I took a ships tour on HAL, a VERY, VERY long time ago only to discover my boarding photo with the words SHELLFISH ALLERGY written in BRIGHT RED and posted throughout food areas along with those of other food restricted sailors. It was a good system in its day.
Flash forward many years later, when we took a Seabourn tour and all those things had long since been replaced by simple computer screens. We no longer had our pics displayed on the walls like bounty hunters were seeking us out.

Of course, then came the next shakeup when preset seating stopped being a constant- and I feared all bets would be off. But it truly did not matter.

My Epipen, Benadryl,or any other resulting food repercussions to me personally have happened aboard any Seabourn ship. I have had a few issues in ports where menu descriptions were inaccurate, and I have learned to play it safe when in doubt. BUT- Carnival as a collective does well with this and I feel safe. Even when I was trapped last summer due to a familial gathering of my nightmares on a ship for 6000! Before I could say a word, waiter appeared and said, which one at this table is our shellfish allergy? I was quite impressed!

an update... After being assured by travel agent and SB on consistent maintenance of Odyssey, I went ahead and booked it for July 12-26. The itinerary escapes the standard port calls and experiencing Alaska is more important to me for this trip than the newer ship and all its bells and whistles.

Decided to go with my heart and book... 
Booked Odyssey for  June 28- July12, 2024 Alaska. Currently V4.
On fence about upgrading to penthouse spa suite... Can anyone share thoughts?
             (My main concern are the steps to cabin...)

 

1 hour ago, MBP&O2/O said:

About to leave the Odyssey.  We saw varying amounts of ongoing internal work. The suite was OK but the walk in closet is more of a slide in sideways closet 🙂 .... not too good for larger peoples. We found the staff to be generally OK, the food, overall, is repetitive and boring, and in some respects verging on mass market catering .  When the first thing you are told, within 30 minutes of boarding,  is 'don't drink the water'  your suspicions are aroused.

The Collonade could be a scrum at meal times. It cannot cope with large numbers. 

 

This was our first SB cruise and on the basis of this one we wouldn't book another.

 

TY for your honesty. Sorry it was a such a disappointment. I have bean on Seabourn cruises with newer ships and always had wonderful experiences. I hope you and Seabourn will someday share another and more positive voyage. 

4 hours ago, florisdekort said:

Given that nearly all of Seabourn’s most loyal, long term customers and lots of its Executives including the President herself are booked on the last sailing from Vancouver to Tokyo, and how big a deal they’re making of that, I doubt they’ll let things run out of hand. I’m still laughing when I think back on how much deep cleaning, carpet replacing and painting was taking place during the two weeks before the President visited this year’s world cruise on Sojourn.

 

 

TY for bringing up such a good point. I find CC an invaluable tool of shares and information. But over the decades, it has often become more a space of vent, esp since the industry has altered to cater to the masses. 

55 minutes ago, skybluewaters said:

The state of the Odyssey is excellent.  Last fall we did the exact same 14-day Alaska cruise that you listed above and loved the multiple stops in small ports.  The ship itself is in excellent condition, with good-sized and well-designed standard veranda cabins, service was very good (keeping in mind that there were a number of new post-Covid hires that were learning the Seabourn way), food was excellent, and the ambiance on the ship was very congenial and pleasant.  Couldn't ask for a better experience. 

We're going back on the Odyssey in October for 32 days, if that gives some credence to how much we enjoyed that cruise.

TY so much for taking the time to share such an informative response. We have cruised to Alaska several times in the past, and it is the uniqueness of this voyage compared to the standard inside passage journeys that calls out to me. 

I am about to book a trip to Alaska next summer and am seeking honest feedback on state of Odyssey. Cruise would be end of June... 
Below are the two cruises I am torn between. I def prefer itinerary on SB and have not yet sailed SS. 

(I posted on luxury cruise board as well, but don't know how often it might be viewed...)

We have sailed to Alaska several times in the past with HAL and was a favorite--- but ten years have past and we no longer cruise HAL.
I am torn between 2 voyages- and both are honestly different enough that if I had the time, they could follow each other with minimal overlap. I prefer the voyage specifics on Seabourn- but have concerns over state of Odyssey. (She will leave Seabourn several weeks later).
On the other end... there is Silver Muse. A very different itinerary- but a far newer and modern ship. I would appreciate an advice you can offer. Thanks in advance. 
These are the two trips I am trying to finalize:

I will sail out on Allure 8/20-27. Last night our letter came in introducing concierge. 
Schedule wise- I have not found much via laptop- but- using Ap on my cell phone everything is visible from activities, meals, themes...
Our week specifically info is as follows:
Our formal nights are Monday & Friday.
Theme wise:
Sun: Casual

Mon: Formal

Tues: Western

Weds: Seventies

Thurs: Caribbean

Fri: Formal

Sat: White
ALL of our ship booked tours have had time changes. Maya Key in particualr- a full 4 hour shift, so I expect there have been changes in all previously scheduled port times.
Have a great trip!

6 hours ago, Janet987 said:

I don't know about that tour, other than you could also see some of those destinations from our first port if concerns are too much for one day.  In searching information about Auckland, I did notice a Photography Tour.  https://www.newzealand.com/us/plan/business/auckland-photography-walks/    and some other stops, like the Canterbury area and Wellington, also have specific photography tours.  https://www.newzealand.com/us/photography/        On Wednesday, we booked a 6 hour food & wine tour on Waiheke Island, supposedly also a with beautiful scenery.

 

 

TY Janet, I'll check them out. We fly out Sun and arrive Tues morn leaving all day Weds & Thurs to tour. Which food/wine did you book?

We leave on a 3 week cruise to NZ this weekend. I'm trying my best to pack for it and not be endlessly & anxiously distracted by current situation.
I've just returned from my local Walgreens drugstore. After requesting additional meds, MY ins (BCBS) is allowing a 2 week add-on advance- but not more.
So, I guess my advice, if you have enough time to plan ahead... check with your insurance.

I now know mine allows 2 prescription "overrides" a year. If I'd had more time I could have gotten these 2 weeks and then a few months later 2 weeks more...
What they DID give me- is fresh duplicate prescription bottles in 1 month size to carry. (My normals are larger 3 month size). They printed out all labels for me and said you must travel now with list as well.

TY for sharing your voyage with us on both boards...

TY for sharing your journey. We are 4 star Mariners looking forward to our first Seabourn adventure in 2 weeks. Your descriptions will be very helpful in our final preparations.

We are to set sail next month, and the heart wrenching sights being shared and described seem to grow worse daily. I will be following posts...

Our cruise is not for 5 weeks & I am honestly unsure if we should sail & hope for the best... or put it off this season. Aus/NZ has been on my bucket list a very long time. Images and news reports have all been heartbreaking. I am eager for your updates and thoughts...

As I watch & hear the news updates- my heart goes out to all those involved. Lives lost...  those injured... & those still unknown.. As I stare at the devastating images of spewing steam and ash, it certainly puts some realistic perspective on my own thoughts towards photographic opportunity.

5 hours ago, Suzi66 said:

I have gone through my paperwork to find out the company name who is the sub-contractor at Picton.  They are E-Ko tours.   We did not have a good day with them and we let Shoretrips and Tours know who refunded our money.   First our 10.30 booking was lost and the company had hired out their boat to a private tour.  They then put us on the 12 noon trip which they oversold, and it was standing room only.  We went a short distance in the boat to the island that our ship was moored on the other side of, and they told us we were going for a short stroll.  All fine and good.  They offered to let us keep our bags on the boat so many did and didn't take a water bottle.  Why would we, as it was a short stroll and the boat was just there?  And then it took off and didn't come back for an hour.  It was a very warm day and the short stroll was as I said up a hill, and for this little black duck who uses a walking stick very steep.  My husband said he was proud of me for getting up 2/3rds of the way.  Others quit before I did.  Many who came down were muttering about no wildlife at all as they all huffed and puffed, and then the boat returned with the next load of victims.  Time for wine and some mussels and finally to see some wildlife.   As I said, a sample glass, a mussel on a toothpick, some ducks.  Those standing outside did get to see the fish feeding and we saw one singular seal.

Considering hubby had done the fantastic Akaroa tour also organised by Shoretrips he was so disappointed (so was I), but we more than made up for it when we went to Dunedin and did the Monarch tour

 

 

TY for such a specific share. I've taken your advice and gone with the tour "Marlborough High Country Safari" directly through our ship in Picton. It will be more of a touring, sight seeing, and local visiting of a sheep farm than I might have otherwise pursued... but we will hit the many photographic musts and avoid that boat tour I planned previously.
I am always grateful for the advice and honest planning  direction shared by others on this board...
As for the helicopter... The aerial views are his true passion... I cannot deny him that in Tauranga.

On 12/1/2019 at 10:46 PM, Suzi66 said:

As far as Port Chalmers goes we did a trip with Monarch Wildlife Cruises.  They collected us from the port, took us out to where their boat was moored and we had a trip around the harbour looking at the different wildlife.  We saw fur seals, sea lions, albatrosses (as well as many other different sea birds) and a penguin during the day.  My husband loved it and his camera was on overdrive.  The only thing we missed was the dolphins.

However on a previous visit he did a tour through Shoretrips and tours at Akaroa which took him around the harbour there and he got to take photos of the Hectors Dolphins and seals on that trip. https://www.shoretripsandtours.com/Product/Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.php#!

I do not recommend the Wildlife and Wine trip that they offer at Picton as the company that offers it through them has a misleading description.  The short stroll was 1 hour up a big hill (which was a bird reserve with NO birds).  The wine was a small sample glass (half full) and we saw one seal and some ducks and fed some fish in an overcrowded boat.  We would have got better photographs just wandering around town and going up the hill on the other side where the birds probably were.

TY for specific recommendations...  That may be the same tour I booked in Picton... so I will be sure to reevaluate further options both there & Akora. 

Ty all so much for your advice, thoughts & to Lissie for those stunning image shares...
After those pics and the encouragement of others on this board, I've decided to book the Volcano Walking Tour via Helicopter Flight in Tauranga.
Any other shares always most appreciated!

19 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

We would be interested in your report anyway, people coming and wanting to try the experience would definitely be interested in how you went.

We don't cruise until Feb... but for now, I decided to put it off.

Our travel agent thought we could the visit the zoo day of disembarkation... (and perhaps take advantage of one of the tour perks)... but would miss out on all morning activities.
Eventually I agreed- it would be too stressful to try to get to the airport on Monday morning in rush hour with a 10:15AM flight.
I remain eager to hear back on your report...

We are considering spending one night post cruise at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

Perks include sanctuary tours, dinner, daybreak walk, breakfast, zoo entry. Room options described as Bushland, Animal, Harbour, & Treetop views.

We have a flight out the next morning at 10:15AM... 😞

Likely, we will be unable to participate in the morning activities...

Is this still a unique enough experience, to do it anyway? 

Thanks in advance for your advice...

My husband is an avid photographer and it becomes his primary focus when we travel. We dock in Tauranga (Rotorua), NZ on Sat, Feb 22, 2020.  I am trying to decide if the White Island Helicopter Flight and Volcano Walking Tour are worthy of thier expense & truly offer a once in a lifetime experience.

I am also seeking recommendations for best photographic opportunities in our other ports (esp. wild life, nature, geographic, or local would be appreciated). We will be in Aukland 3 days precruise...  

Our ports in NZ include Aukland, Picton, Wellington, Akaroa (Christchurch), Port Chalmers, & Oban (Half-moon Bay).

Followed by Melbourne, Phillip Island (Victoria), Eden & Sydney.  ---Thanks in advance

Hi - would you be able to elaborate about the apps and dinner? When did you find out which hotel you were staying at?

Thanks for the info

HAL never posted our hotels name and address on our visible on line itinerary at any time. I was very concerned by this. When I contacted my PCC- she reassured me of our reservation- but that they could not add on the extra night. So I took a deep leap and did it myself and hoped nothing would get lost in translation.

When printing out our HAL documents- information not visible on screen prints-

all the hotel- tour- & cocktail party event time & date were already there.

Wish I had thought to do so sooner, could have spared myself a lot of planning worry.

On the morning of "Day 1" of the "2 Nights Included"- HAL set up a table off to the side in the lobby for ships services.

They checked guests in & helped with all supportive needs. I heard they also helped some arrange Vatican tours & other things...

On the terrace evening, the appetizers were plentiful, but included a shrimp option. I am highly allergic to shellfish and avoided it all, so I am unsure exactly what else was passed about... but there were meats and cheeses & wine.

There were very few chairs & we ended up sitting on the Terrace walls. I wish I had dressed less cocktail and more sharply tourist.

We were not told about dinner and it was a real treat!

We were a good sized group and filled several tables of 8. A 4 course dinner was served at table side.

We were with HAL from 4PM-10PM that evening- before embarkation.

I hope this info helps with your planning- keeping in mind... this was just our experience-

We're just back from our 10-DAY MEDITERRANEAN MOSAIC Cruise 4/11-4/21. As suite residents, we were fortunate to participate in their new 2018 Signature Experience. I wanted to share our experience for those interested:

Our ship sailed an hour outside of ROME and they put us up for 2 nights at the HOTEL MEDITERRANEO VIA CAVOUR in ROMA. (We added on an additional nights stay at our expense- disqualifying us from airport pickup- so I cannot comment on how that service might have gone. Also, on the recommendation of another CC member, we paid the difference and upgraded to a suite in the hotel. I want to reassure those who have asked- this hotel does include full breakfast buffet. Though not in the center of it all, this hotel is within walking distance of most and transportation is readily available as needed.

We ate dinner one night at thier rooftop restaurant (breakfast served in same place) and it was fantastic.

Now, about "The Experience"

Here is a C&P from HALs description on line:

A Night out in Ancient Rome

Begin a magical evening in the Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi (House of the Knights of Rhodes) on a terrace overlooking the Roman Forum. Dine on hearty appetizers as you drink in the spectacular view—and your choice of Prosecco, white or red wine—before departing for an exclusive, after-hours tour of the Coliseum given by one its most elite guides.

Our Signature Experience Evening:

Bus drove us from the hotel to the Coliseum first for a late afternoon tour.

It is a long walk on uneven terrain between bus drop and entry. It was very warm that day & crowded. The tour itself was good... especially if you had never been there before. However, I would have skipped this part (since I had visited previously during daylight hours) if I was offered the option. It was truly the opportunity to experience the after-hours tour of the Coliseum that had appealed to me.

We then walked 15-20 minutes over further uneven terrain until we reached the Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi. Once you climbed its many steps, it did indeed offer a rooftop terrace overlook with a spectacular view. They passed around drinks and appetizers as we mingled. There were very few chairs, and frankly- I was waiting for the ride back to the hotel.

Then to the surprise of all- they announced "dinner is served" and summoned us all in & down more flights of stairs.

Dinner?

Yes- HAL surprised us all with a full course 🍷🍴 dinner!

By evenings end- we had all shared enough food and wine that the exhaustion from the earlier schlepp & disappointment seemed irrelevant. It was really a very pleasant and unique evening. NO- it wasn't what they "advertised"... but they made it special & memorable!

The next day we did not meet until 11:30 for the bus- disappointing many hoping to arrive at the ship early. A few folks did opt to pay a cab and head to the ship on their own.

The rest of us were all aboard the Ms Koningsdam by 1:30 and went straight to cabin without any boarding delay.

We shared a magical anniversary cruise... enhanced by the Signature Experience!