safarigal

Thank you - it certainly makes packing easier. And no bingo or art auctions is a huge plus. Pity about the entertainment, maybe it will improve with time. If it doesn't, I see evening spent in the hot tub ahead of us!

Are there any "theme nights" on board, and is there a sort of captain's reception where people are more dressy? Thanks!

On Cunard and Silversea we have always had a ship representative with us - it was often one of the speakers or dancers, so it was lovely to chat with them. I do think it is strange that they could not find someone to go with them.

We had always used Smiths - loved them, we were sad to see them go. However, we have always found TMR to be good 🙂

We have never had a problem with booking our air through Seabourn. The prices have been very competitive, and it's good to know that if the flight is delayed if you have to arrive on the day you sail, they are aware of it.

There is a Cunard coach from Heathrow to the ship. We use TMR Chauffeurs (https://www.tmrchauffeurs.co.uk). They may not be the cheapest, but they have always been very reliable for us, and we use them for day trips if we are staying on the ship in Southampton on back to back cruises.

I like TipsFor Travellers and EmmaCruises - they are both very informative and I like the way they present things. Before we try a new cruise line or cruise ship, I always look for their videos. However I really love the videos made by folks on this forum - they add that great personal touch to the experience which is so easy to relate to. Thanks guys for adding them to YouTube 🙂

We haven't heard anything as yet about cancelling our stops in Haifa and Jerusalem on our November 2024 cruise. I expect we will hear something soon.

Thanks for posting this. We really loved the Vistafjord, and I'm so sorry we never got to sail on the Sagafjord. Great video!

There are some glimpses of QM2 from this video I took of the final westbound crossing. We would wave at her every noon, and it was very moving when she overtook us at the end of the crossing to lead us into New York. So fast forward towards the end of the video to see that!

Thanks!

Thanks! There doesn't seem to be any way to access our booking online, so it's good to know that a phone call will do it 🙂

On the subject of dinner reservations - are you able to make dinner reservations online before you board, or do you have to do this over the phone?

I was told that the space between 4178 and 4180 is an escape route for staff from the Britannia galley. On QV those stateroom have a larger balcony, but not so on QE. And indeed the gap between 4076 and 4088 are staterooms reserved for lecturers and guest performers.

Friends on board say there’s an issue with the internet/communication system. Hopefully it will be resolved by tomorrow 🤞

I am sure there will be some issues on the May sailings, but I still can't wait to be on board!

We just disembarked from a Vancouver to San Diego cruise. The captain let us know that we had to slow to 10 knots for about 7 hours as we were passing through a marine wild life sensitive area off the coast of California, and to watch out for whales.

We had switched from this November's 90 day around Africa cruise on Fred Olsen to next year's Seabourn one. I too was very concerned about the visa situation, Fred Olsen did send out an email about what countries required visas for UK passengers, which ones could be obtained on board the ship, and which ones needed to be applied for before the cruise. I am hoping that Seabourn will do the same for US passengers, especially as some countries seemed to want you to mail in your passport to get the visa.

Any of the soufflés they have on formal nights Chocolate affair martini in the Commodore club

Bon voyage Roy :). I look forward to following along, and to learning what the "new" Crystal is like.

The usual way to get to the pool is by using the stairs, but you can get there using the lift by walking through the Veranda Restaurant.

Being that as it may, on an Alaska cruise somehow I managed to not pack my husbands formal pants. The shop was able to find a pair that fitted him well, and matched his tuxedo jacket, so the rental place may be an alternative at a pinch if M&S doesn't work out. We turned out to be quite lucky as it happens, BA managed to forget to load over 100 suitcases of the guests on this voyage, so some set sail for 10 days on board dressed only in their pyjamas. The rental shop was very soon out of formal wear to rent. I didn't feel so bad having only forgotten 1 pair of trousers, not 100 suitcases. I also bet that those clothed only in pyjamas will choose a better clothing option for their next flights.

I am really enjoying your report. We are on Queen Victoria at the moment, but will be trying out Fred Olsen for a Canaries cruise in January. It's great to read what life on Balmoral is like :).

Not for a while alas! So we are getting our Queen Victoria fix right now 🙂

When I last spoke with him, he said he would not return to Cunard. I miss him so much! He is the best 🙂