Gourmet Gal

Seems to be some confusion on what their policy actually is. I would consider them less than all-inclusive if tour guide tips have been eliminated. They were already last on my list of the higher-end lines, this would probably keep me from booking with them again. Part of the appeal of a high-end all-inclusive line is not having to worry about things like breaking large bills or having enough cash for tips. I really like Tauck for their attention to detail. They’ll give you money for restroom charges and if the itinerary requires lunch in town they give you the cash for that. Sometimes I like a trip where all I have to do is show up!

That was always my understanding. We never tip on Uniworld or Tauck.

Picasso is a modern artist and while the juxtaposition of modern and vintage is fun, I can do without more vintage after looking at it all day on shore. However, I wouldn’t refrain from booking Uniworld if I like the itinerary.

Yes, agree. Hope they don’t Uni-fy them into that faux old-world decor. I’ve heard those ships are lovely.

Agree, on SS the butlers are basically room attendants who do not do the cleaning. Some are a little more attentive to your needs than others but I think it’s oversold as a perk.

High or low water levels can affect cruises the same and the bus tour is the way it’s usually handled without any additional compensation - most cruise lines reserve the right to do so in writing. Check your small print to determine if Scenic met their obligation to you. I’m not sure how much you really missed in terms of “cruising” as most of it takes place at night.

See post 26 and 27

HaHa…no food service but we had a beautiful Four Seasons catered lunch in Petra before our return to Amman. It was a long day but memorable…an amazing dinner party atop the Citadel that night.

So Amman. I was just there and traveled to Petra by military Blackhawk!

Where is Aamon?

Do Itashimashite!

The Backstreet Guides are excellent. Our guide was Mayu and she was delightful. You can customize the tour to what you’re most interested in. For food tours Culinary Backstreets is outstanding but their Tokyo tours are almost full-day. If you want a fun shorter evening food tour Arigato Japan is excellent as well. They also have guides in Kyoto.

Interesting convo. I was just traveling with a Four Seasons group and I commented to management that on this trip to 7 FS hotels it was interesting that as unique as each one was, all the amenities were the same, in-room. The iPad system, lighting and thermostats, turn-down service, coffee machines, laundry service, most toiletries, even the hairdyers and flat irons were consistently the same. We didn’t have to figure out how to lock the safe or adjust the lights on every stop. Management appreciated the observation and reiterated that their definition of luxury has changed from opulence/high-end to comfort and familiarity. It’s always been an element of their product but I think they’re creating a wonderful experience and ambiance with this emphasis and I’m looking forward to seeing how they apply this concept to their upcoming yachts.

Just flew around the world for the second time with Four Seasons and if the service, food, hospitality and excursions with the ships are anywhere near as fabulous as their jet experience then we are all in for a treat once FS sets sail. There was quite a bit of excitement about the ships with my fellow travelers onboard the jet.

I can recommend a private guide for Tokyo if needed. Also highly recommend a Tokyo food tour with Culinary Back Streets.

Just wondering. My husband and I never drink more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day for health reasons…we prefer eating our calories and lowering our carcinogens. Does anyone know if we would still be charged $160 PP in La Dame while consuming at most one glass of wine? There’s so much reference to the new upcharge being related to wine.

Love Japan but have only toured on my own by land several times for several weeks. Happy to follow along to see if I should book a cruise and go the easy way.

I also love aft cabins but had a bad experience years ago on a Princess Alaska cruise and it makes me hesitate to book another without some research. Apparently our suite was above an area where garbage was stored and vented to the outside. We could not use our huge, lovely veranda because the stench was unbearable. After numerous complaints we were given a massive OBC because there were no other suites available. The OP mentioned a white space next to the aft cabin they’re interested in. I would recommend finding out just what that is.

Stunning photos.

I also like a nice Jurançon or off-dry Alsace Pinot Gris with foie gras.

Goose liver? That’s really a rarity. Most foie gras is duck liver these days. Anyway, what do you prefer to drink with your foie gras? I love having Sauternes with a seared foie gras but it doesn’t work as well with a pâté or mousse de foie gras. It was definitely a trend 10-15 years ago but I’d rather be 10 years behind the times than 100.

I’m not understanding why you are unhappy with the revision. You can still dress to the max as there is no rule against that. Anyway, now it seems the tables have turned. Those who preferred a more relaxed attire were told by the old guard to just choose another line. Looks like you’re doing the same now that the suggested attire is no longer strictly formal. I guess Cunard will reap the benefits of tux and gown-clad passengers fleeing from the down-market SS…there’s no where else to go.

Perhaps I am misreading but why are there prices for the wine pairing when it’s included on Nova?

Sounds like SS is changing the definition of appropriate attire on at least 2 ships. So don’t worry, you’ll still be appropriate.

And there will be a segment who live in the past and resist change. Times are changing and SS has read the tealeaves and realize that it isn’t great marketing for the so-called “differentiator” (high-brow dress code) to be dependent upon and a burden to passengers.