Utopia1

Teterboro airport is great -- However, it is only good if you are flying private- no scheduled flights Newark is convenient because ship usually docks around 55th Street fairly close to the tunnel to Newark I usually fly out of Laguardia because it is the closest to where I live.

I was on the Ovation 2022-- Super Bowl was shown Refreshments were served

Thank you--- good advice

Are there advantages to booking Azamara shore excursions on line?

I meant to say - I never met a man on a cruise who did not own a pair of pants and a collared shirt= that is all that is requested for the dining room

I accept the ship's dress code-- clothing isn't that important-- and no one cares what I am wearing."Style" was probably the wrong word to use. In all my years of cruising I never met a man who did own a pair of pants and a collared shirt-- which is the only requirement in the dining room.

People should choose the ship that will fit their style-- If there is a resistance to this the ship will change their style. Casual dressing is different to many people. I am happy with the dress code on Azamara.

I am thinking of using "Luggage Free" this September. Does anyone have any comments on this company?

In the past the CC suites had a pressing amenity -- 2 garments per suite for complimentary pressing. It was next day service (same as laundry) out by 9 am returned after 3 pm next day. I never had a problem with laundry, pressing, or dry cleaning -on the ship. The prices for dry-cleaning were fair--less than what I pay at the local dry cleaner at home.

WOW! I do remember the couple on the Ovation. The lounges were put in an area that was usually used for a sofa. The people left the lounges empty for hours- but did return for their pre lunch caviar and champagne and then left, again (leaving their books). I naively thought they received this courtesy because they were on for several B/B cruises and just appeared at dawn to request their "special" lounges. After their departure the lounges were never put in that area again. The SB employee created this problem. Seabourn does permit tipping- and things like this will happen unless the passengers voice their distain for such preferential treatment.

I have not been aware of getting better service when one tips-- The only answer I have is do what you feel comfortable doing-==and not be concerned what the next person is doing.

No- The amount shown is the the amount for the segment shown-- check the next segment and that will be the amount for that voyage The OBC are not carried through from segment. to segment.

I agree the sales pitch in the salon or spa is too much. I don't see anything wrong with saying that you are not interested in making any purchases. The salon and spa is a concession operated by Steiner. Steiner is on many cruise lines and their employees receive a commission on the sale of products.

I am usually on the ship for long periods of time. I strongly advise bringing your hair color from home. The ship's salon do not carry all the brands and colors. I have had good experiences with the nail people- but mixed experiences with the hair people. (Steiner Salons are on the many of the cruise lines and their people have the same training- but talents vary.)

There isn't any problem bringing wine aboard. I have taken azamara wine tours, purchased wines that we had on tour, and paid the corkage in the dining room. The sommeliers enjoyed tasting the wines that I brought aboard-- and never tried to sell me a better wine.

The talk about visiting ports in Saudi Arabia is interesting, but not really important when you realize a few things- 1-The choice of which cruise you take is determined by the itinerary YOU like 2- Seabourn has been sailing to the Maldives in the past (and is on their itinerary for the 2024 WC) The Maldives is also under Sharia law. Liquor IS served in the all inclusive hotels where food and alcohol is included even though consumption is forbidden anywhere else-- as is the sale of alcohol. The talk of the Seabourn sale should be the continuation of the services that we have enjoyed . I care more that the purchaser have deep pockets and improving Seabourn.. I do not see the sale of Seabourn as a way to bring the Saudi culture on the ship, but rather as a business investment. I have sailed to many countries where I disagree with their politics, but visiting on a cruise gave me a first hand exposure to see what I have read about without spending much time or money there.

The articles are very interesting-- thank you

The Saudi citizens could be on any ship if they wanted to drink and gamble-- as far as gambling the Seabourn casinos are not particularly appealing to "big" gamblers. This is business-- and any buyer would try to keep the Seabourn base and expand on that. Seabourn needs a cash infusion to keep up its standards and hopefully improve. Let's wait and see-- I am hopeful because I just made my final payment for the world cruise.

The other side of the coin is some customers might look at the sale to the Saudis as a plus- considering that the airlines listed below offer some of the most luxurious business and first class flights. I imagine the Saudis would elevate the luxury level on the ships. I truly enjoy Seabourn "as is"- and as long as the standards are maintained I will be loyal to Seabourn whoever the owner is. Etihad airlines --- based in Abu Dhabi Emirates airlines- owned by the government of Dubai Qatar airlines - owned by the Qatari government

BRAVO! Well said!!!

I am usually on the ship for several b2bs and get color every 3 weeks with blow out. I bring my own color to avoid problems. My home salon is happy to sell me the color which prevents previous problems I have had trying to match the color. I am guessing Liz's cost included a blow out. I agree with Liz the OBC credits are quite useful in the salon.

I bring my color with me- and have had no problem with the salon results . The alternative is to bring the formula for your color- although different brands can have different results. I am not sure of the cost of a touch up- but I think it was $89.00. The cost of a wash and blow varies by the length of your hair- $49-$59-$69.

I agree with MBP&020-- the simplicity and ease of booking with Seabourn and Seabourn air has been a plus for me. I eliminated the other lines whose bookings were complicated with choices. My guess is Seabourn's new booking package is the way of the future--but for seasoned travelers it is a mistake.