frantic36

This is true flossie as we have some friends we met that way but we have also encountered people we could definitely never want to spend time with again. To difficult to explain here. That's why now we prefer to meet people elsewhere and then hook up of dinner after a pre dinner chat.

I am sorry you are in this situation but when we travel no person will use age as an excuse to change their refund policies. No airline, hotel or cruise so it is why we make sure we either be prepared to change or have an all encompassing insurance no matter what the cost.

I'm glad this works for you and my husband and I have worked out what works for us,.

I did discuss this prior to our first cruise that we wanted to have independence but didn't realise they expected to meals most times together and thought we were only excluding excursions. The second cruise was an accident as we had booked well before and they at the last moment decided to join us which we didn't ask them too. My husband was concerned, the first half wasn't bad but this was a long cruise so it got difficult later.

This is interesting to me as I mainly travel just with my husband and only twice travelled specifically with another couple and it ruined our friendship. I didn't realise how many people expect when you travel with others it is expected to have dinner together every night. That was the deal breaker for us as that I thought it was understood we would do some things together and have a few meals together but they expected most if not all dinners together. I want to be able to have date nights with my husband and dinner with others on the cruise. Now when we cruise we often learn others from previous cruises are onboard so that is wonderful as we can catch up with friends for an occasional meal or even excursion but no expectations to do so.

@Pali Girl it would be best if you posted this on your roll call for your particular sailing as you are more likely to find others like you who haven't been able to book a tour as they are all full.

Totally agree with all the comments. I get asked when cruising if I belong to the group for my regular cruise line and people are very surprised when I say no and suggest I join. I tell them I have heard enough of the false stories both positive and negative the moderators and their fans tell that I would be kicked off pretty quickly because I would challenge them.

Not all Seabourn regulars as I would never have implied that as it isn't that easy using it in the Med. There is a lot of boat traffic and getting permission can be difficult. On some Med cruises it is never used and I have done quite a few. I don't keep tabs on how often it is used because I am off exploring the port and finding some nice local food.

I avoid that source as I find them generally negative and why do I want to go into a cruise with a negative mindset?

I read the blog for Ducie and it stated they tried to go ashore but the swell was too strong so they did the zodiac tour. Experienced sailors know you can't guarantee a landing if there is a problem with swell or weather. At least the snorkelers and divers got a good experience and hopefully some on the zodiac trips. I am on the 28/29 May Sailing so I have a vested interest in following the blog. I am hoping to snorkel but am sadly no longer a strong swimmer and had a scare a few years ago snorkelling so if we can't land I will just have to enjoy the zodiac trips and the ship. I'm glad to follow the blog as it helps with managing expectations.

I was on Seabourn Sojourn last in February 2024 and I saw a gathering of solo travellers many nights in the club hosted by one of the entertainment staff. I think they met around ?6 - 6.30. @Astride I saw your reply as I posted. I wonder if it was different on my sailing as it was part of the world cruise or because Ross was CD and he was more pro-active?

It only took an hour. I remember we needed to be there a bit earlier then our booked time so we had a wait then but they were very efficient getting people through. I also remember a young woman who didn't have a ticket but she was prepared to wait in case someone failed to turn up. Her chances were slim but you never know because the organisers wouldn't wait if people were late.

When we did this in 2019 it was a guided tour. They want to make sure that people get in and out at the same time as they only allow so many down in the caves at one time. They also had the guide to make sure people didn't touch things they weren't supposed to. This is also why you need to arrive at the correct time of your ticket. We did this as part of a private tour so I can't help with taxi recommendations.

I was curious about Regent dress code and have been pleased to read the descriptions of standards and also photos from current reports have shown people dressing Elegant Casual. Seabourn made the mistake of allowing "elegant" jeans in the dining room without clarifying what they consider elegant. No one is wearing ripped jeans but faded, baggy jeans is more often the norm and impossible for staff to push back against because the owner says they think they are elegant. Last night I was talking with my husband about an upcoming Seabourn Expedition cruise and though the norm is casual. I will still take some elegant casual to wear in the evening. I dress casual at home most of the time and like to wear some nicer things to a restaurant meal. It adds to making our holiday special.

Why do some people think the rest of the world wants to hear their loud conversations. Be it in person or on their phone etc. Something I'm looking forward to experiencing in Japan is the notion that when using public transport it is frowned upon to chat on your phone. What a good looking boy 🥰.