Goldring Travel - 2008 Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Spirit Photos

Here are a few photos from the 2008 Goldring Travel Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Spirit. If you have kept up with the blog they will not need any explanation! I hope you enjoy them.

Also, the Seabourn Spirit's very own Captain Geir-Arne - my good friend - has his own website where he posts great photos of all of his cruises.  He is not finished uploading all of the photos from our cruise, but keep checking back to see more here:  http://www.captain-ga.com/thumbnails.php?album=82 .

Goldring Travel's 2008 Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Spirit: Travelogue Part IV

Up early we disembarked the Seabourn Spirit for a few days in Istanbul.

We stayed at the Ceylon Intercontinental rather than our normal hotel, The Ciragan Palace.  With the relative strength of the new Turkish Lira to the falling Pound and Euro, coupled with extraordinary hotel demand in Istanbul, The Ciragan Palace became just too expensive.  We made the right decision.  For the same price as a Bosporus view room at Ciragan we were able to book a large suite at the Ceylon.  Combining that rate with our membership in Intercontinental Ambassador's program which provides for a complimentary upgrade...and then using the annual, one weekend night free, coupon...we were upgraded to the Galata Suite (a two room suite complete with a whirlpool tub with a glass walled view of Istanbul from Topkapi Palace to Ortakoy and the bridge to Asia.)

We took a lovely, if not long, walk from Taksim Square to the Galata Bridge, over to the Spice Bazaar and then to the Grand Bazaar, then walking back to the Golden Horn...where we decided it was time to grab a taxi.  After a power nap it was off to a wonderful dinner at Bice with our "family" in Istanbul.

The next day started out absolutely beautiful, so we decided to skip the hamam (Turkish baths) and take the ferry over to Buyukada, the largest of the Princess Islands.  It was a short walk to the ferry and for about $1.50 we were off on a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and to 4 of the Princess Islands.  Sounds great, right?  Well about 30 minutes in the wind and rain started and then the seas got rough.

We eventually arrived in Buyukada in the rain.  We found a lovely local place for a truly delicious lunch of grilled fish, Iskender kebab, cicik, ekmek and salads and then decided discretion was the better part of valor and we headed back to take an earlier ferry home since the weather wasn't cooperating.  But this is where it got interesting for me.

The highlight of my day was watching all of the different cultures on the ferry.  How the rudest people were a small group comprised of two Arab men and four women in burkhas.  How the tough older Turkish men would not give up their seats for anyone...until two elderly Caucasian women came by and they quickly did so.  How everyone was so tolerant of the Turkish children...who were always treated like treasures.  How I noticed more woman with Muslim head-coverings than I had in my previous visits.

However, my ultimate ferry ride highlight, was the salesman.  A large, bald, loud, voice-strained, man in a crooked tie who was selling sets of kitchen knives - flashing them about like an angry sultan!  He was good...very good.  And all the while I am thinking of those that improperly consider Istanbul such a dangerous place and here was a man literally supplying huge knives to the entire ferry as if it was nothing.  (Imagine that on the Staten Island Ferry going to New York City!).  I did not understand a word of what he was saying, but I kept thinking "Damn, he's good!"  And when the knives were sold out, he sold those little lemon juicer gizmos and then pens.  It was a great day...and an example of ya' never know.

That evening we were guests at one of the hottest restaurants in Istanbul:  360.  Very trendy.  If you didn't know where it was, you would never know it was there.  The views are worth finding the place...which late in the night becomes a "see and be seen" club.  It is nice to have family in Istanbul!

One last walk around Istanbul in the morning before heading to the airport.  And what a memorable ride that was.  There was horrible traffic on the expressway, so our taxi driver used the shoulder, entrance ramps...even construction zones...to weave his way to the airport. You had to be there to appreciate the terror! 

But we made it...and so ended our absolutely fantastic Seabourn Food & Wine Cruise 2008.

Goldring Travel's 2008 Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Spirit: Travelogue Part II

Still being blessed with wonderful weather we arrived in Fethiye, Turkey; a small yachting and tourist town near some very interesting historical and beach sites. Having traveled in the area fairly extensively in the past (including chartering a gulet - a Turkish wooded sailing yacht- for a private Blue Water Cruise a few years ago...but that is another topic) we used the day to relax, stroll around the town, permit my wife to start getting back into speaking Turkish, and later to meet up with my brother-in-law and his family who coincidentally were visiting Fethiye on holidays from Scotland. After picking up some local wines (sort of a challenge in Turkey) we enjoyed a very good typical Turkish lunch of various kebabs and yogurt with some local wines at a local restaurant. This was, of course, followed by a well deserved restful soak in the "secret" forward hot tub.


The captain, Geir-Arne, my good friend, invited my group to the bridge for the sail away from Fethiye and, with my good "supervision" of course, he did a great job missing the dock and setting us out to the open ocean; charming everyone as always "aboard yourrrrrrr Seeeeaboooorrrn Spirit"! It was then off to get ready for a wonderful dinner at the Captain's Table for dinner. With the Captain charming everyone I sat back and enjoyed the always wonderful tasting menu. I must say that the quality and small touches that come out of Chef Jochem's galley are worthy of special note.

It was then on to Kusadasi, Turkey yesterday. It was, without question, one of the nicest days I have have ever spent while on holidays. We awoke to a cool, but very sunny, morning for our tour of Ephesus and our cooking class. We arrived at Ephesus with some crowds, but nothing like those seen in the summer months. More importantly, without the heat you were actually able to stroll in comfort rather than feel sort of stressed by the heat to complete your journey back in time down the Roman streets. Our guide was charming and, having been there twice before, I sort of allowed my mind to wonder; knowing my guests were being well cared for. It was then off to the small village of Sirince (pronounced Sur-in-gee) which was filled with wonderful old streets lined with traditional shops and, fortunate for us, many wine shops as grapes are grown in the village. (I picked up a "local" bottle of wine - no label - and hopefully it will be the same wine I tasted in the shop!). Other than the wine shops it was a wonderful step back in time. (It reminded me a bit of Sintra, Portugal).

The highlight, however, was our next stop: our cooking class. A wonderful older woman, with a bright smile, and most definitely "cooking with love" had us gather in her small restaurant's kitchen (and with Seabourn limiting this tour to 16 people it was perfect) where she prepared six different dishes with remarkable speed and then added them to a fantastic buffet which we all enjoyed in her garden; my lunch accompanied by the traditional raki drink. A treat...hopefully...was my Turkish coffee where my grounds were read and I was told of the riches and joy which are soon to come to me as the fruit of my previous hard labor. With Seabourn providing each of us with a Turkish cookbook, we may not be able to repeat the the atmosphere when we get home, but we can sure give making some of the dishes a try.

After the obligatory carpet shop ending to our tour, we then headed into the bazaar and met up with a jeweler we had purchased some things from in one of our past visits. Having dodged that bullet and being able to leave with no new purchases, it was time for a quick rest and then off to the Exclusively Seabourn Experience in Ephesus. We arrived by bus to a beautifully lit Roman city with candle lit tables with small tastings and local wines being poured. Out of pure luck we sat at the table which was right in front of the Library directly viewing the chamber musicians who played a lovely variety of classical pieces in this truly romantic and inspiring at the same time setting. Then it was back to the ship for a wonderful Seabourn Welcome Home greeting. Then it was a fantastic Seabourn Grill buffet and the Rock the Boat show out on deck.

Tomorrow is our last day...but it is the Galley Market Lunch and then our Food and Wine Tasting!

Prinsendam Fans - An Unbelievable Deal - And You Can Only Get It Here!

For those who want to cruise on the former Seabourn Sun, Holland America has made two incredible 2008 European sailings available to me (and to very few travel agents anywhere!) on the Prinsendam which are - ready for this - AIR INCLUSIVE at cruise only rates!

Here are the details:
14 day Black Sea Cruise Rome to Piraeus
September 18, 2008 or
October 16, 2008

Civitavecchia (Rome)
At Sea
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sarande, Albania
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece
At Sea
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
Sochi, Russia
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Nessebur, Bulgaria
At Sea
Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey
Piraeus, Greece

Pricing is as follows:

Inside from: $2,299
Oceanview from: $2,499
Veranda from: $4,999
Veranda Suite from: $6.749
Deluxe Veranda Suite from: $10,499

Prices include the fuel supplement, but do not include taxes of up to $236 per person. Also, there is some limitation as to air gateway cities, with some having a $100 or $200 supplement. Obviously, restrictions apply and the offer is subject to capacity controls and/or prior sale and may be withdrawn at any time. (If you check the posted fares on the Holland America site you will see this is not a "smoke and mirrors" offer, but the real thing. )

If you are thinking about a cruise this fall, a 14 day European cruise air inclusive in an oceanview for $5,000...on the Prinsendam no less...is something you just shouldn't pass up. Call or email me quickly as this is sure not to last.

Seabourn Food & Wine Cruise - September 27, 2008

On September 27, 2008 I will be hosting a special Food & Wine Cruise on the all suite, all luxury, Seabourn Spirit cruising from Athens to Istanbul. I have a number of events and tours planned which should make this cruise even better than the one I hosted last year on the Seabourn Legend which cruised from Barcelona to Monte Carlo.

This is the itinerary:

Saturday - September 27 Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Sunday - September 28 Mykonos, Greek Isles
Monday - September 29 Mylos, Greek Isles
Tuesday - September 30 Patmos, Greek Isles
Wednesday -October 1 Fethiye, Turkey
Thursday - October 2 Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Friday - October 3 Cruising The Dardanelles
Saturday - October 4 Istanbul, Turkey

My thoughts and plans:

I suggest arriving early into Athens and overnighting at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel with views of the Acropolis from your room. After a rest, dinner at leisure in a local restaurant as a way to begin immersion into the Greek and Turkish foods and customs to follow.

On the morning of the cruise I will be providing a complimentary tour of Athens with one of the best driver-guides in Greece, whom I have personally used on a number of occasions. We will stop at all of the important sites, have a wander around the Plaka and then enjoy a local Greek lunch before heading over to Piraeus to board the Seabourn Spirit for a 5:00 p.m. departure.

The next morning we arrive in Mykonos...just as many of the Saturday night partiers are going to bed. This morning is a great time to slowly wander over to the beach or wander about the narrow alleys of the town, followed by a local lunch. Because the Spirit doesn't sail until 11:00 p.m. there is plenty of time to head back to the ship and then enjoy some early nightlife and dinner back in town.

.

I have not yet been to Mylos, but I understand the natural beauty is breathtaking...as are the whitewashed houses and windmills. I am looking forward to what I expect to be a great opportunity to enjoy truly local foods and wines in a location unspoiled by hoards of tourists.

.

In Patmos I am hosting a complimentary tour to all passengers who have booked through an Ensemble Consortium travel agent. This island, long a pilgrimage destination, offers some wonderful cultural opportunities. My tour, starting at 1:00 p.m. (so you have plenty of time to explore on your own or just "beach it"!) will include a visit to the town of Chora and the Monastery of St. John (built in 1088). From there we travel to the Grotto of St. John were it is said he wrote the Book of Revelations (95-97 AD). Leaving the important religious history of the island, we will then visit a traditional Patmain house which is said to be breathtaking and filled with 18th Century furnishings, mosaics and crafts. Finally, we drive to the settlement of Aloni for some ouzo and Greek snacks before returning the our ship in Scala.

.

We cruise overnight to Fethiye, Turkey for a fantastic day which can be one immersed in the ancient Lycian history of the area including a boat ride through the numerous waterways, or tours of other nearby historical cultures of Lycian, Hellenistic, Latin and Byzantine periods or you can opt to take a tour to a wonderful hotel on the Oludeniz (Dead Sea) or just wander the local area and enjoy a Turkish Bath in a 400 year old Hamam or shop, eat and drink!

.

Probably the highlight of our next day, in Kusadasi, will be our Exclusive Seabourn Experience. After a day exploring the incredible Roman city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, and shopping at the Bazaar, Seabourn will transport us back to Ephesus for an enchanted private evening of chamber music, wine, cocktails and canapes. As we depart Kusadasi at 11:30 p.m. some evening exploration and shopping is something to consider.

.

Finally a relaxing day at sea. This day, however, is not just any day at sea. We will be passing by Gallipoli, a battle site which is extraordinarily important to both sides of that war which had enormous casualties. The Turkish people consider the battle as the start of modern Turkey - with Ataturk leading the movement eight years later and the United Kingdom and Australians (ANZAC) consider it sacred not only to all those who lost their lives, but as a defining moment in understanding their nationalism.

.

I plan on having a complimentary private wine tasting during the day where we can taste and discuss not only some of the interesting local wines and foods, but share some of the wonderful times we will have had during our cruise. If Seabourn comes through like it did during last year's cruise, this will be a truly memorable event.

.

It is worth rising early our last morning to share our arrival in Istanbul on the port side of the ship. While we are disembarking this morning, Istanbul is a fascinating city and is, to be sure, one of my favorite places in the world. Some people are partaking of Seabourn's "Sail and Stay" program which includes transfers, two nights at the Swisshotel and a half day tour of Istanbul.

Others are making their own arrangements. I would highly recommend the Ciragan Palace and the Four Seasons as possbile alternatives.

.

I will be staying in Istanbul for two days after the cruise, so I will be available to assist you while you are there. I hope to, however, be tied up in a full day visit to an ancient Hamam; something I have been looking forward to repeating from a visit some years ago!

.

Highlights of Istanbul include my favorite little town of Ortakoy (which means middle village), Dolmabaci Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Yerebatan Saray (the underground cisterns - a favorite of mine!), the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar and, of course, the Grand Bazaar. There are so many other things to do and see in Istanbul such as the Galata Tower, a ferry ride up the Bosporus, many other mosques/synagogues/churches, shops and restaurants galore, etc., etc.

.

This is going to be a fantastic experience not only from all that Seabourn has to offer, but what Greece and Turkey do, from culture, history, sun and sand, food and, of course, wine.

.

If you are interested in this cruise, please let me know as soon as possible. There is limited availability.