NJBelle

Eric and I are now back in Cusco after two wonderful days in Machu Picchu. I am not going to send photos for Wes to post of MP since I will leave that for him to do himself tomorrow after he gets to experience it. I will fill in with other photos later but he gets the first round of MP.

What I can do is say that MP meets expectations and more. It is truly a magical place. We had a tour with our Kuoda guide (Jimmy, and just a coincidence that Wes/Ida and we are both using Kuoda). We did a lot of the basic city and he added so much with his commentary and knowledge. The weather changed from half hour to half hour - sunny, cloudy, rain, cloudy, rain. We loved the changes and were well prepared with waterproof jackets, hats, umbrellas, etc. During our tour, we sketched out a plan for our today’s adventure, which was on our own. We saw more of the citadel, exploring the Guard House and the parts that we missed yesterday. It is the rainy season, so yes, it rained a bit, but we had a beautiful day overall ( and beach use it is low season, there are much less tourists, which is a blessing!) We stayed at the Sanctuary Lodge and enjoyed wonderful food, great Pisco Sours, and wonderful service. Our room looked out on the mountain and we had the window open for the fresh air. Today after our outing, even though we had checked out, we were able to freshen up in their shower rooms. We relaxed on the orchid terrace, had tea, and then went back down the mountain to board the Hiram Bingham. We really loved the HB; it is a beautiful train, well - appointed and luxurious. Also, we were lucky to be seated at a 4-top, for just ourselves and had great views as we left the station. They make sure everyone has a good time, with free flowing Pisco Sours, beer, whatever you want, along with musicians who played lively songs. The 4 course meal was served as we chugged along and before we knew it, we had arrived. Our Kuoda driver met us at the Rio Sagrado station and drove us to Cusco. We are now very cozy in our suite in the Palacio Nazarenas. Looking forward to a city tour of Cusco tomorrow. I just got a preview of what’s in store by viewing Wes’s pictures he posted.👍 We are in for a good day, it seems!

Thanks for the kind words, Wes. And yes, we blend right in, don’t we? Please do post any pictures from my FaceBook posts you’d like for me, until I get educated!

Hello from the Sacred Valley!

Eric and I arrived in Lima two nights ago and were happy to be at the Wyndham Costa del Sol which is literally across a street from the airport. So easy. But we were tired after a long day and did not even go to the bar for our complimentary pisco sours! After a so-so nights sleep, we were up early for our flight to Cusco. All went well and we were picked up by Kuoda, our travel company for this trip. We headed toward the Sacred Valley, stopping at a smalll village along Lake Piuray (Kuoda helps the village by supporting the school and in other ways). The women of the village are weaving masters and we enjoyed seeing them demonstrate their talents. We also enjoyed seeing the Inca ruins at Moray. In the small town of Maras, we had a fantastic lunch with a couple who has built a small organic garden within their beautiful property overlooking the Andes. Then we saw the iconic salt pans carved into the mountainside. This is the rainy season and it did start raining by this time. We were happy to be deposited at our beautiful hotel, Tambo del Inka for the evening and night.

Let me talk about the food for a bit. Eric and I love to try new foods and ways of cooking foods. Our hotel has a lovely restaurant where we enjoyed local musicians while we dined on food from their organic garden and other local produce. Everything was so fresh and healthy! We had a local Peruvian wine - and I will say that it was not as good as Chilean or Argentinian wine we have had, it was pretty good and we do like to drink local. And today, I had quinoa for the 5th time in about 24 hours- in a risotto at lunch yesterday, then a salad at dinner, in a soup at dinner, then in a muffin this morning. At lunch, it was in my soup again! I am fiber-filled and doing great with this altitude! Maybe that is a new routine to deal with altitude sickness - quinoa! You heard it here first.

Today, we enjoyed fabulous weather. It was supposed to rain, but only did at the end of the day for just a bit. We went to the weekly market in Urubamba and we were definitely the only tourists there. I took tons of pictures and will post a few when Wes gives me a lesson

We also went to Ollantaytambo to see the Inca ancient town. Fascinating! Then we had brief break for a guinea pig snack. Yes, we did. There is a whole little villlage of cuyerias, where they vie for eaters. I am sure that we went to the best one - we had it roasted over coals, with head and little paws intact. It was delicious- and does not taste like chicken! Don’t tell my sister - we had them as pets growing up....

We also saw Pisac, Incan ruins with an unbelievable series of terraces. The views were incredible and I will post pictures later. We also visited the market in town and picked up a couple of souvenirs.

That’s all for now. Got to get ready for our early pickup for Machu Picchu in the morning!

Wow! I step away from the computer to pack for a few hours and this thread is already on the second page! So glad to see the excitement for this cruise. Eric and I leave tomorrow. Turns out we are also doing a pre-cruise trip with Kuoda! Just a coincidence that we are doing this like Ida and Wes. However, we decided to take a bit longer trip - we will have 2 days in the Sacred Valley first and then do the 2-day thing in MP. Then to Cusco for 2 days and then to Lima for 2 nights. We have done this particular cruise before (but from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso). We loved it and said "We will do this one again". Anyway, I had always wanted to see MP, so when I saw this cruise was starting in Lima, it seemed it was meant to be.

We are going to go the ibuprofen route. We don't get side effects from it and we did it this way when we went to Tibet and didn't have any problems. Doesn't mean we won't this time, but (I'm a retired physician, btw) I didn't like the potential side effects for the Diamox (not talking about the champagne and Coke tasting flat - but that didn't help!) for us. Anyway, fingers crossed that we will all be safe and breathing well. We are going to take MP leisurely and slowly - no big climbs of Death for us. I get vertigo when I am up high and look down. I freaked out just looking at the videos on YouTube of that climb. Beautiful scenery but I will be happy with the basic tour. We also will get two bites of the apple - since it is the rainy season, it will likely not be great weather, but at least with being there for two days, we may have some luck.

As Wes says, I will post as well, although I haven't ever done pictures. Not really sure how that works, but just realized that I will have access to a first-class teacher as soon as I am on board. So, Wes, make some room in your schedule for a little seminar on posting photos on CC!

We are being picked up at 8:00 tomorrow and then get into Lima about 10 PM I think. Then off to Cusco and the SV on Tuesday morning. I will return!

Enjoy your cruise! I too am looking forward to your posts - my husband and I are getting on in Lima for that cruise to Buenos Aires. It has been a few years since we were on the Mariner but we like her very much.

Bon Voyage!

Thanks for the heads up about the change to Tilbury - agree that Greenwich would have been more fun! Anyway, good to know. And I have now signed up for the Meet and Mingle and also posted on the Roll Call. Glad to see some activity - always love to anticipate these cruises (even when I have other ones in between!).

Okay, Wes, I am now convinced you are following Eric and me around! Guess who is on the 2018 Spirit crossing to NYC? We loved the Spirit crossing in 2016, so signed up while onboard for the 2018 crossing, especially since it ended in NYC. And sounds like we will see Jollyjones again (also on the 2016 crossing) as well!

For the others, what I am referring to above is that it turns out that Wes and Ida are on the same Regent Mariner (Lima to BA) cruise that Eric and I are on in January. We have known Wes for many many years via CC and email, but have never actually met (even though it seems like we have!). We just found that out and were excited to finally meet. And now I see that there is another cruise (and even on a different cruise line!) that we have in common. So double the excitement!

I have to say - we were on the Encore in February and had the new Moulton Brown products. The bath gel and lotion were fine, but the shampoo and conditioner just stripped my hair. I have NEVER had an issue with the products provided in high end hotel and cruise lines (Silversea, RSSC, Crystal) so didn't have any back - up with me. After washing my hair once, I was horrified. It was like you could squeeze the hairs on my head and they would crackle. I went to my stewardess, and after two days of back and forth ( got lots of new gel that I didn't want or need), I went to Seabourn Square, who sent me to Housekeeping. Apparently, there is NO alternative to these MB products available (another issue - always have been offered alternatives as a matter of course on the first day on Silversea, Crystal and RSSC). Housekeeper offered to get me alternatives at next port, which she failed to do. So then, I pitched a bit of a fit. She finally just went to the ship's store and brought me some shampoo and conditioner. I was desperate by this time, since I had been putting off washing, waiting for the Housekeper. It took me a couple weeks to get back to normal. I will sail Seabourn again, but will take my own products. To repeat, I have never had to do that before at any luxury hotel or cruise line, but I will not take that chance again with SB.

Actually they only post the evening before - for relatively early the next morning. We really wanted to do this, but we had already signed up for (and paid for) our excursion which was leaving later in the morning, so we couldn't do it. I don't think the full component of passengers allowed signed up, since everyone was in the same boat (forgive the pun) regarding excursions too late to cancel. There was only one offering of Shopping with the Chef on this cruise of 16 days on the Encore in February.

I was just on the Encore (Sydney to Auckland - including the Shipwreck in Timaru). It was our first Seabourn cruise although we have 30+ on luxury cruise lines (RSSC, Crystal and SS). Anyway, we really liked the Encore and have booked another cruise on Seabourn. I have thoughts about what is good and not so good about Seabourn, but bottom line, it is a solid luxury cruise line and you should consider it if you like the size of the ship, the itinerary and the price.

Actually, it does - in places. I was walking through The Club on the 5th floor the other morning and I caught a whiff. I think it is mostly the leather but still was fun to notice. I think it would have to be in a room where there are not a bunch of people since that would offer competing smells. (Not that anyone on Seabourn smells!😉)

Well, surprise, surprise, surprise! Yes, indeed we are anchored off the coast of Akaroa (near Christchurch). We were awakened this morning with the news that we had traveled during the night and were in Akaroa after all. No mention of how the previously mentioned administrative issues were being handled, but I am sure that it doesn't hurt that the Captain is from New Zealand! Anyway, it looks like a beautiful day and most of the tours are going as planned.

Yes, the ship is intact (although slightly dented and smudged where the hit took place) and everyone on board is fine (although it might be that a few crew members are not feeling so great about everything). Anyway, the Captain said that there would need to be lots of inspections, reviews, assessments from insurance folks, and so on. So at this point, we know that will take place in the morning and as above, we might end up with an afternoon in the next port (although all the excursions will be refunded) or if we will just sail on to Wellington and make it a total sea day. We still have not received the Program for tomorrow, but the CD said we will proceed as if a sea day.

Not sure what you think you saw, but it is 9:15 pm local time and I am on the Encore and we are sitting here at the pier. We are awaiting some kind of word from the Captain about next steps.

Thanks to all who provided input to us newbies. I am finishing my packing as we will be going to the airport tomorrow to fly to Sydney. We are so looking forward to our Seabourn adventure.

Unlike on our other favorite cruise lines, we have no status on Seabourn and no freebies like internet, etc. So depending on what kind of package we end up with, I may decide to post from the trip. Or at least I will post after the trip and let folks know how we experienced the Encore. I have high hopes and look forward to a fabulous cruise.

I wish there were a "Like" button on these boards.....Can't wait!

Thanks, Marazul, that is exactly what I was hoping to hear!

Hi there, I have a quick question for the regulars:

On Crystal, SS and Regent, they talk about embarkation being at 2:00, but also allow boarding about noon and have lunch options available on board for those who do embark early (although not allowed in rooms until announcement around 2 PM). I notice on my SB documents that they say embarkation at 2 and that there are some lounge facilities. Can someone let me know if this possibly translates to being allowed to board the ship at noonish - and if there is the possibility of lunch available if one does board before 2 PM? Thanks!

Very happy to hear that there is a Crew Welfare Fund. On the other ships we have been on, tipping is inclusive as well, and we do not hand out additional tips to individuals (except maybe on rare occasions like Christmas Day or if the butler put on a party for us) and instead see the Crew Welfare Fund as a more equitable way of rewarding the good service we usually encounter. And appreciate the comment about making sure to get names and especially to include those individuals in the comment cards. We always fill them out both mid-cruise and at the end and make sure to be specific about who the stellar employees are.

Thanks to all for the comments here - I see many similarities to what we have experienced on other lines, but also am hearing about some new things to try on the Encore. Getting very excited!

Thanks to all who have responded. This is exactly the kind of stuff I hoped people would share. When I was graduating from my college, I fantasized that I might take a section of my brain that knew all the good spots, professors, shortcuts to buildings, etc and transplant that into a freshman. So, I really appreciate all the insights for the freshmen among us (Suite Travels included!).

Both the positives and negatives are helpful - I love that I now know about the shaded area outside the TK Grill (I seek out that shade). And really all the rest of the great tips will be helpful too.

We would really enjoy the Shopping with the Chef, so I will be on top of that.

And no one here has come across like a cheerleader. Every cruise line has pros and cons, but all the ones we have been on so far have been wonderful (even with some of the warts). We are just excited to have one more to choose from.

And please do continue to share anything else you can think of!

Hi all, my husband and I love to cruise and have about 10 cruises each on Crystal, Silversea and Regent. We have been wanting to try Seabourn, but were turned off by the smoking policy. Now we are thrilled that we will be embarking on the Encore in just a little over a week (Feb 2 - Sydney to Auckland). I have been reading this board and know that people who have been on the Encore are really positive about it (let's don't talk about the Retreat, though!) and it seems that most people on this board are fans of Seabourn without being cheerleaders. So, I thought I would ask everyone for some advice:

What do you love about Seabourn and also the Encore, if you have been on her? What should we be sure to do, check out, sign up for, order, not miss, etc. - and what are some things we might want to avoid?

No, I am not confusing it with the Wind. I am confusing the Panorama Lounge on the Cloud (scene of remembered activities I mentioned) with the location of the Observation Lounge on many of the other ships we have sailed on (other lines) in the meantime. I said I might have a fuzzy memory since it had been awhile:).

Even though it looks like the Cloud is not coming out ahead on any of the comparisons, I will say that it is a more elegant ship and does allow one to go to many ports that might not be possible with a larger ship. We will always remember our sail-away from Tower Bridge in London on the Cloud.

Hi all, we have been on the Cloud 3 times and the Spirit twice. The last Cloud visit was several years ago, so my memory may be a little fuzzy, but here are the differences I see. First of all, we loved the Cloud - for its size, it has a lot of style and personality. But we do like the greater options on Spirit - more restaurants, more music venues, entertainment. Also on the Spirit, the Bar is quite large. The first time we sailed on her, I was not a fan, but this time, it seemed to be "the place to be" before dinner. We also liked the second level of the Grill on the Spirit. Nice in the daytime for extra places to sit in the shade and then a great place for evening dining, as Jolly says.

One place that Cloud wins is the Observation Lounge. That is a nice venue to be for drinks and other activities. On the Spirit, it has almost a dead feeling. It is tucked up away from everything, with no bathroom nearby, no really active bar (looks like kind of a make-shift one). We usually love to go to the Observation Lounge to read or relax on cruises, but only went twice on this last one on the Spirit - the second time was on disembarkation day since we figured it would be quiet since no one went there!

Having said this, we are thrilled to see that the Cloud will be the ship for the Antarctica cruises - once it is refitted. We do love her and look forward to more adventures on this sweet ship.

Thanks! I was delayed in responding since I had to unpack, do laundry, sort the mail, make up my own bed, figure out what to eat and then eat it, and then, can you believe it, clean up afterwards! Right now, I had to make my own Silver Spirit Martini so that I would have a beverage to accompany me while I write this. And there is no live music in the background, just so you know how I suffer....

Anyway, wanted to respond about the speciality restaurants. As I mentioned, the food was really good in all of them. We like the Restaurant for meals, in general, and especially like it for lunch on sea days. But we do mix and match to the situation. For 16 sea days, I think we ate in the Restaurant 7-8 times for lunch, pool deck 4-5 times, Seishin one time and then we had excursions a couple of days during lunch. For dinner, we went to La Terraza twice, Pool Grill twice, Le Champagne once and then Stars once. The rest of the time, we were in the Restaurant.

Seishin seems to have the least business. At lunch, we were one of 5 couples, I think. And most evenings, you could definitely walk in. For lunch there is no charge, but dinner is $40, I think. For lunch, you can order what you want from the sushi and sashimi and tempura menu. The servers will guide you and you can always order more and it comes quickly. Really good, but we decided that we didn't need to go back. Asian is not my preferred type of food, but again, we enjoyed it and can recommend it.

Stars was fun. There are 5 courses of 3-4 tapas served at intervals. There is not really a choice, unless you let them know that there are foods you can't eat and then they will substitute. We liked it all, but thought that once was enough. We did enjoy the duo who performed cabaret style jazz while we dined. But what we did was go back a couple of times after we had finished dinner elsewhere and sit at the bar - or at a table - and just have a glass of wine or cognac, while we enjoyed the music.

Le Champagne was delicious and a very nice experience. We were happy to have gone once, and chose a special wine from the list for our meal. We waddled out, having been treated very well. One of our friends called the evening before a date to see if they could get reservations, and they put him on a waitlist. They did call back and say that no one had cancelled, so he and his partner didn't get to go. So, keep that in mind that sometimes they do fill up.

La Terraza at night seemed the most popular. it was very full both nights that we went. The second night, nearing Barbados, we were able to sit out on the back deck. The air was just delicious and it was a very nice evening for us. Food was great. The first time, they didn't have the duck ragu. They do most evenings, so our waiter was very apologetic. However, we did get it the second time and it was as good as I remembered.

The Pool Grill is fun, too. I like it more than my husband - probably since I like steaks cooked rare! He got prawns (huge!) the first time and he got a strip steak the second time. I got the rib eye both times since it is so good. We happily cooked our meat on the hot rocks and enjoyed the music of Belinda and Rolando. They are the duo who perform during lunch and they do 2-3 hours on deck in the evening as well. This is a nice treat since you can finish your meal and then go sit on the deck with a last (desperately needed) glass of wine.

So, I think that is it. Hope that is helpful for dining decisions on the Spirit.

Now, I will just go back to my Silver Sprit Martini....where are those canapes???

Yes, the party (and the cruise) is over. Sigh. We are at the Barbados Airport now, waiting for our flight. It was a fabulous cruise. Sure, minor things here and there, but overall it was just wonderful. We loved all the sea days, but quite enjoyed the port days too. It was a bit lop-sided with 8 port days in a row, then 7 sea days, but it made it like two different cruises in a way.

Random thoughts: people seemed to really enjoy the pool; huge crowds every day. The great weather and the lunchtime buffets and entertainment probably helped that. But as I said earlier, it never felt crowded. We don't seek out the sun, and we were always able to find a shady spot for eating, drinking or reading.

Food was really really good. We ate in every restaurant and all were good. Only glitch was the next to last day when the burgers at the BBQ were served a bit raw and then the pasta and risotto at dinner were both crunchy. I think the burgers were due to rushing to get all the folks on the deck fed fast - and then the same thing in the Restaurant with formal night and lots of people being served simultaneously. Minor things really, but keeps the chef from getting an A+ for the cruise.

Speaking of Formal Night, our dining companions and we estimated that maybe 80% of men were wearing tuxedos or dinner jackets. Lots of long gowns. Even on Informal Nights (there were 8 of those on the 16 day cruise) people dressed really well. Even pretty spiffy for Casual Nights. I guess now that Silversea is the most formal of the luxury lines. Maybe it is not everyone's cup of tea to dress nicely for dinner, but we really enjoyed making the effort. Made the evenings more special.

Never was able to find out when the Spirit is due next for a refurbishment. I think it is due. There are definitely some tired areas and some scuffed furniture in the suites. We have signed up for another cruise on her in 2018, so I hope it will be before then!

It looked like Barrie, the Future Cruise Consultant was kept quite busy. I know everyone I talked to had signed up for more (one person booked 4 more!). Anyway, it think it speaks to how happy everyone was with the cruise.

Okay, that's it for me. Thanks to all the other posters/cruisers. And thanks for coming along on our journey. I probably had more fun, but hope you had a bit as well.