A BIG congratulations goes out to Jan Stearman, cruise director aboard Seabourn Legend! Seabourn recently honored her with the 2011 President’s Leadership Award, which celebrates and showcases exemplary colleagues who go above and beyond to deliver the outstanding Seabourn cruise experience. She received a plaque commemorating the award and $5,000, and will also receive a diamond lapel pin.

Seabourn Legend Captain Andrew Pedder recognized Jan on two separate occasions – once during the captain’s gala reception in front of guests and also during a separate presentation in front her fellow staff members.

“Many guests have commented to me how nice it was to see Jan’s professionalism and hard work acknowledged. And the entire crew agree that Jan is a worthy winner,” said Captain Pedder.

In addition to Jan’s outstanding skills as a cruise director, her nomination form noted her dedication to safety: “She expects us to take drills seriously and to go a step further and instruct our peers to do the same. I have never had such thorough safety training with anyone as I have had with her. She leaves nothing to chance and as a result we feel better prepared for an emergency.”

For nearly 17 years, Jan has been entertaining Seabourn guests and ensuring they have a special and unforgettable experience during their cruises.  “Keeping the guests interested, entertained, feeling special and at home is the job I find most challenging and most rewarding,” says Jan.

Front row: Jan Stearman receives the President’s Leadership Award from Seabourn Legend Captain Pedder during the captain’s gala reception. Back row (L to R): Hotel Manager Guillaume Colas, Staff Captain Krasimir Ivanov, Executive Chef Martin Kitzing, Chief Engineer Roger Kjolso, and Dr. Michael Woch.

During a team presentation with fellow staff members, Captain Pedder recognizes Jan for her outstanding hard work and dedication.

Seabourn Odyssey, in the home stretch of its westbound transatlantic cruise, mounted an epic tug of war on a sunny afternoon. A baker’s dozen teams turned out, from the “Girl’s Blouses” (Bridge Officers) and “Ongatongi” (Housekeeping Utilities); “Men in Black” (Restaurant Brigade); “Pacific Warriors” (Pursers) and “Muscle Tension” (Spa) to “Dragon Fly” (Restaurant); “Devil’s Advocates” (Bar Team) and “Granny and the Gangsters” (Stewardesses). Cruise Director Nick Hale raised the bar on the silliness scale in a day-glo magenta fright wig. After a series of heartbreaking eliminations (Stewardesses defeated the Bridge Officers soundly), the Devil’s Advocates (Bar Team) poured it on in the final to ice the victory. Thanks to Cruise Sales Consultant Sara Ferreira for the photos and the news! Happy Holidays to all our blog friends and watch for Holiday decorations pictures soon!

Cruise Director Nick Hale sets the tone for the festivities

The Field of Honor

Ongatongi ( Housekeeping) vs. Chefs

Devil's Advocates ( Bar Team) celebrate victory!

First-place awards and honors keep accumulating for Seabourn’s intimate all-suite ships in 2011.  Recent announcements by the editors of the twin Cruise Critic websites in the U.S. and U.K. confirm the opinions resulting from earlier readers’ polls at both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler naming Seabourn the best small-ship cruise line in the world. The readers of the popular consumer cruise magazine Porthole have also once again expressed their praises for Seabourn’s ships and accommodations. In addition, Seabourn’s fleet of six elegant ships also represents six of the ten highest scoring ships in the world, according to the ratings in the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

“All of us are tremendously gratified by these honors” said Seabourn’s president, Richard Meadows. “We’re extremely proud of our hardworking crew who truly deserve the recognition for these awards.”  

The editors of Cruise Critic’s authoritative web presence have collectively spent thousands of days at sea on hundreds of cruise ships. So when they single out Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest as the “Best for Luxury,” they know whereof they speak. They also must have sampled the sublimities in quite a few shipboard spas before selecting Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest as being the “Best for Spa-Lovers.”  Cruise Critic’s U.K.-based sister site also selected Seabourn as representing the “Best of Luxury” for the second consecutive year.

The newly released December issue of Porthole magazine announced that its readers had named Seabourn Best Luxury Line, and Seabourn Quest as the Best Small Ship in its 13^th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and had also cited the fleet for offering the Best Accommodations afloat.

Douglas Ward, the longtime editor of Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, is renowned for the meticulous and detailed scoring system he uses to rate ships of all sizes and shapes. In the 2012 edition, he once again rates all of Seabourn’s ships five-stars-plus, and also includes all six of Seabourn’s vessels on a comprehensive list of the ten highest scoring ships overall.

I am Bruce Good, Seabourn’s director of public relations. I am currently sailing aboard Seabourn Sojourn on a Patagonian Passage East from Valparaiso, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s a region I’ve always wanted to visit, and I thought I’d blog from here to let you know what it’s like. Hope you enjoy it.

The first thing one notices is the penguins. Penguins in their thousands, packed densely onto every foot of space. And the sound of them…no, wait. No sound. No smell either. How odd. Because these are not Emperor penguins, nor Adelie, nor Macaroni nor Rockhoppers. These are souvenir penguins. Penguins in every size and material, from semi-precious stone to synthetic microfiber fleece. All pleading with endearing orphan eyes for you to take them home with you. They line Avenida San Martin from end to end, aggressively, competitively on display and on sale.

Ushuaia is an outpost. It clings tenaciously to the shoreline of its bay, encircled by looming sub-Antarctic peaks and buffeted by scouring winds. It is a political statement, a colonial capital bravely hoisting its flag at The End of the World. In fact its apparent main industry is Being There. The visitors who file along the avenue dressed in expeditionary haute couture have come to the Far Corner, and they want their proof. Arrayed between the penguins are T-shirts, ball caps, parkas and sweatshirts emblazoned simply with the name. Ushuaia. I was there.

Getting there is an accomplishment, no matter how you do it. Captain Elliott asked the pilot about the weather report, and received a dismissive laugh. “Those are written by people in Buenos Aires,” he said, “who don’t know anything!”  Winds in Ushuaia’s bowl of a bay bring new meaning to the word ” fickle.” They change velocity and direction with almost demonic whimsy. Within a short time after Seabourn Sojourn was made fast to the pier, the wind came around 180 degrees and began to intensify, snugging the ship against the fenders and singing in her riggings as flags ashore snapped flat out. Many of her guests went off to explore the surroundings on shore excursions—cruising the Beagle Channel on a catamaran, trekking in the wetlands around beaver dams, riding on horseback or on the quaint little Train to the End of the World. I made a survey of Avenida San Martin, the main shopping street, perusing the penguins, liquor stores, trekking gear vendors and duty-free electronics stores. At one PM, true to its word, the town’s retail community shut down for the obligatory siesta, leaving the visitors to seek a luncheon among the variety of eating establishments. I chose an atmospheric cottage off the street called Los Pionares, and contributed to the local economy for the fare of a plate of local King crab, al natural. While I was eating, the promised rain blew in, not hard but chilly and windblown. When I finished I snugged down my cap and zipped my collar, and trudged back down to the pier. Late in the afternoon I went forward to the Observation Bar to take a look at the town. The bay was lacy with ragged, wind-blown chop and the peaks stood out against the blue sky, their grey flanks above the tree line pied with hieroglyphic patches of snow, Stepping out onto the terrace, I ventured forward of the bar and was very nearly blown off the deck. I thought to myself that the captain was going to need some help getting off the pier.

At our appointed departure time, Captain Elliott did in fact come on the PA to say that we were effectively pinned to the pier by the wind, and that there were no tugs in Ushuaia to pry us free.

We would have to wait for the wind to abate, which was prophesied in the questionable weather report to occur a few hours later. In a short half hour, we heard the engines erupt into working frequency, and Sojourn began to churn away from the pier with bow thrusters jetting water under the pier and props muddying the bay aft. Captain Elliott told us later that he sensed a lull in the wind and decided to break for it, by the time he got everything underway, the wind had come around 180 degrees and was pushing the ship away from the pier before we got all lines free, and he had to reverse and push back in to get some slack in the lines. A ticklish exit masterfully handled.

Headed for the bright lights.

Pity about the name…

A prom queen amongst the linebackers.

In the local shops, lingerie and baby shoes, go figure.

Pinned by the wind.

I am Bruce Good, Seabourn’s director of public relations. I am currently sailing aboard Seabourn Sojourn on a Patagonian Passage East from Valparaiso, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s a region I’ve always wanted to visit, and I thought I’d blog from here to let you know what it’s like. Hope you enjoy it.

I awoke on Thursday, November 10 and pulled aside my drapes to reveal a panorama of tall, heavily forested granite islands gliding by just outside. The forest was dense and multicolored, with a wind-whipped, wiry character very different from the tropics. But beneath the ceiling of fog and ragged clouds it was beautiful, and mesmerizing to watch. Now and then we passed the corral of orange buoys and metal frames that marked a salmon farm near the shore of a distant island, the only signs of mankind in the panorama. Shortly before noon we came to Puerto Chacabuco, the port for the Aysén region of Chile south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé. It has the look of an outpost in the mostly wild surroundings, but clearly busy and focused on commerce. I had selected a five-hour excursion called “Patagonian Nature in Depth” which took us to a privately owned nature reserve near the town. Other choices included excursions over the nearby Andes passes to the Simpson River valley and even a horseback ride in the Simpson Valley. After a short tender ride to the dock, where we were met by a basking harbor seal, we boarded coaches for a short 15-minute ride to the park. The Aikén del Sur Park is owned and operated by a private company that specializes in eco-tourism in this region. They maintain the trails and facilities and employ the rangers and guides, who are excellent. A brief orientation alerted us to the fact that while it’s easy to think of the surrounding forest as “virgin,” because it is virtually unmarked by human endeavor, it really is second-growth that replaced the climax forest that once towered to an average height of over a hundred feet here. The interim was a result of a government policy in the 1930s that allowed clear-burning for agricultural purposes. This idea resulted in catastrophic wildfires that decimated over 50 percent of the native forest in Patagonia. This huge region still supports fewer than .8 people per square kilometer, so the forest is still untamed even though not truly untouched. Our guides led us in small groups along a two-kilometer trail through the forest, criss-crossing clear streams and pausing occasionally to learn about the trees and other plants, their characteristics and in some cases medicinal uses. Many of the trees were in full bloom, and the meadows were dusted with buttercups that attracted bumblebees the size of small birds. Out-sized rhubarb plants with leaves several feet across likewise had sprouted conical towers of reddish blossoms. We came to a 65-foot waterfall called “The Old Man’s Beard,” and paused for photographs. Finally we climbed to a saddleback overlooking a lovely lake between looming forested headlands. A steady, chill wind swept blowing showers down from the mountains behind us and sent us scurrying into the warmth of the nearby lodge, where fragrant, spit-roasted lamb and Chilean wine awaited, along with a festive folkloric show. Sated by the feast and entertained, and invigorated by our afternoon in the Patagonian wild, we returned to Chacabuco, the tenders and our waiting Seabourn Sojourn. That evening’s departure was even more dramatic than the morning’s entry had been, with steep granite slopes rising from the pewter-tinted fjord into veils of soft grey clouds, tracked on their lower slopes by silvery waterfalls and on their upper shoulders by trailing ermine-tails of snow.

A message from Capt. Hamish Elliott on holiday in the UK.

I will be running in the “Great North Run” next Sunday, which is the UK’s best known half marathon. Having never run further than 3 miles before, I started training during my last tour onboard across 12 countries and 5 different time zones. Things only really got serious though when I returned home at the end of July and I’ve managed to slowly increase the distance I can cover over the last 7 weeks. I’m running on behalf of a local charity from the North East of England “Cash for Kids” which supports all sorts of disadvantaged and disabled children and their families in Tyne & Wear area.

I have been interviewed by the local radio station, Metro Radio last week and will be interviewed again on Monday morning as they are interested in the fact that I am at sea, so will of course be mentioning Seabourn.

I have attached a picture of myself with my race number (There are over 50,00 runners). If anyone is interested in sponsoring me they can do so on line at Just Giving / Hamish Elliott or by using the following link:  http://www.justgiving.com/hamishelliott

I appreciate any help you can give,
Thanks very much
Hamish

...a different uniform.

Seabourn Pride had a special guest onboard when the ship recently cruised through Trollfjord in Norway– the legendary Troll King!  It was actually Cruise Sales Specialist Charl Smith dressed as this mythical character as the ship sailed through one of the narrowest and most impressive fjords in Norway.  It was a very fun and memorable afternoon as many guests had their photo taken with the Troll King with the beautiful fjord serving as the backdrop.  Pictured here are Staff Captain Kai Odegaard, Cruise Director Jan Stearman, the Troll King (Cruise Sales Specialist Charl Smith), Guest Lorraine Thompson and Captain Erik Saabye.

We’re happy to share a few photos of our annual President’s Cruise, which is currently taking place aboard Seabourn Sojourn.  Seabourn President Richard Meadows is on board and mingling with guests, as well as enjoying the sights and sounds of Northern Europe.  For more pictures, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter for updates from the cruise!

During the Gala Reception, Seabourn President Richard Meadows pays a special tribute to the longest serving crew members on Seabourn Sojourn. Pictured here with Meadows are: Arnel Zablan (Laundry Master) – joined in 1997 Francisco Hubahib (Able Seaman) - joined in 1996 Danilo Ondoy (Linen Keeper) - joined in 1995 David Santos (Assistant Electrician) - joined in 1993 Jose Noel Jontongo (Sous Chef) - joined in 1991 Domingo Dilla (Butcher) - joined in 1991 Miro Marino Enriquez (Bosun) - joined in 1988

Seabourn Sojourn arrived into Helsinki, Finland, and the day could not be any more picture perfect as the ship was greeted by plenty of sunshine.

Many guests were out and about and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the wonderful capital city of Helsinki. Standing in front of the very famous Sibelius Statue are Seabourn President Richard Meadows with Seabourn Club Members Lin and John Kohler.

Both Richard Meadows and Pamela Conover hosted a special party for all the mid-level and senior management and toasted to everyone's efforts. They thanked the entire team for the staff’s efforts in creating and delivering the special Seabourn experience to guests. Left to right: Ship Doctor Sam Slishman; Nurse Rachel Obra Lagrimas; Training Manager Cathy Meyer; Seabourn Brand Ambassador - Pamela Conover; Chief Purser Ann-Cathrin Nilsson; and Executive Housekeeper Debbie Smith.

All smiles from some of Seabourn Sojourn’s staff!

St. Petersburg could not have been any more spectacular! Everything about the visit was just perfect - sunny blue skies formed the perfect backdrop at our Exclusive President’s Event hosted by Richard Meadows and Pamela Conover at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. World-famous choreographer Boris Eifman presented a medley of scenes from his most famous work, and the show left the audience in awe! "This is the type of magical moments lasting memories are made of," said Seabourn Sojourn Cruise Director Handré Potgieter. Here is a picture of guests entering the theatre.

Seabourn Sojourn overnighted in St. Petersburg, allowing guests ample time to explore this opulent city. Left to right: Brent Boylan, Patty Edwards (the only guest to sail on all five Seabourn President’s Cruises), Richard Meadows, Marie Fisher and Carol Armstrong

Vera David, Richard Meadows and Antonia Ryan

Enjoying St. Petersburg are Pamela Conover, Mark Elovitz and Michele Merkel.

Prior to the ship's departure, the St. Petersburg Military Ensemble performs a local song and dance, showcasing a colorful collage of Russian art and culture. This leads to a spectacular sail away party with music and dancing continuing as the ship sails up the Neva River.

It's a very lovely evening as Seabourn Sojourn departs St. Petersburg. The staff serves up champagne and caviar during the sail away party. Left to right: Waitress Annie Michalsky; Chef Alex Zillessen; Assistant Maitre'd Bart Durand; and Sommelier Gareth Cronje.

After a few days in St. Petersburg and Talllinn, Estonia, guests enjoyed a beautiful day at sea to relax. That morning, Richard Meadows hosted his “Seabourn Today” presentation, where he shared some insight into the history of Seabourn, highlighted some of our very exciting itineraries and noted that we have more than 50 maiden calls in 2012-2013. The Grand Salon was packed, and guests were listening intently and deciding where and when their next Seabourn cruise should be.

That evening Seabourn Brand Ambassador Pamela Conover co-hosted the Seabourn Club Party with Seabourn Club Representative and Cruise Sales Specialist Pierre Van Breda. They honored 282 Seabourn Club members who sailed a combined total of 17,229 days, which equates to 47 years! They also honored Lorraine Thompson, who has the most days sailed with 1,362 days (and counting!). That’s a lot of champagne and caviar! Following the celebration, most guests were off to The Restaurant, where Chef Marcus de Jong prepared his seven-course Chef's dinner. Left to right: Pierre van Breda, Captain Karlo Buer, Pamela Conover, Lorraine Thompson, Cruise Director Handré Potgieter

Pamela Conover and Lorraine Thompson

On May 2, Seabourn and Holland America held a celebration to welcome new Seabourn staff to the Seattle office and recognize employees who are supporting the transition efforts. Employees who relocated to Seattle from Miami were greeted with welcome baskets full of Northwest-themed gifts including local travel books, chocolates and coffee. Here are some photos from the special celebration!

John Delaney, senior vice president, Seabourn Marketing & Sales, presents Karen Sinclair, director, Seabourn Marketing Communications, with a welcome basket.

Members of the executive team spent time chatting with employees during the celebration. From left: John Delaney, senior vice president, Seabourn Marketing & Sales; Stein Kruse, chairman, Seabourn and, president & chief executive officer, Holland America Line; Richard D. Meadows, president, Seabourn, and executive vice president, Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs, Holland America Line.

Some of the Seabourn employees who moved from Miami and were able to attend the event gather for a photo. Front row: Karen Sinclair, director, Marketing Communications; Olav Torvund, director, Technical Systems; Ove Olsen, technical superintendent; Rick Meadows, president. Second row: Tim Littley, director, Itinerary Development; Chris Prelog, director, Hotel Operations; John Cook, product manager; Bruce Good, director, Public Relations; John Delaney, senior vice president, Seabourn Marketing & Sales.

John Delaney and team serve up some delicious cake for attendees. In photo from left: John Delaney; Trina Holm, administrative assistant, Seabourn Marketing; Patty Desharnais, administrative assistant, Seabourn Marketing & Sales; Peggy McNeil, sales specialist, Seabourn.

Photos are courtesy of Steve Schimmelman.

One of the top tasks on hand for Richard Meadows, Seabourn’s new president, is to meet and get to know our senior officers throughout the fleet.  During the annual senior officers meeting in Genoa, Italy, he met with captains and hotel managers and other staff members, and shared his vision and goals for the line.  It was also the perfect opportunity for him to take a hard hat tour of Seabourn Quest and see how construction was progressing. With the ship scheduled to be delivered in just three months, there was no denying the great sense of excitement and anticipation in the air!

Here is a photo of Richard (sixth from left) with the entire group in Genoa.