Gourmet Gal

Were you in grandstand K? That’s the seating SS is offering and the photo looks like it’s across from the marina. Was there a place to go to get some relief from the sun?

Thanks for the replies. I do now see the detail for a few different experiences offered by SS. At least one is sold out if I try to book independently so cannot compare pricing.

I know I’ve read some threads on this topic but the search function is not bringing them up. We are considering next year’s Whisper cruise that includes qualifying and race day. The SS site does not go into much detail and doesn’t even mention there are excursions related to the race. Seems like they had a package you could buy but it was just grand stand seats and you had to arrive very early pre-race. Has anyone done this or does anyone know if SS has more of a traditional F1 VIP package with more behind the scenes access, food, driver meet and greet, etc.? Otherwise if I book a VIP package independently would the tender schedule work out timing-wise?

Comparing Regent and SS now for Japan. Nova has significantly more sea days which are a waste of time. I prefer more port intensive itineraries. The 13K upgrade for business class is only a slight discount from published fares. Also, I’m sure there would be additional deviation fees if we wanted an open jaw or go in early, stay later. However, the Regent ship is not rated very highly on this itinerary. Would never book pre-cruise tours or hotel with any line as We prefer higher end hotels and private tours. I have an excellent source with backstreet Guides and Kensington.

Arigato Travel can arrange anything. They do have fantastic guides if would like to get more out of your excursion.

Catlover, La Dame looks smaller on Nova vs Moon. Is it just an optical illusion in the photo?

That’s a really shocking response from an HD. Not what one would expect of a reasonable request.

I may be mistaken but did you mention there is a hot tub aft outside the spa or is that only available if one books a treatment?

The cruise price is expensive and so I would certainly feel entitled to politely request the volume be turned down. Should not be a big deal. It must have been louder than what you’ve experienced on other cruises and perhaps the staff just didn’t realize how loud and annoying it was. Leave it to other passengers to request the volume be turned back up and then the staff to find a happy medium. Far better than being annoyed and having it become a negative in your review.

Catlover, I read your review with great interest as I am considering a Japan cruise next year, possibly on Nova. I know your final summation and score were fairly positive but I noticed many, many negatives upon reading the detail. Hopefully some issues are due to growing pains but can you tell me if the issue of loud music was ever rectified? Seems a simple enough fix. I too have a problem with loud music. Why did you wait until mid-cruise to comment on a survey? Surely the staff would have been accommodating if you’d asked right away if the volume could be adjusted?

I’m assuming by Spirt you mean Spirit. 😉

Gorgeous horses. Thanks for posting the photos.

Why not just go to Yas and see the race live…30-40 minutes by taxi. Tickets online.

Has anyone sailed both Quark and SS in Antartica and can you offer any comparisons between the two? Planning an extensive trip that includes a 5 day cruise in Antartica with Quark. I’ve travelled with this tour provider in the past but their cruise portion of the trip was with SS. Otherwise this is a luxury category trip but I have concerns that the segment with Quark will not be as upscale.

Have cruised multiple times with Tauck and have never seen this however it is typical of the small surprises you will enjoy throughout the cruise.

Seems that anyone who can afford an international flight and a cruise on SS should be able to cover a dry-cleaning, pressing or laundry fee. Shouldn’t be a roadblock for most people. I’ve travelled up to a month with carry-on sized luggage even though I usually check it anyway. We have less tolerance for schlepping these days. I don’t mind paying for laundry service as it seems a minor expense after spending tens of thousands on the entire trip. Another pro-tip is to pack clothes/shoes that you would readily jettison along the way to create space for purchases along the way.

That’s actually a good price for a resort-style treatment.

I wouldn’t say my meals are ruined by the absence of tablecloths but they do add more than just appearance to a dining room. They really help with acoustics by muffling sound more than hard surfaces do.

You would think but the key here is that the assumption that money equates with sophistication or class just does not hold true anymore. What does hold true is that you cannot judge a book by it’s cover!

Any opinions about Quark? I’m considering booking another Four Seasons jet journey that includes a 5 day expedition on Quark from King George Island. I was surprised they didn’t choose SS which is the cruise line they use on their trip that includes Galapagos.

I would spend it in the spa.

So nice to see that common sense prevailed and good communication helped to solve the problem.

Perhaps it is just a missprint on the itinerary? What if you brought it to the attention of a manager onboard? Also, YMMV Your Mileage May Vary.

I always use earplugs when sleeping in a new environment - hotels, ships, planes just because even the ambient noise of of a new place disrupts my sleep. Unfamiliar traffic noise, heating, aircon and neighbors all can contribute to a restless night. The butler should be able to provide earplugs.

Sounds like a credit for the booking from Virtuoso that SS will no longer give and there are probably too many bookings that Virtuoso wants to cover. “Nickel and diming” all around.