Sunrise Sail In at Jakarta Harbor – A Seabourn Moment

A chef in a white uniform is cooking on an outdoor deck. He is pouring oil into a pan on an induction cooktop. There are other people in the background, one of whom is taking a photo. The setting appears to be on a ship or a boat, as indicated by the windows and the deck design. The sun is shining, creating a warm and bright atmosphere.
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One of the highlights of cruising on Seabourn are what aficionados like to call “Seabourn moments”.

While Seabourn is known for her signature events such as Caviar in the Surf or Galley Market Lunches on some cruises, the staff also tries to come up with a variety of smaller occasions to wow their guests during every sailing.

A great example of this was the Sunrise Sail-In Party we attended on a forward deck during our first port call at Jakarta. At 6 am, still jetlagged and sleepy, we wandered out of our suite and down the hallway to find an intimate gathering taking place.

In true signature Seabourn style, waiters were circulating with silver trays of champagne, orange juice, and mimosas.

What else but mimosas to greet the day?
What else but mimosas to greet the day?

An awning had been set up and the executive chef himself was preparing scrambled eggs with black truffles.

Chef Kurt prepares truffled eggs.
Chef Kurt prepares truffled eggs.

A couple dozen guests mingled as we maneuvered into the busy Jakarta harbor and watched the beauty of the sunrise.

Sunrise as we approached Jakarta.
Sunrise as we approached Jakarta.

And then as quickly as it began, it was over… the desk was needed for arrival activities by the crew. The party was quickly disassembled as lines were tied off at the dock.  All of that trouble for just a few guests and yet pleasantly executed with warm smiles by the staff – a classic Seabourn moment is almost like a mirage.  You marvel at its beauty and then wonder if it actually happened.

Other guests have reported similar such as staff driving out to meet a tour group on a long return at the halfway point with cold towels, canapés, and refreshing drinks to break up the journey. Repeat guests share tales of specially prepared dishes in the main dining room – whether delights from a local market or a memorable dish to commemorate an anniversary.

On a past cruise, we’ve hosted a dinner party on formal night where the staff has been happy to prepare and distribute printed invitations delivered to suites and manage our RSVPs for us.   Another time, the staff wowed my suitemate with not one, but two birthday surprises on a milestone birthday.

You never know when the next Seabourn moment will occur – only that they make the day sparkle a bit.

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