During a call at Oslo, Norway on June 13, Seabourn Sojourn hosted a luncheon on board for members of the local chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. The Chaine is the oldest and largest organization in the world dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of food and wine cultures, having been founded in Paris in 1950, but tracing its origins to 1248. Seabourn is a member. The Oslo members toured the ship and met Executive Chef Andrew Soddy, as well as enjoyed a special menu paired with appropriate wines for luncheon.

Chaine des Rotisseurs members (L-R) Jan-Goerg Hoffman, Torbjoern Marthinussen, Torunn Tronsvang and Olaf-Jacob Syrdal Christiansen meet Chef Soddy.

Chaine members Tarje Helebust and Mr. Hoffman with Chef Soddy.

Chef Soddy shares a laugh with Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Marthinussen.

Torunn Torsvang, of Oslo Cruise Network, who organized the event, with Sojourn Sommelier Yoan Vernus.

On the longest day of the year, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Quest met in passing at the island of Lipari in Italy. Seabourn Quest’s Cruise Sales Specialist Sara Ferreira sent us these pictures of Seabourn Legend. She commented: “Today Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Quest meet each other in Lipari – Italy. Unfortunately they were too far apart to get a picture of both, but we were able to get the attached photos when the Legend passed right by the Quest. Was great to see crew and guests waving to each other as true family.”

Longtime Seabourn shipboard stalwart Luca Di Matteo has joined the hotel operations staff in Seattle as manager, restaurants and bars. Luca has recently moved his family to the Pacific Northwest. Many of you know probably know Luca from his days on the ships, and we’re pleased to welcome him to Seattle.

On a sunny day, the veteran Seabourn team gathered together for a team portrait at the company’s headquarters.  What a fine looking group! (Left to right): Chris Jurasas, manager of onboard programs; Christopher Prelog, director of hotel operations; Bjoern Wassmuth, manager of culinary and beverage operations; Di Matteo, and Stijn Creupelandt, manager, hotel administration and guest services.

The Hot Chocolate on a Stick that we showed you last month is making its way aboard the Seabourn fleet. Culinary and Beverage Operations Manager Bjoern Wassmuth introduced it on Seabourn Sojourn in May, holding a formal tasting event in Seabourn Square for sweet-toothed staff members.  Once it was made available, the tasty treat was welcomed warmly (sorry!) by enthusiastic guests. Fifty cups were ordered the first day.

Eight cups and four stripes. The tasting was the most popular muster of the month.

Stirred, not shaken: Bjoern demonstrates the technique to Hotel Manager Hubert Buelacher; Bjoern Wassmuth; Public Room Manager Bogdan Crnobrnja; F&B Manager Bozidar Copic; Executive Chef Andrew Soddy; Restaurant Manager Craig Coulson.

Seabourn Sojourn is cruising the Fjords of Norway, and Cruise Sales Specialist Pierre van Breda sent us a few photos of the region’s stunning scenery. According to Pierre, “the scenery is amazing – snow-capped mountains with lush green pastures at the bottom and then the gorgeous sun has been making for some beautiful scenic cruising.” Enjoy these photos from Olden!

Performances by local artists are an integral part of the entertainment program on Seabourn, with hundreds of local shows presented yearly across the fleet in destinations from Bali to Barcelona to Brisbane. On a sunny afternoon in the Black Sea resort of Yalta, guests on board Seabourn Quest enjoyed a stellar performance by the Black Sea Navy Ensemble. This group has been performing for the past 80 years in Ukraine and has toured extensively across Europe and the United States. Guests clapped along to the skilled singers, balalaika players and the energetic dance troupe, giving them a full standing ovation at the end of the performance. Authentic local entertainment of this caliber created a true Seabourn Moment, and many guests commented that this was one of the highlights from their Black Sea cruise.

All hands on deck: The Navy Ensemble dancers thrill Seabourn guests.

In harmony: Members of the Navy Ensemble chorus lift their voices.

Seabourn Sojourn staff assembled pier-side to welcome guests back aboard at St. Petersburg, Russia. The guests had been enjoying an evening of ballet and a gala event at the Catherine Palace. This picture was taken at approximately 11 p.m.!

It’s been one year since Seabourn Quest joined the Seabourn family, and to mark this special occasion, the staff put on a big birthday celebration when the ship was in Santorini on May 30. Hotel Manager Guenter Steinbrunner and Cruise Director Handré Potgieter sent along the following report and photos about that evening’s festivities:

One could not imagine an evening more perfect on board Seabourn Quest. The spectacular backdrop of Santorini plus a late departure and picture perfect weather formed the ideal setting to celebrate the ship’s first birthday.

As a memento of the ship’s first birthday, guests received a signed certificate by Captain Magnus Bengtsson. Hotel Manager Guenter Steinbrunner and the entire F&B team presented a culinary symphony with our signature pre-dinner “Seabourn Epicurean” event, along with live music and white-glove service. Captain Magnus paid tribute to the officers, staff and crew and toasted to this special evening.  He complimented the ship for her true elegance in the way she sailed around the globe during her first year.

After dinner, all guests were invited to indulge in an assortment of desserts under the stars followed by a very special birthday edition of our popular ‘Rock the Boat’ dance party featuring the entire entertainment team.  It was a spectacular event guests and crew will cherish and smile about in years to come.