We Will be Doing Seabourn Again

We chose this cruise (west coast repositioning, Vancouver to LA) for the price and itinerary. We were very pleased, Seabourn delivered what they promised. The itinerary was Vancouver, Seattle (1 1/2 days), Portland (1 1/2 days), San Francisco (2 days), Monterey (1 day), Santa Barbara (1 day) San Pedro (debarkation port for LA). 11 days for $4,495 per person, tips and beverages included.

Embarkation was smooth but a little slow due to a behemoth ship also embarking at Canada Place. Other than that, no problems. Pre-clearing US Customs prior to boarding was great because we didn't have to be delayed once we reached the first port of call in Seattle. Our cabin was ready when we boarded about 1 PM. Lunch in the Collonade was relaxed and well prepared. Plenty of champagne available to celebrate.

Cabin. #725. Veranda suite was about average and comparable to other cruise lines, except that there was a huge walk in closet. Bathroom had a separate tub and shower and two sinks. The only problem was the toilet not working on two occasions. The problem was resolved fairly quickly on both occasions. Our stewardess Vanessa was great and was always available for ice or any other request.

Dining. First rate at all of the venues: The Restaurant, Restaurant 2, Collonade and Patio. The caviar was always available. It was not ossetra or other top notch caviar, but it was decent. I do not recall a bad meal. Dining room service was almost flawless, one or two hiccups not worth mentioning in detail. My wife did think that the menus sometimes had too many fish options and not enough meat, but she is a very finicky eater.

Entertainment/Activities. Not a whole lot. We went to one ventriloquist show and a cooking demonstration. I did not get a chance to go to any of the lectures which is my fault. If you need a lot going on all the time this would not be the cruise for you. On the plus side there were no children, so poolside was relaxing without kids screaming and doing cannon balls in the pool.

Excursions. Can't rate them as we do DIY excursions 99% of the time. All ports were good except for Portland OR. If you are a hipster who likes to smoke weed you would enjoy it. Otherwise it is a haven for wastrels, indigents, stoners and weirdos. The Japanese gardens and the rose test garden were nice. Downtown has zero to offer in my opinion. All the other ports were great, especially San Francisco. The extra time in the first three ports was great and expanded the possibilities for sight seeing.

Service. A very high staff to customer ratio, and the very pleasant crew made service impeccable.

Ship Maintenance/Cleanliness. Spotless. The Sojourn is seven years old but everything is in good shape and not run down. The decor is understated but very pleasant and relaxing.

For this itinerary, price and what you get for your dollar I would consider this a very good value. We were very satisfied.

Fellow cruisers. On the geriatric side. I think we were one of the youngest at 55 years old. Some very elderly and infirm.