MikeD1000

We are also doing the next leg from Lisbon to Tower Bridge in the second half of May. We sailed with Wind a few times in the pre-expedition years, and it would be good to hear about food and other things as you travel.

Thanks to everyone who has replied. We are new to Saga, but have cruised many times on Seven Seas and Silversea, which also have included gratuities, but we have always given a token tip to butler and room steward if they have provided excellent service,

Yes. I realise gratuities are included. The question was whether, and how much, people would add to this, given that the service is more peronal.

We wondered what people thought was a reasonable tip for the cabin steward and butler. Does it depend on the level of service?

Can we change the topic? This is our first Saga cruise, we usually go with Regent so no formal nights. Decided we don't want to take formal wear But can we drink in any of the bars in our smart casual wear on formal nights?

Sara, thank you for an excellent review. That and the replies were very helpful to us. We are going on SOA in July, a first for us with Saga. We normally sail with Regent or Silversea but like your parents we are fed up of flying so are trying to find no fly cruises. We are just home from Splendor but that seems to have exhausted all the cruises we can do with them, although we are doing Silver Wind next year so will have to fly for the fun of coming home under Tower Bridge. Please could you give an honest comparison between SAGA and Silversea and what did you mean by institutionalised? We don't want the fag of taking DJ or one night. Are the alternatives OK? Please anyone else add helpful comments.

We are just back home from Sirena. Baltic was a bit rough at times, but bearable. We thought Tuscan was great. Lobster tail was perfect, as was Dover sole. We enjoyed it so much we went three times. Lobster Bisque has a generous amount of added Remy! Food in MDR was very good and varied. I think you may have to choose carefully as the menu changes a lot, but we could always find three courses we liked. And Baristas is just great, provided you like your coffee to taste of coffee. And do try the Illy Crema. But best of all was the fantastic service throughout the ship. We had a wonderful holiday.