SLSD

Yes, We have tendered into the port at Bandol. It was several years ago now--and, as I recall, we went to the little town of Cassis from Bandol which was quite charming-- a lovely waterfront area, narrow streets with lovely shops, etc. As for your first question---exactly what are you asking? Are you asking if you can order multiple items from the menu of the restaurant you are dining in? Of course the answer is yes. The meals are served in courses. You can always order two first courses instead of an entree if you want to plan your meal that way. I often do that as it makes for a lighter meal. You can also order a side of fresh vegetables even if they are not on the menu. I often do that as well. If you are asking if you can order from multiple restaurant menus from the restaurant you are dining in--I don't know the answer to that as I have never considered doing it. I have alway found sufficient items on the restaurant menu to make a fine meal. I would hesitate to take up staff time scrambling all over the place to satisfy a dining whim. Others may see this differently.

Do you think they get better service because they tip? Has their experience shown them this? I don't know the answer. Just curious. (I am a firm proponent of the Crew Fund so that no one is left out. )

Seabourn clearly states that tips are included in your fare. Clearly, contributing to the crew fund is the way to go. I come from a tipping culture (US), but if I am told tips are included in what I have paid, that seems definitive to me.

We haven't cruised on Silversea in some years---so I am very interested in the replies you get here. I do remember reading Markham's comparison of Silversea to Seabourn within the last year--so you might do a search for that as I know it is on this forum.

Probably because some women's dress shoes are open toe/back. Dressing conventions for men and women have always been different. A woman can wear a sleeveless dress in the MDR. A man cannot wear a sleeveless shirt there--and so on. Someone, up the thread asked about wearing shorts/jeans to outdoor dining venues. Perhaps that is being allowed now. I've always changed out of jeans (worn for excursions, etc) by 6pm when on a SB ship. Has that rule changed now?

We have purchased our flights through SB a number of times and have always been on our own upon arrival. We have reserved a car/driver ahead of time each time. We do fly in at least two days before embarkation. Does that make a difference? I'm assuming it does.

Florida, I think, shares a clothing aesthetic with Southern California---very casual. I'm sure the silk shirts with embroidery are lovely. They truly fit a particular (upscale) lifestyle in certain locales. It's just a different way of dressing from what many are used to. This is not a criticism. I doubt that the staff on SB is going to turn you away from the MDR if you wear this--in fact, I know they won't. It's just not what many SB guests picture as appropriate. That is my point. Not meant to be insulting or snobby. Just an observation. We all have our perspectives--and unless SB is specific and stands behind their written dress code, there will be many variations.

Is this what you are talking about? We've always called it a Mexican Wedding Shirt: https://www.cubavera.com/products/camp-collar-embroidered-guayabera-white-cuws8060ds-115?variant=29783244734509&&rmatt=tsid:|cid:17305469486|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:14927762466533408105|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:1026855&gclid=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuCUhrMuPhLlOMI7etcJvlTNmb36lNYJX7WBfi9_UuNNV4NQnAPpP-hoCeqQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds We are Texans, from a very warm climate. We have seen these worn in very casual settings--usually worn by older men. I want to make it clear that I don't see this topic as a reason to attack each other or get into a snit. It's just a difference of opinion that can be discussed. I have never seen these shirts worn to a formal event. If they are indeed worn, the event is not formal.

I guess I qualify as a pontificator. Mr. SLSD just came out on our front porch where I am sitting. I told him about this thread and that there are quite a few who think a Tommy Bahama shirt is appropriate for the MDR on Seabourn. His comment, "You have to be kidding me!" So--there is definitely a difference of opinion. It's not a snobby thing, it's a cultural thing--and that is not an insult . LMBO1, I do understand that you may have found things to be different on a warm weather cruise post pandemic. I say--those who want to dress down will find a reason to do it. Just an observation.

I don't think they are being snobs. It's just an appropriate dress issue. And you are right--we have not been on a cruise post-pandemic. We are anxious to cruise again, but unfortunately, half the people we know right now have the Covid virus and some are quite ill (vaccinated and boosted). So--we are holding back for now. I guess what you are saying is that people are dressing down more post pandemic. That may well be true, but doesn't mean that everyone is happy about that.

I wouldn't see the comments as an insult. I don't think Mr. L. is necessarily referring to class, income, or education. He is referring to your culture--what is commonly done in your locale and in your social circle. That can certainly differ from place to place. For example, Southern California is very casual in terms of dress. I read a fashion blog and the author wears jeans everywhere--even when dressing up. I live in Dallas. I might wear jeans to the grocery store, but not out to dinner--ever, unless to the most casual place.

We always do get a quote and have purchased business class through SB. But, if airfare is already included in the fare, the situation will be different.

Honestly? When I have seen a man dressed in a Tommy Bahama type shirt in the MDR I have always thought that he does not know any better. Harsh, I know--but that has been my thought. Looking back at the male model pictured in the white and black shirt--he looks just ok--and he is model. I am not a stuffy person and live half of my time on a rural farm in Texas wearing extremely casual clothing. But, we do know how to dress for the venues and occasions that present themselves. I have read so many comments from those who say, "Look, I'm on vacation--I don't want to dress up." I totally understand that. At the same time, there are people CHOOSING Seabourn because people DO dress up and they like that. I'm just stating a fact here. I don't know the answer, but I see a trend toward dressing down on Seabourn. Some of those who prefer to dress only casually have disdain for those who like to dress up and vice versa. There are those who say, "how does how I dress affect YOU?" Well, it does--because the ambience of a place (like the MDR) changes when men are wearing casual shirts meant for outdoor picnics and beach dinners. It is an interesting situation that I have not seen in very many places. This seems to be more apparent in how men dress.

The issue we have with air "thrown in" (and of course included in the fare) is that it will most certainly include multiple stops and will not be Business Class

Yes, I have seen the Tommy Bahama look on Seabourn cruises, but I don't think it is the average dress for men on "normal" (not formal) nights. More common is a dress shirt and pants. Perhaps things are moving toward the Tommy Bahama look, but I hope not. I don't think it is the best look on most men--but perhaps I am in a minority here with this thought? I would be interested in knowing.