Gourmet Gal

Isn’t tipping included for all complimentary services and food/bev?

For the price of a high-end cruise you can easily book a private land tour with a company like Kensington. We did that on my first trip to Japan and it was fantastic. You can have them suggest an itinerary or you can create your own going to the cities and small towns you may be interested in. The transportation is by car or train and you are fully escorted to your train car and if there is a train change someone meets you at that station and escorts you to the next train, waits while you board and will stand there waving until the train leaves. Kensington will arrange for you to ship your luggage ahead to each hotel so no schlepping. You can choose how much guided touring to have in each stop and also choose what you want to see. Kensington will book any hotel you want as well as restaurant reservations. We stayed at the Peninsula in Tokyo, Four Seasons in Kyoto as well as beautiful ryokans in more remote towns. It’s truly the best way to see Japan.

Surprised they weren’t just emailed as does SS. Fancy packaging and mailings are perceived as wasteful these days and hopefully you’ll enjoy some luxury in the form of outstanding service, food and beverages. Let us know your impressions on this journey.

It’s Silversea. What kind of shows do you like? If you’ve sailed all the Caribbean did you have a favorite region or island and do you prefer sailing from a US port, roundtrip or no preference? That could help narrow down your search preferences as you research the cruise lines. All of the lines you mention meet your requirements of size, pools and entertainment. I would definitely try a line other than SS since you already know what they offer unless it’s useful for you to continue to accrue sail days for Venetian benefits.

Usually means itinerary changes coming but this is very late for that. Perhaps impending war fears and route deviations.

I think you’re asking if it’s now sold out? Could be a charter or an impending itinerary change or cancellation. How long ago were many suites available?

Has anyone booked? I am very tempted but I notice the business model is more of a floating hotel. Contrary to what most people consider a luxury cruise the FS model is not very inclusive at all. The “room rate” is based on double occupancy or in the larger suites the max occupancy - so pricing is not per person. Only breakfast is included and everything else - food, beverages, excursions, transfers are priced a la carte. Suites look beautiful and spacious but so far the itineraries aren’t too inspiring. The few cruises I do are enjoyable because I don’t have to deal with checking a long bill at the end and I really like the all-inclusiveness. Does anyone know if there are other cruise lines with this model? I have a feeling that FS is looking to attract the FS and luxury hotel customer, not necessarily a traditional cruise customer.

Just wondering why anyone would need to “keep” unused, extra hangers? Also can’t quite understand lugging home a bottle of cheap champagne? Is it more of a souvenir?

I love aft-facing as well. The views are awesome but be sure to check how close the deck is to an outdoor dining or smoking venue. I was on a Princess cruise years ago and our beautiful huge aft-suite was right above a putrid smelling garbage bay. We couldn’t even use our huge balcony.

Cruise lines should take note of how sensitive pax can be when it comes to champagne. On another forum there’s a discussion about a pax seeking arbitration over a bottle of champagne.

I had an excellent private tour from Backstreet Guides. Tours are fully customizable but they made excellent suggestions. Our Japanese guide was incredibly charming and generous in sharing history and culture. I always prefer native residents who speak english well as opposed to ex-pats. I just find that authenticity leaves a more lasting impression.

Thought I would circle back for future inquiries. We ended up booking the SS Caravelles Apartment 2-day package and it was fabulous! The view was of more than 60% of the track including pit row, start-finish line, podium, first turn, tunnel exit as well as the spectacular harbor and beyond. Food and refreshments were wonderful and the apartment and terrrace were great. It was the best excursion of the entire cruise in terms of organization and execution.

Is this a 2024 trip or next year? Surprising SB doesn’t allow choice or changes to flights?

Is it possible to change your flight?

It was such a waste of food - I know, I’m no fun but I felt guilty for leaving most of it behind. I’m not into gluttony!