Hlitner

When coupled with wife beater tops it showcases the “class” of some Princess cruisers.

We have done it multiple times and it has been previously discussed here on CC. It will often mean using two cruise lines and different ports. So, for example, we might cruise from the USA to Barcelona, spend a few weeks (or months in Europe) and take a return cruise from Rotterdam, Hamburg, etc. These kind of trips are fun for those of us who are very travel-independent and can sometimes “think out of the box.” I like to use a decent cruise data base (operated by a decent cruise agency) that makes it easy to search for cruises by using various criteria. For example, I can simply look for all TA cruises in August. Once we find the possible cruises we develop a land travel plan that works. It’s always lots of fun working out the ideal land itinerary and related logistics (ie rental cars, trains, planes). One might even be able to slip a river cruise into the itinerary. Hank

We are on the Seabourn Quest where they recently had a “King, Queen, and Prince” show. The King was Michael Jackson, the Queen was Whitney Houston, and the Prince was Prince. Funny that you find such a show on a luxury line that attracts older folks, while some lines that want to attract younger folks still seem lost in the 50s to 70s. Hank

We will politely disagree. Avoiding budget or mass market lines is one solution. Another is to look for seats far away from the pools (we find this a solution on Princess and Celebrity. Folks also need to understand that expecting to find a nice lounger at noon is often going to end in disappointment. Those of us who get into seats by 10, are just being practical and accepting the reality found in crowded mass market vessels. I will add that a similar situation exists at many land resorts. Hank

Am on the Quest now and there are some infrared ceiling heat lamps at Earth and Ocean. Some folks seem to be happy in their coats and blankets while enjoying dinner. At the moment we are non Iceland and the venue has been functioning on a normal basis. Hank

On the Quest now and there are no seats at the TK bar. We have never seen anyone standing at that bar which is primarily used to handle the needs of the TK Grill. There would be room for a few bar stools, but they would impede traffic flow near the grill entrance.

We do think that some first timers are surprised that the Restaurant and Colonnade do not open until 7pm. Kind of a shock to the crowd that prefers dinner at tea time.

An update on oysters. Today, we are cruising from Scotland to Iceland and they had an “Atlantic Lunch” in the Colonnade. When I walked in the venue our chef was shucking fresh oysters (he did several hundred). I quickly put 4 of those large oysters on my plate and enjoyed every morsel. The Oysters were recently procured in Ireland and Scotland and were delicious. Perhaps this is the SB way of dealing with the previous oyster shortage, and a wonderful solution it be. Hank

If you are looking for a part of Paris where everything is open on Sunday’s, the area is Marais. Lots of good shopping and places to grab a nice lunch. As to the Le Havre area, if you are simply looking for a town with shopping and cafes, Honfleur is open on Sundays. Hank

We have never had an issue getting times when we use the app. But, with DMW you always have the option to simply show-up without a reservation. For 2 tops you may get a beeper and need to wait (go enjoy a cocktail). For those of us who enjoy sharing tables there is seldom more than a very short wait. On mass market big ships you are going to often have mass market crowding and queues. As one who cruises many different lines (currently on the 450 passenger Seabourn Quest where there are no dinner reservations) one simply needs to adjust to each ship/cruise. On Princess we sometimes use reservations and other times “adjust.” Hank Hank

I would suggest buying direct from the JR train site. When you purchase direct, it is all done online and you pick up your pass at the JR place in airports or train stations. Buying direct from JR let’s you make an immediate online reservation for your first train. Hank

Japan is different from most places. Taxis are generally honest, safe, and clean. You can just grab a taxi from the port or any hotel. It is best to write your destination and show it to the driver. Many do not understand a lot of English but they have can usually read English printing. Hank

In Mexico you can select a cash option for Uber and directly pay the driver (generally in Pesos but they may accept dollars) Hank

To me, the answer is quite simple. Some folks eat to live and they are not “foodies.” Those of us who live to eat…are foodies.

You really do not need a “tour” to go to Honfleur. Taxis, at the port, will take multiple passengers for about 25 Euros. Honfleur is a very walkable town with most having lunch at one of the cafe/restaurants arrayed around the small harbor. Hank

Have never seen an Oyster on this cruise. On that formal night I settled for the lobster (not a big fan of SB lobster prep) which was OK. I should add that we have not experienced anymore issues like that one evening, and food onboard has generally been good. We recently booked a similar SB itinerary for 2025, which reflects our continued enjoyment of SB.

My advice would be to give SB a call and ask? Also consider joining with some others (perhaps on the CC Roll Call board) to organize some private tours. We are on the Quest where we generally do our own thing. SB excursions are quite expensive and seem to be the topic of most complaints on this cruise. Hank

I believe that SB uses mushrooms in their duxelles coating. We have since learned that the galley was somewhat overwhelmed when about 250 came to dinner (around the same time) in The Restaurant.

The stormy seas were with us for most of the 6 day crossing. Seas finally calmed down as we neared Kodiak Island. The Captain explained that we got caught between two major storm systems. The Westy handled the seas quite well, but I suspect there were more than a few unhappy passengers.

There are 399 passengers. Given the number of singles, we are near capacity.

We have been enjoying the Quest until tonight. Went in the Restaurant at 7:40 on a formal night. I ordered Oysters and Beef Wellington, The waiter advised against the beef since there was so little left that it would be mushrooms and pastry.. but little beef. Later told me, sorry, but no more oysters. DWs dessert pecan custard dish was like scrambled eggs. Very sad for a premium line. Most meals have been good, but this was not even up to Carnival standards. Hank

We agree that the YC is an exception. Love the YC and think it is the best value in the cruise industry. Hank

The only way to avoid crowds and queues on cruises is to cruise on small ship luxury lines. The down side is that you will spend a lot more money and not have the kids programs found on massive vessels. Hank

Personal Responsibility is an interesting concept. As frequent travelers/cruisers, we have learned this strange behavior of making our own arrangements and accepting that the best way to accomplish most goals is to do it ourselves. Depending on others will often leave you blaming others, when things go wrong. Hank

We are not going to that Chef’s dinner, so can not be of further help. It is tonight (formal night) and The Restaurant menu is more than adequate for our meager needs. Hank