Mahogany

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.

To those of you on board, have you noticed any solo passengers? I travel solo, and would not participate in the strenuous excursions, but am curious about the ship. I've been to the Arctic and Antarctica, but there might be more itineraries which would interest me. I imagine it might be more difficult to meet passengers since there are probably no hosted dinners or other opportunities to meet fellow passengers.

I recall being on a larger ship years ago, maybe Cunard, maybe RCCL, and buying a bottle of, I think, Grand Marnier, because the price was so good, tax free and all. The ship held it and delivered it or I had to pick it up right before debark. As I say, details fuzzy, but definitely did it.

I'm confused. I know SLSD likes the restaurant at lunch on the classic ships. But didn't know you'd been on the Venture which I think is the subject here. Or am I really confused?

I think the comments, positive and negative, depend so much on whom Blacklane outsources the transfers to. My experience to/from home/airport (Orlando) was so positive, I took their card to use them for other rides (e.g., SS transatlantic cruise that ends in Fort Lauderdale), including home to airports. Only 6 drivers and I was in a Mercedes the first time, and then last night in a BMW 7 series.

Just checked with my TA, and want to clear up my misunderstanding. Yes, you can use Silversea’s hotel package with independent air, just not the transfers if not using the hotel.

Is this for the crossing from Lisbon? I will have my TA call again and see if I can get the hotel package at Tivoli (right?). Stayed there before a Viking crossing. Good location, but I prefer the Ritz overlooking the park.

I’m currently on Dawn and booked d2d but deviated Air so lost out on airport-hotel-ship transfers and was told no credit for unused transfers except Blacklane, so for Dawn in November and Silver Ray next fall, I’m doing p2p. I understand days sailed on p2p don’t count toward benefits, so I guess I’ll never get to 350 days for a free cruise. 😏 BTW, I have a free cruise with Seabourn after 150 days - big difference. I think comparing SS air vs DIY is valid when looking at d2d or p2p, but Air on a crossing for a U.S. passenger isn’t as dear as Europe both ways.

Couldn’t book hotel with SS for November crossing because I booked Air independently.

Revamping the TKG to become a G without TK involvement?

One less person to tip if Butler never shows up 🙂

I am currently in Southampton on SS Dawn to start the second half of a B2B Copenhagen RT. The last 12 days have been in Norway, and since I was on Ovation for a month in the spring, I feel I can compare the two cruise lines. Susan, you might appreciate the effort SS has taken in La Terrazza, their breakfast and lunch “buffet” (Italian at dinner). Food is in a separate room with 3 hand washing stations at the entrance and then a staff member hands you a plate. You can’t force passengers to wash, though! 😷 Seabourn Square is a friendlier, more private experience than SS Reception. SS has a total of 9 food venues, French La Dame and dinner at Kaiseki an up-charge. The MDR Atlantide was open for B & L on port days with few patrons. The Grill where you can (or not) cook your own meats or fish, has heaters; so does Spaccanapoli, best pizza at sea. Veranda sizes are the same on both lines. Butler is available but not obtrusive. Entertainment: Seabourn is better, though we had a guest soloist Christine Andreas who gave 2 excellent performances. Also had 2 very knowledgeable speakers, one a diplomat and the other a destination specialist. So, which line do I prefer? Honestly, it’s a tossup. I have another Dawn booking this year and Encore next spring, so obviously I like both. And will continue to view itineraries on both and Regent. Just wish Seabourn would build a new classic, not an expedition, ship.

I am currently on Dawn. The only entertainment as most know are the 6 singers and their several production shows with the occasional solo or duet show by them . However, there was a guest singer Christine Andreas and her husband-accompaniest Marty Silvestri who gave us 2 outstanding performances. More please!

I’m on Dawn now and staying on for the next voyage which is the one Lois is about to embark. I understand there are only 18 in transit. As an American, sounds like I will be in the minority with so many UK and Danish passengers. Norway was wonderful and weather unexpectedly glorious. I understand there is a CD onboard named Bruno but I guess unless you play trivia, he is incognito 😁. Glad to be able to enjoy outdoor dinners - heaters, but not really needed. Are you listening, Seabourn? My traveling companion is disembarking, so I will be solo for this voyage. Hope to meet some of you also by yourselves. Fiona from Florida

You're right about poorly written. Had the end parenthesis been after Nova, I would have agreed. But this way, on other ships, price is $60 without complimentary wines.

Bon Voyage! I'll be on the next voyage out of Copenhagen.

Can you be specific which dates your Dawn cruise is with a partial charter?

The answer I received when I called Seabourn was: "reservations for the Thomas Keller Grill for 2024 bookings will open the end of August". When I asked about the rumor that there was an expected change in the venue, he said "absolutely not!". So, I will be trying in early September to confirm his response (and not hold my breath!).

So, they don't have their own bar below deck?

Yes, I tried both places for an April cruise. No luck. I may call Seabourn directly and see if I get the same excuse as Kahuna 21. No problem with excursions, plenty of those for which we have to shell out in advance as everyone knows. 😬

Just booked a reservation for La Dame in December - still $60. And I have one for next month. But easy to cancel since no upfront payment, so will look at the menus and hopefully talk to those who're on my cruise for opinion. Since we know experiences can vary by ship.

Unless the meal includes Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau d'Yquem! 😁