Mahogany

52 minutes ago, stan01 said:

 

Thanks for the feedback, and I'm glad to see that you saw some improvements in staff efficiency. 

 

Were they able to provide quick service at the Seabourn Square for morning coffee?  I'm hoping not to stand there in line for 15 minutes.  To be honest I will be bringing a large insulated mug and asking them to fill it with half-caf regular coffee then taking it up to the Observation Lounge which should now be even more peaceful in the morning :-).

 

If it's not a complicated order, and you don't mind their cup, you can order in advance on the app. Though you could order 2 or 3 to fill your large mug.

I never meant to imply that we Seabourn regulars do not choose to pay for extras like the Spa, upgraded wine, and expeditions. It was just the Retreat in the past has earned a reputation from some as elitest, an adjective not usually associated with Seabourn. But it's understandable that in warm weather, the pool may be crowded and noisy (lounge hog alert!), and passengers may be looking for a place other than their balcony with privacy and pampering.

With all these positive posts, sounds like Seabourn regulars have changed their minds about paying extra on their "inclusive" voyages.

On 9/9/2024 at 10:57 AM, forevertravel said:

We just tell our cabin steward what we want and it's delivered later in the day. However, on our last two cruises bottles of same spirits we had requested on prior cruises were waiting for us. That said, you can tell them to change whatever was delivered. We also tell our steward what mixes and/or sodas we want.

Does this go for bottled water, too? Like San Pellegrino? Can you request in advance?

13 hours ago, tv24 said:

Are your gratuities included?  And compare the stateroom size HAL vs. Seabourn.

Thought that was "included crew appreciation". If not, what is that?

I'm on the LA-Vancouver part. I presume spinnaker2 wasn't searching for solo fares, but was thinking jollyjones might. I travel solo, and just received a quote for the Canal portion. It wasn't very attractive, and though I've done the Canal 3 times, I would do it again, but not at this price. 😞

6 minutes ago, Lemorvan said:

Why have they listed the Louis Latour Ardèche wine twice in the same category?

To pad the list? Make it look longer, and think we might not notice? 🤣

Dos anyone know if Silversea is housing any passengers prior to the cruise? Although, if you are P2P, can't use the SS transportation hotel-ship anyway - or that was my experience in Lisbon.

On 9/13/2024 at 2:59 PM, DavidTheWonderer said:

For the Panama Canal transit, I recommend not staying in your cabin for most of it, regardless of where the cabin is. Sometimes you will want to be forward looking at where you're going, sometimes you will want to be aft looking at where you've been, and sometimes you will want to be looking over the side at the amazing lock structures and 'donkeys' helping pull your boat through.

This was advice given to us by the great Terry Breen who was on board for our crossing, and it served us very well I think.

Was this recent? I agree Terry Breen is the greatest. She said once she had hung up her sailor suit! I'm curious if you've seen her lately?

On 9/4/2024 at 2:18 PM, minntom said:

We had a similar disappointing cruise in the spring of '23 on a 6 week cruise from florida  around UK, France and Spain ending in Dover.   

1.   Food was bad in most venues and sometimes inedible, especially in Thomas Keller.   Main dining room served few, if any, cooked vegetables with mains.   requesting vegetable sides resulted in tasteless boiled glop.   

2. The suites and ship were generally top notch, for almost $1,000 a day i expected 6 star experiences. 

3.  Internet was throttled not allowing for wifi calling or texting on our phones without "upgrading". 

4.  Fitness directory was incompetent and showed late for first class we signed up for.   Made a 45 minute class 15 minutes.

5.  Coffee shop had minimal pastries most of which weren't as good as Pepperidge farm or Publix.

6.  I could go on but if you haven't decided against Seabourn by now you're who they're looking for.

 

 Even spent 40 minutes with new President explaining what i felt were inexpensive solutions.  While she appeared to be listening, given later reviews, nothing seems to have changed.   I believe the covid epidemic set the cruise industry on its tail and they're trying to recover by cutting costs and charging first class fares.     Would NEVER sail Seabourn again.  And while Crystal has been reborn as a good imitation of the former cruise line, it still is the only cruise line worth taking.

Wow, Debbie Downer! I wonder how many potential clients lost because of #6.At least there are still a lot of us who disagree with you - and don't get me going on Crystal!

I've a solution: $100/pp per day SBC to spend on the premium wine and spirits lists!!🍷🍸

My understanding is that when ETIAS goes into effect mid-2025, no passports will be stamped upon entry into the Schengen countries. Of course, you're leaving in March so doesn't apply. Just my 2 cents.

When the purser retains our passports onboard, are they stamped at each country we enter, even if we are not doing face-to-face?

1 hour ago, CascadeLakeGirl said:

Thank you, I did read that but was curious about real experiences. My TA told me to be prepared for gowns and tuxedos. Seemed a bit much for Alaska. 

Your TA doesn't seem to keep us with the changes on cruise lines.

On 8/25/2024 at 6:59 PM, H2O Polo Willie said:

Mahogany -

Having sailed a dozen cruises give or take, what we encountered on that segment of the Reykjavik to Southampton were hardly "strong seas".  So, if that is how Regent is going to excuse being late that is as one of my kids would say, "weak sauce".  If Regent cannot handle the type of seas we encountered on that trip, they are in real trouble and you could hear that claim on any normal cruise.  I know "strong seas" having experienced 27 foot swells and 50 mph winds crossing the Drake Passage on the Oceania Marina, a ship a few tons smaller.  It was a bumpy ride but not really an issue.  I bet we did not even have 6 foot seas if that!

On 8/25/2024 at 6:59 PM, H2O Polo Willie said:

Mahogany -

Having sailed a dozen cruises give or take, what we encountered on that segment of the Reykjavik to Southampton were hardly "strong seas".  So, if that is how Regent is going to excuse being late that is as one of my kids would say, "weak sauce".  If Regent cannot handle the type of seas we encountered on that trip, they are in real trouble and you could hear that claim on any normal cruise.  I know "strong seas" having experienced 27 foot swells and 50 mph winds crossing the Drake Passage on the Oceania Marina, a ship a few tons smaller.  It was a bumpy ride but not really an issue.  I bet we did not even have 6 foot seas if that!

I agree that the Captain's word to us of strong seas was not one I agreed with. Just quoting him. Having sailed the North Atlantic in December, I also know strong seas!

4 hours ago, SellaVee said:

I wouldn't even consider allowing Regent to book my hotel and transfers after this year, so I’m guessing we won’t be cruising with them again.

 

Last year's cruise to Norway with Oceania had something that made me feel happy pretty much every day.  This years cruise with Regent, although it had many great features, had too many niggles, like being told we were losing 8 1/4 hours in port because of a minor problem with Splendor, then missing our entry to Honfleur because despite cutting short our time in Antwerp, we didn't get there on time.

If this is the Reykjavik-Southampton voyage you're referencing. the "minor problem" was strong seas that prevented our entering the Seine when the tides were correct (high?).

6 hours ago, PaulaJK said:

A word to the wise…

We found reservations for La Dame and Silver Note impossibly difficult to make once on board. Also unsure how early SALT lab classes fill but my attempts to reserve 24-48 hrs in advance were unsuccessful. 
 

i am reluctant to use the word ‘spoil’ but will say that the dearth  of entertainment, whether in lounges or at the evening ‘show’ is a factor for us.

 

 

After the initial booking of SALT lab classes on embarkation day, I left my name with Reception and often received a space. Also, pays to show up at the class since often (rude) no shows don't call to cancel.

On 8/9/2024 at 11:30 AM, bubbulz said:

What in my post gave you the idea that I was implying that I expected formal attire on an expedition cruise? I knew very clearly what to expect and that is one reason (of many) I book expedition trips. Implying I don’t read is actually kind of rude. 

I said non-expedition (or classic). Of course you wouldn't expect formal attire on an expedition cruise. But there is no formal attire required on non-expedition ships.as well.

On 8/6/2024 at 9:20 AM, bubbulz said:

Much more casual (which is my personal preference) and definitely nothing formal. 

On the non-expedition ships, “definitely nothing formal” is acceptable. Where did you get the idea of “formal “? As other posters state, people don’t read the guidelines.

On 8/4/2024 at 1:25 PM, Archipelago said:

Was just checking and Regent has 71 voyages on offer for solo travellers many at 25%  ..have always had a great time solo on SS so I hope this is just a glitch in pricing but willing to try Regent 

I’m on Regent Splendor now on a 0% SS, category G. Just make sure you compare suite sizes. Mine is considerably smaller than Silversea  verandas .

On 8/2/2024 at 2:12 PM, Pcardad said:

Be very careful to verify the price verbally before starting your service...and make sure to verify what tips they automatically add on.

20% today on Splendor, space for more optional (not from me).

On 7/20/2024 at 2:15 PM, Hambagahle said:

I love aft-facing suites.  I could sit and watch the wake for hours.   we are booked in 785 on Splendor next April...I plan to spend a lot of time on the balcony.

Well, I’m in my aft-facing suite and the only way to watch the wake, is standing. High solid rail prevents any sea view when seated. Very disappointing 

Just boarded Splendor and so disappointed in my tiny aft-facing suite. Tried to change but sold out. I was looking forward to watching the wake from my balcony but impossible because of high railing. Wish I!d had this information sooner!

Didn't Terry from Ohio post a long review of Moon?

On 7/17/2024 at 10:44 AM, palebluedot said:

Thanks all - I ended up calling the 800 number yesterday since the consultant didn't get back to me. The phone rep was very nice and said they updated it and sent me a new invoice reflecting our middle names (they also said that it shouldn't matter but that they would update it anyhow) - but when I log onto the site to complete our passenger information info, it still does not show our middle names. Not sure what to do about that.

I'm surprised you haven't had a problem flying. I think airlines are the worst sticklers about plane reservations agreeing with passport.

I board Splendor next week and chose 969, my first time in an aft-facing suite. I may have made a mistake, but I wanted the experience. And maybe I'll have an escargot scent on my balcony!