Mahogany

In any discussion comparing different cruise lines, the one commonality is staffing. In most cases, the criticism is: not enough trained crew. Many experienced staff members quit cruising as a profession during Covid. It could take years to bring staffing and professionalism up to pre-Covid standards. I think it is unrealistic to think that choosing a different line will provide you with superb service. The crew keep smiling, though, as we criticize them 😟 I have booked cruises this year with Seabourn Venture, Regent Splendor, and Silversea Dawn and Ray. Though I agree Jacques is an excellent restaurant, that's not enough to have me return to Oceania. I recognize the drop in service over the years, and frankly, accept it for the most part. The alternative is, quit cruising (ah, no). For the poster on the World Cruise who said, "we rarely if ever complain", my advice would be: DO. If I were on that long and things weren't going well, I wouldn't hesitate to complain - often - and give management a chance to correct.

Interesting that the dress code issue seems to center on men, not women. Daisy Dukes allowed? Just kidding 😄. But I do have a serious question. What's with headwear? I'm more bothered by ball caps in the restaurant than jacket or tie.

We just cancelled April Dubai to Athens. My TA told me about a client on another luxury line RT Athens on October 18 that changed itinerary on October 15. And probably more itinerary changes mid-voyage. Back to the cruise drawing board for a spring replacement!

Were you using a travel advisor - or talking directly to Silversea (not Silverseas)?

Or time to READ these articles 😄

Were you able to turn deposit into FCC?

Agreed. Though I like my beef rare, my stomach turns when I cut into a raw-ish egg in my Eggs Benedict order. Or hard-boiled. I've been served both versions, give me Medium, runny yellow.. Nothing to do with US health standards (?). This could turn into a dress code post! 😄

Perhaps the reason for the video of an accessible suite ("handicapped cabin") is that these suites appeal to those with disabilities. After all, there are only 6 Vistas and 3 are marked accessible.

Has anyone heard whether we will be able to book in advance of boarding for Solis? Or only once onboard?

I liked the fried chicken, but that was just on the smaller ships, wasn't it? I heard they couldn't get a TK fryer in Encore and Ovation, which sounds strange. But can't the new chef semi-duplicate fried chicken?

What are some of your suggestions to achieve "the design, the food choice, the food presentation" that you say are "dated"? And who is the competition that "is simply doing better than Seabourn foodwise"? For example, Oceania has good specialty restaurants, but their main dining room is poor. And please don't compare cruise ship dining to your fave at-home restaurant, not fair. Being on Seabourn and Silversea almost 3 months this year gives me many opportunities to praise and complain - and dining onboard is important to me - but I don't compare the quality and service of a venue that is more typically comparable in size to a large wedding or convention dinner to a much smaller establishment with access to different and maybe better provisions and staff on land. Let's not be unrealistic about what the Food Department on ships can do. Maybe if one insists on cruising, then just accept the limitations. Or not...🙂

Are you saying the "restaurant look which is very very dated" was on the new ship Venture?

Maybe that's a perk for a GRAND voyage.

What ship was the World Cruise? One of the Odyssey class? The TKG is a lot smaller, and yes fills up nightly. Not so much on the larger ships, but that could be because of staffing shortage. BTW I LIKE, not LOVE, the TKG. 🙂

I called Seabourn today to ask why it was not possible to book TK Grill online or through a phone call. While onboard Ovation in April, I booked Encore for 25 days next spring. When I returned home I tried to book dinner rez, was told "unavailable at this time", called and asked if there was a new venue. "oh no!" was the answer, just book when onboard. I know all this, just called today to see if I got a different answer. Nope. I know we've discussed this before but am just waiting for the first passenger to mention construction, or the appearance of a new theme in that location. So, just wondering if anyone onboard now has any news. I for one am ready for something else without a "restaurant dictator" in charge.

I haven't been on Encore in a few years, but was on Ovation this year, same class. Don't remember low ceilings and slanted doors. Is that only on Deck 11? I too will be on deck 11 next year and now a bit concerned after reading your answer.

Why do you feel obliged to often remind us of your elitism? 😬

Just booked, but switched from deck 8 because I was just below the zodiacs and worried that lowering them first thing in the morning might be a bit noisy (but not on 5 sea days!) 🙂

I am considering this repositioning cruise next fall, 5 sea days, then 3 Caribbean ports. My question regards the remote (to my way of thinking) location of the airport. But since it is a port stop, and non-Canadian passengers may be debarking as well as embarking, I imagine we will all get there. I posted a week ago wondering if there were many solos on the expedition ships.; now I'm more serious, and though expedition sailing is no longer my thing, I am anxious to see this class of ship. Still a year off, but anyone else considering this 10-day voyage?

I have done both, and yes, they are both great. To me a main difference is that there is no hunting in Antarctica, so the chances of seeing wildlife are greater. I did see A polar bear on an ice floe, but some visitors never see one.

Now, that makes sense. I thought you were unhappy with the orchid!

Sorry, I don't understand. Are you pleased or not?

And if you "are looking for it" and don't see it, then you won't do it? 😉 I think your examples of Vegas visits and your own bar can't equate to the Seabourn experience. JMO BTW, does anyone really know to whom the policy "Gratuities included" applies? Just the people you see?

This happened before your cruise or while on board?

I just returned from 24 days on the Dawn. I was surprised at how few passengers tipped the excursion guides. Is tipping mainly an American thing (I am American)? I always tip in local currency if I have it, but often it's not worth buying local if you're only visiting the port for a day.