This is the second time we have sailed on Seabourn. We sailed the first time on the smaller ship The Legend, which is now owned by Windstar. We were little apprehensive sailing on The Quest which is twice the size of The legend but to be honest we were not disappointed and in fact preferred The Quest which has lots of extra space and facilities. There were 450 guests on board and never did I feel that our own personal space was restricted.
The Quest is a beautiful maintained ship and has the feel of a luxury floating hotel. The Staff were all young and enthusatic whilst led by senior’s who led by example, assisting where necessary and during special onboard events would serve food and drinks to the guests. The Captain was outstanding and was always visible and approachable. His officers were equally visible and they all worked together as one multicultural family.
The seniors called us by name after day two and although the majority of staff didnt they always remembered our drink preference’s both in the bar and restaurant’s. 'No' is not a word you will ever hear on Seabourn. If they haven’t got what you would like in one restaurant they will find it from elsewhere or make sure that it is available the next day for you.
This cabin was ideally situated at the end of the passageway which meant very little foot traffic. On port days deck 4 was used for disembarkation/embarkation so was very handy to just go up one flight of stairs when returning to the ship and not have to wait for lifts.
The cabin itself was very spacious . The bathroom had double sinks. A bath and a seperate shower cubicle and plenty of storage space. The toiletries were Molten & Browne and replenished frequently as were the towels.
The bar in the room was fully stocked with soft drinks and our choice of wine, which was also replaced when finished. We never had to ask our stewardess for anything because she always anticipated our needs.
The bed was so comfortable and we had the best nights sleep even on the nights that the seas were rough we managed to sleep soundly.
The walk in wardrobe was adequate. The TV had free movies and plenty of choice of news channels.
The cabin and a small table and two leather seats and also a three seater sofa with views to the veranda which also had deck chair type seats and a table. The balcony wa half metal & glass but this did not spoil our views.
If you stay in Copenhagan before or after the cruise for two days or more, buy the hop on off bus ticket which covers both the bus and small pleasure ships. Note that services stop early evening so check the timings of the last transport. It is a great way to explore the city.
Walk to the train ticket office which is 200 metres from the ship berthing and buy seats on the Flam railway return journey to myrdal for 440 Krona each or buy online. The train stops halfway up and everyone gets off to take a photo of the waterfall. Be prepared for lots of spray. At Myrdal the train stops for ten mintues so get off and buy a takeaway drink to bring back on the train.
Sit on the right handside of the train for the stunning views.
A visit to the Art Nouveau museum is a must. It has a time capsule depicting the great fire and rebuild of Alesund. Entry 80 Krona. A short walk from the ship berthing. Be prepared to pay for using the public toliets costing 5-10 Krona coins.
Few minutes walk to Poalris experience centre which has a seal aquarium and shows a great movie of The northern Lights and Norweigan Wild life. Go to the Tourist office for free wifi. Buy local bus tickets for the bus to the cable car from the tourist info at 36krona each leg. OAP get better rates. The tickets cost more on the bus from the driver. The cable car is worth a visit, fantastic views of Tromso and a nice cafe on the top.
Beautiful Bergen can be walked around. From the ship walk through the fortress grounds to get to the old waterfront shops and then to the funicular which is 90 krona return. At the top of the funicular there are many walks to enjoy all signposted. The walk to the other side of the harbour to get great photos of Bergen colourful waterfront passing by the famous fish market selling and cooking fish. Stroll back through the crooked shops with quirky frontages. There is even a Christmas shop selling year round christmas decorations.
The shop is docked next to the old orginal houses of Stavanger which is pleasant to wander around.It has quirky cobbled shopping precinct ideal to sit and people watch.