Mahogany

Thanks for all your comments. Let me clarify a bit about the guide. I wasn't complaining about the guide's accent, just that passengers whose first language isn't English, might not understand anyone speaking English. And the countries I'd visited were France, Spain, Italy, and the UK, so hardly countries that are "developing".

I just returned from 22 days on Explorer and a similar length on Navigator last fall. I wonder if any other Regent clients are unhappy with the Included Shore Excursions policy.

Because we've "pre-paid" for shore excursions, we feel we should partake to get our money's worth. Consequently, the tours are crowded (to accommodate all guests), often with attendees who talk during the guide's explanations ignoring those who care what the guide is saying. Perhaps they don't understand the guide, or English isn't their language. Once the tour is outside the bus, the guide leads off with 30 people, no microphone, no "Whisper" devices, nothing to enable each passenger to hear the commentary. City street noises contribute to this unsatisfactory experience.

I would rather have a reduced cruise fare and a SBC to choose excursions. Perhaps then, only those who really want to be on the tour, will be. The other option is a cruise fare reduction, and you pay for any shore excursions.

I don't know how Seabourn can call itself all-inclusive until it becomes competitive with Regent and Silversea by offering complimentary internet. I am on Ovation this fall, and if there was ever an opportunity, this was it, to start with their new ship. Seabourn's excuses are embarrassing. I've got a solution: give everyone a $399 SBC for every sailing over 14 days to ease the pain. Nickel 'n dimin' is SO Carnival!

Thanks for the heads-up, but the Terms and Conditions say cancellations made more than 3 days prior to embarkation may be subject to a cancellation fee. Is the important word "may"? Most of the replies don't mention being penalized for a customer cancellation. I can understand there being no fee for a ship's cancelling, but it sounds as though I will be charged for a cancellation made after boarding.

I've only been on a Seabourn TA with few ports, so I was surprised when I learned that my upcoming port-intensive itinerary required me to pre-pay for shore excursions. I am used to other luxury cruise lines charging it to your onboard account, thereby allowing you to use any SBC to pay for them. Has this been their policy forever?

I booked La Dame reservations as soon s I could for my upcoming cruise on Silver Sopirit in 2 weeks. Two were priced at $40 and one at $60, all booked at the same time. If my TA doesn't have success reducing the $60 to $40 for the one, I'll just cancel that one, on principle. But as you can see, I don't mind the surcharge, as evidenced by my booking it 3 times. Seishin shows a surcharge of $40.

Is there any restriction to bringing alcohol on board for consumption in your stateroom?

Isn't there coach transfer from St. Pancras train station to Southampton? So you just need to take a taxi to St. Pancras from your London hotel.

Thanks Carefree Cruise for sharing your experience. I am on Dec.14 sailing, and after a few negative comments, my TA contacted General Tours with whom I booked this voyage, and they have been calling passengers after disembarkation for their comments, and offered to have me speak directly with passengers who have returned. Obviously, some passengers had positive experiences. So, I'm going with an open mind, patience, and excitement for an area that is very high on my bucket list.

Thanks, Carefree Cruise, for the informative reviews. I am going on Dec. 14 cruise and will try to keep an open mind but plan an inspection as you did. I think I have been spoiled by Le Ponant's Le Boreal, a luxury expedition ship that I took to Antarctica and the Arctic. I recognize that Silver Galapagos is still adjusting but had expected all the interior would be new and spiffy. I am sure the whole experience will be fine, and the Galapagos wildlife spectacular, which, after all, is the objective.:) Enjoy your final night onboard.

Yes, French Twist, I and two girl friends are going with General Tours on Dec. 14, or Dec. 12 into Quito. We live in New Smyrna Beach Florida. See you then.

I'm also on Dec. 14 sailing, with two friends who agreed to come because I praised Silversea quality - and now I learn Silver Galapagos will not live up to Silversea standards. Too late to cancel, but I'm really disappointed. And is the ecology factor there any different than Antarctica, or Asian temples, or other tourist sites? Fellow passengers will police each other, as I discovered when I inadvertently dropped a tissue on South Georgia Island.