Utopia1

Our first visits to Reids and the Splendido were in 1968. Reids has changed immensely - When we first visited Reids inorder to dine in the main dining room in the evening the dress code for men was black tie-- or dark suit. My husband was refused entry because he wore a tan suit-- they sent us to the grill instead. The hotel has been renovated quite a few times since our first stay--and although a great hotel it seems to have lost something for us old timers.

From past experience if you walk into TK late- and they have had a cancellation or a no show they will give you the table. Most times I don't get a table, but the times when I do someone might say I received preferential treatment not knowing that I was just lucky. For the record- I have never exchanged money in TK.

Yes-- I am on that segment and several other segments I'm really like the itinerary.

The visit to St. Tropez depends on what you plan on doing. -- My interests are personal-- among one of the things I plan to do is visit a shoe store that I've patronized for over 25 years. I'm bringing in several pair of old sandals for restoration and hope to make some purchases . St. Tropez is a tender port-- Hopefully we won't have a problem-

St. Tropez has their annual major "sale" day the last four days of October. The designer stores as well as many of the small boutiques participate before they close for the season. The streets are strewn with people and clothing. We might be lucky that the Ovation arrives the day before the sale begins== and again after the the sale is over. I have visited St. Tropez many times and there are advantages to visiting off season when the streets are less crowded and the restaurants are happy to see you.

How do you know the people receiving attention have given tips? It is surprising to me that so many eyes are watching what other people are doing--- I'm one of the lucky ones that just enjoy being on the ship, and fortunate to have met so many nice people.

I have NEVER witnessed a guest being treated like steerage-- but if they were they should immediately contact the hotel director . I have witnessed on rare occasion a guest being disrespectful and extremely demanding. Staff has always recognized and paid attention to guests they recognize from the past=== but the guests do the same thing to crew. What extras were the guests receiving that other guests were not receiving?

Perhaps I overreacted to the term "bribe"-- I considered giving a gratuity a sign of appreciation. I give to the crew fund in the middle of the cruise-- and to those who have been especially nice and helpful the next to the last day of the segment. The most I ever received in return was a thank you note. To me the definition of a bribe was passing money for an illegal act-- I realize now that it does not have to be illegal-- but it still has a negative connotation .

It seems that the posts on this subject are discussions between those who tip and those who do not tip. In my opinion you have the right to tip or not to tip-- but not the right to tell me what I should do. Seabourn states that you are not expected to tip---but says nothing that prohibits you from tipping. I have never been in a situation on the ship where it made a difference.

I had travel insurance-- The forms were filled out while I was aboard the ship (with help from Seabourn square) I received a check within a month after the forms were submitted.

I have used Flight Ease often--- When I am offered a flight with stops I do not accept them. Quite often the non-stop will be more expensive. I recently booked a oneway ticket with Flight Ease-- and the return independently because Flight Ease did not work the only airline that had a non stop home. FYI-- you can also have them check different dates because prices often vary on different days. I have been satisfied with Flight Ease--- and hopefully my luck will continue.

thank you--

How are the closets and drawer storage space when comparing the accessible suite (V1 suite) to the regular suites on the Ovation? Other than the bathroom are there any other noticeable differences?

Ross was originally scheduled to be on the Ovation-- but he switched to the Encore, He is a talented, caring, and a wonderful person. I will miss him, but wish everyone on the Encore a wonderful time. Enjoy the "Ross Magic"

I use Luggage Forward often--I used them this January and May and many other times---- They are picking up my luggage again in several weeks. The instructions are always the same-- no liquids- creams-aerosols. lithium batteries-- The recently banned item that bothered me was no apple tags. I follow their rules and have never have a problem. . A problem arises if your bag is opened to remove suspected banned items. Your luggage can be delayed, I pack the banned items in my carry on and check the bag. I have also used Luggage Free and they have the same rules.

I am on the 2024 WC-- we will be doing the Philippines and Japan etc-- I'm really looking forward to these ports and would be happy to do it again in 2025. My aim is to spend the winter and most of the spring on the ship visiting interesting places. - I am looking at the Quest which is doing the segment you mention. Hopefully Seabourn will come up with an itinerary that will work for me. I"m disappointed that they decided not to do a 2025 world cruise.. Thank you for your excellent suggestion.

Hello vaitape, If this is a new itinerary for you, it is an interesting one. I have done it several times-- this time it left me with negative feelings . Crime and poverty seemed worse (I have been visiting South Africa since 1989). We had an incident when a small, escorted tour was assaulted and robbed in Port Elizabeth. Every morning after that we had an announcement concerning us to take normal safety precautions when leaving the ship. My advice to you is if this an area you want to see-- go for it. There is need for me to go back. FYI- I love to repeat ports that I enjoy.

It looks like there isn't a Seabourn 2025 World Cruise . Any suggestions for a Seabourn itinerary for the winter of 2025-- I am reluctant to sign up for 2025 Silver Sea WC? ( I do not want to repeat the West Africa itinerary we had on the 2023 World Cruise.) All suggestions appreciated--

IMO bathing suits and shorts are not appropriate in some restaurants in the evening -- especially when diners are given the choice of eating elsewhere in that attire.

Formal dress is not required or widely worn on Seabourn. Men can dine in all the restaurants without jackets-- collared shirts are expected in the main dining room (called the Restaurant). Jeans (not torn) are also permitted. Formal nights most men wear a jacket in the Restaurant -- Ladies are fine with a pair of slacks and a nice top. In general dress is smart casual (whatever that means) in the evening . I hope I answered your question 😀

I'm a fan of Azamara--- it is amazing the number of passengers that I have met on Azamara who also sail on my favorite line-- Seabourn. Both lines have pros and cons-- but I have found that Seabourn has more pros for me--although I wouldn't hesitate to sail on Azamara again. The ship Seabourn sails on their New York- Canada cruises has a capacity of 450 passengers.

Ross will be on the Encore. Many of us are disappointed because he was scheduled to be on the Ovation at that time. The switch came in May. Although I am disappointed that he will not be on the Ovation-- I wish him a wonderful Happy Birthday. He has the talent of spreading happiness and deserves a special celebration.

I've sailed Silversea, Crystal, and Seabourn extensively. The itinerary is important-- but in choosing the line the ambiance and comfort is most important for me . Every line has its own "personality" and comfort zone- and presently Seabourn is the right fit for me-- despite the recent negative changes in the line. I have a lot of booked Seabourn cruising in front of me-- If I continue to see negative changes there is always another luxury ship in the sea.

You make a good point-- but on the other hand while you recover all your meals and almost anything you need is delivered to your little table outside your room.

I have had many delicious dinners with great service in TK. I'm trying hard to think of a negative experience---- but I can't.