2SailingNomads

Too crowded already, also requires getting an experienced expedition team, right ship design (most are PC6 so all can go exactly the same places) to be able to offer something novel (See Ponant Charcot a truly advanced PC2 ship that offers unique itineraries and I've been on it, but has it's issues). I think Regent is wise to avoid that market so many ships going to Antarctica and once people have been there once how many want to spent $2000 or more per diem to return.

so agree I REALLY don't want to hear your inane conversation, why can't people realize that??. WORST is people on a phone call on speaker yelling at their phone with the other side on 10. Pool on Grandeur multiple times from some Brit couple talking to their grandkids - who also needed chairs in the shade and in the sun, and a couple in the Veranda at lunch telling everyone their financial advisors advice.

Seabourn is the name of the cruise line on this board 🙂 Have sailed on Seabourn for over 440 days with more booked and on Regent for over 50 days. Regent entertainment is better IMO, shows and at least on the Grandeur and Splendor - which are the only Regent ships we have sailed on the entertainment in the bars is, in most cases, superior to Seabourn.

Having been on both... main difference on II vs. I is the outside area on Deck 10 forward. On I there a little outside bar that rarely was used, due to staffing and just 2 hot tubs. On II the bar is enclosed including bathrooms and seats. There is a small pool outside the bar area in addition to the hot tubs. The pool does block the forward views from inside the bar, but there is a raised platform in front of the pool for viewing where the ship is heading.

We join in Vancouver

Thank you KJB for this. Have to admit disappointing as on Regent Absolut Elyx is included as is MacCallan on both Seabourn and Regent and Don Julio and even Anejo.

Totally understand and did not mean to imply everyone should / can take the stairs. 😉 We will also take the elevators if with others who need to.

As we will be joining the ship in under 3 weeks, wondering if anyone has a list of included spirits, specifically Vodka, rim, Tequila, Mezcal (hopefully) and also wines. I don't recall seeing those posted here.

We had an envelope in our suite too, on a $4k per night cruise.

Having sailed on both, Ponant will take you further south due to the amazing technology of the ship. Ponant had 2 aircraft, one all biz-class that we upgraded to, the other supposedly nice but coach seating. Food on the plane was not so good but service was excellent and never wanted for a drink. When we boarded, despite having assigned seats we were told it was open seating. The suite on Charcot was nice but no nicer than Scenic. Both have open bridge policy. Charcot take: Certain level of cheapness despite the high price, e.g., limited included spirits with a menu of upcharge drinks, limited included wines, typically only 2 reds and 2 whites that rotate. no welcome bottle of champagne in suite, small bottles of spirits in in-room fridge - no automatic refills had to ask suite attendant. Limited options for food, the Sila buffet had small amount of offerings, service could be indifferent. Ducasse restaurant was good but limited choices, but food was sometime warm at best. The soups were some of the best I have had on any ship. Heated boot racks in zodiac boarding area, but poor organization with multiple groups congregating in a small area to swap out shoes for boots before lining up to board the zodiac. Deck that goes around the entire ship for walking, viewing wildlife / scenery. Lack of information, despite the daily briefings when changes occurred info not conveyed in a timely manner, big upsell for photos / videos taken from ship's photographers. Almost no interaction with senior officers. Scenic take: Butler service for all levels of suites, except for certain very high end spirits all are included. Multiple included wine options, seven restaurants for dinner, 2 for breakfast and lunch. Super comfortable reclining chairs in the theater. Very friendly crew and with one or two exceptions excellent service (2 people who were in the wrong career), senior officers very accessible and present (had multiple dinners with different ones along with conversations at the bar). Scenic likes to come up with different surprises for their guests. Post cruise link to videos taken while on the ship at no charge. Have sailed on Scenic 3 times Charcot once. For Antarctica unless doing my now bucket list trip from NZ to Ushuaia which can only do on Charcot, no other ship can do that, unfortunately they are not offering in 25, I think either will be a great experience.

Or do as we do and use the stairs. We usually avoid the elevators except for embarking / disembarking when we have carry-ons with us.

I love that line, it was followed by "Remember to tip your bartenders and servers.... "

It may be a win for Seabourn financially but probably not for longtime pax. I was looking at the Kimberly for '25, friends have a great trip on the Pursuit this year BTB's but next year there are times when the ship is not available to do the same. The APT company may be great but if I am sailing on a Seabourn ship I want to be assured it is the Seabourn product.

Like all of the "free" spa things they are a sales pitch for worthless products. Dr. Andrew Quack & whatever that company they outsource the spa to (most of the employees there hate working on Seabourn as I was told when getting a terrible haircut, maybe the worst of my life but got to hear all the complaints). Went to a thing a few years ago about losing belly fat just to see, guess what selling me things that do nothing to help you lose weight and you can not spot reduce.

My advice is, unless you only take 1 vacation a year, to buy a yearly policy, multiple insurers sell them and I suspect my post would be deleted if I mentioned the one we have used for years but a search for yearly travel insurance should give you multiple companies. Different policies allow you to choose the amount of coverage, we combine that with a credit card that also has provides insurance if you need to change plans.