Seabourn's 2013-14 Antarctic-Patagonia-Chilean Fjord Cruises: Just About Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask...or Didn't Know What to Ask

This morning I had a really wonderful chat (not really an interview) with the Expedition Leaders for Seabourn's 2013-14 Antarctic-Patagonia-Chilean Fjord cruises, Robin West and Jarda Versloot-West, while they relaxed in Amsterdam.

First, if you have not done so, please read my first article, "Cruise to Antarctica - Seabourn Style". 

Now, before getting into the details, Robin and Jarda want you to understand that these cruises are going to be unique experiences for a number of reasons:

• This is NEW cruise product as the Itineraries are not "just" Antarctica. 
• While almost every other cruise to Antarctica sails to/from Ushuaia, Seabourn's itineraries combine the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, the Falkland Islands or South Georgia Island, Uruguay and Buenos Aires.
• The Seabourn Quest is the most modern, luxurious, technologically advanced cruise ship to visit Antarctica.
• These are not your ordinary expedition cruises where you are ordering spaghetti bolonese or chicken for dinner; nor are you compromising on your accommodations; nor are you bobbing around on an older ship where comfort was not the first consideration when it was built.
• Seabourn is offering a combination of not only naturalists and photography experts, but political, legal and paleantology and other experts (cruise dependent).
• If you just want to walk a few steps and observe or even just cruise around in a Zodiac semi-rigid inflatable boat and never set foot on the land, those options will still leave you with a feeling of excitement and fulfillment.

With that preface, I have to tell you that Robin and Jarda are ethusiastic, charming and well experienced with both expedition leading and luxury travelers.  Robin, from South Africa, and Jarda, from Australia, are married and, more importantly, come off as a great team.  They have previoiusly been expedition leaders for both Orion Expeditions and Silversea Silver Explorer cruises and have, thus, lead 40 expeditions to date.  Also, while we discussed the "nitty gritty" of it all, what shown through was their love for being in Antarctica and experiencing news things every time...including the guests.

Here is a bonus if you were thinking about the 2013 Goldring Travel Food & Wine Cruise on November 13, 2013:  Robin and Jarda are going to be onboard the Seabourn Quest starting preparation for these cruises, so your adventure can begin early!  (We actually spoke of my love for nature and how we will be having a special Champagne and Caviar Event where Seabourn's evironmentally responsible supplier of aquacultured caviar is going to fly in some live sturgeon and fresh caviar to explain how luxury and environmental responsibility actually can work hand-in-hand. And, of course, I invited them to join us!)

Robin tells me he starts every Welcome Talk with the following statement:

Every holiday you take after this one will be:

Dissappointing, Dull and Boring!

 

I don't know about that, but I do know that when you set someone's expectations that high, it better be good...and disappointed guests are not an option.  So let's now delve into this bold statement and why Robin, Jarda and Seabourn are so enthusastic about these cruises.

What is the cruising going to be like?  Rest easy, the Drake Passage has a bad reputation and Seabourn's Captain Bjarne Larsen is highly qualified and experienced.  According to Robin and Jarda, 9 out of 10 passages (which only last a day and half) are calm to fairly calm and the waters in Antarctica are protected and calm.  Also, you will be sailing on one of the most modern designed and steadiest cruise ships in existence (and certainly more comfortable than an expedition ship).  The Chilean fjords are equally as calm.  My readers will recall I was just on a Caribbean cruise where we had days of seas; something that was hardly worth it...and something millions of cruise passengers endure without a thought.  Would I "risk" a day or two of those to visit Antarctica?  Absolutely...especially with 9 out of ten passages being nothing of note.

What is it that you are going to see?   The best answer is:  It depends on when you want to go and what you want to look at.  If you choose the November 20th sailing you will find breathtaking vistas of white and snow (just like you imagine Antarctica) with penguins still incubating their eggs.  You will see many male seals and some minke whales and killer whales (OK, they aren't actually whales, but you call them that.). 

As this cruises sails on you will be in the late spring with the winter snow melt just finishing in the Chilean fjords. You should read Bruce Good's (Seabourn's Public Relations guru) article on his journey here.

As the cruises continue into the season, some will see the Penguin Highway as the birds following a well-worn path walking to and returning from the sea, and then when the snow in the Antarctic melts stones and rocks appear, as do the quickly growing penguin chicks...with one parent always watching them (to their both going to sea to gather enough food leaving the chicks unattended); while the variety of seals increases as do the number and types of whales.  The Chilean fjords warm up, the sweaters (jumpers) are peeled off and the outdoor options increase.

Robin points out there is one very special cruise departing December 11, 2013.  It stops in South Georgia Island for two days; a place considered to have some of the most abundant seabird habitats on earth with an estimate of over 30,000,000 breeding pairs.  Six species of penguins, four species of albatross, numerous petrels (including burrowing), waterfowl, and more. And, of course, fur seals...lots of fur seals.  You want to get Robin and Jarda excited?  Talk about South Georgia Island.

How are you going to see all of this?  Believe it or not, Robin explains that this is the last thing you need to worry about.  Seabourn has invested in some pretty nice Zodiac semi-rigid inflatable boats that will be stored in the specially modified marina of the Seabourn Quest. 

The Robin and Jarda's Expedition Team has many years of experience assisting guests ranging from "ardent explorers" to wheelchair bound "enthusiasts" to the "timidly kinda-sorta interested".

Regulations require that no more than 100 people be on land at any one particular time, so Seabourn has created a schedule of 90 people divided into five groups visiting for one to one and one-half (1.0 - 1.5) hour landings on each of the five landing days scheduled.  Robin's experience is that

• Some people will be more than pleased with a quick landing, a photograph proving it (wearing the Seabourn provided parka which you get to keep as a souvenir) and then a Zodiac shuttle back to the ship to for a Champagne toast.
• Some people will be happy to find a spot close to the landing site and sit there for 30 minutes or so and then take a Zodiac shuttle back to the ship.
• Some people will forego the landing, or supplement it, with a bit of a Zodiac tour of the area.
• Some will partake in some vigorous hikes (up to 45 minutes) to outstanding vistas and nesting areas using every precious minute of their alotted time.
• And, like me, there are those that just can't get enough and find that observing...just observing...over an extended period is nirvana.  (Dunno.  Maybe there will be small sydicate selling landing slots!?  Only kidding, I am sure there will be opportunities.)

Who are you going to see this with?  Because the Seabourn Quest is larger (and more luxurious), it has the abilty to comfortable host quite a diverse group of specialists in addition to the extraordinary Seabourn staff and crew.  But rather than list the photogaphy coaches, legal and political experts, naturalists, scientists, etc. when you can read about them here,  I want to mention your fellow guests. 

Robin and Jarda explained that because you will not all be going off on different excursions, but rather will be sharing similar ones a very exciting and interesting thing happens:  You share.  You compare.  You learn from each other.  In essence you become a more cohesive group...without being a group or having your privacy invaded.  "What a great photo!  Do you want to see my picture taken from a different angle?", "Did you see that seal with her pup?" "Those penguins sliding around on the ice were hysterical, weren't they?"

Or, possibly, just sitting out on deck with a Seabourn blanket on your lap and a hot chocolate in your hand, quietly admiring the scenery that is bigger than anything you could capture on a camera and too beautiful to really explain to your friends and family back home, you look at your fellow Seabourn guest and just giving a nod.  A great moment to share without saying a word.

What do you need to bring along? OK, this isn't packing four suitcases for a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean.  The weather can change from short sleeve shirts to parkas in no time.  You can get wet and cold.  "I mean what do I pack?!" The answer is it is far easier to pack for an Antarctic cruise than it is for the Med!  Jarda and Robin have a number of suggestions.

• Pack keeping layering in mind.  That does not mean 10 layers, but rather two or three smart layers.  It is amazing how warm you can be with an UnderArmour t-shirt, a fleece pullover and a waterproof outerlayer or parka.  There is no fashion show...the Seabourn provided parka is a fashion statement all its own...and you don't even have to pack it.
• Leave those rubber overboots at home.  Not only don't they work, Seabourn is providing everyone with a loaner pair of the correct footwear for your expedition landings. 
• Bring two good pairs of gloves.  Trust me, as a skier I know that those waterproof gloves are anything but, so while one pair dries out in your suite you have another warm and dry pair to use.  (Leave those woolen mittens and fashionable leather gloves you love on the ship!)
• Bring extra camera batteries.  The cold wreaks havoc with batteries.  One that lasts for days in warm climates may well die in an hour or so when its cold.  And store the second battery next to your body, not an outside pocket!
• Bring Handwarmers.  According to Jarda it is one of the world's greatest inventions.  I agree. You cannot pack enough.  I also recommend you purchase gloves with a slot in the back made specifically for them.
• Bring Memory Cards. Robin observed that on the first landing he has seen people take over 500 photographs.  They are very inexpensive, so bring extras.  That will keep you from having to sort through your photos in a panic trying to find space while you are looking at something spectacular. 

But as I mentioned this cruise is not just about Antarctica, so you will be able to retire to the Seabourn luxury you love, pealing off those jeans and boots, dressing for dinner and enjoying a contrast in environments that, frankly, only a rare few will ever be able to experience.  Don't you just want to raise a glass of champagne to that alone?

Honestly, this is one of the hardest articles I have ever written.  Why?  Because I already feel myself being dragged off the Seabourn Quest on November 20th, kicking and screaming, because I will be so close to taking this dream travel experience. 

Maybe I will just stay on.  My wife will understand? My kids are getting older, so they will be fine?  I can still take care of my clients while I am at sea? 

I'm thinking about it. 

Are you?

Prices starting at US$14,999 (+ $608.88 in taxes). For more information or to book your Antarctic Experience contact Goldring Travel today!

Please email me at eric@goldringtravel.com or telephone at (877) 2GO-LUXURY or in the UK: 020 8133 3450 or Australia: (07) 3102 4685 or elsewhere Internationally: +1 732 578 8585.

This Also Drives Me Nuts! People That Complain Seabourn Is Cutting Corners When It Isn't.

In these times of economic hardship; especially in Europe, cruise lines are struggling to maintain profitability and product quality while at the same time providing new innovations.  It doesn't matter if it is Royal Caribbean or Seabourn, the fact is that growth in this industry has slowed to a somewhat distressing two (2%) percent.

While Goldring Travel is fortunate in having another year of record growth and a widening of its diversity (No, Seabourn is not nearly all I sell or recommend.), the travel industry overall is having its challenges.

So what also drives me nuts are the old folks that count their days on Seabourn as if that earns them the right to be arrogant, irrational and, to a good extent, just plain mean.  Presently there is a new fan page on Facebook where some of these nasty people are settling in to provide their pontifications that Seabourn better shape up or they are going to take their business elsewhere.

I, personally, believe that if you are going to complain generically in a public forum whatever it is that is allegedly broken cannot possibly be fixed or even recognized if it is secreted.  And for those that have their concerns raised (because if it is written on the internet it must be true...right?), it is just unfair. 

Of course, I am curious what the problems are that they are so concerned about because I have not seen cost-cutting.  I have seen changes.  I have seen elimination of things that were not being utilized.  But I have also seen additions. 

From my perspective, whether it is new Spa Penthouses, new Antarctic cruises, new Nathan's hot dogs, environmentally responsible caviar (which is still unlimited...just not wasted), new sophisticated and varied menus (with more deference to vegetarians), 40+ new ports, the investment of millions of dollars is anything but cutting corners.

It is with that perspective I read a Seabourn passenger claiming to have 498 days onboard wrote, "Sad to see the [P]ride go down hill we are 6 days into an 18 day cruise and told tonight no more lamb, no different butters each night and the canvas Bags are now not given unless you ask !"  I observe the following:  While lamb remains on the new, expanded menu, that does not repeat for over a month at a time, if the issues are Seabourn not throwing out pounds of wasted butter each evening and needing to ask for a $2.00 bag, it is wrong to claim the Seabourn Pride is going down hill.  Talk to me about service, functionality, cuisine quality, etc. Seriously.

The response by another curmudgeon was to attack me...not because my comments were wrong, but because I am a travel agent.  Huh?  I make money selling all cruise lines...and will be sailing on Silversea next month, so what's it to me?

But she continues...again without any specificity:  "I'm on board the Sojourn currently; its lovely but cost cutting is still in evidence and between 6 of us around a table with 1000 + days between us we have agreed that unless they upscale, for which we are prepared to pay, we will start looking elsewhere. Travel agents should perhaps start bearing this in mind."  I ask again: "What is the cost cutting you so adamantly complain about?" 

While I am not getting into the obvious, "So what cruise line are you going to move your angry self to?" I am going to get into the why the non-specific complaints.

• The why may be that change bothers  them. 
• The why may be a way for them to feel self-important.
• The why may be the effect of common effect of people wanting to agree with each other.
• The why may be that some people just aren't happy if they aren't complaining about how the good old days were always better.  (I don't believe AM radio is better than satellite radio or the world is better without the internet or the air travel.)

Seabourn is changing and it is investing in things that it believes the majority of its guests find beneficial. 

Anyone want to guess how many of those $2.00 canvas bags are left behind or never used?  You can start counting with mine. 

Oh, and I prefer a much healthier and tastier olive oil to dip my bread, so start counting my butter as wasted too.

Sorry if I was too specific. 

This Drives Me Nuts! - Regent Seven Seas Cruise Ratings in Cruise Critic Reviews

This is a rant.  If you don't want to "hear" me complain:  STOP READING.  But, alas, if you do...read on!

I read reviews for most cruise lines written by guests from different countries.  I read them all skeptically and with my focus on picking up facts rather than the reviewers conclusions.  I can pick up on those that will always find fault (or who find one thing bad and will eventually claim it ruined there entire cruise) and those that find the faults and then claim it didn't matter.

Today was one of those days where I just feel like I am being driven nuts by some irrational force that I cannot comprehend or figure out that feeds Regent Seven Seas glowing headlines while acknowledging the facts don't support them.  Sort of like reading tabloid headlines.

So today I met with a charming couple looking to take an upscale cruise.  They knew I sell a lot of Seabourn cruises, but they had a friend who swore by Regent Seven Seas.  As I always say, "That may be perfect for your friend, but let's see what works for you."  This, in turn, led to my discussion of why some people cannot admit they made a mistake by booking the wrong cruise line so they keep making the same mistake...or they don't really know they made a mistake because they haven't tried anything else.

Then this afternoon I receive a notice of a new Regent Seven Seas review on Cruise Critic.  The headline reads, "Wonderful Cruise - AGAIN!" and rates the cruise 5+ Stars, giving Embarkation a 4 and Shore Excursions a 3. 

What follows is the entire review unedited, though I have bolded certain comments:

Wonderful cruise--AGAIN!

Another great Regent cruise!After a rocky embarkation due to computer issues, we boarded our lovely ship and started to relax. Unfortunately, some people never found their sea legs or sea brains. A large number of pushy, rude people seemed to populate the ship--refugees from Carnival? A few well behaved children were on board as well.  The food was very good-- all great meals with very attentive service. The coffee bar in the morning was a great place to meet and greet with expertly prepared coffee.  The pool area, while crowded was somewhat short staffed-- but it was service with a smile as usual and good service for the numbers reclining on the comfy chaises!  We did not attend any of the entertainment--so can't comment there.  Nassau needs to off the list--it was the Navigator and about 12000 other passengers in port. A bit much and a bit crowded.  Our cabin was always neatened up very quickly, morning and night, and although we don't use the butler service a lot, it sure is nice to have. My husband became a convert to afternoon tea and trivia as well!  Disembarkation was VERY smooth and well handled.  Our main issue was the attitude of some of the passengers-- it was really a floor show with some of them. It created a great diversion for those of us waiting for our tours to be called! We booked while on board for next January and will look forward to our next cruise with Regent. What I am reading is an embarkation disaster to board a ship filled with uncouth and unruly passengers, which was short-staffed, went to marginal ports and being staged in a lounge to board tour buses. Am I being unfair in saying Regent is not providing a 5+ Star cruise?  I honestly do not think that by any measure that would be the case.  Would I be unkind in pondering, "Why would someone be looking forward to doing the same thing again...and pay money to do so while enduring it?" Look at some other recent Cruise Critic reviews.  The following are the next seven most recent reviews.  Please consider the litany and consistency of the misses: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=217932 http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=216994 http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/regent-seven-seas-cruises/cl/ http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=216586 (This is another "5 Star...Really?" review) http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=115850 http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=115780 http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=115649 It is true.  I don't like Regent Seven Seas Cruises for a number of reasons.  And, to be sure, after reading so many consistent reviews about how Regent fails in so many areas, I have no desire to give it another try after my times on the (Radisson) Diamond, the Mariner and the Navigator. BTW, I will be sailing on Silversea's Silver Shadow in May...to give it another look.  I think now may be the time to give it another chance. OK, I feel better now...just a little.

Silversea's Ellen Bettridge Charity Request - No Free Cruise, But You'll Feel Good!

I met with Ellen Bettridge, Silversea’s President of the Americas at Cruise Shipping Miami last month.  I really enjoyed getting to know her and really love her enthusiasm, warmth and incredibly high energy.  You just have to feel good after spending time with her (and I think it may spell some good things for Silversea). 

But this article is not about Silversea, but the woman behind it.

The other day Ellen called me and let me know that she is a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year and asked for my support in her efforts to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s efforts to find a cure for blood cancers and to assist patients and families as they battle this disease.

The top-rated (I checked!) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $814 million in research specifically targeting blood cancers.

Ellen is very transparent that her candidacy is about caring…and money.  Every dollar Ellen raises is a vote for her.  She has until June 8, 2013 to reach her goal of $100,000. You can make a 100% tax-deductible donation to Ellen online on her fundraising page.

Quoting Ellen: 

“I know how blessed my family is that our children, Grace and Abby, are healthy and have never had to battle anything more serious than a nasty flu bug. Thank goodness! To be honest I was reluctant to participate because I didn’t think I had time.

I then met two survivors Nour Aboussali and Amanda Lawson, I knew I had to participate.  Nour, is a feisty funny little boy who was diagnosed when he was only five-and-a-half-years-old and spent his sixth birthday in the hospital receiving chemo. But, through it all, he has remained strong and vibrant. He is now in remission and very thankful to be alive.  Amanda, is a Lymphoma survivor. After two years of aggressive IV chemo, several spinal injections of chemo, injections to her legs, losing her long brown hair, hospital admissions, transfusions, and three surgeries, she is now six years cancer free.

I was further inspired to support these efforts by the amazing story of the cure found by utilizing the AIDS virus saving the life of six year old Emma. If you have minute take a look at this amazing story.”

You know a few years ago I was a bit put off by Silversea’s opt-out charity efforts, but this is different.  It is purely an opt-in charity request...and not really associated with Silversea, but Ellen's personal commitment. A little difference, but an important one.

Your donation will not get you a free Silversea cruise or even an upgrade.  But you will be helping not only with the fight against cancer, but some pretty amazing children. 

 

That just might get you to feel good.

Thanks Ellen!

Nathan's World Famous Hot Dogs Sail with Seabourn! Oh, Yeah, Seabourn Has Some Great New Fine Culinary Offerings Too!

Yesterday Seabourn announced it had added, changed and tweaked its menus providing some truly creative and innovative dining fare. 

Oh, I could talk to you about such new items as Truffled Corn and Mascarpone Tortellini; Farmed Goat Cheese Green Salad; Golden Mussel Chowder; Seared Cocoa & Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin; Cumin & Coriander Crusted Swordfish; and Sour & Spicy Assam Prawns.

I could discuss the new "Local Flavors" menu items which will follow the Seabourn ships as they travel the world including such things as Croatian Style Pan Roasted Sea Bass; Feta Stuffed Braised Chicken; and Grilled Dover Sole Fillets with caviar cream butter. 

Or even the expanded Vegetarian options including Vegetable and Potato Gnocchi Risotto, Spring Vegetable Paella, and Warm Baked Thyme Onion & Gruyere Tart.

I could even get into the esoteric details of Seabourn now using Jidori chicken which is organically raised on a vegetarian diet in California or its change from Sterling Silver to Double R Ranch Beef, whose cattle are fed only local crops, are massaged daily (only kidding!), and are raised with an eye on reducing environmental damage and a focus on restoring wetlands which cattle farming so readily destroys.

But I am not.  I am going to talk about Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs coming onboard Seabourn.  That's right, no matter when you are Australian, Norwegian, English, or even Andorran, you can now truly enjoy not only something as American as a hot dog, but the most American of all hot dogs!

I have never seen a Nathan's Famous look this pristine, but this photo is straight from its website!

These are "the" iconic New York Hot Dogs.  
They are made to be grilled; not boiled.
They have the right amount of "pop" when you bite into them. 
They just taste great. 

And you can trust me on this: Nathan's Hot Dogs are not made from coddled chickens or environmentally conscious beef. To be honest, New Yorkers don't really care what is in them. Fuggedaboudit!

So for those wanting to know more about Nathan's (rather than Jidori chickens), it all started on Coney Island, New York (home of the famous ferris wheel) in 1916. 

According to the Nathan's website Al Capone, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Durante, and Cary Grant were regular customers. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt served Nathan’s Famous hot dogs to the King and Queen of England in 1939 and then them sent to Yalta when he met with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Barbara Streisand had them flown to London for a party; Jaqueline Kennedy had them served at the White House; and, Walter Mathau had them served at his funeral.

But I am actually quite disappointed in Seabourn.  Why?  Seabourn is not serving Nathan's French Fries with them!

Now with Seabourn bringing this iconic American culinary treat to its ships, I implore, beg and plead with you to watch this video.  Clint Eastwood says it best:   



If you are interested, there are only a couple of spaces left for the 2013 Goldring Travel Food & Wine Cruise on November 13, 2013 sailing on the Seabourn Quest from Rio de Janerio, Brazil to Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

While I have a wonderful Caviar and Champagne Event planned with Seabourn's supplier of its caviar, I just might have to put together a Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  Joey Chestnuts is the world champ downing 68 hot dogs (with buns) in ten minutes this past year.  OK, maybe not!

But if you are interested in our Food & Wine Cruise, please give me a call or send me an email.