| Overview
Service has been a hallmark of the Seabourn Pride (and sister ships Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit) and we're happy to report that, on a recent sailing, it was superb. You'll feel like Norm on "Cheers" -- everyone knows your name (though of course the crew will address you properly, not by your first name but by Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms.). Everyone has a friendly smile and is ready to offer a helpful hand, or arm (women are escorted to their seats in the dining room on the arms of particularly handsome waiters).
Request a double espresso one night, and you'll get one every night, even if you change tables. Request a certain brand of vodka, and the bartender is likely to remember your preference. In fact, guests get such a high level of European-style service on this 208-passenger ultra-luxury ship that the somewhat rare complaint might strike you as surreal: Huffed one passenger sitting in the Veranda Cafe on a recent cruise, "the coffee pot is constantly there after you take a sip or two!"
As well, the crew exhibits a delightful sense of humor and a real sense of pride. Our traveler took a pre-dinner bath without requesting one of the line's complimentary specialty aromatherapy bath products. When she returned to her cabin after dinner a bottle of fancy bubble bath was propped on her pillow as a reminder.
And when the crew does make a mistake -- dessert service ran into showtime for one table on a recent cruise -- the hotel director is likely to go out of his way to make it up to the passengers (in this case serving dessert to the passengers in the show lounge and then sending a bottle of good champagne and an elaborate letter of apology to the passengers' cabins).
Beyond service, the ambiance is classically elegant on Seabourn Pride -- much more "old money" than "Hollywood flash." All cabins are comfortable and sedate suites. Public rooms are comfortably elegant but not terribly memorable. Onboard activities are very limited -- so passengers entertain themselves with quiet pursuits. Conversation is very easily a highlight; since these passengers tend to be a well-traveled bunch, topics come easily.
Other highlights of the Seabourn experience? The champagne flows freely and caviar is on the house (though portions have gotten smaller -- so if you're big on caviar, ask for double). It's one of cruising's most all-inclusive experiences, with freebies like a welcome bottle of champagne, an in-suite bar set up (with full bottles of your pre-selected booze), and nearly all drinks (you pay extra only for premium brands). You also get decent wines with lunch and dinner (the line is introducing its own Seabourn label with seven varieties produced by top Northern California vineyards), and tips for the crew are included in your cruise fare. Free mini massages are offered poolside on sunny days and there's no extra fee for a Pilates class or wine-tasting seminar.
If there's a downside to the Seabourn experience (all three ships in the fleet are virtually identical) -- and a possible hindrance to competing with other five-star lines that have more recently built ships -- it would be the onboard decor. Public rooms, such as The Club, the ship's main gathering spot, are simply bland. Staterooms are comfortable but lack more -- and increasingly important -- contemporary amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, DVD players, bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The ship has few balconies, aside from suites, though some staterooms do have French doors.
The news is twofold, however. First, the ambiance is so comfortable -- and the service so spectacular -- that you really won't notice decor all that much. The other bright spot? In late 2005 and early 2006, all of Seabourn's ships will experience an extended drydock refurbishment, particularly targeting public areas.
Public Rooms
All cabins are suites and offer ocean views, mostly through picture windows. French balconies on 36 suites have glass doors that open, so you can let in the fresh air (you can also step out about a foot and a half).
Standard suites are a generous 277 square ft. and have small walk-in closets, large marble bathrooms with double sinks and a tub/shower, hair dryers, lighted vanities, terry robes and slippers, personalized stationary, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a complimentary bar setup, fresh fruit that's replenished daily, a small sofa, a coffee table that can be raised for dining, twin beds (that can be combined to make a queen) and duvet covers. There are also six larger classic suites and owner's suites with small private verandahs (the owner's suites also come with dining rooms and powder rooms). And there are four suites that can be combined to make two doubles.
The decor is simple; some might say boring. Blues and tans dominate, and there are lots of mirrors and lots of lights (which can be annoying if you can't find the right switch). A minor redecoration is planned (we recommend the line get ride of the blah blue "decorative" pillows, which aren't decorative at all). Little surprises make the experience special, though, in this case chocolates left at turndown along with roses, rose petals, towels shaped like animals (did Seabourn learn this from Carnival?) and other surprises.
Toiletries are the very exquisite, British-based Molton Brown, but if that's not good enough passengers can choose from a selection of additional designer soaps. You can also choose from a menu of aromatherapy bath salts and bubble baths, and have your room steward draw you a bath (it will make you feel like a millionaire).
An in-room VCR allows you to watch movies borrowed from the ship's video library (although the selection there is not very current) TV channels include a couple of in-house movie channels (the schedule is printed in your daily bulletin), a channel replaying shipboard lectures, CNN, and whatever can be picked up locally. You can listen to CD's on your cabin's Bose Wave sound system (although don't trust the clocks on the Bose units, as due to the ship's electrical current the time is almost always off; there are printed notes in the cabin warning of this).
Some people like to entertain in their cabins (you already have the bar set up, after all), and room service is happy to provide canapes and/or caviar.
Warning: Seabourn has a bit of a soundproofing problem. The cabin doors and closet, and bathroom doors tend to slam and you may hear your neighbor open and close his or her drawers too. This is so annoying to some we've heard reports of fist fights breaking out over slammed doors. That's why several times during your cruise you may receive a note reminding you to slowly and quietly open doors and drawers .
Fitness and Recreation
Like its sister ships, the Seabourn Pride is fitted with a water sports marina that can be lowered when the ship is at anchor and is equipped with windsurfers, sail boats, Zodiacs, water skis, a banana boat and snorkel equipment. In the center of the marina is a steel mesh cage that forms a swimming pool.
The ship also has a small, oddly placed swimming pool on its top deck (it is in a shaded area in the center of the ship and there is no seating around it) as well as three whirlpools (including one hidden in the prow that couples can reserve for a romantic evening complete with champagne and caviar). Via the line's "Massage Moments" program, free mini massages are sometimes available on the sun deck.
The sun deck is separate from the pool, but there are plenty of cushioned deck chairs there and they are popular on sunny days. Fitness facilities include a recently enhanced workout room, three treatment rooms (an additional one is being added when the ship goes into dry dock), steam and a beauty salon. Because space is tight in the gym, exercise classes are held in The Club. Fitness classes not only include the now-typical Yoga, Pilates, and Stronger Abs but also the Chinese body movements known as Chi Kung (which literally means "energy work".
Entertainment
Seabourn has made recent efforts to improve entertainment and it shows. The stage in the show lounge is small, but just right for big voices, and you can expect resident singers (one doubling as the cruise director) performing solo cabaret acts and Broadway show tunes there. The line is investing in visiting performers too. A recent sailing featured Dale Gonyea, a Grammy nominated comedian/songwriter, and magician Craig Diamond. Also onboard was a four-piece orchestra/dance band, and a piano player/singer duo.
On select Mediterranean cruises the line is introducing opera, to be performed by the U.K.'s Reduced Opera Company. Other offerings include movie afternoons and nights, and game show events ("Name That Tune" and "Liar's Club" were big hits with the playfully competitive crowd).
During the day, most passengers are happy to entertain themselves with a good book or conversation, and on port days they want to be out exploring. But there are a few scheduled activities on sea days, including talks by guest lecturers (professors, statesmen, authors or stars of stage and screen). Cooking demonstrations, sometimes with visiting chefs, are quite popular, and there are also wine tastings, bridge play, team Trivial Pursuit contests and golf putting competitions.
Shore excursions offered by the ship tended toward the pricey but were way beyond average. On our recent voyage, a U.S. (eastern) coastal voyage, a low-country food expert took guests around Charleston, and an expert on shrimp offered a tour from Port Canaveral that was one of the most fascinating we've experienced.
Seabourn also offers a complimentary shore excursion program, with one free shore-side event on each sailing; you have to sign up and get tickets. Examples include an outdoor folkoric performance in Nafplion, Greece, a visit to a southern mansion in Charleston, and a ride on a glass-roofed boat in Amsterdam.
Cabins
All cabins are suites and offer ocean views, mostly through picture windows. French balconies on 36 suites have glass doors that open, so you can let in the fresh air (you can also step out about a foot and a half).
Standard suites are a generous 277 square ft. and have small walk-in closets, large marble bathrooms with double sinks and a tub/shower, hair dryers, lighted vanities, terry robes and slippers, personalized stationary, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a complimentary bar setup, fresh fruit that's replenished daily, a small sofa, a coffee table that can be raised for dining, twin beds (that can be combined to make a queen) and duvet covers. There are also six larger classic suites and owner's suites with small private verandahs (the owner's suites also come with dining rooms and powder rooms). And there are four suites that can be combined to make two doubles.
The decor is simple; some might say boring. Blues and tans dominate, and there are lots of mirrors and lots of lights (which can be annoying if you can't find the right switch). A minor redecoration is planned (we recommend the line get ride of the blah blue "decorative" pillows, which aren't decorative at all). Little surprises make the experience special, though, in this case chocolates left at turndown along with roses, rose petals, towels shaped like animals (did Seabourn learn this from Carnival?) and other surprises.
Toiletries are the very exquisite, British-based Molton Brown, but if that's not good enough passengers can choose from a selection of additional designer soaps. You can also choose from a menu of aromatherapy bath salts and bubble baths, and have your room steward draw you a bath (it will make you feel like a millionaire).
An in-room VCR allows you to watch movies borrowed from the ship's video library (although the selection there is not very current) TV channels include a couple of in-house movie channels (the schedule is printed in your daily bulletin), a channel replaying shipboard lectures, CNN, and whatever can be picked up locally. You can listen to CD's on your cabin's Bose Wave sound system (although don't trust the clocks on the Bose units, as due to the ship's electrical current the time is almost always off; there are printed notes in the cabin warning of this).
Some people like to entertain in their cabins (you already have the bar set up, after all), and room service is happy to provide canapes and/or caviar.
Warning: Seabourn has a bit of a soundproofing problem. The cabin doors and closet, and bathroom doors tend to slam and you may hear your neighbor open and close his or her drawers too. This is so annoying to some we've heard reports of fist fights breaking out over slammed doors. That's why several times during your cruise you may receive a note reminding you to slowly and quietly open doors and drawers.
Dining
Dinner is a nightly event, served with much pomp and circumstance in The Restaurant, the ship's main venue. The decor is simple, but you hardly notice when you get wrapped up in conversations and enjoy the sometimes-extraordinary cuisine. The style is open seating -- you can dine with whomever you choose or ask the maitre d' to choose your companions for the evening (a big bonus for single travelers; you'll always have someone to dine with). Each night, several tables are hosted by senior officers or other top crew members (if you sit with the Norwegian captain be prepared to do shots of aquavit and to shout Skoal!). Complimentary wine is poured freely (if you're not a big drinker watch out as the waiters tend to fill your glass when you're not looking).
Thanks to celebrity consulting chef Charlie Palmer, multi-course menus feature both old favorites and the types of creative items you might see whipped up on "Iron Chef." You might start with a Mousseline of Chicken Liver with sauterne jelly, grilled pear salad and toasted brioche; follow that with Duck Confit & Frisee Salad with sherry shallot dressing; enjoy an entree of Cumin and Coriander Crusted Grouper with sweet carrot juice and Chinese parsley; and top that off with some lavish dessert (ice cream is homemade), and post-dessert Petit Fours. More care seemed to go into appetizers and desserts than entrees on a recent sailing -- but if something is not to your liking feel free to send it back. The menu always includes a chef's selection, a lighter fare offering, and a vegetarian option. For those who prefer simpler fare, a Classic Menu, available nightly, offers steaks, chops and an excellent Caesar salad.
Passengers tend to dress up a little for dinner (lavishly on formal nights); Seabourn, aware that some people don't want to do that, now offers alternative dining nightly in the reservations-required Veranda Cafe. The meals here are mostly themed -- French, Mediterranean, and surf and turf -- and less fussy than what's served in the dining room (although still very satisfying). Because of the popularity of this offering, Palmer has been working on new menu options (some of his signature dishes will be featured here). A benefit of this space is that the Cafe has tables outside, and to enhance this romantic outdoor dining offering, new awnings will be added at dry dock which will permit seating even during storms.
For the ultimate in romance (or seclusion, depending on how you look at it), passengers can order in-cabin dinner from The Restaurant menu. A waiter will bring what you order, course by course.
Breakfast and lunch are available from room service, in The Restaurant and at the Veranda Cafe. Compared to dinner they are pretty standard affairs. While the Cafe used to operate like a buffet, Seabourn is in the process of moving away from that. There is a small fixed menu and a buffet-like display of items (such as a variety of meats and salads at lunch). The way it works now, you order off the menu or go to the display and point, and the waiters serve you. A true high point at lunch is the burgers, really the best at sea. We asked what kind of beef they use and were told ground filet. No wonder they're so yummy! And the fries are pretty good too.
For those who aren't napping, a scrumptious afternoon tea is served each day in the Constellation Lounge.
Dress Code
Seabourn passengers generally like to dress up. There are two formal nights on weeklong cruises and three on 14-day sailings. On these nights, many men wear tuxedos, but dark suits are acceptable. Women wear fancy cocktail dresses or ball gowns. Other nights are casually elegant (jacket for men, but tie optional; nice outfit for women), or casual (no jacket for men; sundress or slacks for women). For those who don't like formal nights, the Veranda Cafe offers a casually elegant alternative.
Gratuity
Tips are included in the cost of the cruise.
Family
Seabourn Pride is more appropriate for adults than families. However, the increased number of one-week cruises and a spate of discounts have attracted a younger crowd including families (sometimes multi-generational). The cruise staff tries to accommodate kids by arranging a least a few activities when there are a number onboard, such as a treasure hunt or group showing of a kids' movie. Still, we wouldn't recommend the vessel for any but the best-behaved kids (and having the nanny along is probably a good idea).
Fellow Passengers
Mostly American, wealthy, well mannered and well traveled. The average age depends on the cruising region but usually ranges from late 40s to late 60s (shorter, sunnier cruises get younger passengers, longer, cold-weather cruises get older passengers). This is not a party-hearty crowd, and late night bar goers will really get to know each other because there aren't that many of us. Passengers tend to be loyal to Seabourn; half may be repeaters. |
