SLSD

We have never been to this particular island and don't have walking difficulties. If you don't have walking difficulties, is there an issue getting back to the tender? I've never really understood the logistics as they have been described.

We've been on board both Ovation and Encore with the full complement of passengers. We loved the ships--but are not pool people (other than dining around the pool which we had no difficulty doing). Perhaps those who are hoping for a pool lounger would be happier on the O class ships. Personally, for us, we loved having the TK Grill Bar and the updated beautiful Observation Lounge (which we found more attractive than on the O ships) . While we don't eat sushi, we heard many compliments for the sushi restaurant. I guess there are some trade offs. We found Sojourn to be not quite the ship as Encore and Ovation. Others disagree I know--so most won't know until they try both kinds of ships.

Florisdekort, It has not been my aim to upset anyone with my posts here. I always try to be polite and friendly to everyone. But, I think you are misinterpreting what I am saying. I don't try to make the dress code what I want it to be. My only point here is that the words "dress shirt" may be interpreted differently by different people according to their own experience, locale, and custom. In other words, what is a dress shirt to one person may not be a dress shirt to another. I understand this and do not judge people for their difference perspectives. The SB site mentions "collared dress shirt". THAT is what is open for interpretation. Not the word collar, but the words dress shirt. I sincerely apologize if I have upset anyone on this board by trying to point this out. That was not my intention.

Would you suggest staying onboard the ship at the port of Santorini--and looking at photos of the island? I have heard how miserable it can be--crowds, the poor overworked donkieys, etc.

Wow about the smoke on the Silver Wind. That would have been a deal breaker for me as well.

I think the tour tickets should be reinstated.

Wow Calm Down Dear, you are not encouraging us to sign up for our first cruise post pandemic. The box lunch sounds horrid. Would you have had the option of hiring a private guide to Troy? Also, the scanning of tickets through the App sounds unpleasant--while in a line. I look forward to hearing about your favorite parts of this cruise.

Would you remind us of your other non-SB options?

This is where the code as printed is open for interpretation and IS interpreted according to culture and custom. To me, a dress shirt has buttons all the way down the front, long sleeves and a collar---another person might see a polo shirt as a dress shirt. For this reason, some may be more dressed up than others due to their interpretation of the written dress code.

No Silversea in your list?

Hopefully the 'not very interesting people" are not readers here...

Occasionallyt, the entertainers are sent out to socialize with the guests. I've seen this at particular events. But, this doesn't sound like what you are describing if they are just talking among themselves.

I always carry the canvas Seabourn tote. I guess I'm just not a pocket person.

Is the App only viewable on a smart phone? Is it also available on a laptop? I think the answer is no. I do understand progress---and I do have a smart phone, but have resisted apps up to this time. I also hate texting, but cannot avoid it. I absolutely hate being disturbed all day long with "urgent" messages. Yes, i know I can turn off the pinging--but then I don't even know if someone has texted me. I would rather be emailed, which is not obtrusive. Rant over. I used to wonder why women were always asking for pockets in pants, dresses and skirts. I did not like pockets because I wanted my pants to lie flat--same with dresses and skirts. Now I get it--it's for the blankety blank smart phone!!! So you can carry it with you everywhere.

I totally understand and see it as open to interpretation based on on individual culture. What is smart casual in one locale may be considered less than that in another.

I'm sure it WILL happen, but, as it is right now--not my idea of fun on a cruise. I don't remember having paper all over the place. Not ever an issue for us.

We've observed a cut above smart casual (pre-Covid) in the TKG. In fact, we dress dressier than smart casual most evenings.

That is only if you see being glued to cell phones as a good thing. Many of us vacation to get away from this. It's like the restaurants which. now require you to see their menus online when you are sitting at a table. Who needs that? What is elegant about it?

Thank you Catlover. This is helpful. We probably WILL cruise Seabourn again. I've been disappointed to hear that the MDR is seldom open for breakfast or lunch and that getting a printed Herald can be an issue--but I don't think there is another cruise line that fits us as well. Since we focus on seeing the ports as well as enjoying the ship, I have confidence that we can manage to continue having a great time.

I have to ask---if you prefer just regular water (not mineral or sparkling) with your dinner (and wine etc), what are you served? Is it some kind of "unspeakably foul" stuff as well--just not mineral water? Would I need to ask for an unopened bottle of regular water?

I am computer savvy, but not Iphone savvy. I have one and use it--but refuse to become married to it, depending on it for everything in my life. In other words, I have never used an App and don't plan to start while on a Seabourn vacation. While cruising, I use my phone only as a camera. I suggest that Seabourn ditch the glossy pamphlets they send to your house at least once every week. Instead, give us a good website from which to choose our cruises and then let us have a paper copy of. each day's menus and activities while on board. I think that would be a good trade off and save a lot of paper! There is enough paper in just ONE of these mailings to provide us with printed information for an entire cruise while we are onboard. By the way, I'm thinking of all of you in the UK today---dear oh dear.

Thinking of those of you in the UK this morning, Dear oh dear.

We also enjoy the Patio Grill for many lunches, but not ALL of them on a long cruise. By the same token, we do not want to dine every day on the patio outside of the Colonnade either--as we only order from the menu and it is very short. I think some will see my point. It's not about asking for a panoply of cuisine choices, it's about asking for a serene place to dine in keeping with a luxurious cruise.

I totally agree with you. You state Seabourn's dress code exactly. I don not agree that a tie is rarely seen. Mr. SLSD wears one every night because he looks great in them and wants to match in terms of dressiness what I am wearing. It's not a big deal for him. He likes to look great. I do understand that there are different perceptions of dress. I think (as I have said before) it all comes down to your culture (and where you live). What do you think it appropriate for elegant dining?

As a seasoned SB cruiser, I know that. The ISSUE is the ambience--and in the Colonnade, it is a bit frenetic--what with the buffet going on and all. Indoors, the ambience is a bit like an upscale cafeteria. Outdoors is better--when you can get a table and the weather is ok. It is NOT the same thing as a serene breakfast in the MDR. It is NOT all about the food, but about ambience as well. I think this fact is lost on some who may enjoy being surrounded by people at all times. I have never liked the ambience in the Colonnade--except for the occasional lunch on the deck outside of the Colonnade and ordering from the menu at that. The inside part of the Colonnade is never pleasant--it's noisy, crowded and just generally not luxurious.