Gourmet Gal

Well, there is the Observation Lounge forward which is my favorite early morning spot when coming into port.

Seems like most of the lines are somewhat “watered down” post-mergers and post-Covid. That still leaves SS and SB at or near the top of the heap in terms of luxury. AK1004 places much emphasis on value do that’s a somewhat different discussion. Would be interested to hear how SS compares to Ritz Carlton - somewhat different animals but both in the lux space. Not sure RC has found their footing yet. The upcoming Four Seasons ship looks amazing as well but starting at $5000 per day is in another league.

Roz thanks for the updates. Hope you’re feeling better. If you don’t mind the inquiry, did other passengers also complain of a stomach ailment? Do you think it’s something you consumed ashore or onboard or possibly more like a norovirus? Seems unusual for a river cruise,

Thanks for the detail on your comparison. Other than the bedding, how would you compare the style of the furnishings and decor. Does the SS decor at least appear to be more high-end or are they also comparable?

Nice review and mirrors my experience on Moon last year except it sounds like food was better on your cruise. BTW, interesting food and beverage pairing - Caviar and Cappuccino! Thanks for posting a review.

Are you suggesting that a polo shirt will cut it on formal night? A polo shirt would never be considered formal wear but can be dressed up if it’s a fine quality (Zegna, Bruno Cuccinelli, Façonnable, etc…) paired with a jacket. The run-of-the-mill cheap Ralph Lauren would not. But stylish does not mean formal. And only in Hawaii or a small South Pacific island would an Hawaiian shirt by considered dressy.

As SS begins rolling out a revised dress code I thought it would be helpful to have a thread where members could report any happenings on dress code. Let’s not get into debates and opinions but utilize this thread for information purposes only. All I have to report at this time is that my May 2024 Spirit sailing is still advising on the original, classic SS dress code. No changes yet. I know several ships have a different standard, perhaps others can chime in.

I think that’s typical Dutch weather year round! I’ve been there 8 times and it has always rained.

Thanks for your reply. I sailed in the Med. on Spirit pre-stretch and didn’t notice vibration. Perhaps the stretch somehow has created the issue?

Just wondering about the vibration on Spirit. Was this due to the mechanical issues on the prior cruise or is it an annoying quirk of this ship? I’m booked on the Monaco F1 sailing next May, midship, deck 7. Should I consider changing to a different cabin?

I’ve always been curious about the Christmas cruises. Would love to follow along and read any observations you may share.

Turns out on my cruise the Signature benefits will apply to one of the hotels.

Doesn’t seem like a bombshell. Just made a change to an SS Air flight booked a few weeks ago and the Cruise Consultant handled it himself and it was instantaneous without any deviation fees or fare increase. For those concerned about dealing with two different departments in the future just use a TA so you can deal with one person.

Never for me on a river cruise and I do get motion sickness of ocean-going vessels.

I believe on the older ships on 7 day Med cruises the dress code is also relaxed?

Interesting…the hotel rates from SS don’t seem discounted at all. Also, I’ve never paid more than the direct-booking rate for a hotel using Virtuoso or Signature.

Thanks so much for the replies. My TA can also get the Virtuoso benefits but does anyone know if the hotel upgrade, breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and credit would apply to an SS hotel?

Lots of views but no responses…perhaps I should rephrase the question. If I transfer a booking made directly with SS to my TA will she receive any commission?

Well, I did the thing I usually advise against and booked directly with an SS Cruise Consultant. I have a wonderful TA and am planning to turn the booking over to her to receive hotel perks and OBC but the Cruise Consultant has been so helpful and responsive. I initially was just making an inquiry about the cruise but I’ve been very impressed with this individual and completed the booking. He has told me I can assign the booking to my TA but now I worry that after all the work the Cruise Consultant did he will receive less compensation than if I didn’t involve a third party. Does anyone know how that works for the SS Consultants?

Just received a note - Monaco Paddock Club tickets are not available yet. One can get on the mailing list though.

There are grandstand seats and a few terrace apts. left if you book independently but they’re going fast. The advantage is also you can book just race day. The SS packages are 2-day except for the grandstand. We will actually be on Spirit, not Whisper as I misstated in my original post.

Just took a screenshot and created a new album for our May 2024 cruise. It’s the first photo so if a bartender is clueless I can whip out the recipe. That is if I still remember I have it by then!

The Belvedere is atop the L Grandstand and has some great views but I think the facilities are just porta potties..pricy for that. Some of the best (Ermanno) terraces are already sold out so we are considering the Caravelle Apt. package that SS is offering. Bigger view and same pricing as the Belvedere. The other option for 2023 from SS is the Miramar rooftop with Michelin starred chefs but the view seems a little limited. I’m checking but I think the Paddock Club is sold out.

Which Plymouth? Assuming not Navy strength. That’s a hefty drink.

Just booked the cruise but will probably book a VIP package independently.