I am keeping notes as we go along - sort of a cruise "review". These are some of my impressions so far.

Day One

We drove from Sarasota to Fort Lauderdale. Drive time less than 3 hours. The Port Everglades parking garage was almost full. I had to park on the roof – guess everyone is on a cruise this week!

Embarkation from Dock 21: very smooth, short wait in lounge. Shore staff was friendly and helpful. Tom used small portable wheelchair for boarding – much easier for both of us as he is very slow over long distances.

We are in Suite 134, with handicap access – for Seabourn that means a shower instead of tub and lots of grab bars in the bathroom. Otherwise I believe the suite to be identical to all others of this size.

Our stewardess greeted us a few minutes after we entered our suite. She seems eager to help us feel comfortable. Our luggage arrived very quickly and we were able to settle in fairly easily.

Cocktails in the club – busy, many guest present, short introduction program of cruise staff

Dinner – table for two, at about 8 PM. Staff was very busy and there was a bit of a wait to order.

We both had Seared Beef Carpaccio, sesame vinaigrette with toasted shitake mushrooms and scallions DELICIOUS

Tom enjoyed the Chicken Bouillon with herbed dumplings and celery confit

I ordered the Mediterranean Pasta & Poached Salmon Salad with semi dried tomatoes, artichokes – the salmon was undetectable and I would have sent it back but the staff was so harried and I didn’t really care to make a fuss about it.

Our main course items were excellent. I had the Grilled Tuna Fillet smothered in vegetables with soy-lime dressing and fresh coriander – just typing it makes my mouth water – yum!

Tom made his “reliable” selection of Grilled Sirloin Steak with Guinness Braised Short Rib with grain mustard potato mousseline and sweet tomato marmalade.

Our bottomless wine glasses were filled with nice selections of Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot from California

My favorite dessert is the lovely cheese plate with four small tastes of different cheeses, nuts and condiments – and of course a glass of port.

Tom’s vanilla ice cream with butterscotch made him happy.

We finished a bit late to go to the show so decided to call it a day and get settled in our suite – early to bed and a wonderful smooth night, the slight rocking of the ship made for happy dreams.

Day Two

It’s a sunny morning, but very breezy on the walking track. I only did a mile and then grabbed some coffee in the Observation Lounge

We had a light continental breakfast in our suite and I stopped in for the shore excursion lecture. Because of the holidays many of the ports offer little or no shopping and the choice of activities is limited. If this was my first trip to the Caribbean I would probably find that disappointing. Just a note for anyone planning cruises at Christmas.