Gourmet Gal

So sorry for your loss. You must be going through a very difficult time and it must be disappointing for SS to be so rigid. Unfortunately, it’s also a difficult time for the cruise industry and I suspect that’s one of the reasons SS increased their non-refundable deposit. So they weren’t even willing to transfer even a partial amount to a future cruise? Did you ask to speak to management? Just wondering, would insurance on the deposit have protected you in this event?

If there is a special dinner ashore, most men wear jackets. Otherwise, onboard there’s no event worth getting very dressed up for. Has your husband considered not packing his sport coat and just wearing on the flights?

Didn’t mean to imply it’s a done deal regarding Social Security insolvency but it is unsustainable and adjustments will have to be made if there aren’t enough workers paying into the system to support longer living retirees. If the adjustments aren’t made to the system then we’ll have to pay somewhere else resulting in increased taxes or other reduced benefits. We need better immigration policies for sure.

Honestly, no one cares as long as you make an effort. What you describe will actually work for informal or formal, no need to limit your dining choices on formal nights. Sounds like you’re bringing plenty of luggage to be able to cover it. And totally agree about sequins - ugh.

Good luck. Hope it works out well for you.

One reason we need more immigrants - to fill the vacuum left by those moving up the employment ladder, not to mention the aging workforce and future insolvency of Social Security.

Normally I wouldn’t worry about flying a little in the opposite direction to get a good connection beyond that on such a long flight. Frankfurt is usually good for that and I prefer it to Heathrow but a one hour layover will never work. You don’t need as much time when you’re connecting from a Shengen country as you would coming from outside but I wouldn’t settle for less than 1’45” or 2’. Of course, by October flights could be more on time. How do connections through Munich look? It’s really getting late to have many good options if you’re flying business.

There are plenty of bad TA’s out there. I’ve been very lucky to have found an excellent one.

The CDC has just issued new guidelines for the cruise industry. They are strongly recommending pre-testing within one day of boarding. Of course they cannot dictate requirements or recommendations outside of US but other countries may take their lead. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/cdc-releases-new-cruise-ship-covid-safety-recommendations.html?ubhide=true&utm_source=omeda_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eltr_Daily&oly_enc_id=1349H5843412D7V

Interesting. Had your original ticket already been issued? In that case it’s no surprise the fare has gone up. If you had booked the ticket yourself and then changed it, it probably would have incurred a change fee and additional fare difference. What is surprising is the deviation fee for staying in an SS hotel. Good luck with your flight! Perhaps we’ll meet onboard.

And now Virgin will be dropping pre-cruise testing.

I’ve been to London dozens of times and am always happy to work into an itinerary. Southampton, not so much.

Have you enquired about a refund? If it is significant I wouldn’t just wait for SS to “come forth”.

No email response since mid-May?! How disappointing. Can you escalate up to a supervisor?

That’s one of the advantages of booking SS Air.

Just wondering which hotel SS is quoting?

And they also charge for each deviation. They can add up.

Wow…that’s too bad.

All drinks and I believe all excursions are included but you could use the OBC for upgraded wines or spa treatments.

I think we are on that same cruise. The pricing for the hotel sounds about right for a fairly high-end property especially if that includes all taxes, fees and breakfast. We’re staying at one of the Firmdale properties but usually stay at Taj51 residences. Firmdale Hotels are all well-located, reasonable prices and super charming boutique properties. All highly rated by travelers. We booked a car through Blackberry and the pricing is very reasonable - 210 Euro for a Mercedes van for 4 people. So I think you can easily beat SS pricing on your own and still have comfortable accommodations and transport but I’m surprised your cruise pricing D2D did not already include a hotel night. It’s common sense to arrive the day before a cruise when traveling from such a long distance. In any case, if you opt out of elements of D2D you should have the transfer refunded. I started a roll call for this cruise if you’d like to check it out.

The new SS ship in the Galapagos is probably a good choice. I sailed there on an SS charter on the older vessel and everything was great for an expedition ship. The guides were all outstanding. Was your Seabourn cruise during Covid or before? I do know that during the cruise industry recovery there are many new-to-cruising staff and reduced staff and the effects are being felt everywhere.

I’m a Target shopper for household supplies. I cannot stand those towering piles of bulk packages looming over the poorly lit warehouse aisles at Costco, not to mention those giant carts!

I can’t think of any advantages of booking directly with SS but the advantages are numerous with booking with a trusted TA. Hotel discounts, perks and amenities. Helping with air searches and booking without a fee and then following your progress throughout your trip. Complimentary private tours and OBC. And just saving time because I can email or speak to my TA about multiple trips. Also, I don’t get stuck on hold or waste time waiting for email responses. My TA is on it! She has also traveled extensively and can offer he invaluable opinion on destinations, insurance and itineraries. When things go wrong, she complains to the cruiseline, hotel or tour company and extracts maximum compensation. All this at no charge to me.

That seems appropriate.

Gogo, which ship?