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Seabourn Transatlantic |
| Reviewed By: Muir, Maidenhead on 13th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Seabourn |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Seabourn Pride |
Sailed:
March,
2007 |
| Destination: Transatlantic |
Age: 65+ |
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We boarded the Seabourn Pride last March at Fort Lauderdale - or Port Everglades if you prefer - for the Transatlantic crossing to Lisbon; 12 days with just a stop in the Azores.
To enjoy such a crossing you need to able to relax - and to choose the right ship. The Yachts of Seabourn certainly meet the latter criterion, for the standards of accommodation, food and above all service are simply excellent. All suites are outside, with a spacious sitting area, walk-in closet and fine marble bathroom. But do not expect a proper balcony; so-called balcony suites merely have a sliding door and a rail to lean on.
This is an all-inclusive ship. Not just the food, which is excellent, on an open dining basis either in the main dining room or in the less formal Veranda, but all wines and spirits throughout the ship. All gratuities are also included, so that the additional extras so exasperating on most cruises are eliminated, although you have to expect higher initial charges.
Is it worth it ? Yes, without question. Passengers are pampered throughout the day - and evening. But bear in mind that this is very small ship (208 passengers if full) to cross the Atlantic, and at times life can be very bumpy. This means also that major Broadway-style shows are absent, though we found the nightly entertainment, whether from the Cruise Director and his staff or visiting stars, to be more than adequate.
Finally, at Ponta Delgado in the Azores, in addition to the usual paid-for tours on offer we had the option of Seabourn's complimentary tour of the island, which was more than enough.
Would we recommend it ? Just let me say that on March 17 we sail again on the Pride to Lisbon - and are thoroughly looking forward to it !
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Breakfast in the Veranda - usually outside; lunch on the Sky Deck; and dinner usually in the main restaurant. Menus vary - but a bonus is the ready availability of caviar. | | Entertainment |  |
| Probably the Assistant Cruise Director, Simon Davey, with a mixture of song and comedy. A mention too for Beverley, a visiting virtuoso violinist. | | Shore Excursions | |
| There was only one stop ! Our tour of the Azores island was excellent (you need to be lucky with the weather ....) | | Staff | |
| Outside the senior level, staff tend to move around the ship; a trio of Robert, Olivier and Ian were particularly attentive. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Limited because of the size of the ship, but includes guest lecturers, film shows and the highly popular daily Trivia contest | | Cabins | |
| As good as we have had on board, with the possible exception of Regent | | Overall Rating | |
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