Seabourn triplets...(or is that the triplets did not rate that much lower than the Seabourn Odyssey?). That is, I mentioned, a function of what Mr. Ward places emphasis on. You will also note that the Seabourn Legend rated slightly higher than its two virtually identical sisters. (Interesting as the Legend has only one lavatory sink in each suite, while the Pride and Spirit have two. Possibly there was an incredible meal, a special wine or better cheese to bump up the Legend's rating?)

Overall that indicates there is - as there should be - a great consistency among and between each of the four ships. And, of course, that Seabourn has the top fleet of luxury cruise ships...from cuisine to service...out there.

Silversea Silver Spirit - A Short Video, Some Details and Some Thoughts

Ralph Grizzle, the Avid Cruiser, has created a short video of the new Silver Spirit as she is on her sea trials. I thought it might be of interest to you:



For those of you panicked that the ship will not be finished in time, know that the shipyard has a history of completing on time or early and that much of what needs to be installed is waiting in warehouses. Much gets done to make the ship look "done"; especially in the final weeks (not months). The soft goods are up to Silversea and I have previously reported on same.

I am holding out before commenting on the interiors any further. I am not seeing anything that makes me terribly excited so far. For example, the pool area is actually quite ordinary. (I haven't seen stacking three whirlpools so close together before, so maybe there is a concept there that hasn't been explained or developed, but that is about it for something of note that I see.)

Similarly, the spa is reported to be a mere 6,000+ square feet. That seems quite small when considering it is to service 540 luxury guests. By comparison the new Seabourn Odyssey's spa is 11,400 square feet and services about 20% fewer guests (450).

Most importantly to me, the essence of luxury cruising is the staff and crew. Other than Silversea announcing that every suite will have a butler (though what that butler substantively does in addition to what is normally provided...other than allowing you to see another uniform...hasn't been disclosed), Silversea has not advised how it plans on servicing 25-35% more guests than it does on its other ships or what it is doing to assure the staff on the Silver Spirit is fully trained and won't deplete the top staff on its other ships. (By contrast Seabourn made a big deal of its Seabourn Academy for its new staff...and it has, well and truly, paid off with consistently great service on all of its ships.) Silversea, if there is a program in place to assure great service, please let us know.