Frank and Wendy:

We've met some marvelous countrymen of yours! We have enjoyed the holidays with friends from the UK and Australia.

Just wish you were here too. Thanks so much for your good wishes. James kept us on Oz time yesterday so we'd know when the celebrations began.

Merry Christmas Margo and thanks once again for the great reports.

Wayne

Hi Margo, Merry Christmas to you too!

Thank you for your reports and photos!

Ahoy from Bridgetown, Barbados!

We have plenty of company in port today – 5 other ships are here… Ocean Village, Crystal Symphony, Carnival Destiny, NCL (can’t read the name from here) and Pullmatur Cruises (same reading problem!) – the dock is FULL!

I’m going off to the beach in a little while but my brief foray into the cruise terminal was enough to convince me that BIG isn’t better – as I was getting some sundries in a shop I heard someone say “ get some dollars for the shuttle and tips”. When I returned to the dock and walked down Seabourn’s red carpet one of the staff offered his arm and escorted me to the gangway – yes Dorothy “There’s no place like home!”

This morning when we arrived we “parked” immediately in front of the terminal just a few yards from the entrance. It was fun to watch the other behemoths arrive – it was a busy day for the tug operators.

I caught up with my walk training today – doing about 6 miles on deck 8 – many laps – it’s a wonder I’m not dizzy! I had the “docking” entertainment to speed the time and my ipod provided additional entertainment as I listened to “World Without End” the sequel to “Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett.

Last night we enjoyed dining in our suite. At lunch Tom had a bit of an upset stomach so we decided eating dinner close to “home” was a good idea. It’s the first time we’ve had the ensuite service and it was as good as advertised. Our first course was delivered along with a lovely bottle of wine. When we were ready for the next course we called room service and each selection arrived quickly. The linens, silver, crystal etc were the same as in the dining room and it was just as tasty consumed in our robes watching a DVD.

Unfortunately they can’t deliver the entertainment in the same way and I’m told we missed some wonderful performance but all the same we’re well fed and happy for the experience.

Tonight we plan to dine in “2”. We don’t leave Barbados until 11 PM so it should be a nice quiet spot for dinner once all the other ship traffic departs for their next destination. I’m sure some of them, or others will be in St. Marin in two days but we will anchor on the French side so the crowds should be minimal.

We will have some deck entertainment because of our late departure. Should be a nice change of routine. I’ll try to write more about it tomorrow. Until then, Happy Boxing Day from Barbados – the shops are closed here but I’ll bet there a line at Macy’s in NYC!

Editing to add link to a few random photos:


http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100286

A quiet day at sea!

Yesterday we enjoyed the leisure that only a sea day can provide. While Tom kept to his usual habit of sleeping late, I decided to take some laps on the Sky Deck – much needed exercise to counteract some of the irresistible menu choices I’ve made over the last week!

Our course north from Barbados is not quite as smooth as the trip south. There was a beautiful sunrise followed by passing showers and then a sunny sky and sea swells that rocked the ship enough to keep us close to a handrail as often as possible.

I continue to enjoy my book and watched a DVD to pass the day. Lunch in the Verandah Café was delicious but a bit awkward as this is one of the higher decks at the back of the ship.

The rough seas made Tom reluctant to go out for dinner so we ordered our dinner served in the suite. I enjoyed caviar (no extra charge on Seabourn) earlier so all that walking will need to be repeated tomorrow when we arrive in St. Martin.

Well….almost 24 hours later I am writing again, this time from the Baie de Marigot on the French side of Saint Martin. Our ship is at anchor and the tender ride to shore is a little rough, especially when boarding from the Legend – otherwise the skies are blue and the sun is warm. Many are doing tours today.

I took the tender to town in hopes of finding some dive information for a CC friend. Unfortunately after asking many locals the only information I could find for diving on this side of the island is the Nettle Bay Resort about 2 miles from town. Jane, I hope that helps. I’ll try to goggle a link to insert here.

http://www.scubafun.com

You can definitely tell its “high” season here, lots of traffic, the farmer’s market was in full swing and the smell of baking croissants and French bread filled the air.

I returned to the ship for lunch and a lazy afternoon. Tonight we have a very leisurely cruise to Virgin Gorda and we’ve organized a dinner for 9 in “2”. It’s so relaxing to cruise through this part of the world after dark, the lights of nearby islands twinkle in the distance as we glide towards our destination.

Last night we had a wonderful evening in "2" - we started our meal while still at anchor in St. Martin. Near the end of dinner we started to cruise to Virgin Gorda. As the ship's course changed and the wind picked up we were quick to move inside to have our dessert.

We then enjoyed a show of Broadway favorites. All in all a perfect evening.

Here are just a few photos:

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100294

We are now approaching Spanish Town. Another wonderful day ahead!

Margo your emails continue to make me feel like I am right there with you! What a wonderful holiday cruise!

Hi Margo, I'm so enjoying your reports and pix. Would love to see a photo or two of you!! Continue to have a lovely cruise.

Today we had our beach barbeque....while I was late for caviar in the surf I arrive in time to enjoy a beautiful swim at the beach and a chance to snap some photos.

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100311

We've just set sail for St. Thomas where we will spend a few hours tomorrow before beginning our return to Port Everglades.

Our Seabourn Experience continues to be better than ever. I hope to compose a more detailed post on that before we leave the ship. I can honestly say that this year is much more enjoyable than last year's cruise - there are several reasons and I'll try to be more specific soon. I will tell you the key factor is what I'd describe as a "happy crew". Everyone does such a remarkable job to insure we're having a great time.

Anyway, more soon,

Margo,
Have been out of town for several days ahd have enjoyed catching up with your cruise news. Sounds like you've had a wonderful time! Thanks so much!

Margo, your cruise continues to be great. Thanks for sharing the pictures too! Love the cheesecake!

Today we were in St. Thomas for a half-day visit - We cleared Immigration this morning and it's the first time that the request to appear included a note that "bathrobes" were not appropriate attire! At 7 AM what else would we be wearing???? LOL - Everyone appeared dressed appropriately and we were cleared very quickly.

Our ship was docked next to the Seranade of the Seas - an ENORMOUS SHIP!

Many guest elected to say on board and by noon we were enjoying music on the Sky Deck as we prepared to leave the USVI.

I've attached a few photos from the deck party. And to answer your question, there was a wedding ceremony yesterday on Prickly Pear Island. Captain Tom Thomassen did the honors and Sara Jane and Nino were joined in marriage - I know they plan private and other "official" ceremonies with their friends and families in the near future. If I can locate a photo of the wedding I promise to share it. I arrive on the beach too late to record the festivities.

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100323

We're now on our way home - with 2 1/2 sea days ahead and plans for a very festive New Year's Eve celebration!

Wishing all of you a special start to 2008. Thank you for your friendship - LCT is a very special place and I feel luck to share in it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wonderful photos, Margo! Happy New Year to you and Tom!

Margo I continue to enjoy your posts and photos, but sure would love to see a pic of you and Tom, if you don't mind sharing one with us!

I can't wait to read about your New Years Eve celebration!

Sue...the camera is always in my hands but I'll try to get someone to "shoot" us! I will be sure to get lots of NY eve pics. After all, we'll be in our black tie best!

This year I got a small Canon elph and it fits so easily into my purse that I carry it everywhere. I get plenty of photos without dragging around my larger camera and I get more candids when I'm not pointing a large lens at everyone.

Happy New Year, Margo!

How sweet you are to share your wonderful cruise through your posts and great pix. I will look forward to those of you and Tom in your New Year's Eve finest!!

Just a few more photos from dinner: Sue I gave the camera to Tom - you can see the results are a bit different!

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100332

We special ordered Steak Tartar this evening and it was wonderful - so good that we cancelled our entree selections - YES, delicious!

We're very excited about celebrating New Year's Eve tomorrow evening - black tie and all the festivities. A special way to welcome 2008.

Heads up on Seabourn Christmas 2008 - the Legend is chartered so if you have your heart set on a holiday cruise you will need to book the Pride ASAP -many of the returning Legend cruisers have already done that - we're still on the fence but I really want to return - the holidays are so special but we will miss our Legend crew! Maybe a Regent Holiday cruise is in our future! :D

Margo, Lovely pictures of you and those with you and Tom. Looking forward to your NYE report with pix. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. I sure have enjoyed reading your seamail.

Thanks Margo! I love the one of Tom that you have labeled YUMMM and the one of you two together is so lovely! :)

Great pictures Margo, you looked FABULOUS.

Happy New Year from the Legend!

We had a festive evening - cocktails, wonderful dinner - marvelous table companions and well, you know, all the good stuff!

The dining room was aglow with soft lights and glitter dusting the red and white table linens. Everyone looked beautiful in their finery and as the wine flowed the laughter grew.

Our table was a true international gathering with representatives from the the UK, Australia, Florida and Las Vegas - now you can imagine the conversations!

The menu was delicious and I must admit that while the dining room was filled to capacity and the wait-staff worked tirelessly, the evening went too quickly - a sure sign of a good time.

After dinner all guest were invited to dancing on the sky deck and the dress code was "as you please" - some changed to more casual attire but many continued to celebrate in black tie.

Ever the "old fogies" we elected to return to our cozy cabin - share some wine and toast 2008 in private. So the more exciting stories of the evening revels will have to come from others. For us....what happens on the Legend stays on the Legend!

Here are just a few photos from dinner:

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100340

I hope all of you had an equally memorable start to the new year.

Best wishes,

Everyone looks lovely... the food scrumptous (tell us about that chocolate trio dessert) and craziness is especially fun on NYE. Thanks, Margo.

What a handsome group of people! Margo, we are with you and Tom, we were home at 10:30!

Hi Margo:

Have been looking at your photos and was most pleased to see the one's of you and Tom. I know Tom has had some health issues in the past but he looks like a fit and happy camper on this cruise.

As as for you, have read where you keep physically fit by running not only for yourself but for charities that turn you on. I'm glad Sue asked you to post photos of you and Tom as I didn't realize before how good looking a gal you are.

Happy, healthy, New Year to you and yours.

Cheers! Ray

Well, I should be packing but that would seem too final....I want to keep my happy, lazy moments for awhile longer!

Today we enjoyed a galley lunch...a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the new year. I've attached a few photos from today.

http://gallery.mac.com/ogram1/100348

Tonight we'll have one last dinner in "2" with friends - and we'll talk about staying in touch and all the wonderful memories we've made during the last 14 days. These feeling are so familiar - the same at the end of every cruise.

I finally had a chance to make an open booking with the idea that we will probably be back again same time next year...at least I hope so. But of course a Regent holiday cruise is also a wonderful option!
__________________

My last few internet minutes remain - we're along side the dock in Port Everglades. It's COLD! - I don't know what happened, yesterday balmy Atlantic cruising, today moderate gale and temperatures in the 40's! Yikes Dorothy, we're back in Kansas!

I just ventured out to the stairwell on deck 4 - the luggage is piled high. There are 11 lucky in-transit guests - and other's who wish they could stowaway (like ME)

As I completed my guest questionnaire this morning I couldn't help but appreciate how much we've enjoyed the last 14 days - there has been a noticeable difference from the same cruise last year and I have to say it is most definitely because of the crew - they really made us feel comfortable. Every one of them going above and beyond to be sure the Seabourn Experience was perfect.

As another Seabourn "Sailor" mentioned, to name all of them would be difficult and I would hate to miss anyone of them - They have some extraordinary individuals. Many crew members are from South Africa and someone is doing a great job recruiting there.

Anyway, I'll try to write some specific observations when we get home but for now, the warm memories will help - cause it's cold outside!

Margo, what a wonderful way to spend the holidays. And, I've enjoyed every word of your blog. Thanks for taking us along with you. Stay warm!

Margo,

I will miss your reports. You have done a splendid job of keeping us entertained with your posts and pix. Thanks! Sorry your reception home is soooo chilly. The sun is shining this morning, but it is COLD in Florida!

Margo, I have so enjoyed all your seamail and photos. I hate to see your trip come to an end. Where and when do you go next?
And BTW - you look fabulous!

Sounds like a wonderful cruise Margo, and the pictures were great. Both you and Tom look wonderful.

Ahhhhhh someday, I dream of a New Years cruise.

Welcome home, M! Thanks for taking us along with you - sounds like you had a wonderful cruise!

Welcome home Margo, I will miss your sea mail as it was getting me through these chilly winter days!

Margo, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful cruise with us. Happy New Year to you and Tom.

Nancy

Welcome Home! How I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your pictures. Looks like you had a wonderful cruise!

Thanks for sharing :)

Margo: I am so late to LCT, due to holidays, but read your posts and your pixs are wonderful - you and Tom look great!!!! A cruise will do it yes???Joanna

Joanna....YES! A cruise will do it!

I enjoyed all the Lamb posts as we were getting ready for our cruise - just wish we could join an LCT voyage - that would be very special!

Hope you're recovered from the holidays - I've still got lots of laundry to do today but our tennis was canceled because of the cold - so I'll be busy at home!

Margo, I'll sure miss reading about your daily activities! It's just been great cruising with you and Tom the past 2 weeks! Welcome Home....

Marcie... Tom and I are still pretending. This morning he asked if I put the breakfast order "out" on the door last night - and then he said I could hang out the "Do Not Disturb" card so the stewardess wouldn't wake him - I have a powerful imagination but this really isn't working for me.

I have to be content thinking about what our friends (still on board) are doing today. I just hope it's warmer and not so windy where they are.