Leonard D. Schiller

Age: 63
Occupation: Retired Aerospace Systems Engineer
Number of Cruises: 21
Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Ship: Seabourn Pride
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean

My wife & I took our first Seabourn cruise (Pride) as a result of Renaissance Cruises failing. Our previous 20 cruises were on the "large" vessels, and we didn't know what to expect. Needless to say, we will not go back on the large ships. Although the Pride holds 208 passengers, we only had 169 on board. The suite, service and food were excellent. The smallest suite is 277 sq. ft. with a fairly large, well arranged bathroom. Although there is a walk-in closet, it is not as large as we would have liked. There was no veranda in our suite, but a very large picture window more than compensated. The ship is well laid out with public areas tastefully decorated. What we really liked was a single, open seating in the main dining room. Service was impeccable and there was always a variety of dishes. Men are requested to wear a jacket, but a tie is optional. The European staff was exceptional, and after a few days, all referred to us as "Mr. & Mrs." There is alternate, casual dining where one can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Since seating is limited, passengers are asked to make dinner reservations at the Purser's Desk. Breakfast and lunch are on a first-come, first serve basis.

There is no tipping and none is expected. With the exception of a few libations, all drinks are complementary.

The onboard casino is very small with a dozen slots, one roulette wheel & two blackjack tables. This is not a ship for big gamblers. The entertainment was acceptable, but not what one would find on a large cruise ship.

This is not a ship for people with small children since there is really no programs for them. On our cruise, the ages spanned the 30's to the 80's, and everyone was much more friendly than we had experienced on any other ship.

Since my wife & I had been to the Caribbean many times, we did not partake of any shore excursions. Seabourn did throw a wonderful beach barbeque on Virgin Gorda, BVI, complete with champagne & caviar. Never have seen anything like since we have been cruising.

Embarkation & disembarkation was the best ever. Everything went much smoother than we had ever experienced.

My wife & I liked the Pride experience so much that we booked another Pride cruise for 4/2002, 14 days roundtrip out of Venice.

We would recommend Seabourn to anyone who likes fine, European service, great food and exceptional accommodations.

Ask a Question About Seabourn Cruise Lines