SDuckers

11 hours ago, frantic36 said:

No, there has never been bingo on Seabourn that I am aware of. I have done two long cruises on Seabourn this year and the first one of 79 days had many sea days and no bingo.

 

As lincslady suggests there is trivia, lectures, name that tune, liars club, baggo, art or craft classes on sea days, etc.

On one cruise, they also had a shuffleboard tournament.  I was quite proud to take second place! 

<there were only two of us competing> 

In St. Lucia 2 years ago (so still in pandemic "bubble" for excursions), DH and I did the aerial tram and  Ziplining canopy tour.  I think you can probably now book it independent of Seabourn through a number of vendors but that wasn't an option for us.  The tram and ziplining was a blast and our guide was fabulous -- very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna we were seeing.  My only criticism was that after we completed the full series of ziplines from the top of the forest to the forest floor, we had to hike all the way back up to the top.  If I had known that I might not have signed up for the excursion, because the hike back up was strenuous (and I admit to not being in great shape for such a thing).  So maybe it's better I didn't know.   I felt bad delaying everyone else in the group because I was so slow going back up.  

3 hours ago, skybluewaters said:

 

And, apparently, sometimes a SDuckers game, also 😆

I actually read it that way the first time!  LOL

I primarily play blackjack, but I have not ever seen any perks for players in the Casino.

17 hours ago, floridaphilly said:

I am sailing from Lisbon to Miami and have been offered an upgrade from Veranda to Penthouse, but the suite is handicapped assessible. I don’t mind the walk in shower witha bench but is it a good idea. We are on Sojourn and the suite is 635. The cost is less than 1000.00

Any insignt would be greatly appreciated.

My DH and I really love the extra space that a PH offers.  The layout of the bedroom through the closet to the bathroom is a little odd, but it didn't bother us.  I like that the bedroom can be separated from the remainder of the suite, as DH tends to get up before I do.  Other than the extra space, there aren't really any other "perks" to a PH vs a Veranda.

I am trying to decide whether the topic of tipping, or the topic of jeans in the MDR, is the most likely to blow up on this board on any given day.

On 9/14/2023 at 2:09 PM, cruiseej said:

For all those extolling the polar plunge, I just want to weigh in with the contrary position. I have no desire to jump into freezing water just to say I did it! 😀 I watch from a convenient viewing spot and applaud those who choose to partake, but I haven't been even remotely tempted to join in. (I don't drink Jaegermeister, and I could get that, or a hot chocolate, on the ship without getting cold and wet!) I'm not in any way discouraging anyone who wants to try it from doing so; I'm just noting there are also plenty of us who are happy to observe, cheer on, and stay warm and dry. 🤣

I'll sit next to you!  The only way I am doing a polar plunge is if the ship is sinking.

We are booked on this crossing from Miami to Lisbon next spring, and just got this notification that Handre will be on this cruise, with a new program.

See this link:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvvHPPOPFVm/?VID=5011917613&camp=082623_SE2339TRA&rmid=082623_SE2339TRA&rrid=172714302&stop_mobi=yes&XID=EXTSEM202308225ZEZDI7K2E

I'll be severely disappointed if they do away with Keller fried chicken nights!  That is one of my favorite meals on Seabourn!

We are doing a crossing in April, with only one port day.  I do hope the restaurant will be open for lunch on this cruise, because I will get awfully tired of the Colonnade and Patio Grill for lunch every day if the restaurant isn't an option.

9 minutes ago, SLSD said:

I agree that a cruise director may not be the best for making fleetwide entertainment decisions.  And why the offensive comedians?  I've never heard one aboard ship that I thought was worth listening to.  No wonder so many people walk out.  

There was a comedian on our Alaskan cruise last fall.  He wasn't "offensive."  Just not funny.  We walked out about halfway through because he just wasn't funny and we were not enjoying it, so saw no point in staying.  I did feel a little bad in leaving, but not so bad that it kept me from doing so!

26 minutes ago, MBP&amp;O2/O said:

Ah ... define Requirements.... the ships are registered in Nassau ...

Do they / can they invoke USA laws on a 'foreign flagged' ship? 

T&C's of carriage need to be updated accordingly then it's a civil matter?

 

Requirements:  Service dog must be on leash at all times.  Service dog is to be with its assigned owner at all times and not left alone in a cabin.  Service dog will not be permitted to sit on furniture in the common/public areas of the ship.  Service dog will not be permitted to eat food off plates in the public dining areas or be fed "under the table" with guests' food in the public dining areas.

Isn't the failure to comply with some or all of these pretty basic things the gist of people's irritation with the alleged service dog on a couple of recent cruises?  This isn't about invoking US laws.  Ships can establish their own rules of behavior, and enforce them, so long as they don't conflict with ADA rules and regs.  None of the above requirements would have any such conflict.

Is there really any indication that this is a pervasive problem?  I think I have read about it occurring twice (and some indication both occasions are the same person).  If not, then it shouldn't be that hard for Seabourn to deal with this one outlier.  Passengers get "evicted" from ships for failing to comply with ship policies all the time.  Seabourn just needs to publish that anyone who boards with a purported "service" animal who does not comply with all requirements for such an animal will be disembarked at the next port.  And then do that.

4 minutes ago, Rothko1 said:

 

I'm not sure too many people would want to travel to Brownsville just to have a dinner, even if it was delicious Tex-Mex.

Yeah, you have to have a reason to go to Brownsville (although it really is a lovely city).

1 minute ago, SLSD said:

And you are so right about the floppy ties for women lawyers.  Their time passed long ago.  I'm not sure I would have ever worn them.  

Every time I see a picture of myself wearing one I alternately cringe and giggle.  Oh, and the same on the HUGE shoulder pads.

I have kept my original Brooks Brothers suit that I got right out of law school.  You know the old "dress for success" mantra of buying something timeless?  LOL.  Notsomuch.  I keep it for nostalgia.

On 7/21/2023 at 3:38 PM, Rothko1 said:

 

Pappasito's was a favorite of mine for fajitas.

Still love Pappasito's!  Ninfa's (the original one on Navigation) was the best for a long time.  But I ate there recently and it's just not the same anymore.  Although the "Ninfarita" is still delicious!

The best Tex-Mex anywhere in the world (IMNSHO) is the Vermillion Restaurant in Brownsville Texas.  Best enchiladas or fajitas you'll ever have.  Outstanding ceviche too.  

Not on a Seabourn cruise port of call, unfortunately!

2 hours ago, SLSD said:

I can see a man owning a white dinner jacket and/or a tux if he cruised often--say four or more long cruises a year.  But, I have seen that life really does change after retirement.  My husband  owns  a tux which he wore a number of times a year during his career.  There were always plenty of black tie events--some connected to his  law firm and other charity events sprinkled throughout the year.  He had a closetful of dark business suits as well.  The tux  now needs to be replaced  (updated) and the business suits have mostly been donated.  He only needs one business suit (and is getting a new one) to wear to funerals and weddings and the occasional setting that would require wearing one.  He has plenty of up to date sports coats (all conservative) and will be acquiring new ones.  Fine dining in our city has become more casual.  At the most, a sports coat would be the most appropriate thing to wear.  No one even wears a suit at the law firm these days.  That all changed with the pandemic.  It had begun to change before the pandemic and with the pandemic, the change appears to be final.  This is in a large international law firm where my husband still has an office even though retired.   

 

I used to be a proponent of dressing up on a cruise for formal nights.  While I still think dressing for dinner should be different from daytime wear, I question the white dinner jacket/tux  aesthetic going forward.  This is just not clothing that many people are continuing to wear in their everyday lives.  I know many disagree and I used to be among them.  Our lives have changed and even those still working in professional careers don't dress the same way any longer.  

This is very similar for us.  I keep telling my DH he needs to go thru his closet and get rid of all the suits he is never going to wear again.  For "business" attire, he primarily wears a blue sports coat, and for something more formal (wedding/funeral etc) he does still have one good suit.  The other ones are either dated in style or (shhh) don't really fit any more.  He has a tux and and has toyed with the idea of bringing it on a cruise, but it's not just the tux then -- it's the cumberbund, French cuff shirt, cuff links, etc.  Not to mention dress shoes rather than loafers.

I still wear more "dressy" business attire (I'm a lawyer) but not so much the coat and skirt business suits (and thank God, no more floppy ties from the 80's!).  I have a couple of dressy cocktail dresses that don't wrinkle and don't take up much space, so I tend to bring one along for formal night on a cruise, just because I have so few occasions to wear them any more and I do like totting myself up from time to time!

I really don't pay much attention to what others wear on "formal night" other than I do notice if a man is in a tux or dinner jacket or a woman is in a more formal gown.  That's just noticing in terms of admiration, I guess.  I suppose I probably would notice if someone came in in ratty jeans or shorts too, just like I notice yahoos who wear a hat indoors.

On 7/18/2023 at 11:03 PM, SLSD said:

I think because we are from Texas,  we really hate hot weather and avoid it if at all possible.  Maybe we are in a minority?

I'll come sit next to you.  But not too close, so we don't get all sweaty.

<----Houston isn't as hot as Dallas, but it's WAY more humid.

From the beach at St. Kitt's. 

We were on the same cruise as cruiseej (and his lovely wife!).  We did the snorkling and catamaran sail prior to the caviar in the surf event, and we got back just as the event started.  The food was FABULOUS and the entire event was a lot of fun.

57 minutes ago, SLSD said:

I'm open to most itineraries beginning with January 2024

Dh and I are booked on the April 14-26, 2024 crossing from Miami to Lisbon.  There is only one stop (Funchal) so that may not be your cup of tea.   We've always wanted to try one of the "repositioning" cruises, since the fares tend to be lower but the pampering the same.  This cruise continues on from Lisbon to Barcelona, if you wanted to extend your time on board.

1 hour ago, SLSD said:

The printed invitation said dress would be casual.  We experienced Dallasites knew that casual (back then) meant heels and pretty summer dresses.

LOL.  That could well have been me!  I remember a friend inviting me to join her in going to a nightclub in Dallas (I was a summer law clerk back then too) and I had on khakis and a polo shirt.  She had on a sequined dress.  She considered it "casual" because she didn't wear heels.

On 7/5/2023 at 9:43 AM, SLSD said:

while staying at the Four Seasons in Austin, Texas

Oh, one of my favorite hotels I have ever stayed at.  I call it "Summer camp for grown-ups."  

12 minutes ago, jjs217 said:

There is another interesting saying, "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."

Texas is full of all sorts of fun idioms.  My personal favorite is "That dog don't hunt."  a/k/a "That's a bad idea.".

And SLSD, I recall living one summer in Dallas in 1985 and being shocked at how women there (Highland Park of course) dressed up to go to the grocery store.  I was just a simple Kansas girl unaccustomed to such high society, LOL.

31 minutes ago, SLSD said:

We are home after a very full day of travel, and thinking back over the last two weeks on the cruise on the Norwegian coast.  

 

Here is a list of the ports we visited and what we enjoyed in each.  

 

We began in Copenhagen and, on our own, went to Tivoli Gardens in the evening.  It was delightful and fun for people watching.  There were many Danish families with children.  Many restaurants that looked to be of good quality, sidewalk cafes, and lovely gardens.  

 

Alesund, Norway.  We took a guided excursion which was valuable in terms of learning the history of the town and of the area.  I especially found interesting our guide's comments about World War II and what happened to her family at at time.  This is an EASY town to walk on your own.  It is a very short walk from the ship to the old part of town.  We especially enjoyed a sidewalk cafe on the sound and a family owned bakery. 

 

Svolvaer (Lofoten) Norway.  We took a long excursion here with a very good guide (Dutch, who has lived in Norway for 12 years).  It included a trip to the archaeological site where the largest ever Viking (long) house was discovered.  A short distance from where the house was discovered, a replica has been built.  If you like this kind of thing, it is well worth seeing.  The area is also beautiful.  We saw a number of villages as well as islands.  We stopped at a charming restaurant for lunch.  

 

Because our tour was so lengthy, I'm not sure if the town of Svolvaer is easily walked or not.  Perhaps Psahoy, Jon, or Bizinsider knows and can tell us.  

 

Tromso, Norway.  This is another very walkable town with the most charming part of the town a very short walk from the ship.  There is the Tromso Cathedral where we listened to an organ concert, a good restaurant for lunch, and plenty to see there.  We also took the Cable Car in Tromso to see the view above the city.  There is another famous (modern) church that we toured.  I could have skipped that one.  Tromso has an excellent museum which we enjoyed.  

 

Honningsvag, Norway.  The excursion we took from this port was the transfer to the North Cape.  This was one of the BIG highlights of our trip.  While I am not a bucket list person and not a person who has to say "I've been there", there is a special feeling at this place--which is the farthest northern point of land in Europe.  (The actual farthest northern point is close by--but not easily reachable without a five hour hike.). For us, taking the transfer to the North Cape is a MUST DO!  Thank you to the person at this sight who told me that!  While at the North Cape, be sure to take the time to watch the spectacular film that is shown in an auditorium there.  The drone footage is beyond awe inspiring.  We will talk about the North Cape for a long time to come.  The bus trip (about 30+ minutes)  has some great scenery.  

 

The evening of the day we visited the North Cape, there was scenic cruising --especially around 11pm until after midnight.  We sailed around the North Cape.  It was magical. 

 

We could have walked into the town of Honningsvag, but didn't.  Perhaps someone here did and can report. 

 

Loen(Olden) Norway.  We were actually anchored outside of the village of Olden which is a short distance from Loen.  We did not walk into Olden, but talked to people who did walk into the village and enjoyed it.  

 

Instead, we took a long excursion that was supposed to include scenic ferrying on a fjord, but didn't due to an issue with the ferry.  We did do an extensive tour of the mountains which was enjoyable.  And this included the town of Geiranger with its rushing river and a lunch at a hotel.  

 

Skjolden, Norway. This was one of my favorite ports due to the excursion we took which took us over the mountains (coming and going) to the town of Lom where we saw (inside and out) the 12th century church which I discussed and provided photos of above.  We also visited the Mountain Center which included the recently found artifacts dating to the 900s revealed by melting glaciers. 

 

We did not walk into Skjolden so I can't report on that.  

 

Stavanger, Norway is a big place!  It is the center of the Norwegian oil industry.  We took the Cruise to Pulpit Rock here.  If you don't plan to hike to the Pulpit Rock or see it by helicopter, I would recommend the ferry cruise.  It was very enjoyable and included a stop for a taste of Norwegian waffles.  

 

Farsun, Norway.  We walked through this town.  It is an easy walk and you can walk up to the cemetery which overlooks the entire area.  We were in Farslund on a Friday morning and were surprised at how few people we saw.  It is not a busy place.  While it is a very charming town and fun to walk through, we didn't find a place we wanted to have lunch.   There is a hotel which serves lunch, but we chose to return to the ship instead of just eating indoors in a hotel.  

 

Skagen, Denmark.  This is a great city for walking and I do think SB will be providing a shuttle.  Be sure to ask.  We loved our tour which was the Legacy of the Skagen Painters and included a well curate art museum and two artists' homes which were delightful.  

 

We did not take any zodiacs even though we would have been quite capable of doing so.  I heard a mixed report about an early zodiac trip to see puffins.  Friends we met on the cruise were disappointed in this Ventures expedition--but perhaps it is because they are from Alaska and didn't find it very special.  In fact, they did not find Norway to be nearly as beautiful as Alaska.  I disagree.  The two places are quite different.  

 

I hope this list of the ports helps in terms of which we were able to easily walk through.  There were lots of excursions offered and of course we only know about what we did.  I'm glad Psahoy gave a report on his favorite excursions.  We were on a few of the same ones with him--which is how we met.  

 

 

I need to bookmark this post for when we book this cruise.  Your reporting has me very excited to do this itinerary.  Thanks for spending the time (and effort) to make such detailed reports of both your meals and the ports.  Sorry you are back to the heat of Dallas now!  That may be quite an adjustment.

On 6/19/2023 at 3:38 PM, skybluewaters said:

 

I don't agree with your description of the TV choices as being great.

The news channels are predominately from UK, Australia and other countries, totally not in proportion to Seabourn's clientele.  CNN, which is traditionally the standard for news (and I'm not looking to get into a political argument) is not available.  ESPN, which is the standard for sports in the USA, is also not available. 

IIRC, on our recent cruises there were three or four sports channels, not one of which was from the USA.

I'm not saying that the channels for the other countries need to be removed, but there should be at least one USA sports channel, given the national demographics of Seabourn's cruisers.

Totally agree.  Even if they don't want to pay the premium cost to carry ESPN, they could at least carry Fox Sports (since they already have Fox News).  The PPV movie selection is pretty decent.  I have not tried to connect my device to do streaming of Netflix or Amazon Prime, because internet has been so lousy much of  the time.  On our crossing next spring, I thought I'd give it a try.